Moon Valley Tattler April 2023

Why Use an Estate Planning Attorney for Your Plan?

BY LIBBY BANKS, PLLC, THE LAW OFFICE OF LIBBY BANKS

I’ve been hearing lots of commercials on the radio lately offering discounted fees for trusts. Be cautious in using these services. Often, they are trust mills, or really out to get your money – they want to sell you an annuity or other product where the real money is made.

I often get calls from people who’ve used some of these companies. Many feel insecure about what they have. They don’t have the peace of mind that my clients tell me they feel when they leave my office.

Using a licensed attorney who is experienced in estate planning is your best option to get your plan done right. You get what you pay for and the cheap trusts offered by many are exactly that – a cheap version that is the same for every couple or individual that crosses their threshold.

When you begin your estate plan, it takes an investment of your time and attention, and you should expect that whoever prepares your plan puts in the time and attention as well. They should look at your specific situation, assets, beneficiaries and concerns in recommending a plan and in preparing the plan. With many of the companies advertising cheap trusts, even if the trust is prepared by an attorney, you may never even meet with the attorney. The attorney may not even be from your state. Since laws vary by state, that can cause your family problems later.

You want your estate plan done properly. If it isn’t, it may be too late before you – or more likely, your family – finds out. Without proper estate planning, your family may end up in court. If you are incapacitated, they may have to go to court and declare you unable to handle your affairs so one of them can be appointed as your guardian and conservator. If you are deceased, your family may have to file a probate to transfer your property to your heirs.

Experts know things we don’t. As an estate planning attorney, I know what to recommend for you based on your situation, your beneficiaries, your assets, and your goals and dreams. You may not know all the ways you can benefit your heirs, or all the ways you can cause problems for them with a poorly drafted will or trust. For instance, with the right estate plan, you can:

+ Rest assured that your family or friends can step in if there is an emergency and you are incapacitated, allowing them to make decisions about your medical needs and take care of your finances.

+ Avoid probate court proceedings at your passing & quickly transfer your property.

+ Minimize taxes, including capital gains taxes.

+ Protect your beneficiaries’ inheritances from their creditors and from their divorcing spouses or, for an irresponsible beneficiary, from themselves.

+ Assure that your spouse can use the money you leave for him or her, but also assure that after both of you are gone what is left goes to the beneficiaries you have agreed upon together.

+ Name the guardian you want for your minor children.

+ Designate that a Trustee governs the money spent on your minor children, and that person can be a different person than their guardian.

The cost of poor planning or no planning almost always exceeds the price of setting up a proper estate plan while you are alive and well. Putting the right plan in place and using an attorney who practices primarily or exclusively in estate planning, will save your family heartache and expense.

Call our office at 602-375-6752 for our free initial consultation to get started on your plan!

TBIRD NJROTC Win First GUHSD Drone Competition

Excellence continues at Thunderbird High School as the NJROTC cadets win the first ever drone competition for Glendale Union High School District schools. The first competition event was a detailed obstacle course where drone pilots had to navigate through a series of hoops. The second event was a speed slalom between two concrete pillars led by the team's top pilot, Cadet Lieutenant Commander Tre "The Red Barron" Harvell. Thunderbird took home the coveted "scorpion" medals.

To learn more about Thunderbird High School news, visit @ThunderbirdHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.

Change Your Thinking, Change your world.

I ran across this old story this month, and it truly resonated with me, it is justly in the eyes of the beholder, and the choice is always yours! The “Present” is a choice, remember it’s the best place to be.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.

He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.

‘Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.’

The origin and author of this letter is unknown.

Dawn Trapp

MOON VALLEY CC hosts locally based Military charity Golf Classic

On Monday May 1st Moon Valley CC will host Helping Hands for Freedom Heroes Golf Classic sponsored by Scott Roofing. This is the 9th year MVCC has played host to this great cause.

Helping Hands for Freedom www.helpinghandsforfreedom.org has a primary mission to support the families of the fallen, wounded and deployed with serious financial life needs such as mortgage/rent, car payments, utilities etc. HHFF also arranges special event experiences by taking Gold Star families (lost a loved one because of the conflict) or Wounded Veteran families, to ballgames, amusement parks and other entertainment venues.

Moon Valley resident and club member Eric Snelz chairs the event. His son did two tours in Afghanistan with the 1st Marines and returned with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD. This opened Eric’s eyes to the plight of other parents/survivors not so fortunate, so he decided to get involved with HHFF.

Presenting sponsor Scott Roofing is owned by Moon Valley residents Brian and Mike Scott. This is their second year as presenting sponsor. You can learn all about them at www.scottroofingco.com

You can sign up at www.hhffevent.com . Golf is a scramble format which kicks off at 10:30 with lunch on the patio followed by a 12:00 shotgun. There is a silent auction featuring Ping G430 irons, numerous foursomes from other courses and trips among other items. Az online auction will open two weeks before the event. The cost per golfer is only $300 which also includes on course beverages, lunch, and appetizers after golf during the awards presentation. If you cannot make golf, or just aren’t a golfer, you can donate $300 to sponsor a Wounded Veteran or Gold Star family member to play.

If you have questions about Helping Hands for Freedom or the event you can reach out to Eric Snelz at esnelz@helpinghandsforfreedom.org or via phone at 602 369 3642.

BRINGING OUR CHILDREN HOME: OPERATION ON THE WAY

By Frosty Kroening

On February 8, TamaraLynn Tadano made a quick presentation to members of the Black Mountain Community Alliance. The topic is a hard one to contemplate and confront. Our family had this happen to a niece. She now is the mother of four kids, has a master’s degree, and is the bookkeeper for her husband’s business. She was rescued. We were lucky. So many individuals are not.

Operation On The Way is a dedicated group of people rescuing exploited and trafficked individuals. Ms. Tadano described what “exploitation” means. It is “The act of selfishly taking advantage of someone or a group of people in order to profit from them or otherwise benefit oneself.” The forms are: 1) sex trafficking, 2) labor trafficking, and 3) domestic servitude in private residences. Each kind of trafficking was explained in great detail as to who actually carries out or employs the trafficking.

“Pimps,” for instance, begin by being a “boyfriend.” Other pimps control their victims by violence (Gorilla Pimps). There also are “Madams.” Victims are seduced by flattery and attention. They may be recent migrants, have unstable housing, be homeless, be using drugs, have psychological vulnerability, have economic hardship, have lack of a social safety net, be victims of natural disasters, or made outcasts as a result of political instability.

Victims are lured by violence, manipulation, false promises of high-paying jobs, or romantic relationships. Language barriers and immigration status often are reasons to target victims. There are six stages of “grooming” victims: 1) identifying, 2) gaining trust, 3) filling a need, 4) isolating, 5) abusing, and 6) controlling.

Here is the interesting information we need to know. For anyone witnessing trafficking there is what is known as “the bystander effect.” If many people are watching what is going on, people are less likely to report to police or groups that can help. We are urged to act as if we are the sole person witnessing a trafficking crime. We are asked to step up for the victim because it may save a life or many lives.

Continued on page 11

Flerish Thrift + Gift stores resell community donated goods to support Civitan Foundation, Inc. and the more than 300 individuals with disabilities they serve.

Flerish Thrift + Gift also works with Civitan Foundation, Inc. to employ individuals with disabilities who work to not only increase their career skills, but to also transform the donations Flerish Thrift + Gift receives into beautiful pieces for shoppers to enjoy.

Items We Need You to Donate

Clothing (current and in excellent condition)

Jewelry & Accessories

Shoes

Handbags

Furniture (Couches, End Tables, Desks, Dining Room Tables & Chairs, Etc.)

Housewares & Small Kitchen Appliances (Microwaves, Blenders, Co ee Makers, Etc.)

Home Décor & Art

Electronics

DVDs, CDs & Video Games

Senior Living and the Latest Technology

Fellowship Square Senior Living has partnered with Symbria, a national senior care alliance for non-profit retirement communities, to provide a unique exercise and wellness program specifically designed for seniors. Also known as SeniorFITness™, the Well-Being program offers one-on-one fitness instruction, exercise classes, and education sessions that enable seniors to stay fit, build strength and prolong their independence. Our Well-Being specialists use state-of-the-art technology to improve mobility and maintain the independence of our residents. KAMS Independent Living functional movement screen, by Kinetisense, incorporates motion capture technology and advanced machine learning to power the assessment tool. This 5-minute assessment provides information on the individual’s gait, balance, and functional movements, including any deficiencies in their range of motion that may indicate a fall risk.

Using the data gathered from the KAMS screening, our fitness specialists create a tailored exercise plan for each resident. Fellowship Square is the only senior living community in Arizona that utilizes this technology in its exercise and wellness program.

Our Well-Being specialist has tailored the Kinetisense program to improve and/or maintain a golfer’s swing.

I play nine holes of golf almost every week. At 86 years old, I do not hit the golf ball as far or as well as I used to. Mark used the Kinetisense program to help analyze my swing right there in the Fitness Center! He was able to give me some suggestions that helped me easily adjust my swing and improve my strength."

Hazel S., Fellowship Square Resident

Fellowship Square is a part of the Christian Care Communities established in 1979 as a non-profit organization to address the needs of our older population in north Phoenix. Fellowship Square is a fun, vibrant retirement community. A place where you can entertain life-long friends and family, develop new friendships, and enjoy new experiences. Moving into a senior living community isn’t about giving up your freedom and independence; it’s about choice. Fellowship Square offers continuing education, customized wellness programs, extensive opportunities to enjoy life-long hobbies, and outlets for new experiences. For more information or to schedule a tour call 602-833-7702 or scan the QR code provided.

“I know I am stronger, have better balance and am healthier because of my participation in the program." Evogene S., Fellowship Square Resident

Crossroads of the Adriatic

By Shannon E. Perry

Three weeks, five countries, six languages, six currencies, churches, museums, and forts, and a lot of walking. The countries: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Serbia, were all part of Yugoslavia and experienced strife and civil war during the 1990s as they sought independence from a communist regime. Remnants of attacks are apparent on the buildings. Many buildings were destroyed and rebuilt while others still have visible damage. However, the cities are beautiful with red tile roofs, abundant flowers, and cheerful people. Interestingly, one of our group had served in Bosnia in 1998-1999 as part of a peace-keeping mission. He added interesting comments by contrasting what he remembered with what exists today.

Our guide was Slovenian and spoke five or six languages. The Slavic languages are very similar, so he was able to converse and translate as necessary. We had to change currencies when we traveled from one country to another, so it became somewhat confusing with exchange rates and which currency we were to use.

We visited the Old Town and walked on city walls in Dubrovnik, Croatia, which were built between the 12th and 17th centuries and surround the city. In our one day in Montenegro, we had a walking tour of Kotor in pouring rain. Kotor is a charming city with narrow streets, abundant flowers, and interesting old buildings. I would like to revisit when the sun is shining. One of our group was very excited to have black risotto (creamy rice made with squid ink) for dinner.

In Sarajevo, the capitol of Bosnia-Herzogovina, we stood on the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated which lead to World War I. Sarajevo was also the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics which provided a contrast to discussions of war.

While enjoying home-hosted meals with two different families, we interacted with locals who lived through the various wars. We learned of their struggles and life today. During an overnight on a farm, we made cheese with milk from the local dairy which we enjoyed at breakfast the next morning. A potter showed us how he made his beautiful pieces. We then worked some clay to make our own creations.

In Slovenia, we toured fortresses and museums and explored Skocjanske Caves which are huge and beautiful. We had a 10 minute ride on a train to reach the deep interior of the caves. In Bled, we rode in a pletna (similar to a gondola) to visit a very picturesque church on the only island in Slovenia. In Motovun, we had a talk about and demonstration of truffle hunting using a dog to sniff them out. Within a few minutes, the dog had located a black truffle. A $10,000 white truffle had been found near that spot.

We visited both Tito’s birthplace in Croatia, and burial site in Serbia. A large museum displayed gifts he had received from leaders around the world. Some of the older people prefer the older times under Tito when there was certainty of employment, housing and food. Younger people enjoy the freedoms that exist today.

In addition to the planned tours in Belgrade, Serbia, two of us went to see “Tosca.” A wonderful experience in another part of the world with music that is universal. The soprano had a lovely voice, the set was excellent, and the opera house great acoustics, and was close enough to our hotel that we could walk to the performance. An interesting site in Zagreb was the Museum of Broken Relationships. Some very interesting and funny ways to break up a relationship which must have been therapeutic.

I came away with a better understanding of these countries, and an appreciation for the resilience of the people. It was a wonderful and educational visit to a part of the world about which I knew very little. And I am closer to my goal of visiting 100 countries!

Thunderbird’s Outdoors Club Visits Phoenix Herpetological Society

Excellence continues at Thunderbird High School as the Outdoors Club visited the Phoenix Herpetological Society. The Phoenix Herp is a non-profit sanctuary for amphibians and reptiles. During the club’s hands-on tour, students encountered exotic lizards, alligators, crocodiles, tortoises, and snakes. To learn more about Thunderbird High School news, visit @ThunderbirdHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.

My Dad is a Hitman:

A Misguided Dream of Wealth and Adventure (Fat Cat Publishing House, 2022) by Moon Valley resident B.C. Hix is now out in print and Kindle and ready to be devoured by middle school students and young adults whose interests veer toward action and adventure. Opening on the Amazon charts at number twenty-one, it quickly moved up to eleven and then gained notice as the number two Hot New Release. Originally from Oklahoma, B.C. Hix was raised on a large ranch where he spent the majority of his childhood learning the true meaning of hard work and perseverance. He grew up with a love for the outdoors, but found his true calling with a career in law enforcement and helping others. His law enforcement career has spanned 20 years, with the last 12 years being committed to protecting Native American communities across the country. For a brief time, he was also blessed with the opportunity to serve his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

As an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, B.C. Hix was fortunate enough to be raised in a family that fostered a love for creativity and learning with an emphasis on his Native American heritage. In his younger years, that creativity was expressed through painting. During his college years, however, he transitioned to writing. Writing gave him an opportunity to tell a story that no one had ever heard, or to describe a world that no one had ever seen.

Full of plot twists and a surprise ending, “My Dad is a Hitman” is an entertaining tour d’force for mid-level readers. Think of it as Ian Fleming’s James Bond for adventurous youth. Find My Dad is a Hitman on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Changing Hands Bookstores. Follow B.C. Hix on Facebook, TicTok, and Instagram, and find updates on the sequel on his website at  www.bchixauthor.com

Gingivitis or Gum Disease?

Has anyone ever mentioned “gingivitis” or “periodontal disease” and you wondered what they were talking about? Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. A sticky, white film called “plaque” contains bacteria and when introduced to sugars, becomes acidic and begins to attack the gums and teeth enamel. When left on teeth for too long, it hardens into calculus or “tartar”. When plaque and tartar collect at the gum line, gums become red, swollen and tend to bleed easy. Gingivitis is not necessarily painful however, if left untreated, gingivitis then turns into Periodontal disease (or gum disease), an infection in the gums.

According to a recent CDC report, gum disease effects roughly 47.2% of adults thirty years and older and increase with age, about 70.1% of adults sixty-five years and older.  Infection causes gums to pull away from teeth, bone can be lost and as a result, teeth may become loose or even fall out. Gum disease does not only come from poor oral hygiene. Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, crooked teeth, certain medications and more.

Treating gum disease can only be done by regular dental visits. You may receive such treatments like a “deep cleaning”, where you will get numbed for cleaning below the gums. In worse case scenarios, corrective surgery may be necessary.

To avoid getting gum disease, be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss often to remove plaque. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Lastly, see a dentist regularly to ensure your oral health. For any other questions or concerns about gum disease, feel free to contact AZ Family Dental! 602-922-5969 www.AZFD.com

What do you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste? What is your gut telling you about the situation? What are we supposed to look for if we suspect a child/ person is being trafficked? Bruises, hunger, tiredness (sleep denial is common), and medical problems. Is the person disoriented or confused? Where is he or she living? Is the child in school? Does the child have personal possessions? Are there “branding tatoos?” Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive? Is the person bragging about things that sound like trafficking? There are specific language patterns for trafficking. For instance, a “Quota” is a set amount of money a victim must make each night.

There are universal hand signals for victims to use to get help. Holding a hand with the thumb tucked into the palm, then folding the fingers down over the thumb (often held behind the back so the perpetrator will not see). In a bar if a person asks for an “Angel Shot” it means they need help immediately. “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING” means reporting suspicious activity you witness. Call 911 or one of the three following numbers:

1) National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-800 373-7888. (Live chat: www.humantraffickinghotline.org.)

2) Arizona Tip Line (877-429-8477, 3) National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline (800-843-5678) (www.CyberTipline.org).

We all are part of the solution to ending trafficking of vulnerable people.

Independent Living Skills

The Power of Community Involvement: Building a Stronger Neighborhood

in Moon Valley

As residents of Moon Valley, we all share a common goal: to live in a safe, vibrant, and connected community. One of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is through community involvement. When residents take an active role in their community, they can help to build a stronger, more cohesive neighborhood that benefits everyone who lives here.

At its core, community involvement is all about getting to know your neighbors and working together to make your neighborhood a better place. This can take many forms, from attending local meetings (like our monthly MVNA meeting) and events to volunteering for community projects and initiatives. By working together, we can build a sense of unity and pride in our community that helps to bring us closer together. This is what makes Moon Valley, Moon Valley.

One of the key benefits of community involvement is that it can help to increase safety in the neighborhood. When residents take an active role in their community, they are more likely to notice any suspicious activity and can work together to address it. This can lead to a safer and more secure neighborhood for everyone who lives here. We are limited to the number of patrol hours we have by the number of homes paying their security dues. This is where the community has to step up.

Community involvement can also help to improve communication among neighbors. By attending local meetings and events, residents can meet new people and build stronger relationships with those who live nearby. This can lead to a greater sense of connectedness and can help to foster a more supportive and caring community.

Another benefit of community involvement is

Meaningful Employment

Article by MVNA President Drew Hutchinson

that it can lead to a more attractive and welcoming neighborhood. When residents take pride in their community and work together to keep it clean and well-maintained, it can have a positive impact on the overall appearance and appeal of the area. This can help to attract new residents, businesses, and investment to the neighborhood, which can lead to greater economic opportunities for everyone.

In conclusion, community involvement is a powerful tool for building a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant neighborhood in Moon Valley. By taking an active role in our community, we can work together to make our neighborhood a better place to live, work, and play. So let's roll up our sleeves, get involved, and make a positive impact on our community today!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please get involved and support the Moon Valley Neighborhood Association at www.moonvalley.org. Questions or concerns can be sent to board@moonvalley.org.

It's the first program in her adult life that I’ve seen that actually practices what I believe is the mission which is to have the right sta in the right place to work with the special needs community and really help them develop and find their potential.

Vicki, Mother

Person-Centered Learning

I know from our experience how amaz ing it is for me to be able to send Jacob to a place where the sta is really well trained and understand how to interact with Jacob in a way that’s respectful and allows him to fully participate, and grow, and learn things, but not at a rate or in a way that’s frustrating.

James, Father

Community Exploration

Francis also asked and answered questions about fashion, style, and is interested in becoming a model through the FABRIC resources. She was thrilled to see the photography studio, make up and hair spaces, and the recording studio at FABRIC.

“I love dressing the mannequins and doing the display cases. I love seeing my work on display. My favorite thing is when a customer buys one of my mannequin displays. It makes me feel proud.”

Tracy, Member

Accessible Camping Experiences

They got great people here, and you’ll have a lot of fun, & you’ll enjoy yourself.

Kathy, Camper

Transformational Growth

Overall, my time at camp has made me realize a new passion I have for individuals who are not always understood and accepted as they should be…I will always believe that no disability should define any individual and their capabilities.

Briella, Volunteer

Anthony’s Story

It has been a nine-year journey since he walked into my class at Civitan, just for the fun of it, to now, becoming sta , and teaching members how to develop their skills just like he did. He has found his calling.

Merilee Adams, Art Director with Civitan Foundation

Let’s Talk About Alcohol

BY ANDY FEIGUM, FITNESS DIR. AT ANYTIME FITNESS

Alcohol consumption is a matter of choice, there are plenty of articles out there proclaiming its health benefits or listing reasons to avoid alcohol entirely. All I want to talk about is how alcohol impacts losing weight and/or building muscle.

If your goal is to lose weight alcohol definitely makes the process more difficult. Alcohol is not a macro nutrient like protein, fat, or carbohydrates. The body treats alcohol more as a nuisance and tries to process it out as fast as possible via the liver, which in turn interferes with the livers normal function of converting fat into energy, which then leads to the body simply storing the fat it would have normally converted into energy. Something else to consider is that alcohol has seven calories per gram compared to protein and carbohydrates at four calories and fat at nine calories per gram. These calories are not related to the carbohydrates in the drink, they are counted separately. A typical drink has approximately 14 grams of alcohol which equals 98 calories.

Alcohol can also make gaining muscle strength and size more of a challenge. Resistance training creates microscopic damage in muscle tissues. Then the body uses protein synthesis to rebuild the muscles during periods of rest, performing those actions repeatedly and consistently is what causes muscles to grow and become stronger. The healing process can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours or longer depending on the intensity of the exercise. Any alcohol consumed during this process can reduce or derail the muscle’s ability to recover and adapt.

Ultimately, when it comes to losing weight, building muscle, or just exercising to improve your quality of life, you should understand that it all takes time and dedication. Depending on how much and how often you drink, alcohol consumption is unlikely prevent you from reaching your goals but it is likely to take you longer to hit your target. Like most things, it’s a matter of choice, there’s room in most lifestyles for an occasional glass of wine or beer, just be aware of how it can impact what you might be trying to accomplish.

Just Ask Julie

BY JULIE PEK

Tattler reader, Gus, asked recently: “What home improvements get the best return on investment right now? I’m thinking about selling my house.” A year ago, it really didn’t matter what, if any, improvements were made. Homes sold in a matter of days and multiple competing offers became the norm.

It’s different in today’s market. Homes are taking longer to sell and homeowners need to showcase their property to stand out. Rethinking and re-prioritizing those home projects is a smart idea.

You can expect close to a 100% return on these projects: HVAC upgrade, garage door replacement, steel entry door, and stone veneer (exterior). Replacing windows usually brings in an 85-90% return. Kitchen remodels bring an 85% return. And a bath remodel will bring in a 67% return.* For any remodeling project, whether it’s glamorous or not, weighing the cost versus the return is a good idea if you plan to sell within 6 years. If you plan to stay and enjoy your home and possibly pass it along to a family member (because Moon Valley is the place to be), your list of home improvements will look different than Gus’!

If you want to learn more about getting your home ready to sell, call

*Various sources used to compile this data.

Following Up

MOON VALLEY MAGIC

BY DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER

MVM started as a spotlight on all that is good about Moon Valley, as well as the neighborhood schools when our boys attended them, but has now morphed into a transparent look into my soul. I thought I’d devote this month’s column to a follow up on prior topics.

I was super active in the schools and had a need to thank the wonderful women who came along beside me to help out at Mt. Sky Jr. High where I was the President of the PTO called SPICE for 3 years. It grew from there. Back then, Danielle asked if I could make it into a monthly column. I suggested The Magic in Moon Valley and she said it was too long, so I countered with, Moon Valley Magic (MVM) and my column was born. My boys aren’t in school anymore. Indeed, I don’t have boys. They are men now, college educated and employed. I teach outside of WESD, so I end up writing about all kinds of crazy things; my thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. I think I’ve written about my hair twice, and I feel another one coming on. I suppose I repeat myself sometimes too, as in real life, but while the topics are the same, the events are different.

Sometimes I bare my soul too much and am nervous to hit ‘send’ and actually submit something so deeply personal. Preparing Them for the Other Woman made me cry as I wrote it for Apr. 2011. Perhaps you are wondering if I really crept down the hall with my phone in hand already dialed to 911, ready to send, only to find out the deep voice I heard was my own son, not a burglar. Yep. . .I did.

I tried my best to raise Men of God, who would make honorable husbands and loving fathers. Gary helped tremendously, but my background made me the Spiritual Leader in our home, so it was really heavy on my heart. When I was a SAHM-stay at home mom, I joined a Bible Study group called ‘Homemakers by Choice’ (HBC) and while I was worshipping with those women, my boys were in the church’s preschool. They called it church school and it blessed them, so much so that I feared Jon would become a priest someday, as he was so spiritual. I want grandchildren and priests can’t procreate! He’d carry around his little children’s bible with a handle and call it his God Book! I’d hear stories from other moms who witnessed something spectacularly kind and loving from such a young boy, so I was concerned. I’m awful, I know. That’s how selfish I am.

I have issues and I am well aware that my ‘pet peeves’ are numerous. I hate streaky windows and people who put words in my mouth, pretty much lying about what I really said. Grammar is another pretty big one. The incorrect us of ‘myself’ makes my skin crawl. I’m always saying, “Everything in its place!” because not finding where things are, is the fastest way to annoy me. I’m moving at warp speed, multi-tasking and when I can’t find something now it’s very liable to set me off. There are more I could come up with, but I’d rather not!

I don’t have a hidden agenda in the topics I choose. My best ones are God inspired. I actually pray about what I should write and within a day I’m bursting with words I have to write down. They flow so easily I literally weep when I’m done. The best ones aren’t written by me. It’s all Him. Why He inspires me with ideas when I’m making my homemade chips and sipping wine, I don’t know, but that’s when I get most of them. If I don’t start writing, they consume me. I sometimes start my columns a month or more before I submit, then I go in and start tweaking. By the time I hit send, I’ve redrafted the drafts at least 20 times. I could never do this for a living.

So now you know. If it’s a good column that moves you, it was Him. If it was meh, that was me not asking for His help. To all of you who have followed me for the past 13+ years and voiced your concerns when I’ve been MIA (always my fault), Thank You!

A Nugget in Our Neighborhood: Shadow Rock Preschool

Since 1974, nearly as long as the Moon Valley neighborhood has thrived, Shadow Rock Preschool has been a part of our lives. Eileen Hoard, the first director and founder, envisioned children learning through play using open-ended art whereby the process is more important than the end product. Shadow Rock’s play-based, open-ended, art-oriented, experiential preschool has been a community asset. The strength of Shadow Rock is its teachers and its values. A variety of weekly schedules are available for children ranging in age from 18 months to four years.

Former teacher and preschool director, Marilyn Rampley said, “All of us learn by doing. It is the easiest way we can learn, all of us by just doing it. With children, when they discover something - it is theirs, they discovered it.”

This philosophy has remained as the school standard for nearly fifty years. Barbara Zaborowski, who worked as a teacher at Shadow Rock for more than thirty years, feels the Shadow Rock method of learning is essential for the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of the young students at the school.

Preschool Director Liz Curry says, “It’s been a privilege being Shadow Rock Preschool’s director for the past few years. The relationships that I share with our teachers and families bring me joy every day. Multiple opportunities are offered for children to form a solid foundation for future successes. We believe our children are ‘unique and unrepeatable,’ but we also offer opportunities for children to form a solid foundation for future successes.”

Registration is now open online at www.shadowrockpreschool.org. For more information or to schedule a classroom tour, contact Director Liz Curry at 602-993-0050 or director@shadowrockpreschool.org.

preschool reunion: Shadow Rock Preschool graduates - now college students! - recall the beginning of their friendship.

Profit from your home

The main thrust of the April, 2023 edition of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine is aimed at managing your finances in these challenging times. There are several articles under the banner of “Special Report – Profit From Your Home.” These are great reading, I highly recommend them.

The two articles that particularly interested me were about Reverse Mortgages, and HELOCs (home equity lines of credit) and home equity loans.

In “Turn Home Equity Into Income in Retirement,” Sandra Block lays out the rudiments of a Reverse Mortgage along with advantages and disadvantages. The most cogent thing in the article, to me, was when she cited Steve Irwin, president of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. He explained that the primary reason seniors secure a Reverse Mortgage is to eliminate a mortgage payment. This instantaneously increases cash flow by the amount of the principal and interest payment on the current mortgage. The borrower(s) are still responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees.

Irwin went on to say, “there is no benefit to waiting if you need money now.” Rising rates and an economic downturn could diminish the amount that is available to borrow.

We are talking about HUD’s version called a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage). FHA insures this version and indemnifies both the lender and the borrower against default by the other. There are other really nifty proprietary versions offered by some lenders, which are more beneficial to higher priced properties, but not insured by FHA.

The minimum age requirement for a HECM is 62. The older the borrower, the more they qualify for. Fifty percent equity in the home is a rule of thumb, and it must be your primary residence.

There are many advantages to this version – too many to lay out here. There are some disadvantages as well. It is best to get with a knowledgeable Reverse Mortgage specialist and explore your options. Perhaps talk with several. The old saying, “knowledge is king” really applies. One caveat that I always try to convey to my RM borrowers is that this is not beneficial as a short term loan. To make it worth-while, the stated goal should be to remain in the home for at least five

years. Shorter than that, it can be pretty costly.

The next article is entitled “Cash In on Your Home Equity,” by Emma Patch. She explains how home equity loans and HELOCs work. She delineates the advantages and differences between the two.

I have had a couple of HELOCs. They were great for my purposes. On the versions that I had, I was required to pay interest-only during the draw period, and the interest factor was very low. At some point (usually after ten years) the draw period ends and you have to start paying back the amount drawn plus interest. It gets kind of sticky then, however, my lender offered to reappraise my home (at no cost) and rewrote my original loan to begin all over again. This is great if you are young enough and have good cash flow. Then the interest payment is just part of your monthly operating expenses.

In my opinion, this is not a good fit for older borrowers. Suppose you take out a HELOC at age 72 and the repayment phase kicks in at 82. WOW, who wants that? I recently spoke with the representative of a borrower who was well into her 90s. She had a HELOC and the repayment phase was about to rear its ugly head. The repayment payment on close to one million dollars, sounds like a foreclosure waiting to happen.

Both of these loans have real benefits when applied correctly. If you need money now, there is no advantage in waiting. Get with trusted, knowledgeable loan officers and discover your options. Talk to several – you will be glad you did!

Maintenance and Prevention

It looks nice. We just have a few changes. On the top take o the x rays because we are not doing that right now.

Friday we are open from 8-12 we treat shingles via/ take o massage

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Truer words have not yet been spoken. This particular phrase comes from one of the great minds in history…Benjamin Franklin.

Please send one more proof, thanks

I marvel at the fact that so much of our life particularly our time, money and energy are spent on upkeep, or maintenance of particular “things”. These “things” range from significant “things” such as our homes, our cars or trucks, boats and toys, to the lawnmower, or our air conditioners, computers, printers, etc. If you think about it, almost every “thing” in life requires maintenance. And for all those other “things” that are not maintained, well we use them up until they no longer can serve their purpose and then they are promptly disposed of and replaced.

Maintenance is a big part of what we do on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly basis. To think about the reasons why we maintain these inanimate “things” in our lives the answers are pretty obvious: for proper functioning, for longevity, to avoid bigger more expensive problems, to avoid having to replace it because replacing it is expensive. These reasons make perfect sense. So why do most of us neglect to maintain the most important “thing” in our lives… ourselves?! Our bodies need maintenance! Our bodies require at least the same upkeep as those inanimate “things” plus some because of the additional stresses we as individuals have. That we as living beings have. Our bodies endure far more stresses than our homes, cars, ACs, mowers, etc. We have physical stress, mental stress, chemical stress, nutritional stress, repetitive stress, postural stress, overworked and unrested, stress we put on ourselves, and so on. So lets apply these principles of maintenance to ourselves. Proper functioning- this is chiropractic philosophy- biomechanics. The brain-body connection. Every cell, tissue, organ functions because the information sent and received from the brain. This information travels along the nerves. Subtle misalignments that often aren’t detected through symptoms interrupt this axom. Longevity, not only the quantity of life but also quality of life. How we feel on a daily basis? Fatigued, stiff, achy, dull pain, sharp pain, numbness, tingling, etc. Many people are so conditioned to these experiences that they don’t remember what its like to not feel this way. To avoid bigger more expensive problems: chiropractic treatments help keep healthier spines and joints which lead to healthier individual overall. It reduces the risk of injury and illness. To avoid having to replace it because it’s expensive. The average cost of a hip replacement for an uninsured individual is $40,000. And for the insured, typically several thousands of dollars depending on the insured’s coverage. Then there’s physical therapy, post op appointments, check ups, time missed recovering and so on. And what about the parts of the body that can’t be replaced, our immune system, our nerves, our spine, or the central nervous system?

We instinctively act on these premises that make maintenance a major part of our lives, yet so few apply it to the most important “thing” in our lives… our own bodies. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”!

To health!! Dr.

Jamey Reichow

Pedaling an E bike

BY LEON TRY ME BIKE SHOP

E bikes are made in 3 classifications. Class 1 requires pedaling to engage the motor. Class 2 and 3 have a twist grip or thumb to engage the motor. Most people in the United States are buying class 2 and 3 bikes. So people are sitting on there E bikes getting no exercise. Seens like sitting on a easy chair holding onto a bike handle bars. Could be a false hope for getting fit. Though you do get outside as you ride around the block. Prices have come down and parts are easier to get. So E bikes are here to stay. Until the next big new thing stay tuned. Pedal some and get fit!

Stuart Hansen, Trish Hansen Kerr and Brad Hansen

Tanner

I can always count on him to get me back on the course.” -Craig R.

Start Pain Relief Early With Chiropractic

When it comes to spinal pain, it’s a big mistake to limit the conversation to adults. In fact, anyone at any age can suffer spinal pain, which makes chiropractic care essential for people of all ages. What’s more, research shows that even in adolescent, teen and young adult populations, chiropractic is effective at relieving pain.

BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC

Reunion of Friends Sunday: Still Rockin’ On

Shadow Rock UCC invites you to a Reunion Sunday on April 30th at the 10:15 worship service with activities, photos, food, and connection following. The church, located at 12861 North 8th Avenue, and Moon Valley folks have shared 50 years of partnership with its vision of inclusion and justice. This vision through the years has included direct action and service, programs for children and youth, radical hospitality, and progressive theology. Come join the celebration if you’ve been a part of the journey in any capacity. Reunion Sunday is an opportunity to reconnect with those who’ve been a part of your lives, who’ve touched your hearts and spirits, who’ve shared your values.

Case in point: a study published in  Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice that evaluated chiropractic management of younger people (ages 10-24) with spinal pain. All study participants had spinal pain in one or more of the four regions of the spine (cervical – neck; thoracic – upper- / mid-back; lumbar – low back; and sacral – bottom of the spine / tailbone).

Patients showed “statistically and clinically significant improvement on the numeric rating scale (NRS) in all four spinal regions following chiropractic management,” which included spinal manipulation and other techniques commonly performed by chiropractors under their scope of practice, including mobilization, soft-tissue therapy and other modalities. Simply put, chiropractic relieved some or all of their pain.

By the way, while this study evaluated children as young as age 10, research also suggests chiropractic care is effective – and necessary – for children at any age, including infants. Birth / delivery trauma, childhood falls, poor posture, excessive sitting / slumping and a variety of other life events can cause spinal pain. Talk to your doctor to learn more about how anyone can benefit from the power of chiropractic!

Innovative programs for children and families such as Shadow Rock Preschool, summer programs Marketplace and Earthlings, and drama workshops have been attended by both church and community members. Weekly worship and holiday services as well as Solstice concerts, yoga classes, and visiting scholars are welcoming to all. Shadow Rock’s social justice focus has evolved to reflect community needs and values. The church has stood with refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ people of all ages, Family Promise guests (unhoused families), teens seeking inclusive sexuality education with Our Whole Lives, and families experiencing hardship and grief. Collaborations in the community have included 12- step recovery groups, Desert Progressives, homeowners groups, the Fusion Foundation, other faith groups who share a vision of inclusion, Phoenix Conservatory of Music, and No More Deaths.

Golden Anniversary events are planned throughout 2023. Fall 2023 brings a Celebration Dinner (September 23) and a community art show (opening November 18). Details for these events will be available in the Moon Valley Tattler and online at www.shadowrockucc.org.

You are invited to these opportunities to celebrate the last fifty years of this amazing institution while helping us look forward to the next fifty. Bring your voice and your gratitude. Moon Valley, come celebrate!

Photo: The Shadow Rock Sanctuary shows the beauty of our community and puts us "in the best light."

Business Directory

Distribution Information

box of confidential documents to take to a shredding event. Bring any amount of paper for shredding to ABCO Shredding Services located at 2640 E Rose Garden Lane, Suite 4, in Phoenix 85050.

You may watch the shredding of your documents 8am until 2:30 pm M –F or just drop them off from 8am until 4pm. Either option will have a Certificate of Destruction on your receipt.

The cost for paper shredding is only $.55 per pound or a minimum fee of $15 if the weight is less than

Check out our website www.abcoshredding.com for information on other items that can be shredded such as hard drives from your computer tower or laptop, iPads, tablets, cell phones, CD’s/Floppy

Call us at 623-748-8480 if you have any questions. Thank you! Looking forward to seeing you soon!

ISO Antiques

Buying Antinques & Collectibles - selective online sales. Call Cheryl - 480-229-3376 - Emailbackintheday@cox.net

Clear Advantage Window Cleaning

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Piano Lessons

PRIVATE ONLINE & IN

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THE MOON VALLEY TATTLER, LLC

info@mvtattler.com

moonvalleytattler.com

602-765-0902 @moonvalleytattler

St. Teresa of Avila. Join us for Mass! Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. Shadow Rock UCC, Education Building Chapel, 12861 N. 8th Ave., Phoenix. ALL ARE WELCOME! Stavila.org

Weight Loss for healing and increased energy. 15 year experienced practitioner of Eastern Medicine, Acupuncture, and Herbs. Etherealbodyworks.com. Email etherealbodywork@gmail.com

Brown Jordan Patio Set: 42” Round Table, 6 chairs, 2 side tables, 2 chaise lounges. Impeccable condition. Best offer. 602-390-1035

Drywall Repair & Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Cleaning Services

Britt Harms | Owner & Operator Moon Valley Resident

Britt Harms | Owner & Operator Moon Valley Resident Over 20 Years

602-741-5166

Glass Cleaning Specialist performing highest quality detailed PERFECTIONIST work every time. Tracks/Sills/ Screens/Sunscreens cleaned.

15+ yrs. exp. Free Estimate. Owner Operated. Moon Valley Resident. Joe Albert 480 228-5453

Emerge from these times playing piano! All Ages. Positive, patient instruction. How you learn makes a difference. Play songs you love. Feel accomplished. Startup 2 free lessons + books. www.PianoKeysToMusic.com

Music Educ/Pianist

Established MV Moon Valley Studio. 602.971.0089

Valerie Thomas

Drywall repair and texturing Popcorn ceiling removal Water damage Electrical and plumbing patching. In business since 1980 Furnished Homes our Specialty Licensed and Bonded Mike Collins Acoustics 623 582 4325

CAREGIVER: Available for Work

15 years experience. If interested please contact Susan at 602-4812481 for more information. Thank you

Residential Homes,Commercial Businesses, Move in / Move outs

One time, Weekly, by-weekly or Monthly

Free estimates, call Molina 602-326-2780

Nurse’s Assistant

Nurse’s Assistant available for in home care. Call Rebekah at 602-907-8358.

Gary Grover

GROVER CHIROPRACTIC

Adam and I celebrated our anniversary last month, and duh, we are nothing like when we met 12 years ago…

For those catching up with this column, Adam and I actually met online – for all ye olde Millennials – through OKCupid, when it was free and not an app on your smartphone.

After putting the kids down one night, I headed to Adam’s office where he plays World of Warcraft and I just bum around on Instagram, as we both lightly rewatch The Quantum Leap reboot or The Office reruns together.

I was scrolling through a TikTok book recommendation account and came across Murakami – an author I have never, ever, ever, been interested enough into reading in the past, but then slightly considered it upon Adam’s approval, because:

“Hey, isn’t Haruki Murakami one of your favorite authors?” I asked him.

“No.” I was kinda stunned. There were a few of his novels stacked on his bookshelf.

“Your OKCupid profile said otherwise, Ad..” And then I realized, “Adam, they’re on your Facebook profile, too.”

“I was trying to be a cool indie rock kid and impress you,” he confessed. “I read those in college. Don’t have much memory of them.”

And then we started stupidly laughing about the once upon a time us that had zero reflection of our 2023 parental lives.

Though it seems obvious, we are just not those same people who were passionate about Dave Eggers and 826 Seattle, Coachella or Sasquatch, vodka tonics or merlot, downtown Phoenix bar hopping, or Pacific Northwest road trips along the I-5.

So, we did a quick pulse on the staple

dating profile questions, for now:

And, dang: It was so ingrained in our age and kids.

Cross-country road trips? No, we are flying. Just want to get there, come back, and be in the comfort of our home.

Favorite movie or TV show? Well, we’re with the kids 75% of waking hours, so whatever Brynn agrees to. Turning Red on Disney Plus for me and Cupcake Wars on Tub for Ad.

Favorite wild date night? We both agreed it was the Thai joint down the road. No way we are driving any more than 1520 minutes out of the way. As long as we are home by 8 – and that’s being generous.

Favorite music? Adam’s still indie rock there, but I never realized how much I enjoyed Meghan Trainer (Brynn’s obsessed with “Dear Future Husband”).

Then I asked, “So, what’s been your favorite year of marriage?”

“This one.” Completing our family with Henry, watching Brynn grow as a sister and social butterfly in Kindergarten, living in our forever home, loving where we live surrounded by mountains, hot air balloons, and the lake down the road.

But more importantly… Adam and I know each other inside out – and we value one another more because of it. That’s not an intimacy found through empty questions.

We built that – this love, and life.

And I am grateful.

Brighid Constable is a Tempe, Arizona native with an RPG-loving husband, a wild daughter in kindergarten, a forever-smiling baby son, and a rescued cat and dog. When she’s not editing digital media, she is dancing to Sofi Tukker on a road trip up north or falling down the Mindy Kahling television rabbit hole. She has written for Hello Giggles, Scary Mommy, and Phoenix magazine, among others.

Handy Dandy Classifieds Form

Dr.

A NEW ROAD AHEAD

Chris wrote, “Grandma, my stomach began churning and a big dark cloud came to rest over my heart.”   I understood.  When I mentioned the word ‘hospice’, he thought I’d be leaving in six months.

My job now is to convince Chris that we don’t know how long I’ll be around. Who knows?  Maybe sixty months. (Although I hope not that long.)

Why am I on Hospice?   Basically because I’m 95.  I have COPD.  There’s a bunch of other medical terms on my chart.  I don’t know which one will “get me,” but I’m not worrying about it.   A selection of pills to keep me comfortable arrives every two weeks.  If  I’m concerned, there’s a button on my phone “Help Valiant” that brings 24/7 attention.

I can’t say “I’ll never change my residence again.”   I can say I’m going to enter the Comfort Zone which is what Hospice is all about.   I feel like I’ve moved to a new land with no restrictions.   There might be some swamps, but a couple of neat nurses will help me through them.

When help was offered on the shower, like any red-blooded American old lady, I replied, “All I need is someone standing by . . . “  Then after about thirty seconds, I told Maria, “It would be nice to have my back scrubbed.”  That felt so good, I added “You could help with the lotion on my toes . . .  “   And thus I enjoyed the comforting massage on my legs and arms and back.

An oxygen machine is coming to be my companion.  I said, “No,” then   changed it to “Sure, why not?”   These people know my aches and pains and I’ll learn to listen to them.

I asked “AI” (Artificial Intelligence) for suggestions on this letter.  Here’s what she had to say:

Hospice is like having a personal team of superheroes to help me manage my symptoms and improve my quality of life. They’re making sure I’m comfortable, so I can enjoy my golden years to the fullest.

I know that some people might think that Hospice is only for those who are nearing the end of their lives, but I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. So don’t worry, my friends and family.  I’m just getting a little extra TLC from my new Hospice buddies.

Sending great big hugs along the road to you – mom, grandma, friend, Mariam

P.S. Amazon has been giving large discounts on a few of my books.  I don’t know how long these prices will last.  But if you’re missing any and/or want to give nice birthday presents, now is the time! https://amzn.to/36fWoQO

BLOCK WATCHER BY BLANCHE LUKES

Integrity Wow heavy duty. Just think about it a minute. What would life be like without integrity. Would there be trust? Would there be fair trade? Would there be respect? Basically those questions say it all. Lets take each one and elaborate a tad.

Trust. How could you negotiate anything if you could not trust the person you were in negotiations with. Would they even complete the commitment! If so, would it be reasonably in compliance with what was intended? Would you even want to interact with that person? Now it gets complicated. What if the person is a family member or a co worker, or even a client! To be in integrity one is not in lack, so the dictionary says. Hum Lets keep it simple. Do what you say you committed to do. Strive for the highest sense of the occasion. That is the expectation as such.

Fair Trade. We thrive on the interaction of our fellow man with I give you this and you give me that. Product, commodity even an idea. Again it is fair to expect the interaction is what was intended?

Respect. Another biggie. Seems like a lot of people have lost touch with that one. Surely if they understood it they would not throw at people verbal garbage, slander, lies and stuff we see in print and via the media. Those striving on sensationalism thrive on it and many times it is out right lies.

I always like to honor our men and women in blue. Our UN sung local heroes that keep us safe. I recently found out that one of our active police officer comes from a lineage of two others in his family with a total of 96 years of serving our Phoenix community from one officers family. That speaks volumes of their commitment to our community.

I can say it often enough, Let’s honor those that serve us, be it police officers and those in the military. And if you have a few extra prayers send them to the leaders locally, nationally and world wide. They are making decisions that affect us all.

Don’t forget GAIN Day October 21,2023 Plan a picnic on your block! Blanchelukes@cox.net