Summer Reading
BY JULIE PEK
Summer is a good time to beat the heat by immersing yourself in a book. Whether you read on the beach, or inside your home, or at the library, it’s always been a great time to read for me.
My husband and I recently took inventory of our collection of books (estimated at slightly over 1,000) and decided to scale it down a bit. It’s an indoor activity plus very rewarding to donate books and lighten the load. This activity got me thinking about the books to keep and ones to give away. It made me think about the “must have on my shelf books” and I came up with a small list.
Books that I love and will always have a place in my library: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee; Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, The Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey, Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, and Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
Tattler contributor Paula Cullison’s picks are: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, Gifts from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, The A to Z Steps to a Richer Life by Deepak Chopra, Rand McNally World Atlas, and MerriamWebster Dictionary.
What are your picks? Happy Reading!
Whoa, Who IS this?!
SUBMITTED BY BRIAN
LIBBIN
Every so often in the summer I see this person catching updrafts. Who is this? I would imagine only those on the south side of Moon Valley can see this on a regular basis. I find it interesting enough that this person is able to……whatever you call it, “parachute “ up from Shaw Butte. It looks like this person has to backpack a parachute up to the top of the mountain and catch the updraft in the evening. Who is this person? Might be an interesting story to find out who they are and why they do what they do....
And we certainly agree with you Brian!
Is this YOU or do you have information or your own great photos of this mysterious glider? We’d love to hear from you!
Email info@mvtattler.com
Do what you do best Moon Valley readers, and come together to solve this mystery.
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.
To learn more about GUHSD’s accomplishments, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.
TRAPPED IN MOON VALLEY
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Happy 4th of July!!!!! I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful 4th of July celebration. I participated again in the “great hometown Williams, Arizona 4th of July Parade” I say participated, because I do not just attend, I march proudly with my group of about 100 staff, volunteers, campers and family members of Camp Civitan. We have an old tractor with a homespun float, golf carts, bicycles, unicycles, wheelchairs, wagons, and walkers proudly displaying our American spirit, along with copious handmade decorations of red, white and blue. Camp Civitan is a special needs camp in Williams, which is the home for over 750 campers each summer. The 4th of July week, is one of the most sought after weeks of the whole summer, being able to actually be in the parade, wave and show our American pride is the highlight of so many of these children and adults life, and mine as well. I grew up in a small town, and the 4th of July was always the big kick off of summer, a HUGE birthday celebration (my mom was the firecracker of our family, being born on that day), the town parade, a stop at the American Legion to buy some poppies, and a flag and enjoying the fresh picked sweet corn, watermelon and delicious smells of outdoor BBQ’s throughout the neighborhood, and huge displays of fireworks lighting up the skies.
As summer continues, I encourage you send of photos and stories of your travels, adventures and memories to share with your neighbors. And may God bless the families of our brave firefighters.
Dawn Trapp
WONDERFUL MEN: ODE TO FATHER’S DAY
BY FROSTY KROENING
Not enough is said about all, and I mean all, of the wonderful men in this world. I had lunch with our son and his son on Father’s Day. We had a very lovely set of discussions on college classes, airplane quirks, car batteries, Midwest thunder storms, ways to kid each other, etc. I sat in awe of these delightful men who care about their families, have fun teasing each other, and who are “good” people working hard. Our son, a good dad. Who has had a good dad, my dear husband. I had a good dad, too.
And, in another realm of my life, I watch as couples who have been together from 20 to 70 plus years and how they work together so beautifully and peacefully. They support each other through thick and thin and all those “midcourse corrections” of operations (thank you, surgeons and hospital staff), changes in diet, prompting for exercise, raising children and grandchildren.
What is a “good man, a good father?” There are lots of definitions. Steady.
Willing to communicate feelings and wants and needs. Fair. Caring for self and loved ones. Respectful. Forgiving. Understanding that life can be incredibly humorous. Humble. Supportive. Kind, yet understanding and fostering responsibility to others and home and the Earth. I could go on and on. Our media rarely portray “good men.” Violence is what seems to be expected and modeled (thankfully not in the Moon Valley Tattler). All humans are capable of violence. It is part of who we are. Gentleness and cooperation are much harder and valued less, despite how civilized we believe we are. Yet, I see the goodness and love in men around me. I see it clearly and declare it wonderful, a thing of beauty and salvation. Not soft, but strong and enduring. It takes all of us to keep creating a world of peace, beauty, and fun. Thank you, gentle souls, for being who you are: beautiful men. And, most of all to my husband of almost 60 years. You will always be in my heart and soul.
The Positive Impact of National Charity League for Young Women and The Community
BY ANNA JOHNDROW
National Charity League is a prominent organization dedicated to uniting mothers and daughters in community service and philanthropy. With numerous chapters nationwide, it supports a variety of local and national charitable initiatives. Through its programs, National Charity League emphasizes the development of leadership skills and civic responsibility in young women.
Through my experiences in National Charity League over the past five years, I have grown to enjoy volunteering in my community. From gardening at the Giving Garden to making meals at HomeBase, there is always an opportunity to try new things and meet new people. One of my favorite volunteering experiences is with MORIAH Cooperative. The diverse range of activities not only makes volunteering fulfilling but also provides a deeper understanding of the needs within my community.
Additionally, participating in National Charity League has allowed me to develop valuable skills, such as teamwork and leadership. In our chapter meetings we can hold different roles within our class to help prepare us for the future. This year, as the president of my class, I improved my leadership
skills and collaborated closely with my classmates to achieve the best possible outcome for our year.
National Charity League has greatly impacted numerous communities nationwide. Through their dedication to service, they have not only supported a range of causes, including education, healthcare, and homelessness, but have also fostered a spirit of compassion and leadership. The organization's efforts have empowered both mothers and daughters to work together, creating lasting bonds and making significant, positive changes in their communities.
I hope you’ll consider joining the Moon Valley Chapter of National Charity League so that you can have positive experiences in your own life and enhance the lives of others. Mothers and daughters currently in 6th grade through high school are encouraged to visit www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/ moonvalley or email membershipmoonvalley@nclonline.org if interested in joining the organization. Visit Facebook: NCLincMoonValley or lnstagram: NCLMOONVALLEY.
Rookie Mom: Just Wear the Swimsuit
and Take the Picture BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE
As a new stay-at-home mom, summer has been extra difficult to keep my kiddos entertained.
Luckily, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor had a crazy great deal at the beginning of June, so we’ve been spending most of our time lounging in the pool at the water park.
And I gotta say: I am HUGELY self-conscious of my mom bod.
Intellectually, I know that I shouldn’t be. I’ve given birth to two children – my youngest only 22 months ago.
But my belly legit still looks like I’m 6 months pregnant.
So when I’m out and about, narcissistic me is very self-aware of what I look like. I’m just waiting for someone to comment when my next baby is due.
Even more, my daughter loves taking Snapchat filters which often leaves me with a double-chin, no-makeup look that makes me think, “Oh god, I do not want to do this. I do not want to take this picture.”
Yet, my daughter. My son.
I don’t want them to adopt a negative mindset about their bodies – which will change about a thousand times in a lifetime.
So, I don’t say anything.
Instead, I’m resigned to being me, now: a work in progress, both emotionally and physically.
The best I can do is remember when I was in my teens and I felt the same thing… So self-conscious in my bathing suit.
And then I look back and think how cute and rockin’ I look. Why did I ever worry?
I’m sure in 10 years, I’ll look back at these pictures and wonder why I was so self-absorbed rather than being fully present in the moment with my kids.
So, I take pictures and laugh with my kids.
I am me, fully, in those pictures in my body, accepting my mom bod one picture at a time.
Moon Valley Women’s Club Member Spotlight – Julie Moore
Julie Moore joined the Moon Valley Women’s Club (MVWC) in 2000 and was recently elected to be the Treasurer for 2024-2025. She’s well qualified, as she spent over 35 years as a licensed CPA. Early in her career, Julie worked in public accounting as an auditor and gained useful experience in tax preparation and reporting. She held Controller and CFO positions for radio broadcasting companies, Taco Bell franchisees, and a children’s furniture manufacturer. Today, Julie continues to provide services as a parttime contract CFO.
When she’s not crunching numbers, Julie likes to participate in several MVWC activity groups: Mah-jongg, bunco, hiking, rummy and the MVWC Investment Club, where she’s been the Treasurer for several years.
Julie enjoys living in Moon Valley with her husband and their four rat terriers. They like to hike and bike together and play pickleball at the Moon Valley Country Club. Julie also returned to her interests in photography and stained glass, allowing her artistic side to shine. She plans to become a classroom volunteer in the Fall.
Meet Heather Cuchiaria & Urban Wag Pet Spa Bringing Love and Luxury to Your Four-Legged Family Members
BY MYRAH AIELLO
Heather Cuchiaria, a Moon Valley resident, has been providing love and luxury spa essentials to four-legged family members around the Valley for over 20 years. Known as “Dr. Doolittle” by her parents due to her empathy and ability to understand the needs and wants of animals, Heather’s love for animals was evident from a young age. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds—she could connect with them all. Her parents always knew that whatever career path she chose, it would involve animals.
the skill. Shay’s tolerance and Heather’s determination formed the foundation of her grooming expertise.
Heather’s hand scissoring skills and her ability to achieve balanced grooms were established early in her career. At 22, while working at a large veterinary hospital in California, she noticed the joy and camaraderie among the groomers. They were having fun, singing, laughing, and listening to music. It was then that Heather decided she wanted to be a groomer. A seasoned and talented groomer taught her the art of hand scissoring, a key skill for any great groomer. Heather practiced on her Bichon, Shay, whose patience helped Heather master
Always dreaming of owning her own salon, Heather planned to open one in 2020. However, as many of us remember, COVID-19 hit, shattering her plans for expansion. Making the best of a challenging time, Heather transformed her home into a temporary spa, catering to the community’s isolated needs. While many businesses shut down, Heather reached out to all the mom-andpop groomers, offering to care for their clients during the pandemic with one stipulation: they must return home when the shops reopened and the dust settled. PetSmart clients also joined in, but fur moms and babies fell in love with the personal touches and love that Heather provided, allowing her to retain the whole brood.
Heather and her team, Tess and Alysa, are committed to providing oneon-one care, taking grooming to another level.
In an interview, Heather chuckled, “It’s just controlled chaos, but it’s really not”. The shop is calm and quiet. There are no cages, and dogs are free and relaxed in controlled areas with other friends if they choose, or not. This laid-back atmosphere reflects the relaxed attitude of the dogs, catering to their individual needs.
Urban Wag Pet Spa offers a true spa experience for the furry member of your family. This one-on-one approach means fewer pups come through our doors each day, creating a calm environment. Our stylists are not stressed out, and that reflects on the pups we care for.
All our prices include a complete spa day. Your pup will receive a mani/ pedi, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and gland expression. From start to finish, your pup will be pampered by their own personal stylist. We use only the best luxurious shampoos and coat care conditioners, leaving your pup smelling clean and fresh. Our products are mixed to meet the specific needs of your pup’s skin and coat.
We also offer Keratin soaks, mud baths, spa masks, and detoxifying soaks to replenish your pup’s coat and moisturize their skin, leaving them soft to the touch with healthy skin. Additionally, your pup will enjoy a calming Blueberry Facial and a relaxing facial massage. They are then towel dried and gently hand blow-dried, a hand cut and style of your choice. They will go home happy, healthy and smelling wonderful
“Grooming is hard work. It requires not only skill and experience, but also a lot of patience. You really have to love what you do in order to be successful. My success is measured in the way a pup comes into our salon and is happy to see us. It’s in the comments from my human clients that say how happy and calm their pups are after their spa day is completed. It tells me that we are doing it right. We hope to meet you and your fur family soon!”
Urban Wag Pet Spa : A loving spa experience for the furry member of your family.
Location: 13240 N 7th St in the Goodwill Plaza. Contact : 602-441-5010
The How To’s of Introducing Your New Pet to the Family
Introducing a new family member can be an overwhelming experience for all involved. That’s why we’re here to help you through this new chapter in your life and make this transition as easy as possible. We would be thrilled for all our pets to have the best experience from the get-go when meeting a child, but we know sometimes it’s best to take it one step at a time. Baby steps if you will.
While cats and dogs have many differences, a great rule of thumb for both is to take it slow when introducing kids. It’s important to respect your pet’s space and let them decide the pace they want to go at, meeting new people can be scary.
Here are some great tips for introducing your new dog or cat to children at home:
1. Have children sit on the floor for the initial encounter and engage in activities such as reading books, coloring, etc. Allow the dog or cat to walk around and engage with the children at their own comfort level.
2. Give each child a few treats like Temptations for cats or MilkBones for dogs.
• When the cat approaches, your child should reach out, let the cat smell their hand, and see if the cat accepts some pets.
• For dogs, a fun game of fetch or toss the treat while your child continues to sit is a great way to help them get used to each other.
3. Your new pet should have a safe zone that is off limits to kids and other pets when they are not in the mood to interact. For a dog think a crate and for a cat think a cat bed or high places.Remind the kids at home that cats can be very sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements, so a quiet and calm environment is best to encourage your new cat to come up and engage with them.
4. Make sure kids and other pets cannot disturb the cat when using the litterbox. A cat that gets interrupted when using the litter box may stop using it all together.
5. A similar notion goes for dogs, kids should not be allowed to bother them while they’re eating or take dog toys from them.
6. When petting a dog, help teach kids to pet the dog’s side or back and to practice a “pet, pet, pause” movement while keeping their hand within reach of the dog. If your dog pushes himself back into their hand, they want more pets. If they stay still or walk away, they’re all done.
Overall, supervision and patience are key for both furry friends integrating into their new family. Please keep in mind, while your pet is new to your home, absolutely everything in your home is new to them. It can be an overwhelming experience but with love, time, and patience they’ll melt right into the whole family’s heart. Plus, when you adopt from AAWL, our team is available to support you for the lifetime of your pet, so even years after adoption you can reach out with any questions you may have!
The Healing Garden
BY DR. SANDI HOWLETT & CRYSTAL HOWARD
Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park has a special area for comfort and reflection. It is The Healing Garden. Part of what makes this garden unique is the multi-sensory opportunities to remember your loved one using your full range of senses.
The first stop is a tall, wind spinner sculpture. The wind is a symbol of spirit, energy, and change. Give it a spin and welcome in the memories of your loved one. Allow yourself to remember, feel, and celebrate a life well lived.
The second stop along the healing path is the Reflection Pool – a gentle fountain surrounded by sand. The practice of reflecting helps us to develop the ability to stay connected to the important people in our lives that have died. What memories are stirred as you gaze into the reflecting pool? What traits do you share with your beloved? How are you different? A big part of healing is keeping the good qualities of a person alive and sharing those stories. Often people write names and messages in the sand that surrounds the fountain… ‘I miss you’, ‘I love you’, ‘happy birthday’…
The next stop on your memory journey is the Grove. Emotions and memories can have a taste and a smell. There is a blood orange tree to remind us of distinctive smells. What is a smell that is special to you – aftershave, cinnamon, a particular flower?
The Circle of Healing is the centerpiece of the Healing Garden. Healing is never a straight path and the Circle shows the phases that are often experienced during the time immediately following the death of a loved one. It is about connecting with others for communication, support, and healing.
To tap into the power of sound, we have a beautiful Bell Lyre. Memories are stronger when we have physically seen or touched as part of the experience. Part of our identity is our name. We invite you to speak your loved one’s name and ring the bell as another way of acknowledging them.
Perhaps you have some things you want to say to our loved one who is no longer here. Talking to them is normal…and so is writing a note. The Healing Garden has a special Sharing Post for you to leave a special message for them… written at the nearby table that has paper and pens conveniently tucked under the edge. Your privacy will be respected as the notes placed in the locked Sharing Post are never read. We hold an intentional burning of these special notes, releasing the messages to the air, believing that ‘what comes from the heart, goes to the heart.’
The last stop on your healing journey is the Celebration Station – a pedestal containing smooth black stones. Just as each stone has a unique shape, so is grieving a unique experience. At one time, the stones were rough and could scratch or even cut. Now they are smooth – still strong yet no longer cutting. Grief is like that as well. The sadness of loss becomes the gratitude and joy of having had that special person in our life. Please take a stone to remind you of the healing journey and some of the key stops along the way.
The Healing Garden is located at Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park at 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. It is open to anyone at any time and you will always be welcome.
Dr. Sandi Howett is the Bereavement Specialist for Hansen Mortuaries & Cemetery. She may be contacted at drsandihowlett@gmail.com.
Trish Hansen K err
IS IT TIME TO UPDATE YOUR OLD TRUST?
BY LIBBY BANKS, PLLC, THE LAW OFFICE OF LIBBY BANKS
I review many trusts. Some are quite old, and my client knows it is time for an update. Other times, they were done not terribly long ago, but the laws have changed. How do you know when it is time to update your trust?
There are a couple of key dates that give some answers. First, the Arizona Trust Code was enacted in 2008, to become effective in 2009. The Arizona Trust Code changed the law governing trusts in a substantial way. Thus, if your trust was done around this time or before, an update is definitely in order.
Another key date is 2012. Before 2012, estate taxes were an issue for many people. As an example: In 2001, the Federal law gave each person an estate tax exemption of $675,000. That meant you could leave up to $675,000 without paying estate taxes. If your estate was over the exemption, your family might end up paying estate taxes of 40% on anything over that amount to the IRS.
Older trusts had complicated planning to avoid estate taxes because of the low exemption amounts. You may not need that complicated plan today, because each person’s estate tax exemption is over $12 Million (with a reduction to about $6.5 Million in 2026).
How did the old planning work to avoid estate taxes? For a married couple, the older trusts often require that on death of the first spouse, all assets of the trust be divided into two trusts, sometimes called the “A” and “B” trusts, or the survivor’s and decedent’s trusts. The survivor’s share of the community property and the survivor’s separate property is held in the survivor’s trust, with the remainder or some portion of it distributed to the decedent’s trust. While the surviving spouse still benefits from the decedent’s trust, that trust is irrevocable, cannot be changed and has its own tax identification number and the trustee must file separate tax returns for that trust.
If you don’t have a taxable estate, the division into two trusts at the death of the first spouse may not only be unnecessary but undesirable. When we look at whether to update these provisions of your trust, we analyze all of this and decide what is best for you given your situation and how the estate tax laws impact you.
In addition to the need to update because of new law, some changes may be needed to your trust just because of the passage of time. Your children or beneficiaries are older. Maybe you’ve had another child that’s not listed, or you now have grandchildren to include. The people you named as trustees and financial agents may not be the best choice any longer. Your decisions on how to distribute your assets may not be what you wish now.
All of these are important reasons to get a review of your trust. When we do an update, we usually do a complete amendment – called a restatement –of the trust. We keep the original trust name and date, and just note that it was restated as of the date we sign the new trust. That way, anything already titled to or transferred to the trust is still in the trust – there is no need to change the title on homes or bank accounts again. We refresh the entire plan in most cases, so your wishes are reflected, and the entire plan is up to date with the current law.
In our office we recommend that you have a review of your estate plan every three to five years. In particular, if your trust was done before 2012, please contact us for our no-charge, 10-point review so that together we can determine if your plan still makes sense for you and your family. Call us at 602-375-6752 to make an appointment today.
I Made a Mistake!
GERRY JOHNSON
Last month I attributed mortgage rate information to CNN. Actually, my quote came from information which I gleaned from CNBC. I also cited an article by Barbara Corcoran, who appears on “Shark Tank,” which airs on CNBC, not CNN. My apologies, and thanks to my son Joe, for pointing out my “faux pas.”
So, rates appear to be coming down just a hair. An Email post that I receive from “Mortgage Nuggets” cited average mortgage rates as of June 21, 2024 as being 7.01% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, 6.42% for a 15-year fixed, 6.49% for an FHA 30-year fixed loan, and 7.25% for a 30-year Jumbo loan. I need to insert a disclaimer that the rate you would actually receive depends on several variables, such as your credit rating, your amount of debt, and the amount of down payment that you have. These are just averages.
In order to quote an actual rate, that I can offer as a mortgage loan officer, it is essential to complete an application and pull a credit report. Our company uses a service that provides us with a rate matrix, based on your pertinent variables. This allows me provide an actual array of rate scenarios based upon your profile and your preferences. There is no charge for this. It is a place to start.
Also reported from “Mortgage Nuggets,” Freddie Mac is instituting a pilot program to purchase single-family, closed-end second mortgages from current holders of Freddie Mac first mortgages. This will allow them to explore the efficacy of providing a lower-cost alternative to cash-out refinances in times of higher interest rates. This will help them determine if this advances their statutory mandate, and if it will benefit borrowers, especially in rural and underserved communities. If you have a Freddie Mac loan, and you are looking to remodel or just pull some cash out, investigate this.
As I have reported several times recently, if you are thinking about making a move in real estate, you will be money ahead to explore and make a move now, rather than trying to time the market. There is definitely an inverse relationship between rates and home prices. As rates come down, home prices go up. If you can find the right deal, buying now and refinancing when the time is right, is a much better ploy than waiting until the rate is to your liking. Get involved – you will be glad you did.
Satisfaction
MOON VALLEY MAGIC BY
DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER
I get immense satisfaction from the most mundane things. Pulling weeds after a rain is one. Organizing closets, cupboards and drawers is another task I derive great pleasure in. Of course if it’s a shared space, the happy feeling doesn’t last long because someone is bound to mess it up. Therefore putting my own things right is my most fav.
I read a quote on social media yesterday that went along the lines of, “My August self is going to be so mad at my June self.” I smiled a smug little smirk because that is not going to be me. I tend to get very close to finishing my list of ‘Things To Do’ each summer, but this year I started in on it immediately. Therefore I’ve only read one book and reading is one of my very favorite pastimes. That’s only one book . . . so far!
I got so much done on my list in June, that there’s hardly anything left for me to complete in July! One of my greatest accomplishments this summer was to finally organize all 3 closets of my clothes. I tried keeping them a secret from Gary, but decided to come clean and stop hiding just how many clothes I have. I don’t like to wear the same thing over and over, so I rotate my wardrobe. I might go 2 years not wearing an outfit and I made some of them 30 years ago. Consignment and second hand stores don’t want handmade clothing. As a kid we only went clothes shopping once a year, so I had a lot of ill-fitting outfits and had to wear the same ones repeatedly. That’s my excuse for having so many clothes now and I’m sticking to it.
The other big job I completed this summer was getting our storage unit emptied and relocating the stuff into the new Tuff Shed we had built on our property. It took 3 weekends and Gary and Jaden’s help moving, but I condensed the ‘stuff’ into bins and took care of the details. It feels so amazing to: 1-not pay for a storage unit that kept getting more expensive and 2-having all our decorations etc. right outside our door. No more driving to get the things I need. Ahhhh. . . it feels fantastic! ;)
The last thing to cross off my list is a trip to St. Vincent de Paul. There’s so much stuff I’ll need Gary’s truck, because my car is too little. I am going back to work in August with everything crossed off my list and that is going to be sooo very satisfying!
Walking for Knee Pain
BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis – swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of bones wears down with time, which is why OA is often referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis. Regardless of the moniker, pain is a major consequence of OA, particularly pain affecting the hands, hips, spine and knees.
With that said, you would think walking would be difficult, if not impossible (or at least not contraindicated) for OA sufferers if their joint pain involves the knees, but research recommendations suggest walking is actually beneficial for people with knee OA. Study findings published in Arthritis & Rheumatology demonstrate that knee OA sufferers (ages 50 and older) who walk regularly are 40 percent less likely to experience frequent new knee pain compared to non-walkers.
Of course, walking has various other health benefits, according to research, which means whether you suffer from knee OA or just want to optimize your health and wellness, make sure walking is included in your daily routine.
CHOOSING YOUR KITCHEN COUNTERTOP
BY TOM SERTICH, KIRK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Choosing the perfect kitchen countertop involves balancing aesthetics, durability, and maintenance. Granite is a popular choice for its durability, heat resistance, and beautiful character, available in a wide variety of colors. However, it is porous and requires regular sealing. Marble offers a highend, luxurious look and natural beauty but is prone to scratches and is also porous, necessitating careful upkeep. Quartz, an engineered composite stone, is exceptionally durable and non-porous, available in various colors, making it a low-maintenance option. Laminate countertops are an economical choice that can mimic more expensive materials. They are easy to clean but do not add resale value to your home. Tile countertops come in diverse colors and styles, are low maintenance except for grout care, and can chip. Grout lines, though smaller now, still require attention. Choosing the right countertop depends on your priorities and kitchen use.
If you are looking to update or redesign your kitchen, call KIRK DEVELOPMENT for a free in home estimate at 602 944-3658
My bike is gone!
Bikes needs to be locked to some stationary rack or post. E-bikes seem to be suffering the same fate. Just pulling the key and a small lock would secure the ebike. It weighs 80 lbs no one will steal it wrong. They pick it up throw it in back of a truck an are gone. Lock it to something u locks, chains and cables are your best bet against thieves. Battery grinders make quick work of locks so you are just buying time. Make your stops short if you can not see the bike. There are all kinds of locks choose wisely. Locks are your only insurance more money spent is more protection. Lock it are lose it!
BY LEON OF TRY ME BIKE SHOP
BY DR. PAUL STANTON
Greetings Partners and Community Members,
It is Dr. Paul Stanton again, and it is an honor to serve as Superintendent of the Washington Elementary School District (WESD). The summer is always a productive time in the WESD. Last month, we had over 2,400 students participate in our ‘Unlocking the Magical World of Reading’ Summer Program to improve their reading skills. We also held our Jumpstart classes to prepare students who are starting kindergarten in the fall. A variety of additional summer learning opportunities were offered for our gifted and Native American students as well.
We look forward to serving the rest of our students come the first day of school on Monday, August 5th. Thank you for your support and partnership as we continue to prepare for the 2024-2025 school year.
Mountain Sky Students Succeed in Stock Market Game: Several students from Mountain Sky Junior High School were celebrated at the Arizona Council on Economic Education’s Learning to Save and Invest Student Awards Ceremony. Three Mountain Sky teams were recognized for sweeping the Middle School division in the fall 2023 Stock Market Game. Congratulations to the first-place team, which included Jaden R., Andres R., Brianna D. and Julian R. An amazing job to Scarlett S. who was also honored for being the Middle School Division InvestWrite Winner for fall 2023. The WESD Family is proud of our students’ strong work and achievements.
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).
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.
WESD Seeks Feedback on Science Curriculum Materials: The WESD is in the process of reviewing and adopting science materials to support teachers with instruction that is aligned to the K-8 state standards. The standards are based on three core ideas for knowing science: physical science, Earth and space science and life science. Additionally, the materials will address the science and engineering practices that provide students with authentic science experiences such as constructing explanations, planning investigations and developing models to make sense of the core ideas of science.
You are invited to visit our community display until July 8th from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the WESD Administrative Center, located at 4650 W. Sweetwater Ave., with an option to provide feedback digitally. Thank you for your participation.
Join the WESD Family : The WESD is hiring. We currently have several job openings for certified and classified positions including teachers, psychologists, paraprofessionals, custodians, child care assistants, cafeteria workers, office 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: As we approach the first day of school, please remember to follow us on all of our social media pages including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn. We constantly share positive news and important updates. The links to all of our social media pages can be found at https://www.wesdschools.org/socialmediadirectory. You can also stay informed on all things WESD by visiting our website at https://www.wesdschools.org/ We cannot thank you enough for choosing the WESD, and we are grateful to have the ongoing support of our community. As always, thank you for being an important part of our WESD Family.
We are currently enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade students
Gratefully, Dr. Paul Stanton, WESD Superintendent
Going To The Extremities
BY JENA RITCHIE, MOON VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC
You’ve sung the song “Head and Shoulders, Knees, Toes …Ankles, Wrists, Fingers, and Elbows…!” It is a common misunderstanding that Chiropractic care is limited to back or neck pain. Chiropractic care offers a holistic form of healthcare that goes beyond spinal adjustments and can effectively address the function of extremities like arms and legs.
Chiropractic care statistics show favorable evidence-based outcomes for supporting the limbs and extremities of the body as a whole. Aligning the extremities with the spine improves nerve function and coordination overall. Whether you have exhausted an elbow playing tennis, tweaked a knee swimming, or even sprained an ankle hiking, there is a good chance that chiropractic care can alleviate and improve your situation.
Extremity adjustments can benefit overall mobility, physical function, and joint motion. Chiropractic adjustments help address soft tissues; targeted exercises can help manage discomfort in these areas. Standard extremity adjustments include those for the wrists, arms, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and jaw. These adjustments are not just about restoring function; they also play a crucial role in relieving pain and enhancing biomechanics, thereby significantly improving health and well-being.
Chiropractic adjustments are known to be affordable, safe, and effective when performed by licensed professionals. While complications are rare, individual responses to chiropractic adjustments vary, so discussing your situation with a qualified chiropractor is essential. To schedule your Moon Valley Chiropractic assessment and create a custom care plan to support your optimal health and wellness, please call us at 602-298-0292
GUHSD Walk-through Registration
Glendale Union High School District’s nine high schools will hold Walkthrough Registration for the 2024-2025 school year from July 23-25. During this event, students will have their photos taken for IDs and receive their class schedules. For more details, please visit your school’s website. The first day of school is August 5. To learn more about GUHSD, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.
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.
Buying Antinques & Collectibles - selective online sales. Call Cheryl - 480-229-3376 - Emailbackintheday@cox.net
Clear Advantage Window Cleaning
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
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
HOME REALTY
Aranki, EPIC
to
soon!
Homes, Commercial Businesses, Move in / Move outs. One time, Weekly, by-weekly or Monthly. Free estimates, call Molina 602-326-2780
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
