4 JUNE 2024 EDITOR’S NOTE Building you the tree house you’ve been begging for. Tossing you as high as he can into in the deep end of the pool. Giving your date a stern look when he grabs your hand to leave for prom. Wiping that almost invisible tear away as he proudly watches you walk across the stage – or down the aisle. We’re kicking off the latest edition with a huge shout-out to all the father figures out there – Happy Father’s Day to you all! June is here and with it, your good news newspaper is sharing stories that celebrate our area schools, local organizations and anniversaries. V’s Barbershop Arcadia opened 25 years ago at 48th St. and Indian School Road – and it all started with one of Owner Jim Valenzuela’s favorite memories: getting a haircut with his dad. “Climbing onto the booster chair, watching a Saturday afternoon football game on a black and white TV with a clothes hanger antenna, the smell of the tonics, the four letter words from the barber and his patrons and the feeling of walking out of the shop with a fresh cut,” Jim said. “The entire experience with dad was as a strong memory as any while growing up.” We’d like to congratulate all the graduates of our local schools and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Our Summer Vacation Photo Spread is happening this year, so send photos to editor@arcadianews.com for a chance to be in the September issue. Your photo might be on the cover! The deadline to send in photos is August 9. Happy summer days ahead, and thank you, as always, for reading the 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 ads@arcadianews.com .                  1. Karlie Lee is an 11-year old Miniature Schnauzer and the most lovable sister of Zöe Lee. An expert of celestial events, Karlie enjoyed watching the solar eclipse whilst wearing her ISO-approved glasses designed especially for seasoned canine astronomers. – David K. 2. This is Joey, our 5-year-old Beagle/ Australian Terrier mix – a combination that makes him walk with his nose to the ground and love to soak up the desert sun. He is smart, affectionate and loves all people, especially those willing to give him lengthy belly rubs. – Brad W. 3. My name is Gidget and I’m a 12- week old Golden Retriever. I love living in Arcadia. My brothers, Wendell and Badger, have been teaching me the ropes around the neighborhood. Every morning we walk to our mom’s favorite place, Little O’s, for coffee. You can find me at happy hour on the patio at The Henry. – Shari M. 4. Meow! My name is Charlee and I am almost two years old. The first year of my life was spent in various shelters. I now live in my forever home. Playing with toys, bird watching and sunbathing on the porch are some of my favorite activities. – Cindy L. 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! “ W o u l d r e c o m m e n d t o f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y . T h e d e n t i s t , a s s i s t a n t , a n d f r o n t o f f i c e w a s g r e a t t o w o r k w i t h . T h e y t o o k t h e t i m e t o e x p l a i n e v e r y t h i n g a n d c a r e a b o u t t h e i r p a t i e n t s . ” J e s s y L . G O O G L E Dental Design of Arcadia C A L L N O W ! 5 2 0 - 3 7 2 - 6 7 7 0 W h a t w e O f f e r ! I m p l a n t s S a m e D a y C r o w n s A f f o r d a b l e I n v i s a l i g n P r e v e n t a t i v e C l e a n i n g s C o s m e t i c D e n t i s t r y A l l o n 4 / 6 / X A n d s o m u c h m o r e ! W E A C C E P T M O S T P P O I N S U R A N C E S ! A C C E P T I N G N E W P A T I E N T S ! N O I N S U R A N C E ? T h a t ’ s o k a y ! W e o f f e r N e w P a t i e n t S p e c i a l s , C a l l U s N o w S p a c e i s L i m i t e d ! We Elevate Smiles www.dentaldesignofarcadia.com

5 JUNE 2024 By Mallory Gleich If there’s one thing Nola Williams knows, it’s how to create a goal and make it happen. Throughout her academic career, she’s been active in student government, speech and debate, the Student Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Black Student Union. She’s also spent time fundraising for various campaigns, and according to former Arizona State Senator Leah Landrum Taylor, was one of the top fundraisers for the Jack and Jill of America campaign in 2021 and 2022. “It was exciting to witness Nola map out her course of excellence while still having fun,” Taylor said. “She motivated our teen auxiliary group to work harder and that love of teamwork assisted our chapter in winning the highest fundraising goal at the regional conference.” While participating in these activities, Nola added one more to her impressive extracurricular resume – a hobby she’s been active in for over a decade: tennis. “Being part of tennis was my favorite, unequivocally,” Nola said. “I’ve been captain for the last three seasons and it has been such a privilege to lead and learn from the girls on my team. It was also fun to win as much as we did.” Nola will head to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in the fall to major in journalism and minor in economics. “Medill is one of the foremost programs in the country and continues to graduate alumnus who are titans of the industry,” Nola said. “I’m humbled and most excited to learn from the esteemed professors and participate in the hands on experience and real world learning they offer.” She said she’s had an interest in being on camera for her entire life, but it was only last summer that she realized journalism was something she was interested in pursuing. She attended the National Student Leadership Conference’s Journalism Program at American University, learning about ethics and research strategies while hearing from other aspiring journalists. “The potential to tell stories, advocate for others, and explore the world around me is the full package,” Nola said. Her love of journalism was inspired by the culture of the field. Growing up in a time in which access to media and information has rapidly shifted, she said she’s grown to appreciate and admire individuals and organizations who prioritize a code of ethics around the true purpose of journalism, to inform without ulterior motives or bias. Her ultimate goal is to one day have her own talk show. “I will miss my life here at home, and I’ll miss how entertaining Arcadia is. Every single day someone or something made me laugh,” she said. “My parents, who are my biggest cheerleaders and support system, have always encouraged this appreciation and curiosity by exposing me to different environments, and helping me to never fear the unknown. I’m looking forward to the next chapter!” Arcadia graduate Nola Williams was selected to receive the $500 unrestricted Arcadia News Scholarship. The program was created in 2004 by publisher Greg Bruns to encourage the pursuit of journalism or a related field. Since then, Arcadia News has gifted over $18,000 to graduating seniors, some of which have come back to write for the community paper. Nola is the 30th recipient of the award. Arcadia News 2024 Scholarship Winner Arcadia graduate Nola Williams. PHOTO COURTESY OF NOLA WILLIAMS                2024 TAVAN SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/1/2024-4/30/2024) Active Homes - 56 Homes Homes Sold - 59 Homes Average Sale Price - $1,352,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $505 Average Days On Market - 82 days There is currently 4 months of home inventory. (based on 2023 sales results) 2024 home sales have increased 13% this year. (based on 2023 sales results) 2024 home prices have increased 3%. (based on 2023 sales results) 2024 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 3%. (based on 2023 sales results) 2024 Homes are taking 0% more time to sell. (based on 2023 sales results) Arcadia Real Estate Stats 2024 HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES RESULTS (1/1/2024-4/30/2024) Active Homes - 115 Homes Homes Sold - 93 Homes Average Sale Price - $2,803,000 Average Sold $ Per SF - $757 Average Days On Market - 52 days There is currently 7 months of home inventory. (based on 2023 sales results) 2024 home sales have increased 26% this year. (based on 2023 sales results) 2024 home prices have increased 13%. (based on 2023 sales results) 2024 $ Per Square Foot prices have increased 12%. (based on 2023 sales results) 2024 homes are taking 35% less time to sell. (based on 2023 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