30 FEBRUARY 2026 You may have never heard of the Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association, but if you live in the neighborhood, guess what? You’re already a member! And everyone is invited to the association’s annual meeting taking place Saturday, February 21 at Prince of Peace of Church. It is a time to learn about all that is going on in the neighborhood and have your voices heard. “We only meet once a year and the agenda covers everything that our residents are likely to be interested in,” Board President Marvin Borsand said. “Besides, breakfast is free and it’s nice for people to be able to meet their neighbors.” The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and feature various keynote speakers, including City Councilman Kevin Robinson and District 6 legislators. Some of the pressing issues facing the neighborhood will also be addressed, including zoning and building restrictions, E-bike issues, noise and safety ordinances, and the ever-multiplying “party houses.” There will also be an update on the 56th Street improvement project, from Camelback Road to Thomas Road, scheduled to begin this year. As always, there will be a question and answer session at the end of the meeting, allowing residents to share their thoughts and ideas on how to preserve and enhance the neighborhood. A complimentary raffle will also be held with some great prizes going to the lucky winners. Borsand said that anyone interested in joining the board may also state their interest at the meeting. Election of new officers will also take place at that time. Arcadia residents invited to the ACMNA’s annual meeting By Sherry Sklar Each year at Xavier Prep, students are asked to dedicate themselves to academics and serving others in the broader community. Nowhere is that commitment more visible than during the school’s annual canned food drive, a longstanding tradition that reflects the school’s values and emphasizes leadership. This year, the drive reached a new milestone, with students contributing more than one million cans and food equivalents for St. Vincent de Paul. Spearheaded by Xavier’s National Honor Society (NHS), the four-week event encouraged classmates to help ease hunger among families in need. Students collected several thousand pounds of non-perishable food and raised more than $100,000 in donations. While the goal was to surpass last year’s total of 693,683 cans and $70,000 raised, this year’s outcome exceeded expectations. “Each dollar donated equals 10 cans of food through St. Vincent de Paul’s buying power,” said Tara Metzger, NHS advisor. The nonprofit weighs all food donations after collection to determine the final total. Student leadership is central to every phase of the drive, which begins planning in August. NHS officers challenged themselves to strengthen their efforts through planning, goal setting, and the development of grade-level competitions, prizes, and treats to engage students. Building on successful past initiatives, such as the protein push to encourage the donation of nutritious items like tuna and peanut butter, members were also required to donate 50 cans or $25. During the month-long campaign, from October 21 to November 15, volunteers worked early- morning shifts to sustain momentum and energy across campus. Teachers, staff, and administrators supported the effort. “When the final numbers came in, the excitement was overwhelming,” Metzger said. “Students were amazed to see what they had accomplished together, and there was a shared sense of pride in knowing how many lives their efforts would touch.” “This year, our community came together in an extraordinary way for St. Vincent de Paul,” NHS President Flannery Walsh said. “Knowing how many lives this effort will touch makes us incredibly proud.” Food insecurity remains a growing challenge across Arizona. According to St. Vincent de Paul and Feeding America, more than one million Arizonans face food insecurity, and demand at food banks has risen sharply in recent years as families struggle with higher housing and grocery costs. St. Vincent, a nonprofit founded in 1946, relies on community donations to sustain its food pantries and housing services. According to St. Vincent de Paul CEO Shannon Clancy, the effort ranks among the largest school-based food drives in the country. “This is not simply a food drive,” she said. “By providing food, families can direct their limited resources toward housing and other essentials.” For Metzger, the drive’s impact extends well beyond the number: “After 16 years as an advisor, the canned food drive remains my favorite Xavier tradition,” she said. “It captures who we are as a community – students choosing to lead with compassion, collaboration, and purpose.” Million-can milestone met for St. Vincent de Paul SVdP CEO Shannon Clancy (bottom, far right) with Xavier Prep’s National Honor Society. PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA ZUBA WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 21 @ 8:30 a.m. WHERE: Prince of Peace Church at 3641 N. 56th St. Questions? 602-390-8052 ANNUAL MEETING

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