32 JANUARY 2026 A rizona Highways Television kicks off its 22nd season in 2026, and the journey continues with fresh adventures, unexpected stops, and stories that reveal the heart of the Grand Canyon State. This year’s travels aren’t just about the well-known landmarks; they’re about the places you might drive past without realizing how much they have to say. In January, we decided to head over to Miami – not Florida – but the Miami in Arizona. There’s no beach here. No ocean views or palm trees. What Miami does have are steep stairways carved into hillsides, century-old bridges, and a downtown that quickly proves it’s more than just a place you pass through on U.S. Route 60. Our first stop revealed Miami’s mining roots in plain sight. The Keystone Steps trace the path miners once walked to work, a daily climb that shaped the landscape and the town itself. Nearby, a rare row of five arched bridges built in 1918, just after Miami was incorporated, still spans the roadway. Their straight, uniform alignment is unusual and striking, quietly tying the present- day community to its early beginnings. The real discovery came when we turned off the highway and onto Sullivan Street. Every building seems to have something to say. Brick walls double as storytellers, lined with photographs that capture Miami’s past from early town scenes to championship teams and long-gone favorites. It’s the kind of place where people don’t just look at history, they talk about it. That sense of shared memory is powerful inside Sweet Memories, a treat shop that feels as welcoming as it sounds. Owned by lifelong Miami resident Lisa Zaragoza, the space blends comfort food with nostalgia. Guests come in for coffee, paninis, soft-serve ice cream, or fresh-squeezed lemonade, then linger as old photos spark conversations and familiar faces greet one another. Sweet Memories is a family effort in every sense. Zaragoza’s daughters handle everything from baking to sauces, while other relatives pitch in when needed. The result is less like a traditional restaurant and more like a community living room, a place where someone might stop in for a coffee in the morning and return later for ice cream, striking up conversations with whoever happens to be nearby. As the sun dipped lower, Sullivan Street shifted again. Friday night brought us to Miami Flats, one of the newer additions to downtown, and a clear sign that Miami is no ghost town. Housed in a 1915 building that once served as a car dealership, the space has been reimagined as a modern hangout while preserving its historic bones. Family-run by brothers-in-law Gary Wilson and Claudio Rodriguez, Miami Flats started simply: drinks, music, and dancing, before expanding to include pizza and axe-throwing. The energy spills out onto the street as locals gather, laugh, and stay awhile, proving there’s room for something new without losing what makes Miami feel like home. By the end of our first trip of the year, one thing was clear: Miami, Arizona, isn’t a place to rush through. It’s a place to explore on foot, to talk with people who know its stories, and to leave with a few memories of your own. No beach required – and it’s just off an Arizona Highway. Miami’s past comes alive on Sullivan Street Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Sullivan Street is the central hub of Miami, Arizona. (right) Miami Flats is a hangout with food, music and activities like axe throwing. X A V I E R C O L L E G E P R E P A R A T O R Y The Path Ahead At Xavier College Preparatory Young Women learn there are no limits to their possibilities in life. In a girls’ school, their voices are always heard. Xavier College Preparatory is a Catholic community that strives to prepare young women of faith with knowledge, skills, and integrity to meet the challenges of a changing global society in a positive and productive manner celebrating unity. Visit XCP.org for more information All are welcome!

33 JANUARY 2026 P hoenix has shown the true power of community, innovation, and opportunity, from acts of generosity to international connections – our city is making a difference locally and globally. Turkey drive success The 2025 turkey drive exceeded all expectations this year, thanks to the incredible turnout and generosity of our residents. Whether donating a turkey, contributing online, or sharing the drive with friends, every gift helped ensure families across Phoenix could enjoy a comforting holiday meal. A special thank- you goes to Councilwoman Stark and District 3 for participating in the friendly competition that brought even more support, and to the Desert Horizon Precinct for making this collaboration possible. Help with tax assistance The City of Phoenix is seeking volunteers for the 2025 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which prepares free tax returns for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families. Training is provided for basic tax prep, and volunteers are also needed as greeters, screeners, bilingual interpreters, and site coordinators. 2025 Energy Access Plan Phoenix is taking proactive steps to make energy more affordable for households most affected by extreme heat and rising utility costs. The City Council recently adopted the 2025 Energy Access Plan, which aims to increase household participation in low-income energy assistance programs by 25 percent by 2030. The plan outlines strategies to reduce high energy burdens and improve energy affordability. Building global connections Phoenix made history with the first-ever nonstop flight between Sky Harbor and Taipei, opening a gateway for trade, travel, and cultural exchange between the two cities. Leading the delegation to Taipei was a remarkable opportunity to meet influential leaders and showcase Phoenix as a city ready to expand, partner, and thrive on a global stage. Celebrating youth creativity The Phoenix Public Library invites students in kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in its annual Celebrate Black Voices virtual art exhibit. Selected works will be showcased in a virtual gallery on the library’s website from February through December 2026, with special highlights during Black History Month. Students can submit one artwork per person, using any medium, no larger than 11x17, on white paper. Artwork can be submitted at any library location or via email to socialmedialibrary@phoenix.gov. This month, we celebrate generosity, engagement, and the countless ways our city continues to grow and connect – both at home and around the world. Wishing you a wonderful new year! Councilman Kevin Robinson Phoenix in action ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM Councilman District 6 602-262-7491 District6@phoenix.gov KEVIN ROBINSON  Arcadia News was unable to locate additional information on Mr. Lemire, who retired from Tavan some time ago – and while the Ballet Folklórico group is no longer active, Tavan continues to foster a culture of kindness through its participation in The Be Kind People Project, a nonprofit that encourages kindness, character development, respectful behavior, and positive learning environments through initiatives such as The Be Kind Pledge. As a participating Be Kind school, Tavan Elementary has embraced this framework on campus, using character education to help students grow into responsible, respectful, and compassionate members of their community. 30 YEARS AGO