22 APRIL 2020 By Miriam Cruson Hopi Elementary School’s new librarian, Tracy Fish, has a passion for reading and a desire to bring her love of books to children. These characteristics have led Fish to dedicate her life to the service of others. Fish was born in Sauk City, WI, a village northwest of Madison. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1997 with a degree in social work and moved to Arizona in 1999. Fish continued her career as a social worker until 2015. She previously volunteered in the Hopi Elementary library and was also a 5th- grade classroom aide before starting as the school’s librarian in late February. “Once I became a mother and took my kids, I just fell in love with the public library,” Fish said. Now, Fish is in the perfect position to expose countless young minds to the wonders that books hold. “Books give us a more global perspective, not only learning about our community but other places around the world. They show us that people all around the world are the same as us,” she said. “I am most excited about igniting the passion for reading and getting interested in new books,” Fish said. “I don’t want students just to read what everyone else is reading. I want to open them up to diverse subjects and books.” Fish brings not only her passion but also the experience from her previous profession of social work and her ability to reach out to kids from all backgrounds. “When there is chaos in their personal life at home, reading is not at the forefront of their minds,” she said. “I want to make this a retreat for them to be able to escape reality for just a little while in a book.” When she’s not at work, Fish enjoys hiking, traveling and reading books with her family. “My favorite kids’ books are probably the series Poached , Belly Up and Big Game by Stuart Gibbs. We read those as a family and I enjoyed them,” Fish said. Along with her love of all things children, family, and the printed word, Fish also loves to fly on the trapeze and is trying to get her children excited about circus training. Hopi Library welcomes a new addition Mrs. Fish is ready to help students find their love for reading through fun with props like a Dr. Seuss hat. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACY FISH NEWS BRIEFS PARMA ITALIAN Nook’s old location at the Gaslight Square plaza now has a new tenant: Parma Italian. This is the second location for Parma, which boasts “coastal California style melding with fine Italian cuisine.” The menu includes snacks and small plates, house-baked bread, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and “eclectic cocktails inspired by Italian aperitifs.” For more: parmaitalianaz.com. CLOVR LIFE SPA This beauty and wellness spa opened in late February, the third location in the U.S. and the second in Arizona. Situated in the Uptown Plaza on Camelback Road, this spa offers massage treatments, facials, nail services and waxing. The “chill zone” offers guests a place to relax and enjoy a beverage and snack. Prices range from $25-$150 and memberships are available. For more: clovrlifespa.com. FEMALES IN ACTION FITNESS FiA Phoenix is a peer-led group of women who meet for free workouts at Arcadia Park, on 56th St. near Ingleside Middle School. The workouts are open to women of all ages and fitness levels. Workouts are usually boot camp style and are different every week. No equipment is needed. Check online for restart details. For more: fianation.com. RATTLESNAKE AVOIDANCE The Rattlesnake Avoidance Program is put on by Partners Dog Training. With the summer months coming, folks should continue to be aware of the dangers on trails and in backyards – but four-legged friends should also be in the know. This program has been around for more than 10 years and teaches dogs how to avoid the scent and sound of rattlesnakes in 20-minute classes. For more: partnersdogs.com. WWW.JCASTLELAW.COM 480.542.5885 DIVORCE • CUSTODY • SUPPORT JASON CASTLE, ESQ.

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