As we wind up our year at the River of Time Museum, I wanted to publicly thank the many volunteers who are the heart and soul of our vibrant organization. From our 15-member Board of Directors, to the dedicated individuals who staff the Museum as Diplomats and Docents, I know that our continued success is due to their efforts.

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, former Yavapai Nation President Raphael Bear will be speaking at the Museum’s annual meeting. This dinner/lecture is one of five held annually and requires a cadre of volunteers to take reservations, decorate tables and contact speakers.

Starting Nov. 7 and continuing through Dec. 9, the Museum will be holding our annual “Holiday Mart,” an opportunity for Fountain Hills families to score amazing deals on holiday décor. Our second largest fundraiser, Holiday Mart is a volunteer-run event enlisting more than 40 individuals in creatively displaying, pricing and selling the huge inventory, donated by the community, that begins showing up at the Museum in January.

The Museums Gift Shop is totally staffed by sales volunteers. Specially trained to run the cash register and know the merchandise, these savvy few help support the Museum’s bottom line.

Our Museum docents, another exclusively trained bunch, offer interpretive tours through the River of Time, staff our many events and participate in special programs such as “Living History” character portrayals.

From participating on the various Museum committees, to writing manuals and marketing materials, so many jobs are accomplished as a result of the time, dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. What an honor it is to work beside you and it is with deep gratitude that I say “thank you!”