40 FEBRUARY 2021 By Cliff Summerhill Dawn Treude is the latest addition at Echo Canyon Elementary School, and as its new librarian, she couldn’t be more eager to inspire a new generation of readers. “My number one priority is to make Echo Canyon students feel welcome in the library and excited about books,” Treude said. “I’m working hard while the library is closed to students, so when they return, the space is inviting, and the books are shelved more openly for sight – rather than touch – browsing.” Once students return to the library, they will see an inviting space filled with Dog Man (a comedic novel series featuring a cartoon half-dog, half-man police officer) decorations, stuffed animals and several pool-noodle lightsabers from Treude’s laundry basket of decorations. Beyond the welcoming environment, Treude promises a different approach to the typical library setting. “Traditionally, people think of a library in terms of the don’ts – talk too loudly, be silly, pick the same book over and over, etc.,” Treude said. “I’d like to refrain from that. Yes, we do sing in the library! Yes, we do laugh in the library! And yes, we do learn in the library!” After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, Treude finished college with a degree in information and library science. She also holds cer t if icates i n creative writing from both Phoenix College and Stanford University. Treude has always been an avid reader but didn’t see herself as a librarian until she took a job at the Horizon High School library. “I enjoy the rhythm of school life and the traditions like spirit week. The best part of any day is putting a book in someone’s hand,” Treude said. “Books delight, entertain and inform us. Reading for pleasure is my number one form of self-care, and I want my students to have books they love at home for that as well.” Treude started in special education, but she has also worked in a public library setting and, of course, at multiple schools. Over her career, she’s stretched the traditional sense of libraries by introducing programs like “Shark Week,” creating a teen advisory board, and incorporating Star Wars into storytime. Echo Canyon Elementary welcomes new librarian Dawn Treude By Mallory Gleich Arcadia newcomer Alyssa Duchesne, who has spent a good portion of her life moving from place to place – namely Canada, San Francisco, Coronado and now, Arcadia – decided that last year, the holidays were going to be about more than spending time with family. The 19-year-old started a GoFundMe campaign during the Christmas holiday to provide care packages to the homeless in the area. “It’s no secret this past year has been one of the most tumultuous times in modern history,” Duchesne said. “The homeless population of our country has been labeled as one of the most vulnerable populations in the pandemic. My mission stemmed not only from the heartbreak of the year but also the notion that those on the streets are the forgotten ones of this pandemic.” Duchesne is currently a student at American University in Washington, D.C. She’s studying international relations with an emphasis on conflict resolution and political communication. She kicked off her campaign by researching what kind of people need the most help during the holidays. She read an article on the homeless populations’ limited resources, since some shelters and kitchens sustaining these communities were closed during the pandemic. “I also know the reality of being lucky enough to sleep in a shelter is low, and there are many who do not get the opportunity,” Duchesne said. Instead of dropping off packages at local shelters, she searched for people on the streets that had difficulty staying at these places because of mental health issues or other reasons. “I would say one of the hardest parts about this was spotting the people and then pulling over or crossing busy streets or hopping out at red lights to get to these people,” Duchesne said. She started her GoFundMe campaign with a realistic goal she thought she could reach. “I know 2020 was difficult for everyone and understood that donating to others might not be in the cards, so I kept that in mind, not expecting much,” she said. Duchesne started at $500 and ended up at over $900. She explained that the donations came from various places. “The beaut y of constant relocation is all the people I’ve been able to meet within my communities. These contributions have come from lifelong family friends to unknown people,” she said. They came from former high school teachers, folks from the Canadian town she’s from and strangers in her new neighborhood. “I was shocked at all the people willing to help. G r a t e f u l i s a n understatement.” Once she raised the money, Duchesne enlisted her parents’ help to make grocery runs for supplies. The care packages included blankets, soap, deodorant, first aid kits, feminine hygiene products, tissues, mouthwash, toothbrushes and toothpaste, snacks, water and gift cards to nearby food places. She also included masks, hand sanitizers and other sanitary protections – and some dog food to hand out for those with pets. Duchesne said the reactions from people who received the care packages ranged from elation and disbelief to confusion and surprise. “It was a complete array of emotions which showed me all the kinds of people living on the street,” she said. “Some said this was their first year on the streets, some had families or animals, and some said they’ve been without a home for so long it was the first time someone truly ‘saw’ them. It was apparent they were thankful. That leaves an impact on you like nothing else.” Volunteering and service projects have always been something that Duchesne wanted to partake in. She volunteered to coach a youth girls’ volleyball team in high school and joined local political campaigns and beach cleanups. “I think it’s too often we underestimate the worth of a helping hand, random acts of kindness, or a listening ear. Small acts of caring for the community have the potential to change lives and mold a future we can be prouder of. I am grateful for those who donated to my service as they also volunteered for their community. I hope people know how much of an impact they can make.” Care package campaign helps homeless in the Valley Alyssa Duchesne My mission stemmed not only from the heartbreak of last year but also the notion that those on the streets are the forgotten ones of this pandemic. CREATE THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS *Includes product and labor; bathtub, shower or walk-in tub and wall surround. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply. This offer expires March 31, 2021. Each dealership is independently owned and operated. **Third party financing is available for those customers who qualify. See your dealer for details. ©2020 BCI Acrylic Inc. CALL NOW Over 850 Authorized Dealers across North America Factory-Trained & Certified Installers Lifetime Warranty Made in the U.S.A. IN AS LITTLE AS JUST ONE DAY OFFER EXPIRES 3.31.2021 NO PAYMENTS & NO INTEREST FOR 18 MONTHS 855-970-2349 Oversized Shower & Wall System Bathtub & Wall System Tub-Shower Combo $500 OFF OR FOR Military & Senior Discounts Available

Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate Sold in Arcadia in 2020 4711 E Palo Verde Drive - $2,100,000 4545 North Lunafal Avenue - $3,375,000 3826 North 59th Place - $1,770,805 5244 East Calle Redonda Street - $909,000 5650 North Echo Canyon Drive - $1,725,000 4635 East Calle Ventura - $1,095,000 5405 East Calle Ventura Street - $2,285,000 4543 East Calle Tuberia Street - $937,500 5350 East Exeter Boulevard - $3,020,000 5401 E Lafayette Boulevard - $2,800,000 6101 East Calle Del Norte Street - $1,685,000 6711 East Camelback Road #54 - $1,315,000 Let us sell your house in 2021! 6720 North Scottsdale Road #140 | Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253 | Office: 480-991-2050 | www.WaltDanley.com