Page 38 October 2016 Open House - November 20 8 th Grade Day - October 21 By Mallory Gleich In 1998, representatives from all around the Valley sat down and came up with a way to get Arizona communities gathered together to support a safe environment and create a better sense of community. It’s been 18 years, and GAIN, or Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods, has proved to be a success. This year, GAIN will be held at the Shemer Art Center on October 15. The Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association and the Arcadia Osborn Neighborhood Association will sponsor the event. Courtney Sucato, who is the events committee chairperson for ACMNA, describes the event as a neighborhood cookout or picnic. “It is a great way to connect the neighbors to our police and our fire department that do such a great job protecting and serving our community,” Sucato said. “Over the years, the attendance has grown and it’s been great seeing the familiar faces of the officers and firemen. It’s also been great getting to know people around the neighborhood.” ACMNA and AONA are the two largest and oldest neighborhood associations in the Arcadia area. “We have joined together to co-sponsor the GAIN event because we really want to gain – get Arizonans, and Arcadians, involved in neighborhoods,” said Wally Graham, president of the AONA. Families, friends and neighbors are invited to come out to meet each other and also the first responders from the local fire and police departments. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at the event. There will be demonstrations and information about how people can become involved in what’s happening in their neighborhood. GAIN is a statewide organization. Neighborhoods all over Arizona participate in these events to keep their residents in the know. GAIN Phoenix had their kick-off event on October 1. This was an opportunity for members of the community to sign up and register for their own GAIN events, such as a neighborhood block party. This is the fourth time that Shemer Art Center has hosted the GAIN event. “We enjoy the opportunity to provide a place for Arcadia neighbors to gather and meet the police and firemen who protect and serve our community. We look forward to meeting more of our neighbors and supporting the ACMNA and AONA,” said Shonna James, the executive director at Shemer. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on October 15. For more information, visit the city of Phoenix website at phoenix.gov/ police/neighborhood-resources/gain. G.A.I.N. event to be held at Shemer Art Center Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods is an event that has proven to be a success during its 18 year history.

Page 39 October 2016 Arcadia Mortgage Experts. At work for you. Your next home will be second to none. You deserve a mortgage expert equally as impressive. One who knows the area and its intricacies. Discover how our concierge level service and industry expertise can accommodate all of your mortgage needs. • Jumbo Mortgages and Construction Loans • No Private Mortgage Insurance for Residential Loans • Streamlined Lending Process with Flexible and Creative Solutions midfirstprivatebank.com/arcadia 480.384.5750