38 JANUARY 2020 Young entrepreneurs participate in a “business meeting” prior to the main event. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARKETING WORX By Jennifer Marshall The Arizona Children’s Business Fair was established by a group of Phoenix entrepreneurs looking to mentor the younger generation. The event provides kids with hands-on entrepreneurial involvement and experience, including serving as boss for a day. While the fair is loosely affiliated with Acton Academy Phoenix, it is officially organized under New Learning Ventures (NLV), an educational nonprofit in the Valley. Acton Academy’s Austin, Texas campus was the birthplace of this fair. As Acton campuses spread around the world, so, too, did its events. The Phoenix founding entrepreneurs were familiar with Acton’s fairs and decided to bring one to the neighborhood. “Around the same time the first business fair was held in Phoenix, we launched Acton Academy Phoenix,” said president and CEO of NLV, Andrew Collins. After their first successful fair in downtown Phoenix, NLV hosted one at Arcadia Park, on 56th St. and Indian School, for Acton students. The fair grew so much that the downtown event ceased, and now the Arizona Children’s Business Fair is held every autumn at Arcadia Park. Because of its popularity, the fair is now open for kids from all over the Valley, not just Acton students. Kids between the ages of six and 13 are able to participate. Two to three weeks before the fair, young entrepreneurs are invited to attend a pitch night. After receiving a 20-minute brief on economics, profit and the art of the pitch, kids have the opportunity to rehearse their business ideas for volunteers and coaches and receive invaluable feedback. “NLV supports all Arizona students to make sure we’re creating powerful learning experiences like this fair,” Collins said. “The fair is learning by doing, and it’s really fun. In addition to understanding how to create value and exchange in a market economy, kids are also taught communication, planning, design, productivity and collaboration skills, which are essential in any career.” Collins is not the only person who thinks the fair is exciting. The kids love it too. “It was a good experience. I think anybody can do a business if they want to. A few people were there with their dogs, and they were really nice. One person bought my dog treat and gave it right to their dog. The dog munched it up! I felt happy,” said Vera Treadwell, age 8. “You can make money and get to actually practice selling things outside. One lady who stopped by my booth is a floral designer on Camelback, and when she saw my booth, she told me that she has competition,” said Lucy Chaney, age 9. “I learned that business costs affect how much money you actually earn. Next year, I plan to have less costs,” said Ty Flake, age 8. The 2019 fair showcased about 130 kid- run enterprises. Children create their own products or services and rent a booth where they officially unveil their businesses. The public is invited to shop, and real money is exchanged for goods and services. Custom poetry, handmade bookmarks, dog treats, purses, food, painted tiles and games are some of the many unique businesses that have been featured at the fair. At the end of the business day, committee members bestow awards for the most creative idea, best business potential and best pitch/presentation in three different age categories. “My passion is to support a broader, holistic approach to learning,” Collins said. “Instead of measuring student success on how they perform on a standardized test, the real test is what they’re capable of going out and achieving.” AZ Children’s Business Fair lets kids be CEO for the day Andrew Collins Dear Friends, It’s hard to believe that W.R. Williams Fine Jewelry has been at the Arcadia Towne Center for the past 27 years. It has been my privilege since then to provide you, your friends, your family, and all others who have come into this store with fine jewelry and repair services. I am filled with gratitude for the long and rewarding career this industry has afforded me, and am proud and humbled to have worked with some of the most skilled and artistic professionals in the business for over 45 years. I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed working over these many years in Arcadia, one of the most beautiful areas of our city. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, I am stepping back from the day-to-day running of W.R. Williams Fine Jewelry. Please note the following changes to our operations as a result: • Starting January 6, we will be closed on Mondays as well as our usual Sundays. • The store will be open normal hours, 10AM to 6PM, Tuesday through Saturday. • The faces you know so well, Lauren, Chris and Peggy, will be here to help you as they have for many years. I will be available, as I am able, to meet with you by appointment for a consultation, if you want my advice or suggestions for your jewelry needs. Just call the store and they will get in touch with me. Thank you once again for your patronage, friendship, and support. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy New Year. With great gratitude, Randy Williams W.R. Williams FINE JEWELRY 4730 E. Indian School Rd. • Safeway Center • 602-263-8404 W.R. Williams FINE JEWELRY 4730 E. Indian School Rd. • Safeway Center • 602-263-8404

39 JANUARY 2020 “mirepoix” (a flavor-base made from diced vegetables that are cooked on low heat), has a generous serving of beef that is tender and juicy. The onions and cilantro made this taco a savory one. The chipotle cherry steak and Korean fried chicken tacos are surprisingly subtle in flavor. Each taco has a substantial portion of meat, but it is overshadowed by the other ingredients and could use more sauce. The Korean chicken taco is topped with spicy pickled red cabbage, cucumber and jalapeño salad and jalapeño foam, which sounds spicy, but my taste buds remained intact with each bite. Taco Guild also features lobster, shrimp, al pastor and carnitas tacos, as well as enchiladas and a burrito bowl option for lunch and dinner. Along with wine and local brews on tap, there is an extensive cocktail menu, including various margarita drinks and a tequila flight. There is a happy hour during the week and a brunch menu on the weekends. TACO GUILD 546 E. Osborn Road • tacoguild.com PLACES WE LIKE By Cody Kennedy In 1893, nearly 20 years before Arizona became a state, George and Edna Smith purchased a plot of land near the corner of 7th Street and Osborn for $30 to build a church. First called Smith’s Chapel, the church later became Bethel Methodist. The property was vacated and deconsecrated in 2012. It was then that the owners of Taco Guild stepped in, ready to worship two things: tacos and tequila. The ambience of Taco Guild is worth discussing. From the giant wooden-door entrance to the stained-glass windows on either side of the building, this place is nothing if not beautiful. What’s even more interesting is that the wood ceiling beams, the windows and the pews placed near the back of the restaurant are all original to the building. To the right of the entrance is the bar area, with a wall of liquor bottles that reaches halfway to the ceiling. There is bar seating and high-top tables for guests, as well as low- top tables, a few of which share the pews for people to sit on. Service starts with a basket of chips and four types of salsa ranging from mild to hot. The appetizer list has the classic snacks like guacamole and quesadillas, but also offbeat items including yuca fries and avocado fries. The yuca fries are made with yuca root, sriracha cilantro aioli, tajin, cotija cheese and chile oil and have an almost potato-like consistency: crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, with the aioli giving the dish a slightly spicy kick. The avocado dish is simple yet large and filling. The avocados are fried and served with sweet cilantro habanero sauce, cotija and lemon cilantro aioli. The avocado slices were evenly breaded and the sauce was sweet. This dish is one that patrons could easily fill up on. The current taco menu boasts 11 options, which come à la carte. There is a three-taco plate for those who want to try a variety. I tried the coffee beef, Korean fried chicken, and from the server’s recommendation, the chipotle cherry steak. Tacos are served on flour or corn tortillas. The coffee beef taco, served with jicama, cilantro, caramelized onion and micro 1. Avocado Fries. 2. Yuca Fries. 3. Coffee Beef Taco. 4. Korean Fried Chicken Taco. 5. Chipotle Cherry Steak Taco. 6. Sautéed Plantain. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The ceiling has the original rafters that were built in 1893. 3641 N. 56th Street, Phoenix • 480-945-9537 • poppreschool.com Northeast corner of 56th St. and Indian School Preschool Registration for Fall 2020 begins February 3 for New Families Prince of Peace Preschool is ideally located in the heart of the Arcadia neighborhood. Established in 1967, we offer a Christian-based, loving learning environment. We strive to provide every child with a quality preschool experience that includes: Experienced and Loving Teachers Developmentally-Appropriate Curriculum Weekly Chapel and Afternoon Enrichment Classes Large Classrooms, Playgrounds and a Gymnasium For Children Ages 6 weeks - 5 Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. We welcome you to our school and invite you to call us at 480-947-5645 to schedule a tour during January or February. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to meeting your family! CONNECT WITH PRINCE OF PEACE popphoenixaz popphoenix