4 JULY 2018 Rachel Jasinski Madison Camelview Elementary, Kindergarten Linda Russell Arcadia Montessori, Preschool June Kraynik Villa Montessori, 1st-3rd grade Meredith Flower Archway Veritas, 1st grade Kelly Bergman Christ Lutheran School, 2nd grade Katha Merucci St. Thomas, 4th grade Angie Berk Arcadia High School, Biology and Physics Allegra Hudson The Solel Preschool, Preschool The Fourth of July was one of my favorite holidays when I was growing up. Our family home had a big backyard, with an open field of grass and a pool, perfect for hosting the party my parents would throw every year on the 4th. Those evenings were everything you could want Independence Day to be, from throwing down as many hot dogs and sodas as possible, to gathering in the grass for that perfect view of the fireworks display at the church down the road. Those of us who wait all year long for the 4th couldn’t be living in a more perfect location than Arcadia. One of the most iconic events in our neighborhood is the always anticipated annual Fourth of July parade (page 28). If you’re looking for another way to spend the day, we’ve got a list of patriotic events around the area to choose from (page 5). This month is the full-blown middle of summer, when our lives revolve around how to enjoy our days without succumbing to heat stroke. The Arcadia News is here to help, with suggestions on where to get ice cold treats (page 29), which lake to spend a day at (page 40), which resort to plan a staycation at (page 22), and how to best enjoy California if you make a run for the beach (page 38). Summer is also a great time for weekend barbeques, and we’ve got two local experts that can help you learn to grill like the pros (page 26). And of course, our special summer series Postcards from the Past is back with more images of Phoenix in summers from years ago (page 32). As always, I encourage you to reach out to me with any story ideas, suggestions or feedback. Many of our best neighborhood stories are made possible by local readers who contact us. We hope you enjoy the July 2018 edition – and thank you for reading the Arcadia News ! — Nick Smith EDITOR’S NOTE Correction: We misspelled our scholarship winner’s name last month. Gretchen Rea, we apologize for the mistake. (left-right) 2018 Teachers We Love luncheon attendees: Nick Smith, Kelly Bergman, Greg Bruns, Margo O’Neill, June Kraynik, Martin Russell and Linda Russell. 20172018 TEACHERS WE LOVE WINNERS The Arcadia News thanks the sponsors of our Teachers We Love Program, who provide gift certificates for our winning teachers each month, and sponsor our end-of-year luncheon. Thank you, Postino and Elements Massage - Arcadia. For nominating your favorite teachers each month during the school year. It’s an honor and a pleasure to recognize these hard-working educators with an article, and award them with special gifts from our sponsors. Schools and teachers are some of the greatest assets in our community. Since 2011, the Arcadia News Teachers We Love program has recognized over 60 local educators who have made an impact on their students and in the community. Its purpose is to give residents a chance to publicly thank a special teacher who makes a difference. Nomination forms are available at the Arcadia News web site: arcadianews.com/teachers 3850 E. Indian School Road | 85018 (602) 840-6379 | arcadianews.com THANK YOU, SPONSORS! THANK YOU, READERS! AWA R D W I N N I N G N E I G H B O R H O O D N E W S S I N C E 19 9 3 TM

5 JULY 2018 By Megan Forrester The sound of firecrackers and the feeling of American freedom can only mean one thing—Independence Day is upon us. These six local Fourth of July festivities will be sure to add more sparkle to your celebration of our nation’s birthday. FOURTH OF JULY FREEDOM FEST Times vary, at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale scottsdaleprincess.com Who says one day is enough to celebrate our nation’s independence? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ Eighth Annual Freedom Fest offers four days of fun leading up to the Fourth. Dive-in movies, vintage air shows, a Michael Jackson Tribute and electrifying fireworks are a few examples of the variety of activities available at this event. Also, all of the proceeds of this event benefit Friends of Freedom—a non-profit dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. Tickets are free for resort guests but if you’re not staying there, tickets can be purchased when dining at any of the resort’s restaurants. FOURTH OF ZOOLY 7-10 p.m. at The Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix phoenixzoo.org It’s time to embrace your wild side this Fourth of July! The Phoenix Zoo’s Fourth of Zooly is an All-American barbecue catered by Andrew’s BBQ, along with many activities such as free carousel rides, an inflatable bounce house, as well as access to Stingray Bay. After dinner, bask in the luminescence of the Tempe Town Lake fireworks with a view from the back (south side) of the zoo. Tickets range from $35-$45. FABULOUS PHOENIX FOURTH 6-10 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix phoenix.gov Get ready for a night filled with sparkling color at Fabulous Phoenix Fourth. The 33rd annual event (expecting more than 100,000 people) hosts one of the largest fireworks displays in the southwest accompanied by festival-style food and beverages. Before the sky lights up, be sure to check out the classic car display as well as two stages of concerts featuring international recording artists. This is a free event. PHOENIX 4TH OF JULY SWING DANCE CONVENTION Times vary, at Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale phoenix4thofjuly.com Grab your dancing shoes and celebrate the Fourth with a swing at the 37th Annual West Coast Swing Convention. This four- day convention beginning on the Fourth showcases professional dancers competing in different divisions of swing dance and gives the opportunity for guests to take a variety of dance classes by the pros available for all dance levels. The goal of this event is to honor the traditions of west coast swing, from origination to today. As it continues to evolve, why not add some fireworks to make this a new Fourth of July tradition for the family? Ticket prices vary. TEMPE TOWN LAKE FESTIVAL 5 p.m. at Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe tempe4th.com Celebrate the Fourth lakeside at the Annual Tempe Town Lake Festival. This festival features an array of activities for families, such as rock climbing and an inflatable village along with a food court serving all your patriotic essentials—fry bread, hot dogs, snow cones and may others. Then of course, grab a blanket and gaze at the spectacular fireworks display right above the lake at 9 p.m. Tickets range from $7-$10. TOLLESON’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION 4 p.m. at Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren, Tolleson tollesonaz.org Head over to Veterans Park for a classic Fourth of July event with all the works, including food, fireworks and games. Come with an empty stomach to participate in the hot dog eating contest, cheese ball toss and cookie face race, while also staying cool by enjoying free watermelon and 12 waterslides. This is a free event. Area activities to help you celebrate Independence Day Fabulous Phoenix Fourth at Steele Indian School Park. TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS 1/01/2018-5/31/2018 2017 Active Homes - 82 Homes Homes Sold - 98 Homes 241 Homes Average Sale Price - $650,000 $612,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $270 $257 Average Days On Market - 90 days 78 days There is currently 4 months of home inventory. ( Based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home sales have increased 0% this year. ( Based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home prices have increased 6%. ( Based on 2017 sales results) 2018 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 5%. ( Based on 2017 sales results) 2018 Homes are taking 13% more time to sell. ( Based on 2017 sales results) HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS 1/01/2018-5/31/2018 2017 Active Homes - 184 Homes Homes Sold - 139 Homes 276 Homes Average Sale Price - $1,237,000 $1,140,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $352 $332 Average Days On Market - 134 days 116 days There is currently 8 months of home inventory. ( Based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home sales have increased 18% this year. ( Based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home prices have increased 8%. ( Based on 2017 sales results) 2018 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 6%. ( Based on 2017 sales results) 2018 homes are taking 6% more time to sell. ( Based on 2017 sales results) Arcadia Real Estate Stats 6235 E Lafayette • $ 1,237,500 3 bedroom/ 3 bath • 3,948 square feet 3114 N Marigold • $ 665,000 4 bedroom/ 3.5 Bath • 3,050 square feet SOLD ARIZONA COUNTRY CLUB West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 visit Tommy Atkinson .com Free MLS Access • Complete list of ALL Hopi properties for sale | Complete List of ALL Tavan properties for sale