Archive for the ‘Volunteers’ Category
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
Wish/Volunteer List
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Score Keeper
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Videographer
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Statistician
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Field Maintenance
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Academic Tutors
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Character Counts Mentors
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Volunteer Baseball Coaches
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Fundraising Specialist
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Team Mom
Posted in Community, Education, Volunteers | Tagged: baseball, Jaguar, SMHS | 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 August 9, 2011
Please attend the next meeting of American Legion Post 134 August 20th
Summer is here and American Legion Post 134 is planning activities. Our community involvement includes programs like ALLECA, and Post 134 is busy fund raising to sponsor area students who wish to attend this and other programs. Please contact us if you are interested in helping us as we work within the community.
We are looking for a site in Laveen for our permanent home. If anyone has suggestions for a new home please e-mail us. We would love to hear from you.
WHAT IS ALLECA?
The American Legion believes that our young people have a strong sense of patriotism and a high regard for Law and Order. The objective of the American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (ALLECA) is to provide a first-hand look at the role of a police officer in promoting and safeguarding America’s freedom and rights. This could be described as a one-week mini-police academy. Sessions are planned annually during summer vacation. Discipline is strict with vigorous physical training, running, and calisthenics included. Obstacle courses and defensive tactics are planned.
For Information on our monthly charity poker challenge please Email inquiries to:
Chuck Thomas, Commander
Azfan_@msn.com
Posted in Amercan Legion, Community, positive news, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: Community, fund raising, students | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 2, 2011
I NEVER HEARD OF THE SOUTH MOUNTAIN/LAVEEN FESTIVAL
By Judy Bradley
The off campus bullies who caused such havoc at South Mountain High School in 1972 probably didn’t care about the terrible newspaper headlines that stained the area’s reputation. But a small group of locals did care and sought to reverse the negative publicity by focusing on why we are thankful to be living south of the Salt River. Thus, the Festival of Thanksgiving was born.
The first year, community leaders staged a two-day event that began with just a few tables set up at South High, promoting positive events and services available to residents and an inter-faith service of Thanksgiving: these activities continue today. This idea of spotlighting the positive aspects of our area quickly grew into a community wide nine-day event. Over the next 40 years, activities have come and gone as the Festival evolved.
Once, ladies over the age of 65 strutted their stuff over the Neighborhood House Stage. Some sang, some twirled rope and some read poetry. But they all had to wear a swimsuit! Youngsters participated in track and field demonstrations and athletic competitions at local schools. Historically, bathtubs rolled down Central Avenue propelled by teams of business and community leaders. Open Houses were often held at schools, churches and community centers.
There have been pancake breakfasts, Easter egg hunts, visits from Santa Claus and turkey shoots. Along the way, the Festival has collected food and toys for the needy and provided safe and fun activities for kids of all ages. For a number of years the Festival in conjunction with Mervyns Department Stores, hosted a back-to- school shopping spree for youngsters.
In 1974 a Parade was added to the mix. Clowns, who were in real life committee members, cavorted down South Central in outfits sewn by local seamstress, Irene Kinsley. Some of he same clowns and costumes can be seen each year on the first Saturday in November. School bands, ROTC units, an occasional float and costumed characters’ (Smokey the Bear and Easter Bunny were once frequent guests (when we could find someone tall enough to wear the costumes) still march along the Parade route.
Festival activities used to be held only in November. We’ve moved beyond that. For the past 23 years the Festival has provided refreshments and decorations for the Naturalization ceremony. On July 4th, about 250 people will become new U.S. citizens at the ceremony at South Mountain Community College. October 20th. to 23rd, continuing a 25-year tradition, the Festival will host a safe and inexpensive Halloween activity at South Mountain Park. Santa comes to our area frequently in December. Join us on December 10th. at the Southern Baptist Church athletic field to see the jolly fellow and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Over the next couple of South Mountain Villager issues we’ll spotlight upcoming Festival events and offer you an opportunity to help us continue a 40-year tradition.
Posted in Community, Events, Good Folks, kids, positive news, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: Community, Events, family, food, Volunteers | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on June 16, 2011
THE HISTORY OF
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FOUNDED IN 1945
Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church was officially organized on December 23, 1945 under the leadership of Chaplain Allen L. Johnson, and with 10 original members. From humble beginnings of a shared sanctuary with Bethlehem Baptist Church on Adams and 14th Streets where they met at 7:00 p.m. on Sundays, the church continued to grow. By February 1946 the congregation required larger quarters and moved into their first home. Their first anniversary (December 1946) was celebrated by moving into the remodeled building they had purchased. Two years later they broke ground for a new church home at 18th and Washington Streets. In 1968 the Methodist Episcopal Churches united with the Evangelical United Brethren to be called United Methodist Churches, and we became Wesley United Methodist Church, as we are known today. The church relocated to its current home at 750 East Southern Avenue in October 1969, with a dedication service held on December 21, 1969. A church parsonage was also acquired at 334 East Monte Way. During these 65 years Wesley has been pastured by 15 Pastors: Rev. Allen L. Johnson (founding pastor), Rev. T. R. Albert, Rev. William Stevens, Rev. Charles F. Harlins, Rev. Rollins Winslow, Rev. Ennis Whaley, Rev. Richard Joseph Parker, Rev. Joseph Johnson, Rev. Emory Taylor, Rev. Franklin Jamison, Rev. Dennis Hutson, Rev. Harold Palmer, Rev. Alexander Mason, Rev. Karl M. Clark and Rev. Dr. Jimelvia P. Martin. At our current location a church library was set-up, a Community Outreach Ministry Office was opened; a Child Development Center was established to serve the needs of the community continuing through 2008. A Girl Scouting program was started that was a source of pride for the young Wesley participants.
Wesley is engaged in many outreach activities: We feed the homeless at the UMOM Center monthly; we offer a “meal in a bag” ministry for unfortunate families; the Women’s Sewing Circle makes blankets and layettes in support of Church Women United projects. Members continue to enjoy fellowship in the Ora Mae Lackey Reading Circle. Wesley has enjoyed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Mighty Methodist Coalition for many years. We maintain a visitation program for sick and homebound members. A new Christian Education Ministry has been formed and the United Methodist Men and Women groups continue to serve.
Wesley is located at 750 East Southern Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona. We are excited about Wesley’s place in the community welcoming, serving and bringing souls to Christ.
Posted in Community, non-profit organization, positive news, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Village History, Volunteers | Tagged: Community, Wesley United Methodist Church | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 31, 2011
American Legion Post 134
Meeting Every 3rd Saturday 10:00 AM
5535 W Baseline Rd
Laveen Arizona 85339
We want to join the Laveen Community
We are an UNTRADITIONAL POST!
We are here to serve the community, veterans, schools and families
American Legion Post 134 The American Legion Annual Convention comes to Cave Creek June 23 – 26, contact us for details. JROTC cadets from Betty Fairfax H.S. were honored for Academic and Military Excellence on May 4th Cadet 2LT Oswald Ortiz received the Academic Excellence Award from the American Legion Cadet Command Sergeant Major Devyn A. Duke received the American Legion Military Excellence Award Our thanks to all the families who came to honor these fine students for their achievements Thank you Laveen for allowing us this opportunity to serve your community
Please email inquiries to the commander: Frank Myers @ bringuslight@msn.com
Email our Chaplain: Cecil Sanders @ cecilallen49@yahoo.com
Or call the commander: @ 602-919-4480
A new idea for the American Legion which celebrated its 90th year in 2009
Posted in Community, positive news, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: Southwest Legion | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 31, 2011
South Mountain Village Fiesta of Independence
By George Young
Twenty-three years ago, a group of South Mountain Village residents and South Mountain Community College got together and decided to host a 4th. of July event for people wanting to become citizens. The College gym became a court room with an esteemed Judge and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services presiding. The first year fifty new citizens were sworn in, the numbers grew every year and one year we had four hundred and fifty and the Fire Department said that was too many as each person brings his own cheering section. So we cut back to three hundred and fifty and this year we will be doing two hundred and fifty. The event has become a community event and we average two thousand visitors. We have a speaker, sometimes from Washington D.C., a Color Guard, patriotic music and every candidate gets an American flag. There are refreshments following the program and mementos for the kids. This event is sponsored by the South Mountain Community College, South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival Inc., and South Mountain/Laveen Chamber of Commerce. What better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday than to welcome new citizens from over sixty countries to our diverse community.
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news, SMCC, Volunteers | Tagged: Events, SMCC, SMLCC | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 28, 2011
Giving Back to the Community
Life Care Center of South Mountain along with its ongoing commitment to our sick and elderly in the South Mountain Community is also very aware of our current economic climate. We are aware that there are many displaced and unskilled workers right here in the South Mountain Village, so beginning in June we will be offering free Certified Nursing Assistant courses resulting in certification to qualified candidates. The courses consist of a stringent two-week program of academic training culminating in a two week; unparalleled hands on fieldwork assignment completed right at the facility. This course typically costs anywhere from five thousand to ten thousand dollars and is usually in very high demand so that the likelihood of getting into a program is very low. The Certified Nursing Assistant is the backbone of care giving in the long-term care environment and is a vital piece of the puzzle that is healthcare. Life Care Center of South Mountain recognizes this and wants to offer the people of our community a foot in the door of strongest industry in America, healthcare.
According the US Department of Labor and Statistics the current rate of unemployment in Phoenix is at an astounding 9.5%. Although it is below its peak 10.4% in November and December of 2009 it still shows that we are a long way from recovery. Life Care Center of South Mountain wants to help on the road to recovery and we want to start right here in our community.
Our class size is very limited and the vacancies are filling quickly, all qualified candidates must pass a drug and background screen and have a passion for helping and customer service. Please stop by our facility and ask about our program and let’s start this recovery together. We are located at 8008 South Jesse Owens Parkway, (602-243-2780). Contact Ray Ramnarine at 623-208-3711
Posted in Community, positive news, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: Community, free Certified Nursing Assistant courses, healthcare, Life Care Center of South Mountain, South Mountain Community | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 28, 2011
Genie Mancuso Wins Diana Award
(By George Young)
Epislow Sigma Alpha is a Philanthropic Sorority. The highest honor they give is to deserving women outside of their Sorority, it is, the Diana Award. This year Genie Mancuso was the surprised recipient. She was so humbled as they read the list of the many charitable things she is involved in on a daily bases. She thanked the group, then excused herself as she had to run off to a walk for the C.R.O.P. Walk, Foothills Walk for the Hungry which she has been a major money raiser for and honored this as year as the Grand Marshall. Genie has raised over $18.000 and $1000 just this year. The Roosevelt Women’s Club and the South Mountain Villager know first hand what a special busy lady she is. Congratulations Genie
Here is a little more about this remarkable woman. Genie is a retired social worker, rancher and business owner. Now she devotes her time to helping others. Don’t throw anything away, Genie knows somewhere it can be used. She collects medicine bottles for the homeless shelter and they fill them with shampoo, conditioner and lotion for showers. She also gathers toilet tissue rolls for the Hamsters and Gerbils to play with at the Arizona Humane Society also blankets, towels and sheets for the animal cages. She picks up hangers, clothing and house hold items for UMOMs women’s shelter. She gathers clothing and food for Wesley Community Center and clothing for The Clothes Silo, which she helped to start years ago. She visits the elderly in homes and hospitals, and is chauffeur for those who can’t drive. Last Christmas she delivered over 6000 Christmas and assorted cards to shelters, prisons, care centers and group homes so they could have cards to send to there special people. She is very active in the South Mountain Community Church and Church Women United, to name a few. In addition to all of this she delivers South Mountain Villagers to over 75 locations. We have known Genie for over 25 years; she is a very loving and caring Christian Woman and is a great blessing to her friends, family and community. Any of you folks got some of this stuff lying around and want to “pass it on” please calls us at the Villager (602-276-5925). God Bless Genie Mancuso.
Posted in Community, positive news, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: Diana Award, helping others, volunteer | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 21, 2011
What’s Happening In The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s
George A. Young
gayoung@cox.net
“Well Folks remember; When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them: and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.”
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 (602-262-6823) e-mail joshua.bednarek@phoenix.gov. To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village please e-mail or call George at (602-243-3162).
Some more good news, on Wednesday May 4th. yours truly, got another award, this time for being “Human”. Once again I did not know that folks got these kinds of awards, but it is nice to know, so if anybody doubts weather or not I am human I can show them my Certificate. The nice folks at South Mountain Community College gave me the award for the 2010-2011 Humanitarian Awards, my fellow awardees were Barbara Kutnick, Bill Zepeda, Buddy Cheeks and Sian Proctor. My congratulations go out to all of them.
I have had folks ask me what is happening in our Village’s, and the answer is “not much”.
We are seeing some new homes being built and a few new businesses. We are having a ‘Mayor’s Forum in June, “South Mountain Counts”, check the SML Chamber page for details. The new library at SMCC will open August 16th. 2011. Grand opening in September 2011. The Neighborhood House is finally getting the renovations. Work should start soon. Still looking for any historic items to place in the building. Please contact Verna or George. We will pick them up.
Posted in Community, Events, positive news, SMVC&B, Volunteers, What's Happening | Tagged: 2010-2011 Humanitarian Awards, City of Phoenix Planning Department, SMVC&B, South Mountain Village Planning Committee | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on April 29, 2011
In January of 2011, the Phoenix West Valley Chapter of Project Linus honored Jean Brown’s 90th Birthday. Jean has been sewing for Project Linus for four years along with Marty Brown. 
Jean has made 1,500 blankets and Marty 558. Project Linus had a Red, White and Blue competition on March 26th 2011. There were 29 entries. Jean and Marty had entries. On this day their were 487 blankets turned in and all have to have labels sewed on before they go out to organizations or request for them. Jean delivers a bag of two every month to the Fire Station # 28.
The Red, White and Blue quilts were being sent to Camp Good Grief (part of the TAPS Program) in Washington D.C. for Military families in need. The blankets collected on March 26th were being sent to the Japan disaster, the same as they did for the Haiti Disaster. If anyone who like to knit, crochet or sew quilts and would like to volunteer, they meet the last Saturday of every month. (Except for December). You can call or e-mail:
Eve Buck
Chapter Coordinator Phoenix West Valley at
623-572-9365 or re_buck@cox.net
Posted in Community, positive news, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: SMV, SoMo, South Mountain Village, volunteer | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on April 26, 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. This month I want to share a little about my friend and partner, Dr. Joyce Elsner. I first met Dr. Elsner when she was appointed to the South Mountain Village Planning Committee. She is currently the Interim President at South Mountain Community College. Below is a short bio about her. I want to personally thank her for doing a great job during our transition to our new President Dr. Shari Olson. The South Mountain Villager would like to welcome Dr. Olson.
Dr. Joyce K. Elsner
Dr Joyce K Elsner came to South Mountain Community College in 2003 to serve as Vice President of Administrative Services. In July 2010, she was appointed Interim President as the college began its national search for a new permanent president.
Having come to the Maricopa County Community College District in 1978, Dr. Elsner served as Dean at Rio Salado Community College, Dean and Vice President of Administrative Services at Glendale Community College, and as Vice President of Administrative Services at South Mountain Community College.
Dr. Elsner earned her doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles, in Higher Education, Community Colleges. She received her Master of Science degree in Child Development from the University of Arizona, and her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from California State University, Long Beach, California.
Since 1987, Dr. Elsner has served as a Consultant-Evaluator and an Accreditation Chair for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Within the South Mountain Village area, she has served on the South Mountain Village Planning Committee (2005-2010), and as a Board Member for the South Mountain YMCA. In addition, she was the first female member of the Glendale Rotary Club, eventually serving as Club President.
God Bless the Dr. Joyce Elsner and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.
Posted in Community, Good Folks, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: Community, Good Folks, volunteer | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on April 21, 2011
What’s Happening In The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s
George A. Young
gayoung@cox.net
“Well Folks remember; WORRYING does not take away tomorrow’s TROUBLES: it takes away today’s PEACE.”
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 (602-262-6823) e-mail joshua.bednarek@phoenix.gov. To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village please e-mail or call George at (602-243-3162).
Some more good news, on Saturday, March 19th, Commander Chris Crockett (my brother) along with Police Officers Morris, Charley, Dotson,
Bertz, and Richards from the South Mountain Precinct met with members of the Lindo Park II community to participate in a neighborhood clean-up. Due to the excellent planning and leadership from the Lindo Park II HOA (Muriel Smith) and South Mountain Village Clean and Beautiful (SMVC&B) we were able to participate in a very successful event. Neighbors and friends came together to continue in the revitalization efforts that have marked a very progressive year for Lindo Park. Special thanks goes out to the Lindo Park II HOA, SMVC&B, City of Phoenix NSD (Olga, Mike, Mitch and Francisco) and District 7 Office, Maricopa County Adult Probation, Phoenix Collegiate Academy, Hermosa Park Teen Club, and many others who showed up and worked hard in this effort. Thank everyone for your hard work and the great partnership we formed to improve our Village.
The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 10th. 2011 at 6:30 PM at the South Mountain Community Collage, 7050 South 24th. Street, Student Union Hall.
The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 25th. 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, May 2nd. 2011 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.
South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 14th. 2011 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.
“Remember Folks; Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to WRITE.”
Posted in Community, positive news, SMVC&B, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Take pride in the South Side, Volunteers | Tagged: Lindo Park, neighborhood clean-up, SMVC&B, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on March 30, 2011
Presidents Call to Service Award
Who knew the President gave out awards for picking up trash? I was honored and humbled recently on March 11th. 2011 by receiving an award for my work with The South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful for about the last 15 years. The credit really goes to a whole group of folks that through the years have volunteered their time and energy to help keep our Village clean. First of all I need to thank my Board of Directors, they have been there the clean ups (over 90 so far). They are Joe Banks, Joe and Pauline Tofoya, Carlie Back, James, Robert and Abel Young and Kay Shepherd. Also the great partners we have with: the City of Phoenix Police Department, Neighborhood Services Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Council Districts 7 and 8, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, Maricopa County District 5 and Wake-up Kids from local schools. A few of our sponsors have been, Wal Mart, Phoenix Ranch Market, IHOP and many more that I do not have room to mention. My appreciation also goes out to Phoenix Collegiate Academy, SABIS School, Maricopa County Probation Department and all the neighborhood associations that have volunteered their time and energy. Special thanks go to Tom Waldeck and Cindi Moss of Keep Phoenix Beautiful for submitting my nomination. “Have you picked yours today?” Trash that is!
George
Posted in Community, Events, Good Folks, non-profit organization, positive news, SMVC&B, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: clean-ups, Service Award, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful, trash | Leave a Comment »
