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Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 1, 2008
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.
Posted in SoMo Village | Tagged: Arizona, Laveen, positive news, SoMo, South Mountain, South Mountain Villager, South Phoenix | Comments Off
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 27, 2012
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
The New Year is here; the holiday celebrations are complete; the outdoor lights and decorations have been put away. It is now time to begin this new journey which we call 2012. For all of Arizona it is our Centennial Year which begins officially on February 14, 2012 when we celebrate 100 years of statehood. We will all be learning more about our Arizona history then we ever learned in our K – 12 classrooms. That is a very good thing as we look to our future, and in particular, the immediate future for the communities of South Mountain and Laveen. We can learn much from our history that can help us to better define our community needs for the future in Education; in Business Development; in Public Transit and with Social Service Needs.
The South Mountain Communities’ greatest strength is based in our diverse cultures and unique geographic boundaries within the City of Phoenix. Our greatest challenge is to bring our diverse community together with a united community voice that clearly articulates what we all want to meet our community’s needs in the areas mentioned above. We have a multitude of business leaders; social service organizations; educators; religious leadership; non profit groups and elected officials, who all contribute to our collective community voice. We need that voice to be heard at City Hall; in the state legislator and most importantly in the board rooms where decisions are made on commercial investments that will bring the much sought after jobs and desired amenities to our South Mountain Communities.
On the campus of South Mountain Community College, a new environment for civic engagement and an agenda for public discussion of diverse community issues have begun under the direction of The South Mountain Community College Presidents’ Community Advisory Council. It is a promising beginning for 2012 to start the process of identifying a coalition of South Mountain Community leadership that will advocate for the economic development; community infrastructure improvements and social services that we need to reach our maximum potential. You will be reading and hearing about many opportunities in 2012, to participate in community gatherings at South Mountain Community College.
Celebrating our great South Mountain and Laveen Communities is what the Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner”, presented by The South Mountain – Laveen Chamber of Commerce, is all about! The 2012 Awards will be presented on May 17th at the new South Mountain Community Library – Community Event Center on the South Mountain Community College Campus. Nominations in 5 Award Categories: EDUCATION; NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES and LOCAL BUSINESS are being accepted through March 30th. Nomination forms are available on request at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net or by phone at 602 402 6086.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1/26 -“After 5 Mixer” @ Raven Grill 36 5:30PM
1/11 “Business for Breakfast Mixer @ La Cucina Italiana 9032 S. Central; 7:15-8:30AM
1/04; 1/18; 1/25 Leads Exchange Group 7:15am Raven Grill 36 – 3636 E. Baseline Rd
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 26, 2012
By George Young
This is a series of articles profiling some of the residents who live and work in the South Mountain/Laveen Villages. In keeping with the original format of the Villager to only print the positive, we will attempt to acknowledge some of the great folks that have contributed so much to our lives and are hopefully role models for all of us.
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Posted in Community, Good Folks, SoMo Village | Tagged: Good Folks | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 25, 2012
The Arizona Good Time Cruisers (AGTC) are actively looking for new members. Our meetings are held at 6:30 PM at Mel’s Auto Museum on Bell Road and I-17. Next meeting is January 9th. 2012. There is no make, model or year requirement. Let’s put the fun back in cruising. Join now and receive a free t-shirt.
Please contact Dick Sellers at Ace Auto Repair (602-268-0454) 5010 South Central Avenue (He can also help you with any car problems you have) or George Young (602-243-3162 or gayoung@cox.net or we have applications on line at arizonagoodtimecruisers.com
God Bless The AGTC and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village. Thank You.
Posted in Community, positive news | Tagged: AGTC, Arizona Good Time Cruisers, free t-shirt | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 24, 2012
Wish/Volunteer List
Score Keeper
Videographer
Statistician
Field Maintenance
Academic Tutors
Character Counts Mentors
Volunteer Baseball Coaches
Fundraising Specialist
Team Mom
Posted in Volunteers, Community, Education | Tagged: SMHS, Jaguar, baseball | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 23, 2012
(By Ingried Lowman)
Greetings fellow Villagers and Happy New Years to each and every one on you!! May God bless you all with the strength and courage needed to keep you “New Years Resolutions”. We make them every year and, unconsciously, set ourselves up for sabotage, making promises and commitments we have never been able to keep but, for some strange reason, we think that “this time”, this new day of this new year, we will conquer and keep our commitments to a healthier way of eating, doing more, or perhaps begin to exercise, to quit smoking, etc… Whatever the “demon” we individually struggle with, the coming of a new year musters up renewed strength and courage, a new willingness to change; or is it a fleeting thought or act of insanity?!?!?!? Do we relish the thought of failure? What if we mad the commitment for, instead of a year, “Just for today”?
“Just for today, I will love my neighbor as myself.”
“Just for today, I will have faith in God and in man.”
“Just for today, I will thank God for the sun, for my family, for my friends, and for each breath He gives
me the privilege of taking.”
“Just for today, I will tell someone I love that “I love you”.
“Just for today, I will let one of my family members know that I appreciate them.”
“Just for today, I will give of myself to someone less fortunate than me.”
“Just for today, I will let one of my family members know that I appreciate them.”
“Just fore today, I will pray for those that are lost and don’t know the Lord.”
“Just for today, I will pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ.”
“Just for today, I will pray for the leaders of our country, for their task is huge and in need of God’s
guidance.”
“Just for today, I will pray for the soldiers that serve to protect my freedoms.”
“Just for today, I will pray for the leaders in every civic organization and all of the volunteers that work
diligently in my community to create a better place for me and my children.”
“Just for today, I will pray for the pastors of all the churches so that they will continue to seek God’s
guidance in leading, guiding, and preaching His word to their parishioners.”
“Just for today, I will do something to make my community a better place.”
“Just for today, I will withhold any unkind words for, unlike a pair of ill fitting shoes, they cannot be taken
back.”
“Just for today, I will pick up any trash I see in my path to help create a cleaner environment.”
“Just for today, I will give of my smile freely, as it is a gift that cost nothing but gives so much.”
“Just for today, I will replace my negative thoughts with positive ones because this is much more
productive and invigorating.”
“Just for today, I will hold the door open for the person coming in behind me at the store.”
“Just for today, I will not cast a shadow of doubt over another person’s dream, but encourage their
success.”
“Just for today, I shall not judge, lest I be judged.”
“Just for today, I will lift a child’s heart by creating hope.”
“Just for today, I will give of my time, the greatest gift, as once you give it away, it cannot be taken back.”
“Just for today, we will serve our families how God intends us to serve them.”
Whether it’s the funeral industry, the restaurant business, the grocer, the Insurance business, automobile industry, etc., we are all blessed with the ability to make a difference, not only in the lives of others, but in our own lives, as well. Be good to yourself. Be honest with yourself and others. Live with integrity. “Just for today” make the decision to shine the light of hope, love, faith, and charity because “today” is a gift and tomorrow – uncertain.
We, here at Lowmans Arizona Funeral Home, would like to thank you for your expectations in our ability to serve you, our family and community. We have become better because of you and your willingness to share with us your needs in caring for you and your loved ones at the most difficult time. So “just for today, we will strive to better our service to you” and, as always, we will appreciate the privilege of serving you.”
Our goal is to inform and educate the community of the mamy options available to you in the funeral industry. Our mission is to provide the community with quality services and merchandise at a reasonable
and fair fee; treating families with the ultimate degree of respect, because you deserve it. For pre-arrangement information, or answers to your questions, please don’t hesitate to call or just drop by.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
As always, Bill and Ingried Lowman are available 24/7, at (602) 276-3601, toll free (877) 276-3601, and fax (602) 276-1889.
Posted in Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Just For Today, lowmans-arizona-funeral-home | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 23, 2012
CULTURE PASS
Visit your library and check out a museum. Select an institution to visit. Bring the laminated card to the circulation desk. The library will give you a date due slip that admits you and 1 other to the institution. For more information visit the library, or online theculturepass.org
___________________________Children Programs
Family Storytime—(Mondays) – 6:30 pm - All ages with children, birth to five, accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, finger plays, songs, flannel board stories, and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading including dialogic and sound awareness activities.
Babytime—( Tuesdays) Babytime for Crawlers – 9:30 am and Babytime for Walkers at 10:30 am–Children birth to 23 months accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, fingerplays, songs and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading. Playtime follows program.
Family Storytime—( Wednesday) 10:30 am – All ages with children, birth to five, accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, finger plays, songs, flannel board stories, and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading including dialogic and sound awareness activities.
___________________________Teen Programs
Teen Computers—Internet computers for teens ages 12 to 18 located in the TEEN Limitless Lounge. Teens must own a library card to use any computer in the library. There is a limit of one reservation per day.
Teen Program – 4pm to 5pm – Teen programming the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Enjoy movies, Wii Sports, books, music and board games.
_________________________Adult Programs
Computer Classes in English — (Wednesdays) 7:00 pm to 8:30 PM
Computer Classes in Spanish – (Thursdays) 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Basic Computer Skills I, Introduction to the Internet, Basic Computer Skills II, and Introduction to Email. Limited seating. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to class time.
Friends of the Library, South Mountain Community Library Chapter —(Saturday) January 7, 9:00 AM
Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. Join this friendly group and make things happen in your neighborhood library! All are welcome! Visit the branch for more information. Visit the Friends book sale by the front of the library for fantastic bargains. For adults.
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Posted in Community, Education, Phoenix Public Library, SMCC | Tagged: Phoenix Public Libraries, SMC Library, South Mountain Community Library | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 22, 2012
“A lady did something very nice for my Mom and me. She left before we could thank her. I have her plate number but no one will give me her name or number. Can you tell me how to contact her?” Rebecca.
When I hear things like that, It makes me happy. Now the lady made us all happy. She probably knows that and doesn’t need any more of a “Thanks”. You used to be able to locate people by requesting the information from the Motor Vehicle Department but because a few bad apples used the information for nefarious purposes’, the policy was changed. Just another example of a few reprobates messing it up for every one else. Anyway, I was listing to a country western song the other day, I don’t remember the name of it but it fit your dilemma like a preachers flask: A person was asked how much was owed for some service that had been provided and the giver answered “You don’t owe me a thing, but, if you want to pay me something, just pass the favor along when you have the chance.” The song went on to make the point, but you get it already.
You know Rebecca; some times all it takes to brighten someone’s day is a simple “Hi” or a cheerful smile. We can’t all leap tall buildings or change the oceans tides but we can settle for something as simple as a “Hello, you sure look nice today”. That’s a start. Tomorrow we’ll work on the tides. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
- Grandpa
Please send your questions to George at gayoung@cox.net
Posted in Ask Grandpa, Community, Good Folks, positive news, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: advice, grandpa, questions, wisdom | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 22, 2012
Posted in Community, Education, Laveen, positive news, SMCC | Tagged: classes, Community, Education, Laveen | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
(By Ingried Lowman)
Bill and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, (whichever applies). We both received our Christmas gift early this year with so many wonderful friends, volunteers and guests helping to make the 37th Annual Pioneer Luncheon the best ever!! What a privilege it is to serve so many in the South Mountain and Laveen Villages. The South Mountain/Laveen Village Fall Festival Committee is an endowment to both of these communities. Without their leadership, hearts, time, and hard work, we are certain that all of the fall events would cease to exist, as well as the many other activities they are all involved in.
A very special “Thank you” goes out to George Young, our President of the Festival Committee, (and my “male” version of Verna), Verna McClain, Karen Mischlispy, Pauline Woods, Michael & Kristin Riendeau, Mickey Schaffer, Kay Shepherd, Steve Glueck, Art Juarez, and Kathleen Holguin, (all serve on the committee). Another special “Thank you” goes out to Kelly Steffen, (who traveled all the way from Missouri to help me do the “week before” prep work); Paul Martin, (Bill’s 5th grade teacher); Susan Beyer; Rosie Jaurigue and her sister, Gracie; my twin sister, Karin, & 2 of her 6 children, Whittney & Zachary Grable, Seth and his mom, Sherri; Carlie Back; Mary Goodlett and her nephew Marcos; all of the exceptional Honor Students from South Mountain High School, and our fabulous musician, Carson Boyd. We cannot forget the wonderful folks at Corona Ranch that really help us to put the “frosting on the cake” by allowing us to use their facility. It is the only facility available to house so many amazing “villagers” for one event. More heartfelt “thank you’s go out to Rodena and Gary Josey for making the potato salad; Carmen Singh made a beautiful gift donation and Baseline Flowers was exceptionally generous with flower arrangements. Everyone mentioned, really outdid themselves and we are truly grateful and exceptionally blessed to know all of you. You are all “gifts”. If I have forgotten to mention your name, please know that we are truly appreciative but may occasionally suffer from CRE (can’t remember everything!!)
As Christmas approaches, it can be a sad time for those whom have lost a loved one. Our prayer is that you open your hearts and minds to those that may come into your life to lift your spirits at a difficult time, during a joyous time of year. Sometimes God plants the most unsuspecting people in our paths to make this time just a little sweeter than it would have been without these folks. Give yourselves permission to feel and remember the joy of Christmas and its true meaning. You also need to give yourself permission to grieve, but keep in mind that your loved one would want you to cherish and remember the true meaning of Christmas, holding onto the many wonderful memories you had the blessing of sharing together when they were amongst you. To have received the gift of love is something that should never fade or be forgotten, as it is a gift that millions will never know or experience.
This world is big, yet so small; full of wonderful, loving and giving people, yet so many that long to take away our freedoms and privileges of living and working in fields we choose, marrying those we fall in love with, raising children in homes that we have had the privilege to own, and living where ever we may choose to live in this great “nation under God”.
We pray that you all take the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone to help those less fortunate than yourselves; giving of your time and of the love that has been shown to you through those that have blessed you. Always remember that your prayers never go unheard and that, the four greatest gifts; faith, love, hope and charity will get each and every one of us through any trial that we face. It will also strengthen us in ways we never thought possible. We all have our crosses to bear, but we have those four above mentioned gifts that make life exceptionally tender and sweet.
Merriest of Christmas’s and Happy Hanukkah from the bottom of our hearts, and thank you all for all that you are! May God richly bless you, your families and this great nation.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
As always, Bill and Ingried Lowman are available 24/7, at (602) 276-3601, toll free (877) 276-3601, and fax (602) 276-1889.
Posted in Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
It’s the last month of 2011 and for some of us, 2012 can’t get here fast enough! This has been another difficult year for many South Mountain – Laveen businesses and residents, as we complete a 3rd year of a slow recovery from the 2008 worldwide recession. Is there hope, that we will see a stronger economy in 2012? In my view, absolutely there is hope, for the immediate and long term future economic growth in our South Mountain – Laveen communities. Yes, we need to see the evidence of real job growth; growth in new home construction and a real increase in homeowners’ property values throughout the South Mountain area. Looking back through 2011, I see things that have happened which, I believe, is evidence of even better things to come in 2012.
Major construction projects that were completed this year include: The South Mountain Community Library on the South Mountain Community College campus at 24th Street; the new Percy L Julian Elementary School at 21st St & Carver; Victory Place III Apartments for formerly homeless military veterans at 9TH St & Jones; the new Laveen Elementary School at 43rd Ave in Laveen. Major construction projects nearing completion or beginning next year include: The Salvation Army Kroc Family Community Center at 14th St & Broadway opening May 2012; the Roosevelt Schools Culinary – Community Center at 10th St & Baseline Road groundbreaking in January; Arizona Cactus Pine Council Girl Scouts Camp Sombrero multi million dollar renovations planned for 2012 at 16th St & Dobbins; an extensive remodeling makeover of the Ocotillo Library at 3rd Ave & Southern to be completed next year.
As for long term planning, a current City of Phoenix field study to determine the expansion of the Light Rail Transit System along South Central Ave to Baseline Road, began in April of this year and will now be supplemented by a Federally Funded Department of Transportation $1,000,000 award to the City of Phoenix to study all forms of public transit improvements to better connect Downtown Phoenix to South Mountain Village along South Central to Baseline Road and east-west connections along Broadway and Southern. The study will begin in 2012 and conclude in 2013. And of course the conversation continues about where to put the South Mountain Freeway Loop connecting the south leg of the 202 with the I 10 Freeway at or near 59th Avenue. The currently planned route including the state owned land has been on the books since the mid 1980’s. It will be built, with informed guesses looking at a 2018 construction start.
The South Mountain – Laveen membership continues to grow as we added 25 new members this year. We are a chapter of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce which has added over 300 members through 11 months of this year. Overall, there have been over 50 small business start ups this year and that doesn’t include new non profits and Charter School additions that began operating in our communities this year. There are many other examples of why we should all feel encouraged about what the future holds for our area. There is a natural scenic beauty and rich history in South Mountain that is unmatched anywhere else in the metro area. But first and foremost it is our diverse community that is our strength and our hope for our future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
12/1-“After 5 Mixer” @ Gallagher’s Sports Grill & Restaurant, 3220 E. Baseline Rd; 5:30 – 7PM
12/14 “Business for Breakfast Mixer @ La Cucina Italiana 9032 S. Central ;7:15-8:30AM
12/7, 12/21 Leads Exchange Group
7:15am Raven Grill 36
3636 E. Baseline Road
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
George A. Young – gayoung@cox.net
“Well Folks remember; “Smile when you answer the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.”
The South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful (SMVC&B) would like to hear from you if you would like to have us assist you in cleaning up your neighborhood or would like to join us in a clean up. For information on the South Mountain Village Planning Committee agenda please contact the City of Phoenix Planning Department. Our planner is Josh Bednarek at (602-261-8771) e-mail or joshua.bednarek@phoenix.gov. To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village please e-mail or call George at (602-243-3162). Below is a place that if you have not been you should plan on going. Mr. Mel Martin has created a one of kind experience. Mr. Al Ramsey sent me an e-mail about a new Laundromat located in the shopping center at the SWC of South Central and West Baseline Road. Mr. John Parker is the manager and Al wanted folks to know how nice it is. Stop by and use them. Thanks Al. We have a correction from our November issue. The St. Luke’s article mistakenly stated that the “Introduction of One World, One Heart” was written by Susan Polis Schutz. It was actually from “Leap of Faith” by Bobbie Holaday.
Martin Auto Museum Now open to the Public Thursday, Friday & Saturday’s, 12pm to 6pm
The formerly private Martin Auto Museum has just announced that it will now open its doors to the public every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 6pm beginning on Friday October 28th 2011, (which coincidently happens to be my birthday, thank you very much). Organized back in 2005, the Martin Auto Museum Inc. was created by Arizona entrepreneur Mel Martin to showcase his private collection of vintage vehicles and is now registered with the IRS as a 501(c) 3 non-profit “dedicated to the preservation of collectible and rare automobiles for educational purposes.”
As his collection continued to grow and the building expanded, Mel saw a need to share this collection of vehicles that represented significant periods in automotive history. At the Martin Auto Museum, visitors can view automotive history through the decades in this vast collection. There are also enough race cars and one-of-a-kind vehicles to excite any automotive, art or history enthusiast. In addition to the collection, there is lots of meeting space available for groups of up to 120 people. It is the perfect “centrally located” place to hold car club meetings or any special event in. Check it out.
The Martin Auto Museum is located at 17641 North Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix Az 85023. Just go north off of Bell Road on the east-side of I-17′s Frontage Road until you see the MMA Museums sign. If you are familiar with “Grumpy’s” vintage parts over there along the I-17 east-side Frontage Road, Mel’s place is just two buildings south of Grumpy’s. The Martin Auto Museum phone number is (602) 971-4753 and their fax number is (602) 971-4836. You can also e-mail Mel at: melcarup@aol.com and the MMA Museums web site is at: www.martinautomuseum.org/
The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 13th. 2011 at 6:30 PM at the South Mountain Community College, 7050 South 24th. Street, Student Union Building.
The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 30th. 2011 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 Tuesday, December 6th. 2011 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.
South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 22nd. 2011 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.
“Remember Folks; The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. And if I agreed with you we would both be wrong.”
Posted in Community, positive news, South Mountain Villager, What's Happening | Tagged: SMVC&B, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
Did kids steal or get into trouble when you were young? Brent.
Kids were kids. Same as now. Perhaps not quite as malicious but we were still kids. Part of being a kid is not taking the time to consider the consequences of our behavior. For example: When kids moved old man Crowder’s outhouse, we, I mean “they” never considered that he would fall in the hole. No one ever considered that eggs can destroy paint on vehicles or homes. I remember the time someone put a box of tide laundry soap in a waterfall fountain on Central Avenue. There were so many bubbles and suds that it stopped traffic and made the front page of the newspaper. It was pretty funny until we learned that it ruined the pumps and filters. Someone swiped the fat guy statue off the Bob’s Big Boy on Central. The owner was a good friend of my dads and as much as I pleaded innocent, I’m not sure I was completely believed. About twenty years later I built some antique ironwork for a mansion being used for a movie, the mansion was off Camelback and while installing some balcony railing, I could see into the neighbors’ property. The property belonged to an Arizona Senator and guess what was standing next to his gazebo? Of course, I invited my dad to come admire the ironwork and check out the fat statue in the Senators’ yard. Probably the rottenest thing we did was collect peoples hub caps. I don’t even know why we did it; we surely didn’t have any use for them. I do know the punishment didn’t fit the crime and in today’s world our parents would probably be in jail. Thinking about it, I do remember a crime caper my buddy and I concocted. We noticed that at the Encanto Boat Rental Dock people frequently lost coins that fell thru the cracks when they fumbled to pay for their boat rentals, having seen a movie about an underwater demolition team, we decided to become frogmen. We borrowed some wire cutters from Dads’ tool shed and headed for Encanto Park. We swam to the dock, cut the chicken wire and crawled under the deck. We collected two bags of coins, some of which appeared to have been there for years. Our crime spree ended with us both being caught. My accomplice surrendered on the spot but the officers had to chase me down on the golf course. All the silver coins were confiscated and we were allowed to keep the pennies. Kids were kids but we learned that crime doesn’t pay. Unless you count the pennies.
- Grandpa
Please send your questions to George at gayoung@cox.net
Posted in Ask Grandpa, Community, kids, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: advice, grandpa, kids, questions | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
Are you looking for a great way to get a tax credit while helping out the students of the Roosevelt School District? You can still get your last minute tax credit for 2011. All you have to do is fill out the form to your right and you’ll be helping out our students while helping out yourself as well.
Getting the tax credit is simple. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the actual tax amount owed. For example, if you owe $800 in state income taxes and you donate $400 to a public school for extracurricular activities, you may subtract the $400 from your tax bill and pay the state just $400. If you anticipate a refund from the state, it would increase by the amount of your contribution, assuming you had that amount withheld.
According to state law, these donations must be used for extracurricular activities. With your help, Roosevelt School District is able to offer tutoring, band, music, art, recreational activities, and much more. Extracurricular activities help children develop qualities such as leadership, team play, and cooperation, as well as provide safe, supervised activities after school hours. Thanks to you, these programs could be available to all Roosevelt students.
All Arizona taxpayers are eligible to take advantage of this tax credit regardless of whether or not they have children in our schools. A married couple filing jointly may contribute and receive a tax credit up to $400. A single individual may contribute up to $200. Donations must be received by December 31 in order to be eligible for the tax credit this calendar year. A receipt will be provided for tax purposes.
For more information, call 602-243-4800 or visit our website at www.rsd.k12.az.us to download a copy of our tax credit brochure.
Posted in SoMo Village, RSD, positive news, kids, Community, Education | Tagged: Roosevelt School District, tax credit, extracurricular activities | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
We typically associate five stars with a movie we cant miss, a hotel that is a must stay or a top notch restaurant. The stars serve as an indicator of quality but what does it mean for your health and how can it help you to choose the right extended care facility for yourself or a loved one? The star rating system has been applied by Medicare to help consumers and care givers rate and compare extended care facilities and is a vital tool when deciding on the right place that can provide the appropriate level of care.
The Five Star rating is based on three specific areas, Health Inspections, Staffing and Quality Measures. Data from these areas is collected and rated to provide consumers with a “snap shot” of a facility.
Health inspection results are a comprehensive collection of data, based on 180 different items that describe and cover all aspects of care and processes in a nursing home. This data is collected by onsite trained inspectors that visit the facilities annually. These objective inspectors, survey residents, check the quality of care and inspect medical records on each visit to gather data and then apply it to the five star rating.
Staffing is also considered in the five star rating process and basically takes in to account the ratio of staff to residents and how many of the staff are registered nurses. This area includes the ability of a facility to adjust and customize staff based on level of care needed and actual number of people being cared for.
The last aspect of the Five Star Rating is the Quality Measures. These measures take an in depth look at ten important aspects of care, including how a facility treats skin ulcers, eating habits and how residents are dressed and cared for.
While it is not impossible for a facility to receive a five star rating it is very difficult. It requires a facility to give the highest standard of care in every aspect for an extended period of time. It is a benchmark and is indicative of a facility whose culture lives that standard. We here at Life Care Center of South Mountain are proud to say that we embody that standard of care and deliver with the same smile and consistency day after day, because we care. So when is Five Stars used for good health, when your choice is Life Care Center of South Mountain for your skilled and nursing home needs? Bring us your loved ones and we will deliver nothing but Five Stars.
Posted in Community, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: five stars, quality | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
The light rail transit system through central Phoenix opened in December of 2008, and my faith in the Valley’s desire for more public transit was boosted when ridership soon exceeded expectations. Like many major cities throughout the West, Phoenix has been slow to jump on the public transit wagon. We often seem to be playing catch up in our sprawling city. But the need for good public transportation is strong. Connecting people with their jobs and services through public transit is important for our quality of life.
While I was successful in securing federal funding to construct the first leg of the light rail system through central Phoenix, demand is growing in many areas. My constituents and local government and community leaders have advocated for more public transit and light rail through additional communities. However, this process takes time and millions of local and federal dollars.
I was happy to hear that a $1 million federal grant was awarded to METRO and the City of Phoenix to analyze various high-capacity transit alternatives for the South Central Phoenix Corridor. This is the area on Central Avenue from Washington Street to Baseline Road. The funds, awarded by the Federal Transit Administration, will be used to conduct an Alternatives Analysis (AA), which consists of evaluating the feasibility of several high-capacity transit routes and modes, including light rail, bus rapid transit and modern streetcar. Securing this funding was important because in these times of budget cuts and rollbacks, the grant indicates the decision-makers in the Federal Transit Administration recognize our collaborative efforts with local government and our commitment to public transit and its success.
The AA study will develop preliminary ridership forecasts, cost ranges, engineering and community issues and economic development opportunities. The end result will be the identification of a single transit route and mode that best services the South Mountain Village community and the larger transit system. We would identify the best use of the South Central Corridor to connect residents from the south and southwest areas to locations throughout Phoenix. Because METRO had previously received $500,000 from this same grant program to initiate a preliminary feasibility study of light rail in this corridor, the study’s scope will be enhanced to complete a formal AA with a budget now totaling $1.5 million.
The study is expected to take two years to complete and is the first step in the process to compete for federal capital funds for the new transit project eventually selected. The study also will give everyone an opportunity to discuss possibilities and constraints to help put the best plan forward.
An important component of the study will include public input. Community feedback is required and really helps drive the process. After all, local residents and business owners know best what works for them and what the community needs. I urge all parties interested in this South Central Corridor to become involved when public input is solicited by METRO and the City of Phoenix. In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my Phoenix District Office at 602-256-0551, or email me from my website at www.pastor.house.gov and click on Contact Ed.
Posted in Community, Ed Pastor, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Arizona, light rail transit system | Leave a Comment »
