🌱 Ted Simons Named Golf Innovator + GiGiFIT Studio Opens

Welcome back, Scottsdale! Here's everything you need to know to get this weekend started right.

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First, your weekend weather:

• Friday: Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 72 Low: 44.
• Saturday: Sunny and beautiful. High: 76 Low: 49.
• Sunday: Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 77 Low: 48.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Scottsdale today:

1. As reported in AZ Big Media, Scottsdalian Ted Simons was named one of the Nine Most Innovative People in Golf for 2022. Simons is the president and CEO of Synergy Group Consulting. He is considered an out-of-the-box thinker and innovator whose work moves the sport forward. "It is a great honor to be selected by Golf Inc. for this recognition," stated Simons in the piece. "As a result of the pandemic, the game of golf is enjoying a rebirth of sorts. The opportunity for golf course and driving range owners to capitalize on this newfound interest is now. Be it shorter courses, high-tech driving ranges, or new technologies designed to make the game more enjoyable, investing in their golf product to retain these players should be a priority." (AZ Big Media)
2. According to Your Valley reporting, Scottsdale's RE/MAX Fine Properties in Scottsdale, Gina McKinley, has been recognized by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing's Million Dollar GUILD. The recognition is based on "experience, knowledge, and expertise in million-dollar and above residential properties." McKinley, a certified luxury home marketing specialist, "has earned the GUILD recognition and is performing at the highest level in their community," said Diane Hartley, The Institute president. "It takes a superior level of service to be successful and consistently close sales at or above one million dollars. We want to recognize this performance and give these elite professionals the earned distinction that they are the agent of choice for affluent buyers and sellers." (Your Valley)
3. For the first time this Saturday, GiGi's Playhouse will open the GiGiFIT Studio for those with Down syndrome. Opening activities on 92nd Street and Shea in Scottsdale begin at 10. a.m. and include a ribbon-cutting, demonstrations, and tours. "We are so excited to be opening the GiGiFIT Studio," Robin Lea-Amos, executive director, said in the KTAR piece. "We have been aiming to build a fitness studio for some time to offer our community more fitness classes and promote health, socialization, and leadership opportunities." The exercise studio was funded by Scottsdale Charros and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority. (KTAR)

ICYMI And In Other News:

1. Developers show off the new look and the name for the former Paradise Valley Mall. (KTAR.com)
2. You can livestream the Scottsdale Arabian Show for free! (Scottsdale Patch)
3. Spinato's is opening a new location in Scottsdale. (fabulousarizona.com)

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This weekend in Scottsdale:

Friday, Feb. 18

• Laurie Trygg Dance Lessons — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (4 p.m.)
• Brian Lavelle Ballroom Dance Instructor — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (5 p.m.)
• Small Island Big Song — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. (8 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 19

• SCUCC Open Arts Studio — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (Noon)
• Jeremy Jordan with Seth Rudetsky — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. (8 p.m.)
• BACARDĺ Party Tour Featuring Loud Luxury Comes to Tempe, Arizona. (10 p.m.)

Sunday, Feb. 20

• Art of Persian Calligraphy by Dr. Amir Sasan Mostafavi — Online. (10 a.m.)
• More Than Modeling — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (11 a.m.)
• ASU Faculty Chamber Music and ASU Wind Ensemble. (4 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• The SRPMIC Salt River Job Board is hiring! Day work program; temporary jobs at the RHPC; WIOA Adult Program; Temp Pool. For more information, call the Job Connection Line at 480-362-7870. (Facebook)
• Join SRPMIC for eight sessions discussing traditional parenting, storytelling, and more. Indian Parenting "Honoring Our Children By Our Traditions" will take place every Thursday from noon -1:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 17. (Facebook)
• All Scottsdale Public Libraries will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21, observant of the Presidents' Day holiday. (Facebook
• Check out the Scottsdale Chamber Podcast featuring Dr. Velma Trayham, CEO of ThinkZilla Consulting Group, recorded at Dave Pratt's Star Worldwide Networks. (Facebook)
• Scottsdale Economic Development's featured job of the week is courtesy of General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company. (Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (Feb. 19)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar. (Feb. 22)
• Social Security Seminar. (Feb. 22)
• Add your event

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.