Cache Valley Family Magazine Fall 2016

FA L L

2016

Inside

Sweet Picks: U-Picking is a Family Experience p. 16

Bully-Proofing Your Child p. 10 Family Mealtime: Tips for Success p.19 Should My Child Play Football? p.20 Let’s Stay Healthy: Tips for Keeping Your Family Well p. 25

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Best Date Night Venue MEGAPLEX THEATRES Best Summer Camp BASKETBALL & BEYOND CAMP Best Sports Camp BASKETBALL & BEYOND CAMP Best Children’s Playplace JUMP ZONE Best Preschool ALL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL Best Childcare Center LITTLE WONDERS LEARNING CENTER

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What’s INSIDE PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Buckley COMMUNITY EDITOR Schae Richards COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Mandy Bagley CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark Anderson Tara Bone Emily Buckley Michael Cole, OD Sherelle Christensen Jared Gilman Audrey Glasby Jordyn Haroldson Stacie Mecham MSN, CPNP Emily Merkley Breanne Miller Shaelynn Miller Jenda Nye Mitchell Perkins McKenzie Rockwood, RD Frank Schofield Tim Smith BreeAnn Silcox Christie Stock GRAPHIC DESIGN Rachel Cottrell WEBSITE DESIGN Kite Media Cache Valley Family Magazine is a free, trusted resource designed to inform, serve and enrich local parents and families throughout Cache Valley. Material in this publication is copyright 2016, Cache Valley Family Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The views expressed in the magazine are the views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Please send all editorial correspondence to info@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com or by mail to PO Box 6831, North Logan, UT 84341. All correspondence is sent on a non-confidential basis and Cache Valley Family Magazine shall be free to reproduce, publish, edit and/or use any such communications. All materials become property of Cache Valley Family Magazine.

PHONE (435) 764-0962 MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 6831 North Logan, UT 84341 EMAIL info@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com WEBSITE cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/ cachevalleyfamilymagazine YOUTUBE youtube.com/cachevalleyfamilymag INSTAGRAM cachevalleyfamilymag TO ADVERTISE call (435) 764-0962 or email ads@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com

Featured Stories:

Grab Life by the Berries — p. 16

Bankers in Boots: Getting to Know Your Banker — p. 18 Family Mealtime: Tips for Success — p. 19 Should My Child Play Football? — p. 20 Gardening Magic: Fall Bulbs — p. 22

Let’s Stay Healthy: Tips for Keeping Your Family Well — p. 25

High Levels of Homeownership Create Greater Relationships Among Citizens — p. 27 Living Outdoors — p. 28

Lazy Eye: What is it? And What Can Parents Do About it? — p. 30

In Every Issue: Making a Difference: Providing Peace of Mind — p. 6 Back-to-School Guide: On the Move: School Road Safety — p. 8 Bully-Proofing Your Child — p. 10 6 Back-to-School Safety Tips — p. 14 Trendy Mom: Building Relationships with Your Kids — p. 15 Education: New Kid on the Block — p. 12 Three Ways to Achieve Better School-Life Balance — p. 13 Around the Table: Family Firsts: Canning with Family and Friends — p. 24 From the Farmer’s Wife: Old Fashioned Apple Sheet Cake — p. 26

Cache Valley Family Magazine is sponsored by:

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: p rovid i n g pe ace of min d Shaelynn Miller, contributing writer

A group of children walked onto the Bear River High

A neighbor suggested she look into the Boys & Girls Club.

School grounds. They held their banner high, and the crowd chanted, “Logan! Logan! Logan!” Children of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Utah were participating in the opening ceremony for their own Olympic games.

“She could trust us,” Jenny said. “We were going to be there and take care of her kids.” Jenny said the mother was able to get a job, and her children are now in college.

All their activities, such as this one, fall under five core areas: character and leadership development, education and career development, fine arts, fitness and recreation, and health and life skills. Jenny Schulze of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Utah said children lose three months of learning over the summer, so they provide learning challenges to help them keep up.

Jenny said they structure their activities to provide “handson learning,” giving them opportunities to learn new skills.

The club is open after school and all day through the summer. Jenny says this gives parents a peace of mind, which comes from parents knowing their children are being taken care of, and the knowledge that the club has a consistent after-school program.

“I think it’s a real need in Logan,” she said. “It strengthens a community when parents don’t have that stress.”

Years ago, Jenny was able to witness how the Boys & Girls Club gave one mother peace of mind. She was sitting at the front desk when she saw a woman walk in. Her marriage had just ended, she had no support from her exhusband and she was unemployed.

“We have the opportunity to help all families, and it makes a huge difference,” she said. “All parents and families

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The club has helped 372 children in Cache Valley this year, and in return, Cache Valley helps the club. “We have a great community,” Jenny said. “We are involved in the community, and the community supports us, too,” she said. “It’s a partnership.”

One activity where the whole community gets together is the annual STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Fair. Last year, they had 70 booths with presentations from different businesses and high school groups, which included the science of making cheese by Schreiber Foods and the science of fire by the fire marshals.

The next STEM fair is open to the public and held at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds on Nov. 4.

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The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Utah will celebrate 20 years in November, and one thing Jenny said they always need are volunteers and mentors for the young kids.

To volunteer, contact one of their locations in Brigham City, Logan or Tremonton.

They always welcome donations.

Jenny said things like egg cartons, paper plates and pop bottles can be turned into a craft.

Even going out to lunch can benefit the club. “Even Stevens has adopted us,” Jenny said, “It has been a life saver.” When you buy a sandwich at Even Stevens, you can donate by telling them you allocate your sandwich to the Boys & Girls Club.

“We would not be as strong without support from the community, Jenny said. “The support is growing here.”

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

on the MOVE:

Christie Stock, president Discount Tire

School Road Safety With the new school year brings a whole new set of dangers. There is a constant flow of school buses picking up children, kids on their bikes rushing to school, and parents trying to get their kids to school and themselves to work on time. These situations can all be potentially dangerous. That’s why it’s important for drivers to slow down and pay extra attention, especially before and after school.

parks, and in all residential areas.

• Never pass a vehicle that’s stopped for pedestrians.

Sharing the road with school buses • Never pass a bus from behind — or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road — if it’s stopped to load or unload children.

• Stop if its lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended.

• Stop far enough behind to give children space to safely enter and exit the bus. The 10-feet area around a school bus is the most dangerous for children.

• Be alert. Children often are unpredictable and tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

Sharing the road with cyclists • When passing a cyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly and leave

Here are some tips to ensure this next school year is a safe one:

If you’re dropping off • Follow the school’s drop-off procedures.

• Don’t double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.

• Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school.

• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.

• Share the road with young pedestrians.

• Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. This forces pedestrians to go around you, which could put them into moving traffic.

• Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection in a school zone when the flashers are blinking.

• Stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.

• Take extra care to look for children in school zones, near playgrounds and

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three feet between your car and them.

• When turning left and a cyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for them to pass.

• If you’re turning right and a cyclist is approaching from behind on the right, let them go first, and always use your turn signal.

• Watch for cyclists turning in front of you without looking or signaling, especially children.

• Be alert in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

• Watch for cyclists coming from driveways or behind parked cars.

• Check side mirrors before opening your door.

By exercising a little extra care and caution, we can keep our families safe.

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

BULLY-PROOFING YOUR CHILD Jordyn Haroldson, contributing writer

Back-to-school season is here.

That means shopping for school supplies, getting back into a routine and… dealing with bullies. One in four children report being bullied during the school year, according to the National Bullying Prevention Center.

This can be a difficult issue for both parent and child, but it should be discussed to help children learn how to effectively deal with bullying.

Teri Painter, a school counselor at Mount Logan Middle School, said it’s important to take action if you

believe your child is being bullied.

It’s important to stay involved in your child’s life so you can recognize problems. Ask questions about their friends and teachers at school. Know their favorite subjects. Make yourself available so your child feels they can come to you if they are having problems.

If your child is being bullied, talk to the school counselor and teachers as they work closely with the students throughout the school year. This gives teachers insight into behaviors others

wouldn’t notice. Using these resources can help a parent and child find a solution.

It’s important to understand that bullies are often going through their own struggles, whether at home or school. The term “bully” is an odd word because many other things could be happening in a child’s life to make them act out at school.

By labeling them a “bully,” you’re furthering the bullying process. It may be more helpful to encourage your child to think about why a peer

C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

may be acting aggressively. To help both children, parents, teachers and counselors should look at both sides of a situation.

So what should you do if your child may be the one creating conflict?

Contact a teacher or counselor. Ask about your child’s behavior. Ask about their relationship with their peers. If

there is a problem, start working with the school immediately.

Whether your child is being bullied or is the one bullying, it’s good to form the habit of helping them work through their feelings. John Gottman, author of “Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child,” lists five steps of “emotion coaching,” which can help

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a child understand and regulate his or her feelings. Becoming more comfortable and familiar with one’s emotions allows a child (and adult) to make better decisions under emotional pressure.

1. Be aware of your child’s emotions.

2. Recognize your child’s expression as a perfect teaching moment.

3. Listen with empathy and validate your child’s feelings.

4. Help your child learn to label their emotions with words.

5. Set limits when you are helping your child solve problems and deal with upsetting situations appropriately.

Bullying may be common, but it doesn’t have to be a part of your child’s life. Make yourself available and help your child traverse through school with your help and support.

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

New Kid ON THE BLOCK C AC H E CO U N T Y S C H O O L D I ST R I C T OPENS NEW HIGH SCHOOL Tim Smith & Jenda Nye Cache County School District Sky View High School, opened 1964

Mountain Crest High School, opened 1983

Ridgeline High School, opened 2016

Make room, there’s a new kid on the block! Ridgeline High School opened its doors to students in August, kicking off the 2016-17 school year with just over 1400 students, grades 9-12. Cache Valley residents and students had the opportunity to get a first look at Ridgeline during an open house and dedication Aug. 9.

Parker Bernhardt, student body president of Ridgeline, said the new building provides a better learning environment for students. “I’m excited for all the opportunities students will have at Ridgeline,” he said. “The new school looks so inviting. It makes you want to be there, and will be a great place to learn.”

new school with new traditions, a new mascot and new colors,” she said. She also anticipates the smaller population provides more opportunities for students to get involved.

Principal Bob Henke shares the enthusiasm. When asked what he is looking forward to he said, “I’m most excited about getting the staff and students together and seeing the school take off.”

Staff also look forward to creating a unique school culture at Ridgeline.

Kaye Lyn Harris, department head of the Ridgeline social studies department, is excited to be a part of the school’s first formative year.

The concept for a new high school began in 2013 when a bond committee reviewed the future needs of Cache County’s growing student body. Their recommendation was to change the grade configuration in the high schools to 9-12 and build two new high schools; one in Millville and one in North Logan. This new grade configuration allows for the more balanced growth across four high schools and provides increased opportunities for students.

“The students are excited to start a

Blake Wright, president of Design

Ridgeline High School Facts Principal: Bob Henke Architect: Design West Contractor: DWA Construction, Inc Mascot: Riverhawk Square Footage: 255,000 sq. ft.

Number of Staff: 106 Number of Students: Over 1400

West, a local company who designed the new high school, said, “It’s gratifying to see so much hard work come together in this beautiful facility.

Cache County School District has been a great partner throughout the design. They have been very sensitive to the communities where these schools are located. As some of our employees’ children, including my own, will attend the new high school, it has been an absolute thrill to see and hear of the excitement ‘in the neighborhood’ as Ridgeline has come on line.”

Construction is well underway on Green Canyon High School in North Logan, which is set to open August 2017.

C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

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THREE WAYS TO ACHIEVE BETTER

School-Life Balance \Frank Schofield, superintendent Logan City School District

As we progress through a new school year, we are often faced with the challenge of helping our children balance the various tasks placed in front of them. Even positive activities like arts, athletics and homework can be overwhelming if we allow them to “unbalance” us. From the writings of Bridget Schulte, author of “Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time,” here are three tips that can help us maintain balance for ourselves and our children: 1. Find your family’s balance point. Too much activity is bad for children and your family, but so is too little.

In the words of Bridget, “Our brains are wired to seek novelty, and they rewire and form new connections when we try something new, learn something, see something different.” Aim for that elusive place where children are

stimulated and active, not frenetic and exhausted, which may change with time and circumstances.

2. Establish “anchor times.” These are moments scheduled into the day that allow everyone to connect as a family, such as family dinner. “If everyone in the family knows there are anchor times set in the schedule, it can make the swirl of activities more manageable because you know no one’s going to miss time for the important stuff — making the most of your time together.”

3. Make time for fun. Even if our days are full of “shoulds” and “musts,” be sure to schedule time for fun. One fun activity can help children and adults better manage their various tasks. As Bridget says, “Kids, like adults, need unstructured downtime. They need to get bored and learn how to get ‘unbored,’ and we need to let go the expectation as parents that we’re there to entertain them, or that their brains will turn to mush unless they’re doing something productive every single minute.”

With my five children — and the various activities they are involved in — my wife and I sometimes feel we are riding a tornado, but when we apply these principles, our sense of balance is strengthened, and our entire family approaches life with a more positive attitude.

I hope you are experiencing a positive start to the new school year, and I look forward to seeing you and your children around the community.

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

6SAFETY TIPS BACK-TO-SCHOOL

BreeAnn Silcox, coalition coordinator Safe Kids Bear River

Back to school is a

busy time for families.

With school supplies, new clothes and sports tryouts, parents may not think about safety issues. Safe Kids Bear River wants to remind parents to teach their kids how to stay safe during the school year.

Safe Kids Bear River recommends the following six tips:

1. Tell your kids how to walk safely to school. Teach them at an early age to put down their devices, then look left, right and left again when crossing the street.

2. Walk your kids to the bus stop and wait with them.

Tell them to stand at least three giant steps back from the curb as the bus approaches and board the bus one at a time.

3. Make sure your carpool is safe. Carpooling can be a great way to save time.

Make sure each child has a car seat, booster seat or safety belt, based on individual age, weight and height.

4. Get a pre-participation physical exam. Before playing organized sports, make sure your

child receives a preparticipation physical exam (PPE) by a doctor.

This can help rule out any potential medical conditions that may place them at risk.

5. Drink enough water.

Bring a water bottle to practice and games.

Encourage your kids to stay well hydrated before, during and after play.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends 5 oz. for an 88-pound child every

20 minutes, or 9 oz. for a 132-pound adolescent every 20 minutes.

6. Check school playgrounds. Look for age-appropriate equipment and hazards, such as rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces.

Report any hazards to the school or appropriate local office.

For more safety information, please call (435) 792-6510.

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THE TRENDY MOM: Building Relationships with Your Kids

I have a love-hate relationship with back to school. While I’m ready to get back into a routine, and excited about the new things the kids will learn, I hate that it also means less quality time with my kids. Back to school for most of us means more than just academics; it’s back to sports, back to dance, back to real life. This can mean long days for our kids, and the majority of those days are spent with other people. Instead of leaving it up to chance, I decided to think of a few ways I can continue to build relationships with my kids.

• Spend one-on-one time together.

We have all heard this before, but every time I spend one-on-one time with my kids, I wonder why I don’t do it more often. Plan a set time and

let your child know it’s important to you and that you are looking forward to it. Grab dinner or a treat and go on a walk. Let them do the talking. Don’t let this be a time where you are in full parent mode.

Listen to them, be there for them and enjoy their company.

• Read a book together. If your kids are younger, you can read a chapter book aloud. If they are older, you can read the same book. Find out what the required reading is for school and read that together. You can also let them pick the book. It can be fun to see what your child is interested in reading. This will not only give you new things to talk about, but it will show your child you are invested in them.

• Send them a note. While any kind of note will do, the most important thing to do is make each child a personal and specific note. Let them know that you noticed the kind act they did for their sibling, or that you are proud of the effort they put into a homework assignment. Leave the note in their room or sneak it in their backpack or a book. These little reminders of our love may be just what they need during the day.

Hopefully, with these ideas, we can make more time to spend with our kids and build our relationships with them.

XOXO

Breanne

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

GRAB LIFE

by the

BERRIES

CACHE VALLEY FAMILY MAKES PICKING PRODUCE AN EXPERIENCE WORTH TRYING Emily Buckley, editor-in-chief

Farming is a family tradition for the Meikle family of Cache Valley.

Four generations have worked on the 2000-acre Mt. Naomi Farm in the Hyde Park area, and although it has gone from a turkey farm to a cattle pasture and on to a hay and wheat field, it has always stayed in the family.

Nestled on the east side of the family property is the home of Keith and Brenda Meikle. Keith, the grandson of the elder Keith Meikle who established the farm in 1946, grew up working the fields and continues that work today.

“When we were gifted a portion of the land, I had a vision of what I wanted for our kids,” Brenda said. Keith and Brenda were living in a residential neighborhood in North Logan at the time and decided that although farming was Keith’s job, their children weren’t getting the experience of growing up on a farm, so they decided to build a home on the land and create something their children, Emma, Jonathon, Joseph and Isabelle, could be a part of. Thus was the birth of Mt. Naomi Vineyard and U-Pick, an eight-acre sustainable u-pick farm.

“I had the idea that we’d be able to work together in the fields,” Brenda said. “I wanted to teach my children about hard work and providing for themselves. It isn’t always as perfect as I imagined, but it has been a great opportunity for our kids to earn money for their activities, school clothes and more.” Their children help move pipe in the fields, provide

C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6 customer service, hay rides in the fall and everything in between to keep the farm a go.

Keith and Brenda planted their first crop on the u-pick six years ago, and are in their fifth season of picking.

Their produce includes blackberries and raspberries, which are available for picking in August and September, corn, pumpkins, grapes and peaches which are available in September and October and apples and Asian pears,

which are best after the first frost.

Mt. Naomi Vineyard and U-Pick is a sustainable farm, which focuses on healthy soil to produce healthy crops that have optimum vigor and are less susceptible to pests. They use low-nitrate fertilizers and are no-till operators. This helps their crops to improve year after year, keeps prices competitive and will keep them farming for years to come.

The farm is open for picking during season, which follows Mother Nature’s schedule, from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Saturday.

Brenda said to get the best picking experience people should come early, since that is when the fruit is sweetest and will last the longest. Pickers should wear long pants and closedtoe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.

“It is fun for people to see where their food comes from,” Brenda said. “Picking the fruit is both an experience and a treat…you’ll be in awe when you taste a real blackberry that melts in your mouth and is sweet to the core.”

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The Meikles sell more than 8,000 pounds of berries to u-pickers each year and thousands more pounds of grapes that are used for eating fresh and making juice and wine. They also open their pumpkin patch in the fall for families to come take a hayride around the vineyard and choose a pumpkin for $5, regardless of the size.

Produce that isn’t sold to u-pickers is donated to the Cache Valley Food Pantry, Loaves and Fishes Community Meal and the Boy Scout and Girls Scout for fundraising.

Keith and Brenda have plans and dreams to keep Mt. Naomi Vineyard growing and developing. They planted another acre of a new variety of grapes this summer, which will be a treat for juicers and wine makers next year. They also intend to create an on-site venue that will offer Cache Valley a quaint place for events in the vineyard.

To stay up to date about what produce is in season and what is ahead at Mt. Naomi Vineyard and U-Pick, follow their Facebook page @mtnaomi.

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BANKERS IN BOOTS: getting to know your banker Mitchell Perkins, marketing assistant Lewiston State Bank

Rodeos are in full swing this time of year. Every second counts, and the rodeo has you cheering as loud as you can while sitting on the edge of your seat. Whether it’s the attire, the food or those bucking broncos and bulls, the rodeo is a must-attend event. We feel that same nostalgia here at Lewiston State Bank.

Steve Edwards, business development and relationship manager, has worked for Lewiston State Bank for seven years. Steve was raised in Malad, Idaho where he competed in many rodeo competitions until his mid-30s. He still ropes today. “With work and rodeo, I have learned that the harder you work and practice, the better you will become,” Steve said.

“You really have to make sure you are accountable and do your own work because no one is going to do it for you.”

In team roping, it takes two, and at Lewiston State Bank,

we want to be your partner.

We promise to know your name and help you with all your banking needs.

Camrell Lawson, an assistant vice president and manager, is another team player. She has worked for Lewiston State Bank for 15 years, and was born and raised in Lewiston where her passion for horses was cultivated at a young age.

When she was 12 years old, she decided to train her own horses. “It’s very challenging as I like to start when the horses are two years old,” Camrell said. “It is very fulfilling to watch how the horses learn and grow.”

While it’s hard finding a balance between work and her passions, riding is worthwhile as it has made her who she is today. “The reason I started working for Lewiston State Bank was it reminded me of my roots as they have the same values I have,” Camrell said. “My job is to make sure customers are happy with their cards,

which is easy because Lewiston is my family.”

Here at Lewiston State Bank, we take pride in our heritage. Through our dedication, research and learning we want to provide for every community member’s needs. We know that like the rodeo every second counts. It’s hard to balance all life throws at you, but we want to make it easier. Come see what we can do for you. We love what you love because we come from the same stable.

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

FAMILY MEALTIME: McKenzie Rockwood, RD, owner Citrus Pear

Family life seems to be packed with activities and responsibilities. As parents, our days are overflowing with desires to participate in games and activities, congregate with friends and family, rejuvenate ourselves with physical activity and renovate our entire home!

When do we have time to

motivate and regulate family mealtime? This too often gets put to the bottom of the list because fast food and convenience foods have provided us with the ease of meals which are prepared quickly and easily accessible.

But let’s be real, life happens and we are all guilty of doing this a time or two. What is important is that it doesn’t become a habit, and we are striving to provide healthy dinners eaten as a family.

Why is eating family meals so important? First, sitting down as a family helps parents stay involved in their children’s lives. “One of the simplest and most effective ways for parents to be

healthy • simple • flavor

Tips for Success

engaged in their teens’ lives is by having frequent family dinners,” said Joseph Califano Jr., chairman and president of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA). This decreases the chance of underage drinking and drug use, increases self-confidence, decreases depression and increases academic performance.

We also know when families sit down to meals together they are likely to eat more fruits and vegetables, resulting in less chance for obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other chronic diseases.

The other key component of family mealtime is limited distraction from electronic devices (tablets, phones, TV, etc). Family need to be present and provide a comfortable atmosphere, encouraging conversation and healthy eating habits.

If parents are controlling and demanding over what children are eating, the children are more likely to experience weight issues or disordered eating patterns and withdraw from the conversation.

With all that being said, how do we achieve family mealtime? It takes some planning but doesn’t have to be elaborate. Here are my tips for success:

Call it meal planning, call it GNO, call it grocery shopping.

Whatever you call it, you’ll walk in empty handed and walk out with 10 ready-to-go crockpot dinners, planned by a registered dietitian, and you’ll leave the mess behind.

That’s what we call healthy, simple flavor.

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1. Plan meals and grocery shop for one to two week periods. Planning ahead prevents the last minute scramble for dinner and helps cut grocery costs.

2. Have a set dinner time each night or have it

written on the calendar if it needs to be adjusted for activities. That way your family members will know when they are expected to be home for dinner.

3. Make a double portion of meat to use in a different dish later in the week. For example, if you make a larger roast on Sunday you can use the left over beef for French dip sandwiches on Monday or Tuesday.

4. Not every meal has to be gourmet. Cheese quesadillas served with fruit and carrot sticks is just fine. Strive to provide a meal that is well rounded with protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

5. Crockpots are your friend!

Slow cookers are ideal for days on the run. Throw the ingredients in before you leave, cook on low, and it will be ready when you get home. If you are in the market for a new crockpot, choose one with an automatic timer to prevent over-cooking.

6. Prep freezer meals when you have a day off. Freezer meals are handy, stress free, and most of them can be thrown in the crock pot.

You will feel like “Mom of the Year” knowing your freezer is stocked with healthy tasty dinners!

7. Last, cut yourself some slack! We all have good intentions and want the best for our families. Some days this might work and some days it won’t. Change doesn’t happen overnight.

Set goals to change one thing at a time.

Follow these steps and your family will thank you for regenerating mealtime!

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

Should My Child Play FOOTBA L L? Fall officially kicks off Sept. 22, and so does another eagerly anticipated season: football!

More than one million athletes played on high school football teams during the 2012-13 school year, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

And more than two million children (age 6-14) played tackle football in 2015, according to USA Football.

That’s a lot of young players, which is why athletic and medical communities focus on the significant consequences of concussions, and why more parents are debating whether their child should play tackle football, especially while their brain is still developing.

Without a doubt, there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. Jess Jewett, MD, emergency room medical director at Cache Valley Hospital, wants to help parents make an educated decision by exploring the pros and cons of this challenging dilemma.

Benefits “As is true with many other sports, the very nature of football allows for the possibility of injuries,” Dr. Jewett said. “But it also provides many opportunities for beneficial exercise and social development.”

USA Football explains that football helps young athletes develop important qualities that can last a lifetime. Players learn the benefit of healthy living when they participate in the proper conditioning that prepares them for each game.

“Studies show that being physically active through football lowers fat, strengthens muscles and increases the likelihood of continuing good health habits later in life,” according to USA Football. It also notes that being introduced to new social groups and influenced by coaches as role models is beneficial.

Risks Football is all about getting roughly tackled, slammed to the ground and piled on, over and over again. That process can definitely shake someone up, but what’s the big deal?

“Broken arms and legs will heal but the human brain is not so resilient,” Dr. Jewett said. “Because it’s about the consistency of Jell-O, it’s difficult for a scrambled brain to resume its normal function of separate sections working as a whole. The brain cells also do not recover as quickly as injured bones or other body parts, so an injury to even a small part of the brain can be devastating.”

That’s why concussions and low-level brain trauma are cause for serious concern among coaches and parents, especially repeated concussions that can lead to serious

Audrey Glasby, marketing MountainStar Healthcare

and permanent disabilities, such as depression, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, memory loss and dementia.

Time has shown that these devastating conditions often do not manifest until later in football players’ lives.

While some teams have set rules that dictate when a player may return to play after a concussion, it’s important for parents to realize that each child and situation is different. That’s why parents are encouraged to pay close attention to their child any time they take a hard hit playing any sport.

A Safer Future The good news: Increased awareness about concussions is leading to important changes in football. Medical and sports experts are advising parents to hold off on tackle football until their kids are over the age of 14. In recent years, organizations like USA Football have gone to great lengths to educate parents, coaches and young players about repeated concussions and how to avoid them.

Concussions in football is a hard subject to tackle, so we encourage you to make educated decisions for your children by further exploring both sides of the debate.

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

Gardening Magic: FALL BULBS Some people just don’t have the knack

for growing plants. They enjoy them, but when it comes to growing them, they just lack that “green thumb” that comes naturally to others. Fall bulbs, however, should come with the label “no green thumb required.” Fall bulbs require very little care after planting and will produce beautiful flowers in the spring without any additional work. For those “challenged” gardeners out there, bulbs make gardening easy. It’s almost like gardening magic.

Each spring, many novice gardeners approach me asking about the beautiful flowers they see blooming all over the valley — daffodils, tulips, crocus, and hyacinth — and why we don’t have them to sell. The simple answer is you plant them in the fall and enjoy the show in the spring. They create less gratification now when planting, but bring so much joy in the early spring when there isn’t much color in the yard. Bulbs do make a great investment: plant once, enjoy the flowers for multiple years, and your investment multiplies over

time, producing more bulbs. I can see why gardeners ask for them in the spring when they are so beautiful, but a little planning and forethought goes into creating that colorful display when planting in the fall.

For many years, I planted our bulbs (about 1000 of them, 500 tulips and 500 daffodils) with only the help of my small children. It’s so easy to do even with small hands helping. Dig your hole, add fertilizer, place the bulbs in the bottom of the hole and cover them with loose soil and water. Personally I like digging big holes and putting about seven to 10 bulbs in each hole. I’d dig the holes and my kids would follow behind me, dropping a scoop or two of fertilizer in each hole. While I worked the soil into the bottom of the holes, they would count out the bulbs and place them in the hole so they weren’t touching. Since the bulbs have pointy ends, it’s very easy for the kids to plant them correctly — point up. Then we’d cover them with soil and let the sprinklers do the rest.

Between the three of us, we could plant

Color for Spring!

1000 bulbs in a couple hours, no problem.

Explaining to kids how bulbs work is easy – very similar to seeds. They seem to understand better than some adults that it takes time for the bulbs to do their work (all winter in fact) but that the final result will be worth all the trouble when they start to bloom in the spring. There really is nothing better than having your kids rush home after school to see if the bulbs have started blooming yet and seeing the excitement in their eyes as the colors pop out when everything else around the yard is brown and grey. It really is that easy.

Our flowerbeds aren’t as large as they used to be, so I’m not planting nearly as many bulbs as before, and my kids are all much older and less interested in helping Dad plant the flowers. I miss the opportunity to make that magic happen each spring with my young children. Make a point this year to make a little of that “bulb” magic happen in your garden this fall and spring with your children, grandchildren, spouse or just for yourself. It will be worth the effort.

Plant fall bulbs now for amazing spring colors.

Anderson’s Seed and Garden 69 West Center, Logan • 435-752-2345

Mark Anderson, owner Anderson Seed & Garden

C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office

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Boys and girls of every age enjoy the treats that come with Halloween, and most love a good scare too! But not when it comes to child safety. Safe Kids Worldwide shares some easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with their kids to reduce the risk of injury.

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers, and, if possible, choose light colors.

• Costume accessories and props (knives, swords, etc.) should be soft without sharp edges and easy to carry.

• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-ortreat in groups.

• Never go into a stranger’s house, or even ring their door for treats, unless a parent is with you and says it’s OK. • Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

• Use caution when crossing streets; cross at corners, look left, right, and left again when crossing, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

• Drivers – slow down! Be particularly alert in residential neighborhoods. Avoid distractions in the vehicle so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be extra alert for kids during those hours.

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

CA NN I N G W I T H FAMILY AND FRIENDS Tara Bone, contributing writer

Juicy peaches, crisp apples and plump tomatoes are abundant — it’s harvest time! Whether you’re reaping the benefits of a garden, noticing produce stands popping up, or enjoying produce from neighbors, ‘tis the season to preserve the flavors of summer.

For many, the season triggers memories of hours spent in cozy kitchens with mothers, sisters and grandmothers canning, freezing or drying the harvest. It’s those Norman Rockwell-portrait memories where everyone is smiling and working side-by-side. Fast forward to reality. Over the years, I tried to keep the canning tradition going, but busy schedules and living far away from family made it tough.

Two years ago, around midnight, I found myself hunched over the kitchen sink peeling beets alone, missing my grandma like crazy, and in misery wondering “why am I doing this?”

I had to re-evaluate. If I was going to continue canning, I needed to make some changes. Last year, our family did a “family first.” I made a conscious effort to include my boys in the process. I hadn’t included them before because I was always in a hurry, and well, they were active boys. It took more time to teach them, and I had to attempt less, but it worked. They learned life skills and learned where their food comes from. The picture wasn’t perfect, but we were keeping the tradition alive. And after all, they love to eat.

I did something else: I reached out to friends. I spent days canning applesauce, tomatoes and salsa with friends.

Sometimes in my kitchen, sometimes in theirs. It was an enriching experience where I learned from others and

deepened relationships. We may not all have family close by, but we all have neighbors.

So why the effort? Food preservation is not just about food, it’s about preserving and building relationships.

Besides the obvious benefits of economy and nutrition, every time that lid pops open, you feel instant satisfaction of your hard work. Finally, that goodness from a mason jar can get you through a long Cache Valley winter!

The mouthwatering flavors of summer are ready to be enjoyed; preserve them with people you love.

Visit cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com to see some of our favorite recipes!

Food Preservation Resources: • Utah State University Extension • Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving • oldworldgardenfarms.com

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LET’S STAY HEALTHY Tips for Keeping Your Family Well Buses are rolling, bells are ringing, and kids are bustling.

Along with sharing summertime memories comes sharing colds and illnesses. Children normally get eight to 12 colds a year, and with each cold lasting up to two weeks, it may seem like your

child is always sick. We can be proactive to prevent illnesses and colds with these steps.

• Practice good handwashing.

The best practice is to wash with soap and warm water, especially after using

the bathroom and before handling food. Hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are not available.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Make sure your child is always drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. It’s also important to teach them not to share drinks with others, so they don’t spread any illnesses or germs they may have.

• Cover your sneeze. When someone sneezes, germs can be spread up to 12 feet, so it’s important to have children sneeze into a tissue or into the crook of their arm. This will greatly reduce the number of germs being spread.

• Get a flu shot. We recommend all children older than six months get vaccinated. The flu shot is recommended this year rather than the nasal flu mist. If you

Stacie Mecham MSN, CPNP Primary Care Pediatrics have questions, please talk to your pediatrician.

• Stay home when needed. This is much better than spreading illnesses to many other children in the classroom or on the bus. If they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea or symptoms of pink eye, they should stay home until they are feeling better or on antibiotics.

• Visit a doctor if necessary.

Children should be seen by a doctor if they have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; if they have a temperature greater than 103.9˚F or continue to run a fever for a couple of days; or if they have an earache or a severe sore throat.

By following a few safety tips, we can help keep everyone happy and healthy this school year.

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

OLD FASHIONED APPLE SHEET CAKE Sherelle Christensen www.sherellechristensen.typepad.com

The cool, fall air brings relief, and while most people indulge in everything pumpkin, apples should not be forgotten. This delicious Old Fashioned Apple Sheet Cake is one of my favorite fall desserts.

This moist and tender cake has a soft cinnamon flavor, and the apples bake to perfection. My family likes to serve it to our harvest crew during potato harvest, and my kids love to pack leftovers in their lunch bags for school.

• 2 cups plus 2 Tbs. flour • 2 cups sugar • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1/2 cup shortening • 1/2 cup butter • 1 cup water • 1/2 cup buttermilk • 3/4 tsp. baking soda • 2 large eggs • 2 - 2 1/2 cups apples, peeled and chopped Combine flour, sugar and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl or mixer. In a small saucepan, combine shortening, butter and water. Bring to a boil and pour over dry mixture. Mix until blended.

Add in buttermilk, soda and eggs, and stir well in between each ingredient.

Gently fold in apples. Place dough in a 15”x3” greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Set on wire rack to cool.

Icing • 1/2 cup butter, melted • 6 Tbs. milk • 1 tsp. vanilla • 3 3/4 cup powdered sugar Melt butter and add milk and vanilla.

Add in enough powdered sugar to make a slightly thick frosting, but still thin enough to drizzle. Gently drizzle frosting over cooled cake. Enjoy!

C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

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high levels of homeownership

CREATE GREATER

RELATIONSHIPS among citizens

Little Lambs Donation Drive During Parade of Homes The Cache-Rich Association of REALTORS® has selected Little Lambs Foundation for Kids as their Charity Partnership for 2016. In conjunction with the Cache Valley Parade of Homes, which will take place throughout the valley Sept. 8-10 and 15-17, your local REALTORS® will hold a donation drive to collect items needed to further their cause. Donation bins will be placed in each of the seven Parade Homes. Help us support Little Lambs by donating items for the list below!

Donation items for comfort kits (all items must be new and unwrapped): • Combs and hairbrushes • Snacks (individually wrapped) • Sippy cups and bottles • Diapers and wipes • Blankets Little Lambs Foundation for Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides comfort for children ages 0-17 years old who are transitioning into foster care, shelters, or who have experienced traumatic events. Little Lambs provides transitional bags (comfort kits) that are often the only belongings a child has, and are a tangible way to send these children a message of love and worth.

Emily Merkley, association executive Cache-Rich Association of REALTORS

The idea of the “perfect neighborhood” creates images of longpaved roads lined with trees, carefree children riding their bikes through the streets, and neighbors warmly greeting each other by name. To some it may seem like a dream from the past, when in reality these neighborhoods exist throughout the nation, especially in Cache Valley.

This warm camaraderie and sense of belonging is built on the backs of homeowners who care deeply for the overall wellbeing of their neighbors and friends. High levels of homeownership within communities provide many social benefits to individuals and families, and provide opportunities for citizens to build long-term, lasting relationships.

“In addition to investing in a home, you also invest in the surrounding community when purchasing that home,” said Cindy Cummings of Jette Youngblood Realty.

“With a vested interest in their immediate neighborhood, people come together and foster relationships that help strengthen the communities in which

they live.”

The value of homeownership is a priority to REALTORS® and the policy makers they support because through its citizens, these solid relationships shape social control and promote values that strengthen the core of a community.

Where homeownership is strong, great and lasting relationships promote involvement in volunteer and service opportunities, higher participation in neighborhood groups, and encourage interaction among neighbors, which contributes to the success of the community.

For more information on homeownership and available homes, contact your local Cache Valley REALTOR®.

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6

LIVING OUTDOORS Jared Gilman, owner A&D Landscaping

When your mom told you to turn off the TV and play outdoors, she knew what she was talking about.

Hanging out outside is good for our mental and physical wellbeing. An anthropological UCLA study, in the book “Life at Home in the TwentyFirst Century,” blames our fascination with digital devices — tablets, computers, televisions, games — for keeping us cooped up. Let’s make a pledge to set down the technology and pay more attention to outdoor living so you can be happier, create lasting memories and take advantage of what our homes have to offer.

“Outdoor living” is a term that is often used when referring to landscape. But what is it? It is essentially extending the living space and activities you enjoy in your home to the outdoors.

Most of us have a barbecue

grill; this is the most basic outdoor living element.

It can then be expanded to include a table and chairs to form an outdoor “kitchen.” There has been an increased demand to improve upon the basic outdoor living space.

This can be as simple as expanding our patios to accommodate more people. There are many things that can be done to take a basic outdoor living space and make it fantastic.

Selecting the right elements to incorporate into your landscape can be what makes all the difference.

Add sconces or pendant lights to make evening entertaining, grilling and reading easier. Illuminate walkways, rails and steps with lights to improve visibility through the landscape. Hang fairy or string lights to create atmosphere.

practical, especially for a small yard with limited space. They not only look great, but provide seating without taking up as much space as a chair. You can build raised planters with seating so you define space and visually soften the area with plants.

PAVERS

PERGOLAS

Pavers are a great way to add color and texture to a patio. There are so many patterns and colors that can really make a patio stand out.

Pergolas can range is size, style and price. They can be anything from rough sawn timber to power-coated steel to an enclosed roof with lighting and ventilation.

Pergolas provide shade and protection from the

SEAT WALLS Seat walls can be a very

Consider these outdoor elements as you look for opportunities to enhance your outdoor living experience and draw your family outdoors.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING Use up lighting to highlight trees, architectural details, or other focal points.

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Outdoor Lighting 98.3%

Installed Seating 89.4%

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Wireless Outdoor Condutivity 66%

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C a c h e Va l l e y F a m i l y M a g a z i n e | F a l l 2 0 1 6 elements so you can enjoy your outdoor living space year round.

FIRE PITS A fire pit can be as simple as a hole in the ground with some camp chairs around it. They are great for gatherings where you can enjoy cooking a meal or enjoy a nice conversation by the fire.

There are a multitude of options for fire pits.

They can be constructed of stone, brick, steel or other material and come in wood burning or gas. It comes down to a personal preference.

KITCHENS Outdoor kitchens have taken the simple grill

and expanded it to full kitchens with sinks, fridges, smokers, pizza ovens, grills and burners.

They can be anything from a small bar with a grill to a large covered kitchen with large counters with bars and multiple cooking appliances.

Outdoor living spaces can range in scale and price.

They can also add value to your home and your quality of living. These spaces are meant to bring people together and bring your indoor living outside. Take advantage of improving your quality of life as you consider implementing some of these elements to draw you and your family outdoors.

Gas fire pit and arbor embedded in a local landscape.

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e y E Lazy

W H AT I S IT ? A N D W H AT C A N PA R E N TS DO A B O U T I T ?

Michael Cole, OD Child and Family Eye Care Center

It is easy to see when a child has a “boo-boo”, or if they aren’t feeling well. But how do you know if your child is seeing OK? Most parents assume that because their child can see things far away that both eyes must be seeing fine.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. In fact, they may be using only one eye, while the other may not even be functioning properly. Parents often ask: “But wouldn’t my child know this?” A child may not even be aware of this because they think this is the way everyone sees. Since they are seeing out of one eye, they don’t even know to say anything.

That’s why it’s essential all children have a comprehensive vision exam before they begin school or early in the school year.

“Lazy eye,” or amblyopia, is easy to miss because there are very few symptoms. Lazy eye means the eye sees poorly, even with eyeglasses. Usually when parents see an eye that doesn’t seem to line up correctly they think it’s a “lazy eye.” In fact, that is a condition called an eye turn, or strabismus. It is important for parents to understand that while amblyopia and strabismus often occur together, you won’t always see an eye wander when your child has amblyopia.

Some early childhood symptoms that might indicate a problem include difficulty in catching or hitting a ball.

Another symptom is if your child has difficulty seeing 3D movies. Being able to see 3D is not just a fun thing to do in the movies, it is important for everyday life. For example, we use three dimensional vision to ride a bicycle, walk down stairs, play sports and other activities that require eye-hand coordination. If your child always knocks over the milk at the dinner table, is clumsy or has sloppy handwriting, these could be signs of a vision problem.

Treatment for amblyopia is different depending on which doctor you see. Some will tell you nothing can be done after age 7 or 9 or that patching is the only treatment option. However, new research has confirmed what

we have known for years; thanks to optometric vision therapy, it is never too late to treat a lazy eye. It is true that the earlier amblyopia and other vision conditions are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat and manage, but even adults well into their 40’s and older can often benefit from vision therapy.

As a parent, it is important to educate yourself on ALL treatment options because children do not outgrow eye turns or lazy eye. Surgery is not the only way to treat an eye turn and there are more effective treatment options for amblyopia other than patching (with or without drops).

Optometric vision therapy has helped many patients achieve normal vision in their amblyopic eye and has also resulted in eyes that are straight without the need for surgery. If you have been told your child is too old to be treated, there is still hope. Vision therapy gets excellent results no matter how old the patient is.

If you or your child has lazy eye or an eye turn, visit cachecfec.com/lazy-eye.html

One example of an activity designed to help treat amblyopia.

Colored or polarized lenses are used to create a situation in which only one eye can see the necessary detail. Both eyes are being used, allowing the brain to learn to coordinate both eyes as a team (which patching can’t do). However, the weaker eye must be utilized to complete the activity, strengthening the signal sent to the brain and improving acuity.

You are invited to experience our family-friendly atmosphere.

Vision Care for the Entire Family •

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of eye disease

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Revolutionary new contact lenses including hard-to-fit

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The latest looks in fashion eyewear: Great selection for kids of all ages

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Diagnosis and treatment of vision problems that interfere with reading and learning

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Sports vision enhancement

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Treatment of vision problems resulting from concussion

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24-hour emergency eye care

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Most insurances accepted

Specialized testing that measures how the eyes move when reading (tracking).

981 South Main, Suite 220, Logan • (435) 363-2980 • www.cachecfec.com