Posts Tagged ‘Events’
Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 4, 2011
Help us support the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
Not all American children grow up inside the comfortable definition of normal childhood development. For thousands, each day is a challenge marked by pain, prayer and perseverance. Many 
of these youngsters require specialized care. To overcome their obstacles, they need help from you and the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. Established in 1954, the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation was developed as a repository of funds from individuals who wished to contribute to the betterment of children in this country. Our foremost philanthropic priority is to provide other nonprofit organizations with the means to educate the public about the special needs of children across this nation.
Please go to: http://www.cwf-inc.org/
On this site you can view a list of non-profit organizations and the amount of the grants they received. If you have ideas on how we can provide support to local children’s organizations you can apply for a grant!
For Information on our monthly charity poker challenge please Email inquiries to: bringuslight@msn.com
Meeting Every 3rd Saturday
10:00 AM
5535 W Baseline Rd
at The Spur Lounge
Join us July 16th along with our friends at Post 5 for the monthly Pulled Pork Dinner
5:00 PM – ?
Live Band!
3927 W. Southern Ave.
Posted in Community, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Community, Events, grants | 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 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 April 27, 2011
A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Steve Glueck - Executive Director South Mountain/Laveen Chamber
For all of us who get to live and/or go to work every day within the boundaries of the majestic South Mountains and the restored wildlife habitat of the Rio Salado Habitat Park, we know what a very special place this is. Our communities of the Laveen and South Mountain Villages have a natural beauty; such diverse cultures and a rich, storied history that just doesn’t exist anywhere else in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Most of all, there is a spirit and energy that you can almost reach out and touch, which is evident throughout the South Mountain area. Call it “South Side pride” or “South Mountain Spirit,” but it is alive and well and the primary reason that as a community, we are on the brink of seeing the South Mountain area reach the full potential that it has always had.
The message of your South Mountain-Laveen Chamber of Commerce continues to be that a great community is a result of the collaboration, and partnerships among local businesses; schools and educators; non-profit organizations; local governmental agencies and individual volunteers. If you want to learn more about how you or your organization can become better connected with your community, check out the community events listings or the South Mountain/Laveen Villages Festival Committee 2011 Events located elsewhere in this magazine you are now reading!! Or, drop me a note at Steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and players, our 7th Annual “Golf Shootout at South Mountain” was a great success. Proceeds from the event which was held at The Legacy Golf Resort on Friday, April 22nd, help to support the Arizona Cactus Pine Girl Scouts Summer Camp Program at Camp Sombrero in South Mountain. In addition to the Girl Scouts, for the past 6 years the golf tournament has contributed over $12,000 to the South Mountain Community College General Scholarship Fund. This year, The South Mountain-Laveen Chamber has directed tournament proceeds to begin funding a South Mountain Community College Scholarship created by the South Mountain Precinct, available to graduating seniors at South Mountain High School. The South Mountain Precinct-Shane Figueroa Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students interested in pursing a career in public safety or local law enforcement. For more information, contact Commander Chris Crockett or Lt. Darren Viner at the South Mountain Precinct.
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: Chamber, Community, Events, SMLCC | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on March 23, 2011
Posted in Community, Events, kids, South Mountain Villager, YMCA | Tagged: Events, family, fun | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 25, 2011
I recently stopped at the Cesar Chavez Library to pick up some books and was amused at the featured selection of books in the entranceway; every bookshelf was stocked with how-to books addressing exercising and healthy eating. This is the time of year that most people decide to improve themselves personally and professionally. However, doing some in-depth scientific research on Google, I learned that approximately three quarters of us will break one or more of our resolutions before the end of March. Of the remaining one quarter, only fifty percent (one eighth in total) will make keep their New Year’s resolutions until the end of the year.
Like most Americans, I made a number of New Year’s resolutions, some of which I promptly broke the first week of the New Year. Among these resolutions were goals to eat a healthier diet (already blown by frequenting the delicious ice cream at Scooptacular) and to exercise more frequently (imprecise goals are much easier to achieve). I also made a number of professional goals to help me grow my business in 2011. One of these goals is to network more effectively.
To accomplish this goal, I resolved to take advantage of the free networking tools available. Although I have been “LinkedIn” for some time, I actually went so far as to fill in most of blanks on my setup page. I may even overcome my privacy concerns, make the plunge and set up a Facebook account. Of course, all of these electronic tools are free, which makes them an ideal tool to use when economic times are tough.
I also resolved to do better at networking in-person. Opportunities for networking abound, including the numerous networking events sponsored by the South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. However, merely attending events is not enough. This year, I resolve to talk to more strangers – at least three new individuals each networking meeting. I resolve to remember names and faces – I have been told this is skill that can be acquired with practice. I resolve to help solve problems facing my friends, whether or not such challenges are typically within my realm of expertise.
Hopefully, each of you has resolved to improve yourself professionally during 2011. Please let the South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce help you in these pursuits.
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
February Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, February 9, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Cesar Chavez Library, Events, New Year’s resolutions | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 14, 2010
Blaine Searle
Economic experts have told us for some time that the recession is over and that the economic recovery has already begun. However, 
these experts also predicted that job growth would be slow. Now – some good news. According to Manpower Inc.’s recent quarterly employment survey, hiring expectations nationwide (i.e., the number of employees to be added during the upcoming quarter) are the highest they have been in the last two years. These numbers are even adjusted to take into account seasonal employees hired to handle the holiday rush. While job growth is anticipated to occur slowly, it has begun.
Closer to home, in this survey, the City of Phoenix is ranked in the top 5 cities with positive hiring expectations and the State of Arizona ranks second in the nation in hiring expectations. After being hit with precipitous drops in real estate value and high job loss over the last two years, it is nice to finally have some good news. Here’s hoping that these positive trends will continue throughout 2011.
Please mark your calendars for the 6th Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner,” which will be held on February 24th. To obtain tickets to attend the event or to learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
January Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, January 12, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: Chamber membership, City of Phoenix, Events | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 25, 2010
“Lights on South Central Avenue”
Picture this in your minds eye! The sun has set as you are driving over the Central Avenue Bridge, entering South Mountain, on a cool December evening. You first noticed the brightly lighted landscaping at the Arizona Audubon Rio Salado Center and then you’re aware that all of South Central Avenue is festively decorated with colorful holiday creations and holiday lights that outline buildings on both sides as you continue toward the outline, of South Mountain in the night sky.
That is the vision which is shared by almost 300 businesses, schools, churches, and municipal structures that populate the 4.5 mile drive along South Central Avenue from the South bank of the river to Dobbins Road. Transforming the appearance of South Central Avenue, this holiday season, was presented last month to a group of property owners and managers who met with Vice Mayor, Michael Nowakowski (Phoenix City Councilman, District 7). The Vice Mayor told the group that City-owned holiday decorations will be placed along South Central Avenue, beginning the week prior to Thanksgiving. The idea is to motivate the businesses, churches, schools and municipal buildings to participate by decorating and lighting their property to create a “great lighted corridor” all along South Central to demonstrate our community holiday spirit and pride along the main entry point into South Mountain. You can do your part as you engage in activities and visit retailers on South Central, by encouraging the property owners and store managers to “light up South Central” for the holidays!
For more information contact George at 602-243-3162 or gayoung@cox.net.
Posted in Events | Tagged: Central Ave, Events, lights | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 22, 2010
LAVEEN LIONS CLUB NEWS
“Little club – Big doings”
by Lion Jerry Cook
This time of year the Laveen Lions are engaged in several projects and many evenings and almost every weekend is filled. These activities include the district-wide elementary school penny drive, working the Information booths at Phoenix International Raceway (NASCAR) {4 days and evenings}, troop holiday card signing, Christmas food basket/gift program, parade participation in the South Mountain Festival of Thanksgiving, a club social outing, annual Christmas party, and not to mention their scheduled vision/hearing screening sessions at schools, club meetings, food sorting and boxing, birthday celebrations, penny counting sessions, gift wrapping party, and a district convention – and this is only for the months of November and December!!
“We raise money, give it away and have fun!” says President Michele Roessel. “That pretty well describes our club.” Through the Lion’s examples in service throughout the year, we hope to encourage everyone to make an ongoing commitment to volunteer throughout the year. To volunteer and learn more about the Laveen Lions, call the membership chairperson, Honolu Tatrai at (602) 237-4907.
The Laveen Lions wishes everyone a very Happy Holiday and a Wonderful New Year!
Posted in Community, Events, Laveen, Lions, non-profit organization, positive news, Volunteers | Tagged: Events, fundraising, Laveen Lions | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 21, 2010
WINTERFEST 2010
Praise City Church celebrated 5 years of ministry last month and their vision remains the same as the day of
their very first service back on October 5, 2005: To raise up a congregation that is passionate in worship, growing in faith through discipleship and making a difference in our community with the love of Jesus Christ. It is their mission statement, “Love God, Love People, Love Life” that has powered the continuing outreach efforts of PCC over the last 5 years!
One of their goals was to host a free and safe community event for families each year on October 31st. It was not a fundraiser, and in fact the church built the costs into their budget so admission could be free and anyone could attend. The overwhelming response by the community was amazing and
each year they had to adjust their plans to accommodate the thousands of people in attendance. After hosting their 3rd Harvest Fest and with so many other great ministries and organizations in the area also hosting wonderful events at this time, PCC decided to try something different. 
Pastors Doug & Laurie encouraged the congregation to attend and support the many other Fall Events offered in the community and they moved HarvestFest in Oct to WinterFest in Dec!
2009 was the very first WinterFest and with 6000+ in attendance, it was deemed a huge success by the PCC volunteers and all of the area businesses and organizations that were able to partner with PCC!
“People have often asked why a young church would do something like this on such a large scale for people that aren’t even members. Why? Because…it’s another great opportunity for PCC to serve and love on our community
…and that’s why we’re here!” –Pastor Doug
So – Make plans now to attend WinterFest on Sat. Dec 4 from 5-8pm at The Home Depot Plaza at 51st Ave & Baseline.! It’s a great place to connect with the community and for parents to hang out with the kids!
And with free admission – it’s something everyone can enjoy!
Posted in Community, Events, kids, non-profit organization, positive news, SoMo Village, Volunteers | Tagged: Community, Events, family, Praise City Church, Winterfest | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 21, 2010
Blaine Searle
I have been mentioning for some time that the 6th Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards 
Dinner” is scheduled to take place on February 24, 2010. The event affords the South Mountain and Laveen communities the opportunity to showcase those businesses and individuals in our communities who make a difference.
Last year’s award recipients in our five categories were as follows:
* Education – Phoenix Collegiate Academy
* Local Government – U.S. Vets
* Nonprofit Agency – Tigermountain Foundation
* Local Business – Cigna Medical Group/South Mountain Office
* Individual Volunteer – Honorable Cody Williams
If you know of an individual or business that is worthy of being recognized for their efforts this past year, please download an application at http://www.phoenixchamber.com/about/community-chapters/south-mountain/laveen and return the completed applications by December 15, 2010. In order to reserve your place at February’s event, you can also contact Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
Each year, the “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner” is held at our very own jewel in the South Mountain – the Secret Garden. I am pleased to report that the Secret Garden recently announced the opening of the House at Secret Garden Restaurant. Under the supervision of executive chef and owner, Dustin Christofolo, the House is not only beautifully decorated but also offers creative cuisine like shrimp and grits with bacon and carrots and a mouthwatering potato and leek soup. I think I speak for the whole of the South Mountain and Laveen communities in wishing the House success.
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
December Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, December 8, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Chamber, Events | Tagged: Events | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 21, 2010
What’s Happening In The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s
by George A. Young
“The secret of the power is love. Show love in everything you do and feel and life will be a joy.”
By now you folks have probably heard that there is a group of folks that are planning on building an amusement park south & north of the Rio Salado, between Central Avenue and 19th. Avenue, about 488 acres. I mention this again this month because it is going to be a big deal if the City Council approves it, and they did. The SMVPC will be hearing our second PUD in our Village on this project in the near future. Hope you have time to attend the meetings and give us some input. It is a great project and will be an economic boost to our Village. 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. Stay tuned for updates on the South Central Avenue Study. For those folks that were around in 1988 and 1996 when we did the “Village in Transition” meetings at the South Mountain Community College, we are planning the “Village in Transition III” for April 8th. 2011. We will once again meet at SMCC; I will let you know more details in the in a couple of months. It will be a full day of conversation and planning for the future of the South Mountain Village. We will look at where we were, where we are and where we should plan for the future. More details to follow. 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 Villages please e-mail at gayoung@cox.net or call George at (602-243-3162).
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For Sale
40 acres near Kingman Arizona, Please contact George Terzan at 602-268-8699
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The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 14th. 2010 at 6:30 PM at the South Mountain Community College, 7050 South 24th. Street, Student Union Hall.
The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 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, December 7th. 2010 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.
South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, TBD 2011 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.
Remember Folks; “See everything, overlook a great deal and improve a little.”
Posted in positive news, SMVC&B, SoMo Village, What's Happening | Tagged: amusement park, Events, positive news | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 5, 2010
Blaine Searle
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the “Great Recession” ended in June 2009. While this may be true for a nationwide economy, many individuals and families in the South Mountain and Laveen communities are still feeling the hurt. Unfortunately, it may take some time for us to return to a healthy economy.
However, there is anecdotal evidence (i.e., what I see when I drive around in my car) that things are looking up for our communities. I’ve noticed an increase in street traffic and business traffic along the Baseline corridor. For instance, in October, Laveen welcomed L.A. Fitness to the southwest corner of Baseline and 51st Avenue. The parking lot and the racquetball courts have been packed ever since, which points to the fact that people have some disposable income and are willing to spend it. Both are good signs for our economy.
I have also gathered such anecdotal evidence from my work where I have seen a recent increase in the number of people desiring to either start a new business or to grow their existing businesses. Historically, when money is tight, people are inclined to sit out on new business opportunities and to focus on weathering the storm. The fact that entrepreneurs and business owners are ready and willing to entertain new ventures is very promising.
Finally, I have gathered this anecdotal evidence from talking with people in the community. I am constantly amazed at the number of new businesses that I see represented from week to week at South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce events. Members of our communities are cautiously optimistic about our economic future.
All evidence, both analytical and anecdotal, points to growth. Here’s hoping that our busy holiday season gives us robust business growth. Considering my mother’s buttermilk pie she will make at Thanksgiving, I am expecting some personal growth as well before the New Year.
Please mark your calendars for the 6th Annual “Spirit of South Mountain Community Awards Dinner,” which will be held on February 24th. Application entry forms are available online at www.phoenixchamber.com or request a form by email: steveg.smlchamber@cox.net. In addition, to learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
November Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, November 10, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
Business After Five Mixer
To be announced
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events | Tagged: business, Chamber, Events, networking | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 2, 2010
PHOENIX PUBLIC LIBRARY
www.phxlib.org November @ Ocotillo Branch Library
102 W. Southern Ave.● All programs are free!
LIBRARY HOURS
Branch Hours
Mon 11:00AM – 7:00PM
Tue 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Wed 11:00AM – 7:00PM
Thu 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Fri 11:00AM – 7:00PM
Sat 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Sun Closed Sundays
The library will close November 11 for Veteran’s Day and November 25-26 for Thanksgiving.
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 or 3 others to the institution. For more information visit the library, or online theculturepass.org
__________________________Children Programs
Babytime—(Fridays) 9:15 AM to 10:15 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—(Fridays) 10:30 AM to 11:30 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—Two internet computers are reserved for teens ages 12 to 18. These computers are located in the TEEN SCENE. Teens must own a library card to use any computer in the library. There is a limit of one reservation per day.
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______________________________Adult Programs
English Conversation Practice—(Wednesdays) 5:30 to 6:45 PM – Aprende Ingles. Gratis para miembros. Clases para todos adultos.
Friends of the Library, Ocotillo Chapter—2nd Saturday–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.
Posted in Education, Events, Phoenix Public Library, positive news | Tagged: Events, library | Leave a Comment »
Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 19, 2010
I have three children, each under the age of 10 years old. Therefore, I am accustomed to spending inordinate amounts of time in doctors’ offices and in urgent care centers to address runny noses and ear infections. My past history has conditioned me to expect overworked front office staff, waiting room chairs held together by duct tape and an overpowering antiseptic smell.
However, my first impression on walking through the front door of the Laveen Medical Pavilion was that this was no ordinary doctor’s office. For starters, the office, located on the northeast corner of 35th and Southern Avenues, is clean and beautifully decorated. While we have a right to expect cleanliness, the modern office adornment was a pleasant surprise. Prominently displayed behind the reception area are two large pieces of contemporary artwork and the walls are painted a light blue color which, is calming and refreshing.
I met Luis Gonzales, the director of the new facility, at a South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce After Five Mixer in August. Luis was enthusiastically publicizing the fact that the pavilion had just opened on August 20, 2010 and he invited me to take a tour. I took Luis up on his offer. In line with the old adage – “Nothing cleans a house like company coming” – I figured it was safe to assume that the staff of the Laveen Medical Pavilion would put their best foot forward when they knew that I was paying a visit in preparation for writing this article. However, although I had coordinated my visit with Luis, I got the distinct impression that the front staff had not anticipated my arrival. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when I was greeted with a smile by a professional receptionist who indicated that, Luis would be arriving shortly and invited me take a seat in the waiting area? Another plus.
During the tour, Luis showed me the nine exam rooms and the various doctor and nurse triage and office spaces. He pointed out to me the exam room which will house all of the medical equipment necessary for a fully operational medical facility including an EKG monitor and various testing equipment. Although I came too late in the day to meet the doctors in person, Luis spoke glowingly about the three family practitioners and pediatricians currently working in the facility. As demand grows, the facility hopes to add internal medicine and an OBGYN – one-stop health care in the South Mountain and Laveen communities.
“Healthcare for everybody,” Luis says, is the facility’s motto. The Laveen Medical Pavilion will accept all major insurance providers and will work with patients to facilitate medical care even if the patients are not insured. The facility is also partnering with local pharmacies to make prescriptions more affordable.
As chair of the South Mountain Laveen Chamber of Commerce this year, I am excited to welcome the Laveen Medical Pavilion into our community. But the best endorsement I can offer is that, as a father, I am thrilled to have a doctor’s office close to home where I would feel comfortable taking my own children.
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, contact our Executive Director, Steve Glueck, at steveg.smlchamber@cox.net.
October Events
Business for Breakfast
Wednesday, September 13, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Bougainvillea Golf Club
5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
Business After Five Mixer
To be announced
Lunch and Learn
October 5, 2010, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
South Mountain Community College
South Mountain Leads Club
The Raven Grill at the Raven Golf Club
Meets each Wednesday at 7:15 a.m.
3636 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Posted in Chamber, Community, Events, positive news | Tagged: Chamber, Events | Leave a Comment »
