One fall afternoon in 1994, I was being transferred to Arizona by Motorola. I flew to Phoenix from Minneapolis and started to look for a new location to call “home” for my family. That fall afternoon I drove east from Scottsdale on a narrow Shea Boulevard, arriving at the intersection of Palisades and Shea.

I will never forget the view of the Mazatzal Mountains, Four Peaks, the Goldfield Mountains and this picturesque town nestled below in the Verde River Valley. Yes, it was Fountain Hills and, at that time, marketed as a “Hometown by nature” by the Chamber of Commerce.

Why do I tell this story now in 2018? Because I still drive through that intersection and feel that same way after over 23 years of calling Fountain Hills home and volunteering with many others to help build our parks, build a United Methodist Church, coach youth sports, support the Boys & Girls Club, support our schools’ bond issues, and now to help The Trail Blazers build hiking and biking trails.

I believe there are still two defining characteristics above all others that make Fountain Hills what and who we are. Yes, we have the world’s fourth highest fountain, professional arts and cultural shows, very good schools, giving service organizations and faith communities, great restaurants and businesses, committed town employees, effective town councils, great parks, recreation areas, golf courses, bike trails, hiking trails, and smooth streets. Other communities have many of these qualities.

What sets us apart from the others? We are truly a “hometown by nature” in spirit, geography, and definition. And talented people have properly supported and managed our resources. If this continues our identity is safe; past, present and future.