Safeway and SRP have teamed up with the Arizona Cardinals football team to promote reading with “The Milk and Cookies Program”. A local school is selected to have students participate. On November 22, 2011 SABIS International School of The South Mountain Village was chosen for this event.  A group of 50 second graders who were chosen by a lottery got to meet the Cardinals mascot, Big Red , who danced with the students and got them excited about reading. Following Big Red the students were read to by player Andre Roberts  #12, wide receiver of the Cardinals . After reading some of the kids’ favorite books he answered questions and joined them for milk and cookies supplied by Safeway stores.  Thank you to Safeway, SRP and the Arizona Cardinals for making this a special day for our students.

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.

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.

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 30^th. 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

By George Young

This is a series of articles profiling some of the residents who live and work in the South Mountain/Laveen Villages.  In keeping with the original format of the Villager to only print the positive, we will attempt to acknowledge some of the great folks that have contributed so much to our lives and are hopefully role models for all of us.

 ————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Mr. Joe Banks III

I have the privilege of having a friend that displays the utmost in integrity, respect and love for his family and others.  Unlike myself, this person was born and raised in Phoenix.  He is a father, husband, grandfather, mentor and an all around great guy.  His dedication to making South Mountain Village a great place to live, play and work is unsurpassed by his love for children.  He is a member of the South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful, The Target Area “B” Citizens Action Committee, (former member) Rio Salado Citizens Action Committee, The South Mountain & Laveen Village Chamber of Commerce and more.  His name is Mr. Joe Banks III.

Mr. Joe Banks III has been married to Dee, his wife of forty-five years.  Dee is also a wonderful and caring person, as in many households she is the glue that holds the family together.  Not only is she a great cook, but also creates works of art with her cake decorating.  He has two children, Joe IV and Dean his youngest.  Dean works with his father at Ironco. Inc.  Located at 1029 East Broadway Road.  One of Joe’s deepest wishes is to have grandchildren.  He currently has one granddaughter, Lilly; needless to say she is the apple of his eye.  Joe loves children.  I do not believe he has ever met a child he did not like.  Joe is also involved with the Roosevelt School Districts Rosa Linda School   He spends many hours doing things for kids.  He has been a contributor to the Villager for five years with his great articles to kids.

Joe has had many occupations in his life, but the consistent one has been one of blacksmith (a dying trade in our country).  He is one of the most creative and artistic people I know.  It is amazing what he can design and create out of metal.  He is meticulous in everything he does; he holds himself to a very high standard when it comes to constructing a product.  One of his greatest attributes is his willingness to help people.  There are hundreds of people in our Village and valley wide that he has built or constructed something for.  Some they paid for, some not.

There is a lighter side to Joe.  He loves a practical joke.  He showed up at Board meeting one day dressed like a woman.  His plan was to set a new fad to replace people from wearing baseball caps backwards, sideward etc.  Needless to say it never caught on and people still wear baseball caps in all directions.  I am sorry I cannot reveal many of his jokes, it would offend some people and some would be downright mad.

I am truly blessed, proud and fortunate to have Joe as my friend and may God Bless Mr. Joe Banks III and his Family and God Bless America. and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.

The Arizona Good Time Cruisers

            South Mountain High Baseball Program is looking for community members who would like to come along side a committed coaching staff. Our Vision is to help hard working teen athletes become civic minded world changers. These young men will understand the importance of honesty, integrity & giving back to their community. If you possess any of the gifts or abilities that are mentioned below and would like to be a part of a program on the rise, please contact either myself, Head Coach JD Ramirez or Asst. Coach Roger Pongratz at these numbers or e-mails. Or if you’d rather just make a tax-credit donation, www.phoenixunion.org/taxcredit & reference for Jaguar Baseball.

Ramirez                                                                       Pongratz

Cell > 602.818.4178                                                   Cell > 602.617.4473

e-mail> jramirez@phxhs.k12.az.us                             e-mail> roger.pongratz@gmail.com

Wish/Volunteer List

• Score Keeper

• Videographer

• Statistician

• Field Maintenance

• Academic Tutors

• Character Counts Mentors

• Volunteer Baseball Coaches

• Fundraising Specialist

• Team Mom

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

CULTURE PASS

Visit your library and check out a museum.  Select an institution to visit.  Bring the laminated card to the circulation desk.  The library will give you a date due slip that admits you and 1 other to the institution.  For more information visit the library, or online theculturepass.org

___________________________Children Programs

 

Family Storytime—(Mondays) – 6:30 pm - All ages with children, birth to five, accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, finger plays, songs, flannel board stories, and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading including dialogic and sound awareness activities.

 

Babytime—( Tuesdays)  Babytime for Crawlers – 9:30 am and Babytime for Walkers at 10:30 am–Children birth to 23 months accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, fingerplays, songs and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading. Playtime follows program.

Family Storytime—( Wednesday) 10:30 am  – All ages with children, birth to five, accompanied by a caregiver. Have fun sharing books, finger plays, songs, flannel board stories, and more. Learn tips to build a foundation for reading including dialogic and sound awareness activities.

___________________________Teen Programs

 

Teen Computers—Internet computers for teens ages 12 to 18 located in the TEEN Limitless Lounge.  Teens must own a library card to use any computer in the library.  There is a limit of one reservation per day.

 

Teen Program – 4pm to  5pm – Teen programming the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of every month.  Enjoy movies, Wii Sports, books, music and board games.

_________________________Adult Programs

 

Computer Classes in English — (Wednesdays)  7:00 pm to 8:30 PM

Computer Classes in Spanish – (Thursdays)      7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Basic Computer Skills I, Introduction to the Internet, Basic Computer Skills II, and Introduction to Email. Limited seating. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to class time.

 

 

Friends of the Library, South Mountain Community Library Chapter  —(Saturday) January 7, 9:00 AM

Friends of the Phoenix Public Library.  Join this friendly group and make things happen in your neighborhood library! All are welcome! Visit the branch for more information.  Visit the Friends book sale by the front of the library for fantastic bargains.  For adults.

 

y

“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

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 37^th 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

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 3^rd 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 24^th Street; the new Percy L Julian Elementary School at 21st St & Carver; Victory Place III Apartments for formerly homeless military veterans at 9^TH St & Jones; the new Laveen Elementary School at 43^rd Ave in Laveen. Major construction projects nearing completion or beginning next year include: The Salvation Army Kroc Family Community Center at 14^th St & Broadway opening May 2012; the Roosevelt Schools Culinary – Community Center at 10^th St & Baseline Road groundbreaking in January; Arizona Cactus Pine Council Girl Scouts Camp Sombrero multi million dollar renovations planned for 2012 at 16^th St & Dobbins; an extensive remodeling makeover of the Ocotillo Library at 3^rd 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 59^th 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

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 13^th. 2011 at 6:30 PM at the South Mountain Community College, 7050 South 24^th. Street, Student Union Building.

The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 30^th.  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 6^th.  2011 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.

South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 22^nd. 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.”

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