4 OCTOBER 2025 EDITOR’S NOTE I learned something recently, and how I happened upon this information was that I was driving to the office and traffic was backed up for a solid mile. I thought to myself (something that we’ve all probably thought when October hits in Phoenix): “Our seasonal visitors are here!” Of course, there are pros and cons to snowbirds, but that insane fact is: “Arizona-wide, estimates of seasonal residents range from 300,000 to 400,000 people per fall/ winter in the Phoenix metro area.” No wonder it takes me an hour to get home – and I live right down the road! Despite that, residents can now revel in the fact that October brings fresh air, open doors and lots of fun events; Halloween and Oktoberfest are well-known, of course, but there are also various fall markets, pumpkin and apple patches, ghost tours, haunted houses…some places (we’re looking at you, Hobby Lobby) are even crazy enough to break out the holiday décor. Our October edition includes all of those things and more – places to snag authentic Bavarian cuisine, a haunted cocktail lounge, and updates on area students and the cool things they’re doing. There are also a few pups in this edition, some of whom might be featured at the Humane Society’s next fundraiser, Compassion for Fashion. In this story, readers will meet the Arcadia ladies behind the scenes and learn why this cause is near and dear to their hearts. We’re diligently working on our upcoming Arcadia Home & Design edition and excited for the months to come. Thank you for reading the Arcadia News, and happy October days! – Mallory Gleich – 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: call/text 602-840-6379 or email ads@arcadianews.com .       1. Mabel the Mini Dachshund turns eight in November, but she’s been part of our family since she was eight weeks old. Mabel means “beautiful and lovable,” and she’s just that! A blanket-bundling, treat-loving sweetheart, she lives for sunbathing, adventures, cuddles, and kisses. Fun fact: she’s also a first place champion in multiple weenie dog races! – Britt H. 2. My beautiful dog is a seven-year-old Newfoundland named Miley . She is a big girl, weighing in at 120 pounds. She gets haircuts in the summer to cool her down and sits on our pool step. Newfoundlands are bred for water rescue but this girl, in her “older” age, prefers to what we call “step-sit” and be hand dried with three beach towels! Miley is waited on all day long and is the center of our family. She is silly and very smart. She is such a special girl and words cannot describe how much we love her. – Judy N. 3. Preston (left) is a five-year- year - year old bernedoodle who loves swimming, sniffing ears, going on car rides, and attending Pi Kapp frat parties at ASU. He’s a regular at dad’s work, but he’s a mommy’s boy at heart. Preston’s older brother Pablo is a 7-year- year - year old golden doodle. He hoves napping, belly rubs, and humans. He’s an uncertified emotional support animal and pool life guard who follows mom everywhere and loves a good snack brought to him on his favorite spot on the couch. – Lana A. 4. Meet Harvey , our two Harvey , our two Harvey -year- year - year old pug. Adopted at 12 weeks old, he’s the life of the party! He lives by the motto play all day, party all night. Always rocking a bandana, this fun dude loves people, dogs, and his party trick is untying shoelaces. Harvey comes with us just about everywhere we go, so he’s become a familiar face at many businesses in the community. – Michele V. 1 3 4 2 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!                Serving the Arcadia area since 1958 | D O G S | CATS | B I R DS | EXOTI C S | MEDI CAL • DENTAL • SU RG ERY • BOARDI NG • O B EDI EN C E TRAI N I NG Member Since 1959 4855 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 | ingleside.com HOSPITAL 602-840-3446 BRIAN A. SERBIN, DVM • FELICITY GESINA, DVM • MOLLY R. KLEIN, DVM HEBAH MOHAMED, DVM • EMMA SMITH, DVM • ASHLEY BROWN, DVM We ALWAYS accept new clients! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

5 OCTOBER 2025 By Mark Hays Fifth grader Essie Hustedt had an unforgettable summer. Instead of making a beeline straight to the beach or heading to her favorite hang out spot, she traveled to Georgia to compete in the Junior Olympics for track and field after earning her spot through a series of highly competitive qualifying meets. Essie first discovered her passion for running at school. “I signed up for the track and field team,” she said. “We had a meet against the other elementary schools in the Scottsdale School District. I had so much fun competing, I asked my dad if he could sign me up for some more meets and coach me.” That enthusiasm quickly turned into success. She competed in the Arizona State Championships and got second place in the long jump. It was at this event – and with that memorable win – that Essie decided to check out the Junior Olympics. Officially known as the AAU Junior Olympic Games, this is the largest multi-sport event for youth in the United States. Each summer, thousands of athletes ages 7-18 gather from across the country to compete in everything from track and field to swimming, wrestling, and gymnastics. The event has launched the careers of many Olympians and NCAA athletes. Qualifying was no small task. Athletes must advance through multiple levels of competition at two qualifying meets before becoming eligible. “You have to place in the top 6 in the state meet to continue to the regional meet,” Essie said. “Then you have to place in the top 8 at the regional meet to qualify for nationals. We are in Region 10, which is made up of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and part of Texas.” For Essie, the process came with nerves but also excitement for the competition. “It was intimidating because there were so many competitors and I wanted to do well,” she said. Despite the pressure, the trip to Georgia gave her more than just competition experience – it also gave her a chance to connect with fellow young athletes. “The best part was that I made a new friend with another girl from Arizona because we kept seeing each other at all the meets,” she said. At the championships, Essie competed in both long jump and high jump, placing 12th in the nation in high jump – but she said this experience is just the beginning. She already has big dreams for her athletic future. “I think it would be fun to be on a college sports team,” Essie said. “I also like gymnastics, horseback riding, and would like to learn more track and field events so I could try competing in the pentathlon.” Whether it’s on the track, in the gym, or on horseback, her athletic aspirations promise more exciting chapters ahead. usatf.org From Hopi to the National Junior Olympics Essie traveled to Georgia to competed in the Junior Olympics for track and field after earning her spot through qualifying meets. PHOTO COURTESY OF MADISON HUSTEDT Essie Hustedt I had so much fun competing, I asked my dad if he could sign me up for more meets and coach me.