February 2018 Search Lone Tree

S E A R C H

LONETREE LONE TREE’S PREMIER MONTHLY COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2013

In This Month’s Issue

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Denver, CO

PAID Permit 5377 Prsrt Std U.S. Postage

Plus much more!

ECRWSS

Hey Alexa, What’s Going on in Douglas County

LONE TREE Magazine

Restaurant Review: Sierra l Local Business Spotlight

POSTAL PATRON

Center Stage at the Lone Tree Arts Center

12760 Stroh Ranch Way, Suite 202 Parker, CO 80134 303-805-9455

DATE NIGHT

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S E A R C H

LONETREE FEBRUARY 2018

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Center Stage With the Lone Tree Arts Center

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Date Night Great ideas for your next date night in, and around, Lone Tree

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Restaurant Review Lunch with a friend at Lone Tree’s newest restaurant, Sierra

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Page 7

A Date Night in Lone Tree

Alexa, What’s Going On in DougCo Douglas County is now a skill on Amazon Alexa

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Local Business Spotlight Get fit with these two great locally owned fitness businesses

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The Bookends & Local Author Spotlight

February Scavenger Hunt Contest

How would you like to win a gift certificate from local Lone Tree restaurants?

Well, here is your chance. We have gift certificates from many locally owned restaurants and want to give you one. To win, all you have to do is go online to LonetreeMagazine.com and enter our February Scavenger Hunt contest.

You will need this copy of Search Lone Tree to enter...so head over to our website today and you could win! Good Luck!

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LONE TREE Magazine FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2 PUBLISHER MIKE WAID

mike.waid@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 700

SALES DIRECTOR KAYCE ARTHUR

kayce@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 706

EDITORIAL TIFFANY GRIZZLE

tiffany@waidpublishing.com

Search Lone Tree Magazine is published 12 times per year by Waid Publishing (www.

WaidPublishing.com), a division of Mike Waid & Associates, Inc. (www.MikeWaid. com), 12760 Stroh Ranch Way, Suite 202, Parker, CO 80134, 303-805-9455. Search Lone Tree Magazine is available online at www.

LoneTreeMagazine.com. Search Lone Tree Magazines is a trademark of Waid Publishing.

All rights reserved. The views, opinions and/or statements made or expressed by individuals and/or entities, are not necessarily reflective of the views and opinions of Waid Publishing.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without explicit permission from Search Lone Tree Magazine. Copyright 2018 Search Lone Tree Magazine - All rights Reserved.

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Center

Stage with the

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Tree Arts Center FEBRUARY 2018 search lone tree magazine

The Lone Tree Arts Center is brimming with performances this winter, with something for everyone! In early February, you won’t want to miss The Peking Acrobats. Masters of agility and grace, they perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs; they are experts at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control, and they push the envelope of human possibility with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats, showcasing tremendous skill and ability. Witness this amazing performance yourself on February 7th at the Lone Tree Arts Center.

On February 8th, be part of the social media phenomenon when PostSecret comes to Lone Tree with PostSecret: The Show. Post Secret is an ongoing, community mail art project that began in 2005 by Frank Warren, a man known as “the most trusted stranger in America.” Since its inception, PostSecret encourages people to mail their secrets, anonymously, on a homemade postcard. See the hopeful, shocking, and painful secrets that became a social media phenomenon, brought hundreds of millions to the PostSecret blog, became six best-selling books, and are currently in a Smithsonian art exhibition.

Make plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early with Canadian crooner Matt Dusk. Dusk, a Canadian jazz musician and vocalist, has drawn comparisons to vocal greats such as Frank Sinatra as well as contemporaries like Michael Bublé and Jamie Cullum. He has two gold and two platinum certified albums, including Good News and Just the Two of Us. He’ll be performing timeless classics made famous by the likes of Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Ella Fitzgerald. Skip the frenzy on the 14th and get your tickets for Matt Dusk’s February 10th show at the Arts Center.

Ballet lovers won’t want to miss Moscow Festival Ballet performing the timeless classic Cinderella. The Moscow Festival Ballet was founded in 1989 when legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, Sergei Radchenko, sought to realize his vision of a company which would bring together the highest classical elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies in an independent new company within the framework of Russian classic ballet.This performance features a stunningly beautiful blend of storytelling, humor, splendid scenery and costumes, promising to make you believe in “happily ever after.” Don’t miss your chance to see classic storytelling in motion with the Moscow Festival Ballet’s performance of Cinderella on February 15th.

In March, we celebrate Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, with Pradhanica, showcasing Kathak dance. Dizzying spins, fast-paced footwork, immersive emotions, and dynamic drumming come together in this contemporary presentation of the Indian classical dance form. The New York Times praised the show, describing it as “fleet-footed choreography, along with music which illuminated Indian rhythms in enticingly offbeat ways. ( Jin) Won’s musicality transformed her dancing into something primal. The tension between wildness and control was a hallmark of Pradhanica.” Saturday, March 3rd, come witness this elegant and entertaining show yourself.

March 5th and 6th, grab the opportunity to be in the audience for one of the greatest singing groups of all time. Motown supergroup The Temptations graces the stage at the Lone Tree Arts Center for two evenings, treating us to many selections from their nearly 100 charted R&B song catalog,including famous hits “My Girl,” “The Way You Do The Things

You Do,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” and more. Since the group’s formation in the 1960’s, they have amassed 43 Top 10 hits and were hailed Billboard’s Top All-Time R&B/Hip Hop Artists in 2017. Take one of the two chances you have to groove to the sounds of Motown with the Temptations that first week of March.

Later in the month, Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez, currently starring in the role of Angelica Schuyler in Broadway’s show-stopping hit Hamilton, takes a night off to perform hits from In the Heights, Wicked, and more. Gonzalez, who created the role of Nina Rosario in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights, can also be seen on the tv shows Madam Secretary and Quantico. She also played the iconic role of Elphaba in Wicked. Don’t miss the powerful voice of this Obie award winning singer and actress on March 18th.

There is no shortage of amazing entertainment for adult audiences at the Lone Tree Arts Center, but younger patrons have plenty to be excited about as well. The popular Passport to Culture Series continues in 2018 with February’s offering being the ever-popular celebration of the Chinese New Year on February 18th. March’s Passport to Culture transports kids to India with Pradhanica on March 4th. Passport to Culture is a program specifically designed for children and families to experience arts and culture outside the classroom and inside a world of imagination through performances, workshops and pure entertainment to foster the growth of visual and performing arts, science and cultural understanding in our community. The recommended age for this programming is families with children 12 and under and tickets for children and adults are only $5.

Seedlings, a family program designed to engage parents and young children in arts, culture, and science at the Lone Tree Arts Center, is geared for the littlest of theater lovers, specifically toddlers to kindergarten-age students. Admission is only $3 and children under a year old are admitted free of charge. On February 6th, Seedlings presents Cultural Traditions of Mexico. Explore the diverse cultural richness of Mexico through dance, music, and art with Fiesta Colorado’s Jeannette Trujillo.

Tots will learn the basic dance skills, footwork steps, and different Latino rhythms by focusing on Mexican cultural celebrations.

March 6th, catch Music for Kids with Eric West. This show features interactive musical storytelling that involves audience participation and is fun for the whole family! Eric West is a singer, songwriter who lives in the Colorado mountains and has been performing for 30 years. He’ll help you find music in everyday items including homemade and recycled instruments.. For more information, visit www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

With the wealth of offerings, from Broadway to Ballet, Motown to celebrations of cultures from across the globe, and the monthly opportunities for children to experience all there is to offer at the Arts Center, there is no reason NOT to check out a show (or two or three!) If you do plan on buying tickets to three or more shows in the 2017-2018 season you can save up to 15% with a Design Your Own package option (www. lonetreeartscenter.org/designyourown.php) The best deal is to become a subscriber to the LTAC’s theater series and receive a 20% discount on Featured Attractions. Go to www.lonetreeartscenter.org to see the complete list of shows and events, buy tickets or even donate to the Arts Center to help them continue their amazing programming. See you at the theater! lonetreemagazine.com FEBRUARY 2018

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DATE NIGHT

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ebruary is typically the month of hearts and flowers, chocolate and cupids and many times grand gestures of wining and dining and day-long outings with intricately planned details. Most of you reading may agree, sometimes less is more and grand gestures, although appreciated, aren’t always what we’re looking for; sometimes we’re just looking for a little something different for a fun night out. If you’re looking to plan a date night or just a night out with friends, there’s lots of options you may not have realized are available for consideration whether you’re looking for a new culinary experience, something a bit adventurous, a little art and culture or something completely different - check out what might be your next night out.

Why just wine and dine when you can make your own? Check out InVINtions Creative Winery, where you can learn alongside their winemakers and create your own bottles, including a custom label. (www.invintionswinery.com) Another option to enjoying a wonderful wine (or to make your own) is at Water2Wine. Check their event schedules for classes or who’s playing on Live Music Fridays! (www.water2wine.com) Stomach still rumbling a bit? Instead of another dinner out, why not venture into Uncorked Kitchen to share all the experiences of preparing and enjoying your meal. Check out their event calendar at www.uncorkedkitchen.com and choose from options like Uncorked Tacos, Mardi

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Gras, Girls Night Out Wine Party and much, much more!

Feeling a bit daring? Explore the Denver area a little differently with BigCity Hunt (www.scavengerhunt. com) See some of the best sites through photo challenges and fun activities to do with a group of friends.

Maybe take a drive around town or even to the mountains, but in your DREAM car (denverluxurycarrental.com or exoticdrivesdenver.com). Perhaps you’d like to do something out of the ordinary, but make it a night in? Check out www.nightofmystery. com for a variety of Murder Mystery party plots and ideas.

Those looking for a sportier night out may want to take a swing at Top Golf or take a page from some first dates from long ago at Monster Mini Golf. This 18-hour glow-in-the-dark, black light course will take mini golf up several notches! (www.monsterminigolf.com) Ready for something completely different? Channel your inner Ninja Warrior at Path Movement (www.pathmovement.com) This Parkour gym offers classes that allow you to tackle obstacles in a whole new way. You can always try your hand at any one of the activities at Family Sports Center (laser tag, climbing wall, ice arena, or the two-tiered, heated driving range.) www.ssprd. org/Family-Sports-Center. Instead of a battle on the turf, maybe a battle of wits is in order - check

out the Clue Room and see if you can beat the clock against Alice’s Whimsical Wonderland, Nautilus, The Shadow Gallery, Kinoko or Sherlocked. (www. theclueroom.com) Looking to up the culture factor? Bookmark the Lone Tree Arts Center’s event calendar so you don’t miss shows like the Peking Acrobats, August Wilson’s Fences, or Motown legends The Temptations. (www.lonetreeartscenter.org) You could also take the arts into your own hands, literally, by checking out local Paint Nite events. You’ve most likely seen those, paint a picture with friends while enjoying an adult beverage establishments; this is a traveling version of that concept. Check out their calendar of events at local bars and restaurants near you (www.paintnite. com) If the idea of painting has you making other plans, check out Plant Nite - instead of painting, plant beautiful succulents in beautiful terrariums and planters, go green, and go home with new decor! For tickets to events in bars and restaurants near you, go to www.plantnite.com.

Plants or paint, brews or wine tasting, exploring the city or staying close to home. The next time you get a date night on the calendar or you’re able to get the guys/girls together, think outside the box a bit and try something new on for size. Don’t save the original ideas for once a year on Valentine’s - make every night out a new adventure!

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SIERRA Lone Tree Restaurant Review

One of my favorites things is meeting a friend for lunch or dinner. Eating out is such a fun social event and even better when you can share the experience with someone you enjoy.

It is also great when you find a new place to try for lunch or dinner.

A couple weeks ago I invited a long time friend to meet for lunch. I had just heard some good things about Lone Tree’s newest culinary experience, Sierra, and thought it would be a good place to meet her.

When the day came for lunch I was very impressed by their new building. As we walked in the impressive scale and layout was something that quickly grabbed my attention.

Since our lunch was in the cold of January, we ate inside. However, Sierra hosts a massive outdoor patio area that will be the perfect spot for outdoor drinks or a meal once the weather turns warmer.

Inside the layout is very open and spacious.

With direct views into the kitchen and windows everywhere you really notice the amount of natural light and feel the energy of the staff.

Once we were seated the real fun part began... deciding what to have. We started with an appetizer of Petite Rellenos. The green chile was a perfect mix of slight heat and rich flavor.

They didn’t last long and I even debated ordering a second round.

For our entrées, I had the Iceberg Wedge and my friend had the Crispy Chicken Diablo

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Sandwich. I am a sucker for a good wedge salad and Sierra’s wedge did not disappoint.

The flavors were crisp and fresh and it was a perfect balance of taste and texture.

My friend’s Chicken Diablo Sandwich looked amazing. While I didn’t try a bite of it, she did say it was very flavorful. I did, however, steal quite a few of her potatoes which were simply perfect.

We decided to wrap things up with the Joaquin Valley Strawberry Shortcake. Neither of us normally have dessert with lunch but we decided to be adventurous once it was described to us. Fresh strawberry atop a generous piece of shortcake covered in thick and rich whipped cream made our taste buds go crazy.

Sierra not only provided an incredible meal but also a fun place to catch up with a friend.

I can’t wait to try them again for dinner and especially can’t wait to visit their patio in the warmer months.

If you are looking for some place new for a culinary adventure, then make sure you bring some friends to Sierra in Lone Tree. You won’t be disappointed.

Sierra 10680 Cabela Drive Lone Tree, CO 80124 303.662.8800 SierraRestaurant.com

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Alexa,

What’s Going on in Douglas County?

“Alexa, what’s the weather like today?”

“Alexa, what are the movie times for Friday night?”

“Alexa, find a recipe for spaghetti bolognese.”

In this day and age, you may be asking Alexa all kinds of questions on a daily basis, maybe even trying out the funny commands like, “Alexa, what is the first rule of fight club?” or “Alexa, fire the photon torpedoes.”

If you aren’t altogether sure as to what “Alexa” is exactly, Alexa is Amazon’s cloud-based voice service. It (“she”) connects to the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show and other Alexa-enabled devices such as Fire TV, Amazon Tap, Fire Tablets, and more. Alexa is a virtual personal assistant that can do things like adjust the volume on your speakers, set a timer, update your calendar and more, all activated by simply saying, “Alexa.”

Now, Douglas County residents can add a whole new list of commands to their Alexa repertoire. Douglas County is adding a new skill for Amazon Alexa called Ask Douglas County, enabling citizens to access information about events and services as well as answer their questions. This innovation is the first government skill in the state of Colorado to leverage the latest technology from Amazon’s Alexa voice service. This new Douglas County skill for Alexa will enable citizens to engage and connect with local government in a whole new, interactive way. To activate the skill, users simply say, “Alexa, enable Douglas County” on their Amazon device or access it through the Alexa app.

Once activated, a variety of information can be accessed by asking questions such as: “Alexa, Ask Douglas County what’s new” to access news in the area.

“Alexa, Ask Douglas County if there are any road closures this week” “Alexa, Ask Douglas County what local events are happening this month” “Alexa, Ask Douglas County how I pay my property tax.”

More questions are being added based on citizen inquiries, and a complete list of questions can be found on the Douglas County open data site, DougCodata.org.

What are you waiting for? Activate the new Ask Douglas County skill and start finding out everything that is happening in your neighborhood - and maybe that recipe for spaghetti bolognese too!

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Small Business Spotlight Lone Tree

Intensity Park Meadows | Park Meadows CrossFit 9556 Park Meadows Dr Ste 400 www.intensityparkmeadows.com 720-724-0464 Hours: 5am - 830pm

YogaPod Park Meadows 7824 Park Meadows Drive Ste 200 www.yogapod.com/parkmeadows/ 303-284-8314 Hours: 6am - 830pm

WHEN DID YOUR BUSINESS OPEN

WHEN DID YOUR BUSINESS OPEN

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE LONE TREE

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE LONE TREE

2013

CrossFit and Intensity Workout Facility

I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals and wanted a gym close to my home with incredible coaching.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE

Exceptional Coaching, incredible programming, and the unique 55 minute Intensity Program.

WHY DID YOU GET INTO THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS

Fitness has been a major part of my life for most of my life. I wanted to start a facility close to home which would help other people find the same kind of love for fitness that I have.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT OWNING YOUR BUSINESS IN LONE TREE

The members and coaches are amazing. Our entire social network is now from the gym.

WHAT SHOULD A NEW MEMBER AT YOUR GYM TRY

Start out with the 30 Days for $30 and join a technique class. The technique is universal to all lifting and is a great way to learn about CrossFit and Endurance Circuit Training.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW BUSINESS OWNER IN LONE TREE

2016

Health and Holistic Wellness

Because of all the great people who live in Lone Tree.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE

We offer a huge selection of classes in addition to a very convenient location in Lone Tree...easy for anyone to get to.

WHY DID YOU GET INTO THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS

It is my passion and I wanted to find a way to share my passion with others in Lone Tree. It was a natural mix and makes everything about it fun.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT OWNING YOUR BUSINESS IN LONE TREE

There are many things that make owning a business in Lone Tree incredible, but I would have to say my great staff and community.

WHAT SHOULD A NEW MEMBER AT YOUR GYM TRY

For sure any one of our yoga classes. New students will be amazed how great they feel. We currently have a free week to offer new students so they can experience how awesome our yoga classes are.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW BUSINESS OWNER IN LONE TREE

Be involved in your community and get to know other local business owners.

Lone Tree is a fantastic community. We have all of the benefits of big city, with a small community that seems driven to participate locally.

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THEBOOKENDS

with Pam & Becky

Finding Gobi

Passports and Plum Blossoms

By Dion Leonard

This is a nonfiction story about Dion Leonard an accomplished ultra marathon runner. While competing in a 155 mile race in China he meets and falls in love with an unexpected running companion. His wife is not upset, as his new love is a scruffy little dog that is a mighty runner. She is named Gobi for the Gobi Desert and becomes a celebrity as she follows Dion during a good part of this race. Dion quickly decides to bring Gobi home to the UK but things don’t go as planned.

This little stray will take Dion on a course that will be hardthan an ultra marathon as he battles foreign language barriers and government regulations.

BECKY This is our first non-fiction story in quite awhile. I saw the cover of this book and thought it would be a fun read. I had no idea that this was a popular story. Were you already familiar with Dion and Gobi’s story?

PAM I was so excited to read this book! I had recently seen a small piece about this story on a running website. This book mixes two of my favorite things: dogs and running. Before Dion met Gobi, I had struggled to connect with him. Did you find his voice a little brusque at the beginning of the story?

BECKY He does seem like a very serious, matter of

fact, kind of man and that did impact the beginning of the story. However, during the book he shares some of his past and that helped me to connect to him. What I found amazing is that he hasn’t been running very long. He started running in his late 30’s and was competing in extreme running competitions soon after that. You are an avid runner so did this story connect to you on an athletic level when he spoke of the terrain or conditions of racing?

PAM I was also interested in his success after com-

ing into the sport in his late 30’s. This type of story always amazes me, because I can’t imagine having the ability to run these extreme distances! I found his descriptions of his preparation for and execution of his races intriguing. His determination and drive to compete made his connection with Gobi even more special. Were you surprised that such a little dog could keep up with Dion during his ultra in China?

BECKY Absolutely! I have two dogs about the

same size and there is no way they could keep up with even an average runner. Animals, dogs in particular, in China do not have the elevated social status like an American pet would. This dog did not seem to come from a home where he was fed well and took daily walks so it’s all the more amazing that he was so strong and healthy. There is a point in the book where Gobi and Dion are separated. A local group searched tirelessly for him and a Crowdfunder account (similar to Go Fund Me) was well funded by people from all over the world. Were you amazed at how many strangers were willing to help Dion find his companion?

PAM I was completely amazed and thrilled by the

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help he received by complete strangers! The lengths FEBRUARY 2018 search lone tree magazine

by Barbara Oliverio

er

that Dion, his wife, and so many others went to in order to locate Gobi and get the little dog to a new home were amazing. Dion’s wife, who is also an ultrarunner, was very supportive in his quest to bring Gobi home. Were you surprised by her level of understanding and patience?

BECKY Absolutely! He went to great lengths and

expense to locate and then move Gobi to the UK. I don’t think that many partners would be as supportive. Have you watched any Youtube videos or interviews with Dion and Gobi? Read the book first but you can lose a whole afternoon if you start watching news clips about these two. There is something really special about the two of them and it’s easy to see why the world fell in love with their story. Did you hear that it might be made into a movie?

PAM I had not heard that, but I think the story would make a great movie (especially for runners and dog lovers!). I have not watched any Youtube videos about Gobi, but plan to after your suggestion! As I was reading this book, one of my students sent me a link to a video about a very similar story. This video is amazing, as the story is incredibly touching and the video clips, music, and interviews are wonderful. The video is about a dog named Arthur and the Swedish adventure racing team that found him while in the middle of the world championships in Ecuador. The heartwarming story can be found on ESPN.com: SC Featured: A dog’s remarkable journey to find a home.

While Arthur was able to get to his new home with much less trouble than Gobi, there are many parallels to these stories. Becky, do you think these strong immediate connections with Gobi and Arthur are uncommon and unique?

BECKY What a great video, and another amazing

story. This month is the first time that I’ve heard of stories like this. It’s possible that there are a hundred more like it but I would imagine that it is an uncommon occurrence. I find it interesting that such devoted and focused competitors are distracted from their goal by a stray dog that they hardly know.

The connections were made quickly and the men were fiercely committed to adopt and save these dogs . Both are wonderful stories for animal lovers. Pam, please tell us what we will be reading for March.

PAM Next month we will discuss the Underground

River by: Martha Conway.

LOCAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Annalise Fontana is feeling blue with no job, no boyfriend, and packed among her childhood memories in her parents’ home.

What could be more enticing than the opportunity to serve as a companion to her elderly Auntie Lil on a senior citizens’ tour of China (with a side trip to Singapore?.

She digs out her passport and packs her bags and assumes that she’s in for a tranquil Jane Austenesque journey.

For more information visit barbaraoliverio.com

Beyond Flight or Fight

by Sunny Weber

Rich true-life stories of saved dogs combine with the author’s sensitive insight and specialized easy to understand, step-by-step practical advice on how to live with a fearful dog. Understand dog fear and see the human world through your dog’s eyes and mind. Discover what every dog needs and how to individualize your problem-solving approaches. Learn to establish trust, leave human ego behind, and focus on what really works with frightened, undersocialized, rejected pups of all ages and histories.

For more information visit sunnyweber.com

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