Supporting our community and assisting those who need a helping hand with Check for A Lump
BY FINN WALLACE
As a privileged teenager in today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in yourself and daily life issues. So whenever possible, it is important to remember what is truly important in life – family, friends, and supporting your community and assisting those who need a helping hand. Volunteering your time is essential for social awareness of the world around you. And there is no better feeling than knowing that the work and time you are dedicating will create a positive impact on someone else’s life. One way I like to give back is through the National Charity League, a non-profit philanthropic organization that promotes charity work as a mother-daughter activity.
My favorite charity for volunteering is Check for a Lump in downtown Phoenix. Founded by a breast cancer survivor, Check for a Lump is a non-profit organization that provides free breast health education, mammograms, testing, and direct support to breast cancer patients with wigs and resources in Arizona. When you volunteer with Check for a Lump, there are so many different ways you can help out. Sometimes it is assembling Super Survivor kits for breast cancer patients and survivors or sorting through dozens of letters for patients to encourage them to keep on fighting their courageous battle. As you walk into the welcoming office, you are greeted with countless wigs of all colors, styles, and hair types possible. These are the free wigs gifted to the brave women going through chemotherapy as a way to reclaim normality. The same wigs are shown off at the organization’s annual Wig Out Gala, which is hosted in March each year. This event is a staple for Check for a Lump supporters and a great way to give back to an amazing cause with donations of auction items. They also host events such as the Pink Out 5k and Pink Couture, a fashion show in support of breast cancer awareness, which raises thousands of dollars for the organization to continue providing resources to breast cancer survivors and patients. As a member in the Moon Valley Chapter of the National Charity League, I enjoy helping women by being part of their support system through the Check for
a Lump organization. One particular afternoon, a few days before the annual Pink Out 5k, I was able to greet people as they came in to grab their bibs and goody bags. It was so heartwarming to meet the courageous women who walked through those doors and to see the strength of their spirits. Not only does Check for a Lump strive to bring comfort to women suffering from cancer, but it also promotes knowledge of how to detect signs of early on-set breast cancer and prevent spreading further into the body. Their annual magazine is a great resource for women who are not familiar with breast cancer and the symptoms of the disease. These magazines are distributed across 300 locations (and counting!) in Maricopa County and are free upon request via website and email. To volunteer for Check for a Lump, visit their website: https://www. checkforalump.org for more information.
NCL is an amazing philanthropic organization built for motherdaughter duos starting in 6th grade and above. To inquire, visit https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/moonvalley or email membershipmoonvalley@nclonline.org if interested in membership. Visit Facebook: NCLincMoonValley or Instagram: @nclmoonvalley.
Celebrating History & Looking Toward the Future
Founded in 1979, a handful of devoted Christians recognized an opportunity to minister to Arizona seniorsthey formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and named it Christian Care.
This year marks a very special milestone, 45 Years of Blessings. In honor of our 45 years, we are rolling back our prices for this month’s incentive!
“Cast me not o in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” Psalm 71:9
TRAPPED IN MOON VALLEY
It’s summertime so that means I’m spending wonderfully fulfilling (and tiring!) days cooking up at Camp Civitan. Wouldn’t have it any other way... while in Williams, and with my husband Ed being a Marine Veteran - Semper Fi! - we will visit the American Legion.
I’m not sure if you’ve heard about this tradition, but at American Legion posts across the country, there’s a very special moment that happens every evening at 7 PM. It’s a time when everyone stops, stands, and recites a heartfelt toast. This ritual, filled with camaraderie and remembrance, never fails to move me.
However, the American Legion in Williams, Arizona, is missing a piece of this tradition—they don’t have a 7 o’ clock toast sign. Seeing the impact this small gesture has at other posts, I feel compelled to anchor this tradition at Williams with an official sign.
I can picture it now: as the clock strikes 7, the members and visitors at the Williams Legion Post would see the sign, rise from their seats, and join together in this shared moment of respect and solidarity. It’s such a simple yet powerful act, and I believe it could strengthen the bonds within this community, honoring both past and present members who have served our country.
So, I’m taking it upon myself to have this sign made. It’s a small gesture, but one that I hope will bring a great deal of meaning to the members of the Williams Legion. With a little effort, we can ensure that this wonderful tradition continues and that every evening at 7 PM, the Legion in Williams stands together, united in spirit and in purpose.
See below a sneak peak of the sign... we will make sure to show you the final piece when it is all engraved!!
Dawn Trapp
BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE
Rookie Mom: Cheap-and-Easy Summer Crafts to Keep the Kids from Boredom
If you’re anything like my family during summer, the days are long, but the weeks go by fast.
Yet, as my daughter Brynn always says on a daily basis: “I’m boooooored.”
And as I remind her: “It’s not my job to keep you entertained.”
But, the reality is that it is my job to give her the tools to keep her young mind inspired, (especially since doing things outdoors past 10 a.m. seems almost impossible!)
So with that in mind, here are a few holidayinspired (and not-soholiday) crafts to keep the days short and fun:
5. Ice Cream Cone Art: Use construction paper and cotton balls to make ice cream cone crafts.
6. Nature Collage: Collect leaves, flowers, and small twigs to create a collage on a piece of cardboard or paper.
1. Fourth of July Fireworks Painting: Use toilet paper rolls cut into fringe to create fireworks prints with paint.
2. Summer Garland: Create a garland with paper suns, flowers, and other summer-themed shapes.
3. Popsicle Stick Crafts: Use popsicle sticks to make frames, small buildings, or even puppets.
4. Beach in a Bottle: Fill small bottles with sand, tiny shells, and a bit of blue food coloring to represent the ocean.
7. Painted Rocks: Find smooth rocks and paint them with bright colors and designs. These can be used as garden decorations or paperweights.
8. Bird Feeders: Use pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed to make simple bird feeders.
9. Sand Art: Use colored sand to create layered designs in jars or bottles.
10. Sun Prints: Arrange objects like leaves or flowers on light-sensitive paper, expose them to sunlight, and create unique prints.
11. Paper Plate Crafts: Turn paper plates into masks, animals, or even a clock with some paint, glue, and markers.
12. Tie-Dye T-Shirts: Use tie-dye kits to create colorful patterns on plain white t-shirts.
13. Homemade Playdough: Make your own playdough with flour, salt, water, and food coloring.
14. Bead Jewelry: Create necklaces, bracelets, and keychains using colorful beads and string.
15. Recycled Art: Use old magazines, bottle caps, and cardboard to create new pieces of art.
Sip & Seed Event
Saturday, July 13th
10:00am – Noon
Sunnyslope Historical Society
737 East Hatcher Road, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Join us for wine and refreshments while packaging seeds for charity. Get to know your neighbor and our museum.
Garden Gail with Mountain View Community Garden will be sharing gardening secrets. So bring your questions.
Donations accepted to support the Sunnyslope Historical Society & Museum
Seating limited. (602) 684-1607
BLACK MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY ALLIANCE MEETS AGAIN
BY FROSTY KROENING
An action-packed meeting was held May 8 at the Deer Valley Community Center. A wide variety of announcements were presented by City and County staff. Among those topics were the proposed developments of a large nano-chip factory in northwest Phoenix (including a new “town-within-a town” of up to 42,000 people. Another plan is for over 100 new airplane hangars at the Deer Valley Airport and renovation of the terminal. A third new development plan is for multiple new buildings and programs at Arizona State University West and nearby City-owned land. A member asked if Phoenix has enough water to support all these new facilities and homes. Deb Stark, Vice Mayor, stated that Phoenix does not have a water shortage so these developments will be okay.
The challenge of meeting the needs of unhoused people remains front and center. 50% of the programs and projects designed by the Phoenix City Council have begun to be realized. That is good news.
As for crime statistics in the Black Mountain Police Precinct, the numbers are down, largely due to effective community policing and new business alliances. This does not mean we can relax our efforts. It may mean that word is getting around that crime will not be tolerated in this precinct. There was a person stealing Nike shoes and re-selling them. He was caught. Another person was arrested after being chased into 15 backyards, (amazingly) leaping over block walls. In the 15th yard, police were waiting to arrest him. A helicopter assisted in the arrest. Good coordination effort!
Speeding and red-light-running is a never-ending challenge for enforcement. The City Council will begin discussions of camera ticketing in the fall. Meanwhile, the City enforcement team will continue its enforcement events in our precinct. Everyone is asked to slow down, drive politely, and stay safe. Soon children will be out of school so we need to watch for them.
Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates spoke about how at least four agencies manage and monitor elections. He invited voters to carefully do their homework to learn about all the candidates. He urged citizens to be aware of Artificial Intelligence (AI) mis-information. Over 80% of voters vote by mail. There will be 250 vote centers where citizens can vote no matter where they live in Maricopa County. And mail-in ballots can be dropped off in person at these centers. Tallies take many days as many people vote at the last minute. He urged people to send ballots in as soon as possible to assist the count. A website called “justthefacts.vote” will provide up-to-date information as the election season continues.
The next BMCA meeting will be in September. Check the Association’s website for times and dates of Coffee With A Cop events.
Flats on electric bikes are no fun!
BY LEON OF TRY ME BIKE SHOP
Flats on e-bikes are hard to fix in the shop, and lots harder miles from home. Pushing home can be tough in the heat of the day brutal. Try to avoid brush and grass that hid thorns and stickers. Heavy tubes,liners,and sealant will help prevent flats. There is a new solution Tannus Armor liners. It is a light weight liner that is about a inch thick on the top and thinner on the sides. They are not cheap and labor intense to install. This will keep you away from must flats plus you can ride home on a flat.
Flats and break downs are a worry liners are a big help. Calling a wrecker is not a good option when broke down. Lyft, Uber, or a cab won’t give your bike a ride home so prepare.
A little prevention will avoid must flats.
Pray for Peace
Rev. Kenneth Heintzelman
The violence in the world is overwhelming. We do our best to protect our friends, family, and selves from the trauma to our psyches. Sometimes the best we can do is isolate and build walls around us. Often when I hear people speak of Moon Valley this is the feeling that is conveyed. Moon Valley is a generous and thoughtful community but sometimes we want to think of ourselves as having protective walls that can keep the ugliness of the world outside. Yet, the stories of violence creep in and we wonder what we can do.
We can pray for peace. That is to open ourselves up and cause our spirits to lean into the ways of love and justice which will bring peace.
We can help create a more peaceful world. Words are great and action is better. How much of what makes us comfortable in our lives contributes to the industries that profit from violence. All of us contribute to this. We may have to dig deep to find the connection between our video games and stock investments to find it, but it is there. We can work to minimize this fact.
We can challenge the myth of redemptive violence. We grew up watching Bugs Bunny, Popeye the Sailor Man, Tom and Jerry, Rambo, and John Wayne. The underlying premise is that the violence of the good guy is necessary to overcome the violence of the bad guy, and it always works. This shapes so much of our consciousness and the way we view the world. Can we challenge this myth and challenge ourselves so we can think of creative alternatives? Yes, we can.
Have courage to embrace the hard truths that make for peacemaking rather than the easy road of peace keeping. Sometimes we just want peace and quiet and we do not have the energy to understand what is wrong and to make things right. This is peacekeeping. Peacemaking is very different and requires a lot of energy and resources. I think we will see great benefits if we dedicate the same energy and resources to making things right that we dedicate to make things quiet and go our way. This requires great courage because it means swimming against the culture of violence.
The war in Israel and Gaza dominates the news. Each side claims the other drew “first blood” and therefore, justified in their violence toward the other. This claim for redemptive violence justifies nothing and perpetuates death and destruction. The ancient hope that we will beat our swords into plowshares is more than a pollyannish hope. It is a strategy for peace.
they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; 4 but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
What’s Normal Now?
BY DR. SANDI HOWLETT
Grief affects almost everything, especially feelings and behavior. Your ‘normal’ ways of doing and feeling may have been upended resulting in new and ‘unlike you’ thoughts and feelings. Note if any of the things on this list are true for you now.
Difficulty remembering even familiar information
Short attention span
Misplacing / losing things
Changes in sleep – needing more or insomnia
Changes in appetite – wanting more or less food
Fatigue
Body aches
Difficulty making decisions
Short temper, less tolerant of others and situations
Anger – at medical staff, family, friends, strangers, God, the deceased and / or situation
· Feeling helpless and powerless
· Questioning faith
· Impatience with others and situations
· Excessive – shopping, eating, drinking, internet, gambling…
· Wanting to be with others and wanting to be alone
· Loneliness
· Sudden overwhelm of emotions and / or tears
· More accident prone – in and out of vehicles
Feelings of guilt, regret, or blame – ‘shoulda’, ‘woulda’, ‘if only’ thinking
Emotional numbness
Feeling fearful or taking inappropriate risks
Desire to run away or imagine that what has happened, has not While many of these are opposites, they are all normal grief responses. These changes are almost always temporary and shift over time.
Dr. Sandi Howlett is the Grief Specialist for Hansen Mortuary where she facilitates Grief Support Groups and meets clients individually. Her support services are available at no charge to the public. She may be contacted at drsandihowlett@gmail.com
When every person can sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and not be afraid, the violence will end. This means when every human being can have their own home and the capacity to maintain it without the threat of it being taken away, then there will be peace. Have the policies and actions of nations reflected this compassion and justice? Can such a thing happen? I hope so because our survival depends on it. Pray for peace and work for justice and then we can start hammering weapons into farm implements. Peace be with you!
Beware the $599 Living Trust!
BY LIBBY BANKS, PLLC, THE LAW OFFICE OF LIBBY BANKS
If you are like me, you are receiving mail and seeing signs advertising Revocable Living Trusts at steep discounts. Be cautious in using these services. Often, they are trust mills, or really out to get your money – they want to sell you an annuity or other product where the real money is made.
We see these plans in our office. Clients sometimes come in with worries that what was done isn’t quite what they requested. Most often, they are right. Once we review the plan, it isn’t what they want to have happen with their estate. In one particularly egregious case, there were no beneficiaries listed.
Often, the purpose of this low-ball offer isn’t to give you a good estate plan, but to sell you an annuity or other investment. A friend of mine passed along a story about someone she knew who felt held hostage in the room with the salesperson who was bound and determined she was going to invest in an annuity. Make no mistake about it– most often you are meeting with a salesperson for a financial product, and not with an attorney. They are more interested in your money and you investing with them than they are in assuring you have a proper plan that serves you and your family well.
Using a licensed attorney who is experienced in estate planning is your best option to get your plan done right. You get what you pay for and the cheap trusts offered by many are exactly that – a cheap version that is the same for every couple or individual that crosses their threshold.
Using an estate planning attorney assures you are getting a plan from someone who is most interested in making sure that your plan will protect you if you are incapacitated and that your estate is as easy as possible to administer on your passing (and without court proceedings).
There is a reason that attorneys are referred to as “attorney and counselor at law.” While an experienced estate planning attorney like me has the technical
expertise to draft documents correctly and that is important, it is equally important that we get to know your situation. An experienced estate attorney can guide you with delicate decisions, including how to provide for a child or elderly parent who has special needs without interrupting valuable government benefits; how to provide for your children fairly (which may not be equally); who should be the guardian of your minor children; and how you can protect your children’s or grandchildren’s inheritance from creditors and irresponsible spending. That discount plan, thrown together without more discussion, won’t do the same job.
Most people think their estate planning will be simple. But the reality is that our estates are personal, and most people do need some personalized planning…and you may not know just what you need without the guidance of an experienced attorney. It is far better to spend a little more now and make sure your plan is created correctly than to try to save a few dollars and have things turn out badly and cost your family thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees later. You won’t be around to straighten things out or keep the peace then. Don’t you think you owe it to those you love to do a proper estate plan?
The cost of poor planning or no planning almost always exceeds the price of setting up a proper estate plan while you are alive and well. Putting the right plan in place and using an attorney who practices primarily or exclusively in estate planning, will save your family heartache and expense.
To schedule a no charge consultation or review with one of our attorneys, please call us at 602-375-6752.
“The Magic Number”
I seldom, if ever, watch it, but the Shark Tank has become quite a hit on TV. It may be aired on other stations, but it shows on CNN (which I do watch) after the financial markets close. One of the stars of Shark Tank is Barbara Corcoran. She seems to be quite versed in financial matters.
I caught a blurb by Barbara the other day on Microsoft Edge, a browser on my laptop. The gist of the piece, is that there is a “magic number” where lower mortgage interest rates will entice buyers back into the market and that will cause the residential real estate market to skyrocket and drive home prices to the moon. I have written several articles about this topic recently, but I don’t think we can emphasize this point too often. It’s just a matter of time until we have another housing boom, and that will be predicated, in part, by interest rates.
If you watch CNN during the day, they spotlight several financial indices in a ribbon at the bottom of the screen. They are reporting that the residential mortgage rate has been hovering around 7%, for a 30-year fixed interest mortgage, for several months now. It has also been reported that the Mortgage Bankers association forecasts that rate at 6.1% by the end of the year, and Fannie Mae is looking at 5.9% by the fourth quarter of 2024. Will this happen? I don’t know. The FED is moving a little slower that anticipated, but do not doubt that rates will come down and home prices will rise in the not-too-distant future.
From the article, “Although many anxious Americans are sweating it out until mortgage rates slide to enter the housing market, . . . Corcoran believes you might not benefit as much from lower financing costs as you’d expect.”
Corcoran advises to “find yourself a great broker who knows how to hustle because there is always a deal to be had – no exceptions to that rule.” Additionally, get hooked up with a trusted residential loan officer and get prequalified. Thus, when the right deal comes along you are ready to pounce.
The point is that if you wait around for better rates, you will lose your advantage. The ploy is to buy now - you will get more “bang for your buck”and when rates do ebb to the point where it makes sense to refinance, you will be sitting pretty in your new home, which has appreciated appreciably, with a much more comfortable payment. Don’t wait – get started now. You will be glad you did.
Rights or Responsibilities?
BY RABBI SHNEUR WOLFMAN
The holiday of Shavuot (June 11-13) celebrates God giving the Torah (Bible) to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai. The Bible is known as the longest bestselling book in history and is extensively studied by many faiths. There are countless beautiful lessons we can learn from the 3,336 year old text of the Torah. I want to share one of them.
When the Torah talks about human life it commands “You shall not Murder” (Exodus 20:13). In the U.N Declaration of Human Rights, Article 3, it states “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”
There is an interesting difference between these two quotes. The U.N declaration uses the language of rights, whereas the Bible employs the language of duties and responsibilities.
It is no accident that modern society gets to the end result of “no murder” through the language of rights, whereas the Torah gets to this result through the language of obligations. This subtle difference expresses a larger philosophical difference.
In fact, there is no authentic Hebrew word for “rights’’ This brings to mind the fact that the Moken language has no words for “want,” “take,” or “mine,” because money and material goods never held much interest for these nomadic people. Words reflect the realities of a given society. It is no accident that while modern society uses the language of rights, the Torah does not even have this word in its lexicon.
“Rights” are entitlements. They are about me. Even though there are times when we fight for the rights of others, still, what we are fighting for is that they are entitled to something.
When we focus on responsibilities, we view ourselves as part of something larger than ourselves, something that requires us to focus on what we are obligated to give to others and what we are obligated to refrain from taking from others.
There are two different orientations that people have about life. We can look at life and say: “What can I take from life? What do I deserve? What mustn’t be taken from me?” Or we can say: “What can I give in my life? What can I give to others? What mustn’t I take from others?” Are we takers or givers? “Rights” is the language of the former; “Responsibilities” is the language of the latter.
To celebrate Shavuot or to join a Torah class, please visit jewishmoonvalley. com/events or email me personally rabbi@jewishmoonvalley.com. Have a wonderful summer and happy Shavuot!
Frances Willard Munds - an Arizona Treasure
by Paula G. Cullison
As I reflected on the words and exhortation of Abigail Adams to her husband John (then a member of the Continental Congress in 1776): “Remember the Ladies and be more favorable to them than to your ancestors,” I was reminded of the strides women have made in spite of efforts to thwart and rescind their rights.
Therefore, it was an honor to have been invited to the recent dedication of the Frances Willard Munds Women’s Suffrage statue at the AZ State Capitol Wesley Bolin Plaza. I was one of the many who donated to this project. It does take a village!
Sculptor Stephanie Hunter, an Arizonan, was commissioned by the Arizona Women’s History Alliance under the direction of Melanie Sturgeon Ph D, former Director of the AZ Department of Library and Archives, who also championed the fundraising for this HERstoric work. At the dedication, Stephanie Hunter was interviewed by Mary Jo Pitzl of the Arizona Republic.
After Dr Sturgeon gave welcoming remarks and introduced her team: Mary Melcher Ph. D., Gloria Cuadraz Ph.D., and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes addressed the attendees.
Frances Willard Munds of Prescott, AZ joined the Arizona campaign to give women the right to vote in 1899. The campaign succeeded on November 5, 1912 which was 8 years before the19th Amendment was passed by the US Congress. Munds became the first woman elected to the Arizona Legislature in 1915 as an Arizona State Senator under AZ Governor George Hunt.
As you walk through the monuments at Wesley Bolin Plaza, note that this is the only sculpture dedicated to a woman. And so, we remember the contribution of Frances Willard Munds, one of our foremothers, who was inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 1982.
Paula G. Cullison, President / Founder of the Arizona Women’s Partnership and member of the Moon Valley Women’s Club, is a travel writer and photographer. info:www.paulacullison. com / www.azwp.org / paulacullison@aol.com
take care of it all, leaving you free to pursue
passions. Welcome to senior living on your terms.
BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC
Millions of people enjoy recreational golfing; and millions more watch the pros compete in tournaments year round. Do you know how much chiropractic can help your golf game? A chiropractic consumer-education organization called the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) is doing its best to let you and everyone else know.
The F4CP’s 30-second, consumer-focused golf commercial aired 17 times during the Masters Tournament last month on The Golf Channel, reaching 1.5 million+ households. The commercial showcases the impact of a golf swing on the human body and how chiropractic helps golfers, and people of all ages, maintain their health.
And chiropractic’s value doesn’t end with golf. As part of the F4CP’s 2024 campaign, “Made Possible by Chiropractic,” the foundation is producing four additional consumer-focused commercials launching during the major championships of pickleball and rodeo. The commercials, estimated to reach up to 100 million households, will build public awareness regarding how everyone can follow the lead of athletes who consistently benefit from chiropractic care.
HALO’s Long-Timers
Patrick – Intake date 5/23/23
7 yrs. 5 mos. old Pit
Bull Terrier mix
No apartments, mandatory dog intro - no cats or children under 6.
1) Gets the zoomies when he goes on walks, handler oriented, very engaging with staff members
2) Quick to pick up tricks and learn new things (doesn’t leave his kennel when door is opened, knows to sit on his bed and wait, we have video). Very food motivated. Learned the concept of place within a week. Would be great for someone with some dog training know how and active lifestyle
3) Prefers calmer dogs
These special dogs that are still looking for their furever homes. Shelter is located at 3227 E Bell Rd, Ste D151 in Phoenix. All of their adoption fees have been waived for quite some time. They are all vaccinated, sterilized and microchipped.
Dash – Intake date 10/12/23
4 yrs. 2 mos. old
Shepherd mix
No apartments, mandatory dog intro - no cats or children under 6, must meet any minors in the home prior to adoption.
1) Very playful with dogs, higher energy. Engaging with staff members. Can be slightly more pushy/ assertive with other dogs so does best with more confident, neutral dogs.
2) Walks on leash, with some pulling but does settle down once the initial excitement wears off. Loves going for his walks, would be a great dog for an active person that either runs or hikes.
3) Likes ice cubes and various treats. Has a strong food drive.
Tyson – Intake date 1/31/24
3 yrs. 9 mos. American Pit Bull terrier mix
Violeta –Intake date 1/31/24
1 yr. 9 mos. old
Shepherd mix Mandatory introduction for minors and resident dogs - Recommend family introduction – Must go home with a confident resident dog 1) Likes to play with her toys, hard indestructible.
2) Good with dogs, will play if other dogs wants to. Very respectful of Qira’s wishes (when she wants to play, when she wants to be left alone).
3) Very sweet with people, will lay down and sometimes rolls over to show her belly. Can be timid with new people. Does well with other dogs, so much so that she needs to go home with a resident pup.
Mandatory family/dog introduction - No apartments, must go to a home with a 6ft+ fence. No dog parks, etc. until training has been established (recall and controlling reactivity with barriers/frustration). No children. This pet requires an active, experienced adopter who is capable of physically controlling a strong dog that may become reactive.
1) Doesn’t pull on his leash, stays by your side when walking him. Often looks to the handler while walking to check in. Very engaging, looking to please.
2) Likes to roll around on the grass, that he’s allergic too, but it doesn’t stop him. We wipe him down afterwards. Loves belly rubs and pets from the
Hugo –Intake date 10/23/23
3 yrs. old Belgian Malinois mix
No apartments (home with a yard only). Mandatory dog introduction, other dogs in the home should be higher energy and playful. No young children (16+)
1) High energy would make a great adventure buddy/Jogging partner for an active adopter.
2) When we run with him he will stay our side and doesn’t veer off in a random direction. Walks on leash with moderate pulling, mostly when he sees other dogs, can be barrier reactive towards other dogs in the halls.
3) Very trainable and food motivated, likes to dance at the front of his kennel. Knows to go to his bed when it’s feeding time, knows sit and paw.
handler. Very handler oriented but does well with other dogs as well. Not super play/engaging with them but was happy to coexist peacefully.
3) Muzzle trained, harness trained, and trained to play with a herding ball. Will get under the ball and push it up into the air and throws it around. Food motivated (does have allergies though) - Very trainable for someone that understands dog training basics. Reactivity has went down recently, only really struggles with barrier frustration when other dogs are barking/vocalizing at him. Easily redirected by the handler when play or treats are offered.
REMODELING – PRO OR CON Challenges
BY TOM SERTICH, KIRK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Remodeling your home can be both an exciting and daunting task, especially when it comes to tackling spaces like your kitchen. However, the pros often outweigh the cons, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
One of the primary advantages of remodeling, especially in the case of an old, worn-out kitchen, is the significant improvement in aesthetics and functionality. By updating your kitchen, you not only enhance the overall look and feel of your home but also address any design flaws that may have been bothering you.
Moreover, remodeling projects often offer a high return on investment (ROI), particularly in the case of kitchens. A modern, well-designed kitchen can increase the value of your home, making it a wise financial investment.
Additionally, remodeling is typically less expensive than moving to a new house. It allows you to stay in the neighborhood you love while still enjoying the benefits of a refreshed living space.
However, remodeling does come with its challenges. It can disrupt the flow of your home during the renovation process, causing inconvenience and temporary discomfort. Cost is another factor to consider, as remodeling projects can vary widely in expenses depending on the scope of work.
Furthermore, not hiring a professional can lead to subpar results and additional costs down the line. Lastly, dealing with dust and debris during the remodeling process can be a hassle, requiring extra time and effort to clean up effectively.
In conclusion, while there are certainly challenges associated with remodeling, the potential benefits, such as improved aesthetics, increased home value, and enhanced functionality, often make it a worthwhile investment. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and plan your project thoroughly to minimize any drawbacks.
If you are thinking about remodeling your home call the professionals at Kirk Development for a free estimate 602 944-3658.
MOON VALLEY MAGIC BY
DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER
I’d like to challenge everyone who stays here this summer to venture out into the heat and shop locally with cash if it’s a small business.
I thought about this while at Xolo Tacos recently. As we made the short drive into the parking lot, I looked at all the small shops and realized I’d been to most, but not all of them. So this month I’m going to make it a point to patronize one or two new places, each week.
One of the new places I tried with Gwen and Barb was the Bear and the Honey Bakery and Coffee Bar at 777 E. Thunderbird. They have some gluten free goods that were delicious. Gluten Free does not mean CarbFree and since I follow a low carb life style, I have to pace myself, but their food is good. If the weather is nice you can sit outside and if not, the interior has a cool vibe.
Go to Xolo Tacos across the street and try their Phoenix Margarita. I’m obsessed with it. The glass rim is dipped in Tajin and oh so scrumptious. The wait staff is always wonderful and they have outside seating too.
Closer to home is the newish Arizona Moonlight Grow shop by Barro’s, Moon Valley Grill and Mamma Toledo’s Pie Hole. I got some good quality potting soil there and my herbs are doing better than they ever have. I paid cash btw.
Paying small businesses with cash cuts down on the bank fees they have to pay, which cuts into their profits. I only use my credit card at big box stores (in the ‘hood if I can, so the tax dollars stay local), so I can get the reward points on my card. I like getting those freebies like everyone else, but after I read the sign Tonya had up about paying over $6,000 in bank fees for credit card purchases, I decided I’d rather keep our businesses in business and now pay them with cash.
Challenge yourself. You can’t complain that we don’t have local places to eat at, if you don’t eat at them and pay with cash!
THE HEAT IS ON MOON VALLEY
BY JENA RITCHIE, MOON VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC
Temperatures are on the rise. Are you prepared to handle the heat? Perhaps you chose life as a desert dweller because you prefer warmer weather. Heat has some nice attributes, after all. It can feel great to soak up the sunshine in part because the transmitted heat helps relax muscles, reduce spasms, promote blood flow, and ease joint discomfort. Heat therapy causes blood vessels to dilate and make them more flexible. This can improve circulation and promote healing. Many health professionals encourage different forms of heat therapy for various conditions and may even combine it with exercise, manual, or cold therapy.
Understanding the ideal temperature range for humans is key to staying comfortable and healthy. Typically, this range hovers between 62.6°F and 75.2°F, with some adjustments for factors like humidity. However, the tripledigit numbers we often see in Phoenix can be quite a leap from this ‘comfortable’ range. It’s crucial to know when and how to take precautions to maintain your wellness and vitality.
It’s good to know that regular chiropractic care can help ensure proper spinal alignment and nerve communication, improving adaptation to hot weather and overall well-being. It can diminish pain, support better nerve communication, and enhance the body’s response to hot weather conditions. Chiropractic care indirectly helps optimize fluid balance and directly addresses stress factors by promoting relaxation and relief. Chiropractic treatments help minimize interference in the nervous system, resulting in enhanced benefits such as improved energy levels.
Integrating cold therapy with chiropractic adjustments can be particularly advantageous for managing chronic pain. The process typically involves applying an ice pack to the affected area for approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute break. It’s important to use a barrier, such as a towel, to protect the skin from the cold. While cold therapy may not always be the most comfortable option, it can effectively reduce swelling and pain, thereby promoting faster healing.
When using ice or heat therapy, it’s essential to do so safely by alternating for up to 15-20 minutes on and off. If experiencing swelling or sprains, use ice for the first 72 hours until swelling decreases and tenderness or inflammation is gone. Be aware that icing an area for too long can damage tissue, skin, and nerves. Use an ice cube to massage a tender area until numb. This is sometimes best for areas like elbows or heels. It is important to note that cold therapy and cold plunges may be ill-advised for those with poor circulation or cardiovascular disease.
People with chronic joint conditions may experience worsened symptoms during specific weather conditions such as rain or barometric changes. Individual responses to weather can vary, and it’s beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, to tailor treatments to your specific needs. Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its blazing hot summers, and it’s essential to take precautions to stay safe and comfortable during extreme heat. Here are some extra tips to help you handle the hot weather:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day. Dehydration can happen quickly in the desert heat. Keep a reusable water bottle available and refill it as often as needed.
2. Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade to avoid direct sunlight. Move under a tree or use an umbrella to create shade outdoors. If circumstances permit, find a pool to cool off in for a bit.
3. Wear Lightweight Clothing and protective gear: Choose a summer hat and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing from breathable fabrics. This will help your body regulate temperature and allow sweat to evaporate.
4. Apply Sunscreen: Check the expiration date on your sunscreen and keep a high SPF balm, spray, or lotion to protect your skin from damaging UV rays. Reapply often, especially if you spend extended time outdoors.
5. Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish
and increase your body temperature. Prioritize lighter, cooling, and hydrating food choices, which are also more easily digestible.
6. Limit Outdoor Activities: Schedule outdoor activities during milder temperature hours, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat.
7. Consider Your Car: Crack your car windows, use a sunshade for the windshield, and park under trees when available. But never leave pets or people in a hot car. Temperatures will escalate rapidly inside a vehicle and can lead to death. Also, avoid leaving items like lip balms, which can melt, and even beverage cans, which can explode due to the heat.
8. Protect Your Pets. Animals are especially vulnerable to high heat. It is best to keep them hydrated and indoors. Supply paw protection when walking outdoors, and remember that pets are not permitted on public trails when the temperature exceeds 100 degrees.
Extreme heat can be dangerous, and extra caution must be exercised for vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, and those with health issues who may be more susceptible to extreme temperatures. Heat exhaustion may occur if your body overheats from excess exposure to high temperatures or strenuous physical activity. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
If you suspect heat exhaustion, stop activity, rest, move to a more shaded space, and drink cool water. Seek prompt medical care if symptoms worsen or do not improve within one hour. If someone shows signs of confusion, distress, loss of consciousness, or inability to drink, seek immediate medical attention. They need urgent medical attention if their core body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. Take necessary precautions and stay safe during the hot Arizona summers! Call Moon Valley Chiropractic to arrange a summer wellness exam at 602.298.0292
Hit it closer with John Jacobs’
Established in 1971 by Shelby Futch and John Jacobs, John Jacobs’ Golf Schools & Academies are some of the most recognized in the world. The success of John Jacobs’ Golf Schools revolves around Shelby Futch’s commitment to excellence, his love for the game of golf, and his dedication to emulating the integrity and philosophy of John Jacobs. With nearly 40 years of teaching people to play better golf, our instructors are experienced, well-trained, and motivated to help you improve. With extensive experience, thorough training, and unwavering motivation, our instructors are committed to helping you elevate your game. Our diverse range of programs and personalized instruction caters to your specific needs, ensuring a tailored approach to your improvement. When you participate in one of our schools or academies, you will leave a better player and with the knowledge to continue improving. Simplicity has always been paramount in the fundamentals of Jacobs’ teaching methodology. It is an approach centered around one key factor – how the ball reacts after it has left the club’s face. This innovative approach, introduced in the 1960s, revolutionized golf instruction and continues to inspire coaches today. Tiger Woods said, “After being
Moon Valley Women’s Club Recognition Awards & Small Grants
At their End of Year Celebration dinner, the Moon Valley Women’s Club (MVWC) recognized two members for their outstanding service and awarded small grants to three deserving local associations.
Kristin Carkeek received the 2024 Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who initiate, lead, serve on committees and provide inspiration to members. Kristin held the office of President during the challenging COVID years. Her leadership kept members engaged when she instituted monthly Zoom meetings to encourage members to keep the comradery going. Kristin served as webmaster and newsletter editor, chair of the recognition committee, Bylaws committee and continues to serve on the Service Project Board.
Michele Workman received the 2024
BY DR. PAUL STANTON SUPERINTENDENT, WESD
Greetings Partners and Community Members,
It is Dr. Paul Stanton again, and it is a privilege to serve as Superintendent of the Washington Elementary School District (WESD). As we reflect on this past school year, it had many successes and challenges. We overcame those challenges together and will continue to do so with each other. It really does take a village, and I am thankful you are all a part of our WESD Family. I hope you have a great summer as we prepare to welcome students back for the 2024-2025 school year on Monday, August 5th.
New Mountain Sky Principal Introduced at Governing Board Meeting
Congratulations to Ms. Christina Lee, Mountain Sky Junior High School’s new principal for the 2024-2025 school year, who was introduced last month during a Governing Board meeting. Ms. Lee has extensive middle school experience. She currently has been a middle school assistant principal in the Paradise Valley Unified School District where she also served as the PBIS administrative representative and a supervisor of Tier 2/3 Behavior interventions. We are proud to welcome Ms. Lee back to the WESD as she previously worked as the site instructional coach at Cholla Middle School. Additionally, she served as the site gifted coordinator and the ELL/AZELLA coordinator, and provided several district and site trainings for teachers.
We look forward to Ms. Lee beginning her new leadership role on July 1, 2024, and we are fortunate to have her back as part of the WESD Family.
Mountain Sky Wins Girls Softball Championship
Congratulations to the Mountain Sky Junior High School Girls Softball team. They recently won the Middle School Girls Softball Championship defeating Desert Foothills Junior High School. Great job to both teams on displaying excellent play and modeling true sportsmanship and teamwork. A special thank you to all of the coaches, umpires, volunteers and families for their support throughout the season.
Mountain Sky Entrepreneurship Students Excel in Economics Challenge
An excellent job to the seven teams from Mountain Sky Junior High School that recently participated in the 2024 Arizona Council on Economic Education’s Economics Challenge. Congratulations to the first-place team (Silke B., Addison O. and Rylan P.) and the second-place team (Wyatt C., Kevin L. and Justis S.) on their high scoring achievements in the Economics Quiz Bowl Competition. The WESD Family is proud of all our students who qualified to participate in the state finals and showed great skills in their respective competitions.
WESD to Provide Free Summer Meals
The WESD is proud to offer free breakfast and lunch meals for children and teenagers up to 18 years old this summer until June 20th at all WESD schools including Lookout Mountain Elementary School and Mountain Sky Junior High School. No application or registration is needed. All meals must be consumed on-site. To view specific dates and times for each school, please visit the WESD website at www.wesdschools.org. For more information, please contact the WESD Nutrition Services Department at 602-896-5235.
Now Enrolling for the 2024-2025 School Year
The WESD is currently enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade students for the 2024-2025 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. To learn more and enroll today, please visit 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 provide feedback on these materials during 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. The Science Curriculum Adoption Committee is also hosting an open house on Monday, June 17th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Governing Board Room at the Administrative Center. Committee members will be present at the open house to answer questions about the materials. Spanish and Arabic translators will also be on-site at the open house.
Final Thoughts
Our great news does not stop here. We are constantly sharing positive stories and important updates on all of our social media pages including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. We encourage you to follow us today so that you do not miss any exciting news. The links to all of our social media pages can be found at https://www.wesdschools.org/socialmediadirectory
As always, thank you for being an important part of our WESD Family.
Gratefully,
Dr. Paul Stanton, WESD Superintendent
Schools Ranked Among the Best for 2024
Since 2007, all 9 GUHSD high schools have ranked on U.S. News & World Report for Best High Schools, and this year is no different! Nearly 17,660 schools out of 25,000 were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. A huge
congrats to Apollo, Cortez, Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, Thunderbird, and Washington for keeping up the incredible work!
To learn more about GUHSD news, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.
GUHSD Honors 25-Year and Retiring Employees
Glendale Union High School District 25-Year and Retiree employees, including teachers, administrators, and support staff members, were honored at GUHSD’s annual 25-Year and Retiree Recognition Reception. GUHSD Governing Board members, Superintendent Brian
Capistran, District Administrators, and this year’s retirees all gathered at the District Office. 34 retirees and 43 25year employees were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to their schools and the GUHSD community.
Thunderbird High School Cadets Stay Undefeated at Annual Drone Competition
Thunderbird High School cadets won first at the annual Drone Competition. In the teams events, Mission Flight (obstacle Course) Cadets
Theodore White and Wesley Davis took 1st place; In the Need for Speed Race, Cadets Jason Martin and Jeremiah Moore took 1st place. Thunderbird
Cadets swept the individual awards for the fastest pilots of the day in combined time for all 3 events.
To learn more about Thunderbird High School news, visit @ThunderbirdHighSchoolAZ 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
you! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Drywall Repair & Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Drywall repair and texturing Popcorn ceiling removal Water damage Electrical and plumbing patching. In business since 1980 Furnished Homes our Specialty Licensed and Bonded Mike Collins Acoustics 623 582 4325
EPIC HOME REALTY
Mary Aranki, EPIC Home Realty:
Cleaning Services
Homes, Commercial Businesses, Move in / Move outs. One time, Weekly, by-weekly or Monthly. Free estimates, call Molina 602-326-2780
Nurse’s Assistant
Nurse’s Assistant available for in home care. Call Rebekah at 602-907-8358.
CAREGIVER: Available for Work
15 years experience. If interested please contact Susan at 602-481-2481 for more information. Thank you
Mark Your Calendars for Moon Valley’s Annual Fireworks!
BY DREW HUTCHINSON, PRESIDENT, MOON VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
It’s time to dust off those picnic blankets and gather with friends and family as we announce another year of the Moon Valley Fireworks Show! Thanks to the Moon Valley Country Club, the Moon Valley Neighborhood Association (MVNA) and Locality Homes, this cherished event will once again light up the night sky on July 3rd and fill our hearts with joy.
The Moon Valley Fireworks Show has become a staple in our community and serves as a symbol of unity, patriotism, and the enduring spirit of our neighborhood. This annual event brings 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 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.
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! We hope to see you on July 3rd as our community comes together to celebrate, reflect, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
See you there! Get involved at www.moonvalley.org
