Spring in Arizona

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Shelley Johnson

What outrageously great weather we’re having here is Fountain Hills, Arizona this year. It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the sights.  Pack a lunch, bring lots of water and put the sunscreen on, then go out and get fit.  Take a bike ride along the hundreds of miles of bike paths in Arizona, take a walk around your neighborhood or take a hike on your favorite trail.

One of my favorite places to walk is in my neighborhood, with my son and husband.  We chat with neighbors, get caught up on how they’re doing, and enjoy the outdoors at the same time.  We bring our two dogs and make it a family outing.  As for hiking, we enjoy the trails in and around Fountain Hills, including so many in McDowell Mountain Regional Park.  With easy access from Eagles Nest, the gated community in Fountain Hills, you can enjoy a pleasant hike through MMRP.

Don’t forget to visit the Fountain Hills Great Fair on Friday, February 24 through Sunday February 26.  It’s located along Saguaro Blvd and Avenue of the Fountains from 10 am to 5 pm and it’s free!  Then gear up for my sport of choice – CACTUS LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING!  It starts in March and runs through the first of April.  In my humble opinion, it’s the best thing to do in Arizona in the spring…enjoy an outdoor, up-close and personal baseball game.  I’m considered a die hard Cubs fan, because I root for the Cubs every chance I get, knowing they probably won’t ever win a World Series in my lifetime – but I’m still a fan.  Then I also root for the Diamondbacks, who are also tops on my list, and actually do have a great chance of getting to the World Series – AGAIN, in my lifetime.  To learn more about spring training games in your area visit  http://springtrainingonline.com/features/master-schedule-cactus.htm and you’ll see the listing of all games, times and locations.

Are you planning on heading out to an Arizona spring training game?

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Things to do in Fountain Hills Arizona this Fabulous February

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Shelley Johnson

February is the time of year when the weekends are full of fun and fabulous things to do in Fountain Hills Arizona.  There are many outdoor activities and events in which to choose.  I’m going to share two of my favorite things to do in Fountain Hills in February.

Hashknife Pony Express

First, the Hashknife Pony Express comes to town on February 9, 2012.  Enjoy a great lunch at one of our excellent local area restaurants then spend the afternoon outside the Fountain Hills Community Center and Post Office as you watch the Navajo Country Sheriff’s Posse lead the two dozen horseback riders into the heart of town.  The cowboys travel 200 miles from Holbrook, Arizona to Scottsdale, Arizona and make stops along the route.  Fountain Hills is one of the stops, as they pick up and deliver 20,000 first class letters by horseback.  It’s a great tradition to see and experience as you watch the cowboys ride down Avenue of the Fountains.  Visit www.hashknifeponyexpress.com to learn more.

Fountain Hills Great Fair

Second, you’ll love the juried art fair when you attend the 26th annual Fountain Hills Great Fair.  This event takes place February 24-26, 2012 along Saguaro and Avenue of the Fountains from 10 am to 5 pm.  The event is free and so is parking!  Stop by one of the local area restaurants for a cup of coffee and breakfast then head over to the Great Fair for a perfect way to spend your day.  Enjoy the great outdoors with the gorgeous temperatures and interesting outdoor activities.  Visit www.fountainhillschamber.com to find out more.

What are your favorite things to do in Fountain Hills?

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Images from Eagles Nest

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Shelley Johnson

As we start the new year, make time to enjoy the outdoors more, and appreciate what nature has given us.  Enjoy the quiet backyard views, the Arizona mountain vistas and all that nature has to offer.  Remember to relax each day, and be thankful for what you have, and all the glory we’re afforded by living in such a divine setting.  Enjoy your morning cup of coffee or your evening drink on your patio, and be mindful for the freedoms we have and beauty that surrounds us.

Outdoor patios are perfect for relaxing after work and enjoying the glorious views from your backyard. These views are of the eastern slopes of the McDowell Mountains, from Eagles Nest in Fountain Hills.

Fountain Hills Eagles Nest FirepitI’m loving the sights of downtown Fountain Hills and its world famous fountain from high above, in the picturesque gated community of Eagles Nest.  Take a hike on the public trail through Eagles Nest and you’ll see some truly amazing views too.

View of Fountain HillsJust another wonderful, awe-inspiring backyard view from one of the custom homes in the gated community of Eagles Nest.  Perfect for wildlife viewing too.

Awe Inspiring Backyard in Eagles Nest Fountain HillsIf you haven’t seen it in person, you’ve got to make a trip.  The world famous fountain sprays a flume of water high into the sky every hour on the hour for 15 minutes at the top of the hour, from 9am to 9 pm every day.  It’s a sight for all to see and enjoy!

Amazing fountain in Fountain Hills AZ
Do you have a favorite picture in Fountain Hills you want to share a link to?

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Suggestions for Some Fun Things To Do In January 2012

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Shelley Johnson

The weather in Fountain Hills, Arizona is what they call “Chamber of Commerce weather” – sunny and perfect this time of year!  With these great temperatures, it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy some of the delightful activities in and around the community.

If you’re one to start out your new year with a commitment to exercising more, consider some of the great opportunities at McDowell Mountain Regional Park or take a walk in your community. To join a guided walk or a guided hike with experts from McDowell Mountain Regional Park, visit their website at www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.  Here are a few hikes I thought sounded fun.

On January 5, 2012 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm you can join the Medicinal Plant Walk and learn about the medicinal uses of desert plants.  If hiking is more your style, enjoy the Friday Fitness Hikes (every Friday in January). The first hike on January 6, 2012 will meet at the Trailhead Staging Area and is from 8:00 am – 9:30 am.  No registration is required, but there is a $6 vehicle entry fee into the park.

If a car show is more your style, you’re in luck. On January 20 & 21, 2012 the Silver Auctions are presenting the Arizona in January – Collector Car Auction at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and Casino. Price is $18 per person and kids under 12 are free.  It’s a super great way for the family to spend the afternoon enjoying the cool cars from years gone by.  To learn more visit www.SilverAuctions.com.

1958 Cadillac Series 75 Formal Sedan

1958 Cadillac Series 75 Formal Sedan from Silver Auctions

For those looking for a nice night out, consider supporting the local Chamber by attending the January 21, 2012 Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. It’s being held at the Golf Club at Eagle Mountain and the price is $50 per person which includes dinner and two drink tickets. For more information, call 480-837-1654 x 223.

I’ve listed of few of my ideas for fun things to do in the month of January, why not share some of your ideas for great things to do?

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Remember to share your time with others this holiday season

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Shelley Johnson

During this holiday season, remember to share your time with others.  Make a donation of your time, to someone in need or your favorite non-profit group, and you’ll be the one rewarded as well as the those on the receiving end.  Find your passion, and volunteer your time to make a difference.

Here are a few photos from some of my volunteer activities:  Cub Scouts, Mentoring, MCO Properties Trail Blazers and the Fountain Hills Community Foundation.

Cub Scouts from Troop 243 in Fountain Hills marched down Avenue of the Fountains during the Great Fair in Fountain Hills on Veteran’s Day 2011.  The march ended at Fountain Park, where local dignitaries and several hundred community members attended a heart-warming Veteran’s Day ceremony.

Fountain Hills Cub Scout Troop 243

Fountain Hills Cub Scout Troop 243

Shelley developed the Fountain Hills Mentor Program to benefit the youth in the Fountain Hills Unified School District.  In addition to developing the program, recruiting and training volunteers, and eventually creating a volunteer board that took over the operation of the program after the first 10 years, she was also a mentor to many students over the years.  Here Shelley is pictured working with one of the second grade students she spent time with each week.

Shelley mentoring a second grade student.

Shelley mentoring a second grade student

Staff from MCO Properties volunteered alongside members of the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission and together they spent a day building trails in the mountains.  The volunteers from MCO and MMPC became good friends after working together on the side of the mountain.

MCO Properties staff volunteering with help of MMPC volunteers

MCO Properties staff volunteering as Trail Blazers, with the help of MMPC volunteers.

MCO staff building trails for the community

MCO staff building trails for the community.

Stephanie and Shelley worked as Co-Chairs on the annual gala fund-raiser for the Fountain Hills Community Foundation.  Over a five year period, the fund-raiser events they chaired raised over $100,000 for the Foundation, which is a Fountain Hills based non-profit agency that provides funding to other area charities in need.

last touches to the silent auction displays at 2010 fundraiser

Stephanie Haddy & Shelley Johnson, Foundation Gala Co-Chairs finish with the last touches to the silent auction displays at the 2010 fundraiser.

Do you have any stories you want to share on how you share your time with others?

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