South Mountain Villager

A Positive News Publication About the South Mountain Village

Archive for July, 2009

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Arizona Humane Society Aug 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 23, 2009

Enjoy Dog-Gone Good Deals and Help Homeless Pets in One Stop

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South Mountain Village now has a new venue to find great bargains on gently used merchandise.  The Arizona Humane Society will open its second thrift store at 6520 South Central Avenue (Central and Saint Anne). Shoppers will find a variety items from clothing to electronic goods to even pet supplies. The hours are Monday thru Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.  All of the profits earned through the thrift store directly benefit the homeless pets in the organization’s care.  “The thrift store also accepts donations of gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, home furnishings and furniture and more. Because AHS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, donations made to the group are tax deductible. Anyone interested in making a donation to the thrift store can contact Pam Howard at (602) 997-7586, ext. 1034 or visit www.azhumane.org for more information.

Posted in Arizona Humane Society, non-profit organization, Volunteers | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Aug-09 Parks and Recreation Veteran Named Director

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 23, 2009

City of Phoenix announces the appointment of Dale Larsen as director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Dale Larsen, who will oversee a $94.5 million budget and workforce of more than 1,300, has worked in the public parks and recreation field for 37 years. He has been with the city of Phoenix for 25 years, serving as the assistant parks and recreation director since 1984, and during this time served as acting director during several periods, including most recently until his appointment.”Dale combines a wealth of crucial experience with a true passion for the mission of parks and recreation,” City Manager Frank Fairbanks said. “City parks and recreation programs are an anchor in so many of our communities, and Dale has a long track record of getting results and a demonstrated commitment to community involvement, youth, and neighborhood services.”Prior to coming to Phoenix, Larsen worked for the Milwaukee County Park Commission. He is past-president of the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, past-chairman of the National Parks and Recreation (NRPA) Association Commission on Accreditation for Parks and Recreation Agencies, and a past-president of the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. He is the current chair of the National Research Committee for NRPA.

In 2007, Larsen served as an executive on loan to Arizona State University. He also is a co-author of college text books on parks and recreation management and currently serves as a Professor of Practice at ASU, teaching courses on management and leadership.

During his career with Phoenix, Larsen has been a community steward dedicating his time and expertise to programs such as COMFORT, a reading and recreation program for homeless children and River Rampage, an outdoor adventure river rafting program for disabled teens and teens at risk. In addition, he has invested in the professional development of hundreds of city employees through his presentations on motivation at the city’s Supervisory Academy.

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Good Folks July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

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By George Young

This is a series of articles profiling some of the residents who live and work in the South Mountain/Laveen Village.  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.  .Our profile this month is my friend Dr. Shirley Branham.

dr_branhamDr. Branham opened Victory High School in 1996 to provide educational services for students who were unsuccessful in traditional educational settings. Dr. Branham wanted to provide non-traditional educational services that would allow students to receive VICTORY over: Ignorance, Illiteracy, Degradation, Social Ills, Drugs, Gangs, and Violence. She believed, that in the South Mountain Village, these were the main barriers to a successful education

During her studies, Dr. Branham was introduced to a theorist named Abraham Maslow. Maslow believed that individuals grow from satisfying a set of needs, beginning with basic needs such as air, water and food. He believed that when an individual satisfied one set of needs they automatically progressed to satisfy the next set of needs eventually becoming self actualized with the desire to help others.

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This theory is called Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

After several years of hard work Dr. Branham received her Doctor of Education degree from Arizona State University.  Using Maslow’s theory, Dr. Branham inverted this theory to develop her own.  She agreed that individuals needed basic needs like air, food and water to grow, she also conceded that a sense of safety, belonging and esteem were necessary, however she believes the first step to educational success is Self Actualization. Self-actualization includes, morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, and acceptance of facts.  Victory High School’s mission is: “Prepare Students to Succeed in a Changing World.” These are the skills needed to have VICTORY.

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Victory High School was one of the first Charter schools in the South Mountain Village. Dr. Branham used her own land and money to build the school. Victory High School is in its 13th year of operation.  She is the Principal of Victory High School, she maintains that an undisciplined student has an undisciplined mind and is unable to learn. Victory has a strict discipline policy, for this reason, many students find this rigorous zero tolerance environment challenging. While others find it exciting and complete their course of studies.  The students, who accept the challenge and stay, ALWAYS become successful in their endeavors.  You can reach Victory High School at (602) 243-7583.

God Bless Dr. Brenham and Victory High School and God Bless The South Mountain/Laveen Village and God Bless America.

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Mayor’s Corner July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

By Mayor Phil Gordon

The NRA Convention – A Big Impact on Phoenix (and vice-versa)

Recently, we hosted the largest single convention in the history of Phoenix.  The National Rifle Association came to town and brought 64,324 people with them.  This was the first major test of our newly-expanded Convention Center.  And what a success it was.

mayor3Our Sales Team and Event Management staff had been working with the NRA for more than four years to prepare for Phoenix to welcome this convention.  Talk about planning ahead!

And I’m proud to say the impressions of the NRA were extremely positive.  They were very pleased with the facility and the level of customer service – and are looking forward to coming back to Phoenix in the future.

Is our Convention Center paying off?  Check this out:  As I said, the official attendance for the three day event was 64,324. That represents their second largest annual meeting ever (in spite of one of the worst economies ever).  Every other NRA record — memberships, food and beverage, retail sales — was broken.  The Convention attendees created more than 70 million dollars in direct economic impact.

Over 25 hotels were used – representing more than 10,000 room nights.  And at their Saturday evening banquet alone, 6,030 guests were served dinner in just over one hour.

That banquet was the largest banquet function to date for the Phoenix Convention Center AND the State of Arizona.  There were more than 240 staff that served the 3 course banquet on Saturday night.  It required 340 hours to set the room with linen, china, glass and silverware.

Again, at that single banquet, more than 9,000 dinner rolls were served, together with 520 gallons of coffee.  And at least one of those gallons belonged to me.

Finally, the NRA had over 1 million pounds of “freight” for their tradeshow.  That is the largest freight delivery EVER to our Convention Center.

And all of this is good news for our state and local economy.  Our new Convention Center is now capable of hosting 80 percent of all the conventions held in the United States.  And if one (or more) of the other 20 percent will consider Phoenix, we’ll make it work.

We will.

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Chamber July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

Five years ago, I moved from Seattle to Phoenix to be Development Director at Arizona Lutheran SMLClogoAcademy—a Christian high school on 27th Avenue and Southern. My family and I bought a new home nearby—on 30th Avenue, just off Baseline. At that time, the communities of South Mountain and Laveen were in the throes of unprecedented development. Cotton fields and cow pastures were fast becoming residences, stores and restaurants.

I remember meeting new Chamber chair Jeffrey Garza Walker. I wanted to meet people. I wanted people to know about my great school. Jeffrey’s answer was immediate. “Get involved with the Chamber.” I took his advice.

Fast forward five years. I have never regretted that decision. Over the past five years, I’ve meet and collaborated with hundreds of people who provide a valuable service to South Mountain and Laveen. Some are entrepreneurs and developers. Others are small business owners, educators, administrators, and church leaders. Still others are community servants. Though those relationships, my school is firmly planted on South Mountain/Laveen map. And through those relationships, our community is shaping up to be a better place—a place where people want to live, do business, and send their children to school.

A Chamber membership is much like going to school. It can be whatever you make of it. Now, more than ever, with a topsy-turvy and unpredictable economy, you need to get involved in the Chamber. That’s because, now, more than ever, there’s so much to make of it. Do you need referrals? Name recognition? Partnerships or good advice? More business? The South Mountain/Laveen’s ownership in this community, combined with our affiliation with the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, puts a world of possibilities at your doorstep. There’s everything to gain and nothing to lose. Come and get connected!

It’s been a privilege to serve this past year as the South Mountain/Laveen Chamber board chair. It is now an equal honor to pass the baton over to your next chair—Mr. Blaine Searle. Blaine lives in our community and serves as an attorney at Gust Rosenfeld. Under his leadership, our chamber will continue to serve you and identify strategies to make this community the best in Phoenix.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of a Chamber membership? Contact Executive Director Steve Glueck at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.

July Events

Business for Breakfast

Wednesday, July 8, 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

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YMCA July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

ymca

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Lowmans July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

Lowmans Arizona Funeral Home, Inc.

“The Death of Common Sense”

Greetings fellow Villagers and happy 4th of July to all of you.  Forgive me, in advance, for not providing a better article for this month’s issue.  I am in the process of losing my father so my focus is a bit foggy right now.  As we all do, I am struggling to deal with what is inevitable.  I have not received the “call” yet, but my heart and mind are with my parents and family.  In anticipation, I cannot get my tears to stop from flowing, so please indulge with me, if you will, in reading an obituary on “Common Sense”.  It’s ironic that this is the only thing I could come up with, but the first thing that left me when I received a call this morning that things didn’t look good.  The author is unknown but the message; sad but clear.

Today, we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense.  Common Sense lived a long life, but died from heart failure at the brink of the Millennium.  No one really knows how old helowmans was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.  He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools; hospitals, homes, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.

For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in from the rain, the early bird gets the worm, and life isn’t always fair.  Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids), and its okay to come in second.

A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including feminism, body piercing, whole language and new math.  His health declined when he became infected with the “if it only helps one person – it’s worth it” virus.  In recent decades, his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal legislation.

He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors.  His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero tolerance policies; when reports were heard of six year old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; when a teen was suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch; when a teacher was fired for reprimanding an unruly student.  It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but couldn’t inform the parent when a female student is pregnant or wants an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports.

As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments regarding questionable regulations for asbestos, low-flow toilets, smart guns, the nurturing of Prohibition Laws and mandatory air bags.

Finally, when told that the homeowners association restricted exterior furniture only to that which enhanced property values, he breathed his last.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.  His three stepbrothers survive him; Rights, Tolerance and Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

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, & fax (602) 276-1889.

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New Director of SABIS® International School

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

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Willie J. Henry was appointed Director of SABIS® International School in May 2009.  Prior to his appointment as director, Mr. Henry served SIS as Lower School AQC for three years.

Mr. Henry began his teaching career as a social studies and English teacher at the University of Chicago-College Preparatory.   As a teacher, Mr. Henry was committed to his students.  With in the six years, Mr. Henry was promoted to project coordinator.

In 2002, Mr. Henry joined the SABIS® International School family.  During his four years, he taught lower and upper school social studies and English.  In 2006, Mr. Henry was promoted to lower school AQC.  His desire to ensure academic success at SIS gave birth to the Saturday Academy.  Over the past three years Mr. Henry has been a key component to teacher retention and has established himself as an advocate for the students and this community.  Mr. Henry is a visible, approachable and down to earth administrator.

On May 28, 2009 Mr. Henry became the Director of SIS.  He possesses and displays a strong background in diversity, a profound and abiding enthusiasm to equity and excellence for all students and staff.  His staff sees him as firm, fair and consistent.  He values the roles of each person on his staff and understands the importance of building and maintaining strong open communication.  His “hands on” approach has helped him understand every aspect of the organization; educational, human resources, and business services.  Overall Mr. Henry has a strong desire to increase student achievement and school accountability.

Mr. Henry holds a BA in political science from Loyola University of Chicago; MA in Education Administration and Leadership from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education Leadership from Arizona State University.

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Ethan July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

With a very positive and motivating outlook on life, Ethan is always looking to the future and trying to make things better for others.  Even with his video games, he likes to “save people” — so much so that when he grows up, he wants to be in a profession where he can help others.

One of the foundation’s that helps Ethan on a day-to-day basis is his faith. He looks forward to going to church and attending religious classes on a regular basis.

EthanIn his spare time, Ethan enjoys going to the movies and spending time with his friends.  He also likes swimming, playing basketball, karate and reading books. Ethan would like to spend more time outdoors camping and hiking.  His favorite vacation destination is Disneyland.

Currently in the 8th grade, Ethan’s favorite subjects are Math and Physical Education.  He requires additional assistance and extra time to complete his homework assignments and will need a family that is willing to support him with his studies and to advocate for him within the school system.

Ethan’s case manager describes him as a polite, respectful, affectionate and loving young man.  The ideal family for Ethan is a one- or two-parent family with plenty of time, love, and attention to share with this active boy.  They should be supportive and eager to help him grow and learn socially, behaviorally and emotionally.  Positive reinforcement, patience and consistency will be helpful tools for Ethan’s new parents.  It is important that his new family is able to share in his interests and hobbies, celebrating his fun-loving and curious nature.

For more information on Ethan or any of Arizona’s children in need of foster or adoptive families, please call: 877-KIDS-NEED-U (877-543-7633) or visit our Web site www.azkidsneedu.gov.

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Laveen Boy Scout to attend the 2010 National Scouting Jamboree

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

Kohl Butteweg began scouting as a Tiger Cub in First Grade.  As a member of Pack 319 at Southwest School, Kohl continued from Tiger Cub to a Webelos Scout in Fifth Grade earning the Arrow of Light badge.  Currently Kohl is the rank of Life Scout and remains an active member of Boy Scout Troop 205 in Laveen.

Kohl continues to be involvement with the Laveen community.  He is active in the Laveen Baptist Church as well as volunteering for numerous community events.  For the past several years, Kohl has participated in the Laveen Community Parade and the Laveen Annual BBQ.  Kohl has performed in several color guard teams at the July 4th Naturalization ceremony at South Mountain Community College.  Kohl is a member of the Fairfax High School golf team.

Along with community and school activities, Kohl has continued to grow in scouting.  He is currently the Chapter Chief of the Oraibi Chapter within the Order of the Arrow.  The Order of the Arrow is the Boy Scout National Honor Society.  As a Life Scout, Kohl is working on his Eagle project, a Flag Retirement Ceremony and proper flag etiquette presentation.  At the troop level, Kohl currently holds the position of Order of the Arrow Troop representative.

Kohl Butteweg has the opportunity to participate in the 2010 Boy Scout National Jamboree, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Boy Scouting in America.  As part of Jamboree Troop 2028, Kohl was elected by the troop members to the position of Senior Patrol Leader.

Between July 16th and July 26th, Troop 2028 will be on a tour visiting historical sites, natural wonders, exciting cities, and national museums.  On the itinerary are visits to historic Boston, visits to Lexington and Concord, the Empire State building, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, historic Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Washington D.C., and much more.

Between July 26th and August 5th, 2010, Kohl will be attending the National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.  The National Jamboree site will encompass 12 square miles and will be attended by 45, 000 + Scouts and Scouters.  This is truly a once in a lifetime event and will develop lifelong friendships with other scouts from throughout the United States.

Kohl will participate in fund raising activities such Scout-o-Rama ticket sales, popcorn sales and scheduled gift wrapping events at bookstores.  Kohl continues to look for opportunities to raise money.  If you would like to support Kohl in his efforts to attend the 2010 Boy Scout National Jamboree, an account has been established at Bank of America.  In order to make a donation to the account, the check should be made to Kohl Butteweg and the Account Number of 457015550156 should be written in the memo portion of the check.

If you have any questions, you may contact Kohl Butteweg at 602-828-9453 or his e-mail address of Kohlbutteweg@yahoo.com or Robert Butteweg at 480-206-3078 or my e-mail address of rbutteweg@q.com.  Kohl and I would like to thank you for your continued support.

Kohl Butteweg

Senior Patrol Leader, Jamboree Troop 2028

Robert Butteweg

First Assistant Scoutmaster, Jamboree Troop 2028

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What’s Happening July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

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“Well Folks remember, Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good and when in doubt take the next small step.”

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.  You folks just will not cut me any slack.  I thought I told you last month that I was being lazy and blamed it on the heat.  I did not do a good job of proofing the Villager last month and as a result we printed that “Home Sweet Home is on 16th. Street and Baseline”, we should have said Southwest Corner of 16th. Street and East Southern, (6044 S. 16th Street #D200 602-237-2558) sorry.  And then Grandpa got upset with me for editing his article.  He is worried that you folks will think he does not know his grammar.  Well he does, the mistakes in the article were mine.  Sorry Grandpa.  If I made any more mistakes please keep them to yourself, just kidding, we appreciate the feedback.  I am surprised that only a few people have sent me questions for Grandpa.  I am sure that some of you have questions about something.  For information on the South Mountain Village Planning Committee agenda please contact the City of Phoenix Planning Department.  Our planner is Josh Bednarek at (602-262-6823) e-mail joshua.bednarek@phoenix.gov.  To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s please e-mail or call George at (602-243-3162).

Well folks on May 26th the community came together to thank Commander David Faulkner for this leadership for the last three years as he moves on to a new position with the Phoenix Police Department as the new commander of the Violent Crimes Bureau.  At the same event we welcomed our new Commander, Jeff Alexander.  We wish them both the best in there new positions.  Thanks for Councilman Michael Nowakowski and Chief Jack F. Harris for sponsoring the event.

I just heard that my friend Dr. Mark Dowling, Superintendent of Roosevelt School District is retiring.  He will be missed.  He and I have worked very hard for the last several years turning the District Schools around and making a big difference in the education of many students.  There will be a nation wide search, but in the interim, Mrs. Mary Beyda will fill his shoes.  We wish Mark the best and will support Mary while she implements’ some of the new programs we have set in place.

The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 14th. 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 Wednesday, August 26th. 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 Tuesday, August 4th. 2009 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.

South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 7th… 2009 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.

“Remember Folks; Take a deep breath.  It calms the mind and get rid of anything in your life that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.”

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Youth Town Hall Conference

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

DEA speaker Melissa LeeThe first Youth Town Hall (YTH) conference on “Marijuana and Its consequences” organized by Southwest Behavioral Health (SBH), Community Youth Development Program was a success! This event was held on May 5th at South Mountain Community College and 84 student’s grades 6th-8th from 8 different schools from the Roosevelt School District attended. Peer leaders from Cesar Chavez, Maxine O. Bush and Sierra Vista had been meeting together since January to prepare, help organize and lead the event. They put together the Youth Town Hall flyers, they decided on the teambuilding activity (The Arrows) they would lead with the students, they came up with their speeches and roles at the conference and practiced, practiced, and practiced. The culminating point being the conference where they volunteered their day to set up the rooms and to welcome students and present at the conference. It was a wonderful experience for them to get involved and to see their efforts of almost half a year unfold. Peer leaders involved in the process deserve to be recognized for their dedication and hard work. We are proud of you!

The highlights of the YTH conference were the speakers. Special agent Melissa Lee, from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), led a workshop on the “Impact of Marijuana on the South Mountain Community”. Pamela Neal, Juvenile Probation Officer for Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department presented on “The Legal Consequences of Marijuana Use”.

Students really enjoyed their experience judging by their comments. One Sierra Vista student said “What I liked most was that I learned so many different things”, one Julian student said “The conference taught me things I didn’t know”, one Bernard Black said “I learned a lot about drugs, very informative”, and one Cesar Chavez students said “I liked everything”.

Maria Covarrubias, 6th grade Peer Leader from Maxine O. Bush School said “Personally, I think that we got a lot of kids thinking twice before trying marijuana and that maybe they can encourage their friends not to do marijuana”. See you all at our Second Annual Youth Town Hall conference at South Mountain Community College on April 28th, 2010!

We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to our founders and donators Magellan of Arizona, South Mountain Community College and the Roosevelt School District for making this Youth Town Hall conference possible.

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Ocotillo Branch Library July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

PHOENIX PUBLIC LIBRARY www.phxlib.org
July @ 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.

Summer Reading Game—Begins May 27, and runs through June and July.  Children ages 0-18 may win prizes for reading books.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears – Great Arizona Puppet Theater–Wed. July 2, 2 pm to 3 pm.  The story of a little girl who unexpectedly meets up with the three bears. Ages Pre-K and up. Presented by the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. This program was sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.  Ages Pre-K and up.

Wolfheart–Wed. July 9, 2 pm to 3 pm.  An educational program about wolves and their pack structure, which is similar in a lot of ways to our human families. Includes an actvity booklet for each family and a visit by either Tallah or Tundra. Tallah and Tundra are wolfdogs, but are similar in appearance to actual wolves. They are socialized, and used to being on display and around crowds. This program was sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

Flamenco with Linda Machado–Wed. July 16, 2 pm to 3 pm.  Professional Flamenco dancer and instructor Linda Machado, along with master guitarist and Flamenco historian Ricardo de Cristobel, will present an exciting interactive program on authentic Flamenco and Spanish dance and guitar. There may also be a surprise guest appearance by members of the enchanting children’s Flamenco dance group, “Las Flores de Espana” at some performances. This program was sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

Reptile Adventures–Wed. July 23, 2 pm to 3 pm.  Reptile adventures delivers a live reptile education program using captive, reared and kid-friendly creatures, both large and small, to teach children about animal life cycles, reproduction, and defense characteristics. Children of all ages will be able to witness the sensation of Mother Nature’s most amazing creatures up close! This program was sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.

______________________________Teen Programs

Teen Summer Reading Programs—Begins May 27, and run through June and July.  Win prizes for reading books.  Also, stay busy by volunteering.  Apply in May to be a volunteer.  Ages 12-18.

Hardware: Jewelry from a Toolbox–Wed. July 16, 5 pm to 8 pm.  Learn how to make unique and stylish jewelry for both men and women by using common items found in a toolbox. Each person will be able to make and take home several pieces of jewelry. Space is limited to the first 15 teens. All supplies will be provided.  Ages 12 – 18.

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.

______________________________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, July 5, 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.

Posted in Community, Events, kids, Phoenix Public Library | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Ask Grandpa July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

agI’ll be a freshman next year and would like to take courses that will prepare me to become a fireman.  Can you tell me what the requirements are?  Steven H. Phoenix

Some high schools offer fire science courses, Steven, but not many.  Metro Tech offers one at Franklin High.  Your counselor may enroll you as a dual student.  You need to be E.M.T. certified-you can get that at a community college.  Your high School diploma is a must.  While you are chipping away at these things, it would be wise to work on your health.  Strength training and cardio-vascular exercise are very important.  Smokers are not accepted.  A “C-Pat” test is administered by a private company.  Once you have these requisites and become a candidate the City will give you written and oral exams.  These are structured to not only verify your academic proficiency, but to confirm your ability to fit in and work harmoniously as part of their extraordinary team.  This certainly appears to be a monumental undertaking, Steven, but if you make it the rewards are well worth the effort.  The first day you save a life or someone’s property you will be so proud of yourself and your team that you might think you’ll explode—and the rest of us will be just as proud of you –Good Luck.

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Ed Pastor July 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 8, 2009

Tough economic times coupled with a distressed housing market have translated into a lot of

Ed Pastor

Ed Pastor

questions and casework at my Phoenix District Office. Since last year, the number of inquiries in this area have grown dramatically, primarily from constituents seeking relief from foreclosure or from individuals who know foreclosure is imminent if the terms and conditions of their loan cannot be renegotiated.

Real estate and loan terminology may sometimes be difficult to comprehend. If you need help understanding the loan terminology or getting through to your lender, contact one of the many Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified agencies. Loan counselors from these agencies are trained professionals who will help individuals sort through and understand the particulars of their loans. Moreover, these professionals will discuss the options available and help guide individuals through the process of loss mitigation – whether through a loan modification, refinance, forbearance or short sale of the house.

BEWARE OF SCAMS

Beware of scams. Regrettably, in difficult times such as these, scam artists come out of the woodwork to prey upon innocent and trusting victims.  My staff or a HUD-certified counseling agency may be able to refer you to the appropriate resource.

Resolving a mortgage foreclosure situation can be complicated and unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. While my Phoenix staff wants to help resolve your mortgage dilemma, staff members are not trained mortgage and finance experts. However, below you will find contact information for resources available in the district. The Phoenix District Office also maintains a comprehensive list of agencies that provide a variety of services related to housing. Feel free to contact my office at 602-256-0551 for a list of these resources.  Lenders are continuously redefining and revamping loss mitigation programs. If you were not able to secure relief previously, things may have changed. Remain proactive in your case and know that you are not alone. Many agencies and individuals are ready to help you navigate through this process.

HOUSING RESOURCES

1. Homeowner’s Hope NOW Hotline: 888-995-4673
2. Arizona Foreclosure Hotline: 877-448-1211
3. U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD): 800-225-5342 or www.hud.gov
4. Certified Counseling Agencies in Arizona’s Fourth Congressional District (Rep. Pastor’s District)
a. Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix: 602-258-1659
b. Community Housing Resources of Arizona: 602-631-9780
5. Arizona Department of Financial Institutions: 602-255-4421
To report unscrupulous lending practices by lenders/mortgage companies or related companies.
6. Lawyers Helping Homeowners: 602-258-3434 or www.azlawhelp.org
7. Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Homeownership Assistance: 602-262-6602

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