New Routines, Familiar Faces: A Call to Moon Valley Volunteers
BY DREW HUTCHINSON, PRESIDENT, MOON VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD
As August rolls in and school buses start appearing on our streets again, it’s a reminder that back-to-school season isn’t just for the kids. It’s for all of us. Whether you’re navigating drop-off lines, packing lunchboxes, or simply adjusting to the early morning traffic again, this season represents a fresh start and renewed routines. It also calls for a little more patience and slower speeds on our neighborhood roads, as our kids’ safety depends on it.
For the Moon Valley Neighborhood Association (MVNA), it’s also a time to regroup and prepare for the months ahead. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community of committed neighbors to protect and preserve all the things that make Moon Valley special.
We meet just once a month, but the real impact comes from the work done in-between. Organizing safety efforts, coordinating events, advocating for city
resources, and welcoming new families are just a few of the ways we keep Moon Valley thriving. And we can’t do it alone.
We’re looking for new volunteers to join our efforts, no matter how big or small. Whether you can contribute two hours a month or twenty, your help truly makes a difference.
Take our annual Christmas Light Awards, for example. That one event alone takes hundreds of volunteer hours every year. From organizing the voting to placing the award signs and eventually taking them down, it’s a team effort all the way. Any time you can donate to help is deeply appreciated. Reach out to us directly at board@moonvalley.org or visit www.moonvalley.org to get involved.
If you love this neighborhood and want to be part of keeping it safe, beautiful, and connected, we’d love to hear from you.
At Pet Spa, our stylists have over 10 years experience and practice a no fear way of pampering your beloved pup. We take our time with one on one appointments that are limited to a small amount of pups coming through our doors on a daily basis. They are never put in a cage. This approach allows for a calm stress free environment for our stylists and the pups we care for.
From start to finish, your pup will be pampered by their own personal stylist. We care about the health of your pup’s skin and coat and use luxury products hand mixed to their specific needs. We also give them a relaxing blueberry facial with facial massage that they love. They are towel dried then gently hand blow dried. They are then given a mani/pedi, ear cleaning, teeth enzyme spray, face, feet, and sanitary trim with a cut and style to your liking. They leave us happy, looking great, smelling amazing, and so soft to the touch. We do things di erently here and strive for the health and happiness of the furry members of your family.
Try our luxury skin and coat spa soaks. Keratin Soak, Detoxifying Mask, Protein Conditioner, or Medicated Spa Treatment. Your groomer will decide what will be best for your pet based on their skin and coat needs.
when you mention our ad in the Moon Valley Tattler.
ASSOCIATION
TRAPPED IN MOON VALLEY
Is Summer Over Already?
It sure doesn’t feel like it with these blazing temperatures! Still, it seems like summer gets shorter every year. While many of us are ready to trade in the heat for a crisp fall day, there’s no sign of relief just yet. I recently saw a news segment where they clocked playground equipment at 157 degrees that’s not just uncomfortable, it’s downright dangerous.
With kids starting school this week, it’s disheartening to know many won’t even get the chance to enjoy recess outdoors. As someone who grew up back East, I can’t help but wonder why school can’t just start after Labor Day like it used to!
A Quick Reminder for All Drivers
As school resumes, please remember to slow down and stay alert in our neighborhoods. We’ve got new drivers on the road, students biking or skateboarding to school, and lots of little pedestrians crossing streets. Let’s all do our part to keep them safe.
Calling All Travelers
For those of you still out and about—cruising through the high country, escaping the heat up north, or exploring far-off destinations—we’d love to hear from you! As you can see from adventure articles shared with us over these past issues, some of our neighbors have had truly exhilarating adventures this summer.
If you’ve been somewhere exciting (or even just relaxing!), please consider sharing your journey with us. The Traveling Tattler is always looking for stories from near and far. If we can’t all go, we can at least enjoy some good old-fashioned armchair travel.
Dawn Trapp
Festival in the Mountains coming to the North Mountain Visitor Center— Vendors Needed!
Save the dates!
On Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19, North Mountain Visitor Center will be hosting the first annual Festival in the Mountains
This community event will feature fun for the whole family. In addition to live music, local guided hikes and geology demos throughout the day, there will be desert-themed story times and crafts to keep the children entertained along with popcorn and snack to keep everyone fueled for the festivities.
North Valley Symphony Orchestra Announces Youth Orchestra Registration is
Now Open
North Valley Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce registration for the 2025-26 youth ensembles are now open! If you have a passion to perform great music, can meet weekly for rehearsals, are willing to commit to the necessary practice, and want to have fun playing music with your friends, then we want you in our North Valley Youth Orchestra!
Saturday and Sunday will also boast a Market in the Mountains featuring local artists and vendors from the community and while we have a great starting line up, there is room for more. If you are a local artisan, crafter or vendor interested in participating, please email finance@saveourmountains.org
The Festival in the Mountains is a community event and a fundraiser for the Save Our Mountains Foundation (SOMF), the managing organization of the City of Phoenix-owned Visitor Center. SOMF and the North Mountain Visitor Center aim to educate the community about our beautiful mountain preserves and the importance of this land to our quality of life in Phoenix.
The North Mountain Visitor Center is open daily and is located at 12950 N 7th Street. See website calendar for hours and learn more about the Visitor Center at https://northmountainvisitorcenter.org/
We offer a “ladder up” for young musicians. There are no limits! NVSO provides students the ability to progress from North Valley Symphonettes, to North Valley Youth Strings, and then to North Valley Youth Orchestra. Some students even choose to audition for the NVSO Adult Orchestra.
Rehearsals for the Fall Semester begin September 8th, with the winter concert scheduled for December 6th. All youth ensembles will rehearse on Monday evenings at Shiloh Community Church, 19021 N. 32nd St., Phoenix.
Full season tuition (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026) is $325. Half season tuition (Fall 2025 or Spring 2026) is $170. There is a discount offered for each additional sibling. Register by August 15th to receive the Early Bird discount (10% off our registration).
For more information, visit the student ensembles web pages at www.northvalleysymphony.org, or contact the NVSO Youth Registrar at youth@northvalleysymphony.org, or NVSO Music Director at conductor@ northvalleysymphony.org, We look forward to having you play with us!
NVSO is partially funded by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council. This project is supported in part by an award from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona.
The Civitan Foundation Cook-er-y is an unique culinary program that provides hands-on catering experiences for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDDs) plus gainful employment in the hospitality & food industry and parties seeking a delicious & philanthropic experi
Breakfast Meetings
Luncheons
Special Events
Customized Gift Baskets
Dessert Trays
Call 602.953.2944 or email culinary@campcivitan.org to book catering for your next event.
602.765.0902
Dear WESD Partners and Community Members,
I am Dr. Lupita Hightower, and I am honored and humbled to begin serving as the Interim Superintendent of the WESD. For those of you who may not have heard, Superintendent Dr. Paul Stanton retired effective June 30, 2025. I want to thank the WESD Governing Board for placing their trust in me during this important time of transition. It is a privilege to serve a district so deeply committed to educational excellence, equity and student success.
With over 28 years in education, I have served in many roles – from teacher and assistant principal right here in the WESD at Sunnyslope and Washington, respectively, to principal, director and most recently, 14 years as superintendent of the Tolleson Elementary School District. Throughout my career, I have been humbled by statewide and national recognition, including being named Arizona Superintendent of the Year in 2023. On a personal note, I have been married for 33 years to my college sweetheart, an alumnus of Moon Mountain Elementary School. We have two wonderful daughters, graduates of the University of Arizona and UCLA.
The WESD is guided by a clear mission: Student achievement, preparing all students to become responsible, successful contributors to our diverse society, and a clear WESD vision: Committed to achieving excellence for every child, every day, every opportunity. I am so thrilled to work with the amazing WESD teachers and staff because they hold true to their values which primarily focus on students, their families and their communities. Some of WESD’s values include open and honest communication, parents as children’s first and best teachers, and providing equal educational opportunities for all students to achieve physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
As we begin this new chapter, I am eager to listen, reflect and grow, and lead with compassion, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility. I look forward to partnering with you and am excited for all we will accomplish – together.
WESD Voted as Top 10 Elementary School District in Arizona
The WESD was proud to be ranked #7 within the Top 10 Elementary School Districts in Arizona for 2025, according to AZ BIG Media. This recognition was based on public voting for the 2025 edition of Ranking Arizona, the state’s biggest and most comprehensive business opinion poll. Ranking Arizona is
based purely on opinion and ranks companies based on how voters answer this simple question: with whom would you recommend doing business? A special thank you to all of our amazing teachers and staff. This honor would not have been possible without their dedication and support in providing our students with exceptional educational experiences each and every day. To our wonderful families and students–thank you for choosing the WESD.
Now Enrolling for 2025-2026 School Year: Your child’s/children’s path to success begins here. Whether it is free, full-day kindergarten, premiere special education and gifted services, art, music, PE, STEM or online learning, the WESD has a program to meet the individual needs of your child/children. With multiple A+ Schools of Excellence, a National Blue Ribbon and a National Title I Distinguished School, the WESD is a top 10 elementary school district as featured in the 2025 edition of Ranking Arizona, published by AZ Big Media. Additionally, 78% of WESD schools are an “A” or “B”. We are currently enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade students for the 2025-2026 school year. To start the enrollment process, please stop by the WESD Welcome and Registration Center, located at 3200 W. Cholla St., or enroll online at https:// www.wesdschools.org/registration
Join the WESD Family : The WESD is always looking for passionate individuals to join our team as we have a variety of job openings for certified and classified employees. Our District offers competitive teacher salaries of $53,000-$84,950 with performance pay, student loan forgiveness, school-age child care discounts, medical, dental and vision benefits, and employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement. The WESD also provides the most support for teachers including instructional coaches on every campus, weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC), regular professional development and social workers on each campus. To view our job vacancies and apply online, please visit https://jobs.wesdschools.org/. For questions, please call 602-347-2622.
With gratitude,
Dr. Lupita Hightower WESD Interim Superintendent
Muscle Can Be a Life Saver
BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC
For everyone out there who thinks cardio is the only exercise you need, think again. Particularly as we get older, muscle is an essential component of healthy living. Here’s why.
As we get older, we naturally lose muscle if we don’t maintain / build it: up to 3-5 percent loss per decade, beginning as young as age 30 or so. Muscle is also harder to develop as we age, even if you stay physically active. That’s two strikes against us. The third strike, if we let it happen, is where the real problem lies: Lack of muscle can increase the risk of injury, falls, weight gain and more; and even reduce our overall life expectancy.
Yes, muscle can truly be a life saver, and recent research proves it. A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise put the theory to the test by evaluating 4,449 participants ages 50 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Low muscle strength increased the risk of all-cause mortality (risk of death) ... regardless of the person’s overall muscle mass, whether they suffered from metabolic syndrome, and their total sedentary time or leisure-time physical activity. In other words, muscle made the difference.
Depending on your community’s current social distancing restrictions and your home gym set-up, exercise – muscle-building or otherwise – to be a challenge lately. But don’t throw in the towel; certainly not after reading about the importance of muscle strength. Simple body-weight exercises you can do at home can be found on Youtube; and ask your doctor for help designing a muscle-building program that’s right for you.
Rookie Mom: Thank You, Teachers!
BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE
As summer vacation winds down, I have to be grateful that I don’t hear “I’m bored” every two seconds anymore (or at least for a while).
If you’re a parent, if you know, you know.
Summer vacation always starts out with great intentions to add structure and supplemental instruction to your kids’ day, but parents get burnt out, too.
And let’s face it, this 110+ degree heat doesn’t help either; being stuck in the house, or on the search for a fun place with 70-degree coolness, is hard.
That’s why I just need to take this time to recognize the teachers who spent their time planning for an awesome 2025-26 school year for our kiddos.
Thank you for “putting up” with our kids – acting as a second parent, mentor, counselor, coach, and cheerleader all rolled into one.
While many of us were melting in the heat or juggling summer chaos, teachers were already deep into classroom prep, lesson planning, and continuing education.
They’ve spent time setting up cozy reading corners, sharpening pencils, and designing ways to make learning exciting again. And they do it all not for praise or recognition, but because they genuinely care.
So as we begin another school year, let’s not take their hard work for granted. Let’s show up at back-to-school night.
Let’s send that “thank you” email, pack those classroom wish list items, or just offer a kind word at drop-off.
Here’s to the teachers — may this school year be full of growth, laughter, and as few “bored” kids as possible.
bine the t wo power ful healing ar ts, y and Chiroprac tic C are, to achieve er-lasting results. T RELIEF AND GET MOVING! the work of an Artisan
Finding the knots in your muscles and working them out; getting your spine or shoulder to move freely without discomfort... it is an art.
MOON VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB FITNESS CENTER EXCITING UPGRADES AT
By Eileen Hatfield
Moon Valley Country Club is thrilled to announce a comprehensive upgrade to its fitness center, designed to enhance the workout experience for all members. This transformation includes redesigned open spaces that create a more inviting environment for fitness enthusiasts.
Among the standout features of the updated fitness center are new flooring and turf that provide a fresh look and improved functionality. The upgrade also introduces an impressive array of state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring that members have access to the best tools for their fitness journeys.
The new lineup includes five Precor treadmills, two Precor elliptical machines, two Precor recumbent bikes, and two Precor stair climbers. Additionally, members can enjoy a Peloton rower and two Peloton bikes, both equipped with streaming and workout subscriptions. A Ski Erg, Assault bike, and Assault treadmill have also been added to the lineup. For cycling enthusiasts, there are eight Stages cycle bikes ready to deliver an invigorating workout experience.
Looking ahead, Phase 2 of the upgrades will introduce functional training equipment, including new racks, sleds, dual pulleys, dumbbells, medicine balls, a glute machine, a Smith machine, and a hip extension machine.
As part of the ongoing enhancements across the club, Moon Valley Country Club
is proud to expand its offerings beyond fitness with the addition of two state-of-the-art indoor Trackman golf simulators and Titleist Performance Institute Golf equipment and small group training, scheduled to launch this September. These high-tech installations will provide members with a year-round golf experience, regardless of weather or time of day. The simulators will be available for individual use, small group sessions, and party rentals—making them a versatile option for practice, social gatherings, or special events. Together, these new additions represent a major step in Moon Valley Country Club’s commitment to offering a holistic golf and wellness experience for our members—combining modern technology with expert programming to help you play better, feel better, and enjoy the game even more. These upgrades reaffirm Moon Valley Country Club’s commitment to providing a premier fitness experience, catering to the diverse needs of its members and fostering a community centered around health and wellness.
Please note: Initiation rates will increase starting October 1, 2025. Now is a great time to join and lock in current pricing before the adjustment goes into effect.
For membership details and to schedule a tour, please contact our Membership Director, Samantha Postillion, at spostillion@moonvalleycc.com or 602-375-4451.
It is Garett’s 31st birthday, two days before the Tattler’s deadline. It’s taken me 30 years to heal from the trauma of losing him, but I can tell the story without crying now. Our friends know about it, but not all the details. I keep the story short, even here. It was a horrific event, but it shaped me into the woman I am and therefore I make no excuses for being the mom who did everything. At one point I had 13 different volunteer jobs between all the sports teams, different schools and church, because being
started harassing us for money, and finally reversed the paperwork, so we had to give him back. I decided that losing a child I held in my heart and arms was far worse than chemo, so we went to an infertility doctor and got pregnant with Jon. Garett’s birthparents didn’t know we’d had a child, and 16 months later, they started calling again. This time they wanted to sell Garett to us for $75,000. Our dear friend, Gene connected us with the FBI. We never heard from those birthparents again.
We went on to have two more joys, Joel and Jaden, but I continue to pray for Garett every day. His picture is still on our fridge. This is the first time in 31 years that I haven’t baked a pie or cake
Back-to-School — Find Your New Neighborhood
Estate Planning with LLCs: Protecting Your Business and Your Legacy
In our office, Libby and I see a growing number of clients with LLCs who own businesses or have rental properties to protect. Some clients come into an estate planning consultation thinking their estate plan is a totally separate matter from their LLC, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Liability and litigation lurk around every corner, so the legal protections provided by an LLC are crucial. The next step that many people overlook is making sure that their LLC interest avoids probate upon their passing. LLCs are just another piece of the puzzle when we create estate plans for our clients.
First and foremost, what is an LLC?
LLC is short for “limited liability company,” and it is a type of business entity that offers liability protections for its owners (called “members”). The idea is that if a claim or lawsuit arose from the LLC, the members’ assets are protected from liability. Likewise, if a claim or lawsuit arose from a member’s personal actions, the LLC’s assets receive protection. LLCs are excellent vehicles for gaining some protection from lawsuits while maintaining flexibility and simplicity in managing the LLC’s assets.
Why create an LLC?
Typically, our clients have LLCs for their small businesses or for holding rental and investment properties. Rental properties, especially short-term rentals like Airbnb, have no shortage of accidents waiting to happen. Creating an LLC to own the rental property can protect personal assets from lawsuits. On the small business side, creating an LLC gives your business more structure and credibility.
How does this intertwine with estate planning?
Owning an LLC is just like owning any other asset. Under Arizona law, an interest in an LLC is treated as personal property. If someone with an LLC dies with only a will, or no estate plan at all, that LLC interest could get tangled up in probate with all their other assets. Creating a trust can help avoid probate for your LLC and other assets, but only if the trust is properly funded.
BY COLTON POWELL, THE LAW OFFICE OF LIBBY BANKS
We have a few different ways to make sure an LLC interest avoids probate.
First, we can assign membership to a client’s trust. When a trust is the member of the LLC, that makes the trust the owner of that LLC as well. If the trust owns the LLC, then the LLC can avoid probate under the terms of the trust.
Another way for the LLC to bypass probate is by using a transfer on death designation. That is a simple document, effective only upon the owner’s death, that transfers the LLC interest to the designated beneficiaries automatically without the need for probate. Members choose this option over an assignment to their trust depending on the LLC’s tax treatment.
The final method, which is more common in LLCs with multiple members or business partners, is to provide for succession planning in an operating agreement for the LLC. An operating agreement is the primary governing document for an LLC, setting forth the basic rules governing the members and management. In addition to establishing ground rules and strengthening the LLC’s legitimacy and liability protections, the operating agreement can include provisions for what happens to a member’s interest upon their passing.
What are some mistakes to avoid?
The last thing you want to do is leave yourself needlessly exposed to liability from your business or rental property. You can protect yourself by creating an LLC with a strong operating agreement. However, don’t assume that’s where your work ends. You don’t want your loved ones dealing with probate court for an asset that was created to make your lives easier. Don’t forget to include your LLCs in your estate plan using one of the methods we covered here.
How can we help?
Our office has recently expanded its offerings to include business formation services alongside our longstanding estate planning, probate, and trust administration practices. If you’ve been thinking about creating an estate plan or if you’ve been curious about setting up an LLC, we can help you accomplish both goals! Even if you already have an LLC, we can make sure your LLC records are up to date and ensure the liability protections are maintained. Most of our clients with LLCs do not have operating agreements in place yet, so they are not receiving as much asset protection as they could be. Once we’re sure your LLC is in good shape, we can discuss the proper strategy for helping your interest in the LLC avoid probate.
If you’re interested in advice about your own situation, give us a call to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to talk through your options for protecting your business and your legacy!
Member Profile: Kristin Gilger
By Julie Pek
Moon Valley resident and member of MVWC, Kristin Gilger, is about to release her second book. Kristin had a long career in journalism working at The Arizona Republic and most recently as Interim Dean at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU. In 2019 she coauthored with Julia Wallace, There’s No Crying in Newsrooms: What Women Have Learned About What It Takes To Lead, a book chronicling women journalists and their stories in the 1960s and 1970s. This book is currently used in college curriculums and is available in bookstores and libraries.
About 12 years ago, Kristin began working on her more personal book, My Son, the Priest: A Mother’s Crisis of Faith. She was questioning her son Patrick’s decision to join the Jesuit Order of Catholic priests at the age of 21. It’s her story of reconciliation with him and the Catholic Church; sort of a memoir of her own journey of acceptance. Patrick wrote the Afterward. It will be released on November 12th and it’s available on Amazon now. Her first book signing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25th at 6:30pm at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix.
Now retired, Kristin keeps busy with her MVWC activities including the Hardcover Book Club, Moderate Hiking Group and she’s in the concept stages of her next book. This one will most likely be children’s fiction. For more information about MVWC, visit www.mvwomensclub.org.
Magical Mexico
BY ARCHER CUSHMAN
In mid July, my family and I went to the beautiful beach of Rocky Point for a few days. Leaving around 6am, and stopping to pick up my grandma, we started the long trip to Mexico and stopped only once to get gas. Tired and restless, we piled out of the car and into the hotel. We quickly unpacked, changed, rushed to the water, and became engulfed in all the beach could offer!
We also reunited with our friend, Vanessa. But to tell you more about her, I have to go back about five years... I was five and it was my first time in Mexico. Vanessa, the daughter of a beach vendor, was only three years old. She did not know any English and I did not know any Spanish, but we still managed to have fun! My favorite memory of that trip was teaching Vanessa the English alphabet. I asked her, “Do you want to learn the alphabet?” and she replied, “Sí”. Not knowing Spanish, I said, “OK, lets start with the letter C”. Even though we couldn’t really understand each other, I spent my entire trip building sand castles with her on the beach.
Our Mexico tradition also includes mangos, yes, mangos. Especially from a very special cart... As I just mentioned, we met Vanessa the first time we came to Rocky Point. On that trip, we also met a mango vendor named Marcos (who happened to be Vanessa’s uncle). Marco’s mangos are always fresh, delicious, and perfectly carved. We’ve eaten many a mango from many a vendor, but Marco’s mangos are are at the top of the list. After years and years at Rocky Point, “Marco’s mangos” has become a yummy tradition for our family and we will always look forward to seeing the little blue cart that holds lots of memories.
We usually come to Rocky Point around May, but this time we went in July. In May, there is nothing to worry about, but in July, there are jellyfish. The first two days, there was no sign of any kind of jellyfish, and the third day I had almost forgotten about the them. I was enjoying myself by the beach when suddenly a tiny blue jellyfish brushed against my thumb. I yelled all the way to our palapa...not because it hurt but because I was scared. Apparently, the jellyfish had released its stingers on my thumb. It didn’t hurt until I tried to brush the stinger off. But when I did....boy, did it hurt! Soon after, someone came with cold Windex to put on my fingers. Once they did, the sting got much better.
After four days at Rocky Point, we packed up, hit the road, and started the long trip home. This trip was truly amazing, and I look forward to next year’s adventure!
The Gift That Keeps on Giving… and Is A Keeper
BY DR. SANDI HOWLETT
What is the most memorable gift you have ever received? A childhood toy? Personal jewelry? Perhaps a family heirloom? You likely remember this special gift and perhaps who gave it to you. Do you still have the it?
Most people you know have all they want and need, making it very difficult when it comes to gift giving. Some say they have ‘everything’ and duplicates of much of it! What if you could come up with a gift that was 100% personal to the recipient and as unique as their fingerprint? What if you could gift them something that would touch their heart and life in ways you can only imagine? Something they would treasure and keep. You can!
Consider this scenario: You have been invited to a gathering for a close family member or friend marking a milestone birthday celebration. The invitation clearly states, “Your presence is your gift”. This honoree is very special to you and you want to gift them with something that honors the significance of the relationship and the occasion. You want something meaningful and memorable.
Therein lies the challenge – this person literally does have everything you can imagine. Plus, they are actively and aggressively downsizing with regular donations to charity thrift shops. They are adamant about “not adding to their possessions.” AND still, you want to give them something special that they will cherish.
Here is the perfect gift for the person who ‘thinks’ they have everything – a list of their traits and talents that are appreciated and admired by you! Yes, a written list, thoughtfully crafted and completely personalized, produced specifically for this celebratory occasion. I have done dozens of these for family and friends, each one a unique and personalized treasure. The youngest I made was for a 10-year-old and the oldest person was celebrating his 80th birthday. It takes a bit of thought and time as I write one attribute for each year of their life…10 is easier than 80! But 80 offers lots more experience and memories to tap! You can also recruit others to do a group list!
A sample title I used for a 50th birthday is “51 Things I Admire, Love and Appreciate About (person’s name). I always add 1 to the birthday number as a little bonus. Think small and personal. Include both substantive as well as light-hearted examples. Examples on the list include: Your raucous laughter, Sharing Hawaiian pizza, Your knock-knock jokes, Your kindness when my dog died, Going to church with you on Christmas eve, Your trust in me… Nothing is too big or small for this list. Details are great and make for a most interesting gift.
I have done this for special birthdays as well as an abbreviated list, “Top 10”, as part of a funeral eulogy for a close friend. Recently a friend’s mother celebrated her 100th birthday. Coordinated via e-mail, the family collaborated on an incredible list for her. All 20 relatives (4 generations) contributed and what a great scope of memories and experiences they created as each one knew her in a different way! The matriarch was speechless! It is a humbling and affirming experience to take in all the love shared and remembered in this kind of list. No commercial card company can hold a candle to THIS birthday greeting!
When putting the list together, I group similar items and type them in a list of 5 followed by an extra space. This makes for easier reading. I type them on quality paper, often something that looks like parchment though I use bright colors for children’s lists. When all done, I include a birthday wish at the end before signing my name. In the case of a group endeavor, everyone can sign! I roll it to look like the important document it is, securing it with fancy wide ribbon for a most elegant presentation!
For the presentation, it can be handed directly to the person to untie the bow and look at it. It can also be read aloud by the giver for all to hear and witness. The recipient has this public opportunity to be recognized for the special person they are…again, humbling and affirming!
This is one gift that will not end up in the recycle bin or be re-gifted. Some have been framed. Some are saved with important papers. Some are kept within arm’s reach for a fast revisit to the gathering and the life well lived and celebrated.
This is a gift to be treasured and kept…the gift that keeps on giving. And such a fun gift to create!
Dr. Sandi Howlett is a Grief Specialist, speaker, and writer based in Phoenix. She may be contacted at drsandihowlett@gmail.com
Spirituality: A Magical Part of Child & Human Development
BY REV. KENNETH HEINTZELMAN
Shadow Rock Congregational Church offers our “Spiritual Play” Program for children from ages 3 through 9. It is a 2 ½ hour program on Sunday mornings for exploration and experiences in everyday life that present opportunities to nurture and enhance spiritual development. The program runs from August 2025 to May 2026 with breaks consistent with local school district holidays, fall and spring breaks.
The “Wonder Wizards” (aka teachers) talk less and listen more to the wisdom that naturally comes from young children.
• Children will play, make friends, have fun, share a snack, play outside, do yoga, listen to stories and music, and do a lot of wondering together.
• Opportunities to explore spirituality include nature, music, daily routines, art, sharing books, sacred quiet time and nurturing of individual qualities of each child.
• Young children benefit tremendously from exposure to situations and activities that offer them a place to raise their own questions, explore and share ideas.
• There is not an agenda to teach particular content, rather time to let the curiosity and interests of children determine the interactions and directions of play.
Dr. Lisa Miller, psychologist at Columbia University, says “Spirituality is an inner sense of relationship to a higher power that is loving and guiding. Some key aspects of children’s spirituality:
• Their natural capacity for awareness of the sacred can be conscious or unconscious
• Can affect actions, feelings and thoughts
• Responding to a call to relate to others, God, creation or a deeper inner sense of Self
• Can happen in specific experiences, unexpected moments OR
• Through imagination or activities that stimulate thoughts and meaning making
Children’s spirituality is like a child:
• May not conform to accepted norms or use conventional expressions
• Requires adult listening to recognize what is being expressed to develop (not impose) a shared language
• Can be intense one minute and nonchalant the next – remember development is rarely in a straight line
• or under our control
• It feels like it matters to the child, but is perceived by them not to matter to anyone else
• It is vulnerable and can die if neglected, ignored or misunderstood
• Spirituality is present in many shapes and sizes and is another rich way of affirming life including religion, self-
• awareness, self-care, spiritual practices (e.g., yoga, meditation, prayer, mindfulness, exercise, reading about
• different faiths, overall wellness and more). It draws attention to quality of life and values integral to our lives.
We want to be more aware of and embrace this vital, enriching aspect of life. For more information see: the Spiritual Play page on the Shadow Rock United Church of Christ website: www.shadowrockucc.org
Commit to supporting Moon Valley business
Stuart Hansen, Trish Hansen K err and Br ad Hansen
Trish Hansen Kerr, Br ad Hansen, Tanner Kerr, & Stuart Hansen
Supporting You Every Step of the Way with Knee Care
BY JENA RITCHIE
Your knees work harder than you think—whether you’re hiking uphill, lining up a golf swing, sprinting down a field, or just getting through your daily routine. Whether you’re an avid golfer, a weekend hiker, a professional athlete, or simply enjoying daily walks, taking care of your knees is vital for long-term joint health. Protecting these joints is essential, no matter your age or activity level. Simple balance exercises can make a positive impact in preventing strain and improving joint stability. Regular stretching, proper warm-ups, and strengthening exercises for the muscles surrounding the knee—like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves—can significantly reduce the risk of injury and strain.
Chiropractic care plays a key role in long-term knee health by promoting proper alignment throughout the body. When the feet, ankles, hips, or spine are out of balance, excess stress often shifts to the knees. Chiropractors will assess joint function, gait, and muscle balance, providing adjustments or soft tissue therapies to promote optimal movement patterns.
This is especially beneficial for golfers and athletes, whose repetitive motions and exposure to uneven terrain can contribute to imbalances that affect knee performance. Chiropractors can help correct movement patterns, relieve tension, and support recovery from overuse or injury. Golfers can benefit from better rotation and balance, while hikers and athletes see improved endurance and reduced wear and tear with regular care. Consistent chiropractic treatment, paired with healthy habits, offers valuable components of overall injury prevention and recovery.
Lifestyle choices play a critical role. Carrying extra weight increases pressure on the knees. Low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, cycling, or using elliptical machines can build strength without overloading the knees. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, climbing a trail, swinging a club, or chasing after
grandkids, caring for your knees today ensures that you stay active and painfree for years to come. We want you to be able to enjoy your favorite hobbies like exploring the outdoors and staying active with family, while practicing mindful knee care to ensure you’re ready for every step ahead. Moon Valley Chiropractic is here to help you live your best life. Call us at 602-298-0292 to schedule an appointment.
Knee Care Tips: Keep Your Joints Healthy
Warm Up - Begin with 5–10 minutes of light activity (like walking or cycling) prior to engaging in exercise or sport.
Stretch Regularly - Condition hamstrings, calves, quads, and hip flexors to maintain flexibility and prevent strain.
Strengthen Surrounding Muscles - Build strength in your thighs, glutes, and core to better support knee joints and improve stability.
Practice Balance Exercises - Try out a balance board to improve coordination or simple moves like single-leg stands to improve stability and prevent falls.
Choose Quality Footwear - Wear supportive shoes appropriate for your activity—especially for hiking, running, or golf.
Maintain a healthy weight – Reduced weight reduces pressure on the knees—every extra pound adds about 4 pounds of force per step.
Go Low Impact - Choose joint-friendly exercises like swimming, cycling, yoga, or walking over high-impact activities when needed.
Pay Attention to Pain - Don’t push through sharp or persistent knee pain—it’s a signal, not a challenge.
Seek Chiropractic Support - Regular chiropractic checkups can improve alignment and reduce joint stress, especially helpful for active individuals.
Recover Properly - After intense activity, use ice for inflammation, elevation, and rest days to promote healing.
YES. TURNING 90 IS PRECIOUS!
BY FROSTY KROENING
My good friend, Betty Silva, turned 90 recently. She was celebrated by her family and friends at the Moon Valley Country Club. The Silva family has been at the center of a loving circle of people in and around Moon Valley caring for each other for decades.
Betty spent many years teaching home economics (while also raising four children). To her, preparing healthy and beautiful food and “keeping house” has been pure art. She loves her students and fellow teachers and has interesting stories about them even though much time has passed. In recent years, serving the perfectly cooked roast and other foods have been centerpieces of gatherings. Celebrating the seasons fully with home decorations, too, is always a delight. Few people nowadays seem to want to go the extra mile to celebrate life by sharing the beauty of holiday decorations and beautiful table settings.
It has been fun to watch the grandchildren grow and thrive. Some have come to the Phoenix area to attend college and work. It is lovely to know them and watch their progress.
Betty and Tony were sweethearts in college. They remain the best of friends. Their love for family members and friends illustrates how love grows and loyalty extends across any and all differences. Caring takes real effort but is so appreciated. One day after my husband died, Betty couldn’t reach me by phone. She came to the house and eventually found me hiding from life. It is people like this who make life beautiful for everyone they touch. The term “touching base” comes alive. It goes beyond being neighborly.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETTY. AND I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MANY MORE HAPPY DAYS! 90 IS THE NEW BLESSING!
SUMMER LESSON SPECIAL - 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 - Cell 602-574-3694 Valerie Thomas
Window Cleaner. Spotless Windows, Guaranteed. Moon Valley Resident. Text 602.969.1924 or visit albinobuffalo.com to learn more.
Paper Shredding
ABCO Shredding Services located at 2640 E Rose Garden Lane, Suite 4, in Phoenix, AZ 85050, offers shredding services, etc. to residents and businesses of all sizes.
Bring any amount of paper and watch the shredding from 8am until 2:30pm M –F, or drop them off from 8am until 4pm. Either option will have a Certificate of Destruction on the receipt. All shredded paper is recycled.
Drywall Repairs and Texturing
Drywall repairs and Texturing. Includes water damage, remodeling, and popcorn ceiling removal. In business since 1980. Mike Collins Acoustics 623-582-4325
www.abcoshredding.com is our website for information on other items such as hard drives from your laptops or towers, iPads, tablets, cell phones, CD’s/Floppy disks, etc. Please call us at 623-748-8480 for Saturday or holiday hours, or if you have any questions. Pickup of documents also available.Thank you! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
The Moon Valley Tattler is distributed monthly free of charge to Moon Valley area homes. Additional copies are distributed at rack locations. Content in full or part may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher and do not constitute an endorsement
or letter to the editor that is not in keeping with the standards of the publication. The publication’s
THE MOON VALLEY TATTLER, LLC, info@mvtattler.com, 602-765-0902,
Enrollment Reminder – The New School Year Starts August 18!
The upcoming school year at Shadow Rock Preschool begins August 18, and we’re excited to welcome new and returning families! If you’ve been considering Shadow Rock Preschool for your child, now is the perfect time to secure your spot.
We offer a high-quality early childhood education program for children ages 18 months to pre-K. With a play-based curriculum, dedicated teachers, and a caring community, Shadow Rock Preschool provides a nurturing environment where young learners can explore, grow, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Enrollment is still open, but spots are limited! We encourage families to act soon. If you’re interested in seeing what has made Shadow Rock Preschool such a special place for over 50 years, we invite you to take a tour of our campus.
Campus tours are available by appointment Monday through Friday. To schedule your tour, please email our director at director@shadowrockpreschool. org. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see our classrooms and learn more about our programs.
For more information, visit our website at shadowrockpreschool.org. You can also follow us on Instagram to see photos, updates, and glimpses into the day-to-day life of our students and staff.
You Belong Here
BY RABBI SHNEUR WOLFMAN
Rabbi, do I really need to invest in the community, isn’t being neighborly enough?
With Instacart there’s no need to knock on our neighbors door for eggs. If you’re missing a tool you can overnight it on Amazon. We can go weeks without interacting with the people who live 20 feet away.
I was surprised recently to see my neighbor walking up to their house carrying a newborn. I had lived next door the entire year and had no idea she was even pregnant. Ironically, we had a baby around the same time. It’s likely they didn’t know we were expecting either.
But why do I need to invest in my local community when I already have my own tribe, my friends, relatives and group chats?
Because place matters, more than we often realize.
The Baal Shem Tov, an 18th-century Chassidic master, taught that God guides the steps of a human being and orchestrates circumstances to bring a person exactly where they are meant to be. He taught you are in a place because that is where you are needed most.
If you walk down a street in Moon Valley and ask people how they ended up here, you’ll hear stories full of twists of fate, career moves, family decisions, and unexpected turns. That’s what I call the God Effect.
We are all here with a purpose - to contribute to the world, starting from our immediate circle of influence, ourselves, our family, our little pocket of the world.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! With our small class sizes and high demand, now is the best time to secure your child’s spot. We’re looking forward to another amazing year at Shadow Rock Preschool, and we hope your family
And when the people of a place work together, they have tremendous power to beautify their neighborhood with acts of goodness and kindness and be a beacon of light to the entire city and beyond.
Enjoy your August!
Rabbi Shneur Wolfman - rabbi@jewishmoonvalley.com
my team and I pride ourselves on protecting your �inancial health.
With my service in the Marines, and my years of service to our community, my work ethic and commitment to you is second to none. Contact us today to take care of your accounting needs.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 27, 2025 for the 1st
Annual Moon Valley MILE!
The Moon Valley MILE is on a flat, fast course delighting the racers and walkers with a scenic view of the fabulous Grasshopper Bridge!
The Moon Valley MILE is not only a quick mile but all proceeds from the Moon Valley MILE benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital (phoenixchildrens. org) and Jaydie Lynn King Foundation (teamjaydie.org). Your registration is helping fund critical pediatric care.
This is an invitation to elite athletes to citizen athletes and families to take on the MILE.
From Roger Bannister’s barrier-breaking 3:59 to today’s blazing 3:43 world record, the mile has always been a benchmark of speed and determination. Take advantage of this opportunity to be a miler and do something good for your health.
Since all those registered are B-Tag (chip) timed, there are plenty of awards to be won regardless of whether you are a runner or walker. All Age Groups from 14-Under to 80+ in 5-year increments have an opportunity for an award. Plus, there are Team awards (Top 3) and Overall awards (Top 3 M/F). Special pricing for children and teens! Don’t wait! Entry fees increase September 1.
Everything you need to know about the Moon Valley MILE can be found on its website (https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102451/moon-valley-mile) or scan the QR code below.
Let’s support this Moon Valley community event!
Please consider becoming a Sponsor. Please contact Paul Ruckel at 602-448-9364 or email pruckel@yahoo.com.
Notes from a Native New Yorker
BY PAULA G. CULLISON
Although we have lived in the same house here in Moonridge / Moon Valley area for 50 years, I found myself in a New York state of mind during my recent 10-day trip ‘back home’.
Hiking up and down the NYC subway staircases was good training for our hiking days / years here in Arizona. We reached great heights: Flatiron Superstition Mountains, Humphreys Peak, Camelback, Piestewa, Grand Canyon R2R in 13 hours and many other awesome hikes.
New York, New York remains a ‘helluvatown’. During my stay on both the Upper Westside and Upper Eastside, I enjoyed visits to 5 museums: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum, Guggenheim and Cooper-Hewitt Museum. It was like visiting with old friends: Vincent (Van Gogh), Edgar (Degas), Paul (Cezanne), Claude (Monet), Pablo (Picasso) and Marc (Chagall). Viewing / getting lost in their awesome works always lifted my spirits during those stressful college years. To that point, I recommend you read All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley who left the New Yorker Magazine to work as a security guard at MMA for 10 years.
Attending theater in NYC is a special treat: two Tony Award winners, Purpose and Buena Vista Social Club, and the Off-Broadway Counterfeit Opera at the outdoor Little Island Amphitheater, were sheer delights. Walking through the parks, namely, Central Park, Hudson River Park, Riverside Park, High Line, and even the small Paley Park with its waterfall, allows one to take a respite in a relaxing oasis.
I stopped at St Patrick’s Cathedral where we were married in 1967, and then walked over to Rockefeller Center, down 5th Avenue, and through Greenwich Village where I had my first two apartments and where my brother still lives. The energy of the city is invigorating. And yes, I rode the subway several times a day, even took the E train to JFK as a farewell departure.
I shopped twice at Trader Joe’s on the Upper Westside and found the prices are surprisingly the same as they are in Phoenix. As you would imagine, NYC has a plethora of restaurants offering cuisine from countries near and far. If you decide to go …. ENJOY!
Travel articles / photographs at: www.paulacullison.com
Questions / comments: paulacullison@aol.com
REAL ESTATE
MARKET UPDATE
Moon Valley of fers a more nuanced pic ture t han t he broader metro:
MOON VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT KEY TAKE-AWAYS FOR BUYERS
Redfin repor t s a median sale price of $793,000 in June 2025, wit h a price-per-square-foot around $339 00
Rocket Homes es tima tes t he median sold price a t $810,000 an 8 7% increase year-over-year
Recent inventor y was about 33 ac tive lis tings, wit h 10 homes sold or pending
Redfin shows Moon Valley homes sold in an average of 32 days, while home sales rose 55% year-over-year
SUMMARY OF MARKET brought to you by Dave Dix | Associate Broker
Summar y Table
Area Median Price ( Jun 2025)
Phoenix Metro ~$416,800 Balanced to Buyer
Moon Valley (Redfin) ~$793,000 Slight ly slower sales Moon Valley (Rocket) ~$810,000 Still skewed Seller
Phoenix overall: Increasing options, price reductions, stabilized mortgage rates negotiation leverage is shifting
Moon Valley: While still considered a seller’ s market, sub-$800K segments show softening, and some bargains may exist in under asking transactions
Larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) remain more resilient in Moon Valley with prices still rising even as smaller units show mixed or flat performance
Phoenix-wide, many sellers are retreating listings rather than discounting indicating a gap between expectations and market realities
In Moon Valley, properties priced well and in high-end tiers can still command premium offers; lower-tier homes may be slower to move or require pricing adjustments
Accurate pricing, staging, and flexibility in incentives remain critical for standing out
FINAL THOUGHTS
buyer-favorable market prices are cooling, inventory is elevated, and delistings are rising
In Moon Valley, a traditionally strong North Phoenix neighborhood, high-end homes remain solid but the overall pace is moderating Buyers should explore price reductions and willing sellers; sellers should be realistic rather than holding out for peak-era pricing
Want help analyzing specific price tiers, schools, or resale prospects in Moon Valley? Happy to dive into those details! Give me a call!
Dave Dix
Associa te Broker 1912 REALTY 602-686-1503
DaveDix@DaveDix com