26 DECEMBER 2023 I t’s that time of year and there are already rumors that Santa Claus – also known as Old St. Nicholas – will again make Arcadia among his first and favored stops as he passes through Arizona. He’s not supposed to play favorites, but he just can’t help himself, given how wonderful the residents are. Especially the children. “There’s just something extra special about the Arcadia neighborhood, always has been, always will be,” the jolly old fellow said. “The people are so very friendly, downright neighboring, and there isn’t a naughty kid in the bunch. Even the dogs are well-behaved.” The man also known as Kris Kringle – that plump, spectacled, bearded pillar of the holiday – is beloved by all, and not just because he brings presents to people throughout the world. “I really admire his work ethic because they work 24/7 at the North Pole and there’s not a single complaint about wages or overtime hours,” Tom McGeorge, a longtime Arcadian, said. “The elves are in the workshop every day; no working from home for them.” While Santa’s travels around the globe steal the headlines every Christmas Eve, Mrs. Claus – or Gertrude – is the selfless woman helping make it all happen. She tends to the home, oversees the finances, keeps the elves in line, organizes Santa’s schedule, and yes, keeps tabs on the naughty and nice children. “I never worry about Kris when he’s in Arcadia because those folks are so darn nice. My only concern is they put out way too many snacks and we all know how much Santa loves his cookies,” said Mrs. Claus with a wink. “It’s a real bonus that I can park my sleigh on those bike paths, ‘cause I’m starting to get a bit old to be climbing around on roof tops,” Kringle chuckled, his belly shaking like a bowlful of jelly. Though Santa’s mailbag is always overflowing, an unnamed source in the workshop (no doubt a nosey elf) has learned what a couple of the Arcadia children want under their tree: Mia and Ruby Frey, 9 and 7, have both asked for a Squishmallow, or two or three. Truth be told, the elves had to check YouTube for how to make those. Drew and Emmy Powers, 10 and 5, are hoping for an electric scooter and Barbie Dream House, respectively. The children promised that they were very, very, very good all year long, and after fact-checking their claims, Mrs. Claus put a good checkmark next to their names. With just a few weeks to go before the big day, Arcadia families are hurrying to get ready, setting up Christmas trees and lights everywhere, decorating their homes with stockings hung with care; some even illuminating shrubs, palm trees and cacti. Said one overzealous neighbor, “You don’t ever want to be shown up by someone down the street. Besides, why not extend Santa the festive welcome he deserves?” We all can’t wait to hear that familiar refrain, “ho, ho, ho!” Christopher Kringle By Mallory Gleich Avid readers of the Arcadia News may be familiar with a column called Meet Mr. (or Ms., or Mrs.!), which focuses on introducing the community to others in the neighborhood. Thus far, columnist Ray Artigue has introduced moms, dads, nonprofit creators, managers, animal lovers and everything in between. In October 2023, Ray celebrated his 60th column by hosting a get-together at Shemer Art Center. He invited each of the 60 men and women featured in his column for appetizers, drinks and socializing. “I’ve been writing for Arcadia News for a little over five years. My first column appeared in August 2018,” Ray said. “I resurrected Meet Mr. as a tribute to my father.” Ray Artigue, Sr. started the “Meet Mr.” weekly column for the Phoenix Gazette in 1949 and continued profiling businessmen for nine years. Ray also attributes his love of writing to his mother, who was an award-winning journalist for the Arizona Republic and the Las Vegas Sun . Ray is the founder of Artigue Advisors, a marketing consulting firm that he opened in 2016. He served for four years as executive director of the MBA Sports Business Program at ASU and was also the senior vice president of Marketing Communications for the Phoenix Suns. The only criteria to be considered for the column is that the person lives or works in Arcadia, but Ray says, “everyone qualifies, because everyone has a story to tell.” Arcadia News held a similar event after the first year of published stories and it was a big hit, so Ray decided to throw another party – but this time, with more people. “I also wanted to introduce Shemer to those who hadn’t seen it, and let our neighbors know about their exciting expansion plans,” he said. “Seeing everyone come together, either meeting for the first time or renewing existing friendships, was amazing. Arcadia is all about the people and Arcadia News is such an important part of the equation!” Ray’s plans include continuing the next installment of Meet Mr. (check out the latest feature above!) and publishing his fourth book, titled Words, Wisdom & Wonderment . Arcadia News’ Meet Mr. column celebrates five years Then he sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But we heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.”

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