Former resident’s bequest to benefit youth arts in Prescott Valley
A former Prescott Valley resident and music lover has made it possible for youth arts to grow in the community.
Joseph Andre Maranda, under a trust created in 2001, dedicated his estate and assets to the Town of Prescott Valley to be used by the Prescott Valley Public Library and to found a Boys Choir.
The Town was readily able to use the money designated for the Library after Mr. Maranda’s passing, but the dollars designated for the Boys Choir were held by the Town as it considered a use or uses that would be in accordance with Mr. Maranda’s wishes as well as considering the needs and current conditions of the community. Over time, the remainder of the “Maranda Fund” grew to approximately $375,000.
After discussions with local groups, Town staff petitioned the Superior Court to allow use of the trust funds for several purposes, including Town sponsoring of musical theater day camps at reduced rates to Prescott Valley residents, and assisting the Prescott Valley Performing Arts group to complete its children’s theater at 3235 N Main Street and to create a Youth Choir for both boys and girls. After a hearing, the Court on Sept. 10, 2021 granted the Town’s petition for these listed uses.
Town Council on October 28 approved an agreement with the Prescott Valley Performing Arts group for its proposed use of $254,500 of the trust fund for (a) specified assistance towards completion of the children’s theater, and (b) establishment and operation of a Prescott Valley Youth Choir over a five-year period.