4 JANUARY 2024 — – — – — – EDITOR’S NOTE For a good chunk of my formative years, I grew up in a small (pop. 800) town in southeast Minnesota. The winters in Lanesboro were ruthless – negative temperatures, snowstorms, icy roads, etc. So, you’d think I would stay used to any kind of cold temperature, right? After this month’s ‘Things We Tried’ adventure, I can confirm that this is not the case. Since January is our health-themed edition, the Arcadia News crew decided to forgo the traditional workouts and suggested I try cryotherapy. iCRYO is a health and wellness brand in Arcadia that offers cryotherapy, red light therapy, IV drip therapy, and more. “Have you ever done a polar plunge?” My iCRYO guide, Boston, asked. I had not and had no plans to. “Well, it’s kind of like that.” Except in this instance, I was not swimming – I was standing, for three minutes, in a minus 145° F “cooler” – hoping I didn’t wuss out. By definition, cryotherapy is a non- invasive cold therapy that triggers the body’s natural fight-or-flight response to accelerate recovery and decrease inflammation throughout the body. Did it work? I’d need more treatments to experience the full benefits, but let’s just say I was happy it was warm out that day. This month’s edition is packed with awesome Arcadians covering all the bases: health, wellness, fun, recognition, philanthropy and more. Resident John Hoban, whose diagnosis prompted him into action, wrote a song to share his gratitude with the world for beating cancer. Proceeds from the song go to St. Vincent de Paul. Keep an eye out for our Home and Design and Camp Guide editions coming your way in a few months. Happy New Year to you, dear readers. We wish you all the best in 2024, and thank you for reading Arcadia News! – Mallory Gleich – Mallory Gleich UPCOMING THEMES: No one has better coverage in the areas of Arcadia, Biltmore and the Camelback Corridor. Promote your business to 45,000 loyal Arcadia News readers. For more: 602-840-6379 or email roni@arcadianews.com .                         1. Gunner is the sweetest 100 percent bulldog ever! No longer an empty nester thanks to the most lovable and friendly pup I’ve ever known. He loves to meet other dogs, play fetch, go on walks and give hugs and kisses. Gunner loves walking the canal early mornings or through the Arcadia neighborhood in the early evenings. – Keri B. 2. Ziki was a stray kitten found in Arcadia when I rescued him. He is a Chocolate Point Burmese Siamese cat, and all he wants to do is give and get love – and eat, as you can tell! – Sherry C. 4. Maggie is a 16-year-old Jack Russell Terrier. She lives for her morning slice of turkey and naps. If you see her on a walk or riding in her dad’s sidecar, be sure to wave and say hi! – Shawn N. 3. Pepper is a 13-year-old rescue that we inherited from our dear friend Lois. She can be spotted in various seasonal attire walking the streets of Arcadia with her buddies Cash, Tiki, Otto and Satchmo. She loves naps and treats and slobbering on car windows. House windows too! – Krista & Doug R. 1 3 2 4 ARCADIA 'S PETS Would you like to share your pet? Send a photo and a description (50 words max) of your pet to editor@arcadianews.com . Include your pet’s name and age, along with any fun facts about them you’d like to share. All animals are welcome! YOUR PROBLEMS / OUR SOLUTIONS Dwill-Mast Construction is a remodeling company dedicated to quality and integrity. We will bring our construction skills and remodeling experience to your next project! • Commercial /Residential Remodeling • 30 years of experience • Licensed, bonded & insured ROC# 335310 CALL DERECK 602-505-2559 • DWILL-MASTCONSTRUCTION.COM

5 JANUARY 2024 By Rachael Bouley Two Hopi Elementary educators are celebrating a classroom boost after receiving $2,500 grants from Fiesta Bowl Charities, thanks to the Wishes for Teachers Draft Day program. Arcadia educators Molly Pont-Brown and Katie Whitworth were granted wishes in a record-breaking eighth year for the program, with a total of $1.25 million awarded to 500 teachers across Arizona. This year’s granted wishes increased, giving 25 percent to K-12 public and charter educators, impacting more than 220,000 students across 73 cities and 368 schools. “Educating the next generation is a responsibility shared by our entire community and spearheaded by our teachers and educational professionals,” Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses said. “We are excited to provide needed funding through the Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Draft Day as part of our commitment to honor, celebrate and support teachers.” Established in 2016, the initiative grants classroom wishes to teachers who often spend their own money on classroom materials and activities. Teachers submit their wishes with requests for reading materials, classroom makeovers, educational events, special programs and more. Winners received funds for classroom support and scored an invite to the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, where they were honored on the field in a halftime presentation. They also marched in the Fiesta Bowl Parade. Kindergarten-fifth-grade gifted teacher Molly Pont-Brown said that being able to purchase materials for STEAM project- based learning will make a big difference to students. “It is wonderful that Fiesta Bowl Charities supports teachers and students in this way. I have applied for the grant every year of my nine years teaching in Arizona, and I was totally overjoyed to have my name drawn,” Pont-Brown said. “I was still in my classroom around 5 p.m. when the call came, and I got so excited when I saw it was from the Fiesta Bowl! Afterward, I ran to tell my teaching partner and principal the great news. We are truly grateful.” Wishes for Teachers is a reminder of the community support that helps these teachers thrive. “At Hopi, we are incredibly lucky to receive so much assistance from our families, PTA, and the broader community. It is inspiring and essential to helping our students make the most of their educational experiences,” Pont-Brown added. First-grade teacher Katie Whitworth is excited to purchase reading supplies for students with the grant. “It is such an honor and a big surprise. I was ecstatic and even got a call to tell me I’d won from a former Hopi Hawk,” Whitworth said. After a six-day summer training course focused on the science of reading and dyslexia, Whitworth was inspired to make her wish. “I learned many strategies for supporting all students with their journey to learn how to read,” Whitworth said. “The money will go to sets of decodable readers for my classroom and my first-grade teammates. I will use the decodable books in guided reading groups and for extra support in class and at home.” Congratulations to our educators! fiestabowl.org These teachers made a wish – and it came true! Hopi Elementary’s Molly Pont-Brown and Katie Whitworth are the Wishes for Teachers Draft Day winners. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOPI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2023 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2023-11/30/2023) Active Homes - 66 Homes Homes Sold - 141 Homes Average Sale Price - $1,311,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $490 Average Days On Market - 82 days There is currently 5 months of home inventory. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 home sales have decreased 7% this year. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 home prices have decreased 3%. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 $ Per Square Foot prices have decreased 3%. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 Homes are taking 51% more time to sell. (based on 2022 sales results) Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2023 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2023-11/30/2023) Active Homes - 83 Homes Homes Sold - 191 Homes Average Sale Price - $2,477,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $668 Average Days On Market - 73 days There is currently 4 months of home inventory. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 home sales have decreased 15% this year. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 home prices have decreased 1%. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 $ Per Square Foot prices have decreased 1%. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 homes are taking 41% more time to sell. (based on 2022 sales results) LISTINGS NEEDED FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS. Ask me about my comprehensive online and print marketing program that exposes your home to the largest pool of qualified buyers. TOMMY ATKINSON 602.625.6020 Free MLS Access: visit TommyAtkinson.com tommyatkinsonaz YOUR HOME HERE