4 AUGUST 2026 Meet Georgie , a 2-year-old Saint Bernard rescue. She’s a gorgeous girl who loves morning walks and romps at Chaparral Dog Park. She looks forward to happy hour at OHSO and breakfasts at NYC Bagels and Bakery Cafe. She’s not a fan of our pool but adores daily soaks from the garden hose. She’s dearly loved by her mom, dad and kitty sibling, Dash. – Carol J. Meet Oliver (or Ollie for short). He is a three-month- old dapple long haired dachshund and our newest family member! We know how much it takes to bring someone new around, especially a puppy, and it took a lot of thought – and also no thought whatsoever – to bring him home. I’m in love every single day and my daughter is obsessed. It’s all she’s ever wanted so I am beyond thankful and grateful that we were able to connect with the right person at the right time. He is forever our family! – Angie & Gracie K. Hermes is a Seal Point Siamese who was born in July 2011 in Casa Grande. He joined brilliant half bro Harry, from same breeder, born in 2007. The boys were inseparable with Harry, the leader, who enjoyed long walks on a leash in Arcadia! Harry passed in 2024, and Hermes has become more vocal, enjoying special treats, constant grooming and playing with his favorite catnip toys. – Georgette H. Hi! I’m Wylie and my little sister is Ivie . We were welcomed into our family as #10 and #11 adopted greyhounds! Obviously, our family LOVES greyhounds. We all have very different personalities, but we all love our Greenies treats. We make the greatest pets because we love our daily walk, hugs and rubdowns, and giving lots of love! – Linda M. EDITOR’S NOTE In the past year, I’ve attended three baby showers for friends, and I’m always amazed when I go to the store for the gift (aside from absolutely dying from how cute the baby clothes are and having to stop myself from buying the entire store) that diapers are so expensive. Not only that, but there are also so many brands to choose from, so many sizes, comfort over cruisers, etc. It’s possibly factors like these that inspired NourishPHX – and subsequently St. Theresa student Sloan Petty – to hold diaper drives for families in need. After noticing that the diaper shelves were close to empty, Sloan decided to help. That first year – 2022 – she donated just under 7,500. Last year? She donated almost 21,000, and during this year’s drive in August, she’s hoping to beat that number and help as many families as possible. It’s back to school time and our area students are ready to hit the halls with new outfits, shoes and school supplies to tackle a brand-new year. The Creighton Kids Congress is up and running, ready to help their schools make big decisions (find out what that means on page 27). Our August edition includes the annual high school football preview, and it’s clear our teams are preparing for big goals on and off the field. There are 13 days left to submit photos for our Summer Vacation Photo Spread. Send photos to editor@arcadianews.com for a chance to be in the September issue. Your photo might be on the cover! We hope you’re staying cool out there – and thank you, as always, for reading the Arcadia News. – 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 . !"#$"%&"' !"##$%&'()*$+(,-.,/ ()$(&"' 0"##'/,,1 *(+"%&"' 2,),("1* 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! “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” – Zig Ziglar DTW classes: Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Young Dancers program includes Creative Dance. Celebrating the joy of dance! Free audition/placement class August 24 Ballet dancers ages 11-18 Level 3-5 Register at dancetheaterwest.com Burgers, Dogs, Burritos! Scrumptious Fish & Chips! Fresh Breaded Onion Rings! Best Chicken Nuggets & Tenders! Best Shrimp & Chips in the Valley! Drive Thru/Take-Out is Our Specialty! Burgers, Dogs, Burritos! Scrumptious Fish & Chips! 20% o ff any order over $15.00! O ff er expires 8/31/26. Valid with coupon only. Present coupon at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other o ff er. 1 coupon per person. Valid at all 8 locations. No cash value. Coupon cannot be reproduced. Phone orders taken till 10:00pm Monday thru Saturday. Closed Sundays. 602-840-0630 4121 N. 44th St., Phoenix Cash only. ATM on Patio. VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 VOTED BEST LOCAL BURGER IN THE EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE 2020, 2022 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2021, 2025 VOTED BEST TAKEOUT IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2023, 2025 VOTED BEST LOCAL BURGER IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2025 VOTED BEST OF THE BEST SEAFOOD AND TAKEOUT IN THE WEST VALLEY VIEW 2025 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE GLENDALE STAR 2020, 2023, 2025 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN LOVIN’ LIFE 2023, 2024, 2025 VOTED BEST LOCAL BURGER IN LOVIN’ LIFE 2024 VOTED BEST SEAFOOD IN THE MESA TRIBUNE 2025 Family Owned & Operated Since 1947 Eight Valley locations to serve you

5 AUGUST 2026 The Summer Hunger Hero award is sponsored by No Kid Hungry and focuses on helping children gain access to nutritious meals during summer. By Olivia Garcia After more than two decades serving students in Scottsdale Unified School District, Patti Bilbrey has earned national recognition for her commitment to ending child hunger. Bilbrey, the Director of Nutrition Services, was named a 2026 Summer Hunger Hero by No Kid Hungry, a national campaign recognizing individuals who ensure children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. She said the award reflects the dedication of her entire team, and although grateful for the honor, she emphasized that commitment. “It’s truly an honor, but if I didn’t have the help of my spectacular team, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Bilbrey said. She credits her staff with making the district’s vision a reality. “This award means so much to me, but it’s also incredible to see how much this recognition means to my team. To be recognized nationally for the work we’re doing is very special.” With approximately one in four Scottsdale Unified students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, Bilbrey said the district has worked hard to ensure that families continue to receive food when school is out. Partnering with Scottsdale Community College, the district developed a non- congregate program that allows families to pick up a week’s worth of meals in a visit. Bilbrey said the college met the rural designation required to administer and distribute weekly meals for the community. Each Wednesday, staff members arrive at 5:30 a.m. to prepare for distribution. By 6:30 a.m., families begin driving through to receive meals. The team works until mid-morning, distributing food from two trucks and providing approximately 23,800 meals for 1,700 children each week. This program runs every Wednesday from early June through July 22 and serves families from the surrounding communities. Scottsdale Unified expects to serve nearly 250,000 meals by the time summer ends. Bilbrey said the program is supported by the USDA Summer Food Service Program, which reimburses schools for eligible meals and provides summer employment for nutrition staff. Stories from families continue to motivate Bilbrey’s work, including that of a teenager who walked to the meal distribution site every week. The previous summer, he could only take canned food because he did not have a refrigerator. This year, he proudly shared that he finally had one, allowing him to bring home perishable food. “It’s really the kids,” Bilbrey said. “You hear their stories, and they don’t even realize they’re making an impact on you.” She hopes that recognition also raises awareness about food insecurity in Scottsdale. “Oftentimes people may judge a certain district, but I want them to remember that in Scottsdale, 25 percent of children qualify for reduced meals,” she said. “That means one in four children has a need.” Bilbrey encourages the community to replace judgment with compassion. “You have no idea what someone’s circumstances are. Hunger doesn’t have a face or a look,” she said. “These are kids; we need to open our hearts. We shouldn’t have people going hungry.” nokidhungry.org SUSD director recognized as National Summer Hunger Hero Patti Bilbrey