38 MARCH 2025 A rizona Highways Television launched its 21st season in the stunning town of Fountain Hills. It’s hard to believe we’ve spent over two decades crisscrossing Arizona, uncovering the stories that make the state extraordinary. From the people and cultures that give it heart to the adventures that thrill, to the hidden gems that welcome us and the landscapes that leave you breathless – every journey has been unforgettable, and every new season is just as exciting as the first. Fountain Hills is a place where natural beauty meets unique attractions. At the heart of it all is the iconic fountain, an awe-inspiring spectacle that shoots a towering jet of water into the sky every hour for 15 minutes starting at 9 a.m. At its peak, it reaches a staggering 560 feet, soaring higher than the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The fountain isn’t the only thing worth bragging about. Just beyond, McDowell Mountain Regional Park stretches across more than 21,000 acres of breathtaking terrain. Whether you are hiking rugged trails, biking through scenic landscapes, or saddling up for a horseback ride, the park offers an outdoor adventure for every explorer. In 2006, during season three of Arizona Highways Television , we had the pleasure of stepping into the world of Chocofin Chocolatiers for a taste of their handcrafted delicacies. Fast-forward to today, and there was no way we could return to Fountain Hills without making a much- anticipated stop. Somehow, these master chocolatiers have made their creations even more irresistible. Husband and wife duo Louis and Denise Mirabella, both former pastry chefs, turned their passion into a thriving chocolate haven just north of Route 87. “This is our livelihood, we get to do what we love every day,” Louis said. All products are crafted from scratch, offering a variety of flavors such as frisson lemon, hot chili, banana macadamia, salted whiskey caramel, and my favorite, pecan crunch. They also whip up dreamy pastries like tiramisu, chocolate mousse pie, and a sugar-free flourless torte. Their French-inspired artistry sets them apart, which is why they chose the name Chocofin. One visit and you’ll understand; this place is the fine dining of chocolate. No visit to Fountain Hills is truly complete without a stop at Bone Haus Brewing, where craft beer meets legend, history, and a touch of the macabre. This isn’t just a brewery, it’s an experience. Owner Keith Chapman, a former Fender Musical Instruments engineer, traded guitars for grains to create one of Arizona’s most unique craft beer destinations. Inside, Day of the Dead and Arizona Wild West history flows as freely as the beer. Inspired by the legend of the Lost Dutchman, each new brew unveils a chapter of the story brought to life through art (on the cans) that makes every sip feel like part of a grand adventure. With 16 taps flowing, everything from bold ambers and juicy IPAs to rich stouts and porters, there’s something for every beer lover. Crowd favorites are Desert Distortion, a double IPA that packs a punch, and Engelmann’s Elixir, a refreshing prickly pear pale ale that screams Arizona in a glass. While Bone Haus doesn’t have a kitchen, they’ve got you covered with a rotating lineup of top-notch food trucks and partnerships with local restaurants for delivery. Grab a pint, soak in the eerie- meets-awesome ambiance, and toast to Arizona’s craft beer scene. Where an iconic fountain, chocolates and brews meet Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Chocofin Chocolatiers. Bone Haus Brewing. Our gift: use this QR code to enjoy a free digital subscription to our magazine, Defining Desert Living. Defining Desert Living If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation. Copyright © 2025 azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson all rights reserved. Tracey Zemer 602.478.0607 tracey@azarchitecture.com ARCADIA CHARMER Great Views of Camelback Mountain 4841 E Amelia Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Offered at $1,390,000 PARADISE VALLEY ESTATE Camelback Views & Guest House 3921 E San Miguel Ave, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 Offered at $3,995,000 THE PERFECT MID-CENTURY MODERN On Zen Garden Secluded Lot 2201 E Marshall Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016 Offered at $2,850,000 PENDING

39 MARCH 2025 W hat’s the biggest misunderstanding in the modern workplace? I’ll give you a hint: it’s that HR is your friend. You’ve probably heard the rumors. HR is there to help you. If you’re having a problem with a coworker or your boss, call HR. They’ll sort it out; they’ll stick up for you. Does this sound familiar? If so, your HR department has done a great job with their own PR. It makes sense. HR departments want you to feel comfortable. They also often help to facilitate things like company holiday parties and help with responsibilities that almost feel paternal, such as health insurance, performance reviews and vacation. The truth is a little different. HR is responsible to protect the company , not the employees. In situations where the company is protecting an employee, it’s because they are hoping to protect the company from a potential lawsuit. I know. Shocking, but true. How can this impact your job, and what should you do? Many employees who are having a problem with a colleague or boss will turn to HR for help. They’ll call at the first sign of trouble. HR will welcome the employee in with open arms. The employee will feel comfortable to vent all of their frustrations about their boss. The problem is, this can backfire. One minute, you feel like they’re enlisting the help of HR. The next minute, they’ve got their eye on you, and your boss isn’t happy. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a situation where going to HR resulted in an improved situation with a boss. I’ve heard, however, of many situations where someone was fired or pushed out shortly after talking to HR. On top of looking out for the company’s best interest, that department is not made up of therapists. They’re not there to help sort out personality differences. Now, don’t get me wrong. If you are being harassed or something illegal or dangerous is going on, HR may be the answer. For many other issues, they are not. You should start by trying to talk to the person directly. Direct conversations can sometimes help to resolve problems and increase trust. If this doesn’t work or is not an option, you may want to consider speaking to the person above your boss or talk to someone else in a leadership role. Sometimes, those in leadership can help you to navigate a tricky situation. I know work can be tough. Call a friend. Call a therapist. Call your mom. Think hard before you call HR. They are not there to be your friend. HR is not your friend Career Corner Career expert and founder of Copeland Coaching. copelandcoaching.com BY ANGELA COPELAND Thirty years ago, a Phoenix Country Day School teacher named Erik Weihenmayer – who went completely blind at age 14 – was featured on the cover of Arcadia News while training to climb Mount McKinley (what we know now as Denali), the highest peak in North America. Denali was just the beginning, because guys like Weihenmayer don’t just stop after they climb the highest mountain, of course. On May 25, 2001, the New Jersey-born adventurer made history as the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest. Then, in 2008, he made the ascent of Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea, completing Eight Summits – meaning he’s climbed the highest peak on every continent. He kayaked the entire 277 miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 2014. He attended Boston College and graduated with a double major in English and communications and eventually became a middle-school teacher at PCDS, where he met his fellow teacher and wife, Ellie. After Everest, he appeared on the cover of Time magazine and authored several books, including his memoir Touch the Top of the World. Weihenmayer’s experiences led him to create the No Barriers movement in 2005, which encourages people to face life’s challenges with purpose. His motto, “What’s Within You Is Stronger Than What’s in Your Way,” embodies this mission. These days, Erik lives in Golden, Colorado. He has two grown children, Emma and Arjun, and is a sought-after speaker, sharing life lessons with people across the world. 30 YEARS AGO Erik and his kayak partner take a break in the Grand Canyon in 2014.  30 30 ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM