Archive for November, 2008
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 19, 2008
There is nothing like a picnic to bring people together: The smell of good food, the sound of children singing and lots of interesting conversations. That was the theme for the Roosevelt School District and Business Luncheon, which was held on Thursday, November 13, in the Roosevelt School District Governing Board Room. More than 50 people attended representing various local businesses and community organizations.
The food was provided by Farmer’s Insurance, and Clarence Threatt cooked everything to perfection. Centerpieces were created by Linda Whiting’s students from the Valley View School. Mr. James Melberg led the Cloves Campbell School Choir in three pieces including an original work by the children: “Voices of Unity.” John Muscolino, Division Marketing Manager for Farmer’s Insurance, shared an inspiring video and words of encouragement in support of public
education: “Our kids are the future.”
Roosevelt School District Business Luncheon
Superintendent Dr. Mark Dowling explained several different ways for people to support the District. One of the easiest programs is the extracurricular Tax Credit. Arizona tax payers can contribute up to $400 to a school in the Roosevelt District and get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their taxes. Another ambitious program plans to put “smart boards” in the classrooms. These interactive devices replace chalk boards and dust with slick computer graphics that can be displayed and manipulated by the children. It costs roughly $1,500 to purchase a smart board and install it into a classroom. Please contact the District if you are interested in getting more information about how to support our local schools.
Other top happenings in the Roosevelt School District include the New Superintendent’s Math Club with workbooks containing street and business names from our South Mountain community, V.H. Lassen School’s P.R. Club Restaurant, Professional Development Partnerships with Arizona State University and South Mountain Community College to “grow our own” teachers, Roosevelt District Employee Recognition Program, and continuing the Superintendent’s Reading Club.
Guests left with a very positive impression, and renewed faith in our children. “I had no idea Roosevelt was doing all of these terrific things,” noted one business woman. Another community leader remarked, “it is great to see the students excelling, so we need to support their achievements.” Last, one executive observed, “I would rather spend my tax money in Roosevelt Schools where I can see it making a difference in our community.” The whole event reminded several guests of Thanksgiving coming early, which gave everyone a good opportunity to practice being thankful.
Posted in Events, RSD, SoMo Village | Tagged: business, kids, positive news, Rooselvelt School District, SoMo, South Mountain, South Phoenix, south side | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 19, 2008
by Lowmans Arizona Funeral Home
Greetings fellow Villagers and we hope this finds all of you enjoying the wonderful holiday season. We wish all of you a blessed Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa.
With the current economy, and everything else that is happening in our nation, we’re almost certain that, for some, finding the joy of the season may be a challenge. Our wish is that we can all remember the real reason for the season.
Whichever holiday you celebrate, many stress over the concept of purchasing the “right” gift for everyone on their list. Our prayer is that we can all let go of that pressure we place on ourselves and enjoy the real gift of our faith, family, and friends, cherishing and valuing special times spent together. It sounds like such a simple concept, but in this “materialistic” world, simple is a hard concept for many to embrace.
It saddens us to see so many struggle, losing their homes, jobs, and, some, a good chunk of their retirement plans because of the greed in the stock market, banking institution CEO’s, and worldly greed all the way around. Like many of you, it has hit our family as well. Life, as we have grown accustomed to, has changed.
Because I am a woman of faith, what I see happening in this world, and in our nation, brings me back to scriptures in the Bible, which is so full of wisdom. The following verses are a great lesson, teaching us about money and possessions. I am calmed and find great peace just knowing His word and truths. It’s times like these that our faith can really be tested. Matthew 6:19-27 reads: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty; and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. Your eye is a lamp for your body. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. If the light you think you have is really darkness, how deep that darkness will be! No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than they are. Can all of your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.”
The “darkness” refers to the materialistic things in life that we can each get so caught up into. In many cases, our definition of “gift” is a material thing; a new LCD television, a laptop computer, video game, a DVD player, new clothes, etc. Our prayer is that we can all realize the gift of our time and, perhaps, sacrificing a little of it to help someone less fortunate than ourselves. Cleaning up an elderly person’s yard or assisting with repairs that have long needed to be taken care of, making someone’s life a little brighter, is a great gift, costing you only that precious gift of time. Taking a neglected child to the park, focusing only on them and embracing the joy it brings.
Posted in Lowmans | Tagged: Arizona, Lowmans, positive news, South Mountain, South Mountain Village, South Phoenix, south side | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 19, 2008
Every year about this time Americans for a Better Tomorrow sponsor an Ice Cream eating contest at Valley Cathedral Church. Contestants get pledges for how many scoops they can eat in ten minutes. It is a fun afternoon with entertainment and each contestant has their own cheering section. After the contest is over spectators can have all the ice cream they can eat, provided by Blue Bell Ice Cream. Dan Goddard of Americans for a Better Tomorrow holds the Worlds record for eating 93 scoops in ten minutes. John Mitchell of SouthGate Church holds the record of his age group, 75 scoops.
Ivey, in the picture came in second in her age group with 20 scoops. The money raised from this event is used to fill 1000 Christmas Stockings to be given away at the annual Fun Fest event in December of every year to the children of the South Mountain Village area.
God Bless Dan and all the folks that make this possible.
Posted in SoMo Village | Tagged: Arizona, ice cream, kids, SoMo, South Mountain, South Mountain Village, South Phoenix | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 19, 2008
By George Young
“Well Folks; Try to make at least three people smile each day.”
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. Once again I ask you, “Have you picked yours today?” Trash that is? I do not like to keep repeating my self, but I had another phone call about Graffiti and how bad it is. In the past I have ran several stories about the City of Phoenix Graffiti Busters program. Please folks call in the Graffiti as soon as you see it. I know it is taking a little longer for the Graffiti Busters to clean it up, but with City Of Phoenix budget cuts and all we need to have a little patience. If it is in your neighborhood, maybe you could call and get the paint and paint it over yourself or with your Block Watch. The number is (602 495-0323). So far the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s Festival Committee has had a very successful year. Out Haunted Hayride, Parade, Fair, Faith Day and Story Telling Time were very successful. We would like to again thank Terri Minard and the Wal Mart Super Store at 35th Avenue and West Southern Avenue for their generous sponsorship of our events this year. We are looking for volunteers to help with our events in 2009 please contact me for details. Check out our Restaurant Review this month. “Maryln’s” has great food and prices. For information on the South Mountain Village Planning Committee agenda please contact our City of Phoenix Planner, Mrs. Chris Hood at 602-261-8727. To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village please e-mail or call George at (602-243-3162).
Now that the elections are over we would hope that the politicians and proposition folks will make sure they get the signs down. They have 10 days from the election and I am still seeing signs around town. Phoenix residents are reminded that posting signs on utility poles, sidewalk or anywhere else in the public right-of-way is not allowed by city ordinance. The right-of-way varies widely throughout the city but generally include streets, curbs, median traffic lights, utility poles and unimproved shoulders of streets up to private property and generally 2 feet beyond sidewalks. Illegal signs can be dangerous if they become loose and fall in the street or hit a pedestrian, or if they block the view of motorists or pedestrians. And those responsible could be fined. For more information about illegal signs or to report a violations call 602-534-7100 or send an e-mail to nsd@phoenix.gov.
· The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 9th… 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue. (NEW LOCATION)
· The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 3rd. 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.
· The South Mountain Village Planning Committee Economic Sub-Committee will meet on Monday, January26th. 2009 at 6:30 PM at Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.
· The South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 2nd… 2008 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.
· South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 4th. 2009 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.
“Remember Folks; Make peace with the past so it won’t spoil the present.”
Posted in What's Happening | Tagged: Arizona, positive news, SMVC&B, SoMo, South Mountain, South Mountain Village, South Phoenix | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 19, 2008
Miracles Still Do Happen….
Gloria Contreras wants the world to know that Miracles still happen. Gloria started having breathing problems in 2004, spent time in the hospital and from that time until July 3rd. 2008 she was on oxygen. She started having other problems and went to the doctor. She had a bi-lateral lung biopsy and her doctor told her there was no medication that would help her, she needed a lung transplant. She went on the list in September. and had her transplant on May 15th. 2008. She spent approximately two months in a rehabilitation center… In September she was notified that she had won an award for outstanding achievement in rehabilitation. She says she is a walking Miracle and wants to give God the credit, as he was with her every step of the way. God Bless Gloria.
Posted in Take pride in the South Side, Volunteers | Tagged: God bless, miracles, SoMo, South Mountain, South Mountain Village, South Phoenix, south side, south side pride, volunteer | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 19, 2008
American Flag
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of America. This mission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers’ beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new Nation, did not become a reality until June 20, 1782. In heraldic devices, such as seals, each element has a specific meaning. Even colors have specific meanings. The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777. However, the colors in the Great Seal did have specific meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal, stated:
“The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.”
Also this from a book about the flag published in 1977 by the House of Representatives…
“The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.”
Posted in SoMo Village | Tagged: American Flag, Arizona, flag, US history, USA | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 19, 2008
SMCC employees and students will help their neighbors by packing and selling discounted boxes of high-quality food as volunteers for the St. Mary’s/Westside Food Bank Alliance.
Distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in front of the Performing Arts Center at SMCC, 7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix (just north of Baseline Rd.)
“The sale of food boxes has become a tradition at SMCC,” said Buddy Cheeks, Student Life Director at SMCC. “The community appreciates the sale of this low-cost, high-quality food and our college employees and students enjoy volunteering in this program.”
Cheeks stressed that it is not a government program, a handout or a charity, and that anyone is welcome to purchase the food. St. Mary’s Food Bank purchases the food at a reduced price and passes the savings along to consumers. There is no paperwork, and all purchases must be in cash.
Participants may choose from five options:
. the $13 pantry box, which includes 14 to 16 pantry items.
. $16 meat pack, made up of chicken breasts, beef chub, St. Louis ribs, and
Italian sausage.
. $20 griller box of beef sirloin tip filets, beef chub, boneless pork chops, chicken breasts, and pork medallions or St. Louis ribs.
. $30 variety box: beef sirloin tip filets, beef chub, pork chops, chicken breasts and St. Louis ribs or pork medallions.
. $35 meat lovers’ box includes large portions of skinless chicken breasts, beef chub, St. Louis ribs, Italian sausage, and pork medallions or St. Louis ribs.
Bonus boxes are added to the purchases.
Boxes may be heavy, and guests are advised to bring a cart.
For additional information about the food program, call 602.243.8065.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Food Program, SMCC, SoMo, South Mountain, South Mountain Village, South Phoenix, St. Mary's | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 19, 2008
A Word from the President… John Sebald
South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce
I’ve heard it said that whatever a community values—it celebrates. In that spirit, South Mountain and Laveen are gearing up for a serious celebration!
Thursday, February 26 marks the third annual Spirit of South Mountain Awards. This banquet has become a signature event of the South Mountain/Laveen Chamber of Commerce, and for good reason. This is a night to celebrate individuals and organizations that epitomize our vision for a safe, healthy, and prosperous community.
The Spirit of South Mountain Awards banquet honors individuals and organizations in five categories: Local Business, Non-Profit Agency, Local Government Agency, Education/School Administrator, and Individual Volunteer for 2008.
I need your help to make sure that this celebration is “over the top.” Here’s what I want you to do. Think of an individual, organization or business that you think epitomizes the best of South Mountain and Laveen. (If the organization or business happens to be yours—that’s fantastic!) Then, go to www.phoenixchamber.com/SMLC and download a nomination form. Or, you can contact our chamber’s executive director, Steve Glueck, at sglueck@phoenixchamber.com or 602-402-6086. Steve will help answer questions and coach you and/or the organization of your choosing through the nomination process. But hurry! Nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, January 23!
Three finalists per category will be selected prior to the banquet. One individual, organization or business per category will be named the 2009 recipient at the banquet awards ceremony. You won’t want to miss another highlight of this event as we salute the men and women of the South Mountain Precinct, and present the Precinct’s 2008 Officer of the Year Award.
The Spirit of South Mountain Awards Banquet will be held in the heart of South Mountain—at the beautiful Secret Garden just east of 24th Avenue and Baseline. Chamber board member, Jennifer Gallagher, is the chairperson for this year’s event. SRP is our presenting sponsor. To register for a plate or table, contact Steve Glueck.
Thanks for helping ensure that our 2009 is an outstanding celebration of everything great in our community! Take pride in the south side and begin completing your nomination today.
December Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
Business After Hours Mixer
TBD
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 Chamber | Tagged: business, Chamber, Laveen, mixer, South Mountain, South Mountain Laveen Chamber, South Mountain Villager, South Phoenix | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 17, 2008
By Terry Goddard, Arizona Attorney General
Imagine waking up on February 18th 2009, grabbing your cup of morning coffee, turning on the TV and seeing…absolutely nothing.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office and Arizona Broadcasters Association (ABA) are working together to make sure that all Arizonans are prepared to make this switch smoothly and safely. Over 369,580 Arizona households will have to make some modifications in order to continue receiving their television signal after the DTV transition. The following tips should help you understand if you are affected, what to do to prepare and how to avoid falling victim to scam artists selling expensive or unnecessary or equipment.
Are you ready for the DTV transition?
If you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service, you are already prepared for the digital transition. You do not need to take any additional steps to receive your television signal on February 17th.
Consumers who receive free, over-the-air broadcasting signals through a set-top or roof-top antenna can still use an over-the-air antenna to receive their signal. If you recently purchased your television, check to see whether it is a “digital ready” television set. If so, then you, too, are prepared and do not need to take any additional steps.
If you receive your signal through an antenna and do not have a digital ready television set, you need to make of the following modifications before February 17, 2009:
- Purchase a DTV converter box at your local electronic retailer. The federal government is offering two $40 coupons per household towards the purchase of the converter boxes.
Details about the coupon program are available on the National Association of Broadcaster’s official DTV Web site, www.dtvanswers.com, or by calling, toll free, 1-888-DTV-2009. Please note that the federal government will not re-issue lost or expired coupons.
- Purchase a “digital ready” TV set – a TV set with a built-in digital tuner.
Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service. To see if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service, check with your local service provider for details.
Avoiding Frauds and Scams
We anticipate the transition to digital television will be a smooth one here in Arizona. But all consumers should be alert to unscrupulous businesses and scam artists trying to take advantage of people confused by the transition.
The Attorney General’s Office recommends consumers take the following steps to protect themselves:
- Purchase converter boxes from a reputable electronics retailer. Be wary of vendors selling expensive converter equipment or installation packages. Most converter boxes retail for between $40 and $70 and contain instructions for self-installation.
- Do not obtain converter box coupons second hand or purchase them from someone trying to sell unused coupons. They only way to be certain you are receiving a legitimate coupon is to obtain it from the federal government. This can be done at www.DTV2009.com or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-DTV-2009.
Setting up a converter box should be simple and quick for most consumers. If you do wish have assistance, be careful when inviting someone to do work in your home. Always compare the fees of several service providers, check references and agree on a price in writing before having any work done in your home.
- The DTV transition affects television only. It does not impact how you receive radio broadcasts or access the Internet.
- Understand the transition and the choices available to you. The federal government provides a great deal of information on the DTV transition at www.dtvanswers.com.
Any consumers who feel they have been victims of a fraud or scam should file a complaint online or call 602.542.5763.
Posted in Terry Goddard | Tagged: Arizona, Digital TV, DTV, DTV transition, South Mountain | 1 Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 12, 2008
MPH Track Club
Send your student athlete to try out! Arizona’s Premier Track Club MPH (Miles Per Hour) track club is going to be right here in the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s!
MPH Track Club is a part of the USATF (United States Track & Field) association and competes in state, regional, and national competitions. Our athletes have won at all levels of competition. MPHTC (Miles per Hour Track Club) provides personal coaching and training for all track and field events for athletes from Sub-Bantam (7-8 yrs old) to (16- 17 yrs old) young men and women. MPH Track Club coaches student athletes who have a passion for Track and Field, speed, healthy living and fitness. MPH is a club for young men and women who are serious about being scholar athletes.
As members of MPH Track Club you will learn the fundamentals and disciplines of what it takes to compete as a premier athlete: Speed Training, Strength and Endurance, and also participate in MPH G.P.A. Club.
Please visit our website for more information at www.MPHTrackClub.com or call NOW Head Coach Terry Matthews a@ 602-710-4910
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: athletic, kids, Laveen, South Mountain, South Phoenix, sports, Track club | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 12, 2008
By Mitch Hammes
Cher and Madonna. Two singers that only need one name. Soon, ‘Maryln’s’ will be known just as well throughout the South Mountain Village. But not because she can sing!
Open for less than two months by the time that this column is published, Maryln’s has already built a solid reputation with loyal fans by offering a wide selection of menu options that will please every member of your family.
Marlyn’s is located at 5436 S. Central Avenue (between Roeser and Southern, on the west side of the street). This is Maryln’s second location, but the first in the South Mountain Village. On my inaugural visit to Maryln’s, I sat and talked with Sam, the owner. He’s a genuinely nice guy who believes in high quality food at a fair price. Sam surprised me by saying that they bake all their own bread, rolls and buns on-site. Then he gave me a tour of the bakery to prove it. I also saw fresh, whole vegetables waiting in the refrigerator. Another sign of quality in my book!
As we walked, talked and ate, I had to ask about the name. Sam chuckled and told me that the original location at 7th Street & Maryland was supposed to be called ‘Maryland Fish & Chips’. But the sign company made a mistake and when they arrived to install the sign, “Maryln’s” was born.
The menu is full of choices including catfish, shrimp, cod and whiting. But if some of your friends aren’t fish eaters…Philly cheessteaks, hamburgers, gyros, hot wings, chicken, pastrami, and a whole slew of side orders including calamari, zucchini, clams, mushrooms, okra, cole slaw, and too many more to list fill the menu. Most of these items were on the sampler plate that Sam provided and I must say that my favorites were the fish and pastrami. The fish was light and flaky. The pastrami was cut thick and piled high on a fresh baked roll. Trust me when I say it was nothing short of spectacular.
Marlyn’s is open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm. Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm. Bring your cash, debit or credit card and your whole family. Alcohol isn’t available at Maryln’s and there’s no plan for it in the future. Sam says he wants to keep a casual family atmosphere. You can call 602-268-8008 if you have any questions.
Mitch Hammes is the Owner & Founder of The Hammes Group, a Phoenix-based restaurant and hospitality services company. Please email mitch@hammesgroup.com.
Posted in Reviews | Tagged: restaurants, Reviews, South Mountain, South Phoenix | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 12, 2008
Mayor Phil Gordon
Remembering Officer Shane Figueroa
By Mayor Phil Gordon
I absolutely dread it when, in the darkness of night, the telephone rings. It will never be good news. I’ve heard that ring 12 times.
But as bad as it is to hear the ring, there is something even worse.
The knock.
I know that when I’m getting that call at 1:30 in the morning — somewhere, a police officer is knocking on the door of a family – and is about to deliver the news that will change that family forever.
That’s the way the families of police officers live their lives. Every day, they say goodbye to their loved one, as they put on the badge and walk out the door – and all they hope and pray for is to see them walk through that door again at the end of the day. They absolutely know they will return. And they absolutely know — they might not. That sounds contradictory – but it isn’t. Ask any police family.
Melisha Figueroa has lived the entirety of her life that way. First with her father – who continues to serve with honor – and then with Shane – who followed so nobly in his own father’s footsteps.
This is a family that has never chosen the easy path. Instead, they have always chosen a path that matters. They have known the great joys of service. And now, the tearful realities.
We are all reminded again of something we already knew, but sometimes don’t think about as often as we should. And that is to simply love the people we love. Love is precious – and life is oh so fragile.
To wonder why certain people are called into eternity, while others remain behind, is to ponder what only God can ever know.
Posted in Mayor's Corner | Tagged: Mayor Phil Gordon, Phoenix, Police officer, Shane Figueroa | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 12, 2008
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.
Well folks I want to tell you about some really nice folks I just met recently. They are Keith and Anita Ganatra. For those folks that live around 27th Avenue and West Dobbins Road you probably already know them. 
They are the new owners of the Del Monte Market at 2659 West Dobbins Road. We are very blessed to have these folks as caretakers of this special building. They have owned it for about a year now and have invested a lot of money and time the Historic building. The store was built in 1908 and this December the Ganatra’s are celebrating 100 years of the oldest existing retail store in the state of Arizona.
They are not new to the retail business. They have owned small retail stores since 1984 and have 24 years of retail experience in the Phoenix area. They both grew up in similar type stores that their families owned and operated.
On December 6th. 2008 from 10 AM to 3 PM they will have a “100 Year celebration event” with music by Rico, Free food & drinks, free carriage hay rides and a visit with Santa Claus. Please stop by and join them for this very special event. They can be reached at 602-323-0190.
For those folks that have lived in the South Mountain and Laveen Village’s for awhile I am sure you have many memories of the store and how important it has been to our Village’s. Please continue to support the Ganatra’s and the Del Monte Market
God Bless Keith and Anita and their family. God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.
Posted in Good Folks | Tagged: 100 year celebration, Del Monte Market, historic building, South Mountain, South Mountain Village, South Phoenix, store | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 12, 2008
U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor – Fourth Congressional District of Arizona
Dear Fellow Arizonans,
I appreciate this opportunity to connect with you and share information about my work in Congress. This month, I wanted to write to you about the main function of my Phoenix District Office: constituent casework.
I have two offices: one in Phoenix and one in Washington, D.C. While the Washington office focuses more on legislative activities, constituent casework is the heart of the activity that occurs in my Phoenix home office. I want to impress upon you that one of my most important jobs in Congress is to represent you and help my constituents resolve problems they may have with a federal agency. Staff in my Phoenix District Office is on hand to provide you with assistance in dealing with any needs, problems or complaints you may have with federal agencies.
Most federally assisted casework involves problems regarding social security checks, benefits and appeals; workers’ compensation claims, hearings and appeals; military service problems, such as a hardship discharge from the service; veterans’ benefits, medical care and home loan guarantees; immigration problems; and other appeals for help.
If you contact my office with a problem, a staff member will ask you for information to fully understand the problem. In order for me to make inquiries on your behalf, the Federal Privacy Act requires your written authorization which would give me or my staff permission to inquire into the matter for you. Therefore, a staff member will most likely mail you a Privacy Release Form, where you also will explain what type of assistance you are seeking from my office. More information on casework and the privacy release form are available on my Congressional website at www.pastor.house.gov under the “Services” link.
While we can assist you in bringing your case to the attention of the proper officials and guide you through the process, we cannot direct an agency to decide a matter in your favor. But I am committed to help analyze the nature of the problem and generate the most expeditious and just resolution.
Responding to constituents’ needs and problems gives me an opportunity to review how programs and executive agencies are functioning. It also helps me flag areas where congressional oversight or new legislation may be needed. It’s a privilege to serve you and I hope you will feel free to phone my office at 602-256-0551 and give me the opportunity to assist you.
Posted in Ed Pastor | Tagged: Arizona, congressman, Ed Pastor, positive news, US Rep | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 12, 2008
PHOENIX PUBLIC LIBRARY www.phxlib.org
DECEMBER AT THE OCOTILLO BRANCH LIBRARY
102 W. Southern Ave. ● 602-262-4636 ● All programs are free!
__________________________Children Programs
Babytime—(Occurring Tuesdays) 9:15 AM to 10:15 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. Program is bilingual.
Family Storytime—August 7, 2008 – May 2009 (Occurring Thursday) 9:15 AM to 10 AM—All 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.
Children’s Computers—Two internet computers are reserved for children ages 11 and under. Children must sign up at the information desk.
______________________________Teen Programs
Teen Night—January through December (Occurring Wednesday), 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM–Every Wednesday Night is Teen Night at Ocotillo Library. Kick off your shoes and dance, unleash your inner rock star, or just relax and watch your favorite movie on Ocotillo’s giant projection screen! Play Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero. We are always on the lookout for new challengers! Light snacks provided. Ages 12-18.
Teen Computers—Two internet computers are reserved for teens ages 12 to 18. These computers are located in the TEEN SCENE. Teens must own a library card to use any computer in the library. There is a limit of one reservation per day.
______________________________Adult Programs
Clases de Ingles ACORN—Los martes y los jueves, 6-8 pm – Aprende Ingles. Gratis para miembros. Clases para todos adultos.
Friends of the Library, Ocotillo Chapter–Saturday, December 13, 2008, 10:30 to 11:30 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.
_______________________Closures
All Phoenix Public Libraries will be closed Thursday, December 25, for Christmas Holiday.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
