South Mountain Villager

A Positive News Publication About the South Mountain Village

Archive for December, 2011

Lowmans AZ (DEC 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

Lowman’s Arizona Funeral Home

The Gift of Our Villagers

(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.

lowmansarizonafuneralhome.com

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SML Chamber (DEC 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber

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

 

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Whats Happening (DEC 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

What’s Happening In The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s

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.”

 

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Ask Grandpa (DEC 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

Ask Grandpa

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

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RSD (Dec 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

Tax credits are a great way to provide RSD students with access to extracurricular activities

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.

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Life Care Center of South Mountain (DEC 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

Five Star Rating

 

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.

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Ed Pastor (DEC 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

Light Rail Transit System

By U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, Fourth Congressional District of Arizona

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.

 

 

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Martin Auto Museum (DEC 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

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.

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SMC LIbrary (Dec 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011

PHOENIX PUBLIC LIBRARY www.smclibray.org

December @ South Mountain Community Library

7050 S. 24th St.● All programs are free!

 Library Hours

Mon

 7:30AM – 9:00PM

Tue

 7:30AM – 9:00PM

Wed

 7:30AM – 9:00PM

Thu

 7:30AM – 9:00pm

Fri

 7:30AM  – 5:00PM

Sat

 7:30AM -  5:00PM

Sun

 1:00PM – 5:00PM

 

South Mountain Community Library

No programs in December, programs will start again in January.

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) — 7 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. (Starting January 2, 2012)

 

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. (Starting January 3, 2012)

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. (Starting January 4, 2012)

___________________________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. (Starting January 12, 2012)

_________________________Adult Programs

Computer Classes in English — (Wednesdays)  7:00 pm to 8:30 PM (Starting January 4, 2012)

Computer Classes in Spanish – (Thursdays)      7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Starting January 5, 2012)

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) December 3, 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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