Page 24 March 2014 By Kathleen Shipman For Arcadia resident Arthur Belkind, comedy has always been part of his life. It wasn’t until recent years though that he transitioned from being just a funny guy into a full blown comedian, headlining at The Comedy Store in Hollywood. At the age of 71 years young and after taking many different career paths, Arthur’s “I’ve always wanted to do comedy,” said Arthur. “People have always told me that I’m funny.” There isn’t much that this native New Yorker hasn’t done during his lifetime. Arcadia resident brings laughter in new amusing career From being a careless young man spending a summer on the Sunset Strip, to working on Wall Street, Arthur’s journey has been full. He even spent some time in Chicago where he worked as a criminal defense attorney. The decision to leave this profession, Arthur likes to incorporate into his comedic routine. “I couldn’t tell the difference anymore between my clients, the judges, and the police,” said Arthur. It was after Arthur married his wife Jan that they settled down in Arcadia and raised their two children, Lucas and Rachel. Here they have been very involved and great supporters of the community. “We are the biggest boosters in the world of Arcadia,” said Arthur. “Arcadia has given our family a lot. The education my children got was just fabulous.” After travelling all over the world with his family, the dream to become a comedian surfaced for Arthur. In his late sixties, it made its way onto his bucket list. Arthur’s wife Jan couldn’t have been more supportive. “I’ve always enjoyed his sense of humor. You never know what to expect next,” said Jan. “He has kept me laughing for 25 years and it’s about time to share it with others.” Arthur completed classes through a program called comedyschools.com in Tempe before hitting the stages of local comedy clubs across the valley. The Tempe Improv, The Comedy Spot in Scottsdale, and The Mesa Clearview Cultural Center are just a few of the venues where Arthur has debuted. The focus of his act revolves around self-deprecation, especially when it comes to his mature age. “At my age I should be doing lie down, not stand up,” said Arthur. The recognition of Arthur’s true comedic talent came in the form of an invitation to appear at The Comedy Store on Sunset Strip this past January. The honor was there for Arthur to say the least, being that The Comedy Store is one of the most well-known and respected comedy clubs in the country. It was before this performance that upon the long journey that had brought him up to that moment. Remembering his days as a young man during the summer of 1964, he recalled going to see the Byrds play at the exact location where the Comedy Store now stands tall. “I thought, wow,” said Arthur. “50 years ago I walked across the street and came going to perform here.” Arthur felt that the epiphany had calmed his nerves that night. He went on to have such a successful performance that he was invited back to The Comedy Store to perform again February 23. Only this time it was to headline the show. Although Arcadia resident Arthur Belkind has lived an incredible life so far, he plans on furthering his presence in the Phoenix comedy scene. Another dream he has is to combine his passion for humor with his love of travel. “I would love to get well known enough to be able to perform on cruise ships,” said Arthur. “I would have them drop me off at every port and get on another ship to do another show.” Whatever path he chooses, Arthur will have his wife Jan and his family by his side, laughing the whole way through. Arthur Belkind, once a successful lawyer, is now headlining at The Comedy Store in Hollywood. 4431 N Arcadia Drive This classic Arcadia Ranch located on a large corner lot, with spectacular views of Camelback Mountain, has CURB APPEAL. Great home has a LARGE ISLAND KITCHEN plus breakfast nook and formal dining. Great room w/vaulted ceiling, wet bar & walk-in wine cellar is built for living & entertaining! Additional views of Camelback Mountain w/multiple patio/entertaining areas, fully-tiled pool & lit sport court. 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Page 25 March 2014 ... Positive attitude earns students bikes and lunch By Sarah Stecko Imagine sitting in class and suddenly Subway sandwiches and other goodies are delivered. Then, a brand new bicycle and gear is brought in to be awarded to one deserving student. The students are all ears in anticipation and the teacher is the one who hand-picked the winner for “Cycle for Success.” “You really have to experience the raw emotion of this moment—lots of smiles and lots of tears,” said Jay Schaefer, National Director of Development and Logistics of the Be Kind People Project. The student chosen is one enrolled at what is considered an “at-risk school.” The Be Kind People Project’s mission is enforcing positivity and character development for students, kindergarten to sixth grade in over 130 schools across the Valley. Out of these schools, 85 percent are in the Title I category which aims to improve academics for the disadvantaged areas, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s website. The Be Kind People Project teamed up with the Subway Kids and Sports of Arizona to combine their connection with the schools with the resources to run a Cycle for Success event every month. Subway Kids and Sports is a major partner and they contribute by providing the sandwiches, bike and safety equipment. The Be Kind People are starting their third year of helping facilitate this giveaway. The lucky student who goes home with the bike is not decided on by luck alone. Out of 3,500 teachers and 90,000 students targeted in the program, the administration and teacher agree on a the Be Kind People Pledge.” A handful of those qualities include: “Be encouraging, be helpful, be thankful, be respectful, be a friend.” The main takeaway for students from Cycle for Success is, “Don’t expect anything in return,” said Schaefer. “Be kind just to feel good.” Brunson-Lee Elementary student earns award. *Offers valid February 1-28,2014. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Must be 18 years of age or older. A 20% gratuity is added to all spa services. Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. 101 & INDIAN BEND | 480.850.4065 | TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM The Spa at Talking Stick, an inspiring open-air spa high on the 14th floor, offers a calming retreat and soul-stirring views of Scottsdale. Your mind, body and toes will thank you. Relaxation Elevated. Experience the essence of Valentine’s Day with these exclusive treatments: Candlelight Massage, Warm Stone Skin Renewal Facial, Chocolate Covered U Body Polish and Love Potion #10 Bliss Pedicure Kelly Knapp 602.882.1332 Kelly Knapp 602.882.1332 Homesmart Elite Group • kellyknapphomes@gmail.com r e a ltor . r e novator . r esou rc e . SELLING HOMES IS NOT MY JOB...IT’S MY PASSION! Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of renovating dozens of Arcadia homes. I now have the opportunity to share my experience and know-how with my clients. When listing a home for sale, I personally prepare it as I would my own. And when working with buyers I have ideas which uncover a home’s true potential. My clients tell me my insights are invaluable. I tell them I love EVERY minute of it! Kelly sold 4240 e. sells drive $475,000 Spectacular home set atop Camelback Mountain with sweeping views of the Valley. 4500 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms/5 baths. $4500/month. FOR LEASE 5654 E. MESQUITE LANE sold 4302 e. whitton $550,000 pending 4117 e. patricia jane $695,000 sold 4710 n. 33 rd place $585,000 your home call me to find out what it is worth! sold 3650 n. 51 rd place $795,000