South Mountain Villager

A Positive News Publication About the South Mountain Village

Posts Tagged ‘Phoenix’

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Ed Pastor (Jan-Feb 2012)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on January 29, 2012

A NOTE FROM YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

By U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, Fourth Congressional District of Arizona

A new federal program that will assist homeowners who find themselves underwater with their mortgages was announced late last year, and I am hopeful eligible constituents will take advantage of this opportunity to refinance and benefit from today’s low interest rates. The changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) would remove the cap on the amount a homeowner is underwater, lower some fees and loosen underwriting requirements. The program, which is being called HARP II or HARP 2.0, will be effective through Dec. 31, 2013.

There are a number of criteria to be eligible, but one very helpful change: there is no loan-to-value restriction. Homeowners who are deeply underwater will be able to refinance.

In addition, homeowners must have loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to qualify, and the mortgage must have been sold to Fannie or Freddie prior to June 1, 2009. If you are unsure whether or not your loan is held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may check on their websites: http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/ or https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/. It is best to check the Fannie Mae website first because it holds a larger share of the market.

There are some other eligibility changes that will help homeowners. Appraisals won’t be required in some cases, and the rules on credit checks are relaxed in some situations.

However, it is important to note that the borrower must be current on the mortgage at the time of the refinance, with no late payment in the past six months and no more than one late payment in the last 12 months.

Lender participation is optional. Homeowners are encouraged to contact a local HUD-certified counseling agency for guidance. Two local agencies are: Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, 602-258-1659, or Community Housing Resources of Arizona, 602-631-9780.

While the federal government recognizes that previous programs to help homeowners have not been as successful as desired, I am hopeful that the removal of the loan-to-value restriction will allow for more homeowners to be eligible for this assistance. As homeowners begin to find relief with their underwater mortgages, I’m optimistic the program will prove to be a positive step in stabilizing our housing market.

In another proposal to stabilize our neighborhoods, a new program proposed by President Obama would build on existing efforts to help stabilize neighborhoods drowning in foreclosures. I recently became a cosponsor of “The Project Rebuild Act of 2011” that was introduced in the House of Representatives.

Project Rebuild would give Phoenix additional tools to help neighborhoods trying to rebound from the foreclosure crisis. The program was the focal point of a recent visit by Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to a South Mountain Village home which was rehabilitated with the help of federal funds. I was proud to host the Secretary and show him the spirit of our South Mountain community.

During the visit, Sec. Donovan got a firsthand look at the positive impact of the federally-funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which has granted funds to nonprofits to assist communities fraught with foreclosures. The funds are used to rehabilitate properties that have been left vacant, to be sold later to new homeowners, or used for affordable rental housing.

Project Rebuild would build on NSP by allowing the rehabilitation of commercial properties in addition to residential, and pay for property maintenance. It would also create an estimated 6,000 jobs in Arizona, Donovan said. I’m hopeful that my colleagues in the House will support this proposed legislation when it comes up for a vote.

 

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Ed Pastor (JAN 2011)

Posted by South Mountain Villager on December 21, 2010

Guest column by

U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz.

Representing the Fourth Congressional District of Arizona

Constituent Services

Ed Pastor

As we begin a new year, it becomes apparent that many of the challenges we faced in 2010 will be following us into 2011. In Washington, I will be working with my colleagues to make job creation and the economy a priority. But I wanted to remind you about the main function of my Phoenix District Office, which is to offer assistance to constituents, particularly those experiencing issues with federal agencies.

I have two offices: one in Phoenix and one in Washington, D.C. The Washington office focuses more on legislative activities; but in the Phoenix home office, constituent casework is the heart of the activity. I want to impress upon you that one of my most important jobs in Congress is to represent you and help my constituents resolve problems they may have with a federal agency. Staff in my Phoenix District Office is on hand to provide you with assistance in dealing with any needs, problems or complaints you may have with federal agencies.

Most federally assisted casework involves problems regarding Social Security checks, benefits and appeals; workers’ compensation claims, hearings and appeals; military service problems, such as a hardship discharge from the service; veterans’ benefits, medical care and home loan guarantees; immigration problems; and other appeals for help.

If you contact my office with a problem, a staff member will ask you for information to fully understand the problem. In order for me to make inquiries on your behalf, the Federal Privacy Act requires your written authorization which would give me or my staff permission to inquire into the matter for you. Therefore, a staff member will most likely mail you a Privacy Release Form, where you also will explain what type of assistance you are seeking from my office. More information on casework and the privacy release form are available on my Congressional website at www.pastor.house.gov under the “Services” link.

While we can assist you in bringing your case to the attention of the proper officials and guide you through the process, we cannot direct an agency to decide a matter in your favor. But I am committed to help analyze the nature of the problem and generate the most expeditious and just resolution.

Responding to constituents’ needs and problems gives me an opportunity to review how programs and executive agencies are functioning. It also helps me flag areas where congressional oversight or new legislation may be needed. It’s a privilege to serve you and I hope you will feel free to phone my office at 602-256-0551 and give me the opportunity to assist you. During 2011, my office also will have a staff member available at the South Mountain Community Center each first Tuesday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Center is located at 212 E. Alta Vista, Phoenix.

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Garbage Transfer Stations Close Sundays

Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 24, 2010

Garbage Transfer Stations to be Closed Sundays, Holidays

Due to recent budget reductions and efficiency evaluations, the North Gateway Transfer Station, 30205 North Black Canyon Highway (Dixileta Drive and I-17), will be closed Sundays, effective May 1. The city’s 27th Avenue Solid Waste Management Facility (at Lower Buckeye Road) will remain closed on Sundays.
Both will be closed on observed city holidays with the exception of the day after Thanksgiving. The first holiday observance will be Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day.
Regular business hours for these locations will be 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
For more information, visit phoenix.gov/publicworks or send an email to pwswerve@phoenix.gov.

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CPR and First Aid Class

Posted by South Mountain Villager on February 23, 2010

Phoenix Fire Fighter Association

CPR and First Aid Class

Saturday, April 17th. 2010 10:00 AM

Hosted by South Mountain Community Church

Cost: $30.00

For more information contact Kenny 602-277-1500 with the Phoenix Fire Fighters Association

The South Mountain Community Church is located at 717 East Southern Avenue on the SEC of South 7th. Street and East Southern Avenue

Call Mickey at 602-276-6578

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Phoenix Afterschool Center

Posted by South Mountain Villager on October 6, 2009

PAC

Did you know?


The City of Phoenix’s after school program, PAC, still has space available …

And, it’s affordable!

Nine week long sessions range from just $30 per child to $50 per child at eight local Roosevelt School District schools and the South Mountain Community Center!

Call 602-256-4384 for more information!

Register online at phoenix.gov/parks/registration

Or in person at the South Mountain Community

Center, 212 E. Alta Vista; 602-262-4874

Posted in City of Phoenix, Community, kids, Parks and Recreation, positive news, SoMo Village | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Mayor Gordons Corner Oct 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on October 6, 2009

mayor

mayorscorner

When I first became Mayor, I listed my three priorities – and my priorities for Phoenix – was Public Safety, Education and Jobs.  Nearly six years later, those remain our priorities.  And it’s no accident that I always list “public safety” first.  That’s why last week was particularly gratifying for our community.

On Monday, I was invited by the White House and the Attorney General to come to Washington and talk about the great successes of the Phoenix Police Department.  In several important areas, our department is considered a model for the rest of the nation.  This time, we were proud to discuss our strategies for fighting gangs and gang-related crime, and for partnering with other agencies to maximize both scarce resources and our desired results.

Partnering with DEA, the Border Patrol, FBI, ATF, the US Attorney, the US Postal Inspectors, and State and local agencies – we have disrupted serious criminal activity.   We have executed thousands of warrants, won thousands of felony indictments and arrested thousands of dangerous and violent people engaging in Drug Trafficking, gun smuggling, drug smuggling, human smuggling and kidnapping.  We have kept millions of dollars from flowing from the United States to Mexico – and we have kept our focus on “The Worst of the Worst”.

After my day in Washington, I flew back to Phoenix and, just two days later, was pleased to participate in the announcement of yet another successful partnership.  Together with the FBI Violent Street Gang Task Force, we announced the results of Operation Tri-Dent.  Even before this operation, this Task Force has resulted in more than 300 felony arrests in the past year alone.  And since 1994, has been involved in the arrest and incarceration of more than 900 violent felons and the seizure of cash and tangible assets totaling more than $4.5 million.  Last week, those numbers grew with the rounding up of nearly 100 violent gang members.

That was on Wednesday.  The very next day, the Phoenix Police Department announced its conclusion of the 2009 summer enforcement effort for the Operation Safe Street Task Force.  Between June and August, the Task Force made 2,219 arrests, served 71 search warrants, seized 142 weapons, $100,000 in cash, 27 vehicles and drugs from cocaine to meth to marijuana to heroin.

That was on Thursday.  On Friday, the very next day, I stood to thank the Phoenix Police Department, the County Attorney’s Office, the Department of Public Safety and neighborhood leaders from the Cactus Park area.

Operation Eradication shows our continued effort in combating criminal activity in a specifically defined geographical area of the Cactus Park Precinct — bounded by 27th Avenue to the east, 35th Avenue to the west, Peoria Avenue to the north, and Northern Avenue to the south.

In short, crime was up 6% in that area while, in the rest of the city, violent and drug crimes were DOWN 10 percent.

Understanding that illegal drugs share a commonality with the proliferation of violent crime, the Drug Enforcement Bureau was solicited as a resource to assist in the establishment of an undercover operation that would identify violent offenders, career criminals, and multi-housing unit owner/operators in support of illegal activity.

The investigation phase was scheduled for 30 days – and resulted in 82 transactions involving 67 identified suspects.  All cases were submitted to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office for prosecution.

The success of this operation, again, was due to effective partnering.  It’s not a new story for Phoenix – but it’s a story that is being told to a growing, national and global audience.  It’s an effective and professional way to keep our community safe.

So last week was a very bad week for the bad guys.

Which is very good news for everyone else.

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Ed Pastor Sept 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on August 29, 2009

edp

Rep. Pastor’s Citizenship Day will help

legal residents who want to become U.S. citizens

Oct. 17 event will help applicants with paperwork to ease process

PHOENIX, Ariz. – U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., is offering assistance in applying for U.S. citizenship on Oct.

17 at a workshop where trained volunteers will help legal permanent residents complete their citizenship

applications. The assistance to complete the applications is free. However, applicants will need to pay $675

to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to process their individual applications.

To receive assistance on Oct. 17, legal residents need to register for an appointment with Rep.

Pastor’s office by Oct. 1 by phoning 602-256-0551. When contacting the office, residents will be screened

to determine whether they are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Space is limited.

Once registered for Citizenship Day, applicants will be sent a packet with a list of documents and

information they will need to gather and bring on Oct. 17 to the citizenship event. The information is needed to

complete the individuals’ citizenship applications.

Applicants also will need to provide on Oct. 17 the required application fee, which currently is a total

of $675, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Immigration photos and money orders will be

available on site for a minimal charge.

To become a U.S. citizen, a person must, among other requirements:

- Have been a legal permanent resident of the United States for at least five years, or

- Have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years and been a legal permanent resident for

at least three years. (To apply in Arizona, you also must have been an

Arizona resident for at least 3 months).

- Speak, read and write English unless one qualifies for an exemption.

- Have good moral character. Violations of the law may prevent you from becoming a U.S. citizen.

Please contact Congressman Pastor’s office with questions, and to register for an appointment. The

location of the Citizenship Day event is provided to applicants once they have registered for an appointment.

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Mayor’s Corner Sept 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on August 29, 2009

mayorscorner

The State Needs a Thoughtful Budgetmayor

By Mayor Phil Gordon

I appreciate the commitment that Governor Brewer has made to protect public safety and other important local services that are provided by cities and towns throughout the state.  The Governor and members of the House and Senate have worked on the budget for seven months.  While I appreciate their efforts, we have seen neither a budget nor a budget proposal that will not significantly harm the City of Phoenix and its residents.

Recently, the Governor called and asked me to meet to solicit my active support for the budget package now under consideration by the State Senate. Unfortunately, that package is not the same as the budget plan the Phoenix City Council and I were willing to support several months ago.

Changes to the package over the last several months which have significant negative impacts to Phoenix and other Arizona cities and towns include:

  • An acceleration in the shift in property tax assessment ratios that will mean $160 million less capacity in the next Phoenix bond program. That means 160 million fewer dollars for much-needed, critical infrastructure projects that crate private-sector jobs like building police and fire stations, senior centers, libraries and streets.
  • The inclusion of $400 million in corporate and income tax cuts which will mean an annual reduction of $18 million in revenue sharing to Phoenix, resulting in cuts to public safety which now comprises 70 percent of the city’s budget.
  • A retroactive moratorium on any changes to building codes for the next two years, which would make it impossible to implement recommendations of the City’s Adaptive Re-Use Task Force.  Those changes would make it easier for small businesses to renovate existing buildings by easing unnecessary building requirements. Cities would also be unable to modify codes to allow for green technologies as simple as rainwater re-use.

These issues currently make it impossible for me to support the budget proposal that is currently on the table.

Passing a budget just to be able to say “We passed a budget” is fraught with danger and we cannot risk the unintended consequences that are sure to come out of this package (which underwent none of the scrutiny that the normal legislative process is supposed to provide).

I remain committed to a positive resolution to this crisis. Just as all of Arizona’s cities and towns have been able to balance their budgets through hard work, open dialogue and tough choices, the State can and should do the same. So I encouraged the Governor and her staff to do what cities do — reach out to moderates, both Republicans and Democrats, to develop a bi-partisan budget.  Relying on a single political party for the last seven months has simply not been productive for Arizona.

I’ve also offered the resources of City budget, finance, and economic development experts to look at the cumulative impacts of the budget package on local public safety and future economic development.  Again, I appreciate Governor Brewer’s willingness to listen to my concerns and her efforts on behalf of the people of the State. Working together regardless of political affiliation or ideology is what has made Arizona successful in the past and will make us great in the future.

I remain optimistic that if we work together, we will develop a budget that I can support, together with the majority of residents throughout the state.

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Aug-09 Parks and Recreation Veteran Named Director

Posted by South Mountain Villager on July 23, 2009

City of Phoenix announces the appointment of Dale Larsen as director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Dale Larsen, who will oversee a $94.5 million budget and workforce of more than 1,300, has worked in the public parks and recreation field for 37 years. He has been with the city of Phoenix for 25 years, serving as the assistant parks and recreation director since 1984, and during this time served as acting director during several periods, including most recently until his appointment.”Dale combines a wealth of crucial experience with a true passion for the mission of parks and recreation,” City Manager Frank Fairbanks said. “City parks and recreation programs are an anchor in so many of our communities, and Dale has a long track record of getting results and a demonstrated commitment to community involvement, youth, and neighborhood services.”Prior to coming to Phoenix, Larsen worked for the Milwaukee County Park Commission. He is past-president of the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, past-chairman of the National Parks and Recreation (NRPA) Association Commission on Accreditation for Parks and Recreation Agencies, and a past-president of the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. He is the current chair of the National Research Committee for NRPA.

In 2007, Larsen served as an executive on loan to Arizona State University. He also is a co-author of college text books on parks and recreation management and currently serves as a Professor of Practice at ASU, teaching courses on management and leadership.

During his career with Phoenix, Larsen has been a community steward dedicating his time and expertise to programs such as COMFORT, a reading and recreation program for homeless children and River Rampage, an outdoor adventure river rafting program for disabled teens and teens at risk. In addition, he has invested in the professional development of hundreds of city employees through his presentations on motivation at the city’s Supervisory Academy.

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Arizona Good Time Cruisers

Posted by South Mountain Villager on June 15, 2009

chev1The AGTC is a new car club that was formed from the Remember When Cruise Association.  We are actively looking for new members.  We try to schedule at least one event a month.  There is no make, model or year requirements, we just want to have fun.  We meet on the second Monday of each month at Mel Martin’s Museum.  Go to our web site to sign up it is “goodtimecruisersofaz.com”.  Our next event is on September 26th. at Victory Lane.  Please contact George at 602-243-3162 or gayoung@cox.net

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What’s Happening June 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on June 10, 2009

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The South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful (SMVC&B) would like to hear from you if you would like to have us assist you in cleaning up your neighborhood or would like to join us in a clean up.  For information on the South Mountain Village Planning Committee agenda please contact the City of Phoenix Planning Department.  Our planner is Josh Bednarek at (602-262-6823) e-mail joshua.bednarek@phoenix.gov.  To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s please e-mail or call George at (602-243-3162).  I hear that we are getting a Denny’s in Laveen.

A new City of Phoenix program is making it easier to adapt older buildings for a new business use, benefiting small business owners and neighborhoods and residents  The program offers business owners relief from some building codes and zoning ordinances, including, in some cases, fire sparkler systems and parking requirements while maintaining safety.  The goal is to find ways to simplify the process, save time and save money while maintaining public safety of these buildings.  To learn more about the program and the unique businesses now open, visit phoenix.gov/video and click on “Building Phoenix”.  Business owners interested in the program may contact the Development Services Office of Customer Advocacy at 602-534-7344.

Program Offers Grants to Improve Home Energy Efficiency

The city of Phoenix Neighborhood Service Department is offering grants to improve the energy efficiency of low-income households, through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program.  A household of four can earn up to $44,100 annually, and qualify for the program.  Last year, Neighborhood Services completed 180 weatherizations on Phoenix homes and recently received $7.2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to complete approximately 1000 more, during the next three years.  “These additional funds will allow the department to continue our vision of building vibrant neighborhoods,” said Jerome Miller, director, Neighborhood Services.  Professionally-trained weatherization crews perform on-site home energy audits using state of the art equipment to determine ways to increase a home’s energy efficiency.  Grant funds may be used for a variety of projects, including insulation, duct sealing, weather stripping and caulking, repair or replacement of heating and cooling systems, among other projects.  These weatherization measures create an average annual savings of $300 per home.  The city of Phoenix offers additional loans and grants designed to improve the safety, appearance and value of homes – available to Phoenix residents that meet income requirements.

For more information, contact the Neighborhood Services Department at 602-495-0700.

The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 9th. 2009 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.

The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 24th. 2009 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, June 2nd. 2009 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.

South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 7th… 2009 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.

“Remember Folks; it’s OK to get angry with God.  He can take it and everything can change in the blink of an eye.  But don’t worry: God never blinks.”

Posted in Events, Laveen, positive news, SMVC&B, SoMo Village, Volunteers, What's Happening | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Community Forum June 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 19, 2009

dollar-signCUT?? Or CONTINUED??                                  dollar-sign

What are the CHANGES in city services that the

City of Phoenix have made due to the budget cuts?

City of Phoenix Councilpersons

Michael Johnson &

Michael Nowakowski

Will speak at a

COMMUNITY FORUM

To answer any questions you may have

And to hear your concerns.

Wednesday, June 10th

6:00 p.m. 2009

South Mountain Community Church

South7th Street & East Southern Avenue

Sponsored by the South Mountain Interfaith Coalition

Building Bridges

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Mayor’s Corner May 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on May 7, 2009

By Mayor Phil Gordon

People flock to Phoenix from every state and just about every country in the world, because there is so much to do mayor3here – and about 350 days of sunshine to accommodate all those activities.

We all know that summer temperatures in Phoenix often reach 115 degrees and higher. Of course, we also know it’s “a dry heat,” and most of us have adapted to it quite well.

And as we approach the summer of 2009, I want to remind everyone to be mindful of the challenges that our desert summer can bring.

First, when the temperatures are hot, we all look for ways to be cool.  For many of us, particularly the kids, a swimming pool can be very attractive and a lot of fun.  But sometimes, it can lead to heartbreaking loss. It really is true that “Two seconds IS too long.”  That means we always need to watch our children around water – never leave them unattended and, while you’re poolside, don’t take your eyes off them. If you have to go inside, even for a few seconds, take them with you. We have seen, too many times, the smallest distraction turn to tragedy.  Of course, it’s not just pools, it’s ALL water.  And it’s not just in the summer, either. However, especially in the summer, let’s all be smart around water and keep an eye on the kids.

Another fact of summer is the extreme need to stay hydrated. In other words, if you’re outside, you’ve got to drink water. Again, it’s important to keep an eye out for the very young.  If they’re outdoors, make sure they are wearing sunscreen, caps and UV-protection sunglasses.  Actually, that’s good advice for us all.

We also need to remember the elderly.  If you have an elderly friend, relative or neighbor – perhaps one who lives alone – it’s important to check in on them from time to time. Make sure they stay hydrated and that their home is being properly cooled. And if you think someone is in distress, please call 911.

Finally, our hot summer temperatures create a very dry desert. So it’s vitally important that we take great care in the way we use fire. Never toss a cigarette or a match out a car window or carelessly to the ground. If you go hiking, camping, or just go out on a summer picnic, never leave a campfire or barbeque unattended. When you’ve finished using it, extinguish it fully. And never even build a fire in a public area where fires have been banned for the summer.  It takes just one stray spark to destroy hundreds of acres of desert and deprive generations of people the chance to see the beauty of some of God’s finest work.

So please be careful with fire. Stay hydrated. Take special care of the very young and the elderly. And always watch your kids around water. Enjoy the summer – and make it a safe one.

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Chamber April 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on March 18, 2009

smlclogo1In “Success Built to Last,” the sequel to “Built to Last,” authors Jerry Porras, Stewart Emery and Mark Thompson embarked on an exhaustive research project to determine the earmarks of sustained individual success. Their first story is probably the most important.

In 1964, a brash lawyer was convicted of conspiracy against the South African government and sentenced to life in prison. In 1990, after 27 years in prison, a 71-year-old man was released from prison. His name was Nelson Mandela. Upon his release, Mandela had every reason to be the most dangerous man in South Africa. He was not. Mandela chose the high road. He was eventually recognized as a Nobel Laureate and served as a nation’s president.

The authors note that Nelson Mandela did not start out as a saint. He had noble intentions but was clearly rough around the edges. The irony of Mandela’s life is something the authors characterize as the “Mandela Effect” – when you can create enduring success not because you are perfect or lucky but because you have the courage to do what matters.

I believe that the Mandela Effect is alive and well in our community. Mandela endured 27 years in prison because he had a vision for something that mattered.

Every year, people in South Mountain and Laveen push themselves to the limit of human emotion, dignity and endurance. They fight through the sting of hearing “no” and against the hurt of personal rejection – all because they have a vision for doing something that matters. They walk with a spring in their step, work with a smile on their face, and treat each coworker, donor and customer with integrity. They go for months and years secretly wondering whether their goals will be reached. They put themselves in harm’s way and sacrifice for the sake of the common good – all because they have a vision to do something that matters.

On Feb. 26, the communities of South Mountain and Laveen celebrated the people, businesses and organizations who have committed themselves to a vision for things that matter, and have made a difference in our lives. I want to congratulate this year’s recipients of the Spirit of South Mountain Award.

· District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski – Local Government

· Dr. Josephine Pete – Education

· Hacienda Health Care – Non-Profit

· Ingried Lowman – Individual Volunteerism

· MRM Construction Services – Local Business

April Events

Business for Breakfast

Wednesday, April 8, from 7:15 – 8:30 a.m.

Bougainvillea Golf Club

5740 W. Baseline Road, Laveen

Business After Hours Mixer

TBD

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

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Ed’s Corner April 09

Posted by South Mountain Villager on March 18, 2009

by U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, Fourth Congressional District of Arizona

President Obama used his visit to Arizona in February to spell out a plan that will help bring hope and financial relief to some homeowners who are finding themselves strapped due to the foreclosure crisis plaguing the country. I’m hopeful that the president’s Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan will especially help Arizonans, as our state has been hit particularly hard in this area. I am grateful that President Obama has taken this action early in his administration to help us save our homes and communities.

Recognizing that this crisis has deeply harmed the stability of the South Mountain and Laveen Village’s, I have included some information below that may be helpful in answering your questions. The information came from the White House’s website, which explains the plan in more detail.

Questions and Answers for borrowers about the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan

What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?

Under the plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30- or 15-year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.

I owe more than my property is worth. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105 percent of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less, you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

How do I know if I am eligible?

Complete eligibility details were announced on March 4th. 2009. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

More information is available at www.whitehouse.gov. I also encourage individuals to contact their mortgage services or credit counselor if you are facing foreclosure. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower’s eligibility.

I also would like to encourage Valley residents to contact the organizations below for assistance. It is important to do it sooner than later to help you save your home for the benefit of your family and community.

Housing Resources

Homeowners’ HOPE Hotline: 888-995-4673
Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Hotline: 877-448-1211
Neighborhood Housing Services in Phoenix: 602-258-1659
Community Housing Resources of Arizona: 602-631-9780

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