🌱 Blue Zones Project Scottsdale Insight + Pumpkin Carving Classes

Hello, neighbors! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter, with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Including:

• Blue Zones documentary offers insight ahead of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale kickoff.
• Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West is expanding.
• Pumpkin carving classes taught by carving champions.

But first, your local weather: It will be warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 96 and low of 72.

Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. The Blue Zones Project Scottsdale community kickoff event will take place on Jan. 13, 2024, at the Scottsdale Civic Center, but you can learn more about Blue Zones now by checking out "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" on Netflix! This four-part documentary series explores "five unique regions of the world where people live extraordinary long and vibrant lives" with the shared characteristics of "a plant-based diet, natural movement, and putting family first." The series gives residents some insight into how Blue Zones is applying the research to communities across the United States, which will soon include Scottsdale! You can find more information, including how you can get involved, by visiting bluezonesprojectscottsdale.com. (City of Scottsdale)
2. Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West is expanding! Louis 'Buzz' Sands IV privately donated $12 million to the museum, and Scottsdale City Council approved the proposed expansion at the Sept. 19 meeting. The two new galleries will be named the Louis Sands IV Center in honor of the generous donor. (Daily Independent)
3. Interested in boosting your pumpkin carving skills just in time for spooky season? Consider signing up for one of two pumpkin carving classes offered at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m.! The classes will be hosted by pumpkin artist Ray Villafane and a team of former Food Network pumpkin carving champions, and your ticket includes all the necessary carving materials. The workshop does not involve sharp carving tools, so individuals of all ages are welcome to participate. You can find more information and purchase tickets here. (Daily Independent)

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Tomorrow, Monday, and Tuesday in Scottsdale:

Sunday, September 24

• Fall Faculty Recital at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road. Faculty members from the Desert Hills Community School of Music will perform "a program of popular and upbeat selections from 20th and 21st century music." Event is free and open to the public. (4:00 PM)
• LeAnn Rimes : the story… so far tour at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (7:30 PM)

Monday, September 25

• Baby Cuddles Storytime at Appaloosa Library (10:30 AM - 10:50 AM)
• Twos & Threes Together at Civic Center Library (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
• Family Storytime at Arabian Library (6:15 PM - 6:45 PM)

Tuesday, September 26

• Twos & Three Together at Arabian Library (10:15 AM - 10:45 AM, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
• Books 2 Boogie at Mustang Library (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
• Baby Cuddles Storytime at Civic Center Library (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
• Cyber Security with SPD at Arabian Library. "Learn about common threats, scams, and tactics to keep your information safe." (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
• Film Series: "Champions" at Mustang Library (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
• American Indian Boarding School Experience presented by McDowell Sonoran Conservancy/PastFinders at Mustang Library (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
• Financial Planning with Lisa Dickholtz at Arabian Library (5:30 PM - 6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• "#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth and beyond. Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks questions in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "September is Emergency Preparedness Month. If you are an older adult, be sure to check out this new guide from FEMA to get three simple steps to be prepared for emergencies! https://www.ready.gov/.../ready-gov_disaster-preparedness..." (Scottsdale Fire Department via Facebook)
• "Scottsdale Fashion Week kicks off Sept. 27." (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Scottsdale Senior Services is looking for a volunteer to assist seniors with smart phone basics at the senior centers. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you or for more information, please call Jessica at 480-312-1700 or email jerapp@scottsdaleaz.gov." (Scottsdale Senior Services via Facebook)
• "Join us for 'Finding Success in Veteran Hiring' on Oct. 26 and learn how to build an effective program with SkillBridge! Info and registration at: https://bit.ly/44eZjXP" (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• "Scottsdale's city budget is the foundation for providing safe neighborhoods, beautiful parks and open spaces and delivering on the city's mission statement: Simply Better Service for a World-Class Community. Watch this new video to learn more about different elements of the city's revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2023/24: https://youtu.be/kGR75G9FZGg?si=yRBzquQWUGNz4-nR" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (September 26)
• Admissions Office (September 27)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you next week with a new update!

— Megan Moreno

About me: Dr. 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