Cache Valley Family Magazine: Recent Episodes
Cache Valley Family Magazine
Emily Buckley, editor in chief
Approximately four years ago, artist Mike Malm, of Wellsville, was at a CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse) fundraiser hosted by the Malouf Foundation when he heard a domestic violence survivor talk about her experience and ways she grew as a result of CAPSA services. He recalls her saying something like, “Out of the ashes, I will rise with a fire in my soul.”
“I thought, ‘That sounds like an amazing painting.’” He put the thought in the notes on his phone, not knowing if he’d ever get to act on it.
Two years later, in 2021, with the financial support of the Charis Legacy Foundation, CAPSA opened a new 9,575-square-foot wing to its main office. At the ribbon cutting for the wing, CAPSA Chief Executive Officer Jill Anderson said, “I’m reminded about how many people it takes to make our work possible. This building is not just a building. It provides us the ability to expand all of our services — to do life-saving, life-changing work. This building allows us to expand and provide more services across all of our programming.”
The Dave and Lynette Jenkins Family, who founded the Charis Legacy Foundation, wanted to go further and add a beautiful piece of art for the new wing, so they commissioned Mike to create a painting and have it on loan to CAPSA for display in the building.
“The ideas had been in my mind for a couple of years, so when the opportunity finally presented itself, [it] just fell into place,” Mike said.
Photo by Brittany Cascio
From concept and collaboration to unveiling was a detailed process. Mike says it goes from a rough pencil sketch to a rough watercolor sketch, to taking hundreds of photos of models, to piecing together the images in Photoshop to match his vision before actually getting to work on painting the final piece.
“There were times I had to put it aside to let ideas marinate and work toward expressing the narrative we wanted,” Mike said. “My job is to work on [a painting] until I feel it … If I don’t feel it, no one else is going to feel it, so I’m really conscious of the colors I’m using, the tones I’m using, how the lines move through the piece; all of that is really important. I feel it out as I’m working, and I know when it feels right … that’s when I’m done.”
Mike says the piece, titled From the Ashes, is a story about overcoming darkness and is full of symbolism.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to find such a great home for this painting at CAPSA, and we are so grateful to Mike for his vision and talent in creating such a beautiful artistic work,” Lynette Jenkins, co-founder of the Charis Legacy Foundation said. “It is perfect for CAPSA because the painting is a beautiful representation of a person being able to rise above the hard things in their lives and take the steps that will help them move forward to a better place. It also represents how the help of others is important in a victim’s progression to recovery. This painting gives one an immediate feeling of hope! Our desire is that this is what those who visit CAPSA will feel as they receive help from the services provided.
We appreciate the dedicated staff and others involved with CAPSA and their work in providing a safe haven for victims to find healing and hope in their lives.”
Mike says a piece like this is a lot of work, but it also comes with much satisfaction. “I can’t even imagine what some people feel or what they are dealing with when they come to CAPSA,” Mike said. “I just hope this painting can help inspire. I hope people can see themselves coming out of this and that it’s going to be OK — that they have a lot of people around them at CAPSA who love them and are there for them. That there is hope. That they aren’t alone. If a glimpse of the painting can give a little spark of, ‘Maybe it’s going to be OK,’ then I’ve done my job.”
Photo by Heather Palmer
Photo courtesy of CAPSA
Photo by Brittany Cascio
As you move through the painting, Mike explains that the rising figure is the same woman who was holding the child. The child is now a toddler. The figure by her side is assisting her upward — an advocate helping her upward toward her goals.
The figure on the right side of the piece, holding the basket, is more concealed. “She is charity,” Mike said. “Like the donors who supported this painting, they want to contribute without recognition. People who will just give and don’t want recognition. She represents people who offer sustenance and physical help.”
Mike points out that the painting is full of additional symbolism, including flowers coming up through the ashes on the ground. “With all that destruction, the ground is fertile and ready for new life. The blossoms start to grow and eventually reach full bloom because they have been nurtured and cared for and are now giving back, with their beauty, to the people who offered nourishment. It is a symbol of overcoming and giving back.”
Mike says he believes people could find themselves in different elements of the painting at different times in their lives, whether they are one coming to CAPSA in despair or coming as a helper.
James Boyd, CAPSA’s chief development officer, who works closely with individuals and organizations who support CAPSA, said, “Individuals who experience domestic violence or sexual abuse often feel isolated and afraid. This is one of the traps of abuse — feeling no one cares, leaving them trapped and alone. Survivors quickly realize that CAPSA’s caseworkers and advocates will stand by them in their darkest hours, helping them find their footing on their path. This painting communicates a far broader level of support. It illuminates that there are individuals throughout our community who care about them, believe in them, and see a path to a future without abuse. ”
To learn more about the painting and its symbolism, visit capsa.org/fromtheashes/.
Prince Gallery is selling framed prints as a fundraiser for CAPSA. Because Mike Malm gifted the digital rights to CAPSA and Prince Gallery is printing/framing at cost, more than 75% of the purchase price is a donation to CAPSA.
Visit Prince Gallery to see “From the Ashes” by Mike Malm in person and purchase your copy at 2600 North Main Ste 106, North Logan.
Photo by Mike Johnson
Consider Donating
When you donate to CAPSA, you are supporting the more than 1,900 women, men, and children who receive direct services, including shelter, court advocacy, housing, and clinical therapy each year, and backing CAPSA’s prevention program, which works to reduce violence through education to more than 18,000 participants each year. Please consider donating by visiting capsa.org/donate/
A Story of Hope
THE STORY BEHIND THE PAINTING
From the Ashes was designed for CAPSA’s central stairway with an unfolding story as you approach and travel up the stairs. Mike explained that as someone, whether a client, advocate, or supporter of CAPSA, approaches the stairway, one of the first things they will see in the painting is a woman holding a baby in despair (on the lower left side). “You kind of see the beginning of her journey,” Mike said. “There are ashes at her feet, with a burnt landscape behind her.” The scene illustrates what it feels like to be in a place where you may wonder if there is any hope. “Then you see a woman behind her, holding a candle,” he said. “The candle illuminates and catches her face. The woman in despair sees that light and recognizes it as the light of hope.”
Meet the Artist
Photo by Brittany Cascio
Michael Malm lives in Cache Valley with his wife, Juanita. They have four children. His serious study began under Del Parson at Dixie College, where he completed his associate’s degree. He then went on to Southern Utah University, where he had the opportunity to study with Perry Stewart, and completed his formal education at Utah State University where he received a master of fine arts degree studying under Glen Edwards. Workshops have also played an important part of his development studying with such master painters as Richard Schmid, Burton Silverman, Daniel Gerhartz, Quang Ho, Ron Hicks, Michael Workman, and Jim Norton. Mike started his career as a portrait painter and then as a gallery artist before spending the last decade working on biblical and narrative works, including many pieces for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The post Artist Mike Malm Illustrates CAPSA’s Mission in a Painting appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Michael Cole, OD, Child and Family Eye Care Center
As this school year and eternal winter comes to a close, our children are about to increase the noise and clutter levels of our homes as they spend all day with us. While we love having them close, we need to keep them busy and help them prepare for their next school year. What is the best use of our time with them to maximize their summer preparation?
The eyes and brain must be exposed to an environment rich with stimulation and the opportunity to interact actively with our surroundings. Next time you are fortunate enough to enjoy an infant, watch how they explore their environment with their eyes. Notice how they lock their gaze onto objects around them, trying to convince their tiny body to obey and pick up a toy.
Before we begin to reach and grasp with our hands, we must first “reach” with our vision and learn to direct our actions. Vision directed movements are clunky and inaccurate at first. Perhaps the child may occasionally, almost as if by accident, manage to grasp the toy as the arms swing from one side of the body to the other. Think of how those vision-guided movements progress until they pick up a single Cheerio. They advance in this way as long as they are provided opportunities.
When the baby begins to crawl, their vision begins to reach further — planning where their chubby little arms and legs may take them next. Soon, they are up and running. Until their visual system can learn to navigate at new speeds, they will bump into seemingly every corner and ledge they manage to find. Ultimately, these little ones run out the door to discover and explore outside.
Our eyes are meant to be used outdoors! In an ideal situation, our eyes can naturally see well far away from us. If you think of primitive humans, vision was needed to catch prey, tend to fields, and stay safe from danger. The machinery of our eyes is best suited for those types of tasks. Minimal effort is expended to perform at a high level while viewing distant objects.
Being outdoors provides the environment where the budding visual system can develop complex motor skills and decision-making. Our kids need their hands in the dirt, their feet on trampolines, their knees crawling in the grass, and their vision guiding their actions along the way. There is no replacement for the developmental boon of a backyard. If our children can learn to regulate their bodies effectively as they physically play, they will be better able to do so when at rest and when in the classroom.
Being exposed to sunlight has also been shown to reduce levels of nearsightedness in children. Sunlight helps regulate sleep cycles, improves mood, and promotes healthy bodies and bones.
This summer, help your kids turn off their devices and spend more time outside.
Although Minecraft and Fortnite might be calling their name, it’s harder to hear that call with the wind in their hair and the sun on their face. Let’s give them (and their eyes) a chance to grow in the open air!
The post Let Your Kids’ Minds and Eyes Develop Outside this Summer appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Jen Martin, owner, Reset Your Nest
Have you ever wondered if it is realistic for a normal family to have a pantry that looks like it came out of a magazine? Or have you ever thought that picture-worthy pantries look picture-worthy, but are impractical and that there is no way that it could function for you and be easily maintained.
I want you to know that not only is a beautifully designed pantry realistic, practical, and functional for you, but you can do it yourself! Once systems are set up and set up in a way that caters to you and your needs, it is easy to maintain.
TIP #1: Take everything out, and I mean everything! Throw out anything expired and make piles of like items. You might be surprised about that hidden jar of Nutella that was hiding behind the spaghetti sauce or that there are three half-eaten boxes of the SAME cereal in your food cupboard.
TIP #2: Working with a clean slate, you can see your space in a new way. Pull ideas from Pinterest or your favorite organizers and decide what look and feel you want to create. Food cupboards can have style!
TIP #3: Measure your space and buy products to better serve you. The more packaging you have the more cluttered and less efficient your space. We love clear, airtight containers for bulk items. Container Store and Target have some of our favorite plastic airtight containers, but glass containers can be found almost anywhere and are also beautiful.
Another pantry essential are open bins or baskets. This is where we put everything that can’t be easily emptied into a clear container. As you analyze the things you have pulled out, decide if you need tiered shelving for cans, Lazy Susans for hard-to-reach corners, big baskets for Costco-sized packages, etc. Because we want our pantry space not only to be functional, but also beautiful, try to keep the look consistent. For example: if using clear acrylic, pair with natural woven baskets and black wire baskets. If using glass containers, match the lids of the jars to other materials in the pantry. Too many looks will make the space feel cluttered and not as custom.
TIP #4: Put everything back. Empty packaged items into your new bins and containers. Keep like things together. Do you have a way to keep spreads and bread by your toaster? Can you keep your protein powders by your blender?
What do you use the most? Make sure it gets the prime real estate and put less used items up high or down low. More unsightly packaged things that don’t make sense to empty into their own container can go in solid bins or baskets.
TIP #5: Label! Label! Label! You can write directly on the container with chalk markers, use a label maker, order custom vinyl, or print labels off your computer; however you do it, labels will help you (and, more importantly, all those less invested in your beautiful new space) to keep things where they belong.
Following these five tips will set you and your home up for success! Not only will your pantry be Pinterest-worthy, but it will also be functional.
The post 5 No-Fail Tips To A Pinterest-Worthy Pantry appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Frank Schofield, superintendent, Logan City School District
Think of a time when you achieved something that required significant effort. Maybe it was learning a song on the piano as a child, developing the skills to make the varsity basketball team, or even mending a broken relationship. For most of us, the effort we put into these tasks felt worthwhile when we were able to celebrate our accomplishments, even if the accomplishment fell short of our original goal.
We all need recognition, and even celebration, of our accomplishments. Children are no different, and the end of the school year is an excellent time to have some celebrations!
Children work hard in school, and they are acutely aware of their own successes and failures. Consequently, as a parent, it’s essential to celebrate your child’s success in school and in life. Whether it’s getting an A on a test, winning a sports game, or just being a kind and thoughtful person, it’s important to recognize and acknowledge your child’s accomplishments. Celebrating your child’s success can have a significant impact on their confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
As we end the school year, celebrating your child’s success in school can help them develop a positive attitude toward education. When children see that their hard work is being acknowledged and appreciated, they are more likely to continue putting in effort and striving for success. Not only should parents celebrate academic achievement, but they should also celebrate student effort, recognizing that when students exert themselves to achieve difficult goals, they may fall short, but they should still celebrate what they have learned through the process. This celebration of academic success, and a child’s effort, can help children set and achieve future goals, which is an essential skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Celebrating your child’s successes in other areas of life, such as sports or extracurricular activities, can also help them develop a sense of pride and self-worth. When children feel good about themselves and their accomplishments, they are more likely to have a positive outlook on life and feel motivated to continue pursuing their passions. Celebrating these successes can also help children develop a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship, which are essential skills for success both in and out of the classroom.
It’s important to note that celebrating your child’s success doesn’t have to be a grand event. Something as simple as a high five, a hug, or a special treat can go a long way in showing your child that you are proud of them.
Celebrating small successes can also help children develop a growth mindset, where they see their failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. This is why acknowledging and supporting your child through their failures and setbacks is just as important as celebrating their successes. This helps children learn that failure is a natural part of life and that it’s OK to make mistakes.
When children feel supported and encouraged, even in the face of failure, they are more likely to persevere and continue striving for success.
For parents, one significant payoff of celebrating your child’s successes is that it can strengthen the bond between you and your child. When children feel supported and loved, they are more likely to have a positive relationship with their parents. Additionally, celebrating successes can help children feel like they are part of a team, where everyone is working toward a common goal.
Celebrating success is both an exciting and an essential part of parenting. By celebrating your child’s successes and supporting them through their failures, you can help them develop a positive attitude toward life and a sense of self-worth that will serve them well throughout their lives. So as the school year ends and summer begins, go out and find something to celebrate!
The post The Importance of Celebration appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Kate Neeley, contributing writer
What comes to mind when you think about family activities? Do you think of a warm, fuzzy collection of good memories? Or do you get a knot of stress in your stomach? Maybe a little bit of both? With spring and summer upon us, Cache Valley’s offerings for family activities are expanding. If you’re not a winter sports family, you might have been indoors for quite some time. Family activities are indoor or outdoor, planned or spontaneous. Read on for some thoughts from a few experienced families, and even an expert opinion from our local marriage and family therapy community.
If you look around and feel pressure to plan certain things and your family doesn’t fit that, or you try to do things together and it leads to more negative interactions than positive, maybe a new perspective will help. Think about it: If it helps create positive vibes, then it’s a good thing. Maybe it doesn’t really matter what activities you do; perhaps it just depends on the family. For the Weston family of Providence, the game Dungeons and Dragons gets everyone into an imaginary world where they’re invested in a quest. It’s one way they escape the mundane and do something unique together. Also, everyone wins. In more ways than one.
What is it for you? Maybe it’s not a big event, but more an everyday thing that brings smiles for your family. The Gledhills like to take turns sharing their favorite part of the day when they’re together at dinner or other times. It’s a casual conversation that brings goodness to the forefront and can actually provide opportunities for bonding and a positive feeling in general.
Aubrey of Millville, a loving and artistic mother of four busy kids says, “The things we try and plan are often full of complaining — like hikes — but the spontaneous things like dancing ridiculously to their music are the ones that lead to a happier connection at home.” So try and watch for those moments that can be turned into something fun.
For Heidi, a mother of four, she says her family likes to go on bike rides after dinner. When the whining happens, she doesn’t back down. She says, “We usually just require it (we call it forced family fun). By the time we make it home, everyone’s attitude has changed for the better and we’re all glad we went. It’s magic to do something physically active together.” Or, perhaps, Heidi is a magic mom to see how to create the right opportunities and then follow through with them.
Maybe just having a mutual interest can create some solid connections in a family. The Cowley family likes to watch the show Survivor together. They talk about strategies and who they want to win. That can totally be a great way to connect and it’s not elaborate and doesn’t require a lot of planning. If it accomplishes the goal of good vibes in the family, it counts. Don’t overthink it. You’ve got this.
Joanna Chase is a local marriage and family therapy intern and has seen a lot. She is a mother of six, works with people in the therapy world, and knows what helps and what doesn’t. Below are her tips for family activities:
1. Make it a priority. Plan at least one day a week to spend time as a family. While vacations are amazing, spending time together every week should be at the top of your list.
2. Make it simple. Spending time together does not have to be elaborate, expensive, or cause a lot of stress. Find simple ways to spend time together doing things like playing games, riding bikes, going for hikes, or just playing ball in the backyard.
3. Get rid of distractions. Removing distractions like work, devices, or a never- ending to-do list is important. Remember, quality time is better than quantity, so make your time together count.
4. Create connection. Creating connection with our family members is the greatest way to stay happy and healthy. Plan activities that allow you to get to know one another, laugh, and enjoy being together.
5. Let everyone be involved in the planning. Sitting down and creating a family bucket list is a great way to ensure everyone is involved in planning family activities and can have something to look forward to. Family members can take turns being in charge, so one person doesn’t get burnt out.
6. Have fun! Enjoy your time together. Expect some activities to fail, expect your kids will still argue or have meltdowns, and don’t expect perfection. It’s the little moments that count. So sit back, take a big breath, and enjoy the journey!
The post Family Fun for Real appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Rochelle Marshall, courtesy of the National Ability Center
For over 38 years, the National Ability Center (NAC) has served its non-profit mission of building self-esteem, confidence, and lifetime skills through sport, recreation, and educational programs. By providing a safe, inclusive, and uplifting environment for people with disabilities, the NAC has empowered its participants to achieve individual goals, strengthen socialization, recreate with peers, and foster independence and self-advocacy.
The NAC staff are adventure-seekers who love recreating and are passionate about helping people with disabilities reach their undiscovered potential. We are playful, yet focused and purposeful in cultivating a more accessible and inclusive world. We draw from decades of collective experience, working with people who live with a disability while also harnessing the power of specialized adaptive equipment, techniques, and teaching methods.
One out of four people in the United States lives with a physical, cognitive, or developmental disability. Too often, people with disabilities experience barriers and a lack of accessibility to recreational opportunities while facing discrimination and exclusion.
We believe a disability shouldn’t hinder anyone from living a vibrant, active, and rewarding life. By encouraging everyone to enjoy life and reach their fullest potential, regardless of ability level, our goal is to help people bridge the gap between perceived limitations and what is truly possible. We aim to help the adaptive nation explore, learn, and grow through the spirit and mindset of “I Can.”
The NAC offers over 20+ seasonal recreational programs, including archery, mountain biking, cycling, skiing/snowboarding, indoor/ outdoor rock climbing, watersports, day camps, overnight camping adventures, and more! All programs are designed to provide enriching experiences and improve the lives of individuals, families, and groups of all ages and abilities.
Our campus is located in beautiful Park City, in the heart of Round Valley. Rooted in a world-renowned outdoor destination, the NAC enables participants to experience accessible nature 365 days a year. We also operate from a basecamp in scenic Moab, which offers even more adventure opportunities such as day and overnight whitewater rafting trips, from mild floats down serene rivers to exhilarating splash through class III+ rapids.
Through the generosity of private donors, corporate sponsorships, and the commitment of over 1,000 seasonal volunteers, we are able to serve our mission: to empower individuals with disabilities and their families through adaptive sport, recreation, and educational programs.
Come visit us and discover new ways to recreate with the adaptive community!
Scholarship applications are available for those seeking financial assistance. Visit go.discovernac.org/recreationand-adventure for more information.
The post National Ability Center Helps People with Disabilities Experience Active Lifestyles appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Jentrie Hales, community advocate, @techhealthyfamily
It was the witching hour here again in our household when my then 3-year-old asked the daily question: “Can I watch a movie?” I usually don’t have a problem with a movie a day, so this wasn’t a big deal to me. However, I felt that inkling to pause, and I responded instead this time with, “Nope, see what else you can do.” Immediately, there were tears and a level 7 tantrum on the kitchen floor. It was uncomfortable and loud and inconvenient, and I knew that if I caved in at any point, he would immediately cheer right up. Sound familiar? His conniption lasted a solid 45 seconds, and then, slowly, he came to terms with his reality. Within minutes, he created a game with a paper airplane and a basketball hoop. This experience was truly amazing to see this little boy harness the power of boredom while also enabling me the confidence to say “no” more often.
Boredom is something we ALL fight throughout the day. We fill every inch of our kid’s schedule with things and places to be; we don’t stop at a red light, wait in grocery store lines, or have five minutes of downtime without finding something to fill the quiet. (Cough cough, scrolling Instagram.) It’s not so much the boredom I love; it’s the ideas, solutions, and connections we get in that stillness. Stephanie A. Lee, PsyD, from the Child Mind Institute, states, “Boredom fosters creativity, self-esteem, and original thinking.” Research backs this up (like in this article from the Creativity Research Journal: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10 400419.2014.901073).
But you do not need academic research to know this for yourself. When driving in the car with no radio and no distractions, it is amazing what inspiring thoughts float around. Same for your children: When put in an environment with less, they seem to create more. Screens get in the way of this. It is so much harder to think creatively and get that reset when our senses are flooded with images and sounds. When this happens 5 to 9 hours a day, the average screen time for kids in the United States, real changes are made in our brains that overstimulate our neural pathways. This causes loads of dysregulation, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology. (https:// www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And- Watching-TV-054.aspx)
So, parents, pause your podcast and consider joining me in a screentime fast this summer. This will look different for each family and individual and doesn’t have to be as intense as it sounds.
Here are some steps to put this plan into action:
1. Put it on the calendar for at least a week at a time.
2. Talk about your “why” openly and often.
3. Get a buddy to hold you accountable, preferably a friend your family interacts with often, and go through this experience together.
4. Set the parameters based on the specific needs of your family, don’t forget to include yourself in some degree in the fast.
5. Brace yourself for the negotiating, meltdowns, and pushback.
6. Follow through, stick with it, and watch the magic unfold.
Doing this will provide you valuable insight into who your wonderful family is again.
You will get to see what they are like, what interests them, what they are good at, and so much more, and then you all have the opportunity to build on those strengths. Parents included!
Here’s to joining the “Mean Parent Club” and making good decisions for our family even when it is uncomfy, unpopular, and inconvenient. Here’s to saying “no” more often and then watching the magic that unfolds. Here’s to watching boredom blossom into something beautiful. Happy Parenting!
DISCLAIMER: Some levels of screen addiction should be detoxed safely with professional support.
Jentrie Hales is a community advocate with five years experience empowering parents and children in different settings. She has been invited into classrooms, youth groups, and parent groups throughout Cache Valley to speak about healthy relationships with tech. She also professionally mentors families that feel overwhelmed with managing the tech in their homes. Follow her on Instagram @techhealthyfam or email her at techheatlhyfam@gmail.com.
The post The Beauty of Boredom appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Mark Anderson, owner, Anderson’s Seed and Garden
Not only have we had to endure the longest winter officially recorded in Cache Valley (early November to late April), but all that snow has created some unwelcome consequences. You know what I’m talking about, right? Voles. Read on for best tips and strategies for repairing the damage and preventing another infestation next winter (I really don’t even want to write that “w” word ever again this year!).
If you have experienced vole damage this past season (see how I avoided the “w” word there?), the first thing to remember is not to stress. It’s fixable! No worries.
Start by raking all the damaged areas with a metal tine rake to remove all the dead grass; you could also power rake. Next, mow the lawn close to pick up all the dead leftovers and debris and to get the remaining grass short. Use a little topsoil to fill the divots where the voles damaged the grass. Just rake in a thin layer to help level the soil. At this point, overseed with a grass seed mix that will match well with your existing turf. Add a little fertilizer and HuMic to help speedup the recovery, and then a light, 5-minute watering two or three times a day (depending on how hot it is and rain storms) to get the seed to germinate. Usually, in about 4 to 6 weeks you will have all new grass back in the damaged areas.
You won’t have to worry about voles again until September or October. Voles reproduce every 25-30 days, so you could start with two voles in October, and by March you could have 300. You understand now how they can do so much damage in a short amount of time? During the spring and summer months, there are enough natural predators (snakes, hawks, cats) that gradually decrease their population. When the weather turns cold, they start looking for a place to hide for the cold months (again, I avoided that nasty “w” word).
If you live near a field or a vacant lot, start with a repellent that contains caster oil in late September or early October. When it looks like it will snow and stick around for the rest of the year, mow your lawn as close as possible and apply the repellent again. The repellent will last even longer under the snow than when exposed to sunlight, so you can get months of control with that last application.
The other option is to put bait stations around your yard, in strategic locations like by the shed, under the deck, or under the shrubs. Use a bait with zinc phosphide in it, as it is less toxic to birds, pets, and secondary consumers (if a vole eats the bait and then a cat eats it). This can drastically decrease an existing population in the fall.
One more option is to compact the snow around your property perimeter once 12 inches or more snow has accumulated. A snowmobile or other ATV works well for this. The voles will usually enter your property under the snow, where an air pocket forms between the soil and the snow. Compacting the snow fills in this pocket, and the voles are less likely to burrow through the snow to enter your property.
Vole damage is frustrating, but it can be repaired. With a little prevention it can also be avoided. If you use one, two, or all of my suggestions, you will see a difference next spring when the snow finally does melt … on time … in March … like it’s supposed to. The difference will be NO VOLES!
The post How to Combat a Vole Invasion appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Wil Wood, contributing writer
I think I love you. Does that make you uncomfortable? It makes me just a little uncomfortable, but less so than it used to.
After my mom died I started sharing my feelings with abandon. Specifically, I started telling close guy friends I love them. Just like that. “Casey, I love you.” Or to my friend in Idaho over the phone, “Bye, Jason. Love you.” It took some of my friends by surprise, others just said it back easily. Since I have begun telling my guy friends I love them, I’ve wondered often, “Why is this not more commonplace?”
Late last fall, I was in Eugene, Oregon with my brother. Contemplating my long drive back to Utah we decided to sneak in one last mountain bike ride before I hit the road to return home. It felt like we had squeezed another bit of fun from an already rewarding trip. So there we were in the trailhead parking lot, high on endorphins having just finished a 10/10 ride, but I was already feeling an oncoming homesickness for my brother. I looked over at him and said, “Gordo. I love you.” He smiled, and easily returned the words with no hesitation or gratuitous fluff to cheapen the declaration.
This would be a different essay if I were writing it in Greek. Unfortunately, English only has the word “love” to convey what Greek has four different words for. Eros seems like the least nuanced type, which is the romantic love we seem to come by innately and understand easily. Agape is a love toward mankind and a hope for good in humanity. Storge is the love hopefully found in the family and involves empathy, compassion, and affection. The love I’d like to concentrate on is Philia, the love that is found in friendships and is defined by support, affection, and a sense of equality.
If the English language were a game of Tetris, the word love would have all sorts of holes and gaps around it that keeps it from being whole. These four types of love help us understand what we are missing and help all the blocks fall into place. C.S. Lewis described Philia as the least instinctive and least necessary type of love. But I would argue that because we need it the least for our survival, it is the type that most helps us understand what it is to be human.
So what is it that makes a man-to-man declaration of love potentially awkward? Is it a culture steeped in homophobia? Is it that our best masculine role models don’t model this for us? Is there some inherent awkwardness in men expressing emotion? I don’t believe the answer is simple, but I do understand that, especially for men, professing and even feeling “love” is a vulnerable action. When using language to express it, we don’t want to be misunderstood.
As a man, father, and friend, I try to emulate men who I see as being worthy of praise. Two of the most masculine figures in history professed Philia openly to their friends Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic and a Roman Emperor, was known to be an openly affectionate and loving man. And Jesus, who washed his disciples’ feet and, most of all, freely spoke of love to his friends.
If you feel love for someone, it is worth expressing. If they misunderstand you, then it’s worth clarifying.
I see the different types of love unfolding in different ways in different chapters of my life. My parents were openly loving to me and to each other. Even in such a good atmosphere, as a kid and then a teenager, I was uncomfortable with people hugging me or getting close to me; snuggling from my mother, my dad tousling my hair or wrestling with me, then teenage hugs (eek!), and slow dancing. After white-knuckling it through my teen years, I served a two-year mission for my church, and a lot of good things came from that, one of which is that I was finally able to show affection for people I felt close to. Basically, I learned to enjoy hugging people for whom I feel love. Now I am working on sharing it verbally also. Experiencing all four types of love, and expressing them, helps us to live the ultimate human experience and grow closer to those around us.
If you love someone, tell them. If you made it through this essay, I think I love you … in a connected Philial way.
The post Brotherly Love appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
K. Bone, contributing teen writer
For 24 years, young musicians living in Mountain Crest High School (MCHS) and, most recently, Ridgeline High School (RHS) boundaries have had the unique opportunity to showcase their musical talents at the annual Young Artist Cup competition held every spring for judges and community audiences alike.
Founded in 2000 by George and Julie Whitney, the event has grown over time, boasting cash prizes and trophies in six categories: graphic art, female and male vocals, strings, piano, and brass/wind/percussion. Year after year, event organizers are amazed at the caliber of talent displayed at the competition.
This year’s strings winner Benjamin Gilbert says he decided to enter the Young Artists Cup because he loves to perform.
Benjamin Gilbert, 2023 Young Artist Cup strings winner
“I thought I might as well, and it was a really cool experience. Being just me and my viola on the stage really stretched me as a performer,” Benjamin said.
A sophomore at RHS, Benjamin started playing the viola in 4th grade in the Mountain West Strings Academy. Currently, he’s in RHS’s advanced orchestra, where he’s the viola section leader, and he recently participated in the honors recital for the Cache Valley String Festival. He also enjoys playing in a quartet he formed. During the summers, he participates in the Fry Street Chamber Music Festival at Utah State University. He’s studying with Bradley Ottesen, a member of the award-winning Fry Street Quartet.
Additionally, he stays busy with theater, acoustic guitar, singing, and school. When he’s not playing viola, he’s writing songs and just released some songs on Spotify and Amazon Music. “Music makes anything awesome,” Benjamin said. He likes sharing his music with others because he feels it is an awesome gift.
“I just love music; the feeling you get when you play with expression feels your whole body,” he said. “When you play a piece and really know it, you can create a world with it.”
This year’s winner in the brass/wind/percussion category is 17-year-old Libby Tarbert from Wellsville. Libby is homeschooled and she has played the flute for seven years and plays the piano and even the penny whistle.
She first noticed the flute during performances of the Orchestra at Temple Square. She says she was impressed with the flute’s beauty, and her love for the instrument has grown.
“When I first started playing, I just wanted to learn,” she said. “I didn’t have specific goals then, but I enjoy seeing myself getting better and focusing on what I could become. Seeing my own potential and continuing to get better encourages me. It’s all the little things that stack up. Each day I grow, and tomorrow I won’t be who I am today as I practice and improve.” Libby feels the Young Artists Cup has helped prepare her for other competitions and auditions. She’s currently auditioning for a concerto competition with the Northern Utah Youth Symphony.
Libby Tarbert, 2023 Young Artist Cup brass/wind/percussion winner
She performs with the youth symphony throughout the year and shares her music at church events and rest homes.
She hopes to continue playing in an orchestra while attending Brigham Young University or Brigham Young University — Idaho.
Libby also likes to sew, crochet, and Irish Dance. She is enrolled in the Allegro Dance Studio and loves Irish music. The Young Artists Cup, as competitive as it is, serves as an excellent opportunity for high school musicians. The prizes come with winning — yet rewards come with the experience. The Young Artists Cup will continue for the foreseeable future and will continue to boost talents such as Libby and Benjamin.
The logo for this year’s Young Artist Cup was selected from submissions by students in a competition held earlier this year. The design of Jared Hochstrasser of Hyrum was chosen to represent the 2023 Young Artist Cup. Past Young Artist Cup participants have gone on to excel in music, performing arts, and graphic design.
The post Cache Valley Music Competition Showcases Young Musicians appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Emily Buckley, editor in chief
It’s about this time of winter that Utah families start to dream of trading the inversion for sunshine and the snow for sand. This year we checked a big dream off our family bucket list and took the kids to Hawaii.
When deciding where exactly to go, my husband and I discussed several options, including which island to visit and where to stay on the island. After settling on Oahu, we determined that the main purpose of the trip was to relax and enjoy family time, and with a little research we determined that Waikiki didn’t fit the bill for us. We opted for a whole different experience on Oahu’s North Shore, a preeminent destination for beautiful beaches.
We made a reservation at the Marriott Courtyard North Shore in Laie, which proved to be a fantastic choice for family travel. With five kids, we have outgrown a single hotel room, and with Hawaii land-use ordinances that require 30-day rental of residential properties, a legitimate VRBO isn’t a very viable option. Thankfully, the Marriott Courtyard North Shore has beautiful adjoining rooms available that allowed our family to settle in and spread out for over a week without feeling like we were living on top of each other.
Although most Courtyard Marriott properties are designed with business travelers in mind, this hotel is uniquely suited for family travel. Resort features include a resort-style pool and activity rentals with everything you need for a day at beach, whether you plan to play in the sand, surf, or body board, all without an added resort fee.
Our favorite part, though, was the immediate understanding of what the “Aloha spirit” is from the moment we walked in the door. The Aloha Spirit is so highly valued by Hawaiians that it is a state law to treat people with the same care and respect as their ancestors did. At the Courtyard Marriott, they take that even further, employing locals who share their rich heritage with their guests.
Our family had the pleasure of meeting Aunty Kela, a local woman who dedicates her life to sharing her culture. She teaches hula, lei- making, and ukulele lessons most mornings in the hotel lobby. She told me that her mother told her, “When you hear good Hawaiian music, don’t waste it, go share your Aloha.”
Within moments we felt completely comfortable calling her Aunty as she took time to teach us about the Hawaiian way of showing respect to older generations. It was heartwarming to see her actual family come and join her in hula dancing on a Sunday evening when a local band played Hawaiian music in the lobby.
The parking lot of the Marriott Courtyard North Shore is adjacent to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), which has been rated the best attraction in Hawaii by USA Today and among the top ten experiences in the United States by Trip Advisor.
The PCC will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year. Set on 42 acres, the PCC has six island villages representing the unique island cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. At each of the villages you can be entertained by performers from the islands and participate in hands-on activities ranging from dancing and canoeing to tasting ancient foods and playing traditional games.
At the PCC you can end the day dining like royalty at an authentic Polynesian lū’au and top it off with the most spectacular evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” which features both hula and fire dancing.
We spent our first full day in Hawaii at the PCC, which allowed us to come back a second time using their free bounce back offer, to experience activities we didn’t have time to do the first day. Additionally, starting our trip at the PCC gave us all a greater appreciation for the culture we would experience throughout the rest of our visit.
Outside of a day trip to Honolulu to visit Pearl Harbor and hike Diamond Head, we made the conscious decision to spend our week in Hawaii at a slower pace, relaxing on the North Shore, and we had no trouble finding just that. Here are a few of our favorite experiences:
• Snorkel. Although winter can bring rough waters to Hawaii, hopefully you’ll get the opportunity to snorkel. Our favorite snorkeling spot in Oahu is Shark’s Cove. It isn’t nearly as crowded as the popular Hanauma Bay and there are no fees to park or swim. There is a tide pool area that is great for kids to learn to snorkel, and more experienced swimmers will enjoy heading out toward deeper waters. You can either bring snorkeling gear from home or rent it from the hotel. We also suggest wearing reef or water shoes to protect your feet as you get in and out of the water.
• Watch the surfers. During the winter the North Shore becomes an expert surfer’s paradise. Huge swells are common, which did make the water too dangerous for us to play in some days, but watching the pros ride enormous waves was a thrill. We were lucky enough to be there during the Bonzai Pipeline Surf Competition.
• Spend time at the beach. The North Shore runs from Ka’ena Point to Kahuku, featuring over seven miles of beach. We enjoyed hopping from beach to beach, including Sunset Beach and Laniloa Beach, which was a quick walk across the street from the hotel and felt more secluded than other beaches. At Waimea Beach, the water was a clear blue-green and the sand was white. It was a great place to boogie board and there are public bathrooms and showers.
• Swim in a waterfall. Waimea Valley, located across from the Waimea Beach, is a beautiful cultural and historical site. You can take a three-quarter-mile walk through a stunning botanical garden to reach a 45-foot waterfall that is open for swimming most days. Lifeguards are on duty at the waterfall, and life jackets are required. Make sure you arrive early enough for the walk and allow time to swim; the waterfall closes to swimmers at 3:30 p.m.
• Zipline. If you’re up for an adventure, CLIMB Works Keana Farms is a three-hour guided zipline tour that includes Oahu’s longest ziplines ranging from 500 feet to nearly a half-mile long. Zipline over a working agricultural farm on eight world- class dual lines, rappel, and enjoy three sky bridges. This activity is for ages 7 and up.
• Eat. Try these local favorites:
• Most visitors hit up one of the three shrimp trucks on the North Shore: Fumi’s, Romy’s, and Giovanni’s. All are delicious but you should know that Giovanni’s serves frozen shrimp while the other two serve shrimp fresh from the farms their stands reside on.
• Don’t miss getting a shave ice from Matsumoto’s, where you can choose your flavor and top it off with ice cream, azuki beans, or condensed milk.
• Ted’s Bakery is famous for their chocolate haupia pie, but we were even more pleased by their fried rice and breakfast sandwiches and fantastic donut holes!
• Seven Brothers Burger’s is a family-owned institution in Oahu. With four locations on the North Shore, Seven Brother’s is known for their juicy burgers and coconut chocolate chip banana bread.
From top: Courtyard Marriott North Shore, Aunty Kela teaching a daily ukelele lesson, Polynesian Cultural Center, Waimea Falls
The post Experience the Spirit of Aloha on Hawaii’s North Shore appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
K. Bone, contributing teen writer
Ignacia Birkner, or Nacho as he’s known by friends, had a world-class career in one of Utah’s favorite sports — alpine skiing. After competing in the 1988 Calgary Olympics for Argentina, he brought his passion and skill for the sport to Cache Valley where he founded the Beaver Mountain Ski Team in 2005. Now called the Cache Valley Ski Team (CVST), the club has grown significantly, establishing a legacy of excellent coaches and youth skiers.
Now coached by Ignacia’s niece Angelica, sister Teresita, Rafael Pastoriza, and team alumna Maya Stephens, CVST is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating character and building opportunities for youth through individual and team achievement in downhill skiing. The team has grown in the last three seasons from 19, to 29, and now to 45 skiers.
Team members have a rigorous training schedule and enjoy strong friendships with one another. They also benefiet from excellent coaching and opportunities that can take them around the world. Travis Dorsch, team director and former National Football League player, is grateful for the opportunities that CVST provides.
“Cache Valley Ski Teams have a rich Legacy … there’s a strong South American connection and we’ll likely be pulling together a group of athletes who want to go south this summer to find winter down there.”
Travis is also the father of Josie Dorsch, one of the ski team’s most successful athletes. At the age of 8, Josie has competed in Youth Ski League (YSL) races, winning first in the 2022 YSL Kombi, third in the YSL Slalom, and first in the Giant Slalom. Josie is a fierce and dedicated competitor who says she can’t remember the first time she skied. It’s always been part of her life. As her father Travis explains, she was on skies before she was one year old.
Top: At 17 years old, Belle Weed is the longest tenured athlete on Cache Valley Ski Team. She’s grateful for excellent coaching over the years and a family atmosphere on the team; Bottom: Cache Valley Ski Team was founded in 2005 and now includes about 45 skiers who train six days a week.
The Dorsch family chases the snow locally, nationally, and even internationally. Josie’s mom, Bre, and 6-year-old brother, Bridger, also ski. Bridger is a CVST member. Skiing has taken them on a lot of adventures where they’ve skied a lot of famous mountains and world cup venues throughout Europe.
“Skiing was always in our blood,” Travis said. “It’s more than a sport; it’s a way of life. You get up in the mountains where it’s our refuge and place of solace.”
Josie adds, “This summer we’re going to Argentina, when the season ends in May we’ll ski there and then we’ll come back to another ski season … so basically one month of summer!”
That’s just the way Josie likes it. Josie, along with the entire team, trains on weeknights at Cherry Peak and the weekends at Beaver. Last year, Josie had 122 ski days and her goal is to get in 200 ski days in 2023. The training pays off, with one or two races a month during the season.
Skiing doesn’t come easy; the work required is constant. “Basically everything about skiing is hard,” Josie said. “We’ve been working on some skills for three years.” For example, to help with body positioning, Travis built a device that simulates turning and helps Josie and Bridger learn the right body position and work on balance. They do these stretches daily. But it’s not all work. Josie really enjoys skiing and having lunch in the Beaver Lodge with teammates every Saturday and Sunday.
“The team is really an extension of a family,” Travis said. “You should have seen it on Saturday for our intersquad race; as the racers were coming down, the rest were waiting at the bottom cheering.”
A close friend and mentor for Josie is teammate Belle Weed. Belle is a 17-year-old Logan High School student who has raced since she was 11. She is the longest tenured athlete on CVST and competes in the U19 division. Belle is passionate about skiing and feels it teaches individual accountability more than other sports. “If I succeed or fail, it’s on me,” she said.
Belle says it’s been very fulfilling to watch the younger skiers grow in life and the sport. Belle also sees their team as close as a family.
“I love the team because it’s all about love. And I love skiing; it’s everything to me,” Belle said. “I try very hard to be a positive role model for the younger skiers.”
When asked about advice to others about seriously taking on skiing, she responds, “If skiing means a lot to you, pursue it; don’t force it. Make sure you have the heart for it before you make the commitment. I’ll ski until I can’t anymore, or until my body won’t.”
With the great skiing Cache Valley offers, it’s only fitting that its youth ski team would be just as great. Along with skiing opportunities, CVST offers world-class coaching, discounted season passes, and frequent race opportunities. It’s the premier option for youth looking to pursue the sport of alpine skiing.
The post Cache Valley Ski Team: Athletes With Heart appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Wil Wood, contributing writer
Lauren and I met in our teen years and somehow she was attracted to me. I’ll play the “opposites attract” card here as she was the lead in the musical, the best ballerina, a 4.0 student, and she always smelled good. I was none of those things. I say this just to demonstrate that we were not a match made in heaven to the outside observer.
Our love blossomed early and easily. While we were dating, we would openly wonder what life would bring for us because we knew we were living in the “good old days.” Even being young and naïve we knew we were right. In ten short years, we went from full-time fully parent-sponsored frolicking to raising kids on a budget and running a business together on a shoestring. Dating was so fun, but now life was hard! The woman of my dreams who would keep me from drowning while I was kayaking and skateboard barefoot with me was now my business partner. What had happened!?
It’s easy to have fun with someone when you’re … well, having fun. It’s difficult to have fun with someone when you’re running a house, taking on debt, wiping butts, and managing tantrums. So what’s the key to love growing over time? For us it came down to open communication and listening without judgment.
My wife has taught this to me over and over again. I tend to entertain irrational thoughts and ideas and Lauren has learned to listen rather than tell me how dumb they are and why they won’t work. Lauren may also have shortcomings, but I can’t think of any right now. Maybe one thing that makes her different from me is that I want to have fun first then work later. Our priorities constantly clash, but somehow we have made it work, and it feels more like a dance than a debate.
Even though I profess to be the “never not have fun” guy, all through my 30’s ambition drove me to work hard professionally. I learned a lot about business, but I also became more cynical and judgmental. I saw my goals and dreams start to shift away from my family.
I have been so angry at myself and my wife before that I just wanted to throw it all into the wind. Upon reflection, I know exactly what that would yield: It would be like cutting down an old but mighty tree that yielded shade and beauty, then planting a new one, and wondering where the shade went. It takes years to grow a strong tree and a vibrant marriage. Years or decades into it things always look different than we thought they would have. Maybe the tree drops a different leaf that clogs your gutters. Maybe your spouse has a mental illness you didn’t know about when you signed up for the party.
Again, open communication and listening without judgment is what’s helped us return to happiness and even have fun through the doldrums of life.
Now, in my 41st year of life and almost 20 years of marriage, I’ve noticed that my cynicism, being judgmental, and ambition for achievement are all softening and I’m noticing a different version of the same feeling I felt as a child; like few things really matter.
The post Growing Love: At the Beginning of Life and Into Our Teen Years it Seems Like Very Few Things Really Matter appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Frank Schofield, superintendent, Logan City School District
Raising children is a unique experience, filled with joys and challenges. Many of those challenges include opportunities to talk with children about experiences and situations that are emotionally difficult, and parents may struggle knowing how to manage those conversations. My family experienced this in January when a beloved uncle and grandfather both died in the same week. In addition to managing their own emotions, the adults were all required to have conversations with children about death, which few of us had consciously prepared for.
As I had these conversations with my family, I reflected on an episode of Sesame Street that aired on Thanksgiving Day 1983. Will Lee, the actor who played Mr. Hooper had recently died and the producers of the show decided to take the opportunity to talk with children about the death of a loved one through a conversation with Big Bird. In 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, National Public Radio spoke with Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, a developmental psychologist and the senior vice president of curriculum and content at Sesame Workshop, and Dr. Truglio identified six principles from that episode that illustrate tips for talking with children about the death of a loved one. Selections from that article, available through npr.org, are included here.
BE HONEST AND CONCRETE
When it comes to describing the what of death to children — what exactly happens to our bodies and what that means — Dr. Truglio says it’s important to be straightforward. That’s because children often struggle to grasp death’s permanence. Parents only complicate matters when they resort to euphemisms. In fairness, we do this to soften the blow, but Dr. Truglio says euphemisms can confuse and even scare children.
“Passed away. We’re sorry for your loss. Went on a long, long journey.” Dr. Truglio said each of these phrases sends the wrong message to kids. “The dead don’t pass, get lost, or pack a bag and start walking.” Instead, Dr. Truglio said, be perfectly clear:
“When you die, your heart stops. Your body stops working. You don’t eat. You don’t breathe — give more concrete information about what is the meaning of death,” Dr. Truglio said.
TAKE THINGS SLOWLY
Kids process death in bits and pieces, over time, Dr. Truglio says. Don’t sit them down once, overwhelm them with information and expect them to internalize it all.
Parenting a child through death requires patience and persistence. You may explain, clearly and in concrete terms, that Grandma has died and, three days later, be asked, “When’s Grandma coming back?”
Dr. Truglio says a hospice social worker who specialized in talking with children about death once likened this process to the way a child eats an apple:
“They take a bite, maybe two bites, then put it down,” Truglio said. “That’s probably how they’re going to experience death as well. They’re gonna take a couple of bites. They’re gonna go on with their lives. And then they’re gonna come back, and they’re gonna take a couple more bites.”
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Often, the death of a loved one can be destabilizing for a child, not simply because that person will no longer be in their lives but because it can stir deep fears of being alone or abandoned. That’s why, Dr. Truglio says, when a child is mourning, make sure the child knows “that there are many people in their lives — there are grandparents, there are aunts, there are uncles, there are some really, really good friends who are like family.”
In short, Dr. Truglio says, children need to be reassured: “You will always be cared for.”
GROWN-UPS, IT’S OK TO CRY.
One of the most powerful moments in Sesame Street’s half-century history came as actor Bob McGrath, who played a music teacher on the show, took his turn consoling Big Bird after Big Bird expressed his frustration that things wouldn’t be the same without Mr. Hooper.
“You’re right, Big Bird. It’ll never be the same around here without [Mr. Hooper]. But you know something?” McGrath said through tears, his voice halting. “We can all be very happy that we had a chance to be with him and to know him and to love him a lot when he was here.”
It was a remarkably tender and honest display of emotion between an adult — who was, in fact, mourning his friend and colleague — and the childlike Big Bird. And this, Dr. Truglio said, sent a powerful message to parents and kids alike.
“It’s important for children to see us grieve. We’re gonna cry, and I think that you need to explain why you’re crying. This isn’t gonna be just a one-time event.” That’s especially true if you, the parent, are mourning the death of someone close to you. This will be a long process. Showing emotion and explaining the feelings that underlie those emotions help prepare children for future moments when you may, again, feel overwhelmed by grief.
THE FUNERAL RULE
When it comes to funerals, Dr. Truglio has this advice: Give children a choice.
“You should never say, ‘You have to do this,’ or make them feel guilty if they choose not to participate,” Dr. Truglio said. “You need to give them that wiggle room. You can’t force them.”
But tell them what to expect, whatever they choose. So, if you’re going to a funeral with an open casket, explain what that will mean. Again, be clear and concrete. Then let the child decide if she thinks she’s ready for that.
KEEP THE HOPE ALIVE
Finally, Dr. Truglio said, it’s important to convey to your child that “life is going to go on. We’re going to be OK. It’s a tough time right now, but we have things to look forward to.”
One activity she recommends is having your child trace her hand on a sheet of paper and, for each finger, ask her to list something that she’s looking forward to. It could be camping in the backyard or baking a favorite dessert. The point, Dr. Truglio says, is to keep the hope alive.
All parents know their children will eventually experience the death of someone they love. As parents plan for those conversations, they can be better prepared to talk about death and grieving in ways that help children face the sadness they may initially feel while also finding hope and peace in the love from the other adults who continue to care for them.
The post Talking About Death with Children appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Tara Bone, contributing writer
Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, day-to-day moments, and milestones … we easily capture special moments, but what do we actually do with all those photos and videos? For many — including Cache Valley Family Magazine readers who say they want more information on this topic — the process of organizing, printing, and documenting photos and videos is overwhelming.
But no more! 2023 is the year to organize all those photos and videos stranded in phones, hard drives, boxes, CDs, and gulp … VHS tapes. Every 2023 Family Matters column will offer tips, resources, and advice from experts on how to preserve and share your one-of a-kind story.
Documenting life in whatever form, whether through photographs, videos, or words takes A LOT of time, energy, and money. If you’re starting 2023 with goals to improve your memory-keeping systems, or just want to start somewhere with the thousands of photos and videos on devices or tucked in boxes, it’s important to identify the why behind all the effort.
Clayton and Krista White are owners of Memory Lane Productions, a Cache Valley-based company that specializes in helping families capture and share life’s memories. Their why for documenting family memories, and even starting their business five years ago came in a jolting way. After losing her grandmother and father unexpectedly when he was just 54, Krista says she found herself in a completely different state of mind when it came to saving and capturing memories. It became a top priority.
“There comes a moment in life when you realize time isn’t in your control,” she said. “It’s important to capture moments — moments are fleeting. Remember, you’re saving [moments] for your children and posterity; it’s so important.”
She has a few pieces of memory-keeping advice. First, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to documenting. What’s your version of memory keeping? Do you prefer videos? Are you a writer and want lots of written documentation? Or do you let photos tell the story? Maybe you’re a combination of all approaches. Whatever you prefer, do what you enjoy. Remember, it’s all about sharing life lessons and creating family connections.
Before you feel overwhelmed with conquering it all now, stop. Take it slow, and Krista says, start where you’re at. Possibly choose one project to get you started and pumped for the 2023 documenting journey. Evaluate the coming year’s calendar. Are there milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or retirements upcoming? Are you concerned about capturing the story of an aging family member? Or how does a meaningful Christmas gift you can start now sound? If any of these appeal to you, start documenting without feeling overwhelmed and find inspiration to manage more memories.
Here are a few ideas:
TRIBUTE BOOK OR VIDEO
Celebrate a milestone event or show someone they’re loved with a tribute book or video. Memory Lane can help with a life sketch video, or a written book can be compiled. Last year I collected memories from co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family members for my father-in-law’s Christmas tribute book. I was nervous at first, but his response was priceless. My dad is retiring, so I’m currently gathering memories from co-workers and friends over his lifetime (shh, it’s a surprise!). This also can be done for a birthday or anniversary.
TRIBUTE BOOK TIPS
• Create a list of book potential contributors. Call or email these contacts to let them know what you’re doing; be mindful of how they prefer to communicate. Be flexible for those who wish to mail handwritten responses, set a deadline, follow up with contacts you know they’d love to hear from, and expect late responses.
• Ask for photos from contacts (you never know what gems they have) and go through personal photos. Warning: Don’t get discouraged — most people don’t have perfect photo organization systems. Take a deep breath, choose a few photos and know you’re not alone and it’s OK (reread this often if needed, seriously). I love the PhotoScan App. I can scan any photo right from my phone and it’s ready to place in the book.
• For a big tribute book, consider creating a separate/new email and check junk email. When gathering responses from email, copy and paste into a basic word processing program, or the Project Life App. For me, this app has been a go-to for tribute books. Using the app’s editorial page feature makes it easy to copy and paste text right from an email and place photos from your phone.
• Either print pages for a three-ring binder or create a book — Project Life has both features. A three-ring binder option is better for late responses and can be added on to in the future.
LIFE STORIES
Capture a life story in bite-size pieces throughout the year using a subscription service like Storyworth. Visit welcome.storyworth.com for details. Responses to weekly prompts are compiled into a book at the end of the year. They are wonderful Christmas gifts! But caution: You can’t make someone answer the prompts. It won’t work if they aren’t in to writing about themselves or writing in general. This is where Memory Lane Productions comes to the rescue. They offer a Life Sketch video service that does all the work for you. They provide everything, even the questions.
Krista says if you have the gut feeling to record a family member’s life story, do it now! Don’t wait. Visit memorylanepro.com or check out Krista on Instagram @memorylanepro for tips and information about their services.
Cover/title page from a Project Life App tribute book.
Example of two complete Storyworth books.
The post Become a Documenting Guru in 2023: Know Your Why and Start With One Project appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Adam Boman, licensed clinical social worker, Canyon Medical Group
Winter in Cache Valley can be a wonderful time of year. So many activities to keep us busy, such as skiing or snowboarding, ice skating, hiking, and family movie or board game nights snuggled warm at home. Additionally, many families celebrate holidays and cultural events during winter, which can offer additional benefits. Unfortunately, winter in Cache Valley also offers unique challenges: cold weather, shorter daylight hours, cloudy overcast days, and inversion. These things can result in less and less time being active, causing disruptions in our usual routines which can cause some to experience symptoms of depression. Depression that occurs only during a specific time of year is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
WHAT IS SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that typically presents during the fall and winter months and causes significant problems for the individuals who experience it. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of adults in the United States experience SAD. Symptoms of SAD include feeling down or depressed, lack of enjoyment in activities previously enjoyed, problems concentrating, increased fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, and thoughts of suicide. If the symptoms of depression are present most of the day, more days than not, for more than a few weeks, or start to negatively impact important aspects of a person’s life, it is recommended to seek professional support.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
Parents and caregivers can help children struggling with SAD by being involved and aware of their child. It is important that parents and caregivers have interactions and healthy communication with their child each day. Try to find time to be with your child. Be creative! For some parents and caregivers, before school is best. For others, at dinnertime works better. For some, before bedtime. Others use a combination of each. No matter what time of day, find time to be with your child often to talk and be together.
LISTEN
Listen to what your child says and pay attention to how your child responds to you. Try to spend at least five minutes together a couple times each day so you can truly learn about how your child is doing.
• Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation (i.e., “How are you feeling today?”).
• Reflect on what your child says to show you are listening.
• Try to help your child identify his or her emotions (i.e., “It seems like you were upset”).
PARTICIPATE
Encourage your child to continue to participate in activities even though it is winter or work together as a team to find new things to do together. Help your child think of creative and unique ways to be involved in activities that are enjoyed during winter and other times of the year.
• Do things together that require physical activity. People are less active in winter and physical activity can help to improve a person’s mood.
• Find activities at home that encourage creativity and problem-solving. Games and arts and crafts are great ways to do this.
• Help your child stay connected with friends, family, groups, or teams. Social connection and doing things with others can help.
SUPPORT
If you notice that your child is struggling with symptoms of SAD or another mental health or medical need, offer support. Listen to your child and validate how your child may be feeling. Let your child know that you are proud of your him or her for telling you what is going on. Let your child know that it is brave to talk to trusted adults who can help. Let your child know that these symptoms can be treated and that they will not have to feel like this forever. Offer hope, support, and encouragement.
• Normalize and validate what your child is feeling.
• Praise your child for sharing his or her feelings.
• Offer hope and let your child know you will be there to help.
GET HELP
If you notice that your child seems to be struggling and trying to assist your child does not seem to alleviate the symptoms, please contact a mental health or medical professional for further assistance. You and your child can then meet with a provider who can discuss treatment options for SAD or other mental health or medical concerns in more detail.
The post How Parents Can Support Their Children Through Seasonal Affective Disorder appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Julie Hollist Terrill, director, Cache Valley Visitor’s Bureau
Hello Cache Valley! Now that we’ve had time to recover from our fruitcake and fudge-induced holiday comas, it’s time to start the new year right by exploring great opportunities for family fun right here in our own back yard.
As the director of the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, I personally invite you to come to our office in the historic courthouse at 199 N. Main St. My staff and I get paid to tell people where to go every day, and we’re good at it! Please don’t make the mistake of thinking a.) we’re only here for tourists or b.) you’ve done everything there is to do in Cache Valley. We’ve got more than 150 free brochures, itineraries, and maps to convince you otherwise.
If you can’t make it to our office, jump on our website: explorelogan.com. It has tons of info and the most comprehensive calendar of events you can find.
If you haven’t noticed, we do winter right around here so let’s get started. Jump in the car and head up Logan Canyon to milepost 482 (Red Banks) where you’ll be blown away by a 22-foot tall snowman built by the Paul Sorenson family and their friends. This heavyweight frozen spectacle is 35 feet around at the bottom and has been an annual tradition since 2010.
Since you’ll already be in the middle of the greatest snow on Earth, I’d suggest renting cross-country skis or snowshoes so you can glide or tromp through miles of trails, or even make your own. Snowshoes are perfect for people like me who have absolutely no coordination. You strap them on to regular shoes or boots, and off you go over the river and through the woods exploring the beauties of nature by just plain walking. Brilliant! You can also hook up with Cache Hikers for one or more of their weekly ski/snowshoe trips.
Keep your eyes peeled for beautiful birds. Cache Valley is on a migration route, so more than 300 species of birds are here each year. You can buy a pocket bird identification guide at the Visitors Bureau Gift Shop to help you know what you’re looking at.
If you want a little more excitement, go downhill skiing or snowboarding at Beaver Mountain or Cherry Peak Ski Resorts. Beaver is up Logan Canyon and is the longest running family-owned ski resort in the nation. It boasts four lifts, a great lodge, affordable ticket prices, excellent instructors if you need a lesson, and snow straight from heaven.
Meanwhile, Cherry Peak is Utah’s newest ski and snowboard resort and is located in Richmond. It also boasts an awesome 580-foot long tubing hill with a moving sidewalk so you don’t have to drag your sorry carcass to the top. Best news ever! Plan to rent your tubes there and have a great time.
Now for some real adrenaline: Rent brand new snowmobiles at Beaver Creek Lodge (even better, make it a getaway and stay the night) and enjoy almost 300 miles of groomed trails with views across three states at once. We’re ranked in the best snowmobiling in the nation and rated as Utah’s best.
Another dreamy wintertime adventure is taking a horse-drawn wagon ride through a huge herd of elk at Hardware Ranch Fridays through Sundays until February 12. You’ll get to see hundreds of huge bulls and cows up close and personal. Dress warmly and bring your camera. A drive to Hardware Ranch is worth it even after the sleigh rides end. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles.
The elk at Hardware Ranch; file photo by Mandy Bagley
If the cold weather isn’t for you, head indoors for a variety of live performances from Broadway shows to concerts and other entertainers to brighten your evenings. That’s not to mention classic films at the 1924 Utah Theatre. Don’t forget Aggie basketball, gymnastics meets, and hockey too.
Any time is a great time to experience our unique restaurants from Thai to Indian, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, or Greek, from fine dining to top- of-the-line diners and pubs, Cache Valley has your taste buds covered. Bon appétit!
Mark your calendars for the Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous, March 10-12 at the Cache County Event Center featuring dozens of cowboy poets and western singers, vendors, dances, cowboy church, and Billy Dean in Concert.
There’s no time for a long winter’s nap. Get out and explore the beauties of your own backyard! Visit the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau and Gift Shop Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., call 435-755-1890, or log on to explorelogan.com.
The post Explore Cache Valley: Where We Do Winter Right appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Claire Anderson, contributing writer
If anyone truly knows what “Service Above Self” means, it’s those involved with Rotary International. According to Steve Skinner, a Cache Valley Rotarian of 35 years and former Rotary District Governor, this simple yet profound phrase “is the motto of over 1.4 million Rotarians in 46,000 clubs and 200 countries.”
The first Rotary Club was established in Chicago in February 1905. The club’s initial purpose was to encourage the exchanging of ideas and development of lifelong friendships among community members. Today, Rotary is one of the largest service organizations in the world, with a vision revolving around humanitarian service. Rotary first came to Utah in 1911. Today, there are 45 clubs in Utah, including Cache Valley Morning Rotary and Logan Rotary.
Rotary Art Gallery at Benson Marina
“We also sponsor Interact Clubs, which are Rotary Clubs at a high school level, and Utah State University sponsors a Rotaract Club,” Cheryl Alder, Cache Valley Rotarian, said.
Rotary’s main focuses include “ending polio, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, saving mothers and children, growing local economies, protecting the environment, and disaster response.” Rotary is most well-known for its worldwide efforts to eradicate polio.
“In 1988, a big reason why I joined Rotary was to help eradicate polio in the world,” Steve said. “That year, there were an estimated 350,000 cases of polio that occurred in 125 countries. In 2018, 33 cases of wild poliovirus were reported in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. That’s a 99.9% reduction in global polio cases. Together, we are leading the fight to end polio through our fundraising efforts, awareness campaigns, and work as a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.”
Cheryl Alder leads the Interact Club at Ridgeline High School and helps organize Interact’s polio eradication fundraising efforts. She recalls how she was first inspired to join Rotary by members who visited the students she taught in elementary school, to give each second grader a book about ethics as part of Rotary’s Literacy Program.
“For many years, Rotarians had been coming to the schools and teaching our second graders a little bit about Rotary. Each year as they came, I was interested in their service, especially their service in Cambodia. For many, many years, I had been interested in going on a humanitarian trip, so in June 2019 I went to my first meeting. I love being a part of something bigger than me!” she said.
One of Rotary’s biggest projects in Cache Valley is providing gifts for the Centro-de-la-familia community during Christmastime.
“The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays lend themselves to serving others and this is a delightful and rewarding project,” Cheryl said. “We aren’t there when the children get their presents, but we do get reports back about how grateful families are for our support.”
Rotarians in Cache Valley also work closely with the Cache Valley Food Pantry, participate in annual highway cleanup projects, sponsor an orphanage and latrine-building program in Cambodia, and have created outdoor wildlife art galleries in some beautiful locations across the valley, including Benson Marina and near the Little Bear River.
“It has been eye-opening to see Rotarians’ lives change when they give way to serving those around them. People are happier and more fulfilled in giving back and making a difference in our local and world community. That awareness changes you. The 35 years of my life as a Rotarian have given me the opportunity to see how doing good in a Rotary Club truly makes a difference. If you want to be of service in making the world a better place, come join us,” Steve said.
“I know it is difficult to leave work to come and meet and find ways to serve people around us, but the rewards and change in my own life have been so great. We are always looking for others who want to serve and make a difference right here in our own community,” Cheryl said. She is looking forward to participating in Rotary’s latrine and wash station construction project in Cambodia this month and acknowledges that there is also much to be done locally. “We have so much we can do here, in our wonderful Cache Valley! Come and join us — we need you!”
Rotary Club serving at the Cache Valley Food Pantry
Ridgeline High School Interact Club
The post Cache Valley Rotarians Make a Difference Locally and Internationally appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Emily Buckley, editor in chief
For father and son duo Jimmy and Jalen Moore, basketball is much more than a game — it’s life. Individually and together, Jimmy and Jalen have spent their lives dedicated to playing, watching, and now teaching basketball.
“The game of basketball is fairly simple,” Jalen said. “But it is a hard sport to be good at — it is hard to be great. The skill level that the game is played at now is very advanced … that’s what people have a hard time understanding. If you want to be good, you have to be good at every skill: you have to dribble, shoot, pass, finish, defend, and think the game too.”
The Moore Family “bleeds blue,” and basketball is “just what they do as a family.” Jimmy said. Both Jimmy and Jalen, along with Jalen’s brother Grayson, are Utah State University (USU) basketball alumni.
Jimmy was raised in Mississippi and played for USU from 1972 to 1975. He still ranks high on USU’s all-time scoring and rebounding lists. He was inducted into the Utah State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. After college, Jimmy played for the NBA Seattle Supersonics and then had a 10-year international basketball career before coming full circle to return as an assistant coach at USU, and ultimately retired as assistant athletic director in 2018.
Jalen was recruited out of high school to play for USU after leading his Sky View High School basketball team to a state championship in 2013. He led the Aggies in scoring and rebounding for three consecutive seasons. He was recruited to the NBA Milwaukee Bucks and played in their 2017 summer league before returning to train young athletes in Cache Valley.
In 2018, Jimmy, Jalen, and Jalen’s brother Grayson founded Next Level Basketball as way to stay involved with a game they love.
Brothers Grayson and Jalen Moore played for the Aggies in the 2015-2016 season.
Jalen and Jimmy Moore now train and coach through their program Next Level Basketball.
“When I was done playing the game, I didn’t want to be done being around it,” Jalen said. “[Starting Next Level] gave me an opportunity to continue being on the court and take my skills and knowledge and share it to try to help the kids achieve their goals.”
Next Level Basketball offers group, individual, and team basketball training for athletes as young as 7. They also offer AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) teams designed to help players ages 12 to 18 from in and around Cache Valley get the best exposure they can if they have the desire and potential to play at the college level. Players compete in spring and summer basketball tournaments at locations all over the western United States.
Jimmy Moore was recruited from his high school in Mississippi to play for USU in 1972. He went on to play in the NBA and in Europe before returning to coach at USU.
Jimmy and Jalen Moore enjoy helping prepare young athletes for the next level of their sport.
“Through advanced coaching, players gain the experience and confidence they need to succeed in high level competition,” Jalen said.
Grayson, who also played for USU as a senior after a playing at a junior college in Sheridan Wyoming and D3 school Northwest Nazarene in Nampa, Idaho, no longer lives in Cache Valley, but joins his brother and dad in training and coaching on occasion, both locally and at travel tournaments.
“When we talk about coaching teams it is important to understand that we aren’t trying to take the place of high school coaches,” Jimmy said. “We are just another addition to help kids hone skills in the off season — trying to add on to what they’ve built during the season and keep them working toward their goals.”
Jalen says that there are a lot of capable players in the Valley, but he feels that it is easy for them to get overlooked in comparison to players from bigger areas. “Our goal is to help the high school players get more exposure [in an AAU league],” he said.
Jalen and Jimmy both say a program like this is a great opportunity for players who want to go further in the sport, but it isn’t the only way. “The internet is free,” Jalen said. “Study up, watch the sport. Then go to the gym and work at it on your own. You just need ball and a hoop to practice … and a lot of time, energy, and effort.”
Jalen recalls spending long hours every day shooting hoops with his dad and brother in their driveway. “One of the best things my dad did to prepare me to play at the next level, was just being willing to go outside and rebound. He gave us the support we needed. Obviously, we had the advantage of his knowledge and experience in the game, but just the time made a big difference.”
Jimmy explains that the difference of a good player and great player is a passion. “One of the first questions I would ask a freshman who has goals of playing in college is ‘do you love the game?’” he said. “A lot of people like the game. If you like the game, you play during the season. If you love the game, though, you’re in the gym on your own, you work with a trainer, you’re trying to get better. The ones who are in the gym taking extra shots after the game is over – they love the game.”
He added: “They don’t give away scholarships; you earn scholarships … through hard work, love of the game, and dedication.”
Jimmy and Jalen agree that there is more that comes from the hard work and dedication to a sport, any sport, than just excelling in athletics. “It is more than a game,” Jimmy said. “This is true with all sports. Commitment to a sport teaches kids how to deal with adversity. They work hard and there is still sometimes disappointment. They have to learn how do deal with adversity … how to deal with things when they don’t go your way.”
For Jalen, basketball has added a lot of depth to his life. “I was blessed by the opportunities that came through the game,” he said. “Traveling, meeting people — coaches, teammates, lifelong friends — and getting an education while playing the sport I love. I love everything about it. You play the game, technically, for 40 minutes a night, but it is everything about it that makes it more than a game and gives you life lessons that help you grow as a person.”
Jimmy likes to remind kids that the road to a goal is not always a straight line, but that they shouldn’t lose focus on their goal. “That’s exactly what happened to Grayson,” Jimmy said, referring to his stops at other schools before finishing his college basketball career at USU.
“I had a lot of great moments on the basketball court,” Jimmy said. “But if I had had to choose a highlight right now it would be, and I won’t forget this, the night I was sitting in the spectrum with my wife as a spectator, watching both our kids start in a game together at Utah State. I was watching their dream come true.”
The Moores hope that through their program they can help others achieve their dreams too.
The post Taking the Love of the Game to the Next Level appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Jentrie Hales, community advocate, @techhealthyfamily
Recently while in my phone’s app store, I noticed a headline in the store that was titled “Our Favorite iPhone Essentials.” This title was followed by a list of apps that were considered “absolutely necessary” for all iPhone users. This simple interaction got me thinking about the apps that are essential to us. The ones that we use every day. The ones that our kids tell us they cannot live without. The ones that make life so much more convenient and also sometimes complicated.
So in honor of wrapping up the 2022 year, I made a list of 22 unsavory things that you may not know about our “essential” and most-used apps of this year.
FACEBOOK
1. Frances Haugen, a Facebook whistleblower reported that Facebook’s algorithm intentionally shows users things to make them angry.
2. Also in her report: “Facebook has realized that if they change the algorithm to be safer, people will spend less time on the site, they’ll click on less ads, [Facebook will] make less money.”
ROBLOX
3. Roblox is an app where 67% of the users are 16 and under.
4. The app is also a known place where users can enter adult-like scenarios such as virtual strip clubs.
INSTAGRAM
5. Although Instagram claims to have a strict “no nudity” rule, accessing pornography is as simple as searching the right hashtag.
6. Instagram is the social media site used most by predators.
7. Studies have linked heavy Instagram use to poor mental health and increased anxiety.
FACEBOOK MESSENGER
8. Vanish mode is a newish feature to Facebook Messenger that allows messages to disappear once they have been read.
9. It was reported in July 2022 that over 8.5 million people had been victim of scams that occured over this app.
TIKTOK
10. When a user spends more than 90 minutes a day on the app, TikTok’s format of short videos has been linked to decreased attention span.
11. 91 minutes is the average time a teen or child spends on the app daily.
12. The “Duet” feature is a way for predators to exploit young users.
AMAZON
13. Amazon profits from selling items related to incest, sex trafficking, and grooming of minors, according to endsexualexploitation.org/amazon.
14. Amazon and affiliate web services host thousands of websites of prostitution and hardcore violent pornography.
DISCORD
15. Because of the nature of the anonymous and private groups, discord is a hotspot for places like white supremacy groups to meet up.
TWITTER
16. Research suggests that Twitter has a negative effect on learning.
17. Just like other apps, negativity spreads more effectively than good news.
18. Top Twitter cybersecurity reports found that a large amount of Twitter users are bots.
SNAPCHAT
19. When utilizing the “snapmap” feature, it allows other users to see someone’s exact location down to the layout of the house when zoomed in enough.
20. Snapchat is a common avenue for users to buy and sell drugs.
21. The ability to snap, edit, and distribute photos also makes it a hub for cyber bullying.
NETFLIX
22. A 2018 study showed that kids spend 15 times more time watching Netflix than playing outside.
In conclusion, for all the good these apps do in our life, I would make the argument that many of them are actually not essential in our life. Only, it’s up to you to decide which are actually necessary and beneficial for you and your family and which are better to stay in the app store.
Jentrie Hales is a community advocate with five years’ experience empowering parents and children in different settings. She has been invited into classrooms, youth groups, and parent groups throughout the Cache Valley to speak about healthy relationships with tech and professionally mentors families that feel overwhelmed with managing the tech in their home. Follow her on Instagram @techhealthyfam or email her at techheatlhyfam@gmail.com.
The post 22 Things You May Not Know About the Most Used Apps in 2022 appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Mark Anderson, owner, Anderson’s Seed and Garden
Last week we harvested our first microgreens of the fall season: peppergrass, arugula, turnips, purple kohlrabi, spinach, and our five-way lettuce mix. I think the peppergrass, arugula, and kohlrabi are my favorites. What are microgreens you ask? They are more than sprouts, but greens that are allowed to mature only to the first true leaf stage before harvesting and eating them. All I can say is, wow! They pack a punch of fresh flavor and are some of the most delicious and nutritious plants that you can consume. They are super easy to grow indoors and can provide you and your family a fun wintertime growing activity that yields amazing greens to consume through the long, cold, winter months. I can hardly wait for the basil, oregano, thyme, and amaranth that will be ready next week!
All you need to start microgreens yourself is your preferred seed, three half-height seed starting trays (one with holes), some seed starting soil (or coco coir), full spectrum lighting, water, and a little nutrient. For our growing location, we have a couple shelves in the warehouse that were just perfectly spaced for plants and lighting — the sun never reaches the plants at all. Its climate controlled at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and we have fans running all the time to keep the air circulating to prevent diseases.
For our first experiment, we started with arugula seed. It germinates fast, has few problems with disease, and is usually ready to harvest in about 14 days. We filled our 10×20 inch tray with hydrated coco coir, sprinkled about 1/2 ounce of seed on top, and moistened them with a fine mist of water. Most of the seeds germinate better with a little pressure on them, so we took the seed-filled tray, placed it inside another tray with no holes in it, and put the third tray on top with about a 10-pound weight on top of that and placed it on one of the shelves. Within 24 hours we had seeds germinating. By slightly misting the seeds every 24 hours, in roughly three days, they had all germinated and were ready to start stretching.
On day four we took the weight off and inverted the tray so there was a gap between the seedlings and the upside-down tray. Roots had grown through coco coir and out the holes of the tray. The microgreens need a few days without light to make them grow extra tall and aid in harvesting the leaves when they are mature. At this point we started misting tops and roots once a day. In about three days the seedlings had grown tall enough to push the inverted tray away from the bottom and start to allow light into the plants.
CHECK OUT THE FULL PROCESS BELOW
At this stage of growth (about one week into the process) the tall, light-deprived plants get moved to the artificial lights (full spectrum LEDs). We began watering daily from the bottom tray, and our seedlings colored up very nicely and started to grow more. When they started to show their first true leaf — it was almost exactly 13 days into the growing process —- we knew it was time to harvest. A few quick snips, and we had amazing, delicious microgreens to add to a salad, use on a sandwich, or to garnish other foods. Believe me, the flavor is potent and unbelievable. When harvested at this stage of growth, microgreens have four to five times the nutritional value of the fully mature version of the plant.
If you have a little extra space in the pantry or a spare room, you can keep your garden growing all through the winter months indoors. It is fun, rewarding, and easy to grow your own crop of delicious microgreens. There are literally dozens of options to try and sample — I think our next experiment will be with sunflower, kale, and purple mustard. I can hardly wait to try them!
The post A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Microgreens Indoors appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Michael Cole, OD, Child and Family Eye Care Center
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a profound effect on those unfortunate enough to experience it. Many systems in the body are thrown into disarray and often it becomes a long road to recovery before one starts to feel comfortable again. In our clinic, we have treated vision concerns for a wide variety of injuries ranging from concussions in sports, car accidents, strokes, military service, gunshot wounds, and even a lightning bolt to the head! There unfortunately seems to be a never-ending list of possibilities for a brain injury, and thankfully we have been able to aid in recovery for these patients.
In all, close to 70% of post-TBI patients have vision diagnoses. This does not, however, mean that these patients see an increase in blurry vision or need a new glasses prescription. Rather, these patients struggle with other aspects of vision that may go untreated if they are not evaluated properly. Routine eye examinations that evaluate eye health and visual acuity alone will not be adequate to identify these problems when they exist.
The most common visual complaints are accommodative disorders. Accommodation refers to the ability of our eyes to change focal distances. Much like a camera lens, our eyes can change focus to view objects at different distances. Post-TBI patients often find themselves unable to read or otherwise see clearly up close like they were able to prior to sustaining the injury. This ability can be restored with time and training, and sometimes requires the use of additional corrective lenses to aid in the short term before recovery can commence.
Around half of patients experience convergence insufficiency, or the inability to adequately aim both eyes at a near target. Without a strong convergence system, it is difficult to perform near tasks without double vision. Often patients will complain of tired, achy eyes and frequent headaches. Many are unable to continue hobbies such as reading or sewing due to the excessive strain and poor vision. It is our pleasure to aid in the return to such activities and a normal life for these individuals.
Sometimes eye movements are affected after brain injuries. Depending on the area of the brain that is hurt, different types of eye movements can be impaired. Some patients have damage to the saccadic control areas which plan high-speed positional changes of the eyes to new locations. This is the type of motor movement used when reading or changing gaze to look at a new target of interest. Different areas of the frontal lobe plan smooth movements, called pursuits that allow us to follow a moving object without losing our aim. It can be very frustrating for patients unable to initiate or accurately carry out these basic functions of vision. Fortunately, this too can be improved with rehabilitation.
In cases of severe injury to specific areas of brain tissues, sometimes different areas of our visual field are lost. For example, an injury to the occipital lobe can cause a complete loss of vision on one side of our vision. This would mean that one could see clearly straight ahead and to one side of peripheral vision. The other side of the periphery, however, could be completely lost. Patients such as these often need vision aids and training to help them navigate the world due to the now unseen portions of their vision.
Unfortunately, all too often these patients struggle with these vision concerns without treatment. If you or a loved one is in need of help in this area, please schedule a consult with our clinic.
The post Traumatic Brain Injury’s Effect on Vision appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
LEARN FROM THREE GENERATIONS OF CACHE VALLEY MOTHERS ABOUT HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED — AND STAYED THE SAME
Kate Neeley, contributing writer
Connie Paskett, 76, of Smithfield, a loving mother and grandmother, raised her children in a different time than her daughter Natalie Straatman, 51, of Young Ward, or her granddaughter Alisha Wilkins, 28, of Nibley. Think for a moment what life will be like for Alisha’s 3-month-old daughter Addy when she gets old enough to be a mother.
Some might say things about the past like, “In simpler times it was …” But were they really simpler? Maybe. Easier? Perhaps in some ways. And yet harder in others.
These women answered questions such as:
• “What do you think sets each generation apart?”
• “What can you learn from different generations that might influence you as a parent?”
• “If you have children, what was it like when your first child was born?”
• “If you’re a mother, what was your birth experience? Was it in a hospital, a home, somewhere else?”
Read on for a glimpse into three women’s experiences over three generations.
For Connie, more than 50 years ago, her first pregnancy was going well up until closer to the delivery when she developed high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
When the doctor took a look at her, she recalls, “We didn’t have insurance, so a hospital stay would be expensive. The doctor told me, ‘if you are good and stay in bed, then you can stay home.’ I stayed in bed, so I got to stay home.”
Not long after that, she had a show of blood and ended up delivering a stillborn baby boy they named Chad. As her daughter Natalie relates, “They didn’t let her see or hold the baby.” Her husband drove the tiny baby’s body straight to the cemetery to be interred. She didn’t have a chance to see or hold the child she carried full term.
In contrast to her story, Connie’s granddaughter Alisha similarly developed high blood pressure earlier this year and preeclampsia later in the term of her first pregnancy, but with the technology offered to her, her experience was different. When she went in for a routine checkup before she was full term, she was told that they needed to deliver the baby that day.
She was taken in for an emergency c-section and then her brand-new daughter was taken to the NICU for one month for needed care until she was ready to go home. Now Addy is home with her mom and dad, growing and developing like any other baby.
When Alisha’s mother Natalie delivered her 28 years ago, she was very fortunate to have a smooth pregnancy and delivery for the most part. Alisha’s dad wore scrubs in the hospital room, she pushed for three hours, and although Alisha arrived two weeks past her due date, she was a healthy, beautiful baby girl.
Alisha is the eldest of five girls in her family, and Natalie has fond memories of raising her children in the time she did. Her day-to-day experiences included things like feeding her babies out of baby food jars, going to the park and store, and spending time with other mothers like her, who spent the majority of their time caring for children at home.
Alisha anticipates that it is likely her daughter will grow up differently than she did, seeing more families with both parents working for income because current lifestyle and cost of living make that more of a necessity.
Natalie raised her family on a farm. As little girls, they cared for gardens and raised animals. Natalie feels satisfied that it gave her children opportunities to learn how to work and exposed them to natural patterns in the world around them.
She believes that connection to nature is a healthy thing and that perhaps the generations today are missing out in some ways because they’re so connected to electronics. However, Natalie can also see the benefits of being able to stay in contact with each other in different ways like social media.
Alisha can see that for baby Addy. She’s glad to know that Addy is born into a time when people are more accepting of others who are different and there is more information available about many things, including mental health. Still, she is leery of exposure to vast amounts of unconfirmed information.
Connie’s generation raised children in a world where she felt that most everyone knew and accepted right and wrong. She feels that people today are more conflicted and confused about what’s right and wrong.
There are certainly different and widely accepted ways of living in different generations. However, Connie, Natalie, and Alisha all can see that there are things that remain in every generation.
As a great grandmother, Connie says, “Parents are parents, and kids are kids.” According to Alisha, there will always be some conflict with the previous generation, “But that’s how we learn, change, and grow over time.” Kids and parents will always learn together about respect, kindness, communication, forgiveness, and other values, according to Natalie.
There’s bound to be change in the world for baby Addy as she grows, but perhaps what really matters for every generation will stay the same when she has the opportunity to become a mother, and that is motherly love and concern.
Three generations of mothers: Natalie Straatman, Alisha Wilkins, and Connie Paskett share their thoughts on motherhood.
The post Was Being a Parent Easier a Generation or Two Ago? appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Frank Schofield, superintendent, Logan City School District
The winter months bring unique opportunities for families to spend time together. The cold weather often keeps us indoors more, and many holidays can bring extended family members into our homes. These increased interactions are hopefully positive, but increased time together can also lead to frayed nerves and increased opportunities for conflict (maybe you’re thinking about the one time you tried to play Monopoly as a family), and that conflict can lead to children being frustrated, or even angry, with their parents.
As most adults know, a child being angry with their parent is nothing new, nor is it limited to the winter months. But it can be difficult as a parent to manage a child’s anger in ways that model how people manage their emotions in healthy relationships. So, what can you do as a parent when your child is angry with you?
Dr. Chinwé Williams, a licensed professional counselor (LPC), offers the following five suggestions a parent can use when working with a child who is angry.
TAKE A PAUSE BREAK.
It’s difficult to remain calm when your kid is exploding with anger. That’s because anger has the effect of pushing another person away. Additionally, tantrums trigger our body’s stress response system: fight, freeze, or flight. When being disrespected, it’s natural to want to fight back, but it doesn’t help. Author L.R. Knost suggested, “When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.”
While challenging, it’s important to demonstrate kindness even through disagreements and frustrations. To do so, we must calm our emotional brain by engaging our logical brain. If necessary, step away for a few minutes (or hours) to decompress.
Allow yourself time to move past your initial reaction so that you can move toward a more thoughtful response. Managing your own upset is one of the best ways of teaching our kids to manage theirs.
HELP THEM TO EXPLORE WHAT IS UNDERNEATH THE SURFACE.
Anger is a natural response to pain and often covers up really big hurts. Anger can be an immediate response to something that feels threatening in the moment, or it can build up over time. For example, angry kids and teens often report feeling ignored, unimportant, or devalued.
Teaching children to manage powerful emotions is a valuable life skill. Anger can stem from a very deep place that is seeking acknowledgment — and expression. Respond by acknowledging their emotion while holding a boundary: “It’s OK to feel angry, but it’s not OK to be disrespectful, slam doors, or pull your sister’s hair.” Or, “I understand that you are upset with me because you want to sleep over at Lisa’s house. My answer is firm, but when you’re feeling calmer, we can discuss the reasons for my decision.”
COMPROMISE WHERE YOU CAN.
I once heard a parenting expert advise against compromising with upset kids because, “We don’t negotiate with terrorists.” While I understand the general sentiment (sort of), I think it’s more helpful to connect wherever you can. When your kid or teen takes the time to explain their point of view in a thoughtful and respectful manner, welcome it! And thank them afterwards. While you undoubtedly have many valid points, under pressure, your child is likely to reject new (and helpful) information instead of wrestling with it.
When your child is calm, consider leading with, “Before anything else, I want you to know that I love you.” The goal here is not to compromise your views or beliefs, but to model for your kids the willingness to engage in tough conversations. After all, iron sharpens iron.
ENCOURAGE HEALTHY EXPRESSION.
When kids believe they have been treated unfairly, they have a hard time controlling their hostility. School-aged kids are better able to demonstrate higher levels of self-control compared to toddlers or preschoolers. However, self-management skills are beneficial at any age. In fact, research suggests that a child’s ability to regulate his or her emotions is a more valid measure than IQ in predicting academic success.
Younger kids utilize make-believe play to help them to self-regulate. Through play, children “rehearse problems” with peers, thereby developing and enhancing their social, emotional, and conflict resolution skills.
If you are the parent of an angry teen, you know the struggle of communicating through contempt. Encourage them to self-regulate but, tempting as it is, avoid screaming, “Go to your room and take a few breaths!” The point here is to help your teen to express their aggravation productively. Adults can coach teenagers to be self-disciplined by calmly asking for what they need. Helpful phrases include, “Mom, can we change the subject? I’m getting upset.” Or “Dad, I need to leave the room and process my feelings.”
RELEASE CONTROL AND STAY CONNECTED.
During times of conflict, parenting can feel like an endless game of setting and enforcing limits—which isn’t fun for anyone. It’s tempting to squash our kids’ resistance by exerting control or dominance. Attempting to control our kid’s behavior might feel good in the moment, but often increases tensions. Instead, focus on relationship building. According to communications expert Melodie Stanford Martin, two primary goals in any conflict are: 1. Protect the relationship, and 2. increase the probability for understanding on both sides. Statements such as, “You’re making a good point,” and, “I never thought of it in that way,” are powerful ways of joining with your child and boosting connection.
Every family faces the challenge of managing anger and frustration, while hopefully still finding ways to communicate effectively. When we focus on connecting with the other person, instead of controlling their response to us, we will have a better chance of managing the negative emotions of the situation while ensuring the relationship remains safe and intact.
The post Help! My Child is Angry with Me! appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Jake Measom, MD, Interventional Spine and Pain Management
When meeting new people, I am frequently asked, “What kind of doctor are you?” When I tell them I practice interventional pain management, the next question is invariably “What does that mean?”
Interventional pain management is the discipline of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of pain-related conditions to improve function and restore quality of life. In short, if it hurts, we can treat it and get you back to doing what you love. Generally, when people think of pain doctors, they think of two things, “cortisone shots and pain pills.” For a long time, they were right, going to a pain doctor meant steroid injections of some kind and a combination of medications, often including opioids and nerve medications like gabapentin. When injections work, they often need to be repeated every few months and can result in injection fatigue and even lose efficacy over time leaving patients with continued pain and fewer options besides increased doses of medication.
We still utilize steroid injections but gone are the days of treating just back pain and having therapies limited to “cortisone shots and pain pills.” Even in the past five years the number of painful conditions we can treat and the number of therapies we have available to treat those conditions has expanded exponentially. Of course, the most common things we treat are still back and neck pain. In addition to backs and necks we regularly treat pain involving the knees, shoulders, hands, feet, neuropathy, headaches, compression fractures, post-surgical pain, nerve pain, and the list goes on. Advances in the field have provided new, drug-free techniques to treat these conditions. Let me highlight some examples.
Do you get pain in your back and legs when you walk even short distances? You may have a condition called spinal stenosis, where narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves inside. Previously the only treatments were epidural injections and eventually surgery. Recent advances have provided new minimally invasive techniques to relieve spinal stenosis long-term without injections.
Does your low back hurt from riding in the car or bending to pick something up? You may have a condition called vertebrogenic low back pain, or back pain generated from inflammation of the nerves within the vertebral body. This is different than the back pain usually treated with traditional injections. MRI and physical exam can show if you’re a candidate for a procedure called basivertebral nerve ablation where we can deaden the nerve inside the vertebral body itself to treat pain.
Do you continue to have shoulder pain even after having shoulder surgery? It can be common that even after a perfect mechanical correction by your orthopedic surgeon you can still have significant pain generated from the nerves that supply sensation to the shoulder. In the past the only options were steroid injections and additional surgeries. Today we have the ability to place implantable micro-stimulators (both temporary and permanent) directly onto these nerves to treat pain.
So, if you have pain — anywhere — that’s keeping you from living life and doing what you love, call an interventional spine and pain specialist for an evaluation. Whether you’ve been to pain doctors before or your pain just started, there are new treatments available to get you back to living.
The post What is a Pain Doctor? appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
K. Bone, contributing teen writer
This year, the Cache Valley Civic Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker features lifelong friends Laura Geertsen and Anne Summers who started in the production as Clowns almost 10 years ago, and this year were co-cast as the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen.
Both 16 years old, they are two of the most accomplished ballet dancers in the area. They started dancing around age 2, and they haven’t turned back since. Their hard work is illustrated through over a decade of classes, numerous ballet roles, multiple summer intensive trainings, and acceptance into Salt Lake City’s Ballet West Academy.
Ahead of roles like The Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy, Anne and Laura have worked for hundreds of hours. A typical week for them includes attending high school — Anne is a junior at Logan High School and Laura is a sophomore at Green Canyon High School — and spending 16 to 18 hours a week in ballet classes and rehearsals. These include two afternoons and evenings a week at Ballet West Academy.
Even their summers are a time for training. Anne spent last summer at the Pacific Northwest Summer Intensive and Laura at the Houston Ballet Summer Intensive. These are rigorous 5-week programs where six days out of the week they receive up to eight hours of training a day. For Laura and Anne, the reward makes all the hard work worth it.
“You put so much hard work into it and it’s not something that happens naturally,” Laura said. “The hard work pays off so much and love to see that and I feel it’s taught me a lot in my life and it’s so fun to perform. It’s fun to be someone else for a night!”
The audience, the lights, the sort of “magic” that comes with ballet is what motivates Laura and Anne. They both feel it’s surreal to perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is Anne’s 12th year performing in The Nutcracker and says it takes the talents of many community members to produce the show.
“We love working together and enjoying the experiences of performing and being in the theatre,” Anne said. “I feel it’s a big part of the community, being in our beautiful theatre and having the orchestra. It’s so magical … that’s definitely the word!”
Anne recalls that an instructor at Ballet West says about dance, “There’s nothing to prove, only to share.” She goes on say, “That’s one of my favorite things, it’s all about sharing your love for dance and the gifts you’ve been given to dance. You can feel the audience; you’re connecting with them.”
With experiences come lessons, and ballet has taught the girls a variety of things. Both mention the importance of learning how to take care of their body with daily stretching and workout plans. Along with the physical things that come with dance, the mental skills gained are just as great.
Anne says, “You go to class and get corrections, you’re learning a growth mindset.”
Laura continues, “It’s definitely taught me how to accept criticism at school. Some people feel offended at teachers for criticism, but I love it! I’ve learned to love the process.”
It’s safe to say that through years of intense ballet/dance training and workouts, both girls have obtained a mentally tough mindset. Attitudes such as how to “trust the process” is a skill they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
For them dance is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. The dance room and stage are an escape or break from their everyday life and they enjoy being with fellow dancers who they call their “dance family.” As Laura puts it, it’s a way to “put the rest of the world away — the rest of life, and everything that’s stressing you out.”
Though they spend a lot of time dancing, Laura and Anne try to balance their lives. They both love school and have been involved in student government and other activities during their time in high school. They are grateful for the excellent dance training they’ve received at Cache Valley Civic Ballet and all the opportunities they’ve had as part of Cache Valley’s Nutcracker tradition.
Their hard work can be seen live this year during Thanksgiving weekend at the Cache Valley Civic Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at the Ellen Eccles Theatre.
Sandra Emile, the artistic director of the Cache Valley Civic Ballet sums up Laura and Anne by saying, “Both of these girls have worked very hard over many years to be in the roles they are dancing this year. Their dedication and focus is admirable and it has been a pleasure to see them develop as dancers and young women. I’m proud to have the opportunity to work with them.”
Top: Anne Summers and Laura Geertsen in their first Nutcracker role as clowns; Bottom: Laura Geertsen as a Party Girl and Anne Summers as Clara.
The post Lifelong Friends Share Iconic Ballet Role appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Leticia Shifflet, executive officer, Cache Valley Association of REALTORS®
While many COVID-19 restrictions around the world have been lifted, both local and national governments navigate special circumstances as they continue to deal with some of the pandemic’s fallout, and this constant state of change largely impacts those within the realm of real estate. Understanding the current market status and making accurate future-state predictions are overwhelming and almost impossible for the average homeowner or potential investor. These rapid changes within global markets have required REALTORS® to know more about both the markets and the people and communities they serve. Around the Valley, the nation, and the globe, REALTORS® are making efforts to help others navigate the twists and turns of volatile markets.
A REALTOR® has multiple priorities and financial responsibilities. First, they maintain an in-depth knowledge of current and emerging issues that will have a significant impact on the market and how those changes affect their clients. These issues are often grouped into three general categories: Government & Regulatory, Change & Risk, and Economy & Markets. REALTORS® are constantly assessing topics within these categories, some of which include inflation, interest rates, hybrid work trends, disruptions to the supply chain, labor shortages, and geopolitical risks. With so many challenges having a direct impact on real estate, it’s crucial to make decisions based on research performed by seasoned professionals. Being a trusted source of knowledge allows REALTORS® to better serve those within their communities, which is another major priority.
Now more than ever, REALTORS® are devoting time and resources to support their neighbors. This support comes in the form of financial donations and community service that includes fundraisers, food collections and deliveries, and neighborhood cleanups — to name a few. A recent report shows that charitable giving by REALTORS® associations has climbed an astounding 20% since 2020, as REALTORS® work to deepen connections and have a larger impact for good within the communities they serve.
Beginning in 2002, the National Association of REALTORS® started a campaign to recognize the good that REALTORS® contribute to the communities in which they live. This campaign awards recognition to REALTORS® who make an extraordinary impact on their community, or on the national or world stage, through volunteer work. It celebrates all acts of giving back to shine a spotlight on the impactful role REALTORS® play in communities.
Whether you’re looking for ways to become involved and serve within your community, or planning to buy or sell in an ever-evolving market, enlist the help of your local REALTORS® and rely on their knowledge and experience to make the most of your journey.
The post The Good REALTORS® Do appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Lydia Neeley, contributing writer
Living in Cache Valley Utah, we know snowstorms can be very unpredictable. Add to that, a teenage driver who has not driven in the snow yet, and things can get a little interesting.
Logan Brown and Darren Perkes, two driver’s education teachers at Green Canyon High School shared their tips for driving in the winter. However, most of their tips can be applied to those who have driven for many years in the snow as well.
The first thing both experts said was: “Drive Slow.” If your visibility is compromised, then it isn’t always smart to drive at the speed limit. In fact, the Utah State Speeding Law states, “A person may not operate a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions, giving regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.” That means even if you are going below the speed limit, you can be pulled over and ticketed if the officer deems that you were going too fast for the existing winter conditions. If you can’t see in front of you, going the speed limit and hoping that there isn’t a car in front of you isn’t the safest way to drive.
Darren also suggested keeping both hands on the steering wheel and being attentive to cars around you. Practicing safe driving habits by checking your blind spots can help you avoid a crash. You may pay attention to other cars and the existing weather conditions, but other drivers might not. Giving more space between you and other cars isn’t a bad idea either. When you are driving in the middle of a snowstorm, the conditions are not the same as it would be on a sunny day in the summer, and if the car in front of you has to stop unexpectedly, make sure there is adequate distance between the two cars so you can stop as well.
So, what do you do if your car hits black ice? Or starts spinning out of control? These experts recommend keeping both hands on the steering wheel, but not turning the wheel at all. Take your foot off the brake, and don’t hit the gas. Let the car slide on the ice to firm ground, and then you can take back control of your car.
Don’t let fear of the weather and driving stop you from running your errands and doing the things you need to. Being cautious and being paranoid are two completely different things, and if you are worried (or are worried about taking your teenage driver out to practice), try driving in a snowstorm or bad weather in areas with few cars. This will decrease the possibility of a crash but still allow you time to practice and increase your confidence in your driving.
If you are headed out of town, make sure you are prepared for the conditions. Make sure you have the right tires or chains for times when the roads get snowy. Carry a small emergency kit with you that has everything from a thick blanket, to non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight in your car. Also make sure you have an ice scraper handy to get all of the ice and snow off your car before you start driving.
Be prepared, drive slowly, and enjoy the holidays!
Top Four Winter Safe Driving Tips
1. Slow down!
2. Keep both hands on the wheel.
3. Leave adequate space between you and other vehicles.
4. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
The post Winter Driving Tips for New and Experienced Drivers appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Wil Wood, contributing writer
I’m watching It’s a Wonderful Life for the 47th time this year. Convince me not to. It’s tradition, and it’s one I never plan to change. Some of our traditions revolve around a cookie that isn’t that delicious or an event that we would never volunteer to do. It’s not that we enjoy bland cookies or events that aren’t exactly up our alley in and of themselves. The combination of a time of the year, the smell of ingredients, or a certain group of people can stir up memories and create a bookmark in our subconscious. Continuing to participate in traditions helps us hold on to these emotional reference points and makes our culture and individual lives all the richer.
That’s why Thanksgiving is now my favorite holiday. How could all of my people and lots of good food in the same place not be my favorite thing?!
Traditions can bring back good memories of parents that are gone and stories of grandparents that raised them. They can remind a family of who they are and what they stand for. “We are the so and so’s, and we make tamales during the holidays!”
Just as traditions can stir up memories of things you don’t want to forget, they can do the same for things you don’t want to remember. Maybe a loved one who is gone, or the divorce that still stings, or any number of bad memories we try to keep locked up, so we don’t have to feel our way through them.
The Wood Family
For me, this last year has been a year of firsts. My mom died in February so a part of my soul feels untethered more than ever because I can’t share my children’s firsts with her anymore.
What I’ve learned is that I have to figure out a different way to celebrate those firsts. I’ve also realized how important it is to remember and honor the good in our past.
So, whether it hurts or exhilarates to smell the wassail or hear George Bailey talk about Zuzu’s petals, I say eat the cookie, go to the ugly sweater party, tell the stories, and make the tamales.
There is a comfort and a beauty in loving something that has been loved before, in kneading the dough, singing the songs, or hanging the decorations; performing the familiar rituals of those we love and have loved. Our songs echo their voices and our actions echo their efforts, and as we add our own flair, we emulate and interpret these traditions.
As Clarence points out to George, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
This year, there is an awful hole in my life that gets just a little smaller as I make the foods, watch the movies, play the games, and gather with the ones that love her too. Traditions show us what to do when we aren’t sure what to do. They remind us who we are when we could otherwise forget.
The post It’s a Wonderful Life the 47th Time appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Tara Bone, contributing writer
Last year on Sunday, September 19, Pastors Paul Campbell, John Moon, and Jonathan Jarrett launched Gospel Peace Church with their very first worship service in Cache Valley.
Gospel Peace Church meets each Sunday at The Whittier Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon and its teachings focus on the Bible and encourage a life-long process of becoming like Jesus Christ. Though the church is new, church leaders and its approximately 150 members are focusing on ways to serve.
“We feel very new here, so we’re trying to figure out how we can best serve the community,” Pastor Paul said. “There are a number of churches in our Valley who do a great job of serving. We’re trying to get to know our neighbors. That’s what we want to emphasize, start right next door — serve your neighbors.”
Paul adds that their neighbors have been kind and they love being in Cache Valley. They’re hoping to implement yearly traditions that will give back to the community. The church is sponsoring a fundraiser Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day at 7 a.m. Details for that event are on the church’s website at gospelpeace.com.
The church has also partnered with The Center for Pregnancy Choices, a local organization that helps expectant parents understand what their choices are during an unexpected pregnancy. Efforts included participating in the organization’s Walk for Life fundraiser and a “baby bottle” fundraiser in which donors filled baby bottles with donations. Earlier this year the church organized a remodel of the Whittier Center’s bathrooms.
As the Christmas season approaches, special services are planned. A Christmas Eve worship service will be held, and prior to that the church will host a Christmas sing-along on Saturday, December 10. Congregational singing is a special part of the church’s worship service, according to Pastor John.
Gospel Peace Church will host a Christmas sing-along on December 10 this year.
“Every year we’d like to do a Christmas sing-along,” said John. “The reason we do that is a kindness for the Valley, it’s a lot of fun. We have an inordinate number of musicians at our church. We do a lot of fun, traditional music and Christian-directed Christmas singing and someone will share the story of Christmas. We intersperse that with some trivia games — it will be a fun night.”
Gospel Peace Church is affiliated with Gospel Grace Church from Salt Lake City. Gospel Grace Church just celebrated their 10-year anniversary. During that time, they revitalized a struggling church in Riverton, Utah called Gospel Hope Church before branching out to Cache Valley.
“We’re the third church in this tiny family of churches that unify and connect together,” Paul said.
Paul oversees most of the preaching and teaching at the church. He and his wife Abbey and their four children moved to Cache Valley about a year and a half ago. He graduated from Liberty University in 2006 with a degree in Religion with a Youth Ministry emphasis. He also completed a Master of Biblical Studies in 2010 and a Master of Divinity in 2012, both from Virginia Beach Theological Seminary.
“We love it here; it’s been amazing,” Paul said. “The Lord has answered our prayers above and beyond what we were expecting.”
The post Gospel Peace Church appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Megan Ostler, MS, RDN, @meganjanesplate
These little bites make the perfect, packable snack or satisfying dessert. They taste just like gingerbread cookie dough, but thanks to the fiber and healthy fats from the nuts and oats, they are super filling. Make them extra festive by dipping them in white chocolate and adding a few holiday sprinkles.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes 20 large (40 small) bites
Serving size: 1 bite
INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole, unsalted almonds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3 Tablespoons molasses
1/4 cup water (add 1 Tablespoon at a time to desired consistency)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400-degree Farhenheit.
2. On a cookie sheet, spread the almonds, walnuts, and oats evenly.
3. Toast for 8-10 minutes until the nuts start to release their oil and become fragrant.
4. Remove from oven and add to the food processor.
5. Blend until well chopped and starting to form a dough. You may need to scrap the sides.
6. Continue blending and add the remaining ingredients through the opening at the top of the food processor. Add 1 Tablespoon of water at a time until a dough forms. Again, you may need to scrap the sides to help everything get incorporated.
7. Once a thick dough forms, roll into balls.
8. These are ready to eat, but if you want to make them extra festive, you can drip them in melted chocolate.
Allow to cool and enjoy!
The post Gingerbread Cookie Dough Bites appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Cache County School District
Are you searching for the perfect gift? During the holidays, we are often faced with choices that are costly, lack quality, or may be underappreciated. So, how do we find the perfect gift? If a child is on your list to shop for, here are three cost-free options that will last a lifetime and build precious memories. They can also give your child an educational advantage by developing oral language skills, expanding vocabulary, and encouraging a lifetime love of reading. These are the gifts of conversation, reading time, and example.
Language development begins at birth and continues throughout a person’s life. As we talk and interact with children and teenagers, language is strengthened and improved. This directly predicts their success in reading. Opportunities for conversation can include driving in a car, building a snowman, eating together, or hundreds of other everyday moments. During these activities, take the time to talk to your children and teenagers. Setting aside time to discuss the world around them will strengthen your child’s oral language development and build lasting relationships.
Reading with an adult is a great activity for all children, especially those who are learning to read. To promote reading, be sure to have a variety of books and other materials available. As you read to and with your child, they will come to associate reading with warm, happy memories.
Your child looks like you, speaks likes you, and watches everything you do. Children naturally mimic what they see and are drawn to those activities. As children observe the adults in their life choosing to read for enjoyment, they begin to appreciate reading as well. Reading helps them to explore the world and understand the world around them.
The post Give the Perfect Gift- A Gifting Guide that Suits Every Child appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Kaela Hanks, contributing writer
Downtown Logan rings in the holiday season with a Christmas Parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving, where old and young alike are delighted by the arrival of Santa Claus and the unveiling of the candy windows at Bluebird Candy. The festivities draw thousands to Center Street that weekend. Another festive downtown tradition, one that lasts nearly the entire month of December, is the annual Parade of Gingerbread Homes.
From December 3 to December 31, citizens join in a friendly rivalry as they enter their magical creations into the competition that is judged by downtown visitors.
There are two general categories on display at the Parade of Gingerbread Homes: Professional (pro bakers or previous winners) and Community (open to all who are up for the challenging, creative experience). The main requirement for all entries is that their creation must be 100% edible.
Going strong for 23 years, the event has grown into a much-loved tradition by not only the architects of these gingerbread creations, but also by everyone who participates. The community gets involved by voting on their favorite edible wonderland. Next to each entry, downtown visitors can find a ballot to cast their vote. The top six entries (three in the Community category and three in Professional category) are awarded $100. This event encourages community members to explore Downtown Logan since entries are displayed at downtown businesses on, or near Main Street and Center Street.
photos courtesy of Robyn Rusch
A dedicated family who often participates in this heartwarming tradition is the Rusch family. Led by their mother, Robyn, she said they “work together with love and commitment” to enter a house into this event. In total, the Rusch family has entered seven gingerbread houses, starting in 2012. At that time, Robyn had two young boys. While looking for a creative outlet, she came upon an advertisement for a Parade of Gingerbread Houses. She immediately recruited her younger sister and began the project! They worked hard to create their Candyland-themed project. Since then, the entire family, including Robyn’s husband and kids, have participated in this event. This has become a family tradition for them, where the whole family gets involved. They work together to come up with a theme and create their new ideas together.
Avid lovers of The Great British Baking Show, the Rusch family feels like this is their very own baking episode! Every year their kids would get involved in The Nutcracker, but in 2020 it wasn’t possible due to the pandemic. Instead, the family chose to mimic the play by creating a Nutcracker-themed house. Robyn said it was a “magical way to get through the pandemic and a way to highlight the magical production when they couldn’t have it live at the theater.”
Robyn recommends this event for all as it is a, “fun family event, something that all ages enjoy, from the tiny little ones to the grandparents, families, and even college students.” She even suggests it as a great date night activity.
“There is always something magical about being in Downtown Logan during the Christmas season,” Robyn said. The Rusches will again enter a house in the competition this December. After winning multiple awards in previous years in the Community division, they’ve been bumped up to Professional level for the first time this year.
Whether you decide to enter a home into the competition, or just want to visit Downtown Logan and vote on the sweet displays, this festive activity will once again bring families and the holiday season together. It’s a tradition you won’t want to miss.
Visit logandowntown.org/parade-of-gingerbread-homes for more information.
photo courtesy of Logan Downtown Visitors Bureau
The post A Sweet Tradition: Downtown Logan’s Parade of Gingerbread Homes appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Claire Anderson, contributing writer
If you were to walk around Cache Valley each holiday season interviewing individuals in our community, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Sub for Santa.
When this nonprofit organization was started many decades ago, it was run by a small group of women with a desire to serve the community. It first operated at the Senior Center on 1st East in Logan. As it has grown and developed over the years, Sub for Santa has transitioned to many different locations, recently moving to the Bridgerland Applied Technical College West Campus Building.
Sub for Santa’s mission is to “provide temporary assistance during the Christmas season to individuals and families residing in Cache County who are in need.” According to the program directors, Emily Malik and Jennifer Bishop, Sub for Santa’s central goal is to “ensure that no child goes without a present at Christmas.” Those involved in this program dedicate many hours each holiday season to make this goal a reality by providing toys, clothing, and other gifts for children across Cache County.
“Because of our generous community, we have been able to serve anywhere from 400 to 1200 kids each year,” Emily and Jennifer said.
There are many ways for community members to get involved in this cause. The KUTV Angel Tree program and other supporting businesses in Cache Valley work with Sub for Santa each year to put up several Angel Trees around town. These trees display tags that give community members the opportunity to sponsor a child, purchase gifts for kids in need, or purchase gift cards for teens in need. This year, Angel Trees can be visited at Smith’s Marketplace, Saddleback Harley-Davidson Shop, Lee’s Marketplace in Logan, Lee’s Marketplace in Smithfield, or at the Cache Valley Mall starting on November 17. Sub for Santa encourages those who would like to sponsor children to reach out early, since the last day to participate is December 11.
Photos courtesy of Cache County Sub for Santa
“It’s been really great to see our community get involved in this program,” Emily said. “I think my favorite moment last year was when a family came to the distribution center for a child they had sponsored. They saw all of the items in our distribution center and they made the connection of how many kids and families need assistance and that a lot of [that need] was [for] basic things like clothes, shoes, and coats. They were really emotional about making that connection. The next day, that family came back with more items to donate because they really just felt like they wanted to do as much as they could for those who [could] use help. These were little kids! It was so inspiring. I think we all got teary.”
It’s undeniable that dedicating time to serve others, especially during the holiday season, can touch the hearts of all who have the opportunity to participate. “What keeps me going is hearing the stories of past recipients who were experiencing difficult times and are now in a good place to be able to sponsor a child, and it was their way of giving back,” Jennifer said.
Additional ways community members can help include making donations, participating in fundraising events, volunteering, or helping the program acquire their top 20 most needed items.
YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE
This year’s top 20 most-needed items include:
1. Skateboards/scooters
2. Legos
3. Anything Star Wars-related
4. Gift cards for teens to local stores (especially for clothing)
5. Sleds
6. Doll strollers
7. Pokemon cards and items
8. Pajamas of all sizes
9. Underwear of all sizes
10. Dolls (LOL, Surprise, whatever is popular)
11. Video games (generally the latest and greatest)
12. Teen girl hair accessories, nail polish, and perfumes
13. Snow boots, any size
14. Adult-sized coats for teens
15. Anything Minecraft-related
16. Hoodies
17. Toddler and infant learning and active toys
18. Socks, any size
19. New bike helmets
20. Art supplies
Donations can be dropped off at Smith’s Marketplace starting November 17.
Visit cachecountysubforsanta.org for more information or ideas for additional ways to help.
The post Sub for Santa: A Gift for Every Child appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Hailey Westenskow, contributing writer, Lee’s Marketplace Each year things seem to grow bigger and better — including your family and circle of loved ones. As numbers grow and new faces join the mix, the holiday season is even more cheery … and a little more stressful. With more and more mouths to feed […]
The post Lee’s Guide to a Stress-Free Holiday Dinner appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Melanie Christensen, curriculum administrator, Little Wonders Learning Center Tis the season for holiday parties, gatherings and events! The holidays can be a busy time, but they are also the perfect time to increase family togetherness and focus on important traditions that create lasting memories. Family traditions have the power to increase a child’s […]
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Rachel Cottrell, contributing writer Preparing for a big family trip is something I simultaneously look forward to and dread. The opportunity to spend quality family time together is a good one, but the idea of entertaining my kids for long periods of travel time is always a bit daunting. Whether we’re on a […]
The post Entertain Kids on the Go with Podcasts and Audiobooks appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Sarah Romero, contributing writer Decorating cookies with your kids is a fun activity to celebrate the holiday season. It’s also the perfect recipe for sticky faces, frosting-stained clothes, a messy kitchen and complete chaos. Here’s a list of seven things to help minimize the mess and stress: 1. Cover the table. Lay craft […]
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Tara Bone, contributing writer When is your playlist beginning to sound a lot like Christmas? Is it November 1 or earlier (though you won’t admit it), or do you wait to settle in with all things Christmas later in December? Either way, it doesn’t feel like the Christmas season without Christmas music. There’s […]
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Emily Buckley, editor in chief When Sandra Emile, founder and artistic director of the Cache Valley Civic Ballet, arrived in Cache Valley in 1981 for her husband’s employment at Utah State University, she never dreamed this is where she’d stay and build a career, but she had an instinct to bloom where she was planted […]
The post Cache Valley Civic Ballet Celebrates 40 Years of Nutcracker Magic appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Claire Anderson, contributing writer On Saturday, August 13, community members gathered and competed in a 3v3 basketball tournament to celebrate and honor 10-year old Dawson Pugmire of Wellsville, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year from an arteriovenous malformation. Dawson was known by many for his kindness toward others and his ability to […]
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Phil Cowley, @philsmypharmacist, Cache Valley Pharmacy Shoes are always sold in pairs, the exact same size the exact same height. This is a ridiculous premise; 60% of the population has one leg that is longer than the other. Feet are almost never the same size, less often the legs are. The chance that […]
The post Understanding Which Vitamins Can Help Keep Your Kids Healthy appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Frank Schofield, superintendent, Logan City School District Have you ever heard the phrase “Not my circus, not my monkeys”? This traditional Polish saying communicates the idea that we aren’t responsible for fixing situations that have nothing to do with what we perceive as our area of accountability. It often is used when an […]
The post Helping Children Be More Responsible appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Baileigh Beebe, public information office intern, Cache County School District How important is it for kids to be in school? While missing a day of school now and then for illness or appointments doesn’t seem like a big deal, frequent absences can have a significant impact on your child’s learning and future. Good […]
The post Setting Your Child Up for Success One School Day at a Time appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Tara Bone, contributing writer The history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cache Valley is best told through the lives of its members both past and present. Theirs is a story of sacrifice and faith, centered on their desire to worship peacefully in their mountain valley haven. It all […]
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Leticia Shifflet, executive officer, Cache Valley Association of REALTORS® At a time when things seem to be as unpredictable as possible, take comfort in knowing that you can find some stability when it comes to predicted home trends for the coming year! From layered design and natural hues to vintage and reclaimed finds, […]
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Jentrie Hales, community advocate, @techhealthyfam A pre-pandemic 2020 Pediatric Early Warning Systems (PEWS) study found that two-thirds of parents agree that technology makes parenting harder. And, news flash: Being a parent is already pretty difficult. Managing screens in your home no doubt adds another layer of overwhelm, which leads to wanting answers to […]
The post The Nitty Gritty of the Dreaded Screen Time Question appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Mark Anderson, owner, Anderson’s Seed and Garden Every year I have want-to-be-better gardeners that ask me what is the easiest plant to grow in our area. While there are a lot of great answers, one stands out above all the others: fall bulbs. There really is nothing else that is as easy as […]
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Cheryl Maguire, contributing writer I love to travel. Before becoming a proud parent of three darling cherubs everyone said to me, “Enjoy traveling now because once you have kids you won’t be able to do it anymore.” Well, I proved all the naysayers wrong by hopping on that plane with three kids in […]
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Tara Bone, contributing writer Have you laid awake at night “thinking” about all the trapped photos on your phone or computer bursting to get out?! First days of school, birthdays, vacations, and simple day-to-day moments you swear you’ll never forget, until you do. Families take photos to cherish all the big and small […]
The post Document Family Memories-No More Guilt! appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Kimberly Blaker, contributing writer Summer may be seen as the outdoor season, but autumn also offers lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Try some of these close-to-home family activities and fill you and your kids’ senses with delight. ENJOY A COLOR TOUR The mountains are the places to be in the fall. With […]
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Wendy Larson, contributing writer Autumn is here and the real fun begins as we enter into the holiday season! From decorating to making yummy treats, to lighting our favorite candles and watching all the movies … it is magical to create memories with our loved ones. It is also important to have a […]
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K. Bone, contributing teen writer Ryder Hansen isn’t a typical 13-year-old. To put it in simple terms, he’s a livestock all-star showman. Mount Sterling’s Ryder Hansen is one of the best sheep showmen in Utah, and even the entire country in his very competitive division. He’s been doing 4-H since he was 8 […]
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Emily Buckley, editor in chief As I prepare my family for school each fall, one of my kids’ favorite tasks is gathering fresh school supplies for the year. There is just something about a fresh box of crayons, a clean notebook, and a fun backpack that helps them put their best foot forward […]
The post Add Kindness to Your List of School Supplies appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Claire Anderson, contributing writer Achieving the level of strength, self-discipline, and dedication required to be a gymnast does not come easily. For Ellie Thomson, a senior who will graduate from Ridgeline High School this year, accomplishing this has taken years of hard work. Ellie has been practicing gymnastics since she was 3 years […]
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Jentrie Hales, community advocate, @techhealthyfamily Summer equals swimming, fun in the sun, snowcones, and SCREENS. It’s fair to say that there are lots of good intentions when summer starts to make meaningful memories and spend time outside. However, those pesky attention-seeking devices can distract from those experiences, prevent kids from going outside, and […]
The post Summer and Screens: Ideas for More IRL Adventures appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Mark Anderson owner, Anderson’s Seed and Garden Planting wildflower seed is a relatively simple task, but it is not completely easy or effortless. Like any worthwhile gardening project, the more time and effort that you are willing to invest into proper preparation, the more successful you will be. The following steps will help […]
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Michael Cole, OD, Child and Family Eye Care Center Depth perception is one aspect of vision that is tested on nearly every patient in our clinic. You might find it surprising to hear that most patients who are found to be unable to see in 3D are not aware that they lack this […]
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Kate Neeley, contributing writer Will you ever be able to look back on the wild ride that was early 2020 and not bring up toilet paper? When a pandemic hit and towns were shutting down, and then an earthquake shook up northern Utah, that was the commodity that was flying off store shelves. […]
The post Ready or Not: Are You Prepared? appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Frank Schofield, superintendent, Logan City School District Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know That it’s All Right to Wonder? These first lines from a song debuted by Fred Rogers in 1979 pose a question that might seem unnecessary. Do we really need a reminder that it’s OK to wonder? Yet […]
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Sarah Lyons, contributing writer Family vacations are a great way to enjoy time away from the daily routine and create lasting memories. But if you are anything like me, packing for a family trip can be overwhelming, especially if you have multiple kids to pack for. As a mom of six, I’ve learned […]
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Phil Cowley, @philsmypharmacist, Cache Valley Pharmacy When I was 17, I built a water balloon launcher in the back of my truck using two-inch wood dowels to mount into the truck bed. It could shoot a good block and a half, with each shot the dowels rattled against the metal of the truck. […]
The post Do Dangerous Things … Carefully appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Emily Buckley, editor in chief Every summer libraries across Cache Valley go above and beyond to help kids stay engulfed in learning during their time off from school. Summer reading programs exist at most local libraries and include much more than reading trackers and challenges. Most include STEM activities, events for teens, craft […]
The post Support Fundraising Efforts During the North Logan Library’s Summer Reading Program appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Tara Bone, contributing writer Since the Catholic church’s first mass in Cache Valley 104 years ago, the church has grown along with the Valley, steadily outgrowing buildings and overcoming challenges to become a thriving faith community with members throughout the region, but centered at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hyde Park. […]
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Leticia Shifflet, executive officer, Cache Valley Association of REALTORS® Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, real estate markets, both globally and nationally, have experienced dramatic change. Home values continue to increase as the demand for housing grows. Since March 2020, home prices have increased by 25% in most areas, making home sales […]
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Tara Bone, contributing writer Finding family vacation options that are both budget-friendly and meet your vision of a “perfect” family vacay are top of mind with COVID restrictions lifting and summer around the corner. As you consider options, a cruise may just be what you’re looking for. This year our family was ready […]
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Wil Wood, contributing writer As a shallow, imperceptive male, I didn’t realize why Mother’s Day was so triggering for so many women. I understand, in part, now, and I want to throw my two cents into the banter. I believe my point of view is worth listening to, not because I am a […]
The post Yoga with No Legs: A Tribute to My Mother appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Kate Neeley, contributing writer Read on for the skinny on how to (actually) get lean and sculpted. Spoiler alert. It means eating A LOT of good food. You know that hitting the gym, getting outside, or hopping on your stationary bike can play a big part in setting and reaching fitness goals — […]
The post To Get Fit You Can Just Run Your Butt Off, Right!? Wrong. appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Madison Okumura, public information office intern, Cache County School District Summer is here! It is an exciting time when students take a break from their hard work in the classroom, but just because the days are longer and nights are warmer doesn’t mean that education has to stop. Encouraging curiosity and learning over […]
The post Five Easy Ways to Keep Your Child Engaged in the Learning Process Over the Summer appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Claire Anderson, contributing writer Michael Bingham has a gift for identifying and utilizing an individual’s strengths to help them express themselves through art, no matter what limitations or challenges they may have in their life. That is why he established Jump the Moon Foundation in 2017. Jump the Moon is a nonprofit organization […]
The post Jump the Moon: Making Art More Accessible to Those with Diverse Abilities appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Makes 48 servings | Serving size: 1 truffle PREP TIME: 4 hr COOK TIME: 10 min TOTAL TIME: 4 hr 10 min If you are looking for a DIY Mother’s Day present that will impress all of the ladies in your life, you have to give these truffles a try. Don’t be alarmed by the […]
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Two Moms Juggle the Challenges and Joys of Raising Kids With Big Age Gaps Kristen Allsop and Tara Bone, contributing writers Kristen Allsop balances life in Amalga with her husband Ken, seven children ranging in age from 3 to almost 18 years, and her career as a realtor with Dwell Realty. She won’t […]
The post Parenting Teens and Toddlers at the Same Time appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Emily Buckley, editor in chief I can’t think of a more iconic American meal than a good burger and fries. If you want a meal that is iconically local, try a burger from Morty’s Café, located on Utah State University’s (USU) campus on the corner of Darwin Avenue and 700 North. Owned by […]
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Lydia Neeley, contributing writer Many times, I have found myself wandering through the grass trying to find the last Easter egg or two. We counted before we hid them so we knew how many eggs were left to find when everyone was done. After counting we found that there were a few eggs […]
The post Six “Egg”celent Traditions for Easter appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
20 seconds of scrubbing now can save you uncomfortable hours in the restroom later. Tanner Burnside, Bear River Health Department As spring approaches, families, field trip organizers, or youth groups may be planning to visit events with baby animals. There is something profoundly wonderful about holding a baby animal. The last couple of […]
The post How to Keep Sickness From Ruining Happy Spring Memories appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Makes 1 serving | Serving size: 2 slices toast PREP TIME: 5 min COOK TIME: 0 min TOTAL TIME: 5 min I love hard-boiled eggs, but I’m always at a loss of what to do with them all after Easter. This year I decided that they deserved to be themselves in all their glory. INGREDIENTS […]
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Jentrie Hales, community advocate, @techhealthyfamily When you consider all of the many conversations and interactions you have, it’s fair to say that many of them happen virtually: A text to a friend to check in about carpool, an email to a coworker that begins with, “I hope this message finds you well,” and […]
The post The Value of Face-to-Face Communication appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Frank Schofield, superintendent, Logan City School District As a parent, one of the things I want most for my children is for them to be happy. Research shows that happy children are more likely to become successful adults and are more likely to contribute to the happiness of others. As most parents do, […]
The post Helping Our Children Become Happy Children and Adults appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Cheryl Maguire, contributing writer Summer is soon approaching, which means pools, lakes, and beaches will be opening. While your kids are having fun splashing around it is important to keep water safety in mind. When I was 16 years old, I got my first real job as a lifeguard for the public town […]
The post Former Lifeguard Reveals Five Secrets You Should Know appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Leticia Shifflet, executive officer, Cache Valley Association of REALTORS®
Spring is just around the corner, and with warmer weather comes the selling season. Whether you’re considering selling your home or are simply over the winter blues and ready to freshen up, here are suggestions to make your space something worth seeing.
THE BIGGER PROJECTS
You have some time to address those mid-level projects that didn’t get attention through the fall and winter. Some projects that will make a big impact at minimal cost include:
MINOR BATHROOM UPDATES
A simple bathroom remodel is one of the best ways to enhance the appeal of your home. Consider adding some elongated ceramic tiling. This new trend is an update from the basic subway tile and adds a cleaner, more modern look. Think about replacing your sink and shower fixtures. If you don’t want to replace them, consider a good vinegar bath to get rid of any buildup. Freshen the space with a new coat of paint and take a moment to consider if the toilet needs replacing.
FLOORING REFRESH
If there are small spaces showing severe wear and tear, consider new flooring. If you don’t need or want to replace existing flooring, help it look its best with a deep clean. Buff and refinish hardwood floors to restore shine, deep clean carpets, and repair nicks and cracks in tile and stone floors.
UPDATE TECHNOLOGY
When it comes to selling a home, the demand for smart technology continues to rise. With more Gen X and Millennial buyers joining the real estate market, smart home features are a top priority. Install some simple devices and even upgrade to smart lightbulbs.
If you plan to list, consider cleanliness a top priority this season. When it comes to cleanliness, standards should reflect the asking price of your home. It’s crucial to help buyers visually. Help them see the value of their investment when they step into your space. Take a moment to review obvious needs during spring cleaning.
• Decide if your blinds and window treatments need attention. Don’t skimp on windows, screens, and sills, which are a good indication of how well a house has been cared for. (This is a good place to hire a pro.)
• Don’t let the dust take you down. Remove dust and wipe away built-up grease from light fixtures (make that glass sparkle!), shades, and bulbs. While you’re into the dusting mood, be sure to wipe down doorknobs, towel racks, and toilet paper holders.
• Address walls and baseboards. With a rag and mild soap, remove fingerprints and grime from walls, switches, outlets, and baseboards. If you have white walls with stubborn scuffs, gently rub them with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Along with this, take simple measures (there are countless products) to restore scuffed and scratched woodwork.
• Think about the smell of the home. Pets, cigarettes, foods, moisture, and more contribute to the smell of a space. Once the outside temperature is comfortable, open some windows to circulate and remove the stale air from your home. Give attention to the bathrooms where mold and mildew often accumulate. Also, be sure to remove the trash from your home on a regular basis. While you might be tempted to let loose with the room sprays and candles, strong scents mixed with foul odors within a home can be an abomination. If you do decide to light a candle or utilize room sprays, it’s important to be considerate of the possible allergies and sensitivities of potential buyers who will be walking through your home. Once you’ve cleaned through your list, hire a professional to clean the carpet of your home, which will enhance both the look and smell of your space.
As you prepare for the changing of the seasons, reach out to your local, trusted REALTOR® for additional support and recommendations that will make your space a showstopper.
The post Spring Cleaning to Get Your Home Ready to Sell appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Emily Buckley, editor in chief
For most people, the idea of running hundreds of miles, alone, in the wilderness sounds impossible, but for Mike McKnight, who was born and raised in Cornish and currently lives in Smithfield, it is something he looks forward to and says helps him appreciate all he has.
His running story began 11 years ago when he decided to train for a half marathon with his sister. He quickly fell in love with running and decided to continue training and walked on to the Utah State University (USU) track team. Six months into his newfound sport, he was in a skiing accident at Beaver Mountain and shattered his L1 vertebrae. Two rods and nine screws were surgically inserted into his spine and his doctor told him he’d likely be bedridden for at least a year — and that running was out of the question for at least as long. To give himself time to heal, Mike deferred his schooling for a year and ending up losing his job.
His body miraculously healed faster than anyone expected, and Mike started running again three and a half weeks after surgery. Within two months, he was running 5 to 10 miles a day. And, since he didn’t have a job or school to focus on, he kept pushing himself. Eventually he began working again and through work became acquainted with another local runner, Cody Draper, who introduced him to ultra running.
“He invited me to start training with him,” Mike said. “I instantly fell in love with running in the mountains. I signed up for the [28 mile] Logan Peak Trail Race in 2013 — that was my first ultra — and I have been actively involved ever since.” After the Logan Peak Trail Race, Mike quickly worked up to 100 miles for the Bear 100 within a year and half.
“I really liked the 100 mile distance, and started focusing on that,” Mike said. “Then in 2016, I learned that 200 miles existed. So, I signed up for my first 200-mile race in 2017.”
After completing his first 200-miler, Mike learned that there were two other 200-mile races that were part of a series called the Triple Crown of 200s. Each race is held 60 days apart. “I figured that since I just finished the first one, I might as well go all in and sign up for the other two,” Mike said.
He ended up finishing the series in 205 hours — the fastest combined time of the Triple Crown series.
Mike is a full-time coach. Some of the athletes he trains are preparing for their first 200-mile race, while others are just beginning their running journey. Find out more about his training program at lowcarb-runner.com.
Mike chooses to live and raise his family in Cache Valley for many reasons, not the least of which is the iconic mountains. “This area is even better than Boulder. Better than Flagstaff. Cache Valley is the best!”
“I was amazed that I was able to do so well,” Mike said. “But I also knew I could really improve my times. A lot went wrong at those races including a stress fracture and IT band issues. I walked a lot, and still finished first. I thought that if I addressed my injuries and built up my strength to avoid injury, that I’d be able to really improve my time at those races.”
Mike gave himself two years before racing the Triple Crown series again. He improved his time by over 40 hours and won each individual 200-mile race in the series in addition to winning the Triple Crown.
“It was at this moment I realized I was good at the 200-mile distance, and really enjoyed all the aspects of the distance including sleep deprivation and the pacing strategy,” Mike said. “Since then, I’ve put a huge focus on 200-mile races.”
Mike says the run he is most proud of wasn’t even a race, though.
There is a term in the ultra world called fastest known time (FKT). There are hundreds of trails around the world that runners try to claim the fastest known times on. One of the more popular is the Colorado Trail, a 500-mile trail from Durango to Denver. The majority of the trail is over 10,000 feet in elevation.
“In 2020, I went after the FKT on the Colorado Trail,” Mike said. “At the time, the record was just over 8 days and I was able to beat it by finishing in just over 7 days. That is definitely what I’m most proud of as a runner.”
So how does someone train to get to the point of running these kinds of races? “Physically, you gotta be consistent,” Mike said. “Get out and run, even if it’s raining and snowing. Consistency is king.”
In addition to consistent daily one-to-two hour runs, plus longer four-to-six hour runs on the weekends, Mike says he regularly practices running while sleep deprived by running in the middle of the night or doing a late-night run followed by an early morning run.
He says the mental training starts with figuring out your why. “If you don’t have a strong why you won’t finish,” Mike said. “Constantly think about that why and make sure it’s stronger than your reason to quit.”
For him, his why is because he can. “Breaking my back made me uncertain about my future in terms of being physically active,” Mike said. “So, because I have the ability to, I choose to.”
What’s next for this multiple Triple Crown, FKT-title holding runner? Mike says he has noticed he struggles in the heat so this year his focus is on hot races. He’ll be running a race in Death Valley, California where temperatures reach more than 120-degrees Fahrenheit. He is also planning to attempt a FKT run along the 800-mile Arizona Trail in October.
Mike’s running philosophy boils down to this: “Running and pushing your limits should be something that you love to do. It shouldn’t be something that you feel forced to do. If you wake up and think ‘well, I better get my run done,’ then you probably need to find a different hobby. Comfort is a waste of potential, and you should love being uncomfortable.”
Mike is currently transitioning from working as the executive director to becoming a volunteer for RODS (Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome), a non-profit organization that inspires families to answer the call to adopt a child with Down Syndrome. He has utilized athletes, including himself, to raise funds to aid in the expensive fees associated with adoption. He says it can cost around $40,000 to adopt a child with Down Syndrome.
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Stacy Hepner, CNM, certified nurse midwife, Intermountain Healthcare – Budge Clinic
Up to 85% of women get postpartum blues, which is common, mild, and lasts less than two weeks. With the blues you may notice yourself crying over seemingly small and insignificant things. Of that 85%, up to 30% turn from blues into postpartum depression, which is more severe and long-lasting. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or if you have thoughts of harming your baby, it is time to seek additional professional help if you have not already done so. These disorders are not limited to pregnant and postpartum women alone. If you come to discuss mental health with me, we will discuss the “tool belt.”
It can be difficult to acknowledge and tell others about your struggle with postpartum depression. Parenthood is a much celebrated, and often romanticized, experience in our culture. Mothers with postpartum depression may frequently wonder “what is wrong with me?” or be hesitant to admit that they are experiencing anything other than joy and sleep disruption. It is important to remember that almost one in three woman who have recently given birth have feelings of sadness, are overwhelmed, frequently feel worried or panicky, or are filled with self-doubt and blame.
There are many modalities that you and your clinician can incorporate to address mental health. While medication can be efficacious in treating mood disturbances and can increase neurotransmitter availability in our brains that are important for mood, thoughts, and feeling regulation, it is imperative to use several approaches and put as many tools in your tool belt as possible. In addition, while symptom management is important, analyzing the root cause of your symptoms is significant as you attempt to build skills to enhance coping and improve overall wellbeing. Exercise (30 minutes 5 days a week) has been shown to be an effective treatment. Therapy, self care, sleep hygiene, and establishing meaningful relationships are a few of the tools we might discuss in helping you in your journey with mental health struggles.
Having a support group of individuals who can empathize with your challenges can be helpful; however, it is essential not to compare your journey to other people’s. Lastly, changing the way you view mental health struggles can alone be empowering. Instead of focusing on the stigma that mental health carries or the negative symptoms you are experiencing, try looking at anxiety and depression as opportunities to learn and grow. People who live with these conditions often learn to manage their symptoms by becoming kind, thoughtful, observant, and empathic to others. As you improve your coping skills and adjust the contributing factors that could be potentially magnifying the anxiety and depression, these kind, empathic, thoughtful, and observant qualities are attributes that can enhance the lives of others and yourself for the better as you go through your journey and help others. Embracing these struggles can be achieved as we change the way we look mental health. If you are struggling, please reach out and we will be here to help in any way we can.
Intermountain Healthcare has various resources in place to support all types of mental health concerns. If you don’t know where to start, please call the Behavioral Health Services Navigation line at 833.442.2211.
Resources: Norwitz ER, and Lye SJ. Biology of parturition. Thomas R. Moore, Charles J. Lockwood. Creasy and Resnick’s Maternal Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice, edited by Robert K. Creasy RR, Jay D. Iams ; associate editors. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. 19103- 2899.
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Makes 5 servings | Serving size: 3⁄4 cup chicken tikka masala over 1⁄2 cup rice
PREP TIME
2 hr 15 min
COOK TIME
45 min
TOTAL TIME
3 hr
This is a classic Indian dish that’s very popular amongst novice Indian food eaters. It’s a delicious meal that’s made with charred chunks of chicken that are marinated in spices, along with creamy yogurt.
Ingredients
● 8 large garlic cloves, divided
● 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled, minced, and divided
● 3⁄4 cup 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt, divided
● 1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
● 31⁄2 teaspoons paprika, divided
● 11⁄2 teaspoons garam masala, divided
● 1 teaspoon ground cumin
● 3⁄4 teaspoon salt, divided
● 1⁄2 teaspoon ground red pepper, divided
● 11⁄2 pounds skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
● 1 pound ripe tomatoes, cored and quartered
● 2 tablespoons canola oil
● 1⁄2 cup red onion, finely chopped
● 1 teaspoon ground coriander
● 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric
● 1⁄8 teaspoon ground red pepper
● 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
● 21⁄2 cups cooked basmati rice
Directions
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In a food processor, combine 4 chopped garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon ginger, 1⁄2 cup yogurt, lemon juice, 11⁄2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garam masala, cumin, 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper.
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Blend until smooth.
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Pour yogurt mixture into a Ziplock bag.
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Add the chicken, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
-
Make sure to turn the bag occasionally so all the chicken becomes well coated.
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While the chicken marinates, place the tomatoes in a food processor. Blend until puréed, then set aside.
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In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. And onion, then sauté for 4 minutes or until browned.
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Mince the remaining 4 garlic cloves. Add garlic and 1 tablespoon ginger and continue to sauté.
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Stir in the the coriander, 2 teaspoons paprika, turmeric, and 1⁄4 teaspoon ground red pepper.
-
Stir in tomato purée, then bring to a boil.
-
Reduce to a simmer, then cook, covered, for 20 minutes, or until it thickens.
-
Preheat grill.
-
Thread chicken on skewers.
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Grill your skewered chicken for three minutes, flip over, then grill for an additional 3 minutes.
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You do not need to cook chicken through, as it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
-
Remove chicken from the skewers, then add to the sauce to finish cooking.
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Stir in 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄2 teaspoon garam masala.
-
Cover and continue cooking for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
-
Remove from heat, then stir in 1⁄4 cup yogurt and cilantro.
-
Serve over rice.
The nutrition team at iFit is dedicated to providing delicious recipes that are quick, easy, and healthy! Our expert dietitians develop, create, and taste-test thousands of recipes every year, releasing new creations on the iFit blog each month. Go to blog.iFit.com to check them out!
The post Chicken Tikka Masala appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Frank Schofield, superintendent, Logan City School District
As we reflect on the positive relationships in our lives, all of our strongest relationships often have a common core element: trust. The most enduring bonds are with individuals who trust each other. Trust, defined as “a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something” is a foundational piece (maybe the foundational piece) to all positive relationships.
Being trustworthy, then, is a core element in forging positive relationships. This is particularly important in relationships with children. Being a trustworthy adult strengthens bonds, helps children develop core beliefs, and encourages the positive behaviors that will help others trust them.
Andrea Loewen Nair, B.Ed., M.A., a teacher and psychotherapist, suggests the following eight actions that parents can take to help build trust in their relationships with their children:
LISTEN
Listening is different than hearing. Listening is an action. To listen to a child means to recognize their words, but more importantly to seek to really understand the underlying message. For example, when a child says “I hate you, Mommy!” she isn’t saying “I hate you,” she is more likely saying something like, “I am mad that you are making me go to daycare instead of spending the day with you.”
We can show children we are listening by paraphrasing their words back to them, staying focused on feeling words. “Are you telling me that you are angry we have to be apart? You know what, I’m feeling sad to be away. You, too?” (pause) “When I see you after circle time, let’s figure out a way to miss each other less during the day.”
ATTUNE
Attuning is taking listening even deeper; it is anticipating your child’s needs based on verbal and nonverbal cues. It is knowing that a melting down child, for example, really needs to sleep. Instead of unleashing punishments for lashing out, you find a way to ensure they get more rest.
USE EYE CONTACT
People learn a lot about a person’s intention by focusing on their eyes. When speaking to a child, get down and gently look into his or her eyes. Let your child see what sincerity looks like.
RESPOND
Children will automatically verbally or nonverbally ask for help, as long as they believe (trust) those requests will be answered. In order to grow trust and continue your child’s openness, requests for help need to be answered to the best of your ability.
Also respond to emotional statements with validation and support. When a child says, “I’m scared,” use words to show your child you will help keep her safe, for example, “I can see why you’d be afraid of the dark. Let’s figure out a way to help you with that.”
KEEP PROMISES
Follow through with what you tell your child you will be doing. Part of keeping promises is to not use them to reduce your guilt or instead of saying “no.” Promise what is reasonable and within your ability to honor.
TELL THE TRUTH
Get in the habit of not using white lies with your children. This helps children match verbal and nonverbal communication, reducing confusion. It also helps little ones understand what positive moral ethics are.
ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES AND CONSISTENCY
When a child can trust things happen in a certain order, the brain can relax, staying out of fight-or-flight mode.
Routines and consistency also help reduce conflict. For example, when pushing for “10 more minutes” a child is likely to give up whining if she knows you are going to calmly say, “It would be fun to have 10 more minutes but that will put us in the late zone. When this song is over, it is time for us to put our boots on.”
The setting and holding of boundaries grows a slightly different type of trust: a strong belief that a parent will uphold safety and integrity.
BE OPEN
Parents will make mistakes. Being open about our shortcomings, fears, and struggles helps our children trust that doing so is safe to do. Volunteering information to your child teaches him/her how to do the same. As you do this, talk about how to volunteer information to people beyond your family in a way that is safe: how to not over share, increasing risk for predatory behavior of others.
The post Being a Trustworthy Parent appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Claire Anderson, contributing writer
Growing up, Emily Willie of Wyoming was taught that focusing on others when you’re having a bad day can completely change your attitude and outlook. That is why, when her 8-year-old daughter began struggling with self esteem and comparison, she created the Nice Mice.
“I knew I needed to act fast to come up with a plan to change things for her,” Emily said. “That is when I remembered what my mom had taught me — to be nice to others when I was down. I then ran to my local gift shop to see if I could find something to help. That is when I spotted the cutest little wool mice. They were perfect.”
Emily then wrote a letter to her daughter from the Nice Mice, explaining who they were and the reason for their arrival: to help Emily’s daughter focus on serving others. She was hooked from the start and began to follow the mice’s kind deed prompts.
“It wasn’t long before we could see a positive change in the way she viewed not only others, but most importantly, herself,” Emily said. “It was such a great transformation that I wanted to share my idea with others and hopefully help other children feel good about themselves by changing the world, one nice deed at a time.”
Later, Emily’s brother, Mark Huntsman of Cache Valley, received an anonymous gift for his family containing some little wool mice, handmade good deed cards, and a note explaining the Nice Mice and their purpose. His kids began using the Nice Mice and, once again, they were a hit. Mark was impressed by the concept of the Nice Mice and, after talking to his sister, found out that she had been the one to send the gift.
Together they teamed up and decided to turn the Nice Mice into a business. Now, after several years of designing good deed cards, boxes, and writing a book, Emily and Mark have created an impactful way to help children learn to be kind to themselves by first being kind to others.
“We believe that doing nice things can change the lives of both those who receive kind deeds as well as those who perform them. Our mission is to help children change the world one nice deed at a time. We know that children like to be nice, but sometimes they just need a little direction,” Mark said.
As well as making an impact among families, Emily and Mark hope that the Nice Mice can help children influence others around them as well.
“We hope that the Nice Mice will bring more kindness into the home,” Mark said. “Then that will overflow into schools and communities. This is what the world needs. Many of the issues in our society today come from a lack of kindness.”
Follow the Nice Mice on Instagram or Facebook at @thenicemice, or visit thenicemice.com.
The post The Nice Mice: Making a Difference in the Home appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Jane Anderson, contributing writer
Keeping your family safe is not a one-man (i.e., one parent) job. It requires the participation of everyone who lives in your home.
Just like home safety features like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are imperative to keeping your family safe, safety rules at home are an important way that family members can ensure the safety of all.
Take time to discuss and make safety rules as a family, then review them often. Here are five rules you may want to consider including in your family’s plan:
RULE 1: KEEP THE DOORS LOCKED
Despite the fact that you may living in a safe neighborhood, the National Home Security Alliance advises keeping your home doors locked. This not only minimizes cases of burglary, but also ensures children do not go outside without supervision.
RULE 2: KEEP MEDICINE IN SAFE CABINETS
Medicine is something that needs to be handled with care at home. Safety rules at home on storage of medicine should not be ignored by anyone. Not only is medicine risky to kids but also to some adults. Consider any dangerous or addictive medications you have in your home and ensure they are secured appropriately to avoid accidental or other dangerous usage.
RULE 3: KEEP FIREARMS LOCKED UP
Safe firearms storage refers to storing firearms and ammunition in a manner that minimizes the risk of unauthorized or accidental access to those items, particularly by children or thieves. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Shooting Sports Foundation recommend that guns be stored locked and unloaded and that ammunition be stored in a different locked location.
RULE 4: HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Accidents are caused by situations that are not expected. However, it is important to be always prepared for any emergency. Your plan should include at least an emergency contact name and number, an out-of-town contact name and number, and a neighborhood meeting place. If your children are young, consider holding emergency drills teaching them how to exit your home quickly in case of an emergency. Teach your children how to call 911 and when it is appropriate to do so. Prepare emergency “go bags” that contain enough necessities, first-aid supplies, life-sustaining medications, cash, and identification for you to survive outside of your home for three days.
RULE 5: NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION TO PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET
Internet technology has many benefits, but there are also many dangers that lurk online. Avoid becoming a victim by teaching all family members (including children and elderly family members) about internet dangers. Everyone should be discouraged from sharing any form of personal information via the internet or inviting someone to their home that they only know from the internet.
The post Five Family Safety Rules Your Family Should Consider appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Pam Moore, contributing writer
Haven’t we all left a copy of The Five Love Languages on our partner’s side of the bed at some point? (Or maybe that’s just me.) According to the book’s author, Gary Chapman, the five love languages are:
• Physical affection
• Acts of service
• Quality time
• Words of praise
• Receiving gifts
While you might hope to come home to flowers after an argument, your partner might prefer you volunteer to do the dishes to show you care. According to the author, the key to a healthy relationship is for each person to express love in their partner’s preferred love language, instead of their own.
He says this concept applies to children, too. According to child therapist Megan Cronin Larson, a child’s primary love language typically emerges around age 3 or 4. While you can respond to cues from your child to figure out what his or her love language is, in The 5 Love Languages of Children, Gary Chapman encourages parents to use all five love languages with their children, in order to lay a healthy foundation for future relationships.
PHYSICAL AFFECTION
Research shows that touch is vital to healthy neurodevelopment in infants. But the need for touch — whether a hug or a fist bump — doesn’t end with infancy. Physical affection lets kids know you care, and that you will listen when they’re ready to talk. But what if your child’s love language is touch and you’re not a big hugger? Licensed psychotherapist and play therapist Brenna Hicks recommends parents “keep the physical touch small but consistent. [It] can be as simple as placing your hand on a child’s shoulder as you pass by, rubbing their head a few times on the couch, or giving them a quick kiss on the forehead. It isn’t necessarily long bear hugs.”
You could…
• Give a back rub
• Let him sit in your lap while you read to him (or have him read to you)
• Put the couch cushions on the floor and have a playful wrestling match
• Wash her hair
• Hold hands
• Invite her to snuggle while watching a movie
ACTS OF SERVICE
As parents, our lives are a never-ending blur of acts of service. How can we possibly do more? And why should we? There is a difference between responding to rapid-fire requests for snacks and helping with school projects and setting your phone aside, making eye contact, and offering to help, or taking time to do something extra-special for your kid.
You could…
• Offer to fix a broken toy
• Bring your child breakfast in bed
• Cook his favorite meal
• Cut their sandwiches into fun shapes
• Give a manicure
QUALITY TIME
Experts agree play is the optimum way to engage in quality time with young children. “Use play as their language and toys as their words,” Brenna said. “By playing with them, you learn more about them and meet their need for someone to share in their experience.” By adolescence, kids are no longer interested in playing. They are often busy with school, friends, and activities.
You could…
• Play hide and seek
• Engage in pretend play
• Go to the library
• Enjoy the outdoors together; walk, hike, or go for a bike ride
• Bake together
• Have a dance party
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Research shows we aren’t helping when we tell our kids they’re great at everything. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use praise to connect with them; rather, we should be deliberate about what we say. Parents should acknowledge the effort, not the outcome. For example, instead of saying “Nice job!” when your kid comes down the slide, you could say, “I noticed how hard you worked to get up the ladder.”
You could…
• Acknowledge how hard she’s working on something specific (e.g., “You’re putting so much effort into practicing your cartwheels/ math problems/being kind to your sister.”)
• Say “I love you”
• Tell her three things you admire about her
• Ask if he knows how lucky you feel that you get to be his parent
• “Catch her” being good. (e.g., “I really appreciate you doing your chores without being asked,” or “You were an awesome listener at the park.”)
RECEIVING GIFTS
As with the other love languages, the importance of the gift is not the gift itself, but the intention behind it. As Brenna explains, “You can feel very confident that a gift need not cost money or be extravagant for your child to appreciate the extension of love.”
You could…
• Surprise her with a homemade card
• Inscribe your old copy of a book you enjoyed at his age and give it to him
• Find an accessory or a piece of clothing you no longer wear and give it to your kids as a dress-up item
• Draw him a picture
• Build something for her if you’re handy
No matter what love language you “speak” with your kid, Cronin Larson reminds us that our full presence is the greatest gift we can give our kids. Discover their love language and connect with them on a new level!
The post How to Speak the Five Love Languages With Your Kids appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Emily Buckley, editor in chief
North Logan wrote a line in its history book when residents elected Lyndsay Peterson as their first female mayor in November. She was inaugurated last month.
Mayor Peterson felt a wide range of support from women and men throughout the community when she made the decision to run for the position, and it continued throughout her campaign. “I watched a broad swath of our community rally and support me,” she said. “I had contemporaries who had never been involved in politics who jumped into my campaign and who continue their civic involvement. I also want to acknowledge community leaders, men and women, who encouraged, supported, and endorsed me. Cache Valley is a place that prioritizes community and family, and I think that electing leaders who are women is an extension of that value system.”
As for why this piece of history matters, Mayor Peterson says that she hopes that her service validates all of the ways women lead: as coaches, on PTA boards, and volunteering in causes about which they feel passionately.
“Women in our community contribute in so many ways,” she said. “Having a diversity of perspectives is so valuable as we make decisions that impact the families in our valley.
Growth and its attendant issues were among the main themes of Mayor Peterson’s campaign. “[North Logan] as a city has to figure out ways to grow deliberately and to provide our citizens with the necessary infrastructure to accommodate that growth,” she said.
She added that North Logan’s offerings are a benefit to Cache Valley as a whole. “North Logan has a robust recreation program that has the most participants in all of the valley,” she said. “We have an amazing library and we love being a place that draws people to our area for amazing programs. We have some other projects up our sleeves that will hopefully continue to bring people to [North Logan].”
“Erik and my kids have been incredibly supportive,” Mayor Peterson said. “They handed out flyers and walked in parades during my campaign, and they were probably more nervous than I was during the meet-the-candidate night. Erik is loving his new role as the first gentleman, although he’s already exceeded his annual allotment of photoshoots and ceremonies.”
Mayor Peterson’s campaign platform revolved around the idea of building for the future while preserving community values. She says that her grandfather was a fourth-generation rancher who fostered a feeling of responsibility for strengthening the community in which she lives.
Since moving to Cache Valley in 2016 with her husband, Erik Peterson, DO, an orthopedic surgeon, at Alpine Orthopaedic Specialists, she has done everything she can to honor the wisdom of her grandfather and strengthen her community.
Soon after arriving in the valley, Mayor Peterson attended a Friends of the North Logan Library book sale, signed up to become a member of the board, and later began serving as president, in 2017.
“We’ve been working for years in tandem with city leaders on a new city complex, including new city offices, a community center, and a library expansion,” Mayor Peterson said. “I’ve been passionate about seeing that project to its conclusion and feel fortunate that I’ll be able to continue my participation in the city center construction as mayor.”
Mayor Peterson also served on the North Logan planning commission for many years where she says she got a real taste of the issues North Logan is faces.
“Nearly every area of Utah is experiencing profound growth and I’m hoping to guide North Logan in growing in a deliberate, responsible way.”
Mayor Peterson will balance her new civic responsibilities with her ongoing duties of a mother. She and Erik are parents to three children: Daphne (12), Henry (10), and Theo (7).
“We came to Cache Valley having no connections to the area, but we’ve fallen in love with this valley very quickly and understand why people are so motivated to settle down here,” she said.
“We love being able to go to Bear Lake on a whim in the summer, ski at Beaver and Cherry Peak, kayak at First Dam, hike in Logan Canyon, and play soccer, volleyball, basketball, football, and baseball.”
“When I asked my kids about whether I should file for mayor, Henry said that he’d like to have the kind of mom who runs for mayor.”
Mayor Peterson earned both an undergraduate degree in finance and a law degree from Brigham Young University and worked as an environmental litigation attorney in Ohio for over a decade. She informally retired from her law career before moving to Utah.
“I’ve transitioned from private practice to public service roles, putting my legal background to work analyzing ordinances and bylaws,” Mayor Peterson said.
The post Lyndsay Peterson: North Logan’s First Female Mayor appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Michael Cole, OD
Child and Family Eye Care Center
Of all the eye care related terms, “astigmatism” is possibly the most misunderstood. Patients who have been diagnosed with astigmatism in the past often enter our clinic worried that this is a serious medical condition that may threaten their vision. Rather than an alarming diagnosis, astigmatism is merely a refractive state akin to nearsightedness or farsightedness and is present in most people. The dictionary defines it as: “A refractive error of the eye in which parallel rays of light from an external source do not converge on a single point on the retina.” That may be a mouthful, but hopefully we can put some minds at ease about this commonplace finding.
The eye contains a series of optical interfaces that refracts or bends light to focus that light on the retina, where that light is formed into an image to be sent to the brain. The first and most impactful optical surface that light interacts with is the cornea. The cornea is a dome shaped structure located at the front of the eye. It is composed of collagen fibers arranged in such a way that it is transparent, allowing light to pass through. In a perfect situation, the central cornea is spherical in shape. A perfect sphere would allow for light from all directions to be focused in one singular point, achieving the clearest image possible.
In human eyes, the anatomical shape of the cornea is rarely spherical in shape without any anatomical imperfections. If any aspherical shape of the cornea is present, that is termed astigmatism. This sometimes sounds as though there is something terribly wrong with the eye, but it is, in fact, the norm rather than the exception. The vast majority of people across the world have astigmatic corneas to one degree or another. It is actually fairly rare to encounter perfectly spherical corneas, even after a surgical procedure like LASIK, which seeks to reshape this tissue.
For the most part, even eyes with astigmatism are symmetrical, having a predictable refractive pattern. These eyes have corneas that rather than being perfectly round like a ping pong ball, are shaped more like a football — having a steeper curvature in one direction and a flatter curvature in the opposite direction. The good news is that the glasses and contact lenses that we use can also be made in this fashion, and this correction becomes part of a normal glasses prescription. In many cases, the amount of astigmatism present is so low, that it is ignored and not included in glasses and contact lens prescriptions. Astigmatism is not typically something that worsens over time, but rather a result of the anatomy of the cornea, which is stable throughout life.
Sometimes, the shape of the cornea does not match a predictable pattern, which we term “irregular” astigmatism. If there is an irregular optical surface that light has to travel through, the image formed is very distorted, and is not well corrected with conventional glasses and contacts. In such circumstances, specialty contact lenses such as scleral lenses are needed to compensate for the poor optics of the eye itself. This type of corneal anomaly is uncommon, and usually occurs after trauma, surgery, or when a genetic anomaly is present.
So, the next time you hear an eye doctor mention astigmatism, don’t fret — it is normal and will be compensated for in a pair of glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment in our clinic, please contact us at 435-363-2980.
The post Understanding Astigmatism appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Makes 6 servings | Serving size: 2⁄3 cup
PREP TIME
10 min
COOK TIME
20 min
TOTAL TIME
30 min
Full of fresh vegetables and protein, this stir fry comes together in less than 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
● 1⁄2 cup orange juice
● 1⁄4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free if necessary)
● 4 teaspoons sesame oil (divided)
● 1 teaspoon ground ginger
● 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
● 2 tablespoons honey
● 1⁄2 teaspoon chili paste
● 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
● 11⁄2 tablespoons cornstarch
● 1 pound skirt steak, cut into thin strips
● 1 red pepper, cut into chunks
● 3 cups broccoli florets
Directions
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Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey, chili paste, and hoisin sauce in a medium bowl. Whisk in the cornstarch until no lumps remain and set aside.
-
Heat 2 teaspoons sesame oil in a wok over medium heat.
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Add the steak and cook for 3-5 minutes. Next, add the vegetables and cook an additional 5 minutes.
-
Pour the stir fry sauce over the meat and vegetables and continue to cook until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender (about 5-10 minutes).
-
Serve over rice, quinoa, or Cauliflower Rice.
The nutrition team at iFit is dedicated to providing delicious recipes that are quick, easy, and healthy! Our expert dietitians develop, create, and taste-test thousands of recipes every year, releasing new creations on the iFit blog each month. Go to blog.iFit.com to check them out!
The post Beef Veggie Stir Fry appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
Tim Smith, assistant superintendent over secondary education, Cache County School District
The Cache County School District has a mission and vision to educate students for success in a changing world and to provide a safe, comprehensive, high-quality educational experience that challenges each student to achieve his or her highest potential. The district has a long track record of being a leader in the state on several key indicators, which provide evidence that we are accomplishing this mission and vision. While we are very proud of our accomplishments, we are continually striving to improve.
At the end of the 2020-21 school year, the Cache Board of Education approved a District Strategic Plan. While recognizing that many academic goals exist for schools and school subjects, the Board focused on two primary academic goals which form a foundation for student success.
The first goal is to ensure each elementary student is reading on grade level by the end of third grade. This has been a long-standing goal of the district and we have led the state in this area for many years. The ability to read by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school and lifelong learning potential. A national study shows that students who do not read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma than proficient readers (The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2010). Early Warning! Why Reading By The End Of Third Grade Matters. Baltimore, MD: Anne E. Casey Foundation. Retrieved from aecf.org).
The second goal is to ensure secondary students graduate confident and competent in mathematics. We live in a time of extraordinary and accelerating change. The need to understand and be able to use mathematics in everyday life and in the workplace has never been more important. As students transition from high school to college and careers, confidence and competence in mathematics provide them with a solid foundation moving forward.
We believe that prioritizing these two academic goals drive the district’s performance in several key areas. The chart at the bottom of this page outlines State of Utah targets, Cache County School District targets, and the latest test results that indicate how we are meeting or exceeding both the State and District targets.
As a school district, we recognize that our success depends on the parents, students, educators, and support staff that form our school community. We appreciate the efforts of each of these groups in helping us to realize our mission and vision of preparing students. For more information on the School District’s Strategic Plan, visit ccsdut.org/strategicplan.
The post Educating Students for Success: Cache County School District’s Strategic Plan appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.
This soup was a popular request among our iFit team! It was even inspired by one of our team members who requested that we make a soup loaded with sausage and tortellini. We beefed it up with delicious veggies, and even found a way to make it extra creamy without the calorie-loaded, heavy cream. Trust me, if you are looking for a hearty soup this one is sure to satisfy.
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Makes: 10 servings
Serving size: 1 cup
Ingredients
1 pound turkey Italian sausage
1 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 large carrots, peeled and diced
4 celery ribs, diced
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 cup flour
9 cups chicken broth
12 ounces cheese tortellini
10 ounces spinach
1 cup half and half
Salt to taste
Directions
-
In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat. Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set aside.
-
Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
-
Add the seasonings and dust the vegetables with flour. Allow to cook for 10 minutes, stirring continuously.
-
Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
-
Once the soup is boiling, add the tortellini and cook for 8 minutes or until desired tenderness.
-
Turn heat down to medium and add the spinach and half and half. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
-
Serve warm.
The nutrition team at iFit is dedicated to providing delicious recipes that are quick, easy, and healthy! Our expert dietitians develop, create, and taste-test thousands of recipes every year, releasing new creations on the iFit blog each month. Go to blog.iFit.com to check them out!
The post Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup appeared first on Cache Valley Family Magazine.