South Mountain Villager

A Positive News Publication About the South Mountain Village

Posts Tagged ‘Good Folks’

Good Folks (Jan-Feb 2012)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 26, 2012

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.

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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.

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Good Folks (Sept 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on September 6, 2011

The Good Folks of The South Mountain/Laveen Village’sBy George Young – gayoung@cox.net

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

 

There is a lady in our Village that I have the privilege of calling my friend and is one of the kindness people I know.  You have seen her picture in the Villager for years and other print media in our Village.  Maybe you have received one of her postcards.  Maybe you have seen her at the annual Haunted Hayride, local parades, Pioneer luncheon, South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful event picking up trash or cooking or other local events.  Maybe she has assisted you in buying or selling your property.  Maybe you have seen her on the side of her company moving van.  Yes, she has her own moving van that is available for folks to use if they are one of her clients and need a way to move their personal items after a purchase or sale of their home.  It is also available for church’s and non-profits.

She has a very busy professional life, but somehow finds time to volunteer in our Village.  She is on the Board of the South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful, Co, Treasurer (and yes she does pick up trash), a member of the South Mountain Community College Advisory Board,  South Mountain/Laveen Chamber Advisory Board, was the president of the South Mountain/Laveen Chamber and has recently volunteered to join and support the South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival of Thanksgiving Committee and agreed to let the committee use space in her office building located at 3540 East Baseline for meetings and also her administrative staff for support.  She has written many informative articles for the Villager and the South Mountain District News about real estate.  She is well versed in short sales, bankruptcies, and anything that has to do with today’s ever changing real estate market.

She has lived in our Village about 20 years, in that time she has made a big difference in many folk’s lives.  She graduated from ASU and about fifteen years ago started her own business.  By now you probably have guess that I am talking about Mrs. Carlie Back, of the Carlie Back Team with Keller Williams Lifestyle Realty.  You know the “How Fast Can You Say Sold” lady (602-305-9033 or go to her web site at www carlieback.com).  I could write pages about Carlie, but unfortunately I have my print limitations.

 

Thank you Carlie for being my dear friend and for everything you do for our Village.  God Bless the South Mountain Community College and the City of Phoenix and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.

Posted in City of Phoenix, Community, Good Folks, positive news, SMCC, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Good Folks (Aug 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on August 7, 2011

The Good Folks of The South Mountain/Laveen Village’sBy George Young – gayoung@cox.net

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

On December 2, 2009, ground was broken on the new South Mountain Community Library. South Mountain Community College, in partnership with the City of Phoenix, will construct this new Library and Learning Resource Center to provide additional room for library collections and technical services; computer classrooms and open computer labs;  study spaces; the college’s Teaching and Learning Center and technical support; staff office and support areas; and college learning assistance areas. The new facility will be  jointly operated as a City of Phoenix public library. Opening will be on August 16th. 2011 to the public and a grand opening scheduled for September 2011. A joint-use facility  funded by the City of Phoenix (2006 Citizens Bond) and Maricopa County Community College District (2004 Maricopa Community College District Bond Program) to be located on the South Mountain Community College campus located at 7050 S. 24th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85042. With over 110,000 items in their collection and an annual circulation of  approximately 600,000 items, this will be a model for libraries through the nation. The public will have access to 131 PC’s with internet. Some of the other features will include a  children’s story room, group study rooms, quiet study area, teen center, cyber café with wireless Internet access, computers for public use, patio spaces, and a new collection of newspapers and magazines, books, DVDs and CDs. The new facility integrates the social, academic and educational aspects and function requirements of a college campus library
with the popular and community based nature of a public library creating a seamless functioning joint library.

God Bless the South Mountain Community College and the City of Phoenix and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.

Posted in City of Phoenix, Community, Good Folks, positive news, SMCC, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Good Folks (July 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 2, 2011

The Good Folks of The South Mountain/Laveen Village’sBy 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 we will profile a new group of folks, the South Mountain Community College Alumni Board. Below are the members and a little about them. They recently celebrated our first anniversary by electing these fine folks.

Barbara Kutnick – Barbara is currently an employee of SMCC, working in the marketing department as Office Coordinator. She is a charter member of the Alumni Association and brings to the Board an in-depth knowledge of the SMCC campus and the South Mountain community.

Dorothy Glueck – Dorothy is a long time resident of the South Mountain community. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Her experience in Human Resource Management and involvement on other Boards will be an invaluable asset to the newly formed Alumni Association Board.

Ken Roberts- Ken is one of the original Vice Presidents of SMCC, and has a long standing commitment to SMCC and the South Mountain community. He will be a strong advocate for the Alumni Association on both a local and administrative level.

Pat Smith – Pat, who for many years was the Math/Science/Engineering secretary at SMCC, provided campus leadership in a variety of roles. She earned her degree at SMCC and was an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. We welcome her back to the college as an active member of the Alumni Association.

George Young- George was instrumental in bringing SMCC to the South Mountain community. His commitment to the college, since its inception, has been unfailing. As Chairperson of the South Mountain Village Planning Committee and publisher of The South Mountain Villager, he will provide the Board with an important link to SMCC history and the SMCC service area.

Kenn Young- Kenn is a graduate of SMCC and ASU with a degree in engineering. He currently owns his own engineering company. Kenn is serving on the Board to ensure the goals of education and community involvement are advanced in the SMCC service area.

The other members of the Board are the Alumni Association Officers: Athena Cortez Palmer-President, David Speer-Vice President, Cesar Varela-Treasurer and Evelyn Shapiro-Past President.
God Bless the South Mountain Community College Alumni folks and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.

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Good Folks (JUNE 11)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on June 15, 2011

The Good Folks of the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s

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.  The South Mountain Villager would like to welcome Dr. Shari Olson to our community and our campus.

Dr. Olson served in various leadership roles at Northland Community and Technical College, a multi-campus college in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, Minnesota.  She also served as a faculty member at United Tribes Technical College, Bismarck, N.D. While there, she developed an associate degree program in Early Childhood Education and completed her master’s degree at North Dakota State University with research on learning styles of adult students. Dr. Olson is a first generation college student and earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the same institution. She earned her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership at the University of North Dakota.

Dr. Olson was selected to participate in the League for Innovation’s Executive Leadership Institute in Phoenix and the American Community College Trustees’ Leadership Academy, Washington, D.C. She also attended the National Institute for Leadership Development and Leaders for Change. She has received several awards, including the 2008 Exemplary International Leader Award from the Chair Academy and induction into Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Upsilon Omicron honor societies.  She’s not an actual SMCC employee yet, but incoming President Dr. Shari Olson received a wonderful parting gift from her colleagues in Minnesota this spring: she was selected the Minnesota College President of the Year, for her service at Anoka Technical College in Anoka. It was the first time the award had been given to an Interim President.

Says Dr. Olson: “My year has been filled with amazing happenings.  I have been so fortunate to have this challenging assignment.  Many lives have been changed, including mine.  I am looking forward to starting my assignment at SMCC on July 1st!”, and so are we.

God Bless the Dr. Shari Olson and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.

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Good Folks (May 2011)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on April 26, 2011

The Good Folks of The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s

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.

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Good Folks (Dec 10)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on November 25, 2010

The Good Folks of The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s

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 we will profile one of my newest friends Commander Chris Crockett.

As the new commander of the South Mountain Precinct it is my wish to introduce myself to each of you and the entire South Mountain community. I took over the leadership of this precinct on Monday, October 11th and although the circumstances of my assignment are not what I would have wished for, this is truly my dream job/assignment. I began my career as a Phoenix Police Officer in 1987 here in the South Mountain Precinct. I served this precinct as a patrol officer, Field Training Officer (FTO) and a walking beat officer.

In 1991, I tested for Police Sergeant and after being promoted, I was assigned to the Desert Horizon Precinct and also later worked in the Central City Precinct. I was then selected to serve in the Community Relations Bureau (CRB) as one of three School Resource Officer (SRO) sergeants for the City. I was later then selected to supervise our Confrontation Prevention Squad and also served as a Basic Training Sergeant at the training academy for 4 classes of police recruits. I was then promoted to Police Lieutenant and served 10 years at this rank, where I worked the Desert Horizon Precinct, South Mountain Precinct (twice), Maryvale Precinct, the Legal Unit and the Vehicular Crimes Unit. After promotion to Police Commander, I have served as the Bureau Commander for the Public Affairs Bureau (PAB), as the Duty Commander, the Commander of the Central City Precinct and the Community Relations Bureau.

Prior to becoming a Phoenix Police Officer, I was a police officer for the City of Yuma serving from 1985-1987. Being originally for Newark, New Jersey, I came to Arizona while serving the last of my 4 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps.

On a personal note, I am the father of 11 ranging in age from 29 years to just a couple of months (8 boys and 3 girls). I have lived most of my 23 years as a Phoenix Police Officer in the South Mountain Community and have volunteered my time as a coach in Pop Warner football, Little League Baseball as well as YMCA and Boys and Girls club basketball. I have been a mentor to at risk youth and certified as a substitute elementary school teacher in the Roosevelt School District. So, I not only work in this community, I also raise my children and volunteer in this community.

As was the case in 1987, when I began my career with the Phoenix Police Department, we have some of the finest officers and supervisors on the entire Phoenix Police Department working in our precinct and serving you. Some proof of the excellence of our officers is how often our officers, sergeants and lieutenants are selected to some of the most elite units/details on the Phoenix Police Department. It is my honor to be their commander; However, I am not only the commander of our officers, I am also your commander. I am here to serve my officers and we together are here to serve you.

I must stress that the employees of this precinct work hard every day, doing outstanding police work, the right way every hour of every day. I have always thought that the men and women of this precinct serving you were the best that the Phoenix Police Department had to offer. I have always believed that the South Mountain Precinct was the very best precinct on the Phoenix Police Department and I know with all of my heart that each of these two statements is true. That being said, any organization can be better, more efficient and more effective. We will continue to get better, more efficient and look for more and innovative ways to be more effective serving you. Our relationship with the South Mountain Community is a partnership and we must work together every day to make this community safer, to improve the quality of life and to set a high standard for future generations of police officers and their relationship with the community. I look forward to serving you and will do my absolute best every day in this service.

God Bless Commander Crockett, God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.

Posted in City of Phoenix, Good Folks, positive news | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Good Folks (Nov 10)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on October 24, 2010

The Good Folks of The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s

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.

This month I would like to tell you a little bit about Dave and Nancy Mata. The owners of “The Strong Residence”. In 1929 a young man by the name of Walter Russell Strong directed craftsmen to carefully construct for him one of the finest homes in the Valley of the Sun. The two stories Spanish-Colonial Revival home was once a part of a 300-acre citrus grove owned by Mr. Strong. Today the residence is registered on the City of Phoenix Historical Registry. It also is the home of “The Secret Garden”, owned and operated by Dave and Nancy Mata. If you have the chance, even if you are not planning a wedding or a special event, you must go and enjoy all the great things they have done too the old property. If you are a long time resident like me who grew up passing it on Baseline Road all these years you will be amazed at the transformation that has taken place.

Here is a little about the “Secret Garden”. Nestled at the base of South Mountain, the Secret Garden offers an intimate setting, rich in history for weddings, special events and corporate functions. The landmark estate is situated on 5 acres and is a setting for all occasions! I must take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks for all the support they have given to the South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful, the South Mountain/Laveen Chamber of Commerce and the South Mountain/Laveen Festival Inc. Not only have they upheld their promise to make the Secret Garden a point of pride for our Village, but they have proved their dedication to our Village over and over again. The latest edition to the property is a new restaurant that should be open by the time you read this. They have also created another outdoor garden for events.

For information call: (602-268-5522)

God Bless Dave and Nancy, God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.

Posted in Community, Good Folks, Laveen, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Good Folks (Aug 2010)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 17, 2010

The Good Folks of the South Mountain/Laveen Villages

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 would like to pay tribute to my friends at Keller Williams Lifestyle Realty and The Carlie Back Team.  On May 13, 2010, National Red Day for Keller Williams’s affiliates, these fine folks came to the aid of the Rudy Cano Family.  Below is a letter I received from the family thanking all the folks that participated.

The Rudy Cano Family would like to thank Keller Williams Lifestyle Realty and everyone involved for all the work done at our house on May 13, 2010. The Keller Williams Lifestyle Realty Team, Broker Glen Fitzgerald, agents Carlie Back and Shara Terry of the Carlie Back Team, Anne Erdfelt, Will Carter, Chris Bale, Matt Hoedt, Gracie Walker, Kay Shepard, Greg Hauger, Carlos Matiella, George Young, Joe Banks, Michael Norton, and Steve de Laveaga, Dustin Gaskey and Bernadette Espinosa from Fidelity National Title for the food donated to feed everyone.  All the men with Headlee Roofing, South Mountain Clean and Beautiful, South Mountain/Laveen Villages Festival Committee, and the South Mountain Villager, and anyone I’ve not listed here that contributed. Thank You.

On November 29th 2009, my husband Rudy Cano was having trouble breathing so my son and I rushed him to the hospital, he was having congestive heart failure and his blood sugar level was over 500.  On December 1, 2009 he had a quadruple (4) by pass and five hours later he had a stroke on his right side.  This left him weak on this side and left him blind, all he can see is shadows.  He spent a total of seven weeks in the hospital and rehab at Good Samaritan.  Since November he has been in and out of the hospital ten times and has had his whole heel and some of his bone cut off so he is unable to walk at this time.

In April, Glen Fitzgerald called to talk to Rudy and found out Rudy was ill and he came over. Glen and Rudy are Real Estate State Brokers, Glen is broker for The Keller Williams Lifestyle Realty office in the South Mountain Area, and Rudy is of R.C. Realty & Associates also in South Mountain.  On May the 13th Glen and his whole team of realtors came to our house to help out a fellow realtor. They stormed our house and painted our house,  pruned and chopped weeds and left our yard and the outside of our property sparkling clean. The great folks at Headlee Roofing replaced the front and back patio roof and replaced the eves where it was needed and painted it too. There was also work done on our air conditioner.  They spent the whole day helping us and improving our lives.

Thanks, Yolonda Cano

A Special Thank should also be given to some Local Contractors and Businesses who also helped make this day possible.  Home Depot donated Paint and Painting Supplies.  MHI Homes, Inc contributed lumber and fascia boards.  Joe Banks and IronCo. who provided the grill for cooking as well as the tools for the landscape clean-up.  Cristobal Arias serviced and repaired the air conditioner.  Jorge Arizmendi for painting the eves and gable ends.

God Bless the folks that helped make the Cano’s Family have a better quality of life and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Villages.

Posted in Community, Good Folks, positive news, South Mountain Villager, Volunteers | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Good Folks (July 2010)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on June 20, 2010

The Good Folks of The South Mountain/Laveen Villages

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 would like to pay tribute to my friends Mr. & Mrs. de la Torre.

Juan Manuel de la Torre 87, of Phoenix passed away at home on May 05, 2010, surrounded by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Louise and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Juan was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 27, 1922. Juan married Mary Louise Morales on November 26, 1942 in El Paso, Texas. He served in the First Cavalry Division during World War II as a Reconnaissance Scout. He headed the troops to get information on location, strength and type of unit of the enemy. The “Old Soldier” was proud of his service in the U.S. Army under General Douglas MacArthur. Battles and campaigns included New Guinea, Admiralty Islands and Leyte in the Philippine Islands, where he was wounded in action on October 22, 1944. Juan was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon and Combat Infantry Badge. He was the Golden Gloves Lightweight Champion of the First Cavalry, El Paso District. Juan and his wife Mary founded Precision Auto Parts in 1954 located on East Broadway Road. Today, it is a family run Auto Recycling business. “The Champ’s” favorite quotes were, “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.” Also, instead of Goodbye, “Hasta Luego.” Until we meet again, we will miss our Old Soldier.

Mary Louise de la Torre 88, of Phoenix passed away at home on May 20, 2010, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and sisters.  Born on December 31, 1921 in Solomonville, Arizona, Mary was a third generation Arizona native and pioneer whose family roots extended to Arizona’s territorial era. Mary was a business woman who was active in community activities. Mary taught her children the family business and was always actively involved in her children’s education and school events.  Mary was a loving and nurturing mother who encouraged hard work, social justice, education and the love of learning.   She reminded her children to “Hitch your wagon to a star.”  Mary was affectionately known as:  “Grandma Mom”, “Nani”, “Mama Grande”, and “Mom.”  Mary was an extraordinary mother, wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.  In her teen years she was quite the athlete, enjoying tennis, volleyball, softball and basketball; in her later years she was a devoted fan of Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns.  She was a petite but mighty woman; she touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be deeply missed.  Mary and Juan are survived by their children, Rebecca Ponte, Robert Michael de la Torre, Yvonne Montiel, John M. de la Torre, E. Louise de la Torre, and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  The family expresses special thanks to Hospice of the Valley/Central Phoenix Team B.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, tax-exempt donations be made to HospiceoftheValley.org or OperationFreedomBird.com, an organization that helps veterans heal.

God Bless Juan Manual and Mary Louise and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Villages.

Posted in Good Folks, positive news, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager, Village History, Volunteers | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Good Folks (May 2010)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 10, 2010

The Good Folks of The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s

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 would like to profile a good friend and great community partner.

Karen Mischlispy (please do not ask me how to pronounce her last name, even after all these years I have not got it right) is a second generation South Mountain resident.  She has lived and worked in our Villager for over 40 years.  Karen retired from the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department December of 2001 and she continues to work with the Parks Department as the Co Chair of the annual Haunted Hayride and Harvest Daze events under the direction of the South Mountain/Laveen Festival Inc.

In the 1980’s there was concern for children safety to go out trick or treating. The Haunted Hayride event was created to serve the needs of the South Mountain/Laveen families to have a safe place to go for Halloween. The popularity of the event is still apparent today.  Thanks to Karen and her partners, Paulina Wood, Maurene Helmkay, Judy Bradley, Verna McClain and many more volunteers.

In 1984, the event was to move to a new location, Box Canyon at South Mountain Park.  Approximately, six years ago, due to the city budget cuts and the lack of volunteers from the South Mountain/Laveen Festival Inc. committee the annual Haunted Hayride was cancelled.  Many South Mountain/Laveen residents wanted the family event back, so in 2003, Karen volunteered to Co-Chair the Haunted Hayride, and the wagons rolled again into Box Canyon.  In November 2006 Karen along with her partners and the South Mountain/Laveen Festival Inc. committee held the first Harvest Daze event at Cesar Chavez Park.  The first year they had about 1800 folks in attendance and it has grown every year.

I asked Karen what motivates her and she said “Seeing families and children having fun together. Laughing and playing together and forgetting any problems that they may have for that time. A smile on a child’s face is priceless and if I have played a roll in that then my greatest success would be happy kids.”

I feel so blessed to have Karen as a friend and a partner in our Village’s.  For the last two years Karen has been nominated for the South Mountain/Laveen Chamber of Commerce Spirit of South Mountain “Individual Volunteer” award.

God Bless Karen and God Bless America and God Bless the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s.

Posted in Community, Good Folks, positive news, SoMo Village, South Mountain Villager | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

 
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