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Community Corner

🌱 SMOCA In Person + Moving Mask Mandate + 2nd Most Expensive

Local news connections today include the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Fountain Hills, and Scottsdale real estate cost-ranking.

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Geoff Campbell, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hey Scottsdale: As you may know, Amazon Web Services experienced an outage on Tuesday that affected the Scottsdale Daily Digest. Some of you might have received a late newsletter on Wednesday or no newsletter at all. Please know this was unfortunately beyond our control but know that we are fully back in business! — Geoff Campbell

So good Thursday morning, Scottsdale! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started right.

First, today's weather:

The weather will turn cloudy with a high temperature of 66 and a low of 48.

Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

  1. Patrons will once again experience programs in-person at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art beginning this Friday. According to KTAR reporting, the museum is open for in-person business after nearly 2 years of shuttered doors and virtual-only events. "Mystery in the Museum" will return this Friday as the first of the in-person events on tap throughout the winter. Reportedly, a negative test in the past 72 hours or proof of vaccination admits you to in-person programs and events, but neither is required for regular admission. (KTAR.com)
  2. Scottsdale's neighbor to the east, the Town of Fountain Hills, is dropping its mask requirements for town buildings as of Jan. 1, 2022. The Fountain Hills Times reported that the town is moving to an optional mask policy for employees and visitors because of the high vaccination rate (76 percent) and previously in-place measures. Both masks and social distancing will be encouraged/recommended going forward. (Fountain Hills Times)
  3. According to The Cromford Report, Scottsdale has the second most expensive square foot cost of housing as reported in AZ Big Media. The top five include Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Carefree, Rio Verde, and Fountain Hills. For comparison purposes, cities on the other side of the continuum include Sun City, Avondale, and Tonopah. (AZ Big Media)

ICYMI And In Other News:

  • Kasai, a Scottsdale Japanese steakhouse, is expanding west. (ABC15 Arizona)

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Today in Scottsdale:

  • Ask the Divorce Experts — Scottsdale, Arizona Hub ~ No-Cost Webinar. (4:30 p.m.)
  • Jessica Fichot — ASU Kerr Cultural Center. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Pinnacle Peak Park's new "Elfie Selfie" station is ready for you! (Facebook)
  • The Governor will speak at the 2022 East Valley Breakfast — Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville East on Jan. 12 from 7:30-9 a.m. (Facebook)
  • The City of Scottsdale says don't miss the Scottsdazzle Stroll — next on Dec. 11! (Facebook)
  • Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community hosts its virtual Christmas giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 6-8 p.m. in the Salt River Community Building Parking Lot. (Facebook)
  • Thanks for all of the stuffed puppies donated to the SDF's Annual Toy Drive. (Facebook)
  • The Soda With Security virtual discussion about human trafficking is hosted by SRPMIC on Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

  • Social Security Seminar — Queen Creek Library. (Dec. 9)
  • Divorce Boot Camp — Scottsdale, Arizona Hub ~ No-Cost Webinar. (Dec.15)
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl — All-access pass to 8+ NYE parties! (Dec. 31)
  • Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at Geoff Campbell/Patch Contributing Writer.

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