Archive for February, 2008
February 28th, 2008, 12:10 pm by Sharon
Iraqi-born Christians giving generously in support of Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas - makes an important statement in my view.
Recently learning so much more about Iraqi people, Muslim beliefs and then actually hearing the testimony of someone once Muslim - now a convert to Christianity - made me realize the relevance of their freedom and our own.
Freedom to ensure we have those in public office that will serve and protect our community with a persuit of peace and justice, keeping us safe from violence, crime, often the “unseen” found in so many avenues today thru internet, sales scams, ID theft, and many we wouldn’t ordinarily think of in times past - we do now!
Andrew Thomas, MCA is one clearly seen in that role by many - including the Iraqi Christians - I can better understand now, why they value these qualities; he is doing an excellent job as one dedicated to serving with a desire to keep our society free of crime.
Posted in: Cultural Trends | Post a Comment »
February 28th, 2008, 11:20 am by Sharon
Go Suns! What a generous team - “Giving an Assist in the fight against Aids” There is still time - see your favorite basketball players. Coaching - Charles Barkley and Kurt Warner. Players -Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Dan Majerle, other current NFL & NBA players!
Check it out on the media release and City of Grace, Mesa -newsletter, who are part of this outreach effort - purchase tickets in the church lobby at the weekend services.
Join us; help those with HIV/AIDS. At the same time, bring cans of food: dry beans, canned meat, peanut butter. Doing so will help stock United Food Bank, who in turn provides food to most of our non-profit services in our AZ region.
What a great idea - bringing together a fun time and these worthy efforts so desperately needed. The event presented by Lawns by Les (boy could I use that!) with other generous sponsors. Take a look at the poster!
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February 23rd, 2008, 11:53 pm by Sharon
The Suns will be sponsoring a game at ASU’s Wells Fargo Arena - March 2. Charles Barkley & Kurt Warner - Coaches. Why? To help by giving an Assist 4 Africa, helping the fight against AIDS.
Poor living conditions in Malawi, a high death rate due to HIV/AIDS , contribute to this landlock country in need of help. You can help out by bringing food like dry beans, canned meat and peanut butter. See the photo and story shown on the City of Grace Campus in Mesa - The newsletter features a story about Malawi, one of the poorest nations in the world - fighting to live on a dollar a day.
Tickets available in advance at the Sun devil ticket sales, M-F, 9-5, at City of Grace Mesa Saturday or Sunday services, or at the gate the day of the event. Be part of the solution and have a great time!
Posted in: Cultural Trends | 1 Comment »
February 23rd, 2008, 11:03 pm by Sharon
Dr. Ron Woodworth, an ordained Christian minister since 1976, an experienced pastor, church planter, seminar & conference speaker, media host, and consultant – invites you to join in on a Free Seminar - Sundays, March 30 thru May 4, 5:00 PM at Cornerstone Church, just south of Loop 202 on Alma School Road at Willis, 1595 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Topic, Discouragement: The Causes and Cures -something you may have faced or know a family member, a friend in need of this message of hope and life - invite them all, anytime during the seminar! Dr. Ron has prepared an excellent study -we’ll learn causes, reasons, cures! Studying His living Word together; empowering us to form habits of personal encouragement. Life changing tools, the blessing of victory! Dr. Ron always makes it fun and humorous, you won’t want to miss out on this one!!!Please RSVP (helps us plan notes & refreshments) by calling our answer-message machine @ 480.545.7994–or just show up :o) Childcare: infant-4th grade. We’re looking forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones!
FYI: You’ll want to check out Dr. Ron’s new book For Such a Time as This .
Posted in: Cultural Trends | Post a Comment »
February 12th, 2008, 8:55 pm by Sharon
The ratio of non-Hispanic whites are shrinking, according to an article on-line and in today’s Tribune, A1. Senior Research Analyst Jeffrey Passel at Pew Hispanic, gave some pretty daunting figures.
It boils down to this - especially in AZ where so many come to retire, or migrate here from other states and countries; if we don’t embrace immigration in a productive, workable fashion - we’re going down the tubes faster than anywhere else!
The study made the math pretty simple. We have a senior population on the rise - the Census Bureau predicts that AZ in 2030 could have 41 seniors for every 100 working age, and 45 children under 18 - resulting in a dependency ratio of 86. That’s not good! It leaves fewer in the working population.
Immigration brings working age people who have children born in the U.S. To slow that process down, and since the study is based on a nationwide ratio, could be be the “kiss of death” to the U.S. economy.
When it comes to the census, at least in AZ, it’s generally well-known that not all immigrants show themselves counted for fear of what the government may do - even though the government is held by law to protect and not divulge any one’s identity in this process. I understand this is strictly adhered to; without an accurate account of those residing in the state, the state does not receive federal funds actually due it.
I’m wondering, do those that seem so slow in addressing immigration reform - know these facts? Perhaps. I’m convinced cooperation is the key.
These political issues, and so many more, are really too much for me to give another thought to. Therefore, I’d like to leave it to the experts of the world. As for me - it is: Adios!
Posted in: City Government • Cultural Trends | 1 Comment »
February 11th, 2008, 5:34 pm by Sharon
Reviewing some of the press releases on the many races for City Council, including District 5 - which includes a short video, I looked over the list of those running and heard what each said.
Keeping that in mind, looking at Mesa’s bright future, Arizona as a whole, and some of the immediate concerns our country faces; an obvious solution may be to “raise the bar” so to speak, when we cast that vote.
By now, one may have guessed what that might be. It’s the one piece the council lacks, and the one element until now, the people of Mesa have not entertained as a possibility. Maybe it’s the timing, or realizing we have a candidate that can fill that position quite aptly.
Phil Austin, who happens to be Hispanic, would be very helpful toward lending another qualified voice at the table. That in itself doesn’t qualify him; it does, however, bring the advantage of a cultural understanding and an ability to communitcate with this particular segment of Mesa’s population. Important in my opinion and missing in the overall picture. He brings with him, the legal aspect of someone committed to civil rights law; an Attorney versed on Employee -Employer Rights, is an asset to everyone.
Of course, that’s not the sum of his qualifications; he’s clearly community minded, active in city functions, well versed on transportation issues, growth issues, public safety concerns, business, and a well known respected resident, contributing throughout Mesa.
Our city, state, and nation is grappling with issues such as our economy and immigration issues. Topics particular to Mesa for a very long time - economic development at the forefront, touches many other related issues. It would seem the most prudent thing to do, is to have someone Hispanic in the process - for starters. For Mesa, an appropriate place in my opinion, would be on the city council.
Phil Austin, Esq., his thoughts on how he would serve Mesa, to me were the most impressive and the most cohesive for District 5 and for Mesa.
Posted in: City Government • Uncategorized | Post a Comment »
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