Let’s hear it for the power of the press and the generosity of our residents! In last month’s column we mentioned that the Public Art Committee wants to buy a small piece of sculpture called Quackers depicting a child feeding the ducks. We thought it would look great down by the lake where the ducks and children congregate. To my delight, early last month I received a phone call from a couple who agreed with us and wanted to pay for the piece in honor of their grandchildren.

So the next morning Jackie and I met with Dr. and Mrs. McGonigle, who really like our public art collection. She handed Jackie a check large enough to cover the cost of the work and we spent the rest of the hour talking about how great a place Fountain Hills is to live. Jackie and I will pick up Quackers from the artist when we go to Colorado in August. Shortly after that it will be on display in Fountain Park. Thank you Dr. and Mrs. McGonigle!

And thanks to all of you who like our public art collection. By the way, if anyone else is feeling generous, we have a number of other works that we want to buy when we find the funds.

And say, have you seen the new piece next to the library? It’s called “Need a Lift” by Ft. Collins, Colo. artist Randy Hand. He’s the artist who did “Bob the Frog” and “George the Tortoise,” which are located down near the splash park. “Need a Lift” is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

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Speaking of generosity…in addition to my volunteer service on the Cultural and Civic Association and its Public Art Committee, I serve on the boards of the Fountain Hills Historical Society and its support organization, the River of Time Museum Foundation. In recent weeks the L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum, which is operated by the Historical Society, has received several substantial gifts.

Last week the museum was the beneficiary of a copy of Frederic Remington’s sculpture, “Coming through the Rye,” given to us by local residents David and Patricia Rice. This is Remington’s best known work of sculpture, and it now occupies a place of pride in the lobby of the museum. Remington spent a lot of time in Arizona studying the Indian culture, so we believe that this work is totally consistent with the museum’s role as an historical museum.

The preceding week we learned that we were the beneficiaries of two gifts from the estate of Thelma B. Nolte, who passed away in April. The first is Mrs. Nolte’s favorite art piece, a 1909 wooden carousel horse named Falon by carver Leo Zollar. It’s a delightful work. The gift was accompanied by a substantial cash bequest to the River of Time Museum Foundation. These gifts were made “in honor of Attorney Robert E. Thomson’s generosity and service.”  Bob is one of my former law partners and an extremely active resident in our community. He’s also past president of the board of the River of Time Museum Foundation. I have told Bob that we will probably put a plaque on the rear end of the horse noting the gift in his honor.

The link of a carousel horse from New England to Arizona history is not immediately apparent, but we’re delighted with the gift so we’ll figure something out.

A few days earlier we were notified that we were to receive a collection of chieftain wool blankets and robes, various baskets and jewelry from several Eastern and Canadian Native American tribes.  This gift comes to us from local antique dealer Demitrius Vasiliardius. Thank you Mr. Vasiliardius.

And in April Eliza Kennedy Kendall gave us a large number of Western artifacts -- a valuable old saddle, mining equipment, baskets and lots of other neat stuff. Thank you Mrs. Kendall.

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Be sure to stop by the Community Center this month to see a lovely art exhibit by local artist Dorothy Anderson.  Dorothy’s talent was discovered by Volunteer Coordinator Heather Ware when Heather gave Dorothy a ride home one day. Invited inside, Heather was amazed to see more than 80 of Dorothy’s impressionistic oil paintings, all beautifully framed, hanging on the artist’s walls.  Sometimes life has wonderful surprises for us.

The Community Theater’s performing arts camps for youngsters begin June 15. Session One lasts two weeks, June 15 to 26, and is held from 10 to noon for 7 to 9 year-olds; 1 to 4 p.m. for 10 to 12 year-olds. Session Two is a three-week camp with the same schedule as the first session. Teen Camp is for ages 13 and up and lasts four weeks, June 29 to July 24. The Monday through Friday sessions are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are taught by Peter J. Hill, Ross Collins, Noel Irick, and Miciah Dodge.  Space is limited, so call 837-9661, ext. 3, for more information.

There will be one summer production on the Community Theater’s Mainstage this summer. "Annie Warbucks" will run June 19 through July 12. This is a sequel to the musical "Annie." Shows are at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Don’t miss a most enjoyable retreat from the summer heat.

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The Fountain Hills Cultural & Civic Association held its annual dinner meeting last month at the Appian Way. The agenda included annual reports from all the committees and the election of two new board members and board officers. Congratulations, Boyce Baldwin, in your new presidential role! Jenny Willigrod is the new vice president. Jerry will continue as treasurer and Betty Pantuso will continue as secretary. And welcome aboard (no pun intended) to the new board members Denise Baldwin and Joan Evans.

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The Community Band will soon be adding a representative to the FHCCA board. So far the band has 30 musicians signed up, with rehearsals scheduled to start in November. Former school band director Dale Larson will be leading the group. If you want to take part in this new organization, e-mail Dale at his summer home in Rice Lake, Wis. at dalelars56@hotmail.com

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You may have noticed that the pump house wall at Fountain Park has a new mural. This was truly a cooperative venture.  FHCCA board members Sandi Myhr and Sheila Nichols made arrangements with Parks and Recreation and Fountain Hills High School to have this project completed. Mark Mayer, director of Parks and Recreation, had the wall repaired and then arranged for volunteers from the local Target store to paint the wall with a base coat. Finally, FHHS art teacher Karla Primosch supervised about 20 of her students as they painted the new mural. The design for the mural was the work of one of Primosch’s most promising students, Eric Bell. Thanks to all of you who participated in this beautification project for our community!