Welcome to SouthMountainVillager.net Positive News from the South Mountain Villager is now online. The Villager Staff is dedicated to printing positive news about the South Mountain and Laveen Villages. Be sure to bookmark this page so you can find us later! Thanks.
SouthMountainVillager.net
Posted by somovillager on November 1, 2008
Posted in SoMo Village | Tagged: Arizona, Laveen, positive news, SoMo, South Mountain, South Mountain Villager, South Phoenix | Comments Off
SML Chamber NOV 09
Posted by somovillager on November 10, 2009
We are all familiar with the statistics. The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released the Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Summary. The news continues to be bleak for the State of Arizona; the report shows an increase in the unemployment rate from 5.9 percent in August of last year to 9.1 percent in August of this year. While we do not have specific statistics for South Mountain and Laveen, I have no reason to believe that our community’s employment rates have faired any better.
Of course, statistics are what we make of them. While job loss may be easy to quantify, it is much more difficult to measure the more subjective aspects of living in Laveen and South Mountain. For instance, there is no way to measure our strong community spirit, nor is there a way to gauge how lucky we are to live in one of the most beautiful areas in the Greater Phoenix area. We remain here in our homes and in our businesses because we feel a connection with our community.
Each week, my family shops at grocery stores, frequents restaurants and puts gas in our cars. Monday through Friday of each week, my children attend school. We have a choice as to which grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations to patronize. We have a choice as to where to send our kids to school. Fortunately, Laveen and South Mountain are replete with businesses ready to provide exceptional service at fair prices, and we have exceptional teachers educating our students right in our backyard. Although we may not be able to stem the loss of jobs from South Mountain and Laveen, we can participate in our own local economic stimulus program by frequenting our businesses and by making sure that our tax dollars flow to our schools. As mentioned last month by Steve Glueck, the executive director of the South Mountain – Laveen Chamber, supporting our local businesses in Laveen and South Mountain makes good “dollars and cents.”
Of course, buying locally will not, in and of itself, provide the economic boost necessary to stabilize our local economy. However, supporting our businesses and schools and staying involved in our community will go a long way in ensuring that South Mountain and Laveen remain a rich, vibrant community.
Speaking of a vibrant community, the South Mountain – Laveen Chamber Spirit of South Mountain Awards Dinner is just around the corner on February 25, 2010. The dinner is an opportunity to showcase you – the businesses, organizations and individuals who make a difference. We are now accepting applications to recognize businesses and individuals in the following categories: (i) local business, (ii) non-profit agency, (iii) individual volunteer, (iv) local government agency, and (v) education/school administrator. Awards applications are available online at http://www.phoenixchamber.com/SMLC/. If you know someone deserving of an award, please submit an application prior to our deadline of December 15, 2009.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of a Chamber membership? Contact Executive Director Steve Glueck at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
November Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, November 11, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
Business After Hours Mixer
Click on the events calendar link at http://phoenixchamber.com/SMLC/index.html for more details.
South Mountain Leads Club – The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Ask Grandpa NOV 09
Posted by somovillager on November 10, 2009
This month Sunland School was extra ambitious and sent me over 100 questions. I could easily see from the questions that Sunland has a great group of good youngsters with active minds. Somehow though, I guess the assignment wasn’t too clear and most of the questions were directed at a specific “Grandpa” and were of a personal nature. For example “Were you in a war?” “Where did you meet Grandma?” and “Did Dad behave himself?” Although I wish I’d have had the opportunity to have known all those other “Grandpas” and been able to answer the questions, I’ll just have to address some of the more generic ones and hope you don’t disinherit me.
“What were the movies like when you were a kid?”
There were several drive-ins, the Silver Dollar here in South Mountain, Cinema Park and the Phoenix and a few more. The whole familys would go and watch from the car. Lucky kids could be more comfy with pillows in the bed of a pickup truck. Downtown, we had the Paramount, Rialto and Vista. I like the Fox because they had the Lew King Ranger Show. You weren’t cool if you weren’t a Ranger. Wayne Newton and his brother Jerry got their start as Rangers. I think the admission was a dime.
“Did teachers hit you?”
Well, they didn’t hit everyone. After spanking me I think they were too tired to hit anyone else. Our Principal at Creighton was Mr. Machan. They named a school after him later. I think they did it because they feared his gigantic paddle with holes in it. I’d have named a city after him rather than get whacked with that thing again.
“How much did soda costs?”
I was surprised to see how many kids asked about that. I think it was a nickel. It only came in glass bottles and was a special treat, not an everyday necessity like today, which might explain why many of us still have good teeth.
Well I’m out of space and still have plenty of easy ones to respond to, so till next time, go easy on your other grandpas,—grandmas too; they might be Lew King Rangers. GP
Posted in Ask Grandpa, Community, kids | Leave a Comment »
Flags for First Graders
Posted by somovillager on November 10, 2009
Harry Tolliver of Laveen teaches history as well as the respect for our national symbol.
Story and photos by Harold Baldwin
Back in September I had the pleasure of following Harry Tolliver as he traveled to seven Laveen area schools to talk about the American flag. A long time Laveen resident and Lions club member, Harry has done this for years under the Lions Flags for First Graders program. And as a former history teacher and school administrator he makes the most of the visits as “teachable moments”.
Harry makes the history of our flag come alive as he greets the students dressed in the full regalia of a revolutionary war era soldier from a tri-cornered hat to a hand sewn shirt covered by a vest-like waist coat (or “weskit” as the English called it). Breeches, knee socks complete uniform and a leather “possibles bag” is slung across his shoulder. All that is missing is a six-foot long flint-lock rifle. Backing him up are helpers that hold two American flags.
His audience is as many as a hundred squirmy, giggly first graders seated on the floor who grow quiet as Harry describes his period garb. Then he turns their attention to the two American flags. One has a circle of thirteen stars that eager voices count in unison as he points to each star. This leads to a bit about the original thirteen states that made up our young country. Then focused on the flags, all stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. These kids have it down pat and the sound of a room full of six year-olds reciting the Pledge would make any American swell with pride.
The period clothing, the original flag, and the contemporary one lead to a discussion of life in early America. Kids hear a list of all the modern conveniences missing in 1776 and shake their heads at the thought. This leads to a longer list of chores that burdened their counterparts 233 years ago: Girls toiling in the garden, dipping candles, cooking, and learning to spin and sew; while boys chopped kindling, hauled wood and water and tended the fire on the family hearth.
When asked how a cooking and heating fire was started, first graders suggested lighters and matches. When told those hadn’t been invented yet, one suggests rubbing sticks together. True, Harry said, but time consuming. There was a quicker way. With all eyes on him he reaches into his possibles bag. A flattened steel ring is held up first. Anticipation builds as Harry next holds up a small black stone. Kids nod as he describes the vital process of “laying” a fire. Then they ooh and ah as if watching fireworks when Harry demonstrates striking steel against flint producing a small shower of sparks.
Spending a bit less than one hour at each school, Lion Harry Tolliver blends living history while teaching respect for the American flag as the symbol of our nation. And best of all, at the end of the day, each student went home clutching their very own first grade size American flag.
On The Cover: Principal Steve Preis and First Grade Teacher Amber Murray of Desert Meadows Elementary School assist Lion Harry Tolliver in presenting the story of our American flag.
Posted in Lions | Tagged: kids, Lions, positive news | Leave a Comment »
KCG Champion School Nov 09
Posted by somovillager on November 10, 2009
Kentucky Grilled Chicken (KGC) inspires youth to get healthy with field trip to AVP World Challenge.
• KFC launched its “unthink” campaign earlier this year to promote the healthier, unfried side of its brand, Recently in Glendale, Arizona KGC sponsored a field trip for 100 students from Summit Elementary to visit the first-ever AVP World Challenge Tournament: USA vs. Brazil. The students sat on center court and saw KGC athletes Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh compete in addition to other teams including Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhousser.
• Students participated in the on-court promotions including the KGC Chicken Dance. The Summit Stingers Volleyball team practiced on one of the AVP sand courts. KGC athletes, Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh, spent time with the students answering questions and signing autographs. They talked about healthy eating in addition to teamwork and their Olympic journeys. KGC donated apparel to the students that promoted both healthy eating and AVP competition.
• Summit Elementary is a sports centric charter school based in Phoenix, Arizona. The AVP action took place on sand courts built at Westgate City Center. Team USA went on to win the weekend tournament with a score of 26 to 22 over Brazil. At Sunday’s finals Brazil USA started in the lead, but Walsh and May-Treanors loss to Brazilians Juliana Felisberta Silva/Larissa Franca put USA behind going into the final match, Dalhausser and Rogers vs. Alison and Harley.• Members of Team USA all sat courtside to cheer Rogers and Dalhousser to victory.
• During Sundays final match a recently recovered Misty May-Treanor joined fans on-court for the KGC chicken dance. She was quickly asked by the announcer to “stop dancing” as Team USA needs her to stay healthy and avoid re-injuring her Achilles heal that was torn on Dancing with the Stars. Dalhausser and Rogers (USA) dominated Alison Cerruti and Harley Marques (Brazil) to take home the gold and win the country challenge for Team USA.
Posted in kids, positive news | Tagged: Youth | Leave a Comment »
My Hero, Verna McClain
Posted by somovillager on November 6, 2009
My hero is Verna McClain. She has been a driving force and inspiration in our family’s lives. She raised three children all while working both at home as a wife and mother and running her own business or working for someone else. She raised us to be honest, trustworthy, and respectful to others.
Our mother has been there for us through the good and bad times in our lives. Some examples of our hardships would be sickness, failed relationships, the birth of our children, and when we lost children due to illness. I don’t know what I would have done without her when my son was diagnosed with terminal cancer when he was two yrs old. For the next three years, she spent every night with him when he was in the hospital this enabled my wife and I to be home with our daughter, and get some rest. I don’t know how many times she has opened her home to one of us when we needed to come back home while we were having some kind of problem in our lives.
She has also had a hand in raising her grandchildren and her great- grand children. As of now she has Eleven living grandchildren and twenty-four great- grand children.
At ninety-one years of age, she has out lived her three sisters and one brother. She is still very active in her church and community. She has received many awards for the great deeds she has done for the community. She humbly accepts these awards because she didn’t do these activities to gain any recognition for them; but rather she felt it was something that needed to be done.
I have heard many people say Verna McClain is my hero and inspiration to try and live a better life, But no one knows our mother and friend as we, her children, do.
I just want to say, ”Mother thank you for every thing you have done in our lives to make us the people we are today”.
Tom
Posted in Community, Good Folks, SoMo Village, Take pride in the South Side, Village History, Volunteers, positive news | Tagged: positive news, South Mountain Villager | Leave a Comment »
News Release for Nov. 7th and 14th
Posted by somovillager on November 6, 2009
SMCC & Ace Auto Repair Offer General Auto Repair Class, Nov. 7-14
Save money by learning routine automotive maintenance and repairs
WHAT:
Students will learn how to perform their own routine automotive maintenance and repairs in a new two-session non-credit class offered by South Mountain Community College.
Students will learn how to:
· change engine oil and oil filter;
· change wiper blades and check fluids;
· understand warning lights on dashboard;
· perform minor maintenance on the electrical, ignition, and cooling systems;
· troubleshoot the braking and suspension systems;
· change a tire;
· check tires for proper inflation and uneven wear; and
· determine the need for professional automotive repair and select proper service.
The class is taught by Dick Sellers, owner of Ace Auto Repair. Mr. Sellers has been serving the South Mountain community since 1981, and is an active member of the South Mountain/Laveen Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Central, Northern & Western Arizona Better Business Bureau.
WHEN:
Class will be held on two Saturdays, November 7 and 14, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon.
WHERE:
Class meets at Ace Auto Repair, 5010 S. Central Ave., in Phoenix (between Southern Avenue & Broadway Road).
FEE:
The cost of the training is $40.
REGISTRATION:
Register for CONT_ED 74725 online at my.maricopa.edu or call 602.243.8123.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call: 602.243.8034
E-mail: smcc@smcmail.maricopa.edu.
South Mountain Community College, this year celebrating its 30th anniversary, is one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges.
For additional information about South Mountain Community College, visit www.southmountaincc.edu.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Family-Friendly Pet-a-Palooza Nov. 7th 09
Posted by somovillager on November 6, 2009
Family-Friendly Pet-a-Palooza, Featuring Stadium Stroll to Benefit the Arizona Humane Society
WHAT:
Ø CBS Radio proudly presents Pet-a-Palooza 2009, featuring Stadium Stroll, to benefit the Arizona Humane Society. Bringing together to great loves – pets and music – the day celebrates our love affair with our pets with a day in the park.
Ø Live music all day with headlining act, Fast Ryde whose single “That Thang” is rising fast on the Nashville music charts
Ø Dog agility demonstrations
Ø Animal/caricature artists
Ø Meet and greet with AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians ™
Ø A variety of other pet-friendly family activities
Ø Stadium Stroll is a walk to raise funds for the Arizona Humane Society. Walkers will enjoy a 1.5 mile stroll around the Peoria Sports Complex with music from KOOL 94.5 FM, KMLE 108 and KZON 101.5 to put a little pep in their step.
Ø Round up your friends and family to see who can raise the most money.
Ø The Top 75 Fundraisers will enjoy a special VIP area during Pet-a-Palooza.
Ø Registration is $25 per walker and includes admission to Pet-a-Palooza.
Ø Both events offer fun for the whole family – included the four-legged members!
WHERE:
Ø Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382
WHEN:
Ø November 7, 2009
Ø Stadium Stroll – Registration begins at 8AM, walk begins 9AM.
Pet-a-Palooza – runs from 10AM to 5PM.
INFO:
Posted in Arizona Humane Society | Tagged: family, pets | Leave a Comment »
Whats Happening NOV 09
Posted by somovillager on October 20, 2009
What’s Happening In The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s
George A. Young
“Well Folks; remember life is too short to waste time hating anyone.”
Please join the community at the South Mountain Village Planning Committee meetings for the planning of the General Plan. This planning process will extend for about 18 months. For information on the SMVPC agenda please contact the City of Phoenix Planning Department. Our planner is Josh Bednarek at (602-262-6823) e-mail joshua.bednarek@phoenix.gov. To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s please e-mail or call George at (gayoung@cox.net or 602-243-3162).
The Historic Farm at South Mountain
“A drive down an unpaved memory lane”
South Mountain boasts a hidden gem sought after by those looking to unwind and unplug from the fast-paced lifestyle of city living and reconnect with nature and community. More importantly, the Farm at South Mountain reminds us all to pause and appreciate our neighborhood’s special place in the Valley’s history and acknowledge the efforts to preserve an idea conceived by a true Arizona 
visionary. As you turn into the easily-missed gravel entrance of the humble property, you’re instantly surrounded by a handful of cozy 1920’s cottages that house several locally-owned and independent businesses. In fact, the entire property was part of a larger land purchase by Phoenix icon Dwight Heard (of the Heard Museum) who envisioned a community where people would use the land to support themselves and each other. In the early 1900’s he divided the land and sold the parcels with the intent of promoting self-sustainability, going so far as to include a cow and fifty chickens with each purchase.
The original vision of sustainability continues further down the gravel path as your enter a canopy of pecan trees planted in the mid-1940’s that have yielded bountiful harvests for the community for more than 60 years. Today, they define and shield the verdant oasis from the city skyline, opening only to allow branch-framed views of South Mountain. Fragrant blooms and freshly tilled earth lead you to the green core of the Farm where 1.5 acres of organic gardens express the unwritten history of the property. Farmer Maya Dailey’s produce garden flourishes from naturally-
enriched soil deposits dating back to its ancient history as a riverbed. The flowers also grown here remind us of the stretched miles of swaying Japanese flower fields that once skirted the base of the mountain.
A quick stroll down the mulchy pathways and you arrive at the rear of the Farm property where a collection of quaint cottages and a converted farmhouse proudly showcase the culinary craftsmanship and imagination of local artists. The nationally-recognized Quiessence Restaurant and the locally-celebrated Artist’s Studio both contribute to the founding principles of Heard’s vision of economic sustainability.
In fact, current Farm owner A. Wayne Smith carries the torch of Heard’s dream by encouraging all the farm businesses to thrive and support one another. “It’s simple,” says Smith. “I tell everyone here you’ve gotta focus on delivering a good product and extending excellent service. That’s what has made this property great.”
But the Farm’s impact and contributions are not limited to the property’s borders. Thanks to grower Maya Dailey, The Farm’s superb produce can be found on the menus of the Valley’s most elite restaurants, enjoyed by students in local schools and is available at many public markets across the city. Quiessence Restaurant’s cuisine has earned international acclaim and spotlight from Food & Wine Magazine, Gourmet, Bloomberg, Arizona Highways and numerous awards from local publications.
With thriving businesses built on decades of responsible stewardship of the land and a visionary promise, Phoenix’s hidden gem is destined to make history far into the future. Current owner Wayne Smith wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I just sure hope Mr. Heard would be proud.”
- The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on November 10th. 2009 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.
- The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on December 2nd.2009 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.
- The South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival Committee will meet on November 3rd. 2009 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.
- South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on November 11th. 2009 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.
“Remember Folks; when it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.”
Posted in Community, SoMo Village, Village History, What's Happening, positive news | Tagged: good news, positive news, The Farm at South Mountain | Leave a Comment »
Volunteers Needed at Rio Vista Center
Posted by somovillager on October 9, 2009
We have officially opened our Career Center and Human Resource Center. These two programs have been in the works for most of 2009 and the response from the community is overwhelming! The Human Resource Center is a partnership we started through the Neighborhood Roots System with the Department of Economic Security. We are helping those within our community apply for AHCCCS, Food Stamps and Cash Assistance. The Career Center is our partnership through the Neighborhood Roots System with the Phoenix Workforce Connection. We are helping those within our community with all aspects of the job process.
The Hours of Operations
Tuesday 9:00 – 12:00
Wednesday 9:00 – 12:00
Thursday 9:00 – 4:00
We are very excited about the position God has placed us to make a huge impact in our community, but we need your help! Are you available during these hours? Do you have computer skills? Do you have a desire to help people get back on their feet? We will provide training all we ask is for you to be willing to help. Please consider joining us in changing lives in the South Mountain Village! You can call me at 480.518.7047
Thank you,
Tim Lesher, Director
Rio Vista Center
Posted in Volunteers | Tagged: Rio Vista Center | Leave a Comment »
Church Women United Nov 09
Posted by somovillager on October 9, 2009
Church Women United
World Community Day
November 6th. 9:30 A M
Salad Potluck Luncheon
Albright United Methodist Church
2242 East Campbell, Phoenix
Bring Baby Items and Layettes
Invite a Friend
For Information contact Genie at 602-268-4716
Posted in Church Woman United, Community, Events | Tagged: church, women | Leave a Comment »
