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A Little Woo, A Little Wonder By Catherine Hanson Have you ever had one of those conversations that starts with, “So, what’s your sign?” and somehow ends with someone explaining their entire birth chart, their Human Design type, and why Mercury is apparently responsible for everything that has gone wrong this week? If so, welcome to my world. You may be my kind of people. Over the coming months, I’d like to share some of the practices and ideas that have been showing up more and more in conversations about wellness, self-awareness, and personal growth. Things like astrology, meditation, Reiki, Human Design, and other ways of looking inward. Some of these subjects may be familiar to you. Others may sound a little woo-woo. And some might make you think, “Wait…what Are you talking about?” Fair question. My intention isn’t to convince you that any of these particular practices has all the answers or that the practices will resonate with you. Although if Mercury wants to take responsibility for a few of my bad decisions, so be it. Instead, I’m interested in the bigger question: What can we learn about ourselves when we become a little more curious? Meditation, for example, can simply be an invitation to slow down and notice what’s happening in our minds. To become more present.
Astrology can be used as a framework for reflection and self-exploration. Reiki is an energy-based practice that many people experience as calming and restorative. Human Design offers another system for thinking about personality, choices, and how we move through the world. You may find something that really resonates with you. You may find something that absolutely does not. You may even roll your eyes at something I write. And that’s okay too. I’m hoping this can be a place where we can explore these ideas with an open mind, a healthy dose of curiosity, and at times, a sense of humor. Personal growth doesn’t always have to involve a serious face, sitting on a yoga mat with your legs folded like a pretzel, and perfect silence. Oh heck no! I can’t do that anymore. Sometimes it can simply begin with a question: “Hmm. That’s kind of interesting. I wonder what that’s about?” So that’s where we’ll start. Next month, we’ll take a closer look at Sound Baths, my favorite. What a sound bath is, where it came from, why people are interested in it, and what, if anything, you might find useful about it. Be curious. Keep the skepticism. And if Mercury happens to be retrograde, well…at least we’ll have a cosmic scapegoat.
Welcome Back!
Glendale Union High School District welcomed teachers, support staff, and district leaders to its annual Back to School Celebration as employees prepared for the 2026–2027 school year. The event brought together employees across the district to celebrate a shared commitment to student success and recognize the important role every staff member plays in supporting students. GUHSD Governing Board President Natalie Veidmark reflected on the lasting impact of employees’ work, while Superintendent Matt Belden encouraged staff to continue building meaningful relationships and experiences that prepare students for an everchanging future. As students returned to classrooms on August 10, the celebration reminded everyone of GUHSD’s commitment to empowering every student for college, career, and life.
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The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 3
TRAPPED IN MOON VALLEY
Grow LET TER FROM THE EDITOR
Many think of Labor Day as the end of the summer season: BBQ’s, lazy days of summer, school starting and looking ahead to the busy holiday seasons. And that is… the last summer hurrah!! Where I grew up school would start right after (so foolish, sure wish Arizona would adopt a better summer school schedule!! It is so silly to start school in August, the heat is still unbearable) But it is also the time we celebrate across the country the social and economic achievements of Americans and businesses. The nation’s first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City in 1882, thanks to organizers with the Central Labor Union. The first Monday of every September was chosen as the official Labor Day for the holiday in 1884, though it took a year for the holiday to catch on in other parts of the nation outside of the Big Apple. By 1894, Labor Day became a national holiday. Labor Day parades were the hallmark of the “worker’s holiday.” Designed to exhibit the “strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations,” unfortunately many of these parades have since gone away and the tradition has and the history of Labor Day is also slowly going away. As our country has prospered in the past few years, celebrating the great success of business, the increase of minimum wage in 2017, and very low unemployment rates it is truly a time to celebrate. At this time the Tattler would like to offer all businesses a free classified ad to publicize any job openings you may have, the workforce is slim, and getting and keeping quality employees is difficult. Hire and keep them in Moon Valley. (free ad’s for October issue, Materials Due Dateour “strength and esprit de corps Issueofdelivered out call or email us) Let’s show Moon Valley.” ‘25 ‘26
Your
with
Grow
2026 Editorial & Ad Deadlines
December 23rd with January 2nd February 6th January 27th March 6th February 24th April 3rd March 24th May 1st April 21st June 5TH May 26th July 3rd June 23rd 2026 & Ad Deadlines 28th August 7th JulyEditorial materials due issuedelivered on newstands 4th September August Materials Due25th Date Issue out ‘25 ‘26 2nd 23rd January December October September 22nd February 6th January November October 27th 6th March 4th February 24th December November 24th April 3rd March 29th 8th January December 2027 May 1st April 21st S u b26th m i t a d s & S t o r i eJune s 5TH May f o r23rd y o u r b r a n d tJuly o 3rd June August 7th July 28th 25th September 4th August 4 September 2026 | info@mvtattler.com 2nd Dawn Trapp
Your
Festival in the Mountains coming to the North Mountain Visitor Center this Fall!
On Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, North Mountain Visitor Center will be hosting our second annual Festival in the Mountains. The weekend is shaping up to be fun for the whole family. Here is a taste of just some of what is happening: On Friday night our festivities kick off with Pat McMahon, the beloved entertainer best known for The Wallace and Ladmo Show, whose decades in television, radio, and community life have made him a true Arizona icon. Join us as Pat shares his story and the remarkable journey that shaped the Valley’s history and character. Throughout the weekend enjoy live music from local favorites: Glen Gardner, Eric Ramsey, George & Georgia, Mark Bishop Evans, and Nancy Elliot. You can also join guided hikes, check out geology demos, and keep the kids busy with desert-themed story times and crafts, plus bring your pup along to enter our Dog Costume Contest. Get a jump on your holiday shopping at our Market, where you’ll find unique jewelry, ceramics, 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 for Sunday—see contact info below if you’re interested!) Rattlesnake Garage will also be on hand on Saturday morning, offering the chance to safely meet some of our desert creatures up close. In addition to a silent auction with fun baskets and valuable items up for bid, you can enter a drawing for a Dierks Bentley autographed guitar. 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 th N 7 Street. See our website calendar for more event information, hours, and to 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.
i n f o @ m v tat t l e r .c o m
ONLINE: moonvalleytattler.com
My Experience on the Oregon Trail BY ARCHER CUSHMAN If you don’t know already, I’m homeschooled. For me homeshealth could increase! Our next challenge was to chooling is the best! My mom runs a homeschool co-op; I get to learn get our wagon down a steep hill. We built wagons and hangout with my friends and have many free days. out of Legos, and saw if it made it down the hill. Just last month, my co-op ran a summer camp. The theme? The Oregon trail, Ours did! Then we were able to trade with other of course! You may already know what the Oregon trail game is; if you don’t wagons or Native Americans. We chose the Naknow, it’s a 1970s game where you pretend to be a wagon leader trying to get to tive Americans because they had medicinal herbs Oregon! (that could heal my snake bite!). Next we got to The first day, we dressed up in our pioneer outfits, got health bands, and demake wagons out of popsicle sticks. I loved this cided our trail names, where we were from, and what our jobs were. I was a farmproject! Afterward, we spun the wheel of destiny er from Vermont and my name was Charlotte! We also were divided into teams of again and I got small pox! Everyone else on my five and each team decided on what supplies to put in the wagon. After making team had to roll a die to see if they also got small pox; some ended up getting sick those decisions, we made cute pioneer journals out of paper bags! We also took but some didn’t and received immunity bands. pioneer pictures with our teams.Then we had to spin the wheel of destiny/doom. The third day, the Oregon oracle said that we met people with small pox, but I spun the wheel and landed on “your food falls out of your wagon!” so my team we had healed with medicinal herbs and were immune! In our first activity we had to give back some of the food we had bought for the trip. One of the other did a water relay race, but if someone rolled a one we had to hop on one leg! Next, people on my team got bitten by a rattlesnake so they lost two health band colors! we got to choose if we were going to hunt, gather or rest. That day, I gathered! The second day, we pulled a Oregon oracle card to start the day. Guess what… I had to use tweezers to put small berries (colored beans) in a cup. I earned two I got bitten by a snake and I went down two health band colors! Then we went to hundred pounds of food! Afterwards, we did a climbing relay up a climber. We our first activity: fording the river. First, we rolled a dice to see how deep the river had to carry heavy boxes as we raced up and down the stairs and slides! Finally, was; it wasn’t too bad so we caulked and floated our wagon and made it across! it was time for the wheel of destiny! I spun “wolves keep you awake at night” and Next, we got to go hunting/gathering/resting. Because I got bitten, I rested so my dropped a health band because it made me tired.. The fourth day, we started the day by pulling an Oregon oracle card. I pulled a card that said I found some medicinal herbs, and I was able to heal someone on my team. During our first challenge, we had to wash clothes like the pioneers! We had to collect water from a pump with buckets and wash all of the dirty clothes with washboards. My job was hanging up the clothes on the clothesline. Then it was time to hunt/gather/rest. I went gathering, but this time I was blindfolded and it made it so much harder! The next challenge, we had to make it past the “Gate of Death”. Two people on our team were blindfolded, and we had to direct them through the path. It was so hard; my team lost fourteen items from our wagon! Our final activity was making butter by shaking cream in a mason jar. It continued on page 6 only took us ten minutes to make it! We then got to eat the butter with homemade sourdough bread. Finally, we spun the wheel of destiny.
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The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 5
Contradictions
MOON VALLEY MAGIC BY DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER
Calling All Donations!
Give your pre-loved items new purpose
I’m a walking talking contradiction apparently. This is just me, so I don’t think anything of it, until someone acts surprised that I have a tattoo, but not that I drive a convertible. I grew up on a ranch and was as comfortable in cowboy hat, boots, jeans and on a horse, as I was in heels, dresses, lace and on a beauty pageant runway. I do love ruffles! I consider myself a ‘Suzy Homemaker’ loving to bake, sew, craft and clean my own house, but I also like being outside in the dirt, planting and trimming. Generally speaking, I do not enjoy cooking. The daily, “What’s for dinner?” is nauseating, but I get excited to try new recipes. I own two guns and thrill at hitting the target. I am what is called a ‘crackshot’ which means I don’t miss, but I love sappy romance novels and cry easily at Hallmark movies. I enjoy a big mug of black coffee, even some foo-foo ones with too much sugar, chemicals and cream, but I also enjoy tea in my dainty little teacups and teapots. I love the Lord, but I don’t turn the other cheek very well. He’s working on me. I like pedicures, but not manicures, prefer stairs and avoid elevators. I look forward to going to Anytime Fitness, which is small and clean compared to bigger gyms, but I’m not crazy about training days. Those are hard, but get the most results. I have been accused of being intimidating, but my friends know that I’m just intensely passionate about things and of course I have the whole RBF thing going on. Look it up. I positively abhor small talk and mingling, but absolutely love the people I hang out with in my MV Women’s Club groups. . .where friendships started with small talk and mingling. I am not a fan of butter, but I’m obsessed with butter dishes. I have more contradictions, but that’s TMI Too Much Information. Only my closest friends know about these quirks and they love me anyway...I think! So! I am indeed a contraction, but I guess I always have been and I’m okay with it. Last month’s deadline fell on Garett’s 32nd birthday and this month’s fell on our 42nd wedding anniversary. Wondering if Gary will remember, but I honestly don’t care. However, I will mind if he forgets our 50th!!
Donate weekdays 3850 E. Thunderbird Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032 or call to schedule a pick-up for larger items
(602) 358-8677 Flerish Marketplace employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with all sales supporting the mission and programs of: 6 September 2026 | info@mvtattler.com
Oregon Trail... continued from page 5 I got “you lost your longjohns!” and my team had to remove a “spare clothes” item from our wagon. On the last day, we started by pulling an Oregon oracle card. I got “bandits stole $10 dollars from you!” so my team had to remove that amount from our family chest. Afterwards, we had to decide if we were going to cross the Columbia river or hire someone to take us to a toll road that went around the river. We paid $1,000 dollars and we didn’t have to cross the river! It added an extra week to our travel time but we didn’t have to worry about losing supplies. We finally made it to Oregon, and to our surprise we all survived! Our team was also the team that reached Oregon City the fastest. Now that we had arrived at our destination, we spent the afternoon making pioneer toys like a beanbag toss and a ragdoll. At the end of the day, we square danced to celebrate the end of our travels; it was so much fun! ONLINE: moonvalleytattler.com
BY DR . MICHAEL ROBER T SUPERINTENDENT, WESD Dear WESD Families and Community Members, It is an honor to introduce myself as the new superintendent of the Washington Elementary School District. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have already received, and I am excited to become part of a community that is so deeply committed to its students and families. For more than 30 years, I have had the privilege of serving in public education, beginning as a classroom teacher and later as a principal and superintendent in a neighboring district. While my roles have changed over the years, one thing has remained constant: a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential. That commitment is what drew me to WESD. Although I’ve only been in the district a short time, I’ve already had the opportunity to visit schools, meet with principals and district leaders, and spend time learning from the incredible employees who make WESD such a special place. Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve been welcomed by dedicated educators and staff who care deeply about students and are committed to helping every child succeed. Their passion, professionalism and pride in their schools have made a lasting first impression. As we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year on August 10, I look forward to building strong relationships with our employees, families and community partners. Together, we will continue strengthening student achievement, planning thoughtfully for the future and ensuring our schools provide every child with the support and opportunities they need to thrive. I believe the best ideas come from listening, learning and working together, and I’m excited to continue that journey alongside you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this outstanding district. I look forward to meeting many of you in our schools and throughout the community in the months ahead. Together, we will build on WESD’s tradition of excellence and create even more opportunities for every student to succeed. Now Enrolling for 2025-2026 School Year: Your child’s/children’s path to success begins here. Whether it is free, full-day kindergarten, premiere
special education and gifted services, art, music, PE, STEM or online learning, the WESD has a program to meet the individual needs of your child/ children. With multiple A+ Schools of Excellence, a National Blue Ribbon and a National Title I Distinguished School, the WESD is a top 10 elementary school district as featured in the 2026 edition of Ranking Arizona, published by AZ Big Media. Additionally, 84% of WESD schools are an “A” or “B”. We are currently enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade students for the 2026-2027 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/families/registration. Join the WESD Family: The WESD is always looking for passionate individuals to join our team as we have a variety of job openings for certified and classified employees. Our District offers competitive teacher salaries of $53,100 to $80,520 (including approximately $3,100 in performance pay), student loan forgiveness, school-age child care discounts, medical, dental and vision benefits, and employer-matched contributions to Arizona State Retirement. The WESD also provides the most support for teachers including instructional coaches on every campus, weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC), regular professional development and social workers on each campus. To view our job vacancies and apply online, please visit https://jobs.wesdschools. org/. For questions, please call 602-347-2622. With gratitude, Dr. Michael Robert, WESD Superintendent
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The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 7
Thunderbirds Charities’
$100,000 Grant
Helps Open Flerish Marketplace,
Expanding Employment Pathways for People with Disabilities Civitan Foundation, Inc. will celebrate the ribbon cutting of Flerish Marketplace on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m., recognizing a $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities that helped transform the new Phoenix space into an inclusive retail and workforce development hub for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Flerish Marketplace is Civitan Foundation’s new 7,500-square-foot retail, resale and training space designed to create meaningful pathways to employment, independence and financial self-sufficiency. Through hands-on experience in a real retail environment, employees and members with disabilities can build job readiness skills, practice customer service, learn merchandising and inventory tasks, develop workplace confidence and explore entrepreneurship. The grant from Thunderbirds Charities supported major capital improvements to make the space accessible, functional and ready to serve as a communitybased employment training hub. Funding helped support ADA improvements, new restrooms, coaching offices, a training room, signage and other essential buildout needs. “ F l e r i s h Marketplace represents what becomes possible when community
partners invest in inclusion,” said Dawn Trapp, CEO of Civitan Foundation. “This is more than a building. It is a place where members can gain real-world experience, discover their strengths, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward employment and greater independence. We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for helping bring this vision to life.” People with IDDs continue to face significant barriers to employment. Flerish Marketplace was created to help address those barriers by offering practical, community-integrated workforce development in a supportive retail setting. Civitan Foundation projects serving more than 40 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities each year through workforce development programming at Flerish, with additional benefits extending to caregivers, staff, customers, donors and the broader community. “I’m happy and I’m working at the cash register, and I’m doing my money skills. I’m full time now! I feel happy, it’s making me more money,” shares employee Susie. Job coach Brandi adds “it is so rewarding to work at Flerish as we have members with different capabilities and to see each level of those capabilities level up and able to do things independently on their own. It’s just absolutely rewarding.” While the improvements to Flerish Marketplace are physical, the impact is deeply personal. The space gives participants the opportunity to learn in an active retail environment, interact with the public, contribute to daily store operations and see their skills translate into meaningful workplace experience. “Working here at Flerish has brightened my life. Being able to see our members light up when it clicks for them and they’re like ‘hey, I can do this by myself’ I literally go home and cry, because it is such a great achievement of seeing that they get it,” shares job coach Ashley. “Flerish Marketplace creates meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills, confidence and greater independence,” said Jason Eisenberg, President of Thunderbirds
Charities. “We’re proud to support Civitan Foundation in creating a space where individuals can gain meaningful work experience, contribute to their community and see their potential grow.” “Thunderbirds Charities has been a meaningful partner in Civitan’s growth and impact,” Trapp said. “Their continued support reflects a shared belief that people with disabilities deserve access to experiences, spaces and opportunities that help them live fuller, more connected lives.” Flerish Marketplace also invites the public to support the mission by shopping, donating quality goods and engaging with a retail experience rooted in purpose. Every purchase and donation helps support Civitan Foundation’s work to create pathways to employment, independence, inclusion and lifelong opportunity for people with disabilities.
Flerish Marketplace Ribbon Cutting When: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Where: Flerish Marketplace, 3850 E. Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix, AZ Hosted by: Civitan Foundation, Inc. Recognizing: Thunderbirds Charities for its $100,000 grant supporting Flerish Marketplace capital improvements
About Civitan Foundation, Inc. Civitan Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving more than 1,500 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families each year. Founded in 1968, Civitan provides safe, inclusive, and enriching programs that promote education, life skills, socialization, job training, and employment opportunities. Its flagship programs include Camp Civitan in Williams, Arizona, and Civitan Village, a multidisciplinary campus offering life learning, vocational training, and creative arts experiences. Civitan remains committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives through innovative, communitybased services. About Flerish Marketplace Flerish Marketplace is Civitan Foundation’s inclusive retail and workforce development space in Phoenix. Through donated goods, resale, retail operations, creative enterprise and hands-on training, Flerish provides individuals with IDDs opportunities to build employment skills, confidence, independence and real-world experience in a supportive community setting. To learn more: www.civitanfoundationaz.org/flerish-marketplace About Thunderbirds Charities Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 285 “life” members. For more information about The Thunderbirds or the 2024 WM Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on the Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.
PLANNING FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE BY LIBBY BANKS, THE LAW OFFICE OF LIBBY BANKS, PLLC One of many things we discuss with clients who are planning with us is whether there are any special needs concerns with a beneficiary. When we say special needs, we are referring to someone receiving needs-based government benefits and services. Some examples might be a child or adult with downs syndrome, a person who has never been able to work because of a medical condition, someone with developmental impairment, a brain injury or another impediment. The special needs beneficiary qualifies for the government benefits or services because their assets and income are below specified levels. If someone leaves a assets outright to an individual with special needs, the dramatic increase in assets could lead to the unintended result of the beneficiary losing his or her benefits – or at least experiencing a significant decrease in them. In such a case, the intention to provide for the beneficiary would be partly thwarted, since it could cause the beneficiary to lose what they already have in place. Most often, we don’t want to upset the services and benefits that the beneficiary is using. For instance, an adult special needs individual with a living situation or a work position that is provided as a government benefit may feel their whole world has been turned upside down if they are no longer able to stay in that situation or position. It can be devastating and disorienting, and they may well have no understanding of why this has happened. What do we do in our planning to be sure we don’t cause that disruption? We prepare a special or supplemental needs trust as part of the planning process. The special needs trust contains the provisions needed so that any inheritance
left to our special needs person are not counted as that person’s own assets, and thus don’t affect their government benefits. When setting up a special needs trust, it is vital to select a trustee to help the beneficiary manage the trust assets in accordance with the established guidelines set by the government entities providing the benefits. Choosing a trustee who is familiar with the regulations – or is willing to seek guidance from an experienced professional – is the best way to ensure that the bequest is honored and the beneficiary is protected. We can assist you with this selection process. If there is a special needs beneficiary in your plan, or one who would be a direct beneficiary of your estate if their parent passes, you should consider special needs planning. We do this planning as part of your overall plan usually, but we are happy to discuss doing a special needs trust as an adjunct to a plan you already have in place. Whether or not you have a special needs person to plan for, your estate plan should be customized to you. Our office takes pride in doing just that. If you are ready to get an estate plan in place, update your existing plan, or do a special needs trust, we would love to help. Call our office at 602-375-6752 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
Free Estate Planning Consultation
NCL Volunteers with OCJ Kids
602.375.6752 www.libbybanks.com | info@libbybanks.com 5010 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 10 September 2026 | info@mvtattler.com
By Siena Perez My mom and I have been members of Moon Valley National Charity League for several years now and recently volunteered for a philanthropy named OCJ Kids, which is a non-profit focused on children and teens in the fostercare system and at-risk youth. They partner with more than 160 group homes in Arizona. Our group of volunteers helped to sort things that these kids need immediately when they are removed from their homes to go into foster care, such as clothing, toiletries, hygiene items and other essentials that they need. We also went through donated suitcases and cleaned them out and made sure the zippers and wheels worked, as they also provide these suitcases to children when they age out of the foster care system to pack their things into to get started in their adult lives on their own. They also provide information to kids on personal hygiene and educate them about their bodies and help educate teen mothers on how to care for their babies. Most importantly, they give these kids someone they can trust and confide in, which many of them have never had in their lives. The coordinator told us some stories that absolutely broke my heart! I was honored to help to make these kids’ lives better and I also had fun while doing it. We packed these items into plastic boxes and tied a pink bow on each box as a gift. I look forward to having the opportunity to volunteer with OCJ Kids and strongly encourage anyone that wants to help for a worthy cause such as this to volunteer. ONLINE: moonvalleytattler.com
of an Artisan
knots in your muscles and out; getting your spine or e freely it is an art.
y art!
252
tion.com tion.com E-109
Fitter Kids Are Smarter Kids Celebrating 251 Years of Veterans BY NI CH O L A S WAR NER , D C
DR. NICHOLAS WARNER, C.M.T., D.C. CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST CHIROPRACTOR
Are fitter kids smarter kids? At least when it comes to cognitive skills at an early age, suggests new research. In a study designed to assess the potential correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive test performance among preschoolers, children (ages 4-6) who walked farther than similarly aged children on a timed test (used to estimate cardiorespiratory health) also performed better on cognitive tests. Research findings appear in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. Children completed a six-minute walking test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and were administered several tests of cognitive function, including the Woodcock Johnson Early Cognitive and Academic Development Test (a test of academic abilities); and modified Eriksen “flanker, hearts and flowers task” and “auditory oddball task” to assess cognitive control. The Woodcock Johnson test assesses cognitive abilities via sentence repetition, sound blending, rapid picture naming, picture vocabulary, letterword identification, and writing. The Eriksen tests assess cognitive control by determining a child’s ability to accurately recognize congruency vs. incongruency [for example, if a picture of a heart or flower is on the left, select left (congruency) or right (incongruency); or whether a fish in a row of fishes is going in one direction vs. the opposite direction]. The auditory oddball task assesses children’s ability to recognize rare or “oddball” sounds within a pattern of identical sounds. Study co-author Shelby Keye, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, summarized the research team’s study findings in a press release by the school: “Preschool children with higher estimated cardiorespiratory fitness had higher scores on academic ability tasks related to general intellectual abilities as well as their use of expressive language. They had better performance on computerized tasks requiring attention and multitasking skills, and they showed the potential for faster processing speeds and greater resource allocation in the brain when completing these computerized tasks.”
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On October 17th, the Southwest Veterans Foundation (SWVF) will host its 11th Annual Patriots Ball at Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort to celebrate 251 years of Veterans. The SWVF is a 501(c)(3) charitable on-profit organization supporting Veterans and their families. Moon Valley resident Eric Snelz is the President of the Southwest Veterans Foundation. Tom Sheets is a retired Marine Corps Colonel, member of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, and Executive Director of the SWVF. He notes, “whether you are a Veteran, a family member of a Veteran or just want to support Veterans and their families, we hope you will join us as we celebrate those who fought for our freedom, from Lexington and Concord to today.” Profits from the Patriots Ball support the four program areas of the SWVF: • Veteran Suicide Prevention • Veteran Homelessness Reduction • College and Trade School Scholarships • Financial Support to Veteran Support & Advocacy Groups You can purchase tickets and sponsorships online at the SWVF website— https://swvcc.org/pb/ Tickets are $140 for Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce Members, and $165 for non-members. Table (for 10) sponsorships for organizations start at $1,500. There are also two individual sponsorship levels. Supporting Sponsors Plus receive four tickets— two for you and two for a Veteran and guest. Sponsor names will be featured in the program and recognized during the program—and receive two entries for a $1,000 cash drawing. Businesses may be interested in a marketing ad (no tickets). Supporting Sponsors do not receive any tickets but will fund two Top: Rosie the Riveters 2025 Patriots Ball. seats for a Veteran and guest, have Bottom photo: the Uptown Angels singing their name featured in the program, service song medley. be recognized during the program and receive one entry for a $1,000 cash drawing. This is a great option for those who cannot attend but would like to support our Veterans. If you are a Veteran, or know a Veteran who would like to attend but is financially constrained, we can provide complimentary tickets paid for by our Supporting Sponsors. They are available first come first served. Tom cautions “last year we sold out at 624 and had to close off sales. So, if you think you would like to join us, please get your tickets now.” For questions, more info, or to purchase over the phone contact Tom Sheets t.sheets@swvcc.org/760.213.3705
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The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 11
Welcome Home to North Mountain Church of the MVWC SERVICE PROJECT BY JUDITH GARDNER, PRESIDENT Nazarene by Emily Williams (member of North Mountain Church of the Nazarene) The Moon Valley Women’s Service Project has North Mountain Church of the Nazarene just opened their doors in the heart of Moon Valley just off 7th Street and Thunderbird. “So what?” You may be asking. “There’s a church on every block of Phoenix; it’s just the same old, same old.” But for the few who have started attending in the weeks leading up to the church’s grand opening on October 4th, North Mountain Church offers something more…. A place where ALL are welcome. One attendee, whose arms are covered in vibrant, absolutely stunning tattoo art, has had some very mixed experiences with “church” and Christians throughout her life. But from the moment she walked into the church, she felt something different. She says, “It feels warm, welcoming, and genuinely accepting.” Not like she had to change who she was, look a certain way, or fit into some predetermined box in order to belong. She feels safe here. Safe enough to ask questions, explore her faith, and figure out for herself what a relationship with Jesus could look like for the first time. In her words, “That is exactly what a church should feel like—a safe space where people feel welcomed, valued, and comfortable enough to simply come as they are.” This tiny community is here to radically love anyone within or without the church. One unnamed parishioner who has been a Christian practically her whole life feels that this church genuinely “gets” Jesus. She says, “It feels like a safe place and a home for the worn out, ‘tired of playing it perfect’ believers and spiritually curious or doubting. For those recovering from church hurt, or for those who have never stepped foot in a church before, this community has its arms open wide for you.” The church is pastored by Christian Axe, whose previous church planting experiences and time at Fireside Church in Surprise has equipped him to embrace the newcomer and the curious with compassion and brotherly love. He feels strongly that “The church should be a place everyone feels welcome in to experience the love of Jesus Christ and to ask questions without fear. We want you to come genuinely as you are.” North Mountain Church of the Nazarene has been steadily preparing for its ‘Grand Opening Sunday’ on October 4th, 2026. They look forward to offering a fully fledged Sunday school for young children, small groups for bible study, deeper questions about faith, and even outdoor adventure groups as the church grows. North Mountain Church joyfully invites you to come and see (maybe for the first time) what it looks like to be loved by Jesus. Services are 10AM every Sunday. Bring your whole family, and mark your calendars for October 4th!
elected new officers for the 2026-2027 season. President, Judith Gardner; Treasurer, Kathy Zeblisky; Secretary, Ricki Pagano; Mary Harris, Grant Coordinator, and Members at Large, Jody Rhodes, Lynn Edwards and Sandy Short. The Service Project is the non-profit 501(C)3 part of the Women’s Club, providing goods and funding to the local community from donations they receive from Club members throughout the year. Since its inception in in 2019 the Service Project has distributed $204,069 to the local community. In the past year, 2025-2026 a total of $42,861 was distributed. The Moon Valley Women’s Club Service Project has opened the process to sponsor charities for the upcoming annual grant cycle. Members of the club can sponsor charities for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. All sponsorship documents are due no later than September 15th. The Service Project Board will meet to discuss finalists and select the organizations that meet the grant criteria and fall within the major approved categories. The approved charities eligible to apply for a grant will be notified by October 15 and must submit their applications by November 15th at which time the Board will make decisions as to grantees and grant amounts. The grantees will receive their awards in early December.
Come as you are! We are thrilled to meet you!
of the Nazarene 13640 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85022 northmtnaz.org
Pictured at top and bottom: The congregation. P i c t u r e d m i d d l e l e f t : Pa s t o r C h r i s t i a n A x e a n d his wife, Elise. Pictured middle right: Street view of the church building.
12 September 2026 | info@mvtattler.com
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Multigenerational Living
PROTECTING LOVED ONES FROM SCAMS
THE WRITE STUFF BY GERRY JOHNSON
By Frosty Kroening
Although not a new concept, it is once again gaining traction all across the U.S. “Multigenerational Living” is making a strong comeback. It only makes sense. One residence can function like two homes. Housing costs are up, caregiving needs can be prohibitively expensive, and lifestyle preferences are shifting. There are distinct advantages, for example, several generations living in close proximity allows easy caregiving opportunities for aging parents, or childcare for young or adolescent grandchildren, or adult children in career transitions returning to the nest. The possibilities are many. In the Phoenix area, not many homes have a basement, or are two story. This is not the case in northern Arizona. An upstairs or downstairs area with a separate entrance could be perfect. Growing up in Phoenix, I knew several families that had a separate living area, not attached to the main home, but incorporated into a detached garage. This concept is not for everyone, but for those that need it, it bears looking into. Depending how you would take ownership, a Beneficiary deed might prove very prudent. There most likely would be no probate involved, i.e., a seamless transfer of wealth. There are additional benefits. At some point in the future, the additional living unit might become a viable rental. Enhanced resale value cannot be discounted. Incorporating a home office is an option. This concept may require moving to a property that would accommodate your needs, and it may not be easy to find such a property, but if the concept is appealing, now is the time to start looking. Get with a trusted mortgage loan officer and determine your qualifications and how you would take ownership. Get with a trusted Realtor and give them your parameters. It doesn’t hurt to look and in this difficult buying time, you might find a real bargain. What you don’t need is someone hounding you to make a decision. This concept may take time to germinate. 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.
Older Loved Ones often need help to not become victims of so many kinds of financial scams. The best methods involve being supportive of your Loved One’s well-being. They want to be part of the process and, most of the time, do not want to lose their rights and self-determination. Assuring them that you are protecting their rights goes a long way. Of course, scammers might use this language, too! One step might be to review publicly available warnings together so your Loved One can see that you are following guidelines set by agencies like the United States Postal Inspection Services. You can print out information from uspis.gov. You can also offer to screen their mail with them to decide if mailings are legitimate or scams. If you are really concerned, you can set up a post office box so mail is directed to you for review. The loved one needs to sign the forms unless you have the correct, activated Power of Attorney. You also may need a letter from the Loved One’s doctor saying he or she can no longer handle their affairs. You may need to consult an attorney to be sure you have the correct authority. Also, if your Loved One is busy doing other activities, he or she will not be overly concerned about mail. Social isolation makes seniors vulnerable to fraudsters. Keeping on touch via a 5 minute phone call each day lets the Loved One know you care about them. And, you are more likely to know when something fishy is going on. These are just mail fraud issues. And, there are so many phone fraud schemes, too. And almost every week I receive a letter from a doctor’s office billing service or records company telling me that their computers have been hacked and my information is “out there.” One of my dear friends was scammed of every penny in her savings and checking accounts. Thank goodness a neighbor helped her to set up new accounts. Thankfully she has enough money in retirement income to survive. WE CAN STOP MAIL AND PHONE FRAUD For answers to questions call 1-877-876-2455
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The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 13
Rookie Mom: If I’m Being Honest…
BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE
…I haven’t been doing well since the Lindsay Clancy trial. I wish I had a more polished way to say that. Something with a little humor tucked neatly into the middle so we could laugh and move on. But sometimes motherhood doesn’t give you a neat little punchline. If you follow this column, you know I struggled with postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression after both of my children were born. I wrote about my experience years ago for Scary Mommy, but writing about something and being completely unaffected by it are two very different things. Since the Clancy trial began, I’ve found myself reliving memories I haven’t thought about in years. Not in a nostalgic, scrapbook-y sort of way. More like my brain opened a filing cabinet labeled THINGS WE ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT GOING TO THINK ABOUT TODAY and dumped everything onto the floor. So I did what I’ve learned to do when my mental health starts waving a giant red flag. I called my therapist. I talked to my doctor and adjusted my medication. And I admitted that I wasn’t doing as well as I thought I was. That last one can be the hardest. My first baby is nine. My second is four. I’ve been a mother long enough to have changed approximately 8,000 diapers, packed approximately 4,000 lunches and purchased approximately 47 water bottles that have mysteriously disappeared. I should be past this, right? Except mental illness doesn’t care how many years you’ve been a mother. When my daughter was born, I didn’t even know postpartum psychosis existed. I knew about postpartum depression. I knew motherhood could be difficult. I did not know that severe sleep deprivation, hormonal changes and mental illness could completely distort your perception of reality.
I went 11 days without sleeping after Brynn was born. Eventually, my thinking became irrational and frightening. I didn’t recognize myself. Two weeks after she was born, my husband got me into treatment. I spent five days in a psychiatric hospital. And I was ashamed. Because aren’t mothers supposed to know what they’re doing? What kind of mother needs psychiatric care? Looking back, I wish I could sit next to that version of myself and tell her something I didn’t understand then: She wasn’t a bad mother. She was sick. That’s what has been so difficult about watching the Clancy trial. I can recognize pieces of the conversation surrounding postpartum psychosis: the insomnia, frightening thoughts, psychiatric symptoms and questions about what someone knew or believed. But I cannot pretend my experience tells me what happened inside someone else’s mind. The trial is asking a jury to consider complicated questions about mental illness and criminal responsibility. I don’t know what the jury will ultimately decide. And I don’t think anyone who hasn’t experienced postpartum psychosis can fully understand what it feels like to have your own brain become a place you no longer recognize. But I do know this: A mother can be sick without being a bad mother. Getting help didn’t make me less of a mother. It allowed me to become a healthier one. Treatment didn’t erase what happened. I still carry pieces of that experience. Apparently, I carry enough of them that watching this trial years later has shaken me. continued on next page And maybe that’s okay..
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ROOKIE MOM cont’d... Because recovery doesn’t mean you forget. Sometimes it means you learn what to do when the old wounds get poked. So, if you’re a new mom reading this while wondering why everyone else seems to be blissfully Pinteresting their nursery while you’re crying in the bathroom and wondering if your brain has been replaced by a raccoon with a concussion, please hear me: You don’t have to wait until you’re falling apart to ask for help. Tell your partner. Tell your doctor. Tell your therapist. Tell someone you trust. There is no prize for suffering quietly. I’ve spent years learning that being a good mother doesn’t mean pretending you’re indestructible. Sometimes the bravest thing a mother can say isn’t, “I’ve got this.” It’s: “I’m not OKAY. I need help.” I’ve said those words before. I’m saying them again. But this time, with a little more perspective.
Building Relationships and Serving the Community: GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) We all want meaningful connection — with others and with our community. And we want to make a difference, not simply fill our time with busy work. A growing body of research shows that deep social engagement and community involvement are essential for maintaining cognitive, emotional, and physical health. The Paradise Valley chapter of the GFWC offers a rare combination of genuine friendship, purposeful service, and lasting community impact. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. With more than 65,000 members in clubs across all 50 states and more than 20 countries, GFWC uses a grassroots approach to empower women to make a difference locally. Arizona is home to several active chapters, including the vibrant Paradise Valley group. The Paradise Valley Woman’s Club meets monthly, the Second Monday of the month at the North Mountain Visitor’s Center. Throughout the year, members support students at a local elementary and high school, host a graduation celebration, and deliver teacher appreciation gifts. They assist a local Veterans Home and community food bank, assemble hygiene totes for individuals experiencing homelessness, and for young adults aging out of the foster system. In addition, the club provides annual funding to a dozen or more local organizations offering skills training for the homeless, support for survivors of domestic abuse, parenting classes, literacy programs, and
many other essential services. But service is only part of the story. The club also offers a rich social calendar: a book club, a needlers group for knitting and crafts, holiday parties, and outings to plays and concerts. A legacy member recently hosted two cooking demonstrations where members learned to make egg rolls and steamed buns — delicious, confidencebuilding, and a perfect example of the club’s warm, hands-on camaraderie. These are just a few of the many opportunities to connect, learn, and enjoy time together. The upcoming year is full of new projects, partnerships, and social events. The only thing missing is you. The club welcomes like-minded women who want to build friendships while strengthening the community. Joining is simple: attend a meeting, meet the members, and explore upcoming plans. For more information, visit the GFWC.org website. The first meeting of the 2026– 2027 year will be held on September 14th at 11:30 a.m. at the North Mountain Visitor’s Center, located at 12950 N. 7th Street. Come early at 11:00am to socialize and get to know the members Contact susanshipley33@gmail.com for questions or additional information.
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The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 15
Shadow Rock Church Announces Retirement of Rev. Heintzelman
Shadow Rock Church has a long history of community presence in Moon Valley. This month we’d like to communicate two major happenings to Tattler readers. First, our long-time pastor, Rev. Ken Heintzelman, has retired after 18 years of dedicated service to the church and wider community. While the Shadow Rock congregation is sad to see Pastor Ken leave, we are glad he will continue his passions moving forward. Congratulations Pastor Ken! Stay tuned for more information about Pastoral leadership in September’s Tattler article. Second, the Shadow Rock Education Team is excited to announce our Fall Spiritual Play programming for children from 3-12 years old! Every week, there is a program for 3-8 year olds which meets Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30AM in the Education Building and a monthly program for 9-12 year olds at least one Sunday a month. The content is based on Shadow Rock’s core values of inclusion, justice and spirituality. Children, families and teachers are enthusiastic and engaged in a loving, wondrous and meaningful learning experience. Drop-ins are welcome. We would love to meet you and your children! For questions about Shadow Rock Church’s Spiritual Play programming, please email Liz Curry at secretary@shadowrockucc.org.
Glendale Union High School District ranked among the best in U.S. News & World Report
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.
We are proud to share that all Glendale Union High School District schools ranked among the best in the 2026–2027 U.S. News and World Report rankings! The rankings evaluated data from more than 27,000 high schools nationwide and ranked them based on indicators such as college readiness, state assessment performance, and graduation rates. This achievement reflects the dedication of students, teachers, staff, families, and school communities, and GUHSD’s shared commitment to empowering all students for the choices and challenges of the twenty-first century. Congratulations to the Glendale Union High School District!
16 September 2026 | info@mvtattler.com
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Is It All Just a Pale Blue Dot? As the new school year begins and Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, approaches it gets us thinking. What will this new year be like? It can lead to a downward spiral of negative self-talk. Does it really matter anyway? What difference does one year make from the next? In 1990, Voyager 1 photographed Earth from almost four billion miles away. Our entire planet appeared smaller than one pixel. Every human life, accomplishment and struggle existed on that nearly invisible speck. Many of us have questioned: Is my life anything more than a tiny pale blue dot? At the Moon Valley Rosh Hashanah service, we will address this question. We often think of “our purpose” as being somewhere out there, requiring a lot of searching and spirituality to discover it. In reality it’s the exact opposite. Your purpose is found in your unique circumstances. You do not need to search somewhere else to find it. Your current situation, the people around you and the abilities you have all come together at a particular moment. That moment is orchestrated by God so you can use your talents and innate goodness to influence your exact circumstances. That is
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your purpose. We will contrast the Pale Blue Dot with the morning of June 7, 2023, when New Yorkers woke up to a strange orange sky. The smell of smoke filled the air, even though the fires were hundreds of miles away in Canada. A wildfire begins with one burning leaf. The wind lifts that leaf and carries it to another twig. That twig catches fire and ignites the next. One leaf among trillions becomes the carrier of an enormous flame. The same is true of the influence and purpose of one person. One good action can affect another person, who then affects someone else. A small action can spread much farther than we imagine. Entering the new school year with this message brings hope and encouragement. The world may look like a tiny pale blue dot but your actions can spread like wildfire. To join us for the High Holidays, visit jewishmoonvalley.com/holidays. Wishing you tremendous success in the new school year and a Shanah Tovah!
Rabbi Shneur Wolfman rabbi@jewishmoonvalley.com
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
The women of North Phoenix have a wonderful opportunity to fellowship, shop, and raise funds for a State Certified Charitable Organization: OCJ Kids. Helping Foster Children through opportunity, community, and justice. This is how it works: Clean out your closet and bring your items of women’s clothes, hats, shoes, scarfs, jewelry, etc. to Moon Valley Bible Church at 15602 N 7th Street (or to Lora) before 9/25. How many items you bring is equal to the amount of items you take home (Could be 1 or 30+). Then kick back and return on 9/26 from 9:00am to 12:00 noon to shop for what you’d like. We will have snacks and drinks and we will have all the items organized and ready for shopping. The fundraising part is that this will only cost you $37. and every penny goes to OCJ Kids. To make it easy we are accepting cash, checks, Zelle, and Venmo. The church will purchase toiletries for the incoming children and pack them in sturdy plastic boxes for kids that usually have just the clothes on their backs. The goal is to raise enough for 200+ boxes. Please help us succeed by spreading the word and inviting your friends. This will be fun and all for a great cause. Contact Lora Simonsgaard with any questions: lora.simonsgaard@gmail.com or 818-523-0001
The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 17
Because Summer Camp Is Everything: Civitan Foundation Launches Civitinis
Summer camp is where confidence grows away from home. Where friendships form. Where choices are made. Where independence is practiced, not just imagined. For people with disabilities, access to those same formative experiences matters. At Camp Civitan, campers are welcomed into a supportive environment where they can participate fully, build relationships, try new things, and experience the joy of belonging. But camp is only the beginning. Since 1968, Civitan Foundation has served people with disabilities through programs that create pathways to confidence, independence, belonging, and opportunity. Camp Civitan provides life-shaping experiences in the pines of Williams, while Civitan’s enrichment campuses build upon that confidence year-round through arts, wellness, life-skills, community engagement, and vocational programming. Through social enterprises and employment-centered opportunities, Civitan members are also supported in discovering their talents, strengthening job skills, and pursuing meaningful employment. This October, Civitan Foundation is inviting the community to help build what comes next. Civitinis: Sip & Support will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Civitan Village Patio in Phoenix. The event is a playful cocktail-style fundraiser designed to bring together longtime supporters, former Camp Civitan counselors, families, donors, and new friends for an evening of connection and giving. Unlike a formal sit-down gala, Civitinis will have a relaxed patio-party feel with flavored martinis, mocktail options, heavy appetizers, live entertainment,
hands-on activities, a silent auction, golden ticket raffle, and a dessert bar send-off. Guests can enjoy a fun night out while supporting programs that help people with disabilities participate, grow, connect, and thrive. Funds raised through Civitinis will support Civitan Foundation’s work across Camp Civitan, enrichment campuses, respite services, vocational programming, and social enterprises. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, auction item donated, and gift made helps create more access to the experiences that shape a full life. Community members and businesses are invited to attend, sponsor, or contribute an item for the silent auction. Civitinis: Sip & Support Friday, October 9, 2026 Civitan Village Patio | Phoenix Tickets and sponsorships: civitinis.org
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The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 19
Frozen Shoulder: When Is It Time to Seek Treatment? BY JENA RITCHIE, NBC-HWC FOR MOON VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC Many people assume shoulder pain will simply go away with time, but frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that often becomes progressively worse when left untreated. Early symptoms may include a dull ache in the shoulder, pain when reaching overhead, difficulty fastening a bra, putting on a jacket, reaching into the back seat of a car, or discomfort that wakes you up at night. As the condition progresses, the shoulder can become increasingly stiff, making everyday tasks frustrating and painful. Frozen shoulder is especially common in women between the ages of 40 and 60 and may occur more frequently during perimenopause and menopause, when hormonal changes can affect joint tissues and mobility. Individuals with diabetes, thyroid disorders, previous shoulder injuries, or periods of immobilization following surgery are also at increased risk. If shoulder pain is lasting more than a few weeks, limiting your range of motion, interfering with sleep, affecting your ability to exercise, or preventing you from enjoying activities such as hiking, swimming, gardening, or pickleball, it is time to seek professional evaluation.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until the shoulder becomes severely restricted before seeking help. The earlier frozen shoulder is recognized; the sooner steps can be taken to improve mobility and reduce pain. At Moon Valley Chiropractic, Dr. Jamey Reichow is adept in helping patients with shoulder and joint conditions through a comprehensive, drugfree approach to care. Chiropractic treatment focuses on restoring proper joint function, improving biomechanics, reducing muscle tension, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Combined with targeted stretching, mobility exercises, and individualized recommendations, many patients experience improved function and greater comfort as they work toward recovery. If shoulder pain, stiffness, or loss of motion is affecting your daily life, don’t wait for symptoms to become more severe. Contact Moon Valley Chiropractic at 602-298-0292 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jamey Reichow and learn how conservative chiropractic care may help you regain mobility and return to the activities you love.
Moon Valley, let’s PINK OUT the town!
Join us on October 3rd at 8:00 AM at Steele Indian School Park for the exciting Pink Out 5K! Enjoy a fun-filled morning featuring a community walk, free mammograms, local vendors, a Kids’ Zone, and food trucks. Grab your family and friends to run, walk, celebrate, and support a great cause! 100% of profits stay local to provide free breast health education, mammograms and diagnostic testing, wigs, and support for those facing breast cancer in our community. Registration is now open, so sign up today to secure your complimentary race-day T-shirt! www.checkforalump.org/pinkout5k
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HansenMortuary.com “Helping families begin to heal.”
mortuary and cemetery services
We recognize each family with a customized service that celebrates life and memorializes loved ones.
Trish Hansen Kerr, Brad Hansen, Tanner Kerr, & Stuart Hansen
20 September 2026 | info@mvtattler.com
Family Owned and Operated Since 1949
Stuart Hansen, Trish Hansen Kerr and Brad Hansen ONLINE: moonvalleytattler.com
Moon Valley Business Directory
David Clark Owner/Operator
Sales, service + installation for all HVAC systems
TutkoPlumbing@aol.com
602-793-2477 david@clarkheatandcool.com clarkheatandcool.com ROC #272689, 272690
Aaron Ricker Owner/Manager ROC #353356
602-677-0494
info@mvtattler.com 602-765-0902
STartt promoting your business now:
rioverdepainting@yahoo.com
Call us: 602.765.0902
Rosh Hashana Sep. 11-14
Yom Kippur Sep. 20-21
Drywall Shelving Drywall Repair Repair Closet Minor Painting Doors DoorInterior/Exterior Casing Pre-Hung Doors Baseboards Faucets Casing Baseboards Garbage Garbage Disposals Disposals Lighting Toilets Faucets Lighting Toilets Wall Mount Screens Ceiling FansFlatand More Ceiling Fans and More
FREE QUOTES
Britt Harms Harms || Owner Owner && Operator Operator Britt
Moon Valley Over 20 Years MoonResident Valley Resident
602-741-5166 Licensed, Bonded & Insured Licensed, Bonded & Insured
The Moon Valley Tattler | September 2026 21
Classifieds 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!
Piano Lessons PRIVATE ONLINE & IN STUDIO Why Wait? All Ages Welcome. Play songs you love and songs to grow
Pro
Window
Spotless
coordination, focus, confidence, good habits—and the heart. First 2
Guaranteed.
Moon
lessons FREE. Patient and positive teaching style.
Valley
Text
How You Learn Makes a Difference.
602.969.1924
PianoKeysToMusic.com
visit
Valerie Thomas
20th St. & Greenway Pkwy.
A Trusted Moon Valley Studio Since 1995
Residential
Cleaner.
on. Piano is More Than Music Fun! Stimulates imagination, creativity,
Homes,
Drywall
Commercial Businesses,
Windows,
Resident.
Drywall Repairs and Texturing
Cleaning Services
Pro Window Cleaner
damage, remodeling, and
One time, Weekly, by-
popcorn ceiling removal. In
weekly or Monthly,
business since 1980.
Free estimates, call
albinobuffalo.com
Mike
602-326-2780
to learn more.
Clear Advantage Window Cleaning Glass
Cleaning
performing
highest
detailed
The Moon Valley Tattler is distributed monthly free of charge to Moon Valley area homes.
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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.
Specialist quality
time.
Tracks/Sills/
Screens/Sunscreens
cleaned.
15+
yrs.
exp.
Free
Estimate.
Owner Operated.
Publication of an ad does not constitute an endorsement. Business profiles are based on infor-
Please submit a SASE if return is necessary. The publisher reserves the right to reject any
Deep
Cleaning or reoccurring maintenance for Homes, Business, Airbnb, Move in/Move outs Once, weekly, by-weekly, monthly Call Sparklehomeco
480 228-5453
submitted for use in future issues.
Professional
Free estimates
Moon Valley Resident. Joe Albert
mation supplied from advertisers. Readers are urged to verify. Articles and photographs can be
Acoustics
Cleaning Services
PERFECTIONIST every
Collins
623-582-4325
Call/Text 602-574-3694
Distribution Information
and
Texturing. Includes water
Move in / Move outs
or
repairs
480-698-9484
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2 AKC registered English Bulldogs free for adoption if interested
tler.com,
contact: lben06331@gmail.com
602-765-0902, Publisher & Editor: Dawn Trapp
Handy Dandy Classifieds Form Use the form at right to mail or drop off your classified ad. You may also email a Word document directly to info@mvtattler.com 20 WORDS FOR $20 (PER MONTH). Additional words are 50 cents each. MAIL................................ Moon Valley Postal 13236 N. 7th St. #4304 Phoenix 85022 DROP OFF..................... Moon Valley Postal 13236 N. 7th St. #4304 Phoenix 85022 EMAIL..............................................................................................info@mvtattler.com
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Name______________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number_______________________ ____________________________________ Credit Card Type___________________ Exp.___________________CCV#_______________ Billing Address________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State____________ Zip________________ Month(s) To Print__________________________Phone_______________________________ Signature___________________________________________________________________
22 September 2026 | info@mvtattler.com
ONLINE: moonvalleytattler.com
JACKIE BRIGGS
AUDRA SCHREY
602-717-4844
480-254-3164
OWNER & BROKER
Your Moon Valley Real Estate Experts
REALTOR
BOBBY PRIEST
GREG SCHUTSKY
602-292-4567
602-738-1623
REALTOR
REALTOR
Find Your Next Home at www.LocalityHomes.com
MOON VALLEY HOMES FOR SALE
JU ST
JU ST
PR IC E N EW
417 E. BECK LANE LI ST ED
510 E. LE MARCHE AVE LI ST ED
52 W. THUNDERBIRD RD
4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2,194 SQ FT | Pool & No HOA www.510eLeMarche.com
4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2,582 SQ FT | Remodeled www.417eBeckLane.com
611 E. CANTERBURY LANE
1431 W. CARIBBEAN LANE
727 E. KINGS AVE
CO SO M ONING !
CO SO M ONING !
RE F M UL OD L EL Y ED
4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2,677 SQ FT | Golf Course Lot www.52wThunderbird.com
6 BEDS | 7 BATHS | 6,034 SQ FT | Private Casita CALL JACKIE BRIGGS FOR MORE DETAILS
4 BEDS + DEN | 3.5 BATHS | 2,595 SQ FT CALL BOBBY PRIEST FOR MORE DETAILS
525 W. WILLOW AVE
216 W. WINGED FOOT RD
15842 N. 7TH DR JU ST
JU S
T
PE SA ND LE IN G
SO LD
SO LD
3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2,146 SQ FT | Pool & No HOA CALL JACKIE BRIGGS FOR MORE DETAILS
4 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 2,552 SQ FT | Open Floorplan www.525wWillowAve.com
4 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 2,404 SQ FT | Private Yard www.216wWingedFoot.com
4 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 3,018 SQ FT | Pool & Spa www.15842n7thDr.com
LOCALITY HOMES IS PROUD TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SHOWCASE OF HOMES!
e h t e v a S te! Moon Valley Da
SHOWCASE OF HOMES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
E X P L O R E M O O N VA L L E Y D U R I N G A C O M M U N I T Y O P E N H O U S E F E AT U R I N G 2 0 + H O M E S
@mv.showcase.of.homes
facebook.com/mvshowcaseofhomes
REAL ESTATE
MARKET UPDATE
brought to you by Dave Dix | Associate Broker
s, 2
1326 N. Central | Phoenix
207 W. Clarendon #12A | Phoenix
5332 N. Questa Tierra | Phoenix
Stunning rare plan with roll-up door and direct access to huge patio! 2 bed | 2 bath | 1624 sf
12A is the kind of space that's capable of providing relaxation as well as inspiration!
Hidden Treasure in North Central! 3 bed | 2 bath | 1624sf
Listed at $685,000
Listed at $339,000
Listed at $1,147,000
4549 E. Blue Sky | Cave Creek
4630 E. Charles Dr. | Paradise Valley
7823 N. 7th Pl. | Phoenix
Better Than The Day it was Built. Dramatic High End Remodel w/ Premium Lot 5 bed | 3.5 bath | 4461 sf
The property's view provide breathtaking unobstructed views of mountains & city lights. 5 bed | 2.5 bath | 2112 sf
An exceptionally done remodel that reflects the charm and spirit of North Central living. 4 bed | 2.5 bath | 2516 sf
Listed at $1,400,000
Listed at $2,500,000
SOLD! $1,130,000
MOON VALLEY UPDATE!
Single Family Homes - 1/1/26-7/23/26 Total Sales - 436 Average Sale Price - $778,070 Average Price Per Square Foot - $334.32 Lowest Sale Price - $425,000 Highest Sale Price - $1,950,000 Average Days on Market - 56
Dave Dix
SCAN HERE! DON'T MISS OUT ON MOON VALLEY NEWS!
Associate Broker | Realtor 602-686-1503 DaveDix@DaveDix.com
Discover Moon Valley with an Expert!
I'm a proud Moon Valley resident of 30 years and have been selling real estate in this fantastic community for nearly 20 years. As your dedicated Moon Valley Real Estate Expert, I've been a full-time REALTOR® since 2007 and earned my Broker's license in 2012. I've had the pleasure of assisting hundreds of Buyers and Sellers with their real estate needs, both residential and commercial. With my deep roots in Moon Valley and extensive experience, I’m here to guide you through every step of your real estate journey. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.