Moon Valley Tattler October 2022

Who’s

It’s About To Be The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Again and I Can’t Wait!  BY KATE OLSON

It’s often the highlight of a teenager’s day to spend some time at the mall, walking around with friends, grabbing something to eat and browsing around from store to store.  My afternoon at the mall was spent a little differently one Saturday afternoon last November.  I had the wonderful opportunity to work a volunteer shift at The Salvation Army Angel Tree and witness the generosity of so many people from around the valley.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program started 36 years ago and helps provide Christmas gifts for thousands of children around the country each year. Once a child or senior adult has been registered and accepted as an Angel, their Christmas wish list is shared with donors in our community who purchase gifts of new clothing and toys. The gifts are distributed to the family to place under their family Christmas tree. The Salvation Army collects necessary information to determine qualification for participation in the program and details on each Angel.

Once someone chooses an Angel from the tree, we record their information, and they go off to shop.  When they return with their gifts, we bag them so they can be wrapped and given to their intended Angel.  It was so heartwarming to see the overwhelming response to this program and I look forward to signing up for a shift again this year.  I plan to let my friends know when I will be there and hopefully, they will come by to select an Angel and buy gifts.

The Christmas Angel program run November 19 – December 23 at 12 Arizona malls. Visit https://www.salvationarmyphoenix.org/christmas-angel to learn more or to volunteer!

NCL celebrates its 97th anniversary this year. Members of NCL nation-wide volunteer nearly 3 million hours to more than 6,000 charities each year creating a $68 million philanthropic impact. There are 287 chapters in 31 states with roughly 200,000 members. For more information about NCL and our new membership drive starting November 1, please visit www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/moonvalley, Facebook:  NCLincMoonValley, Instagram: NCLMOONVALLEY or send an email to membershipmoonvalley@nclonline.org.

Thunderbird High School Outdoors Club Completes

Community Service Project

Excellence in service continues at Thun derbird High School as the Outdoors Club completed its first community service project of the year. The club cleaned up the Joe Cle ments Trail after school. After cleaning up the Joe Clements Trail, the club summited T Butte.

To learn more about Thunderbird High School news, visit @Thunder birdHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.

Thunderbird High School’s NJROTC Compete in Cardinal Color Guard Competition

Excellence continues at Thunder bird High School as the NJROTC competed in the First Annual Car dinal Color Guard Competition at Glendale High School. Thunderbird submitted two teams, a Varsity and a JV team, to a panel of judges made up of recruiters from all services. 16 teams from all over the state competed in a head-to-head format.

To learn more about Thunderbird High School news, visit @Thunder birdHighSchoolAZ on Facebook.

Ask About Our Chlorine

A nip in the air and the leaves are changing colors can only mean one thing, Fall is around the corner. It’s time to open the windows, pull out the sweaters and boots, dust off the patio furniture and get outdoors. For me I also think it’s time to start the many art projects that continue to pile up in the garage and closets. All of those sale items you purchased last year in hopes of creating a lovely fall wreath, a Christmas gift, or just create an artist’s masterpiece that you’ve pinned on Pinterest. (For those of you that have never ventured on Pinterest….. beware, it is very addicting, but such a wonderful way to learn, play and get lost in time!!)

My mother taught me many things and crafting and creating is one that I only wish I had more time to do. There is just something inspiring about glue guns, duck tape, florist tape, and an electric stapler gun to set forth and conquer your decorator itch. I hope to get something completed by Christmas!!! I keep saying that is a retirement project, but also wonder if that will ever happen?

Regardless, look around and notice the clever Halloween masterpieces that are showing up in the neighborhood, the beautiful mums setting on front patio’s , the smell of cinnamon and apples simmering, BBQ smokers and the great new pumpkins Brews available. Fall is still the best time of year, unfortunately I mentioned to my husband just last week, it’s the best time of year in many parts of the world. I’d like to be in New York, Germany, Northern and Southern Arizona…. and the list goes on. But since we are here in Phoenix, get out and enjoy the many events that line the calendar right in our back yard. Stoll down the street and reacquaint yourselves with the neighbors you may have not seen for months and cherish this wonderful season.

Dawn Trapp

Let me nd you a new “woof”!

T L FRANKE L @AO L. CO M

Moon Valley Resident Recently Travels to Washington D.C. Seeking Peace and Help for Ukraine

Mike Baraban, a 1st generation Ukrainian American living in Moon Valley since 2003, traveled in September to Washington D.C. as part of a 5-member Arizona delegation to attend the Ukraine Action Summit. The Summit was an event on Capitol Hill focused on communicating with members of Con gress about how to bring peace to Ukraine as soon as possible and then to help rebuild Ukraine. The Summit was attended by nearly 300 individuals and 33 organizations from around the world within and beyond the Ukrainian community. About 150 meetings were held with rep resentatives across both the House and the Senate as well as the State Department. In addition to rep resenting the Arizona Ukrainian American Community, Bara ban, an attorney, represented the Ukrainian American Bar Associ ation, a national organization of Ukrainian American Attorneys. The timing of the meeting was critical with there being over 10 million displaced Ukrainians and winter quickly approaching.

The Arizona delegation completed meetings with 9 of 11 Arizona members of Congress. Attending a couple of those meetings were combat medics flown in from the front line to brief members of Congress on the dire circumstances at the front lines. “Hearing the stories of the brave Ukrainian soldiers only

underscored the urgency of our delegation’s mission in Wash ington, D.C., to seek the help Ukraine needs to achieve peace”, said Baraban. Another emotion ally moving part of the Summit, was a slide from a playground in Irpin, Ukraine on display show ing extensive shrapnel damage. “As the father of a 12-year-old, I did not want to let my mind go to thinking about what would have happened had a child been on the slide when the shrapnel struck”, stated Baraban.

One of the lead local or ganizations providing human itarian aid to Ukraine since Russia’s unprovoked invasion has been St. Mary’s Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Ukraine in downtown Phoenix. Volunteers organized by St. Mary’s have organized and packed 7 truckloads of medical and humanitarian supplied donated by local hospitals, first responders, and other individuals and entities and then paid to ship those items to Ukraine with donated funds. To donate to St. Mary’s, go to: Donate to Ukraine – St. Mary’s Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Phoenix, Ari zona (pokrovachurchphoenix.org)

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 DR. PAUL STANTON SUPERINTENDENT, WESD

Greetings WESD Partners and Community Members,

I am Dr. Paul Stanton, the proud Superintendent of the Washington Ele mentary School District (WESD). It was an excellent first quarter of the 20222023 school year as we have announced many exciting achievements, events and updates. I look forward to continue sharing our district’s news with you throughout the rest of the school year. Thank you for your supporting the WESD Family.

Mountain Sky Teacher Wins APS Supply My Class Award

Mountain Sky Junior High School teacher Christian Puebla was recently selected as an APS Supply My Class Award recipient. Entering its fifth year, the APS Supply My Class program awards $500 to randomly selected teachers in APS service territory to help ensure they have the resources they need to support their students’ success. The WESD Family is proud of Mr. Puebla for his accomplishment and commitment to serving his students and school community.

Governing Board Approves Pay Increase for Substitute Teachers

Last month, the WESD Governing Board approved an increase for substi tute pay from $100 per day to $140 per day. Additionally, long-term pay received an increase from $130 per day to $185 per day. I am thankful for our Governing Board for supporting our substitute teachers with this pay increase. I encourage you to share this news with your network or anyone you know looking for mean ingful employment as a substitute teacher, as the WESD is actively hiring for substitutes. Those interested can contact the WESD Human Resources Depart ment at 602-347-2668 or Human.Resources@wesdschools.org

WESD Partnerships

The WESD has a proud tradition of prioritizing our partnerships. After a couple of challenging years due to the pandemic, our district is eager to en gage with our amazing community partners once again. The WESD recently collaborated with the North Phoenix Kiwanis Club for its annual Walk-AThon where students and faculty from all 33 schools helped raise money for their clubs and build stronger school spirit. Later this month, our district will celebrate Love Our Schools Day, a time when community partners visit school campuses for a service day. Cub Scout Pack 323 will visit Lookout Mountain Elementary School for a campus cleanup while Mountain Sky Junior High School will also hold a campus clean up. Thank you to all our partners! We could not do this without you.

WESD to Hold Maintenance and Operations Budget Override and Bond Election

As a reminder, the WESD Governing Board called for a special Mainte nance and Operations (M&O) Budget Override Election and a special Bond Election for November 8th, 2022. To learn more about the upcoming elections and to view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Bond and Override, please visit https://www.wesdschools.org/bondoverride.

Again, thank you for your continued support of the WESD Family and for sharing a great first quarter with us. Your support is immeasurable to the success of our district.

Gratefully, Dr. Paul Stanton WESD Superintendent

Let’s Talk About the real Fitness secret

BY ANDY FEIGUM, FITNESS DIR. AT ANYTIME FITNESS

What is the secret to getting in shape and staying in shape? Is it a recently discovered herb from high atop the Himalayan mountains? No.

The real secret to getting in shape and maintaining it is (drumroll please) CONSISTENCY! The simple truth is that the human body adapts to what ever action it is most frequently subjected to, if the most common activity is banging away on a keyboard, then the body will begin to hunch the shoulders and keep the head tilted down in order to be more efficient while using a key board, whether it’s at a desk or on a phone. If the most common activity is be ing sedentary, either at work or at home, then the body adapts by slowing down the metabolism and rounding the spine to accommodate a seated position.

Unfortunately, consistent action is not always easy. However, getting in shape is not determined by one bad day, week, or even month, it is determined by the sum of individual actions and decisions throughout your entire life. However, you may feel about yourself today, most likely it was a slow process

that you probably didn’t even notice until one day you walk by a mirror and realize things have significantly changed.

So how do you become consistent when it comes to physical activity? 1) Don’t over commit. Don’t try to go from zero or one day a week at the gym to five days. 2) Put it on your schedule. Treat a trip to the gym the same way you treat a doctor’s appointment, both are for your health after all. 3) Get an accountability partner. If you feel like you need a partner but cannot find someone whose schedule matches yours, you could try training with one of members, whether it’s participating in a small group session or working with a personal trainer.

Anytime Fitness of Moon Valley is having a fall training sale for new mem bers, please ask any one of us for details and if you have any additional questions about getting to the gym consistently, or specific exercises/routines, or nutrition and diet, please feel free to ask me directly, I’m always happy to help!

Who’s that walking lady?

BY COLLEEN WALLING

Have you seen the Moon Valley walking lady? Patricia McGuire moved to Arizona from Upper Michigan and has lived in Phoenix for 45 years. She began walking when her husband of 47 years passed away in 2007. She had always been his caretaker and was looking for things to help her pass her time. She started to walk and talk alongside her neighbor and friend in the early evenings. This began her journey of incorporating mind, body, and soul in her daily life.

Eventually, she moved to be near her daughter, Colleen Wall ing, who has been in Moon Valley for 20 years and has 5 children. Patricia would walk to Look Out Mountain elementary for their events and also to her local parish church. She would participate in everything from going down park water slides, to crossing hanging rope bridges in Ireland. Once she stopped driving, 3 of those chil dren that are still in the area, be gan taking their grandma for rides to her appointments and buying groceries. They enjoy the time with her because she has a young out look. Occasionally, they will stop for lunch or dinner and Pat always makes sure to order something healthy. Should she get a slice of pizza, she will dab any grease off with a napkin. She admits she has a love for cheese and dark chocolate but maintains disci pline and never goes overboard. Before breakfast, she does some stretching and some basic exercises to keep her limber and mobile. She takes out her dictionary and completes her crosswords puzzles or looks up things in her encyclopedia set. Then she will read a few chapters a good romance novel.

Living independently as a resident in Quail Hill, she has continued her walk ing routine and has been going every night for the past 15 years. According to her pedometer, she does a 2 mile walk around the neighborhood along Coral Gables, Moon Valley Drive, and around Moon Valley Park. She keeps up a pretty good pace; however, will stop pet an occasional dog or say hi to a passerby. As she is swinging her arms and navigating her way around, she reflects on her day. She prays on her rosary ring attached on her keychain for all of her loved ones and before she knows it her trek is done. The only time she doesn’t go on a walk is if she is gone on vacation; otherwise, she is out rain or shine. She can’t just sit inside the house as she enjoys it so much. Generally, she wears a hat and a cooling cloth around her neck carrying a bottle of water. At dusk she wears reflectors with digital lights around her arms so she is visible. Taking care of herself also means her appearance which includes applying lotion for wrinkles, putting on makeup, and dressing fashionably. While smiling, she says this makes you feel good about yourself inside and out.

People frequently honk and wave when they see her. They also stop her to ask how old she is, a young 95 she replies! The Amazon delivery man even stopped to ask what her secret is. She believes daily exercising, cognitive stimulation, sen sible meals, and an evening glass of wine keep her going physically and mentally! Walking is free you don’t have to pay for it! Get out for fresh air, watch the beau tiful sunset, meet your neighbors! Patricia hopes that her healthy lifestyle will be an example for her family and a goal for their own longevity. She truly is the meaning of health, happiness, and a young mindset.

time you see her out

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Paula Cullison, Moon Valley resident, will be featured along with Gina Santi, as they present their joint photography exhibition titled: Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Opening on Friday, October 7th from 6pm - 8pm at the OLNEY Gallery of the Trinity Cathedral 100 W. Roosevelt in downtown Phoenix.

Paula’s international travel photography is of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru and Cuba. Gina Santi’s photography is focused on the Yucatan area of Mexico. The Desert Sounds Mariachi Band will entertain in the lovely courtyard. Attendees with be treated to light refreshments. Parking in the adjacent garage is free; enter the garage from the Westside side of Central Ave and just north of Roosevelt. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit will remain on display until October 26th.

For more info on Paula’s international travel writing and photography visit: www.paulacullison.com or email: paulacullison@aol.com

Featured photo: Let’s Dance - Vamos a Bailar, Mataderos Festival in Buenos Aires, Argentina by Paula G. Cullison

The end of days?

The Fed has raised interest again. Elliott Pollack, a noted Arizona economist, suggests that economic growth will slow and a recession is possible. Are we all going to hell in a handbasket? Has the “end of days” begun?

Perhaps it is not that bad. Yes, we have experienced an unprecedented period of low interest and high economic growth. The housing market was over the moon, but may be softening recently.

Some unusual occurrences have had great sway on the financial situation we now face. The pandemic spurned the stimulus program which infused copious amounts of extra money into the economy. This was a “godsend” to many mil lions of folks, but an unnecessary, stipend to others. There is little doubt that this contributed to the inflation we are now experiencing. The war in the Ukraine, and supply chain issues are also factors.

There is an upside to this. Anyone that wants a job can find one. Wages are way up, and while inflation will subside, wages probably will not.

From a housing standpoint this may be a unique opportunity for many. The challenge is for us all to reaccustom ourselves to slightly higher rates. While many are waiting to buy a new home, this may be a bad strategy. Rates can, and probably will, go higher. What seems to be expensive today, may be a bargain next year.

Fall festival

BY DAVID HENSIEK MOON VALLEY BIBLE CHURCH

JOHNSON

Let’s look at a hypothetical situation that is somewhat based on actual figures. We purchased our first home in 1972. I don’t exactly remember the numbers, but this is pretty close. We paid about $33,000 for a nice, new 4-bedroom home bordering on the mountain preserve. We were making about $15,000 per year and our P&I payments at 7% would have been $198.43 (plus taxes and insurance – over $300 per month). The P&I payment was about 16% of our gross income. Today assuming a similar couple would be making about $150,000 per year. A half million-dollar home with 20% down, thus a $400,000 mortgage, would have P&I payments of $2386.23 at 6% for 30 years. This is about 19% of gross income.

Adding in taxes and insurance these payments are still well below the thresh old of 28% of gross income that Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and most lenders recommend.

This is a great time to buy. As I said, the housing market may be softening, and I assure you that sellers are more negotiable than 6 months ago. Yes, rates are up, but opportunities exist. Get with a trusted Realtor and get prequalified with your lender. Start looking around and explore your options. You will be glad you did.

Fun and games for kids of all ages! Come to the Moon Valley Plaza at Moon Valley Bible Church on October 29 from 6-8pm for a Fall Festival event! Moon Valley Bible Church and All Saints Lutheran Church are partnering together to offer an evening full of fun—featuring activities, games, food, in flatables, raffle prizes, and joy for the whole family. And best of all—it’s free! Join us for a festive time and create memories for the whole family!

Estate Planning - Back to Basics!

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

Who Needs Estate Planning?

When many people hear the words “estate planning,” they 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.” It makes us think of the massive estates owned by the ultra-wealthy.

But according to Merriam-Webster, the simple definition of estate is “all of the things that a person owns.” Your estate is the sum of your stuff: your home, your bank accounts, your stocks and bonds, your cars and boat, and your person al property. Big or small, most adults have an estate of some sort, and do have an estate to plan. But don’t worry, if you don’t make a plan, the state has a plan for you. It just may not be what you want.

What young couples with children may not consider is that their estate also includes the life insurance policies that they took out to provide for their children if they aren’t around. At death, that life insurance policy may be the biggest part of the estate. Planning for how it will be managed and spent for the children is crucial!

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

While planning for you estate at death is important, a good estate planner is doing much more. The estate planning professional should assure that you have a plan that protects you if 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. You also put in place what’s needed by your designated financial agent to quickly take charge and see that you and your finances are taken care of.

Without Incapacity Planning Your Family Must File for Conservatorship

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.

One attorney I know who handles conservatorship proceedings called con servatorships “cumbersome.” They are also quite costly, far more than the cost of creating an estate plan. At least two attorneys are involved in any conservatorship case.

Money isn’t the only cost of conservatorship. Your family is asking the court to declare you incompetent. This takes a huge emotional toll on everyone. It takes time too, both to conduct the proceeding in court, and to make accountings to the court according to its rigorous guidelines.

Last, the conservatorship is a very public affair. There are no locked doors in the courthouse for these proceedings where your private affairs are discussed. With a Trust and your own estate plan, you maintain your privacy. You even decide just how and when it should be decided that you can no longer handle our affairs.

Revocable Living Trusts are Great for Incapacity Planning and Distributing Your Assets

One of the most effective ways to address planning for your incapacity as well as for your death is the Revocable Living Trust. The Revocable Living Trust is a great way to address incapacity and to make an easy distribution of your assets –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 and 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, or to manage and distribute your assets on death

Learn More About Estate Planning

Learn more about estate planning and find out if what you have in place is enough for your family or loved ones to easily care for you and easily manage your estate when you are gone. My website (www.libbybanks.com) has lots of information, and we offer a free initial consultation. Just call us at 602-375-6752.

the great days are Here!

BY LEON TRY ME BIKE SHOP

Cool weather has brought out lots of bicycle riders. The paths are clean and free of clutter. Thanks to stepped up park rangers and police cleaning. They have a thankless job that is not easy. There is still some rough spots but they keep at it. Thank you city fathers, police and rangers for great work. Lots of electric bikes has brought out many new riders. The bike paths are getting more use. Maybe we will get more bike paths? Bicycle riding is still free point , balance and pedal away. Now is the time to ride around the block or more. Try Me Bicycle

Moon Valley Chiropractic is Hiring!!

MRS. LINDA IS RETIRING AFTER 8 YEARS OF SERVICE

After more than 8 years of hard work and loyal dedication, Mrs. Linda Campion is retiring. It has been a great privilege of mine to have had this incredible woman enriching my life professionally and personally. What started as a 3-month, temporary fill-in is now finally concluding, nearly a decade later. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to her. Thank you, Linda!

That being said, Moon Valley Chiropractic is seeking a front office/ receptionist. 35+ hours per week. We work 3 long days with a trade of Tuesdays off, abbreviated Fridays, and no weekends, in a family atmosphere. The perfect candidate has chiropractic experience, personally or professionally, has a basic understanding of health insurance, scheduling , and data entry, can navigate computer software and use office hardware. I am searching for a friendly yet professional, organized, independent multi-tasker who cares about people and the task at hand. Pay starts at $20/hr but is negotiable for the right candidate. Sick days and vacation time is accumulated with hours worked. If interested, please contact me at the office, email me at : dr.reichow@moonvalleychiropractic.com, or drop in with your resume and meet us!

To Health, Dr. Jamey Reichow

MISSING BLOCK WATCHER BY BLANCHE LUKES

Yes we are missing Respectful Drivers. What happened???

Why is everyone in such a rush? We have so much available at our fingertips, basically life is a lot easier for this generation then our fore fathers. Riding in a covered wagon across the Arizona desert must have been a terrible experience for those brave pioneers. And we, in our air conditioned cars zipping from place to place ! I guess I am back to the Attitude of Grati tude I wrote as a previous article.

I shuttered watching that car zipping through the intersection as the light was turning red. And then there is the jumper. Three cars in align ment waiting for the light to turn green, and the jumper leaps out Oh yea, what about that other guy running thru the red light. Oh well, I am not tell ing you anything you don’t know, but perhaps we all need to revisit why there are speed limits and why courtesy is so valuable to ones well being and safety.

What can we do to slow the drivers down on our Moon Valley Streets? I am shocked to see a car full of teen age girls speeding down my street, radio blaring and laughing up a storm. An accident waiting to happen. Having experience a family member being hit head on by such a speeder I am particu larly sensitive to the pain of an accident. Let’s have the discussion with friends and family and work together to bring respect, consideration and thoughtful ness back into our driving. It is a privilege to navigate a 3000 pound plus vehicle to get us where we want and have to go. Join me in the awareness.

Blanchelukes@cox.net

ProMusica Arizona Opens Exciting 2022-23

Season with “Favorites -- Past and Present”

ProMusica Arizona will kick off its 20th anniversary season with “Favor ites -- Past and Present ” on Saturday, October 15 at a new venue -- All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th St. in North Phoenix. The Sunday, October 16 concert will be held at American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City, a familiar venue for ProMusica Arizona audiences.

The concert will open with familiar patriotic favorites including “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” toe-tapping John Philip Sousa marches and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The second half of the concert will continue with a medley of Broadway songs by Stephen Sondheim including “Send in the Clowns” and a Richard Rodgers medley with songs from The Sound of Music, South Pacific and Oklahoma to name a few. The orchestra will play film themes by John Williams from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman and others, as well as Mozart’s delightful “Overture to the Magic Flute.”

Arizona Christian University’s Firestorm Chorale will join ProMusica Arizona Chorale, bringing the total number of vocalists to more than 80 and creating an outstanding sound for the concert. The music in this opening concert is sure to generate fond memories for the audience and will remain with them for a long time!

Dates and Venues include:

Saturday, October 15, 2022, 7:00 pm – All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th St., North Phoenix (New Venue)

Sunday, October 16, 3:30 pm – American Lutheran Church, 17200 N Del Webb Blvd., Sun City

Ticket Prices: Adults - $27.50; Seniors (65+)/Military - $25; Students (1622) - $12; and children 15 and younger are free with a paid adult. Free student rush tickets are available 15 minutes before each performance based on seating availability. Groups of 10 or more for a concert will receive a 10% discount. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit pmaz.org or call 623-3265172.

Presents: Presents:

Shopping Local

MOON VALLEY MAGIC

BY DEBBIE ERBSTOESSER

We think about shopping locally during the holidays and indeed, Sep tember marks the beginning of the season (for me) with everything pumpkin spice and fall . I always start decorating Labor Day weekend for my three favorite months; September, October, November, culminating with my very, most favor ite holiday, Thanksgiving.

By October I’ve got most of my Christmas presents purchased and hiding. There are good reasons why our boys weren’t allowed to play hide and seek wher ever they wanted to in our house. Certain rooms were off limits, but they never knew why. I’m sure they just chalked it up to me being particular and knew better than to cross me, but I was hiding gifts. I didn’t have to hide wrapping the gifts because they knew the stocking stuffers were from Gary and me as well as some of the big gifts. No reason for Santa to get all the glory.

Shopping locally doesn’t always mean small businesses, though I love our lo cals. I feel badly that there are some I still haven’t visited. Serafina Coffee Shop is new on the NW corner of 7th St. and Coral Gables. I can’t imagine that everyone hasn’t been in there yet, as they’ve always got customers. What struck me about that place is their immediate support of others. Not only are they selling Mam maToledo’s Pie Hole mini pies, but they’ve already held fundraisers for THS band

and the MV Women’s Club, giving back to the community. They barely opened!?! I spoke to the owner, Damian, about it and he said, “Why not? My wife is from MV.” Annnnd not only do they support other business es and our local high school, but their little cup with kind words to lift a sad spirit is supporting people on a personal level and it makes my heart happy.

The Pie Hole has an amaz ing key lime, among other fla vors. We got one for our birth days. A friend got Gary and me an apple crumb and it’s equally yummy. (We have birthdays four days apart). Oh and remember, it’s Gary and me, not Gary and I…that freaked some of you out didn’t it? Remember the rule; Gary and I before a verb, Gary and me after a verb. (See MVM-

Moon Valley Magic...

Continued from prior page

Sept. 2015 and May 2022).

MVP fixes more than (not then) shoes. Johnny and his merry men have fixed my shoes, purse, belt, and most recently one of my hats, in addition to replacing our watch batteries. A bit further down the sidewalk MV Grill and Barros are hard to beat on good food, though we’re partial to the MVG’s grilled wings, tossed twice, and Barros thin crust pizza. Aiello’s pizza is also incredibly delicious, but Gary and I tried out the new Aiello’s restaurant for our 38th anniversary in August. We didn’t get anything we ordered, but everything we did receive was fantabulously yum dillicious. Yes, I make up words, but I don’t mess with rigid rules regarding me, myself or I. (It bugs me so much I wrote about it twice in Sept.’15 and May ’22).

Other local businesses are not small mom and pop shops, but if we don’t frequent them they won’t stay in the ‘hood. Some of my favs are; Target, Fry’s Marketplace-where your purchases earn gas points and the gas station is right out front, Verizon-where in person is much better than trying to call for help, Chili’s, Hallmark with a convenient Post Office in back, Big Lots, and Sprout’s Sushi Wednesday. I don’t want those stores to close!

I respect Hobby Lob by for not being open on Sunday. If I don’t plan ahead, shame on me. HL saves me a trip to JoAnn’s at Des ert Ridge. Then there is Starbucks. It has its place-even though they seem to be every place, on every corner. We need to keep them in business too, just pick your corner.

So spend your mon ey where you will. If I can choose between a Target and Starbucks in PV or Scottsdale vs the one near Moon Valley, I’ll wait and shop locally.

The dangers of artificial

Too much added sugar is dangerous, pure and simple. (Too much nat ural sugar is also dangerous, but that’s another story.) Thus the birth of the artificial sugar craze that has swept through just about every aspect of the food and beverage industry. These days, it may actually be more common to find foods / drinks with artificial sugar than the natural kind. Theoretically, that’s a good thing, because too much sugar in your diet can lead to insulin resistance and eventually, type 2 diabetes.

But artificial sugar may not be the godsend it’s cracked up to be. In fact, recent research suggests artificial sugar may have its own health risks. Published in Cell, the new study found that four sugar substitutes (saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and stevia) raise blood glucose levels, and two (saccharin and stevia) alter the GI microbiome. The study involved 120 healthy adults who ingested artificial sugar for two weeks vs. taking a glucose pill or nothing at all.

It’s important to note that per the study, the artificial sug ar dosing was lower than the acceptable daily intake, which probably means significantly lower than the amount many people consume on a daily basis via diet sodas and the in creasing variety of foods packed with artificial sugar. One can only imagine how higher levels of the artificial sugars under review might influence blood glucose and our gut microbiome.

The moral to the story: When it comes to sugar intake, less is more in terms of your health; and natural is better than artificial. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

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Rookie Mom: My Positive (and Scary Long) Induction Birth Story

If you’ve been reading my column for the past 9 months (or even a few years), you’re aware of my previous birthing journey with my first child Brynn. It was ex actly what I wanted: onset naturally, an epidural with no pain, and a short labor.

Unfortunately, I let birth happen to me by going with a recommended OB and mindlessly agreeing with the medical staff rather than empowering myself to understand the birthing experience. I am sure part of this led to postpartum psychosis followed by a 6-month stint of postpartum depression.

This time around, I wanted to do everything in my power to avoid any reper cussions from my first birth.

With the amazing help of my birth team with my second child – my midwife Ellie Tan, CNM WHNP-BC at Premier OB/GYN, and my doula, Kelly Sun shine, I was able to make this a reality.

However, it’s far from an ideal birth story and definitely came with many bumps along the road that did not match my “birth plan”… Fun Fact: Inductions Take a LONG TIME to Get Going

As you also read in a previous column, I struggled managing gestational diabetes (GD) with my second birth, which meant that I had to be induced early.

No matter how much I wanted my contractions to come naturally, I had to get past the hard truth that the induction was the safest route for my son and myself just because of how big he was growing due to the GD.

I naively thought that when I checked into Banner Health University Hos pital at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, that my son would be born maybe 4-5 hours later. (Yes, I REALLY thought that!)

First, I was adamant about avoiding Pitocin to get contractions going. Even though my contractions came naturally with Brynn, I was put on Pitocin to speed up the labor process… And at only 3 cm with my first child, those Pitocin contractions were outrageously painful which led to an early epidural.

I had discussed with my midwife, Ellie, that Cytotec would be a better alter native, but the only downside is that the medicine could not be regulated as well as Pitocin. Along with that, one dose of Cytotec could only be taken every 4 hours.

Once the Cytotec took place, I labored regularly at just 2 cm dilated with contractions every 2-3 minutes, but they weren’t horrible contractions. My son, Henry, was not responding well to the contractions as his heart would dip after each one. After the 4-hour mark, Ellie and I decided to go one more route of Cytotec (around 4 p.m. this time) along with a Foley bulb to help dilate. The idea of the Foley bulb is that it blows up to open a cervix to dilate and then fall out.

As a result of the second dose of Cytotec and the bulb, my contractions defi

Caption: My amazing birth team from left to right, midwife Ellie Tan CNM WHNP-BC from Premier OB/GYN, myself, Kelly Sunshine of Sunshine Doula Services, and my husband Adam.

nitely became harder and no amount of J-breathing could help.

I thought FOR SURE that I was dilating and in active labor, when at 9 p.m. (that’s 12 hours later from the first dose of Cytotec), I was only… still 2 cm along.

I. Couldn’t. Believe. It.

My doula Kelly had arrived by this time along with Ellie to discuss other options to speed up the induction.

The truth of the matter was that I was so in my head with the pain, that it was just proving to be traumatic for my son, and honestly, myself.

Ellie walked me through the idea of Pitocin along with an epidural to speed things along. I didn’t say yes. Or no. And then Ellie discovered that Pitocin neg atively crossed with one of my Bipolar medications, which automatically threw this option from the list.

From 7cm to 10cm in 27 Minutes

My magical “epidural” was actually Kelly who coached me through my labor with compassion, tough love, and intuition. (She is worth every single penny and then some!)

Shortly after 9 p.m., I labored on the toilet (from the words of Kelly: “The toilet is a great place to labor”), and what felt like a urinating sensation with no sense of urination, my Foley bulb fell out and I was then 4-5 cm along.

I then labored in the tub, which felt like heaven – a respite from the pain – with Kelly mimicking breathing and my husband, Adam, playing Josh Rit ter – which was actually my favorite part of my birth. It felt natural, slow, and intimate.

M&T Solutions Tech Tip of the Month

BY MIKE ORTIZ

With the invention and evolution of the Internet, our world has never been smaller in terms of communication and interaction world wide. You can compare the Internet to a major city or even a country due to its size. Just like any major city, the criminal element is present and waiting to rob or scam its next victim.

Internet crime is on the rise in the form of tech support scams. Microsoft Windows is a major target for tech support scammers hoping to cash in on un knowing end users. Scammers will initiate contact with fake error messages on websites you visit (either valid or fake), links in emails, or fake invoices for a ser vice you don’t subscribe to (ex. McAfee/Norton Antivirus).

These messages will normally state that your computer is infected and to call the number listed on the message. These error messages may also include some audio instructing you to do something. If you receive a message similar to this, DO NOT call the number.

Microsoft or any major tech company will not ask you to call them directly and will not notify you if you are infected with a virus. If ever in doubt, shutdown your computer and call M&T Solutions as soon as possible, so we can clean out any malicious software and verify your system is clean and safe to use.

Tips To Stay Safe

1. Always verify websites you are visiting directly or from Google or Bing. Fake websites can look exactly like the real ones, so be careful.

2. Verify email senders and links in emails. DO NOT open any links from unknown senders or send any money for fake or suspicious invoices.

3. When in doubt, verify directly with your bank if you receive any emails stating they charged your account. Once verified, delete the email. DO NOT respond to the emails.

4. Make sure you have Antivirus and Malware software installed (in the browser too) to protect you from malicious attacks like these.

Mike Ortiz is an Arizona State University alumni. He has been in the IT industry for 20 years working for various IT companies. He has experience in IT Security, Networking, and Desktop/Server builds & repairs just to name a few. His company, M&T Solutions was formed in May 2021 to meet a need for knowledgable, dependable, and trustworthy IT consultants in the valley.

About 30 minutes later – now about 11:30 p.m, Ellie, my midwife, decided to pop my water to which I was warned by Kelly how much the contractions would change.

And, dang: Change they did!

The first contraction after my water broke was wordlessly intense, and then they just came barrelling through with transition.

I spent one or two contractions back into the tub, and then into the hospital bed, where time just disappeared and I was dealing with incredibly painful contractions – totally ignoring the breathing techniques from my doula because I was just trying to get through the pain.

It was 27 minutes after my water broke when Henry was finally in my arms, and my unmedicated vaginal birth – successfully brought on by induction – was over!

Henry was born on Friday, September 2, at 12:17 a.m. at 6 pounds and 8 ounces – not the big baby that was measured every Friday during my third trimester thanks to GD.

Happy Baby, Happy Mama

I can honestly say that following through with an unmedicated vaginal birth was one of the proudest moments of my life.

After 17 hours of labor, what got me through it was “no postpartum psychosis or postpartum depression for my kids.” And I envisioned these thoughts repeatedly throughout labor.

Sure, it didn’t follow my birth “plan” or “preferences” – several methods of induction took place, but I am proud of the women and the birth team who supported me along my journey – who took the time to get to know and understand me – that made this second (and final) birth so successful.

As of now, I am writing this article 18 days after Henry’s birth with no sign of postpartum depression and psychosis – empowered and excited about this new chapter with my beautiful family.

And I can’t wait to keep you in the loop as a Rookie Mom to a no-longer only child and now sweet baby boy.