Page 4 July 2014 Happy Birthday, America!!! By Amanda Goossen The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. When I was 6 years old my family lived in San Diego, which is to this day, my favorite place on Earth. We lived in a house that according to my childish memory was the greatest, coolest house to ever exist. When I drove by years later, it didn’t quite measure up to this description, but I tend to think that’s because the years had caught up to it and not because my first grade memories have failed me. Anyway, behind our home, there was an empty mountain with a long dirt road. Every Fourth of July my dad packed the Volvo station wagon full of my siblings and cousins (after a long afternoon of BBQ and swimming) and drove up that dirt road where we could see every firework show in the city. To me, at the ripe old age of 6, I knew without a doubt that this was the way America was supposed to celebrate her birthday! Now, all these years later I still relish in the fireworks, family, food and fun! My family can be found in our red, white and blue, eating hot dogs and toasting the USA with our sparkling cider and champagne all afternoon. The flag is hung outside and fireworks are viewed from our driveway as the kids eat their rocket pops and wave sparklers in the air. Our pride for our country, our freedom, our life is apparent. This month in Arcadia News we are thrilled to bring you all-American fun, in more ways than one. Have you ever noticed that Arcadia has an abundance of lemonade stands? It seems like children from one end of the neighborhood to the other bring out the wagons, tables and citrus every weekend. Check out the creativity and cute faces on page 26. On page 22 we have a variety of patriotic vacation spots and sites to see. The history and beauty of our country is on display and with our guide, you’ll find out all you need to know. This month you’ll also notice a plethora of stories about the good deeds Arcadians are doing to help each other and the community, from a mom who has devoted her time to starting a charter school, to a group helping foster children see their siblings, and a family working to make their son’s dream come true. What is more patriotic than working together to help thy neighbor? Happy Fourth of July Arcadia and God Bless America! Instagram your new AC outfit with hashtag #ShopAlix and tag us @AlixandraCollections and win a FREE My Saint My Hero Breathe Bracelet! * * Limit One Bracelet per Customer. Supplies Limited. Offer valid from 6/1/14 to 9/2/14. take us with you 4410 East Camelback Road • Phoenix, AZ • 602.956.0140 FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF JULY Bring in this ad and receive 15% Off your purchase at Alixandra Collections* * One coupon per household and cannot be combined with any other offer. Discount not valid on special orders. www.shopalix.com NEW SESSION GYMNASTICS/DANCE/CHEER CLASSES OFFERED: Parent & Tot, Preschool, Beginner, Intermediate, T&T, Teen Tumbling, Xcel Program, Preschool Dance, Jazz, Hip Hop, Cheer and Pom and Adult Fitness 602-277-0067 1515 E. Bethany Home Road www.flipdunksports.com GYMNASTICS/DANCE/CHEER GYMNASTICS/DANCE/CHEER Trampoline Park and Gymnastics Center

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