As I predicted, the tickets to the In Home Concert Jazz series for next spring sold out by return mail. But there still are a few of the Classical ticket series available. If you are sitting on your invitation letter, get it in. And if you aren’t on the list, contact Jean Linzer at jlinzer@aol.com.

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Artists are reminded that the deadline to apply for FHCCA’s 14th annual Juried Art Show is Dec. 21. The show will hang in the Community Center from Jan. 5 to 29. Artists, photographers and sculptors from Fountain Hills, the Verdes and Fort McDowell will be featured. The entry fee is $15. If you are interested in participating, but have not received an application, please call Jackie at 837-3214.

The three artists judging the show will be Carefree sculptor Ron Head, Mesa photographer Steve Nissle and Scottsdale painter Debra Jones. The public is invited to the artists’ reception on Friday, Jan. 8, 5:30-7 p.m.

The Youth Theater is presenting “The Nutcracker” for the last time this weekend, through Sunday, Dec. 20. The play is a retelling of the story written by the theater’s own Noel Irick. Call the box office for tickets, 837-9661.

And be sure to put the Community Theater’s annual fundraiser on your calendar. “Broadway in the Hills” will be at the Radisson again this year on March 20 at 5:30 p.m. Save $25 a ticket by purchasing yours before Jan. 22.  Call 837-9661, Ext. 3.

The Fountain Hills Entertainment Series 2010 begins on Jan. 5 featuring banjo master Doug Mattocks and pops concert pianist Deborah Offenhauser. Other shows in the series are: “Judy (Garland) & Liza (Minnelli)–Together Again” by Denise Rose and Suzanne Goulet on Jan. 19; “Music and Laughs” by Tommy Leadbeater and Hiram Kasten on Feb. 2; comedian/pantomimist/actor Robert Shields on Feb. 16; musical comedy team Skiles and Henderson on March 2; and “These Three Tenors” on March 16.

All shows are at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Presbyterian Church. Series tickets are now available at the Presbyterian Church office with four price ranges for reserved seating ($57 to $132) for all six shows. Individual tickets went on sale Dec. 6.   Call 837-1763 for more information.

There is still time to remember or honor a loved one by purchasing a poinsettia in their name for the live Poinsettia Tree.  The 14-foot tall tree is on display outside the Community Center for the month of December.  A donor board is nearby which carries the names of all sponsors and those they are remembering or honoring. Clubs and organizations are invited to participate also.  For information, call Barb Hansen at 480-837-5193 or 602-376-2548.

If you enjoy reading mystery novels and you are familiar with Arizona author J.J. Jance, you'll want to read her latest: Trial by Fire. Fountain Hills is one of the key locales in the book. Several of the book's characters make their residence in our community.

We wish you the merriest of the season and a happy and healthy new year!