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Community Corner

🌱 SUSD: Mask Optional + Gas Prices On Fire + Sky Harbor Update

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

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Geoff Campbell, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Another beautiful day is on tap — it will be mostly sunny with a high of 74 and a low of 53. Enjoy!

Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

  1. The Scottsdale Unified and Kyrene school districts plan to go mask-optional when schools return from the winter break. According to AZ Family reporting, the reaction is mixed, "I prefer it to be optional more than mandatory," parent Alex Cox said. "I still think it should be mandatory because I don't want anyone else getting COVID-19, and I don't want myself getting COVID-19," said 6th-grade student Aaron Musgrove. The districts cited the availability of the vaccine for younger children as a reason that they are comfortable with the change. Opponents cite rising COVID-19 case numbers. The report noted that Madison Elementary in Phoenix and the Paradise Valley School District will maintain its current mask policy. (Arizona's Family)
  2. You are paying more at the pump! An increase in metro gas prices has resulted in an average per gallon price of $3.80 per gallon, according to reporting on 3TV/CBS 5. According to the report, prices continue to rise, as evidenced by a 5.8 cents per gallon increase this week alone. "GasBuddy surveyed nearly 1,100 stations in Phoenix and found gas prices are 31 cents higher than last month and $1.53 higher than last year." Read more to see the least expensive gas prices. (Arizona's Family)
  3. Update: The Sky Harbor Airport Concession Workers began the strike at 5 a.m. on Monday, according to a 12News report. Reportedly, the strike of concession workers servicing Sky Harbor's restaurants and bars and employed by HMSHost will continue indefinitely.
    "Workers are demanding new contracts with fair raises, affordable health insurance, company-paid retirement contributions, protections for workers' tips, and strong contract language for equal opportunity and protection from discrimination," according to the report. HMSHost has provided limited service in most stores using managers and temporary employees. (12news.com)

ICYMI and In Other News:

  • 50-year-old Sheena, the elephant, dies at the Phoenix Zoo. (Arizona's Family)
  • City Of Scottsdale: Scottsdale Update — Nov. 22, 2021. (Press Release Desk)
  • What's the least expensive home in the most expensive Zip code? (Patch)

Today's Scottsdale Daily is brought to you by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com.

Today in Scottsdale:

  • Thanksgiving Recess begins — SUSD. (8 a.m.)
  • Farm Fresh Christmas Tree Lot in Scottsdale — 8740 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. (9 a.m.)

Scottsdale Patch Notebook

  • The Scottsdale Libraries are closed Thursday and Friday of this week in celebration of Thanksgiving. (Facebook)
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts Holiday Lights from Nov. 26 - Jan. 2. (Facebook)
  • Want to protect and serve? Scottsdale Police Department is looking for recruits with the right stuff. (Facebook)
  • Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community members — please take notice of Thanksgiving and Christmas trash schedules. (Facebook)
  • Online Registration for winter classes with the Scottsdale Parks & Recreation department begins Monday, Nov. 29 at 8 a.m. for residents; non-residents can register beginning Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 8 a.m. (Facebook)
  • COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children ages 5-11 years old in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community will be on Dec. 3, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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Events:

  • Celebrate Thanksgiving With 15 Percent Off Floral Centerpieces. (Nov. 26)
  • Taxes In Retirement Seminar — Foothills Library. (Dec. 1)
  • Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! — Tempe. (Nov. 29)
  • Year-End Tips for Divorce in 2022 — Scottsdale, Arizona Hub ~ No-Cost Webinar. (Dec. 1)
  • Add your event

Housing:

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Wednesday! See you tomorrow for your next update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Geoff Campbell

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

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.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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