Moon Valley Tattler September 2025 by Moon Valley Tattler

I MARRIED A LANDSCAPER

13 Homes of Halloween

BY DREW HUTCHINSON, PRESIDENT, MOON VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Fourth of July festivities have ended, summer is in full swing, the kids are back in school, and HALLOWEEN IS IN LESS THAN 90 DAYS! The holidays are always a special time in Moon Valley with many going above and beyond in the spirit of Christmas for a chance to earn one the coveted Holiday Lights Awards. But what about Halloween? The costumes! The candy! The ghouls and goblins! The frights and delights! Why not reward those who go above and beyond in the spirit of Halloween as well? Last year the Moon Valley Neighborhood Association debuted “A Haunting in Moon Valley” by giving awards to the 13 spookiest homes in the neighborhood. To make things extra mysterious, we collaborated in secret and surprised the unsuspecting residents with a keepsake award to celebrate their participation in the haunting of Moon Valley

This year, we would like to give residents the opportunity to prepare for the occasion. If you want to be considered for an award, please email our Social Media at social@moonvalley.org with the subject line “13 Homes of Halloween” and include your name, home address, and brief description of your “theme” within the email. Your email must be received by no later than midnight on October 13th. Once the deadline closes, the board will work diligently to process the entries and complete voting October 16th – 19th, with award placement beginning October 20th. Please check our Instagram account mvna_official for updates and winners! It’s time to dust off those pumpkins, cats, skeletons and bats and get to brewing up some Halloween spirit.

Happy Haunting!

TRAPPED IN MOON VALLEY

This Labor Day weekend was unlike many others in my life.

Instead of travel or big plans, it was a quiet weekend at home—cleaning out the garage, sifting through old boxes of paper, floating in the pool, and sharing great food with family and friends.

In those dusty boxes, I found a few treasures and stirred up even more memories:

Tattered newspaper clippings of my great-grandmother and grandmother cooking a Chinese dinner at the local Grange Hall in New York…

My first communion certificate…

A winning essay I’d written for the Daughters of the American Revolution on the forefathers of my hometown…

And a small book of poems written by me and my classmates, titled simply: Courage. A book of courage.

Strangely enough, my thoughts on courage haven’t changed all that much.

Courage lives in all of us—it just takes a nudge sometimes.

The secret I’ve learned is to know the fear, feel the fear… and choose courage anyway

This summer demanded courage daily. Change will do that.

My husband had a heart attack, and in the days and weeks that followed, I leaned hard into that word: courage Pain, uncertainty, and the discomfort of change will shake you, but they can also shape you.

For me, September has always felt like a season of new beginnings, the start of school, the beginning of fall, and the quiet lead-in to the holidays.

So as we turn the page into this final stretch of 2025, I say: Stay strong. Buckle up. The next chapter is waiting, and the courageous heroes? They’re in and among us all.

Califonia Dreaming BY

ARCHER CUSHMAN

Our trip started in the early afternoon. The car was packed full with all we would need. After about five and a half hours, we got to Palm Springs. Why Palm Springs??? It was our “Aunt” Shaina’s birthday, and her birthday celebration is always in Palm Springs because she likes sitting by the pools. Shaina is one of my mom’s best friends and the most committed aunt I know. She has come to all ten of my birthdays even though she lives in California and she even flew out to watch me perform in “Newsies Jr”. In Palm Springs, we swam (multiple times) and went to a bird sanctuary. In the bird sanctuary, my dad saved a bird named Max by freeing his beak after it got stuck in one of his toys. Later, we went back to the pool, and while I was swimming, I successfully did my first double front flip. I felt successful but I still got water up my nose. After two days in Palm Springs, we drove over to L.A. to stay with my uncle and aunt for the night and my other uncle and aunt came over for a “Sunday Funday” barbeque. “Sunday Fundays” have been celebrated in my family since before I was born. They are essentially a get-together with people we love as a great way to kick off the week. It was a fun-filled night but we went to bed early because at 6am the next day, we left for...drum roll please..............LEGOLAND.

If you are planning to go to Legoland, here are some things to know:

Going to Legoland:

Pros - Lots of themed parks: Whether you like medieval times or the “Lego Movie”, Legoland provides an experience for the whole family.

- Things to do in line: Standing in line seems to take forever, but not when you are playing with Legos. Most of the rides with long lines have Lego building stations that make standing in lines fun.

- Places to move around: To make things even better, in each themed park you will find a themed playground to exercise and get all the wiggles out so you can enjoy more rides.

Cons - Like all amusement parks, the lines can be a little long. To solve this problem, you can wait and play at the Lego stations or pay extra to wait in a smaller line. Lines depend on what time you go; my family went during the week so there wasn’t a lot of long lines.

Staying at the Legoland hotels:

Pros - Themed rooms: Choose between the Legoland Castle Hotel and the original Legoland Hotel and select what room you want. From wizards to pirates, you can stay at a different themed room every stay. (I personally like the castle hotel better.)

- Unlock surprises: After you are done checking in, you will find a locked chest in your room. Follow the instructions on the chest, search for things in the lobby, and you will end up with a four digit number that unlocks a Lego surprise.

- Early access: If you stay at the hotels, you will get early access to some of the rides (not all), including the dinosaur coaster. I didn’t think the early access was worth it but if you have younger kids, it could be worth it for you since many of the rides that open early are geared toward younger kids.

Cons - Food: The Legoland hotels have buffets every morning with okay food, so don’t expect five star meals. If you are willing to leave the park, I recommend going to Nectarine Grove for smoothies, pizzas, and other healthy options.

Here are some rides & attractions you don’t want to miss:

“Emmet’s Flying Adventure”: An experience straight out of the “Lego Movie”, ride on Emmet’s “triple decker couch” on a trip through the Lego world. On this ride, you will be lifted and tilted in an journey with absolutely no Duplos!

“LEGO Technic Coaster”: An amazing ride with ramps, drops and twists, the Technic ride is a fan favorite with its jerky movements that simulate a race car track. This roller coaster can definitely get your heart pumping and your hands waving!

“Deep Sea Adventure”: This submarine ride is like no other, with hidden treasures for the whole family to find. Will you become the Master? That’s for you to decide. Using your own digital tracker to see your progress, there’s no shortage of fun!

“LEGO Show Place 4D Theater”: This 4D theater gives a magical experience to everybody. There are different shows that run, including Lego Friends, Ninjago, and more. Pick up your 3D glasses on the way in and enjoy as some of your favorite characters come to life! Watch out for wind, rain, and other special effects.

“Dragon Coaster”: If you like dragons, this is the ride for you. Start your journey inside the castle to see animated Lego characters do funny things, then be whisked outside to have a fun coaster experience with smaller drops and turns, making it fun for anyone!

“Driving School”: Whether you are 6 or 13, you are able to drive at the Legoland Driving School. You can even get a “driver’s license” and drive around a small course complete with a car wash with bubbles.

“Mini Town”: Make sure to stop by this Lego replica of cities from the around the world. These detailed buildings are so cool to look at and to take pictures of. While you are looking, try to spot the book characters hidden in the cities!

Overall, we had a great trip to California. Hopefully this helps you if you ever decide to go to Legoland. I hope to go back again soon!

Dear WESD Partners and Community Members,

I am excited to share that we’ve had an incredible start to the school year across the WESD. When walking through classrooms, hallways and campuses this past month, I’ve seen happy students and passionate teachers and staff working together to create engaging, safe and welcoming educational environments. It’s clear that this year is off to a promising beginning, and it has been a pleasure to welcome our students back! I want to extend a special thank you to all of the teachers, staff, administrators, Governing Board members, families, volunteers and community members and of course, our students, who made the first month of school a great success.

Together, let’s strive to make this school year one of unity, joy, and—most importantly—relentless focus on achieving excellence for every child, every day, in every opportunity. I look forward to your continued support throughout the 2025-2026 school year!

Lookout Mountain and Mountain Sky Students Earn Perfect State Assessment Scores

The WESD is proud to share a group of students who earned perfect scores on the 2024-2025 Arizona’s Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) and the 2024-2025 Arizona’s Science Test (AzSCI) – who are all from schools within the Moon Valley corridor! Congratulations to James D., fifth grade student and Parker O., sixth grade student at Lookout Mountain Elementary on receiving perfect scores on the English Language Arts and Math portions of the AASA! We also want to give a shout-out to Xander G., former student at Mountain Sky Junior High for earning perfect scores on the Math portion of the AASA and the AzSCI assessment! Students with perfect scores on two or more portions of the state assessments were recognized at the Aug. 14 Governing Board meeting, where they received a special canvas in honor of their incredible achievement. The WESD Family is very proud of our extraordinary students and appreciates the community that supports them!

Bond Dollars Fund New Campus Improvement Projects at Lookout Mountain and Mountain Sky

During summer break, new campus improvement projects were completed at a couple of WESD schools in the Moon Valley community! Mountain Sky

Junior High underwent a complete redo of its parking lot areas and received new lights in the gym, while Lookout Mountain Elementary had a new chiller tower cooling plant built to replace the geothermal system. The WESD is grateful for our community who made these campus improvement projects possible through bond dollars. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us build safer and improved learning environments for our students and staff!

Now Enrolling for 2025-2026 School Year

Your child’s path to success begins here! Whether it’s 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! With multiple A+ Schools of Excellence, the WESD is also a top 10 elementary school district as featured in the 2025 edition of Ranking Arizona, published by AZ Big Media. Additionally, Lookout Mountain Elementary, a school within the Moon Valley corridor, is currently rated as an “A” by the Arizona Department of Education and was named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education! 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

Work With the WESD Family

The WESD is always looking for passionate individuals to work with us as we have a variety of job openings for both certified and classified staff. 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 weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC), regular professional development and instructional coaches 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

Resist Anxiety With Exercise

BY NICHOLAS WARNER, DC

Feeling worried, fearful or uneasy? That’s anxiety in a nutshell. Anxiety can be a reaction to stress, but it can also occur without the presence of any significant stressors. Regardless of the cause, anxiety can produce physical and psychological symptoms including stomach upset, headache, dizziness, sleep dysfunction, fatigue and muscle tension – and that’s just for starters.

The good news is if you’re already exercising (particularly resistance exercise), then you’re putting a dent on anxiety without even knowing it. Why? Because a 16-study review involving nearly 1,000 participants suggests resistance exercise helps reduce anxiety, and according to the lead study author, the positive impact is comparable to what could be achieved with medication or psychotherapy.

What’s resistance exercise? Basically, it’s any exercise that requires your muscles to contract: doing a push-up / squat / etc., lifting a weight (free weights or weight machines), or even doing flexible band exercises that involve muscle contraction. Now what’s the really good news? You can do resistance exercise at a gym, at your home, or just about anywhere in between! Who knew reducing anxiety could get you fit simultaneously? Your doctor tell you more about the benefits of resistance exercise and outline an exercise program specific to your health and fitness needs.

Lighting for Your Home

BY TOM SERTICH, KIRK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

Lighting is an essential part of any home design, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. General lighting provides overall illumination and can be achieved with recessed can lights, surface-mounted fixtures, or chandeliers. Chandeliers work beautifully in entries, and over dining tables.

Task lighting focuses on specific work areas, such as undercabinet lighting in kitchens or wall sconces at bathroom vanities. Accent lighting highlights features or creates mood, while pendant lighting is ideal over kitchen islands. Outdoor lighting enhances safety and curb appeal, with low-voltage systems perfect for pathways and landscaping.

Wall sconces are versatile, working well in hallways, bathrooms, or as part of exterior lighting schemes. Kitchens benefit from abundant light, while bathrooms need even, adequate illumination. Homeowners want plenty of light, no one ever complains about having too much light. Lighting will make every space more functional and inviting.

If you are looking to remodel, update or need help designing your kitchen or bath, call KIRK DEVELOPMENT for a free in home estimate at 602 944-3658.

I MARRIED A LANDSCAPER

My wife Alice is a person of many interests and talents, and it has kept our life very interesting for 36+ years. She didn’t start off in landscaping. She began her journey as a graduate of Industrial Engineering from Penn State, followed by a Master’s in Operations Research from Stanford.

We met at AT&T Bell Labs, back when phones had cords and engineers wore pocket protectors. After a successful early career, Alice “retired” to raise our two kids. She continued as a consultant for a bit but then pivoted to launch a women-only personal training business in New Jersey (before it was trendy). Through the years she also taught college math, sold real estate, co-founded an elder-care consulting company, and supported our church and the kids’ schools -all while raising our son and daughter.

The landscape journey began with community college courses “just for fun.” But 9/11/2001,

oddly, was the impetus to turn fun into fulfilment. Living just 15 miles from lower Manhattan, we witnessed the tragedy firsthand and lost many neighbors. Amid the chaos, Alice found clarity—and a new calling. A friend from Cantor Fitzgerald, one of the firms devastated by the attacks, took over her father’s landscaping business and tapped Alice as the designer. Suddenly, work clothes were exchanged for khakis and boots, our den became a drafting room, and our backyard a test lab for retaining walls and rose bushes. Alice was the happiest I’ve ever seen her.

Alice was the happiest I’ve ever seen her.

When we moved to Phoenix in 2004, the only disappointment was her leaving landscaping. She felt a bit unnerved by the different climate, plants, and construction materials, so she put a pause on getting back into it. But once the kids left for college and the family responsibilities waned, Alice was eager for a new challenge. I only said one thing: “I don’t think that you were ever happier than when you were doing landscape design.” That’s all it took.

Sedona

By Al Starzinski, Moon Valley Resident

She learned the ins and outs of desert landscaping, working with the top firms Gothic Landscaping and Creative Environments. But her entrepreneurial spirit couldn’t be contained. In 2024, she launched StarScapes Landscape Solutions to focus on fewer clients so she could give the highest quality and attention from the design phase through construction.

Alice’s business model features 3-D designs, complete hands-on project management by her throughout the implementation, highly skilled crews in all facets of hardscapes, structures, and greenery, and very competitive pricing. The model has proven to be a winner for her clients, and the reference work continues to pour in.

So Moon Valley readers, whether you need a simple landscape refresh, or a full-blown outdoor kitchen, pergola and patio, you now have a highly competent and responsive landscaping resource right in the neighborhood. Give a call and find out how much fun it can be to make your property look fantastic!

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Join Swim Neptune at Moon Valley Country Club

By Eilenn Hatfield

As summer winds down and school routines return, many parents begin searching for healthy, structured activities that keep their kids active year-round. One of the best options in the Valley? Swim Neptune at Moon Valley Country Club! Swim Neptune is a premier swim program that offers year-round training with professional coaching for swimmers of all levels. Whether your child is just learning to swim or already dreaming of racing competitively, Swim Neptune provides a supportive, skill-building environment tailored to each swimmer’s ability. From beginners working on fundamentals

Neptune Program (The Competitive Track) Swimmers who will participate in USA Swim meets,

the Regional, State and National levels.

Senior 1 - Monday thru Friday - 4:00pm - 6:00pm / Saturday 7:00am - 9:00am

Senior 2 - Monday thru Friday - 4:00pm - 6:00pm / Saturday 7:00am - 9:00am

Senior 3 - Monday thru Friday - 4:00pm - 5:45pm / Saturday 7:00am - 9:00am

Blue - Monday thru Friday - 4:00pm - 5:45pm / Saturday 7:00am - 9:00am

Black - Monday thru Friday - 5:45pm - 7:15pm; White - Tuesday thru Friday - 6:00pm-7:15pm

TRIDENT Program (The Developmental Track) Swimmers must be able to comfortably complete one lap of freestyle with rotary breathing and one lap of backstroke without stopping.

Trident 3 / HS - Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri - 7:15pm-8:15pm

Trident 2 - Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs - 4:15pm-5:00pm OR 5:30pm-6:15pm

Trident 1 - Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs - 5:00pm-5:30pm OR 6:15pm-6:45pm

Homeschool - Mon, Tues, Wed - Trident 1 - 1:00-1:45pm / Trident 2 & 3 - 2:00 - 3:00pm

To schedule a required tryout for group placement, or for more information, contact Coach Helen. Helenz@SwimNeptune.com

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Estate Planning for Incapacity

As some of my previous articles have reminded you, estate planning isn’t just about who will get your assets on your death. It’s also about who will manage your assets and take care of you and your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. With proper planning, you decide. Without proper planning a court may choose for you.

Incapacity means you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Incapacity can result from an accident, or arise from health issues, such as stroke, heart attack or dementia. If you are alive but can’t take care of your financial matters, a Will doesn’t help you – it’s only effective upon your death. You may have a power of attorney in place and believe this planning tool will effectively handle your affairs. But a power of attorney in Arizona only goes so far. Many clients who bring in their estate planning documents for review show me a power of attorney that is barely better than nothing at all. If there is a problem with your power of attorney, if you don’t have one, or if a bank won’t accept the power of attorney you signed, a probate court will have to appoint someone to manage those assets for you.

The cost of seeking help from the court and the stress to your family or loved ones is tremendous. Avoiding that is worth your time and effort now. In addition, if who you would appoint is not your spouse or a family member, the court may not appoint them, and instead appoint a relative who you would never select if it were up to you. The court will also control how your assets are used to care for you until you recover or pass away. This public process is called a guardianship or conservatorship. It can be expensive, embarrassing, time consuming, and difficult to end. It does not replace probate at death so unless you plan ahead, your loved ones could have to go through the probate court system twice.

The Revocable Living Trust is the best way to plan for incapacity. When you set up a Revocable Living Trust, you transfer assets from your name to the name of your trust, which you can control as the trustee. You name whoever you wish to take over as successor trustee upon incapacity and at death. That

person steps into your shoes to take care of your financial affairs, without a court appointing them and without court intervention or constant oversight and scrutiny. All of your business stays private. If you recover, you resume your role as trustee of your trust.

The Revocable Living Trust is a better way to address incapacity than a power of attorney. The Revocable Living Trust:

• Is readily accepted by financial institutions

• Holds a successor trustee to a high fiduciary standard

• Allows your successor trustee to quickly and efficiently begin managing your assets to care for you and your finances

With a Revocable Living Trust in place, you can have peace of mind that you will be taken care of and your finances will not fall into disarray if you are incapacitated.

Another consideration is who will make health care decisions if you are unable to make them because of incapacity. You need three additional documents to assure you will be taken care of by those you want to be the decision makers. Those documents, called advance medical directives, include a Healthcare and Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney, a Living Will, and a HIPAA Authorization. These important documents work together to allow your chosen person to direct your health care if you become incapacitated.

Put a good plan in place. Then be sure you keep the plan up-to-date. Review your estate plan periodically and make sure it still meets your needs. We are happy to help you get an estate plan in place or review and update your existing plan. Just call the office at 602-375-6752 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Another Season

MOON VALLEY MAGIC

BY DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER

We’re in this season of life after having kids who needed us to fulfill their basic necessities and now, the adults who don’t…for the same reasons. They like to hang out and want to be with us!?!

We’ve become friends.

I never saw this season of life coming, but we sure do love it. We crawled into bed one night after another amazing time with our grown kids and Gary said what I was thinking, “Who would’ve thought that our kids would become our friends?”

I don’t want to abuse this time with constant calls, texts, visits, but it’s hard. They’re the first ones I want to reach out to and sometimes I do, but I try not to be a pest. I wish we lived next door and could see them all the time, but of course that would ruin the dynamic we have. I can’t get enough of them, but I know that too much can be annoying. We can be annoying. Heck…I annoy myself!

that visit. Seeing Jeannie and her family for the first time in 2 ½ years was fabulous, but the eight of us being all together, sharing a rental, was the absolute best part of the trip. Like the Alaskan Cruise last summer to celebrate our 40th, their presence was the highlight.

The next season will hopefully be with grandchildren. Being able to experience that part of life with them is something I’m looking forward to. I’m hopeful that Gary and I will still be active and able to be involved and maybe babysit sometimes.

The season after that will not be as fun and we won’t be so enjoyable to hang out with. There will come a time when we’ll be too old and decrepit to be ‘fun’ anymore, so we’re hanging on to this precious time for as long as we can!

I read a quote that said, “We think we

This October, the community is coming together for a month full of fun, purpose, and impact. From creative individual fundraisers featured on our October Campaign Calendar, to the family-friendly Pink Out 5K on Saturday, October 4th, and the unforgettable Wig Out on Friday, October 17th, there are endless ways to show your support. Every step, every dollar, every participant helps provide free mammograms, wigs, and vital support to Arizona women facing breast cancer. Get involved. Show up. Make a difference. Together, we can turn awareness into action! Learn more at Checkforalump.org

Thanks, Laura

Homes for Dogs Project

Calling all animal lovers!

Join Coldwell Banker Realty affiliated agents in helping our four-legged friends by participating in the annual Homes for Dogs Project. You can fetch some joy by dropping off much-needed supplies to a participating office location or by making an online donation to support the incredible work of one of the following local shelters. And if you’re ready to expand your family, we’d love to see you at our adoption event– see details below.

Donations collected September 12th-30th, 9 am-5 pm, at Coldwell Banker Realty, 3113 E Lincoln Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Pet Supplies Wish List for In-Person Donations:

• Blankets

• Cat Litter

• Disinfecting Bleach

• Dog and Cat Leashes/Collars

• Dog and Cat Food/Water Bowls

• Kitten and/or Puppy Formula

• Pet Beds

• Pet Furniture/Kitty Condos

• Towels

• Toys and Treats

• Unopened Bags and/or Cans of Cat, Dog, Puppy and Kitten Food

Adoption Event will be at:

Halo Animal Rescue

Date: October 25 | 11 am-3 pm

Location: 3227 E. Bell Rd., d151 Phoenix, AZ 85032

Together we can paws-itively impact the lives of animals in need of loving homes!

Senior Parent night at Thunderbird High School

Thunderbird High School will host Senior Parent Night on September 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, to support seniors and their families as they prepare for their career after graduation. Attendees will follow a schedule of sessions tailored to their post-secondary goals, along with presentations on senior portraits, cap and gown orders, and other key information. The evening will conclude with opportunities to meet representatives from colleges, trade schools, and the military.

Change

We can view change as either good or bad. We think of change as something inevitable to go with or to resist. We can think of change as a time when we choose what to hold on to and what to let go of. All of these ways of thinking have value as they offer some insight and usually a cliche to go with it.

• When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves. Victor Frankl

• Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. John Kennedy

• There is nothing permanent except change. Hereclitus

• To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. Winston Churchill

Change is a process of transition that is to be managed, or it will manage you. It may be helpful to think of transition in three stages: endings, a neutral zone, and new beginnings.

Endings involve letting go of old ways and old identities that people have had. This first phase of transition is an ending, and it is a time when people need help to deal with their losses.

The neutral zone is going through an in-between time when the old is gone, but the new has not fully arrived. The next thing isn’t fully operational. This is called the “neutral zone”. We call this the “neutral zone” because it’s when critical psychological realignments and repatternings occur, leading to new ways, people, and identities. The last phase is new beginnings.

New beginnings occur when we emerge from a transition and start anew. This is when people develop a new identity, experience a new energy, and discover a new sense of purpose that makes the change begin to take effect. It would be easier if life were as simple as the three stages of transition indicate, but we know better. We are all in various phases of transition, affecting different aspects of our lives. You can be saying goodbye to a loved one, moving into a new home, celebrating a child’s marriage, and flying to Hawaii all at the same time. We are always in a time of transition, and this includes the larger world around us. It is no wonder we need wise and safe friends to journey with us.

Learn more about us at Shadow Rock Church with the QR Code.

Calling Fall

BY DR. SANDI HOWLETT

September is the month of “official fall” per the calendar though Phoenix weather likes to extend the summer experience a bit longer! It takes until midOctober, for our days of double-digits (99) to return. What a respite that will be for all of us!

Like many of you, I moved here from a place that had four seasons, where school started after Labor Day and shades of fall colors started to naturally color the landscape. Here, I boldly imitate the look that nature has denied. I have a seasonal ritual to “Call Fall.” Beginning Labor Day weekend, out comes my substantial collection of faux pumpkins, dried gourds, garlands of blazing orange and red leaves, a couple of autumn wreaths, pumpkin welcome mats inside and out, and seasonal throws and pillows. Any and all things orange, red, and tan are on full display as a reminder of a full blown though simulated change of season. I even have a “Welcome Fall” sign in the event that the weather gods can read and are looking for a soft and safe place to begin their seasonal shift!

This is my favorite season – a respite from the long hot days of summer that feel endless by September. It is the promise of cooler times when it is comfortable to be outside without an umbrella, wide brim hat, a liter of water, and a slather of sunscreen.

Fall was not always my favorite season. It used to be the hardest, saddest time of year for me as I associated it with multiple losses. I dreaded it year and after year. Somewhere along the way, there was a shift in me. I started noticing the life affirming things around me rather than dwelling on my sad history. I started collecting fall things as a joyful intention, rather than ruminating over the hard times. I quit reliving the story of the losses and made note of some of the good things in my current life. What was the worst, is now my best and I am deeply grateful for this shift in every respect.

Maybe you have some associations like that, seasonal, personal, situational… where you are ingrained in the pain. I wonder if you could be open to a shift. Not a miracle, a shift of perspective. What could you call to replace some of your sadness and pain?

I know that the real cool down is another month away… and I also know that it WILL arrive, all in the fullness of time. In the meantime, I am unpacking the pumpkins and gourds!

Dr. Sandi Howlett is a Grief Specialist, speaker, and writer based in Phoenix. She may be contacted at drsandihowlett@gmail.com

Stuart Hansen, Trish Hansen K err and Br ad Hansen

Moon Valley Women’s Club- New Leadership

The Moon Valley Women’s Club (MVWC) Board of Directors is set for the upcoming season. Some are returning members and some are new faces to the leadership team. They meet monthly and are earnestly planning the year of events. The kick-off luncheon will be held at the Moon Valley Country Club on September 11th

The 2025-2026 Executive Board is: Koni Gould, President; Morgan Bartlett, Vice President; Julie Moore, Treasurer; and Carol Wilson, Secretary. Committee Chairs include: Jody Rhodes, Primary Programs & Venues; Kathy Moffitt, Evening Programs & Venues; Nancy Lynch, Membership; Kathy Scott, Newsletter Editor; Pepper Starobin, Records; Michele Workman, Webmaster; and Betsy Ingram, Board Advisor.

For more information on MVWC visit: www.mvwomensclub.org

Student Athletes Are Hiding Injuries — Here’s What You Need To Know

School sports are gearing up, and here’s some news that every coach, parent, and athlete needs to know: a concerning finding has been reported in a recent review published in the Journal of Athletic Training, which surveyed 564 teenage athletes. Here’s what it revealed: More than 80% of these athletes reported experiencing a musculoskeletal injury, yet as many as 77% didn’t report it to a coach, parent, or medical professional. Why?

Just 24.9% would report an injury if it had a clear impact on their performance. Only 36.5% said they’d report the injury when pain first appeared — meaning the majority of teens are continuing to play without telling anyone they’re hurt. Alarmingly, if it meant they would be prevented from playing, only 37.4% would speak up. And even more troubling, 53.7% of the athletes stated that they would only report an injury if they understood it to be severe.

Early intervention matters! We have a responsibility to help our studentathletes recognize when they are injured and that seeking treatment can help preserve and prolong their enhanced performance. Even minor injuries can lead to long-term problems if left untreated. Sore joints, sprains, or repetitiveuse injuries should be addressed promptly to hasten healing and prevent lasting damage. Moon Valley Chiropractic is intentionally equipped to provide effective, non-invasive treatment for these types of injuries— but it’s only possible if the athlete seeks help. The good news is, teens who understand more about injuries — and feel supported by those around them — are more likely to speak up.

Education and support from parents, coaches, and providers make a big difference. Dr. Jamey Reichow is a specialist in providing safe and effective care of sports-related injuries for all ages. He is credentialed in the field, with relevant post-doctoral education and professional experience working with top sports teams and athletes in Arizona. The earlier an injury is addressed, the better the outcome — and that starts with helping our aspiring student-athletes feel safe about receiving care.

Let’s keep our student-athletes healthy, strong, and in the game — safely. Call Moon Valley Chiropractic at (602) 298-0292 to schedule a visit.

BLOCK WATCH!!

BY FROSTY (NANCY) KROENING

Dear Hillcrest Improvement Association Homeowners,

I hope that you are having a great summer despite sometimes challenging temperatures. Our pool is a welcomed asset, and, as always, thanks go to Dave Hendrickson & others who help keep it so nice.

I look forward to scheduling the October meeting of our Block Watch volunteers, but in the meantime, I am interested in any safety and security issues that may have occurred to you over the summer. We are all interested in living in a safety-conscious community. This is a reminder about closing garage doors. I have noticed that it is happening! Great! It also helps insulate homes from the heat. And I am encouraging everyone to provide personal emergency information to a trusted friend or neighbor. If that person is a neighbor on either side of your home, even better! We never know when the contact information will be needed.

Best of all is getting to know the new people in the neighborhood and the people on our street. More of that will happen when the temperatures drop. We are so lucky to have a great community of very interesting and talented people! Sandy Matchette, our Social Chair Extraordinaire, has a lineup of events for 2025-2026 (including an arts festival). This might be a time to get out those paint brushes and start creating.

Please text me, (Nancy Kroening, 602-705-1394), about any new safety concerns or if you have questions. My email is: frostynewkirk41@gmail.com

Thank you!

Nancy Kroening, Block Watch Captain

BY JENA RITCHIE NBC-HWC, MOON VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC

New Hopes for a New Year

BY RABBI SHNEUR WOLFMAN

As the Jewish New Year dawns upon us and as Americans nationwide head back to school for a new academic year, it’s a time for renewed hopes. There’s an old story of a telegram that once read, “Start worrying—details to follow.” As the new year begins, it is natural to fall into this mindset, worrying about what lies ahead.

The High Holidays begin on September 22nd with Rosh Hashanah and end with Yom Kippur on October 1-2. One of the central themes of these holidays is the Shofar, a ram’s horn that we blow to mark the occasion.

Rosh Hashanah is a holiday of hope. The Shofar’s blast symbolizes the call of victory, signaling our confidence that the future is bright and that the upcoming year will be full of blessings.

We are excited to be preparing a beautiful High Holiday experience for the greater Moon Valley community. This experience will highlight the hope we all share for a sweet new year. The Rosh Hashanah service will take place at a country club venue with beautiful views of the Moon Valley hills. For those unable to join, there will be an afternoon Shofar blowing in Lookout Mountain Park. You can find the full High Holiday schedule at jewishmoonvalley.com/highholidays.

As this Jewish & academic new year begins, let us all start with new hopes for a bright year.

Shanah Tovah!

Rabbi Shneur Wolfman, rabbi@jewishmoonvalley.com

The highly anticipated Moon Valley MILE will be held on Saturday, September 27

Bringing runners, walkers and supporters together for a unique blend of athletic competition, community spirit and live entertainment!

Organized by Moon Valley Races, led by Paul Ruckel, this USA Track & Field sanctioned and certified event features a fast, flat one-mile course perfect for personal bests, team challenges and family participation.

This race is more than just a test of speed and fitness. As a charity-driven event, all proceeds benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital (phoenixchildrens. org) and Jaydie Lynn King Foundation (teamjaydie.org). This makes every stride count for a cause.

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! Register now! Make your mile unforgettable. Do it for your physical and mental health!

At the Start Line, Pandy Raye will give us a live performance. Her dynamic voice and heartfelt stage presence have won her fans across the Southwest.

Running and walking bring people together. Adding Pandy Raye’s performance at the Start means we aren’t just celebrating fitness, we are celebrating community, music and joy.

Start the Fall season off right! We look forward to seeing you at the Moon Valley MILE!

Everything you need to know about the Moon Valley MILE can be found on its website (https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102451/moon-valleymile) or scan the QR code below.

Let’s support this Moon Valley community event!

Rookie Mom: A Letter to My 3-Year-

Old Son BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE

Dear Henry,

When you’re my age, time will pass faster than you can imagine, and you’ll notice the seasons moving quicker each year.

This is especially true this month, because my darling, you are turning 3!

So what are you like at the beginning of age 3?

Right now, your favorite book is “Narwhals Love Nachos.” You are incredibly taken with narwhals and how the boys have one sharp tooth. You love any sea creatures actually; squid and octopuses being your favorite. You’re terrified of them, but you also somewhat delight in that feeling.

The same goes with insects. You say “bees” when you mean “bugs.” And everything around the house is a “bee” even if it’s just a fluff of dust.

Your favorite words are “scary” and “heavy.” Everything is scary and heavy to you, which is quite endearing. A pillow is heavy. A “bee” is scary.

I’m pretty sure you’re going to be an engineer someday. You’re an intuit with puzzles, Legos, and Magnatiles – building intricate buildings, tunnels, and towers and then knocking them down with glee.

You know how to write an “H” and “E” for the first part of your name, and you’re extremely proud of this fact. Very demonstrative in your pride. (“Hey! Look!”)

Your favorite song right now is “Soda Pop” by the Saja Boys in K-Pop Demon Hunters. This isn’t your choice of music, but because Brynn is playing the soundtrack so much, you always request “POP!” in your loudest voice.

I call you “my baby” by accident and you always say, “No! Henry a big boy” in your gruff voice. You don’t like being called “mean” by your sister, who always loves to antagonize you. Instead you step up for yourself and say, “No! Henry nice.”

Right now as I write this, you are acing a number puzzle that goes up to 20. You love the number 0 which still puzzles you why it’s in the alphabet, too.

Spider-Man is your favorite superhero. You’re actually in Spider-Man pajamas right now. Your bed spread is Spider-Man. Your birthday party is Spider-Man. The stickers on the wall by your bed is Spider-Man.

You also might be a chef because you adore watching Dad cook dinner, always helping with your Montessori knives to cut onions and peppers. When Grandma watches you during the day, you always make your lunch, cutting cheese, turkey, and strawberries.

You’re very big on being independent.

You love your Grandma Marie. When she rings the doorbell, you run towards the door and yell, “Grandma, grandma!” And then you pivot to tell Dad in his office that Grandma is here, which always cracks us up.

In fact, you love mango juice with water, but you’ve dubbed this “Grandma Juice” since she always makes it for you.

Your sister Brynn is your role model.

Henry, you follow her around everywhere. You imitate what she does. What she says. You are very patient with her when she plays school, or grocery store, or library, following everything she requests.

You are a love, Henry. Always my baby.

I am so proud of the boy you are growing to be and promise to always be there to unconditionally support and love you.

Happy Birthday, my big 3-year-old!

I love you,

Mom

Glendale Union High School District Schools Ranked among the Best for 2025

All Glendale Union High School District campuses have once again been recognized among the nation’s best high schools for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report. Congratulations to Apollo, Cortez, Glendale, Greenway, Independence, Moon Valley, Sunnyslope, Thunderbird, and Washington High Schools for their continued excellence, dedication, and student achievement. This honor reflects GUHSD’s ongoing commitment to keeping the promise of every student’s potential—at every school, every day.

Students from more than 20 Arizona high schools unite to encourage peers to seek help during Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

With teen suicide remaining a leading cause of death for Arizona youths, high school athletes from across the state are teaming up to send a clear message: help is always available, and no one has to face their struggles alone.

Forty students from 24 Arizona high schools are participating in the 2025 Messages of Hope video campaign from Teen Lifeline during Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September. Teen Lifeline is an Arizonabased, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to prevent teen suicide by enhancing resiliency in youths and fostering supportive communities.

Football players, flag football players, cheerleaders and members of the Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC) are stepping up to share their voices and platforms to encourage peers to reach out if they’re struggling.

This year’s campaign comes at a critical time. Teen Lifeline received more than 46,000 calls and texts in 2024, with one in three coming from teens considering suicide.

Between January 1 and July 31 of this year, hotline volunteers have already fielded more than 25,500 calls and texts – with the highest projected call volumes of the year still ahead. Calls historically peak in August and September, making this a critical time to reach teens with messages of hope.

“Every student who steps in front of the camera for this campaign is doing something incredible – they’re telling other teenagers, ‘Your life matters, and you’re not alone,’” said Nikki Kontz, chief clinical officer at Teen Lifeline. “When that message comes from a peer who is recognized as a leader on

Have Passport – Will Travel: Local Speaker Brings the World to

By Donna Tucker

campus, it can inspire teens to ask for help.”

By Jessica Gonzales

Recorded this year at a high school in Paradise Valley, Messages of Hope videos feature both individuals and joint messages with students from rival schools. The spots will run throughout September on player, team and school social media accounts and, when possible, during morning announcements on participating campuses.

Kontz emphasized that campaigns like Messages of Hope work because they meet teens where they already are – online and in their daily school environments.

“When a teen sees someone their own age talking openly about mental health, it normalizes the conversation,” Kontz said. “It makes it easier for them to speak up.”

Teens who are struggling to feel hope are encouraged to call Teen Lifeline 24/7/365 at (602) 248-TEEN (8336) in Phoenix, (520) 327-TEEN (8336) in Tucson, or (800) 248-TEEN (8336) statewide. Teens can also text (602) 2488336 in Phoenix or (520) 327-8336 in Tucson between noon and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. on weekends.

The 24-hour hotline is staffed by teen peer counselors, supervised by master’s level clinicians, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with trained adult counselors answering calls at all other times. Established in 1986, Teen Lifeline is accredited through the American Association of Suicidology. Teen Lifeline received more than 46,000 calls and text messages in 2024.

Chompie’s

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., when the Impact for Enterprising Women business networking group will welcome renowned independent traveler Paula G. Cullison for a vibrant presentation, “Have Passport – Will Travel: Journey through the Emerald Isle.” The luncheon will be held at Chompie’s, with tickets available for $30, payable by check, credit card, or cash at the door.

Cullison, a seasoned globetrotter who has traveled to over 50 countries, is well known locally for her stunning travel photography, which she has exhibited in galleries and educational institutions including Arizona State University, community colleges, and public libraries

A Brooklyn native with a tireless spirit for cultural exploration, Cullison shares not only breathtaking images but also personal stories from her adventures abroad. Her latest talk will guide attendees through the landscapes, history, and charm of Ireland’s “Emerald Isle.”

Beyond her travels, Cullison is an accomplished community leader. She is a member of the Arizona Artists Guild and past member of the Sonoran Arts League. She also created popular fundraising events such as Getting Our Just Desserts and Wine, WoMEN & Jazz for the Arizona Women’s Partnership. In addition, she served as Past President of the United Nations Association of Phoenix, actively promoting cross-cultural dialogue and global awareness. Those interested in previewing her work or learning more about her books—“A Girl from Brooklyn” and “Angelo Giangreco (My Father)” can visit her website at www.paulacullison.com

The Impact for Enterprising Women luncheon is open to the public, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy great networking, a good meal, and an inspiring journey without ever leaving the Valley.

Event Details:

What: Have Passport – Will Travel: Journey through the Emerald Isle

Who: Speaker – Paula G. Cullison, Independent Traveler & Artist

When: Friday, October 31, 2025, 11:30 a.m.

Where: Chompie’s Cost: $30 (check, credit card, or cash at the door)

More Info / reservations: ImpactForEnterprisingWomen1@gmail.com

Festival in the Mountains coming to the North Mountain Visitor Center next month!

On Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19, North Mountain Visitor Center will be hosting the first annual Festival in the Mountains. The weekend is shaping up to be fun for the whole family. Here is a taste of what is happening:

On Friday night, City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and District Councilwoman Debra Stark will be in attendance and help kick off festivities.

Throughout the weekend enjoy live music from local favorites: ODNB, Thorn & The Rose, Nancy Elliot, Tom Bell, and George & Georgia. You can also join guided hikes, check out geology demos, and keep the kids busy with desert-themed story times and crafts.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping at our Market, where you’ll find jewelry, children’s books, ornaments, plus photography and art. Coffee and baked goods will be available to keep you fueled while you browse. (A few vendor spots are still open—see contact info below if you’re interested!)

Rattlesnake Garage and Ask a Ranger will also be on

We’ll have beautifully curated themed baskets up for bid—perfect for gifts or treating yourself. It’s a fun way to take home something special while supporting the event.

The Festival in the Mountains is a community event and a fundraiser for the Save Our Mountains Foundation (SOMF), whose mission is to acquire and preserve land to assist in the expansion of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. SOMF supports the Mountains Preserve with education, conservation, and research and maintain operations at the North Mountain Visitor Center in collaboration with the City of 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/

If you are a local artisan, crafter or vendor interested in participating in our Market, please email: finance@ saveourmountains. org.

Paper Shredding

Drywall Repairs and Texturing

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. 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!

Drywall repairs and Texturing. Includes water damage, remodeling, and popcorn ceiling removal. In business since 1980. Mike Collins Acoustics 623-582-4325

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. 602.971.0089Cell 602-574-3694 Valerie Thomas

Distribution Information

The Moon Valley Tattler is distributed monthly free of charge to Moon Valley area homes. Additional copies are distributed at rack locations. Content in full or part may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher and do not constitute an endorsement of products or services. Publication of an ad does not constitute an endorsement. Business profiles are based on information supplied from advertisers. Readers are urged to verify. Articles and photographs can be 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

Handy Dandy Classifieds Form

Text 602.969.1924 or visit albinobuffalo.com to learn more.

Piano Lessons

Luncheons

Special

Dessert

REAL ESTATE

MARKET UPDATE

brought to you by Dave Dix | Associate Broker

MOON VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT:

Hillcrest - A Refined 55+ Neighborhood

Loca tion & His tor y: 55+ community wit hin Moon Valley, developed la te 1960s-early 1970s by Del Trailor and architec t s Haver, Nunn & Jensen

Architec ture: "White Oasis" design inspired by Mediterranean and Greek s tyles, fea turing sleek exteriors, cur ved s treet s, and dis tinc tive lighting wit h a self-managed HOA focused on architec tural consis tency and landscape preser va tion

Community Size: Approxima tely 117 homes wit h varied architec tural s tyles including Ranch, Spanish Revival, Territorial, and Sant a Fe

Amenities & Lifes tyle: Sal twa ter pool, community park , pavilion, and ma ture landscaping wit h mount ain views and an ac tive social calendar including Friday happy hours, seasonal fes tivals, and ar t s/craf t fairs centered around shared spaces

Phoenix-wide , many sellers are retrea ting lis tings ra t her t han discounting indica ting a g ap between expec t a tions and market realities

In Moon Valley, proper ties priced well and in high-end tiers can s till command premium of fers; lower-tier homes may be slower to move or require pricing adjus tment s Hillcres t: Considering it is t he only senior adul t community in t he Moon Valley area, be ready when a good home comes available as it will go quickly

Phoenix overall: Increasing options, price reduc tions, s t abilized mor tg age ra tes negotia tion leverage is shif ting

Moon Valley: While s till considered a seller’s market, sub-$800K segment s show sof tening, and some barg ains may exis t in under‐asking transac tions

Larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) remain more resilient in Hillcres t: 10 sales so far t his year is quite many However, prices continue to increase and properly priced homes sell quickly Hillcres t is highly sought af ter and will continue to be a " go to" community for seniors looking for a community in Moon Valley