Carefree Truth
Issue #759, June 22, 2019
Kevin Tully said, "I am a 26 year resident, very proud to call Carefree home".
Issue #759, June 22, 2019
Kevin Tully said, "I am a 26 year resident, very proud to call Carefree home".
Kevin Tully
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
He noted that he had made a presentation to Mayor Les Peterson back in November about restoring the sunburst to the sundial. As he was leaving that meeting, the Mayor said, "You've given us something to think about". Mr. Tully continued, "And surely, you've thought about it a lot, because last week was an amazing week, a historic week for Carefree, as far as I'm concerned". Mr. Tully has been a long time advocate for the restoration of the sunburst to the sundial, "...and you brought it home to the people of Carefree. You have my lifelong gratitude for doing that".
Mayor Peterson noted that it was a collective effort on the part of many people. The sunburst was sitting outside at the Cave Creek Museum because there was no room for it inside. It was brought over to Carefree's Public Works area last week. He thanked Mr. Tully for bringing it to their attention. The Mayor explained, for those who were not familiar with it, that they were talking about the sunburst ornament which originally hung from the Carefree sundial, pointing to the lit Town of Carefree logo behind the dais that included the sunburst. Part of the issue was that in high winds the sunburst would swing, so it was taken down at one point. Mr. Tully was speaking of putting it back on the sundial.
Mr. Tully extended his thanks to the Cave Creek Museum for safeguarding it for so long. "It was exposed to the elements for about 14 years, kind of out-of-sight, out-of-mind, and now it's home, thanks to you. Now we can talk about it, we can talk about something new that would replace it exactly like it was, but meeting the most stringent security and safety standards, as well as an aesthetic appearance second to none." He again thanked the Mayor, and introduced Larry Stewart from the architectural firm Stewart and Reindersma 360.
Larry Stewart said he is an architect residing in Scottsdale.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
He noted that he had made a presentation to Mayor Les Peterson back in November about restoring the sunburst to the sundial. As he was leaving that meeting, the Mayor said, "You've given us something to think about". Mr. Tully continued, "And surely, you've thought about it a lot, because last week was an amazing week, a historic week for Carefree, as far as I'm concerned". Mr. Tully has been a long time advocate for the restoration of the sunburst to the sundial, "...and you brought it home to the people of Carefree. You have my lifelong gratitude for doing that".
Mayor Peterson noted that it was a collective effort on the part of many people. The sunburst was sitting outside at the Cave Creek Museum because there was no room for it inside. It was brought over to Carefree's Public Works area last week. He thanked Mr. Tully for bringing it to their attention. The Mayor explained, for those who were not familiar with it, that they were talking about the sunburst ornament which originally hung from the Carefree sundial, pointing to the lit Town of Carefree logo behind the dais that included the sunburst. Part of the issue was that in high winds the sunburst would swing, so it was taken down at one point. Mr. Tully was speaking of putting it back on the sundial.
Mr. Tully extended his thanks to the Cave Creek Museum for safeguarding it for so long. "It was exposed to the elements for about 14 years, kind of out-of-sight, out-of-mind, and now it's home, thanks to you. Now we can talk about it, we can talk about something new that would replace it exactly like it was, but meeting the most stringent security and safety standards, as well as an aesthetic appearance second to none." He again thanked the Mayor, and introduced Larry Stewart from the architectural firm Stewart and Reindersma 360.
Larry Stewart said he is an architect residing in Scottsdale.
Larry Stewart
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
The previous week, Kevin Tully had called his office saying he had a problem and thought he had a solution. The two partners met with Mr. Tully and found there was supposed to be a sunburst hanging from the sundial, as designed 60 years ago. The original design was created by architect/artist Joe Wong, who passed away a few years ago. He has many family members living throughout the Valley who would be delighted to see it restored.
The sunburst originally hung by a cable connected to an I-bolt. After years of monsoons and wind, it had rusted away and had fallen a couple of times, so was bent and in unattractive shape. Some glass pieces were tarnished and broken. But it is a vibrant piece of art, like the community it is supposed to adorn.
After meeting with their structural engineer, Mr. Stewart talked to Gary Neiss a few days before the Council meeting. Mr. Neiss agreed it would be a wonderful project if the artifact could be restored to its original condition using modern materials and installed securely. Mr. Stewart noted that materials have certainly advanced in the last 60 years. The original had been built out of welded together rebar, with glass wired into frames. It was not sustainable. Today, they would use steel or titanium rods, and are reaching out to very high end, advanced glass and plexiglass manufacturers for something that would withstand 200 mph winds, to recreate exactly what Mr. Wong designed. Their structural engineer thinks he can come up with new and different connections that will withstand the wind. It would sway a bit but not swing to hit someone on the head. The Town and the Council would love the design, connectivity, and structural integrity. His company and structural engineer are willing to do it pro bono, and he believes they can get artisans, manufacturers, and suppliers as well, with no cost to the Town.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked if there were a way that the cable could be retracted at night, locking the sunburst in place so it wouldn't be at risk from the wind. Mr. Stewart said he hadn't thought of that but said it was a good idea that could possibly be done. He explained that there would probably be a 3 point connection at the top to stabilize the sunburst and one at the bottom. They didn't know yet because they had just talked to Mr. Tully the week before, but they were already working on it because it is the 60th anniversary of the sundial. Mayor Peterson asked Mr. Stewart to touch base with Mr. Neiss and Councilman Gene Orrico, who had expressed an interest. The Mayor said he looked forward to the next presentation.
https://vimeo.com/341140683
Cave Creek Museum Executive Director Karrie Porter Brace presented an overview of the Museum's programs and activities, reported that the number of visitors is increasing under her administration, and talked extensively about her credentials.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
The previous week, Kevin Tully had called his office saying he had a problem and thought he had a solution. The two partners met with Mr. Tully and found there was supposed to be a sunburst hanging from the sundial, as designed 60 years ago. The original design was created by architect/artist Joe Wong, who passed away a few years ago. He has many family members living throughout the Valley who would be delighted to see it restored.
The sunburst originally hung by a cable connected to an I-bolt. After years of monsoons and wind, it had rusted away and had fallen a couple of times, so was bent and in unattractive shape. Some glass pieces were tarnished and broken. But it is a vibrant piece of art, like the community it is supposed to adorn.
After meeting with their structural engineer, Mr. Stewart talked to Gary Neiss a few days before the Council meeting. Mr. Neiss agreed it would be a wonderful project if the artifact could be restored to its original condition using modern materials and installed securely. Mr. Stewart noted that materials have certainly advanced in the last 60 years. The original had been built out of welded together rebar, with glass wired into frames. It was not sustainable. Today, they would use steel or titanium rods, and are reaching out to very high end, advanced glass and plexiglass manufacturers for something that would withstand 200 mph winds, to recreate exactly what Mr. Wong designed. Their structural engineer thinks he can come up with new and different connections that will withstand the wind. It would sway a bit but not swing to hit someone on the head. The Town and the Council would love the design, connectivity, and structural integrity. His company and structural engineer are willing to do it pro bono, and he believes they can get artisans, manufacturers, and suppliers as well, with no cost to the Town.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked if there were a way that the cable could be retracted at night, locking the sunburst in place so it wouldn't be at risk from the wind. Mr. Stewart said he hadn't thought of that but said it was a good idea that could possibly be done. He explained that there would probably be a 3 point connection at the top to stabilize the sunburst and one at the bottom. They didn't know yet because they had just talked to Mr. Tully the week before, but they were already working on it because it is the 60th anniversary of the sundial. Mayor Peterson asked Mr. Stewart to touch base with Mr. Neiss and Councilman Gene Orrico, who had expressed an interest. The Mayor said he looked forward to the next presentation.
https://vimeo.com/341140683
Cave Creek Museum Executive Director Karrie Porter Brace presented an overview of the Museum's programs and activities, reported that the number of visitors is increasing under her administration, and talked extensively about her credentials.
Karrie Porter Brace
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
She mentioned that the sundial's sunburst had resided at the Museum for a number of years. For more information on the Museum, visit https://cavecreekmuseum.org/
https://vimeo.com/341142211
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
She mentioned that the sundial's sunburst had resided at the Museum for a number of years. For more information on the Museum, visit https://cavecreekmuseum.org/
https://vimeo.com/341142211
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.