🌱 Residents Reduce Water Usage + Maui Support + 'It Takes A Village'

Hi there, neighbors! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Hope you all have a great day! Today you'll read about...

• Scottsdale residents heeded the call and reduced water usage.
• Resident and business owner is leading efforts to support victims of Maui wildfire.
• Helping homebound adults and seniors.

But first, your local weather: It will be mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 111 and low of 88.

Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. Despite soaring temperatures throughout the month of July, Scottsdale reduced water usage by 7 percent as compared to July 2022, which equates to nearly 180 million gallons of water. Several factors contributed to this impressive effort, including the grass removal rebate, the landscape watering education outreach campaign, residents' dedication to not watering landscape during the hottest hours of the day, and continued communication of, and commitment to, voluntary water reductions. The numbers for the rest of the year are notable as well, with Scottsdale reducing "its overall water use by more than 1.1 billion gallons" for the first seven months of 2023. (City of Scottsdale)
2. Luke Kayyem, a Scottsdale resident and Hawaii native, has raised over $30,000 to provide aid to victims of the Maui wildfire. The Scottsdale business owner worked with one of his clients to ship supplies directly to Maui via a private jet, and Kayyem and a small group called "Fathers of the Future" flew to Hawaii to distribute the resources and supplies. American Airlines even helped support the cause by waiving checked baggage fees for the 10 suitcases the group brought with them, which were filled with essential items like baby formula, clothes, toiletries, blankets, linens, and flashlights. Kayyem is seeking additional donations for supplies, which he distributes to the people "in real time" after "asking them what's needed and buying it." To donate, go to https://givebutter.com/Py0E6C. (NewsBreak)
3. The Tempe Community Action Agency Meals on Wheels program, which serves homebound adults and seniors in Scottsdale and Tempe, hopes to raise $10,000 throughout August. The program provides the homebound individuals with daily well-being visits and nutritious hot meals. To donate or learn more about the "It Takes a Village Campaign," go to https://tempeaction.org/village/village.html. Paula Hardy, the senior program manager, also encourages residents to check in on their disabled or elderly neighbors, especially over the weekend when the program doesn't provide service, to ensure their homes aren't too hot and they don't have any visual signs of dehydration. (Subscription: Daily Independent, Free: NewsBreak)

Calling Scottsdale business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships..

Tomorrow in Scottsdale:

Thursday, August 17

• AM Connect Hosted by Gainey Business Bank, 8501 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 120. Register online. (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM)
• Western Movie Matinees: "High Noon" at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Purchase tickets online. (2:00 PM)
• ArtWalk at Old Town Arts District (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• "We are now accepting applications for the fall session of SPD Citizens’ Academy... For more information, including the session schedule and application, visit our site: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/.../community-partnerships..." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Have you ever been #bts at K9 training? Let’s gooooo!" (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Our hearts go out to all those who have lost homes, businesses, and loved ones in the Hawaiian fires this week. If you would like to help, go to the Maui Chamber website (https://bit.ly/3qvsisz) or to the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Foundation Business Relief Fund (https://bit.ly/444FbaS), both set up in support of the businesses devastated by these events." (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• "You may recognize Paige from working the front desk at the Via Linda Senior Center. Friday was her last day working for our center... We wish Paige the best of luck in her new adventure with the City of Scottsdale." (Scottsdale Senior Services via Facebook)
• It is #CityHallSelfie Day! "Snap a selfie at your favorite city of Scottsdale facility to showcase your Scottsdale pride! Share it on your social accounts with the hashtag #CityHallSelfie and tag @ELGLNetwork on Facebook, @ELGL50 on Instagram, @ELGL on LinkedIn, @ELGL50 on Twitter or @localgov on TikTok." (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Learn more about autism with Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center... Visit Scottsdale.libnet.info/event/8319793 for details. 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 at Civic Center Library." (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you tomorrow.

— 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 [email protected]