In January of 2011, the Phoenix West Valley Chapter of Project Linus honored Jean Brown’s 90th Birthday.  Jean has been sewing for Project Linus for four years along with Marty Brown.  Jean has made 1,500 blankets and Marty 558.  Project Linus had a Red, White and Blue competition on March 26^th 2011.  There were 29 entries.  Jean and Marty had entries.  On this day their were 487 blankets turned in and all have to have labels sewed on before they go out to organizations or request for them.  Jean delivers a bag of two every month to the Fire Station # 28.

The Red, White and Blue quilts were being sent to Camp Good Grief (part of the TAPS Program) in Washington D.C. for Military families in need.   The blankets collected on March 26^th were being sent to the Japan disaster, the same as they did for the Haiti Disaster.  If anyone who like to knit, crochet or sew quilts and would like to volunteer, they meet the last Saturday of every month.  (Except for December).  You can call or e-mail:

Eve Buck

Chapter Coordinator Phoenix West Valley at

623-572-9365 or re_buck@cox.net

George A. Young

“Well Folks remember, every day show your family how much you love them with your words, with your touch and with our thoughtfulness.”

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.  I am surprised that only a few people have sent me questions for Grandpa.  I know you folks are really smart, but please send him a question.  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 (gayoung@cox.net or 602-243-3162).

Target Area “B” Redevelopment Area (TAB) was identified in 1978 for a comprehensive revitalization approach called for by the federal Community Block Grant Program (CDBG).  The intent of the program was for cities to target several areas in which they would address social, economic and physical development needs simultaneously and over a number of years.  Citizen identified needs and participation drove the program using public, private and non-profit resources with a goal toward leveraging public dollars to the maximum extent feasible.

TAB a about a four (4) square mile Redevelopment Area (RDA) bounded by Pueblo Street on the North, Southern Avenue on the South, 7th Avenue on the West and 24th Street on the East.  In the over thirty (30) years we have spent nearly 30 million dollars on such things as Economic Development and Job Training, Housing, Blight Elimination, Infrastructure , Public Facilities and the Support of Non-Profit Organizations.

The Target Area “B” Citizen Advisory Committee has been a major partner with the City of Phoenix in accomplishing these goals.  There is still more work to be done and this work cannot be done without citizen participation.  Please join the Target Area “B” C.A.C. and become part of the dawning of a new era in the South Mountain Village.  If you live or work within our boundaries, please take time to join us, either as a member or part of the public.  We need you input for the future of the area.  We meet every 4^th. Wednesday at 6:30 pm at 4732 South Central Avenue.  Please contact George at 602-243-3162 or gayoung@cox.net.

The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, 8^th. 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, August 26^th. 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, August 4^th. 2009 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.

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

“Remember Folks; Forgive everyone everything and what other people think of you is none of your business.”

“The Death of Common Sense”

Greetings fellow Villagers and happy 4^th of July to all of you.  Forgive me, in advance, for not providing a better article for this month’s issue.  I am in the process of losing my father so my focus is a bit foggy right now.  As we all do, I am struggling to deal with what is inevitable.  I have not received the “call” yet, but my heart and mind are with my parents and family.  In anticipation, I cannot get my tears to stop from flowing, so please indulge with me, if you will, in reading an obituary on “Common Sense”.  It’s ironic that this is the only thing I could come up with, but the first thing that left me when I received a call this morning that things didn’t look good.  The author is unknown but the message; sad but clear.

Today, we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense.  Common Sense lived a long life, but died from heart failure at the brink of the Millennium.  No one really knows how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.  He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools; hospitals, homes, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.

For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in from the rain, the early bird gets the worm, and life isn’t always fair.  Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids), and its okay to come in second.

A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including feminism, body piercing, whole language and new math.  His health declined when he became infected with the “if it only helps one person – it’s worth it” virus.  In recent decades, his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal legislation.

He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors.  His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero tolerance policies; when reports were heard of six year old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; when a teen was suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch; when a teacher was fired for reprimanding an unruly student.  It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but couldn’t inform the parent when a female student is pregnant or wants an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports.

As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments regarding questionable regulations for asbestos, low-flow toilets, smart guns, the nurturing of Prohibition Laws and mandatory air bags.

Finally, when told that the homeowners association restricted exterior furniture only to that which enhanced property values, he breathed his last.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.  His three stepbrothers survive him; Rights, Tolerance and Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.  As always, Bill and Ingried Lowman are available 24/7 at (602) 276-3601, toll free (877) 276-3601, & fax (602) 276-1889.

by George A. Young

“Well Folks; Remember that you are too Blessed to be Stressed.”

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 our new City of Phoenix Planner, Molly Monserud (602) 262-4074 or Email: molly.monserud@phoenix.gov . To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village please e-mail or call George at (602-243-3162). Below is part of an e-mail I received about the problem we are having with abandoned animals. Hopefully you will read and will offer your help.

“I want to first say that I am reaching out to our community as a resident of South Mountain Village. I and many members of my community have been for years now helping out stray, starved and abandoned dogs. As foreclosures have become an increasing issue, owners are not only forced to abandon their homes, but it appears their animals as well. I and several members of our community on Siesta Way have been setting up feeding stations for these skeletons of what used to be someone’s loving pet. Afraid of humans they are not easily caught, but feeding stations provide them with a routine and inevitably they come back in search of food and water.

I am going to set forth a proposal to our County Shelters and to AZHS to support our efforts in any way they can, and am going to ask our local rescue organizations to consider these strays first when pulling dogs from the County. Hopefully the County will put a sign on their kennels once we are able to capture them and turn them in to consider them as special and hopefully put our community’s name on them to signify that we have put forth an effort to help them and since they have come this far, to choose them to pull off the euthanasia lists first when at the shelters saving animals. I will be consulting with county officials to see what support they can offer as well. I feel if the community can get involved in even the smallest ways, they can help save the County countless dead end calls and save on gas and wear and tear on vehicles and wasted time for overworked field officers.

We as a community can help, so I am asking our community to speak up and step up if they choose to do so. I know there are many others here whom are wanting to help who are laying food out for these animals, together we can do so much more. Many feel that these animals would inevitably die if taken to the shelter, but shelter officials are compassionate caring people and I would rather these dogs be humanely euthanized if no other options are avail than to die starving and alone in an alley. I am compassionate, but I am also realistic. Please contact Jaime Garcia at 602-300-5754.”

The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 10th. 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, January 28^th. 2009 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.

The South Mountain Village Planning Committee Economic Sub-Committee will meet on Monday, January 26th. 2009 at 6:30 PM at Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.

The South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 3^rd, 2009 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.

South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 18^h. 2009 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.

“Remember Folks; Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.”

For those folks that have attended the Pioneer Luncheon you are familiar with the “Three Guys and a Doll” band. They have been a mainstay in our Village for years. The Villager would like to thank them for their dedication to our community and the great entertainment over the years.

A Caring Community.

Well Folks we did it again, we made a lot of people happy during Christmas Season of 2008. We do not have space for all the good deeds, but here are a few. The Helping Hands Grandmothers Club (Grannies on the go) and the Capitals Cut-Ups passed out 60 lap robes to the residents at Life Care Center at South Mountain. Genie Mancuso delivered 10000 Christmas cards to shelters, prisons, care centers, boarding homes and many other places to be given to residents so they could send cards to their family and friends. Curves Fitness Center at 51st Avenue and West Baseline packed over 100 boxes for Franklin Grahams “Operation Christmas Child”. A total of 257 boxes were sent from the Life Care Center at South Mountain. Southern Baptist Temple Church and Americans for a Better Tomorrow hosted the Annual Fun Fest at their Church. Over 1200 folks were fed hot dogs, (Thank you, Super Wal Mart and Phoenix Ranch Market) chips, cookies and drinks. There was entertainment, games. bounces and pictures with Santa. 1000 stockings were passed out to the children. Southern Temple also took gifts to 61 children and 31 women at a shelter. There are many more pride stories, if you have a pride story that you would like us to print, please contact the Villager.

I would like to thank all my family and friends who made my 90th Birthday so special. Thanks for the parties, birthday cakes, cards and phone calls. Also, the surprise visit of my son David and wife Elaine from Florida and my grandson Mike and family from New Mexico. Also my daughter Sue, son Tom and families from Redding California. Thanks to my grandson David, his wife Elaine son Jake and daughter Stephanie, who are my family in Phoenix, who take such good care of me.

Verna (SMV Editor)

A special thanks to The Patriot Guard Riders who delivered over 2000 Toys to Children.

OCOTILLO BRANCH

102 W. Southern Ave. ● 602-262-4636 ● All programs are free!

__________________________Children Programs

Babytime—(Occurring Tuesdays, January through November) 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. Program is bilingual.

Family Storytime—(Occurring Thursdays, January through November) 9:15 AM to 10 AM—All 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.

Children’s Computers—Two internet computers are reserved for children ages 11 and under. Children must sign up at the information desk.

______________________________Teen Programs

Teen Night—(Occurring Wednesdays, January through November), 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM–Every Wednesday Night is Teen Night at Ocotillo Library. Kick off your shoes and dance, unleash your inner rock star, or just relax and watch your favorite movie on Ocotillo’s giant projection screen! Play Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero. We are always on the lookout for new challengers! Light snacks provided. Ages 12-18.

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.

______________________________Adult Programs

Clases de Ingles ACORN—Los martes y los jueves, 6-8 pm – Aprende Ingles. Gratis para miembros. Clases para todos adultos.

Friends of the Library, Ocotillo Chapter—(Second Saturday of each month), 10:30 to 11:30 AM–Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. Join this friendly group and make things happen in your neighborhood library! All are welcome! Visit the branch for more information. Visit the Friends book sale by the front of the library for fantastic bargains. For adults.

Please check the library website www.phxlib.org for changes in days or hours of service.

The money is distributed to every city and town where it is used for a wide range of programs through locally administered agencies.  No tax money is used to operate the Arizona Lottery.  The Arizona Lottery web site, www.arizonalottery.com, provides an extensive list of community programs supported by the Lottery by city and town.

Art Macias

Executive Director

Arizona Lottery

Art Macias was appointed Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery in November 2005 by Governor Janet Napolitano.  Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director of the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures.  As director of the Lottery, Mr. Macias heads an agency that has returned over $2 billion in net profit to the state to fund a wide variety of public initiatives.  He holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and French Master’s from ESSEC in Paris, France.  He serves on a number of community boards of directors, including Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona, Arizona Latino Research Enterprise, and Border Trade Alliance.

Ribbon Cutting with local residents and Edward Jones Financial owner Julie Gunn

We have a new business in the South Mountain Village, the Edward Jones Financial Advisor owned by Julie Gunn. The Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting was December 3^rd and some of the local residents were there to celebrate with her and her staff. With our economic status the timing should be perfect. We welcome Julie to our Village and wish her the best. They are located in the Lowes Shopping Center. The address is 2030 W Baseline Road, suite 178. Please stop by and see them. (602) 268-7622 www.edwardjones.com

The food was provided by Farmer’s Insurance, and Clarence Threatt cooked everything to perfection. Centerpieces were created by Linda Whiting’s students from the Valley View School. Mr. James Melberg led the Cloves Campbell School Choir in three pieces including an original work by the children: “Voices of Unity.” John Muscolino, Division Marketing Manager for Farmer’s Insurance, shared an inspiring video and words of encouragement in support of public

education: “Our kids are the future.”

Roosevelt School District Business Luncheon

Superintendent Dr. Mark Dowling explained several different ways for people to support the District. One of the easiest programs is the extracurricular Tax Credit. Arizona tax payers can contribute up to $400 to a school in the Roosevelt District and get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their taxes. Another ambitious program plans to put “smart boards” in the classrooms. These interactive devices replace chalk boards and dust with slick computer graphics that can be displayed and manipulated by the children. It costs roughly $1,500 to purchase a smart board and install it into a classroom. Please contact the District if you are interested in getting more information about how to support our local schools.

Other top happenings in the Roosevelt School District include the New Superintendent’s Math Club with workbooks containing street and business names from our South Mountain community, V.H. Lassen School’s P.R. Club Restaurant, Professional Development Partnerships with Arizona State University and South Mountain Community College to “grow our own” teachers, Roosevelt District Employee Recognition Program, and continuing the Superintendent’s Reading Club.

Guests left with a very positive impression, and renewed faith in our children. “I had no idea Roosevelt was doing all of these terrific things,” noted one business woman. Another community leader remarked, “it is great to see the students excelling, so we need to support their achievements.” Last, one executive observed, “I would rather spend my tax money in Roosevelt Schools where I can see it making a difference in our community.” The whole event reminded several guests of Thanksgiving coming early, which gave everyone a good opportunity to practice being thankful.

By George Young

“Well Folks; Try to make at least three people smile each day.”

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. Once again I ask you, “Have you picked yours today?” Trash that is? I do not like to keep repeating my self, but I had another phone call about Graffiti and how bad it is. In the past I have ran several stories about the City of Phoenix Graffiti Busters program. Please folks call in the Graffiti as soon as you see it. I know it is taking a little longer for the Graffiti Busters to clean it up, but with City Of Phoenix budget cuts and all we need to have a little patience. If it is in your neighborhood, maybe you could call and get the paint and paint it over yourself or with your Block Watch. The number is (602 495-0323). So far the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s Festival Committee has had a very successful year. Out Haunted Hayride, Parade, Fair, Faith Day and Story Telling Time were very successful. We would like to again thank Terri Minard and the Wal Mart Super Store at 35^th Avenue and West Southern Avenue for their generous sponsorship of our events this year. We are looking for volunteers to help with our events in 2009 please contact me for details. Check out our Restaurant Review this month. “Maryln’s” has great food and prices. For information on the South Mountain Village Planning Committee agenda please contact our City of Phoenix Planner, Mrs. Chris Hood at 602-261-8727. To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village please e-mail or call George at (602-243-3162).

Now that the elections are over we would hope that the politicians and proposition folks will make sure they get the signs down. They have 10 days from the election and I am still seeing signs around town. Phoenix residents are reminded that posting signs on utility poles, sidewalk or anywhere else in the public right-of-way is not allowed by city ordinance. The right-of-way varies widely throughout the city but generally include streets, curbs, median traffic lights, utility poles and unimproved shoulders of streets up to private property and generally 2 feet beyond sidewalks. Illegal signs can be dangerous if they become loose and fall in the street or hit a pedestrian, or if they block the view of motorists or pedestrians. And those responsible could be fined. For more information about illegal signs or to report a violations call 602-534-7100 or send an e-mail to nsd@phoenix.gov.

· The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 9^th… 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue. (NEW LOCATION)

· The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 3^rd. 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.

· The South Mountain Village Planning Committee Economic Sub-Committee will meet on Monday, January26th. 2009 at 6:30 PM at Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.

· The South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 2^nd… 2008 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.

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

“Remember Folks; Make peace with the past so it won’t spoil the present.”

Miracles Still Do Happen….

Gloria Contreras wants the world to know that Miracles still happen. Gloria started having breathing problems in 2004, spent time in the hospital and from that time until July 3^rd. 2008 she was on oxygen.  She started having other problems and went to the doctor.  She had a bi-lateral lung biopsy and her doctor told her there was no medication that would help her, she needed a lung transplant.  She went on the list in September. and had her transplant on May 15^th. 2008. She spent approximately two months in a rehabilitation center… In September she was notified that she had won an award for outstanding achievement in rehabilitation.  She says she is a walking Miracle and wants to give God the credit, as he was with her every step of the way.  God Bless Gloria.

Distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in front of the Performing Arts Center at SMCC, 7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix (just north of Baseline Rd.)

“The sale of food boxes has become a tradition at SMCC,” said Buddy Cheeks, Student Life Director at SMCC. “The community appreciates the sale of this low-cost, high-quality food and our college employees and students enjoy volunteering in this program.”
Cheeks stressed that it is not a government program, a handout or a charity, and that anyone is welcome to purchase the food. St. Mary’s Food Bank purchases the food at a reduced price and passes the savings along to consumers.  There is no paperwork, and all purchases must be in cash.

Participants may choose from five options:

. the $13 pantry box, which includes 14 to 16 pantry items.

. $16 meat pack, made up of chicken breasts, beef chub, St. Louis ribs, and
Italian sausage.

. $20 griller box of beef sirloin tip filets, beef chub, boneless pork chops, chicken breasts, and pork medallions or St. Louis ribs.

. $30 variety box:  beef sirloin tip filets, beef chub, pork chops, chicken breasts and St. Louis ribs or pork medallions.

. $35 meat lovers’ box includes large portions of skinless chicken breasts, beef chub, St. Louis ribs, Italian sausage, and pork medallions or St. Louis ribs.

Bonus boxes are added to the purchases.
Boxes may be heavy, and guests are advised to bring a cart.
For additional information about the food program, call 602.243.8065.