Cache Valley Family Magazine Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Pandemic Adjustments

WORTH KEEPING EIGHT

LOCAL HOME DESIGNER HELPS CLIENTS CREATE SPACES FOR A Lifetime of Memories

Immunity-Boosting Foods The Value of

IN-PERSON LEARNING 14 WAYS TO MAKE Valentine's Day Special

KNOWDREAMS

SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT SERVICES

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This project was supported by Award No. [19VOCA123] awarded by the Utah Office Victims of Crime, Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations are those of CAPSA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.

4 | Winter 2021

Publisher & Editor in Chief EMILY BUCKLEY Copy Editor TARA BONE Cover Photo HEATHER PALMER Photography HEATHER PALMER Layout Design THE BLOOM DESIGN COMPANY Website Design KITE MEDIA Contributing Writers MARK ANDERSON TARA BONE EMILY BUCKLEY MICHAEL COLE TIFFANY GUERZON SARAH LYONS

Photo by Bella Alder Photography Last week a childhood friend texted me the link to the obituary of my fifth-grade teacher.

It outlined the life of a fairly ordinary woman.

She raised her children as a single mother and taught elementary school in a small farming community. Her death, although not untimely — she had lived a good, long life — caught me by surprise and brought tears to my eyes.

To me, this “ordinary” woman was a hero.

Maybe I thought I was unique, but as I read the comments on her obituary page, I realized I was not alone. She had touched the lives of many students who reminisced about ways she had loved them, taught them, and even “saved” them.

routine continued for months, throughout an especially chaotic time in my childhood home. Her angelic act saved my tender heart that year. She never received, or expected, accolades but I have never forgotten this act and have always held a special place in my heart for her.

The end of her obituary requested that in lieu of flowers, those who wanted to honor Mrs. Ellis should deliver backpacks filled with school supplies to the mortuary, to be distributed to children in need. Even in death, this woman is quietly touching the lives of children.

As a little girl, I had naturally curly hair. It was often left untamed and free. Although I was showered, my appearance, thanks to my wild locks, was a bit unkempt. I was sometimes teased by other kids, not relentlessly, but enough to leave me feeling sad.

In a world that is becoming more and more chaotic, I don’t think we have to look far to find heroes like my Mrs. Ellis. I bet they are in your children’s schools too, or maybe living next door, scanning your groceries, or holding the hand of a nervous patient.

About this time, this teacher, Mrs. Ellis, noticed my struggle and began inviting me to arrive at school a few minutes early each day under the pretense of helping her clean the chalkboards. After we quickly cleaned the boards together, she would open her top desk drawer where she had hidden a spray bottle of water, a comb, and a container of elastic hair ties. She would comb and braid my hair and then send me to the playground to join the other children before we lined up and came in to start the school day. This

As we enter a month often associated with love, I plan to honor my sweet fifth-grade teacher by consciously finding quiet ways to lift those around me. I truly believe it can cause a ripple effect and make our corner of this chaotic world a little more peaceful. Will you join me?

JENNY MATHEWS EMILY MERKLEY KATE NEELEY FRANK SCHOFIELD TIM SMITH USU MBA PROGRAM

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 2021, 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 Number (435) 764-0962 Mailing Address PO BOX 6831 NORTH LOGAN, UT 84341 Email INFO@CACHEVALLEYFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM Website CACHEVALLEYFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM Facebook /CACHEVALLEYFAMILYMAGAZINE YouTube /CACHEVALLEYFAMILYMAG Instagram @CACHEVALLEYFAMILYMAG To Advertise CALL (435) 764-0962 OR EMAIL ADS@CACHEVALLEYFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

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PAGE 20 PAGE 27

PAGE 10 PAGE 17

PAGE 12

in every issue FIT FAMILIIES • Physical Fitness: Just How Physical Is It? • page 6 MAKING A DIFFERENCE • Making a Sweet Difference One Cup at a Time • page 12 HEALTHY FAMILIES • Eight Immunity-Boosting Foods to Keep Your Family Healthier • page 17 GOOD NEIGHBORS • Reading into the Bubble • page 18 COVER STORY • Creating Spaces for a Lifetime of Memories: Liz Powell Design • page 20 EDUCATION UPDATE

The Value of In-Person Learning • page 24 What Dog Poop Has to Do with Teaching Children Initiative • page 25 FAMILY MATTERS • Pandemic Parenting: Help Children Cope with Uncertain Times • page 27 SAFE FAMILIES • Is Your Child Ready to Stay Home

Alone? • page 34

featured articles Is Pursuing an MBA Right for You? • page 8 Parent-Sourced: Which Pandemic-Driven Adjustments We Plan to Keep Forever! • page 10 Excessive Blinking: Causes and Treatment • page 15 Everything You Need to Know About Growing Raspberries • page 30 Easy Ways to Improve Memory • page 32 Fourteen Ways to Make Valentine's Day Sweet • page 36

6 | Winter 2021

S PO N S O R E D BY

FI T FA MI LI E S

Physical Fitness just how physical is it?

KATE NEELEY contributing writer

FITNESS GOALS. You’ve made the resolutions, maybe you’ve signed up for classes, bought a treadmill, or pushed yourself to get out for a run, but have you been successful in your fitness pursuit? What defines ‘success’ when it comes to fitness anyway? Is it when you have that toned, chiseled body? Is it when you finally finish the marathon in first place?

that “maybe [fitness] ... perhaps ... is a little bit more.�

Perhaps underneath it all, true fitness success isn’t those things at all. Just like your favorite Grinch, who took a deeper look at Christmas, a few local fitness experts share a deeper look at FITNESS; read on and you might discover

Understanding what fitness actually means can help you take a closer look at the ‘why’ behind your own fitness goals. “Fitness is the ability of an individual to participate in both life-sustaining and life-fulfilling activities at

“Fitness is a practice, not a box to check,� Clint Nardoni, fitness trainer at Malouf, who helps people with their fitness goals daily and has gained a lot of wisdom in his experience in the field, said.

whatever level they choose,� Clint said. In other words, when you’re fit, you’re able to live the life you want to live — for as long as you live.

An avid runner, past Utah State University (USU) cross country and track athlete Vanessa Gledhill is now a busy mother of three and piano teacher, and she still runs often. And ‌ guess what ‌ it’s because she LOVES to run!

What? But why? Is it because she misses the rush of the steeplechase?

The short answer? “No.� Although Vanessa will testify the competition helped her grow as

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it pushed her out of her comfort zone during her years on the USU team, her running didn’t come to an end at graduation, and after that, as she puts it, “I was happy to be able to run just for the sheer joy of it.”

She’s been spotted out for a run in a blizzard before and will run, rain or shine, several times a week, and this has been going on for upwards of 20 years. She attests that she does it because it makes her happy.

Sustained fitness habits like this are nothing to sneeze at, but it’s clear that this hasn’t come out of sheer grit or determination, or even the desire to get fit.

It seems a little counterintuitive, right? The actual physical fitness is the bonus for doing something you honestly enjoy.

Take Mandy McCullough for instance. A certified fitness instructor at Soul Fitness Studio in Providence, she says that going to work is fun for her. She teaches group fitness classes like the popular choreographed dance High Fitness, PiYo, and Les Mills Body Pump.

For Mandy, what started as a happy habit of working out for feel-good vibes has now become a way to earn some income, enjoy friendships, and as a bonus, stay physically fit.

If it’s going to be sustainable over time, fitness needs to be something that you like to do.

Whether it’s hiking, biking, swimming, or dancing, think about it: How does it make you feel while you’re doing it? Like Mandy said, “If you do it to lose weight, that’s a really slow

reward.” To be real, you will likely burn out if you don’t enjoy it.

You decide what fitness means to you. Your quality of life can be heavily influenced by your fitness, but it might be difficult to stay motivated if your fitness goals don’t line up with your values.

Do you love to get up in the mountains and ski with your kids? Do you like to go out for a walk because nature boosts your mood? What about dancing in the kitchen?

Clint dropped a truth bomb about fitness goals that only goes skin deep when he said, “You fail when you pursue a goal which lacks meaning and value.” If you’re only doing something you hate to get some great abs, you’re probably going to get tired of it long before your six pack pops up.

If your goal is to get fit, it might be a good idea to look a little deeper. What can you picture yourself still loving for years to come?

For some fun fitness classes to try, you can find Mandy on Instagram @move.it.mandy.

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8 | Winter 2021

Is Pursuing an MBA Right for You? Q&A with a USU MBA Graduate The Utah State University MBA program talked with recent graduate, Leslie Martinez, to learn more about his experiences in the MBA program and why he decided to return to school and earn his MBA. UTAH STATE MBA: Why did you want to go back to school and get an MBA? LES: I always wanted to receive the highest degree of education in business to pair it up with the skill sets that I have acquired in my industry over the years. By combining the two, I knew it would help me be better rounded and give me the confidence that I need to tackle bigger roles and projects that I would not otherwise approach.

On a more personal level, as a son of immigrant parents, I’ve always felt a great duty to take advantage of the opportunities provided to me by their sacrifices. Being the first in my family to receive an undergraduate degree and now achieving my MBA is one way of showing my appreciation to them.

UTAH STATE MBA: How did you enlist the help of your family? Was their support important? How did they help?

LES: I am fortunate that my wife is a big advocate for higher education as she graduated from The University of Arizona herself. We also discussed pursuing an MBA very early in our marriage, so when the time came to make a decision, we sat down and discussed my goals

and our expectations of each other. She offered her advice and how she could help me through the process. My wife came up with the idea of designating an area for me to go and study when I came home from work to avoid distractions and focus on my schoolwork while she took care of our three children. It was also great to discuss what I was learning with her.

UTAH STATE MBA: How did you balance your responsibilities of work, family, school, etc.?

LES: I dedicated a great deal of time reviewing each course syllabus and updating my calendar regularly. This allowed me to plan ahead and designate “school time” while looking for pockets of time where I could relax and enjoy time with my family. I am fortunate enough to have in-laws that own a cabin in Cascade, ID. This provides an outlet for escape and to hit the reset button. I found that small breaks and vacations helped propel me through the rigorous demands of my studies and professional career.

UTAH STATE MBA: How has your degree benefited you both personally and professionally?

LES: I enjoyed the fact that the courses offered through USU’s MBA program focus a great deal on self-awareness and how to develop exceptional leadership skills. My approach to team or group work situations has improved vastly, which has led to successful relationships and more productive interactions in my profession. On the other hand, many of the

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UTAH STATE MBA: What tips could you share with others contemplating returning to school later in life?

LES: As I mentioned earlier, it is important to have a discussion with those close to you so they can support you and understand your situation for the next two years. It is equally as important to have a conversation with your employer to learn more about the value of an MBA and how that fits into your future, both from an advancement standpoint and financially. This is a big investment of time and resources; you want to make sure you feel confident that you have support from the right people.

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10 | Winter 2021

Parent-Sourced: Which Pandemic-Driven Adjustments We Plan to Keep Forever!

JENNY MATHEWS contributing writer

THE LAST YEAR has done nothing if not teach us all to learn to keep our knees soft in anticipation of change. While most of us have a growing list of pandemic-driven adjustments we can’t wait to bid farewell to, some adjustments have proven to have happy silver linings. After surveying Cache Valley families, here are the most common changes that may stick around as we look ahead.

More family time At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, local families may have been forced to occupy the same space for more time than ever before,

but many won’t have to be forced to do so in the future. It seems the benefits of spending more time together have encouraged many Cache Valley families to plan to prioritize these precious hours over some activities COVID forced them to limit or give up altogether. Now that a variety of meetings, performances, lessons, etc., can be done virtually, parents will be taking advantage of these options and relishing in the extra hours of whatever it is that they have found they enjoy doing together. Whether that family time will be spent enjoying the outdoors, cooking and eating more meals together, taking on house projects, developing new skills and talents, “what

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matters most” over what matters less seems to be the new approach.

Flexibility in Education What we may not have anticipated at this time last year was how much our schools and educators would have to adjust so that despite shutdowns, closures, restrictions, and quarantines, children could still have access to a quality education and healthy

meals. Thankfully, in this hardship, generous hearts and creative minds delivered excellent strategies, resources, and alternatives that have proven successful. With in-person AND online learning capabilities working together, disruptions due to the virus have not had the catastrophic outcomes of last spring. School lunch pick-up options for quarantined families have helped nourish hundreds of valley children.

Employment Flexibility So many employers found creative and resourceful ways to keep their employees working remotely without sacrificing productivity, and Cache Valley families have not minded one bit. Working from home is not without its challenges, but has let employers and employees create a work environment free of risk and trimmed of waste. Families have their hard-working parents around more for lots of that quality family time!

Best Health Practices We were not strangers to washing our hands or using a sanitizer before, but now that we know what perils these practices can avoid, most of us plan to make sure these healthy habits stick! Immune-boosting implements such as the use of daily vitamin supplements and the practice of disinfecting surfaces are now a big, permanent part of many of our lives as well.

Saving Money on _____ A common response to my question was, “I have saved so much money on …” fill in the blank! Whether these savings came as a result of canceling a gym membership, buying less gasoline, clothing, or sports equipment, or cutting back on lesson fees and eating out, saving money was an enormous blessing to many tight family budget. Plans for continuing to creatively spend less aren’t going away anytime soon.

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12 | Winter 2021

MA K I N G A DI FFE RE N CE

Making a Sweet Difference One Cup at a Time TARA BONE contributing writer

IN THE CLASSIC 1980s sitcom “Cheers,” a Boston bar was the place for friends and acceptance. In Cache Valley today, the place to go “where everybody knows your name” is an unlikely spot: Berries-n-Cream, a dessert shop in North Logan that serves up fresh fruit and friendship.

The local, family-run business at 143 East 1600 North serves fresh fruit without added sugar or preservatives with a variety of cream and topping choices. Four sisters and their families opened the shop with two goals: to make people happy and to provide a place for their families to

Sisters Noel Mickelson and Nanci Anderson from Berries-n-Cream at 143 East 1600 North in North Logan, treat customers like family.

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work together. According to customers — many of them regulars — their smiles and fruit cups are making a difference.

Noel Mickelson opened Berries-n-Cream over a year ago with her three sisters: Nanci, Stephanie, and Hidie. They work together to run the business, along with their kids and their brother Matt’s family.

“We treasure the people we serve, and it’s so awesome to get to know customers and help make their day better,” Noel said.

Berries-n-Cream started 10 years ago when the sisters started selling berries and cream at county fairs with a food trailer. Noel says they were blessed with supportive customers and they “got addicted to making people happy,” so they opened the storefront.

Kristin Hamblin is a regular customer who’s been going to Berries-n-Cream every day since they opened. She says she loves the healthy sweet treats, but comes back every day because she’s become friends with the family behind the counter.

“They’re making a safe space for people to be happy,” Kristin said. “They treat everyone who walks in their door like family.”

Kristen says her Berries-n-Cream friendships have kept her sane during the COVID pandemic, and she’s not alone. Experiences of lonely college students or busy carpool moms stopping by for a visit and healthy treat are common.

The friendly atmosphere stems from the close family ties of those running the shop. The sisters grew up working hard on their farm in Idaho. Their work ethic continues with Berriesn-Cream and the next generation.

“Our kids grew up cutting strawberries and working hard,” Noel said. “Serving others helps our kids grow and flourish as they learn how to make others happy — that little things can mean so much.”

Deserae Turner is one of those nieces who works at the shop. Almost four years ago Deserae was shot in a tragic event and continues to fight to overcome challenges.

When Deserae feels well, she enjoys working at Berries-n-Cream and interacting with customers. Noel says her niece's life is difficult and every day is tough.

But, Berries-n-Cream is a place where Deserae and their family can come together, support one another, and serve others.

Often Deserae’s younger sisters spend a lot of time at the shop with their aunts while their parents are with Deserae at doctor appointments.

Berries-n-Cream caters big and small events, from large corporate parties and receptions to baby showers and even homeschool groups.

Noel said their berries add a unique and beautiful touch, and it’s fun to hear people say, “We’re not missing that reception!” when they learn Berries-n-Cream is catering.

Noel prays they can stay open “to do good any way possible.” Their family hopes to keep spreading joy, one smile and cup of fruit at a time.

14 | Winter 2021

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Excessive Blinking: Causes and Treatment MICHAEL COLE, OD Child and Family Eye Care Center

DID YOU KNOW THAT you probably blink more than 1,000 times per hour? Most likely, while we are awake, each of us blinks more often than we breathe. This involuntary action plays an important role in vision and eye health. Blinking serves to refresh the tears across the fragile ocular surface and remove debris and irritants, which keeps the eye clean and moist.

Because we blink so often and without thought, we are rarely aware when we do it ourselves or when others around us blink.

However, when someone blinks abnormally, we tend to notice right away. Parents often inquire why their child seems to blink too often or too forcefully.

Often children with binocular vision deficits will forcefully blink more often than normal. If our two eyes are having trouble working together as a team, the two images created by each eye will drift apart causing overlapping or double vision. If we are struggling to keep our eyes in focus at a certain distance, it may get blurry and our eyes search to find the correct viewing distance. Adults often unknowingly blink an extra time when shifting angles of gaze or viewing distance. Think of the extra blink as a way for your brain to “let go” of our object of attention and allow other parts of the brain to search for the new visual target to attend to. The act of blinking helps to “reset” the visual

system, allowing the eyes to attempt proper alignment and focus anew. If a child is blinking more often than normal, their visual system may be stuck in “search” mode — constantly feeling the need to readjust their vision to achieve proper results. When evaluating children for possible causes of frequent blinking, a thorough investigation of binocular vision is imperative.

Another possible reason for excessive blinking is ocular surface irritation. The surface of the eyes has a very unique and specific configuration to allow for good vision, infection control, and comfort of the tissues exposed to the air and environment around us. Any situation or pathology that disturbs the delicate ocular surface leads to pain, foreign body sensation, itchiness, and even poor vision. When the ocular surface is inflamed, the brain receives feedback alerting it to the situation. The body’s response is increased tear production and blinking to flush out the offending irritant and rehydrate the ocular surface. Ocular surface irritation can occur for many reasons, and a thorough examination by your eye doctor can help determine the problem and prescribe proper treatment. One quick note on that: Please don’t treat red/irritated eyes with redness relief drops. Although they may temporarily make the eyes whiter, they won’t fix the problem!

Injuries of the ocular surface are likewise a possible concern when evaluating excessive blinking. Even a very small scratch or defect in the cornea causes the feeling that something is in the eye, leading to the need to blink excessively. Because we as parents may not know if a minor injury has occurred without our knowledge, it is important to be evaluated by an eye care professional with the equipment necessary to adequately assess the structures of the eye.

Facial tics are also a potential reason for frequent, forced blinking. While more difficult to definitively diagnose and treat, tics do occur commonly, and usually do not present a long-term problem. In many cases they may fluctuate in frequency and severity, often correlating with stress, anxiety, and sleep levels.

Although involuntary tics may last for years and possibly for life, most tics improve over time or eventually stop completely.

While blinks are healthy, essential, and expected, excessive blinking may be an indication of a problem that needs to be treated. For further questions, or to schedule an evaluation for your family, please contact our office.

16 | Winter 2021

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H E A LT H Y FA MI LI E S

Eight Immunity-Boosting Foods to Keep Your Family Healthier TIFFANY GUERZON contributing writer

tummy bugs are a part of childhood, keeping their bodies strong with a healthy diet can give them an edge against the germs they encounter in everyday life. Here are eight superfoods to add into your meal repertoire:

disease. Eggs are full of high-quality protein, plus B vitamins, choline, selenium, vitamin A, iron, and phosphorus, plus they contain two antioxidants that protect eye health: zeaxanthin and lutein.

400% of the daily requirement of vitamin A as well as vitamins B, C, and D, plus many good-for-you minerals. To get your kids to eat them, try serving a baked sweet potato with butter and brown sugar instead of a regular baked potato.

Berries

Yogurt

Red Bell Peppers

Yogurt that has “live or active cultures” (listed on the label) offers probiotics which have been shown to reduce inflammation that's implicated in viral and gut issues. Other immunity-boosting properties of yogurt are due to magnesium, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc. The healthiest yogurt is the plain, unsweetened type with active cultures.

These brightly colored veggies taste sweeter than their green counterparts, making them more palatable for kids, plus they contain three times more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is thought to boost white cell production, the cells that fight infection. Red bell peppers also pack beta carotene, which is good for eye health.

Peanuts

Broccoli

Nuts are powerhouse foods. Almonds, for example, contain vitamin E, an antioxidant which helps fight off infection. Nuts and seeds contain an array of phytochemicals and minerals.

Despite the name, peanuts are actually a legume.

Peanuts contain manganese as well as iron, magnesium, niacin, folate, copper, phosphorus, thiamine, and selenium. If PB&J is your kids’ jam, you’ll get better nutrition from natural peanut butters instead of those with added sugars.

Eggs

Sweet Potatoes

Broccoli contains vitamin C, B, D, E, and K as well as folate. More importantly, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates which protect cells from DNA damage and have been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and even anticancer effects. Other vegetables in this family include cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, arugula, brussel sprouts, kale, radish, and turnips.

Roasting vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts brings out the sweet flavor and tones down the bitterness of cruciferous veggies.

KIDS GET SICK OFTEN, and although colds and of a healthy diet doesn’t raise the risk of heart

Berries are bursting with bioflavonoids, the plant chemicals that help to activate the immune system and work as antioxidants to prevent cell damage. The darker the berry, the higher the bioflavonoids, but all berries are good for you. One cup of strawberries contains as much vitamin C as a cup of orange juice.

Frozen berries retain all of the good vitamins and chemicals, so you can benefit all winter long.

Nuts and Seeds

Eggs got a bad rap in the past when they were suspected of raising cholesterol. Recent studies show that eating 6-12 eggs per week in the context

Sweet potatoes have numerous health benefits.

Their bright color comes from carotenoids, which is an antioxidant. Just one sweet potato contains

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18 | Winter 2021

G O O D N E I G H BO RS

Reading into the Bubble EMILY MERKLEY chief executive officer, Cache Valley Association of Realtors

THE PAST YEAR was full of unknowns and successive, rapid, life-changing adjustments.

Ringing in the New Year is a beacon of hope and change for many — a light at the end of the tunnel — and expectations for a fresh start are high. A few days into 2021, many people took note that changes were not taking place as abruptly as they had hoped. There are still unknowns and questions are abundant, and this is true regarding employment, the economy, government, and especially local and national real estate markets. Many are timid and unsure due to extreme growth and rising home prices, with concerns of another potential housing bubble that reflects the bubble experienced over a decade ago.

It's important to recognize and understand the fundamentals and differences in the housing market now versus the meltdown of 2007-2009.

Today, potential buyers must qualify for a loan with higher credit scores, thoroughly verified income, and lower debt-to-income ratios; many of these factors were missing in the pre-Great Recession years. When the market crashed, there were not enough qualified buyers to purchase the excess of homes, and with foreclosures and bad loans, the price of homes plummeted. In today’s market, we are experiencing a severe housing shortage. While more qualified, stable buyers are taking out loans with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, the inventory of homes throughout the valley is lower than it’s ever been in such a busy market, and it’s this housing shortage driving up home prices.

“Such a frenzy of activity, reminiscent of 2006, raised questions about a bubble and the potential for a painful crash,” explains Lawrence Tun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors. “The answer: There’s no comparison.”

Historically low interest rates are allowing more buyers to stretch on what they’re willing and able

to pay. People who were not able to purchase homes in the spring (due to the pandemic), are ready to buy, and families who quarantined for months are looking for larger homes, adding to the high demand for housing. But many sellers are holding off from listing their homes, deciding to wait out the health and economic crises. In addition, local builders are facing a backlog of home buyers, as well as rising construction costs, resulting in a low housing inventory. All of this means that sellers are able to ask for more, and the abundance of competing buyers are willing and able to pay those higher prices for homes.

The good news for buyers and sellers is that state and local REALTORS® are equipped with the knowledge and experience to take on the challenges of any market, including this one.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home but are uncertain how to approach the situation, get in contact with a local REALTOR® who can help you establish a plan and navigate current real estate, providing insight and direction to make the most out of your investment. Move forward with confidence as you work with a professional in a strong and promising market.

There’s reason to be optimistic!

Experts are forecasting good things for the real estate market in 2021: THE ECONOMY SHOWS CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT. There’s nothing “broken” that needs healing.

INTEREST RATES ARE PROJECTED TO STAY LOW. Low rates make homes more affordable.

FUTURE HOME SALES ARE FORECASTED TO GROW. Homes are appreciating in value, driving more to homeownership.

Buyers and sellers are expected to be active in 2021. If you’ve thought about buying or selling your home this year, but have held off, now may be the time to take advantage of this market. Connect with a local REALTOR® to get started.

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Enjoy a

TASTE of WINTER

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20 | Winter 2021

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Creating Spaces orf a Lifetime of Memories Liz Powell Design EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

LIZ POWELL, owner of Liz Powell Design, has been designing homes for herself and clients for over 20 years.

Originally from Oregon, she and her family relocated from Kentucky to Cache Valley five years ago. After designing her own home, the stars aligned, and the season of life was right for Liz to transition her part-time design work into a full-time business that has organically blossomed and grown into a successful and demanded local resource. Liz now has an office on Logan’s Main Street, inside the Love

to Cook building at 795 North Main, and will soon open her décor store, offering curated, timeless home décor pieces in the same location.

“I believe home is the most important place on earth,” Liz said. “I believe in creating timeless, cohesive spaces my clients will love and create memories in for a lifetime.”

Liz explains that there are thousands of decisions that go into building a home or taking on a large remodel, and she has spent years studying architecture and honing her design skills to make the process easy for her clients.

22 | Winter 2021

“I understand how to help my clients create the home of their dreams,” Liz said.

Liz admits that design sometimes gets a bad rap. “It sometimes feels like it is about money, and competing to have the best of the best, but I think it is more about changing your lifestyle in a way that makes your life easier and your home more

comfortable,” Liz said. “Your home should be a place you want to be and a place you want to invite others to — a place you love.”

Her focus is on creating timeless spaces. "‘Timeless’ can be difficult to define, but we know it when we see it. It has honesty and integrity and is not swayed by trends. It's classic,” Liz said. “I don’t want to pick things for my

Liz’s Top Three Tips for Simple, Inexpensive Home Improvements: DECLUTTER A lot of people just have a lot of stuff. Decluttering and organizing, and really thinking about your spaces and how to use them, will make a huge difference. Put things you use in those spaces and then get rid of the rest.

PAINT Paint is so cheap and can really brighten up a room, making the whole space feel fresh again.

BRING IN PLANTS Plants freshen up a home. I feel like a plant is needed in every room. Liz says not every plant has to be alive. “I think a good mix [of real and faux] is great.”

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LAMP ROOM GRAY

TRICORN BLACK

CLASSIC GRAY

IRON ORE

AGREEABLE GRAY

ACCESSIBLE BEIGE

CHANTILLY LACE

SHOJI WHITE

Paint Color Inspiration

Liz gets asked about her favorite paint colors all the time. Here are her top picks: FAVORITE GRAY PAINTS Go-to medium gray: Lamp Room Gray by Farrow & Ball Light subtle gray: Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore Beige with a hint of gray: Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams Warm greige that really cozies up a room: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams FAVORITE BLUE PAINT Cobblestone Path by Benjamin Moore

COBBLESTONE PATH

FAVORITE BLACK PAINTS True deep black paint: Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams Softer velvety black: Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams FAVORITE WHITE PAINTS Go-to bright white: Chantilly Lace

by Benjamin Moore Perfect warm white without being yellow: Shoji White by Sherwin Williams FAVORITE GREEN PAINT Vintage Vogue by Benjamin Moore

VINTAGE VOGUE

clients that they’ll be ready to move on from in a year. Those things are great to have in a pillow or something else you can change up quickly, but expensive staples — like your couch or the exterior of your home — just need to be timeless quality. A lot of my job is educating people about how to pull that together.”

Liz’s services range from full home design, to short consultations where she can offer advice and point clients in the right direction, to offering free advice on her Instagram page @lizpowelldesign.

I’ve designed homes for hundreds of clients, and I understand how to help you get the home of your dreams, all while staying within your budget and enjoying the process.

People are spending more time in their homes than ever. “Like it or not, our environments do affect how happy we are,” Liz said. “Not to say you have to have a home that looks like a magazine, but if my room is cluttered or messy, or just not functioning right, that affects the way I feel.

Your home should work for you. When we are comfortable in our homes, we can become our best selves."

24 | Winter 2021

The Value of In-Person Learning TIM SMITH chief academic officer, Cache County School District

RELATIONSHIPS, CHARACTER, AND Knowledge for Life. This is the mission statement for Sky View, one of our local high schools. These three words — relationships, character, and knowledge — represent the outcomes we want for every student by the time they graduate.

We want students to know how to create healthy relationships with their teachers and their peers; to develop strong character and understand the importance of work, commitment, kindness, and honesty; and to have a strong foundation of knowledge as they pursue additional educational opportunities and begin careers. Most schools have similar mission statements that share the same aim to help students become good citizens and contributing members of society.

Over the past year, we have dealt with a pandemic that upended the way we educate students. In March 2020, we moved our entire school system online in a matter of days. For two and a half months, our only contact with students was facilitated through technology.

Teachers had to shift from having students in their classrooms to educating them in a virtual environment.

Because of the valiant effort of educators and support staff, combined with the adaptability of students, and the support of parents, learning continued. Although there were many successes with online learning, there were also challenges. Some students disengaged, teachers struggled to connect and provide meaningful learning experiences, and parents sometimes felt frustrated as they tried to motivate their children to do online assignments.

As the school year came to a close, we surveyed parents, students, and staff, conducted focus groups, and met with individuals — all in an effort to listen to parents, students, and employees and learn from this experience.

What we heard over and over again was an

appreciation for our efforts, but also a strong desire to return to in-person instruction in the upcoming school year. Most students, teachers, and parents expressed, in one way or another, the value of being in school, learning face-toface.

Over the past several decades, a variety of individuals and groups have called for changes in public education that would move away from traditional methods of educating students, bringing more technology into the process, and allowing students to learn at any time, in any place, and at their own pace. As educators, if there is one thing we have learned from this pandemic, it is the value of an in-person experience where students learn to interact with their peers and with their teachers face-to-face; where they are able to develop relationships and character, and acquire the knowledge they need to be successful.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for online education or that many of the same outcomes can’t be replicated. Our experiences with virtual learning over the past year have resulted in employees and students who are more tech-

savvy, in the adoption of new learning platforms that can enrich what is taught in a traditional classroom, and in our ability to teach more effectively in a digital environment. While we embrace the benefits and opportunities that online education has afforded us, we don’t believe it is a viable replacement for in-person learning.

There is a purpose in a “public” education. As American author Neil Postman aptly points out, “Public education does not serve a public.

It creates a public. And in creating the right kind of public, the schools contribute toward strengthening the … basis of the American Creed.” The connections, growth, and lessons that are taught in our schools cannot be fully communicated in online-only schooling.

Education is about helping us learn to read, write, and do arithmetic. It also includes personal and social development. It’s about gaining the knowledge and the skills needed to better ourselves and the world we live in. As Steven Kagen said, “If we get public education right, everything else will follow. But, if we get it wrong, not much else will matter.”

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What Dog Poop Has to Do with Teaching Children Initiative FRANK SCHOFIELD superintendent, Logan City School District

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN in situations where you noticed a problem that needed to be fixed, and then wondered why nobody had put forth the time or energy to fix it? This is the situation that Kirk Weisler describes in his book, “The Dog Poop Initiative,” based on his own real-life experience.

Whether it be in the home, school, or the workplace, the ability to effectively show initiative helps us manage our time and tasks more successfully. This will often provide us with additional opportunities for leadership and growth, while putting us in positions to make positive changes in the world around us.

In the book, a young father and his son arrive at a little league soccer game and find parents, players, and referees pointing out a pile of dog poop in the middle of the playing field. Various conversations were taking place regarding how to make sure everyone knew about the pile, how to make sure the players didn’t step in the pile, and how to prevent the soccer ball from hitting the pile. Another team had even attempted to play their game around the pile, all while trying to make sure the pile of poop didn’t disrupt the game.

How can parents help their children develop initiative? Although the specific steps will vary depending on each family, some basic actions include:

As the young father and his son watched these conversations taking place, they looked at one another in confusion. The father then pulled a piece of a cardboard box out of a nearby trash can, used the piece of cardboard to clean up the pile, and placed the pile of poop in a trash can.

This allowed the players to play their game without further concern, and everyone to enjoy the rest of the day.

Mr. Weisler used this story to illustrate the differences between Poopers (individuals and situations that create problems), Pointers (individuals who simply identify problems), and Scoopers (those who take action to resolve problems), but the underlying message of the story is the importance of showing initiative.

Initiative, or the ability to assess situations and take action independently, is a key attribute of successful children and adults.

Modeling Children need to see what initiative looks like and understand why we do what we do that shows initiative. I have a friend who, when driving in his truck, will stop if there is trash in the road so he can pick it up and throw it in the truck bed. When his children ask why, he explains that we all have a responsibility to take care of problems when we see them, so he will take the initiative to fix them when he can. Modeling initiative, and explaining why we do what we do, is the first step to helping children develop that habit.

Enabling It is difficult to take initiative if we lack the tools or skills to do so. If the goal is to have children take initiative in doing their own laundry, then training and tools need to be provided for them (i.e., laundry detergent needs to be safely within their reach, they need to know how to operate the washing machine, etc). When parents think through what training and tools need to be provided in order for a child to successfully take initiative, it is more likely that children will perceive they can.

Celebrating Taking initiative is a learned habit and any time we develop new habits it is likely we will stumble along the way ( just think of the last time you started a new diet and exercise regimen). When we see children taking initiative it is essential that we recognize and celebrate their efforts, even if the efforts were not completely successful (i.e., a red sock was washed with the white clothes, the cast iron frying pan was scrubbed so hard it lost its seasoning, or the newly sprouted carrots were pulled up with the weeds). Mistakes can be corrected, but if children feel their efforts at taking initiative were the problem, they will be less likely to take initiative in the future. Reinforcement of the desired behavior will allow them to develop the skill of taking initiative, while improving their ability to perform the specific task successfully.

In the story of The Dog Poop Initiative, the outcome was that a soccer game was able to be played without interruption. In our own lives, teaching children to successfully take initiative can improve our homes and communities, and prepare children for greater success in their future endeavors.

26 | Winter 2021

HIGHLIGHTS FROM TCHAIKOVSKY’S

THE SLEEPING

BEAUTY A FAIRYTALE BALLET

Presented by The Cache Valley Civic Ballet

MARCH 19-20 ELLEN ECCLES THEATRE Come back to the theatre with the Cache Valley Civic Ballet this spring! Aurora and her court of fairytale characters will perform their favorite variations for your enjoyment.”

PERFORMANCE TIMES

MARCH 19 AND 20: 7:30 P.M. • MARCH 20: 1 P.M. MATINEE

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT CVCBALLET.ORG ONE MONTH PRIOR TO PERFORMANCE L I M I T E D S E AT I N G AVA I L A B L E

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FA MI LY MAT T E RS

Pandemic Parenting

Help Children Cope with Uncertain Times TARA BONE contributing writer

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, the last year has been challenging. As adults, it’s been difficult to plan and know what the future holds, but for children the upheaval of life as they knew it has been particularly confusing, especially for teens trying to make important life decisions.

Parenting in and of itself can seem overwhelming right now, but Travis Christensen, licensed clinical mental health counselor at Clear Direction Counseling in Logan, encourages parents to trust themselves and their children, even during these challenging times.

“Parents need to give their children an opportunity to face the hard things of life

and to trust in their skills, talents, and abilities to overcome,” Travis said. “Being a guide as needed, love as required, redirect as expected, and advise as requested.”

Below Travis offers help to parents wondering how to help their children navigate the ups and downs of pandemic living.

As parents, how can we help our children cope with these uncertain times?

1. Remember that your children will follow your example. If a parent gets caught up in a catastrophic mindset, then their children will follow. It is

vital to know uncertainty is a normal and natural part of life. It has been, is currently, and will certainly remain a part of life and experience.

2. Try to normalize what is happing to the best of your abilities and remember, just because it’s not what the parent is used to, doesn’t mean the situation is difficult for the child. Projecting is a real thing and must be minimized, thus allowing the child to have their own experience.

3. Make sure the child has space to express concerns and then be given the opportunity to address fears, anxieties, or any other difficult emotion they are feeling. continued on next page...

28 | Winter 2021

For Teens Allow teens to set the tone and agenda.

Let them express what is happening and what they’re experiencing. Allow them to problem solve and make decisions about what they feel is best for their mental health. Guide as needed, but as the child gets older, parents must allow them more autonomy to take control of their life, both in certain and uncertain times.

Decision-making tips for teens • Panicking or doing nothing is a state of emotional overload that shuts down the analytical side of the brain; they will fall into the trap of helplessness, hopelessness, and powerlessness.

• Help the child/teen understand what they are experiencing, help them understand their overall emotional state.

• Help them understand what is in their control, what is certain, what power they do have.

• Help them counteract negativity: Put

them into an action state of mind where decision-making can occur.

Travis says that traditionally, winter months increase the likelihood of feelings of isolation and social disconnect, but because of the uncertainty and restrictions during the last year, he feels the negative aspects associated with winter have been impacting our mental health all year. This is true in the case of children as well, so know and watch for the signs of anxiety and depression in children.

About Anxiety and Depression, according to the CDC ANXIETY When a child does not outgrow the fears and worries that are typical in young children, or when there are so many fears and worries that they interfere with school, home, or play activities, the child may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. continued...

Parenting is based on three core principles.

BE A HEALTHY ROLE-MODEL OF ADULTHOOD. Parents are an example of physical health, mental health, emotional health, and spiritual health.

BE A MIRROR FOR CHILDREN. Although parents feel that their children don’t care what they think, feel, or believe, they do.

EXPRESS, SET, AND BE CONSISTENT WITH BOUNDARIES AND EXPECTATIONS. Separate child from behaviors.

Love the child, dislike the behavior.

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Anxiety may present itself as fear or worry, but can also make children irritable and angry.

Anxiety symptoms can include trouble sleeping, or physical symptoms such as fatigue, headache, or stomachache.

DEPRESSION Occasionally being sad or feeling hopeless is a part of every child’s life. However, some children feel sad or uninterested in things that they used to enjoy or feel helpless or hopeless in situations they are able to change. Here are

a few behaviors often seen in children with depression: • Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable a lot of the time • Not wanting to do or enjoy doing fun things • Showing changes in eating patterns — eating a lot more or a lot less than usual • Showing changes in sleep patterns — sleeping a lot more or a lot less than normal • Showing changes in energy — being tired and sluggish or tense and restless a lot of the time • Having a hard time paying attention • Feeling worthless, useless, or guilty • Showing self-injury and self-destructive behavior • Causing trouble or acting unmotivated, incorrectly labeled as a troublemaker or lazy.

For more information, contact Travis Christensen, LCMHC to schedule an appointment at 435 258-8533 or cleardirectioncounseling@gmail.com.

30 | Winter 2021

Everything You Need to Know About Growing Raspberries MARK ANDERSON owner, Anderson’s Seed and Garden

ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE fruits, raspberries, come in more colors than you think: red, purple, yellow, and black.

They grow from perennial roots that produce mostly thorny stems called canes that grow tall and leafy the first year, then produce fruit the second summer.

Some varieties, known as everbearing, can produce two crops on the same canes, one in the first fall and the second the next summer. Raspberry plants need a cold winter, cool, moist spring weather, and a gradual transition to warmer summer temperatures. They are perfect for Cache Valley!

Red raspberries are most commonly grown. Yellow types are mutations of the

red varieties. Black raspberries have blueblack fruit that is firmer and have more seeds than the more common varieties.

Purple raspberries are crosses between black and red raspberries. Raspberries can grow very aggressively, and if not well tended or pruned properly, they can become weedy, overgrown, invasive, and problematic. However, with some care, they can be one of the most delicious and delightful additions to any garden.

Plant in an open site in full sun, or a little late afternoon shade if you live in a hot summer climate. Pick a location with good soil drainage, they do well in raised garden beds too. Raspberries like cooler temperatures during late spring

and early summer, so a heavy mulch will help maintain cooler soil and consistent moisture content. Raspberries also prefer deep, well-drained soil with a high organic matter content — the less clay the better.

Sandy soils work fine, but avoid heavy clay soils if possible. Use heavy mulches to prevent weeds, keep the soil consistently moist, and maintain cooler soil temperatures. In Cache Valley, raspberries are highly susceptible to iron chlorosis.

Acidifying the soil each year with sulfur will not only help correct iron deficiency, but also assist with fruit production.

Early spring, after the last hard frost in cold climates, is the best time to plant.

Our general rule of thumb: Only plant

Feed your family for $30 a year.

We’re serious when we say you can feed your family for a year on $30-worth of vegetable seeds.

If you have a 50X50 foot garden (2500 square feet), we can help you fill it with about $30-worth of vegetable seeds. All it takes is a little effort and a little know-how.

Come on in before spring planting is here. We’ll provide the know-how, and you can make the effort.

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

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raspberries in months that have an R in the name, like ApRil or SeptembeR. No planting in May-August. Make sure to position crowns about 1” below the surface when backfilling. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart and all rows should be 8 to 10 feet apart.

Make sure to provide regular water throughout the growing season, usually a deep watering every 5-10 days, depending on heat and sun exposure. Drip or soaker systems are preferable, but overhead sprinklers will work fine.

Use a balanced fertilizer with micronutrients in early spring before the new growth begins to emerge to maintain consistent growth and fruit production. Plan on one pound (about two cups of fertilizer) for a 30-foot row.

A second, light application just after fruit set will help keep the plants growing and boost productivity. Some growers will apply a third application after harvest, to encourage good growth from new shoots that will be producing fruit next year.

If iron chlorosis occurs, use a chelated iron supplement like EDDHA 6% Iron.

Raspberries prefer a more acidic soil, so

yearly or even biannual applications of sulfur can help maintain a lower pH and keep iron freely available to the plants.

Raspberry roots are perennial, meaning once established, they will come back year after year. The canes, however, are mostly biennial — they grow the first year, and produce flowers and fruit the second, then they should be removed. When pruning raspberries, it is important to know the difference between one and two-year-old growth.

For summer-bearing raspberries, leave the canes unpruned the first summer. In late fall or very early spring (when the canes are dormant), trim the first year’s growth back to 4 to 5 feet tall. Also, remove any weak, damaged or diseased canes. New growth will sprout from the ground each spring to replace the canes that have already fruited. After harvest season, cut the two-year-old canes that just produced fruit, right to the ground, allowing the new growth to take its place.

Everbearing varieties fruit the first fall on the top third of the cane, then again in the second summer on the lower two-thirds of

the cane. Cut the upper third of the cane back after harvest; cut out the lower two-thirds to the ground after the second harvest the next summer. As an alternative, you can cut everbearing canes to the ground yearly in the fall after fruiting. You’ll sacrifice the summer crop, but it encourages a heavier and extended harvest the next late summer and into fall.

Pick the fruit when berries are fully developed, have deep, mature color, and are sweet to the taste. When mature, the fruit will separate easily from the plant.

Fruit can get crushed easily if piled too deep on top of each other, so harvest with a broad, shallow container to prevent damage. Anticipate 10 to 25 pounds of fruit per 10 feet of row depending on variety, location, and growing season.

At first, growing raspberries might seem daunting, but once you get to know them, they really don’t take a lot of time or care to produce a lot of delicious fruit. I know I’ve been reluctant to plant them for a few years, because of the time requirements, but after putting all this information together for new gardeners, I think I might just be up for the challenge this year.

32 | Winter 2021

Easy Ways to Improve Memory SARAH LYONS contributing writer

EVERYONE FORGETS THINGS from time to time, but it seems the more kids I have, the more forgetful I become. It’s frustrating, and sometimes costly, to forget an appointment or an important deadline, but when you notice it’s happening regularly, it’s time to get organized.

Here are some easy tips to improve memory:

Write it down “I am a paper person. I have a spiral notebook I write everything in,” says mom Jean Janner.

“I use them for menu planning, shopping lists, to-do lists, notes from phone calls and doctor appointments, and holiday and vacation planning. I write the date on the front so I can look back if needed.”

According to a study done at UCLA, taking notes, rather than typing on a laptop, improves memory. Taking notes during a meeting, writing to-do and shopping lists, and using paper calendars and planners may help you remember more easily.

There’s an app for that If you prefer to go paperless, there are great ways to use technology to help you remember what you have on your plate today. “Everything, no matter how trivial, goes on a list or calendar in an app I use on my phone,” says mom Kara Thomas. “I cannot imagine motherhood without it.”

Many families like the ease of electronic

Fun Activities that Improve Memory • • • • • • • • •

Learn to play an instrument Take up a new hobby Learn a new language Play logic games and puzzles Take up knitting or crocheting Do crafts and/or scrapbooking Read a book or magazine Listen to music or audiobooks Play games that involve hand-eye coordination like tennis or basketball • Play video games

calendars because they can be easily shared with all family members. “My husband and I have a calendar where we store all our information, which is automatically shared,” says Holly Searls, mother of four. “I also utilize the alarm function on my phone.” This can be used for appointments, reminders to take medicine, or to grab library books for school. The key to using technology effectively is to be diligent about entering information as soon as it’s received.

Take care of yourself When you are overtired, hungry, or stressed it can be hard to prioritize, organize, and remember what needs to be done. A good night’s sleep can do wonders to help improve memory. Similarly, a healthy diet can help keep your mind sharp. Eating empty calories will cause you to feel sluggish, making it difficult to focus. If you are already eating and sleeping well, try adding cardiovascular activity to your day. Exercise can greatly improve memory. Start with 10 to 20 minutes of brisk walking each day to give yourself a boost.

Mentally prepare for multitasking Parents become great multitaskers. We simultaneously pack school lunches, feed kids breakfast, watch the news, and go through a mental checklist for the day. While multitasking can be a very useful tool, it can also adversely affect memory. When our minds are occupied with multiple things at once it’s easy to forget one of them. Try sitting down for a few minutes in the morning and focusing on what needs to be done. Prioritize your tasks, set reminders on your phone, make lists, and check the calendar to ensure you don’t miss anything important.

Challenge yourself You can improve your memory by doing things you enjoy or by trying something new.

One way to keep our minds sharp is to take on new challenges on a regular basis. Learn to play the piano or take up knitting, read a book, or work on logic puzzles. When we keep our minds active and sharp, memory improves.

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34 | Winter 2021

SA FE FA MI LI E S

Is Your Child Ready to Stay Home Alone?

SARAH LYONS contributing writer

GIVING KIDS THE RESPONSIBILTY to stay home alone can be a positive and confidence building experience, a rite of passage. Every parent will reach the point where they are faced with the decision whether their child is ready to stay home alone. How do you know they are ready? Children must have the skills and maturity to handle being on their own safely.

There is no magical age that determines a child is ready to be home

alone, but kids who are ready show the following signs: • Desires to stay home alone and is not fearful being alone in the home • Exhibits good decision making • Shows awareness of others and their surroundings • Proves to be responsible and trustworthy • Knows home address and phone number, as well as how to get in touch with parents

• Can make a snack for themselves • Knows how to use a phone, call a neighbor for help, and dial 911 • Follows simple rules and instructions • Knows basic first aid Leaving kids home alone for the first time is a big step. Even if kids are not planning to babysit, consider enrolling them in a babysitting class because the skills taught there can be very useful for kids who are beginning to stay

Attractions 

Birthday Parties



Group Parties



Lumberjacked Axe Throwing



Roller Skating



Flashpointe Tactical Laser Tag



Bowling



Arcades



Park Café



Lazer Runner



Soft Play Jungle Gym

255 E. 1770 North North Logan

(435) 792-4000

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home alone. If you believe your child is ready, how can parents prepare them for success?

• Go over the rules: Are friends allowed to come over? Is the child allowed to leave the house? Are there cable channels the child is not permitted to watch? Go over these and any other family rules and make it clear that your child understands.

• Discuss possible situations: If someone comes to the door, what is the child to do? If the phone rings, is the child to answer? How will

they respond if someone asks to speak to the parent? “She is busy right now. Can I take a message?” is a good response. Do you have a home phone or a cell phone available for your child to use?

• Kitchen safety: Make sure the child knows how to use kitchen appliances and tools and discuss what they are allowed to make in the kitchen. Only cold snacks? Can they use the microwave?

• Emergency preparedness: Does your child know what to do in case of smoke or a fire? What should he or

she do if there are severe storms?

Does she know basic first aid? Post emergency phone numbers and contact information so your child has it in case of an emergency.

Discuss who to contact if parents are unreachable (a neighbor, family member, or friend).

• Create a list of “Dos” and “Don'ts”: Don’t play with matches or lighters.

Don’t let anyone in the house.

Don’t leave the house, except an emergency situation. Do call and check in when you get home from school. Do work on homework and chores. Each family is different and will have their own list of what is expected.

• Role play: Act out different scenarios that may arise. Pretend that the child needs to reach you, what will they do? How would they call 911? What would they do in case of a fire? Pretend the phone rings, how will they answer? By walking through different situations kids will be better prepared if the unexpected happens.

• Start slow: Begin by leaving the child for a short 15 to 30 minutes at a time and slowly increase. Talk about any questions or problems that may have arisen. Ask your child about their feelings when home alone. If the child is fearful, they may not be ready to be on their own.

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36 | Winter 2021

Fourteen Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Sweet EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

SOME PEOPLE oppose Valentine’s Day, staunchly calling it a “Hallmark holiday,” but I see it as a great way to make it through the long, cold winter months and up the kindness level in our home. My husband and I opt to celebrate this holiday as a family and have made many great memories with our kiddos doing so. Here are 14 ideas that you can implement fairly simply to make Valentine’s Day sweet for your whole family.

1. Send Valentines: There are lots of ways to do it. My kids love creating homemade valentines and mailing them to faraway friends, grandparents, or cousins.

Sometimes we include a coupon for an ice cream at McDonald’s or a homemade friendship bracelet. You can also email valentines via sites like Blue Mountain Cards, American Greetings, or Punchbowl for free. The Touchnote app lets you send postcards and add a picture.

For about $1.50, they will do the printing and mailing to anywhere in the world.

2. 14 Days of Kindness: Get creative as a family and plan 14 acts of kindness to do on the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Some ideas to help you get started: draw pictures or write notes to residents at a nursing home, pay for someone’s order in the fast-food line, deliver a treat to community helpers like the police, firefighters, or school secretaries, pick up trash in the neighborhood, or shovel a neighbor’s snowy driveway.

3. Write Each Other Love Notes: Whether each kid puts out a creatively decorated mailbox, you have one family mail station, or you secretly hide notes on each other’s pillows and in backpacks, February is a great time to encourage your kids to write notes to their siblings.

I’ve found that the writer is usually just as excited or more than the recipient. It feels good to be kind and always sets a special tone of love in our home when our kids are on a secret mission to share their love with each other.

4. Make a Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board: A charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) board is an easy, tasty, and beautiful way to feed a crowd an appetizer — but we like to use it for a meal! There’s a long list of what can go on a charcuterie board (hint: anything you want!), but they commonly include cured meat, cheese, olives, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, honey, bread and jelly or jam. You can cut cheese or salami into heart shapes and choose pink and red fruits and vegetables to make it especially festive.

5. Have a Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt: Start at your kids’ bedrooms and put clues around the house, letting them search high and low for a box of candy, a pack of stickers, or a stuffed animal.

6. Get Heart Healthy: February is American Heart Month, so use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to educate your kids about heart health.

Plan an annual family walk or bike ride, or crank up your favorite love songs and get your hearts pumping with a Valentine’s Day dance party.

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7. Give them a Heart Attack: I love to surprise my kids by decorating their bedroom doors or bathroom mirrors with paper hearts. It makes it extra special to write compliments or love notes on the hearts.

8. Break a Piñata: Kids love the fun of breaking a piñata. Heart-shaped piñatas are available on Amazon if you can’t find one locally. Your kids may also love making their own piñata using a balloon, newspapers, a paste made of flour and water, and tissue paper.

9. Have a Photoshoot: Use cut-out hearts, feather boas, top hats, and costume jewelry to create a fun photo booth.

Dress the kids in red and have a Valentine’s Day photo shoot!

We love to pull out the fondue 10. Bake Together: Sugar cookies are pot on Valentine’s Day and dip a standard in our house, but you strawberries, graham crackers, could take it up a notch and try your marshmallows, cheesecake bites, hand at red velvet cake, truffles, pretzels, and whatever else we can cheesecake, or chocolate mousse. It find in chocolate. could be fun to split the family into 13. Watch Your Wedding Video: Our teams and have a bake off. kids love watching our wedding 11. Read Valentine’s Day-Themed Picture video. They think it is fun to see Books: Some of our favorites are: how young we looked, and we love Love by Matt de la Pena, illustrated reminiscing on loved ones who

by Loren Long; In My Heart by Jo were there and how much our love Witek, illustrated by Christine has grown over the years.

Roussey; Love is… by Diane Adams, illustrated by Claire Keane; The Day 14. Say “I Love You:” How often do you say those three simple words it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond; and out loud? No matter how else you Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by choose to celebrate, there’s no better Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Paul way to let your family know just how Yalowitz. special you think they are!

12. Dip Everything in Chocolate:

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38 | Winter 2021

RESULTS fOR THE iNAUGURAL holiday home light tour

cocoa for a cause

$500 winner! BEST HOLiDAY HOME Of cAcHE VALLEY

fAVORiTE THEME: star wars house

MOST cREATiVE USE Of LiGHTS: the griswold house

BEST USE Of HOLiDAY MUSic: cliffside lights

Thank you to all the homeowners for sharing their home with us and spreading some holiday cheer, and thanks to those who purchased tickets. We couldn’t have done this without you!

With your help, we raised over $5,000 for Santa Soldiers Charity to support military families this holiday.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ORGANIZERS AND SPONSORS WHO MADE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE:

Rapture Audio

339 North Main Street, Suite 120, Logan UT 84321 | NMLS# 190465 | www.intercaplending.com | Equal Housing Lender

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A SWEET WAY TO SUPPORT CAPSA

During 2021, Herm’s Inn will donate $1 to CAPSA for every Cinnamon Swirl Pancake purchased.

FOR SUPPORT

435.753.2500 24-HOUR PHONE LINE

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40 | Winter 2021

2021 this year I will smile more

we will do our best for you!

Brady Thomson, DDS • Jeffrey Johnson, DDS

THOMSON FAMILY ORTHODONTICS

435.752.1320 • Logan • Providence • tfobraces.com Thomson Family Orthodontics

@tfobraces