NOVEMBER 2, 2011
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy celebrates fall in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
SCOTTSDALE – On November 4 and November 5, 2011, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (MSC), the non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of Scottsdale to champion the completion and sustainability of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, will celebrate cooler weather in the Preserve with special family activities.
First, the First Friday Family Sunset Series continues on the first Friday of the month, where MSC presenters make the desert plants, animals, rocks, and bright open sky come alive in fun, educational programs specifically designed with families in mind. On Friday, November 4 at 4:30 p.m. the Shake, Rock and Roll: “Are there volcanoes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve?” free, public program will provide an eruptive and fun ride along the lava flows back through time, for an interactive look at earthquakes, eruptions, and rocks found right in our own backyards.
Dog experts and trainers will be on hand for a morning in the Preserve with man’s best friend on Saturday, November 5 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dog Days of Fall is a free, public event that will feature hiking-with-your-dog safety tips, a snake-avoidance training demo and the beautiful surroundings of the Preserve for a perfect way to celebrate hiking with canine companions.
Both events will be held at the Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy in Scottsdale.
About the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
The continuing mission of MSC is the preservation, completion, and sustainability of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This goal includes providing public access to the Preserve and increasing the community’s understanding and appreciation of the Preserve through educational programs and community events. By integrating the Preserve into the fabric of the Scottsdale community, the MSC is focused on ensuring future volunteers will continue to champion its protection for generations to come. For more information, visit www.mcdowellsonoran.org.
NOVEMBER 2, 2011
Phoenix Parks reopening pools in 2012, seeking lifeguards
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has plans to reopen all 28 city pools for the 2012 summer season. While the reopened pools would be good news for swimmers, it also means more seasonal part-time job openings for lifeguards and other pool staff.
The department currently is offering lifeguard certification classes for high school (minimum age of 15) and college students or anyone else interested in working as a lifeguard for the 2012 swim season. Lifeguards at city of Phoenix pools earn $11.15 an hour and 20, 30 or 40-hour per week schedules are available. Those interested in being lifeguards need not be competitive swimmers; they just need to be very comfortable in deep water.
The department is offering lifeguard training classes beginning Nov. 4 and Nov. 12. Other certification classes are available in February and March. The certification classes cost $75 for 20 hours of instruction. Those interested can view schedules and register for certification classes online in the Pools link at phoenix.gov/parks and can access the registration page directly at: https://online.activecommunities.com/phoenix/Activities/ActivitiesDetails.asp?aid=15.
