Moon Valley Tattler June 2023

Adults with Disabilities Produce Nutritious Meals for LowIncome Children through Summer Food Service Program

During the summer months, many children who normally receive a free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch at their school often do not receive adequate meals when school is out. The Civitan Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through various programs and employment services, will distribute meals to low-income children, 18 years and younger, at seven select Arizona locations as part of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Meals served in the Phoenix area will be prepared by participants of Civitan’s ‘Cook-er-y,’ a culinary program at Civitan Village which is fully comprised of chefs with disabilities - the Cooker-y is led by Executive Chef Jeff Narbone, Air Force veteran.

“The Civitan Foundation is honored to be a part of such an important program for two at risk groups – the special needs community and underserved youth,” said Dawn Trapp, CEO of Civitan Foundation, Inc. “Children will enjoy free, nutritious meals and snacks created by individuals with disabilities who are focused on building valuable job skills training and earning an income. Our kitchen crew looks forward to the program every year!”

From May thru June, Civitan is providing healthy meals, based on USDA nutrition guidelines, at locations in the Phoenix metro area

and Williams, Arizona. Supervised members of Civitan’s culinary program prepare and deliver the food to locations in north Phoenix, including the Civitan Village at 12635 N. 42nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032, May 30th to June 29th, 2023, Breakfast & Lunch, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The SFSP is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Program created to provide free meals to low-income children. It is administered by the Arizona Department of Education. In addition to the funding from the USDA, Civitan Foundation received a grant from Walmart Foundation and Phoenix Suns Charities to help expand and support its Hunger Relief and Transitional Employment program in 2018. To be eligible to receive free meals, children must meet the income guidelines for reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are part of households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or benefits under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance to Need Families (TANF) are automatically eligible to receive free mealsno forms or documents will be required on site. For more information about these food programs or about jobs for the developmentally disabled at Civitan, please visit: www.civitanfoundationaz.com

Long time Moon Valley resident, Abby Irish has published three rom com novels (a trilogy) loosely based on her own experiences. After battling breast cancer, she decided that women need to laugh every day. Her first novel was There’s Always Chocolate!: A Novel. Her others: Chocolate Therapy, and Live, Love, and Eat Chocolate. Do you sense a sweet theme here? Abby is now working on publishing her father Morton Kurland’s book Another Word For Murder about murders he worked with as a psychiatrist. All proceeds will benefit Alzheimer’s research in his memory. Abby and her husband Craig raised their two children in Moon Valley, where she plays tennis, loves to write, and is a member of the Moon Valley’s Women’s Club. For information about joining the Moon Valley Women’s Club, visit mvwomensclub.org/

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

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

For more than 30 years, I have worked, had businesses, lived, raised a family and loved this great community. Moon Valley is a neighborhood of approximately 1,600 homes located in the northern part of Phoenix, Arizona. The neighborhood, which comprises 29 separate subdivisions, was established in the early 1960s and is centered on the Moon Valley Country Club, a private country club.[1] It is bounded by 7th Street to the east, Thunderbird Road to the south, and Coral Gables Drive to the west and north. Lookout Mountain Preserve and North Mountain and Shaw Butte Preserves, two city parks that are part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, lie adjacent to the south and east of the neighborhood, not to mention the many other neighborhoods that are close by and many even consider themselves a part of Moon Valley.

Still one of the most sought-after neighborhoods to live in in north Phoenix.

But what is happening to our businesses? If you haven’t noticed lately, we have more and more empty spaces in and around each corner that surrounds us. The homeless are starting to camp at these corners and take over the areas with crime and drugs.

Having owned the Tattler for almost 30 years, I know and remember many of the business that have come and gone on these corners, hairdressers, travel agencies, CPA’s, family restaurants, insurance agencies, gift stores and printing just to name a few. I am sure you can name many more people you did business with, people you became friends with, trusted and helped support them and their families. Times have changed for sure, with the internet and the cost of doing business and lack of staff.

This hurts our neighborhood, empty store fronts, shortage of new businesses coming and staying. Some of this comes from lack of support. I am going to challenge each one of you to shop and spend your money in Moon Valley when you can, support the businesses that are still here, and let’s start soliciting more to come here. We need to start really networking with our neighbors, who do you call when the lawn needs mowing, the pools break down, the lights go out? We need a good pool of trusted trades, and honest businesspeople to do business with. I ask that you please send me your favorite handymen, the people who come to your home to install and fix your household needs, trades people.

I know if I need a roof, there is only one guy to call Mike Scott of Scott roofing, a lawyer it’s Libby Banks, Tile it’s, Rick Ritter. Support our Moon Valley businesses and help me share more with you the neighbors.

Have a safe and fun summer.

Dawn Trapp

Life Estates and Estate Planning

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

Often, a client comes into my office asking if we can give a life estate in a home to one of the beneficiaries. When we explore the issue in depth, we boil down exactly what the client wishes to do. Essentially, in these cases, they want to allow a loved one to occupy the home they are living in, even after the client passes away. The intent is to provide that person, often a spouse in a second marriage, with continuity in their living situation without giving them complete ownership of the home. Instead, once the spouse or other person is no longer living in the home, the client wants the home to be inherited by a different beneficiary, or sold with the proceeds distributed to beneficiaries named in the trust.

A life estate is just as it sounds: ownership of the property for the entire life of the person who has the life estate – even if they can no longer live in the home or no longer wish to live in it. The life estate may not fit what my client really wants. The alternative we offer is giving the loved one a right to occupy the home, by holding the home in an Occupancy Trust.

The Occupancy Trust allows the client to tailor the terms according to their wishes and the needs of their beneficiaries. The Trust contains the terms that govern the loved one’s right to occupy the house. For instance, it might provide that the occupant must pay for all maintenance, utilities, taxes, insurance and other expenses of the home while the occupant lives there. Alternatively, the trust can include money to pay all or part of the expenses to maintain that property.

The Occupancy Trust can provide for how long the occupant may stay in the home. It can include a fixed length of time, or state that the occupant may stay there until they pass or are no longer able to live in the home. A right of occupancy is similar to a life estate, but the occupant cannot sell or transfer their interest in the property like a life estate beneficiary can. In addition, the Occupancy Trust, unlike the life estate, can terminate the rights of the beneficiary at some time other than just upon death.

Here are two examples of situations where a right of occupancy and Occupancy Trust could be used:

Example One: John has a home in Phoenix. When his parents passed, he brought his special needs brother Andy to live with him. John wants to continue providing a place for Andy for as long as Andy is able to live independently. John’s revocable trust states that on his passing, the house and a certain sum of money will be held in an Occupancy Trust for Andy. It provides that Andy can live there until his passing or until he is unable to live there, with the money used to maintain the home and all expenses. Upon Andy no longer living in the home, the home is to be sold and the proceeds and any remaining funds in the Occupancy Trust are to be distributed to John’s two children.

Example Two: Joan has a home she owned with her first husband, who passed away several years ago. Joan has remarried and lives with her current husband in the home. Joan wants to ensure that upon her passing her husband has some time to decide his next steps, and where to live. Her trust says that on her passing the house is to be held in an occupancy trust and her current husband has the right to occupy the home for up to two years. The taxes and insurance are to be paid by the trust, but utilities and maintenance and the like are to be paid by her husband. She also gives him the right to purchase the property at its value as of the date of her death. Upon her husband vacating the property it will be sold. After the sale or after her husband purchases the property, the net proceeds are given to her three children.

The Occupancy Trust can provide great flexibility for you if you are concerned about providing for a spouse or other loved one who is living with you. The Occupancy Trust can provide for a short occupancy period for your loved one to figure out their next living arrangements, to a provision allows a home for their lifetime, and anything in between. If you have a situation that might merit this planning, we can work through the terms of a plan that will fit you and your loved one perfectly. Call the Law Office of Libby Banks at 602-375-6752, or check out our website at www.libbybanks.com.

BY DR. PAUL STANTON SUPERINTENDENT, WESD

Greetings WESD Partners and Community Members,

I am Dr. Paul Stanton, and I am honored to serve as the Superintendent of the Washington Elementary School District (WESD). It is hard to believe that another school year has come and gone. While our teachers and families are enjoying their summer break, my team and I are preparing for the new school year, which begins for students on Monday, August 7, 2023. As we shift our focus to the 2023-2024 school year, we are dedicated to focusing on the needs of each individual child. I am grateful for the support of our teachers, staff, students, families and community as we continue on this exciting journey together.

Mountain Sky Students Perform at Disneyland

Congratulations to the students of the Mountain Sky Junior High School Band, Choir and Orchestra for competing in the Music Forum Festival at Disneyland! All three groups had the opportunity to perform for a national rating. With all three groups earning silver, Mountain Sky placed in the top 20% across the nation. The WESD is proud of all our performing students for their hard work and commitment to the arts!

Mountain Sky Track and Field Students Shine in District Championships

The 2022-2023 WESD Middle School Boys and Girls Track and Field Season came to a close in May. Congratulations to the Mountain Sky teams that placed first in the eighth-grade middle school girls championship and first in the seventhgrade middle school boys championship. The WESD is proud of the excellent play our students showed in their championship games and all season long!

Free Breakfast and Lunch

The WESD is proud to offer free breakfast and lunch to children and teenagers up to 18 years old at all WESD schools this summer. Please visit www. wesdschools.org for specific times for each WESD school. For more information, please contact Nutrition Services at 602-896-5235.

Now

Enrolling for the 2023-2024 School Year

The WESD is currently enrolling kindergartners through eighth grade students for the 2023-2024 school year. Our dedicated teachers and staff help create learning environments where students are valued and supported. With multiple

A+ Schools of Excellence, a National Blue Ribbon and a National Title I Distinguished School, the WESD is also proud to be a Top 20 school district in the country in student growth. The WESD also accepts open enrollment for students who live outside the District wishing to attend our schools. Please share this with your family and friends who are looking for a quality education for their children. To learn more and register online today, please visit https:// www.wesdschools.org/registration

We Are Hiring!

The WESD has a wide variety of employment opportunities available from teaching positions and speech and language pathologist roles to support staff jobs including bus drivers, custodians, nutrition services helpers, paraprofessionals, office technicians and much more! We also offer great benefits such as loan forgiveness, leadership opportunities, paid time off, and a new starting salary for first year teachers of $51,610, including performance pay and a mentorship program*. Please share this information with your family and friends who are looking for employment. Interested applicants can apply online today at https://jobs.wesdschools.org/. For more information, please contact Lydia Garcia at 602-347-2622. *Denotes completion of the BEGIN program and earning performance pay.

Follow the WESD on Social Media

The good news never stops! We are constantly sharing positive stories and important District updates on all our social media pages including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn at @WESDSchools. We encourage you to follow us today so that you do not miss any exciting District news. You can also stay up-to-date with our latest news by visiting our website at https://www. wesdschools.org/.

Final Thoughts

We truly are thankful for you choosing the WESD, and are grateful to have the ongoing support of our community.

Gratefully,

Dr. Paul Stanton WESD Superintendent

Rookie Mom: 30 Summer Vacation Activities That Won’t Bore Your Kids

BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE

I will go bonkers if my soon-to-be first grader just sits back and watches Spy Ninjas on YouTube all day. (Plus, I wouldn’t allow her to do that anyway.)

That’s why I made a firm commitment to do something active with my kiddos every day. Sure, it curbs their boredom and makes my day go by faster…

But let’s be real: They’ll actually learn something new, too.

Here are 30 ideas for every day in June:

1. Make homemade ice cream

2. Go camping and stargazing in the backyard

3. Register for the summer reading program at the library

4. Have a DIY pasta night

5. Take a day trip to a water hole near Payson

6. Enjoy a nature hike at Tonto State Park

7. Grill some yummy steaks and have a family BBQ night

8. Set up water games outside

9. Test fireworks and sparklers

10. Learn how to bake a new summer treat

11. Share those treats with our neighbors

12. Create tie-dye shirts

13. Melt some campfire s’mores

14. Collect shells during our beach trip

15. Have a DIY spa day with homemade bath bombs

16. Compete in a family board game tournament

17. Write letters to penpals from school

18. Download a free printable cloud viewer frame and go on a cloud hunt

19. Visit a historic site like Montezuma’s Castle or Lowell Observatory

20. Explore a town like Bizbee or Jerome

21. Plan a family cookbook on Shutterfly with favorite family meals

22. Try birdwatching

23. Map out an animal scavenger hunt

24. Visit the science museum

25. Check out the aquarium

26. Make a playdate at a park splash pad

27. Try bubble painting

28. Go rollerskating

29. Visit a farmer’s market

30. Start a summer scrapbook

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

STAY VACATION

BLOCK WATCHER BY BLANCHE LUKES

What a novel idea. With gas so expensive it can be a dream come true, I had not thought of it that way, but when a family member recommended a retirement resort in the area was offering a stay and get to know us opportunity, we decided to give it a GO. There are so many resorts in Phoenix and Scottsdale wooing people from all over the country to come. So why don’t we take time to research them and then book a night or two or even a week! No airport hassle, yippee. Another bonus is that when you have friends or relatives who want to come and stay with you, you have firsthand knowledge i.e. ammunition to suggest they stay at XYZ resort.

For us it was a lovely experience. Two days, meals and an opportunity to interact with the residents. We got a good handle on determining if this is the kind of place we might consider retiring to or not.

One thing I had not thought of is that there are several such places here in the Valley. Just researching them has become fun. We moved to Phoenix in early 1970. It kind of grew around us, and one doesn’t realize what is happening until like wow. What was all desert north of North Mountain is fully populated with wonderful homes and businesses. The roads are in place, and one easily forgets how not too long ago this was all desert. Imagine that pioneer with their horse and wagon coming over North Mountain and there was hardly a home or light. That really is not that long ago. I am told that the late Senator Barry Goldwater was sitting on his horse talking to a friend, they were at about Tatum and Shea. There was nothing but land to the east and Barry was supposed to have said that sometime this would be all developed with homes. He was speaking of what now is Paradise Valley.

Blanchelukes@cox,net

Just Ask Julie

BY JULIE PEK

What colors are trending right now for home interiors? Paint companies help make the job of decorating a little easier when they announce their selections for the year. In 2023, several had a similar theme; makes you wonder if they collaborated on this. But from their descriptions, they seem to incorporate current trends in our lives.

The natural colors of Antelope Canyon inspired Sherwin Williams to name Redend Point (SW9081) as their 2023 color of the year. It is a calming rose color and it can be paired with other warm hues. If you haven’t been, Antelope Canyon is a must and you can see how it inspired the color scheme.

Behr selected Blank Canvas (DC-003) – an off-white hue – for an overall wall color and suggest pairing it with Gratifying Gray (DC-008) for a welcoming atmosphere in the home. It’s especially important to set the tone for your house and use these colors in the entryway.

A deep rosy pink hue with a touch of terra cotta, called Terra Rosa (DE5096) is Dunn-Edwards 2023 choice.

Better Homes & Garden didn’t select one particular paint color for 2023, but likes the use of neutrals, soothing blues and warm earth tones for this year.

Paint is one of the easiest things to change in your décor. You have lots of choices in color and most importantly, it should reflect your style and not the current trend.

If you have any real estate or home questions, send me an email at: juliepek@cox.net or call (602) 316-1875.

Balanced

MOON VALLEY MAGIC BY DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER

Balancing our Mind, Body and Spirit is so important to our overall health and happiness, but so dang hard to do. It’s made easier by people who are sensitive to it and can guide us. That is what my friend Kristen Hustead does for a living. She and her husband Mike, left Moon Valley, moved up to Camp Verde and bought a home with land where they have their dogs and 4 alpacas. Seeing them is an easy one hour drive, though not as fast as when they lived here in the ‘hood, the visit is worth the drive. They put a small trailer on their property and fixed it up, calling it their Tiny Home. It’s decorated and furnished to be comfy cozy and is now open as an Airbnb. Gary and I stayed there last weekend and got some much needed treatments.

Kristen is a Fascial Stretch Therapist Level III, Reiki Master, Grief and Trauma Holistic Counselor, and Yoga and Meditation Practitioner at their Wellbalanced Farm…A Healing Place. She is finely tuned into her clients using her hands like magic wands. As soon as she touched Gary she said, “You’re in pain, every day.” Indeed he is. He’s had one injury after another since 2002, as well as multiple surgeries. He always feels better after she works her magic on him.

Our fascia runs the length and breadth of our bodies, from our heads to our toes. When something is out of sync, it throws our body into chaos. Many times when I go to Kristen and explain where I’m hurting, she finds the source somewhere else entirely. The first time I had fascial stretch done, she told me that it was being disrupted somewhere in my mid-section. When I told her that I’d had a hysterectomy, it explained everything she needed to know and she got to work on fixing it. She opened up the blockage and my fascia is running much more smoothly now. On my last visit, she told me I wasn’t eating enough fruits and vegetables. She could sense the deficiency in my organs. Again, she was correct. We’d been traveling and eating out. I wasn’t getting my usual organic, well-proportioned meals, where I knew and could control the ingredients. As soon as we returned home, I went to the grocery store and only visited the produce section.

I’ve made several trips up to The Wellbalanced Farm…A Healing Place, by myself and with friends to get treatments. Being with Kristen calms my spirit. I’m always so filled with peace, it’s hard to leave and I’m ready to go back again before I’ve even left. As I type this they have clients staying in the tiny home for 4 days hanging out and getting treatments. They don’t want to leave either. The magic in that place is palatable.

A Bedrock Community Value:

“I want better for my child.”

By Karen Richter, Our Whole Lives Program Director Shadow Rock United Church of Christ

How did you learn about sexuality? For me (and no doubt, for lots of adults we know), it was a mysterious and embarrassing process involving whispers and health class, books passed around with marked pages, rumors about back seats and scary choices.

When I became a parent, I wanted better for my kids.

Just like I want better for my children in areas such as work, education, entertainment, travel, health, I want better for my children in sexuality education. What does it mean to want better sex ed? What does that look like?

+ A place to ask questions

+ Safe trusted adults

+ Discussions that include and affirm everyone

+ Engaging activities and games that help everyone learn

+ Acknowledgement of values

+ Environment of consent

+ Frank and practical talk about safer sex practices

+ Respectful and gentle language about pleasure and joy

For lots of families, “better sexuality education” looks like Our Whole Lives, a multi-age curriculum that is comprehensive and accurate, inclusive and ageappropriate, published jointly by the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our Whole Lives (sometimes known by its acronym OWL) is being offered Sunday evenings this fall at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ.

It’s a pretty firm value for most families: I want my children to thrive. I want their lives to be marked by joy and wellbeing. I want their experiences of learning about sexuality to be braver and more open than my experiences.

If this sounds like a value that’s familiar to you, if you are looking for this kind of inclusive and engaging program for young people in your life, consider Our Whole Lives.

Learn more about OWL online at www.ucc.org/owl. For information about OWL at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ, please email OWL@ shadowrockucc.org.

When families and children thrive, we all benefit.

The May 10th BLACK MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY ALLIANCE MEETING

BY FROSTY KROENING

Most of the discussion by Members of the Black Mountain Community Alliance was about what to do about homeless encampments. Traffic enforcement and community policing also were discussed. Plans for uses at Turf Paradise have not been finalized. Hearings will take place if the developer is going to go ahead with proposed projects. A computer/cloud factory, local small businesses, and quality apartment homes may be in the works. The Turf Paradise stadium may be kept and uses are being discussed. Sports gambling may be permitted. (Horse races taking place elsewhere.)

Traffic enforcement operations took place on April 17 and May 4. (We won’t tell you where!). Many citations for moving violations were handed out. Speeds on precinct roads were clocked at up to 81.25 miles per hour! One felony arrest was made. Drivers have been speeding through school zones, so officers are spending more time policing those areas. (Slowing down seems to be the preferred remedy! We all want to arrive at our destinations safely and our children are so precious! Cell phone use while driving is serious business. My insurance company has offered a special rate for NOT using my phone while driving. I put it in the trunk of my vehicle and let it ring! )

Community policing resulted in 23 felony arrests. Due to search warrants issued after investigations, 8 guns were seized and many illegal drugs were found and confiscated. A fire was put out near 19th Avenue north of Thunderbird. Eight families were displaced and helped by the Red Cross.

Several block watch group representatives spoke about challenges with unhoused people using parks and arroyos for camping. Police currently are not able to arrest people unless they are on private property or in a park after hours. People using public spaces as toilets are breaking laws too. They are asked to

THE REALTOR’S GONE TO THE DOGS

Jump into the pool. Crank up the AC. Pour a glass of lemonade. And by all means bring the dogs into the house. Here come the dog days of summer.

“Summer schmummer,” says Coldwell-Banker Realtor Barbara Bailey. “Every day is dog day at our house.”

Indeed. Barbara and her husband Willard have lived in the Moon Valley area for 41 years. Their home is dog sports central. The walls of several rooms are covered with ribbons, title certificates, trophies, and pictures of winning toy poodles, golden retrievers, border collies and now Barbara’s rescue papillon, Rocket.

It all started like this: Santa Claus brought Willard a golden retriever puppy, “Honeybear,” for Christmas in 1989. $200 came along with it. “This puppy is going to be a big dog,” the accompanying note said. “You need to get some training.”

They did.

At an early point in the class, someone mentioned that there is a dog sport called competition obedience. Willard’s response was, “My god, you mean they compete in this stuff?” He was still struggling to figure out which end of the leash you attach to the dog.

Long story short: Before long Willard and Honeybear were immersed in competition obedience lessons. “Dog sports are like dopamine,” Willard will tell you, “a tiny bit and you are hooked. Few things are more rewarding than the bond you form with your dog.”

Meanwhile, Barbara had enjoyed a long, illustrious career as a senior vice president (marketing) of several of the flagship stores of the Associated Dry Goods, Federated and Broadway department store chains. But by the ‘90s, brick and mortar department stores were like modern day buggy whips. Online shopping was simply killing Barbara’s industry. So she had transitioned her marketing skills into a second career, real estate.

move on and seek assistance. Downtown encampments are being moved out. Many of the residents do not seem to want services because they do not want to give up drugs, are mentally ill, or for personal reasons. The City of Phoenix currently is struggling to find housing, jobs, and medical care for unhoused people. Encampments along Cave Creek Road and Greenway are being cleaned and dismantled. Other locations will be identified. Iron bars are or will be installed at the entrances and exits of large culverts so people cannot live in them. Residents are encouraged to let the police know where encampments are occurring. PhoenixCares will be the first contact organization. There now are highly trained psychologists who meet people and try to connect them with assistance. After that, if private property or safety are at stake, police will remove and catalog belongings of people and ask them to relocate. In one encampment only one person out of 10 accepted assistance. We feel compassion for people who have no safe home, especially in Phoenix’s hot summers. We urge everyone to find a way to live in safe and sanitary housing and get help resolving personal issues. And we urge people who want to help to donate money to shelters rather than hand homeless people money, etc.

We support Officer Ben Sywarungsymun who will be riding his motorcycle in the Tour de Force challenge to raise money to assist the families of fallen officers. Go to info@bmcainfo.com to find information about this effort.

Weekends the next few years were spent at obedience trials all over Arizona. And in far flung outposts all over Southern California, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.

Barbara, the most loyal of wives, was with Willard every mile (and dollar) of the way. Up at 3am. At the show site before dawn. Warming up the dog and setting up the tent by the van’s headlights, schlepping stuff – heavy stuff! – in and out of motel rooms, in and out of the show sites. Putting up with Willard’s ring nerves until he had completed his final ring of the day.

Picture this: It’s the afternoon before the biggest tournament of the year. Where the best dogs and handlers in America have been invited to duke it out across two action-packed days. Yes, Honeybear and Willard have been invited . . . and will place ninth among the top 6o teams.

The venue is the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. Barbara is standing in the middle of the huge area where tomorrow and Sunday a few things will be decided. She looks around and says, “ If all these people are having so much fun, why do they all look so stressed? There’s enough tension in this room to light all of Salt Lake City.”

On October 17, 1999, Willard and Barbara woke up to a spectacularly horrible morning in Las Cruces, New Mexico. At ring time the temperature was 39 degrees. The wind was howling, blowing a beating rain into Honeybear’s eyes as she soared over 28-inch jumps . . . and became an obedience trial champion (OTCH).

Following some calculations, the American Kennel Club told Willard that the odds against a novice handler taking a novice dog all the way to an OTCH were greater than 10,000 to 1.

That morning Barbara hugged Willard while tears of joy streamed down his face. Then she hugged Honeybear for a long time, telling her how proud she was.

SEE PART 2 NEXT MONTH!

Chipped or Broken Teeth

With pool season upon us and Summer activities starting up, one of the biggest issues that dentists see in the Summer months are broken or chipped teeth as a result of falling or some kind of accident. The enamel (outer layer of the tooth) is the hardest tissue in the body — yet, it’s not unbreakable. Serious falls, blows to the face, and other types of trauma to your tooth can cause a chip or break. If you have a chipped or broken tooth, you should address this highly common dental emergency quickly and efficiently.

How to Determine If Your Broken Tooth Is an Emergency Situation

A chipped tooth happens when a tooth breaks above the gum line and a portion of the outer enamel becomes completely separated. This type of fracture often results from trauma or an impact on the face near the mouth.

While small chips involving only your tooth’s enamel pose the least risk of potential tooth loss, you should still see the dentists at AZ Family Dental as soon as possible to assess the injury. A broken, chipped, or fractured tooth can impact the appearance of your smile, and it could become further damaged or infected, potentially leading to tooth loss. Chips can also create sharp edges that cause discomfort.

During your emergency dental appointment, your dentist will take a series of X-rays and evaluate your chipped tooth to rule out additional injury beyond what is visible. Additional appointments may be needed to restore your damaged tooth to its natural appearance and function.

There are several treatment options for a chipped or broken tooth, depending on how severely it is damaged. Before proceeding, your dentist will explain everything so you understand what your treatment entails. Small chips can often be repaired in one office visit. A severely broken tooth may require additional care. The most common repair services offered for a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth:

Dental filling: A filling can repair small chips to the tooth’s enamel. Small chips, especially those on the front teeth, may require dental fillings. Composite resin is pliable and can be shaped by your dentist to fill the chip.

Dental cap or crown: Large chips, especially those causing discomfort, may require a dental cap or crown that fits over the entire tooth.

Root canal therapy: If the entire crown is broken off, but the root remains, your dentist can perform root canal therapy. They can place a post in the canal and build up enough structure onto which your dentist can place a dental crown.

Whatever treatment is needed, know that your dentist will do their best to get you back to your normal smiling self as quickly as possible.

For any other questions or concerns about fixing broken teeth feel free to contact AZ Family Dental! (602)922-5969

“I Can See Clearly Now”

Thanks to Johnny Nash who wrote and recorded this great song, and to a number of famous performers who covered it. It is a perfect intro into this month’s piece.

The problem is that I cannot see clearly now. Somewhere about 2000, I had Lasik on both eyes. What a great transformation! I had worn glasses since I was eleven and was extremely nearsighted. Voila’, no more glasses; better than 20-20 vision; I was in heaven.

The practice that did the procedure really only specialized in eye surgery, or at least that was the impression that I had. I didn’t have a regular eye doctor for 8 or 9 years. I didn’t need one – I could see “good”.

I was signed up to run a half marathon on Sunday. Not sure what happened on the prior Friday, but I think I held my nose when I sneezed and soon noticed floaters in my eyes. I was concerned about the damage running 13+ miles might do. A casual friend was an eye doctor, and he agreed to examine me before the race. Now I had an eye doctor.

He noticed increased pressure in one eye and prescribed drops to use on a daily basis. We scheduled semi-annual exams, but he retired in a couple of years.

Over a year elapsed before I chose a new Doctor. He also noted the increased pressure and started me on a drop’s regimen as well. Nothing much was made of the increased pressure – it was something to watch.

At one exam I complained that I was having difficulty seeing in low light situations. His response was that I had a cataract in the questionable eye and I needed a new lens. My response was “OK if it helps me see better.” We did it. When my eye normalized, I had a blur in the middle of my line of sight.

Some other things occurred and I decided not to see this guy again. Again, no eye doctor.

My vision was rapidly changing. A visit to an ophthalmologist, recommended by a friend, resulted in three pairs of glasses and nearly a $3,000 bill. Six months later, I was having a hard time seeing again.

My wife had cataract surgery, done by the practice that did my original Lasik.

GERRY JOHNSON

She was elated over the results. She convinced me to get examined by them. She had heard about a simple laser procedure that would eliminate the blur,

It turns out that the elevated pressure is a precursor to Glaucoma. Now I have a 20-20 lens but I can’t see much out of my left eye. The guy that did the implant really didn’t explain the obvious and the ophthalmologist never even mentioned it. Oh yeah, the laser procedure doesn’t apply here.

My new and current eye doctor took the time to explain what was happening to me. The most we can hope for is to curtail further glaucoma damage in my left eye with pressure reducing drops – there is no cure. The right eye had developed a severe cataract and a lens implant was called for. Since I have the glaucoma issue, she recommended that we have a glaucoma specialist do the implant. We did it. Thirty days later and I had blurry, double vision. The Yag (laser) procedure is called for here. We did it. No help.

Final recommendation was Lasik type (RPK) enhancement on my right eye. We did it. We are about a week into the 30-day recuperation period. I have high hopes that I am going to be able to follow the golf ball and see the scores on my giant TV. It’s not as blurry as before.

The point of this article – I have three:

Don’t screw around with glaucoma. Use the eye drops to reduce the eye pressure without fail for the rest of your life.

If you have had Lasik, and you need cataract surgery, get a Lasik specialist to do it.

Ask enough questions to satisfy your mind that the course of action will accomplish your goals. I didn’t do this. These surgeons are professionals and they deal with these issues every day, but they are not omnipotent. You do it once or twice in a lifetime. The downside is life altering. Make sure you know the potential outcomes.

I’m a mortgage guy. What does this have to do with mortgages? The same applies. Find a qualified mortgage professional and ask questions until you understand your options. You will be glad you did.

Bathroom Remodeling CheckList

BY TOM SERTICH, KIRK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY DESIGNED BUILD REMODELING COMPANY

It looks nice. We just have a few changes. On the top take o the

Friday we are open from 8-12

The bathroom has a large impact on a family’s lifestyle. At KDC we believe Form Follows Function. If form does not follow function, it does not matter how great your bathroom looks it will not function as you need it. It is extremely important to address these issues when starting your bath remodel. Below is a checklist of a few items you need to think about before you start.

+ Who will be using the bathroom?

+ What do you like and dislike about the existing bathroom?

Please send one more proof, thanks

+ How do you function in the morning & evening as it relates to the bathroom? Who gets up first, how does the fact that one gets up first affect the one still in bed?

+ Shower – Type of shower valve and trim, personal shower head, shower tile/stone, enclosure glass or open?

+ Toilet - Design, height, and color?

+ Faucet/sink - Size, type, and finish?

+ Cabinets - Design, style, color and height?

+ Vanity Countertop - Material, Color, and edge design?

+ Backsplash – Material and color?

+ Special Storage - Linen cabinet, Medicine cabinet, and closets?

+ Lighting - How much, placement, type, and dimmer switch?

+ Mirrors - How many and type?

+ Flooring - Tile/stone and color?

Sometimes the number of choices of product seems overwhelming. You might benefit by consulting with the “Certified Kitchen & Bath Designers” or the “Certified Aging In Place Specialists” at Kirk Development. Our professionals are trained specifically in both Kitchen & Bath design. They can help you through the “Decision Jungle” of Kitchen & Bath design.

So, if you want to enjoy the process of designing your new Bath and feel confident the new remodeling has taken your family’s special needs in mind, call KIRK DEVELOPMENT at 602 944-3658 today to plan the “right” Bath for tomorrow!

Thunderbird High School Outdoors Club Climbs Chiricahua National Monument

Excellence continues at Thunderbird High School as the Outdoors Club went on one of its greatest adventures to Chiricahua National Monument located in Southeastern Arizona. The club’s 11 most involved students and sponsors, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Nagle, and Mrs. Ramon, explored unique rhyolite rock formations and participated in the Junior Ranger program.

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

Salt River

BY LEON TRY ME BIKE SHOP

The bike path along the Rio Salado is beautiful and second to none. Starting at Central avenue is a good starting place. Parking at the Audubon Center is right there with free parking. The center is a must see. Going east is the Liberty Wildlife a place for injured birds to be treated. It’s only a few miles east of the Audubon. Check on-line for hours; great place to see with kids. Pedaling on east, Sky Harbor airport is to your left. There are benches and shade to watch airplanes land and take off. The path is flat with underpasses under all the roads. Tempe town lake is another 4 miles east. Watching people an boats is relaxing and fun. The salt could be running over the summer yet another plus.

Most cities have few bike ways or paths. The valley has over 1500 miles good for biking. Take time to enjoy, which will enbolden the city to add more places to ride. Biking gives time to relax and decompress. It’s the answer to stress of life, so it works for me.

Stuart Hansen, Trish Hansen Kerr and Brad Hansen

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

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

The cost for paper shredding is only $.55 per pound or a minimum fee of $15 if the weight is less than 30 lbs.

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.

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

ISO Antiques

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

Clear Advantage Window Cleaning

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

Distribution Information

The Moon Valley Tattler is distributed monthly free of charge to Moon Valley area homes. Additional copies are distributed at rack locations.

Content in full or part may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher and do not constitute an endorsement of products or services. Publication of an ad does not constitute an endorsement. Business profiles are based on information supplied from advertisers. Readers are urged to verify. Articles and photographs can be

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

THE MOON VALLEY TATTLER, LLC info@mvtattler.com

moonvalleytattler.com

602-765-0902 @moonvalleytattler

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

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

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

Drywall Repair & Popcorn Ceiling Removal

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

CAREGIVER: Available for Work

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

Cleaning Services

Residential Homes, Commercial Businesses, Move in / Move outs. One time, Weekly, by-weekly or Monthly. Free estimates, call Molina 602-326-2780

Nurse’s Assistant Tech Help

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

Computer & flip phone help 602-375-2372

Looking to make an impact this summer?

Check for a Lump needs your help! Volunteers and Interns are needed to help your local community nonprofit thrive!

Please sign up using the QR code or following link, and then come join us at 360 E Coronado Rd #120 Phoenix, AZ 85023 | T or Th | 10am-2pm

www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CABA92FA3FFC07-summer

BUSY? Already filled your summer calendar? You can still help!

Help by collecting donations for our super survivor kits

We need: *Colored pencils *Adult activity or coloring books *Fuzzy Socks *Blankets *Cotton Fabric Or check out our Amazon Wishlist.

Food Insecurity has Grown by 60% in Our Neighborhood Here’s How You Can Help

On March 1st, 30 million Americans in 32 states received a cut in their SNAP food benefits. (SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps). This reduction was due to the end of COVID-emergency allotments put in place during the pandemic.

The decrease in SNAP benefits, along with record high food inflation, has created greater food insecurity throughout the U.S. In fact, the PV Community Food Bank saw a 60 percent increase in the number of neighbors served compared to the previous year.

School food drives and generous donations from corporate and individual donors have allowed the food bank to keep its doors open and expand its reach to those in need.

In February 2022, Whole Foods, one of our major community partners, donated a refrigerated van to help us increase the number of people served. We are now able to deliver food boxes to families living in the Palomino neighborhood at 30th St. and Greenway Rd. in Phoenix, where 95 percent of residents live below the poverty level and many don’t have transportation.

PV Community Food bank also provides Weekend Food4Kids food packs to the schools in the area. Since

its inception in 2007, the food bank has distributed over 200,000 weekend bags to undernourished school-aged kids.

We also fund snack programs for after-school and summer school programs. During the school year, we distribute crackers and juice to the school nurses for use when administering medications to students. School food drives are a critical source of food for PV Food Bank and they teach students the value of community service.

The PV Community Food Bank is an all-volunteer organization and receives no government funds. Our service area includes the 98 square miles covered by PV Schools.

How Can You Help?

Hold a food drive at your workplace or donate to your child’s school food drives.

Make a cash donation directly to PV Community Food Bank. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated.

Make an AZ Tax Credit donation of up to $800 (qualifying code: 20265) and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on your AZ state return (Consult with your accountant to see if you qualify). Visit www.pvcommunityfoodbank.org or tour our facility at 10862 N. 32nd Street.

Handy Dandy Classifieds Form

Exercise Your Microbiome

BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC

OK, not literally, although physical activity does seem to play a key role in microbiome health. Let’s see why the gut microbiome (the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, that live in the digestive tract) is so important and how exercise can help optimize its potential.

First, a quick word about the microbiome, which you may think based on the above description, can’t possibly be a good thing. While it’s true that not all of the microorganisms in the GI microbiome (think: ecosystem) are technically “healthy,” in and of themselves, they exist in harmony with the healthy microorganisms. The problem is when microbiome dysbiosis occurs – an imbalance of healthy vs. unhealthy microorganisms, favoring the unhealthy ones. And unfortunately, these days dysbiosis is increasingly the norm due to a variety of factors, including poor diet, antibiotic overuse and more.

Now, on to the research, the latest of which supports the role of exercise in GI microbiome health. This study used non-athletes as the subject population, as high-level athletes (not people who perform physical activity in their day-to-day lives) are known to have different microbiome status due to strict diet, lean body mass, etc.

Among non-athletes, moderate physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week) increased the richness and diversity of gut microbiomes compared to fewer weekly minutes of exercise. Duration of exercise appeared to be more significant than exercise intensity in improving GI microbes. In other words, more is more important than less, regardless of how strenuous. Findings appear in FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) Journal. Interested in learning more about the GI microbiome and how important it is in your gut and overall health? For a primer from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health go to https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/ microbiome/.

Fireworks Return to Moon Valley, Thanks to MVNA and Community Sponsors

BY MVNA PRESIDENT DREW HUTCHINSON

It’s time to dust off those picnic blankets and gather with friends and family as we announce the triumphant return of the Moon Valley Fireworks Show! Thanks to the Moon Valley Country Club, the Moon Valley Neighborhood Association (MVNA) and our incredible community sponsors, this cherished event will once again light up the night sky on July 3rd and fill our hearts with joy.

Our hope is for the Moon Valley Fireworks Show to become a staple in our community and serve as a symbol of unity, patriotism, and the enduring spirit of our neighborhood. This event will bring together residents of all ages to celebrate our shared values and commemorate the importance of the 4th of July.

One of the main goals of the Moon Valley Neighborhood Association (MVNA) is to help bring and grow community events like the Moon Valley Fireworks Show. Events like these really create a sense of belonging, strengthen community bonds, and provide opportunities for neighbors to come together and make lasting memories. These events foster a spirit of camaraderie, and remind us that we are part of something greater than ourselves.

The absence of the fireworks show in recent years left a void in our hearts. It became evident that we needed to take action to restore this beloved tradition. This is why the Moon Valley Country Club and MVNA, in collaboration with our dedicated community sponsors, stepped up to the plate, recognizing the importance of preserving and reviving this timehonored event.

Our sponsors have shown unwavering commitment to the Moon Valley community. Their generous support has allowed us to secure the necessary resources and supplies to ensure a spectacular display that will dazzle young and old alike. With their contributions, we have created an unforgettable experience for all.

The MVNA believes that the 4th of July holds immense significance in our nation’s history. It is a day to honor the values of freedom, independence, and unity that our forefathers fought for. The Moon Valley Fireworks Show serves as a tribute to those ideals, reminding us of the sacrifices made by generations past to secure the liberties we enjoy today.

As we gather to witness the brilliance of the fireworks illuminating the night sky, let us not forget the importance of community and the power we hold when we come together. It is through events like these that we forge lasting connections, build friendships, and create a legacy for future generations.

So mark your calendars and spread the word! On July 3rd, 2023 The Moon Valley Fireworks Show is back, brighter than ever, and it’s all thanks to the Moon Valley Country Club, Moon Valley Neighborhood Association (MVNA) and our amazing community sponsors. Let us come together on the 4th of July to celebrate, reflect, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

See you there!

Get involved, www.moonvalley.org