My Europe trip (Part 2)
BY ARCHER CUSHMAN
Sure, it was sad to say goodbye to Paris, but our trip was just beginning! We said goodbye to our grandmas and headed to the airport, and after less than two hours in the air, we made it to Barcelona. We took a taxi to our hotel, which to our surprise was ginormous (compared to our Paris hotel!). We dropped our stuff off and walked to a restaurant called Honest Greens. It was really good! Then we went to a churro shop called Xurrería. They were dipped in melted chocolate and had sugar on top, and they were - you guessed it - delicious! We also walked around La Rambla, a giant street.
On the second day, we went to see the Sagrada Familia! On the way we saw Casa Batlló; it was really cool to see it in real life. I still can’t believe anyone lived there - it’s so beautiful! Then we walked over to the Sagrada Familia. I couldn’t believe that the Sagrada Familia was a church. It was SO beautiful! I loved seeing all the light inside and how intricate everything was! We took a guided tour around and learned all about it. Did you know that Gaudí only lived to see the front of the Sagrada familia be completed?! Then we went to Park Güell (or we tried to because we got lost) and if that wasn’t bad enough, it was HOT! There were signs to Park Güell and then they stopped, so we asked a few people and finally got there. Park Güell was so abstract and amazing! It almost seemed less like a park and more like a sanctuary. We met our uncle and aunt there. I loved walking around and hanging out with them! We ate paella for dinner - it was yummy!
mom’s suitcase was missing so she couldn’t change. We were all worried about her suitcase not getting on the ship, but later that night we found it. We spent most of the day at the pool. To my surprise, there were water slides! I went on all the water slides 3 times! Later we went to a restaurant and ate dinner. I loved watching the water out the window. Afterwards, we watched a welcome show; it was a collection of all the shows throughout the cruise.
The third day, we ate breakfast at the hotel, and then we took a taxi to the cruise ship! I’ve been on a cruise before but I was very young, so this is the first one I remember! We checked in and then we ate lunch at the buffet. After lunch we went to our room. The rooms were a bit small but we could still walk around, and there were bunk beds! We changed into our bathing suits, but my
continued on page 5
The fourth day, we docked in Marseille. We had planned a snorkeling tour, but it got cancelled, so we walked around and found another boat shop, and we ended up on a boat ride! It was so fun; the boat rocked like crazy and water slapped against the side of it. Even though the boat was rocky, I almost fell asleep because I was tired. We returned to the cruise ship early and went back to the pool and got fro-yo! I got chocolate vanilla swirl! After dinner we went to a dance show called Burn the Floor; it was really fascinating watching all the dancers.
TRAPPED IN MOON VALLEY
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet our good friends Joe and Myrah Aiello was an adventure from start to finish. While dining together back in January, we learned about the East Coast trip Myrah was planning for Joe, taking him back to New York and then to North Carolina to visit their children. They invited us to meet them in Washington, D.C., and we’re so glad we did. Myrah had thoughtfully planned so much of our trip, which was especially important since we were traveling with two mobility scooters.
Being an American and visiting our nation’s capital made me feel incredibly patriotic. Everyone laughed at me because I packed nothing but red, white, and blue! Every outfit had stars and stripes, and I wore them proudly. No matter what political party someone supports, watching the people bustling around the Capitol, working to keep our government running, is truly impressive. I also loved seeing so many people still dressed in classic professional attire—coats, ties, dresses, and heels. Growing up in New York in the 1980s, I have always loved that timeless style.
One of the highlights of our trip was receiving a special invitation for a private tour of the U.S. Capitol, followed by the opportunity to meet our Congressman, Abe Hamadeh. It was a memorable experience, and the city itself looked beautiful. The cleanliness, upkeep, and pride in the nation’s capital were evident everywhere we went.
I’ve worked in the disability community for nearly 25 years, but this was the first time I personally experienced navigating a major city, airports, museums, hotels, rental cars, and restaurants while relying on a mobility device. My husband decided using a scooter would be best for him because his mobility has declined since his heart attack.
The experience was eye-opening. While many places have made strides in accessibility, we also encountered situations where the world simply isn’t designed with wheelchair and scooter users in mind. In some cases, it even felt discriminatory. This trip gave me a much deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by people with mobility disabilities and reinforced my belief that there is still important work to be done to improve ADA compliance and accessibility for everyone.
If you’ve never been to Washington, D.C., I truly encourage you to make the trip. It’s a city full of history, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences—and the food is absolutely delicious! We came home with wonderful memories, a greater appreciation for our country’s history, and a new perspective on the importance of accessibility for all.
Dawn Trapp
The fifth day, we took a train to Nice. We walked around and got some fruit and food for a picnic and then walked to the beach. The beach had pebbles instead of sand! The water was nice (get it nice, Nice.), and we swam for a while! I invented a sleeveless bathing suit top by tucking in the straps to sunbathe (and to fit into the topless beach style!) After the beach we went to a flower market; the flowers were beautiful! It started to rain so we headed back and got back on the cruise.
The sixth day, we took a train to Florence (that got delayed!) and walked around for awhile and saw the duomo. It was huge! Then we did a guided tour around Florence and ended by the Accademia Gallery (where the David is) and saw the David statue. It was so cool! If you don’t know, David’s pupils are heart shaped, but many people believe he had no pupils! When we tried to take a picture of the David’s eyes, my mom’s phone shut off! Afterwards we walked around and got pizza (one of the best I’ve ever had) and gelato! We got on the cruise ship late so we just went to a comedy show and then we went to bed.
The seventh day was an at sea day so we got up and went to the pool. I went on the waterslides so many times! We also met two girls there and we became friends. We hung out with them for awhile. After dinner we went to a comedy musicians show. Then, my mom, my uncle, my aunt, and I went to a piano show. It was SO cool; they could play anything!
The eighth day, we took a bus to Taormina and went to a restaurant where we took a pizza/pasta making class. We took the class at a restaurant. We made pizza dough, formed pizzas, and decorated them. Then we made pasta - we rolled, flattened and shaped each piece. After we made it, we got to eat it! They also gave us cannolis; they were yummy! We walked around after and got
granita ice (fruit ice!). It was SO good! We also saw some beautiful churches. When we got back on the cruise, we saw an actual volcano erupting and we danced.
The ninth day, we took a ferry to Amalfi and walked around and saw the Amalfi cathedral. We didn’t get to go inside, but we did walk all 62 steps. We also saw some Amalfi lemons the size of my head! Then we walked down to Tonino’s Beach. I was surprised because I liked the Nice beach better because it wasn’t as crowded. We even saw our two cruise friends there! After the beach we got really good gelato at Neptune. Then, we took the ferry back and went to the goodbye cruise show. We ended the night by going back to our room and waving goodbye to the Amalfi people.
The tenth day, we got off of the cruise ship and took a private car to our hotel, Hotel Mellini. Hotel Mellini was SO fancy! After, we headed to the Colosseum. We were going to have a private tour but we scheduled it on the wrong day! The Colosseum was amazing; it was so cool to imagine people coming there to watch others fight. We walked around some more, and I bought myself a purse and we got gelato and pizza. We also saw the Trevi Fountain. I’m sad that we are leaving tomorrow; I’ve had such a good time!
The eleventh day, we headed to the airport and waited for a while. Our flight got delayed one whole hour because someone couldn’t load the luggage onto the plane. We had a layover in London, and in London you have to have more than 50 minutes between flights or they will put you on another flight. Because of the delay, we had 49 minutes until our next flight; in other words, we missed our flight by 1 minute! The next flight to Phoenix left the next day so we had to spend the night. The airport put us in a hotel called the Renaissance. Lets just say, it wasn’t a five star hotel…there were spiders and no family rooms!
The twelfth day, we got to the airport and waited in security for about an hour. Then we got on the plane, and thankfully it had TVs! After an 11 hour flight we finally made it home. Even though I am sad our trip is over, I am so grateful for that trip, and I know I will always remember it. My dream of going to Paris has finally happened and then some!
“Distributing a Difference”
By Lena Dolan
NCL, also known as National Charity League, is an organization where daughters and mothers volunteer together to help make a difference in communities. My mom, sister, and I are part of NCL Moon Valley, which is one of the many NCL chapters here in Arizona. One of the local philanthropies that NCL works with is the BHHS Legacy Backpack Buddies, which supports children in foster care, Tile I schools, and military families, ensuring they have the essentials they need. Backpack Buddies recently had a distribution event, giving out school supplies and basic necessities. I volunteered with my mom and my older sister during the afternoon shift on Thursday, July 23rd, which was specifically for foster children. There were two main rooms where kids would go with their guardian or a volunteer personal shopper to get items like back-to-school supplies and clothes. The room that I worked in had stations for shirts, shorts, underwear, shoes, books, and a couple additional stations set up with fun games or activities. Each station had at least two volunteers working at it, but some had more; for example, the shoes section needed ten volunteers because it was so busy. The other room was filled with school supplies, along with health and hygiene necessities.
My mom, my sister, and I volunteered in the shoes section, where we helped the kids find the right shoe size, a color they liked, and helped them try shoes on to find the right fit. Right off the bat, we were running low on a couple popular sizes, but we were able to help every child find shoes that worked for them. Seeing their happy faces while finding items for themselves and leaving with tote bags full of necessities they now have made all the volunteers, including myself, feel a sense of warmth and fulfillment. It was a really great experience, and I love being able to make a difference, and seeing it happen. I love volunteering for Backpack Buddies through NCL, and I always have a really great time, knowing that I am helping families in our community.
DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER
We missed his birth by a few hours, but took him home from Anaheim General Hospital the next day. 32 years ago we finally had a baby and brought him to Arizona, naming him Garett Miguel. I’ve only seen that spelling once since then. Gary said he’d remember his birthday because it sounds like an airplane. He wouldn’t have to remember though, because we didn’t get to keep Garett. I never forgot. Every July 27th I bake something if we’re not vacationing; pie, cake, muffins, cookies…today I made a fruit tart.
1993-94 was a dark time. I’d finally gotten pregnant, but it was a ‘molar’ pregnancy (gestational trophoblastic disease) and I had to go through chemo after the mass in my uterus was removed. We decided to adopt because there’s an increase incidence of having another ‘molar’ and I wasn’t doing that again. We matched with a couple in Anaheim while Gary was doing his Sports Medicine Fellowship in Santa Clara. We returned to Phoenix so Gary could start practicing medicine and moved into this house with very little furniture and a newborn.
Life was great at first, but Garett’s birthparents started hounding us for money and threatened to take him back. We were broke after years of medical school and the actual adoption itself. We simply didn’t have money to give them. They followed through with the paperwork and took him back. The molar pregnancy and chemo was bad, but not as bad as having a baby taken away. A few months later we went to an infertility doctor and were pregnant with Jon on the second try. It was a magical pregnancy and the OB let me pull Jon out. Surreal.
Jon was absolute perfection, sleeping through the night at 6 weeks and always smiling. We wanted him to have a best friend and went back to the same infertility doctor and had Joel on the first try. They’re 16 months apart on purpose. Everyone thought they were twins because Joel was so big. As a 2 year old, he didn’t know what a twin was when asked, so his reply was, “We brudders, and even, we fwends.” Our happy lives were not complete until we had Jaden. Our little blonde boy with green eyes, is now a 6’3” brunette with brown eyes!
So while Garett’s picture is still on our fridge, I continue to pray for him every day, I always remember 7/27 and silently bake for his birthday; I am forever grateful for how things turned out. If we’d been able to keep him, we never would have had our three J’s of Joy.
MVWC Gardening Group Tips for Summer Gardening
By Nancy Lynch & Julie Pek
Summer gardening in Arizona is a challenge because of the extreme heat and dry conditions. But, it’s possible to have a successful summer garden with the right techniques. The MVWC Gardening Group follows guidelines from the Maricopa County Garden Planning Calendar as well as other available sources from local gardeners.
Here are some general tips:
(1) Water Early and Water Deeply. This promotes roots to dive deeper into the soil to avoid the hot surface.
(2) Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch to retain the water more efficiently. Organic materials and straw work well.
(3) Use shade cloths or shade cloth structures to help protect the plants from the scorching sun.
(4) Skip fertilizing, but
(5) Pull out any aggressive weeds so they don’t drain water from the plants.
(6) Opt for desert plants such as sunflowers or date palms that adapt well to extreme heat.
(7) Be sure to Monitor plants and look for signs of water stress.
(8) Harvest fruit or vegetables early in the day.
Remembering Colonel Harry C. Beans (Ret.), U.S. Army
Colonel Harry C. Beans (Ret.), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, soldier, attorney, and community leader, passed away on August 10, 2024, at the age of 86.
Harry was born on January 27, 1938, in Abington, Pennsylvania, to Harry Cornell Beans II and Grace Beans. He was raised in State College, Pennsylvania, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He graduated from State College High School in 1956, earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his athletic career at Penn State University, where he was the starting catcher on the Nittany Lions baseball team and competed in the College World Series. Following his graduation in 1960, he began his distinguished military career by entering the United States Army, where he first served as a Counter Intelligence Officer with Top Secret clearance prior to and during his service in Vietnam, as well as in Eastern Europe. He later transitioned into the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, continuing a 32-year career of honorable military service.
As an Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, Colonel Beans faithfully served his country around the world, with assignments in Germany, the Pentagon, Charlottesville, Virginia, Honolulu, Hawaii, Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He retired from active duty in 1990 as a full Colonel at Fort Huachuca, concluding more than three decades of honorable military service.
Following his retirement from the Army, Harry and his wife, Mary, moved to Moon Valley, where they made their home for the next 34 years. That same summer, the family joined Moon Valley Country Club, which quickly became the center of family life and a place where lifelong friendships were formed. Harry became deeply involved in the club and proudly served two terms as
President of Moon Valley Country Club, helping guide and strengthen the community he loved.
After retiring from military service, Harry founded CLE West, a continuing legal education company that he owned and operated for 25 years. Through his leadership, professionalism, and entrepreneurial spirit, he built a respected business serving attorneys throughout the western United States.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Beans, and their four children: Harry Cornell Beans IV of Charlotte, North Carolina; Tim Beans of Newport Beach, California; Kevin Beans of Moon Valley, Arizona; and Christy Minor (née Beans) of Moon Valley, Arizona. He was also the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, each of whom brought him tremendous joy and pride.
On July 8, 2026, Colonel Beans was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony was a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to service, leadership, family, and country.
Colonel Beans will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, quiet strength, generous spirit, and steadfast commitment to those he loved. His legacy lives on through his family, the countless lives he touched through his military and professional careers, and the many friends who were fortunate to know him.
Back to School, Back to Basics: Protecting Your Adult Child in an Emergency
BY ALLISON GLOSS, THE LAW OFFICE OF LIBBY BANKS
Back-to-school shopping means loading the cart with dorm room bedding, gel pens, binders, and paper. For parents sending an 18-year-old off to college, there’s an item that almost never makes the checklist, but it’s the one most likely to matter in an emergency.
Something that most parents don’t realize is that the moment your child turns 18, you lose the legal authority you’ve had over them since birth. Legally, they are now an adult, and they have the right to privacy over their medical and financial affairs, no matter how much of their tuition, rent, or health insurance that you are paying for.
Imagine this: your 18-year-old son is off to their first year at ASU, and they are injured in an accident with a drunk driver. They are unconscious, in the ICU, and you rush to the hospital. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), hospital staff may not be able to tell you anything about your own child’s condition. Not the diagnosis, not the prognosis, not even whether they’re stable, because you no longer have automatic legal access to their protected health information. You gave birth to them. You raised them. And you may be standing in a hallway waiting for someone to tell you if your child is going to be okay.
Here is the fix: a HIPAA authorization and a healthcare power of attorney, signed while your child is healthy and able to sign, naming
you (or another trusted adult) as someone who can receive medical information and make healthcare decisions if your child is incapacitated and can’t make decisions for themselves.
Now imagine that this happens mid-semester, and your child has to withdraw from school. You’ve paid the tuition, so you try to call the bursar’s office to sort out a refund, and you’re met with more red tape. Without a durable power of attorney authorizing you to act on your child’s behalf, the school has no legal obligation to discuss the account with you, let alone release funds to you. The money you paid sits in limbo until your child recovers enough to authorize it themselves, or until a court appoints a conservator to act for them. A conservatorship proceeding is expensive, stressful, and can even take several months before you are appointed.
Your child’s college tuition and financial account information are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Once a student turns 18, privacy rights transfer entirely to the student. This means that colleges cannot share tuition invoices, balances, or financial aid records with parents without the student’s written consent. Having a durable power of attorney would allow you to have access to your child’s FERPA information. Many colleges also offer a FERPA release form during orientation that your child may choose to sign.
None of these documents take away your child’s newfound independence. They simply empower a trusted individual to make decisions on their behalf and receive protected information during a crisis. Powers of attorney can be “springing” meaning the person appointed cannot make decisions for them until they are declared incapacitated. Turning 18 is a milestone worth celebrating, but it also quietly closes a door that most families don’t know is there until they need to open it. It’s important to have this discussion with your child about these what-if scenarios.
Before you pack up the car, give our office a call for a Power of Attorney Package. We will prepare a HIPAA authorization, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, and a Durable Financial Power of Attorney for your child. This package will allow you to have peace of mind knowing that if your adult child becomes incapacitated, you will have the necessary documents to make decisions on their behalf. It’s a short conversation and a short stack of paperwork, which is a small price to pay to protect you and your child if you get one of the worst phone calls a parent can receive.
So, this back-to-school season, add one more thing to the list before the dorm fridge and the XL twin sheets: a trip to The Law Office of Libby Banks. Give our office a call at 602-375-6752.
BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC
You can find less than an hour in even your busiest day to do something that will dramatically improve your long-term health, right? And we’re talking about something so simple and commonsense that we’re almost embarrassed to have to point it out.
We’re talking about 50 more minutes of doing something active – as opposed to sitting around; and the health benefits are profound, according to new research.
Reducing sedentary time by 50 minutes on a daily basis reduces the risk factors that lead to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease – the most common chronic diseases worldwide; and it only takes three months of doing it to see results. In comparing sedentary, physically inactive adults with metabolic syndrome (putting them at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases), researchers found that the subgroup of adults directed to reduce their sedentary time for three months improved health variables such as blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity and liver health. Study findings appear in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Most participants in the intervention group reduced their daily sedentary time by replacing it with light- to moderate-intensity physical activity, starting with the first step that can be so agonizingly difficult for people confined to a sedentary lifestyle: stand up – from the chair, bed, couch, desk or whatever else has you doing nothing instead of moving. If you can’t seem to find the time or energy to stand up / move more, ask your doctor for assistance brainstorming a sensible, achievable daily program of physical activity. You’ll feel better and improve your health: a win-win!
A New Kind of Hebrew School Is Coming to Moon Valley
Children learn best when they feel encouraged, and excited to walk through the door. That idea is at the heart of The Neighborhood Hebrew School opening this fall.
The Sunday morning program will bring together the energy and creativity of camp, the warmth of a close knit community, and the professionalism of a strong curriculum and experienced educators. Hebrew reading, history, traditions, and Jewish values will come alive through art, drama, technology, and hands on projects.
The Sunday school will be directed by Esther Wolfman, who holds a bachelor’s degree in education and brings more than ten years of experience working with children. She previously directed Teva Tots Preschool and Camp Canyon in Flagstaff.
The school is built around a simple belief children grow when educators recognize their strengths, build their confidence, and help them discover what they can become.
The program is open to Jewish children regardless of synagogue membership or family affiliation. Scholarships and payment plans will be available.
The first seasonal event will be a live bee and honey show, presented in partnership with the North Mountain Visitor Center on Sunday, August 30, at 3:00 p.m. Families throughout the community are invited.
Registration is now open. To learn more, visit jewishmoonvalley.com/ school or email rabbi@jewishmoonvalley.com.
Wishing you a wonderful August, Rabbi Shneur Wolfman
Glendale Union High School District
With the first day of school on Monday, August 10, Glendale Union High School District is encouraging students and families to prepare for the 2026–2027 school year. Beginning the school year prepared allows students to focus on what matters most: building positive routines, staying engaged in the classroom, and establishing strong attendance habits from day one. Since registration dates, first-day schedules, and campus-specific information vary by school, families are encouraged to visit their school’s website for the latest updates. By preparing early and staying informed, students and families can begin the 2026–2027 school year with confidence and be ready for a successful year ahead.
Thunderbird High School
Thunderbird High School invites families to attend Open House on Tuesday, August 25, at 6:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for parents and guardians to meet teachers, learn more about the curriculum and classroom expectations, and gain insight into their student’s educational experience. The evening will begin with a main assembly in the auditorium, followed by classroom visits where families can connect with teachers and ask questions. We look forward to welcoming Thunderbird HS families and partnering with you to support student success throughout the school year.
PREVENTING MAIL FRAUD
By Frosty Kroening
Andrea Brandon, our brave and dedicated Postal Inspector, talked with us about how criminals try to steal personal information and then money. Billions of dollars are transferred this way each year from unsuspecting people like you and me. The following steps can sound kind of bossy and inconvenient. But, Inspector Brandon assured us that these practices can save us grief.
We can help stop mail fraud by taking out-going mail directly to the post office and dropping it into the mail slots inside the post office rather than putting it into our mailboxes for pick-up. This is an extra step, but mail theft is more common than we realize.
Another good practice is to gather mail every day as soon as it is delivered and, particularly, not leave it in the mail box overnight. (I have noticed that our new letter carrier does not slide mail down into the security box. I will call the local post office about this. Security boxes do not work if the mail is not pushed down.)
If you do not receive a check you are expecting in the mail, call the issuing agency or company or individual as soon as you notice that the check hasn’t come. Have them stop payment and issue another check or figure out another method of payment.
When you change your address, immediately notify the post office and all businesses you deal with and friends and family. It is easy to miss important mail during moves.
Here is an important one: do not send cash in the mail. It is so easy to put five to 20 dollars in with a note to be kind. But, the post office does not recommend this practice.
Report all suspected mail theft to the local Postal Inspector. Call 1-877876-2455 to report possible mail theft. Sign up for Informed Delivery at USPS.com. The service provides daily email notifications of incoming mail and packages. (We wonder about all those extra markings on our mail. This free service is part of that.)
And, most important of all, neighborhood watch (block watch) programs teach us to be aware of neighbors’ vacation and work schedules and watch each other’s mailboxes as well as homes. And have the post office or a neighbor hold mail when we are out of town. These are some of the most important things we can do to protect our mail services and get to know our neighbors in the process!
Inspector Brandon also talked about internet and personal fraud. These are deep and wide topics. Google News reported a bank scam where a person asked a walk-in customer to temporarily transfer money to a company and the person would give them cash. The customer, thankfully, did not fall for this scheme. Their whole bank balance could have disappeared!
WE VALUE U. S. POSTAL SERVICES STAFF AND RECOGNIZE THEM FOR THEIR COMPLEX AND TIMELY WORK. WE HAVE DEVELOPED PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH MANY OF THESE HARD-WORKING PEOPLE AND WE COMMIT TO HELPING THEM KEEP OUR MAIL SAFE AND SECURE.
If you are thinking about making a move in real estate, i.e., buying a different home, refinancing, renovating your current home, etc., the most important first step is getting pre-qualified. This first step allows you to make intelligent choices about how to proceed. In order to do this, get with a trusted mortgage loan officer and complete an application. The application process is not nearly as scary as one might imagine. It usually entails 20 or 30 minutes on the phone with your loan officer. They eventually will request documentation, but this step may not be necessary at the outset.
Your doctor won’t treat you without an examination. Your mechanic won’t work on your car without a diagnosis. And, your loan officer cannot give you reasonable advice without taking an application. There are so many variables. Among those things are your FICO score, your debt- to-income ratio, the loan to value calculations, the projected property use, plus the number of points you are willing to pay to secure a lower rate. “What’s the rate today?” is like asking “how blue is the sky?” It depends.
One down-side to making an application has been that it opened the flood gates to a plethora of phishing contacts, trying to get your business. Good news! The recently enacted “Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act” limits credit reporting agencies from selling your information for “trigger leads.” These agencies must have your explicit consent. The other caveats are there must be an existing relationship, i.e., your current lender and, they must make a firm offer.
In addition, my company usually does a “soft pull” credit report in these situations. This is a limited credit report which doesn’t subject you to scrutiny from any other lender, but gives us enough information to proceed in a logical manner. I’m sure other mortgage lenders do this as well.
A long-time acquaintance called the other day and wanted me to give her a general idea about the particulars of a Reverse Mortgage on her home. She didn’t want to do an application. I asked her for a current copy of her mortgage statement. She never gave me that. I finally told her that I couldn’t help her if she wouldn’t provide the information I needed. She indicated she was also talking with another lender, and that’s okay: “Business is Business.” But my bid may have been better.
The point is that in order to get reasonable information about a proposed mortgage, you have to go through the process. Give me a call. I promise to be the least hard-sell salesman you’ll ever meet. And I will give you a place to start. There is no cost, but at least you will know.
Summer Reflections and Looking Ahead
By Justine Qualls, MVNA Director of Community Events and Engagement
Greetings, Moon Valley residents! The MVNA hopes your summer was filled with relaxation, adventure, and community. On July 3rd, we had an incredible turnout across the neighborhood and at the Moon Valley Country Club to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The spectacular fireworks display was truly unforgettable, and we look forward to keeping this tradition alive in future years.
We would also like to update everyone on the new bulk trash pickup information for our neighborhood. It was brought to our attention that residents were cut off from scheduling their own bulk trash pick up appointments effective June 1, 2026. We have been working with the City of Phoenix to resolve this issue and have chosen to cancel our November 16, 2026 community bulk trash appointment. We have converted to resident-scheduled appointments only going forward. You may schedule online through the City of Phoenix’s website or call 602-262-6251. Appointments can be arranged within a couple of weeks or you can schedule out as far as one year ahead of your desired date.
The new school year in Moon Valley kicks off on August 10th! We want to wish the best of luck to all of our students, teachers, and support staff as they return to the classroom. Our community takes immense pride in our neighborhood schools, including Lookout Mountain Elementary, Mountain Sky Middle School, and Thunderbird High School. What truly sets our schools apart is the exceptional level of community involvement from dedicated families who generously donate their time, energy, and resources to enhance their children’s education. By fostering this spirit of service, we establish a powerful legacy for our future leaders, teaching them that the heart of our community lies in simply being there for one another.
As we move through the rest of the summer and into a new season, let us continue to lean on one another and cherish the unique bonds that make Moon Valley such a special place to live. By staying connected and engaged, we ensure that our neighborhood remains a vibrant, supportive, and welcoming home for all. We look forward to seeing you around the block!
The Best Part of the Year Is Just Ahead
BY DREW HUTCHINSON, PRESIDENT, MOON VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Summer is starting to loosen its grip on Moon Valley. The heat is not. The heat has made no such commitment and appears to have no interest in negotiating. But the calendar keeps moving, backpacks are coming out, kids are heading back to school, and the mornings are getting busy again on our streets. Please take an extra second at the crosswalks and bus stops over the next few weeks. Our kids are waiting out there in full sun before 7 a.m. and they have earned our patience.
You can also feel the neighborhood filling back in. Our snowbird neighbors will be making their way home over the next couple of months, driveways that sat empty all summer will have cars in them again, and the walking trails and streets will get their energy back. It is one of my favorite parts of living here, watching Moon Valley come back to life every fall.
And that means the best stretch of the year is right in front of us. The
everything through the association instead. That was not a change we asked for or agreed to. We went to work with the City, and after a board vote we cancelled our November 16th community appointment and converted Moon Valley to resident scheduled appointments only. The result is what most of you wanted. You can now go to the City of Phoenix website and schedule your own bulk trash pickup whenever you need it. If you run into any trouble, email us at board@moonvalley.org and we will help you sort it out.
Now for the ask. Everything the MVNA does is run by neighbors who volunteer their time. Not one person on this board is paid, and every event, every newsletter, and every project happens because someone raised their hand. Heading into our busiest season, we need more hands. We are looking for help with events, block captains, and membership outreach. It is a few hours a month, no special experience required, and you get to have a real say in what
Dog Days of Summer
BY DR. SANDI HOWLETT
Growing up in the mountains of SW Virginia, August was a special time. Returning to school was a full month away…not even on a kid’s radar! The days were long and open to infinite exploration and play possibilities. Dog day weather was extra hot and muggy…but nothing got in the way of playtime!
In a small town, a kid could leave home in the morning on a bicycle, maybe come back for lunch or eat at a friend’s house, and return by dusk for dinner and a bath. After dark, there were lightening bugs to capture in jars for a personal ‘night light’. The only ‘electronic’ were a radio and a single, small, black and white television with an antenna boosted by aluminum foil, that when adjusted, could often get a third channel and was controlled by getting out of the chair and turning the dial. The house phone was never misplaced as the coiled cord was attached to the wall. And it was a ‘party line’, shared with other neighbors…this also meant zero privacy, not that there is much in a small town anyway where all are known and most are related.
A huge annual happening was the county fair -- a full week of 4-H events, displays of canned and baked goods, all manner of home sewn creations, flowers, and agricultural competitions for ribbons and local fame. All except the agricultural parts happened in the halls and cafeteria of the sole high school.
That was the same week the traveling carnival came to town with a cast of gypsies all set up on the fair ground behind the high school! (Though as kids, we have full freedom to explore all day, we were told to be careful as the gypsies scoop us up to travel with the carnival so that was something to consider). The arrival of the carnival was the small mountain town version of visiting Disneyland – a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round with a host of colorful (and some of them fierce) wooden animals attached to poles that went up and down as you went around. Rides included the paratrooper, spinning cups, the swings, a small roller coaster, and bumper cars. Tickets were 5 cents each.
to impress girlfriends, hence the teddy bears. These same teen boys and men were also attracted to the carnival’s “hoochie cootchie” show – details not forth coming! Ah, and of course, there was cotton candy -- LOTS of blue and purple spun sugar that looked suspiciously similar to the popular beehive hair-dos on some of the town’s senior ladies!
August was also a month of caution as it included the ‘Dog Days of Summer’ (which actually began in July). Per my grandmother, it was a time to be extra careful as she said that any injuries in August would take a very long time to heal, probably months, and maybe never. For some reason she believed dogs were more likely to bite and carry rabies. She said August, due to the Dog Days, also was the most important month for weather forecasting. Foggy August mornings foretold both the number and severity of snows for the winter ahead. She noted each foggy morning on her Brownie Farmer’s Almanac calendar as a way of tracking and preparing for that ‘other season’ – the one she did not like!
Aside from her constant worrying, my Granny was the best part of summer, of everything and especially August. I lived with her and she was the best grandmother in the world. A master gardener, she entered her peperomia plant with its tall mouse tail looking ‘blooms’ in the county fair and always brought home a blue ribbon. She could’ve entered a dozen plants but she only chose her most unusual one.
August was garden harvest time so there was work to be done…lots of prepping done on her front porch. String green beans, shuck corn, peel apples and peaches, pop peas…as we sat on rockers or a hanging swing, watching cars go by, waving at strangers and friends alike and keeping an eye out for out-ofstate license plates. Inside there was lots of chopping to do to make chowchow and beets ready to can or freeze. August was a busy month!
Intermingled with the rides was a small midway of carnival games, most of which were largely unwinnable, though an occasional teddy bear was dispersed to keep hope alive. The games attracted teen boys willing to part with dimes
The very best of August was our family gathering…started before I was born as part of a day-long annual event at the tiny Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church that I only visited a couple of continued on page 19
Why Play-Based Preschool Matters
The preschool years are filled with incredible growth. Research consistently shows that young children learn best through play and hands-on experiences. Rather than sitting at desks completing worksheets, preschoolers build strong foundations for future success when they are encouraged to explore the world around them. Studies have found that play-based learning supports language development, early math skills, problem-solving, creativity, self-regulation, and social-emotional growth. Guided play with caring teachers helps children develop the confidence and critical thinking skills they will carry into kindergarten and beyond.
Experiential learning also makes learning meaningful. Whether children are measuring ingredients while cooking, building towers with blocks, investigating insects outdoors, or pretending to run a grocery store, they are naturally developing literacy, science, math, and communication skills. These real-life experiences create lifelong learners who are excited to learn. Research shows that this combination of child-directed exploration and teacher-guided learning produces strong developmental and academic outcomes.
For more than 50 years, Shadow Rock Preschool has provided a warm, play-based learning environment where every child is celebrated as unique and unrepeatable. Conveniently located in Moon Valley, our experienced teachers nurture curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, engaging experiences each day.
We are currently accepting children 18 months through Pre-K and offer a variety of schedules to meet your family’s needs. If you’re looking for a preschool where children learn by doing, we’d love to meet you.
To schedule a tour or learn more, contact our Director at director@ shadowrockpreschool.org or call 602-993-0050. Come discover why generations of families have trusted Shadow Rock Preschool to give their children the very best start.
Home Upgrades That Are Worth the Money
BY TOM SERTICH, KIRK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Not all home improvements provide the same return on investment, but several upgrades can add lasting value while improving your everyday living experience.
Replacing old windows is one of the best investments you can make. New energy-efficient windows help reduce drafts, dust, and allergens while lowering heating and cooling costs. They also improve comfort and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Bathroom remodels are another worthwhile investment. A well-designed bathroom will recover at least 50% of its cost at resale while providing years of enjoyment. Remodeling also offers the opportunity to incorporate aging-in-place features such as curbless walk-in showers, grab bars, and comfort-height fixtures, making the space safer and more accessible.
Kitchen remodels continue to be one of the most desirable home improvements. A modern kitchen not only raises a home’s appeal to potential buyers but also provides homeowners with greater functionality, improved efficiency, and a more enjoyable space for cooking and entertaining. Reconfiguring the layout can dramatically improve traffic flow and storage.
Finally, replacing outdated countertops with granite or quartz instantly upgrades the appearance of your home. Both materials are durable, lowmaintenance, and long-lasting, adding beauty, practicality, and resale value for decades to come.
By hiring a professional remodeling contractor, you can set the stage for an effortless remodel that transforms your space into the home of your dreams. For a free in home estimate call Kirk Development at 602 944-3658.
SPONSORSHIPS
Well, here we are.
The season I thought I was waiting for has finally arrived.
Both kids are in school.
My youngest, Henry, is starting school full time. Not “a few hours so Mom can grocery shop in peace” school. Full-time school. The little boy who has been my sidekick for the last four years now grabs his Spider-Man backpack, gives me a hug, and heads into class without looking back.
Rude.
At the same time, my 9-year-old daughter, Brynn, is starting a brandnew chapter at a Montessori school. She’s excited, I’m excited... and naturally, I’m worried.
Will she make friends? Will she love it? Will she remember to bring home her expensive Owala water bottle?
Some things never change.
But as I watched both of my kids head off into their new adventures, it hit me.
They’re not the only ones starting something new.
For the first time in four years, I have the chance to go back to work full time.
Doing...what exactly?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Everyone assumes moms have a grand plan for moments like this.
“You must be so excited!”
“What are you going to do?”
I usually smile and say, “I’m figuring it out.”
Because I am.
The truth is, for the last four years my full-time job has been raising a tiny human. My days revolved around snacks, playgrounds, school drop off and pickup (basically living in the car 24/7), and answering enough questions to qualify as a customer service representative.
Now my schedule has...space.
It’s equal parts exciting and terrifying.
Maybe I’ll write more.
Maybe I’ll find a job I love.
Maybe I’ll finally clean out the garage.
Okay, let’s not get crazy.
The funny thing about motherhood is that we spend years preparing our kids for their next chapter, but we rarely think about our own.
As Henry and Brynn step into new classrooms, I’m stepping into the biggest unknown I’ve faced in years.
I don’t know exactly where this next chapter will lead.
I just know it’s time to turn the page.
So here’s to new schools, new opportunities, and the reminder that it’s never too late to start over.
Even if you’re still trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up.
I’ll let you know when I have an answer.
times. It was called the “August Meeting”. The church was a white washed wooden building with steps at the end of a dirt road. There was an area for parking and to the side under huge oak trees, a long rickety shelter-like structure with picnic tables underneath. Inside the church, the windows were open to capture any breeze possible as the preachers preached long and loud. Besides a breeze, the only way to cool off were the ‘cardboard on a stick’ hand-held kind that featured Biblical scenes often given at funerals. I don’t recall any fans and am not sure if there was even electricity.
For this special annual August Meeting, families came from miles around for a full day of preaching and food. Part of the religious service included a ‘foot washing’ where the men washed other men’s feet at the front of the church. It was an important and solemn part of the service for the day. After a few hours of preaching and singing, it was time for dinner on the grounds to be followed by more preaching. The picnic tables were covered in colorful cloths and loaded with the best food ever – fried chicken, beef roast, green beans, corn and every other vegetable you can imagine, 10 kinds of potato salad (no refrigeration), homemade bread and butter, strange versions of Jello, and entire tables of fair worthy cakes, brownies, pies, cookies and more!
The kids made their own games in the surrounding woods and everyone got along. There were also two old school ‘privies’ -- one for men and another for women with multi-seats and a stack of newspapers or Sears catalog within reach.
I NEVER explored that!
Our family got a little too big to visit as much as we wanted to at the August Meeting so a family reunion tradition was set for the first Sunday after the first full moon of August to gather. The date later changed to the second Sunday for less confusion. My grandmother was the middle of five children so all of them and their generations gathered annually for the Williams family reunion – the only time of year when we saw everyone at the same time as travel was involved for many. It too was a full day event!
Sometimes we gathered at a picnic area on the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway and later in an open field where a cousin had a travel trailer parked for camping. For many years the reunion was at Aunt Hazel’s house in her back yard (she did not want children in her pristine home). We next migrated to RJ Campground (now called ‘resort’) that had a large covered picnic area, bathrooms, and a rudimentary water slide for the kids. My uncle Bill would take his big RV there so the elders and small children did not have to trek up the hill to use the ‘facilities’. In later years, the reunion was held at my uncle Barry’s house where he pitched tent shelters and set up tables and chairs along with a swing and games for the younger ones. And of course, in true southern tradition, a feast was laid out and we were usually there long enough to eat not once, but twice…and still there were leftovers. The food was great and it was all eclipsed by the stories, laughter, and connections that were immeasurable and irreplaceable treasures of memory. It was the best day of the year, alongside Christmas.
As time passed, families grew, moved away, got busier with their own kids as the speed of life increased. Gatherings began to get shorter and smaller with excuses and promises of ‘next year’. I moved cross-country and mistakenly stopped making this a priority. The first generation is long gone as is much of the second. COVID struck and that was the death knell of the tradition that defined our family for generations. After that, the set-up work to host it was too much for the couple of people willing to do it and it all stopped.
I miss it, more than I even knew to appreciate it as a child and I loved it then. I am forever grateful for the experience, memories, and traditions as it gave me an example of extended family gathering for stories and love, even if only once a year – on that special second Sunday in August. Dog Days, while wary, were also filled with the best of family traditions.
Dr. Sandi Howlett is a Grief Specialist, speaker, and writer based in Phoenix. She may be contacted at drsandihowlett@gmail.com
Helping Teachers Avoid Classroom Aches This School Year
By Jena Ritchie, NBC-HWC for Moon Valley Chiropractic
As students head back to school, teachers are also returning to long days filled with standing, walking, lifting, and hours of lesson planning. While the school year is rewarding, it can also take a toll on the body. A few simple habits can help reduce everyday aches and keep educators feeling their best throughout the semester.
Standing for extended periods is one of the most common causes of fatigue and back discomfort. When possible, shift your weight from one foot to the other, wear supportive footwear, and alternate between standing and sitting during planning periods.
Teachers also frequently lift boxes of books, classroom supplies, and equipment. Remember to bend at the knees, keep items close to your body, and avoid twisting while lifting. If an object is especially heavy, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
Desk time deserves attention, too. Whether grading papers or preparing lessons, position your chair so your feet rest flat on the floor, keep your computer monitor at eye level, and relax your shoulders while typing. Small ergonomic adjustments can make a big difference over the course of the school year.
Between classes, take just a minute to reset your body with a few simple stretches:
Shoulder Rolls: Roll shoulders backward 10 times, then forward 10 times.
Neck Stretch: Gently tilt your ear toward each shoulder and hold for 15–20 seconds.
Standing Back Extension: Place your hands on your hips and gently arch backward for 5–10 seconds.
Chest Opener: Clasp your hands behind your back and gently lift while opening your chest.
Calf Stretch: Place one foot behind the other and press the back heel into the floor for 20 seconds on each side.
Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your students. By practicing good body mechanics and taking a few moments to stretch throughout the day, you can help reduce fatigue, improve comfort, and stay energized for another successful school year. Needing extra support and relief for alleviating discomfort? Schedule an appointment with Moon Valley Chiropractic by calling 602-298-0292
Trish Hansen Kerr, Br ad Hansen, Tanner Kerr, & Stuart Hansen
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 9am until 2:00pm M-F, or drop it off from 9am until 2:30pm. Either option will have a Certificate of Destruction on the receipt. All shredded paper is recycled. 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 602-374-4408 for Saturday and/or holiday hours, or if you have any questions. Pickup of documents also available.Thank you! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Why Wait? All Ages Welcome. Play songs you love and songs to grow on. Piano is More Than Music Fun! Stimulates imagination, creativity, coordination, focus, confidence, good habits—and the heart. First 2 lessons FREE. Patient and positive teaching style. How You Learn Makes a Difference. PianoKeysToMusic.com
Valerie Thomas 20th St. & Greenway Pkwy. A Trusted Moon Valley Studio Since 1995 Call/Text 602-574-3694
Distribution Information
Window Cleaner
Pro Window Cleaner. Spotless Windows, Guaranteed. Moon Valley Resident. Text 602.969.1924 or visit albinobuffalo.com to learn more.
The Moon Valley Tattler is distributed monthly free of charge to Moon Valley area homes. Additional copies are distributed at rack locations. Content in full or part may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher and do not constitute an endorsement of products or services. Publication of an ad does not constitute an endorsement. Business profiles are based on information supplied from advertisers. Readers are urged to verify. Articles and photographs can be submitted for use in future issues.
Please submit a SASE if return is necessary. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or letter to the editor that is not in keeping with the standards of the publication. The publication’s name is copyrighted by: THE MOON VALLEY TATTLER, LLC, info@mvtattler.com, 602-765-0902, Publisher & Editor: Dawn Trapp
Cleaning Services
Residential Homes, Commercial Businesses, Move in / Move outs
One time, Weekly, byweekly or Monthly, Free estimates, call 602-326-2780
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
Cleaning Services
Professional Deep Cleaning or reoccurring maintenance for Homes, Business, Airbnb, Move in/Move outs
Once, weekly, by-weekly, monthly Free estimates Call Sparklehomeco 480-698-9484
registered
contact: lben06331@gmail.com
Handy Dandy Classifieds Form
REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE
Dave Dix | Associate Broker
