24 FEBRUARY 2026 By Michael P. Murphy There is a reason why there continues to be so much interest in the Civil War 160 years after General Lee’s surrender in Appomattox. There are endless stories connected to the catastrophic events... stories that are about more than generals, battles, and bloodshed. Sharing these stories is the mission of the Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable, one of hundreds across the country. They meet on the third Tuesday of each month from September to May in the lower level of the Scottsdale Library. It is a welcoming gathering where members share a common fellowship in history. Nationwide roundtables began during the centennial in the 1960s, when history buffs found each other, formed groups, began inviting speakers, and grew as an organization. The Scottsdale group has been in its current form for the past 30 years. “We have leading historians come and speak to us,” President Mark Stoler said. “We also have a lot of activities, but the monthly meetings are our core. Through membership dues and donations, we contribute every year to Civil War preservation.” Over the past decade, the group has donated more than $50,000 to battlefield preservation. Because those opportunities offer matching funds with multipliers, donors have contributed $2.5 million in land parcels for battlefields and other Civil War sites. The popularity of these groups extends surprisingly far beyond the U.S. Online presentations enabled the roundtable to attract members from the East Coast, Brazil, and Venezuela. Current sessions are broadcast live and archived for future viewing online. Arizona itself has a place in Civil War history. The Battle of Picacho Peak in 1862 was a small but significant skirmish that reshaped the boundaries of our state and New Mexico. Visitors to the Pioneer Cemetery in Phoenix will see segregated burial sites for Union and Confederate veterans. “The legacy still impacts us today,” Stoler said. “There are so many different characters involved, and that means you can tell great stories. If you like stories, great characters, and great events, you can’t go wrong with the Civil War.” Sessions begin at 5 p.m. with a casual social hour in the lower lobby and a display of donated books to take home. Presenters who are authors usually have books and will hold signings before the event. At 6, the program moves to the auditorium. On February 17, the Scottsdale roundtable will host historian Curt Fields, appearing as Ulysses S. Grant in character and uniform. Grant was president during our country’s 1876 centennial. Having Fields on hand to reflect on the end of the Civil War is fitting for this year’s 250th celebration. scottsdalecwrt.org Scottsdale Civil War group explores history beyond the battles Historian Curt Fields will be presenting on February 17. By Michael P. Murphy It’s good to know the community we live in, but it is equally important to understand how a community works . This is the purpose of a group of civic-minded teens known as the Paradise Valley Youth Group: to achieve a deeper understanding of their community and to be better engaged in it. XCP junior Saniya Dwivedi knows a thing or two about youth involvement in the community. Last year, she founded Health in Movement to emphasize the importance of physical activity. She is also a co-founder of the youth group. “I wanted the opportunity to learn from the policy makers and government officials, but also for those officials to learn what youth are all about, too,” she said. At their first event, members volunteered at the annual Veterans Day car show, held at the Paradise Valley Town Hall, where they helped with fundraising. At their next event, the group helped with a blood drive, setting up and using their social media savvy to promote it. Part of learning how the community works came from a tour of the Paradise Valley Police Department. An officer gave them a first-hand look at how the department operates. They got a behind- the-scenes look at things most citizens often wonder about. “It was so interesting,” Saniya said. “We were given a tour of a police car, saw the jail cells, and talked with the officers. It was very informative and super cool to learn so much about our town – things I didn’t even know. Everyone there was so nice and welcoming.” The Paradise Valley Youth Group has a core of eight young people who show up consistently, but through social media and good word of mouth, many others are now reaching out. Saniya mentioned that they are talking with Paradise Valley officials about their goal to be approved to become an official council. Looking ahead, the group will continue to meet at the town hall and strive to strengthen their roles as young leaders. During spring break, they will tour the Paradise Valley courthouse, observe a trial, speak with a volunteer judge, and learn the inner workings of the system. As Saniya sees it, they are creating spaces where students give back and create tangible things that can make a difference. She makes it clear that it’s not just her, but other co-founders and members who do so much to make the group successful. “I just love meeting new people. These are my neighbors, and this is an amazing opportunity to get together and get off our phones and make a real connection,” Saniya said. Learn more on Instagram @paradisevalleyyouthgroup How civic-minded teens are shaping the future of their city Officer Phan, Saniya Dwivedi, Mia Steinmetz, Christine Labelle, Oliver Wurth and Umeed Singh. IMAGES COURTESY OF SANIYA DWIVEDI Members of the Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable gather monthly to share stories, hear from leading historians, and support the preservation of Civil War history. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM PAYNE

25 FEBRUARY 2026 By Chrissy Doern In 1926, a tenacious group of women journalists – unable to participate in an exclusive men’s journalism club – banded together to establish the Phoenix Writers Club (PWC). This pioneering initiative was born out of their shared determination to create a welcoming and supportive environment for writers. Over its illustrious history, PWC has evolved to embrace not only women and journalists but also a diverse array of individuals passionate about the art form. This March, to commemorate Women’s History Month, PWC honors the indomitable spirit of its founding members who, a century ago, forged a haven for creativity amidst the challenges. These innovative women exemplified a remarkable ability to foster collaboration and connection, demonstrating resilience in their pursuit of artistic expression. Today, the legacy of the Phoenix Writers Club is one of inclusiveness and community, as it continues to encourage relationships that celebrate the writing journey. Some of its members have become nationally known poets, journalists, and more. President Cindi Reiss has lived in Phoenix for 48 years, but still considers herself a Jersey girl at heart. Her husband, three children, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and 120-pound grand-dog keep her grounded, bringing her insight as she continues her passion. Reiss’s journey has included writing skits and programs to entertain and educate during her career as a clown and actor; articles for newspapers and magazines; and writing life event poems. Each monthly PWC meeting features a guest speaker who delves into topics affecting writing and publishing. The club, along with each speaker, hopes to build a supportive environment that encourages the development and improvement. In addition, PWC actively supports charities and educational programs, dedicating time and resources to inspire the next generation. “As our club grows, so does our excitement to learn, share our writing, and enjoy the friendships. It’s been wonderful to exchange experiences, advice, and tips along the way,” Reiss said. With an annual membership fee of $40 running from October through September, the Phoenix Writers Club remains accessible to writers at every stage. Monthly meetings, held on the third Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Devonshire Senior Center, include a guest speaker, light bites, and refreshments. Members contribute $10 per meeting and guests pay $15. More than a century after its founding, the club continues to offer precisely what its creators envisioned in 1926: a place where writers come together to learn, share, and belong. As PWC celebrates its 100th year, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of writers helping writers – one story, one meeting, and one generation at a time. phoenixwritersclub.com s Phoenix Writers Club celebrates 100 years PWC members Deborah Partington, Cindi Reiss, Beth Liechti-Johnson and Navissa Kaiser. PHOTO COURTESY OF CINDI REISS Cindi Reiss