Moon Valley Tattler September 2023

Moon Valley, AZ: Why we live here is coming!

As the year gradually marches towards its end in our beloved Moon Valley neighborhood, it’s time for reflection, gratitude, and anticipation. While the temperature dials cranked up during the summer, reminding each of us of the fierce warmth of Arizona, the essence of “why we live here” is just on the horizon, waiting to re-emerge and enchant us all.

Yes, it was hot. There were days when stepping out felt like walking into an oven, but that’s a facet of life in Moon Valley. The heat might be relentless, but it’s also a reminder of the strength and resilience of our community. Despite the scorching days, we have seen neighbors helping each other, children playing under the sprinklers, and even a few patio parties where laughter echoed throughout the neighborhood.

But let’s not forget, as we bid farewell to these blazing days, our most cherished season is just around the bend. Soon, the air will carry that familiar, comforting crispness. Streets will be painted with hues of Holiday lights, and the reasons “why we live here” will once again resonate loudly in every corner of Moon Valley.

With the change in weather comes the call for togetherness. Moon Valley is not just a neighborhood; it’s a tight-knit community where the spirit of unity and mutual care flourishes. Let’s keep this tradition alive! Participate in neighborhood activities, from weekend clean-ups to festive decorations or even the simple act of checking in on an elderly neighbor. Your involvement makes Moon Valley the place it is – a community that’s more like family.

Moreover, let’s pledge to uphold the age-old Moon Valley tradition of looking out for one another. In a world increasingly distracted by digital screens, let’s make it a point to be present, to listen, to share, and to protect. This sense of communal responsibility is the glue that binds us together, ensuring our neighborhood remains a sanctuary for all its residents.

The Moon Valley Neighborhood Association (MVNA) has been the bedrock

of our community’s endeavors. The annual membership drive is fast approaching, and it’s more than just a formality. It’s a testament to our commitment to making Moon Valley an enchanting place - a place so full of warmth, love, and community spirit that residents never dream of leaving.

Remember, every penny from the MVNA membership goes directly into our community. These funds drive projects that enhance our living experience, from maintaining our entryways, to organizing events and ensuring our streets remain safe and welcoming.

So, as the year winds down, let’s renew our vows to our beautiful neighborhood. Join the MVNA, get involved in local activities, and above all, keep the Moon Valley spirit alive and burning bright.

Here’s to another splendid year in Moon Valley, and many more to come!

Moon Valley Resident & Photographer Serves as Guest Curator for Juried Art Exhibit

In Celebration of Women II  - a juried art exhibit featuring 37 local female artists will open at the  Arizona Capitol Museum 1700 W. Washington Street Phoenix on Saturday Sept 16th (10am - 2pm).

You are invited to come and meet the artists. Free admission and free parking across the way.

The exhibit will remain on display until December 16th. For info contact Paula Cullison, Guest Curator, at 602-863-9744  Paula is a long time Moon Valley resident whose international travel articles and photography can be found at http://www.paulacullison.com

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.

DREW HUTCHINSON, PRESIDENT, MOON VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Labor Day, what a great day to celebrate the work we all do! It really is not about what you do, but how you do it, with pride, joy and pleasure. Working today is a must for most, and my hope for you is, that yours also brings joy and satisfies your heart and soul. I believe I have been blessed to love what I’ve done for most of my working years. Are days hard, overwhelming, and consuming? YES many are, but in the long run I know that the work I do brings love, memorable moments for others and myself and of course the monetary benefits we all need to live. This weekend is one many have off to thank and recognize your hard work.

Unfortunately, Labor Day is also the unofficial end of summer! What a wonderful summer I’ve had. Many of you know I used to own a travel agency and traveled frequently; life changed but the flavors of travel have never left my taste buds always salivating to experience the many pleasures of the world.

As I write this column, I am sitting in my room overlooking a little café with beautiful hanging flower baskets, bright colored umbrellas, twinkling lights, cobbled streets and a beautiful city waiting for me to goggle up! Quebec City…. This is just one of the many cities and experiences this summer- I promise to share more, but for now it’s time for poutine and frites.

Bon Jour,

Meet Mary Harris –A Numbers Gal

What started out as a three-year assignment in Phoenix turned into a permanent move for Mary and Kevin Harris. Natives of England, they’ve called Moon Valley their forever home since 1977. Their three children are graduates of Thunderbird High and Mary is an active member and volunteer for the Moon Valley Women’s Club.

Education has always been a priority for Mary. Her career began as a researcher with the British Meteorological Office. There she worked on the Thames Barrier Project, studying weather changes and ways to protect London from flooding. In Phoenix she taught Physics and Physical Science at Grand Canyon University where she started looking seriously at climate change data. “It (climate change) was always there in the numbers,” she states.

Her passion for numbers continues today, driving her decision making. “Good data analysis is critical and there is a pressing need for climate mitigation,” Mary said. She is a vocal advocate for clean energy. Her home was one of the first in Moon Valley with rooftop photovoltaic (solar) panels and she proudly drives an electric car. She is available at no charge to speak with local groups about climate change. Once she gets talking about weather and climate, it’s hard to stop her!

Mary is now in her second term as the Treasurer of the Moon Valley Women’s Club Service Project, a 501(c)3 organization, which provides grants to local organizations in need. Since its inception in 2013, $92,000 in grants have been awarded. If you’d like to learn more about the Service Project of the Moon Valley Women’s Club, visit the web site: mvwomensclub.org/mvwc-service-project-2/, or email Mary at mvwcserviceproject@gmail.com

Dawn Trapp

Private Chef William Turner Creates Delicious Meals & Memories in the Comfort of Your Own Home

By Lila Baltman

Chef William Turner specializes in being a private chef for small weddings, dinner parties, brunches, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and many other types of special occasions in private homes across the Valley.

During the past five years, Chef William Turner has quickly become one of the most sought-after, in-demand private chefs in the entire Valley. Not only does he cook a wide variety of delicious food styles for his many clients and celebrity friends to enjoy he is also known as a highly skilled BBQ master who proudly says, “I’ll cook you the best steak you’ve ever had in your life!”

When Chef Turner prepares and serves an elegant steak dinner inside the comfort of a client’s private home, suddenly the thought of ever dining out at a steakhouse restaurant is changed forever. Turner proves repeatedly that dining in for special occasions can be so much more exciting, memorable, and fun than dining out.

Known for his warm and friendly demeanor, loveable southern charm, and the black baseball cap he often wears backwards on his head, Turner has been named the “Top Private Chef” in Arizona four times by  Phoenix Entrepreneur Magazine.

Originally from Andrews, South Carolina, Turner’s rapid rise in Arizona’s private chef industry is quite a delicious business success story. He moved to Gilbert in 2018 without having any business contacts in the Valley at all.

Turner had been travelling around the country working as a seasonal chef in some of the nation’s most beautiful parks and resorts. When he eventually arrived in Arizona, he says he immediately fell in love with the beauty of the state and the warmth of the people. He decided he wanted to start a whole new life and business here.

“I chose to bet on myself and finally pursue my dream of becoming a private chef,” he says. And that started with focusing primarily on the affluent, private homes in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

The truth is, he started with virtually nothing back in 2018. Not even a car. And in the beginning, Turner did all the cooking inside the beautiful kitchens of his clients’ homes.

But fast forward to today - five years and thousands of cooking gigs later - Turner, 44, has now added a small group of experienced, talented chefs to his growing culinary team and they do all the gourmet cooking out of a large, professional kitchen in North Chandler.

Turner also now works with a large group of servers, bartenders, and event coordinators and he has an office location headquartered in Scottsdale where he’s able to meet with clients.

The numerous private parties that Turner cooks for include casual and formal brunches, lunches, and dinner parties, milestone birthday parties, small weddings, baby showers, anniversary celebrations, corporate dinners, guysonly golfing trips, and - what he has become the most sought-after for - the Scottsdale-area bachelorette parties.

It is Chef Turner, in fact, who played a big part in helping to make Scottsdale the wildly popular U.S. bachelorette party destination location it has become today - second only to Nashville.

The Scottsdale-area bachelorette parties have become an enormous part of Turner’s expanding business. Large groups of women from all over the world book flights to Scottsdale and specifically hire Turner to be their exclusive, private chef for the entire, luxurious bachelorette party weekend.

“My dinners are very wide-ranging in scope and price point and although I love bringing the formal southern fine dining experience to Valley homes, I also enjoy setting up casual, poolside BBQs where formalities and formal attire go right out the window and great food and fun is the focus of the night,” says

Turner. “My goal is to provide my clients with whatever type of dinner party they want to have. I’m extremely flexible. For example, if a client wants to incorporate a cooking lesson while I’m cooking and setting up for the event, I’m more than happy to do that. My clients love to watch me cook in their kitchen and I always welcome that.”

Turner is actually so comfortable having people watch him cook - and feels so natural and comfortable in front of TV cameras - that he has been featured numerous times on local and national TV stations doing instructional and entertaining cooking segments.

The chef’s price range begins at $125 per person and goes up from there, depending on the menu and level of service. Turner is also available for “destination needs,” meaning that he’s willing to travel and cook on location when needed anywhere in the U.S.

“This is definitely a people-pleasing business, and you can’t be successful at it unless you love people,” says Turner. “For me, my first love is people, and food is the way I express that love in a tangible way.”

Plus, Turner adds that his clients love the fact that when they hire him to cook for a private party in their home, they can decide to keep the party going for as long as they like. “When I’m hired to cook for a special event in a client’s home, closing time is always up to them!”

To learn more about Chef William Turner, visit www.chefwilliamturner.com

For more information about Chef Turner’s new business, The “Bach” Chef (“Bach” as in bachelor or bachelorette party) which helps people to book private chefs, servers, bartenders and entertainment for bachelor or bachelorette parties nationwide, visit www.thebachchef.com

I chose to bet on myself and finally pursue my dream of becoming a private chef

Chef William Turner

just $9.99

JOIN US FOR NEBRASKA FOOTBALL!!

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 @ 9:00 AM (Nebraska @ Colorado)

Saturday, Sept. 16. 2023 @ 4:00 PM (Northern Illinois @ Nebraska)

Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 @ 10:00 AM (Subject to change) (Louisiana Tech @ Nebraska)

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 @ 10:00 AM (Subject to change) (Michigan @ Nebraska)

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 @ 5:00 PM (Nebraska @ Illinois)

JOIN US FOR ASU FOOTBALL!!

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 @ 7:30 PM (Oklahoma State @ ASU)

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 @ 7:30 PM (Fresno State @ ASU)

Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 @ TBD (USC @ ASU)

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 @ TBD (ASU @ California)

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 @ 5:00 PM (Colorado @ ASU)

JOIN US FOR CARDINAL’S NFL FOOTBALL!!

GAME DAY

Giveaways

AND DRINK SPECIALS!

Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 @ 10:00 AM (Cardinals @ Washington)

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 @ 1:05 PM (New York Giants @ Cardinals)

Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 @ 1:25 PM(Dallas Cowboy’s @ Cardinals)

Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 @ 1:25 (Cardinals @ San Francisco 49’rs)

Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 @ 1:05 (Cincinnati Bengals @ Cardinals)

TRAVELS to JAPAN and KOREA

by Paula Cullison

Our trip to Japan and Korea was a month filled with awesome sights, sounds, people and food. It exceeded my expectations. As an independent traveler (with husband in tow), planning this trip took some doing. i searched the weather for the best time and we were lucky. We had great weather with only one day of rain and two with brief showers. It had been 20 years since my trip to Japan and I had not been to Korea. This was the first time for Tim. We flew into Osaka via LAX (using AA/JAL ff miles - R/T in First Class) on April 26th and went directly to Kyoto which we used as our base for nine nights. We walked the Philosopher’s Way, Gion district, enjoyed Kabuki Theater with a cast of 40 entertainers, and visited the Kinkaku-ji ‘Golden’ Temple (with Phoenix Bird on top) and a number of other sites, including the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine and Arayshiyama Bamboo Forest. The food at the hotel and in the local restaurants was delicious.

From Kyoto we went to Nara to visit the Great Buddha and the delightful Deer Park. In Himeji, a Sister City of Phoenix and where Pamela had been on their HS exchange program, we visited friend Lillian who was teaching English at a primary school. She arranged for a private tour of the awesome Himeji Castle. With our Japan Rail Pass we enjoyed riding the Shinkansen high speed trains and headed to Kurashiki where I had been hosted 20 years ago. There we met up with friends Noriko and Shuji who accompanied us on a walking tour of the historic center. They stayed with us in Phoenix 12 years ago.

The Japanese trains are always on time. We took the Shinkansen train to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial and museum. It was all very moving. We spent three nights in Hiroshima and took a day trip to Miyajima Island with its famous floating Torii Gate. The oysters are worth the trip.

We flew Asiana Airlines (used United ff miles) from Osaka to Seoul Korea where we stayed for seven nights. Seoul was a delight. The Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces are so well preserved and the grounds are enchanting. While in Seoul, we met up with members of SERVAS, an international organization of which I am a member. NamHee and Choi became our personal guides.

It is so wonderful to be with the locals.

We also met local artist Hyeyong, a friend of a Phoenix friend; she treated us to lunch at the historic Samcheonggak Restaurant in the Bukchon Hanok Village. It certainly is a small world.

We took day trips: one to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) at the border and the other to Nami Island and the enchanting Garden of Morning Calm.

Returning to Japan we flew on Korean Airlines to Tokyo (used Delta ff miles) where we spent another week. While in Tokyo we enjoyed 15 matches at the SUMO Wrestling Tournament. We met up with friends: artist Noriko and her husband Hakuo whom we had originally met 50 years ago while living in NYC. They treated us to an awesome sushi lunch. We also met up with long-time friend Yoshiko and her niece Sayaka for an awesome Shabu Shabu dinner in the Ginza district near our hotel. Add to this mix two wonderful days in beautiful Nikko with its temples and forest and lake areas, a day visiting the fabulous museums at Ueno Park, crossing at the Shibuya Scramble with several hundred people, and seeing the Hachiko statue, and you can tell that we had quite the cornucopia of experiences. We returned from Tokyo (via LAX) on May 23rd.

I can say that we were treated royally throughout this trip. A more detailed account of this trip with photos can be found at: www.linkedin. com/pulse/enchanting-japan-korea-paula-g-cullison

Estate Planning for Blended Families

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

In first marriages, a couple generally have identical goals for their estate planning: take care of the surviving spouse for as long as he or she lives, then distribute what’s left to their children.

But second marriages can be different. The blended family – his children, her children and sometimes their children as well – makes for more complicated planning. Each spouse may have separate assets as well as their joint, community assets. Both usually want at least some of their assets to go to their own children after they die. At the same time, they want to make sure the surviving spouse has enough to live on.

With a blended family, a couple has to put a plan in place if they want to be sure their goals are met. This won’t happen automatically.

Think about one of the most famous of blended families – the Brady Bunch. What happens if Carol and Mike have all their assets in joint tenancy and don’t have a will or trust? If Mike is the first to die, Carol will get all the couple’s joint assets. But then what happens when Carol dies? Without a will or trust, state law steps in. Arizona law says that Carol’s children get her assets. That means the three girls get everything, and Mike’s boys are left out. I’ll leave it to your imagination whether those girls are going to share the wealth. If Mike and Carol plan to divide everything between all six of the kids, they have to put a plan in place to assure it will happen.

What if Mike had a rental property that was in his name only, and it is not owned jointly with Carol? Again, state law will step in if he doesn’t plan. Arizona law provides that on Mike’s death, Carol inherits half of property that is solely in Mike’s name and Mike’s sons get the other half. If Mike intends for Carol to get it all, or if it was inherited and he wants his sons to own it instead, he must put a plan in place.

Mike and Carol may want to be sure that the survivor of them is well cared for, but they also want to be sure their own kids share in what’s left after they are both gone. They can plan for this in their trust. The trust can provide that some of their assets go to an irrevocable trust at the first spouse’s death. The surviving spouse is the beneficiary during his or her lifetime, and the trust says who gets the remaining assets on the survivor’s death. Who gets the rest of the assets can’t be changed by the surviving spouse. This way we assure that there are assets going to the children of the first spouse to die once the second passes away.

An inheritance from Mike’s parents may also be part of the planning. He may want to add it to his and Carol’s joint trust but provide that these assets go to his sons when he dies, even if Carol survives him. On the other hand, he may want to keep the inheritance in a separate trust with only his sons as the beneficiaries.

What about Mike’s 401(k) and Carol’s IRA? If Mike is the beneficiary on Carol’s IRA, on her death, he rolls the IRA into his own name and can designate whoever he wants as a beneficiary. If Carol wants to be sure Mike doesn’t designate his next wife as the beneficiary, she has to plan for that. She can create a Standalone Retirement Trust and designate it as her beneficiary. The Retirement Trust can provide that Mike receives lifetime income from IRA in the Retirement Trust, but Carol gets to say who gets it after his death – whether it’s her kids or all six kids.

What if that new wife that Mike marries after Carol is gone is substantially younger than he is? If Mike gives all the assets to her, even in a trust that will go to his sons after her death, it may mean his sons don’t get any of their inheritance until they are quite old. If Mike wants them to have something for their retirement, he may need to plan to distribute some assets to them on his death, while still providing for his new, young wife (who, by the way, is not nearly as pretty as Carol was!).

There are many factors going into estate planning for the blended family. It’s a good idea for the blended family couple to discuss their individual estate planning goals together. If they are similar, then the task may be somewhat easy, and they can plan with the same attorney. If their goals and ideas are considerably different, a more complex plan may be needed to satisfy their needs.

Most couples do have one common goal, which is doing the right thing for everyone involved: themselves, their spouse, their children, and their spouse’s children. A good estate planning attorney can help put together a plan that accomplishes your goals. If I can help, call our office to schedule a free initial consultation at (602) 375-6752, and check our our website, www. libbybanks.com

BY FROSTY KROENING

Who is Frances Willard Munds? Oh, only the woman who spearheaded bringing women the vote in Arizona in 1912! (Munds Park is our familiar reference.) Senator Munds also was one of the first women to be elected to the Arizona State Senate (1914).

Being President of the Arizona Equal Suffrage Association was not easy. First, Frances Willard Munds had to question women to see if they wanted the vote. Then the assembled women had to help author a state initiative. (This took a lot of convincing of both men and women.) The Legislature had to approve the initiative. Signatures were gathered. The people voted. The legal process took eight years. Women’s efforts took twenty-two years.

Currently there are no statues of women on the Wesley Bolin Plaza at the Capitol. Hundreds of school children visit the Capitol grounds each year, but no statues of strong, intelligent, brave women are there for them to see. Now, a statue of Frances Willard Munds is ready to be placed at the Plaza. Stephanie Hunter, an Arizona sculptor, is the artist. She won the nationwide competition judged by a panel of Arizona artists.

The Arizona Women’s History Alliance is looking for funds to place the statue in the Plaza. The Alliance raised $250,000 for the sculpture. Due to rising costs, another $25,000 is needed to set it up. Donor names will be placed around the base of the statue for amounts ranging from $50,000 (maintenance will need to be done each year), $25,000 to $1,500. Of course, smaller donations are most welcome. We all can be a part of this “first of its kind” recognition for an amazing woman who used her time and energy to win us the vote! 1912 was a long time ago. A statue is long overdue. It appears to be a work of great beauty, commitment, and dedication which also represents today’s women who continue honoring historic and current contributions in Arizona.

Go to azwomenshistoryalliance.org to make a contribution. Send checks to: Arizona Women’s History Alliance, P.O. Box 26247, Tempe, AZ 85285

Do it Yourself

I used to be quite a do-it-yourself guy. I didn’t always succeed, however in most cases I could work it out. I grew up watching my dad and my brother fix things. TV tubes would be pulled out, taken down to the tube tester at the local drug store, tested and replaced if they were bad. I did that too. Easy Peasy.

New carburetors, carburetor adjustments, new wheel bearings, new alternators and generators, etc. were all do-it-yourself fixes on your car. New pads on the cooler were a yearly occurrence, along with an occasional new blower motor. Lawn mower repairs – I did that this spring, although I have a yard man.

My grandson was bouncing on my recliner. It didn’t feel just right so I turned it over and two of the zig-zag spring clips had come loose from the wooden support bar. A trip to an auto parts store, two radiator hose clamps, and about one half hour of work and it seems to be ok. At least I haven’t had to buy a new recliner yet.

Where is all this leading? Have you tried to fix your cell phone recently? How about your computer? How about your digital TV? No easy task. Yes, there are videos on YouTube. I watch them. Sometimes they help.

I ran into an old friend the other day who had quite a career as an electronics repair man. I had a TV that had a black screen. I was debating whether to fix or replace. His advice – junk it and buy a new one. He said, even if you get it fixed, it will cost several hundred dollars, and then you will have an old, unreliable TV.

It is becoming increasingly more difficult to repair things yourself. I have heard it said that manufacturers are putting “digital locks” in their circuitry, so you can’t get into fix something even if you know how.

All this may be about to change. An article in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance by Sandra Block entitled “Right-To-Repair Laws are Sweeping the U.S.” outlines laws that are being enacted in many states. Her article names 12 states that have current or pending legislation requiring that consumer items such as smartphones, laptops, and even farm equipment have published repair manuals available to consumers and independent repair facilities.

Arizona was not one of the states listed, but it may be something to speak to your legislator about.

What’s all this have to do with the mortgage industry? I don’t know. It is about transparency. The more you know about a subject, the better-informed decision you can make when that time comes. If you are in the market for a mortgage, get with a trusted advisor and ask questions until you are satisfied.

THE WRITE STUFF BY GERRY JOHNSON

WANT TO BE A PART OF HERSTORY? THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL OPPORTUNITY!

Giving Back and Doing it Right in the name of Fish!

MOON VALLEY MAGIC BY DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER

Our friends and MV residents, Chris and Jill Rich, own AZFlyShop on Cactus just (and I mean just) west of the 51. This place is one of Gary’s favorite haunts. Everyone is so knowledgeable about everything ‘fish’ and while Gary is totally and completely enthralled, I’m not so much. I tried to fish, just like I tried to golf. . . but fishing makes his heart happy and gets him out of the house longer than golf does!

What I find compelling however is the generosity of our friends. They don’t draw a dime of income off of this place. They pay their employees and all the store’s bills, and then donate the rest. One of the events they host that generates income for their donations is:

The 17th Annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T)

It is coming to Moon Valley Country Club @ 151 W. Moon Valley Dr. on Sunday September 24th, 2023, from 4pm-8pm and being hosted by AZ Fly Shop! This event is a great time to build community, make new fishing friendships, and support local organizations (Homeless ID Project, Casting for Recovery, & Trout Unlimited) with raffles and silent auction items donated by the best brands in fly fishing! This is a family friendly event, so even non fisherpersons such as me will have fun. There will be food and drink available for purchase throughout the event as well.  This year’s show will feature locations from Cuba, Patagonia, Mexico, Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts and more. They want you to “experience the achievement of a permit slam, follow the journey of one boy from Mexico to the waters of Wyoming, explore the best international waters and compete for the legendary belt buckle.” Now, while I don’t know what any of that means, fisherfolks do. They just need to be made aware of this event and its extraordinary purpose.

Check it out!

We’ll be there!

“Friendliest Fly Shop in the WORLD!”

Shop: (602) 354-8881 azflyshop.com

Pedals that bite!

BY LEON TRY ME BIKE SHOP

Metal pedals have been around for more than a hundred years. But change came to rubber inserted and rubber block pedals over time. More user friendly easier on shoes and rider should the foot slip off. Plastic pedals became the next big change. Cheaper to make plus less liability for manufactures. Now metal pedals are back some with spikes or teeth to make sure the shoe stays on the pedal. This is a good replacement for clipless and toe clip pedals easier dismount from bike in a tight situation. Spiked pedals still tough on shoes an there can be skin lost at times. Not the cruise on the beach in sandals or bare foot but good for a little more serious bike ride. What was old is new again. Ride more see more. Try me bike

Family Celebrations:

Gatherings of food and family are one of the oldest and most important ways to celebrate the deep goodness of life. This is exactly what we are doing at Shadow Rock Church, on September 23, 2023. We are celebrating 50 years of life together as a spiritual family with a dinner and an exceptional speaker. When planning this event we wanted to be sure we were true to our core values of inclusion, justice, and spirituality. In this spirit, we are honored that One Step Beyond is catering our meal. They are a positive community partner with a great mission to provide dynamic programs and services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, so they may achieve their goals and become fully participating members of our communities. Our organizations share a vision to make the world better for all people. Our speaker is Vaughn Hillyard. He is a political correspondent with NBC and we are proud to claim him as a Shadow Rocker who grew up in our family and represents our values. We are glad to share our meal and our event with the community we have the joy to serve. It will have all the components of a great family celebration. We hope all your family celebrations are filled with such expectation and joy.

Call to Artists:

An essential part of who we are at Shadow Rock Church is celebrating the best of humanity. This means celebrating human creativity. For our year-long observance of our 50th Anniversary, we are hosting an art show. We want to showcase artists in our community so we are making a call to artists to join us. Follow the QR code to apply and be a part of celebrating some of the best in our local community.

Just Ask Julie

BY JULIE PEK

Tattler reader Michelle asked me, “What is a conversation pit?”

A conversation pit is an architectural feature that incorporates built-in seating into a depressed section of flooring within a larger room. This area often has a table in the center as well. The seats typically face each other in a centrally focused fashion, bringing the occupants closer together than free-standing tables and chairs normally would. A small staircase gives access to the pit. In residential design this proximity facilitates comfortable human conversation, dinner parties, and tabletop games. It is generally 3 feet deep and can have a two-way fireplace or wet bar option.

The first conversation pit was introduced by architect Bruce Goff who designed a 1927 home in Oklahoma with a sunken seating feature. By the 1950s and 1960s, designers like Eero Saarinen used them in both residential and commercial spaces. Anyone remember the “Brady Bunch” tv show?

By the 1970s, the popularity of conversation pits waned and new homes didn’t include them. They were not practical for families with children, elderly or physically challenged, and many felt they were outdated. The style shifted to A-frames and one-story ranch homes.

Homes built by Golden Heritage and Wood Brothers incorporated them in Moon Valley neighborhoods in the 1980s. Many of my friends have them, still use them and have updated them with more practical features. During the pandemic, they regained some popularity as families were inside more and it was the perfect place to connect and play board games.

If you don’t love the style, it is possible to remove the conversation pit, by filling it in or covering it over and installing new flooring. Depending on the flooring, costs can begin at $5,000. But if you love the style, you probably have great conversations and are the talk of the neighborhood! Contact me if you have questions about real estate at juliepek@cox.net or (602) 316-1875.

BY DR. PAUL STANTON SUPERINTENDENT, WESD

Greetings WESD Partners and Community Members, Welcome back! For those that may not know me, I am Dr. Paul Stanton and I am entering my ninth year as Superintendent of the WESD. It is an honor to serve you. So, what makes the WESD different? What you have shared with me is first and foremost, our staff. In our recent, We Are Listening Survey, you shared that you send your kids to our schools because of the talented and caring staff. “I am incredibly happy with the school staff, teachers, principal and everyone else who works so hard to make a healthy, safe and fun environment for my child.” Thank you for sharing that. We are here for you and your kids.

The WESD is Hiring: The WESD currently has several classified job openings including paraprofessionals, day and night custodians, child care assistants, cafeteria staff, office technicians, crossing guards and more! We offer paid holidays and personal leave, vacation time, employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement, insurance benefits for employees working 30 hours a week, discounts on WESD-sponsored childcare, extensive training, and opportunities for advancement. To apply online, please visit jobs.wesdschools. org/. To learn more, please call 602-347-2622.

Follow Us on Social Media : If you have not already, please check out your schools on social media including Lookout Mountain Elementary School (@ lookoutmountain_wesd) and Mountain Sky Junior High School (@mountainsky_ wesd) on their new Instagram pages. I also encourage you to follow the WESD on all its social media pages including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn (@WESDSchools). Please visit our website at www.wesdschools.org/ to access other important information at any time.

Whether you are a parent, guardian, grandparent or community member, we want you to know the WESD appreciates you. We are honored to be a part of this wonderful community. We cannot do school without you.

Gratefully, Dr. Paul Stanton, WESD Superintendent wesdsuperintendent@wesdschools.org

GREATER PHOENIX CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 11 Exceptional women FOR ATHENA AWARDS

The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 11 women chosen as finalists for its prestigious 36th Annual ATHENA Awards, continuing its strong tradition of recognizing outstanding Valley businesswomen.

The ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award recognizes a woman in the public and private sectors and highlights an upcoming leader in the Valley as an ATHENA Young Professional.  ATHENA finalists are chosen for their excellence in business and leadership, dedication to the community, and support and mentorship of others. The 11 finalists are:

· Ginger Clayton, CEO, Elontec

· Melody Lewis, Owner & Founder, Indigenous Community Collaborative

· Jen Scrivner, Chief Operating Officer, Goodmans

· Kristen Shroyer, Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer, ONEHOPE

· Tara Jackson, President, Arizona Town Hall

· Jeri Royce, President & CEO, Advance Community

· Lorraine Tallman, Founder & CEO, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels

· Dawn Trapp, CEO, Civitan Foundation, Inc.

· Ashlee Atkins, Diversity Manager, ASU Enterprise Partners

· Naquana Borrero, CFRE; Director of Development and Communications Jazz in Arizona/The Nash & Owner, Bella Vita Consulting Group

· Heather Vana, Senior Director of External Communications, Avnet

“Spotlighting the women who are moving the Greater Phoenix area forward through the ATHENA Awards program is one of the Chamber’s proudest traditions,” said Todd Sanders, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. “These women make immeasurable contributions within their companies, their communities, and they are a driving force in making Arizona a top state in the nation. I encourage everyone to join us November 15th at the ATHENA Awards Luncheon to meet these exceptional leaders.”

The ATHENA Awards highlight women who have achieved the pinnacle of success within their industry, have mentored others throughout their careers, dedicated their time to their community, and are making a difference in the lives of others. Email events@phoenixchamber.com with any questions.

Junk Food: Bad for Sleep

BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC

Anyone who’s ever eaten junk food, particularly close to bedtime, probably gets the title of this article right off the bat. Eat anything fatty, greasy, sugary or well, junky, and your sleep could be affected. But it goes much deeper than that (literally) – we’re talking about the impact of junk food on a particularly important aspect of sleep – deep sleep.

Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, is the stage of sleep that’s critical if you want to wake up feeling refreshed in the morning. No deep sleep and you’ll wake up tired, lethargic ... and altogether unprepared to tackle your day. Lack of deep sleep makes you wake up wanting to go, well, go back to sleep. It’s known as slow-wave sleep because it’s the stage of sleep when your body and brain waves slow down.

Now that you know why deep sleep is so necessary, let’s get back to one of the enemies of deep sleep –an unhealthy diet. To evaluate the association, researchers instructed healthy, normal-weight adults to consume a healthier and unhealthier diet for one week apiece in random order. While both diets had the same number of calories (adjusted to each participant’s daily requirements), the unhealthier diet featured more processed food, resulting in higher sugar and saturated fat intake. The researchers monitored sleep quality following the conclusion of each diet.

Study findings, published in the journal  Obesity, revealed that participants’ deep sleep was significantly affected by diet, with the unhealthier diet associated with less slow-wave activity (deep sleep) compared with the healthier diet. More junk food, less deep sleep.

Addressing Loneliness with Chabad

of Moon Valley

by Rabbi Shneur

Have you ever been lonely? Do you know what it feels like to not have anyone to talk to in a moment of need?

Many of us have been there. Loneliness isn’t just an uncomfortable feeling; it can consume us.

Research indicates that loneliness follows a U-shaped pattern in society, impacting the younger and older generations disproportionately.

However, the epidemic of loneliness does not discriminate; it affects all demographics and races.

As more of us gain access to advanced technology, we ironically use our electronics to stay digitally connected, yet we have fewer meaningful face-to-face interactions.

How can we tackle loneliness in our little pocket of the universe? What can we do to make a difference in Moon Valley?

According to Jewish tradition, it takes 40 consecutive days of doing the same thing to form a strong habit. That’s why we start preparing for Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, 40 days prior.

I’d like to suggest a “40 Days, 40 Faces challenge.” Over the next 40 days, challenge yourself to talk to 40 new people whom you wouldn’t ordinarily interact with. Make it a point to talk to one new person a day. Strike up a small conversation in the park or while waiting in line at the grocery store. Everyone has something fascinating to share if they’re given a chance.

We have so much in common, yet so much to learn from each other. Everyone wants to be happy and find their purpose. At the same time, everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

On a personal note, addressing loneliness is a mission close to my heart. Chabad of Moon Valley was founded to foster a tight-knit sense of community and belonging for the Jewish residents of MV. If you ever need support or assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

My email is rabbi@jewishmoonvalley.com

Have a great day!

~Rabbi Shneur

New Listing Concierge Program

Coldwell Banker Realty is one of the largest and most respected real estate companies in the world, with a long history of providing innovative and effective solutions for buyers and sellers. One of the latest offerings from Coldwell Banker Realty is their Listing Concierge program, which provides an array of services to help sellers prepare their homes for sale and market them effectively.

The Listing Concierge program is a comprehensive suite of services that covers everything from photography to digital marketing and print advertising. The program is designed to help sellers present their homes in the best possible light, attract the right buyers, and ultimately sell their homes quickly and for the highest possible price.

Another important aspect of the Listing Concierge program is professional photography. High-quality photos are essential for any home listing, and Coldwell Banker Realty works with professional photographers to capture the best possible images of each property. This can include aerial shots and virtual tours that allow buyers to explore a home from the comfort of their own computer. A total of 36 High-Definition photos of your property.

In addition to photography, the Listing Concierge program also includes a range of digital, print, online, social media, video and other marketing and advertising services. This includes targeted email campaigns, social media and web advertisements, custom property websites, brochures, tri-fold mailers, postcards, mobile brochure technology, a digital announcement to the local real estate community, property tours, and more.  Coldwell Banker Realty has a team of marketing experts who can help agents and their sellers create a customized marketing plan that will get their home in front of the right audience. One of the biggest advantages of the Listing Concierge program is the convenience it provides for sellers.

Overall, the Coldwell Banker Realty Listing Concierge program is a valuable tool for anyone looking to sell their home.  Whether you’re a first-time seller or an experienced real estate investor, the Listing Concierge program is worth considering as you prepare to sell your home.

By leveraging this program, we can provide a higher level of service and expertise to our clients, ensuring that each home is marketed effectively and presented in the best possible light. This approach has helped us achieve exceptional results for our clients, including faster sales, higher sale prices, and a better overall selling experience. We are proud to deliver exceptional property marketing that is designed to quickly attract attention and showcase your property with a digital-first strategy that maximizes the modern media marketplace. Coldwell Banker Realty is committed to ensuring that your property is uniquely positioned to sell.

World-class Education in Your Own Backyard: Enroll Today!

Glendale Union High School District offers nine nationally recognized high schools right in your own backyard. All schools are ranked among America’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report. GUHSD is proud to provide championship athletics, extracurricular activities, cutting-edge STEM opportunities, career & technical education options, and so much more. It is not too late for new students to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year. Enrollment information can be located here: https://bit.ly/3P7z5lW

To learn more about GUHSD’s accomplishments, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.

Absences Add Up!

Did you know missing two times a month means a student misses 10% of the school year? Students’ presence in the classroom not only benefits them but also contributes to a positive and engaging learning environment for their classmates and teachers. Spread the message about the significance of attendance by encouraging students to attend regularly.

To learn more about GUHSD, visit @GUHSDAZ on Facebook.

Spotlight on Student Athletes

BY JENA RITCHIE, MOON VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC

Friday we are open from 8-12 we

Please send one more proof, thanks

Youth sports provide abundant opportunities for creating positive relationships and lifelong memories. It develops physical conditioning, enhances personal discipline, and builds resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Regular activity boosts overall wellness, improves mood and problem-solving capacity, as well as promoting restful sleep. Olympic and professional athletes have long recognized the benefits of chiropractic care. It is exceptional for treating sportsrelated injuries because it is noninvasive, drug-free, has few side effects, and delivers long-term benefits.

Whether you are raising a golfer, football, basketball, softball, baseball player, gymnast, wrestler, lacrosse, rugby, tennis player, swimmer, or runner, it is helpful to understand the merits of chiropractic care for student-athletes. Parents, players, and coaches already rely on safety equipment to ensure that players wear appropriate gear during practices and games. An additional approach to protecting your athlete’s capacity and enhancing their competitive edge is to schedule a sports care appointment with Dr. Jamey Reichow at Moon Valley Chiropractic.

Chiropractic care addresses your athlete’s pain at the source, promoting natural healing rather than masking symptoms. In addition to spinal alignment, Dr. Reichow will assess biomechanics and gait analysis. He may recommend athome stretches, exercises, appropriate supplementation, and introduce evidencebased holistic therapies. Whether you are looking to speed up your child’s recovery or help them avoid future injuries, seeking chiropractic care for athletes is practical and effective.

Conscientious coaches and parents are understandably skeptical about curbing drug dependence on painkillers, and the concerns are warranted. Prescription opioids are risky, with potential side effects ranging from constipation and nausea to weakened immunity and addiction. Even over-thecounter pain medication can have harmful side effects. Best practices encourage seeking out safe, proven, natural solutions before resorting to prescription drugs and invasive procedures.

Young athletes are still growing and developing. Their bodies need extra care and support. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle year-round is essential to hit the ground running during practices and on game day. Quality nutrition, sufficient sleep, and adhering to reputable training strategies are essential to a young, growing athlete and will reduce the likelihood of suffering common sports injuries. With only a day or two between practices, student athletes need a sound way to recover and prepare for the next game.

Parents may believe their child only needs to see a chiropractor if complaining of injury or discomfort, yet regular maintenance and prevention treatments are advantageous. Proactive spinal care minimizes tension of muscles and connective tissues, enhances flexibility and range of motion, preserves joint function, reduces injuries, and assists the nervous system in optimal immunity and functioning, mitigating lingering impairments. Chiropractic care also addresses acute muscle fatigue and soreness to prevent issues from becoming chronic, resulting in better posture, balance, and coordination, while bolstering functional gains, and enhancing body mechanics.

Moon Valley Chiropractic utilizes professional techniques and treatments to address problems and promote natural healing. Examples of sports injuries we address are joint pain, muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, and biomechanics. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, various therapies for sports injuries are available, including ultrasound, electric stimulation, kinesiotaping, radial pressure wave therapy, decompression, and stretching and strengthening guidance. Call

Stuart Hansen, Trish Hansen K err and Br ad Hansen

Paper Shredding

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.

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

Piano Lessons

PRIVATE ONLINE & IN STUDIO

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

Music Educ/Pianist Established MV Moon Valley Studio. 602.971.0089

Valerie Thomas

Drywall Repair & Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Drywall repair and texturing Popcorn ceiling removal Water damage Electrical and plumbing patching. In business since

1980 Furnished Homes our Specialty Licensed and Bonded

Mike Collins Acoustics 623 582 4325

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

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

7 Doggy Potty Training Tips

BY EMILY PINLEY, PAWS 4 OBEDIENCE

1. Make a potty schedule and watch their body language for indications of needing to go at in between times

2. Have a designated potty area that you bring them to each time to eliminate

3. Say a command word each time such as “Potty” making sure that everyone in the household says the same exact thing to create consistency

4. Lavish praise on them when they go in the correct spot (Good potty!)

5. NEVER punish them for house soiling if they’re not caught in the act

6. To teach them fastest, make a loud sound (like a clap of the hands) and say “At!”, then scoop them up and bring them to their potty area quickly

7. Hang a bell on the door that leads to the potty area and ring it every time you bring them outside to go (This will teach them to start using it on their own to alert you they need out)

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

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THE MOON VALLEY TATTLER, LLC info@mvtattler.com moonvalleytattler.com 602-765-0902 @moonvalleytattler

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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 submitted for use in future issues.

Publisher & Editor: Dawn Trapp

Art Director: Hana Alanis

Handy Dandy Classifieds Form

Use the form at right to mail or drop off your classified ad. You may also email a Word doc directly to info@mvtattler.com 20 WORDS FOR $20 (PER MONTH). Additional words are 50 cents each.

September is a special month for me...

as it is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and I am a 2-time ovarian cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in May of 2014 after experiencing symptoms that separately were dismissed but collectively were a warning sign. The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are subtle; in fact, it is often called “the disease that whispers.”

After surgery and chemotherapy, I was declared in remission, and anxious to spare any woman from my experience, became a volunteer with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition here in Arizona. When the cancer returned in 2016, my “teal sisters” were there to support me through another surgery and six more rounds of chemotherapy.

I have continued volunteering for NOCC, as I want those who are diagnosed with this disease to know that they are not alone. NOCC has provided me and my teal sisters with much-needed resources through its variety of programs for patients, survivors, and caregivers. It is a lifeline for those battling this disease, providing financial assistance, a meal program, and counseling for those in need. The mission of the NOCC is to save lives through the prevention and cure of ovarian cancer and to improve the quality of life for survivors and their caregivers and envisions a future where no woman ever loses her lift to ovarian cancer. NOCC has helped me become not just a survivor, but a sur-THRIVE -r.

On October 7, NOCC’s Mountain & Pacific Region is holding its 2023 Together in TEAL – Ending Ovarian Cancer Walk at Gilbert Regional Park. Ovarian cancer survivors, their families, and friends will gather to walk 1.78 miles in recognition of the 1 in 78 people who will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. The event is open to the public, and registration is free. I hope you will consider joining me and my team, Anna’s TEAL Avengers, on October 7, in Gilbert.

For more information about ovarian cancer, please visit www.ovarian.org Register for Together in TEAL here: https://togetherinteal.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=659

About Anna: Anna lives in Phoenix, AZ, with her husband Fred and their two Standard Schnauzers, RiRi and Ash. She describes herself as a Teal Warrior, wife, daughter, sister, Schnauzer mom, and activist committed to educating all about the early signs of this cancer and sharing her experiences, hoping it helps another woman who, like herself at one time, knows nothing about ovarian cancer.

Rookie Mom: Happy 1st Birthday, Henry!

BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE

Dear Henry,

It's pretty unbelievable how fast your first year has flown by – just watching your forever-smiling face tackle everyday milestones.

You are such a strong little guy. I think that's the best word to describe you. Even as Brynn rough houses with you (so many heart attacks from Dad and myself), you LOVE it and can dole out the toughness almost as much as she can.

Anywhere I take you – from Target to grocery shopping – you always tell everyone your strong opinion with loud grunts and yells. Your charming intimidation elicits the opposite reaction from passerby, who think you and your "big blue eyes" are the sweetest.

Putting you down to sleep is one of my many favorite moments with you. Dad and I call it "the vampire" where you try to bite our face and soothe yourself by hitting your forehead to ours.

Grandma Marie says "you've fought a long and valiant battle" as you drift off to sleep, often grunting loudly in protest.

At the library, you are the wigglest and most active little guy, crawling straight up to the teacher to see what activity she has next. And you have a habit of sitting on your little friends during circle time. Sharing is not your favorite right now.

You love interactive books -- the ones with sensory feelers, pop-up, or anything that moves. You love "dancing" (or bobbing up and down) to Laurie Berkner and Super Simple Songs .You love anyone building a tower with your blocks and then finding immense pleasure knocking it down with a mischievous smile. You love, love, love chewing on straws to help soothe teething. (I always have a handful of straws in your baby bag because the chewing entertains you through boring errands, too.)

You love your big sister, Brynn, and follow her around EVERYWHERE, which elevates her annoyance to a level extreme. (But, I know she secretly loves playing her big sister role.)

Henry, you are beyond cherished, and as cliche as this sounds, I really cannot imagine life without your toothy smile, vampire snuggles, and sibling spats.

You have my heart, and I love you more than you will ever know.

Happy first birthday, sweet boy. Watching you grow is pure joy.

Love, Mom