Moon Valley Tattler August 2021

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august 2021 Vol. 41 No. 8

schoolnutrition,

and how our kids need

you Read Now - 7

A place to create - 4 remote opportunities to give to our community - 11 we have a riddle for you - 13 Welcome back monsoon - 22 ECRWSSEDDM POSTAL CUSTOMER PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, ARIZONA PERMIT NO. 1424

MOON VALLEY’S ROOFER VOTED #1 Roofing Contractor 14 Years in a Row!

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Two More Flowers in the Garden of the Arizona Women’s Partnership

BY PAU L A C U L L I S O N

“Our garden has been growing since 2002. Many flowers continue to bloom for us via ‘job’ postings on www.volunteermatch.org and chance meetings at local events”, notes Paula Cullison, President and Founder of the Arizona Women›s Partnership.

Charu Chaturvedi , a seasoned professional with expertise in marketing and the legal field, volunteered to help us develop a resource list of Arizona foundations who direct their funds to assist women and children. The list will be shared with our AZWP grant recipients and will be posted on our website. Charu moved to the United States a year ago. Prior to this, she was working as an insolvency and bankruptcy lawyer in Delhi, India. Charu holds degrees in Political Science and Law from the University of Delhi, India.

“Shortly after I moved to Phoenix, the pandemic crisis hit. During this period, with more time to spare than usual, I began looking for volunteer opportunities and came across Arizona Women’s Partnership - a wonderful non-profit organization which helps underserved women by amplifying the causes of grass root organizations that are working so diligently in Arizona. My experience with AZWP has been so gratifying, thanks to the guidance of Paula and her benevolent vision for the women of Arizona. It makes me feel grateful to have been able to give back to the community in my own small way through AZWP. Susan Sokolsky, whose vast experience is in school district and medical center administration, is developing an updated print and electronic media list for AZWP. This will enable us to increase the number who know about AZWP and our grant recipients,

Susan stated, “After a very fulfilling career I wanted to give back and donate my time and skills to help others. While researching volunteer opportunities I found Arizona Women’s Partnership. It is an honor to work with Paula and a wonderful organization created to help disadvantaged and underserved women in our community.”

“For the Arizona Women’s Partnership, based in Moon Valley, volunteers are a critical part of our growth. With their help, we continue to broaden our donor base. We are grateful to Charu and Susan for their willingness to help us,” Cullison added.

«We are so pleased too that we have been able to assist small charities that address critical needs; most are multi-year grant recipients,» notes Pamela Gill, AZWP - VP. This year AZWP had a matching challenge donation of $3,000 from Ralph and Roxanne Martin which was more than matched. «The Arizona Women›s Partnership is especially grateful to the Violent M. Johnson Family Foundation for their generosity which has amounted to $340,000 over the past 13 years. In this wonderful way, they continue to honor their maternal grandmother,» Cullison added.

Our 2021 grant receipients who were awarded $35,500 total are: About Care for the Elderly; Achieving My Purpose; Alice’s Place; Angel Heart Pajama Project; Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents; Arizonans for the Protection of Exploited Children and Adults; AZ Reach; Billy’s Place; Constructing Circles of Peace; Control Alt Delete; Desert Sounds Performing Arts; Dignity House; Foster AZ; Grand Canyon Music Festival; H.A.V.E.N. Family Resource Center; Helping At Risk Teens (HART); Hope’s Crossing; Kids in Focus; Laptops4Learning; Live and Learn AZ; One Hundred Angels; Pan de Vida; Somali American United Council of AZ; Unlimited Potential; Welcome to America Project; Will2Walk; and Y.E.S. for Navajo Youth.

You can follow the Arizona Women’s Partnership on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. For more information visit: www.azwp.org Email: azwpinc@aol.com or Tel: 602-863-9744

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The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 3

A place to create

M O O N VALLE Y M AG I C BY D EB B I E ER BS TO E SSER When I was pregnant with our third child and faced with the possibility of losing my precious sewing room I was in tears.

Thankfully I had another boy. A girl would’ve needed her own room with two big brothers in the house and I’d lose my safe place to create.

I have lots of different projects I work on. The only things I don’t physically create in my little room are my lighted bottles. I need the drill press to bore the holes and then I have to soak off the labels and clean the bottles before threading the lights through. The bottles are a lot of work. Actually everything I create is a lot of work, but because everything is a work of love, it doesn’t seem awful.

I gift out most of what I make. My family appreciates handmade gifts, but I’ve learned that everyone else doesn’t necessarily think those gifts are special.

Some think that handmade gifts are ‘cheap’ and therefore don’t see their value.

Over the years I’ve learned that those people don’t do crafts and create works of art.

I have a hard time getting creative when my sewing room is a messy, disaster. Summer break is when it gets organized. I’m always amazed at what I have and didn’t remember I had. Crafters like me are aware that you never know when you’ll need that item for your next moment of inspiration, so I keep everything.

If I were away all summer I wouldn’t get my sewing room cleaned up like I do every year. Several of our friends leave and either rent or own a place north where it’s somewhat cooler. I have no desire to do that. Everything I love is here; my gym, crafts, sewing machines, but mostly my family. Gary doesn’t get the summer off, and our boys live and work in the Valley. Then there are the darn dogs who are too big to travel with. I’d rather be hot here in the ‘hood, than leave for the summer just to be cooler.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for my precious sewing room to become the dumping ground as Christmas approaches. One section of the closets is

where the boxes, bows, bags and gift wrap are. If I am creative during the holidays, something has to go. Either my project gets moved out into a bigger space or the wrapping of gifts goes into the guest bedroom. The mess is all me, I am the culprit, as no one else dares to enter, except Gary sometimes.

He’ll step inside, look around and shake his head with a smile, as there are times when I’ve got more than one project going on at once.

Wherever we get creative and do our thing…it is valuable and life sustaining, because the magic happens in the creating.

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TRAPPED IN MOON VALLEY

LET TER FROM THE EDITOR

Rain, rain go away come back another day…. I guess if we lived in Washington State or New York, that might be a chant we would use often. But Arizona…. Let the sunshine in, but bring on the rain, whenever you wish!

What a crazy couple of weeks, the spicket is flowing and the views around us are amazing. Many know I am a Northern Arizona gal during the summer, monsoons here can be for days, hard, heavy, and out of nowhere., the sky opens up and whoosh! This summer is no exception, the thunder and lightning shows have been amazingly fun to watch, but also somewhat dangerous. Fires, lighting striking hikers, flooding and very damaging to homes, businesses, the roads and nature.

Don’t just advertise.

Water is something I have the upmost respect for, the force can be so debilitating and something we just cannot control. Seeing filled creeks, lakes, culverts, and roadways is a very important reminder to NOT enter, the dangers are so real.

I love the water, raining water, drinking water, playing, and bathing in the water. An old Hawaiian native once told me while I was playing at the beach, and have never forgotten - Never turn your back to the water, for it changes constantly. Be safe, teach your children to swim at an early age, love and respect the beautiful natural benefits of Water! Stay dry or grab your rain boots, umbrella, and head out and as Gene Kelly sang….

Singing in the rain, what a glorious feeling, I’m happy again…..

Dawn Trapp

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Lunch Costs and Worker Shortages Skyrocket in Valley Schools B Y K AT H Y G L I N D M E I E R The COVID pandemic and online learning presented a unique set of challenges to school nutrition programs across the country. In March 2020, when the country went into lockdown, child nutrition programs pivoted their service to “curbside” meals and provided families with meals until in-person learning resumed. Child nutrition employees joined the ranks of first line workers in making sure families had balanced meals.

As Arizona students return to school this month, child nutrition directors are gearing up and facing a new set of challenges. Prior to COVID, only low-income students in PV Schools received free meals. Since the start of the pandemic, all students, regardless of family income levels, are now eligible for free meals for the entire 2021-22 school year.

Staffing over 40 school kitchens will be one of the biggest challenges, according to Camille Unrah, SNS, MPH, director of Nutrition and Wellness for Paradise Valley Unified School District. As the economy has reopened, the food service industry, and schools in particular, have faced worker shortages.

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Post-pandemic food inflation is a second challenge facing child nutrition programs this year. Supply chain disruptions have caused a shortage of packaging materials. Before COVID, self-serve salad bars were used in school lunchrooms to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables. As a result of the pandemic, all food must now be individually wrapped and prepackaged. This requires added labor and leads to greater packaging waste.

Since 90 percent of the food served in school meal programs is transported by trucks, the increase in gasoline prices has added transportation surcharges to the overall lunch costs.

School menus are carefully planned to provide balanced nutrition while appealing to students ages 5 to 18. Studies show that since the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act was signed into law in 2010, school meal have consistently outperformed meals from home when analyzed for nutrition. Typically, school meals score higher on essential nutrients such as calcium and protein. Fiber is more likely to occur in school meals due to the whole fruit and vegetable requirements and the limit on the amounts of fruit juice allowed. The elimination of frying as a preparation method in the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act resulted in a decrease in the amount of added fat and calories.

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PV Community Food Bank Increases Food Box Distribution As a registered dietitian, former director of nutrition and wellness for PV Schools, and vice-chairperson of PV Community Food Bank, I have worked closely with the school district and food bank to ensure that our community has access to consistent, nutritious meals. During COVID, the food bank has increased the number of family and senior food boxes distributed to its clients and, when possible, honored walk-in clients.

In an effort to align the nutritional content of the food boxes with the USDA goals for school meals, the food bank has added more protein and decreased the amount of processed foods. If you are interested in supporting the food bank with a donation of food or cash, please visit our website at www.pvcommunityfoodbank.org.

Limited dine-in Now Available (602) 938-7492 to place togo & Delivery Orders The Moon Valley Tattler | JUly 2021 7

Estate Planning -

Putting an Estate Plan in Place Means More than Writing a Will

Who needs it?

BY LIBBY BANK S, PLLC THE L AW OFFICE OF LIBBY BANK S

Who Needs Estate Planning?

Many people, when they hear the words “estate planning,” don’t think it applies to them. “I don’t have an estate to plan!” they may say. I think this comes about from the use of the word “estate.” The word is often used to refer to the mansions and real estate holdings of the rich and famous.

But the definition of an estate is “all of the things that a person owns.” In other words, your estate is the sum of your stuff: your home, your bank accounts, your stocks and bonds, your retirement account, your cars and boat, and your personal property. For some, including young parents, the biggest asset at death will be their life insurance policy. When they say they don’t have an estate, they are forgetting about what they leave behind with insurance.

Big or small, most adults have an estate of some sort. If you don’t plan for it, don’t worry, the state has a plan for you; it just may not be what you want.

Estate Planning is More than Distributing What You Own at Your Death

While a large portion of estate planning is determining how your estate will be distributed at death, a good estate planner is doing much more. The estate planning professional should assure that you have the right things in place in case you become incapacitated. Who will manage your assets and your financial affairs if you can’t? Who will make decisions about your healthcare? With proper planning, you decide that and make sure that the person you choose can quickly take charge of your legal and financial matters.

Without proper planning someone will have to ask the court to appoint them as conservator of your finances and guardian of your person. You can’t guarantee it will be who you would choose. I can guarantee it will be a time-consuming, expensive, and public proceeding for you and your family.

Protect

As you may already have surmised, a Will isn’t going to be enough. 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. Instead, you need a Will along with a whole series of other documents to assure that you have a proper estate plan.

For someone to handle your financial affairs while you are incapacitated, you need a Durable Power of Attorney. You need a Healthcare Power of Attorney to appoint who you want to make health care decisions if you can’t. At my office, we also do a general release to permit your financial and health caregivers access to your medical records, which can be difficult with the federal HIPPA laws preventing disclosure.

Avoiding Probate at Your Death Is Important Too

Most of my clients come in wanting to avoid probate. This is an important part of estate planning as well. We have several methods to do this, all of which protect you while you are still living, but still provide for an easy distribution at your death. Homemade probate avoidance techniques, like putting one of your children as a joint owner of your bank accounts or other assets can have disastrous consequences. Estate Planning is one place where getting an expert involved can save your family great time, expense, and heartache.

Revocable Living Trusts are Great for Incapacity Planning and Distributing Your Assets: One of the most effective ways to address planning for your incapacity and for your death is the Revocable Living Trust – all without court intervention. The Revocable Living Trust: Is controlled by you until you are incapacitated or pass on Is readily accepted by financial institutions Provides detailed instructions & directions from you to your successor trustee Holds your 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 during incapacity, or to manage and distribute your assets on death Learn More About Estate Planning: I try to make it easy to learn more about estate planning. My website (www.libbybanks.com) has lots of information.

I also offer a free initial consultation where we can discuss your specific situation and what estate plan will work best for your situation. Call the office at 602-3756752 to schedule our meeting in person or via Zoom or phone.

Your family deserves to be provided for after you’re gone.

Complimentary first meeting & available via Zoom.

602.375.6752 www.libbybanks.com | libby@libbybanks.com 5010 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

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Bike seats

A lot has been done with bike seats in the last few years. Old school seats were made with a metal base. Then vinyl or leather was stretched over a thin pad of foam. Not real comfy but it lasted a long time.

New seats have plastic base some with cutouts. These cutouts add to comfort seen when turning the seat over. Seats can have gel or foam for padding. Gel seems not to last as long. Choosing the right seat can be tricky. A softest biggest seat may be wrong for your purpose . If you buy to wide of seat it can rub on your thighs making a poor ride. A seat that is very soft will just just bottom out

Call us: 602.765.0902

when you sit on it. You can’t push a 100lbs with your finger, the seat should be some what firm. If you ride perpendicular with the seat you will need a wide seat 12 to 14 inches in width. When you are slightly bent the seat needs to be thinner. More bent even thinner seat. Height of the seat should not be over looked. A full pedal stoke is a must. The seat should be level to the ground.

Tipped down or up you are always sliding off. A good seat makes a good ride

Leon Try Me Bicycle Shop

The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 9

Rookie Mom: How to invest in your child’s future now I have a very distinct memory about my parent’s divorce when I was in 4th grade.

My parents hadn’t announced to our family of five children that they had decided to separate yet. I remember being outside my parents’ bedroom, sitting on the top step of the stairs, hearing my mom cry: “How will the kids be able to afford college?”

I am a University of Arizona alum for my undergraduate and Arizona State University alum for my graduate degree, but took out private and public loans in order to make that work. I’m 36, and about $120,000 in debt, mostly from my graduate degree. FAFSA and I were fast friends.

My husbands’ parents, on the other hand, thought up and down about how to protect their kids from living their adult life in debt. They paid for my husband’s in-state undergraduate degree from the University of Washington, and my husband paid for his graduate degree from Gonzaga University, which left him about $35,000 in debt during “young adulthood.”

Now as my husband and I hit a little spot of financial freedom thanks to the sale of our second home -- not totally, but definitely able to live a lot more -- my brain is more focused on how our 4-year-old can live a life of financial freedom and independence when she turns 18. You don’t have to be a millionaire to invest in your child’s future, but here are small steps we’ve taken to ensure our daughter is protected financially for her future.

Open a College Savings Plan: Officially called the 529 Plan, while your money is in the account, no taxes will be due on investment earnings. When

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

Glendale Union High School District offers nine nationally recognized high schools right in your own backyard. All schools are ranked among America’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report. GUHSD is proud to provide championship athletics, extracurricular activities, cutting-edge STEM opportunities, career & technical education options, and so much more. The new school year begins on August 9. It is not too late for new students to enroll for the 2021-2022 school year. Enrollment information can be located here: https://bit.ly/3xfapvT.

B Y B R I G H I D CO N S TA B L E

you take money out for qualified education expenses, withdrawals are federal income tax-free. We just put a low amount of $15 in per month, but that money is put into stocks performing well over time so it increases overtime. We started an account when she was born into my husband’s Fidelity Arizona College Savings Plan, but it already has $4,000. What I also like about the 529 Plan is that I can share the account number with grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends, etc., so they can also invest in Brynn’s future as a, let’s say, birthday or Christmas gift.

Acorns App: This app is actually what made me want to write this article.

I’m sure you’ve seen ads or heard about the Ashton Kutcher-invested Acorns app.

The idea behind this app is that you can choose to deposit a certain amount per week which is invested into a small portfolio, but any money you spend that’s linked to the account gets rounded to the next dollar. These are called “Round Ups.” I actually opened a totally separate bank account at a local credit union dedicated to the Acorns account. This is mainly so I can reap whatever future rewards come from being part of a credit union (i.e. lower interest fees on loans, local deals, etc.). At this rate, Brynn is supposed to have $22,492 by age 18.

It’s not a lot that we’re investing, but it DOES and WILL add up over these next 14 years until she turns 18. I truly believe and hope that our children will have a stress-free future filled with opportunities that mirror their heart’s interests. It’s up to us, as parents, to model that first healthy financial step.

Happy investing for your children’s future!

First Day of School: August 9th

In less than one month, Glendale Union High School District will be starting the 2021-2022 school year. The first day of school is on August 9.

Administrators, teachers, and support staff look forward to welcoming everyone back. More information regarding the school year will be forthcoming from

the schools.

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

Semper Fi.

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Always Loyal to Your Financial Needs.

EARL & ED TRAPP, MCRD CELEBRATING ED’S GRADUATION FEB. 20, 1964

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Remote Opportunities to Give to Our Community Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) was founded in 1997 by two mothers and their developmental pediatrician. And today SARRC is an internationally recognized nonprofit that conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, disseminates effective training and builds inclusive communities for individuals with autism and their families. SARRC is dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community outreach.

Additionally, SARRC is one of the only autism organizations in the world that provides a lifetime of services for individuals and their families while also conducting cutting edge research (www. autismcenter.org).

Since many of SARRC’s schools and activities have been closed this year, the Moon Valley Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) has collaborated with the organization to do some “remote” volunteer activities. One activity included filming ourselves reading books to preschool aged children and then having that book reading posted on the SARRC YouTube channel. “I have always liked reading books and being read to, so it has been fun to give back to others,” says Samantha Patton.

Another activity was to have a member pick a small craft, like showing students how to make a paper airplane or hand puppet and filming step-by-step directions so the student can learn how to make it themselves. Courtney Ryan chose a project called “Reach for the Clouds with Cloud Dough!” Courtney

BY CHRISTINE PATTON

said, “I loved this craft because it was 3 easy steps and 2 ingredients. It works similar to clay.”

Kate Ryan filmed a card trick for her activity. She stated, “for my craft, I did a card trick that my brother taught me. I really enjoyed doing this because I thought it would be something fun and different that kids would enjoy learning.

I also thought that they would enjoy trying the trick on their friends and family just like my brother enjoyed doing it on me.”

Approximately 60 NCL members read books or filmed an activity and each of these books and crafts were uploaded to SARRC’s YouTube channel so that the therapists and students have a “library” to choose from.

Finally, Moon Valley NCL members have taken part in writing thank you notes to the clinicians who have been going into student’s homes to work 1-on1 with them. It feels good to give thanks to the clinicians who are working so hard to find ways to continue to socially engage with their students while staying safe when going into various homes. All in all, these volunteer opportunity give us, as a community, the chance to thank the SARCC clinicians for their courage and dedication to continuing their work with students, especially when those children need their help more than ever.

NCL, Inc. is a philanthropic organization with over 200 chapters across the country that all share the mission of fostering strong motherdaughter relationships through community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. Members include girls ranging from 7th to 12th grade along with their mothers. For more information about NCL, Inc., please visit our website at moonvalley.natioanlcharityleague.org

We need your support for our disability community.

Invest in Civitan Foundation, Inc. with your charitable donations. Each day, our nonprofit provides opportunities, independence, inclusivity and a higher quality of life to more than 1,000 differently-abled individuals. And summer time is no exception.

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#WhyWeLoveCivitan CivitanFoundationAZ.org Call us: 602.765.0902

The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 11

Shaw Butte Trail:

Herminia and Jeff make hiking on Shaw Butte a family affair. They celebrate holidays with a climb

BY JULIE PEK to the summit with their 3 growing children. On their daily hikes they take turns.

One of them hikes first, usually Herminia, while Jeff watches the kids at home.

Once she is back, Jeff goes on his trek and she watches the kids.

They start most days like this.

They are rarely hiking alone. Over the 12 years of Shaw Butte climbs, they’ve met so many fellow hikers that Herminia refers to them as her “Hiking Family.” “Being on the trail and catching up with friends has become a part of our social life,” she said. “And I look forward to meeting at the parking lot and chatting all the way to the top.”

Jeff and Herminia met while working at a local elementary school. They share a love of nature and outdoor activity, so it was easy to introduce their children to it. “The kids love hearing the coyotes and owls in the early hours of It looks nice. We just have a few changes. On the top take off the x rays because we are not doing that right now. the day and it’s important for them to learn as they exercise,” said Jeff. The path is wide enough and safe for all of them to be hiking together. And the challenge Friday we are open from 8-12 of going to the top is a great learning experience.

They prefer hiking in the mornings to catch the beautiful sunrise, but on wesee treat many hot summer evenings, you’ll one shingles of them on a sunset hike. Carrying extra water and a cooling wrap around the neck is their trick to staying cool.

A FAmily Affair

Herminia & Jeff’s Hiking Tip: Get your family out to exercise, have fun, and make friends.

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What has black fur, sweet eyes and a gentle soul?

The answer is Riddles & Rhymes (666909), An American Pit Bull Terrier mix who has just had a rough time. A mass removed from her leg, Medicine for kennel cough, She needs a fur-ever home so she can take a load off!

Riddles & Rhymes was surrendered to the Arizona Humane Society in June and was treated in AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™. In addition to a mass removal on her leg and treatment for a case of kennel cough, Riddles & Rhymes was spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. Last year, AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™ gave 10,814 pets like Riddles & Rhymes just that… a second chance at a good life.

This sweet 4-year-old girl is now ready to find a loving family. She would love to spend her days relaxing in her very own dog bed, and her nights taking walks with her humans while it’s cool outside (fun fact: she is already leash trained!).

Riddles & Rhymes will need to meet all human kiddos she will be living with to ensure a great fit. AHS’ Virtual Adoption Matchmaking Program by appointment

is available to place pets, like Riddles & Rhymes, with their forever families!

For more information, visit azhumane.org/adopt.

Please note: This pet might have been adopted by the time of your appointment, however AHS has dozens more wonderful pets who also need loving homes.

Interested adopters can view available pets and schedule an appointment online to meet their next furry friend at www.azhumane.org/adopt!

Give today so pets will have a tomorrow.

Give now at azhumane.org/summer Call us: 602.765.0902

Thank you to our sponsor

The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 13

COME JOIN

THE MOON VALLEY WOMEN’S CLUB!!

Ladies, are you looking for something fun to do? Interested in meeting your neighbors and making new friends? Then come join the Moon Valley Women’s Club!

We are a neighborhood social club founded in 1970, with over 180 members ranging in age from 20 to 90 years old! Besides a wide variety of activity groups, we hold an annual fundraiser to support local worthy causes. Club events include a monthly luncheon with informative and entertaining speakers. There is a monthly newsletter, and the Club has a website with lots of info and photos at mvwomensclub.org . Check it out!!

Membership is now open for the 2021/2022 season. Our dues are only $30 per year. That’s a bargain!! The first luncheon of the season will be on September 9th and will include a meet and greet social. There are dozens of activity groups available to join, from book clubs to card groups, hiking to movies, gardening to wine tasting. New groups are formed each year, so if you have a good idea then get something started!

For more information about membership in the Moon Valley Women’s Club, please visit our website: mvwomensclub.org You can also contact us by email: moonvalleywomensclub@gmail.com

WESD Updates for AUgust

BY DR . PAUL S TANTON, SUPERINTENDENT, WESD Dear WESD Partners and Community Members, Summer is coming to a close and the first day of school is just around the corner. WESD students and staff were hard at work this summer. We had over 3.500 students join us for summer learning opportunities and we are so proud of all that they accomplished. Our staff has also been busy, attending professional development, planning curriculum and lessons, and getting our campuses ready for the first day of school on Monday, August 9th. I am grateful for all of their hard work and looking forward to sharing a great school year with our community.

Lowering Class Sizes Knowing that our students will be entering the new school year with a variety of needs, we have lowered class sizes at all grade levels, especially in our primary classrooms. This allows our teachers to personalize their work with our students to better meet their needs. Please share with your friends and neighbors who may have an interest in a smaller class experience for their student.

Now Enrolling Families for the 2021 – 2022 School Year There is still time to enroll in preschool – eighth grade at all of our campuses for the first day of school. We offer some of the lowest teacher to student ratios in the area. Our schools are open to those who live outside district boundaries through open enrollment. Families can quickly and conveniently register online or visit our Welcome and Registration Center (3200 W. Cholla St.) for assistance with the registration process. To learn more or visit https://www.wesdschools. org/registration.

WESD Completes Campus Improvement Projects Our construction teams completed campus improvement projects at 31 locations this summer. These projects included the installation of new flooring, new playground equipment, stage equipment, HVAC replacements and much more. I would like to thank our community, as many of these projects are bondfunded and would not be possible without you.

Thank you for your continued support of the WESD. I am looking forward to working together this school year.

Gratefully, Dr. Paul Stanton Superintendent

14 august 2021 | info@mvtattler.com

www.moonvalleytattler.com

Lighting for your home

by Tom Sertich

Modifying the lighting in your home can dramatically change the appearance.

If you are interested in changing or adding to the lighting in your home, a good lighting plan is essential. You need to think through your lighting needs; 1. What type of lighting - Reading, food prep, general, vanity, or secondary.

2. Where do you need the lighting - Library, family room, kitchen, counter area, halls, walkway, vanity, or outdoor.

3. How much light do you need -Work center, mood, specific highlight areas, or entry.

There are basically three types of lighting for your home.

General Lighting: General lighting provides overall lighting for a specific room. General lighting illuminates the area so you can walk around safely. In some areas of the home such as the laundry rooms, general lighting can serve as task lighting. Typical types of general lighting are ceiling mounted light fixtures, recessed can lighting, hanging light fixtures, track lighting and ceiling fan lighting.

Accent Lighting: Accent lighting draws your attention to a specific object or area. Accent lighting can be used indoor for artwork, plants, bookcases, above cabinet wall washing and outdoors to highlight trees, plants or any landscaped area. Typical types of accent lighting are recessed directional lighting, track lighting, landscape lighting and wall mounted fixtures.

Task Lighting: Task lighting provides lighting to perform specific tasks in the house. Areas of the house that use task lighting are kitchens for food preparation, living rooms and home offices for reading, and bathrooms at the vanity area. Typical types of task lighting are under cabinet lighting in the kitchen, track lighting, sconces at the vanity and lamps for reading.

Use LED lighting on all your lighting needs. LED lighting has become very popular due to long life and energy savings. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and replaces other types of lights such as incandescent, halogen and fluorescent.

LED lights are cooler, smaller and very efficient.

There are such a diverse amount of fixtures for each lighting type that it can seem overwhelming to decide on the correct fixture. Adding one additional layer of light can significantly change your home. Contact Kirk Development Company at 602 944-3658 and we can work with you to design a lighting plan that is best for your family and lifestyle.

MOON VALLEY’S HOME FOR DENTAL CARE SINCE 1982

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Enthusiasm Personal Attention to Detail Integrity Frequent Communication MOON VALLEY RESIDENT & AREA SPECIALIST The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 15

Help us celebrate the life of Donna Hicks (1963-2021) Saturday, August 28 @ 6:15 PM Masks required.

Shadow Rock Church 12861 N 8th Ave, Phoenix

Donna was a long, loved teacher at Lookout Mountain, Girl Scout Troop Leader, and resident of Moon Valley until she passed in June.

MORTUARIES, CEMETERY & CREMATORY

8314 North 7th Street PHOENIX

6500 EAST BELL ROAD SCOTTSDALE

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.

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Trish Hansen Kerr, Brad Hansen, Tanner Kerr, & Stuart Hansen

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Stuart Hansen, Trish Hansen Kerr and Brad Hansen

Call The Pros!

BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST

Children & Adults (602) 485-4700 Honored to be a PHOENIX Magazine

Top Dentist for 18 Years!

15 Years at Our Current Locations

16 august 2021 | info@mvtattler.com

www.moonvalleytattler.com

reverse mortgage myths dispelled THE WRITE STUFF BY GERRY JOHNSON After a round of golf, the other day, I was checking email messages on my phone, and I made the comment that I had good news. I said after several weeks of trying we were able to get approval on a Reverse Mortgage for a lady that really needed one. Several of my golf buddies made comments that indicated to me that the current versions of the product were not well understood, and that old myths still prevailed.

I’m not going to deny that there may have been abuses at the outset of this program, which was devised during the Reagan era. However, FHA/ HUD got involved, cleaned up the action, and made the whole process much more transparent. The preferred version of this loan is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is insured by FHA, and must conform to their guidelines.

Some lenders have proprietary versions of the Reverse Mortgage. Generally speaking, these versions apply to homes that are valued above FHA lending limits. They may, or may not, have the same safeguards as the HECM. I have never done a proprietary Reverse Mortgage. In this piece, I am only expounding on HECMs. Following are some common misconceptions.

Myth: The bank owns your home. This is false. The bank has a lien (mortgage) on the home, but the borrower retains title to the home, just like with a “forward” mortgage. The bank just wants to make a loan, charge interest, and get repaid according to the terms that both parties have agreed upon.

Myth: The homeowner could get forced out of their home. Just the opposite is true. A HECM allows the homeowner to remain in their home and maintain their life style, at that vulnerable time in their life when their income may be limited. Just like with a regular mortgage, the homeowner must still pay their property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, HOA dues, and maintain the home to FHA standards.

Myth: One can outlive a Reverse Mortgage. The borrower can remain in the home as long as they are able. The loan becomes due when the owners have vacated the home for a year or when they pass away.

Myth: Social Security and Medicare could be affected: These benefits will not be affected. Medicaid, however, could feel the sting – it is a “needsbased” program, and with more expendable income, some may not qualify.

Myth: The borrower will have to pay taxes on a Reverse Mortgage:

The available funds are a loan, not income, thus no taxes are due. Conversely, mortgage interest cannot be charged off until it is actually paid. This is usually

Considering buying a home or ref inanc ing yo ur mor tgage?

upon sale of the home.

Myth: Heirs will not inherit the home: The estate will inherit the home upon the passing of the borrowers. At that time there are several choices which include selling the home and paying off the accrued mortgages. All remaining funds go to the estate. The heirs can pay off the Reverse Mortgage and retain the residence. Another choice is just giving the home back to the bank. Any shortfall is made up by FHA. The heirs or the estate are not responsible for the shortfall.

Myth: Reverse Mortgages are expensive: All FHA loans require an Up-Front Mortgage Insurance Premium and a monthly MI fee which are rolled into the loan amount. In addition, there are title company charges, and FHA guidelines allow the lender to charge an origination fee. Many lenders, depending on the initial disbursement, may eliminate the origination fee or extend lender credit to help defray some of the expenses. My analysis is that this is not a loan for the short term. Plan to be in the home for several years to make it cost effective.

The main reason that seniors get a Reverse Mortgage is to eliminate a mortgage payment. Eliminating the principal and interest portion of a payment is like getting a raise. The homeowner simply has more expendable income.

There are many more advantages to a Reverse Mortgage. They are not just a means of last resort. Get with a trusted Reverse Mortgage specialist and explore your options. You’ll be glad you did.

THERESA FRANKEL REALTOR 20+ YEARS SOLD 218 HOMES SINCE 2000

CALL OR TEXT

ANYTIME

Moon Valley resident since 1974

Gerry Johnson Senior Loan Officer

Residential and Reverse Mortgages

602.390.6422

602-741-5844 Committed to Excellent Service, Attentive to Detail, Knowledgeable, Hard Worker, Frequent Communication CERTIFICATION IN DIVORCE & ELDER REAL ESTATE FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION, RSC-D DESIGNATION

gjohnson@peoplesmortgage.com

- ACCESSIBLE - KNOWLEDGEABLE - RESPONSIBLE LO Licensing: AZ LO-0911738 CA-DBO183091 NMLS-183091 Company Licensing: AZ BK-0904164 CAFLL603L266/RMLA4130661, Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight Under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act NMLS-6274

Call us: 602.765.0902

TLFRANKEL@AOL.COM 14635 N KIERLAND BLVD SUITE 160 SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85254

The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 17

s in your muscles and getting your spine or ely an art.

art!

52

n.com 09

Poor Sleep Is Hurting You, But More Exercise May Counter It

WOw, they are still out there!!

BLOCK WATCHER BY BLANCHE LUKES

BY NI CH O L A S WAR NER D C Most of us need more sleep these days, pure and simple. If we don’t it, we suffer short- and long-term health consequences that are increasingly being revealed. Of course, getting a good night’s sleep (one night, some nights, most nights or every night) isn’t nearly as easy as it’s supposed to be; thus the sleepdeprivation epidemic we referenced above. Perhaps upping our exercise can do the trick.

Yes, exercise doesn’t just help us fall asleep (as long as we don’t do it right before bedtime); high levels of physical activity may counter the health harms attributable to poor sleep. People who reported high levels of weekly physical activity (approximately 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity) and healthy sleep scores (determined via self-reported factors such as sleep duration, insomnia, snoring and daytime sleepiness) were significantly less likely to die of any cause during the study period compared to people at the opposite end of the scale: no moderate / vigorous weekly activity and poor sleep scores.

These findings aren’t an invitation to embrace chronic poor sleep and attempt to counter it by going crazy at the gym. After all, if you’re a poor sleeper, you’re probably going to be too tired to spend all day exercising intensely. It’s also important to note that numerous other variables impacted sleep scores, including age, weight, eating habits, daytime activity (seated vs. standing), smoking status and alcohol consumption.

In other words, good sleep and consistent exercise are two keys to a healthy life! If you’re struggling to do one (or both) on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about the best ways to turn things around.

A good day of exercise, a good night’s sleep: now that’s a win-win for lifelong health we all deserve.

DR. NICHOLAS WARNER, C.M.T., D.C. CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST CHIROPRACTOR

If you care please speak out. This is not rocket science. Moon Valley is gorgeous for many reasons and having no street lights adds to its ambiance.

However, most of the streets are black..yep black topped. So, if you are walking, pushing a buggy, stroller, or riding a bike and wearing your favorite black shirt you are a Accident waiting to happen. I don’t like seeing or even hearing about accidents. So many times they can be avoided. This is one of those. Please speak out and be particularly careful yourself. For those who hold a Block Watch meeting on their block I have a free reflective vest to give. Everyone should wear one as soon as the sun starts to go down or if you are a early morning walker.

How do we get the importance of this across to our community?

Moon Valley Block Watch Blanche Lukes

I can help you. I combine the two powerful healing arts, Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care, to achieve better, longer-lasting results.

GET RELIEF AND GET MOVING! by the work of an Artisan

Finding the knots in your muscles and working them out; getting your spine or shoulder to move freely without discomfort... it is an art.

TUESDAYS

My work is my art!

602

863.4252

www.wellness-in-motion.com 14001 N. 7th St, Suite E-109 Phoenix, AZ 85002

18 august 2021 | info@mvtattler.com

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FIND YOUR GETAWAY Call us: 602.765.0902

The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 19

Moon Valley Business Directory

Louie Mukai

R E A LT O R ®

DRE# SA687419000

m 602.526.0973 e l o u i e m u ka i @ g m a i l .co m HomeSmart 5225 North Central Avenue, Suite 104 Phoenix, AZ 85012 Each brokerage independently owned and operated.

by True Painting Color Design

info@mvtattler.com moonvalleytattler.com

Request Our Media Kit and start your hyperlocal momentum

TutkoPlumbing@aol.com

20 august 2021 | info@mvtattler.com

Drywall Repair Custom Painting Banners and Signs Cabinets/Doors/Gates Business/Residential

Wall Murals Faux Finishes Oil Paintings Venetian Plaster Color/Creative Consultation

jefftrue.net jeff@jefftrue.net

602-373-6513

Over 30 years of custom painting experience in the valley

www.moonvalleytattler.com

This Ad is for Drywall Repair Minor Painting Door Casing Pre-Hung Doors Baseboards Faucets Garbage Disposals Lighting Toilets Ceiling Fans and More

FREE QUOTES Britt Harms | Owner & Operator Moon Valley Resident

602-741-5166 Licensed, Bonded & Insured

ISO Antiques Buying Antinques & Collectibles - selective online sales. Call Cheryl - 480-229-3376 Email - backintheday@cox.net

Clear Advantage Window Cleaning Glass Cleaning Specialist performing highest quality detailed PERFECTIONIST work every time.

Tracks/Sills/Screens/Sunscreens cleaned. 15+ yrs. exp. Free Estimate.

Owner Operated. Moon Valley Resident.

Joe Albert 480 228-5453

Email your content to: info@mvtattler.com

Piano Lessons PRIVATE ONLINE & IN STUDIO Emerge from these times playing piano!

All Ages. Positive, patient instruction.

How you learn makes a difference.

Play songs you love. Feel accomplished.

Startup 2 free lessons + books. www.PianoKeysToMusic.com Music Educ/Pianist Established MV MoonValley Studio 602.971.0089 Valerie Thomas

0 % Conversion Rate

Because you didn’t Advertise Email Now

Distribution Information

Moon Valley Classifieds $20 for first 20 Words $0.50 for every Additional Word

YOU

Private Tutoring I help children who are experiencing frustration when reading achieve the ability to sound out words so that they may feel success during their school day.

Laura Kemery @602-502-4397 or sonoranspeech@aol.com

The Moon Valley Tattler is distributed monthly free of charge. Readership is 50,000. The paper is mailed to Moon Valley area homes from Bell Road on the north, south through “The Pointe” community to Peoria, east to Cave Creek Road and or 32nd Street, and west to 19th Avenue. 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 www.moonvalleytattler.com 602-765-0902 @moonvalleytattler

Handy Dandy Classifieds Form Use the form at right to mail or drop off your classified ad.

You may also email a Word doc directly to info@mvtattler.com 20 WORDS FOR $20 (PER MONTH). Additional words are 50 cents each.

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID. Fill in ONE word per box below.

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MAIL................................ Moon Valley Postal 13236 N. 7th St. #4304 Phoenix 85022

DROP OFF..................... Moon Valley Postal 13236 N. 7th St. #4304 Phoenix 85022

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Call us: 602.765.0902

The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 21

AWESOME HABOOB BEAUTY IS HUMBLING!

WELCOME BACK MONSOON!

July 10, I asked my husband to look outside to see if monsoon clouds were coming from the north or east. He said the sky had a few clouds but nothing worrisome. A half hour later I went outside to look and there were threatening clouds to the northeast. So, I hurried and got into my swim suit and we started off toward the pool.

Neighbors walking their little dog near the pool told us that there was a 15 minute warning until a very strong storm was to reach us in Moon Valley! I swam for 10 minutes. We were now watching a huge donut-shaped flat disk of a cloud coming near, but up a considerable distance in the sky. There was one sighting of lightning, but it looked like no rain was coming down. No strong wind was happening so we felt safe for the time being. The grayish brown cloud remained flat-looking and had a sharp edge. There was a wide hole in the middle of the cloud which seemed suspicious.

Another neighbor who we regularly swim with drove to the pool and warned us to go home soon. She drove beside us as we walked home. As soon as we reached our mailbox the wind suddenly began to roar. We made it inside where

BY FROST Y K ROENING we put down our roll-a-shields, un-plugged the TV and the computer and I shut off the air conditioner.

Wind noisily sucked air up our chimney and we heard loud booms. Trees and bushes were swaying frantically in the wind. The skylights sounded like they were going to be sucked off the roof! There was no lightning, no dust filled the air as in a dust storm. Wind continued for 30 minutes. Then rain slashed the house and trees. Our dry stream in the back yard flooded temporarily.

We sat in the dark and watched Mother Nature clean the air clean and provide plants and animals precious moisture. Just west of I-17 sixteen power poles were knocked over and our neighbor’s church and many homes lost power for three days.

Each monsoon storm is different. Each provides different stories. The major lesson is that if we see unusual cloud formations heading our direction, they can look beautiful and majestic. But, they can bring fury from wind and floods. One minute a slightly cloudy sky. 35 minutes later a full-tilt haboob... a force of Nature not to be ignored. It has been awhile since we have had a real monsoon. We are grateful for the rain and humbled by the beauty of MONSOON ARIZONA. And the caring assistance of HELPFUL NEIGHBORS!

FirstBank Helps Grow More Than Savings with Tree-Planting Campaign FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” announced that for every FirstBank Bloom Package opened by Aug. 31, 2021, the bank will plant five trees in partnership with global reforestation nonprofit One Tree Planted. The bank is hoping to plant up to 50,000 native trees throughout Arizona and more.

The idea to plant trees for each Bloom Package opened came from a senior account representative at the bank’s Scottsdale branch. The company will often execute on ideas from employees that positively impact its customers and communities, demonstrating anyone at FirstBank can make a difference. This campaign marks the first planting project in Arizona for One Tree Planted.

“Even in Arizona’s arid climate, trees provide a great deal of benefit to our community,” said Joel Johnson, East Valley Market President for FirstBank. “We’re proud to partner with One Tree Planted and, in doing so, help bring their mission to Arizona for the first time. We appreciate all FirstBank team members for their suggestions on how we can do

more to benefit the communities in which we live and work.”

“Trees play an important role in the long-term health and vitality of our neighborhoods and our planet,” said Jim Reuter, CEO of FirstBank. “This campaign is one of many ways we’re bringing ‘banking for good’ to life by helping our communities thrive, supporting our employees’ passion for green causes, and empowering our customers to make a positive impact.”

“We’re thrilled to work with businesses like FirstBank, who really care about the planet and their communities, and are enabling their customers to help make a difference, too,” said One Tree Planted Canopy Director, Diana Chaplin. “Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to help reforestation efforts, sequester carbon, create healthier climates and protect biodiversity. Luckily, we make it easy for individuals and companies to do just that. We’re looking forward to the longstanding impacts of this campaign and are proud to call FirstBank a partner.”

SENIOR LIVING REIMAGINED 1610 West Glendale Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021 Beatitudes Campus is a not-for-profit life plan community founded by the Church of the Beatitudes.

22 august 2021 | info@mvtattler.com

New apartment homes are coming to Beatitudes Campus!

Be among the first to reserve an all-new residence, at the lowest possible price, by joining our Promenade Charter Membership program.

Call 602.560.7975 today or visit us at BeatitudesInspired.org for details. www.moonvalleytattler.com

Call us: 602.765.0902

The Moon Valley Tattler | August 2021 23

YOUR LOCAL

REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

DAVE DIX

Branch Manager Moon Valley Long Realty The FOX Group

(602) 686-1503

davedix@longrealty.com

FOR SALE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

13814 N 16TH WAY 13

14609 N 10TH ST

14,864 Apx Sq. Ft.

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,469 sqft

1223 W PALO VERDE DR

1415 E BETHANY HOME RD

LIST PRICE: $275,000

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,565 sqft

LIST PRICE: $735,000

APPRECIATION FIRST 4 MONTHS 2021

13.8%

Maricopa County (ARMLS data) Single Family, Townhouse, Patio Home, Apartment Style & Lofts

LIST PRICE: $539,000

4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,728 sqft

LIST PRICE: $1,300,000

HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO WAIT?

Appreciation is up 13.8% and climbing monthly.

Inventory is low and eager buyers are standing in line ready to pay your price and maybe more!

Curious about your home’s value? Call me today!

Your health is important to me. All showings require masks, hand sanitizer, and additional precautions for your safety.

24 august 2021 | info@mvtattler.com

If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.

www.moonvalleytattler.com