What a terrific “Casino Night” celebration of our jackpot volunteers we all shared! The Community Center ballroom looked especially festive with great thanks to the decorating efforts of Paul and Gail Appeldorn, Maurene and Chuck Gerson, Karen Downey and her cousin, Jo Nelson, Linda Winters, Merrilee Thomas, Kelley Fonville and Keith Ware.

The Community Center staff provided top-notch usage of the space and were Bill Haughey, Ron Hoffman and Rino Ghetti. Nancy Walter and Bea Bogdan provided warm smiles and programs at the front door along with friendly greetings from Mayor Kavanagh and Town Manager Ken Buchanan. The evening acknowledged the volunteer pool of 800-plus residents who voluntarily serve the town.

Outstanding acknowledgements included: Development Services: Gene Slechta; Parks and Recreation: Nick Coverdale; Community Center: Ken Burling; Senior and Boomer Activity Center: Dale Houmes; and Administration: Nelda Flygare. Home Delivered Meals celebrated the following years of service: 15 years-Joanne Roza; 20 years-Pat Wisnesfski, Winnie Swoffer; and 22-plus years-Pat Covault and Peg O’Hara.

Kudos also to Marti Lemieux, the “mom” or founder of Home Delivered Meals more than 22 years ago.

Many congratulations to these folks who go above and beyond what is required in their volunteer service! The IT intern and also a high school junior, Karl Noss, was recognized for his assistance in the IT Department as was the Mayor’s Youth Council. Congratulations and countless thanks also to Gene Slechta, the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, and Craig Rudolphy, who received the prestigious Presidential Service Award for his many hours of service in the Finance Department.

Kudos to the best joker in any deck, Mike Ciccarone, the IT administrator in town, and Nan Norton who served as the pit boss! Fountain Hills really is the little town with the BIG heart, and all of these people play a part in creating that together!