4 FEBRUARY 2024 — – — – — – EDITOR’S NOTE Whenever I reminisce about my childhood, there’s one piece of equipment that is always present in my memories – one that children all over the world long to have and use for years to come: the bicycle. Unfortunately, my affection for anything with two wheels has since disappeared (thanks to an unfortunate Moped accident that left me on my behind in front of a bunch of classmates), but this is not the case for 26-year-old Noah Anastassatos. Noah’s father has been an enthusiastic bike rider for decades, but Noah only picked up the hobby a couple of years ago. It appears to be his hidden talent because Noah won the El Tour de Tucson – a 102-mile bike ride in the Sonoran Desert in November – against 3,000 competitors from around the world. “In the last part of the race, my legs were smoked, but I knew I had to keep pushing,” Noah said. “After the final turn, I crossed the finish line and was in shock. I could not believe I’d won!” This was only Noah’s second official competition, and it’s propelled him to continue in the racing circuit. He’s already preparing for the Tour de Scottsdale in April. In early February is the 70th annual Western Week, which celebrates the history and culture of Scottsdale with an art walk, Hashknife Pony Express arrival, Arizona Indian Festival and – the most popular event – the Parada del Sol and Trail’s End Festival. This issue also includes another important anniversary, new additions and awards presented to our area schools, and a whole lot of fun. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Home & Design and Camp Guide , coming your way soon – and thank you, as always, for reading Arcadia News. – 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. Cooper is a six-year-old German Shepherd mix and Biscuit is a 10-year-old Chihuahua. We have had them both since we rescued them as puppies. They are best friends and love to sit outside in the sun. Biscuit is the boss of the house and Cooper can be found at Arcadia Park showing off his ball catching skills. These two raised and protected three Arcadia boys who now work in the community. – Rachel R. 2. Charlie is a four-month-old Bernedoodle. He loves learning new tricks and is very motivated by treats. His favorite tricks are high fives and doing somersaults in the backyard. He’s very fascinated with other animals and will stop and watch them walk by while on walks. – Katrina J. 3. Zöe Lee is an 11-year-old Miniature Schnauzer. She enjoys barking at nothing and she loves howling at something. Fortunately, she does not have Covid! – David K. 4. Rupert is a six-month-old Phantom Merle Standard Bernadoodle. He joined our family when he was eight weeks old. He has a super bubbly and playful personality. Rupert loves walks and greets every dog and human with open paws. You might see him walking the neighborhood. His favorite places to people watch are LGO, Ingo’s and OHSO. He loves to meet new friends at Kachina Park. Don’t hesitate to say hello! – Aillene J. 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 Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org www.cclphoenix.org www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP Traditional Worship Traditional Worship 8:00am/10:45am Contemporary Worship Contemporary Worship 8:30am/10:30am Teaching Service Teaching Service 9:30am ONLINE WORSHIP Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am FB Live or CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH

5 FEBRUARY 2024 By Rachael Bouley Arcadia High was well-represented at the SUSD High School Athletics Awards Banquet in December at The McCormick Scottsdale. Five Titans were presented with All-District honors following solid performances in the fall sports season. Volleyball player Taylor Soule and footballers Khary Beler, Brady Forst, Carter Pruitt and Braylen Rooney received awards for their efforts. District Athletic Director Nathan Slater said it’s a great honor to be an all- district athlete. “For individual sports like cross country and golf, we have an SUSD Invitational that has to be won to qualify for All- District,” Slater said. “For team sports like volleyball and football, they are voted on by the coaches of those sports.” Each athlete is presented with a plaque at the banquet, where their coaches share their athletic and academic accomplishments. It’s also an opportunity to discuss future hopes and dreams, with most athletes planning to continue playing the sports they love in college and beyond. Having been a football player since he was five, Brady Forst was excited to receive All- District honors to wrap up his high school career after an undefeated regular season progressed to the State Championship game. “My proudest accomplishments are scoring 30 touchdowns my senior year and making the all-conference team,” Brady said. “I was inspired by the people who believed in me and the feeling of winning.” The future business major has two clear goals for the coming years: “I want to play college football and get a master’s degree.” Teammate Carter Pruitt also looks forward to his college football career and is pleased to be recognized for his hard work on and off the field. “I am very proud of the effort and leadership I brought to my team this season and being part of such a special program that accomplished so much success,” he said. “I started playing football as a toddler in the front yard with my dad and older brother. The joy and freedom I feel while playing has fueled my passion and love for the game.” Khary Beler also basked in the end-of- season honors after a memorable time with the Titans. “The undefeated football season is one of my proudest sporting moments,” Khary said. “Playing with this group and knowing where we started in eighth grade and what we accomplished as seniors is pretty cool. We worked hard, played as a unit, and had fun.” The future is bright for Khary, who is interested in architecture and graphic design. “My goals are to earn a degree and play college football, then head to the NFL and play professional football,” he said. “Hopefully, you will see me in the Football Hall of Fame one day!” Congratulations Titans! AHS athletes recognized at All-District Awards Banquet AHS Principal Dr. Janelle Danskey, Brady Forst, Taylor Soule, Khary Beler, Braylen Rooney, Carter Pruitt, and Athletic Director Steve Sherren at the All-Districts Athletic Awards Banquet. PHOTO COURTESY OF JANELLE DANSKEY                   2023 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/01/2023-12/31/2023) Active Homes - 57 Homes Homes Sold - 153 Homes Average Sale Price - $1,312,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $491 Average Days On Market - 82 days There is currently 4 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 increased 7%. (based on 2022 sales results) 2023 $ Per Square Foot prices have decreased 2%. (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 (1/01/2023-12/31/2023) Active Homes - 72 Homes Homes Sold - 208 Homes Average Sale Price - $2,450,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $667 Average Days On Market - 80 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 46% 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