Archive for January, 2012
Ed Pastor (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 29, 2012
A NOTE FROM YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
By U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, Fourth Congressional District of Arizona
A new federal program that will assist homeowners who find themselves underwater with their mortgages was announced late last year, and I am hopeful eligible constituents will take advantage of this opportunity to refinance and benefit from today’s low interest rates. The changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) would remove the cap on the amount a homeowner is underwater, lower some fees and loosen underwriting requirements. The program, which is being called HARP II or HARP 2.0, will be effective through Dec. 31, 2013.
There are a number of criteria to be eligible, but one very helpful change: there is no loan-to-value restriction. Homeowners who are deeply underwater will be able to refinance.
In addition, homeowners must have loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to qualify, and the mortgage must have been sold to Fannie or Freddie prior to June 1, 2009. If you are unsure whether or not your loan is held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may check on their websites: http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/ or https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/. It is best to check the Fannie Mae website first because it holds a larger share of the market.
There are some other eligibility changes that will help homeowners. Appraisals won’t be required in some cases, and the rules on credit checks are relaxed in some situations.
However, it is important to note that the borrower must be current on the mortgage at the time of the refinance, with no late payment in the past six months and no more than one late payment in the last 12 months.
Lender participation is optional. Homeowners are encouraged to contact a local HUD-certified counseling agency for guidance. Two local agencies are: Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, 602-258-1659, or Community Housing Resources of Arizona, 602-631-9780.
While the federal government recognizes that previous programs to help homeowners have not been as successful as desired, I am hopeful that the removal of the loan-to-value restriction will allow for more homeowners to be eligible for this assistance. As homeowners begin to find relief with their underwater mortgages, I’m optimistic the program will prove to be a positive step in stabilizing our housing market.
In another proposal to stabilize our neighborhoods, a new program proposed by President Obama would build on existing efforts to help stabilize neighborhoods drowning in foreclosures. I recently became a cosponsor of “The Project Rebuild Act of 2011” that was introduced in the House of Representatives.
Project Rebuild would give Phoenix additional tools to help neighborhoods trying to rebound from the foreclosure crisis. The program was the focal point of a recent visit by Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to a South Mountain Village home which was rehabilitated with the help of federal funds. I was proud to host the Secretary and show him the spirit of our South Mountain community.
During the visit, Sec. Donovan got a firsthand look at the positive impact of the federally-funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which has granted funds to nonprofits to assist communities fraught with foreclosures. The funds are used to rehabilitate properties that have been left vacant, to be sold later to new homeowners, or used for affordable rental housing.
Project Rebuild would build on NSP by allowing the rehabilitation of commercial properties in addition to residential, and pay for property maintenance. It would also create an estimated 6,000 jobs in Arizona, Donovan said. I’m hopeful that my colleagues in the House will support this proposed legislation when it comes up for a vote.
Posted in Community, Ed Pastor, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Arizona, HARP, Phoenix, The Project Rebuild Act of 2011 | Leave a Comment »
First Things First (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 28, 2012
First Things First
All children should have an equal chance to succeed in school and life. That is what First Things First is all about; giving children the tools they need to arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.
First Things First is a voter-created organization dedicated to expanding education and health services for ALL Arizona children birth through five.
We must engage children early because about 80% of a child’s critical brain development happens before age 3. Programs that help make the brain connections made during this time lay the foundation for a lifetime. The mission of First Things First, its programs, services and funding helps make this happen.
Getting children ready for school means much more than packing their lunches, filling their backpacks and getting them to the bus on time; it starts the day they are born.
For more information on FTF programs and how they support children birth to five, please visit us at: www.azftf.gov or contact your local Community Outreach Coordinator Rana Hermosillo at 602.771.5076.
Posted in South Mountain Villager | Tagged: children, FTF programs, Kindergarten | Leave a Comment »
SML Chamber (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 27, 2012
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
The New Year is here; the holiday celebrations are complete; the outdoor lights and decorations have been put away. It is now time to begin this new journey which we call 2012. For all of Arizona it is our Centennial Year which begins officially on February 14, 2012 when we celebrate 100 years of statehood. We will all be learning more about our Arizona history then we ever learned in our K – 12 classrooms. That is a very good thing as we look to our future, and in particular, the immediate future for the communities of South Mountain and Laveen. We can learn much from our history that can help us to better define our community needs for the future in Education; in Business Development; in Public Transit and with Social Service Needs.
The South Mountain Communities’ greatest strength is based in our diverse cultures and unique geographic boundaries within the City of Phoenix. Our greatest challenge is to bring our diverse community together with a united community voice that clearly articulates what we all want to meet our community’s needs in the areas mentioned above. We have a multitude of business leaders; social service organizations; educators; religious leadership; non profit groups and elected officials, who all contribute to our collective community voice. We need that voice to be heard at City Hall; in the state legislator and most importantly in the board rooms where decisions are made on commercial investments that will bring the much sought after jobs and desired amenities to our South Mountain Communities.
On the campus of South Mountain Community College, a new environment for civic engagement and an agenda for public discussion of diverse community issues have begun under the direction of The South Mountain Community College Presidents’ Community Advisory Council. It is a promising beginning for 2012 to start the process of identifying a coalition of South Mountain Community leadership that will advocate for the economic development; community infrastructure improvements and social services that we need to reach our maximum potential. You will be reading and hearing about many opportunities in 2012, to participate in community gatherings at South Mountain Community College.
Celebrating our great South Mountain and Laveen Communities is what the Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner”, presented by The South Mountain – Laveen Chamber of Commerce, is all about! The 2012 Awards will be presented on May 17th at the new South Mountain Community Library – Community Event Center on the South Mountain Community College Campus. Nominations in 5 Award Categories: EDUCATION; NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES and LOCAL BUSINESS are being accepted through March 30th. Nomination forms are available on request at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net or by phone at 602 402 6086.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1/26 -“After 5 Mixer” @ Raven Grill 36 5:30PM
1/11 “Business for Breakfast Mixer @ La Cucina Italiana 9032 S. Central; 7:15-8:30AM
1/04; 1/18; 1/25 Leads Exchange Group 7:15am Raven Grill 36 – 3636 E. Baseline Rd
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Good Folks (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 26, 2012
By George Young
This is a series of articles profiling some of the residents who live and work in the South Mountain/Laveen Villages. In keeping with the original format of the Villager to only print the positive, we will attempt to acknowledge some of the great folks that have contributed so much to our lives and are hopefully role models for all of us.
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Mr. Joe Banks III
I have the privilege of having a friend that displays the utmost in integrity, respect and love for his family and others. Unlike myself, this person was born and raised in Phoenix. He is a father, husband, grandfather, mentor and an all around great guy. His dedication to making South Mountain Village a great place to live, play and work is unsurpassed by his love for children. He is a member of the South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful, The Target Area “B” Citizens Action Committee, (former member) Rio Salado Citizens Action Committee, The South Mountain & Laveen Village Chamber of Commerce and more. His name is Mr. Joe Banks III.
Mr. Joe Banks III has been married to Dee, his wife of forty-five years. Dee is also a wonderful and caring person, as in many households she is the glue that holds the family together. Not only is she a great cook, but also creates works of art with her cake decorating. He has two children, Joe IV and Dean his youngest. Dean works with his father at Ironco. Inc. Located at 1029 East Broadway Road. One of Joe’s deepest wishes is to have grandchildren. He currently has one granddaughter, Lilly; needless to say she is the apple of his eye. Joe loves children. I do not believe he has ever met a child he did not like. Joe is also involved with the Roosevelt School Districts Rosa Linda School He spends many hours doing things for kids. He has been a contributor to the Villager for five years with his great articles to kids.
Joe has had many occupations in his life, but the consistent one has been one of blacksmith (a dying trade in our country). He is one of the most creative and artistic people I know. It is amazing what he can design and create out of metal. He is meticulous in everything he does; he holds himself to a very high standard when it comes to constructing a product. One of his greatest attributes is his willingness to help people. There are hundreds of people in our Village and valley wide that he has built or constructed something for. Some they paid for, some not.
There is a lighter side to Joe. He loves a practical joke. He showed up at Board meeting one day dressed like a woman. His plan was to set a new fad to replace people from wearing baseball caps backwards, sideward etc. Needless to say it never caught on and people still wear baseball caps in all directions. I am sorry I cannot reveal many of his jokes, it would offend some people and some would be downright mad.
I am truly blessed, proud and fortunate to have Joe as my friend and may God Bless Mr. Joe Banks III and his Family and God Bless America. and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.
Posted in Community, Good Folks, SoMo Village | Tagged: Good Folks | Leave a Comment »
AGTC (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 25, 2012
The Arizona Good Time Cruisers
The Arizona Good Time Cruisers (AGTC) are actively looking for new members. Our meetings are held at 6:30 PM at Mel’s Auto Museum on Bell Road and I-17. Next meeting is January 9th. 2012. There is no make, model or year requirement. Let’s put the fun back in cruising. Join now and receive a free t-shirt.
Please contact Dick Sellers at Ace Auto Repair (602-268-0454) 5010 South Central Avenue (He can also help you with any car problems you have) or George Young (602-243-3162 or gayoung@cox.net or we have applications on line at arizonagoodtimecruisers.com
God Bless The AGTC and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village. Thank You.
Posted in Community, positive news | Tagged: AGTC, Arizona Good Time Cruisers, free t-shirt | Leave a Comment »
SMHS Baseball Program (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 24, 2012
South Mountain High School Baseball Program
South Mountain High Baseball Program is looking for community members who would like to come along side a committed coaching staff. Our Vision is to help hard working teen athletes become civic minded world changers. These young men will understand the importance of honesty, integrity & giving back to their community. If you possess any of the gifts or abilities that are mentioned below and would like to be a part of a program on the rise, please contact either myself, Head Coach JD Ramirez or Asst. Coach Roger Pongratz at these numbers or e-mails. Or if you’d rather just make a tax-credit donation, www.phoenixunion.org/taxcredit & reference for Jaguar Baseball.
Ramirez Pongratz
Cell > 602.818.4178 Cell > 602.617.4473
e-mail> jramirez@phxhs.k12.az.us e-mail> roger.pongratz@gmail.com
Wish/Volunteer List
Score Keeper
Videographer
Statistician
Field Maintenance
Academic Tutors
Character Counts Mentors
Volunteer Baseball Coaches
Fundraising Specialist
Team Mom
Posted in Community, Education, Volunteers | Tagged: baseball, Jaguar, SMHS | Leave a Comment »
Lowmans AZ (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 23, 2012
Lowman’s Arizona Funeral Home
Just For Today
(By Ingried Lowman)
Greetings fellow Villagers and Happy New Years to each and every one on you!! May God bless you all with the strength and courage needed to keep you “New Years Resolutions”. We make them every year and, unconsciously, set ourselves up for sabotage, making promises and commitments we have never been able to keep but, for some strange reason, we think that “this time”, this new day of this new year, we will conquer and keep our commitments to a healthier way of eating, doing more, or perhaps begin to exercise, to quit smoking, etc… Whatever the “demon” we individually struggle with, the coming of a new year musters up renewed strength and courage, a new willingness to change; or is it a fleeting thought or act of insanity?!?!?!? Do we relish the thought of failure? What if we mad the commitment for, instead of a year, “Just for today”?
“Just for today, I will love my neighbor as myself.”
“Just for today, I will have faith in God and in man.”
“Just for today, I will thank God for the sun, for my family, for my friends, and for each breath He gives
me the privilege of taking.”
“Just for today, I will tell someone I love that “I love you”.
“Just for today, I will let one of my family members know that I appreciate them.”
“Just for today, I will give of myself to someone less fortunate than me.”
“Just for today, I will let one of my family members know that I appreciate them.”
“Just fore today, I will pray for those that are lost and don’t know the Lord.”
“Just for today, I will pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ.”
“Just for today, I will pray for the leaders of our country, for their task is huge and in need of God’s
guidance.”
“Just for today, I will pray for the soldiers that serve to protect my freedoms.”
“Just for today, I will pray for the leaders in every civic organization and all of the volunteers that work
diligently in my community to create a better place for me and my children.”
“Just for today, I will pray for the pastors of all the churches so that they will continue to seek God’s
guidance in leading, guiding, and preaching His word to their parishioners.”
“Just for today, I will do something to make my community a better place.”
“Just for today, I will withhold any unkind words for, unlike a pair of ill fitting shoes, they cannot be taken
back.”
“Just for today, I will pick up any trash I see in my path to help create a cleaner environment.”
“Just for today, I will give of my smile freely, as it is a gift that cost nothing but gives so much.”
“Just for today, I will replace my negative thoughts with positive ones because this is much more
productive and invigorating.”
“Just for today, I will hold the door open for the person coming in behind me at the store.”
“Just for today, I will not cast a shadow of doubt over another person’s dream, but encourage their
success.”
“Just for today, I shall not judge, lest I be judged.”
“Just for today, I will lift a child’s heart by creating hope.”
“Just for today, I will give of my time, the greatest gift, as once you give it away, it cannot be taken back.”
“Just for today, we will serve our families how God intends us to serve them.”
Whether it’s the funeral industry, the restaurant business, the grocer, the Insurance business, automobile industry, etc., we are all blessed with the ability to make a difference, not only in the lives of others, but in our own lives, as well. Be good to yourself. Be honest with yourself and others. Live with integrity. “Just for today” make the decision to shine the light of hope, love, faith, and charity because “today” is a gift and tomorrow – uncertain.
We, here at Lowmans Arizona Funeral Home, would like to thank you for your expectations in our ability to serve you, our family and community. We have become better because of you and your willingness to share with us your needs in caring for you and your loved ones at the most difficult time. So “just for today, we will strive to better our service to you” and, as always, we will appreciate the privilege of serving you.”
Our goal is to inform and educate the community of the mamy options available to you in the funeral industry. Our mission is to provide the community with quality services and merchandise at a reasonable
and fair fee; treating families with the ultimate degree of respect, because you deserve it. For pre-arrangement information, or answers to your questions, please don’t hesitate to call or just drop by.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
As always, Bill and Ingried Lowman are available 24/7, at (602) 276-3601, toll free (877) 276-3601, and fax (602) 276-1889.
Posted in Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Just For Today, lowmans-arizona-funeral-home | Leave a Comment »
SMC LIbrary (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 23, 2012
CULTURE PASS
Visit your library and check out a museum. Select an institution to visit. Bring the laminated card to the circulation desk. The library will give you a date due slip that admits you and 1 other to the institution. For more information visit the library, or online theculturepass.org
___________________________Children Programs
Family Storytime—(Mondays) – 6:30 pm - All ages with children, birth to five, accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, finger plays, songs, flannel board stories, and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading including dialogic and sound awareness activities.
Babytime—( Tuesdays) Babytime for Crawlers – 9:30 am and Babytime for Walkers at 10:30 am–Children birth to 23 months accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, fingerplays, songs and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading. Playtime follows program.
Family Storytime—( Wednesday) 10:30 am – All ages with children, birth to five, accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, finger plays, songs, flannel board stories, and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading including dialogic and sound awareness activities.
___________________________Teen Programs
Teen Computers—Internet computers for teens ages 12 to 18 located in the TEEN Limitless Lounge. Teens must own a library card to use any computer in the library. There is a limit of one reservation per day.
Teen Program – 4pm to 5pm – Teen programming the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Enjoy movies, Wii Sports, books, music and board games.
_________________________Adult Programs
Computer Classes in English — (Wednesdays) 7:00 pm to 8:30 PM
Computer Classes in Spanish – (Thursdays) 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Basic Computer Skills I, Introduction to the Internet, Basic Computer Skills II, and Introduction to Email. Limited seating. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to class time.
Friends of the Library, South Mountain Community Library Chapter —(Saturday) January 7, 9:00 AM
Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. Join this friendly group and make things happen in your neighborhood library! All are welcome! Visit the branch for more information. Visit the Friends book sale by the front of the library for fantastic bargains. For adults.
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Posted in Community, Education, Phoenix Public Library, SMCC | Tagged: Phoenix Public Libraries, SMC Library, South Mountain Community Library | Leave a Comment »
Ask Grandpa (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 22, 2012
Ask Grandpa
“A lady did something very nice for my Mom and me. She left before we could thank her. I have her plate number but no one will give me her name or number. Can you tell me how to contact her?” Rebecca.
When I hear things like that, It makes me happy. Now the lady made us all happy. She probably knows that and doesn’t need any more of a “Thanks”. You used to be able to locate people by requesting the information from the Motor Vehicle Department but because a few bad apples used the information for nefarious purposes’, the policy was changed. Just another example of a few reprobates messing it up for every one else. Anyway, I was listing to a country western song the other day, I don’t remember the name of it but it fit your dilemma like a preachers flask: A person was asked how much was owed for some service that had been provided and the giver answered “You don’t owe me a thing, but, if you want to pay me something, just pass the favor along when you have the chance.” The song went on to make the point, but you get it already.
You know Rebecca; some times all it takes to brighten someone’s day is a simple “Hi” or a cheerful smile. We can’t all leap tall buildings or change the oceans tides but we can settle for something as simple as a “Hello, you sure look nice today”. That’s a start. Tomorrow we’ll work on the tides. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
- Grandpa
Please send your questions to George at gayoung@cox.net
Posted in Ask Grandpa, Community, Good Folks, positive news, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: advice, grandpa, questions, wisdom | Leave a Comment »
SMCC Laveen (Jan-Feb 2012)
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 22, 2012
Posted in Community, Education, Laveen, positive news, SMCC | Tagged: classes, Community, Education, Laveen | Leave a Comment »
