JUNE 2023 18 By Rachael Bouley Clayton Guy has made a lasting impression on countless Arcadia High students since joining the school in 2005. Now, the long-time AP Government and Economics teacher is on the receiving end of a heartfelt gesture during a challenging time. When Mr. Guy learned his wife would need heart surgery, he was understandably concerned about her health and the financial impact of a significant operation. When his students learned of the news, they set out to give back to the teacher who had given them so much support and encouragement in the classroom. Parker Bond is in Mr. Guy’s third-period government class, and he was pleased to be part of a solution for the Titans’ treasured teacher, setting up a GoFundMe to raise money for the family in need. “My classmates and I came up with the idea after realizing the mental toll the surgery was taking on him,” Parker said. “He’s been such a great teacher this year, and we just wanted to help.” The campaign has raised $7,500 so far to assist Mr. Guy and his wife with their medical bills. “Surgery is very expensive, and we thought by helping him out, it would relieve him of stress,” Parker added. “Mr. Guy is a very down- to-earth person. He loves his job, which is why everyone loves his class. He goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is participating and understanding lessons.” Mr. Guy said he was incredibly touched by this thoughtful gesture as his family navigated unfamiliar territory. Although he was initially hesitant to accept help, with the urging of his friends, he embraced the extra support that would make a big difference to him and his wife. “When I learned about the student’s request, I was in tears. This is new for us, and I was so thankful,” Guy said. “I love what I do and teaching the subjects and students.” Word quickly spread, and soon the online fundraiser received donations from students past and present, Arcadia families and fellow educators. With more than 60 donations in one month, the fundraiser lifted Mr. Guy’s and his wife’s spirits, especially going into the big operation in mid-May. “I appreciate all the help and support from Arcadia staff and teachers,” he added. “My wife and I are so grateful.” The students hope to reach their fundraising goal of $10,000 as the GoFundMe campaign benefitting Mr. Guy remains open. Returning the support of one AHS teacher gofundme.com/pay-for-an-arcadia- teachers-wifes-heart-surgery AHS students Joe, Maddy, Parker, Garrett and Lauren. PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKER BOND
JUNE 2023 19 OUT OF THE AREA, BUT WORTH THE DRIVE Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Arizona Broadway. THURSDAY 6/1 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 5:30 p.m. at the Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. Based on the popular 1988 film, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels takes guests to the French Riviera for hijinks and hilarity. This comedy features a score by David Yazbek (of The Full Monty ) and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. Tickets start at $65 and include dinner, with beverages available for purchase separately. azbroadwaytheatre.com FRIDAY 6/2 Mariachi Sol de Mexico 7 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa. Immerse yourself in culture with a Mariachi Sol De México de José Hernández performance. This group has been on the music scene for 30+ years and is the first mariachi ensemble nominated for a Grammy. It might be hard to stay in your seats at this performance! Tickets start at $60. mesaartscenter.com FRIDAY 6/2 SATURDAY 6/3 Peace Out Bliss Out Yoga Festival 3 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. on Saturday at Blisstopia Retreats, 9135 W. Saddlehorn Road, Peoria. This inaugural festival is all about wellness. Friday night’s VIP event includes dinner, reiki and a sound bath. Saturday’s events include yoga sessions, workshops, vendor markets and more. Tickets are $100 for Saturday, $333 for VIP. blisstopiaretreats.com SATURDAY 6/3 SUNDAY 6/4 Flagstaff Hullabaloo 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sunday, at Wheeler Park, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. Raising money for local nonprofits, the Flagstaff Hullabaloo will kick off with a bike parade on Saturday morning. The weekend is full of live music, a food court, kid’s games and activities, plus puppets and clowns from Circus Americana. Tickets are $18 for general admission, with VIP packages available. flaghulla.com THURSDAY 6/8 Gathering of Heroes 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post 34, 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Join the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation as they celebrate military service members, veterans and service members at this annual event. Guests can enjoy an early dinner and entertainment by guest emcee Mike Broomhead plus live music from Josh Scott. Entry is $20. mclefaz.org FRIDAY 6/9 SATURDAY 6/10 Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival 2-9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, at the Continental Driving Range, 5000 E. Old Walnut Canyon Road, Flagstaff. Blues music and cold brews, need we say more? This event will have local and nationally-known bands rockin’ the house, microbreweries, wineries, food vendors, arts and crafts and a kid-friendly area with games and activities. Tickets start at $50 for general admission. flagstaffblues.com WEDNESDAY 6/14 Pizza Date Night 6:30 p.m. at Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Road. Get ready to enjoy date night – DIY-style. Chef Vaughn will provide techniques for making the perfect pizza: dough, crust, toss and enjoy while sipping paired wines with each of the three courses. Attendees will also receive discounts on retail items or an autographed cookbook. Registration is $85 per person. queencreekolivemill.com SATURDAY 6/17 Cars and Cigars 6 p.m. at LCD’S AMA Room, 4825 E. Warner Road, Phoenix. Does your dad like cars and cigars? If so, this might be the perfect event for Father’s Day. Guests can peruse the classic and vintage car show, listen to live blues and jazz music, check out the casino tables, and grab some dinner in between all the fun. This event is for folks 21 and up. Tickets start at $75. lcdamaroom.com Father’s Day Comedy Show 6-9 p.m. at the Ginger Monkey Gastropub, 135 W. Ocotillo Road, Chandler. This year, Father’s Day is serving up the laughs. Ginger Monkey Gastropub is hosting a stand-up comedy show featuring dads roasting dads. There will be a dinner and cocktail hour before the show. This is an 18+ event. Admission starts at $5. gingermonkeyaz.com FRIDAY 6/23 SUNDAY 6/25 White Mountain Balloon Festival 5-9 p.m. on Friday, 4-9 p.m. Saturday, 6-8 a.m. Sunday at the Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex, 1101 N. Woodland Road, Pinetop-Lakeside. Join the Pinetop community for the sixth annual Balloon Festival. There will be balloon rides, a balloon glow, live entertainment by the Mogollon band, a pancake breakfast on Friday, a kids zone, food for purchase and retail vendors. Admission is free. wmbfaz.com Tombstone Reunion 10 a.m. at Schieffelin Hall, 402 E. Fremont St., Tombstone. It’s been 30 years since the iconic western hit the silver screen – and now, guests have a chance to meet some of the supporting actors from Tombstone . Michael Biehn, Dana Wheeler- Nicholson, Joanna Pacula and more will be on-site signing autographs. There will also be presentations with behind-the-scenes facts, creating the film and the Birth of the Buckaroos. Tickets are $25. tombstone30th.com SATURDAY 6/24 SUNDAY 6/25 Prescott Bluegrass Festival 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, 120 S. Cortez St., Prescott. This festival is celebrating its 42nd year with all the tunes. There will be national, regional, and local musical groups – and headlining this year’s show are The Sonoran Dogs, an Arizona foursome that’s been playing for over a decade. Guests will find a raffle prize giveaway, vendors, a food court and camping spots available. This event is free for all ages. prescott.org


