Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: See how Scottsdale Civic Center just became an award-winning urban oasis.
And on the Scottsdale Patch calendar - Encore for more BINGO!

Good morning to you Scottsdale! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- See how Scottsdale Civic Center just became an award-winning urban oasis.
- How does Scottsdale’s Desert Ice stay frozen in 80-degree heat?
- Why Scottsdale’s wildlife rescuers are overwhelmed by car-hit animals
Also on today's calendar: Encore for more BINGO! and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Scottsdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Howard L.!
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Scottsdale? Post it to Scottsdale photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Find out what's happening in Scottsdalefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- 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, climate-resilient urban oasis that just earned a 2025 American Architecture Award. The redesign preserves beloved features like Marshall Gardens while adding new performance spaces, children’s areas, and major water-saving upgrades. Residents gain more shade, cultural programming space, and a greener park that’s built for long-term desert living.
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2. Ice skating rinks open across Phoenix area despite record heat (fox10phoenix.com) — If you’re craving winter vibes in Scottsdale, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is keeping its Desert Ice rink frozen with miles of underground coils and hourly Zamboni runs, even in near‑80° heat. The story also spotlights a free synthetic rink in Goodyear, showing how rinks across the Valley are getting creative so families can skate outdoors for the holidays.
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3. Wildlife advocates report surge in animal-vehicle collisions across Arizona (azfamily.com) — A Scottsdale-based rescue, Southwest Wildlife, has treated 108 animals hit by cars in just three months, highlighting a sharp rise in wildlife-vehicle collisions. Staff say most injured animals are coyotes and javelina from across the Valley and beyond, and they’re urging Scottsdale and other drivers to slow down, stay alert, and call them if they strike or spot an injured animal.
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4. These 8 Arizona towns are most affordable for retirement, ranking says (azcentral.com) — For Scottsdale residents eyeing retirement, this ranking notes that while Scottsdale and Mesa are among Arizona’s most popular retirement spots, they’re also pricier than several smaller towns. The article highlights eight more affordable Arizona communities, detailing typical home prices, senior centers, and outdoor amenities that could appeal if you’re considering downsizing or relocating while staying in-state.
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📸 Around Scottsdale
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
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NEW: Like a shout-out or pic? Click the heart!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Scottsdale
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Encore for more BINGO!
Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills
1:30 pm - International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E Monroe St, Phoenix
6:00 pm
Tuesday December 23
Sunday January 4
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Chanukah in Carefree
Sanderson Lincoln Pavillion , 101 Easy St , Carefree
5:30 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
Virginia G. Piper Theater , 7380 E 2nd St , Scottsdale
8:00 pm - Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
8:00 am - Persian Zumba Class
Arizona Persian Cultural Center (AZPCC) , 7825 E Gelding Dr, Suite 101 , Scottsdale
10:30 am - The Official Christmas Bar Crawl - Scottsdale
Boondocks Patio & Grill Scottsdale , 4341 N 75th St , Scottsdale
4:00 pm - iCode Scottsdale Winter Break Camps
iCode Scottsdale , 13910 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd , Scottsdale
9:00 am - iCode Scottsdale Winter Break Camps
iCode Scottsdale , 13910 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd , Scottsdale
9:00 am - Arizona National Livestock Show
Arizona State Fair , 1826 W McDowell Rd , Phoenix
8:00 am - iCode Scottsdale Winter Break Camps
iCode Scottsdale , 13910 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd , Scottsdale
9:00 am
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Saturday December 20
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
Saturday December 27
Monday December 29
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
- 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.
- Francesca's posted a job opening for Seasonal 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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