Cache Valley Family Magazine Holiday 2020

HOLIDAY 2020

A NEW CACHE VALLEY TRADITION

Holiday Home Light Tour

holiday meal preparation

MADE EASY

ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON SAFELY as a family

helping kids through

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Publisher & Editor in Chief EMILY BUCKLEY Copy Editor TARA BONE Cover Photo HEATHER PALMER Photography HEATHER PALMER Layout Design THE BLOOM DESIGN COMPANY Website Design KITE MEDIA Contributing Writers MARK ANDERSON TARA BONE EMILY BUCKLEY CACHE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT KATY CLARK MICHAEL COLE, OD TIFFANY GUERZON

Photo by Bella Alder Photography

EMILY JEWKES SHAUN KLOMP, CPHT

Throughout this year’s struggles which have become recognized and almost expected by just saying “2020,” I have tried to focus on the thought that there is always something to be thankful for, a practice that I believe has kept me out of the depths of fear and depression. The trick has been having eyes to see the good around me, regardless of circumstances outside of my control. If we go by the nightly news, our faith in mankind and hope for a bright future will dwindle fast, but if you take a moment to see the good in your neighbors and opportunities for growth in challenges, the bitter pill is a little easier to swallow.

Without overlooking the tragedy that has befell many this year, our community, from my vantage, has been mostly a shining star in standing together in the face of adversity to support small businesses, care for our neighbors, and encourage our children.

We still don’t have many answers about when and if life will get back to “normal,” but we do have the ability to lead by example and teach our children to become smart, safe, kind members of society.

Since creating Cache Valley Family Magazine seven years ago, I have been humbled to work with some of the best writers, doctors, businessowners, educators, and leaders in our community. They have shared their wisdom on how to create a brighter future for the next generation. It is with this inspiration that we continue to provide content that we think will help you on your daily journey.

Cache Valley is a special place. We pray for the strength and health of our community throughout this difficult time and hope this holiday season, even with its differences and limitations, will provide opportunities for joy for each of your families.

Merry Christmas!

Emily

SARAH LYONS JENNY MATHEWS EMILY MERKLEY KATE NEELEY FRANK SCHOFIELD NICHOLE PETERSON

Cache Valley Family Magazine is a free, trusted resource designed to inform, serve, and enrich local parents and families throughout Cache Valley. Material in this publication is copyright 2020, Cache Valley Family Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The views expressed in the magazine are the views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

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

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

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PAGE 19 PAGE 24

PAGE 32

PAGE 6

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in every issue SAFE FAMILIES • Enjoy the Holiday Season Safely as a Family • page 8 GOOD NEIGHBORS • Winning Big in Real Estate this Fall and Winter • page 16 FACT CHECK • Holidays: The Melting Pot of Tradition • page 22 COVER STORY • A New Tradition for Cache Valley Families: Holiday Home Light Tour • page 24 EDUCATION UPDATE

8 Steps to Good Digital Parenting • page 26 Instilling Vision, Belief, and Effort in Children for a Lifetime of Success • page 27 FAMILY MATTERS • Ready or Not! Help Through the College Application Process • page 32 HEALTHY FAMILIES • Immunity Supplements: What Should You Take? • page 35 MAKING A DIFFERENCE • Somebody's Attic Benefits from Overwhelming Community Support • page 38

featured articles Cozy Wool Wreath DIY • page 6 Roolee Gift Guide • page 12 Impressions of My Father, by Mark Anderson • page 14 Holiday Meal Preparations Made Easy (and Delicious!)

• page 19 Simple Christmas: Five Ways to Avoid Toy Overload • page 29 Savor the Holiday Season at Home • page 30 Celebrate New Year's Eve With the Kids • page 36 Gift Ideas that Support Vision and Educational Development • page 41 Novemberfest Celebrates its 37th Year Under New Leadership and at a New Location • page 44 Christmas Morning Breakfast Cake • page 46

6 | Holiday 2020

Cozy Wool Wreath DIY JENNY MATHEWS contributing writer

WHETHER YOU PREFER the sleek modern or a more rustic farmhouse look, this simple DIY wool wreath is a fun project and a charming addition to your holiday decor. For around $20 and 20 minutes, you can create the perfect wreath for your unique look to display in your own home or share as a gift.

and forefinger of your right hand. With those two fingers, grasp the working yarn and pull it through both loops. This is your first stitch.

Make a slipknot in the end of your yarn. With the loop of the slipknot in your right hand, use your left hand to place the wreath frame under the loop with the short end of the yarn in front and the working yarn to the back of the frame.

After covering the frame with stitches, you should have the working yarn in a loop in your right hand and the short loose end from the first stitch to the left. Pull that short end through the right-hand loop, tighten, and tie a knot to finish off. Cut the working yarn and tuck loose ends into the stitches.

Supplies Needed Wreath frame Greenery picks 13 yards of thick wool yarn Ornament and embellishments Ribbon Medium-gauge wire Begin by collecting the supplies you wish to use for your wreath. I used Yarn Bee Showstopper yarn in “Sleepy Sky.� I used about 13 yards (6 oz) for this wreath. After finding an ornament I loved and used for inspiration, I gathered the rest of the supplies: a wreath frame, some greenery picks, ribbon, and medium-gauge wire.

Repeat this stitch all the way around the wreath adjusting the stitches so they are worked evenly, and you completely cover the frame.

Put your thumb and forefinger of your right hand through the loop while the other fingers grasp the frame. With your left hand, reach under the top of the frame to grab onto the working yarn and pull up a loop to the front side just next to the slipknot. Slide that loop onto the two fingers that are through the slipknot loop so there are two loops on your fingers.

With your left hand, reach over the frame this time and pull the working yarn up to the thumb

Add embellishments and secure with wire. You can use wire, ribbon, or the metal rings of the wreath frame to secure your wreath to a nail or hook. Enjoy your wreath all season long!

8 | Holiday 2020

SA FE FA MI LI E S

Enjoy the Holiday Season Safely as a Family EMILY JEWKES health educator, Bear River Health Department

EVEN AS PARENTS and caregivers continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the holidays are still one of the most exciting times of the year. This year’s festivities will look a little different and call for creative alternatives that are both fun and follow local COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate this holiday season, here are a few ways to make safety a part of your planning: Families are on the go, running errands, going shopping, and taking road trips to

visit relatives and friends. Here are tips for keeping your kids safe during holiday travel: • Everybody needs their own restraint.

Make it a rule: everyone buckled, every ride, every time, whether it’s the long trip to visit family or around the block to the mall. Remember, kids will do what you do — so buckle up every time. • If you are flying, take your car seat with you and use it on the plane. It will be a benefit to have it with you at your destination and when you travel to and from the airport. Rent or borrow a car

•

•

•

•

seat or booster seat if you can’t take your child’s with you.

Watch out for small kids and distracted drivers in parking lots that are busier than usual during the holidays.

Remind your new teen driver to be extra alert during the holidays when people are more distracted and the weather can be tricky.

Plan to use a designated driver or rideshare to make sure you get home safely after celebrating.

Avoid distractions while driving. No text or playlist is worth the risk of

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taking your eyes off the road. Set your GPS to "voice activated" so you can concentrate on driving without having to look at your phone.

• Secure loose objects. Put hot foods, large gifts, and anything else that could fly around in a crash in the trunk.

• Prepare for weather emergencies by packing extra blankets, food, and diapers. Keep your phone charged and make sure someone at your destination knows the route you are planning to take. Keep car exhaust pipes clear of packed snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

With holidays come more baking and cooking in the home. Here are a few safety tips to remember while baking some of your favorite treats:

• Teach your children to stay a safe distance from hot stoves and appliances.

• Avoid carrying or holding a child while cooking on the stove.

• Kids love to reach. Use the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from the edge.

• Remind yourself to check on food frequently by using a timer, especially when baking or simmering.

• Make sure appliance cords are coiled away from counter edges. Also, make sure hot foods are away from the edge.

• Stay close when you are using a grill or turkey fryer.

• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly-rolled sleeves when cooking.

• Take a minute to test your smoke alarms.

COVID-19 means more time at home. This is especially true coming into the colder months ahead. With more time spent in the home, there is a greater opportunity for family bonding.

Spending time together as a family has many benefits. Some of those benefits are building a child’s self-esteem, developing positive behaviors, encouraging communication, helping your child academically, and teaching social and friendship skills. Here are a few activities you can do as a family while staying home: • Board games • Video games like Just Dance that involve the whole family • Play hot lava (a favorite at our house) • Build a fort in your living room • Camp out in your living room • Go for a walk or hike • Bake treats and have a decorating contest • Geocache • Cook meals together and try new foods • Eat meals together and have table topics to keep the conversation going • Take turns letting a member of the family choose dinner • Friday movie nights with homemade pizza • Have a parent read a story to the family; a series can be fun to read for a few months • Color or draw • Try a new exercise or sport together, e.g., yoga, tennis, pickleball There are so many things to do together as a family. Use this time to help strengthen relationships with those you love!

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12 | Holiday 2020

Roolee Gift Guide EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

CHRISTAMS IS right around the corner … which means Christmas shopping is in full force. One of our goals for shopping this year is to buy as many gifts from local shops as possible. Shopping small and local is good for everyone in our community.

One of our favorite places to shop for gifts for friends, sisters, daughters, and even ourselves is Roolee, locally owned and operated at 165 West 1600 in Logan. Here are some of their top picks for gifts this season:

Friend Gifts • Rettel Desktop Roller (A): This fun little roller is great for busy moms, at their desk,

kitchen, or family space. It’s the perfect place to jot down notes, reminders, or quotes.

• The Kris Trees Set (B): Six adorable little trees to help fill any home with holiday cheer!

• Waffle Knit Socks (C): Who doesn’t love a pair of cozy socks? These are a classic little gift!

Wife/Girlfriend Gifts • Eliason Set (D): Sets are super trendy right now, and just as comfortable. This is the perfect uniform for Christmas vacation.

• Minnetonka Tuscan Moccasin (E): The perfect slippers to wear while sipping hot cocoa.

• Yesterday Twist Ring (F): This ring comes in both silver and gold and is completely adjustable, thanks to its open form.

Teen Gifts • Thread Wallets (G): Function and style woven together for a slender way for your teenager to keep track of all her cards and cash.

• Free People Beanie (H): Warm and fashionable with a pom pom on top!

• Good Karma Bracelets (I): Share good intentions with these chic Japanese glass Miyuki bracelets. Colorful combos of matte and pearlescent beads are strung up with an empowering message.

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Kid Gifts • Jelly Cat Stuffed Animal (J): The softest toys you have ever hugged!

• Mommy + Me Pullovers (K): Twinning will be winning with your mini me in these cute pullovers!

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Neighbor gifts • Make Merry Votive Candle Set (L): A trio of etched glass votive candles in a flannelinspired pattern are snuggled up inside a festive gift box. A pop of natural wood adorns the interior, and comes with a fuzzy, faux fur pom on top.

• Magnolia Home Hand Cream (M): Hands will be silky smooth and ready for anything with this sweet-smelling hand cream.

D

E

F

New Mom gifts • Fawn Design Diaper Bag (N): This is the bag she’ll reach for every day. It doubles as a diaper bag, travel bag, school bag, and work bag.

• Mom Dress (O): Roolee carries a whole line of cute, nursing-friendly clothing for new moms.

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Impressions of My Father MARK ANDERSON owner, Anderson's Seed and Garden

SOME OF MY EARLIEST MEMORIES of my father are working out in the garden.

Despite his long hours and continuous work at Anderson’s Seed and Garden helping other gardeners succeed, he loved working in his own garden most. For him, it was his opportunity to get away from work responsibilities, disconnect from outside distractions of the world, and find peace. It was his happy place.

Potatoes, cantaloupe, and corn were his favorite things to grow, but then again, I think all vegetables were his favorite. As a young child, I would help plant potatoes and seeds, water young transplants, and definitely help harvest.

I learned early on, that it was so much easier to work a little in the garden every day, than to try to do it all on the weekend, then turn around and do it all over again the next weekend. We’d work a little in the garden every night when he

got home from work. For Dad it was 20 to 30 minutes of weeding, a little watering, a little fertilizing, and a lot of stress relief. For me, it was a true lesson about how work can be fun. Dad knew how to make a hard job easy, enjoyable, and rewarding. That’s the best way to experience gardening.

When harvest time rolled around, we always had 10 times more produce than we could ever use. My mother canned and froze enough food to feed three families each summer and fall, but we constantly had an abundance of everything from the garden. Dad loved to share that bounty. He’d take cases of vegetables to his friends in Montana who let him fish on their property. He shared cantaloupes with anyone who wanted a taste. No one could ever leave his house without tasting his new potatoes covered in butter, that he would painstakingly

EDITOR’S NOTE: Clyde Anderson, a well-known Cache Valley businessman, passed away last month at the age of 91.

We invited his son Mark Anderson, current owner of Anderson’s Seed and Garden, to share some lessons learned from him here.

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peel with a hose and nozzle because the tuber’s skin was so tender it would just blow right off. His corn patch was big enough to feed the whole neighborhood. Generosity must run in the family, as I’ve heard so many stories about my Grandfather Rone’s penchant to help others to a fault. Dad was the same. Very few people he shared his crops with ever had to pick anything; he loved the picking and sharing as much as the growing. It’s funny, but I do the exact same thing.

My parents never pressured me to work in the family business, but the opportunity was always there. As a teenager, I was helping at the store one holiday season, and a very large shipment of artificial flowers arrived. Upon looking at the invoice and packing list, I quickly realized that instead of sending us 144 each of eight varieties of poinsettia, they had sent us 144 cases of 12. We’d only been billed for the 144 each, so we had 12 times more product than what we were required to pay for. My father immediately called the company and explained what had happened, and promptly shipped

the excess product back to the manufacturer.

We worked with that company for another 20 to 25 years, and every time I met with our sales representative they spoke of the incident, my father’s honesty, and how so few businesspeople had the integrity to do what is right. I’ve never forgotten how important it is to stay true to the trust that is given by customers, as well as vendors.

Dad loved baseball and played organized softball until his mid 30’s when he broke his Achilles’ tendon rounding first base trying to stretch out a double. He instilled that love of baseball and all sports in me. So many nights, after work and after working in the garden, he would spend the time catching for me so I could perfect my pitching form, increase the velocity on my fastball, and master the art of throwing a knuckle curveball. He could throw the elusive “riseball” in softball and taught me how to throw it with a baseball, which resulted in an off-speed sinker that was nearly unhittable. He knew persistence and practice paid off, and he made sure that I had someone

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to practice with every day. Those are sacrifices that I will never forget.

After Dad retired at age 70, he still loved working in his garden, mostly he did it all by himself, with minimal help from Mom or his children, until just last year. At 90, he just couldn’t do it all on his own anymore. He’d still move the water and hoe weeds, but the planting was strenuous, all the up and down strained his back and knees, so I would help get it all planted. It wasn’t until he was 89 that I think he quit using his trusty Troy Built tiller he had for nearly 40 years. He just couldn’t stand not being productive or making a difference. That is probably the very best lesson I learned from my father: Never stop working and making a difference. It kept him youthful, engaged in a good work, energetic, and focused, right up until his very last year or two. I want to be just like him and continue doing the things I love to do for as long as I can. Maybe I can garden until I’m 90 as well.

- MARK

16 | Holiday 2020

S PO N S O R E D BY

G O O D N E I G H BO RS

Winning Big in Real Estate this Fall and Winter EMILY MERKLEY chief executive officer, Cache Valley Association of Realtors

WITH LOCAL REAL ESTATE markets seeing huge traffic and all-time low mortgage rates, it’s a perfect time to make the move if you’ve been considering buying or selling a home. The idea of saving on agent fees and buying/selling your own home can seem enticing, but it’s important to go into the situation with a basic education and understanding of the benefits that come from working with an experienced REALTOR®.

Although the market might be hot, people are still very unsure as they try to navigate these challenging and uncertain times as best they can.

In this situation, the experience and guidance of a REALTOR® can make all the difference for a successful transaction. If you’ve decided to try and sell or buy a home on your own, there are some important factors to consider: • Legal Vulnerability: The process of buying and selling a home has evolved over the last 20 years, and real estate has seen increases in required documentation, disclosures, and regulations. Using the services of a REALTOR® gives the buyer/seller a thirdparty cushion and protection through the legal processes of a transaction.

• Online Marketing: An experienced REALTOR® has well-developed online platforms to help list and find homes.

They are the first to know of the hottest new listings, and they have access to online media that receive exponentially more traffic than a single, private listing.

Searching online has historically been where most buyers begin, and since COVID-19, that number has skyrocketed from 44% to 93%. Having a developed, accessible platform with heavy traffic is crucial to finding and selling homes.

• Safety: You can expect heavy foot traffic during showings if you are selling your home, and must evaluate if you have the ability to follow protocols that will protect

you, your family, and those viewing your home. If you are buying a home ‘For Sale

by Owner,’ are you able to ensure that the home has been sanitized during and after showings? In contrast, a REALTOR® can facilitate virtual tours, regulate crowds, and see that current industry standards are being followed.

• Negotiating: The decision to navigate a real estate transaction on your own means understanding that you will be working and negotiating with several individuals in many roles. A REALTOR® is trained to negotiate with inspection companies and employees, appraisers, lenders, buyers, and buyer agents. Emotions can run high during these situations and keeping a level head is crucial.

• Finding the Qualified Buyers: Just as important as finding somebody to buy your home is making sure they can afford it.

With a rapidly evolving mortgage market that deals with families out of work and mortgage forbearance, most buyers aren’t privy to the position of potential buyers.

With the frequent fluctuation of available loan programs, REALTORS® are trained to ask the correct questions and can find information regarding buyers’ mortgage commitments. It’s exhausting to ride the high of offers that never make it to closing.

In the end, attempting to save money by selling or buying on your own can potentially cost you more in the long run. On average, an agentlisted home sells for 6% more due to more effective exposure and less time on the market.

Greater exposure means more bids to drive up the price of the home for a seller. Enlist the help of a local REALTOR® to discuss your options, and to find the best solution for managing the transaction process from start to finish.

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Holiday Meal Preparations Made Easy (and Delicious!)

EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

WHEN IT COMES to the holidays many of the best memories are made in the kitchen, or around the table.

Maybe your family is like mine? We like to prepare lots of delicious food leading up to the big day to ensure there are plenty of leftovers to get us through the holiday weekend.

I love to spend time baking, but when the rest of my family disappears to play a game, watch a movie, or try new toys, sometimes I regret my big plans in the kitchen.

Here are three ways you can make things simpler this holiday season:

Plan ahead Many people make recipes during the holidays they don’t prepare any other time of year. Many of these call for staple ingredients you may, or may not, have on hand. Check your continued on next page‌

20 | Holiday 2020

continued from previous page… refrigerator and pantry ahead of time to ensure you have enough butter, eggs, flour, sugar, spices, and seasonings to get you through your meal and holiday treat preparation. Double check your list so you don’t have to make multiple trips to the grocery store.

Special order One way to ensure you have plenty of delicious food, and that you don’t miss out on family time spent doing other things, is to take advantage of pre-made dishes or even complete meals offered by local businesses.

All parts of the meal at Lee's Marketplace, from potatoes that are cut right in the store to Lee’s signature pies, are made from scratch, so everything will taste as fresh as if it were made in your own kitchen.

“We are living in a weird world where we may have to have smaller gatherings or social distance, even at the holidays,” Tim Rigby, Lee’s Marketplace marketing director, said. “We have options that will work for every size group.”

Give up some of the work

You can save some time and effort by purchasing unfrosted, holiday-shaped sugar cookies from your favorite bakery.

Lee’s Marketplace is one great resource for Lee’s Marketplace, for example, also sells such meals. They offer complete holiday portions of colored frosting separately so dinners (including turkey, prime rib, and ham your family can enjoy decorating cookies for dinners with all the fixings) that only need Santa without quite as much preparation or to be heated before serving. Their options mess. include meals to feed a large family or smaller portions for individuals or couples.

“These ideas may seem like shortcuts,” Tim said, “but when you finally have time off If you don’t want to forgo favorite family from work, school, or other responsibilities, recipes on your holiday table, you can also, it can be nice to simply enjoy the extra time of course, purchase individual parts of the with your family. This is one way to relieve meal like rolls or pies, or a cheeseball or the ‘preparing the perfect meal’ part of veggie tray to serve as an appetizer. holiday stress.”

Check out these other favorite local vendors for delicious additions to your holiday meal or gift basket that will make your preparations easier than ever: CRUMB BROTHERS BAKERY offers delicious European-style pastries, crusty breads, croissants, scratch soups, and sandwiches.

GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO. offers simple, delicious breads, cookies, cinnamon rolls, scones, and more that are perfect for serving your family or gifting to neighbors or friends.

SWEETLY DIVINE offers delicious jalapeño jellies that we love to add to charcuterie trays.

ROCKHILL CHEESE produces hand-crafted cheese made from the milk of six Brown Swiss cows on a historic farm in Richmond.

BLUEBIRD CANDY’S hand-dipped chocolates make a lovely addition to a table setting, charcuterie, or gift basket.

OLD GRIST MILL’S bread is delicious for turkey sandwich leftovers. Get a quart of soup for quick meal on a cold night.

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FACT CH E CK

Holidays: The Melting Pot of Tradition KATE NEELEY contributing writer

FROM CARVING JACK-O-LANTERNS to driving past glittering trees, or savoring the scent of your favorite pie baking in the oven to caroling and beyond, holidays are a vehicle to express yourself in endless ways. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you do certain things every year? Where do these traditions come from?

Barbara Williams, creative genius and author of the blog bitsofivory.com, is a self-made expert in traditions and says that in their essence, “traditions really are a powerful way of learning … the more senses you involve, the more they become a part of who you are.”

Think of that. What are the sounds of the season?

What sights take you to Halloween night, what scent immediately draws your mind to Christmas

day? What do you gain from those sensory experiences?

For Barb, her travels in Italy at Christmastime in young adulthood sparked something big inside her heart as she experienced some of the Italian people’s traditions at that time of the year. Italy is known for its deeply Christian roots, and she noticed that many of the people had entire rooms inside their homes dedicated to what you might call Nativity scenes, but are known in Italy as il presepe. Barb was touched by something different about these scenes she hadn’t seen in America. Not only did the Italians include familiar Christian symbols such as Mary the mother of Jesus and shepherds, but they included entire villages. “You might see a woman hanging wash on the line in their manger scenes,” Barb explained.

It spoke something to her, that for these people, their observance of a holiday to remember an important event in their religion included them, and essentially, the whole village or human family in it. It wasn’t just something that happened in a distant place long ago. It meant something bigger and more personal to them.

When you look at any family, chances are they have their own combination of holidays and traditions to go along with them. That is because there can be any number of backgrounds and experiences in any mix, and that really is the beauty of holiday traditions.

For United States Air Force Pilot and Historian Ian Bertram, his worldwide travel has often landed him in places right in the middle of certain holidays or festivals that were new and

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different to him, but deeply rooted in the people of those countries.

One August, Ian found himself in the streets of Nepal, which was a sea of rich red saris, all being worn by women who were out celebrating a Hindu Women’s Festival called Teej. Ian described it this way: “It felt like Christmas, with a mutual sense of goodwill.”

The men Ian had been in contact with in the country told him they would all be busy on the festival days taking care of the duties typically performed by females in their culture so the women could go out and sing, dance, and pray together during the celebration.

Holidays have ties to religion, family, and history.

Halloween has an intriguing background. What has become a modern-day mesh of treats, spooky movies, costumes, and a sort of intoxicating magic goes back at least 2,000 years to a Celtic Holiday called Samhain (Sow-win). The evening of October 31 begins the Celtic New Year, which is the third harvest and begins the darkest time of the year.

Yoga instructor Clytie Ames has done extensive research into the Celtic Tradition, and has adopted some of the beautiful aspects of it in her life and family. “The Celtic people valued the dark,” she said. “But not in the sense of evil or terror. The darkness is a place of rebirth, regeneration, and healing.” At the end of summer and harvest season, the plants and the earth enter a phase like this: The trees go into

dormancy, the seeds under the ground rest, and people spend more time inside.

Many familiar Halloween symbols come from Celtic Samhain, and you may be surprised to know what they originally represented. At the center of these would probably be the witch. In the original Celtic tradition, witches were revered, wise old women, known for their strength. Called “Hags” or “Crones,” these women were anything but evil in the way many today see witches.

The witch’s broom was known as a “besom,” or means for sweeping away negativity. Jacko-lanterns were lit as a way to ward off evil spirits and to guide the path of deceased loved ones to paradise. Black and orange are colors to represent death and rebirth. Trick-or-treat likely comes from the custom of leaving food out for the kindred dead to eat on their way to the afterlife, and the “tricking comes as a result of the prankster energy of Samhain, the spirit of laughter. This is to remind people to not take it all so seriously,” Clytie said.

All in all, the familiar traditions you enjoy throughout the year are a rich reminder of where you came from: a family, a religion, a culture.

Throughout history, traditions have become one of the most powerful tools to teach, enliven, and connect as humanity. Take a look at what you do every year. Do the things that fill you and give you and your family joy.

An Italian nativity scene known there as il presepe.

For more tradition ideas, visit Barb Williams’ blog bitsofivory.com or Instagram @bitsofivory.

24 | Holiday 2020

A New Tradition for Cache Valley Families: Holiday Home Light Tour EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

ANDREA ROYLANCE, senior loan officer at Intercap Lending, says she hosts an event each year to show her appreciation to the realtors she works with and the community as a whole. “In the past we have done a movie night, but this year it wasn’t feasible because of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

She still wanted to host an event and wanted to find a way to include more people than ever.

“As we brainstormed, the idea of a holiday home light tour came to me,” Andrea said.

“I was so excited about it right from the start.”

plus a goodie bag for the first 100 people who pick up their cards. Tickets can be purchased online at intercaplending.com/ holiday-home-light-tour. Judging packets can be picked up at the Logan Intercap Lending office, located at 339 Main Street, Suite 220, beginning December 14.

Intercap and its co-sponsors have covered all of the costs for the event, so all ticket sales can be used to support their charity partner, Santa’s Soldiers.

“We are thrilled that all money collected from ticket sales will go to support local military families,” Andrea said.

Santa’s Soldiers was started five years ago

The Holiday Home Light Tour, which will be held December 16-19, will feature 15 of the best-decorated houses in Cache Valley.

The community will be the judges to select a grand prize-winning house to win $500 (and bragging rights!).

Entries from people who would like to have their homes considered for the tour are being accepted now through December 5. After that date the top 15 houses will be selected.

If you would like to be a judge for the light tour, you can purchase a $10-per-car ticket, which will include a voting card and map, Janet and Kevin Reeves' Cliffside home is a favorite for holiday decor. Follow the Cache Valley Chrtimas Lights page on Facebook to find more festive homes.

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Holiday Playlist Below is a compilation of some of our family’s favorite holiday tunes to listen to as we drive around Cache Valley looking at lights. It is one of our favorite holiday traditions! Create your playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or your favorite music source, buckle up, bring along a cup of hot cocoa to sip, and sing along.

It’s the perfect recipe for a cheery memory.

Oliver and Cassie Hoopes and their children Hannah, Hayden, Rylan, Ainslee, and Paxton, and their dog Max (featured on this issue’s cover), have made a tradition of over-the-top Christmas lights. They decorate their Nibley home, that some fondly call “the Griswold house,” with more than 125,000 lights each year. Oliver says he loves creating something that will share their family’s love for Christmas with the community.

Let it Be Christmas by Alan Jackson Carol of the Bells by John Williams We Need a Little Christmas by Glee Cast Up on the Housetop by Gene Autry Happy Holidays by Andy Williams It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

by Michael Bublé Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

by Brenda Lee Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

by Dean Martin Jingle Bells by Barbara Streisand Santa Claus is Coming to Town

by Jackson 5 Run Rudolph Run by Chuck Berry A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives White Christmas by Bing Crosby Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

by Lindsey Stirling

by Nancy Davis Buckway at Achievement Realty. The organization works with the director of family services at the Logan Armory to find local military families, with at least one deployed parent, who could use extra support and love during the holiday season.

The Logan Armory provides Santa’s Soldiers with a list of things each family needs and wants, and then people are able to donate anonymously to support those families.

Throughout 2020, many families have felt

disappointment as events and traditions have had to be canceled due to health and safety concerns.

“It was important to us to plan an event that wouldn’t need to be canceled,” Andrea said. “We wanted something families could count on and that would be safe for everyone involved. We feel like this is just the right thing for this year, and for many years to come. People can stay warm and cozy in their cars, go see the amazing homes, and enjoy the holiday spirit that these people are sharing.”

My Favorite Things by Kelly Clarkston O Holy Night by Céline Dion Do You Hear What I Hear

by Whitney Houston Believe by Josh Groban Winter Wonderland by Tony Bennett Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

by Judy Garland

Sponsors for the Holiday Home Light Tour include: Intercap Lending, Cache Valley Women’s Council of Realtors, Achievement Realty, Rapture Audio, Logan Insurance Agency, Elevate Home Warranty, Cache Valley Lawn King, Mold Busters, and Carlson Home Inspections.

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P R E S EN TE D BY

Instilling Vision, Belief, and Effort in Children for a Lifetime of Success FRANK SCHOFIELD superintendent, Logan City School District

IN HIS BOOK, The Spyglass, author Richard Paul Evans tells the story of a king and his kingdom who are able to overcome challenges and accomplish great success by sharing a vision of what is possible, and then working to bring that vision to life. Their success begins by sharing the vision of what might be, and then working together to “make it so.”

This parable of the spyglass is ultimately a story of vision, belief in our ability to achieve that vision, and the importance of personal effort in bringing our vision to life. The story beautifully illustrates how each element contributes to our success as individuals, families, and society.

As we reach the middle of the school year, we often begin to focus on the outcomes we have seen up to this point, good or bad. Following parent-teacher conferences, parents and children typically talk about grades and study habits, occasionally in ways that are not particularly reinforcing for anyone in the family. When preparing for and taking part in those discussions, it can be helpful to remember the first two principles illustrated in the story of the spyglass: the importance of a vision and the importance of our belief in our ability to bring that vision to life.

There is a large body of evidence that illustrates the importance of parental involvement in their child’s success and happiness in any endeavor the child engages in. This is not surprising to most parents.

Where parents often struggle is identifying what their involvement should look like.

In terms of school success, researchers have identified that “parental aspirations and expectations for student achievement” have the strongest relationship with student achievement, even more so than homework routines and students’ study habits.1 Regular conversations between parents and children about their shared aspirations and goals are a powerful tool for promoting a shared vision of success, which can then lead to specific attitudes and behaviors. When parents talk positively about their hopes for their children, it can strengthen the relationship between them, and lead to shared efforts to make those hopes a reality.

As already stated, vision alone is insufficient, even when it is shared. Parental expectations can become a source of stress for children if children do not believe in their ability to meet those expectations.

Jim Taylor, PhD, a specialist in the psychology of sports and parenting, suggests parents focus on “effort expectations” instead of ability or outcome expectations.2 Ability expectations are those in which children are expected to achieve a certain result because of their natural ability: "We expect you to get straight A's because you're so smart," or "We expect you to win because you're the best athlete out there."

As explained by Carol Dweck, PhD, in her book Mindset, if children attribute their successes to their ability: “I won because I'm so talented," they must attribute their failures to their lack of ability: "I've

failed because I'm stupid." That approach often leads to a belief that those abilities are fixed, so certain failures become inevitable.

Outcome expectations in which children are expected to produce a certain outcome: "We expect you to win this game," or "We know you'll be the first-chair violin in the orchestra," can also be challenging. The problem is that, once again, children are asked to meet an expectation over which they may not have control.

Dr. Taylor suggests that instead of setting ability and outcome expectations, parents consider working with children to set effort expectations. He explains, “Think about what your children need to do to become successful and create effort expectations that will lead to their success: commitment, hard work, discipline, patience, focus, persistence, perseverance, positive attitude.”

For example: "Our family expects you to give your best effort," or "Our family expects you to make your studies a priority." These expectations are worthwhile whether someone is striving to be a scientist, teacher, professional athlete, writer, musician, spouse, or parent. Regardless of the abilities they inherited from you or with whom they might be compared, children have the capacity to use effort expectations and the tools associated with them to be the best they can be in whatever area they choose to pursue.

Just as the goals and interests children choose to pursue will vary, it seems to be the case in most families that what motivates one child doesn't always work well for another. Regardless of the specific goals and expectations that are set, as parents and children work together to develop a common vision of success, reinforce belief in the child’s ability to achieve that vision, and identify the personal effort needed to bring that vision to life, parents and children will be better positioned to work together to encourage each child’s long-term growth and success.

Hattie, John, Visible Learning (2009): 70.

Taylor, John, “Parenting: Expectations of Success: Benefit or Burden,” Psychology Today (Nov 4, 2010).

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| 29

Simple Christmas

five ways to avoid toy overload SARAH LYONS contributing writer

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON means decorations, tasty treats, family celebrations, and gift giving … and giving and giving. It seems that every year we lose some of the true meaning of Christmas because of the excess of toys that enter my home. Two years ago, when the season came to a close, I found myself yearning for a simpler Christmas, one without so much toy overload. I wanted my children to still receive gifts they want and for us to find joy in giving those wish list items, but without overdoing it. Here are some strategies I have found to keep the Christmas cheer without fear of the toy overload.

The four-gift philosophy This gift-giving philosophy goes like this: “Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.”

This idea gives kids a variety of gifts without going overboard. It’s practical, affordable, and fun. Best of all it’s easy to shop for, without the risk of impulse buying.

Give an experience Instead of spending a lot of money on toys that may or may not get played with, consider giving the gift of an experience. Ideas may include a membership to a local attraction like a zoo or children’s museum, classes that the child would enjoy (dance, art, music, etc), tickets to a show, movie passes, gift cards, a special night on the town, or even a vacation. This gift idea is great because it can be given to the entire family and is sure to create memories that last longer than an easily forgotten toy.

A family gift Try giving a gift the entire family can enjoy.

Some ideas could include movies, books, board games, electronics, or a swing set. Individual

gifts that go along with the family gift could make it more personal. For example, if the family gift is a new video game system, each child might receive a game of interest to them to go along with it. The benefit to this type of gift is it encourages quality family time.

A heartfelt gift These types of gifts are special because they are so personal. One Christmas my grandma made all of her children and grandchildren a special recipe book that included family recipes that had been passed down for generations. It was a gift that cost little, but was priceless to the recipients. These gifts require more time than money, but will keep giving for many years.

One big gift For some kids there is one large, costly gift that they have on their list. Perhaps they want it more than anything else. Consider getting each child the one larger gift they really want and forgo all the smaller extra gifts. This will be a good lesson in the cost of items and help them appreciate the gifts they do receive more.

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30 | Holiday 2020

Savor the Holiday Season at Home KATY CLARK contributing writer

THIS YEAR THE holiday season may look different. Masks and social distancing have put a damper on the usual gatherings at schools and in our communities. My own kids are sad that their holiday concerts have been canceled.

Don’t despair! After all, it is still the most wonderful time of the year!

Why not take this opportunity to rediscover the joy of slowing down and savoring the season right where you spend most of your time? Here are seven sweet and simple ways to celebrate the holidays at home.

1. Send cards in the mail. Now is a great time to rediscover the tradition of sending Christmas cards. There are many online photo sites that allow you to personalize photo cards, or simply ask your kids to draw or paint handmade greetings. No matter how fancy or simple the cards may be, just imagine how much joy they will bring the recipients, especially grandparents who love getting good oldfashioned mail!

2. Bake. Spend time together cutting out sugar cookies, decorating gingerbread houses, or making a special recipe that your family treasures. Tell your kids about the relatives who wrote the recipes in cursive on those cards passed down from generation to generation.

Maybe you can drop off your homemade treats to essential workers, homebound seniors, or veterans in your neighborhood.

3. Make music. The usual school holiday concert may look different this year, if it can be held at all, but that doesn’t mean you can’t host one in your own home. Have your child play a solo in front of the family or be like the Partridge Family and encourage everyone to pick up an instrument for a holiday jam session. Sing your favorite hymns or holiday classics. Most lyrics can be found online.

4. Read together. Channel your inner Clark Griswald and his clan in Christmas Vacation and gather round to read The Night Before Christmas. There are also classic audio books your family could listen to as you wrap gifts or unwind after work or school. Books are

the perfect way to learn about different holiday traditions, too. Ask your local librarian for recommendations of books about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lucia Day, or Three Kings Day. 5. Watch holiday movies. Going to the movies may not be feasible this year, but that only inspires me to create a cozy movie night in my own living room. My family likes to don holiday pajamas, snuggle up in throw blankets with snacks and hot cocoa, and laugh away at Elf and A Christmas Story. There are so many great shows and movies celebrating the season that your family is sure to find one that inspires festive spirit in everyone!

6. Celebrate outside. Go for a walk and listen to the wind whistling through bare trees or whipping around buildings. Get warm by a backyard bonfire or stargaze on a frosty evening. Go sledding or build a snowman. Surprise the kids and join them in making snow angels or having a snowball fight. Nothing delights children more than when their parents join in on playtime!

7. Go Virtual. Whether it’s Facebook Messenger, Zoom, or Skype, there are a myriad of ways to extend season’s greetings to friends and families. Reaching out and connecting, even in a virtual format, benefits everyone, especially during the holidays.

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32 | Holiday 2020

FA MI LY MAT T E RS

Ready or Not! Help Through the College Application Process TARA BONE contributing writer

I RECENTLY FOUND myself on a college visit with my 17-yearold senior, and all I could think was, “How is this possible?”

It’s cliché, but honestly where did the time go? My oldest son’s senior year snuck up on me while I was driving carpool, juggling work and chores, and just cheering him on.

But it was here, and the college applications and “lasts” were hurling toward us. Actually, my son took it in stride; it was me who needed a few “mom cries.” Our family didn’t realize how overwhelming and emotional it would be. So for parents like me who wonder where to start, or for those who think, “I don’t have to worry about this yet,” here’s a guide to navigating the college application process … one day it’s going to sneak up on you!

Michelle Hunsaker of Mendon is a pro at helping students navigate the process. Of her 10 children, she has sent six of them to college since 2012 and has a senior applying to college this year. She’s also taught an ACT prep class to almost 400 students and has counseled many of them.

The biggest concerns most students have is how to get into their college of choice and how to pay for it. In response to this, Michelle encourages students to aim for scholarships that

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| 33

colleges give based on GPA and ACT scores because they are guaranteed scholarships based on set requirements.

“My simple advice over and over again is focus on your GPA and ACT,” Michelle said. “Those are the tickets to get you in and get you money. Even my most academically motivated seniors were not super motivated to apply to a bunch of scholarships or study excessively for the ACT. Plus, they are usually incredibly busy … so my motto became, ‘What investment will bring the greatest dividends? Maintenance of the GPA and raising the ACT’!”

There are other financial aid options available as well. Angela Wood is a counselor at Mountain Crest High School and says one of her number one tips for parents and students is to complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid).

“You never know what you could qualify for and some scholarships want you to fill out the FAFSA before applying,” Angela said. “There are three things you could qualify for with the FAFSA: grants, loans, and work studies. You miss out on those opportunities if you do not complete the FAFSA.” Angela always encourages students to get involved with clubs, leadership opportunities, and community service.

These experiences help when applying for scholarships and there are hundreds available. She recommends the “Keys to Success” app for her students. She warns that families should never pay for scholarship services.

High school counselors provide a lot of resources, so take advantage of their help. Deadlines come quickly; some as early as November 1. Michelle says their family learned the hard way that there are no exceptions made for missing deadlines.

Because there’s not a lot of time during the senior year to decide where to apply, Michelle and Angela recommend that students start thinking about it their junior year — or even sooner. Visit different college campuses on family trips and talk about your student’s dreams. One day it will be their turn to launch, and you’ll be ready to help them discover a world of adventure … but until that day, enjoy every moment together.

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| 35

H E A LT H Y FA MI LI E S

Immunity Supplements: What Should You Take?

SHAUN KLOMP, CPHT compounding lab manager, Spence’s North Pharmacy

THE ARRIVAL OF the COVID-19, SARS-2 virus has created a major disruption in the lives of individuals everywhere. These disruptions can be extensive and can result in increased stress, decreased sleep, and dietary deficiencies caused by food chain disruption.

While the cure for viral diseases such as COVID-19 are unknown, what is definitely known is that individuals with underlying co-morbidities and individuals experiencing nutritional deficiencies are at a greater risk for a more severe outcome if they contract the virus.

The most supportive nutritional supplements being reported are the very nutrients that many Americans are deficient in. Vitamin C, for example, is absolutely critical for the proper functioning of immune cells. However, humans are the only mammal on earth that do not make their own Vitamin C. Human Vitamin C needs to be obtained from the diet. Because Vitamin C is water soluble and not stored in the body, it needs to be obtained every day.

Besides being essential for the proper function of immune cells, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Vitamin C has been used for years to reduce the symptoms of colds, about one quarter of which are caused by other coronaviruses. Perhaps the most direct evidence for Vitamin C’s use in the treatment of COVID-19 are studies published earlier this year in which Vitamin C reduced symptoms in patients with sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by viruses, and a study in which administration of Vitamin C significantly reduced the time patients spent on ventilators.

The value of Vitamin D in healthy immune function is unquestionable. Several studies conducted early in the pandemic found that countries with populations that had low levels of Vitamin D were more likely to have serious outbreaks and higher mortality rates. This correlates with U.S. studies, which found that individuals with Vitamin D deficiency were more

likely to be hospitalized. Studies have shown that 42% of Americans are functionally deficient in Vitamin D. Zinc is essential for immune-cell development, with several studies finding that it reduces the risk of contracting respiratory infections. However, about 30% of American adults are functionally deficient in Zinc. Zinc possesses several antiviral effects which are realized through the generating of both innate and acquired immune responses, facilitation of the normal functioning of the innate immune system, stabilization of the cell membrane inhibiting the entry of the virus, and inhibition of viral replication.

While not noted for functional deficiency, the other three ingredients in Immune Daily Support provide valuable immune support.

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is the biologically active precursor for the amino acid cysteine which, in turn, is a precursor for glutathione.

Glutathione is the body’s premier antioxidant, with highest levels found in the liver and the lungs, both organs for detoxification. Glutathione has been found to have value in minimizing the pulmonary symptoms found with COVID-19.

Daily administration of NAC will help to keep pulmonary levels of glutathione supported.

Quercetin has shown preclinical benefit as an antiviral medication. Quercetin also serves to increase the take up of Zinc into the cells.

Finally, echinacea, used for generations, has been shown to help activate the immune system and stimulate certain immune cells that are critical to maintaining overall health. It also helps keep the respiratory system healthy when challenged, particularly during the winter months.

There are a few products that contain all of these supplements, such as Spence’s North Pharmacy Immune Daily Support. Contact your local pharmacy or health and wellness store for more information on the availability of other products.

36 | Holiday 2020

Celebrate New Year’s Eve With the Kids TIFFANY GUERZON contributing writer

WHETHER COVID IS keeping you home, you can’t find a sitter for New Year’s Eve, or you just prefer to stay in, you can still have a fun celebration as a family at home. The key is to keep the kids occupied as the clock counts down. We’ve gathered a few family-friendly ideas to help you ring in 2021.

glasses in honey or corn syrup, then dredge it in the sprinkles. (Leave the glass upside down in the sprinkles for a few minutes so that the sprinkles don’t slide down the glass!) Cool the glasses in the fridge, fill with cold milk, and serve with cookies.

Countdown the Hours

Create DIY noisemakers for midnight from objects around the house. Decorate empty, lidded canisters such as butter containers, coffee cans, Pringles cans, etc., and add dried beans or rice to make shakers. Alternatively, thread large jingle bells onto pipe cleaners and then twist the pipe cleaner together at the ends for a jingle bracelet.

There are many fun ways to help kids mark time until the new year arrives. Choose the time you want to start (and end!) and count down the hours by opening a bag, package, or even popping a balloon. Mark each bag with the time and include a fun activity for each hour. This need not be expensive. Here are some ideas of what to stuff the bags with: • Party hats and noisemakers • Party poppers • Candy • A deck of cards and game instructions • Pens and paper to write New Year’s resolutions • Craft projects • Glow Sticks • Bubbles

Milk and Cookie Cocktails Every party needs snacks! Serve up milk and cookies in style by coating the rims of small glasses or even wine glasses with colorful sprinkles. Spread a thin layer of honey or corn syrup on a plate, and then pour out sprinkles onto a separate plate. Simply dip the rims of

DIY Noisemakers

Confetti-filled balloons (found on Amazon) will brighten up your space, then you can pop them at midnight for a confetti shower!

If you really want to wow your kids, stage your own balloon drop! You can make one by taping a plastic party tablecloth filled with balloons to your ceiling.

Christmas Crackers

Sparkling Science

Christmas crackers may be traditional for Christmas dinner but they’re equally as fun for New Year’s Eve. These brightly wrapped cylinders are pulled apart, breaking the cracker open with a popping sound. Be sure to check the prizes inside before purchase to get kidfriendly items (most boxes of crackers have a description on the back of the box).

Younger kids love to watch bubbles grow when vinegar is added to baking soda.

Family Time Capsule

You can glam up this simple science experiment by mixing glitter or confetti to the baking soda. To do this, mix together baking soda and glitter or confetti in a shallow bowl (be sure to use plastic confetti, not paper). When kids add drops of vinegar with droppers to the soda mixture, it will produce sparkling bubbles. If you don’t have droppers, kids can pour small amounts of vinegar over the baking soda with cups or spoons.

Balloons, Balloons, Balloons It’s not a party without balloons, right?

Putting a time capsule together as a part of your New Year’s Eve activities can be a nice way to reflect on the past year. This can be as simple or elaborate as you wish! Grab a shoebox or big manila envelope and gather your time capsule items. Ideas for what to include: your child’s handprint, a family picture, or an interview. Questioning your kids about their current likes and dislikes, life goals, and more is fun in the moment and to look back on next year. Simply Google “interview questions for kids” for question ideas. Once finished, tuck away your time capsule and open next year. #utahrealestate #idahorealestate #letsgetmovingutah #letsgetmovingidaho

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38 | Holiday 2020

MA K I N G A DI FFE RE N CE

Somebody’s Attic Benefits from Overwhelming Community Support TARA BONE contributing writer

2020 HAS BEEN a year of challenges.

Countless lives have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and businesses everywhere have felt the sting of lost revenue, but amid the negative, the Cache Valley community has come together to support Somebody’s Attic, a local non-profit that’s been making a difference since 1985.

Despite this year’s economic struggles, Somebody’s Attic is experiencing record-breaking success. The non-profit thrift store with locations in downtown Logan and Smithfield relies heavily on volunteer support and community patronage.

Somebody’s Attic accepts new and gently used

items and sells those items at discount prices to the public. All of the organization’s proceeds are given to two other local non-profits, CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse) and The Family Place.

For 26 years, Joy Gallagher Shaw has been the executive director of Somebody’s Attic and has witnessed the organization’s growth. It was founded in 1985 by Carole Gibbs, Ann Jurinak, and Linda Miller as a way to provide funds for CAPSA and The Family Place, formerly known as the Child and Family Support Center.

Joy says in the first year of operation, annual

cash donations to Somebody’s Attic totaled $12,000. In 2019, cash donations were $120,000, and projected cash donations for 2020 are $130,000. Joy believes their success is attributed to staying true to their founding principles and for incredible community support.

“Somebody’s Attic is a successful grassroots organization that has stayed true to its mission, of providing long-term funding to abuse prevention agencies operating in Cache Valley, while providing quality affordable merchandise,” Joy said. “We receive amazing donations from our community.”

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Somebody's Attic Executive Director Joy Gallagher Shaw and Somebody's Attic founder and board member Carole Gibbs.

The success of Somebody’s Attic is especially appreciated at this time when demand for CAPSA and The Family Place services has increased.

of six truckloads of garbage to the dump each week. Donations that are in good repair are truly appreciated.

Unfortunately, Cache Valley has followed the national trend of an alarming increase in domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to CAPSA, during the first months of the pandemic in March and April of 2020, CAPSA experienced a 122% increase in crisis calls to their 24-hour support line as compared to the same months in 2019. In fact, demand for all of CAPSA’s free services, including therapy services, casework sessions, and emergency shelter help, increased.

Joy says Somebody’s Attic is primarily a volunteer agency with an average of 65 volunteers. Currently there are 15 part-time paid employees and they also work with court-ordered community service and other service groups. Joy added that COVID has “upended” their entire operation.

Despite being closed because of COVID for eight weeks in March and April, and only being open half of their regular hours, Joy says Somebody’s Attic has kept going because they received a PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) Loan that covered two months of wages and utilities, and they have experienced overwhelming public donations.

They also benefited from truckloads of shelving from JC Penney. The donations are welcome but have also created some unexpected bumps.

“The COVID clean-out is a double-edged sword,” Joy said. “The tremendous increase in donations means that we have more to sell, but it also means that we are daily at capacity and more damaged items are coming in through the back door.”

Damaged items such as tires, chemicals, and TVs take a lot of room and time to process. Joy says damaged donations come at a great cost to Somebody’s Attic and they transport an average

Social distancing limits how many people can work or enter the building and they’ve shortened their store hours to 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Thursdays are used to catch up on donations and deep clean the stores.

Even with these challenges, it’s clear that Somebody’s Attic will continue to thrive with Joy and its committed team of employees, volunteers, and community members all working together for an important cause: to prevent abuse and strengthen and protect families.

“I am more passionate about its mission and success than I ever have been,” Joy said.

Somebody’s Attic stores are located at 39 West 100 North in Logan and on Smithfield’s Main Street. Check their website somebodysattics.org for donation information. Unique and special items are featured in their storefront windows and auctioned each month in silent auctions. Visit their Facebook page @SomebodysAttic for more details.

s y a d i l o H y Ha pp FROM DR. COLE AND THE CHILD & FAMILY EYECARE TEAM

(435) 363-2980 CACHECFEEC.COM 981 S Main, Suite 220 • Logan, Utah

| 41

Gift Ideas that Support Vision and Educational Development MICHAEL COLE, OD Child and Family Eye Care Center

WITH THE ARRIVAL of the holiday season, our thoughts turn to our families and loved ones. We hope everyone stays safe this year as we plan our get-togethers, prepare family meals, and shop for gifts. Speaking of gifts, we hope that you will join us in supporting our local retail stores. Some of our family’s favorites for gift shopping are The Book Table, Red Balloon Toy Store, Stork Landing, and Little Sprouts.

use is increasingly being utilized for school instruction as well. However, passive activities like TV and screen time do little to stimulate and improve the visual system and the other senses. How and what children play greatly influences their ability to learn and meet visual developmental milestones. Here are some things to consider when choosing the perfect gift for a child:

Let us also be mindful of the types of gifts we purchase for the youngest children among our families and friends. While our youth would certainly love a new video game, app, or tablet, let’s instead consider gifts that would aid in their vision (and overall) development. Technology is ever present in our children’s lives, not only for play, but screen

For little ones under one year old who are learning to see more clearly, starting to change focal distances, and experimenting using two eyes together, proper visual stimuli are essential. Most parents are aware of the need to provide toys with vibrant colors, patterns, and high contrast. Just as important as these attributes, toys for little ones need to

incorporate motion. Think bath toys you can float toward or away from your child, wind-up toys to chase, or mobiles close enough to hit, kick, or otherwise interact with.

Between ages 12 and 18 months, we expect that children will be using their vision to explore and interact with (destroy) their environment.

Perfect gifts for this age could include objects that have identifiable characteristics such as shape or color, objects they can learn to manipulate, or obstacles to climb on. Some ideas are stackable or nesting toys, xylophones, and pillows of different shapes and sizes to climb on.

Have you seen the nugget play couch? What a perfect gift for this age. Our family can’t wait to get our hands on one! continued on next page…

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42 | Holiday 2020

continued from previous page…

It is important to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no screen time other than live video chat with family or friends for children 18 months of age and younger.

From 18 months to 3 years old, children begin to inspect their surroundings without needing to touch, watch, and imitate play with other children. They also develop manual dexterity. Simple puzzles with geometric shapes, tricycles, and books with large pictures to identify are great gift ideas for this age group.

Also recommended are sensory activities to manipulate with their hands such as play dough, finger paints, and large wooden beads for stringing.

complex visually guided motor movements, and aid in creative visual thinking. Legos, bicycles, roller blades, model cars, and sketch books are all examples of gifts that can achieve these goals.

continues to be outdoor play, if we otherwise keep our children’s hands filled with quality toys and games, we can give them the foundation needed to excel in learning and maximize potential in schooling.

Visual experiences obtained while young have an impact throughout adulthood. While the best activity to promote visual development

If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding vision development, please contact our office.

From ages 3 to 5, children use vision to draw and color, cut out simple shapes, and learn letters. Ideally, we can fill these curious hands with coloring books, pencils, paints, and bubbles to blow. Children of this age are also becoming more observant of their surroundings, relating stories about things that they have seen and showing an increased amount of visual interest in new objects and places. We can maximize their curiosity with visually-based games such as Spot It, I Spy books, and memory.

After age 5, we encourage activities and toys that promote imaginative play, facilitate

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44 | Holiday 2020

Novemberfest Celebrates its 37th Year Under New Leadership and at a New Location EMILY BUCKLEY editor in chief

THE NOVEMBERFEST HOLIDAY FAIR is a local Thanksgiving-weekend tradition that was founded in 1984. The event features nearly 100 vendors and artisans that are carefully screened to ensure the offerings are unique and high quality.

This year, the event is under new ownership and at a new location. Dave and Chelsey Markham purchased the event this year, primarily to ensure that the tradition

of the community supporting local vendors would continue after the previous owner's retirement.

“Novemberfest isn’t just a vendor show,” Dave said. “It is focused on handmade arts and crafts, small businesses, and local supporters — as well as gifts and the holiday season.”

that the event will be moved to the Cache Valley Events Center, located at 490 South 500 West in Logan. The venue change allowed the organizers to reduce their costs and in turn remove the visitor admission fee to the event. It also allowed them to increase the vendor roster and add food vendors, even with the increased spacing between vendors for COVID-19 safety.

One big change under the new leadership is

Dave and Chelsey are especially excited

| 45

about some special additions to this year’s event. They have arranged to bring Santa and his live reindeer to the event.

Although, to protect everyone’s health and safety, Santa won’t be able to have children sit on his knee, he will read stories and sing with the children. This experience is free, but by appointment only in order to maintain a six-foot distance between each group visiting Santa. Follow @cachevalleynovemberfest on Instagram or visit logannovemberfest.com for details on how to reserve your spot with Santa.

The Markhams are also working with Little Lambs Foundation for Kids to have a diaper drive at the event. Guests are encouraged to come prepared to donate to Little Lambs and support children in our community.

“We are excited to carry on this tradition for the visitors and vendors,” Dave said.

All who visit Novemberfest are asked to please wear masks and maintain six-foot distance from other parties throughout their time at the event.

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46 | Holiday 2020

Christmas Morning Breakfast Cake NICHOLE PETERSON owner, Colie’s Kitchen

THIS BREAKFAST CAKE has been in my life for as long as I can remember! Waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of breakfast in the oven is such a special memory to me, and I hope to share the magic with all of you.

For the crumb topping, combine all ingredients to form a crumble (the texture of damp sand).

For the batter:

Pour half of the batter in the pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with half of the crumb mixture and spread so it covers all of the batter.

Carefully spread remaining batter on top of the crumb layer (try not to mix it in, lightly spread to keep the layers as separate as possible).

• • • • • • • • •

1/2 cup butter (softened) 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder Dash of salt 1 tsp vanilla

For the crumb topping: • • • •

1 cup brown sugar 4 Tbsp flour 4 tsp cinnamon 4 Tbsp melted butter

Instructions: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until combined and fluffy. Add in two eggs and lightly mix. Mix in sour cream.

In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add dry mixture to the wet mixture. Once combined, stir in vanilla (a little more vanilla than what it calls for will NEVER hurt!).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.

Cover the whole thing with the remaining

crumb mixture. Bake for 45 minutes or until the center isn’t wobbly (toothpick comes out clean).

Once out of the oven, let sit for about 10 minutes before serving. My family likes to spread warm butter on top. You will love this delicious family recipe!

Colie’s Kitchen is located at 40 West Cache Valley Boulevard in Logan. You can view or register for classes on her website colieskitchen.net. Follow her on Instagram @colies.kitchen to stay up to date on everything she is cooking up.

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THOMSON FAMILY ORTHODONTICS

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