🌱 COVID-19 Mortality Rates + Holocaust Survivor Life Masks

Happy Tuesday, Scottsdale! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Scottsdale today. Tap on the resource and find Scottsdale's weekly forecast. (Scottsdale Patch)

---

First, today's weather:

Very warm with plenty of sun. High: 87 Low: 55.

---

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Banner Health makes health care easier in Scottsdale by allowing you to find a doctor online from the comfort of home. Ready to connect with a medical professional? Book an appointment with a Banner Health doctor today!

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

---

Here are the top 3 stories today in Scottsdale:

1. There have been 954,913 Americans that have died due to COVID-19; in Arizona, that number is 27,708. According to Patch reporting, that number gives Arizona the second-highest death rate per capita. The per capita infection rate, a factor in the death rate, has been extremely high as well, 1,980,769 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arizona, equal to 27,619 infections per 100,000 people — compared to 24,039 infections per 100,000 people nationwide. Click on the resource to learn more. (Patch)
2. For more than 30 years, "about 200 other 'Holocaust survivors, liberators and righteous gentiles' — many of whom have since died — have sat in Robert Sutz's chair and had their faces preserved." Sutz, 91, captures faces in the life masks, and he gathers stories through video and painted scenes. Sutz's life mask collection is eventually moving from his Scottsdale studio to the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. "I want to keep doing what I'm doing," Sutz said. "I just hope I can stay well enough to do more." (Patch)
3. ICYMI: Zachary Joseph McMillen, 29, was arrested late last week at his Scottsdale home after police say a home surveillance camera recorded him kicking a dog multiple times. According to KOLD News reporting, the video shows McMillen kicking the dog four times. Reportedly he is seen looking for witnesses during the incident. (KOLD News)

---

Today in Scottsdale:

• Tourism Development Commission — City Hall. (10 a.m.)
• Brian Lavelle Ballroom Dance Instructor — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (11:30 a.m.)
• Laurie Trygg Dance Lessons — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (5:30 p.m.)
• Planning Commission Meeting — Paradise Valley Town Hall. (6 p.m.)
• Chahar Shanbeh Soori — Arizona Persian Cultural Center. (6 p.m.)

---

From my notebook:

• The Salt River Family Read-Aloud Challenge encourages families to read 25 books together now through Wednesday, May 4. (Facebook)
• The SRPMIC Government service operations transitioned to a modified Phase 3: masks are required and social distancing (6 feet apart) practiced. Regular Council meetings, district meetings, and community members-only meetings can be attended in person. (Facebook)
• Neighborhood College presents "Til Death Do Us Part" from 1–3 p.m. March 15 at Mustang Library and Zoom. (Facebook)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 15)
• FREE WEBINAR | Saints, Symbols, and Spaghetti. (March 18)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar. (March 21)
• American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day: Understand Your Risk. (March 22)
• Divorce Boot Camp — Vesta Scottsdale, Arizona Hub (March 23)
• Add your event

---

Loving the Scottsdale Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe.
• Get your local business showcased in front of readers.
• Please send me a news tip or suggestion at Geoff Campbell/Patch Contributing Writer.

---

You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Geoff Campbell

I live in Scottsdale, and I am a freelance writer, published in print and on the web. Following a 40-year career as a teacher, administrator, and coach, now committed to education in the broadest possible sense.