• Passports are recommended even if not traveling internationally.
• Fly in the day before and pay for a hotel…added expense, but worth it to not worry.
• Book cruise with a travel agent, but book the air fare through the cruise line. That way if flights get canceled or delayed, the cruise will get you onto another flight or hold the ship for you.
• If you pay for the ‘plus’ feature, use it by reserving the fitness classes & restaurants ahead.
• Don’t try to eat your money’s worth and definitely don’t take too much, you can always go back for more. The food is endless.
• Buy excursions and photo packages ahead, they get more expensive onboard.
• Tipping the cabin steward is separate from the rest of the crew, so if you buy the ‘crew appreciation’ pkg, plan on bringing more cash for your steward.
• Tip the excursion operators; they aren’t part of the ship.
• Laundromats are available all over, with ironing boards, so don’t over pack.
• Pay off your credit card before you go.
• Buy cruise line gift cards ahead at Fry’s. Get the fuel points and use the gift cards as credit on your account to pay for onboard shopping. If the gift cards are purchased far enough in advance and fully paid for, it’s like shopping with free money.
• Experience the onboard shows, movies, comedy nights etc. they are very well done.
• Use the stairs, elevators are wonky. ie: if you’re going up, but someone steps in and presses a down button, you are going down. The stairs are much faster.
• Manners Matter! Say please and thank you! Wait for the elevator to empty before cramming yourself in. It’s shocking how many people don’t understand this.
• Wait to buy your transfer from ship to airport from guest services and tip bus/shuttle drivers!
• Wear an antitheft body bag/sling so personal items are kept close and safe.
• When shopping on shore, look for stores locally owned, they have the best prices.
• Pack insect repellant, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, scopolamine patches.
• Plan on getting lost on the ship. Every. Single. Day. Just chalk it up to more exercise.
• If going to Alaska pack rain gear. Princess Cruise line does Alaska the best.
I learned most of this on my own, but I attended a Tips and Tricks class on the ship and learned more. My friend Jessica was on an Alaskan cruise 3 days ahead of us and got rain the entire time. So much so, that they didn’t even disembark at their last port, they were too wet. We had perfect weather. Alaska is supposed to have a lot of mosquitoes, but we never saw one, depends upon your excursions. Alaska DOES get dark at night.
8 different Tattler issues went traveling on this cruise!
TRAPPED IN MOON VALLEY
What, Why, When and Where??
Is that reallly too many questions?
This is usually either a huge debate or giggly session my husband and I quite often have.
“Shh, stop asking so many questions. It’s not polite.”
That’s a line from the movie My House in Umbria (2003), starring Maggie Smith. When an 8-year-old girl asks Smith’s character a flurry of questions, her mother stops it short. This is indeed more of his belief, whereas mine is MUCH different and has been for many years.
The standing joke we have had for more than 25 years is:
“That is not a question on the tax organizer, so I have no clue!” (Ed is a CPA)
Me on the other hand having been a travel agent and newspaper publisher, along with other jobs see it as my duty to ask, and ask, and ask…
Albert Einstein once said:
“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.”
Some of not wanting to ask questions may have started in school. How many of you sat quietly, head down, never making eye contact and absolutely would not have raised a hand to ask a question? And again, there are those , that had many questions, maybe did not understand the lesson, but felt to conscious, embarrassed or shy to ask. But how will you learn? Again, just another question.
Is asking questions impolite? Curiosity for some is socially inappropriate, or taboo, and many sayings still exist: curiosity killed the cat, don’t ask, don’t tell, ask me questions and I’ll tell you no lies, these old sayings actually do stifle many conversations and have many believing the questions put people at risk for either party, the asker or askee.
But how will we know, where to go, what to do, when it is… or just how someone feels, or what they need if we don’t ask questions. I’ve also read that successful people do ask many and better questions and therefore get better answers. So, to sum it up, do not be surprised when I see you on the street, that I ask not only how are you, but there will be at least 10 more questions to follow!
What did you do this summer?
We want to hear about it in the Tattler along with great photos!
We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who supported the Moon Valley Grill over the years.
To our loyal customers, dedicated employees, business associates and all of our many vendors and suppliers who have served our business for 15+ years, we know that without the support of this wonderful community (MOON VALLEY), we could not have done it without you.
Thank you again and cheers to Jay on your new business! The Moon Valley Grill is officially under new ownership, effective July 19, 2024. Stop in and meet your New neighborhood restaurant owner; Jay Bisignano!
We were also honored to partner up over the years, with some local charities that are near and dear to our hearts; Huskers N Arizona, We Care Foundation of Arizona, the Pat Tillman Foundation, Lookout Mountain and Mountain
Sky (WESD), and Thunderbird High School (GUHSD) to name a few. Thank you all for choosing the Moon Valley Grill to host your fundraising events over the years.
We hope to see you all at the Moon Valley Grill, as we plan to enthusiastically support the new owner and we truly wish them many years of success.
Barb and Roger Lindstrom (GO HUSKERS!)
Welcome to Integrative Physical Therapy and Wellness!
I’m Kimberly Jacob, a passionate physical therapist dedicated to your well-being. With a focus on holistic healing, I offer specialized services in Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy and Quantum Biofeedback.
Both are wholistic healing modalities that offer various benefits toward total Well-Being to assist the body to flow into a state of balance.
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy, a gentle hands on technique, works with the body’s natural rhythms to release tension and restore balance in the body. It can help with issues such as chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and trauma
Quantum biofeedback is a non-invasive technique that uses biofeedback to help the body achieve a state of balance and harmony. It can provide insights into the body’s energy imbalances and help realign them, leading to improved overall health, stress reduction and well-being.
Both modalities can help improve energy flow, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support the body’s natural healing process. They are gentle, safe, and can be used as complementary therapies alongside traditional
You’ll find me at Pinnacle Springs Chiropractic, 19820 N 7 th St suite #135 in Phoenix where I blend science and compassion to empower your
I have practiced physical therapy since 1986, spending the first 25 years working at Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital, working with patients who suffered neurological trauma.
I learned that healing has many sides and is deeper than just physical.
When I’m not helping clients, you’ll find me learning new techniques, hiking, yoga, meditation and gathering with friends and family. I have been a Moon Valley resident for over 35 years.
Let me be a part of your path to wellness!
Schedule your appointment today on my website www.integrativetherapywellness.com
Better Together - National Charity League Moon Valley Chapter & The Assistance League of Phoenix
BY JENNIFER & CAROLINE TEFFT
National Charity League is a non-profit women's group started in Los Angeles, CA in 1925. It is the first mother daughter charity and has many chapters around the country that partner with local charities to help support them through volunteering. NCL members donate nearly three million service hours annually to more than 6,000 charities in the United States. Moon Valley is lucky to have its very own NCL Moon Valley Chapter founded in 1997, which also won the Outstanding Chapter Award in 2013. This local chapter works with more than 30 different charities throughout the year making Moon Valley and the greater Phoenix area better every day.
One of the ways the NCL helps us contribute to our community is by volunteering at the Assistance League of Phoenix Thrift Store. The staff and volunteers at the Assistance League always make us feel so welcome. There is a strong sense of community at the store that keeps us coming back to help them. The long-term volunteers are talkative and always available to advise us if we have any questions.
The work available upstairs at the thrift store is plentiful and always changing from counting hangers, taking inventory of the back stock items, researching values to determine pricing or steaming clothes. My mom and I stay busy when we are there. Downstairs the work includes receiving donations, tidying up the sales floor, helping wrap up and pack purchases and assisting buyers with goods out to their vehicles. All the proceeds made selling pre-owned merchandise at the store at 7044 N. 7th St. go to fund some incredible programs that serve children.
Children in crisis across the valley, high poverty newborns and K-8th graders are the communities the Assistance League of Phoenix endeavors to assist. Their largest contributions to Phoenix are given through Operation School Bell. This back-to-school mission employs 40 ft mobile dressing centers known as Delivering Dreams buses. The buses are retrofitted to include shelves of new clothes and shoes, a waiting area, a shoe fitting station and dressing rooms. Students are fitted and allowed to try on the appropriate sizes before they make their selections.
After working to help make the money the Assistance League takes in, we thought it would be inspiring to volunteer and see some of the ways the proceeds are given back to the community. On a steamy summer morning in downtown Phoenix, we met our fellow volunteers and boarded a decked out Delivering Dreams bus. Well before the event began, and in the uncomfortable heat, the line of eager children waiting for new clothes and shoes was long. We got the task of fitting shoes at this get ready for school shift. We measured feet and distributed socks. Some of the students couldn't wait to enjoy their new footwear and wore their new shoes and socks right off the bus! We saw so many smiles and got so many children into a quality pair of correctly sized shoes that we decided to come back next summer. We ended our shift with hearts full of gratitude and a renewed interest in serving our community through the powerful partnership NCL Moon Valley has with the Assistance League of Phoenix.
We invite you to discover this and many, more transformative mother daughter opportunities with the Moon Valley Chapter of the National Charity League. Check us out at Facebook: NCLincMoonValley, Instagram: NCLMOONVALLEY or online at https://www.nationalcharityleague. org/chapter/moonvalley/ You'll never be the same.
Rookie Mom: Yup, Getting Lost In Marriage Is Totally Normal.
Not only do I feel like a rookie mom everyday, but also a rookie wife sometimes. (Despite being married for 10 years and together for 13.)
Recently, I had a friend who was sharing how she feels like she lost herself in her marriage, after 8 years and one 2-year-old daughter.
And I couldn’t help but silently empathize.
Later, I vaguely asked my husband if he felt that way in our marriage, and he said, “Of course. But I think that’s natural.”
Then we laughed over our interests 10 years ago and how they’ve just disappeared and matured.
For instance, I used to be really passionate about writing before marriage and kids. Like writing for my favorite online outlets and regional magazines. Speaking with Sophia Rossi, one of my prized publishers for Hello Giggles, at Changing Hands Bookstore, or even serving as a contributing writer for North Phoenix Moms Blog.
And teaching. I used to adore teaching drama and journalism. Getting creative with kids, making those connections, and watching them grow into who they want to be in college and beyond. But this life compared to 12 years ago – even 5 years ago – has definitely changed. Instead, my passions fall towards my children’s – my family’s – wellbeing. And then I question when and what will be in store for me.
To be completely honest, I’m turning 40 in January, and I don’t really know what my hobbies or passions are at this age.
Am I allowed to say “sleep?” Because I will nab that when my 2-year-old is napping and immediately shut down after a bit of meditation and Reiki after 9 p.m. Or what about completely dissociating with a show I’ve seen a thousand times?
Don’t get me started on friends. I’ve always had an odd hodgepodge of friends, but now the closest thing to them really is my family and then one of two off-the-cusp moms of my daughter’s friends.
I’m not saying the grass is greener on the other side, but I am saying on this side of the fence, I’m feeling a little stuck.
Because I don’t want to lose myself in my marriage and my kids; I want to be a pillar for my family to look up to.
Which yes, they do in ways. Like everyday stuff such as picking up the kids from school, grocery shopping, staying with them all summer and entertaining/ teaching as best as I can, cleaning the house, just trying to survive parenthood.
Yet, I can’t be the only one who feels this way, knowing that it might feel like a “stuck” place right now with marriage and family, but that – with time – life (and your interests) get better and stronger.
Right?
Follow me on Instagram at @brighid.constable to join in on the conversation.
Important Update on Bulk Trash Changes
BY DREW HUTCHINSON, PRESIDENT MOON VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Attention Moon Valley Neighbors,
We want to inform you about significant changes to the City of Phoenix's bulk trash collection program that will affect all of us starting September 30, 2024. This new system is designed to streamline the process, making it more convenient and efficient for everyone. Here are the key points:
What's Changing?
• New Appointment-Based System: The current quarterly collection will be replaced by an appointment-based system. You will be able to schedule pickups online or over the phone starting August 30.
• Flexibility and Convenience: This new system aims to reduce illegal dumping and improve the overall cleanliness of our neighborhood by allowing you to choose a specific time for bulk trash collection.
Important Guidelines:
• Placement Rules: You can place bulk trash out for collection up to nine days before your scheduled appointment. Ensure items are at least 5 feet away from fixed objects and not on water meters or next to parked vehicles.
• Dos and Don'ts: Please separate green organics from bulk trash, securely bag smaller items, and cut tree trimmings to the specified sizes. Avoid including hazardous materials, construction debris, large appliances, and loose debris.
MVNA Community Proposal
To maximize the benefits of this new system, the MVNA is proposing that we, as aneighborhood, schedule two group pickups annually, coinciding with our traditional garage sales:
• First Weekend in March
• First Weekend in November
This way, we can collectively manage our bulk trash more efficiently, ensuring our neighborhood remains clean and orderly. This is ever so important during the holiday season when we have thousands of visitors to our Moon Valley neighborhood. I will coordinate with the city to secure these weeks for our bulk pickups, providing a convenient solution right after our garage sales.
How to Participate
Once we work out the details with the city, we will share all the details and instructions. Your participation will help make this initiative a success and contribute to a cleaner, more attractive Moon Valley.
Flat tires are no fun you have to fix it or walk your bike home. Last week while riding I had a thorn pierce my rear tire. 14 miles from home didn’t want to fix it I do that every day. Sitting on a park bench I pulled the thorn out. This caused white sealant to spray out. Rolling the wheel so the spray is at 6 o’clock made the leak stop. Fixed an on my way home. Tire is still holding air one week later.
What is this white milky substance it is latex or liquid rubber that stays liquid until it is exposed to air. There many brands Stans an Orange or two that I have used. Latex sealant is a good addition to good tires an tubes it works well. Don’t let a flat spoil your ride. Ride safe.
Let's work together to adapt to these changes and keep our community looking its best. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact the MVNA board at www.moonvalley.org or visit the City of Phoenix's bulk trash page at www.phoenix.gov.
Stay Connected
For more information and to get involved, visit www.moonvalley.org or email us at board@moonvalley.org
A Masterpiece of Inclusion: 80-Year-Old Art Director and Civitan Members Create Stunning Desert Mosaic
Mural
BY TAYLOR COLE
On the west-facing exterior of Civitan Village, a remarkable 22-by-14-foot mosaic and painted mural now brings a vibrant desert landscape to life. This stunning piece, completed by members of Civitan Foundation’s Art Core Program under the guidance of 80-year-old art director Merilee Adams, stands as a testament to the creativity, inclusion, and community spirit of people with disabilities.
The mural, which took three months to complete, was a collaborative effort involving eight talented individuals with disabilities. These artists were not merely participants but were deeply engaged in every aspect of the project, from conceptualization to the hands-on work with new materials and tools. Accommodations were thoughtfully made to ensure that each member could contribute according to their abilities and interests.
For Adams, a third-generation artist and a pioneer of Civitan’s art program, the project exceeded all expectations. “The mural took on a life of its own that was much bigger than any of us expected and has been an incredibly empowering journey for the members who have, over time, truly developed into fine artists,” she shared. “They learned new techniques, overcame challenges, developed stronger beliefs in their abilities, and felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment for creating a masterpiece with their own two hands.”
The mural’s centerpiece is a striking 14-foot mosaic cactus, crafted entirely from donated tile and windshield glass. Flanked by additional painted cacti and set against a backdrop of desert mountains, the scene bursts with color and life. Various desert plants, including prickly pears, enhance the landscape, while hand-painted depictions of local wildlife, such as a bobcat, eagle, jackrabbit, quail, skunk, coyote, and tortoise, add to its vibrancy.
Creating this mural was a complex process. Members measured, sawed, sealed, and grouted wood before securing the intricate mosaic designs. The mosaic portion, covering 50 square feet of the mural, was installed with the help of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services and BAE Systems, while the remaining 250 square feet was painted.
This project not only beautifies Civitan Village but also symbolizes the
foundation’s mission to enrich the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful and creative endeavors. Visitors to Civitan Village can view the mural and learn more about the foundation’s work. Additionally, the Art Core Program members sell their creations in galleries at the Village and at Flerish Thrift & Gift, a retail shop staffed by Civitan Foundation members that supports the nonprofit.
The Civitan Foundation invites the Moon Valley community to visit and experience this incredible artwork firsthand. For more information, please visit www.civitanfoundationaz.com
Sunnyslope High School Alum Receives Congressional Award
Sunnylsope High School alum Colin Lifshitz was invited to Washington DC to receive his Congressional Award over the summer. Lifshitz received this honor after logging over 400 hours of community service, 200 hours of personal development, and 200 hours of physical fitness. Colin met with both of Arizona's Senators and met Representative David Schweikert while in DC. To learn more about Sunnyslope High School news, visit @SunnyslopeHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.
Glendale Union High School District’s Graduates Earned More Than $109 Million in Scholarships
The 2023-2024 Glendale Union High School District school year ended with excellent measures of success. 3,000 students graduated from all nine of GUHSD’s high schools this year, and the Class of 2024 earned more than $109 million in scholarships. Sunnyslope High School, Thunderbird High School and Washington High School received a combined total of over $41 million in scholarships. GUHSD is incredibly proud of the Class of 2024’s achievements and wishes all of the graduates continued success in their future endeavors.
Save the Date for Open House
High school is a critical time for your teen’s academic growth. Stay involved and support their success by attending your local high school’s Open House! It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet teachers, learn about the curriculum, and get a glimpse of your teen’s daily school life. Check your school’s website calendar for details on dates and times.
To learn more about GUHSD’s news, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.
From Left: Alongside Art Director, Merilee Adams, four of the eight participating Civitan artists stand proudly with the mural. From left: Kira, Mark, Merilee, Brian, and Allison.
THE DUTCH COLONY: WHAT DOES MANHATTAN ISLAND
HAVE TO DO WITH INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM?
By Frosty Kroening
There are many books named “The Island at the Center of the World.” However, the one by Russell Shorto likely is the most interesting. In great detail, Shorto provides a play-by-play history of how New York City became THE CENTER for trade. It, and the Netherlands, also became centers of individual freedom from the continuous religious and monarchal battles that had been taking place in Europe. The English kept their monarchy.
The ideas of freedom came from Greek, Roman, and European philosophers who reflected on how people can live together. After a long war with Spain, the people in Holland demanded freedom from control over their lives. They declared that their jobs in life were to be neighborly and tolerant, working together for a peaceful world rather than tearing everything apart.
Indeed, the leaders of many European countries came together and decided not to fight wars anymore. This was in the 1600s. Wars did happen after that. But, in the spirit of that European agreement, New Amsterdam slowly became the city we know as New York, a center of creativity for the new country and the world. The leaders and people practiced tolerance. It was not easy, though. A military man named Stuyvesant tried to exert control his way. Another man named Van der Donck worked tirelessly, both in the Dutch New Amsterdam colony and in Holland, to bring individual freedom from repression to the New World. He wanted Native Americans to be treated respectfully and fairly. He wanted the people from all over the world who had migrated to Manhattan Island to be welcomed and allowed to prosper and add to the excitement of the explorations and “settling” the land. He found his way around many closed doors. He was inspired to create a colony with freedom at its center.
England invaded the Dutch colony, but, after the settlers gained back control in the Revolutionary War, people in New York and surrounding villages kept the idea of freedom alive. The author stressed that the Dutch are not given credit for being the first nation to try out the freedom way of living. It does require individual responsibility in order to earn freedom. It may always be so. Freedom is precious and deeply dependent on unity of “us chickens,” as Mom would say! She was a hoot and totally committed to ending what she called “savagery” of any kind. Thanks, Mom, for teaching me to be aware of how precious “civilization” is.
Moon Valley Women’s Club Member Spotlight –Carol Wilson
About two years ago, Carol Wilson joined the Moon Valley Women’s Club (MVWC) to network with other women with shared interests. Carol is a retired Dean of Rio Salado College where she specialized in adult learning and online education. Her degree is in human resource management with an emphasis on training and development. She’s been a Moon Valley resident for 37 years and together with her husband JD, visited 49 out of the 63 national parks. They share a real love of animals and nature.
Between her travels, Carol has found time to volunteer with the MVWC, and is the newly elected Secretary of the Executive Board for 2024-2025. Her former work experience helped her gain organizational and communications skills which she brings to her new volunteer board position.
As common with most volunteer positions, Carol admits to being coaxed by a MVWC member to get involved. So far no regrets! Carol participates in the Mahjong activity group.
Carol is also a proud mother of three daughters and one bonus son. She is a grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of two. For more information on MVWC, visit https://mvwomensclub.org
At Pet Spa, our stylists have over 10 years experience and practice a no fear way of pampering your beloved pup. We take our time with one on one appointments that are limited to a small amount of pups coming through our doors on a daily basis. They are never put in a cage. This approach allows for a calm stress free environment for our stylists and the pups we care for.
From start to finish, your pup will be pampered by their own personal stylist. We care about the health of your pup’s skin and coat and use luxury products hand mixed to their specific needs. We also give them a relaxing blueberry facial with facial massage that they love. They are towel dried then gently hand blow dried. They are then given a mani/pedi, ear cleaning, teeth enzyme spray, face, feet, and sanitary trim with a cut and style to your liking. They leave us happy, looking great, smelling amazing, and so soft to the touch. We do things di erently here and strive for the health and happiness of the furry members of your family.
Try our luxury skin and coat spa soaks. Keratin Soak, Detoxifying Mask, Protein Conditioner, or Medicated Spa Treatment. Your groomer will decide what will be best for your pet based on their skin and coat needs.
Making Memories Before it’s too Late
MOON VALLEY MAGIC
BY DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER
Making memories fulfills me and I don’t want to run out of time making them. Memory in and of itself is priceless. Sometimes Gary and I both feel like we’re aging out of the ability to have any! We seem to get more and more forgetful. I don’t put too much importance in dates. I have never subscribed to having a birthday month for example. It just sounds so selfish. Gary and I celebrate our birthdays in September - 4 days apart. We’ll be 65 and 66 *gasp! Family, old high school friends, neighbors and many other people we love have September birthdays….so why would we claim an entire month for ourselves? I also don’t get hung up on celebrating events on the exact date. Frankly it’s just not feasible sometimes. Now that our boys are men in love, we’re willing to celebrate a major holiday on another day, just so we can have them all. Filling our kitchen table for
The mystery box
BY DR. SANDI HOWLETT
Yesterday I discovered a box that had been packed away in the garage for over 25 years. It was heavy, dusty, and bulky. I didn’t even remember having it and had no idea about the contents. For a few moments, it was a mystery box…and it was about to be a ticket for time travel…
As soon as I opened the box, I was transported to another time and place – pictures, notes, yellowed news clippings, obituary folders and hand written letters mixed in saved cards from long ago Christmas’ and birthdays. This was my Mom’s box of treasures – things she collected and kept – treasures I inherited upon her death. I had packed this box 25 years ago and drove it cross country in the days after her death. I stashed it on a high shelf in my garage where it sat, undisturbed, while a quarter of a century of life went on for me.
There were the old Olin Mills studio photographs of my brother and me, an expense that would have been significant for my family at the time. A folder held graduation invitations, engagement and wedding pictures of family and friends, faded 4-H blue ribbons, all my grade school report cards and more. These are things that tell the story of family, values, and memories…the stories of a life-time.
There were letters from my beloved grandmother. That was perhaps the greatest treasure. For several years, my family lived in a different state from my grandmother. This was long ago when stamps were 5 cents and long-distance calls were expensive
8 with all 8 of us makes my heart so happy!
Our 40th anniversary is in August, but we’ll sometimes celebrate in July, since I’m back in the classroom in August. I think it would be pretty irresponsible to leave for a week after school just started. Who cares if the ‘real’ dates don’t match up, it’s the memories that count and who knows how much time we have left. In 10 years when it’s our 50th, we’ll be 74 and 75. There’s no way of knowing whether or not we’ll still be in good health and able to do fun things, so I prefer to grab the time now and enjoy it. The aches, pains, creaks and cracks came out of nowhere this past year. Who knows what kind of shape I’ll be in when I’m 74!? So, we decided not to wait and took an Alaskan cruise with our joys, as we can’t imagine experiencing such an adventure without them and ‘the girls’ we love. It was the absolute trip of a lifetime and we’re so very glad that we shared the experience with them.
So, celebrate when you can and enjoy. Just don’t try to dress up for Halloween on a different day and go trick or treating. That would be rather odd. Everyone would think you’re a weirdo!
and reserved for emergencies. Hard to imagine either of those circumstances now! Every Sunday night, “Granny” would write to our family and every Tuesday, I would rush to the mailbox to get that letter…that paper visit. She wrote about the mundane details of daily life in a small Southern town – the weather, family doings, local deaths, what she was growing in her garden and sometimes, a bit of gossip. All in her handwriting and voice – treasures of connection.
When was the last time you received a hand written note or letter? When was the last time you sent one? We often have no idea the power and significance of these small gestures and the personal touch they bring to both the sender and receiver. You hear people say that if they had to evacuate their home, they would take pictures and papers. I totally get that. Even in the time of advanced technology, not everything that matters is in the i-cloud. Some of the greatest treasures may be in dusty boxes that help us visit those tender places in our hearts and history. They are part of your legacy.
Dr. Sandi Howlett is the Grief Specialist for Hansen Mortuary where she facilitates Grief Support Groups and meets clients individually. Her support services are available at no charge to the public. She may be contacted at drsandihowlett@gmail.com
Your
Trust May
The banking industry is under fire again, with many people worried about bank failures, wondering about their own bank’s health, and their own vulnerability to losses. The FDIC insures deposits – but only up to $250,000 per person on deposit at each bank. If your accounts at a bank are over $250,000, every dollar over $250,000 is uninsured and subject to loss in the event of a bank failure.
But wait! Your revocable living trust might help by increasing your Federal Deposit Insurance coverage on your bank accounts.
As I’ve mentioned many times, the revocable living trust is the foundation for most estate plans prepared in my office. The trust reduces expenses and provides for a smoother administration of your estate. It not only avoids the time and expense of a probate action at your death, but it also avoids court proceedings if you are incapacitated.
I’ve also talked about the importance of “funding” your trust – retitling your home, brokerage accounts, and bank accounts to the trust. We recommend that our clients who have a revocable trust change their bank accounts to the name of the trust to avoid probate. Now there is another reason, since the revocable trust account may be insured for more than just the $250,000 offered for an ordinary bank account.
So how much more insurance does the FDIC provide for a revocable trust account?
The FDIC recognizes accounts in your revocable trust as held in a formal trust relationship, and not just in your individual capacity. The trust as owner of these accounts is insured for up to $250,000, not just for the trust, but for each beneficiary of the trust. This additional insurance is provided if the beneficiaries are individuals or qualified charitable or non-profit organizations. The beneficiaries identified in the trust are all covered. If your trust includes general beneficiary language giving your trust assets “to my descendants,” for instance, that is sufficient as long as the number and names of the descendants can be determined. Then, for each of your descendants – your children – and each of any other beneficiaries, the FDIC will give you $250,000 of insurance coverage.
One example the FDIC gives in its online brochure is for a depositor with
a revocable trust account, and whose trust includes five unique beneficiaries. The FDIC coverage of $250,000 per account is increased to $1,250,000 for that depositor -- $250,000 for each of his five individual beneficiaries. That’s quite a difference in coverage!
This increased coverage provides many advantages. For one, because of the increased FDIC coverage using the trust, you can consolidate your bank accounts to one bank instead of opening accounts in several banks to be sure your cash, savings, and money market accounts are all insured to the maximum amount. Using one bank as your central repository for most accounts not only makes management easier during your lifetime, but, even more importantly, it makes it easier for your successor trustee when they step in. In addition, the chances of an account being forgotten or unidentified is less likely with fewer accounts as well.
The revocable living trust is a great plan for most estates. The trust is easy to use. My clients notice very little difference in how they handle their finances once they have the Trust in place and their assets titled in their names as trustees. For bank accounts, you still can deposit checks made to your name, withdraw money, and write checks. You won’t notice any difference from an account in your name, or a joint account with your spouse. With the additional FDIC insurance coverage, the revocable trust provides peace of mind.
If you have questions about whether a trust is right for you, or if you have a trust that needs updating, I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your specific situation. To book your appointment, call my office at 602-375-6752. Please visit our website for more information on trusts and other estate planning: https:// libbybanks.com.
For more information on FDIC insurance coverage (including different rules for unequal distribution among beneficiaries of your trust), you can access the FDIC brochure online at https://tinyurl.com/FDICtrust.
Maintain Your Strength
BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC
As we age, we lose muscle – pure and simple. In fact, after around age 50, we lose approximately 3% of our muscle strength – every year. Loss of muscle has potential consequences: an increased risk of frailty, falls and fractures, none of which help us maintain an active, independent lifestyle as we get older.
There’s a solution to maintain muscle strength with age, according to research: intensive strength training. In a study involving 369 seniors (average age: 71 years), a year-long intensive strength-training program maintained leg strength over four years, while seniors who performed less-intensive strength training (or none at all) experienced strength declines over the same time period.
Seniors randomly assigned to the intensive training program performed machine-based exercises at nearly maximum capacity three times per week; seniors assigned to the less-intensive training program performed body weight and resistance band exercises (also three times weekly). Strength was assessed at baseline, after one year of training, and two and four years after the start of the study. Findings appear in the British Journal of Sports Medicine
Not every senior can perform heavy weight lifting due to physical limitations or health issues, so talk to your doctor before initiating a training program to ensure safety. Then get started maintaining your strength – no matter your age!
Pros And Cons Of An Open Home Floor Plan
BY TOM SERTICH, KIRK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
If you’re considering turning your home into an open floor plan, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before starting.
Pros: An open floor plan offers better design flow, allowing the person cooking to interact with guests. It also enhances natural lighting and makes it easier to watch children when they are outside. Additionally, this layout can add value to your home and make it feel more spacious.
Cons: However, an open floor plan comes with downsides, such as a lack of privacy and increased noise. The cost of construction to remove walls can be significant, and it may also cost more to heat and cool the space efficiently.
If you are thinking of remodeling your home and want an open space plan, make sure you take the time to review the pros and cons to ensure it aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
By reviewing the Pros and Cons, you can set the stage for an effortless remodel that transforms your space into the home of your dreams. For a free in home estimate call Kirk Development at 602 944-3658.
World-class Education in Your Own Backyard: Enroll Today!
There is still time to register! Glendale Union High School District offers nine nationally recognized high schools right in your own backyard. All schools are ranked among America’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report. GUHSD is proud to provide championship athletics, extracurricular activities, cutting-edge STEM opportunities, career & technical education options, and so much more. The new school year begins on August 5. It is not too late for new students to enroll for the 2024-2025 school year. Enrollment information can be located here: https://bit.ly/3P7z5lW.
To learn more about GUHSD’s news, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.
bine the t wo power ful healing ar ts, y and Chiroprac tic C are, to achieve er-lasting results. T RELIEF AND GET MOVING! the work of an Artisan Finding the knots in your muscles and working them out; getting your spine or shoulder to move freely without discomfort... it is an art.
Moon Valley Strong
GERRY JOHNSON
BJ and I have lived in Moon Valley since 1974. Three different homes within about 10 blocks of each other. We love it. It is a very well-defined community within a much larger metropolis. When the kids were growing up, if there was an issue, the old adage “jungle drums are beating” kicked in. Most things were known and resolved before they even got home from school.
We also have a second home in Munds Park, just south of Flagstaff. It was a great weekend get-away for many years. Not too far, but much cooler in the summer. Since BJ retired, we spend most of the summers up there. Our home in Moon Valley is on auto-mode. We control the AC and the sprinklers from my phone. My son Joe, is gracious enough to tend to the pool. We have cameras everywhere so we can monitor the activities at our home 24-7.
About a month ago, someone rang our doorbell. BJ was alerted remotely and answered the door from her phone. An unknown person told her that the anti-siphon valve for our sprinklers had burst and water was running down the street. He said that he was a plumber and asked if she would like him to turn off our water. Of course she did. We didn’t get his name.
It was Father’s Day weekend, and Joe and Brit were with us up North. We had no one to turn to without posing a great imposition. Luckily, Joe was able to call his friend Dan, who lives only a few blocks away. Dan and Dina, his wife, dropped everything and went to verify that yes – we had a problem. It was Sunday afternoon, but Dan said he would try to find a replacement cap for the one that broke. It wasn’t that easy and I had to drive down on Monday to fix the problem, with Joe’s help. A big “Shout-Out” to Dan and Dina. Thanks so much!
Fast forward a few weeks. Joe was over tending our pool and needed a trash bag for the leaves. I told him where to look in the garage, and while on the phone, he went inside to get one. “This isn’t good,” he said as he entered the garage. Apparently, we were having hot water heater problems. Water was trickling down all over the garage floor. My tool chest and extra golf clubs were saturated, as was the ceiling over the HW heater. The ceiling was hanging down and about to collapse. Joe turned the water off. And, another quick trip down the hill for me.
I’m on the Board of our townhouse association in Munds. I asked Matt, a contractor and fellow Board member (with strong MV ties) if he could recommend a plumber in Phoenix. He did, but his guy was not available on a moment’s notice. Then I remembered that I had Al Tutko’s number in my phone. Al has Tutko Plumbing; a Moon Valley staple. I called and they arranged to have a plumber at my home the very next morning.
Alex arrived bright and early, and determined that a supply line to my hot water heater had burst and was shooting water straight up into the ceiling. He fixed it, but when we turned the water back on, the breaker kept tripping. The thermostat was water-logged along with the heating elements. It was not cost effective to replace those components on a 21-year-old appliance. Within four hours, Alex had a new hot water heater installed and the old one hauled away. Guess who the plumber was that rang our doorbell a few weeks earlier – it was Alex. A big “Shout-Out” to Alex and Tutko Plumbing. Thanks, you guys! And, a big “Shout Out” to my son Joe. Thanks for moving back to Moon Valley and watching over his aged parents.
Moon Valley is kind of like Mayberry without the cornpone. Everyone knows everyone and they are all willing to help. So happy to live here. Incidentally, mortgage rates are coming down. Time to get back into the game before home prices skyrocket. A good Moon Valley tip.
THE WRITE STUFF BY
Experience Relief from Lumbar Spinal Arthritis
BY JENA RITCHIE, MOON VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC
For the estimated 31 million Americans who may experience lower back discomfort at any time, there is hope in the form of spinal decompression therapy. This unique treatment offers relief to many who suffer from difficult back pain, providing a ray of hope for those with bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs, chronic spinal discomfort, injured or diseased spinal nerve roots, various causes of sciatica, and deteriorating spinal joints.
Moon Valley Chiropractic offers this service for patients suffering from chronic pain, providing a beacon of hope for those in need. This type of pain can manifest as back or neck pain and associated pain in the arms and legs. Our spinal decompression table, which performs stretching actions on the spine and promotes healing, is uniquely compelling. But don’t just take our word for it. Instead, consider this testimonial from one of our most esteemed community members.
“This is Dr. Gary Grover, who started Moon Valley Chiropractic in 2000. I sold the practice to Dr. Jamey Reichow approximately 11 years ago. I have had Lumbar Spinal Arthritis for a number of years. Sometimes, spinal subluxation increases the pain, but mostly, it is just the degeneration. I recently tried Dr. Reichow’s traction table to get some relief, and it has greatly reduced my pain. After several visits I am able to do a periodic maintenance treatment. If you have arthritis in your lumbar spine, give it a try!”
But what is a spinal decompression table, and how does it work to treat patients who have not found relief in other ways? Non-surgical spinal decompression, also commonly referred to as spinal decompression therapy, is a treatment utilizing a spinal decompression table to relieve pain. The therapeutic effect of the table creates a scenario where bulging or herniated disc tissue can move back into place and heal, thereby alleviating the pain this condition causes. Spinal decompression therapy, also known as nonsurgical decompression therapy, encompasses the use of a specialized traction table to stretch the spine to alleviate back and leg pain.
This procedure aims to create negative pressure in the spinal disc, which can help retract or reposition herniated or bulging disc material and promote the influx of essential nutrients into the disc. By stretching the spine, the therapy aims to create space within the disc, allowing for better fluid movement and promoting quick and effective healing. The primary objective of spinal decompression therapy is to alleviate chronic back, arm, neck, and leg pain and address a deeper source of the pain.
This therapy is considered a safe, affordable, and highly effective alternative to spinal surgery. Unlike surgical procedures such as laminectomy and microdiscectomy, which carry a higher risk of complications or failure, spinal decompression therapy can be used at any stage of back pain. Call our office at 602-298-0292 to experience complete chiropractic care and explore the benefits of spinal decompression therapy.
Photo: Dr. Grover, left, and Dr. Reichow, right
Business Directory
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Paper Shredding
ISO Antiques
No need to save box after 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.
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 disks, etc.
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
Piano Lessons PRIVATE ONLINE & IN STUDIO
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
you! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Drywall Repair & Popcorn Ceiling Removal
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
EPIC HOME REALTY
Mary Aranki, EPIC Home Realty:
Cleaning Services
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.
CAREGIVER: Available for Work
15 years experience. If interested please contact Susan at 602-481-2481 for more information. Thank you
BY DR. PAUL STANTON
Greetings WESD Partners and Community Members, It is Dr. Paul Stanton again, and it is a privilege to serve as the Superintendent of the Washington Elementary School District (WESD). The first day of school is nearly here, beginning on Monday, August 5th. Our teachers, staff and administrators have been hard at work preparing for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are new to the community, I want to welcome you. At the WESD, we are committed to achieving excellence for every child, every day, every opportunity. We have award-winning programs, full-day kindergarten and dedicated staff here to meet the needs of all of our students. If you have been here, we thank you for supporting our district and schools with your volunteerism, tax credits and bond support. We could not do all of this without you.
Now Enrolling for the 2024-2025 School Year
Your child’s path to success begins here! Whether it is free, full-day kindergarten, premiere special education and gifted services, art, music, PE, STEM or online learning, the WESD has a program to meet the individual needs of your child! With multiple A+ Schools of Excellence, a National Blue Ribbon and a National Title I Distinguished School, the WESD is also a Top 20 school district in the country in student growth. Additionally, 84 percent of WESD schools are an A or B. We are proud to share that of WESD’s eighteen B-rated schools, two of them are in the Moon Valley corridor – Lookout Mountain (K-6) and Mountain Sky (7-8).
We are currently enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade students for the 2024-2025 school year! To start the enrollment process, please visit the WESD Welcome and Registration Center, located at 3200 W. Cholla St., in person or enroll online at https://www.wesdschools.org/registration
Join the WESD Family
The WESD is hiring! We currently have several job openings for certified and classified positions including teachers, substitutes, psychologists, paraprofessionals, nutrition services managers, health service technicians, bus drivers and much more! The WESD offers paid holidays and personal leave, vacation time, employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement, insurance benefits for employees working 30 hours a week, discounts on WESD-sponsored childcare, extensive training, and opportunities for advancement. To apply online, please visit https://jobs.wesdschools.org/. To learn more, please call 602-347-2622.
Final Thoughts
With the first day of school right around the corner, now is the perfect time to follow us on all of our social media pages including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. We share positive news and important updates each day. The links to all of our social media pages can be found at https:// www.wesdschools.org/socialmediadirectory. You can also stay informed by visiting our website at https://www.wesdschools.org/
We are truly excited to start the 2024-2025 school year with you. As always, thank you for choosing the WESD.
