Moon Valley Tattler November 2022

Phoenix Rescue Mission “Hungry for Change” Campaign Back for Third Year

Families Will Get Access to Food, Turkeys, Resources and More Through Giveaway Events

Phoenix Rescue Mission, the Christ-centered nonprofit providing trans formative support and resources to underserved communities, is excited to an nounce the 2022 launch of its annual “Hungry for Change” holiday campaign, which runs from October 6 through December 31.

Phoenix Rescue Mission created the campaign in 2020 to bring awareness to how society has dealt with hunger in the past – primarily by treating the symptoms of hunger without addressing the root causes that stem from a lack of vocational development, education, counseling, mental health services and other resources.

“Holidays should be a time for love and laughter, but for families facing food insecurity, celebrating is often the last thing on their minds” said Ken Bris sa, CEO. “In addition to providing warm meals and food boxes with pantry items, Phoenix Rescue Mission will also give community members the chance to learn about educational opportunities, workforce development, job opportu nities, counseling, case management, addiction recovery services and many other life-transforming resources.”

The campaign relies on public support and makes it easy for Arizonans to help, either through volunteering, making a donation online or by bringing food and other needed items directly to Phoenix Rescue Mission. The campaign will feature several events, including Mobile Pantries, the Frozen Turkey Saturday, Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach events and drives for Thanksgiving tur keys, non-perishable foods, and Christmas gifts for families in need.

Donations made to the “Hungry for Change” campaign will support the thou sands of families served each month by Phoenix Rescue Mission’s various programs, including its Hope for Hunger Food Bank, Mobile Pantries, Hope Coach Street Outreach services, and others designed to end the cycle of poverty.

This year’s schedule is as follows:

November 3 and December 1: Laveen Mobile Pantry

During the newly established Laveen Mobile Pantry, Phoenix Rescue Mis sion will distribute canned and dry foods and hygiene products ranging from

paper towels and toilet paper to cleaning supplies and personal care items. There is no cost to participate, ID is required, and the event will be located at Christ Church of the Valley Laveen (4343 W. Baseline Rd.) from 8 to 10 a.m.

For questions, please contact (602) 346-3383 or outreachevents@phxmis sion.org

November 12: West Phoenix Mobile Pantry

Created to decrease food insecurity and improve food accessibility across the Valley, Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Mobile Pantry initiative will visit the Murphy neighborhood to connect with disadvantaged families, provide them with bags of non-perishable foods and hygiene supplies, and help them access the resources to end their cycle of poverty. The public is encouraged to stop by the event at Ministerio Un Ejercito Para Cristo (4013 W. Maricopa Street) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., or as long as supplies last.

For questions, please contact (602) 346-3383 or outreachevents@phxmis sion.org

November 15: South Mountain Mobile Pantry

Created to distribute food and hygiene items that are donated by individuals, businesses, and churches in the community, food bags, hygiene items and clean ing supplies will be given to families while supplies last. The public is encouraged to stop by from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the First New Life Church (1902 W. Roeser Road). There is no cost to participate. ID is required.

For questions, please contact (602) 346-3383 or outreachevents@phxmis sion.org.

November 12: Frozen Turkey Saturday

Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Frozen Turkey Saturday aims to collect more than 1,500 turkeys, which will be delivered directly to families in need during the Mission’s Thanksgiving Outreach Event and at the Hope for Hunger Food Bank. The public is encouraged to step into the spirit of Thanksgiving and stop by the drive-thru event at the Mission’s Hope for Hunger Food Bank (5605 N. 55th Avenue) to donate a frozen turkey and non-perishable Thanksgiving foods between continued on page 5

Where has the year gone? It’s November the 11th month of the year, the 2nd to last page on the calendar, only 60 days till 2023!

It makes me a bit crazy thinking of all the things I need to get done or should before this year is over.

I have been reflecting on this past year, and years past, I seem to have a to do list, the bucket list and the physical folder of things to do, make or go! And sometimes it seems it never dwindles but only grows larger.

For heaven’s sake, I quietly turned 60 this year, and there is so much I want to do! (had to bite my tongue and spit that out lightly, fighting all the way).

But then again, I look back and start reflecting on all I have done, not only this year, but in the past several and cannot help but smile and reminisce on the many accomplishments, trips, projects, and physical and mental success.

So I have decided that I possibly need some help in planning for the future, getting my to do’s done and start digging in the old file folder and either tossing or doing the many things that hide in there, that must have sparked my interest at one time.

To DO or Not To Do------- the long hard question

I have started really looking at some of these apps to help organize your day, your life, your family, and your work. Very interesting for sure, and really have not quite found what I think I will try and implement (any good sugges tions would be greatly appreciated). But during my search I have complied a few thoughts I want to share.

The to-do list is an inescapable, age-old productivity tool.

41% of to-do items are never completed.

50% of completed to-do items are done within a day.

18% of completed to-do items are done within an hour.

10% of completed to-do items are done within a minute.

15% of “dones” started as to-do items

Many of us have the tendency to be lenient about deadlines, and up goes the chances that we’ll never finish a task. As many fellow procrastinators know, the more time you give yourself to finish something, the less likely it is that you will finish in that time frame. The most common reasons for to-do failures are usually do to unplanned tasks, such as unscheduled calls, emails, and meeting. Surprises pop up in our lives, some are the most memorable while others may require the fire department to assist, we simply are not fortune tellers and just must adjust our sails. Which is another great story, I was once a co-owner in a 36-foot sailboat in San Diego, changing directions, adjusting the sails and always ready for change is a must with that hobby.

But one thing for sure- we just cannot predict the many interruptions that happen in our day, year, and life. So, lets figure out a way to help us get thru what we must, and to have the time for what we lust!

Put on the list to have a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving season, and don’t forget to get start ed on the Christmas list, remember you oversee your own lists.

To do – or Not to do!

Phoenix Rescue mission

10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Please contact (602) 346-3347 or gikhelp@phxmission.org if you would like to start a non-perishable foods, turkey or gift drive.

November 19: Public Thanksgiving Outreach Event

Phoenix Rescue Mission’s second annual drive-thru event at Sullivan Ele mentary School (2 N. 31st Ave.) will distribute turkeys and sides, food bags, and hygiene kits. There is no registration required and first come are first served from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or as long as supplies last. To volunteer at this event, please sign up at phxmission.org/volunteer.

December 17: Winter Wonderland Community Event (guests by pre-regis tration only)

The Mission is partnering with local businesses, churches, and individuals to collect new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable foods, and toiletries. Gifts can be collected by hand or purchased on the Mission’s Amazon Charity List at phx mission.org/christmaslist. The Mission will then provide the gifts, food bags, and toiletries to families in need via its annual Winter Wonderland event. To volun teer at this event, please sign up at phxmission.org/volunteer.

For information on how to support Phoenix Rescue Mission’s “Hungry for Change” campaign, please visit www.phoenixrescuemission.org

About Phoenix Rescue Mission

Phoenix Rescue Mission provides Christ-centered, life-transforming solu tions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma. The non profit Mission, which has been operating since 1952, is asking the public for support of its many programs designed to transform lives, including Hope for Hunger Food Bank, Hope Coach homeless street outreach, temporary shelter programs, and addiction recovery programs for men, women, and women with children.

Dawn Trapp

THE CITY OF PHOENIX CRISIS INTERVENTION UNIT: HELP FOR CRISES ANY ONE OF US COULD HAVE AT ANY TIME

By Frosty Kroening

At the Black Mountain Community Alliance meeting September 14th De tective Sabrina Taylor, of the Phoenix Police Department Crisis Intervention Unit, introduced Frank O’Halloran, Mercy Care, to tell members about crises services in Maricopa County.

The City Council and Police Department long have known that many 911 calls are for various mental health and life crises reasons, resulting in slower crime response times. Fortunately, Maricopa County has built or fostered mental health evaluation and treatment facilities and programs, a model for other cities. The system handles approximately 18,000 calls per month!

By calling 988, or (602)222-944?, anyone can access assistance with multiple kinds of family stress, mental health issues, dementia, help with children in trou bled situations, etc. Mr. O’Halleran stressed that often people do not realize they have years, months, and weeks of built-up troubles that can suddenly overflow into instability.

The first question asked by interviewers is: Where are you? Phones can be used to pinpoint a person’s location, but it is important for the caller to know where they are, if possible. And, it is best to have the person who is most troubled be able to speak and ask for help (not always possible). The second step taken by Phoenix Cares will be to stabilize the person by an interaction/evaluation process. Staff on these calls are experienced in trauma response. They will be profession als or peers, people who have had addictions, overcome them, and taken special course work. If more help is needed, a crisis mobile team will be deployed. The team usually arrives 60 minutes later. A more complex evaluation will be com pleted by the team or the person in trouble might be taken to a facility where a 24 hour evaluation might be completed. If real danger to self or others is involved, the police may be called. The Phoenix Fire Department staff now are training to assist where appropriate. There will be 9 vans to help when, for instance, a person might be passed out at a bus stop or other similar situations.

There are four main parts to local crises interventions: 1) the Crisis Hotline, 2) the mobile teams, 3) county-owned crises facilities (named at the meeting), and 4) voluntary crisis facilities. For the last two parts of the programs, our lan guage has changed from “madhouse” or “mental institution” to “crisis facilities” or “recovery centers” because we have come a long way toward helping people overcome addiction and other crises and move toward full health and quality lives.

Attempts are made to keep children out of hospitals because they receive no mental health care and there are strict regulations prior to release. Child situa tions are treated in more complex ways to help families in trouble. Many of the calls for adults and children are drug and/or alcohol-related and can require swift action or a 24-hour evaluation in a facility. Mercy Care services are free to every one although insurance companies may be billed for on-going services.

The Phoenix Crime Stop Non-Emergency line (602-262-6151) now has six choices: 1) Main County Jail, 2) Records, 3) On-line Reporting, 4) Non-Emer gency Police Response, 5) Police Precincts, and 6) Follow-Up with a Detective. (I am not sure why Number 4 is not first.) The 988 number might be faster. Or (602)222-944?.

We are lucky that we have a robust crisis health response team of agencies and services in Maricopa County and that more resources will be provided to them. They help with the homeless population. However, they are not the complete answer. Review of these services are part of the Justice Department’s review of the Phoenix Police Department and Sabrina Taylor is participating in the review and oversight process. She appears to be assisting the efforts of all of the agencies and private organizations who come together to help when crises occur. And a huge thanks to all of the staff who help people in crises. It is not easy work, but these care-givers represent the best of us with their service.

Ask us why we’re

We’ll show you how variety in residences, programs, dining and people creates a zesty, interesting life. Diverse, yes, and filled with love, too.

Beatitudes Campus is a not-for-profit life plan community founded by the Church of the Beatitudes.

BY

Hello, it is Paul again. I am honored to be the Superintendent of the Washington Elementary School District. It is from the heart when I say we have excellent teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and many other support staff to be here for your kids. In this update, I will highlight some of our wonderful students in your local schools.

Lookout Mountain and Mountain Sky Students Recognized for Per fect AASA Scores

Congratulations to the WESD perfect score students from Lookout Mountain Elementary School and Mountain Sky Jr. High School! The WESD Governing Board recently recognized a second round of students who received a perfect score on either the English Language Arts or Math portions of the 2022 Arizona’s Academic Standards Assessment (AASA). Congratulations to such extraordinary students!

Mountain Sky Volleyball and Soccer Teams Win District Championships

Three Mountain Sky Jr. High School volleyball teams were the big winners as they were crowned champions at the recent WESD Volley Tournament! Congratulations to the seventh grade girls team for upsetting Desert Foothills Jr. High School, the eighth grade girls team for beating Royal Palm Middle School, and the boys combined 7/8 team for defeating Cholla Middle School. Additionally, the Mountain Sky Jr. High School girls soccer team won the middle school division championship against Desert Foothills Jr. High School. Thank you for displaying sportsmanship in your championships.

WESD to Host Teacher Interview Fair

We are looking for qualified teachers to become part of the WESD Fam ily! If you or someone you know is searching for meaningful employment in

a public school, please encourage them to join us for our upcoming Teacher Interview Fair on Monday, November 14, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the WESD Administrative Center located at 4650 W. Sweetwater Ave. Glendale, AZ 85304. The WESD offers competitive salaries, leadership opportunities, loan forgiveness, great benefits and much more. Virtual interviews will also be avail able. Please call 602-347-2622 to preschedule your interview today and apply at www.wesdschools.org. We can’t wait to meet you!

As always, it is such a pleasure sharing news from our district with you and the rest of our community. Thank you for your continued support of the WESD Family.

Gratefully, Dr. Paul Stanton, WESD Superintendent

Save the Date for Future Freshman Night

Glendale Union High School District’s upcoming, signature event Future Freshman Night, is Thursday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. During this event, eighth-grade students and their families will discover why GUHSD is the top-performing high school district in the Metro-Phoenix area. Join us at your neighborhood school to learn about our nationally recognized academics, cham pionship athletics, fine and performing arts courses, resources for college and career opportunities, plus much more! An Honors and Advanced Placement Academy presentation will be included. A virtual option will be available. Please visit www.guhsdaz.org for more information about your local school’s Future Freshman Night.

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

GUHSD National Merit Semifinalists Announced

Academic excellence continues as Glendale Union High School District is pleased to announce that the following students have been named Semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit® Scholarship Program: Marcus Giorza, Jason Leff, Noah Monroe, Nicholas Pelino, and Abby Wolf.

Let’s Talk About Supplements

BY ANDY FEIGUM, FITNESS DIR. AT ANYTIME FITNESS

Workout supplements such as caffeine, creatine, amino acids, and proteins might enhance exercise performance and recovery if an individual is participat ing in regular high-intensity, strenuous physical activity, such as training to run a marathon or following a demanding progressive resistance training program. However, for the average person, maintaining a healthy diet complete with ad equate amounts of healthy carbohydrates, protein, and water is sufficient to fuel the body for moderate amounts of physical activity. “Moderate Activity” is de fined as 60 minutes of jogging, bike riding, or any other activity that elevates heart rates to approximately 70% of the recommended maximum heart rate for the duration of the activity.

There’s a good chance that the average person who exercises on a regular ba sis and eats somewhat sensibly does not need supplements in any form, however, it is can be difficult to resist the allure of a product that claims to aid in your quest for peak performance, losing fat or building muscle. The vast majority of people who feel they aren’t getting the results they want from their current exercise regi

men would probably be better off taking a hard look at what they are consuming over the course of a month and make changes based on what they discover. However, if you are thinking about trying a supplement or two, please keep in mind the following.

1) The FDA does NOT have the authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness, or to approve their labeling, before the supplements are sold to the public.

2) It is the responsibility of dietary supplement companies to ensure their products meet the safety standards for dietary supplements and are not otherwise in violation of the law.

The bottom line is that most supplements are likely to be safe but also are unlikely to provide whatever benefit that they are claiming on the label. If you do decide to try a supplement, please use only as described on the label. Some in gredients and products can be harmful when consumed in high amounts, when taken for a long time, or when used in combination with certain drugs or foods.

Volunteering at HonorHealth Adult Day Health Care

BY GABRIELLA RUSSO, NCL CLASS OF 2024

National Charity League (NCL) gives mother-and-daughter teams the op portunity to help their community. Not only are there service opportunities, but there are leadership opportunities as well. Mothers and daughters become closer in the six years spent with NCL. One community service opportunity NCL of fers that shows how much people have gone through is assisting at HonorHealth.

HonorHealth Desert Mission is an Adult Day Healthcare center. They are a non-profit organization that has been open for 90 years. Many seniors that go to HonorHealth Desert Mission have a disability. Some of them are unable to walk or have memory issues. Despite everything, they all remain optimistic and are

very welcoming and friendly.

My mom, Koleen, and I have been volunteering with HonorHealth since 2018. We played cards, painted ceramics, played games, and had pie-eating con tests with the seniors. The residents always have the most interesting stories to tell anyone willing to sit down and listen. Even if they have dementia, they still re member what happened when they were younger. The stories they tell me are one reason why volunteering at HonorHealth is my favorite philanthropy at NCL.

If you meet someone with dementia and listen to what they say, you’ll find out just how

By Paula G. Cullison

I recently attended an inspirational presentation at Phoenix College with my friend Gina Santi, Professor of Social Anthropology and Spanish. Gina invited me to hear Saul Flores speak about his 5,328-mile journey across 10 countries. He replicated the dangerous and unimaginable struggles immigrants face as they seek a better life.

While a senior at North Carolina State University, Saul took the 3 months ‘Walk of the Immigrants’ from Ecuador through Central America and Mexico to North Carolina. His harrowing experiences are the subject of a documentary, photography exhibition, and possible film.

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Saul and his sister accompanied and helped their mother clean Penthouse suites on the Upper Westside of Manhattan. At a very young age, Saul understood the sacrifices his parents made in order that they could have a better life. A university graduate, Saul hopes to inspire students to preserver no matter the circumstances, so they can realize their full potential. His presentation was sponsored by www.campuspeak.com They offer a host of inspirational speakers.

As I listened, I recalled stories of my Italian immigrant parents’ horrific expe riences crossing the Atlantic. They enter the US through Ellis Island. I placed my father’s name (Angelo Giangreco) on the Wall of Immigrants when Ellis Island reopened in 1990.

Paula Cullison, a long time Moon Valley resident, is an international travel writer and photographer,

She is also founder of the Arizona Women’s Partnership, an all volunteer philanthropic non-profit.

Opportunity in times of adversity

THE

WRITE STUFF

BY GERRY JOHNSON

It’s pretty challenging to find something upbeat to write about when most of the industry news is rather bleak. Purveyors of doom and gloom are rampant in articles in my email on a daily basis. But I did see something interesting in the Sunday, October 23, 2022 edition of the Arizona Republic.

In a piece entitled “Metro Phoenix’s home prices tick down, but sales inch up” Catherine Reagor writes that the local market is skewing towards the buy ers, with the caveat “as long as they can afford higher interest rates.” She went on to say that the number of sales actually increased is September.

One segment of the market that just can’t catch a break are “first time homebuyers.” Increasingly higher prices before, and increasingly higher inter est rates now, have the effect of precluding these would-be buyers. State and local housing authorities have special programs which offer down-payment as sistance. They are worth investigating. Get with a mortgage loan officer that specializes in these programs and see what is available.

Reagor goes on to say that local analysts are not predicting an impending crash. She cites Tina Tamboer of the Cromford Report, who projects that pric es are “on track” to fall by 15% this year. She says our Phoenix market is still stable but “sliding slowly towards buyers.” To me, this is a positive message.

A market correction presents a great opportunity for patient buyers. Now is the time to really start exploring options. Form a team with a knowledgeable Realtor and mortgage loan officer. Assess your financial abilities. Get prequal ified. Discuss possible “seller concessions” which were almost non-existent six months ago, but may now be readily available. Start the search!

Lenders have special offers available. It is possible to lock a rate while searching for a property. The rate is usually slightly higher than that currently available, but it may be a wise move by the time of closing. If the market rate is lower at closing, ask the lender to extend that rate in place of the higher locked rate. Also, I’ve heard about some lenders guaranteeing to beat other’s rates. Your lender team-mate should help you explore these options.

Bottom line – some of your best buys are made in times of adversity. If you are in a position to make a real estate move, this is the time you have been waiting for!

L-R: Paula Cullison , Saul Flores, Professor Gina Santi

A sample of Paula Cullison’s work Peru, Machu Picchu

Your Moon Valley Estate Planning Firm

BY LIBBY BANKS, PLLC, THE LAW OFFICE OF LIBBY BANKS

If you have lived in Moon Valley for long, you may have run into Libby Banks and her family along the way. Libby moved to the Valley in 2000 and raised her children here. All three went to Lookout Mountain Elementary School, Moun tain Sky Junior High, and Thunderbird High School.

If you have spent any time reading the Tattler in the last 10 years, you prob ably read an article about estate planning from the Law Office of Libby Banks. Libby has contributed to the paper each month, providing valuable information on the importance of estate planning and how trusts, wills and powers of attor ney work.

What you may not know is that the Law Office of Libby Banks is truly a Moon Valley law firm. Not only have Libby and her husband Andy lived in Moon Valley since arriving in Phoenix, but two of her three children raised in Moon Valley, John Banks and Emma Lippert work for the firm as paralegals.

A little over a year ago, the firm rounded out their Moon Valley Team with a second attorney, Travis Meyers, who grew up and lived here for many years as well. Travis just happened to be working with Libby to get an estate plan in place when she asked him to join the law office as the firm’s first associate attorney.

Libby asked Travis to share his estate planning experience with the firm. En joy this outsider to insider view of one couple’s estate planning experience.

My Estate Planning Journey

By Travis Meyers, Associate Attorney, the Law Office of Libby Banks, PLLC

The past year has been amazing for my family. A few notable highlights include starting a new job with the Law Office of Libby Banks and my wife and I welcoming our first child to the world in July. Our life circumstances changed dramatically for the better, which means that it is time for us to update our estate plan. As I reflect on the changes we need to make in our estate plan, I recall the motivations behind cre ating an estate plan in the first place, and want to share my experience with you.

I was a new lawyer when my wife and I started thinking about creating an estate plan. At the time, I did not know much about estate planning other than what I learned while studying for the Bar Exam. I knew it was important to make sure that I had planned for the people I care about if I passed away, but I didn’t know exactly what that would look like.

Serendipitously, I returned home from work one day to find a copy of our local newspaper in my driveway with the Law Office of Libby Banks printed on the front cover. I knew Libby and her family well. We went to the same church, I participated in Boy Scouts and other activities with her children, and we had many family friends in common from the neighborhood. I also knew that Libby had an excellent reputation as an estate planning attorney, and that she would be a person I could trust to take care of our estate plan.

During our initial meeting, my wife and I discussed our concerns with Lib by. We told her that we wanted to create a plan that would set up our loved ones for success if we passed away tomorrow. We were a young couple and believed we did not have enough net worth or assets to justify creating a Trust. At the time, I thought Trusts were something only for the extremely rich. I remember thinking a Will would be the only thing we needed to accomplish our goals.

After patiently listening to our concerns, Libby started to ask us a few ques tions.

First, Libby asked “Have you considered creating a plan for when you are incapacitated?” I was glad she asked me, because I had not considered incapac

ity planning. We talked about making sure we had a plan for someone we trust to take care of our finances and healthcare decisions if we could not make those decisions for ourselves.

Libby also asked, “is it important to you that your loved ones avoid going through probate if you pass away?” Again, even though I studied this area in law school and during bar exam preparation, I never considered that probate would be a possibility in our case.

As all of these thoughts started clicking into place, Libby recommended we consider creating a Trust plan. She explained that a Trust plan would be the most efficient way for us to avoid probate, account for both incapacity and death, and create a flexible plan for the future that could be updated to align with our goals as our life circumstances changed. My wife and I decided to go with the Trust plan Libby recommended.

After that initial meeting, Libby and the team at the Law Office of Libby Banks quickly and efficiently drafted our plan. Libby guided us through all the differ ent parts of our trust plan and explained how they would serve our family in the future. She gave us specific advice on how to maintain our trust and when to think about making updates. We felt incredibly comfortable throughout the process and expressed our heartfelt thanks to Libby and her team for giving us peace of mind.

Our newest life change, adding a baby to our family, is a great source of joy, but with a child also comes new responsibilities and questions for the future. We need to plan for our child incase we are incapacitated or pass away unexpectedly. It is time for us to update our trust, and I cannot think of anybody better to handle that than the Law Office of Libby Banks.

I am thrilled to be part of the team at the Law Office of Libby Banks. Their service to our com munity and commitment to giving peace of mind to all their clients is something that naturally fit my personal values and mission as a lawyer. I am proud to work with this compassionate team of people.

If you are interested in working with us on your estate planning, give us a call. We look forward to helping you create your own peace of mind. Call us at 602-375-6752.

Whole Team L-R Debbie Torres, Emma Lippert, Karen Nolen, Travis Meyers, Libby Banks, Andy Banks, John Banks, Marisa Fernandez, Jeremy Rodgers

Photos by Jim & Christy Photography

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR FOR YOUR HOUSE

By Tom Sertich, Kirk Development Company

If you are like most homeowners, the thought of choosing colors for the interior of your house seems like a daunting task. Choosing colors may be easier than you think. If you are painting the house before you sell, light colors like white and beige will make it easier for the new homeowner to paint over. It is rare that the new buyer will have the same taste as you.

Painting the interior of the house is the less expensive way to make a dra matic change to each room. Try choosing the colors you really like. Choosing colors you like will bring out your personality in the home.

Magazines and the internet give you the ability to see ways to use colors in your home. Take advantage of the enormous amount of resources available through your laptop or tablet. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, it is easily remedied by another coat of paint.

For easier cleanup in the kitchen or bathroom gloss paint is a good choice. However, the glossier the paint the more imperfections in the wall will stand out. Semi-gloss is a good choice for high traffic areas and can be easily cleaned. Flat paint is difficult to clean, but hides a lot of imperfections. A very popular sheen is eggshell, it is easier to clean than flat and will hide more imperfections than a high gloss.

If you are still a little worried about selecting the right color, a good designer can help you make the right choice.

For all of your remodeling needs, call Kirk Development Company at 602 944-3658 for a free estimate.

Santa is coming to Moon Valley!

Save the date for a fun-filled photoshoot with Santa! Everyone is welcome, so bring your family, friends, and even your pets! Af ter your photos, enjoy Lucky donuts, Serafina coffee and hot choco late. We are proud to support local business es at our free commu nity events!

Saturday, Decem ber 10th

9AM - 12PM

Desert Valley Chiropractic | 720 E Thunderbird Rd Suite #1

Free for everyone to attend, but space is limited - RSVP today at www.moon valleysanta.com.

Sponsored by your Moon Valley neighbors!

Dave and Katherine Iacuone at Desert Valley Chiropractic Jaime Kinman at Guaranteed Rate Jackie Briggs at Locality Homes

BLOCK WATCHER

BY BLANCHE LUKES

Let’s support our local merchants. Buy local, buy US made which support our economy and our country. We can make a difference. Consider what you are buying and in what way it is made. It is by forced labor? Are the ideas of the manufacturer aligned with the freedoms of the US.? This is a topic we rarely think about yet lately as prices go up and it is amaz ing how much of our everyday needs are coming from outside the USA. Once I started reading labels I was shocked. Not wanting to take things for granted, with a little research I found it is easier said then done.

The beautiful part of living in a free country and capitalism, there is competi tion, variety, and lots of choices. Having said that and having been in real estate, one searches for homes and property that suit their budget, possibly commute to their employment, and lifestyle. Moon Valley has lots of pluses in this depart ment and one can’t stress enough the importance of caring and keeping up our properties and respect for our neighbors. This includes those who live on or near the golf course. The sand traps are not for children to be playing in and building sand castles. That is for the beach. Walking on the course is dangerous and is not a place for your dog’s dodo.

The Moon Valley Country Club is our neighbor. We need to respect it as they maintain the beautiful golf course. Have you seen the ones in central Phoenix that went under? So do your part of neighborliness. Also they do have affordable memberships if you are not a golfer. They have beautiful dining room and grill and excellent food. Lets support them even if it is just a social membership.

We just did our annual Saturday Gain Day event on our driveway. Invited all our neighbors and the Phoenix Police department came by to say hello. Two and a half hours on our drive way was so worth it, seeing neighbors I rarely see and have the men and women in blue stop by. How Kool is that!

involved everyone was when they were younger. You’ll find out one of them has been volunteering with their church since they were 5. You’ll find that that same person created three businesses by age 30. During all of this, they still volunteered at church in their free time. If you sit down and listen to someone else, you’ll find out he is a Vietnam veteran. You’ll find out about the injuries they sustained during a battle.

The workers and volunteers there are always super helpful and selfless. When we are there, we feel we are really helping and making an impact, even for a short time. When we do activities with the adults, it gives workers time to take care of others who may need additional care and attention.

Volunteering here opens your eyes to the world around you and what other people are going through. I would have never known about HonorHealth Desert Mission if it weren’t for NCL. National Charity League is a fantastic experience, and I am grateful to have been a part of it since seventh grade. The volunteering opportunities they give you help to make a difference in the community. With NCL, not only will mothers and daughters get closer, your connection with the community will be stronger due to the impact you’re making.

National Charity League, Moon Valley Chapter’s annual new membership drive is November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Mothers and daughters currently in 6th grade and up are encouraged to visit www.nationalcharityleague.org/chap ter/moonvalley or email membershipmoonvalley@nclonline.org. Visit Facebook:  NCLincMoonValley or Instagram: NCLMOONVALLEY

Thunderbird High School Art Teacher Receives Prestigious Award

Excellence continues at Thunderbird High School as Art Teacher Dawn Chamberlain has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Secondary Level Art Educator Award from the Arizona Art Educators Association (AAEA). Ms. Chamberlain will be honored at AAEA awards banquet and ceremony on Saturday, November 19th in Prescott.

To learn more about Thunderbird High School, visit @ThunderbirdHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.

Delays & Public Works Hiring Incentives

trash pickup is offered to Phoenix residents four times a year. Due to staffing challenges, scheduled pickups are currently delayed. The Public Works Department is working hard to catch up and return service levels to what Phoenix customers rely on.

Phoenix is actively recruiting to hire commercial driver’s license (CDL) hold ers, required for trash and recycling truck drivers. The city is offering a $2,500 hiring incentive for new drivers and a $3,000 retention incentive for current drivers.

Additionally, the Public Works Department is borrowing CDL holders from other city departments, such as Water Services and Street Transportation to get back to normal service levels as quickly as possible. Thank you to all our drivers who working diligently and working overtime to help the City during this time.

To find the updated bulk trash schedule, please visit Phoenix.gov/Pub licWorks.

Phoenix also offers a solid waste equipment operator apprenticeship pro gram—the first of its kind in the nation. The apprenticeship is an excellent op portunity for those starting their careers to receive the on-the-job training and instruction needed to secure their CDL. To learn more, visit phoenix.gov/pub licworks/SWEOapprenticeship.

The City of Phoenix is also offering a $5,000 hiring incentive for two critical positions in the Public Works Department – Heavy Equipment Mechanics and Equipment Service Worker II. Apply at Phoenix.gov/Jobs.

Phoenix Street Maintenance Worker Apprenticeship Program

The City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is also experiencing de lays with the Right-of-Way Landscape Maintenance Program schedule.

The City continues to actively recruit employees. The Street Maintenance Worker Apprenticeship Program is for anyone ready to start a career with the City of Phoenix. No experience is necessary to apply, and participants get paid while being trained.

Developed as a partnership between the City’s Street Transportation Depart ment and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), Local 777, the program offers a competitive starting salary, regular wage increases, on-thejob training and certifications, and a non-competitive promotion upon successful

completion of the program.

The Street Maintenance Worker Apprenticeship Program was developed to attract and train individuals with the desire to learn new skills and become an essential part of the City of Phoenix. This two-year to three-year program devel ops skilled operators through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training designed to educate apprentices in the functions necessary to maintain city road ways and right-of-way. Along the way, apprentices will earn their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for free.

To learn more and apply, visit Phoenix.gov/Streets/Apprenticeship.

Police Department Hiring Incentives

Like other police departments nationwide, the Phoenix Police Department has also been experiencing staffing and hiring challenges. Recently, the Phoenix City Council approved a compensation restructuring making the Phoenix Police Department the highest paying law enforcement agency in Arizona. Recruits are now starting at $68,661 compared to the previous rate of $48,942. The compen sation restructuring is part of the City’s efforts to recruit and retain officers. Last year, the City Council approved increasing police salaries last year, as well as a $7,500 retention bonus and $7,500 hiring bonus.

City employees also enjoy a wide range of excellent benefits including re tirement plan, deferred compensation program, paid vacation and sick leave, up to 13.5 holidays, medical and dental coverage, and life insurance.

Water Alert & Town Halls

In November, the City of Phoenix Water Services Department will be host ing Water Town Halls in-person citywide and virtually to keep the public in formed about drought conditions and the reduced allocations of the Colorado River.

The speakers will present about Phoenix’s diverse water supplies, investments, and strategies to manage current conditions. There will be a Q&A portion for attendees to ask questions.

The virtual townhall is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15 at 6 p.m. via Webex. To register and find a list of all in-person townhalls across Phoenix, visit phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/2527

•

BY JULIE PEK

•

• Reverse ceiling fans

creating a gentle updraft and forcing warm air down

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (should be done monthly) and re place dead batteries

• Clean dryer vents and behind the washer/dryer

• Replace water filters in your refrigerator, coffee machines, etc.

• Inspect your roof and roof vents for any potential issues

• Clean gutters if you have them

• Seal cracks and openings to prevent pest infestation

• Check water heater and water meter for leaks

• Trim trees and vegetation especially close to the exterior

• Winterize your pool

Most of these on the list are do-it-yourself routine tasks. But for HVAC, roof, plumbing, pool and electrical checks, I highly recommend hiring a licensed and bonded professional to help. Call me and I can put you in touch with service ex perts I’ve used. (602) 316-1875. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving whether you’re celebrating indoor or out door this year!

Families Raising Hope

2 Minutes at a Time

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

Most of us know someone, care for someone, or are that someone who has been affected by a cancer diagnosis.

This includes providing care and support, dealing with stress and grief, and managing finances. A cancer diagnosis is emotionally, mentally, and fi nancially draining. Paying for essential living expenses while going through cancer treatment often becomes overwhelming and impossible. These needs included a safe place to live, groceries for your family, gas to get to and from treatment, and of life-saving medical treatment.

I know this all too well; cancer is personal to me and one of the reasons why together along with our friends, Jeff and Jenny McGinnis we founded Families Raising Hope.

It was September 6, 2013, almost 3 months after I had turned 30 years old when we received the devastating news that would alter the course of our lives forever. After weeks of scans, biopsies and blood draws, our worst fear became a reality- I was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia called Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

At the time, our children were two and five, we were just about to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary, and I had just returned to teaching when I was told that my cancer diagnosis would require a lifetime of treatment.

For five years I took an oral chemotherapy twice per day and we lived in a constant state of limbo between the scheduled blood work and the wait time until the next test result. To say we drained emo tionally, and physically is an understatement.

It wasn’t until September 2018, 5 years after I was diagnosed that we would catch a break and regain some normalcy. Confident that I could main tain TFR (treatment- free remission), we took a giant leap of faith and I stopped treatment. Now, four years later, my cancer is still undetected!

It was terrifying, yet life was happening all around us and we had two choices: one, we could do nothing or two, we could take this nightmare and turn it into something powerful, and something hopeful.

Knowing that option number one wasn’t ever going to work, to this day we pour our hearts into Families Raising Hope. The mission of FRH is provide financial assistance to individuals in Arizona who are currently undergoing cancer treatment. This relief allows the individual and their family to focus on health, healing, and recovery rather than the financial toxicities of treatment.

Today FRH has provided over $155,000 in financial assistance to Arizona individuals. This year alone, we have provided $43,000 in financial assistance.

The needs of our community have increased, which means we have a lot of work to do. By taking part in the Run/Walk 5K For Hope, TOGETHER we can continue to provide HOPE to Arizona families.

We’re just families helping families. We are a volunteer based organiza tion, no one takes a salary- therefore, with very minimal overhead costs, the money we raise goes directly back into our community.

Visit www.familiestraisinghope.org for more information.

To register for the 5K For Hope visit https://raceroster.com/ events/2022/59288/6th-annual-families-raising-hope-runwalk-for-hope-5k

You can also scan to register in our ad to the left!

“I don’t have the time” is repeat edly mentioned as a top reason for not exercising consistently, failing to start an exercise program or discontinuing one. While we’re not claiming to understand how busy your average day is or what can com plicate your ability to exercise, we hope you can agree that two minutes isn’t impossible, right? Good, because those two minutes can make a big difference.

We’re talking about two minutes of walking after eating, and the big difference it can make relates to blood glucose and insulin. The diabetes epidemic is in full swing, with projections suggesting it will only get worse in the next few decades. Your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar is key to diabetes (type 2 diabetes) prevention. It does that by releasing the right amount of insulin to effectively re move glucose from the bloodstream. If your body has to produce too much insulin and/or can’t reduce blood glucose levels, you’re in danger of developing diabetes.

According to a new analysis of previous studies, light-intensity walks after eating (two to five minutes per bout) reduces not only blood glucose, but also insulin; more so than simply standing. Doing either was superior to sitting; something too many people do during the course of the day and following meals. Findings appear in the journal Sports Medicine and are based on a review of seven one-day studies involving adults ages 18 and older who were generally overweight or obese (and thus at higher risk for blood glucose / insulin issues to begin with).

Can’t find time to exercise? Start by standing up and walking more! As this analysis shows, it doesn’t take much; it’s all about breaking up your day, particularly after meals, with short bouts of walking. A little goes a long way toward improving your health and potentially reducing your type 2 diabetes risk.

bine the t wo power f ul healing ar ts, y and Chiroprac tic C are, to achieve er lasting results

T RELIEF AND GET MOVING! the work of an Artisan

Finding the knots in your muscles and working them out; getting your spine or shoulder to move freely without discomfort... it is an art. My work is my art! 3 . 4252

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

box of confidential documents to take to a shredding event. Bring any amount of paper for shredding to ABCO Shredding Services located at 2640 E Rose Garden Lane, Suite 4, in Phoenix 85050.

You may watch the shredding of your documents 8am until 2:30 pm M –F or just drop them off from 8am until 4pm. Either option will have a Certificate of Destruction on your receipt. The cost for paper shredding is only $.55 per pound or a minimum fee of $15 if the weight is less than

without the written consent of the publish er. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher and do not constitute an endorsement of products or ser vices. Publication of an ad does not constitute an endorsement. Business profiles are based on in formation 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 neces sary. 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 moonvalleytattler.com 602-765-0902 @moonvalleytattler

to Both My Kids?

BY BRIGHID CONSTABLE

Whoa.

It’s been a crazy couple of months…

No matter how hard you try to prepare your only child of 5 years for a baby brother to come along, there’s going to be some jealousy when a new baby arrives – hands down.

The thing I struggle with Brynn right now is balancing both kiddos to their developmental and emotional needs.

I know that what my 5-year-old daughter needs more than ever in the world right now are hyper exclamations of love, and how amazing she is, and how she’s the best big sister ever, and so on.

But, parent truth time: It’s haaaaard. So hard.

How do I balance the attention between my kindergartener and newborn?

It's a difficult balancing act as I’m trying to bond and connect with my now 2-month old son Henry, while giving Brynn individualized attention in knowing that she is equally loved and valued.

In our quest to do our best, Adam and I found this picture next to Brynn’s nightstand one night while putting her down to sleep.

Yup, this is a picture of the first time older sister Brynn met her baby broth er, and my very first photo with my two beautiful children together.

A mother’s rosy-lensed dream.

But as you can hilariously see (but not-so-hilarious and kinda scary at the time), Brynn crossed out her brother in black Sharpie marker. Only a week after he was born.

And now it’s all I will EVER see when looking at this picture!

The love is definitely there from Brynn to her brother: snapping silly Snap chat photos Brynn takes with her baby brother, asking to hold him every day, “babysitting” with tummy time, and showing him off to her cousins and friends.

But right now, I just need a nap.

Veteran parents: If you want to give me your words of wisdom, I am always down for advice from my Moon Valley superhero parents. Feel free to email me at brighid.constable@gmail.com.

And who knows? Maybe I can publish your not-so-rookie advice in the next issue.

Until then, enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays with your family and friends.

What’s Driving You?

BY LEON TRY ME BIKE SHOP

On a bicycle it is the chain. Sometimes dry sometimes dirty an greasy. It remains silent most of the time. They need very little care a little oil before it is dry and squeaks. Dry chains make for hard pedaling and a stretched worn out chain. Chains can get a stiff link making the bike skip also. As chains age mile after mile they stretch. A quarter of a inch on the full length will make the pedaling feel mushy. The chain is not riding completely on the sprockets so it feel mushy. Chains will last thousands of miles will a little oil more.

Don’t be a squeaky bicycle oil the chain.

M&T Solutions Tech Tip of the Month

By Mike Ortiz

With the holidays quickly approaching, many new devices will be purchased as gifts for family and friends. During the initial setup of these devices, parents may want to enable or download security software to keep their kids (or others) safe on the Internet.

Apple devices have a feature called Screen Time that can limit the type of content that can be accessed and even limit the amount of time a child can spend on it. It also allows the device to be active during certain hours of the day and will deactivate at the time specified by the parent. Android devices have options similar to Apple devices.

As another layer of security, software such as Net Nanny can be used to further block and track activity on the device. This type of software can be installed on com puters, phones, and tablets as needed. There are many similar types of software that perform the same function, Net Nanny was just used as an example for this article.

Depending on the router/modem you may have, you can enable security set tings on it. These will include firewall rules, web filtering options, and parental controls for certain devices. This will limit outgoing and incoming traffic from the Internet. Also, you may be able to set active hours which will either allow or deny certain devices from reaching the internet outside of those hours.

The final and one of the most important aspects of keeping you and your fam ily safe on the Internet is monitoring what they are doing and educating them on the danger of sharing personal information. I always recommend monitoring your child’s social media and making sure it is a private account. Make sure they are only friends with people you and they know and aren’t sharing personal informa tion with strangers. Check their DM’s or any private chat’s they may be involved in.I also recommend monitoring the games they play to:

1) Make sure they aren’t chatting with complete strangers (this could be adults acting as kids, men/women acting like the opposite sex, or any other variations). Children’s games can be a hunting ground for predators.

2) Make sure they aren’t sharing any personal information that could be traced back to them or you.

When in doubt, either take control of the account or cancel it. Always err on the side of caution especially when it comes to children. If you do not have the technical knowledge to implement any of the above safeguards, please call M&T Solutions to schedule an appointment and we will be more than happy to assist you.

For any tech related questions, please email Mike at Mike.Ortiz@nerdson themove.com. They will be answered in our Q&A article coming soon.

Making Memories Matter

MOON VALLEY MAGIC

BY DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER

Making memories is more important than keeping dates sacred in our family. When a special day falls at an inconvenient time, we just celebrate on a different day. This often happens with Mother’s and Fa ther’s Day and many times birthdays and it’s just fine.

Gary and I have September birthdays 4 days (and a year) apart. Our friends, Gene and Pam, both have birthdays in October. We have a special birthday tradition with them. They treat us one year and we treat them the next. It doesn’t matter that we aren’t actually going anywhere on an actual birth date. The memories made are much more important. We celebrated our 25th anniversary (13 years ago) a month early so we could take our boys with us. We tried too hard to become parents and couldn’t imagine going on a Caribbean Cruise without them. We certainly wouldn’t ever have taken them out of school for a week, as we value education. We knew there would be memories made on that trip and wanted to make them together.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, so on the rare occasion when we spend it away from home, I make a feast for just us, with all of our traditional favs on a later date. It doesn’t matter what day it falls on, we’re still making memories and enjoying each other’s company.

Now that our boys are men, living on their own and going on their own vacations we’re trying to prepare for changes to our Christmas traditions. If we just remember that it’s the memories that count and not the exact day, we’ll enjoy our time together just as much, because being with the adult versions of our children fills our hearts, making the time spent together magical.