OCTOBER 2024 34 Hello Arcadia residents, As we dive into Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m thrilled to celebrate the incredible contributions and traditions that make our community so special. It’s a great time to appreciate the vibrant cultures that add so much to our city. I am also excited to introduce a new water conservation incentive that we hope will help everyone save water and protect our environment. Let’s make the most of this month and work together towards a sustainable future! Water Conservation Incentives Phoenix Water is excited to introduce a new program to promote water conservation and save residents money. Homeowners and renters in single-family homes can now receive up to $75 for the purchase and installation of either an EPA WaterSense toilet, which uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less, or an EPA WaterSense- labeled smart irrigation controller. Renters will need to provide a landlord’s authorization letter to qualify. This initiative not only supports water efficiency but also helps reduce utility costs for participants. For more information, visit phoenix.gov/waterservicessite. Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15, providing a time to honor and celebrate the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans throughout U.S. history and culture. This month-long celebration highlights Hispanic heritage, acknowledging the significant achievements, cultural impact, and historical advancements made by those of Hispanic descent. Phoenix is hosting an array of festivities, and District 6 is the holding the “Guelaguetza” at The Desert Botanical Garden on October 5-6, offering a vibrant showcase of Hispanic culture. By recognizing the diverse experiences and contributions of Hispanic Americans, we gain a deeper appreciation for their vital role in shaping the nation’s history and the state of Arizona. This serves as an opportunity to reflect on the many ways Hispanic Americans have enriched the cultural landscape and to celebrate the ongoing influence in various fields, from arts to education. I also would like to add that our next District 6 Coffee Chat will be on October 25 from 7-9 a.m. at Luci’s at the Orchard (7100 N. 12th St., Phoenix). Hope to see you there! Thank you, Kevin DISTRICT 6   Councilman District 6 602-262-7491 District6@phoenix.gov KEVIN ROBINSON

35 OCTOBER 2024 By Carol McNamara, Ph.D. The Great Hearts Institute partnered with Great Hearts Veritas on September 18, 2024, to host its inaugural Great Hearts Constitution Day Address. Generously supported by the Jack Miller Center, the event was free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity for the community to engage with important historical conversations that continue to shape our nation’s future. Events like this are essential for celebrating Constitution Day, a federal observance commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution. The study and discussion of the Constitution, the documents and speeches associated with the American Founding throughout American history, have been an integral component of Great Hearts classical education, which seeks to instruct students in the ideas and practices that inform their way of life as participants in American democracy. In September 1787, the delegates of the Constitutional Convention took the monumental step of signing the document they had drafted during the summer of the Philadelphia Convention. The signatures on that document and the following ratification process were the final steps in creating a constitutional experiment that informed and protected the principles of the United States of America and set a pattern for emerging democracies worldwide. Andrew Porwancher, a professor at Arizona State University’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, delivered the keynote lecture, “The Constitution: Hidden Truths and Enduring Myths.” As a noted scholar and author, Porwancher focused on debunking several common misconceptions about the Constitution, underscoring the importance of historical accuracy for understanding the document in its proper context. He pointed out that popular opinion incorrectly holds that the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights appended to the U.S. Constitution provides for our religious liberty by establishing a wall of separation between church and state. Porwancher explained that while the Constitution does protect pluralistic religious belief and practice, the concept of a wall separating religious institutions and practice from state power actually emerges from an 1802 letter sent by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association in Connecticut. The concept represents then President Jefferson’s interpretation of the U.S. Constitution but does not reflect the precise wording of the document. Porwancher similarly explained that the Constitution does not explicitly establish the judiciary’s role to review and judge the constitutionality of congressional legislation. Instead, it was the prudent judgment of John Marshall, the first Supreme Court Chief Justice, who avoided a conflict with the newly elected president, Thomas Jefferson, in the famous decision of Marbury v. Madison, which he found for the president, but through which he established the power of the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of the constitutionality of legislation. Following the lecture, a Q&A session moderated by Great Hearts Arizona Superintendent Brandon Crowe allowed attendees to explore the nuanced constitutional issues raised by Porwancher further. Conversations continued during the reception, where guests enjoyed refreshments and lively discussions, deepening their engagement with the event’s themes. Gatherings like this provide us with a designated day to read, teach, and study the Constitution as a means to remind ourselves that government dedicated to the protection of civil rights and liberties, derived from an understanding of human beings as fundamentally equal, is in the long history of the world a relatively new creation, and one that we should not take for granted. Veritas hosts inaugural Great Hearts Constitution Day Address Great Hearts Arizona Superintendent Brandon Crowe with Andrew Porwancher. PHOTO COURTESY OF VERITAS PREP By Jennifer Marshall There are two things to know about Kristin and Dan Alber. The first is that they love to travel. The second is that they love to help customers find unique décor to accessorize their homes and offices – which is part of the reason why they opened FOUND Arcadia, a home décor shop at 44th St. and Indian School Road. The Alber family is familiar with entrepreneurship. They owned and operated a store in Mesa called Domestic Bliss before changing lanes and trying out a children’s clothing boutique. After a few years, they found their niche in home and design. “The heart of our business is to create a truly unique and immersive experience for our clients that is special and feels different from other shopping destinations,” Kristin said. “FOUND Arcadia is a culmination of our favorite places and personal experiences.” The store’s aesthetic and products – sourced from all over the United States and Europe – are inspired by the couple’s travels and favorite things. In the store, shoppers can find pieces that complement each room in a home, from barstools to dining tables and chandeliers to outdoor furniture. Mirrors, books, wall art and planters are abundant. For life’s celebrations, the Albers dedicated a portion of the store to gifts: greeting cards, party decorations, packaging and an assortment of jewelry, health and wellness pieces (think candles and lotions), and tote bags. “In a world where online shopping and mass production dominate, we at FOUND are committed to showcasing the beauty, uniqueness and value of meaningful pieces,” Kristin said. “We want to create a place where you can feel inspired and find something truly special and we are constantly searching for antiques and unique finds for our clients.” The store features an on-site event space called The PROPER, a separate gathering place for workshops and events put on by Kristen and Dan, such as Mahjong lessons and cake decorating and design classes. Clients can also rent out The PROPER for special occasions. As the holidays approach, the duo will be offering holiday-themed programs, and when spring rolls around, they plan on hosting a European Flea Market. FOUND also offers both in-store and full-service design services and has worked with design clients throughout Arizona, Utah, California, Las Vegas, Oregon, and Colorado. Design packages include partial or full home, new builds and renovations, home styling and holiday/ event design. foundarcadia.com Bespoke decor store has FOUND a home in Arcadia