Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How many wall dollars will Scottsdale’s first bar give to kids?
And on the Scottsdale Patch calendar - The Hollywood Film Orchestra presents The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others – A Celebration of Film…

What's up Scottsdale! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How many wall dollars will Scottsdale’s first bar give to kids?
- Why Scottsdale’s wildlife rescuers are seeing so many car-hit animals
- How did Scottsdale earn a top-three spot for caring cities?
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Scottsdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 74 and low of 46 degrees.
- Friday: Sunny, nice and warm, temps: high: 79, low: 51.
- Saturday: Sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 78 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Old Town Scottsdale saloon donates dollar bills off walls to support a great cause (azfamily.com) — An Old Town Scottsdale landmark, the Rusty Spur Saloon, is once again pulling thousands of dollar bills off its walls to donate to Phoenix Children’s Foundation’s HOPE fund, supporting kids’ and families’ care. Staff spent Wednesday stripping Scottsdale’s first bar of its cash-covered décor, continuing a decades-old cowboy tradition that now channels holiday generosity to 170 philanthropy-funded hospital programs.
![]()
Find out what's happening in Scottsdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. Wildlife advocates report surge in animal-vehicle collisions across Arizona (azfamily.com) — Wildlife rescuers say Southwest Wildlife in Scottsdale has treated 108 animals hit by cars in just three months, many of them coyotes and javelina that don’t survive. Staff are urging Valley drivers, including those in Scottsdale neighborhoods, to slow down, stay alert, and call the rescue if they injure or spot an injured animal.
![]()
3. This Southern City Was Just Named The Most Caring In America (southernliving.com) — Scottsdale just ranked third in WalletHub’s list of the most caring U.S. cities, recognized for strong volunteerism, charitable giving, and a high share of residents in helping professions. While Virginia Beach topped the list, Scottsdale stands out nationally for low crime, community-minded careers, and residents actively seeking ways to support others.
![]()
4. These 8 Arizona towns are most affordable for retirement, ranking says (azcentral.com) — If you’re weighing Scottsdale’s appeal for retirement but worried about costs, this ranking highlights eight more affordable Arizona towns that still offer sunshine, scenery, and senior-friendly amenities. While Scottsdale and Mesa are noted as popular but pricey, places like Florence, Wellton, and Bisbee promise lower home prices, active senior centers, and plenty of outdoor recreation for budget-conscious retirees.
![]()
📸 Around Scottsdale
Show off your photography skills and the sights around Scottsdale! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Scottsdale
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- The Hollywood Film Orchestra presents The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others – A Celebration of Film Music
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | Virginia G. Piper Theater , 7380 E 2nd St , Scottsdale
8:00 pm - Persian Zumba Class
Arizona Persian Cultural Center (AZPCC) , 7825 E Gelding Dr, Suite 101 , Scottsdale
10:30 am
Thursday December 18
Saturday December 20
📣 Scottsdale Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Coffee with the Mayor
Fountain Hills, AZ Calendar , Saddle Bronc Grill 11056 N Saguaro Blvd , Fountain Hills
10:00 am - Time for Toddlers
Fountain Hills Branch at Reading Lounge
10:00 am - Spiritline Showcase
Connolly Middle School , 2002 E Concorda Dr , Tempe
5:00 pm - Frank Orchestra, Band, Choir Concert
Frank Elementary School , 8409 S Avenida del Yaqui , Guadalupe
5:30 pm - Board of Adjustment Canceled
Fountain Hills, AZ Calendar
5:30 pm - Curry Band, Orchestra, Choir Concert
John J. Curry Elementary School , 1974 E Meadow Dr , Tempe
5:30 pm - Cookbook Club
Wickenburg Public Library , 164 E Apache St , Wickenburg
5:30 pm - Rover Elementary Band Orchestra Choir Winter Concert
Rover Elementary School , 1300 E Watson Dr , Tempe
6:00 pm - CMS Orchestra Concert (All Groups)
Connolly Middle School , 2002 E Concorda Dr , Tempe
7:00 pm - Carefree Farmers’ Market
Sanderson Lincoln Pavillion , 101 Easy St , Carefree
9:00 am
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- My neighbor just lost her dog.
She is very tiny and her name is daisy. She’s very skittish so try not to chase after her. She looked to be black and brown. She had on a black leash… (Nextdoor Casa del Cielo At Scottsdale Ranch) - Updated pup is back home with his family!
Dog found just now on Mountain View near via Linda (Nextdoor Scottsdale Ranch SE)
- Banner Health posted a job opening for Cardiology Surgery Scheduler in Scottsdale. Apply here.
- Tommy Bahama posted a job opening for Stock Associate in Scottsdale. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Scottsdale here.
Ok Scottsdale! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.