Soon we’ll be past the bonds, government shut down, budget and tax issues. I can dream, can’t I? Let’s think about something we can all agree is happy and beautiful. I know; it’s Poinsettia Tree time. Yesterday I visited Fay at Gridleys of Fountain Hills. Some things never change; her enthusiasm for aiding in the collection of the Poinsettia Tree donor cards is almost inspirational.

Hopefully we can re-enlist Sami’s Fine Jewelry, Kay Kinder’s Fountain Fashions and possibly Card$mart at Fountain Plaza to round out the business associates. The Times is a must; without Alan and Mike the Poinsettia Tree would never be financed. Visit any one of these businesses to kick off the 2013 campaign.

I am also pleased to announce the resumption of the Fountain Hills Rotary raffle. This is truly the best raffle ever devised. Limited to 300 tickets; with prizes of $3,000, $1,500 and $500 at a cost of $50 per ticket affords the ticket holder the opportunity of a 1/100 chance of winning. The raffle proceeds support The local Boys and Girls Club branch, The Third Grade Dictionary Project, Extended Hands Food Bank, Make a Difference Day among other town projects.

The tickets will be available next week. Contact Phil Gaziano at (480) 363-2257.

Small projects with big returns that bring us together in so many ways.