🌱 Scottsdale Student Recites Pledge At Capitol + Blood Drive In Tempe

Welcome back, Scottsdale. I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

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Here are the top three stories in Scottsdale today:

1. A Scottsdale seventh-grader won the chance to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during Inauguration Day at the State Capitol on Thursday. Emily Avalos won the contest hosted by the governor where students submitted their artwork for the theme, "An Arizona for Everyone." (ABC15)
2. Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant will be hosting the Saving Arizona Blood Drive this Sunday, Jan. 8 at the Tempe Center for the Arts down the road in Tempe. Every donor will be eligible to receive vouchers for pizza, a T-shirt, and admission to next month's Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. Those who wish to donate can stop by the center between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. (KTAR News)
3. The sister of a Scottsdale woman who was killed the day before New Year's Eve in a drinking and driving accident spoke out about the dangers of driving under the influence. Dawn Paugh was killed by a driver who had a blood alcohol content that was two times the legal limit and was driving on the wrong side of the road. Heather Hassan, Paugh's sister, said, "I have someone to blame for this. This is just a terrible experience I would never wish on anyone in life."(KION 46)

Today in and around Scottsdale:

• Free Winterfest At Arizona Boardwalk (10:00 AM)
• Soulful Sound Alchemy At Hunkapi Programs (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Did you know the average Arizona resident’s average monthly electric bill in 2022 increased by nearly 2.5 percent from the previous year? Learn more about where our state stands on power consumption and costs compared to the rest of the country in this new Ownerly data study. (Ownerly)
• January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Scottsdale Police Department will be sharing ways you can be part of the solution to end trafficking in Arizona. Visit the link to learn how to report suspected trafficking. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 7)
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• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (January 22)
• Le Creuset Factory to Table (February 2)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.