🌱 JoJo's ShakeBAR and Puttshack To Open This Summer + Special Prom

Hello again, neighbors! It's Megan Moreno, your host of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally, including...

• A special prom at Sierra Academy of Scottsdale.
• JoJo's ShakeBAR and Puttshack are coming to Scottsdale Quarter.
• A self-driving vehicle tested in Scottsdale is being added to the Smithsonian.

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But first, today's weather:

It will be partly sunny and very warm today, with a high of 93 and low of 65.

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Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. Special-needs students at the Sierra Academy of Scottsdale enjoyed a Willy Wonka's Wonderland-themed prom. The academy provided the students with "outfits, corsages, boutonnieres, lunch, and tons of candy!" The academy's programs are designed to enable children with autism and learning disabilities to experience a higher quality of life and have the same special experiences as their peers. (12news.com KPNX)
2. The first Arizona location of JoJo's ShakeBAR will open in Scottsdale Quarter this summer! The restaurant boasts a family-friendly and nostalgic atmosphere, complete with extravagant drinks and shakes, served with or without alcohol. The new ShakeBAR will seat about 200 guests, both indoors and outdoors, and offer made-in-house food and drink options. What kinds of shakes? One example is the Girl Scout, a "mint shake with chocolate dipped smores, a torched marshmallow and a cookie and all kinds of amazing things." (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. Puttshack will also open in Scottsdale Quarter this summer! The UK-based "two-story miniature golf entertainment center" is "the world's only high-tech miniature golf." For example, the golf ball automatically keeps your score! Though you won't find a windmill on the indoor course, you will find a roulette hole, a beer pong hole and a trivia-based "pop the question" hole. Guests can also enjoy a full dining experience and drinks, served on and off the course. Reservations are recommended. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
4. In other cool news, the Smithsonian's National Museum of History is adding "a first-generation 'zero-occupant' self-driving delivery vehicle powered by sustainable energy" to its robot collections. What's even cooler? This self-driving vehicle was tested in Scottsdale! (Daily Independent/paywall)

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Today in Scottsdale:

• Nature as Therapy Guided Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead, 30301 Alma School Road. "Learn why time in nature makes us happier, healthier and more creative. Enjoy an easy 2-hour walk... where McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward guides will teach you how to use nature as a prescription to improve your overall well-being." Leave your pets at home, bring water and sunscreen, and arrive 15 minutes early. (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM)
• N.E.S. Scottsdale Bridal Expo at The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. "Spend an intimate morning with dozens of top wedding professionals in the area while winning prizes, dancing, and just having a great time!" After attending the free expo, guests are invited to a complimentary mimosa after-party at Wasted Grain. (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
• The Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market wraps up at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N Pima Road (10:00 AM)
• The Valley of the Sun JCC is offering Jeff Berkowitz Youth Basketball League (12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM)

The Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place is offering:

• Actor Training (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
• Latin Dance Classes/Bridgette Marie (1:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Congrats to Hunkapi Programs, the "equine facility that provides therapy and hosts community events." After months of fundraising, the farm secured the funds necessary to purchase the facility's land. (AZ Big Media)
• "Congratulations to our 8 newest officers that graduated from the Maricopa County Law Enforcement Training Academy... We are excited to have you join the Scottsdale PD family and can't wait to see you succeed through the next phase of your training." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "At the heart of the Scottsdale Police Department, is an incredible group of volunteers who give their time and talents to support the needs of our organization. THANK YOU, volunteers!" (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Join us for our annual Mother's Day Luncheon at the Via Linda Senior Center on Monday, May 8 at 11am. To register, visit recreation.scottsdaleaz.gov and search Mother's Day Luncheon or call Via Linda Senior Center at 480-312-5810." (Scottsdale Senior Services via Facebook)
• "When it comes to saving water, we must all do our part, and even small steps like fixing household leaks can have a significant impact, but sometimes it's hard to know exactly where to start and how to tell if your home is water efficient: 1. Get a FREE Outdoor Water Efficiency Check from Scottsdale Water. ... Get started today: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/water/watersmart" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds Scottsdale. Here are some of our favorite destinations for a day of water adventures: Bartlett Lake, Saguaro Lake, Verde River, Salt River, Lake Pleasant, Canyon Lake" (Experience Scottsdale via Facebook)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 24)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next newsletter.

— Megan Moreno

About me: Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at meg_n_more@outlook.com