Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS Worship Sunday 8:00am & 10:45am – Traditional* | Sunday 8:30am & 10:30am – Contemporary* Sunday School/Bible Classes – 9:40am* | Sunday 12:30pm – Spanish Sunday 6pm – Youth Led Worship! Wednesday 7:00pm – Traditional | Saturday 5:00pm – Contemporary *Nursery Care is available at all Sunday AM services 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 Love GroW Serve Our programs are internationally-recognized stop in and find out why! Heated indoor pool & small class sizes FREE BABY SPLASH ages 8 wks - 5 mos LITTLE SNAPPERS ages 6 - 35 mos GROUP LESSONS ages 3 - 12 yrs HUBBARDSWIM.COM · 602.971.4044 SPLASH, PLAY & LEARN! Redefining Swim Lessons since 1998 Do you know a teacher who really makes a difference? & It’s easy to recognize and nominate your favorite teacher for Teachers We Love! Nominate a teacher online at www.arcadianews.com . Winning teachers will receive special gift certificates to Page 51 February 2016 AHS Girls softball update By Josh Cutlip After losing the lone senior, Sarah Phillips, last season, the Arcadia softball team is looking to continue their success with some familiar faces. As Coach Jason Foster enters his 13th year with the Titans, he has confidence going into another season. “Pretty much everyone from the varsity team will be returning. Everyone has been playing a lot of club ball over the summer,” said Foster. “Most of these girls play year-round at a very high level, very competitive.” One notable player making her return after sitting out with a back injury last year, is senior, Emily Ingles. Foster is confident Ingles can fill the hole left by Phillips who led the Titans on the mound last year. “With Emily Ingles coming back – I think she averaged about 14 strikeouts per game – that portion of our game will be improved. As for [fielding] positions, it’s a new year and we’ll see how people perform.” Foster said that there is absolutely an advantage to having a similar team this upcoming season in comparison to the team he had last year. “That’s the advantage: knowing that they have played with each other… They’re a mature team and we all got along well last year. [We were] very cohesive,” said Foster. Foster added that making sure the team stays focused is his job. He likes to emphasize the importance of focus to his players during practice by utilizing in-game scenarios. “We’ll work a lot on situational playing: making sure we’re prepared for any situation we might face, continuing to stress fundamentals, making sure they are where they need to be, and making sure we don’t have any mental lapses.” Focus is also important with the Titans’ tough schedule this year with a couple schools from Mesa moving into their division. “Mesa, Dobson, Skyline, Prescott – who is good – there isn’t really a weak team we play this year.” While Foster holds his team in high regard, he has seen his teams succeed as well as face failure. “You have to keep competing, even if the season isn’t going as well as you’d hoped,” said Foster. “I know my returning sophomores, they want to have a better season than they did last year. Seniors will look to close out their high school careers in outstanding fashion. We’ll be improved from last year, and we had a great season last year.” Foster and his players may have a tough road ahead of them, but with the majority of last year’s team coming back to the diamond this spring, they have high hopes for the upcoming season. “The girls have set pretty high expectations this season. We’re looking forward to an exciting year.” “With Emily Ingles coming back is good – there isn’t really a weak team we play this year.” even if the season isn’t going as well as you’d hoped,” said Foster. “I know

salon SANDOVAL 3703 east indian school phoenix, az 85018 602.957.9910 www.salonsandoval.com NEW FULL SPECTRUM DEEP TM SHADES 93% NATURALLY DERIVED ASK FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY Page 23 February 2016 By Rachael Bouley With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many of you are probably thinking about where to go for a romantic evening on the town. Luckily, the Arcadia neighborhood offers plenty of options for romance, fun and delectable dining. Whether you prefer fancy and modern, or quaint and secluded, there’s something for every couple. Here are five suggestions to consider when planning your date night. J&G Steakhouse 6000 E. Camelback Road For an exquisite, romantic dining experience, indulge in the award-winning menu at J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician. The restaurant, atop the resort, boasts floor- to-ceiling views of the city and the resort, along with a menu that features prime meats and seafood from around the globe. The intimate environment is completed with live music and private and al fresco dining options. To complement your romantic evening, there are handcrafted cocktails and an award-winning wine selection. This is definitely one of the fanciest options in the area, but promises a romantic date night. For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will offer a special four-course prix fixe menu at $75 per person. T. Cook’s 5200 E. Camelback Road This fine dining restaurant at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa is ideal for a fancy evening out. Experience a romantic night with a candlelit dinner on the outdoor patio featuring beautiful views of Camelback Mountain. Inside, the upscale dining room is complete with inviting décor and warm fireplaces that create a romantic, intimate atmosphere. You can also visit the glass- enclosed Wine and Tequila tasting room. There are quiet, candlelit nooks tucked away here for a private dining experience. The menu includes a variety of seafood dishes, tender meats and wines from around the world. On Valentine’s Day, couples can enjoy a romantic dining experience with Chef Todd Allison’s special prix fixe menu that includes three courses for $125 per person. The Yacht Club 4231 E. Indian School Road For a more casual date night, consider The Yacht Club. This nautical inspired eatery offers fresh seafood, meat, produce and cocktails. The beachy décor creates an inviting, relaxing ambiance and the booths, designed like cruise ship seating, are cozy enough for a romantic evening for two. For seafood aficionados, there are plenty of options, and many dishes feature a Southwestern twist, such as chorizo and poblano peppers. There are also other meats and salads for those who don’t want seafood. Grazie Pizzeria and Wine Bar 6952 E. Main St. Pizza and wine lovers, look no further. Share a romantic evening with your special someone over dinner at this contemporary restaurant. While this cozy eatery isn’t quite as upscale as some of the other options, it’s comfortable and unique, with a menu of traditional Italian cuisine and over 100 imported Italian wines. There are appetizers, salads, pizzas, specialty dishes and desserts, all made with ingredients imported from Italy. The restaurant is in a remodeled, former home in Old Town, and the patio is climate controlled with heaters and a large fireplace, so if you wish to sit outside, you and your date will be comfortable. The House Brassiere 6936 E. Main St. The ambience in this Old Town restaurant is warm and inviting, and makes it a wonderful option for a romantic evening. The House Brasserie emphasizes hospitality and quality service. The dining patio, candlelit and surrounded by trees and a charming white picket fence, sets the scene for a romantic evening filled with delicious New American fare combined with worldly f lavors and an eclectic collection of beer and wine. There’s a variety of fish, meat and side dishes on the menu. The indoor dining room is set in a 1920s bungalow, making it a quaint and cozy location for conversation and connection. Planning a romantic night in and around Arcadia PLACES WE LOVE