32 OCTOBER 2025 PHOTO BY CHRIS PELOQUIN By Neal Haddad Situated between 40th Street and 56th Street, from Indian School down to Thomas Road, the Arcadia Osborn Neighborhood Association (AONA) is home to around 2,500 rooftops and approximately 6,500 friendly faces. With top-notch public schools like Tavan Elementary, Ingleside Middle, and Arcadia High, plus Arcadia Park and the scenic 48th Street Linear Park, there’s no shortage of reasons to love where we live.  In 1997, a group of residents learned of a proposal by Arizona Department of Transportation representatives to create an extension from SR 143 from McDowell Road and continuing north to Camelback. The neighbors created the Arcadia Osborn Neighborhood Association as a way to push back on the proposal. The group was successful in dissuading ADOT from pursuing the 143 extension. Part of the rationale was that the old Crosscut Canal, previously an “open ditch,” was going to be “covered over” by SRP, who manages the property and the canal. Working with then-City Councilman and current Congressman Greg Stanton, the neighbors were able to create the 48th St. linear park that runs from McDowell Road to Indian School. Once the 143 extension was defeated and the park was created, the neighborhood association went dormant for several years. In 2011, the former R & G Ranch – which stood for the morning newspaper (“Republic”) and the afternoon newspaper (“Gazette”) – was being sold by its owner. The site had been a fun area for use by employees of the papers. It was a place where PNI employees could reserve the site for events like birthday parties and weddings. The buyer was MidFirst Bank, who wanted to rezone the area so that they could change it to a commercially zoned property. Neighbors reunited to push back on the proposal that sought to allow three story buildings, more intense uses like restaurants and more intense ingress and egress, especially down the newly-created 48th St. linear park. Neighbors gathered more than 1,000 signatures of residents in opposition to the proposal. We felt we had leverage to create modifications. With the help of then-City Councilman Mike Johnson, we were able to work to get a more palatable option for the rezoning, with lower heights (two stories instead of three) and other modifications to help it better fit into the neighborhood. That development has not happened...yet. AONA IS REBORN After the R&G Ranch battle, neighbors who launched the opposition thought that AONA could no longer remain dormant. Our neighborhood, we thought then (and still think now) is one of the best in the city. In 2012, Arcadia Osborn Neighborhood Association came back together. We have been in continuous operation ever since. WHAT DO WE DO NOW? We focus on three things: neighborhood preservation, events and neighborhood advocacy. • Neighborhood preservation: When an application for a zoning change in our neighborhood comes up, we prepare and represent AONA at hearings. These are typically for land use issues: home expansions, new home construction, commercial encroachment and more. We are among the most knowledgeable neighborhoods on zoning in the city. (Arcadia Camelback Mountain is, too!) Of particular concern of late: increasing allowance of digital billboards, especially on our neighborhood’s perimeters. In newer neighborhoods, the city has restrictions that limit the close proximity of signs to residences. In our neighborhood, we have to allow many signs to be “grandfathered” because they were permitted by Maricopa County in the late 50s before Phoenix annexed our part of the city. • Events: During the past seven or eight years, we have sponsored events meant to bring our community together. In November, we host the annual G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) event. Hundreds of people in our community come out to meet our public safety representatives from Phoenix Police and Phoenix Fire Departments. They also meet vendors, hear music and get to be part of the community. The next event takes place November 8 from 1-4 p.m. at Arcadia Park. In May, we host a Food Truck Night to bring people out to eat and mingle. • Neighborhood advocacy: We advocate for quality of life issues like crime prevention and safety. We also advocate for legislation at both the municipal and state level for laws that maintain our high standards. When, in the 2025 session, some state legislators were pushing for lots that were 1,500 square feet (not homes, but lots!) We – and others we worked with – pushed back with facts about why that was unsustainable. The bill failed. We continue to work with associations across the city that are also ‘legacy’ neighborhoods – built out already with no wide swaths of land. WHAT ARE WE ALL ABOUT? Arcadia Osborn Neighborhood Association is all about connecting people: neighbors, local institutions, city services – in a way that is cohesive and unified. On our newsletter, the banner reads: “Working to make our part of the world smaller, every day.” arcadiaosbornphx.com AONA: A history and a look toward the future Fully Insured WorkmanÕ s Comp. 4 Generations Experience 602-596-4447 Website: jasonstreeservices.com Follow us @JasonsTreeServiceAZ on Facebook JasonÕ s Tree Service Nobody Beats JasonÕ s Deals! Follow us @JasonsTreeServiceAZ on Facebook We Are The Big Tree People That Also Do Small Jobs! Nobody Beats JasonÕ s Deals!

33 OCTOBER 2025 By Chrissy Doern Author and proud dog mom, Cynthia Finefrock, recently released her fifth book in the Winston the Traveling Dog series. Winston, that adorable and fluffy Pomeranian who’s been previously featured for his other quests, is now adventuring around his home state of Arizona. Along with his playful spirit, love for cheese, and big, bright smile, he is ready to showcase the beauty and charm that make the Grand Canyon State so special. This time, Winston’s travels are especially close to Finefrock’s heart because it is all about the place she was born and raised. “I really wanted to showcase the beauty and landmarks that make Arizona unique,” Finefrock said. In the latest installment, Winston the Traveling Dog goes to Arizona , Winston follows a treasure map across the Valley, but along the way, he discovers that the real treasure isn’t something you find at the end of a journey – it’s the adventure itself and the people you share it with. Like her previous books, Finefrock showcases her photography skills with pictures that bring Winston’s journey to life, reflecting the dog mom’s passion for experiencing the world and capturing it through her camera lens. Finefrock’s inspiration for creating this series comes from her love of travel. She has been fortunate enough to have already visited over 50 countries, and said that she’s learned so much about different cultures – and about herself – through these experiences. “My goal is to inspire children to be curious about the world, to appreciate different cultures, and hopefully to spark a love of learning that they can carry with them, whether they travel far or explore in their own communities.” Finefrock visits elementary schools around the Valley to share her story and inspire children, making every encounter a fun and uplifting experience. And Winston is still adventuring. Up next, he’ll head to the culturally rich landscapes of Japan and Vietnam. For information on booking an author visit or upcoming events, or to purchase special ‘pawtographed’ copies signed by Winston himself (a portion of proceeds benefit animal rescue efforts!) – visit the website. winstonthetravelingdog.com Ingleside Middle School welcomed students and families to the 2025-26 school year with gusto, a strong foundation of academic excellence and community spirit. This year the Trojans have focused on enhancing their offerings and building upon the success of well- established programs and events. Returning families find comfort in the familiar, as many of Ingleside’s signature school and PTO-sponsored events remain part of the calendar, along with a selection of academic and extracurricular options that have become a hallmark of the student experience. “While the overall structure of the school remains largely unchanged – ensuring a smooth and consistent transition for all students – the administration continues to refine programming to better meet the diverse needs of every learner,” Dr. Junior Michael, Principal at IMS, said. At the heart of Ingleside’s success is a dedicated and experienced staff, a supportive parent community, and an enthusiastic student body. “This powerful combination set the stage for another dynamic and successful school year,” Dr. Michael said, “and we’re wrapping up a successful first quarter!” Ingleside welcomed several new educators and support staff to its team. Joining the faculty are Ms. Sandoval (Spanish), Ms. Elder (Specialized Learning), Ms. Bloch (Social Studies), Ms. Godart (Math), Ms. Keyser (Paraeducator), and Mr. Lyon (Paraeducator). Each of these individuals brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to student success. Their contributions are sure to have a positive impact across campus and further strengthen the Ingleside community. Winston’s traveling again – but this time, he’s staying close to home Behind every Trojan is a great educator Sixth-grade ELA educators Ms. Ahmad and Ms. Pollack. PHOTO COURTESY OF PRINCIPAL JUNIOR MICHAEL