THE LEAD
This week we’re reminded that meaningful change doesn't happen on its own. It happens when people care enough to listen, participate and work together toward something better.
These feelings followed me into a morning run with our dog, Zoe.
As we made our way through the neighborhood, I found myself heading toward a familiar place from my childhood.
When we listen and get involved, even the most overlooked things can become something wonderful.
Back then, it was nothing more than a dusty field littered with old tires and the dirt ramps my friends and I used to build. I remember my mom taking me along to a community meeting where neighbors decided what that crusty piece of land would become.
It’s now known as Mercury Mine Basin Park.
I was there when the cleanup began. We spent days clearing out the junk, then watched as the grass was planted, walkways were paved and the original playground area began to take shape.
Over two decades later, I found myself back in that same park, watching another generation of kids play on the swings and slides. Nearby, signs announced an upcoming neighborhood community party.
It’s changed over the years, just as the neighborhoods surrounding it have. Families have come and gone. Generations have grown up and made way for new ones.
But to me, that park represents something much bigger.
Every community has its overlooked corners. Voices aren't heard, places don't receive enough attention, and dreams are too easily set aside. But when neighbors take the time to listen, care and get involved, even the most overlooked things can become something wonderful.
And that's what gives me hope lately. The possibility that more of us are willing to look beyond our differences, recognize our neighbors, and take an active role in building something better.
FRIDAY FEATURE
The Election is over. Now who’s picking up all these signs?
Who’s supposed to remove them, how long can they stay, and what can neighbors do about abandoned signs? Our quick Friday Feature has the details.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The Phoenix Symphony might return sooner than expected
After the Phoenix Symphony suspended its season, there’s an encouraging development: On November 2, musicians, board members and staff met and released a joint statement reporting meaningful fundraising progress.
They also agreed to work together on fundraising and discussed a plan to bring the orchestra back to the stage—possibly as soon as this month.
Music lessons for all ages are coming to Shea
There’s a new space for music lessons coming soon. Locally owned by Gina and Justin Saunders, Musicologie Scottsdale will offer private lessons in piano, guitar, voice and drums, plus Junior classes for children as young as six months.
Kids ages 7+ can join the RockStars program, where they’ll learn to play in a band and perform together. Adults are welcome too—whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or returning to one you used to play.
NEIGHBORHOOD TIPS
Can hot food go straight into the fridge?
Vanessa and I have a recurring disagreement about leftovers: she worries that putting warm food straight into the fridge will make it go bad, while I’ve always figured it was fine. So who’s right?
Stop surprise purchases inside your kid’s games
If your kids love video games, you know how a “free” game can turn into requests for coins, skins or upgrades. For tablets, here’s a setting worth checking before the kiddo triple-taps Buy.
This gives you an extra chance to approve or decline eligible purchases before they’re charged. *Console stores will have separate controls.
WHAT TO EAT
Salt + Lime: the Shea original that grew into a Valley favorite
Salt + Lime opened on Shea back in 2014, before growing into other Valley neighborhoods. Owner Sandra Van Deraa built the restaurant around modern Mexican food, a busy bar and the kind of menu that makes it easy to order for the whole table.
Familiar dishes sit alongside bolder combinations of green chile, fresh avocado, Oaxaca cheese and house-made sauces.
THIS WEEKEND
Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, and the restaurant’s “Salty Saturdays” promotion offers $20 to-go margaritas when you dine in and purchase a meal.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The chile verde breakfast skillet combines slow-roasted green-chile pork with eggs, Oaxaca cheese and avocado. Try the chilaquiles, finished with green enchilada sauce, queso fresco and eggs.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND
Canal Convergence lights up the Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdale’s free outdoor art festival returns Friday with its illuminated installations, nightly fire performances, music, food vendors and interactive artworks along the canal. The “Western Nature” theme gives the displays an Arizona connection. Go after sunset; that is when the light-based pieces really come to life.
4420 N. Scottsdale Rd. • Friday–Saturday 6–10pm; Sunday 6–9pm · MAP + VISIT
Bubble Fest takes over Arizona Boardwalk on Saturday
Some Saturday plans are better when they are simple. Arizona Boardwalk’s Bubble Fest fills the courtyard with giant bubbles, hands-on activities and family entertainment. Stop by for an hour or spend the whole morning making giant bubbles together. The event is free and outdoors.
9500 E. Via de Ventura • Saturday 11am–2pm · INFORMATION →
Movie night beneath the stars at Scottsdale Airport
Scottsdale Airport is turning its ramp into an outdoor movie theater with a free screening of Disney and Pixar's Coco. Grab something from the food trucks, bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and settle in for a truly unique movie night experience.
15000 N. Airport Dr. · Saturday · Gates 4pm · Movie at 6pm · INFORMATION →
Meet 40-plus Arizona artists at the Shemer
The Shemer Arizona Arts Festival focuses on makers from our own state. This weekend’s event features painting, ceramics and other original work, plus demonstrations, an interactive Art Zone, live music and a sidewalk-chalk festival.
5005 E. Camelback Rd. • Saturday–Sunday, 10am–4pm · INFORMATION →
WAIT, YOU CAN DO THAT AROUND SHEA?
Land on a mountaintop and have a picnic - via Helicopter
Most helicopter tours are about the view. Western Sky Helicopters has a different idea: what if the flight were only the beginning?
Take off from Scottsdale Airpark, fly over the Sonoran Desert and land on a remote mountaintop, where your pilot sets up a private sunrise brunch with pastries and mimosas. Or arrive near sunset for a picnic overlooking the mountains.
The possibilities go well beyond the mountaintop. One experience takes you over Sedona's red rocks before landing at a Cornville vineyard for a tasting. Another trades the picnic blanket for an off-road Jeep ride to a historic gold mine. And if you'd rather stay airborne, there are scenic flights over the Superstitions, lakes and surrounding desert.
7305 E. Greenway Rd., Scottsdale · EXPLORE TOURS & FLIGHTS →
PARADISE VALLEY | Volunteers want to bring back the spire
A volunteer-led nonprofit, Save the Spire, is raising $750,000 to reinstall the former Ascension Lutheran Church spire at Paradise Valley Town Hall. The structure was designed by William Wesley Peters, who worked closely with Frank Lloyd Wright. Saved from demolition after more than 60 years on the skyline, it could return as public art. SEE THE CAMPAIGN
NEW TACO RESTAURANT | Could be coming to Shea & Scottsdale
Cali Tacos is planning a location at 7337 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100. On November 10, Scottsdale City Council is scheduled to consider recommending approval of its restaurant liquor license. READ THE AGENDA
COMING UP | Who’s Feeding the Neighborhood at Thanksgiving? We’re looking into the food banks, volunteers and neighborhood organizations helping local families get through the holidays.
ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS
What would make Around Shea most valuable to you?
Have a tip, a favorite small business, or a question about something changing Around Shea?
*Or reply directly to this newsletter!