Fountain Hills Insider

AWARDS KEEP COMING FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Fountain Hills Community Services received two prestigious awards from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA), known as the Best of the Best Awards, at the 2023 APRA Conference in Glendale, AZ on August 22.

The first award, in the category of Outstanding Special Events (Population Under 25,000), was given to Fountain Hills Community Services for their exceptional event called “Spooky Blast.” Formerly known as “Halloween in the Hills,” the event was taken over by the Town during the COVID pandemic and has since seen remarkable growth after moving to Four Peaks Park. With over 5,000 attendees and an average stay of two hours, families and participants enjoyed a wide array of attractions, including inflatables, a DJ, a costume contest, a Halloween-themed movie on the north field, food trucks, and strong community partner involvement.

The second award, for Outstanding Facility (Population Under 25,000), was presented jointly to Playspace Designs and Fountain Hills Community Services for their exceptional work on the newly installed 5-12 playground at Fountain Park. This playground boasts one of the tallest playground structures in Arizona, featuring customized acrylic panels paying homage to the renowned Fountain Hills Fountain. The Kompan Giant XL play structure stands out with its thrilling three-story tall slide leading to the playground floor. Notably, the playground includes a unique Cliff Rider, a pole-vaulting feature designed to help kids conquer their

fear of heights. Additionally, there’s an agility rope course, a large climbing boulder, and beautiful shade sail fabrics, making this playground an outstanding facility for the community.

OCTOBER IS OVERSEEDING TIME

October is the overseeding time at Fountain Park, which requires many irrigation scheduling changes for about a month. With more than 30 acres of turf, this process takes several weeks, including weeks of scalping the existing Bermuda grass, applying the Rye grass seed and fertilizer, and sufficiently watering to germinate and allow the grass to become established. As some may know, Bermuda grass is Arizona’s heat-loving and sun-seeking summer grass. The shorter days and cooler temperatures of the fall and winter months cause Bermuda grass to go dormant. Overseeding with Ryegrass, we enjoy green grass within Fountain Park all winter. Overseeding Bermuda with Ryegrass requires different maintenance. During overseeding, the Ryegrass seed must remain moist during the day to optimize germination in the warm sunshine. Thus, our overseeding watering schedule operates throughout the day, beginning just after sunrise at 7 a.m. and continuing through the afternoon until 7 p.m. With more than 30 acres of turf to keep wet, our irrigation system operates four cycles per day through more than 200 valve zones that run over 1,000 sprinklers which takes multiple hours per cycle. As a result, irrigation will likely be in operation during peak park usage times and will cause the walking path to be wet and potentially slippery. Four Peaks Park and Desert Vista Park have walking paths as an alternative during the overseeding at Fountain Park. This schedule is temporary, and staff will resume standard nighttime irrigation cycles by early November.

During overseeding, the Town encourages park users to walk carefully, remembering that wet sidewalks can be slick. Signs posted around the park offer more irrigation information, and we hope that this temporary inconvenience is offset by the green grass we enjoy year-round.

FOUNTAIN HILLS CARES PRESENTS SCAMS AND FRAUD ON THE RISE

You may know someone who was defrauded out of money, even their life savings. Scams targeting older adults are on the rise, and the most common financial scams targeting older people, according to the National Council on Aging, are government impersonation scams, sweepstakes scams, and robocall scams.

Don’t be a victim by learning what you can do to protect yourself. Fountain Hills Cares will have a special program featuring experts on fraud prevention from the Arizona Attorney Generals Office. Other experts will be available to provide information.

Fountain Hills Cares

Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Community Center – 13001 N. La Montana Drive

A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills

TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS

FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL MEMBERS

Mayor Ginny Dickey

Vice Mayor Sharron Grzybowski

Councilmember Gerry Friedel

Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis

Councilmember Peggy McMahon

Councilmember Allen Skillicorn

Councilmember Hannah Toth

WATER CONSERVATION IS WHAT FOUNTAIN HILLS DOES

Many people believe that since we live in the desert and use water to irrigate parks and some of our golf courses, we are wasting a valuable resource: water. Fountain Hills is a leader in how the Town uses reclaimed water for our famous fountain, the lake, and irrigation. With our partner, the Fountain Hills Sanitary District, we can safely irrigate various locations for recreational purposes and keep the fountain flowing without using a single drop of potable water.

Why is recycled water used for watering parks and golf courses? Is it safe?

Golf courses, park irrigation, and Fountain Lake itself consume a large amount of water. The State of Arizona has encouraged the beneficial reuse of safely treated wastewater to take the irrigation demands off the limited drinking water supplies. State statutes encourage and allow slightly lower qualities of water to meet irrigation and non-swimmable lake demands.

Here are a few ways the Sanitary District and the Town are good stewards of our most valuable resource in the desert – water.

The Town uses a centralized control system in the parks, making it possible to shut down irrigation when it rains. In addition, special rotator sprinkler heads are used on the Avenue Linear Park, which are the most efficient sprinklers. They minimize the need for overwatering by having about 30% more consistent precipitation rate than popup fan-style sprinklers. All irrigation is completed during nighttime hours to help reduce the evaporation of surface irrigation, except during over-seeding.

Park staff propagate Cacti, Agave, and Aloe plants in our parks to reduce the water demands of new plants along with eliminating the cost of purchasing.

Turf reduction is planned for Fountain Park near the Rotary Splash Pad where a new picnic area is planned and the corner of Fountain Hills Blvd. and Shea Blvd. Grant funding will allow for the removal of the turf and replace it with desert plants and landscaping.

To review previous and upcoming Town Council agenda items, go the www.fountainhillsaz.gov/agendas.

NOTABLE TOWN COUNCIL ACTIONS

All meetings start at 5:30 pm in the Town Hall Council Chamber 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains.

June 2023

Town Council denied a request to rezone a property located at the southeast corner of East Palisades Boulevard and North Mountainside Drive from Single Family Residential to Multifamily Residential.

• Approved new trails in the McDowell Mountain Preserve

• Changed the name of the Historic and Cultural Advisory Commission to the History and Cultural Advisory Commission

Town Council Summer Break began following the June 20 meeting.

All meetings may be watched live on Cox Channel 11 and the Town’s YouTube Channel.

See the Town Council agenda at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/agendas for more information on how to participate and submit comment cards.

Fountain Hills Sanitary District collects every drop of wastewater generated in the community for recycling, which is then reused for irrigation. The Sanitary District provides recycled water for irrigation at three local golf courses and three Town parks (Fountain Park, including Fountain Lake, Golden Eagle Park, and Desert Vista Park). All recycled water exceeds water quality standards set and inspected by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. (Fountain Hills Sanitary District)

The recycled water is perfectly safe for watering the grass. The grass is safe for routine activities, such as playing frisbee disc golf or sitting to enjoy an outdoor movie or concert. The recycled water is not used for the splash pad, swimming or drinking for public health reasons.

(www.az-fhsd.gov)

Town of Fountain Hills Town Council, front row left to right: Councilmember Peggy McMahon, Mayor Ginny Dickey, and Councilmember Gerry Friedel. Back row, left to right: Vice Mayor Sharron Grzybowski, Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis, Councilmember Allen Skillicorn, and Councilmember Hannah Toth.

INTERNATIONAL

DARK SKY DISCOVERY CENTER IS MAKING BIG STRIDES TOWARD FINAL GOAL

The International Dark Sky Discovery Center has reached 75% of its $25 million funding goal to break ground. The current pre-construction phase has seen the completion of the architectural design and the Garden Reconfiguration project, selecting and working with a builder, and designing exhibits with an exhibit design company.

Mayor Ginny Dickey recently represented Fountain Hills at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. At a table by the entrance to the new Lights Out exhibit, she interacted with visitors, handed out materials about Fountain Hills and the IDSDC, and explained how Fountain Hills became an International Dark Sky Community. Celestron, the leading telescope manufacturer in the world, recently showed strong support for the IDSDC by offering to donate great telescopes for the Private Viewing Terrace and microscopes for the Einstein Exlporaton Station. The value of these donations is estimated at $30,000.

LOGO REBRAND HELPS ATTRACT BUSINESSES AND VISITORS

The Town of Fountain Hills has rebranded its town logo and the Experience Fountain Hills website to attract more residents, businesses and visitors to the community.

The inspiration for the new town logo captures the natural beauty, clean and safe community, and the town’s charm through the worldfamous fountain, Four Peaks mountains, and the Arizona sun. The deep red signifies the beautiful mountainside background of the town. The warm yellow represents the breathtaking sunsets and sunny skies.

The Experience Fountain Hills website has also been updated to provide an easier user experience and allow tourists and businesses to gain a true understanding of the town. New features of the reimagined website include the new logo, a live feed of the world-famous fountain, the Experience Fountain Hills blog, and an events calendar organized by local community events and regional events.

The refreshed Experience Fountain Hills logo takes a forward approach to showcasing the significance of the fountain which can be seen from most areas of the town.

TOWN SEES ECONOMIC GROWTH

Check out our new businesses in Fountain Hills

NEW OPENINGS

AZ Stone and Crystal Company

Alpha Financial Nordic

Motor Vault

Snowy Ice Cream

WE ARE A TOP STARGAZING COMMUNITY

COMING SOON

Coffee Roasters

Dutch Bros.

Above Board Charcuterie/Graze Craze

Fountain Hills is a community proud of its iconic fountain, beautiful scenery, and smalltown charm and for being recognized as the world’s 17th International Dark Sky Community. Now, the community can celebrate being a top stargazing destination in the country, as well.

HomeToGo (www.hometogo.com), an online vacation rental marketplace, released its 2023 Summer Stargazing Index, which ranked the top 17 stargazing destinations in the US. Fountain Hills is number 16 on the list.

To come up with the ranking, HomeToGo analyzed various factors, including average cloud cover and population density, to indicate how secluded an area is and the accessibility of affordable accommodations. Additionally, it even considered and evaluated many different International Dark Sky Places (IDSP), which are considered top spots for stargazing thanks to their low light pollution.

Take a look at the complete ranking of the top US destinations for stargazing:

1. Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado

2. Dripping Springs, Arizona

3. Harmony, Florida

4. Flagstaff, Arizona

5. Sedona, Arizona

6. (tied) Beverly Shores, Indiana

6. (tied) Kaibab Paiute

Indian Reservation, Arizona

8. Fort Davis, Texas

9. Dripping Springs-Wimberley, Texas

10. Torrey, Utah

11. Horseshoe Bay, Texas

12. Lost Creek, Texas

13. Borrego Springs, California

14. Village of Oak Creek, Arizona

15. Homer Glen, Illinois

16. Fountain Hills, Arizona

17. Ketchum, Idaho

To learn more about Fountain Hills dark skies, visit www.fhdarksky.com and check out the planned International Dark Sky Discovery Center at www.darkskycenter.org.

UPCOMING PARKS AND RECREATION EVENTS

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

AUGUST 18TH I 6:00 – 8:00 pm

FOUR PEAKS PARK

Celebrate the new school year with waterslide inflatables, a dunk tank, Firetruck, & Sheriffs’ vehicles! A DJ will be onsite to keep the party rocking. And while you’re there, grab some yummy food at the food trucks!

BALLET UNDER THE STARS

SEPTEMBER 28TH I 7:00 – 8:00 pm

FOUNTAIN PARK

Ballet Under the Stars allows Arizona communities to enjoy dance in a unique outdoor setting complete with a stage, lighting, costumes, and beautiful Arizona weather. FREE and open to the public.

MOVIE IN THE PARK

OCTOBER 14TH I 7:00 – 9:00 pm

FOUR PEAKS PARK

Enjoy a family friendly movie, play some yard games, and get some grub at a food truck. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs and get ready to cozy up and enjoy the show. Feature film: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023).

SPOOKY BLAST

OCTOBER 28TH I 5:00 – 8:00 pm

FOUR PEAKS PARK

Candy, Inflatables, DJ, Costume Contest and Games, oh my! Spend a spooky evening with us at this fantastic, family friendly event! Local community groups will have games and hand out candy. Come dressed to impress and win fun prizes at the costume contest.

TURKEY TROT

AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS

NOVEMBER 23RD I 7:15 – 9:00am

Join us for the 33rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run & Fitness Walk. This valley-wide favorite runs around the world-famous fountain at Fountain Park on Thanksgiving morning. Stay after the run for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Register online at fhturkeytrot.com

ROLL IN THE GLOW

AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS

DECEMBER 2ND I 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Time for a GLOW UP on the Avenue with our spectacular Lighted Bike Parade! Decorate your bike and register for the evening bike parade around the Avenue. The event is free and filled with LIVE music, inflatables, and holiday shopping. Held in collaboration with Stroll in the Glow.

LIGHT UP THE TOWN TOUR

DECEMBER 17 – 24

FOUNTAIN HILLS

Enjoy a self-guided driving tour of the most-festive homes around Fountain Hills, AZ! Visit fountainhillsaz.gov/holidaytour to view the holiday light tour map and to enter your home in the Light Up the Town Holiday Tour. Home entries must be submtted by December 14th.

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE FOR FOUNTAIN HILLS RESIDENTS

The Town of Fountain Hills has sandbags available to help residents protect their property from flooding.

Our monsoons account for roughly half the annual precipitation in central Arizona. The short-lived, intense thunderstorms typical of a monsoon storm often result in flash flooding in steep terrain and urban flooding through low-lying roads and normally dry washes. During the monsoon season, it is crucial to stay aware of dire weather forecasts. If a significant rain event is expected, are you prepared?

The Town of Fountain Hills has sandbags available to help residents protect their property from flooding. Each resident is allowed seven sandbags at a time. The Town will provide the bags, sand, shovel, and sometimes the labor to fill them.

You can get your sandbags at Fire Station Number 1, located at 16426 E. Palisades Boulevard. Sand is available at the station from 8am till 5pm. During a flood emergency, these hours will adjust to serve the community. For more information, call 480-837-9820.

EXPERIENCE THE PERFECT FUSION OF ART AND FRESH FLAVORS ON THE AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS

Wednesday November 1, 2023 – April 24, 2024

Farmer’s Market 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Art on the Avenue 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Step into a world of creativity and culinary delights as Art on the Avenue and the Farmer’s Market come together for an extraordinary event on the picturesque Avenue of the Fountains. This captivating fusion of art and fresh flavors offers an unparalleled experience that will delight your senses and leave you longing for more.

Art on the Avenue, a haven for art enthusiasts and seekers of unique masterpieces, provides a platform for numerous valley artists to showcase their one-of-a-kind creations in a mesmerizing outdoor gallery setting. Wander along the Avenue and immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Marvel at the intricate details of pottery, lose yourself in the beauty of handcrafted furniture and discover wall art that will ignite your imagination. Let your eyes sparkle as they gaze upon the dazzling jewelry adoring the display and explore the remarkable fiber creations that exude elegance and charm. With over 50 artists participating, Art on the Avenue promises an ever-changing showcase of talent and inspiration that will captivate you.

But the magic doesn’t end there. Adjacent to the art extravaganza, the Farmer’s Market awaits, offering a cornucopia of fresh produce, delectable treats, and handmade goods. Indulge in the season’s flavors as you explore the booths with vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables, and an array of mouthwatering culinary delights. From farm-fresh eggs and homemade jams to artisanal bread and pastries, the Farmer’s Market offers a bounty of locally sourced goodness to awaken your taste buds and nourish your soul.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

As you stroll through this vibrant gathering, with music in the air, feel the community’s energy. Engage in conversations with local farmers and artisans, learning about their passion and dedication to their craft. Sample the region’s flavors and discover the hidden gems within the bustling market.

Art on the Avenue and the Farmer’s Market creates an atmosphere of vibrant creativity and culinary delights that seamlessly blend on the Avenue of the Fountains. Explore the enchanting artwork, savor the fresh flavors, and enjoy the music in the air and an array of Food Trucks for a delicious breakfast or lunch.

For more information about Art on the Avenue and the Farmer’s Market, visit experiencefountainhills.org

Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation offers a Fee Assistance Program to Fountain Hills residents only. The program is designed to provide residents in Fountain Hills an opportunity to participate in quality recreation programs that they may not be able to do without assistance.

Assistance is provided to children ages 3-17 years of age. Eligible participants will be responsible for paying 50% of each qualifying recreation class registration. Some program restrictions apply. For more information, visit www.fountainhillsaz.gov/849/Recreation-Scholarship-Program.

WHAT KIND OF DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED?

Each household is required to submit a copy (as they will not be returned) of one of the following pieces of documentation:

• A copy of current Eligibility Notification Letter from Fountain Hills Unified School District or Scottsdale Unified School District Food Service Department if your child participates in the Free Lunch Program; OR

• A copy of any of the below Government Assistance verification documents: Unemployment Verification, Nutrition Assistance Verification, or WIC Assistance

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR TRASH AND RECYCLING

Republic Services is the trash and recycling vendor for the Town of Fountain Hills. There are four holidays if these land on your typical collection days, will be moved to the following day.

Thanksgiving, November 23

Collection is Friday, November 24

Christmas, Monday, December 25

Collection is Tuesday, December 26

New Year’s, Monday, January 1, 2024

Collection is Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Fourth of July, Thursday, July 4, 2024

Collection is Friday, July 5, 2024

CHANGES TO HELP ANNUAL BULK TRASH COLLECTION SERVICE

Last year, Republic Services annual bulk trash collection service had delays due to unexpected amounts of material put out by Fountain Hills residents.

To ensure these issues are more easily managed, Republic Services is adding an additional three days to each route.

The 2024 bulk trash collection starts March 4 and will continue for nine weeks through May 1. The typical items which are considered bulk are typically too large to be disposed of in your regular curbside trash container.

To help you get rid of these large items, Republic Services offers easy bulk trash pickup for recycling or disposal, so you don’t have to haul them to a landfill. Bulk items typically include: couches, lamps, rugs, mattresses, large appliances without freon, and landscaping debris, except cactus. Questions contact Republic Services Customer Service at 602-237-2078 or www.republicservices.com/customer-support

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY  ON NOVEMBER 4

The Town of Fountain Hills is holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 8 to 12 pm in the parking lot at Fountain Hills High School located at 16100 E. Palisades Boulevard. The HHW event allows residents of Fountain Hills to properly dispose of old paint, gasoline, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, cleaners, and other hazardous materials. For a complete list of approved and nonapproved items go to www.fountainhillsaz.gov/householdhazardous-waste.

ZONE 1 – MARCH 4-6

ZONE 2 – MARCH 11-13

ZONE 3 – MARCH 18-20

ZONE 4 – MARCH 25-27

ZONE 5 – APRIL 1-3

ZONE 6 – APRIL 8-10

ZONE 7 – APRIL 15-17

ZONE 8 – APRIL 22-24

ZONE 9 – APRIL 29 - MAY 1

WHO DO I CALL?

THREAT TO LIFE OR PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCIES – Call 911

Town Hall

(480) 816-5100 (Monday – Thursday)

Town Website – www.fountainhillsaz.gov

Community Center – (480) 816-5200

Senior Services – (480) 816-5189

Public Library – (602) 652-3000

Community Services (480) 816-5100

Sheriff’s Dispatch (602) 876-1011

Call 911 for Emergencies

Fountain Hills Fire Department Call 911 for Emergencies

Non-Emergency Line: 602-876-1011

Fountain Hills Unified School District  (480) 664-5000

Fountain Hills Municipal Court (480) 816-5103

Century Link

Residential customers, (866) 642-0444; Business customers, (877) 744-4416

Cox Communications (602) 277-1000

EPCOR Water – (800) 383-0834

Republic Services (Garbage removal) (602) 237-2078

Salt River Project – (Electric utility) General information, (602) 236-8888; emergency (24 hours), (602) 236-8811

SouthWest Gas – Suspect a leak? Call 911 and (877) 860-6020

Fountain Hills Sanitary District (480) 837-9444

Maricopa County Animal Control  (602) 506-7387

Code Enforcement Hotline  (480) 816-5193

Town Staff learn CPR training from the Fountain Hills Fire Department last July.

DEMENTIA CARE FOUR PART SERIES FOR CAREGIVERS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Free and Open to the Public; Pre-registration preferred. Register today at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/Program-Catalog

September 7th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Course #1963

PART I: ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA

• Describe cognitive screening tools to achieve early recognition and diagnosis of dementia in primary care

• Describe how to evaluate the behavioral, safety and functional needs of patients.

• Describe the typical workup for diagnosing dementia.

• Understand how to differentiate delirium from dementia.

• Know when to refer to a memory specialist for further evaluation of dementia.

October 5th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Course #2127

PART II: LANGUAGE OF DISTRESS

• Describe how behaviors express unmet needs (pain, fear, urinary/constipation issues, desire to move).

• List two approaches that will minimize agitated and aggressive behaviors in persons living with dementia.

• Describe three common medication mistakes in managing agitation (4P’s).

November 2nd, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Course #2128

VITAMIN M (MUSIC) FOR DEMENTIA: HOW MUSIC STRIKES A CHORD

• Describe “individualized music” and why it is important for the person with dementia.

• Discuss evidence-based findings as to how music can positively impact persons living with dementia.

• Explain the step-by-step process of providing music for persons living with dementia.

CPR TRAINING SAVES LIVES. MAYBE YOURS

December 7th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Course #2129

SOMETIMES SUPERHEROES NEED TO REST TOO: CAREGIVER SUPPORT STRATEGIES

• Be able to use the Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI) to assess caregiver stress.

• Understand common sources of caregiver stress and know three basic principles that providers can use to support families.

• Describe two methods of treating anxiety and depression in caregivers.

• Be able to refer caregivers to community support (Alzheimer’s Association, Supportive Care for Dementia, etc.)

Dementia Care and Education Campus, an innovation of Hospice of the Valley

The Fountain Hills Fire Department teaches CPR classes for the public monthly at the Community Center. The Parks and Recreation Department does the scheduling, and you can sign up on the website at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/ 296/CPR-Classes, or the Community Center or Town Hall. The cost is $35, and classes are 9 am – 12 pm one Saturday a month. You can contact Captain Doug Gibson at 480-837-0804 for private group CPR lessons.

BALLET UNDER THE STARS ON SEPT. 28

Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars performances return this September at four Valley locations, including a performance at Fountain Park on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public, Ballet Under the Stars is the perfect show for the entire family and a great way to introduce ballet to young people for the first time. These performances promise an evening of fun suitable for all ages, as guests bring chairs, blankets and picnics to experience the beauty of dance in outdoor parks across the county. The evening features a fully staged live performance by the professional company dancers of Ballet Arizona, including Juan Gabriel’s “Se Me Olvidó Otra Vez” and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments.

In addition, Ballet Under the Stars will also showcase a performance choreographed by local school students at McDowell Mountain Elementary School through the Class Act program. Each year, Ballet Arizona’s professional dancers provide a three-week dance training class for students in four different elementary schools across the Valley. The culminating highlight of their work is delivered as a performance as part of Ballet Under the Stars. This educational program is provided to students’ tuition free and is generously funded by Joan Benjamin and Laurence Cherkis.

Captain Doug Gibson of the Fountain Hills Fire Department held a CPR training course for Town Staff in July.