November 2007
Bank Note$ - News You Can Bank On
Volunteer of the Month, Rick O'Neill
Rick O'Neill was nominated by Suzanne Smelser, who wrote, "Rick O'Neill has an amazing admiration for kids in our community. It is incredible to watch him during the height of the Deer Valley High School marching band/football season. After working 55 plus hours a week in a demanding job, he picks up a rental moving truck on Friday afternoon and is at the high school at 4:30 to load the truck with band equipment to get to the football game. Rick attends every band function to be sure the students are in correct uniform; water, ice and snacks are made available; equipment is in perfect working order; and he recruits band parents to volunteer."
"In addition to those duties as our fearless band booster president, he coordinates fundraising activities to benefit the award winning band. He balances volunteer community work, marriage, and being the father of three children. When I recently asked him where his energy and enthusiasm come from, his response was 'I do it for the kids."
ACB Welcomes Ann Nestler
President and CEO Arlene Kulzer is pleased to announce that Ann Nestler has joined Arrowhead Community Bank as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. In this position, Ann will be responsible for fostering the growth of the Bank by servicing and maintaining existing banking relationships, and by developing new relationships -- familiarizing prospects and clients with ACB's extensive menu of deposit, investment and loan products. Ann is a seasoned commercial lender and underwriter and is looking forward to integrating herself into this West Valley community by participating in service, civic, and social organizations.
Ann has more than 31 years of experience in banking. She has held several positions throughout her career in banking with a primary focus on commercial and high wealth lending.
Amy Lou Blunt, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, says, "I am very excited that Ann has joined the Arrowhead Community Bank team. She brings a fresh energy and enthusiasm, along with a depth of experience in credit and common sense that should truly enhance our lending team."
Food Banks Face Crisis
Ginny Hildebrand, Executive Director of the Association of Arizona Food Banks, says that the 15 percent rise in Arizona food prices, coupled with other economic downturns, has resulted in a sudden sharp increase in demand for food bank services. "It's a crisis. The shelves are empty. Supplies are down, so we're purchasing groceries at record breaking levels. Even though food banks leverage donated funds to buy three times the food an average shopper can acquire with the same funds, the current increased purchase prices of food impact food banks, too. The challenge to both the private charitable programs and government assistance is to solve this dilemma, and the solution starts with individuals, specifically you and me.
Ginny recommends four simple steps to combat hunger: (1) Food. Donate food at every possible opportunity. Non-perishable food is the key component of emergency food boxes. (2) Funds. With every dollar a donor provides, food banks can purchase three times the amount of food through leveraged mass buying. Please be generous! (3) Friends. If your friend may be eligible for help, urge him or her to apply. (4) Focus. Keep up with what is going on in the public policy arena that applies to helping low income households meet their basic needs, then talk with your elected officials. For more information, see www.azfoodbanks.org, or call 602-528-3434.
New York Times article: "Food Banks, in a Squeeze, Tighten Belts" (Nov 30, 2007)
Theater Works Announces Black Tie Event
Theater Works will present its inaugural black tie event, The Sweetest of Nights: A Cabaret Gala. Scheduled for January 26, 2008 at the theater's new home at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, the gala will feature renowned New York cabaret singer and recording artist, Karen Mason. Karen has starred on and off-Broadway and on television. She recently received rave reviews in Gypsy, and originated the role of Tanya in Abba's Mamma Mia.
The gala will include a cocktail reception before Karen's performance. Following the performance, guests will enjoy a dinner catered by SKYE Fine Dining, and dancing on the plaza. For additional information, visit www.theaterworks.org, or call 623-815-1791.
Artists of the Black Community (ABC) Through December 16
Through December 16, the West Valley Art Museum in Surprise is hosting the annual ABC (Artists of the Black Community) exhibition. Local artists from around the Valley participate in this eagerly anticipated show. Among this year's artists are William Palmer, Rhonda Shakur Carter, Helen Osmond, and Archie Cole.
This year's exhibit promises to be an enriching, varied, and exciting experience for visitors to the Museum. The show runs through December 16. For more information, visit www.wvam.org or call 623-972-0635
Don't Forget Your Reservations.
The 17th Annual Poinsettia Tea will be held on December 2 at 2:30 p.m. at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort, 6333 North Scottsdale Road. All proceeds will benefit Beatitudes Center DOAR, a nonprofit, interfaith organization. Reservations are $55 per person, $29 of which is tax deductible.
In addition to tea and holiday delights, guests will be treated to entertainment provided by writer/performer Kathleen Buckstaff, and classical guitar music performed by Maryanne Kremer-Ames of Lyra. Emcee for the occasion is Kristine Hedlund, publisher of Phoenix Woman Magazine. For reservations, call 602-274-5022. Additional information is available at www.centerdoar.org.
Wellness Tip: Right Nutrition for You
Did you know that if you adopt a Qualified Retirement Plan prior to 12/31/07, you can receive the tax benefit in 2007, even though you have until 9/15/08 to fund the plan? For more information contact Dennis Landauer, Arrowhead Community Bank, 623-776-3817.
Consult your tax advisor.
Save the Date
- November 3, 2007
- Officer Anthony J. Holly Memorial "Poker Run" Motorcyle Ride
Telephone Debbie Charlesworth at 623-776-0800 for more information - November 19, 2007
- 3rd Annual Il Primo charity golf tournament benefiting the Glendale/Peoria YMCA
Telephone Mike Stallone at 602-405-9443 for sponsorship opportunities - December 2, 2007
- 17th Annual Beatitudes Poinsettia Tea, 2:30 p.m., at the Scottsdale Hilton Resort.
Marsha Oakes at 623-776-0800, ext. 126 for more information - January 26, 2008
- Theater Works presents its inaugural black tie event: The Sweetest of Nights: A Cabaret Gala. Call 623-815-1791
(Tom Roth and Donald E. Clifton, PhD, from How Full Is Your Bucket)
