34 NOVEMBER 2025 I always say, the best way to get to know a city is to walk its streets, explore the neighborhoods and then plop yourself down in a coffee shop to people watch. That’s exactly what my Arizona Highways crew and I did a few weeks ago along Grand Ave. Our first stop on this eclectic stretch was Pueblo. At first glance, you might think it’s just a lush, green plant shop but keep wandering and you’ll discover, it’s a place filled with curiosities. The owner told me he wanted Pueblo to feel like a natural history museum, and it does. Specializing in indoor plants that surprisingly thrive in the desert, Pueblo also has books, gifts and unique trinkets that makes it as fun to browse as to buy. What makes Pueblo truly special is the vibe. It’s peaceful, welcoming, a place you want to linger and where you can also get a fabulous cup of coffee. Step outside on their patio, you’ll spot a vintage, Italian farm truck serving espresso that just might transport you to a piazza in Rome or Florence. That’s Caffio, the brainchild of Anthony Fiorelli. When he brought his coffee truck or vespa to the garden at Pueblo, it was a marriage made on Grand Ave. You can spend hours here soaking in the calm enjoying your favorite caffeinated or decaffeinated creation. Anthony’s traditional Italian brew is perfection, but if you prefer your drinks with a little froth and flair, he’ll whip up something to satisfy even the most discerning coffee connoisseur. Just a few blocks away sits a place that defies easy description: Hawk Salvage. Think vintage meets gallery meets antique store. Hawk Salvage is a little bit of everything. Owner Greg Hawk, a retired fire department captain, says he’s found solace in rescuing discarded junk and breathing new life into unwanted treasures. Greg crisscrosses the country and even travels overseas to find those one-of-a-kind pieces – everything from art to eyeglasses to items that might even border on the bizarre. But as the saying goes, one person’s junk is another’s treasure. Our final stop was the renowned and critically acclaimed Bacanora. It’s one of the toughest reservations to snag in Phoenix, so this might have been my only shot at tasting Chef Andrade’s famous Sonoran cuisine. This young chef worked his way up from dishwasher to award-winning restauranteur and he is as humble as his food is extraordinary. We chatted for 20 minutes about family and community. He credits his grandma, his mentors and Arizona for shaping his success. We tried three of his signature dishes: the corn elote, the cucumber salad and the short rib, and let’s just say, weeks later, I’m still dreaming about those flavors. Bacanora is more than an award-winning restaurant, it’s an expression of love and cultural identity beautifully intertwined and just waiting for you to explore. The 2025 Grand Avenue Arts Festival celebrating art, culture, and business takes place on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This festival attracts thousands of attendees and features artists, musicians, and a variety of interactive activities. The festival has been a yearly highlight of the neighborhood since 2008. Come enjoy great food, great community, and see what all the fun is about. Take a trip down historic Grand Avenue Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Caffio coffee truck sits just outside Pueblo, a plant and gift shop. A few steps away is Bacanora, famous for its Sonoran cuisine. By Mallory Gleich In Scottsdale, something is quietly taking shape: a place where families of children and young adults with special needs can find hope, community, and meaningful support. It’s called Lexie’s Ranch, the newest extension of the nonprofit Lexie’s Voice, founded by Andrea Robertson in 2016. “As a young mother with limited resources who was told that Arizona’s education system could not meet my daughter’s needs, I was thrust into defense mode and began fighting for her future,” Robertson said. “Through time, support and education, I transformed that defensive fight into an offensive one.” That led to the creation of Lexie’s Voice, named after Robertson’s daughter. The nonprofit began as a way to help other parents navigate the confusing and often isolating world of special education and developmental disabilities. Today, it has grown into a resource for families in Scottsdale and beyond. The Tutoring and Life Skills Program is designed for teens and young adults with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities, ages 15 to 22. It’s a year-round program offering individualized plans focused on education, independent living, social and vocational skills, and recreation. Many participants are nonverbal and require high levels of support – but Robertson says they flourish in this inclusive environment where they are celebrated for who they are. “We also offer a day program through the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities called Charlie’s Treehouse,” Robertson said. “This program is open to adults 18 and older and operates out of our Scottsdale location.” The next phase in Lexie’s Voice’s evolution is already underway with the development of Lexie’s Ranch. While it currently houses the Tutoring and Life Skills Program, future plans include equine therapy, a petting farm with miniature animals, a garden, and a fully accessible park for families of children with special needs. “The community space is not open yet, but major renovations are underway,” Robertson said. “It will be a place for families to connect, access resources and advocacy, and experience something truly new for Scottsdale’s special needs community. We anticipate completion in 2026.” Access to Lexie’s Voice programs depends on the individual’s age and needs. Teens in the tutoring and life skills program must have Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funding, while the adult day program is open to those enrolled with Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). As more parts of the ranch are completed, community members will be welcomed in to learn, support, and get involved. Lexie’s Voice participates in something called The Family Fund, which is direct financial assistance to families caring for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Recognizing the financial challenges these families face – from therapy and equipment to education and respite care – the fund helps remove barriers by providing competitive grants, connecting families with resources, and fostering a supportive community to ensure the best care for their loved ones. When asked where she hopes to see the nonprofit in the years ahead, Robertson’s answer was clear: “My dream for Lexie’s Voice is to grow into a true hub for special needs families in Scottsdale and beyond. The ranch is just the beginning.” That dream includes expanding vocational training, offering respite care for families, and hosting more community events that celebrate milestones and joy – not just challenges. One story in particular illustrates the heart of Lexie’s Voice: a young girl named Piper, who arrived in a wheelchair and seemed permanently reliant on it. “Through consistent therapy, encouragement and a community that never stopped believing in her, she no longer needs it,” said Robertson. “Watching her take those steps, both literally and figuratively, reminded me why we fight so hard for every child. It’s about dignity, independence and hope.” Lexie’s Voice may have started as one mother’s mission, but today, it’s a movement. In this growing community, families find not only resources, but belonging, strength, and joy. lexiesvoice.org A place for families to grow, connect and thrive Andrea Robertson

35 NOVEMBER 2025 T his fall has been full of exciting milestones, inspiring community recognition, and important cultural events across District 6. Here’s a look at some of the moments that made October memorable and what’s coming up in November. I had the pleasure of attending the Neighborhood Services Department’s 2025 Synergy Conference in October, where our District 6 neighborhoods were honored for their exceptional contributions. Congratulations to Ginnie Ann Sumner, recipient of the Outstanding Neighborhood Beautification award; the Village Center Neighborhood Collective, recognized for Excellence in Connectivity & Communication; and the Arcadia Osborn neighborhood, celebrated as the Inclusion and Engagement Champion. These awards are a testament to the passion and dedication that make our communities truly exceptional. We celebrated a major milestone at St. Thomas, where construction is underway on their new school building. The first floor is expected to open in Spring 2026, and I’m thrilled to watch the progress unfold. A heartfelt thank you to Father Steve Kunkel for the warm hospitality during the site visit, and congratulations on such an exciting and transformative project. Visit Phoenix was recognized as the Tourism Honoree of the Year at the annual ATLAS Gala. It was a joy to attend, a wonderful evening celebrating leaders who help make Arizona a place we’re all proud to call home. Congratulations to Kim Grace Sabow and the team for organizing such a powerful event, and to Visit Phoenix for continuing to shine a spotlight on our incredible city. Another moving evening took place with the Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer (CBAC), who hosted a powerful event dedicated to survivorship, awareness, and hope. Honorees included Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Renae Boone- Linden, and Arizona Complete Health, all recognized for their tireless efforts in the fight against cancer. Congratulations to CBAC for another successful year of empowering lives and reducing health disparities – your impact is truly inspiring. As we head into the season of gratitude, I also want to thank all who are participating in our D6 Turkey Drive. We’re proud to support families in need and ensure everyone can enjoy a holiday meal this Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out our OAT (Office of Arts and Culture) Hiring Updates, with photos of recent events and job opportunities in the arts community. Don’t miss the 2025 Shemer Arizona Arts Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held at the historic Shemer Art Center, this annual festival is a great way to kick off your holiday shopping while supporting artists. As always, thank you to every resident, leader, and neighbor who continues to contribute to the vibrancy and strength of District 6. Happy Thanksgiving! Councilman Kevin Robinson Arts, culture and celebration ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM Councilman District 6 602-262-7491 District6@phoenix.gov KEVIN ROBINSON  MELISSA TIDWELL I graduated from Arcadia in 2009 and played D1 volleyball at The University of Texas at El Paso and at Texas State. In 2011, my team made it to the NCAA tournament and I am proud to say I got my ring! I currently work at SRP. I married Richard “Seth” Tidwell – also an AHS grad – in 2021. We have a 2-year-old daughter named Bristol and are expecting identical twin boys in January 2026. I currently reside in Ahwatukee. Our dad, Mark, graduated from Arcadia in 1979. Our mom, Myra, worked in the area until she retired in 2019. I will always cherish the glory days playing the sport especially alongside my big sister in high school – they called us the Twin Towers! MEGAN EVENSON After graduating in 2007, I went on to play four years of volleyball at Grand Canyon University and received my Bachelor’s in secondary education with an emphasis in mathematics. After completing a semester of student teaching I decided it was not my passion and went back to school to pursue my degree in dental hygiene. I graduated in 2015 and have been working as a dental hygienist for the past 10 years. Just before graduating I purchased a house with my then fiancée, Jacob. We still reside in that same house in Peoria. After marrying in November 2015, we had two children, a daughter, Teagan, and a son, Tucker. Although my sister and I no longer play volleyball due to being busy moms nowadays, I hope that it will be part of my future with my children and nieces and nephews. 20 YEARS AGO