Page 4 September 2011 By Dale Messmer One of my favorite memories (forgive me if I have shared this in the past) is the 72-crayon set and coloring book I received each Christmas. And, yes, I was one of those children who got a kick out of listening to adults tell me I should color between the lines. The smell of that big box when it was fi rst opened is much more a holiday scent for me than the smells of cooking from the kitchen or the smell of pine from the decorated tree. I have a smaller box in my of fi ce so I can take a whiff of childhood when adulthood gets to be such a pain. My siblings and I always got to open our personal set on Christmas Eve. Only as an adult did I realize it was more to keep us quiet while Santa-mom tried to remain sane than it was because we were so special. That’s one of the great things about crayons, though. They do make you special. Even those of us whose idea of drawing was stick men could, on that magical evening, be artists. That’s why Shawn Bellamak’s annual coloring contest is one of the summer’s coolest traditions. For 10 years, the Arcadia Realtor has given local kids a chance to be pretend Rembrandts. Every July, he takes entries from children of all ages. Every September, he announces winners of gift certi fi cates. And everyone who enters gets free pizza and ice cream. Even if they don’t color within the lines, by the way. This year, the number of winners was raised from three to fi ve. Everyone in the neighborhood is a winner, though. The contest is just another example of what makes Arcadia a special place to grow up. Neighborhood kids are very lucky. Now, I’m not naive enough to think that the contest doesn’t also earn Shawn some publicity. Note, though, that I choose the word earn. Anyone who gives back to the neighborhood to that degree should get what he deserves. Unfortunately, not everyone does. Which gives me my monthly opportunity to let you know that we are interested in neighborhood stories. If you know someone who is giving back to the community, please let me know. And please continue to read the Arcadia News . I appreciate it almost as much as a 72-crayon box at Christmas. Christmas crayons similar to kids’ summer coloring 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale . 480.946.5076 www.artonegalleryinc.com art one gallery art one gallery representing students of american and european universities, local and community colleges, high schools, and emerging arizona artists since 1993. monaco • john patrick • acrylic on canvas • 37.25”h x 48”w x 2”d Sun-Thu: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • Fri-Sat: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sun-Thu: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • Fri-Sat: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 602-952-8080 • berridgenursery.com • 4647 E. Camelback Road 602-952-8080 • berridgenursery.com • 4647 E. Camelback Road Celebrating 73 years! Celebrating 73 years! Come to Berridge to have your Come to Berridge to have your Landscape Designed & Installed Landscape Designed & Installed BACK TO GARDENING BACK TO GARDENING PREPARE GARDEN BEDS NOW FOR PREPARE GARDEN BEDS NOW FOR VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS! VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS! WE RECOMMEND: WE RECOMMEND: Berridge Compost Berridge Compost • • Peat Moss • Peat Moss • Sand • Gypsum Sand • Gypsum Also add a well-balanced fertilizer Also add a well-balanced fertilizer to maximize crop production! to maximize crop production! It’s time to control those irritating It’s time to control those irritating summer weeds before seeding your summer weeds before seeding your winter rye. see our nursery pros for more winter rye. see our nursery pros for more tips for a beautiful winter lawn. tips for a beautiful winter lawn. Family Portrait Special! $125 Retail price $500 A family portrait session for up to six people (up to 2 adults and up to 4 children) and a 5x7 album with 10 images from your session ARCAD A Deal com Sessions must take place Monday through Friday (no weekends) at Artistic Impressions by Mara Studio. Session and order must take place prior to 10/31/2011. May not be combined with other offers. Hurry! Only 100 sessions available. Register today for emailed deals from Arcadia merchants & service providers! 602-263-5098 • www.ArtisticImpressionsbyMara.com 3117 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018 All local. All the Time. Hurry! Deal Expires 9/3/11 Limited to 100 Customers

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