🌱 Learn Coding As A Family + Bake Treats At Holiday Cookie Exchange

Hey, everybody! It's me, Helen Eckhard, your host of the Scottsdale Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 63 Low: 37.

This great local business sponsors the Scottsdale Daily. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

Wondering if it is a good time to buy or sell a home in the Scottsdale area? Let us connect you with an experienced Scottsdale real estate agent with over a hundred 5-star ratings on Zillow! Meet local market expert, Realtor Liz McDermott of Homesmart. Liz has lived in Scottsdale since 1997 and is ranked in the top 1% of all Maricopa Realtors. Work with the best — visit Liz here or call her at 480-414-3123.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top three stories today in Scottsdale:

1. The regional vice president of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has been honored with a prominent leadership award. Jack Miller received the Drinkwater Spirit of Community Award from Scottsdale Leadership. Named after former Scottsdale Mayor Herb Drinkwater, the award is given to a member of the community that best exemplifies leadership and community engagement. Miller has been a Scottsdale resident since 2009. (AZ Big Media)
2. Interested in having your child learn about coding? Now the whole family can code together at Swift Playgrounds at Apple Scottsdale Quarter. Kids will learn about coding, and together you'll design a fun app. They'll discover how to customize their app by add fun fonts, Memojis, background colors, and more. The class is recommended for ages 10 and up. (Apple)
3. Bake delicious holiday cookies in a stress-free environment. Classic Cooking is offering a special cookie exchange that will teach you how to make holiday favorites on Dec. 22. It's a great way to make tons of amazing cookies quickly while having fun. Menu will include pistachio shortbread, chocolate drizzle cookies, peanut butter thumbprint cookies, rolled sugar cookies, and more. Bring home cookies the whole family will fight over! (AllEvents)

Today in Scottsdale:

• Christmas Poinsettia at Gallery Andrea (12:00 PM)
• Live Music at Handlebar J (7:30 PM)
• MV And Larry Smith's Winter Strength Conditioning & Performance Camp at TruFusion Scottsdale (1:00 PM)
• Holiday Tea at Arcadia Farms Café (2:00 PM)
• The Immersive Nutcracker at Lighthouse Artspace Phoenix (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Forensic Services Division had their holiday party next week, where they named their 2022 Employee of the Year. Congratulations, Detective Matt MacArthur! (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• This Thursday, you can decorate cookies and contribute to a great cause! If you bring in two cans of non-perishable food to McCormick Ranch, you can spend the day sipping hot cocoa while you decorate Christmas cookies. (Experience Scottsdale)
• Mistletoe Mimosas Lite Bites is an amazing opportunity to look your best this holiday season! Show up for snacks, drinks, and botox sessions! (AllEvents)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Phoenix Online Media — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing associate at Lightning Media Partners. Outside of work, she enjoys constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.