Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Scottsdale’s Civic Center just became a cooler desert oasis
Happening soon: đ - Laguna Elementary School | December Nights, December Lights! on the Scottsdale Patch calendar
Hi there, Scottsdale! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How Scottsdale’s Civic Center just became a cooler desert oasis
- Want to tell your story through abstract art in Scottsdale?
- How is Scottsdale’s safety chief reshaping fire department liability nationwide?
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Scottsdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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Find out what's happening in Scottsdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 75 and low of 46 degrees.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, temps: high: 76, low: 50.
- Friday: Sunny and very warm, with a high of 79 and low of 51 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Scottsdale Civic Center by Lake Flato Architects: Designing a Resilient Urban Oasis for Community, Culture, and Climate Adaptation (globaldesignnews.com) — Scottsdale’s Civic Center in Old Town has been transformed into a nine-acre, award-winning urban oasis that cuts water use while adding new performance and play spaces. The redesign preserves beloved features like Marshall Gardens, boosts shade and cooling, and strengthens this downtown hub as a year-round gathering place for arts, recreation, and community life. 
2. New Scottsdale Arts Exhibition Showcases Art By Ahchipaptunhe And Jacob A. Meders (broadwayworld.com) — Scottsdale residents can explore a new Native-focused art exhibition, “Modern Messages: Ahchipaptunhe and Jacob A. Meders,” at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library from January 9 through March 31, 2026. Along with an opening reception on January 15, there’s a free, drop‑in abstract art workshop with artist Ahchipaptunhe on March 21 that invites you to tell your own story through art.
3. Legal liability in municipal fire department operations (firerescue1.com) — Scottsdale residents should know their city’s Safety & Risk Management director is outlining how fire departments can reduce legal risk in patient transport, confined spaces, and intersection responses. He’ll also speak at a January fire-service safety conference hosted in Scottsdale, highlighting the city’s role in shaping best practices for municipal fire operations nationwide.
4. This Southern City Was Just Named The Most Caring In America (southernliving.com) — Scottsdale just earned national recognition as the third most caring city in America, according to a new WalletHub study. The ranking highlights how often locals volunteer, donate, and work in helping professions, placing Scottsdale alongside Virginia Beach and Boston as communities where residents actively support neighbors and vulnerable people.
📸 Around Scottsdale
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Scottsdale
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- đ - Laguna Elementary School | December Nights, December Lights!
Laguna Elementary School
6:00 pm - AM Connect Hosted by Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout Scottsdale Quarter , 15125 North Scottsdale Road , Scottsdale
7:30 am - 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
Wednesday December 17
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
- FHII Holiday Happy Hour
The Grill at Desert Canyon , Desert Canyon Golf Club , 10440 N Indian Wells Dr , Fountain Hills
3:00 pm - Varsity Boys Basketball/Spiritline- Semifinals
Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School , 1025 S Beck Ave , Tempe
6:00 pm - 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 - 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
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Looking for a Quiet, Loving Home for Two Special Little Dogs🐕🧡
This is one of the hardest things I have had to do but i have moving away, I’m hoping to find the right home for my two bonded chihuahuas, Garth and… (Nextdoor Old Town Scottsdale North) - Mental Health 911.
I am finding out all sorts of good and helpful things today. Starting today,12/15, when you call 911 all operators will be asking three questions now… (Nextdoor North Ranch/Horizon East)
- Tommy Bahama posted a job opening for Stock Associate in Scottsdale. Apply here.
- PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales 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 can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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