Fall 2024 Cache Valley Family Magazine

Look i ng for new homes in No r th Logan, U tah? Sm i ling H Ranch is t he commun i t y for you! En j oy t he i nescapable beau t y of t he m ounta i n v iews sur roun ding this quiet co m mun i t y. Nearby sc hools include No r t h Park Elementa r y and G reen Canyon High Sc hool. Th i s com m uni t y i s wa l king distance f rom No r th Logan L i b ra r y and close to many parks , mounta i n bi k ing t rai l s, and t rail heads. In just a few minutes you ca n be in downtown Logan or exploring Logan Canyon! Ca ll today fo r a v ai l able l ots and to get sta r ted on your beautiful new ho m e in thi s am az i ng Cac he Val l ey co m mun i t y. 59 Beautifu l bu i l di ngs lots t o c hoose f rom and w i th 51 mo re to come i n Phase 2 of p l anning !

Communit y Fe atures

• Beautiful Mountain Views

• Quiet cit y living

• 25-.42 acre lots

• Minutes from downtown Logan

• Walking distance to Green Canyon High School

• 5 minutes to Utah State Universit y

• 60 minutes to Ogden

BEST BREAKFAST: HERM’S INN

BEST LUNCH: OLD GRIST MILL

BEST DINNER: THE BEEHIVE PUB & GRILL

BEST BURGER: MORTY’S CAFE

BEST PIZZA: FIREHOUSE PIZZERIA

BEST ETNHIC FOOD: TANDOORI OVEN

BEST DESSERT: FIREHOUSE PIZZERIA

BEST COOKIE: CRUMBL

BEST BAKERY: LEE’S MARKETPLACE

BEST ICE CREAM: AGGIE ICE CREAM

BEST FOOD TRUCK:

KARIE ANNE'S FROZEN DESSERTS

BEST SODA SHOP: WHIPS

BEST SALON/SPA: K SALON & SPA

BEST NAILS: POLISHED BY KIAH

BEST TANNING SALON: SILVER LINING SALON & SPA

BEST BARBERSHOP: BONEYARD BARBERING

BEST HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER: SPORTS ACADEMY & RACQUET CLUB

BEST GYMNASTICS/TUMBLING: HIGH POINT TUMBLING

BEST DANCE STUDIO: DANCE ILLUSION

BEST FLORAL SHOP: PLANT PEDDLER FLORAL

BEST EVENT VENUE: THE RITER MANSION

BEST CATERER: OFF-PREMISE CATERING

BEST MORTUARY: ALLEN MORTUARIES

BEST EMPLOYER: HEALTH WEST

BEST GROCERY STORE: LEE'S MARKETPLACE

BEST PEDIATRICIAN: DANNY SANDGREN, DO

BEST DERMATOLOGIST: ROCKY MOUNTAIN DERMATOLOGY

BEST MEDICAL SPA: ROCKY MOUNTAIN DERMATOLOGY: YOUNG SKIN CARE

Best of Cache Valley Awards 2024

Congratulations to Cache Valley's 2024 Best of Cache Valley winners, and many thanks to our readers who participated in the voting process.

BEST FAMILY DOCTOR: BRUCE ISAACSON, MD

BEST DENTIST: DAVID GORDON, DDS, LOGAN PEAK DENTAL

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST: DAREN GEHRING, DDS, CACHE VALLEY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

BEST ORTHODONTIST: THOMSON FAMILY ORTHODONTICS

BEST OBSTETRICIAN: DAVID KIRKMAN, MD

BEST EYE DOCTOR: MICHAEL COLE, DO

BEST CHIROPRACTOR: EVAN LEFEVRE, DC

BEST MEDICAL CLINIC: HEALTH WEST

BEST PHARMACY: LEE’S MARKETPLACE

BEST HOTEL: HAMPTON INN

BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION: AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: FOUR SEASONS THEATRE COMPANY

BEST FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: FOUR SEASONS THEATRE COMPANY

BEST DATE NIGHT: UTAH FESTIVAL OPERA AND MUSICAL THEATRE

BEST SUMMER CAMP: BROADWAY BOUND, UTAH FESTIVAL OPERA AND MUSICAL THEATRE

BEST SPORTS CAMP: MANNY MARTINS SOCCER CAMPS

BEST MUSIC PROGRAM: LOGAN MUSIC ACADEMY

BEST CHILDREN'S PLAY PLACE: THE JUMP ZONE

BEST PRESCHOOL: SPORTS ACADEMY & RACQUET CLUB

BEST CHILDCARE CENTER: LITTLE WONDERS LEARNING CENTERS

BEST PET CARE: BRIDGERLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL

BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE: AL’S SPORTING GOODS

BEST REALTOR: KW LOGAN

BEST HOME MORTGAGE: GUILD MORTGAGE

BEST INSURANCE AGENT/AGENCY: TYSON LUTHI, STATE FARM

BEST HOME BUILDER: OLO BUILDERS

BEST HOME REPAIR: ALPINE CLEANING AND RESTORATION

BEST CARPET CLEANER: CHEM-DRY OF NORTHERN UTAH

BEST PLUMBER: LEE’S PLUMBING

BEST ELECTRICIAN: KENDRICK ELECTRIC

BEST GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY: ANDERSON’S SEED AND GARDEN

BEST LANDSCAPER/YARD CARE: LAWN DOCTOR

BEST PEST CONTROL: ELEVATE PEST CONTROL

BEST AUTO CARE: DON’S AUTO BODY AND GLASS

BEST CAR WASH: JUDGE’S EXPRESS CAR WASH

BEST CAR SALES: WILSON MOTOR COMPANY

BEST CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER: KYLEE ANN STUDIOS

BEST FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER: HEATHER PALMER PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: RACHEL BOLAN PHOTO

BEST VIDEOGRAPHER: MIKE JOHNSON PHOTO

BEST LITTLE KID ENTERTAINMENT: CACHE VALLEY FUN PARK

BEST BIG KID ENTERTAINMENT: CACHE VALLEY FUN PARK

BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE: THE JUMP ZONE

BEST RAINY-DAY FUN: CACHE VALLEY FUN PARK

BEST APPAREL: ROOLEE

BEST HOME DÉCOR: LOCALS

BEST KID STORE: KID TO KID LOGAN

BEST BOOK STORE: THE BOOK TABLE

BEST FURNITURE STORE: FISHER’S HOME FURNISHINGS

BEST ANNUAL EVENT: UTAH FESTIVAL OPERA AND MUSICAL THEATRE

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE-DINING: ANGIE’S RESTAURANT

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE-RETAIL: THE LOGO SHOP

Publisher & Editor in Chief

EMILY BUCKLEY

Copy Editor

TARA BONE

Cover Photography

HEATHER PALMER

Layout Design

ELISE CREATES, LLC

Website Design KITE MEDIA

Contributing Writers

MARK ANDERSON

BETH BLAKE

TARA BONE

EMILY BUCKLEY

MICHAEL COLE, OD

MADISON CUTLER, PA-C

VALERIE DAINES

JENTRIE HALES

MATT KREBS

SARAH LYONS

STACY MOSS

KATE NEELEY

CARI PHILLIPS

FRANK SCHOFIELD

HAILEY WESTENSKOW

STEVE WHEELWRIGHT, DO

WIL WOOD

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Healing and Hope Inspired by Quinley ... pg 7

FAMILY MATTERS

Discoveries of a Mom Evolving with the Digital Age – Part 2 ... pg 9

TECH SAFE

Cleaning Up Your Screen Habits ... pg 14

GOOD NEIGHBORS

The New Buyer-Broker Agreement: A Win for Home Buyers ... pg 17

COVER STORY

Cache Valley to the World Stage: Conner Mantz's Olympic Journey ... pg 28

EDUCATION UPDATE

Cache County School District: Building Stronger Relationships Through School Attendance ... pg 33

Logan City School District:

Raising Upstanders: Empowering Children to Stand Up for What's Right ... pg 34

BEST-IN-CLASS YOUTH SPOTLIGHT The Unsinkable Molly Gordon ... pg 39

Identifying Mental Health Concerns in Teenagers ... pg 12

Manners Meant for Modern Day ... pg 18

Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What Every Woman Should Know... pg 21

Early Eye Exams: Protecting Your Child's Vision From the Start ... pg 23

Medicare Confidence: A Great American Opportunity ... pg 25

A Letter to My Younger Self ... pg 36

Talking to Kids About Disabilities ... pg 42

An Expert's Guide to Growing Your Own Pumpkin Patch ... pg 44

9 Local Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall ... pg 47

The Best of Fall in Cache Valley ... pg 49

Lumiarie Lights the World, One Smile at a Time ... pg 53

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Healing and Hope Inspired by Quinley

TARA BONE contributing writer

Six-year-old Quinley Grant lived and loved big. She spent her days exploring nature, loving everyone, and keeping up with her older siblings. She packed a lot of joy into her six years of life until her death on December 18, 2023, but Quinley’s story doesn’t end there. From seeds of grief, a Quinley-inspired community garden for hope and healing is blossoming in River Heights.

The memorial garden at 875 Stewart Hill Drive in River Heights was inspired by Quinley’s delight for her family’s garden in New Zealand and her favorite book Uno’s Garden by Graeme Base. Their family garden provided needed hope when, at age 3, Quinley was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). Quinley was given nine months to live.

Chelsea Grant, Quinley’s mom, and the garden’s visionary, says that although it

was an extremely challenging time with uncertainty, hospitals, and tests, their family found healing in their garden and that Quinley “lived life to the fullest!”

“Quinley was a rock star through all of it!” Chelsea said. “Everyone felt they were Quinley’s favorite. She had a way of accepting you as you were; she saw all your strengths and weakness, and loved you.”

This love is the driving force behind Quinley's Garden. The garden’s purpose is to be a place of healing, peace, and connection for those who have lost loved ones. The garden will feature a memorial walk along a path with arches, trees, and benches dedicated to loved ones. Community artboards, a gazebo for families to meet in, and a butterfly garden are also features. Memorial plaques with QR codes with pictures and stories will allow community members to remember loved ones. Families

can also plant flowers and help tend the garden.

Chelsea calls the garden “divinely orchestrated.” Typically reserved, Chelsea says that as the inspiration for the garden evolved in January of this year, she found herself making a presentation to the River Heights City Council, subsequently meeting with community members, and securing donations — things she’s never done. She says the people she needed to interact with to make the garden possible fell into place.

Chelsea adds, “I’m not one to share a lot but the words to say came to me; Quinley always got people to do things out of their comfort zone.”

Chelsea says the River Heights City Council, the family behind the Ryan’s Place Park in River Heights, and individual community continued on next page...

Quinley and her mom, Chelsea, before a scan.

Quinley and her dad, Dixon.

Quinley at Brooklands Zoo in New Zealand.

...continued from previous page members have been incredible to work with.

Though Chelsea and her husband Dixon are both from Cache Valley, both graduating from Logan High School before marrying later as students at Utah State University, they didn’t truly understand the kindness of the community.

“I had been away for 16 years, and I had no idea how good the people of Cache Valley are,” Chelsea said. “Every time I feel discouraged, someone will share their story of loss with me, and I feel honored that they’d share their stories with me.”

Chelsea says this sharing of loss is helpful for healing, and that’s just what the garden is intended to do for the entire community.

“When grieving loss, it’s often a very narrow point of view, but it’s beautiful when we open our eyes to others’ suffering,” Chelsea said. “We’re all journeying on our own paths and helping and reaching out and sharing is how we overcome our mountains. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking.”

Through generous in-kind and monetary donations and successful fundraising efforts, Chelsea says they are closer than they thought possible to making the garden

a reality. This fall volunteers will begin planting and they’re seeking volunteers for a variety of things, including donations for painted rocks with uplifting messages.

Chelsea hopes to spread the word about Quinley’s Garden so those looking for healing can be one step closer to peace in their journey. Those hoping to volunteer, donate, or find opportunities to include a memorial feature for a loved one can visit quinleysgarden.org , or follow Chelsea @quinleysgarden on Instagram.

Quinley's Garden at 875 Stewart Hill Drive in River Heights was inspired by Quinley Grant's love for her family's garden and is built with the desire to bring hope and healing to those wo have lost loved ones.

Discoveries of a Mom Evolving with the Digital Age

PART 2: THE COMPLICATED WORLD OF TEXTING

This is part two in a three-part series on this topic. Do you remember when you started texting? Can anyone even remember life without it? In the mid-2000s, friends told me texting was easy and convenient, but I felt it was impersonal, and I liked hearing my friends’ voices. As a mom of young children, phone conversations were a lifeline of connection. But I couldn’t resist when Apple’s all-touch-screen phone was introduced in 2010 — the year communication changed forever.

Texting has many advantages, and it’s become a way of life that’s always been around for those in their 20s and younger. But it’s also a form of communication that can be a complicated world full of unspoken rules, possible miscommunications, and minefields of stress for teens (and sometimes adults).

As parents, we’re navigating our own texting habits and trying to help our teens stay safe and develop good texting etiquette. It can be overwhelming, especially when even the actual language of texting seems to evolve constantly. What follows are tips and resources from experts about the world of texting.

TARA BONE contributing writer

SHOULD YOU READ YOUR KID’S TEXTS?

This is the big question. Most experts agree that a comprehensive digital safety plan is necessary when handing over a device connected to all the good and bad of the digital world. How much tracking you do on your teen’s phone and the boundaries set, such as what apps can be downloaded, is up to individual families. But most agree that at least “spot checking” and open dialogue about who they’re digitally communicating with are important. And remember, teens don’t just text; there are apps such as Snapchat used to communicate.

HELPS FOR PARENTS

• Common Sense Media: “Should You Read Your Kid’s Texts?” commonsensemedia.org

• Monitoring services vary in price, breadth of monitoring capabilities, and user-friendly features. See parentalcontrolnow.org for comparison help. Here are two services: Aura: The highest us.cybernews rating among parental control tools. It also includes monitoring for online video game cyberbullying. continued on next page...

Texting Etiquette

• Know your audience. The use of periods can feel antagonistic for younger texters. Punctuation depends on who you’re texting — whether it’s your aunt, boss, or a Gen Alpha.

• Respond to every text by texting back or with a phone call.

• Keep it brief. Consider a phone call or video chat if it's a long message.

• Don’t share sad news or end a relationship over text.

• Refrain from gossiping in texts … have you accidentally texted the wrong person? Double-check who you’re texting before you fire it off.

• When texting someone who doesn’t have your number, start with your name and where they know you.

• Don’t text at the movies, a play, a concert, or other live performance.

• Don’t text anything confidential or private. Discuss sexting dangers and consequences with teens.

• Don’t be upset if your text doesn’t get an immediate response. Avoid over-texting.

• Texting is like a conversation. If you would respond in the conversation, then respond with a THNX or “like” to acknowledge a message to end the conversation.

• Don’t text while in a real-life, face-to-face conversation.

• Emojis aren’t universal; consider the recipient’s point of view based on cultural or gender differences.

continued from previous page

Bark: Scans text messages, social media apps, web browsers, emails, and other online activity. It also offers a phone with Bark’s parental controls built in.

WHAT DOES MY TEEN’S TEXTS MEAN?

List updated August 8, 2024 from Bark.us, a company that monitors teen phone use. See bark.us for more terms.

TEXT SLANG DECODED:

• A mood — A relatable feeling or situation (often shortened to the single word, “mood”)

• And that’s on [something] — Used to indicate that you’ve just shared a truth that needs no further discussion

• Ate that — Means you successfully did something; you pulled it off. Example: “I saw your prom pics on insta, you totally ate that look.”

• Aura points — A term used to determine how cool, or not, you are

• Bae — Significant other or crush

• Basic — Someone who is viewed as boring or a conforming person

• Beige flag — A quality or characteristic of a significant other that is weird or offputting, but not enough to reject them

• Bet — A response indicating agreement. Example: “Wanna go to the store?” “Bet.”

• Bussin’ — Awesome. Example: “These tacos are bussin’.”

• Cappin’ — Lying

• Cheugy — Used to describe someone or something that is basic, out of date, or trying too hard

• Ded — Used when something is really funny or embarrassing. Example: “OMG that meme has me ded!”

• Delulu — Short for “delusional” and used when someone has unrealistic ideas about something

• Do it for the plot — Said to encourage oneself to take a chance on something. Example: “I'm going to try out for the basketball team. Even if I don't make it, I'll do it for the plot.”

• Gas — Can refer to marijuana, be used to describe something that’s cool, or be used as a verb to mean “hype someone up”

• Hentai — Graphic anime pornography

• High key — 1. Very interested in 2. Actively spreading information

• Juul — Type of e-cigarette that is small and discreet; ‘pods’ are used for smoking

• KYS — Kill yourself

• Left no crumbs — A phrase that means you did something perfectly

• Mewing — The act of making your jawline more defined by putting your tongue to the roof of your mouth.

• Ohio — Used to describe someone or something that’s weird, bad, or cringe. You’ll also see it alongside “skibidi” and “rizz”

• OK, Boomer — Calling out an idea that is outdated or resistant to change

• Plug — drug dealer

• Rizz — Derived from “charisma." Someone who has “game” when it comes to romantic pursuits. Example: “Taylor has that rizz, they're so charming.”

• Ship — Short for “relationship”; also used as a verb to indicate a desire to see two people together. Example: “I ship Taylor and Jamie.”

• Simp — Somebody who tries very hard and does a lot for their crush

• Skibidi — An adjective that can have multiple meanings such as “cool,” “dumb,” or “bad.” It comes from meme culture and originates from “Skibidi Toilet,” a popular YouTube video. It's not unlike the nonsense video from the early '00s “Peanut Butter Jelly Time.”

• Snatched — On point, very good, or well styled

• Squad — Close friend group

• Thicc — Having an attractive, curvy body

• Trap phone — Also called a burner phone, this is an older, hand-me-down smartphone that kids trade or sell with each other. Kids who get their phones taken away by their parents may seek out a trap phone

• YEET — 1. A very strong word for yes 2. To throw something

Identifying Mental Health Concerns in Teenagers

MADISON CUTLER PA-C Canyon Medical

As the school year begins, many parents may find themselves asking, "Is my child doing OK?" It’s a simple, yet daunting question and identifying if your child is struggling with their mental health can be even more challenging. What signs should you look for, and how can you best support them if you suspect an issue? School, sports, clubs, friendships, and social activities are all part of a teenager's life, often bringing joy and fulfillment. However, these same things can also contribute to stress, anxiety, and sadness. So, how can parents identify potential mental health concerns, and what steps should they take to help when needed?

Russel T. McKenna, D.O. Pediatrics Jeremy Starr, D.O. Family Medicine

Crystal Burtis, PA-C Pediatrics Madi Cutler, PA-C Family Medicine Kacie Lofgran, FNP Family Medicine

Ryan R. Bell, M.D. Pediatrics

BE SUPPORTIVE AND OPEN TO COMMUNICATION

The most crucial thing parents can do is offer unwavering support. Remember your teenage years — navigating life, wanting to fit in, and needing to be heard. Your child needs to know they can trust you with their thoughts, concerns, and questions without fear of judgment. Building an open line of communication early in adolescence is critical to maintaining that connection throughout their teenage years and beyond. While the parent-child boundaries must be respected, your child should feel comfortable talking to you freely. By fostering this environment, you set both of you up for longterm success. There are also clear signs you can watch for that may indicate underlying mental health concerns, including:

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

If your child becomes more withdrawn, loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, sleeps excessively or has difficulty sleeping, appears restless, is indecisive, or experiences sudden weight changes, they may be dealing with depression. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), depression is diagnosed when five or more of these symptoms occur over a two-week period and represent a change in how your child normally functions. While

it can be hard to distinguish typical teenage mood swings from depression, knowing these diagnostic criteria can help you better assess the situation.

RECOGNIZING ANXIETY

Excessive worry, trouble controlling anxious thoughts, fatigue, restlessness, muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating may point to anxiety. These symptoms often manifest in specific situations like tests, public spaces, large groups, or performance settings such as sports. According to the DSM-5, anxiety is diagnosed when excessive worry occurs most days for at least six months, accompanied by three or more additional symptoms. Understanding these patterns can help you distinguish true anxiety from everyday stress, worry, attention-seeking, or fear.

IDENTIFYING EATING DISORDERS AND BODY DYSMORPHIA

If your child becomes overly concerned with their appearance, frequently talks about their body, skips meals, or excuses themselves to the restroom right after eating, they may be struggling with an eating disorder. These disorders are complex and challenging to treat because individuals often don’t see themselves the way others do. Early identification and intervention are essential

to helping your child navigate this serious issue, which can be lifesaving.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD

Opening up about mental health can be difficult for anyone, especially teenagers. They may feel isolated, unworthy, or different from their peers. It's important to remind your child that it’s OK not to be OK and even more OK to ask for help. Talk openly with your child about their feelings and experiences. Contact a healthcare provider for guidance if you feel additional support is necessary.

It is important for children to have a trusted adult in their life — whether a parent, teacher, mentor, or healthcare provider. As someone who has personally dealt with anxiety and body dysmorphic disorder, I know how valuable it is to have someone to confide in. I strive to be that person for those in our community who need extra help. Every mental health journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment. At Canyon Medical, we are dedicated to finding the right approach for each of our patients, ensuring that both parents and children feel supported and empowered to achieve success.

Cleaning Up Your Screen Habits

JENTRIE HALES community advocate, @techhealthyfamily

When you think of the phrase “screen addiction,” what kind of person pops into your head? Your mind might go to the image of a young kid who can’t seem to function without their iPad right in front of their face. Or maybe a teenage boy sulking in the basement all summer playing video games. Or perhaps a high school girl who obsessively Snapchats and scrolls social media all day? Research shows (and we can see clearly) that many young people do have some kind of addiction to their devices, and this addiction is causing them mental and physical harm. However, the screen addiction that permeates adults is as pervasive and problematic in our culture and community as these negative screen interactions that kids have. I would like to discuss a bit of my personal experience in coming to the realization that my screen

habits have tipped in the wrong direction, as well as some justifications that I had and some solutions that have helped.

Earlier this summer, I constantly felt the pull to my phone to consume TV, podcasts, and music. I felt irritable when I needed to pause my audiobooks. I was impulsively scrolling social media more than I am proud of, and I could not wait to turn my TV on at night to zone out. Does this sound like you at all? As someone who has had a personal device for over 10 years, I have felt this imbalance many times before. These signs and symptoms let me know that it is time to again implement some changes and clean up my habits so that I can live a more mindful, intentional, and happy life.

Here is a list of ideas that may help manage your relationship with screens: BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.

Take a good hard look at your daily screen time. Decide if you are OK with how you are spending your time. Check how many different times you pick up your device. Be mindful of yourself and how you justify your screen time.

SIMPLIFY.

You have heard it before, but seriously, UNFOLLOW, UNSUBSCRIBE, and DELETE APPS. You owe it to no one to spend time on their online content. Turn off notifications. Delete apps that aren’t serving you.

SET SCREEN LIMITS.

I have this on my phone to remind me when my allotted social media time is spent. I also use the “downtime” setting on my phone to help me disconnect easier at night. You may already do this for your kiddos in your family, but go ahead and try it out for yourself. Even having the reminder pull up on your device that you have reached your limit gives you a jolt and reality check of time.

PHYSICALLY REMOVE YOURSELF FROM YOUR DEVICES.

I have always loved binging a good show, however, most binging habits don’t work well for a functioning adult. One way to combat this is to take streaming services like Netflix off your personal devices. Also, removing TV’s from hub areas in your home

is a game changer. Your whole family will feel the effect of not constantly having the TV on.

Another practice I have personally incorporated for over a year now is to charge my phone in a different room. My charger forever lives on the kitchen counter, making the urge to scroll in the morning or evening much easier to avoid.

So yes, I am a nearly 30-year-old woman who functions in life (mostly) but who sometimes struggles with unhealthy screen habits. Let’s keep being honest with ourselves to set the best example for our families as we parent in this digital age.

Jentrie Hales is a community advocate with five years of experience empowering parents and children in different settings. She has been invited into classrooms, youth groups, and parent groups throughout the Cache Valley to speak about healthy relationships with tech. She also professionally mentors families overwhelmed with managing the tech in their homes. Follow her on Instagram @techhealthyfam or email her at techheatlhyfam@gmail.com

The occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands in the skin; in particular, a condition characterized by red pimples on the face, chest or back, and most prevalent among teenagers.

Acne is a condition that can affect both the physical and mental well-being of the young people who suffer from it. To make matters worse, if not treated properly, even a mild case of acne can result in scarring, that only becomes more visible as we age.

The first line of defense is to cleanse regularly and use over the counter medications that can be found at any pharmacy. If this approach is not effective, you should schedule an appointment with a Dermatologist. Uncontrolled acne is a medical condition. A consultation with a trained dermatology provider will put you on the right track to managing the condition, and, contrary to popular opinion,

treatment plans are safe, effective and in most cases, covered by insurance.

There is also hope for those who have scarring from acne. Depending on the severity of scarring, Rocky Mountain Dermatology, through its sister business,

The Young Skin Care Medical Spa, has multiple treatment options that can reduce, and in some cases, eliminate visible scarring.

The bottom line, you don’t have to live with the breakouts or the physical scarring that acne can cause. Acne is treatable.

Call to schedule an appointment at any one of our convenient locations.

The New Buyer-Broker Agreement: A Win for Home Buyers

STACY MOSS Cache Valley Association of REALTORS® Executive Officer

The newly introduced Buyer-Broker Agreement (BBA) is not so new to Utah, but still shaking up the real estate world, offering enhanced protection and clarity for home buyers. Here’s a quick look at how this agreement benefits you:

KEY BENEFITS

1. Clear Terms: The BBA specifies exactly what services your broker will provide, eliminating guesswork and ensuring transparency.

2. Stronger Fiduciary Duty: Brokers will prioritize your interests, offering unbiased advice and avoiding conflicts of interest.

3. Transparent Compensation: The agreement clearly outlines how brokers will be paid, whether by a percentage of the purchase price or a flat fee, so there are no hidden costs.

4. Defined Representation Period: It sets a clear timeframe for your broker’s services, helping you manage your search and switch brokers if necessary.

5. Dual Agency Protection: The BBA addresses potential conflicts in dual agency scenarios, ensuring you’re informed and can choose what is best for you.

WHY IT MATTERS

• Peace of Mind: Clear terms and stronger duties mean you can trust your broker is working in your best interests.

• Better Deals: Transparent compensation motivates brokers to negotiate effectively for you.

• Informed Decisions: Understand your rights and your broker’s obligations clearly.

• Fair Practices: Enhanced standards help protect against unethical behavior.

Utah has been using a Buyer-Broker Agreement for a while, so this isn't new. This form is not meant to confuse or scare buyers, but instead provide greater clarity and protection, making your home-buying experience smoother and more secure. Please feel free to reach out to Cache Valley Association of Realtors or your favorite local agent if you have any questions about these changes.

Manners Meant for the Modern Day

KATE NEELEY contributing writer

Perhaps learning how to sit at an elegant table with multiple place settings and more silverware per person than you might use in a day could be fun and historic, but the manners for that are likely not going to get you very far in the modern world. The ins and outs of driving a car, the use of smartphones, and the incredibly fast pace of life today calls for a new way of doing things. In fact, living with grace and kindness might be even more valuable today than at any other time. One genuine connection with a person at the store could mean more than a thousand likes on an Instagram post — indeed it does. The real relationships that bring so much health and vitality to life are sorely needed today, wouldn’t you agree?

So, let’s take a little dive into what manners look like today. What kinds of skills can you and your kids gain and practice to level up daily living in families, schools, and communities in general? How have things changed? Corey, a mom in Cache Valley, mentioned that she has a lot of kids who are friends with her kids and spend time in her home. She loves that they come over,

however she has noticed that they rarely ever say thanks for anything. Is it just a Gen Z thing? Let’s change that.

One very kind and refined grandma noticed that when she says thank you to people, rather than saying “you’re welcome,” people often respond with “of course!”

This is not a bad thing at all, just different than she remembers growing up. This idea spurred on a conversation with a Cache Valley dad about what other phrases are a great way to respond to “thank you.” Here are some ideas: You bet! Sure thing! My pleasure. Happy to help. I’ve got you! What other ideas do you have? He did mention that saying “no problem” is common. Also, “it was the least I could do.” But, in his opinion, those can come across a little less meaningful.

Smartphones. OK, where to even start?

One mom pointed out that it really isn’t polite to talk on speakerphone in a public area. This is sort of like giving everyone permission to eavesdrop. One person mentioned talking on your phone

in public generally needs to be saved for when you are in private. Is that feasible in this generation? Definitely some food for thought.

How can you make a change for good? Open a door for someone. Smile. Answer text messages in a timely manner. If you don’t have an immediate answer to the question they ask, consider sending a message that says, “I don’t know yet, but I will get back to you soon.” Offer to carry things when you see someone in need. When you are in someone else’s home, be courteous about taking off your shoes, using their belongings, and be the person who offers to help with cleanup after a party. In all of these situations, there is a common theme: noticing. In order to notice, you need to remove distractions. Cell phones are awesome! Use them as tools and not let them keep us from noticing needs around you.

Looking for more ways to up-level your manners game in your home? Brooke Romney, a well-known and loved Instagram content creator (@brookeromneywrites) has created flipbooks about modern manners that can be displayed like a calendar in your home. They are entitled 5 2 Modern Manners for Kids and 52 Modern Manners for Teens . Both books are full of wisdom that can help kids and teens learn essential things like answering the door politely, lending a hand, closing the door of the car behind you, how to answer and end a call politely, and a lot of the things that all of us could do better.

Keep the conversation going. Spend some time around the table or in the car talking to your kids about manners and what they are in today’s modern world. It will be worth the effort and time, for kids, teens, and parents alike.

52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens, created by Brooke Romney, is a simple, inexpensive solution that guides parents and adds connection to your family so your teens can live a more successful life. This book doesn’t teach old-school manners, but the more current, nuanced manners that set people up for fulfillment in relationships, school, work, and life. Brooke has also created a version for kids, 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Kids. Find them at brookeromney.com

Expert OB-GYN care in

Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What Every Woman Should Know

STEVE WHEELWRIGHT, DO, ADVANCED GYNECOLOGIC SURGEON AND OBSTETRICIAN Budge Clinic OB/GYN

Women’s bodies are amazing, but they are not invincible. Some health issues are not only physically uncomfortable but also hard to talk about. Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and related issues are common, and there is help available. However, for years, many women didn't talk about it and lived with these problems for years or even decades without knowing there were solutions.

WHAT IS PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse happens when one or more pelvic organ falls from their normal position into the vagina — similar to a hernia. This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, or tissues weaken or get damaged. The organs that might be involved include the bladder, uterus, small intestines, top of the vagina, and rectum.

Even though prolapse is not dangerous, it affects the enjoyment of life. Women might stop exercising because physical activities, especially running, jumping, lifting weights, sit-ups, or squats, can make the condition worse. Some avoid intimacy, fearing that prolapse or incontinence will cause pain or embarrassment.

This condition affects millions of women in America and becomes more likely with age. The average age women start noticing pelvic floor disorders, which include prolapse, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence, is 56. By age 80, half of all women may have one or more symptoms.

RISK FACTORS

Childbirth and aging are two of the top risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse. Other risk factors include vaginal birth, repeated heavy lifting, obesity, chronic coughing, and genetics.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

One of the most common symptoms of prolapse is a sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis. This often gets worse with heavy lifting, standing for

long periods, or physical exercise. Other women might notice tissue bulging down, sometimes even externally. Other symptoms can include urinary problems, like leakage or retention, difficulty with bowel movements, or painful sex.

There is help!

There are several treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, and many do not involve surgery. The first step is to talk to your gynecologist or urogynecologist about any symptoms you are experiencing. They can diagnose the type and stage of prolapse and develop a specialized treatment plan. According to the Office on Women's Health, maintaining a healthy weight, eating foods with fiber, and not smoking can also reduce the risk of prolapse.

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Pelvic floor physical therapy: Specialists trained in targeting specific pelvic floor muscles can help.

Pessaries: These are soft, removable devices inserted into the vagina to lift the vaginal

walls. They come in different shapes and sizes to fit various bodies and types of prolapse.

Energy procedures: Treatments like radiofrequency or laser procedures can improve the health and tone of vaginal tissues. This is a new and emerging field with ongoing research.

SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Surgery is another option for treating prolapse and incontinence, with a variety of surgical methods to meet individual needs and preferences. Many surgeries can be performed minimally invasively to reduce incisions, speed recovery, and minimize downtime. This includes robotic-assisted approaches for more complex surgeries. Pelvic Organ Prolapse and incontinence can significantly impact the quality of life. With the variety of treatment options available, women do not need to suffer. Let's break the silence, talk about prolapse symptoms, and help you get your life back.

Vision Care for the Entire Family

If your child is not performing as expected in school, don’t wait until they fall further behind.

Schedule your appointment today!

Eye Care Tip!

Make sure your children wear proper protective eyewear anytime they participate in sports or activities that could cause an eye injury (like playing hockey or carpentry). Wearing a helmet for activities like riding a bike or skiing can protect against concussions, which can result in lingering vision problems.

Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses are also an important part of protecting your eyes from corneal sunburns, retinal tissue damage, macular degeneration, and abnormal growths on the surface of the eyes.

Early Eye Exams: Protecting Your Child's Vision from the Start

MICHAEL COLE, OD Child and Family Eye Care Center

Often, parents are unsure when it is recommended that children receive their first eye exam.

Occasionally, there are obvious signs that a parent might notice indicating a vision problem. However, in most instances, there aren’t many clues to warn us. For the majority of families that we see, school or pediatric screenings are relied upon heavily to indicate a problem. Unfortunately, these screenings are just not adequate enough. Very frequently, children who have passed outside screenings but have serious visual challenges are seen in our office.

The American Optometric Association recommends that a child has their first eye exam between the ages of six months and one year. Why so early? The answer is that it is simply much more beneficial to treat concerns earlier rather than later. Early childhood visual development is critical, and if there are obstacles to normal development, it can permanently affect the child’s vision.

For example, eyesight is very poor immediately after we are born. Shapes and outlines are visible, but details are not distinct. Children are not able to see as clearly as adults for at least the first few years of life. We are also unable to shift focal distances or use both eyes at the same time initially.

Often, infants’ eyes wander until they have gained the experience necessary to make coordinated movements. Infants have yet to learn to appreciate depth or see in 3-D. It is important to ensure that there are no obstacles interfering with this normal development process during the first few months and years of life.

For the fledgling visual system to develop normally, a few conditions must be met. First, the eyes and visual pathways must be healthy and free of disease that would hinder vision. Second, the eyes must be focused correctly to send clear images to the brain. Finally, children must have the proper visual experiences to expose the developing brain to situations where meaningful

learning can take place.

Ocular conditions that can hinder the development of the visual system could be as simple as a very high or asymmetric glasses prescription. Occasionally, the natural lens in the eye is not formed properly, leaving behind excess fetal tissue inside the eye, or a congenital cataract that obscures vision. There are some ocular cancers that can form in the growing eye. Systemic health concerns such as Marfan syndrome and cardiovascular disease can have ocular manifestations detected during early eye exams. These are just a few examples of conditions that are essential to detect early so interventions can be most effective. Prompt treatment can improve vision that would otherwise be severely limited later in life. In some cases, early diagnosis may even save a life.

Early, frequent eye health and vision examinations are so important that in 2005, the American Optometric Association launched the InfantSEE program ( infantsee.org ) to help each and every child get proper vision care. Clinics who participate in this program volunteer their time to provide free eye exams for children between six months and one year of age, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. The InfantSEE website states, “Many eye conditions have no symptoms that can be identified by a parent or in a well-baby check-up. Early detection is the best way to ensure your child has healthy eyes and appropriate vision development, now and in the future.”

Our clinic advocates for early comprehensive eye examinations for children and is proud to participate in the infantSEE program. We would love to serve your family in our office! Please contact us for more information.

Medicare Confidence: A Great American Opportunity

MATT KREBS

Medicare Foresight

Each year, Medicare beneficiaries in Cache Valley make a decision that is hardly as fun as: “Where should I take my grandkids for a play date?” During the Medicare annual enrollment period, October 15 through December 7, every beneficiary has to decide: “Should I stick with my Medicare plan or switch to a plan that better meets my needs?”

Medicare insurance plans can — and often do — change every year. Savings and improved coverage could be around the corner, or perhaps not. Use these suggestions to increase your confidence as you choose. Finding the right Medicare options should be satisfying, even if the decision feels tedious.

1. Stay positive. Medicare is a great American opportunity. As of 2023, the United States spends 15% of its budget covering people through Medicare. We all pay into it from our paychecks. Once

we enroll, the government spends nearly $16,000 on average per beneficiary per year, according to usafacts.org. What a benefit to support long and healthy living!

2. Own your decision. Protect yourself from overwhelming complexity by focusing only on essential questions. Take charge. Don’t let that pile of mailed advertisements or Facebook ads steer you. As a research professional and independent insurance agent, I recommend this finely tuned question: “Is another plan so much better than my current plan that changing is worth the effort?”

If a review of available plans does not show you something better — by a lot — then keeping your current coverage may be the right choice. Why change? Still, many people find better coverage and lower costs by changing plans. Get

the information you need to answer that question and then move ahead with confidence.

Visit medicare.gov/plan-compare to compare all plans available to you. Plan options are tied to your zip code. Medicare.gov is the single source of truth. Put in time here and you will not be swayed. You can fact check all ads and advice here.

3. Lean on a Licensed Insurance Agent. Cache Valley is full of honest and knowledgeable insurance agents. Make the most of our time and knowledge. Independent agents often represent many insurance companies — it is our business to help you make a confident choice. If you already know what insurer you prefer, there will also be knowledgeable agents who work directly with that carrier.

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Worried about hidden costs? Agents are paid by insurance companies, never by you. You pay the same for your plan whether you enroll through an agent or not. When you enroll through an agent, the commission compensates our time. We stick around each year to advise as plans and health change. P.S., I don’t recommend asking an agent to tell you the best choice. Our job is to listen and offer advice. Take charge of your choice and then ask a trusted agent to help you fill in details.

4. Simplify the Numbers. Advertisers go bonkers with eye-catching numbers that can make you dizzy. One number matters most: “How much will you spend on your healthcare this year?”

Control the numbers with a trick I invented: Must Pay, Might Pay, and Max Pay. These three categories add up to the total you will spend on healthcare. Keep them separate to be clear about which numbers matter most.

Must Pay costs add up regardless of your health outcomes.

The Part B premium will be $185 per month in 2025. Some Medicare plans — especially Medigap plans —will also require a premium. Note that certain people may qualify for a waiver or reduction, usually requiring income review by the Medicaid office. Tally and compare Must Pay costs between plans carefully. You generally pay them even if you don’t go to the doctor once.

Might Pay costs can add up fast, but only IF you have a medical event. You can predict these costs with some foresight, but you won’t KNOW them until you have summed the co-pays and deductibles you paid at year-end.

Medicare Advantage plans will have co-pays and deductibles, for example. No individual can fully foresee their medical events, but closely compare the co-pays for procedures and medications that seem likely to affect you.

Max Pay means your max-out-of-pocket in a given plan.

Medicare supplement plans will usually have a ceiling. Jump to that detail as you compare each plan and take heart; your personal expense is limited, even if your health costs run up to the moon.

Some plans have low Must Pay but high Might Pay. Other plans have higher Must Pay but lower Might Pay. The Max Pay number is your shield against total catastrophe. Tally these categorically so you can compare plans better by which costs are fixed, contingent, and limited.

Medicare is a great American opportunity. However, choosing when to enroll and what additional coverage to acquire can be daunting. In Cache Valley, you can do it with confidence if you consider these suggestions. Be positive and grateful for health costs that Medicare does cover. Own your decision and then bring in trusted agent advice. Manage mystifying numbers by categorizing them. Then, pull out your Cache Valley Family Magazine again and figure out what to do in town for fun!

Not affiliated with nor endorsed by the government or Federal Medicare Program. This is a solicitation for insurance.

Medicare Cost Comparison

Mickensi Paget, PAC • Anna A. Lara, PAC

Barry A. Noorda, MD • Gary K. Fowers, MD

David A. Kirkman, MD • Anne S. Blackett, DO • Amy Billings, PAC

Brianna Robison, PAC

FROM CACHE VALLEY TO THE WORLD STAGE:

JOURNEY CONNER MANTZ'S Olympic

EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

Conner Mantz, a name now synonymous with Olympic success, was born and raised in Cache Valley. Growing up, he nurtured a dream of competing at the Olympics and becoming one of the “fastest men in the world." After graduating from Sky View High School in 2015, his passion for running continued to flourish as he went on to Brigham Young University (BYU) to star on their track team. He won the 2020 and 2021 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships, has been a professional athlete signed with Nike since 2021, and was the winner of the 2024 United States Olympic Marathon Trials.

“When I went to Olympic trials back in February, it was tough because I knew I could do it,” Conner said. “I was the favorite to win, but it was nerve-wracking because so many things could go wrong — I could get sick or injured. Qualifying was a dream come

true, and also a relief after missing out by just two spots in 2021.”

Conner’s wife, Kylie, remembers the emotional moment after the trials: “On the way home from the airport, we just looked at each other and said, ‘This is actually happening!’”

Conner’s Olympic event — the marathon — presents a unique challenge. Unlike other sports where athletes can practice their full events repeatedly, marathon runners can only participate in about three full marathons a year at a high level. “You can’t just run the full event over and over again,” Conner said.

After qualifying in February, Conner didn’t race another full marathon until the Olympic Games in Paris in August. The anticipation was high. Kylie said, “That period between the trials and the Games was the least he had raced in a long time.”

Conner and Kylie Mantz

Conner describes the sensory overload of the experience at the Olympic Village. “It’s like being in Times Square in New York City — there’s so much going on, so many cool events, and people from nearly every nation in the world. It’s pretty insane and exciting — you realize, ‘Whoa, I’m at the biggest stage in the world.’”

Meeting athletes he had long admired was another highlight for Conner. He recalls getting his lunch the first day there and sitting next to the Greek Women’s Water Polo team, visiting causally. “It was kind of like the MTC (Missionary Training Center),” he said, referencing his time spent as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. “People from all walks of life are there, preparing to do something great.”

His wife Kylie was equally impressed with the experience. “Paris put on a phenomenal show,” she said. “The energy was amazing — watching events, like beach volleyball from

the top of Eiffel Tower, was just surreal.”

The Olympic marathon race was a peak in Conner’s ongoing years of hard work. “I really wanted to earn a medal, but it is so difficult because you need everything to go really well for you on that day, and you also need things to go bad for other athletes. It is so hard. 8th was good. I think I executed really well, even if I could go on for hours about what I could have changed, but in the end, I am happy with my performance.”

At 27 years old, Conner was one of the youngest competitors in the marathon, which is often considered an “old man’s sport,” according to Conner. This gives him future Olympic opportunities and hopes to qualify for the 2028, 2032, and even 2036 Games with a focus on continuing his steady improvement.

Conner attributes some of his success to the support he received growing up in Cache Valley. “There’s a sense of community here

that doesn’t exist everywhere," he said. As a young athlete at Sky View, Conner says he felt supported, even though cross-country can be seen as a ‘nerdy’ sport. “In high school, I knew everyone, and people were always supportive of one another, with every program getting attention.”

Conner’s consistency and perseverance have been an important part of his success. He explains, “I’m not a dramatic athlete with big highs and lows, but I’ve consistently gotten a little better every year. To be a good athlete you don’t have to do something flashy or fancy, but it is consistent, hard work that makes the difference.”

Training as a professional marathoner is a full-time job. Conner trains physically about 20 hours a week, but his commitment to being an elite athlete extends beyond that.

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“It’s not just about the training; it’s about recovery, sleep, and nutrition. It’s a 24-hour job,” Kylie explained.

Kylie plays a significant role in helping him maintain balance.

“It’s nice having Kylie to encourage me, help me, and keep things organized,” Conner said.

Conner says he has three years until he has to go full speed on training for the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, but he has his eyes set on other major marathons in the meantime and hopes to break the American record for the marathon, which stands at 2:05:34.

“I want to compete for as long as I can, and get better each year,” Conner said.

Kylie shares similar aspirations for their future together, both in and out of the athletic world. “We’d love to start a family when the time is right, buy a house, and even pursue master’s degrees,” she said. For now, though, Conner remains focused on his training and is grateful for the support of his community and loved ones as he continues his journey to greatness.

As he reflects on his Olympic experience, Conner remains humble and motivated. “I was ranked 57th going in, but I knew I could do better than that. Now, I’m just excited to see where I can go next.”

Building Stronger Relationships Through School Attendance

CARI PHILLIPS Cache County School District Communications Specialist

Let’s face it. Our students have been through a lot in the last few years. The pandemic was hard on everyone, but our children were particularly hard hit at school. Unfortunately, nationwide school attendance has never been the same. Today, we’ll address some possible causes for that and also, hopefully, provide some solutions!

Consistent school attendance has been linked to higher high school graduation rates, stronger connections with teachers and friends, and an increase in overall academic achievement¹. Finding ways to keep our children in school provides a backbone for lifelong learning and success. Cache County School District (CCSD) Executive Director of Student Services Alden Jack emphasizes the role of relationships in educational success. “When students miss class, they can make up assignments, but they can’t make up those relationships,” he said. “And the interactive dialogue in the classroom between teachers and students, and students with their friends,

are among the most important parts of learning.”

Of course, situations may arise that necessitate some flexibility with school attendance. Life happens! When students are sick, it makes sense to stay home. However, if families try to utilize the built-in breaks from school for things like doctor appointments and vacations, they can empower students with the opportunity to experience all that both in-school and outof-school adventures can teach them.

Jack also emphasized building a culture of strong supports for families who may have difficulty getting children to school for one reason or another. He noted that some may experience chronic illness, job or food insecurity, transportation difficulties, and more. “Our families that experience barriers,” he said, “we are on your side. We want to help.”

Our district has resources for families

that need additional assistance with transportation, food, housing, or other difficulties. “Your teachers and principals are the first line of support,” Jack said. “If that isn’t enough, we’ll go all the way to the district level to support you. We may not be able to fix everything, but we can always do something.”

CCSD remains committed to supporting students and families as they strive for success. Your children’s attendance is not just a number to us. We want your child to have a nurturing school experience, and we offer many resources to support that. Together, we can build a strong and caring community around your child.

¹ = National Center for Educational Statistics. (2009). Every school day counts: The Forum guide to collecting and using attendance data. U.S. Department of Education.

Raising Upstanders: Empowering Children to Stand Up for What's Right

FRANK SCHOFIELD Logan City School District Superintendent

All of us, at some point in our lives, have been faced with situations where we observed something that didn’t align with our values, and we had to choose whether to say something or remain silent. Children will face this challenge in many different settings, including when they see somebody being mistreated or bullied. Teaching children to be more than passive bystanders in these situations, to be upstanders — those who actively stand up against wrongdoing and advocate for justice — can make a profound difference in their lives and the community they live in.

What Is an Upstander?

An upstander is someone who not only recognizes when something is wrong but

also takes action to address it. Whether it’s standing up against bullying, defending someone who is being mistreated, or speaking out against an injustice, upstanders choose to positively intervene rather than stay silent. This proactive approach can foster a sense of responsibility, empathy, and courage in young people, helping them develop into compassionate and morally grounded adults. Upstanding behavior promotes inclusivity, reduces the prevalence of bullying, and cultivates a culture of kindness and respect. Moreover, it helps young people develop leadership skills and a strong sense of self-worth as they realize that their actions can positively affect the world.

Considering how social pressures in a young person’s world can often lead to conformity and silence in the face of injustice, teaching children to be upstanders equips them with the courage to make a difference, even when it’s not an easy choice.

How Children Can Be Upstanders

Children between the ages of 10 and 18 are at a critical stage in their development, where they begin forming their identities and moral compasses. Here are some practical ways they can be upstanders: 1. Include: Children can make an effort to include others who may be marginalized or left out. Simple actions like inviting someone to join in a group activity

or sitting with someone who is alone can foster a sense of belonging, which strengthens that child’s connections with others and can help protect them against potential bullying in the future.

2. Respond: Whether in school, online, or in social settings, children can use their voices to stand up for peers who are being bullied. Depending on the situation, a child might directly address the bully by labeling their behavior, or they may intervene by interacting positively with the bully’s target, thereby removing attention from the bully and demonstrating support for the victim.

3. Show: By consistently showing kindness, respect, and empathy toward others, children can influence their peers and create a positive environment in any setting.

How Parents and Caregivers Can Support Upstanding Behavior

Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in helping children develop into upstanders.

Some steps that can support this growth include:

1. Lead by Example: Children learn a great deal from observing the adults in their lives. By modeling upstanding behavior — speaking out against injustice, treating others with respect, and standing up for what’s right — parents can set a powerful example for their children.

1. Encourage Open Communication: It is essential to create a safe space for children to discuss their experiences, concerns, and feelings. When children feel heard and supported, they are more likely to seek advice on how to handle difficult situations and to feel confident in taking action.

1. Teach Empathy: Help children understand empathy's importance by discussing their actions’ impact on others. Role-play different scenarios and discuss how others might feel in various situations to enhance their ability to empathize.

1. Provide Tools and Strategies: Equip children with practical strategies for standing up, such as how to safely intervene in a bullying situation or how to report inappropriate behavior. Discuss potential challenges and help them plan how to overcome these obstacles.

1. Celebrate Upstanding Behavior:

Recognize and praise your child when they exhibit upstanding behavior, regardless of how big or small their actions may be. Positive reinforcement can encourage them to continue acting with courage and integrity.

By nurturing these skills, parents and caregivers can help their children grow into individuals who not only recognize the importance of justice and kindness but who also have the courage to act on their convictions. In doing so, we can create a generation of upstanders who will make the world a better place for all.

Come in and try some of our favorites:

A Letter to My Younger Self

WIL WOOD contributing writer

I started writing letters to my son when he was only 6 years old. I wrote to him as if we were both adults — as if we understood each other. I was convinced that, even despite my wife, Lauren’s, best efforts, I would single-handedly be the cause of his botched upbringing. Now he’s 17 and seems to be fairly unscathed by his childhood, and I still write him letters. My angle has changed from one of apologizing to one of affirming. When I see a glimmer of who he is at his core, I write him a letter to affirm what I love about him at that moment. Recently, my wife asked me what I would say if I could write a letter to my younger self.

When Lauren first asked me this, my brain hit the rewind button. Just like on an old VCR, I viewed my life as months or a year at a time, mostly noticing my most recent failures and missteps. After not feeling satisfied that correcting any of those things would solve my current problems, I quickly skipped a few decades further back to the video of the insecure kid who didn't yet have the confidence to be himself at school.

In a letter to my younger self I would say:

“Of all the letter grades, F is the only one associated with a word. Failure is not the ultimate result. It’s part of the process. But we often don’t move forward because we’re afraid to fail. Being OK with failing will actually put you ahead of the game.

Ask for help. You’ll know who to ask, and when you do, people will be happy to do it. Get the math tutor sooner. Trust your friend, the contractor. Needing and asking for help isn’t weak; it’s smart.

Your physical health greatly impacts your mental health. Be patient with your body, but use it to see the world and enjoy the mountains.

Wil and his son, Liam.

Never stop moving your body, and never stop going outside.”

OK, last one, and to me, right now, this is the most important. Here is what I would tell myself.

“As you look forward in your life, what you anticipate as milestones are events and accomplishments, goals achieved or not. But as you age and look back, those won’t mean as much. In retrospect, you’ll see a fabric of relationships. Friends gained and lost, people being born or dying, and children growing into adults. Your ability to affect these relationships will correlate with your ability to communicate with those around you. Right now, communication sounds like having the right words for what you want to say. Here’s a thing you’ll learn, though: Communication is less about finding the right words and more about understanding how someone feels and sees the world. When you say, ‘I love you,’ that’s not always what the person you are speaking to hears. Sometimes, ‘I love you’ is a hug. Sometimes, ‘I love you’ is pausing and listening but not saying anything. Sometimes, ‘I love you’ is bringing back a trinket from a place you traveled with a note that says, ‘I thought of you while I was away.’ Sometimes, ‘I love you’ is making an extra tuna fish sandwich for a friend at school. Many times, you won’t have the understanding to show your love, and it will be frustrating, but that’s OK.

Your perspective is always changing, so don’t beat yourself up for the past and don’t worry about the future. Right now is all you have. So breathe deep and don’t rush.

Love, Wil”

Join us for our 2024-2025 Concert Season! Preschool through 9th grade. All classes

An ongoing series of articles written about teens who are excelling in their unique areas of interest and talent.

The Unsinkable Molly Gordon

HAILEY WESTENSKOW contributing writer

With leading roles in plays including Percy Jackson in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief , Mary Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life , and Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods , it’s easy to see that Ridgeline High School(RHS) junior Molly Gordon was born to be on the stage.

“I like theatre because of the amount of mental effort you have to put into it,” Molly said. Her love of theatre has also impacted many other areas of her life. Memorizing lines has transferred to studying for tests, and the discipline of practice has bled into her ability to stay on top of all of her homework.

Theatre isn’t her only love, however. “I’m a huge fan of music,” she said. She loves listening to it, playing it, and watching others perform it. From a very young age, Molly had dedicated hobbies of piano, violin, dance, and reading. When practicing her instruments and keeping up with the latest series took up most of her time, sitting still was the last thing on her mind.

As each hobby demanded more and more time, Molly was forced to decide between two of her passions: theatre and dance. At the end of 2019, she decided to end her dance career, only to find a few short months later her pursuit of a theatre career would be halted dramatically with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It would be nearly two years before shows would be allowed to resume.

“Those two years were really hard,” she reflected. Though she had prepared herself to not be able to dance as much as she wanted, the void of being in the shows was difficult to fill. “I remember my older sisters and I would continued on next page...

Molly Gordon enjoys performing in high school and community theatre productions.

continued from previous page... listen to show tunes in the car at full blast and sing them together,” she said. “It always made me excited for the day when things would finally go back to normal and I’d be able to do shows again.”

Though the circumstances of the pandemic had taken so much from her, she remained optimistic for a future when she’d be able to pursue her passion again without the limits of COVID-19. Her first role back was in an ensemble in a play at RHS, and though it wasn’t a major part, it was the light at the end of the tunnel she’d so eagerly awaited. “Being back up there and meeting new people that were so loving and accepting while

singing this beautiful music with an awesome message — that was the moment I realized that everything was going to be OK after COVID,” Molly said.

The leap back in wasn’t easy for her, however. As a new freshman entering the competitive world of high school theatre, it can be quite intimidating — especially after such a long wait. “I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t have the greatest social skills, and everyone in theatre is such a social butterfly,” Molly said.

get to know them. In my daily life, I feel like it inspires me to be a nicer and kinder person and to be more outgoing.”

Molly has continued a very successful high school career with many awards at state theatre competitions, including third in the state for musical theatre as a freshman and second in the state as a sophomore. At the start of her junior year, she optimistically anticipates participating in many more shows through her next two years. “Life is just

shows. “Between the crew and cast, it’s such a

Talking to Kids About Disabilities

SARAH LYONS contributing writer

“Why do you talk like that?” I heard the question come from behind me as I helped another child in the Sunday school class.

“It’s just the way I am.” I heard my sister-inlaw wisely answer the curious boy. My sister-in-law, Kara, was born with Cerebral Palsy. She was helping me in the classroom that day when one of the kids noticed her speech was different. After years of questions about her differences, Kara has

been taught to answer, “It’s just the way I am.”

Our kids have grown up around their beloved Aunt Kara and accept her as she is, but there came a time when each of them asked about Kara’s disability and why it makes her different.

Chances are, at some point, your child will meet someone who has disabilities at school or in the community. It is normal for

children to have questions about different people, which means parents should be prepared to answer their questions intelligently and appropriately. Here are some tips to get the conversation started:

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT BUT THE SAME

All of us have unique gifts, personalities, and challenges. No two people are the same, and this is a great thing because diversity makes life interesting and fun. While we are all different, everyone has things in common, too. All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect, and have the desire to be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences of others and find common ground, as well. If your child is interested in a popular television show, book, toy, or game, chances are a person with special needs is too. Ask them what they love to do, and I would guess they will happily tell you.

TYPES OF DISABILITIES

Some disabilities are obvious, and some are not. Some people may need a walker or wheelchair to help them move around. Others may have a cognitive (thinking) disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with

different things and may need a little extra help from a physical tool (like a wheelchair) or help from others. People can have impairments in sight, hearing, walking, speech, cognitive functioning, or a variety of other things. It is important to note that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it does not mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabilities are not contagious, and children will not “catch” the disability. These things may sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently, and many have these questions.

NAME-CALLING IS NEVER OK

Emphasize that people with disabilities have feelings, too. Name-calling is hurtful, disrespectful, and a form of bullying. People with disabilities need others to stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. Encourage your child to tell an adult if kids are teasing another child. Your child can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behavior toward others.

A NOTE ABOUT “RUDE” COMMENTS

Kids are curious and love to ask questions. They will often speak exactly what is on their mind without thinking about whether the comments will be hurtful. This can be very embarrassing for parents. So, what do

you do if your child blurts out a rude and embarrassing comment? Start by answering calmly and matter-of-factly. If, for example, your child says, “Why is that boy in a wheelchair?” Simply answer, “He needs it to move around. Why don’t you say hello?” If the child is reluctant, say hello to him yourself along with something like “John likes trains. Do you like trains too?” If the person accompanying the child responds, follow their lead. It is always better to treat others as you would like to be treated than to hurry away in an embarrassing situation. Later, when you are at home, you can ask your child if they have any other questions

about others with disabilities and reinforce the value of treating everyone equally.

My sister-in-law, now 38 years old, has been asked many questions over the years, some rude and some just curious. She has learned to handle them well because she knows that, just like anyone else, she has challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. Kara loves watching movies, dancing to music, and caring for animals. She loves eating candy, pizza, and tacos. She is fun to be around and loves to get out and explore new places. People with disabilities are just people. Sometimes, that simple fact is all kids need to know.

An Expert’s Guide to Growing Your Own Pumpkin Patch

MARK ANDERSON Anderson’s Seed and Garden Owner

Like watermelons, children pick pumpkins (probably their second choice) over all other vegetables as their favorite to grow. Who can blame them? Pumpkins are just fun. You can carve them, eat them, eat their seeds, use them for decorations, launch them from catapults, and if they are big enough, you can even make a canoe out of them. Sizes range from eight-ounce Jack Be Littles to over 2,000 pounds of some Atlantic Giants, and they come in all kinds of colors: orange, white, pink, blue, striped, warted, etc. Their only drawback is that they take up a lot of space in the garden. For standard varieties, the vines can grow as large as 20 feet in diameter. Fortunately, there are some bush pumpkins that are still productive for smaller plants (still 12-15 feet in diameter). If you have the room, pumpkins are worth the space and are a whole lot of fun to grow.

PLANTING

You can grow successful pumpkins from a start or seed depending on the grower's preference. The seeds can also be sowed indoors for starts 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. If planting directly outside, it is possible to do it after the last frost of the season (which, for Cache Valley, is around Mother’s Day). Use plastic walls, row covers, or hot caps to protect against frost danger for earlier starts. Seeds should be planted with 4-6 seeds per cluster, about ½ inch deep and 4-6 feet apart. Pumpkins are commonly grown in “hills,” which are not really hills but more like depressions that will keep the seeds and water contained in the same location and for an easier harvest. After the seedlings have two leaves, you can thin them to 2-3 plants per hill or leave them all to grow. Depending on the varieties, the vines

will spread out 6 to 10 to 16 feet (or more!), so leave at least 6 to 8 feet between each hill or row. Some pumpkins come in a bush variety that won't take up as much space, usually 50-60% of a normal vine.

VARIETIES

With so many choices of pumpkins available, a few factors will greatly influence your decisions on which pumpkins to grow: color, shape, size of the fruit, size of vine, and productivity. Here are a few of our favorites at Anderson’s to help you make the best choice possible: Burpee Semi Bush pumpkin is our all-time best seller for home gardens. It produces an abundance of 10-20 pound, perfectly shaped fruits on much smaller vines (12-15 ft diameter). For general productivity and for the best carving pumpkins around, try Harvest Jack or Howden: 15-25 pound fruits, thick, sturdy

stems for nice handles, good color, and smooth skin. Warty Toad, Wee Be Little, and the baby pumpkins (Jack Be Little [orange], Gooligan [white], and Hooligan [orange, white, & green stripes]) are all just fun to grow and make excellent decorations. Some of our newest, more interesting colors and shapes are Worty Goblin, Porcelain Doll, Blue Doll, and Large Marge.

Atlantic Giant has produced over 1,000-pound pumpkins grown right here in Cache Valley (just over 2,200 pounds is the state record in the year 2,000). Cinderella is shaped flat on the top and the bottom, like her namesake carriage, and has distinctively sweet flesh for making pies.

WATER

Pumpkins need regular water and consistent soil moisture to produce well. Using a soaker hose, drip system, and light mulches or weed barrier can assist in maintaining correct soil moisture and guarantee a healthy harvest. We recommend about 1-2 inches of water applied weekly in 2-3 applications. Moisture fluctuations can cause problems with flower set and poor yields. Maintaining consistent moisture will prevent early flower drop and proper pollination, assisting in greater root development.

FERTILIZER

About six weeks after germination or transplant, apply a balanced vegetable food around the base of each plant and water thoroughly. A half cup to one cup per 10 square feet of area works well. For quick bursts of growth and flower production, we recommend using a water-soluble fertilizer once weekly for extra productivity. Mix in water and apply to the leaves and the root zone.

HARVESTING

Fruits are usually ready late summer. The vines will die back, and the fruit skin will be hard and colorful. We like to harvest just after a light frost (28 degrees and above) or just before a hard frost (27 degrees or less). Once they are ready, cut the stem with a knife or hand pruner, leaving a 2-3-inch stem on the fruit. When storing or if you’re planning to use them as decorations, prep the fruits by placing them in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks before moving them to a cool (40-55 degrees) and dry location for long-term storage and use. Have fun eating, displaying, decorating, or all three!

9 Local Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall

Fall is one of my favorite times of year in Cache Valley. The beauty of the trees changing colors, the cooler weather, and the fun fall festivities! As you plan your fall bucket list, be sure to add a visit to a pumpkin patch.

Pumpkin patches are fun for the whole family; whether you go with young children, friends, or family, you are bound to have a nice time. Some of these patches also have straw or corn mazes, some include haunted/ spooky fun closer to Halloween, and there are always spots for photo-ops!

There are plenty to choose from locally, right here in Cache Valley. As we support our local farmers, we support their ability to continue their patches for future years. Be sure to check the social media pages of these pumpkin patches for future events, operating hours, Halloween-themed fun, plus other attractions included at their pumpkin patch sites.

VALERIE DAINES contributing writer

CACHE VALLEY LOCAL PUMPKIN PATCHES

• American West Heritage Center 4025 S. Hwy 89-91 Wellsville, UT 84339

• Cache Valley Giant Pumpkins

2151 W. 5400 N. Benson, UT 84335

• Cache Valley Straw Maze 590 N. 200 W. Richmond, UT 84333

• Green Canyon Farms

2297 N. 800 E. North Logan, UT 84341

• Gunnell Farms

1130 W. 5000 N. Smithfield, UT 84335

• Little Bear Bottoms 5200 S. US-89 Wellsville, UT 84339

• Mt. Naomi Farms

4460 N. 400 E. Hyde Park, UT 84318

• USU Student Organic Farms

1750 N. 800 E. North Logan, UT 84341

• Zollinger Fruit & Tree Farm

1000 River Heights Blvd Logan, UT 84321

The Best of Fall in Cache Valley

BETH BLAKE contributing writer

Fall can be a magical time to experience in Cache Valley. The mountains are dressed in scarlet and gold. Artists of all ages turn pumpkins into Disney, Peanuts, and many other characters. And, if you are lucky, you might see a performance of dancing witches. You can get together with friends at Merlin Olsen Park for a friendly game of capture the flag or football or enjoy nature by the Logan River by going on a beautiful twilight walk.

And speaking of walks…

For a truly authentic Cache Valley fall experience, the North Logan Pumpkin Walk is an absolute necessity. At the charming Elk Ridge Park, the walkway is lined with jacko-lanterns, and different scenes are created from pumpkins and gourds.

Amid scents of fall leaves and woodsmoke, visitors can stroll through enchanting festive art. The dates for this year’s Pumpkin Walk are October 10-12 and 14-15 . Admission is free.

And speaking of pumpkins…

Come celebrate fall’s signature gourd at the Second-Annual Center Street Giant Pumpkin Festival! On September 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Center Street will be filled with vendors, food trucks, and, of course, giant pumpkins. There will be activities like crafts, games, and face painting. The giant pumpkins will be weighed to determine the reigning giant of them all.

Last year’s pumpkin weighed in at 1,784 pounds! There will also be pumpkin carvers creating things like pumpkin faces or animals.

And speaking of animals…

Zootah’s Boo at the Zoo is another tradition not to be missed for animal lovers of all ages. On October 17-19 , from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the zoo is, as they describe it on their Facebook page, “transformed into a Halloween wonderland.” There will be animal parades, a costume contest, and fun such as face painting, balloon animals, and a hay bale maze.

continued on next page...

...continued from previous page And speaking of mazes…

If you enjoy navigating through a tall, fall-fragrant corn maze on a crisp autumn evening, head to the American West Heritage Center. The Corn Maze on the Farm event runs from September 23 to October 30 , but there is much more to do than wandering through the labyrinth of stalks. For more information about what delights await during a fall visit to the farm, visit awhc.org/corn-maze . There are pony rides and train rides, opportunities to enjoy a

stunning view of the Wellsvilles, lawn games, and much more!

And speaking of more…

Here are some other ideas for a stellar season:

• Are you looking for a family service opportunity as the holidays approach? Check out Sunshine Terrace Foundation’s adopt-a-grandparent program. For more information visit sunshineterrace.org/adopt-a-grandparent/

• Little Bear Bottoms in Wellsville gives the authentic pumpkin patch experience with several fall activities to enjoy.

For more information visit littlebearbottoms.com

• On the north side of the valley is the Cache Valley Straw Maze in Richmond, offering a pumpkin patch and many fun fall activities.

• Cache Valley is rich in natural color during the fall. Take a drive in any direction and enjoy the leaves.

• Library websites are fantastic resources for fun, usually free, activities throughout the year. Check out what’s happening this fall.

One of the many scenes from last year's North Logan Pumpkin Walk.

• Take a family field trip to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Before you go, learn about different birds you might see there, such as great blue herons and sandhill cranes. Enjoy the gorgeous drive through Sardine Canyon and become amateur ornithologists as you experience the refuge. For more information, visit: fws.gov/refuge/bear-river-migratory-bird

• The Cache Rock and Gem Show is coming back for a fall event. From October 11-13 at the Cache County Event Center, amateur geologists can come and see rocks, crystals, gemstones, fossils, and more. There are games and activities for kids to learn more about the natural wonders of the earth.

• The third annual Cache Valley Fall Boutique will be on October 12 at the Cache County Fairgrounds. This is an excellent chance to support local food trucks, artisans, and vendors. Cache Valley’s very own dancing witches will be performing, which, for many, has become a fun fall tradition.

And speaking of traditions…

It’s been said that “traditions flavor childhood.” I personally think the same is true for the child-at-heart. There are plenty of wonderful opportunities around our beautiful valley to create new traditions for ourselves and our families. Make your Cache Valley fall 2024 the best one yet!

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Lumiarie Lights the World, One Smile at a Time

Shannon Kay, owner of Lumiarie, a professional teeth whitening studio in Cache Valley, has made charitable services an important part of her business.

“I love the close-knit community we have here in Cache Valley, and I have loved serving people in Cache Valley for the last 17 years as a dental hygienist,” Shannon said. “When I started Lumiarie, the reason behind all of this was more than just raising the standard and elevating the teeth whitening experience; it was with a bigger purpose: to give back to the community to the people I have come to know and love so deeply.”

Shannon said she believes the value of a smile is much more powerful than appearance. “At Lumiarie, we believe a smile has immense power,” Shannon said. “A smile can uplift others, form deeper connections with people, and illuminate entire communities.”

Shannon shares her passion for giving back to the community by offering a free smile transformation every other month. “We want to recognize those who shine their light on others,” Shannon said. “People who inspire, uplift, and contribute to the fabric of our community and make it a better place. We hope to amplify their ability to light our community and inspire them to share their smile by giving them a new radiant smile.”

The name Lumiarie itself embodies the company’s mission. "Lumi" signifies giving light, and "Arie" represents warmth and passion. Together, they reflect a commitment to creating a world filled with smiles that spreads warmth and light.

EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

"As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way."

MARY ANNE RADMACHER

“Join us in lighting the world, one smile at a time.”

SHANNON KAY

“We believe that by uplifting others, we not only change individuals but also strengthen the bonds that unite us as a local community,” Shannon said.

The first recipient of Lumiarie’s free smile transformation recurrent recipient is a 27year educator, Melanie, who has taught at

Mt. Middle School for 17 of those years.

“I had the privilege of getting to know Melanie as her hygienist, and we developed a deep friendship over time. Her genuine warmth and compassion have always shone continued on next page...

Melanie (left) and Shannon (right). Melanie is the first recipient of Lumiarie's free smile transformation.

What is different about Lumiarie vs. typical teeth whitening?

There are many differences between Lumiarie versus typical teeth whitening, but the main difference between Lumiarie and typical teeth whitening is the customization of the process. “We have elevated the entire teeth whitening experience,” Shannon said. “Every smile has its own story and unique needs; no two are alike. That's why we do customized treatments to address your specific type of stain, sensitivity level, goals, lifestyle, and genetics.”

Shannon is a dental hygienist who has spent the last two and half years researching and developing an exclusive process that delivers consistent results to get peoples’ smiles in the whitest possible shade with minimal to no sensitivity.

...continued from previous page through,” Shannon said. “During this time, I witnessed her extraordinary talent and dedication as a teacher. Melanie is passionate about her students' success and has a special ability to connect with them. Her genuine smile and kind heart make her a true inspiration to everyone she meets.”

Shannon says Melanie is selfless and always puts the needs of others before her own. “She is a remarkable individual who has positively influenced my life with her inspiring life stories of overcoming hardships,” Shannon said. “She has made a significant impact on our community. Choosing her as the first recipient of this

honor is a testament to her character and contributions.”

Melanie is appreciative of the smile transformation. “Shannon is amazing! I've thought about whitening my teeth over the years, but I was afraid to do it because my teeth are so sensitive,” Melanie said. “Knowing how well Shannon knew me and my teeth, I decided to go ahead and let her try. I'm so amazed at how it has gone. Other than a few zingers over the entire process, I've had zero problems with sensitivity. On top of that, she managed to even out the many shades of my teeth.

I love my teeth now!”

Shannon hopes to grow her business and open more locations to raise the standard

for the entire teeth whitening industry and make it more accessible for people to achieve their smile’s whitest potential with minimal sensitivity while using safe and exceptional products in a spa-like environment that people can feel relaxed and comfortable in. “In time, we would also like to widen our charitable services beyond teeth whitening and expand into charitable dental care, which is needed for children and families in our community.”

Do you want to nominate a recipient for a free smile transformation?

Visit lumiarie.com and click on Lumiarie's Radiant Smile Giveaway to fill out the nomination form.