Archive for the ‘Events’ Category
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 27, 2012
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
The New Year is here; the holiday celebrations are complete; the outdoor lights and decorations have been put away. It is now time to begin this new journey which we call 2012. For all of Arizona it is our Centennial Year which begins officially on February 14, 2012 when we celebrate 100 years of statehood. We will all be learning more about our Arizona history then we ever learned in our K – 12 classrooms. That is a very good thing as we look to our future, and in particular, the immediate future for the communities of South Mountain and Laveen. We can learn much from our history that can help us to better define our community needs for the future in Education; in Business Development; in Public Transit and with Social Service Needs.
The South Mountain Communities’ greatest strength is based in our diverse cultures and unique geographic boundaries within the City of Phoenix. Our greatest challenge is to bring our diverse community together with a united community voice that clearly articulates what we all want to meet our community’s needs in the areas mentioned above. We have a multitude of business leaders; social service organizations; educators; religious leadership; non profit groups and elected officials, who all contribute to our collective community voice. We need that voice to be heard at City Hall; in the state legislator and most importantly in the board rooms where decisions are made on commercial investments that will bring the much sought after jobs and desired amenities to our South Mountain Communities.
On the campus of South Mountain Community College, a new environment for civic engagement and an agenda for public discussion of diverse community issues have begun under the direction of The South Mountain Community College Presidents’ Community Advisory Council. It is a promising beginning for 2012 to start the process of identifying a coalition of South Mountain Community leadership that will advocate for the economic development; community infrastructure improvements and social services that we need to reach our maximum potential. You will be reading and hearing about many opportunities in 2012, to participate in community gatherings at South Mountain Community College.
Celebrating our great South Mountain and Laveen Communities is what the Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner”, presented by The South Mountain – Laveen Chamber of Commerce, is all about! The 2012 Awards will be presented on May 17th at the new South Mountain Community Library – Community Event Center on the South Mountain Community College Campus. Nominations in 5 Award Categories: EDUCATION; NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES and LOCAL BUSINESS are being accepted through March 30th. Nomination forms are available on request at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net or by phone at 602 402 6086.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1/26 -“After 5 Mixer” @ Raven Grill 36 5:30PM
1/11 “Business for Breakfast Mixer @ La Cucina Italiana 9032 S. Central; 7:15-8:30AM
1/04; 1/18; 1/25 Leads Exchange Group 7:15am Raven Grill 36 – 3636 E. Baseline Rd
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 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.
lowmansarizonafuneralhome.com
Posted in Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Just For Today, lowmans-arizona-funeral-home | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on 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
Posted in Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
It’s the last month of 2011 and for some of us, 2012 can’t get here fast enough! This has been another difficult year for many South Mountain – Laveen businesses and residents, as we complete a 3rd year of a slow recovery from the 2008 worldwide recession. Is there hope, that we will see a stronger economy in 2012? In my view, absolutely there is hope, for the immediate and long term future economic growth in our South Mountain – Laveen communities. Yes, we need to see the evidence of real job growth; growth in new home construction and a real increase in homeowners’ property values throughout the South Mountain area. Looking back through 2011, I see things that have happened which, I believe, is evidence of even better things to come in 2012.
Major construction projects that were completed this year include: The South Mountain Community Library on the South Mountain Community College campus at 24th Street; the new Percy L Julian Elementary School at 21st St & Carver; Victory Place III Apartments for formerly homeless military veterans at 9TH St & Jones; the new Laveen Elementary School at 43rd Ave in Laveen. Major construction projects nearing completion or beginning next year include: The Salvation Army Kroc Family Community Center at 14th St & Broadway opening May 2012; the Roosevelt Schools Culinary – Community Center at 10th St & Baseline Road groundbreaking in January; Arizona Cactus Pine Council Girl Scouts Camp Sombrero multi million dollar renovations planned for 2012 at 16th St & Dobbins; an extensive remodeling makeover of the Ocotillo Library at 3rd Ave & Southern to be completed next year.
As for long term planning, a current City of Phoenix field study to determine the expansion of the Light Rail Transit System along South Central Ave to Baseline Road, began in April of this year and will now be supplemented by a Federally Funded Department of Transportation $1,000,000 award to the City of Phoenix to study all forms of public transit improvements to better connect Downtown Phoenix to South Mountain Village along South Central to Baseline Road and east-west connections along Broadway and Southern. The study will begin in 2012 and conclude in 2013. And of course the conversation continues about where to put the South Mountain Freeway Loop connecting the south leg of the 202 with the I 10 Freeway at or near 59th Avenue. The currently planned route including the state owned land has been on the books since the mid 1980’s. It will be built, with informed guesses looking at a 2018 construction start.
The South Mountain – Laveen membership continues to grow as we added 25 new members this year. We are a chapter of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce which has added over 300 members through 11 months of this year. Overall, there have been over 50 small business start ups this year and that doesn’t include new non profits and Charter School additions that began operating in our communities this year. There are many other examples of why we should all feel encouraged about what the future holds for our area. There is a natural scenic beauty and rich history in South Mountain that is unmatched anywhere else in the metro area. But first and foremost it is our diverse community that is our strength and our hope for our future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
12/1-“After 5 Mixer” @ Gallagher’s Sports Grill & Restaurant, 3220 E. Baseline Rd; 5:30 – 7PM
12/14 “Business for Breakfast Mixer @ La Cucina Italiana 9032 S. Central ;7:15-8:30AM
12/7, 12/21 Leads Exchange Group
7:15am Raven Grill 36
3636 E. Baseline Road
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 15, 2011
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.
Posted in Community, Education, Events, non-profit organization, positive news | Tagged: automotive history, collection, Martin Auto Museum, vintage vehicles | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on October 29, 2011
Posted in Community, Events, kids, positive news | Tagged: Annual Harvest Days Festival, arts and crafts, carnival games, entertainment, Face painting, food, Prizes | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on October 8, 2011
Posted in Community, Events, kids, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Crafts, entertainment, food, Free Kids Zone, games, parade | 1 Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on October 8, 2011
Posted in Community, Events, positive news | Tagged: breakfast, eat, swap | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on October 8, 2011
Lowmans Arizona Funeral Home
Family of Dollars First?
(By Ingried Lowman)
Greetings fellow Villagers and Happy Fall to each and every one of you. It’s hard to believe that the fall season is already upon us, though the temperatures still feel like that of summer. Still, we in Arizona are quite blessed that we have not had to deal with the disasters that so many other parts of our country and families have had the challenges of dealing with. We are truly blessed.
Again, the funeral industry has been in the news with the tragedy of a crematory that was operating without integrity, stacking human remains in vehicles and what not, because they just “got so busy that they couldn’t keep up”. This specific crematory solicited our business on several occasions, trying to convince us that, using them would be a smart financial decision as we could save $50 per case. Bill and I were consistent with our answer stating that “if it’s not broken, we don’t need to change or ‘fix it’”. Many funeral homes made the change. We’re quite certain that if it wasn’t for our constant seeking of God’s guidance and our philosophy, we may have looked at the dollar signs and concluded that this would be a good financial decision. Thankfully, we learned that, once again, money isn’t everything and sometimes saving a few dollars can cost you more than you want to pay. It reminds me of what one of our pastors once told our congregation; “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” What great words of wisdom to live and work by.
We mourn and pray for the families that this ‘situation’ has affected and pray for those in our industry to always put families, not dollars, first. We believe that if the family always comes first, God will take care of the rest. When one looses a loved one and chooses a funeral home, we believe that it is up to the funeral home to guide the family through this extremely difficult time, ensuring that their loved one will be treated with the utmost respect. Whether it is cremation or burial that the family has chosen, our job is to ensure that integrity goes into every facet of our caring for the human remains and family, assisting and guiding them through the entire process, helping them to make good sound decisions that they can live with and feel good about. This includes financial decisions. Sure, every funeral home would love to sell $4,000 to $6, 000 caskets with every funeral arrangement they make. However, is this in the best interest of the family? Is the family going to have the funds to go on with their lives and care for their family? Will this funeral put them in financial debt? Is this what their loved one would have wanted? Will God receive them better in heaven if it costs more? We think “NOT”. After all, did Jesus die a wealthy man? For those of us that know the story, He was not financially wealthy, but He was, and is, richer than any human being can imagine.
We have seen a definitive increase in families making pre-arrangements. This ensures that their funeral reflects what they want, keeping their arrangements within a budget that they feel good about. This prevents their loved ones from being left with the burden of so many decisions. When someone is grieving the loss of their loved one, emotions are running high and this can sometimes create a situation where one spends more than they need or want to. That is why communicating with your family on this issue of dying, is so important. Does your family know your wishes?
I had the privilege of speaking at an Edward Jones event here recently, hosted by a delightful Julie Gunn, at the Arizona Animal Shelter – Campus of Compassion. I asked four questions to start. The first being; “How many of you have health Insurance?” Every ones hand went up. “How many of you have automobile Insurance?” Again, every hand went up. “How many of you have homeowners Insurance?” Once again, every hand went up. I got to my forth question; “How many of you have funeral Insurance?” Only one was able to raise their hand.
I made the point that we have health Insurance “just in case” we get sick. We have automobile Insurance “just in case” we get into a car accident. We have homeowners Insurance “just in case” damage is done to our home, (hail anyone?!?). Just think about the money we all spend on the “just in case” things!! But the only two sure things in life are “taxes” and “death”. Why do so many of us fail to plan for what is so certain? We encourage you to think about it.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this article. We look forward to seeing all of our Pioneers at the 37th Annual Pioneer Luncheon on November 6th. As always, Bill and Ingried Lowman are available 24/7, at (602) 276-3601, toll free (877) 276-3601, fax (602) 276-1889, or lowmansarizonafuneralhome.com.
Posted in Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Arizona Animal Shelter, families, lowmans-arizona-funeral-home | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 29, 2011
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
We all are now officially on the last lap of completing a very difficult obstacle course, better known as 2011. In businesses, service organizations, governmental services offices and schools, this 3 month period is referred to as the 4th quarter. Even if your business or organization is directed by a fiscal year calendar, we all sense the ending of this year and the distant beginning of 2012, that is just on the horizon. It is why Halloween merchandise began to appear in your local Walgreens or CVS store just after Labor Day and Thanksgiving décor will begin to gain strength this month.
At the South Mountain – Laveen Chamber of Commerce, we are preparing for our 7th Annual 2012 Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Celebration. That is your cue to think of a local business; a local individual volunteer; a local non profit service organization; a local school or educator or a local governmental service that has made a positive difference in our local communities of the South Mountain and Laveen Villages. Please contact me with the candidates that you want to have considered for our 2012 Community Spirit Awards.
New business enterprises continue to open in our community and I encourage you to check them out and welcome them to our South Mountain – Laveen community. Capin’s Car Wash is now located on the west side of South Central Ave, north of Alta Vista and south of the canal. Alex Corona has opened SoMo Catering & Special Events based out of Corona Ranch in Laveen. Alex invites everyone to a Wine & Tequila Tasting Event at Corona Ranch on Friday October 21st from 6PM to 10PM. Tickets are $25.00 PP. Zee Spot Restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner at 1301 E. Broadway Rd, just to name a few of the new retail services that continue to grow in our community.
Halloween events that the entire family can enjoy, include the Enchanted Trail at The Rio Salado Audubon Center on October 27 – 30 from 5:30PM to 10PM at 3131 S. Central Ave. The Haunted Hayride at South Mountain Park operates October 21, 22 and 23rd from 6PM to 9PM at 10919 South Central Ave in South Mountain Park. You need a planning calendar to keep up with all our community events scheduled from now until years end. You don’t ever have to leave the Mountain to enjoy the numerous holiday activities
If you would like to be reminded about future community gatherings, send me an email to steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
Events Scheduled
October 5, 19, 26 SMLCC Leads Club
7:15a.m. Raven Golf Club Grill
3636 E. Baseline Road
October 12 “Business for Breakfast”
7:15a.m. LaCucina Italiana
9032 So. Central Avenue
October 26 “After 5 Mixer”
TBA 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m.
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 28, 2011
Community Information and Resource Fair
We are your neighbor. The Southern Baptist Temple Church. 6520 South Central Avenue. We are having a Community Information and Resource Fair October 22nd. 10 AM- 2 PM. Come on over, have a free hot dog, chips and drink. Meet your old friends, make new friends and get information on services available in your community for when you need help. Free games and prizes for the kids, goodies for the adults, entertainment for all. Some of the services offered: Southern Baptist Temple Church, Unlimited Potential, Arizona Humane Society, South Mountain YMCA, Foundation for Senior Living, South Mountain Community College, Rio Vista Baptist Center, South Mountain Community Center, Victory High School, South Pointe High School, Roosevelt School District, Ocotillo Library, Duet Elderly Program, Burning Bush Ministries, Works Drug Program, Ballet Folk Lorico Del Camino Real, Know Your Mountain and much more. You’ll find something for everyone.
Posted in Community, Events, kids, non-profit organization, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Arizona Humane Society, Ballet Folk Lorico Del Camino Real, Burning Bush Ministries, chips and drink, Duet Elderly Program, entertainment for all, Foundation for Senior Living, Free games and prizes for the kids, free hot dog, goodies for the adults, Know Your Mountain, Ocotillo Library, Rio Vista Baptist Center, Roosevelt School District, South Mountain Community Center, South Mountain Community College, South Mountain YMCA, South Pointe High School, Southern Baptist Temple Church, Unlimited Potential, Victory High School, Works Drug Program | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 18, 2011
Lowman’s Arizona Funeral Home
Pioneer Luncheon
(By Ingried Lowman)
Greetings fellow Villagers! I can’t believe that it is almost fall already. For most of you, it is a welcomed event to bid the sweltering temperatures of summer “goodbye”. For us, here at Lowman’s Arizona Funeral Home, it’s an exciting time as we gear up for the 37th Annual Pioneer Luncheon. Miss Verna McClain, and all of the other valued original Fall Festival Committee folks, had one heck of a great idea to create a special day when all of the Pioneers of our Village (those that have lived in the South Mountain Village area for 50 years or more), are honored. No, this is not an awards banquet, you do not have to have “saved the world” to qualify your attendance, and no, there are no long drawn out speeches. This is a special day, when you, our Pioneers, are honored with a free dinner, free entertainment, a free gift, and awesome camaraderie with fellow Pioneer Villagers. Our goal is always to let this be a special time to pay tribute to you, our Pioneers, and for you to see all of the folks that you, perhaps, haven’t seen in awhile, and catch up on the news with one another, not to mention, sharing valued and treasured memories of yesteryear. The best part is we get to see all of you and, it’s FREE!!!!
We are blessed that Corona Ranch has, once again, opened their doors to assist us with this fantastic event. YOU, our Pioneers, are what make it fantastic!! Your participation and presence is heartwarming. Bill and I have had a blast searching for gifts and surprises that we hope you enjoy. In the interest of time, we’re going to try something a little different with the gift table. Every year we try to improve the way conduct the event. We feel that when you could all be taking time to visit and enjoy each others company we shouldn’t be taking away that time. Of course, you will have your opportunity to let us know if you like the way the event plays out, as everyone has the opportunity to fill out a survey at the end of the event.
For Bill and I, it’s nice to see all of you and we usually wish that we had more time to mingle and visit, but the most important part of the whole event, we believe, is the opportunity to “break bread” together, as a community. We feel so blessed that the event has grown so large. Every year we increase our attendance!! We so much appreciate the use and size of Corona Ranch to accommodate such a lovely crowd.
A million thanks to those of you that have turned in your quilt squares. You are gifted and creative! We have now been collecting them for several years and still only have enough for a “baby quilt”. We will be bringing in additional squares for the event in hopes that in 2012, we will be able to assemble a “full” quilt. So for those of you that still have your quilt square, you have another couple of months to design and complete for the upcoming Pioneer Luncheon. For those of you that lost your quilt square, or perhaps didn’t get one, we will have additional squares at this upcoming luncheon.
We cannot encourage you enough to please call and make your reservations for this affair. It is imperative you give us the courtesy of letting us know that you are going to attend, and, let us know the number in your “party”. Again, this is for you folks that have lived here, in the South Mountain Village for 50 or more years. So please, mark your calendars.
37th Annual Pioneer Luncheon
When? 1:00 PM, Sunday, November 6th. 2011
Where? Corona Ranch & Rodeo Grounds Hall
7611 South 29th Avenue – Just South of Baseline Road
Laveen, AZ
The cost is your presence, your smile, and your time, the most valuable gift of all!!
For reservations, please call Bill or Ingried Lowman at (602) 276-3601, or the infamous Verna McClain at (602) 276-5925.
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: 37th Annual, Corona Ranch, Lowman’s Arizona Funeral Home, Pioneer Luncheon | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on August 10, 2011
Another Successful Fiesta of Independence on July 4th. 2011
Arizona’s newest Americans hail from Canada and England, India and Nigeria, and 58 other countries. They speak a multitude of languages and ply a potpourri of trades. Some are here alone; others have large families. A few are newlyweds. But the estimated 300 people cheered, clapped and waved American flags after they were declared United States citizens Monday July 4th. 2011 during a ceremony at South Mountain Community College.
“I am happy,” said Victoria Kanu, 75, grinning from ear to ear.
She wore a red and white traditional Nigerian dress and sported large gold hoop earrings.
“I am very happy.”
Another newly minted citizen, Angelica Valdibia, 21, is from Mexico, as are a great number of the newest citizens.
“I am so proud to be an American,” Valdibia said. “I can vote!”
Valdibia and Kanu were among hundreds of new citizens, family members and friends who packed the auditorium for the 23rd annual Fiesta of Independence, held every year on the Fourth of July to celebrate citizenship.
“It is also significant for the people of Phoenix . . . to see how people take the legal steps to citizenship,” said John Kamar of U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Services. The newest Americans must be at least 18, have lived in the country at least five years and be “of good moral character.” They must read, write and speak English, and be familiar with U.S. government and history.
U.S. District Court Judge Earl Carroll urged the crowd to learn English well and participate in elections. The new citizens had a chance to register to vote at the end of Monday’s event. “You have the same rights and the same privileges as a citizen that I have,” Carroll said
Posted in Community, Events, SMCC | Tagged: Americans, ceremony, SMCC | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on August 10, 2011
Steve Glueck Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
During last months’ MLB All Star Game activities, I had the opportunity to hear a luncheon presentation from baseball commissioner, Mr. Bud Selig. Mr. Selig spoke about the tremendous growth in attendance that professional baseball has experienced over the past 41 years. In 1970, MLB Game total attendance was a little over 25 million. Last year over 60 million attended MLB games and another 40 million attended minor league baseball games.
Listening to Mr. Selig, I thought about my own personal experience over the past 41 years since arriving here in August 1970. Arizona had 2.5 million residents; the Phoenix Metro area was 1.3 million people and the city of Phoenix was at about 800,000 people. The 2010 Census count is 6.4 million residing in our State; and the Phoenix Metro area has almost 4.2 million residents. The City of Phoenix has 1.4 million residents and ranks as the 6th largest city in the U.S.
The reason for sharing this history and growth with you is to point out that there were people; State, county, city officials; local, regional, national businesses; educators, non-profit organizations and community leaders who, in 1970, were anticipating what our state; our city, would look like in 2011. We all think about our future needs and we all plan to a greater or lesser degree, for our families, ourselves and our community’s future.
We have that opportunity as residents of South Mountain to participate in how we want our community to be defined today, next year; 5 years, or 40 years in the future. Just this past month, South Mountain residents have had the opportunity to voice their thoughts and ideas at several community gatherings including: The Del Rio Brownfields Project meetings at the Rio Salado Audubon Center; “The Berkshire Report” Community Commentary meeting at South Mountain Community College and The Mayoral Candidates Forum at South Mountain Community College.
This month, Tuesday, August 30th, you will have the opportunity to exercise your right and privilege to vote your choice for the next major of Phoenix and for those of you residing in District 7, choosing your Phoenix Council representative for the next 2 years. Your vote and your regular participation in community gatherings will help decide what the future looks like for your city and your community.
If you would like to be reminded about future community gatherings, send me an email to steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
Events Scheduled
August 3, 17, 24, 31 SMLCC Leads Club
7:15a.m. Raven Golf Club Grill
3636 E. Baseline Road
August 10 “Business for Breakfast”
7:15a.m. LaCucina Italiana
9032 So. Central Avenue
August 28 “After 5 Mixer”
TBA 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m.
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: business, Chamber, Community | Leave a Comment »
