Community Corner

🌱 SPD Body-Cam Footage Of Fatal Shooting + Papa's Personalized Poems

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Scottsdale.

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Happy Earth Day, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know that's happening in town, including...

  • SPD body-cam footage from Sunday's fatal shooting of an armed suspect.
  • A Scottsdale resident's book about children battling cancer.
  • Another Scottsdale resident writes personalized poems.

But first, today's weather:

Today it will be sunny and very warm, with a high of 92 and low of 64.

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Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

  1. The Scottsdale Police Department released body-cam footage from the fatal shooting Sunday of an armed suspect. The girlfriend of 26-year-old Isaiah A. Curtis called 911 during a fight, stating that Curtis was "holding a gun on himself." In the footage, Curtis can be seen ignoring the officers' commands to put his hands up and firing at the officers. After officers fired back, Curtis fell to the ground and life-saving efforts were initiated. Curtis later died, and no other injuries were reported. (Arizona's Family)
  2. Derek Zinser, Scottsdale resident, author and founder of Mascots for a Cure, has a new children's book, "Sir Roland's BIG Adventure." Inspired by Zinser's loss of his father to B-cell lymphoma, the book celebrates "the bravery and resilience of young cancer fighters" and includes "13 real children who have had or are currently battling childhood cancer." Each child has a unique character featuring their selected superhero power to assist them on their journey to defeat Recnac (cancer spelled backwards), the Terrible Dragon. The book is written in memory of Zinser's late father, Don Zinser, as well as four of the children featured in the book who lost their battles with cancer. The book can be purchased from retail outlets like Amazon. (Free: NewsBreak, Subscription: Scottsdale Independent)
  3. Scottsdale resident Barry Kipnes will write you a personalized poem! The retired high school physical education teacher and basketball coach began writing poems for his wife, family and friends before turning his passion into a business called "Papa's Personalized Poems." Customers complete a questionnaire to provide the information that Kipnes needs to craft a unique poem, which can be presented on various stocks of paper with multiple font and color options. To inquire about your own personalized poem, email papaspersonalizedpoems812@gmail.com or call 480-207-7349. (scottsdale.org)

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Today in Scottsdale:

  • Spring citywide Adopt-a-Road cleanup! "All Adopt-a-Road groups are invited to help keep Scottsdale roadways clean & scenic... Individual and group volunteers are always welcome to participate. Call 480-312-7898 to be assigned a roadway to clean on a one-time basis." (All Day)
  • Lifecycle of the Saguaro Guided Walk at Brown's Ranch Trailhead, 30301 Alma School Road. "Join McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward guides to follow the growth of a Saguaro from seed to skeleton and view multi-armed, old Saguaros. This easy hike covers 1 mile on Jane Rau Trail." Don't forget sunscreen, water, and a hat. (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM)
  • Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market at 3806 N Brown Ave. (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
  • Scottsdale Green Expo at Scottsdale North Corporation Yard, 9191 E San Salvador Dr. "Bring family and friends to explore sustainability-focused educational booths and learn about the city's eco-friendly initiatives." (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
  • Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market continues through the weekend at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N Pima Road. (8:00 AM)
  • DEA National Drug Take Back Day at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N Granite Reef Road, and Foothills District Police Station, 20363 N Pima Road. (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
  • 50th Annual Original Taste Food & Wine Event at Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N Drinkwater Blvd. The event will raise funds for Arizona's children's charities and features "over 20 participating restaurants, showcasing their finest culinary creations and offering complimentary cocktails to attendees. Renowned local and international wineries will also be in attendance, pouring a vast array of exquisite wines for all to enjoy." Country music star Jimmie Allen will be performing live. Tickets range from $200 to $500 and can be purchased at www.ec70phx.com/original-taste. (7:00 PM - 11:00 PM)

The Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place is offering:

The Scottsdale Public Library is offering:

From my notebook:

  • Earth Day is a great day to brush up on Scottsdale's recycling guidelines! We can recycle "office paper, newspapers, junk mail, shopping bags, broken down cardboard, clean pizza boxes,... cardboard egg and milk cartons, paper cups, cardboard towel and tissue tubes, jugs, jars, bottles, cans, empty aerosol cans, aluminum foil and food trays." We cannot recycle "tissue paper, paper towels, plastic bags and wrap, snack wrappers, batteries, clothing and textiles, [and] styrofoam." (The Arizona Republic)
  • "In recognition of April being Sex Assault Awareness Month, Detective Ivanoff talks briefly about the Special Victims Unit she works in, what they investigate, and how people can report a crime if needed. More information and help can be found at www.Rainn.org" (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
  • "Scottsdale named No. 1 Healthiest Employer in the Valley! Free financial planning and easy access to onsite mental health counseling are just two reasons why the Phoenix Business Journal awarded Scottsdale first place in the "large companies" category (1,500 to 4,999 employees) at the annual Healthiest Employers event presented by Cigna Healthcare... Learn more: http://ScottsdaleAZ.gov/.../scottsdale-named-no_-1..." (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
  • "This week, we recognized our teen and adult volunteers with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. This award recognizes outstanding volunteers who complete a certain number of volunteer hours. It was a special honor for our teen volunteers who were recognized at Tuesday's City Council meeting with Mayor Ortega." (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook)
  • "National Library Week is April 23-29 and this year's theme is 'There's More to the Story.' Celebrate with us by sharing your story through this year's bookmark design contest!.. Pick up a blank form at your favorite library branch or print out your own at bit.ly/SPLBookmark2023. Designs can be dropped off at any library branch by Sunday, April 29." (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook)
  • Scottsdale Parks & Recreation is "hiring Recreation Leaders for the summer! This is a great part-time job for students with flexible hours. We have various positions in our City Summer Camps, Community Centers and Aquatics facilities! Apply by tapping in on the link in our bio 'Become a Recreation Leader!'" (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
  • "Don't miss out! Scottsdale Parks and Recreation summer programs and activities registration begins April 24 at 8 a.m. for Scottsdale residents, and April 25 at 8 a.m. for non-residents! From Youth Summer camps and Swim Lessons to Adult Sports leagues and Fitness & Health classes, with a little bit of everything in between, we have something for everyone!" (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
  • "Planning to attend the Scottsdale Green Expo...? Here's where to park!... [Entrance off 94th Street and San Salvador Drive]. Learn more: https://fb.me/e/18yAlpzli" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
  • "Network in the trendy and friendly confines of Aiden by Best Western at PM Connect, Wednesday, May 3rd at 5pm. Register now at: https://bit.ly/3MWBm2j" (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

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Featured events:

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you tomorrow!

— 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

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