Scottsdale Combats Child Drowning with Free Swim Lessons for Drowning Impact Awareness Month
The city gears up for Drowning Impact Awareness Month (DIAM) this month by providing a significant initiative focused on drowning prevention. Scottsdale, dedicated to fostering safety around water, is set to offer free learn-to-swim lessons for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Founded in 2004 in partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital, DIAM marks a significant water safety effort in Arizona, where June, July, and August have proven to be peak times for child drownings. The distractions of the back-to-school season make August a high-risk month for such tragedies.
In a strategic move to mitigate this risk, Scottsdale has secured a grant from USA Swimming, enabling them to offer free swimming lessons throughout August. The initiative spans from ‘sea babies’ sessions for infants aged 6 months to 3 years to adult swim and stroke refinement classes for those aged 18 and above.
Scottsdale is taking a strong stand against preventable drownings. It’s never too early or too late to prioritize water safety. Residents and non-residents alike are encouraged to take advantage of this life-saving opportunity. Registration is open. Interested parties can visit recreation.scottsdaleaz.gov to check out class times and locations.
Scottsdale Mayor’s Constitution Day Contest Ignites Students’ Civic Engagement and Creativity
Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega has called on local students to participate in the We the People Constitution Day Contest. The annual competition encourages students to express their understanding and appreciation of the United States Constitution, a cornerstone document signed on September 17, 1787, that safeguards individual freedoms and upholds justice.
In a letter to Scottsdale students, Mayor Ortega says, “The We the People Constitution Day Contest promotes civic engagement, community reflection, and understanding of the principles that guide our participation in this representative form of government.”
Students can partake in the contest in various ways, including writing essays, creating art, composing original songs, or crafting educational podcasts. For entries other than essays, a written explanation should be included to elucidate or market the project.
The competition is divided into three grade-based categories, each with unique themes. The themes relate to understanding constitutional amendments and how they influence our democratic republic. Participants are required to express their thoughts on the specified topics, with essay word counts varying by grade level.
Mayor Ortega, in collaboration with the American Association of University Women-Arizona, will select finalists, with prizes awarded to the top three entries in each category.
Contest rules stipulate that all submissions must be the students’ original work and each student is limited to one entry per category. Participants are required to live in Scottsdale or attend a Scottsdale school. All entries must be received by 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept 16, and will become the property of the city of Scottsdale.
The contest aims to instill a deeper understanding of the Constitution’s significance and empower the youth of Scottsdale with a sense of civic responsibility. For more information, visit scottsdaleaz.gov/council/constitution-contest.
Scottsdale Parks & Recreation Hosts a Radical 80s Night at the Civic Center Plaza
The city of Scottsdale invites residents to rewind back to the vibrant 80s for a neon-filled evening at the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza. Organized by Scottsdale Parks & Recreation, the free Parks and Rec Rewind: 80s Night takes place on Saturday, Sept. 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and it promises a family-friendly trip down memory lane.
The newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center, located at 3939 N Drinkwater Blvd., will transport visitors back to the beloved era of big hair, bold colors, and unforgettable pop culture moments. Eventgoers can groove to the beats of live music and show off their best dance moves at the neon-themed party.
To further dial up the nostalgia, there will be a vintage market and a retro arcade, complete with classic games that defined the decade. The library will set up video rental stores, offering a flashback to the pre-streaming era. Visitors can also step back in time at the “Scottsdale in the 80s” exhibit and snap memorable photos at various selfie stations scattered around the venue.
As the sun sets, attendees can indulge in diverse offerings from local food trucks and sip on refreshing drinks from the cocktail garden. With this combination of nostalgia, music, food, and fun, Parks and Rec Rewind: 80s Night is set to be the ultimate throwback party of the season. Don’t miss this spectacular trip down the 80s memory lane! For more information, visit facebook.com/scottsdaleparksandrecreation.
