4 NOVEMBER 2020 EDITOR’S NOTE Here are a few things you might not know about me: First, I celebrated my 32nd birthday in late-October. Second, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, with deviled eggs at the top of my “favorite food” list. And third, one of my strangest obsessions is mini horses. I don’t know why, but I love them. So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Tender Little Hearts mini horse therapy. A few weeks ago, I made the trek out to 136th St. and Dynamite, over the roller coaster gravel road to Tender Little Hearts Ranch. I was greeted by founder Terry Holmes-Stecyk and her minis Dolly and Mazy, and a mini donkey named Boone. The organization was started as a way to introduce people young and old to equine therapy. Holmes-Stecyk explained that the way peoples’ eyes light up when they see the minis is incomparable – and I can agree because I was in heaven while hanging out with them. Check out the story on page 40. This month, we’re also highlighting some of Arcadia High’s sports teams, as well as Veritas’ House Program and their inaugural Athletic Director’s Cup. Things aren’t quite back to normal, but our neighborhood schools are keeping in high spirits. The second Arcadia Podcast is now available (arcadiapodcast.com). No. 2 is hosted by yours truly and features local chef and Arcadia resident Christopher Collins. We hope you enjoy it! Some of our community members are featured in our Veterans Day shoutouts on page 8. We want to thank everyone who contributed and to give thanks to our veterans for their service! Happy Thanksgiving from our families to yours, and thank you for reading Arcadia News . — Mallory Gleich — Mallory Gleich “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy By Mallory Gleich Arcadia’s Boy Scout Troop 6 has added another Eagle Scout to its ranks with Arcadia High junior Dylan Burges. Dylan started with the Boy Scouts in 5th grade. “I was initially involved in Pack 6 as a tiger cub when I started in 2nd grade at Hopi and was just led into Boy Scouts,” Dylan said. Dylan explained that the Boy Scouts has taught him leadership skills and independent life skills that he’s learned while camping and backpacking. “I feel very privileged to have had these opportunities and to have had amazing adult leaders at my side,” Dylan said. He received the Eagle Scout honor in early July. “Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is the pinnacle of scouting,” Troop 6 Scoutmaster Steve Radonich said. He explained that a scout must complete seven rank advancements over multiple years. They must also earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, provide leadership to the troop, and develop, implement and lead an Eagle Scout Project. “From there, they complete the Eagle Project workbook, have a Scoutmaster Conference and pass a Board of Review at the council level,” Radonich said. Dylan’s project involved mural restoration at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. “We had about 40 scouts show up to help restore four large murals under a bridge over several hours. The murals looked amazing afterward,” Dylan said. “As scout leaders, we are privileged to witness the growth and maturity of the scouts over time,” Radonich said. “The project is so meaningful for the scouts because they build leadership and planning skills they will use their whole lives to benefit our communities and the world as they become adults.” “Receiving my Eagle Scout made me feel as though I had finally accomplished the main goal of scouting,” Dylan said. “In my eyes, the award is a token of appreciation and a reminder of the years I spent scouting with amazing people.” Dylan plans on attending an out-of-state university. His top choice is the University of California Santa Barbara, followed by the University of Washington. “I would like to go into the field of computer science or videography, possibly,” he said. “My future goals are to continue to do well in school while giving every other activity my all at the same time. I strive to be the most well-rounded kid I can be.” “Eagle Scouts are important to our community, country and the world because they have shown the willingness to live by the Scout Law and Oath: To be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent,” Radonich said. Burges is the 218th scout to earn his Eagle rank since Troop 6 was formed in 1935. Troop 6 holds their Monday night meetings at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on 56th St. and Indian School Road. Reach Scoutmaster Steve Radonich at steve@scoutwm.com AHS junior earns Eagle Scout Dylan Burges LOST CAT • Cat's name - Thom, A brown/grey Bengal Mix with white chest and paws • Last Seen on Oct. 8th around 68th and Exeter • He had a Tag but may have lost it. He is chipped. • He is a lovable little guy and we miss him dearly If you've seen our Cat around or have any information please contact Carol at 602-577-4460 . 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5 NOVEMBER 2020 By Mallory Gleich The Veterans of Foreign Wars started over 120 years ago after the Spanish- American War in 1898 and the Philippine Insurrection from 1899-1902. Many soldiers arrived home injured and unwell, with no way to take care of themselves. As a result, a group of veterans started the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to support these men and women. Today, there are over 1.5 million members. Arcadia’s local post, Post 720 (located on Thomas Road) will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in early 2021. “Our post tries to help the veterans that come through our door, whether it be with benefits that they’re entitled to, or overcoming hurdles…we have a veteran resource fund to help (like if a vet comes up short on rent)…we try to step up and help as much as we can,” said Commander Joseph Dora. Dora has been an official member since Operation Desert Storm. Post 720 used to be located in Central Phoenix, on 7th Ave. and Pierce at a former armory. “We were opened by a bunch of different veterans. We’re the second oldest continuous operation in the state of Arizona,” Dora said. The post moved to the Arcadia area in the 1950s. “Our post wasn’t doing so well when I became commander four years ago. We’ve slowly rebuilt the structure, and we’re working on bringing in more members and being a bigger part of the Arcadia neighborhood,” he said. Post 720 holds a Friday night fish fry and Sunday brunch that are open to members and the public. They also hold a Thanksgiving dinner every year. They have a dance floor that can be rented out and a smaller room – Wolfenbarger Hall – named after one of their Hall of Fame members. The Hall of Fame was started three years ago and includes five members who have given years of service and volunteer hours to the post. Elizabeth Wolfenbarger might be a familiar name – she’s an Arcadia resident and was the first member of the Hall of Fame. “We’re trying to build a positive community base, and we have a lot of good people who are part of the post. I’m very honored to be the commander. My mom and dad were VFW members, and my dad was an All American commander. We want to be a place where people can come and use our resources,” Dora said. Other members of the VFW elect commanders. Before becoming commander, Dora was the senior vice post for five years. “The VFW is more than just a hall. I’ve seen the differences that it’s made in people’s lives,” he said. “It’s something that means a lot to me. Our motto is ‘we’ve only just begun,’ and I hope to see us last another 100 years in the community.” Post 720 has some fascinating history behind it. Barry Goldwater was a lifelong member before he passed in 1998. The post adopted the unit that’s named after him at Sky Harbor. The post has been home to soldiers with silver and bronze stars, along with many who have earned Purple Hearts. They also hold welcome home celebrations for soldiers returning from service. “Those celebrations are great. You get home, and you know you’re finally safe and able to let your guard down. It’s a great honor for our post to be able to do that. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to thank the men and women who are fighting for our freedom,” Dora said. Post 720 was able to keep its doors open when the pandemic hit. “We were able to clean up our facility and repaint our canteen area. We turned a negative into a positive and helped families as much as we could,” Dora said. “People think of the VFW like a smoky old bar where old vets tell war stories. But we’re more than that. Sometimes if you sit down and listen to the stories, you’ll learn a lesson. I’m happy to be a small part and make a difference in someone’s life,” Dora said. The 100th anniversary will be held in April 2021. vfw.org VFW Post 720 ready to celebrate 100th anniversary Post 720 has been part of the Arcadia area since the 1950s. 5405 E Calle Ventura • $ 2,395,000 4 Bedroom/ 4.5 Bath • 3,723 square feet QUINTESSENTIAL ARCADIA RANCH 2020 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2020-9/30/2020) Active Homes - 52 Homes Homes Sold - 169 Homes Average Sale Price - $732,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $312 Average Days On Market - 61 days There is currently 3 months of home inventory. (based on 2019 sales results) 2020 home sales have increased 5% this year. (based on 2019 sales results) 2020 home prices have increased 11%. (based on 2019 sales results) 2020 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 12%. (based on 2019 sales results) 2020 Homes are taking 33% less time to sell. 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