4 MAY 2025 EDITOR’S NOTE Here’s a fun fact: I graduated high school in 2007 in a class of 37 students. Thirty. Seven. The ceremony took 15 minutes and we were out of there, my friends and I piled up in my ’94 Chevy Trailblazer to head to the closest party we could find. Granted, this was a small town in southeast Minnesota, but still – when I hear how many students graduate each year in the Valley, it blows my mind. That number can be upwards of 43 times more students than my tiny class of Midwesterners. In 2024, Arcadia High’s ceremony celebrated over 1,600! Graduation comes with fanfare and activities leading up to the big day: the grad walk, parades, project graduation, etc. It may be different than it was 18 years ago, but either way, congratulations to our high school and middle school grads – we’re so proud of you! Arcadia neighbor Hank Murphy spent years in corporate America before putting down the pen and picking up the spatula. He’s now the owner of Bad Hambres, a frozen food service that sells one thing: bean and cheese burritos. We can’t introduce our May edition without giving a shoutout to the mother figures – those awesome ladies who have been there for the boo-boos, the woo-hoos and everything in between. We hope your Mother’s Day is filled with lots of love and laughter. Have a beautiful May, and thank you, as always, for reading the Arcadia News, Arcadia News, – Mallory 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: call/text 602-840-6379 or email ads@arcadianews.com .                         1. Mr. Pickles came into my life eight years ago when I went to the shelter to adopt a little girl dog to share my life with. Instead, this scrappy little dude with the funny name chose ME to be his human, and for that, I will be forever grateful. – Carol C. 2. Five-year-old brothers Tommy and Smash were adopted as kittens in April 2020 from Saving One Life. They do everything side by side, including looking out the window, sleeping, and lapping up our lavish affection. We love spoiling them, including giving them dibs on the prime seats in the house! – Amy and Larry W. 3. Tigger is five years old and has been in our family for four years. He’s a Bengal cat who is kind and sweet and a total snuggle bug. His favorite thing to do is cuddle up with a blanket or with one of his human family members. – M. D. 4. This is our sweet girl Poppy . She is a rescue from the Halo Shelter on Bell Road. She’s originally from New Mexico and is seven years old. She loves chasing rabbits and lounging on the couch. We believe she is part Kooikerhondje and she has her own Instagram @poppythekooiker! – Scott N. 1 2 4 3 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 or text it to 602.840.6379 . Include your pet’s name and age, along with any fun facts about them you’d like to share. All animals are welcome! Just when a family thought they were at capacity on surprises, the Silbermans learned their grandchildren were keeping a secret. Clues began to emerge in recent weeks: vague answers to questions of “What’s new with you?” and secret conversations with cousins. What could the secret be and what was driving the grandchildren’s actions? “This was a hard secret to keep, but we had only learned the news one day before a March visit and we opted to wait to confess until we could be in person again,” the secret-holders claimed. After a thorough investigation, the couple confirmed the presence of baby Mathesen, due to make his grand appearance in October 2025. This was a shocking discovery as the family was already expecting another grandchild in October! Nevertheless, reports confirm that two grandbabies (one boy and one girl) are arriving – and are due just eight days apart! Authorities ask that anyone with parenting advice, baby books, or hand-me-downs report directly to the expectant parents. In the meantime, excitement builds as the countdown begins. OPEN SUN-MON-TUES 11AM-9PM WED-THURS 11AM-9:30PM FRI-SAT 11AM-10PM • DINE IN • PATIO SERVICE • SAT-SUN BRUNCH MENU WITH DRINK SPECIALS • HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS • PICKUP ORDERS Try our full catering service: 602-300-7133 Safety guidelines are being followed. Thanks for your support! • SAT-SUN BRUNCH MENU WITH DRINK SPECIALS • SAT-SUN BRUNCH MENU WITH DRINK SPECIALS Safety guidelines are being followed. Thanks for your support! Safety guidelines are being followed. Thanks for your support!    
FROM TEEPEE!

5 MAY 2025 By Sherry Sklar When 12-year-old Emmy Gardner tells you that you’re enough, she means it. In her debut children’s book, You , the Christ Lutheran student joins colorful artwork and profound analogies to remind readers of all ages that confidence, kindness, and purpose begin from within. Published in December after seven months of work, You represents more than a creative project. It’s a confidence- building guide, a sibling collaboration, and a joyous celebration of the power of self-belief that resonates on every page. In a society dictated by influencers and peer pressure, this refreshing message of just being “you” in pursuit of your own path is something many of us can glean wisdom from. The idea for the book began a year ago, evolving from an earlier 14-page draft about animals and their unique talents. After sketching out a paper- and-pencil maquette, Emmy realized she could improve on the concept by speaking directly to the reader and creating something more personal. She partnered with her older sister, Hollyn, to hand- illustrate captivating images of animals, nature, and people. The text is handwritten, too – Emmy wanted the 25-page book to burst off the page with brilliance and energy. The sisters split the illustrations nearly evenly, with Emmy completing 14 and Hollyn finishing 11, each bringing their own ideas to the shared vision. The tween said she understands firsthand the challenges many young people face in staying positive amid an often complicated world. She wrote You to help others find their inner strength. “It’s so important to me that this and future generations learn how to stay cheerful, healthy, and confident,” she explained. “I wrote this book because I know how hard that can be, even as a child. I’ve often felt that way and hope this book helps kids feel less alone.” Emmy is grateful to her family for helping her push through and assist when the project sometimes seemed overwhelming. Her Uncle Richard, a graphic designer, lent a guiding hand, helping Emmy edit the pages and design the layout for self-publication, which turned out to be more complex than expected. Mom, Trisha, also pitched in with organizational skills. “It took a long time to finally see my book, but it was well worth it to get the opportunity to see my name on such a huge platform,” Emmy said. Grateful for her sister’s support, Emmy explained, “Hollyn helped me the entire way with suggestions and other additions. I loved working with her; at times it was tedious, but I wouldn’t have finished it without her.” “Although we have different working styles, we both love and support each other, and it has been great to see Emmy thrive doing what she loves,” Hollyn said. When asked what’s next, Emmy doesn’t hesitate to list her aspirations in order: writer (box checked!), business owner, and president. She is working on her second publication, a chapter book featuring four military pilots who offer different perspectives. She is also balancing a busy school schedule, entrepreneurship, and ambitions for the future. Emmy has some straightforward advice for other young creatives and aspiring authors: “Stay focused on the primary aim, especially when the process gets challenging. Even if it’s tough at the start, always remember the main goal. That’s what helped me keep going.” Her encouragement for others to hone their exceptional talent rings authentic, considering her journey. With a supportive family, a vision for helping others, and a book that’s already inspiring peers, Emmy Gardner is just getting started. You is available on Amazon. Believing in ‘You’: Author publishes first children’s book Emmy Gardner PHOTO: TRISHA GARDNER every page. In a society dictated by influencers to be more complex than expected. Mom, Trisha, also pitched in with organizational skills. book, but it was well worth it to get the opportunity to see my name on such a huge platform,” Emmy said. Emmy explained, “Hollyn helped