Page 14 October 2 0 14 Dedication for 23 years By Christina Surrano Do you remember that special teacher who had that magical combination of qualities that made all of the difference in the world to you? You may not be able to put your finger on exactly what made them so powerful, but you felt it and it was a game changer. Hopi Elementary School first-grade teacher, Nann Horton, has that magic. That’s why the Fox family nominated her for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love award. Mother Jennifer Fox and her two children Jamison and Josie surprised Mrs. Horton with three-dozen roses, each handed to her one-by-one by her adoring students as she was given the award. Twenty two of Mrs. Horton’s 23 years of teaching were with first grade. One has to wonder how she maintains her bright-eyed enthusiasm year after year. “I absolutely love this grade,” said Mrs. Horton with a big smile. “They love to learn and it’s contagious. When I see a child who is having a hard time with something and all of the sudden it clicks with them, their eyes light up and they have a huge smile on their face, I would say those are some of the best teaching moments.” She not only keeps a fresh perspective about teaching, but about her student’s individual development as well. It’s hard to imagine that it is possible to teach an entire classroom of just under 30 first-graders in such a way that they feel valuable and recognized as individuals. But somehow, she does it. “I talk to my kids and respect them as human beings. Even though they are 6 and 7 years old, they are still people,” said Mrs. Horton. Former student, Jamison Fox attests to that, saying, “She is nice, respectful and patient. She waits for you to get your work done and she does fun projects.” Current student Josie Fox adds, “She always has a smile on her face. And she’s smart!” Getting parents involved in the classroom, integrating technology and utilizing fun, interactive projects are also some of her strengths. “I want to thank the Fox family for nominating me. I care about my families and I know they care about me but that was really something special and it meant so much to me.” Teachers chosen for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love Award receive an Arcadia News tote and T-shirt, a $125.00 gift certificate from Salon Sandoval, a gift certificate for dinner for two at The Henry and an invitation to an end of the year luncheon for the year’s winners at The Henry. Jamison and Josie Fox stand with their teacher, Mrs. Horton. Teacher of the Month NMLS# 179446 / BK0902429 / NOVA NMLS 3087 In today’s fast paced and ever changing real estate market you need a lender that is extremely well versed in all lending aspects, and who can guide you thru your options. Tom Ross and his team at Nova ® Homes Loans have the most up to date market knowledge and expertise to help you close on the home of your dreams!! If you want an expert in the mortgage industry, I would highly recommend Tom Ross for your next home purchase or refinance. Rob Kukla, REaLToR® DPR Realty LLC and Camelback Urban Development LLC Serving arizona for over 34 years! Senior Loan Officer 602.791.5861 www.asktomross.com TOm ROSS Why Top Agents In Our Market Trust Us:

Page 15 October 2 0 14 Trick or treat! Color and creativity illuminate the streets Arizona Eye SPECIALISTS 7245 East Osborn Rd., #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 480.994.5012 – (Optical Shop) – 300 East Osborn Rd., Suite 100 Phoenix, Arizona 85012 602.254.7255 – (Optical Shop) – 4915 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 114 Gilbert, Arizona 85234 480.830.0120 5620 W. Thunderbird Rd., #H-3 Glendale, Arizona 85306 602.547.2002 13555 W. McDowell Rd., Suite 102 Goodyear, Arizona 85395 623.209.0020 Cataracts – Premium IOL’s Oculoplastics & Cornea – Glaucoma – Macular Degeneration Diabetic Retinopathy – Routine Exam – Contact Lenses Call 480.994.5012 to schedule www.azeyemd.com THREE I.S.A. CERTIFIED ARBORISTS ON STAFF & CREWS Fully Insured / Licensed / Bonded Contractor - ROC # 251150 Serving the Valley for over 25 years! 480.820.3939 Aerial Lift Technical Support by our Research Laboratories Cabling & Bracing Professional Pruning Prescription Fertilization Insect & Disease Management Hazard Tree Evaluations & Removals Citrus Specialist FREE soil test with contract of services Providing Scientific Tree Care since 1907 By Heidi Jaenicke Creative souls and innovative costumes resurrect the Halloween spirit throughout the Arcadia neighborhood. “This year it was the 6 year old who decided she wanted to be a clown and then we thought, ‘Hey let’s try a circus theme,’” said Jenny Kelly of Arcadia. “We decided to go for it,” Kelly said. “I’m going to be the lion tamer, we have a clown, a trapeze artist and my husband has been growing a beard out since June so he’s going to be the bearded lady.” The infamous fall holiday evokes a variety of emotions and spooky smiles, especially for the little ones. “My daughter actually over the summer took a bunch of sewing classes and she knows how to sew now. She’s helping me plan out her costume this year,” said Julie Baird, also of Arcadia. “Last year they really got excited by it and they were helping me cut out the quills [for the porcupine costume,]” said Baird. “When Halloween actually gets here they’re like, ‘This is the best costume ever!’ That always makes you feel good.” “We had a good time walking around at night last year. I think there were a lot of factors that made it a great Halloween,” said Kelly. “My youngest, Molly, was Alice and I made her a cute little dress. My son, at the time wanted to be the Cheshire cat and then with my twins, one was the White Rabbit and one was the Queen of Hearts.” Making your child’s costume does involve a decent amount of labor and love, as Kelly learned one Halloween, before she owned a sewing machine and she had to do everything by hand. “There was a lot of hot gluing that year,” Kelly said. Dealing with the pressure to compete with last year’s design takes patience and planning ahead for busy parents who need time to prepare their costumes. “Usually I try and get them to pick [the costumes] out around August. My daughter was kind of difficult. She couldn’t make up her mind, then she finally decided on the Pink Panther, so we’re going kind of old school. My son has been talking for months that all he wants to be is a shark,” said Baird. Another challenge that arises for many when brainstorming for Halloween costumes is designing an outfit that is original. Not only does making your own costume save you from the embarrassment of seeing someone else in the exact same get-up, but also it gives you a chance to play around with your artistic side. “My daughter was Beaker from the Muppets and I think that one turned the most heads. When she was 9 years old she wanted to be Kelly Ripa. Then she wanted to be Jessie from Toy Story one year. It’s just simple stuff we put together,” said Arcadia resident Jillian Hagen. “We never wanted to go with something that was the typical costume. I’m more of a hands-on person so I wanted to create things.” The fashionable costumes throughout the Arcadia neighborhood unite families to celebrate the fall season with one another, enjoy their community and savor some delectable sweets. The Baird children are ready for Halloween with costumes made by their mom, Julie. Photo by NTK Photography. Email editor@arcadianews.com with your great news and inspirational stories about the community. What’s YOUR Story? Your Story