Editor’s Top Picks: Spotlight on August 2024

Pictured by row — “School volunteers build community” (On the Cover); Café Chat: “Finding ‘aloha’ at Hula’s Modern Tiki” (see Food for Thought) |
“Tanner Motors celebrates 20 years” (see Business); AHS Pet of the Month, Bessy (see Community/Pets); “Pediatric drownings…what can we learn?” (On the Cover) |
Things to do in Phoenix: Uptown Farmers Market (see Arts & Entertainment); “North alum qualifies for Paris Olympics” (see School Days)

Hello, North Central neighbors!

As the new school year begins in the Valley, three different school districts are spotlighting ways residents can engage with neighborhood schools through volunteering. Opportunities abound for building a sense of community, with benefits for people of all ages.

With summertime still in full swing and Labor Day approaching, many locals are turning to backyard pools and area lakes for recreation. Trudy Thompson Shumaker explores the alarming rate of drownings among children under five and provides crucial tips on prevention.

In this month’s Café Chat, Marjorie Rice interviews Dana Mulé about how he infuses the “aloha” spirit into Hula’s Modern Tiki, now celebrating its 15th anniversary.

The Arizona Humane Society’s Pet of the Month, Bessy—a kitten in need of a foster family—is featured alongside other community, business, dining, and school news. Also, don’t miss our roundup of activities in the Arts & Entertainment section for things to do in the Valley this month.

We’re excited to share our August issue and wish everyone a fantastic 2024-25 school year. Until next month, all my best,

Kathryn M. Miller
Editor, North Central News
kathryn@northcentralnews.net