4 DECEMBER 2018 The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to get out and experience the winter events happening all around our neighborhood. Whether it’s light displays (page 49), ice skating (page 25), or Hanukkah events (page 34), the Arcadia News has all the information you need to have a memorable time with family and friends this holiday season. December is also a month for giving back, and we’ve assembled a list of places where you can make a difference this holiday season (page 26). If you’re curious about our eye-catching cover for this month, turn to page 32 and read about Liberty Wildlife, an organization that is helping to rehabilitate local wildlife and teach students about what they can do to help. One of the most iconic and well-known aspects of the Arcadia community is the mountain that overlooks it. Camelback Mountain is the natural wonder of our neighborhood, and residents are doing their best to make sure it remains taken care of and protected. Check out our story on the Phoenix Mountains Preservation Council (PMPC) and their plan to designate the mountain as a preserve (page 40). The Arcadia Titans football team had a successful turnaround season this year, but you may not know that the very first Arcadia High School team was pretty good too. We visit with four members of the only undefeated team in Titans history (page 50). 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 readers who contact us. We hope you enjoy the December 2018 edition – and thank you for reading the Arcadia News ! — Nick Smith EDITOR’S NOTE THIS MONTH’S WINNER: Mrs. Sherril Hunter — Second grade teacher at Tavan Elementary Nominated by: Guisella Ford Boniche What made you want to become a teacher? I knew I always wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t actually become a teacher until after my career as a meeting planner and hotel catering manager. After my first son was born, I was inspired to teach and enrolled at ASU. It took me over five years to get my degree — it was a lot harder with children. I received my degree along with an endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language. Have you always lived in the Arcadia area? What high school did you attend? I actually live in Old Town Scottsdale, and I grew up in Tucson. My father was in the Air Force and we lived on the base (Davis- Monthan) when I was in high school. I graduated from Santa Rita High. Have you always taught second grade? When I first started teaching I taught fourth grade. I worked as a first grade teacher too, and twice I looped with my students — teaching them in first and second grade — and I fell in love with second grade. I’ve been teaching second for over ten years. I have also been an English Language Development teacher most of my career, which is teaching students who are learning English. Did you teach anywhere else before working at Tavan? I taught keyboarding, word processing and other business courses to adults at a business school years before I got my teaching degree. It was very different from teaching kids! After I got my degree, I went to work at Tavan. I’ve been there for 21 years, and I love all of the staff and teachers. We all work hard and love what we do! What do you most enjoy about teaching your second graders? My favorite part of the day is when I get to read with students. I love finding new stories to read to them. I also love teaching science which I think is my students’ favorite thing to do. I have a great connection with my students. I like to be funny and make them laugh. Do you have any special techniques for teaching that you use? I think second graders are fun. They are eager to learn and they love school. Some days I have a reading dog that comes to visit and read with the kids. They really love Copper and love to read to him. I like to sing (even though my family thinks I am terrible). I like to dance and I’m determined to learn the “Floss” dance before the end of the year! Winning teachers receive Arcadia News gift items, a gift certifi cate for the Phoenician Spa and a gift certifi cate to Postino. All winners are invited to an end of school year celebratory luncheon. Nominate a teacher you love at arcadianews.com. A boutique bakery & café offering fresh: Homemade Baked Goods •Soups •Salads •Sandwiches Gourmet Coffee & Tea Place your holiday orders now! 4801 E. Indian School Rd. | Suite 4 | 85018 602-509-0307 | www.my3girlsbakery.com Grand Opening Celebration December 7 th -9 th from 10am to 2pm Join us for a free sweet treat! Now Open

2018 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2018-10/31/2018) Active Homes - 85 Homes Homes Sold - 188 Homes Average Sale Price - $640,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $270 Average Days On Market - 84 days There is currently 4 months of home inventory. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home sales have decreased 1% this year. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home prices have increased 4%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 5%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 Homes are taking 7% more time to sell. (based on 2017 sales results) 2017 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 241 Homes Average Sale Price - $612,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $257 Average Days On Market - 78 days Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2018 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2018-10/31/2018) Active Homes - 153 homes Homes Sold - 265 homes Average Sale Price - $1,275,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $355 Average Days On Market - 133 days There is currently 7 months of home inventory. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home sales have increased 15% this year. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 home prices have increased 11%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 6%. (based on 2017 sales results) 2018 homes are taking 13% more time to sell. (based on 2017 sales results) 2017 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS Homes Sold - 276 homes Average Sale Price - $1,140,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $332 Average Days On Market - 116 days visit Tommy Atkinson .com West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 5555 E Monterosa • $ 929,000 4 bedroom/ 3 Bath • 3,096 square feet 18,274 SQ FT LOT IN ARCADIA West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 West USA Realty Cell: 602-625-6020 Free MLS Access • Complete list of ALL Hopi properties for sale Complete List of ALL Tavan properties for sale