10 AUGUST 2019 By Robin Sewell Growing up, I was definitely not your “outdoor” kind of gal. I never went camping or fishing and my idea of hiking was climbing the stairs to the fifth floor of our apartment building. We were city dwellers, watching movies about adventure seekers and living vicariously through them from the comfort of our living room. Years later, I surprised myself by going on a solo retreat – 70 miles of hiking in one week. After I got over my electronic detox and the shock of going from the concrete jungle to the unspoiled outdoors, I experienced so many new and amazing feelings, humbled and inspired by the natural beauty that surrounded me. These days I try and recreate those feelings by hiking and getting outside as much as I can. But between meetings, appointments and pickups, too often I just can’t or don’t make the time. So, this summer, I decided to go to a place where staying indoors is the last thing you want to do. My vision of Switzerland was snowcapped mountaintops that touch the heavens and rolling green hills that seem to go on forever. A country that beckons even the most amateur outdoorsperson to come find a piece of paradise. We began our alpine adventure in the city of Lucerne. The moment we stepped out of the train station, which by the way, is literally on the shores of Lake Lucerne, I felt my inner child begging to get out and explore. As always, with so much to see and so little time, we had to narrow it down to our must-see sites. We began our ascent to the top of Mount Pilatus on a panoramic gondola cableway that takes you above the rooftops and up the Swiss mountainside. We hiked and took in the stunning scenery and then hurtled down a mile-long toboggan ride. Next, we hopped on yet another aerial cableway with a cockpit-like cabin and windows extending down to floor for the 3-½ minute ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. On a clear day, from this nearly 7,000-foot peak, you can truly see forever. The Alps are all around you, and yes, it is a bit daunting standing outside peering over the edge. After taking it all in, we headed down the mountain aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. There were definitely some knots in my stomach on the steep descent, especially going through the dark tunnels. My fears quickly subsided as we stepped off the train and onto a boat for a relaxing tour of Lake Lucerne. With this newfound confidence, we could conquer any mountain. The next morning, we were off to the charming and colorful town of Interlaken. We had a difficult time deciding whether to go to the caves, the waterfalls or to a place called “the top of Europe” to see a glacier. We decided to board a train to the quintessential Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen, a.k.a. the Valley of the 72 waterfalls. Staubbach Falls, smack in the middle of the town, is one of the highest free- falling waterfalls in Europe and the perfect photo opportunity. We jumped on a bus to Stechelberg to begin another journey to the summit of Schilthorn. It took four cable cars to reach the nearly 10,000-foot peak and I came close to bailing after cable car number three, but my daughter said, “We’ve come this far, we have to go all the way to the top.” Unlike Mount Pilatus, Schilthorn was covered in snow and one of the most magnificent sites I have ever seen. The scenery didn’t seem real. It looked more like a photograph and felt like being on a movie set. Schilthorn was actually featured in the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” I felt like 007 as we were making that steep ascent up to the summit and this time, I was elated to be experiencing Switzerland for myself rather than watching it unfold on the screen from the comfort of my living room. Switzerland beyond the television screen ROBIN’S ADVENTURES Robin stepped out of her urban comfort zone to explore Switzerland and discovered that the postcard-perfect pictures of its natural beauty pale to experiencing it in real life. Xavier College Preparatory is a Catholic community that strives to prepare young women of faith with the knowledge, skills, and integrity to meet the challenges of a changing global society in a positive and productive manner recognizing unity in diversity. 8th Grade Day Oct. 25, 2019 | 9:30 a.m. - 1:0 0 p.m. Open House Oct. 27, 2019 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome Xavier Entrance Exam Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 or Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 at 7:30 a.m. Registration for exam and application information at xcp.org Affording a Xavier Education Financial Aid Workshops available to interested parents during the Entrance Exam Testing, Jan. 11, 2020 and Jan. 25, 2020 9th Grade Applications Due Monday, Jan. 27, 2020

11 AUGUST 2019 By Kaylee McClaine As parents buy supplies and prepare their children for the school year, it is also time to start thinking of other ways to stay involved with children’s schools. The parent-teacher organizations enable parents to both give back to the school while staying informed on upcoming events and activities. Below is information for the SUSD Arcadia-area schools: ARCADIA HIGH Tricia Longnecker and Cindy Krawczyk, this year’s PTO co- presidents, are working hard to continue campus improvements on Mt. Olympus (that began in June 2019), which is used by teachers for professional development activities, parent meetings and student testing. Longnecker and Krawczyk’s main goal is providing administration and staff with what they need to educate the students. “We want to do everything we can to give our students the best possible learning environment,” Krawczyk said. Parents can get involved by becoming a member or signing up for the e-newsletter, which helps parents stay updated on what is going on around campus, sports and extracurricular activities. For more: arcadiapto.org. INGLESIDE This year’s co-presidents, Ellen Young and Dana Fuller, are focusing on getting the whole community involved. In addition to looking for PTO members, Young and Fuller have many opportunities for parents to volunteer this year. They are looking for leaders to serve as chairs for the annual community 5K, garden project and Red Ribbon Day. They are also looking for coordinators for the Academic Bowl, Holiday Care Drive and members for the Teacher Appreciation Committee. The Arcadia community can look forward to Red Ribbon Day and the historical Trivia Night put on by the Dad’s Club. For more: inglesidepto.com. HOPI ELEMENTARY Heidi Richardson, Hopi’s 2019-2020 PTA president, says she is excited for the upcoming school year and all the events that her team is organizing. This year, Richardson wants to focus on Hopi students and staff growing in their new space. “Our theme for the year is ‘Hopi Grown’ and we want to focus on being nourished by inspiring teachers, staying rooted in a strong community, standing tall with confidence and blooming into lifetime learners,” Richardson said. In conjunction with this year’s theme, Richardson said that the Garden Program will be reinstated and each class will have its own garden bed. Parents can get involved by volunteering for events like Family Fun Night, Hopi Hullabaloo or the Veteran’s Day Assembly, as well as helping raise money with multiple school fundraisers. The school also needs volunteers for many of its on- campus programs, such as Leadership Lectures. For more: hopipta.com. ECHO CANYON Stephanie Peyton, this year’s PTO president, emphasizes that Echo Canyon’s PTO is hoping to be fresh and new, while honoring the parents that are willing to work and volunteer with the school. Every event that Echo Canyon PTO plans is an opportunity for parents to volunteer. Thanks to the many evening events and flexible schedules, the PTO makes it easier for parents who work to volunteer and stay involved with the school. The Arcadia community can look forward to events like the Pinewood Derby and OHSO’s Bike and Brew Champions for the Arcadia complex, where Echo Canyon plans on continuing its winning tradition. For more: echocanyonpto.com. TAVAN ELEMENTARY Carly Jimenez is the 2019-2020 Tavan PTO president. This year, she is emphasizing communication between the organization and the teachers, as well as getting to know Tavan’s new principal, Julie Ballard. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved in the PTO. Parents can use their email and/or phone numbers to receive messages on upcoming events and meetings with Tavan’s PTO News Blast. “I would really encourage people to come to the meetings. It’s where people get to know each other and to hear what we are up to,” said Jimenez. The community can look forward to Tavan’s Peter Piper Pizza Night and its annual Halloween Hijinx, an event that has continued for 20 years. The date is yet to come, but the community can look forward to multiple haunted houses, a trick or treat lane and other events. For more: tavanpto.com. SUSD Arcadia-area PTOs gear up for the school year NEWS BRIEFS SKY HARBOR TOURS Twice a month the folks at the airport offer guided tours for groups up to 30 people. Speakers typically provide an airport overview, historical background, customer amenities and improvement projects. Check out the new services, restaurants, stores and terminal renovations. For more: skyharbor.com/tours. JUNK IN THE TRUNK Coming this fall, the folks behind Junk in the Trunk are bringing their market to a brick-and-mortar business. Located at 4418 E. Osborn Road, The Vintage Arcadia will have curated gifts, artisan goods and home décor and will partner with Chestnut for farm-to- table dining experiences. To stay up to date, visit thevintagearcadia.com. NEW PRICE Providing Arcadia with professional & personalized service for 25 years. Anna McDowell-Isaacson Owner/Agent 602-526-1213 AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com www.AnnaMcDowell.com ABR, CRS, GRI Providing Arcadia with professional & personalized service for 25 years. Anna McDowell-Isaacson AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com Providing Arcadia with professional & personalized service for 25 years. Anna McDowell-Isaacson AnnaMcDowellRealEstate@gmail.com Charming and freshly renovated large home on lush .45 acre cul-de-sac lot with wonderful Camelback Mountain views. Huge open great room with cook’s kitchen surrounded by French doors opening to charming patios, yard and pool. Romantic new master suite and split bedroom floor plan, terrific 2nd floor family room with wrap-around views. This is a fun one-of-a-kind home for living and entertaining. Move-in ready, this may be the one you’ve been waiting for! 4521 E. CALLE DEL MEDIO, PHOENIX $2,150,000 • 5 BEDS, 5 1/2 BATHS, 4750 s.f.