Jan. 2012 MNA Board Meeting

Happy New Year Miramonte!

Please follow this link to the agenda items and details for the upcoming board meeting at 7pm, Wednesday January 11, 2012 at the Ward 6 office.

There has been a lot of talk lately on the Yahoo Group of break-ins. I invite anyone who would like to discuss, and find out about actions like creating Neighborhood Watch groups on your block, to attend the MNA Board meeting.

Happy Holidays and hope to see you at MNA events in 2012

We take a break from board meetings in December, but we will resume with our typical second Wednesday schedule in January! Things are happening so keep tuned. We also welcome new ideas and people so please keep in touch and join in.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.

Kelsi Montgomery
MNA President

Tax Credit Donations – Give to our Neighborhood Schools

It’s time to think about giving tax credit donations to the schools that serve our Miramonte Neighborhood.

Below is an email from a Sam Hughes party explaining the importance of this opportunity to the neighborhood, but don’t forget, the TUSD schools that serve the neighborhood based on geography are Peter Howell Elementary, Sam Hughes Elementary, Mansfeld Middle School and Tucson High School, and they could all use our tax credit donations.

Please refer to the miramonte.org website for more information concerning schools in the About section.

“Dear Miramonte Neighbors,
Did you know that Sam Hughes Elementary is your neighborhood elementary school? You can support Sam Hughes schoolchildren for free by participating in the Arizona tax credit program. The tax credit program allows you to designate your state tax dollars to a public school like Sam Hughes, so that your tax dollars stay right here in your neighborhood. This letter will tell you how easy it is to help without costing you anything.

Because of deep budget cuts, Sam Hughes now relies completely on tax credit funds to pay for the programs that support and help keep learning exciting: Chess, physical education, reading tutors, field trips, and music. These extra-curricular programs aren’t just fun – it is proven they help students learn the basics!

Some folks wonder, “Do Sam Hughes students really need my tax credit dollars?” Yes! One in 3 Sam Hughes students receive free or reduced price lunch. A school qualifies for federal Title 1 funding if at least 40% of students are enrolled in the free/reduced lunch program. Sam Hughes School misses this 40% threshold and therefore does not receive Title I funding. Comparing per pupil spending at Sam Hughes against a Title I school, the difference is clear: per pupil spending is much less at Sam Hughes School.

You can dedicate up to $400 for joint filers; $200 for individuals; any amount makes a difference! You will get every dollar back as a credit on your state income taxes, reducing what you owe or increasing your refund by the amount you designated. It is always best to consult an accountant to discuss your personal situation.

You don’t have to have school-aged children to participate. The public and private school tax credit programs are separate, so you can participate in both.

Earn your tax credit by participating by Dec. 31st.
* Online with a credit card at: www.samhugheselementary.org
You will receive a receipt immediately.

* Or, mail a check made out to “Sam Hughes Elementary School”
to 700 N. Wilson, Tucson, AZ 85719.
The school will mail you a receipt.

Control your State tax dollars and support education at your neighborhood public school. If you pay Arizona taxes, you can direct a portion of your State taxes to Sam Hughes Elementary. Why wouldn’t you invest in your neighborhood and the students who attend your neighborhood school? This is a win-win opportunity: Sam Hughes students benefit from extra-curricular classes, and your property values are protected because a successful neighborhood school makes your neighborhood a desirable place to live. It costs nothing to reroute your taxes so that Sam Hughes students, and ultimately your neighborhood, benefit.

Please support Sam Hughes Elementary with your 2011 tax credit dollars. The Sam Hughes Elementary community is so grateful to neighbors for keeping our school, your neighborhood school, a special place for learning. More information can be found at www.samhugheselementary.org. Please contact me at 881-1463, afbosco@yahoo.com with any questions. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for your consideration.
With Gratitude,
Amy Bosco, Tax Credit Committee Chair”

MNA November Board Meeting

Please follow this link to the agenda items and details for the upcoming board meeting on 7pm, Wednesday November 9, 2011 at the Word 6 office.

This will be the last board meeting of the year! We will resume in January.

MNA Halloween Party in the Park 2011

It’s time again to stroll over to the park and enjoy our annual Halloween celebration!

When: Saturday October 29, 2011 at 3pm
Where: Miramonte Park (corner of E. 3rd St. and Ritchey Blvd.)
Who: Everyone
What: Refreshments, costume parade, a free pumpkin raffle for kids (every child will receive a pumpkin while supplies last).

Come and enjoy a trick or a treat with the neighborhood!

We’ll also be signing up volunteers for the 2-week park monitor slots. Help us check on the park and make sure that litter is kept in check and graffiti is reported.

October 2011 MNA Board Mtg

Please follow this link to the agenda items and details for the upcoming board meeting on Wednesday October 12, 2011 at 7pm.
Among other things, we will be discussing the 3rd Street/University Bicycle Boulevard plans for our neighborhood. You can find out more about the City’s Bicycle Boulevards here.

Hope to see you at the meeting!

National Night Out 2011

MNA September Board Meeting

After a couple of months off, we will be resume our second Wed. board meetings on September 14th, 7pm, at the Ward 6 office. For more information regarding location, please click this link.

Agenda:
-the upcoming Halloween Party in the Park (October 29th)
-Miramonte Mailers, a project started by Ruth Beeker and Marilyn Russell for distributing neighborhood newsletters and information beyond the one mailing per year paid for by the City.
-Neighborhood Signage
-Land Use Committee Update (Richard Alexander)
-Treasurer’s Report (Sandee Reynolds)
-Approval of past minutes (Connie Gerritz)
-Misc. updates and other items

National Night Out Update

The national date of the crime prevention and awareness event is the first Tuesday in August; however, in Tucson, August is prime thunderstorm season which has proven an obstacle for outdoor celebrations.
So… the date for Tucson national night out is now the first Tuesday in October! MNA plans to join with the Palo Verde Neighborhood and other midtown neighborhoods at Catalina High School for a family friendly event with TPD.

…more details to follow.

Miramonte in the news (KUAT)

Miramonte contributes to a discussion of abandoned/foreclosed apartment properties in the City of Tucson.

Click here to view the story and video.