Archive for the ‘South Mountain Villager’ Category
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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
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.”
Posted in Community, positive news, South Mountain Villager, What's Happening | Tagged: SMVC&B, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful | Leave a Comment »
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
Posted in Ask Grandpa, Community, kids, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: advice, grandpa, kids, questions | Leave a Comment »
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.
Posted in Community, Ed Pastor, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Arizona, light rail transit system | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on October 26, 2011
What’s Happening In The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s
George A. Young – gayoung@cox.net
““Well Folks remember; Some doctors say that cheerful folks resist disease better than grumpy ones.””
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).
This month I want to mention a little about our Village. The South Mountain Village (SMV) extends from the Rio Salado to the South Mountain Park Preserve, the largest municipal park in the country and 48th. Street on the east and 27th. Avenue on the west. From the ridge line of South Mountain to farm fields and urban neighborhoods, the village offers many different living environments. Although containing established neighborhoods, SMV is in many ways a young, developing area. The core of the village is in the vicinity of Central Avenue and the Salt River. Significant concentrations of employment are also being created in the northeast portion of the village. This area is accessible from the Maricopa Freeway and is close to Sky harbor International Airport. The intensification is being balanced by quality residential and commercial development near the foothills of the South Mountain. The image of SMV is strengthened by its rural atmosphere and its feeling of open space. Many of the distinct features of the village are: The Mountain Preserve, foothills and agricultural areas that serve as additional area of interest within the village. Emphasis is directed toward maintaining and enhancing these areas. The Rio Salado provides a unique opportunity to develop its potential recreational aspects. Leisure time activities include hiking, horseback riding, biking and visiting the Audubon Society. The rural and open character of the village will be further enhanced by maintaining and attracting quality foothill development, such as the Baseline Road and Dobbins Scenic drives. Please take some time and enjoy our Village. It is truly a great place to live, work and play.
The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, 8th. 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, November 1st. 2011 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.
South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 26th. 2011 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.
“Remember Folks; There is only one thing about which I am certain and that is that there is very little about which one can be certain.”
Posted in positive news, South Mountain Villager, What's Happening | Tagged: SMVC&B, South Mountain Park Preserve, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful | 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 26, 2011
What’s Happening In The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s
George A. Young – gayoung@cox.net
“Well Folks remember; A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.”
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. Here are some events happening in the Villages. The good folks at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center are currently seeking a Reception Desk/Gift Shop Volunteer to work regularly on Thursdays from 9am-1pm, are you available? Or do you know someone who might be interested in helping us make a difference at the Center? Please contact Janice Miano at 602-468-6470. The Anderson Farms community is holding a Community Garage Sale. Saturday November 5th. 2011. 8:00AM-1:30AM. Located at 6500 South 27th. Avenue and West St. Anne, contact Ruben Henderson III at 602-243-6095 for more information. Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler, will be visiting EAGLE College Prep Wednesday morning, September 7th, at 8:30am. She will be helping Bridgette Asheim, Director of HopeKids, and Jessica Gregorivic, parent, kick off EAGLE’s participation in the 3rd Annual HopeWalk on October 23rd. EAGLE College Prep has a student who participates in HopeKids and who has previously participated in Make a Wish. EAGLE College Prep is the first school in Arizona to participate in the HopeWalk. “HopeKids provides ongoing events and activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical conditions. We surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope can be a powerful medicine.” (from www.hopekids.org) Participating in the HopeWalk continues to further EAGLE’s mission of providing opportunities for positive character development. Our students will have the opportunity to raise money while also raising awareness for children with life-threatening medical conditions. They truly demonstrate the six pillars of character – especially what it means to show caring toward others.
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).
The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 11th. 2011 at 6:30 PM at the South Mountain Community College, 7050 South 24th. Street, New Library.
The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 26th. 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, October 4th. 2011 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.
South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 28th. 2011 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.
“Remember Folks; A bank is a place that will loan you money if you can prove you do not need it.”
Posted in positive news, South Mountain Villager, What's Happening | Tagged: SMVC&B, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 23, 2011
Patriotism in America
By U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, Fourth Congressional District of Arizona
As your Congressman, it has been my mission to provide services and resources to the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District, particularly when one is experiencing issues with a federal agency. One of the services I have had the opportunity to provide is assistance with U.S. citizenship and once again, it is time for my annual Citizenship Day, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22.
For more than 15 years, and with the help of hundreds of community volunteers, I have been able to hold an annual Citizenship Day where we have assisted more than 2,500 permanent, legal residents with filling out their U.S. citizenship application, known as the N-400. I have organized this event each year to help ease the application process and help people take this important step towards U.S. citizenship. There is no cost for this service.
If you are eligible for U.S. citizenship, please contact my Phoenix District Office at 602-256-0551, and ask about making an appointment for Oct. 22. You will be asked a few questions to determine your eligibility, and you will be mailed a list of information and documents you need to prepare and bring to Citizenship Day so that the volunteers can complete your application.
To become a U.S. citizen, a person must:
- Have been a legal permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years, or have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years and been a legal permanent resident for at least 3 years.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to speak, read and write in English, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Have good moral character, with no criminal problems in the past 5 years, including no DUI/DWI or other felonies.
- Pay a fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to process your application. The current fee is $680.
The volunteers who assist constituents on Citizenship Day have gone through training on how to accurately fill out the paperwork. In addition, we will have attorneys on hand on Citizenship Day who have volunteered to review the completed applications and check them for accuracy before they are submitted. The attorneys will address any legal issues that may be of concern in the application process.
I encourage all legal residents to embrace the opportunity to become U.S. citizens and make an appointment to receive this free assistance on Oct. 22. Please contact my office at 602-256-0551 and sign up for Citizenship Day. Appointments will be required to receive assistance.
Posted in Community, Ed Pastor, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Americans, Arizona, patriotism | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 21, 2011
Ask Grandpa
I read the newspaper at the Library and watch the news. I’m interested in elections and know more about them than my parents. They can vote and I can’t. Who made up that stupid rule? Damian age 15.
I suppose it was the same guy who says you can’t get a drivers license till you’re 16 and made us wait till we were 21 to legally get drunk and attempt some truly amazing acts of stupidity.
Anyway, Damian, it’s great that you study the issues now because when you’re of age to vote you’ll understand the mechanics of the process and will be an informed voter. If we had more of those, we’d be better off right now. A large percentage of citizens either don’t vote or vote because of some goony-bird notions. Many folks vote a straight ticket (one party) which is silly. There are candidates of both parties’ that qualify. You just need to learn which suits you the best. Another thing that you should consider: We only have one newspaper in town and although they feature some legitimate outside columnists, the majority of the local reporters are pretty one-sided. My Dad, who had been a foreign correspondent for U. P. I., used to say the local paper was “Pink” (leaning a little to the left). Mom disagreed; her comment was “they’re redder than a foxes butt at pokeberry time.” In any case you need to evaluate information from many sources. Most of our TV stations lean one way or the other too. I’m sad to hear your folks aren’t involved. I was pretty lucky in that respect. My Pop was pretty involved in politics. He knew who believed what, who kept their word, who was two-faced, what their prior voting and attendance had been and so forth. I always consulted with him before voting. Although we belonged to different parties, he would say “look I’m going with this person but since you don’t agree with this or that, you’d probably be more comfortable with the other guy. I remember a remark a woman made on television last election that sort of illustrates my view of many voters: She said “Oh my, this is a hard decision! I don’t know if I should vote for her since she’s a woman or him because he’s the same color as me.” They ran that clip on several stations because they probably thought it was funny. I think it was tragic.
Who cares which sex or color someone is? I want a person who can and will do the job. Sometime I think it would be wise to make people take a test to see if they were competent to vote. The problem with that is the people who write the test would design it so only folks that fit in a certain group could pass it. Actually, they did it in the south one time to discourage black folks from voting. It was unfair then and probably have the same issues now. Something you might try, Damian, is to discuss political topic with your folks. Maybe they’ll become interested and perhaps you can nudge them to vote according to the things you’ve researched and decided upon. So in effect, you will be voting. Someone said “the older I get the smarter my folks become.” Could happen.
- Grandpa
Please send your questions to George at gayoung@cox.net
Posted in Ask Grandpa, Community, kids, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: advice, grandpa, kids, questions | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 6, 2011
By George Young – gayoung@cox.net
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. There were a whole bunch of folks that came together to make the following possible. We thank them all.
There is a lady in our Village that I have the privilege of calling my friend and is one of the kindness people I know. You have seen her picture in the Villager for years and other print media in our Village. Maybe you have received one of her postcards. Maybe you have seen her at the annual Haunted Hayride, local parades, Pioneer luncheon, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful event picking up trash or cooking or other local events. Maybe she has assisted you in buying or selling your property. Maybe you have seen her on the side of her company moving van. Yes, she has her own moving van that is available for folks to use if they are one of her clients and need a way to move their personal items after a purchase or sale of their home. It is also available for church’s and non-profits.
She has a very busy professional life, but somehow finds time to volunteer in our Village. She is on the Board of the South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful, Co, Treasurer (and yes she does pick up trash), a member of the South Mountain Community College Advisory Board, South Mountain/Laveen Chamber Advisory Board, was the president of the South Mountain/Laveen Chamber and has recently volunteered to join and support the South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival of Thanksgiving Committee and agreed to let the committee use space in her office building located at 3540 East Baseline for meetings and also her administrative staff for support. She has written many informative articles for the Villager and the South Mountain District News about real estate. She is well versed in short sales, bankruptcies, and anything that has to do with today’s ever changing real estate market.
She has lived in our Village about 20 years, in that time she has made a big difference in many folk’s lives. She graduated from ASU and about fifteen years ago started her own business. By now you probably have guess that I am talking about Mrs. Carlie Back, of the Carlie Back Team with Keller Williams Lifestyle Realty. You know the “How Fast Can You Say Sold” lady (602-305-9033 or go to her web site at www carlieback.com). I could write pages about Carlie, but unfortunately I have my print limitations.
Thank you Carlie for being my dear friend and for everything you do for our Village. God Bless the South Mountain Community College and the City of Phoenix and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.
Posted in City of Phoenix, Community, Good Folks, positive news, SMCC, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: bankruptcies, Carlie Back Team, Good Folks, Keller Williams Lifestyle Realty, real estate, Short Sales, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 6, 2011
Ask Grandpa
A little girl down the street was put in a box and died. Why did someone do that and what’s going to happen to them? -Monica Z.
There’s a pond at my place that is where some tortoises get their water. I drained it the other day to add fresh water and noticed afterward that there had been a lot of tadpoles living in it. Realizing that I had needlessly hurt something, I felt pretty crummy. Later that day I read about the young lady you heard about being locked in a footlocker. I guess if one person values the well being of a tadpole and another cares less for a child, one of them is nuts. So, Monica, I’m probably not the one to ask “why”. It’s way beyond me. I don’t know what’s going to happen to the adults, at least here on earth anyway. I have a pretty good idea about later though. I’m hoping Sheriff Joe is building a box, big enough to stuff the whole bunch on them into. The reality is, Monica, there are some rotten people and some of them might live nearby you. You need to be aware of your surroundings and when you see something that looks weird, report it to your folks or teachers. I’m actually pretty disgusted with the neighbors in that deal. It’s hard to imagine that nobody ever suspected anything.
I know I keep beating a dead horse but it’s worth repeating: Get Involved! If you see something wrong, either fix it or report it! If you want to live in a good environment don’t leave it up to someone else to handle, step up to the plate yourself. If you see signs that someone is being abused or bullied report it. When you see trashy people dropping trash, pick it up. When you see or hear of thieves, drop houses, dopers or graffiti, report it. There are a whole lot more good folks than cruds around, Monica, if each one does just a little it will sure be a nice place to be. That probably sounds like a lot to expect coming from someone who’s still hoping some mother frog won’t know what he did to her tadpoles, but I hope you agree. One thing’s for sure—you’ll feel good knowing you did the right thing. - Grandpa
Please send your questions to George at gayoung@cox.net
Posted in Ask Grandpa, Community, kids, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: advice, grandpa, kids, questions | Leave a Comment »
