12 APRIL 2026 By Kylie de Best Arcadia mom Amanda Coppola has been strolling Arcadia’s streets since she was a kid, and she’s always loved the close-knit feel of the neighborhood. After welcoming her first baby in October, she started noticing just how many fellow new moms were out and about with little ones in tow. Inspired to turn those passing smiles into real connections, Coppola launched Arcadia Strollers – a neighborhood walking group designed to bring moms together. The group meets once a month in the Arcadia Lite area, first grabbing coffee, then strolling around the neighborhood. They pass by Kachina Park – a fun stop for kids to play before the walk continues. Amanda had heard of mom walking groups in nearby cities, and felt bringing this to her neighborhood would be a great opportunity to connect. She was able to bring this vision to life by word of mouth and through social media. Almost immediately, moms were reaching out, and shortly after the group was on the move. Their first meetup in January set the tone for what Arcadia Strollers would become. The group gathered in a nearby church parking lot for coffee before setting off together on a walk to Kachina. About 30 moms showed up for the debut walk, and even more expressed interest in joining future meetups – a clear sign the neighborhood was eager for connection. “It really feels like there’s been a community here all along, it just hadn’t fully connected yet,” Coppola shared. “It’s been so fun to see people bring friends and make new ones. I was born and raised in Arcadia Lite and have always loved having close neighborhood friends, so this feels like a natural extension of that.” Members of the club had very positive reactions. In fact, many formed friendships and stay connected outside of meetings. For those interested in joining, the next meet-up is April 25 at The Phoenix Central Community of Christ, starting at 9 a.m. As of now, the plan for the Arcadia Strollers is to continue the monthly coffee meetups and neighborhood walks, with the potential for some fun collaborations such as a workout class or maybe something special for Mother’s Day. Learn more on Instagram @arcadia.strollers Where strollers roll, friendships grow (above) Strollers meet up once a month for a leisurely coffee date and walk around the neighborhood. (left) Carli Richards and Amanda Coppola. 25 PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMANDA COPPOLA

13 APRIL 2026 By Mallory Gleich Around the neighborhood, Spirit Week is filled with costumes, games and lots of school pride. But one school’s tradition puts a special group in the spotlight: grandparents. What began as a creative solution during the pandemic has grown into one of the student’s most favorite events of the year: the Grandparents Parade. The event first debuted when the school was unable to host its traditional on-campus Grandparents Day celebration. Rather than skip the event entirely, faculty and staff worked together to find a way to safely include grandparents while keeping the spirit of the tradition alive. Their idea? A drive- through parade. Grandparents were invited to decorate their cars and slowly cruise through campus while students lined the route, cheering and waving. The concept allowed families to stay safely distanced while still creating a meaningful moment for students and their loved ones. “It was such a joyful and well-received event that it quickly became a tradition,” one of the organizers, Mandi Schnepf, said. “Even after normal activities returned, the school decided to keep the parade going.” Today, the event transforms campus into a colorful celebration. Students line the parade route holding handmade posters, wearing festive hats and waving streamers as upbeat music plays in the background. Cars roll through one by one, often decorated with photos, balloons and signs. This year’s parade welcomed 184 vehicles filled with grandparents, parents, children and even a few furry family members. The drive-through celebration lasted a little over an hour. In the days leading up to the event, classrooms buzz with preparation. Students spend time creating decorations, signs and hats to help cheer on their visiting grandparents. For many, the parade is a highlight of the year. “I like seeing all the decorated cars,” one student said. Others were excited simply to spot their own family members in the line of vehicles. “I wanted to see my grandparents,” one student said, while another added, “Seeing my grandparents was the best, because they don’t come into town often.” Grandparents say the experience is just as meaningful from behind the wheel. One said that seeing the children react to the decorated cars makes the moment unforgettable. “My favorite moment is always the same,” she shared. “When the kids first spot our car in the distance and realize it’s decorated just for them. The look on our grandkids’ faces when they recognize it is absolutely priceless.” Between the cheering students, decorations and families, the parade has become more than just a Spirit Week activity. It’s a celebration of family, connection and the special role grandparents play in students’ lives. CLS’s annual parade celebrates the grandmas and grandpas Dozens of decorated vehicles filled with grandparents and family members cruised through campus while students cheered, waved and celebrated. By Kylie de Best Did you know that when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, not all of the signers did it on the same day? Some added their names weeks later – reminding us that history is often a work in progress! As the United States approaches its semicentennial milestone, organizations across Arizona are gearing up for festivities. The Arizona America250 Commission is one of them – inviting visitors on a journey through both American and Arizona histories with its traveling museum. Called Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum, this experience offers engaging and interactive exhibits. It officially hit the road in February, making stops in all 15 counties until it’s last open day in April. “A few years back, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes had the idea of taking Arizona’s replica Liberty Bell which – as he states – ‘unceremoniously sits outside the Arizona Capitol’ on the road to bring a piece of history and civic pride across Arizona,” VP of Public Relations Brian O’Malley said. In one half of the trailer, visitors will find American history installations with particular information related to the Constitution as the anchor, and on the other half is information on Arizona. The centerpiece of the museum is Arizona’s replica Liberty Bell. (Did you know all states have one of these?) The museum offers education and fun facts for guests. With the ‘Dear America, Love Arizona’ postcard exhibit, visitors write a note “to America,” mentioning what they love about Arizona, hopes for the future of the country, or anything civics related. Another activity, which relates to the Moments that Matter content in the American history section, gives visitors the chance to leave a note of a moment that mattered in their life. Notes are gathered and archived. The traveling museum is just one of the initiatives and opportunities the Arizona America250 commission offers to get people involved in the 250th celebration of America. Passport250, in collaboration with the Arizona Office of Tourism, was launched to showcase some hidden gems along with more well-known stops through a free digital app. It will highlight 250 of Arizona’s best landmarks, museums, restaurants and more, giving Arizonans a chance to celebrate our state’s diversity. People can check in, track their progress, and earn recognition as they visit featured locations and events. They have also partnered with the Arizona Trails Association for the Operation Freedom March, with a goal of challenging the public and those in the military community to sign up to hike, bike or ride a portion of the 800- mile Arizona Trail. There are even ways to be involved at home, through Vote250 and Read 250. Vote250 encourages Arizonans to support voter registration efforts and drives, while Read250 encourages strong reading habits by setting goals of reading 25 books or reading for 250 minutes in 2026. On July 5, the AZ Commission will also be involved in America’s Potluck to give communities an opportunity to take part in a communal meal to promote common bonds between neighbors. Celebrate 250 years of American history with the Arizona America250 Commission and its traveling museum, which brings the stories of the nation – and Arizona – to life. 250 years in the making: Explore America’s history on the road In the Moments that Matter section, people are encouraged to write down moments in their lives that shaped them as a person. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN O’MALLEY April 2: Page Public Library April 4: Fredonia Fire Department April 6: Flagstaff Visitor Center April 9: Bullhead City Community Park April 11: Lake Havasu City Library america250az.org TRAVELING MUSEUM LOCATIONS