36 JANUARY 2025 IT’S TIME By Mallory Gleich As the new year rolls in, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about citrus gleaning season. Arcadia, known for its abundance of citrus trees, has plenty of ripe fruit waiting to be picked. Gleaning – the act of harvesting excess fruit from trees – has become a tradition for local residents, especially from January through March when fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines are in peak season. Today, folks can donate their citrus or consider hiring someone* to pick and haul the fruit away. Donations should be clean fruits void of leaves, stems, decay, etc. Reminder: Overripe citrus can attract pests, especially roof rats. These rodents are common in areas like Arcadia and can cause damage to your trees and property. They tend to nest in high places, such as attics or tree branches. If you’re dealing with roof rats or want to know more about prevention, visit acmna.org/roof-rats-in-arcadia for helpful tips. * This newspaper has tree and landscape advertisers to consider on pages 48 and 50. Arcadia News does not endorse or recommend one advertiser over another. Readers should do their research and due diligence when hiring. SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS 5524 E. Lafayette Blvd., Phoenix Every Saturday in February (1st, 8th, and 15th), from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Shepherd of the Hills, in partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank, will host a Citrus Saturday event for donation drop-offs. firstfoodbank.org/citrus-gleaning-seasonal ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK ALLIANCE 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix St. Mary’s will continue to accept citrus donations, though they no longer provide gleaning services. Donations can be dropped off from January 13 until April 30, 2025, between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. daily at their Phoenix location. stmarysfoodbank.org PROJECT ROOTS 1200 W. Vineyard Road, Phoenix Project Roots will be accepting citrus donations in 2025, but instead of dropping off, volunteers will come to your location to pick up. All you have to do is fill out this form: https://wkf.ms/3diziik. projectrootsaz.org VIA LINDA SENIOR CENTER 10440 E. Vía Linda, Scottsdale The Via Linda Senior Center will be collecting citrus donations through the end of February. Drop off your fruit at the center between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. scottsdaleaz.gov/seniors CITRUS DROP-OFFS ROOF RAT INFO • The roof rat is dark brown or black and measures 13-18 inches, including the tail. They weigh 5-9 ounces and are slim, nearly hairless and have large ears. • Common signs of roof rat activity include hollowed-out fruits, damage to plastics on electrical wires and unsettled pets. • They are usually found around swimming pools, laundry rooms, attics, garages and patios. They spend 90 percent of their lives four feet or more off the ground. • Roof rats nest outside in trees, woodpiles and dense vegetation like oleander bushes. Inside, roof rats prefer to nest in the upper levels of a structure in the attic and ceiling. 2025 JANUARY 2025 Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM CLS! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8