In the Black

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in the05.0�.09

2009

in theBlackMAY

A Monthly Newsletter from

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RELIGIONPAGE 12

PHOTO REVIEWSSLIDE SHOWS

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The Butler Did it and he’ll do it again!

Koroun Butler

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A BETTER WAY

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in theBlack05.0�.09

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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BlackPUBLISHER’S LETTER

PHOTO REVIEW BUSINESS

Accoustic Jazz Is Relaxing Does Quality Dry Cleaning Cost More? HowCanBrandingBenefitMyBusiness What Is Identity Theft? Last Chance to Cruise Without a Passport Black Owned Syrup In Stores RELIGION No More Church As Usual

EMPLOYMENT

Volunteers Wanted - admin & internet research Sales - Have Leads Need Closers Summer Youth Program

COVER STORY

The Butler Did It

COMMUNITY

Auditions For The Phoenix Boys Choir Volunteers Needed Baby Of The Month Peace Tour - Block Party Tillman Military Scholars A BETTER WAY Basketball Camps For Youth Teams MUSIC

Chicago Blues Harmonica Ace Corky Siegel

CLASSIFIED ADS For Sale Appliances - Furniture Personals - Fem 4 Male Services Auto Repair

HUMOR

InMemorium LeaveMeAloneLady ReadTheCakeFirst ShouldISellTheBoat?

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PUBLISHER’SLETTER

ear AZBP Family,

I read some blah blah book that stated “life is perfect if you believe it”. Have you ever heard such a farce? Perfect for who? Well that is exactly the point. On a daily basis I can hear the rhetoric response of how “black people don’t support my business”. I got the life is perfect scenario for you, try reaching out to them! Arizona’s Black Pages (AZBP) has been in business since 1986. For every person who says that, there are ten or more people who do support the Black business community.

I get to see the reality of my perfection each day. I make a sales call and get all the reasons they cannot afford a basic element of business, i.e.- being listed. Then I get 2 calls and an email requesting products and services within the Black business community. Life is perfect, and karma is THE BIG BLACK BOOK. There are so many people requesting ser-vices that we had to produce the largest book ever.

Our soon to be release Black Pages will contain over 100 pages of product and services dedicated to serv-ing your business and lifestyle needs. For those businesses that do serve our community I say bravo. Our intent is to bring you even more attention for your efforts. For those of you who are not in busi-ness but seek to support the future of our commu-nity, please get your subscriptions because the FREE book is gone, perhaps forever.

Yes our future, think about it. If you support our community today, our children and others will have a community to call their own. Life is simple if you believe it, it can be that simple. Vote for us and vote with your dollars.

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publisherD. A. Peartree

photography directorJohn Beckett

circulation managerHazel Foster

contributing writer Barney MurrayLawrence Mathews

feature writer Starla Muhammed

We welcome input by way of comments, letters, refer-rals or suggestions for print or online versions of the In The Black newsletter.

Send to:AZBP - In The Black822 E. Montecito Ave., Suite 4Phoenix, AZ 850�[email protected]

Visit our website at www.azbp.com

Call us at 602-230-8161

In The Black is published monthly and is a registered trademark of Targeted Media Communications, Inc. © 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressedinarticlesdonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsof the publisher or the organization.

Blackin theBlack

Advertising & Editorial Due dates for In The Black Newsletter

All completed orders for advertising and editorial content due by the 15th of each month.

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PHOTO REVIEWSCLICK LINK TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW

April 30, 2009 Generations of Beauty Fashion Show

March 21, 2009 Kappa Kook Out April 9, 2009 Arizona Bike WeekA view from the Black side of biker fun

March 28, 2009 Tag Team Arizona Black Networking at it’s best

www.azbp.com/kappakookout09

www.azbp.com/tagteamaz

www.azbp.com/azbikeweek09

www.azbp.com/gobfs09

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PHOTO REVIEWSCLICK LINK TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW

May 1, 2009 ESP First Friday Phoenix A premiere networking event.

May 1, 2009 Jazz In Pink A stunning evening of sight and sound

www.azbp.com/jazzinpink www.azbp.com/ffp5-1-09

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ACCOUSTIC JAZZ IS RELAXING

When we played, at the Glendale Library recently, one of my relaxing original tunes, some fans there said that the music took them to places of perfect peace and tranquility. It reminds me of the benefits of meditation. When you get to that place of centered peace it is like re-booting your computer. You are refreshed because you just cleared all the clutter. Now you can think clearer, plan better and achieve more efficiently. So tomorrow, before you start your hectic day, take a small block of time and dedi-cate it to listening to relaxing acoustic jazz. Let your mind go free and allow yourself this positive selfish pleasure, because you are worth it. In order to receive these benefits, we have to see ourselves worthy of owning this kind of daily satisfaction. Nazim Rashid 602-237-9558 www.jazzrenaissance.com

HOW CAN BRANDING BENEFIT MY BUSINESS

The main benefit of branding is that cus-tomers are much more likely to remem-ber your business. A strong brand name and logo/image helps to keep your com-pany image in the mind of your potential customers.

If your business sells products that are often bought on impulse, a customer recognizing your brand could mean the difference between no-sale and a sale. Even if the customer was not aware that you sell a particular product, if they trust your brand, they are likely to trust you with unfamiliar products. If a customer is happy with your products or services, a brand helps to build customer loyalty across your business.

A strong brand will project an image of a larger, established business to your potential customers.

For assistance in developing your com-pany Brand, visit www.blendercreative.com

BANDS & ORCHESTRAS DRY CLEANERS

GRAPHIC DESIGN

DOES QUALITY DRY CLEANING COST MORE?

We are essentially a one price cleaners that provides quality cleaning and excel-lent service at a very competitive and affordable price. Almost any garment can be exceptionally dry cleaned and pressed for $ 2.25. We use only the latest technology and most effective, yet envi-ronmentally safe, solvents available on the market. Our “top of the line” equip-ment pays for itself with your dedicated patronage.

Come visit us and see. Avalon Cleaners, located at 4980 W. Ray Rd, Ste. 14Chandler, 85226. We are open 6 days a week and always delighted to serve. Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 7 am -7 pm. We offer same day service with goods in by 9:00 am and ready at 4:00 pm.(dry cleaning only).

If you can get better results for the price, please let us know, and we’ll send our customers there.

Follow this link to see map; http://www.azbp.com/commercedir.php?pg=category&catid=404#

IDENTITY PROTECTION

WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?

This is the crime of obtaining the per-sonal or financial information of another person for the purpose of assuming that person’s name to make transactions or purchases.Who is at risk? EVERYONE! Most vic-tims are taken advantage of by people they know and trust.What impact does identity theft really have? Let’s say you are planning to purchase a new home or car. During the approval process you are made aware of several items on your credit bureau that are negative. You may have to decide if you want to pay the

BUSINESS Get Plugged In

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in the08.�5.08Black

TRAVEL AGENCIES & AGENTS

higher interest rate now (this could mean several thousand dollars in excess interest on a car and well over $100,000 in excess interest over the course of a standard mortgage term) or defer your purchase until you can clean up your credit report.

For info call Koroun at Lifelock 480 677-9606

LAST CHANCE TO CRUISE WITHOUT A PASSPORT

May 31, 2009

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, covering travel to and between the U.S. Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The rule will require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, pass-port card, or “http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvl-sec/crossingborders/” \l “0” other approved travel document such as state-issued enhanced driver’s license (where available). So if you don’t have a pass-port, hurry and take your cruise during May – maybe even celebrate Mother’s Day or Memorial Day at sea.

Contact CruiseOne at 480.704.2793, www.cruiseone.com/tlee, and [email protected]. Need a Passport or Visa? Go to http://www.abriggs.com/index.php?corporateID=Cruise1&id=01524aa.

For UsWith your dollars everday.

Use AZBP for all your business & lifestyle needs.

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The switch to all-digital broadcasting on June 12, 2009 is approaching quickly. However, African Americans are among the most unprepared in the nation for this historic shift in television.

Nielsen data for March 2009 reveals that 6.2 percent of African-American house-holds are completely unprepared for the

switch, which is nearly twice the figure for the general population. This represents thousands of families, elders, and friends in the African-American community who may lose their TV signal after June 12 if they do not take action.

It is important that consumers who rely on analog TVs using antennas prepare for the transition now. A cost-effective option for these consumers is to get a $40 coupon from the federal government towards the purchase of a converter box that will plug into an analog TV. Consumers need to take the following steps immediately to ensure they are prepared for the switch:Apply immediately for the $40 coupon;

Buy the converter box as soon as their coupon arrives; and Try the converter box as soon as you get home by hooking it up to your TV.Each U.S. household may request up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of certified TV converter boxes through the TV Converter Box Coupon Program administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). However, coupon supplies are limited and expire 90 days after mailing.

www.dtv2009.gov

AFRICAN AMERCIANS HOUSEHOLD ARE COMPLETELY UNPREPARED FOR THE

SWITCH

Although you can purchase this brand at Wal-Mart and most grocers, please under-stand the importance of picking it up at Sam’s or Costco (if you have a member-ship). It was a monumental task (short of God ordaining it) to get shelf space at the warehouse stores.

If you see this syrup in your Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club, please support this label.

This is the first African American Vendor at one of these stores. Let’s buy some pan-

cake syrup!!! Michele Hoskins, CEO/founder of Michele Foods recently became the FIRST African American vendor with Costco! She was on the Oprah Show and told her story, rising from welfare to faring well.

She is asking ALL people, regardless of color, to support her by going to Costco and purchasing a bottle of her pancake syrup @ the cost of $3.25. If your local Costco doesn’t have the product, PLEASE ask for it as she is trying to open the doors

for ALL MINORITY vendors to gain entry on the shelves of Costco.

The website is: www.michelefoods.com and the company is out of Chicago , IL .

It’s time to replace Aunt Jemima with Michele Foods Pancake syrup. Show the Sister some love!!!

Check out her website - her syrup is in a number of other stores, as well.

BLACK OWNED SYRUP IN STORES

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VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1

Introducing THE BIG BLACK BOOK Release Spring 2009

Don’t rely on Your “LITTLEBLACK BOOK” as a resource tool..

Mine isBiGGeRand size doesMatteR!

Don’t rely on Your “LITTLEBLACK BOOK” as a resource tool..

Mine isBiGGeRand size doesMatteR!

AZBP-PostcardPromo_09.indd 2 3/10/09 3:50 PM

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in theBlack05.0�.09THE BIG BLACK BOOK is the best networking tool ever produced in Arizona.

Filled with over 100 pages of contact information on Products and Services to serve both your Business & Lifestyle needs.

You can purchase your BIG BLACK BOOK soon at retail locations (TBA), subscribe to AZBP or you can pick one up for FREE at one of

the State Farm offices listed below (Limited Supply).

LAVEEN

Derrick Spencer5130 W Baseline Rd, Ste. 104602-304-1911

GLENDALE

Courtney D. Garner8345 W. Glendale Ave Suite 104 623-979-1800

Duvel Pierre5820 W Greenway Rd Ste. 120602.944.9609

GOODYEAR

Desi SmithGoodyear623-878-3401

PHOENIX

John Abercrombie7207 N. 7th St 602-906-0299

Greg EvansPhoenix602-257-4188

Eric Hamilton10265 W Camelback Ste 120 623-848-2048

Chuck Kelly314 E. Thomas Rd. 602-277-5776

Lula Smith7217 S. Central Avenue602-232-0793

Dondrell Swanson2401 E. Baseline Rd. Ste 100 480-926-4384

John TuckerPhoenix602-424-0300

Victor J. Mason1659 E. Indian School Rd. 602-569-1040

Daryl Wonsey4243 W Bethany Home Road602.242.4141

SCOTTSDALE

Dwayne AaronScottsdale 480-948-2005

TEMPE

Roslyn Bankston1575 W. University Dr. # 105480-897-6500

TUCSON

Regina Hart8295 N. Cortaro Rd, Ste. 101 520-744-1857

Sponsored by

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RELIGION

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Tune in to the Fully Anointed

Gospel Stationnew to the

VALLEY OF THE SUN!

GOSPEL 860AM "The Ministry is in the Music"

GOSPEL 860 AM is a bold, new thing; Rich with the promise of the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Unlike other radio stations, GOSPEL 860 AM will be“Ministry in motion!”

Thank you in advance for considering participating in this ground-breaking endeavor with advertisements and church programming.

Contact Gospel860 Today!P.O. Box 322 Avondale, AZ 85323

(623) 533-3213 www.gospel860.com

[email protected] or blog us at www.gospel860.wordpress.com

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No More Church as Usual

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No More Church as UsualStory and Photos by Barney Hilton Murray

take notes and launched Bible software to follow the scriptures. Cool.

I opened my “old school” Bible and lis-tened as Dr. Pearson brought the mes-sage. Using PowerPoint to deliver the sermon provided a different perspec-tive. It came across more as a presenta-tion of God’s Word, and helped the congregation understand what God is saying and how to apply that message to everyday living. It was precise and had clarity.

As a fundamental and foundational ele-ment for Faith on Fire Church, the prac-tice of the “Agape Principle” is a theme throughout the ministry. This concept of “unconditional love” as modeled by Jesus Christ is a lifestyle at FOF. It dic-tates how the members conduct them-selves in relationships at church, in the home and within the community.

I once again looked at the colorful front banner, and agreed with its motto: “No More Church as Usual.”

congregation appeared to be younger than 40 years old. Very interesting.

As the service was called to order and started with prayer, I heard and felt a familiar sense of being in the presence of the Holy Spirit that I look for and expect in church service[s].

As the praise and worship part of the service started, I found myself listening to and enjoying songs that I had never heard before on any Christian record-ings, concerts or radio. The songs used diverse musical styles, but all of the words projected on the screen provided powerful meaning about Christian living.

This is when I knew that Faith on Fire Church was “no more church as usual.”

Every aspect of the service, including weekly announcements and the offer-ing, was handled in an orderly and orga-nized manner. One highlight was “Tools for the Temple,” a multimedia presenta-tion dealing with health and wellness.

When the pastor, Apostle Dr. Rodney Pearson, with clicker and laser pointer in hand, prepared to bring the morning sermon, worshippers opened laptops to

Having grown up peeking through a forest of hats to see the preacher

and trying to hear the sermon over the musical accompaniment, I could tell this church was going to be different from the time I arrived in the parking lot.

I entered the Comfort Suites Hotel in Goodyear, Ariz., and found the room where Faith on Fire Church meets.

My wife and I were met by a warm and welcoming greeter who handed us the usual Sunday program and visitor’s packet.

Inside the meeting room, smiling peo-ple scurried around, finalizing details.

The room décor and congregation con-firmed my impression that this was not your usual church.

The room was tastefully decorated with plants. Colorful banners with meaning-ful words hinted at what I was about to experience. A projector in the front dis-played a welcome graphic on a large screen. The first two rows of chairs had tables in front of them with Bibles and laptops. Interesting.

At least 70 percent of the racially diverse

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SEEKING VOLUNTEERS - IMMEDIATE OPENINGS - FLEXIBLE

HOURS

TMC is seeking a volunteers for a variety of administrative tasks including data entry, maintenance of records and light bookkeeping, research and special projects. Will work closely with the CEO and sales staff. Flexible shifts (including nights and weekends) available. Previous computer literacy or administrative experience preferred. Great opportunity for someone getting back into the work force to gain experience and refresh your skills.

Mustenjoyworkinginabusyhappyofficeonmultiple projects and be detail oriented. Must be fluentinEnglishandwillingtomaketelephone

Targeted Media Communications (TMC) is a full service advertising agency and publishing

company. Established in �98�.

Employment calls and do data entry. Must be comfortable working in Word, Excel, databases and doing internet research.

Please e-mail resumes to [email protected]

***************************************ADVERTISING SALES/MARKETING

CONSULTANT FULL OR PART-TIME

Conduct consultative sales and marketing in an assigned territory; prepare and conduct presentations demonstrating assigned company products;

Existing client base, with new leads provided.

Responsibilities:• Effectively present and discuss the products and services of the company, • Conduct on-site and community-based presentations, seminars and education that promote the image of our company as a leader in printing, copying and graphic services.

Qualifications:• High school diploma or GED. Some college & computer literacy desired.• Strong persuasive and interpersonal skills and sales aptitude.• Must be a self-starter and a problem solver.

Compensation: Negotiable - DOE. Please e-mail resumes to [email protected]

Advertising & Editorial Due dates for

In The Black Newsletter

All completed orders for advertising and editorial content due by the 15th of each month.

Call for advertising rates 602 230-8161 or write to

[email protected]

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

. . . YOUR OPPORTUNITY to host an internship, make a difference in the life of a young person, and gain an extra set of hands to run your day-to-day operations!

This is your opportunity to participate in a summer youth employment program for youth ages 14 to 24. We are seeking busi-nesses to host internships for the selected youth. Through this Summer Program, businesses host youth for up to 200 hours of work experience paid and coordinated by the City of Phoenix and partners. We also have programs geared towards youth spe-cifically interested in Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, and Entrepreneurial careers and are always looking for quality partners in these areas as well. Flexible hours are available to meet the needs of your business and the paperwork to participate is mini-mal.

For businesses interested in learning more about the program, please attend our Information Session on April 21st. See flier at www.phoenix.gov/phxwc/businout.pdf http://lists.phoenix.gov/t/106525/77625/1275/0/

This session is specifically geared towards informing businesses how the program works and what the roles and expectations are of the participating youth and busi-nesses. This program is a partnership among the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department, PCDIC, BHHS Legacy Foundation and ATMA. Please feel free to call 602.534.6877 for more information and to RSVP for the April 21st session. Thanks in advance for your help in growing our future workforce!

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in theBlack05.0�.09 The Butler Did It

by Starla Muhammad

Muddling through the ordeal of buying a new or used car rates right up there with

visits to the dentist, waiting in line at a crowded DMV on a Saturday morn-ing and watching paint dry. OK, maybe it’s not that bad, but I think you get my point. I know for me and others, the entire process of buying a vehicle is intimidating, time consum-ing and quite frankly, frustrating. Wading through the tons of informa-tion and consumer reports, car fax data plus narrowing down what type of vehicle you want that fits your bud-get are just a few things to consider before starting your search.

Not to mention the actual visit to a dealership. Seriously, just drive onto a car lot (especially nowadays), and before you even park and turn of the engine, a salesperson latches on to you like a bee to a fresh yellow tulip on a spring day. And forget about telling him or her, “I’m just looking”. Please. And the way they sometimes huddle around the entrance to the dealership, it can make you feel like a small fish in the deep blue sea in the midst of a group of great white sharks ready to pounce on you, like in an episode of “When Animals Attack“. Now any resemblance to those living or not, is strictly coincidental. And of course, I’m exaggerating slightly. If you hap-

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in theBlack05.0�.09The Butler Did It

pen to be a car salesperson reading this, I genuinely mean no offense to you or your profession. Like all profes-sions, there are positive and negative. But for those like me, who just don’t care for the vehicle buying experience or would rather have someone else do it for you, help is here and his name is Koroun Butler, an auto buying consul-tant with AAA Car Buying in Tempe, AZ. With over 12 years of experience in the auto industry, coupled with his knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry he can help get what you need. Now what is an automobile buy-ing consultant you may ask? Mr. Butler’s job as he puts it, “is to meet with my clients, ascertain what their

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needs or desires are in a vehicle and match those needs and desires up with a variety of vehicles to make sure we find the right one for them”. In other words, he does the “stuff ” you don’t want to do. His pride comes in his confi-dence that he can get you the vehicle you want or need (within reason) and attempts to fit your budget. Now, if you make $10.00 an hour, don’t ask the brother to help you get a 2009 Lexus. Realism and practicality are key. And most of his busi-ness he says, comes from repeat referrals of very satisfied customers. “If I do my job the proper way, each client over time will refer four or five more clients if not more, to me.” he shares.

Here’s the help Mr. Butler provides if you become a client:

1. You and he discuss the specifics what it is you are looking for in a vehicle.

2. He searches for several different vehicles from a styling perspective to see what catches your eye.

3. He’ll then compare online information

such as safety, reliability on the vehicle(s). Next, he locates auto dealerships, contact-ing them on your behalf and arranges for the vehicle to be brought to you at his office to inspect and test drive. Or he’ll pick you up and personally drive you to the dealer(s) to test drive.

Per Mr. Butler, step three allows the client to test drive the vehicle without the undue pressure of having to make an immediate decision. By dealing directly with a dealer yourself, their goal he says, is to close the deal that same day because they know the “odds of the person returning if they don’t make the sale, are less than 15%”, he says. “I can remove that pressure from my client”, he continues, “and they know they are just going to go and drive the car with me so no one is going to be hounding them to buy”. Therefore, you can com-fortably pay attention to the vehicle details and determine if it is a right fit.

4. Once you have narrowed down your choices, he obtains pricing from several dealerships to get you the best price. He works with up to five different dealers within several vehicle brands to secure the

best pricing. He also researches transac-tions that impact bottom line pricing such as, tax rates, documentation fees, dealer add-ons and extra vehicle features.

5. Once the best price is secured and you make your choice, he arranges for the vehicle inspection plus detailing and for it to be delivered to you with all paperwork that needs to be processed and signed. The brother even makes sure you are comfortable with working all the controls and electronics on your vehicle before you drive off.

He assists in trying to arrange financing through AAA and can work with those who may have damaged credit. Mr. Butler can save his clients several hundred to sev-eral thousand dollars off the price of a vehicle. “My goal is to get the best price I possible can for my client, period.” he says. On the outside chance he can’t save you money, at the very least, he saves you valuable time. The car buying consulting service is a benefit to AAA of Arizona members or if you are not a member but are referred by someone who is, you can take advantage of this service and as part of the transaction you receive a one year complimentary membership to AAA of Arizona upon completion your vehicle purchase.

Koroun Butler gets a joy out of helping people achieve their vehicle needs while taking the stress out of the vehicle pur-chasing ordeal. “I like pairing peoples needs or wants with something tangible that meets that and seeing how good it makes them feel to have what they want”, he says. So, if you’re in the market for a vehicle but don’t have the time, tempera-ment or tenacity to deal with the dealer-ship yourself, contact Koroun at AAA Car Buying at 602-241-3044, [email protected] or visit him at his office at 4126 E. Valley Auto Dr, Mesa, AZ 85206. And when your friends and family see you riding around town in your new ride and ask you the details, just look them squarely in the eye and simply say, “The Butler did it.”

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BABY OF THE MONTH

CommunityCEDA Food Pantry located at 930 W.

Broadway RD, Tempe, AZ (NW corner of Broadway and Hardy) is currently seeking

volunteers to perform clerical work Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For

more information, please contact Ceda Food Pantry at 480-921-1990.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

SASHA MINGO - parents are Shalayla & Michael Mingo

SUBMITTED - GRANDMOTHER (Katheryn Wise)

Auditions for the Phoenix Boys Choir are now being scheduled for boys from 7 to 14 years old. Boys will be a part of one of America’s largest and most prestigious choirs and will join 60 years of excellence, go on national and international tours, earn a sophisticated musical education, learn multi-cultural music and make lifetime friendships.

Auditions are for three different levels of the Boys Choir - the Training, Cadet and Town choirs. Most boys begin in the train-ing choir and move up through their years of training with the choir. Auditions are held from April through October 1 for the Training Choirs and from April to June for Cadet and Town Choirs. To audition, boys must turn seven years old by September 15.

All audition appointments occur during after school hours, usually between 4 and 6pm. To schedule an appointment, please call our main office during regular business hours and speak with either Pat or Latesha. The number is 602-264-5328, extension 21

or 22. If you get voice mail, please let them know why you are calling and they will get back to you promptly. Auditions will be held at the Phoenix Boys Choir building at 1131 E. Missouri Ave.

The audition process is easy and takes about 15 minutes. Eligible boys should pos-sess an unchanged, clear and pleasant sing-ing voice and a good “ear” for music. Previous choir experience is not required and there is no need to prepare audition material. We will inform you directly after the audition if your son is accepted and at which choir level he will begin. We can also take a few moments to acquaint you with our program and answer any questions you may have.

Boys selected to join the choirs participate in rehearsals and concerts from September through May. Scholarships and financial aid for tuition and other costs are available.

For more information, visit www.phoenixboyschoir.com

AUDITIONS FOR THE PHOENIX BOYS CHOIR

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Ms. Anaiya Jadai Hall (8 months old). The proud parents are Angela Geordai and Anthony Hall.

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in theBlack05.0�.09Peace Tour/Block PartyIn a time of increasing violence, financial distress and economic frustration… it is important to stress and advocate the idea and promotion of peace. Come support this community’s cry to STOP THE VIOLENCE in their neighborhood. There will be local com-munity guest speakers, food, music and fun for all. So please spread the word to keep the peace in the streets and awareness in our communities. This will start a series of Peace Tours leading up to the 9th Annual “Stop the Violence” Peace Fest on October 4, 2009. We can help to stop the violence in our community by taking a stand in our neighborhoods, awareness and spreading the word of PEACE!

Presented By: Councilman Michael Johnson and B.E.A. Inc.Date: Saturday, May 23, 2009 Location: Vistas 13th Place and Roeser Rd Time: 3pm to 7pm.

Statistics: In 2004, 5,292 young people ages 10 to 24 were mur-dered -- an average of 15 each day. Persons under the age of 25 accounted for nearly 50% of those arrested for murder and 62% of those arrested for robbery in 2005. The number of youths involved with gangs has not declined and remains near the peak levels. The average age of a gang member is 14-21 years of age. However, gang members can be as young as 8 years old to the mid 30’s. 85-95% of all domestic violence victims are female. 1,232 women are killed each year by an intimate partner. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. Approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annu-ally in the United States. In 2008, there were 2069 violent crimes reported in the South Phoenix area.

References: www.hawaii.edu, www.charactercounts.org/resources/youthviolence, www.aidv-usa.com/Statistics, www.abanet.org/domviol/statistics, www.americanhumane.org, www.cityofphoenix.org/APPINTRO/crimesta.html

Peace Tour Schedule:May 23, 2009 - Vistas (S. 13th Place & E. Grove St) June 27, 2009 - Lindo Park (19th Ave & Roeser Rd) July 25, 2009 - Southern Ave & 20th Street (Hermosa Park) August 22, 2009 - Park South (21st Street & Violet Drive) September 19, 2009 - 7th Ave (7th Ave & Baseline) October 4, 2009 - 9th Annual “Stop the Violence” Peace Fest (South Mountain Activity Complex)

Councilman Michael Johnson

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The Pat Tillman Foundation has announced that the new Leadership Through Action™ - Tillman Military Scholars program has opened for applications on March 30, 2009 and will close on May 14, 2009. Those eli-gible for consideration are veteran and active servicemembers and their depen-dents (children and spouses.) Now in its fifth year, the Pat Tillman Foundation is proud to support these individuals that por-tray the very nature of leadership that it seeks to inspire in young people across the country.Tillman Military Scholarships may cover study-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, room and board, as well as other needs such as child care. The Pat Tillman Foundation will support the scholars through both the Foundation and select universities with existing servicemember support programs and enrollment.This new Leadership Through Action™ ini-tiative continues to support the mission of the Foundation to carry forward Pat’s leg-acy of leadership and civic action by sup-porting future generations of leaders who embody the American tradition of citizen service.“The Pat Tillman Foundation is honored to lend our support and resources to service-members, veterans and their families through our Military Scholars Program. The participants of this program will repre-sent every age and background and share a common connection through service to

their country and a commitment to reach-ing their highest academic goals,” said Pat Tillman Foundation Executive Director, Kadi Tierney.Eligibility for the Leadership Through Action™ - Tillman Military Scholars pro-gram includes the following:Veterans and active servicemembers of both pre- and post-9/11 service.Servicemembers who wish to start, finish, or further their education.Those whose benefits have run out or exceeded need.Servicemembers of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve.Servicemembers pursuing undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, 2-year, 4-year, public, private, vocational, and trade degrees or certifications.Dependants of servicemembers (children and spouses).Those whose benefits are not transferable from their mother/father/husband/wifeThose who are survivors of a servicemem-ber. Upon receiving completed applications, the selection committee will be looking for individuals that meet the following criteria: • Unmet financial need• Educational and career ambitions • Length of service

• Record of personal achievement • Compelling, thoughtful, genuine, and thorough essay question responses • Demonstration of service to others in the community and a desire to continue such service Applications are now available for down-load at www.pattillmanfoundation.org. Please note that applications will be sepa-rated into two pools: servicemembers and dependents.All applications must be postmarked by May 14, 2009 to be considered for accep-tance. About the Pat Tillman FoundationThe Tillman family and friends created the Pat Tillman Foundation in 2004, following Pat’s death while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan.In the aftermath of the attacks on September 11th, 2001, Pat proudly put his NFL career with Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. This decision was just one of many he made over the course of his lifetime to help others and serve a greater cause than himself.To honor Pat and young people like Pat, the Pat Tillman Foundation was formed to inspire others to make positive social change through the Leadership Through Action™ programs and scholarships for mil-itary servicemembers, families of service-members, and students across the country.

LEADERSHIP THROUGH ACTION™ TILLMAN

MILITARY SCHOLARS

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WA BETTER WAY

bbyby Lawrence Mathews

Do not think that “Love American Style” is real and natural.

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Style” (LAS) have one thing in common: they are both ideas about how relationships can be practiced. The major difference is that in the former (BW), you consciously choose to engage in the practice with a clear understand-ing that it is an IDEA. In the latter (LAS), the IDEA is uncon-scious so we believe it is REAL. We forget that it is an idea. Our minds become “set” in this so-called reality and it becomes normal. This view cannot be broken until we remember that LAS is not normal or real. Then we are able to choose another idea, a “Better Way” with a different practice.

ConclusionThe “Better Way” in male/female relationships occurs when expectations of wants and needs are eliminated. Relationships like this are free from disappointment, heart-ache and pain. We cannot be disappointed about anything until we have first had an expectation that something was supposed to happen a particular way. This new practice eliminates the reasons to be upset. What are left are many reasons to be content and happy. The feeling I get when I am unexpectedly surprised with unconditional acts and expressions of love is fantastic. Practicing a “Better Way” in relationships allows me to be open to receiving EVERY expression of love by my mate, which simultaneously allows me to be happy for greater periods of time. With continued and sustained practice, this new way is becom-ing normal for me. Do not think that “Love American Style” is real and natural. It took much time and practice for it to become our norm. It is my understanding that this idea did not come from the African-American, Native-American, Mexican-American, or indigenous peoples of the world. It is an idea born of soci-ety in the Western thinking world that became the norm simply because they have been in charge. Based upon the state of relationships today, this practice does not work for them and it definitely does not work for us.

They say that a sign of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different outcome. I have tired of insane practices in my relationships. I am now doing something different by adopting a new practice. Something that, for me, is a much “Better Way” of engag-ing in my relationships. It is working for me. I hope it works for you too! See you next month!

WA BETTER WAY

We have seen in the past two columns that “Love American Style” (the typical practice in male/female rela-tionships) is conditional. It equates love with the satisfac-tion of our wants and needs. The subject of this column is an unconditional practice, or “Better Way,” to engage in these relationships.

To have a loving relationship that is complete, fulfilling and unconditional, we must remove ALL of the conditions presently in it. Although I, like others, believed that satis-faction of my wants, needs and expectations was the cor-nerstone of my relationships, I now know that it was in fact the conditions that led to their demise. Heartache and painare what I created when my relationships were based upon wants, needs and expectations. I now realize that a “Better Way” of engaging in relationships with our partners hap-pens automatically once these conditions are removed.

There are two parts to the practice of a “Better Way” in relationships: the practice itself, and the mental mindset necessary to fully implement it.

Practical First, recognize that love has nothing to do with what someone does for you. That is not love. It is actually a severe form of egoism. Eradicate this idea. Second, prac-tice not having the expectation that your partner will do anything for you. Accept the following new idea: “If my mate does what I want them to do for me, then wonderful. If they do not, then that’s wonderful too.” Do not rely upon the old expectation. Adopt the new idea that it’s wonderful if they do what they say they’re going to do, but if they don’t, something unintentional must have happened which prevented it.

Next, practice accepting EVERY expression of love from your mate in the same way. Do not minimize or neglect any act. Do not maximize or glorify any specific one or two acts. If TRUE love is unconditional, why minimize or maxi-mize specific acts and expressions of it? You and your mate deserve to be appreciated for ALL that you do for each other, not just satisfaction of specific wants and needs.

MentalA “Better Way” (BW) in relationships and “Love American

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High school athletes, as well as middle-schoolers, will get the chance to improve their basketball skills in two summer camps offered by the South Mountain Community College Athletics Department.

SMCC coaches and players will host two basketball camps in June: one for individual players (for boys and girls), and one for teams (girls only.) The three-day camps will follow the same general training regimen used by the college men’s and women’s teams, including a focus on fundamentals such as dribbling, shooting, rebounding and defense.

Both camps will be led by SMCC Head Women’s Coach Cassie Sawyer.

The individual skills camp takes place June 17-19, and is open to boys and girls in Grades 6-12. Fee is $80 per par-ticipant.

The girls team camp takes place June 15-17. This camp is open to boys’ and girls’ teams and their coaches. It is intended for high school varsity and junior varsity teams, but freshman teams may be accepted at the discretion of staff. Teams must consist of 8 to 12 players and at least one coach. Fee is $200 per team.

Registration for both camps is now underway. All camps will take place in the SMCC Gym, 7050 S. 24th Street in Phoenix (just north of Baseline Road.)

For more information, contact SMCC Camps Coordinator Pat Mooney at 602.243.8239 or [email protected].

For additional information and an application form, visit www.southmountaincc.edu.

SMCC OFFERS SUMMER BASKETBALL

CAMPS FOR YOUTH, TEAMS

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SMCC OFFERS SUMMER BASKETBALL

CAMPS FOR YOUTH, TEAMS

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MUSIC

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CHICAGO BLUES HARMONICA ACE CORKY

SIEGELTO PERFORM CABARET

SHOW

Corky Siegel’s Chamber BluesMay 9, 2009, Saturday @ 8 p.m.Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Atrium

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will present Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues as part of the Infiniti Cabaret Series on May 9 at 8 p.m. The per-formance is sponsored by Infiniti and pre-sented by Arlene and Michael Lanes.

Performed in the Center’s newly renovated atrium, this intimate, cabaret-style show offers table seating for two to four people as well as wine and food available for purchase from Arcadia Farms. Tickets are available for $25 through the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Web site at www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org or the box office at (480) 994-ARTS (2787). Seating is limited.

Corky Siegel is known around the world as

one of the great blues harmonica masters. New fans and longtime followers of Siegel’s blues career have been quick to embrace his genre-busting Chamber Blues, which fea-tures Siegel on harmonica and piano, The West End String Quartet and percussionist Frank Donaldson. Fresh and innovative, this groundbreaking sound captures the spar-kling qualities of classical music merged with the emotional melodic style of blues, all within an intimate chamber setting. Chamber Blues has earned tremendous acclaim throughout the country and contin-ues to open new doors for classical and blues/jazz listeners alike.

Corky Siegel’s career began when he formed the Siegel-Schwall Band that toured the major rock palaces and clubs of the 1960s and ’70s. He was introduced to the blues through his very first steady engagement at the renowned blues club Peppers, where he performed with legends such as Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Siegel has since recorded numerous albums, including two projects for the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon classical label, and has performed as guest soloist with symphony orchestras world-wide, including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The Steinway piano is available for this per-formance through the generosity of Steinway of Phoenix.

HOW TO REACH USScottsdale Center for the Performing Arts7380 E. Second St.Scottsdale, AZ 85251Box Office: (480) 994-ARTS (2787)TDD: (480) 874-4694Web: www.scottsdaleperformingarts.orgE-mail: [email protected]: (480) 874-4699

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AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

FOR SALE - APPLIANCES

VARIOUS REFRIGERATORS All top freezer full size units. White

and almond colors. Four (4) to choose from. Sold as is.

First $150 each takes it home.

Brands include;GE - Whirlpool - Magic Chef

DISHWASHERHotpoint Dishwasher with black front.

Looks clean and works well. First $25 takes it home.

SERVICING ALL BRITISH IMPORTS

Coventry Motors is located at 4723 N. 12th Street - Phoemix 602.274.1234

Jaguar - triumph - MG - range Rover - Rolls Royce

If we can’t fix it, we won’t take the job in. You can count on us to give you a better value for you dollar than any

auto dealer.

FOR SALE - FURNITURE

Call 602.274.0101 to arrange pick up.North Central Phoenix area near

Glendale AveCASH ONLY

All appliances have been recently professionally

cleaned prior to move. Have been outdoor for

approx. one week. All in working condition and

sold as is.

LOST SMILE---REWARD FOR RECOVERY

I’m putting out a world wide web bul-letin to get everyone’s help. You see, I’ve lost my smile. I’m not really myself with-out it. I have a couple leads that give me hope, including a vague description. He appears to be between 40 and 55 years old, but may appear younger than his age. He is at least 5’7” (I am 5’3”). He is handsome and has a down-to-earth attitude, values, and personality. He loves R&B, Jazz. I have conflicting reports that he’s either bald, or has beau-tiful locks. He’s intelligent with his own career and not dependent on someone to support him. I can offer a reward of life-time devotion, long, slow kisses, mid-night massages, a partner that loves to cook and doesn’t mind sharing in the household chores, someone to wash your back, a shoulder to lean on, and someone who will hold you at night. If you think you may have found my smile, please contact me as I really need it to be myself. Thanks.

To claim reward contact; [email protected]

PERSONAL - FEM 4 MALE

FOR SALE - APPLIANCES

HOTPOINT WASHERHotpoint washer. Almond and works

well. Sold as is. First $75 takes it home.

VARIOUS REFRIGERATORS All top freezer full size units. White

and almond colors. Four (4) to choose from. Sold as is.

First $150 each takes it home.

TRUNDLE BEDFrame alone valued over $150. This

won’t last long. Full unit for sal, frame & mattress. First $100 O.B.O takes it

home.

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It’s just jokes people . . . . Something to keep you in stitches

WHEN GRANDMA GOES TO COURT

Lawyers should never ask a Mississippi grandma a question if they aren’t prepared for the answer.

In a trial, a Southern small -town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked, ‘Mrs. Jones, do you know me?’ She responded, ‘Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I’ve known you since you were a boy, and frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a big shot when you haven’t the brains to realize you’ll never amount to any-thing more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.’ The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, ‘Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?’ She again replied, ‘Why yes, I do. I’ve known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He’s lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking prob-lem. He can’t build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him.’ The defense attorney nearly died. The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said, ‘If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I’ll send you both to the electric chair. ‘

DO YOU THINK I SHOULD SELL THE BOAT?

Saturday morning I got up early, dressed quietly, made my lunch,grabbed the dog, slipped quietly into the garage to hook the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into a torrential down pour. The wind was blowing 50 mph. I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad throughout the day. I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed.

There I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipa-tion, and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible.”

My loving wife of 20 yrs replied, “Can you believe my stupid hus-band is out fishing in that shit?”

I still don’t know if she was joking.

IN MEMORIUM

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important per-

son, which almost went unnoticed last week. Larry LaPrise, the man who wrote “The Hokey Pokey”, died peacefully at age 93.

The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the cof-fin. They put his left leg in. And then the trouble started.

Jack wakes up with a huge hangover after attending his company’s Christmas Party. Jack is not normally a drinker, but the drinks didn’t taste like alco-hol at all. He didn’t even remember how he got home from the party. As bad as he was feeling, he wondered if he did something wrong. Jack had to force himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass of water on the side table and, next to them, a single red rose! Jack sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed.

He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house. He takes the aspirins, cringes when he sees

LEAVE ME ALONE LADY

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in theBlack05.0�.09WAYS TO TURN DOWN UNWANTED MEN Part II

HE : What would you say if I asked you to marry me? SHE : Nothing. I can’t talk and laugh at the same time.

HE : Can I have your name? SHE : Why? Don’t you already have one?

HE : Shall we go see a movie? SHE : I’ve already seen it.

HE : Where have you been all my life? SHE : Hiding from you.

HE : Haven’t I seen you some place before? SHE : Yes. That’s why I don’t go there anymore.

HE : Is this seat empty? SHE : Yes, and this one will be if you sit down.

HE : So, what do you do for a living? SHE : I’m a female impersonator.

HE : Hey baby, what’s your sign? SHE : Do not enter.

HE : Your body is like a temple. SHE : Sorry, there are no services today.

HE : If I could see you naked, I’d die happy. SHE : If I saw you naked, I’d probably die laughing.

READ THE CAKE FIRST

Okay so this is how I imagine this conversation went: Walmart Employee: “Hello ‘dis Walmarts, how can I help you?” Customer: “Yes, I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week.” Walmart Employee: “Whatchu want on the cake?” Customer: “Best Wishes Suzanne.” And underneath that “We will miss you”. Sad but true. This actually happened.

a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror.

Then he notices a note hanging on the corner of the mirror written in red with little hearts on it and a kiss mark from his wife in lipstick: “Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to get groceries to make you your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling! “Love,>Jillian” He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast,steaming hot coffee and the morning newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating. Jack asks, “Son... what happenedlast night?”“Well, you came home after 3 A. M., drunk and out of your mind. You fell over the coffee table and broke it, and then you threw up inthe hallway, and got that black eye when you ran into the door.”Confused he asked his son, “So, why is everything in such perfect order

and so clean? I have a rose, and breakfast is on the table waiting for> me??”

His son replies, “Oh THAT!... Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you screamed,”Leave me alone,lady, I’m married!” Broken Coffee Table $39.99 Hot Breakfast $4.20 Two Aspirins $.38 Saying the right thing, at the right time PRICELESS !!

LEAVE ME ALONE LADY

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Documents

In the Black