Financial Freedom: Worth The Effort

Friday, June 20, 2014

Around the World in 80 Days

Since June 3^rd, the Logan Family Information and Resource Center has been celebrating world cultures with their Around the World in 80 Days program. Every afternoon from 1:00 – 3:30pm, they explore a different country. A volunteer who has lived in that country leads the adventure through a new land while they share stories, games, crafts and music with Cache Valley kids ages 4-12.

Last week, the children learned all about Australia, where Basia once lived. She shared stories about her travels and showed the kids great things she collected. Children listened to Basia play the didgeridoo, and learned all about the way they talk in Australia. Together, they sang the Kookaburra song, ate fairy bread and sampled vegemite. After the authentic Aussie snack, children made aboriginal dot paintings and their own didgeridoos! They ended the journey by learning to throw a boomerang. Wow! What an adventure – and that was just on Thursday!

Over the last two weeks, children and their families have also explored Hawaii, Oceana, Tahiti and New Zealand! If you are looking for some exciting family adventures, look no further than the Logan Family Information and Resource Center. They are currently sharing experiences from Asian countries. Then, from June 25-29 they explore the Middle East. July 2-13 takes you away to African cultures, July 16-27 to European explorations and then the month of August is all about the Americas.

They are sharing some incredible pictures on their blog, so click on over and take a peak before heading over to join the fun! The adventure begins every day at 1:00pm at The Family Center (50 South 400 East) in Logan.

If you have lived in a foreign country and would like to volunteer for this fun family event, contact Claudia at (435) 755-5171 or email her at director@loganfamilycenter.org .

Share your knowledge of the world and awaken the explorer inside of a future world traveler!

Around the World in 80 Days

The Family Center

M – F 1:00 – 3:30pm

June 3 – August 16

50 South 400 East, Logan

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Summer Reading

My most distinct memories of summertime as a kid are of summer reading programs at our local library. Browsing up and down each aisle, filling my arms till I could hardly add another book to the top of the stack. We'd come home with piles of books each week. I'd lay mine out side by side and order them with my top picks first and set out my plan. Then I'd fly through them just as quick as I could, recording each title on my summer reading chart - each book bringing me closer to the next prize. A McDonalds ice cream cone coupon? A Wendy's frosty? A bookmark? Pencil?

For years now, I've enjoyed the summer reading tradition with my own children. Whether it's reading board books to my toddlers, sounding out 'I Can Read' books with the new readers, or watching my school-aged son dive into his favorite series, the summer reading programs with their fun events and incentives have continued to be a great part of our summers.

Logan and North Logan libraries both have excellent summer reading programs, now in full swing. Just stop by to pick up a reading log and start reading each day! (Did you know summer reading programs aren't just for kids? Both libraries also offer fun summer incentives for teens and adults too!)

For any who love books, the library is a great place to volunteer. The Logan library and North Logan library are always accepting applications for volunteers. Also, Bridgerland Literacy exists to help share the gift of reading - sign up online if you are interested in becoming a reading tutor.

Monday, June 16, 2014

What would YOU do if being unemployed gave you a little extra time?

One Provo man decided to go forward with a project he has been working on to participate in a 4-week Random Acts of Kindness project. Daniel Smith was motivated by a realization of all he had to be grateful for, saying "I (have) been kind of fortunate my whole life. And it just kind of hit me one day that it's long past due that I stand up and do something."

KSL Reports:

On a snowy spring morning armed with a dozen bags of food, water and blankets, Daniel Smith is on a mission.

One by one, he approaches individuals in downtown Salt Lake City who look like they’re struggling to stay warm or are in need of a little help.

“(I'm) just trying to give back and make a difference,” he replied when asked why he was out handing out care packages in the snow.

At his side is a man with a video camera capturing every tender moment, every exchange, every expression of thanks and every odd moment in between.

“I’ve been kind of fortunate my whole life,” Smith said. “And it just kind of hit me one day that it’s long past due that I stand up and do something.”

Smith decided to devote four weeks to performing random acts of kindness. Each week he came up with a project and then set a $125 budget for it. He took a videographer along to create online videos of the projects to hopefully inspire others to give back as well.

Week 1: Helping the homeless

The project for week one was making and delivering a dozen care bags to the homeless.

“They helped me out with this blanket today,” said one of the men who accepted a bag. “(It will) let me stay warm tonight when I sit on the side of the road, because I won’t have anywhere to go in until 10.”

I (have) been kind of fortunate my whole life. And it just kind of hit me one day that it's long past due that I stand up and do something.

–Daniel Smith

Smith said he was overwhelmed by the gratitude that each person who received a bag expressed, and he was surprised to see how willing each person was to share their story with him.

“We’re all the same. Some are just down on their luck more than others,” he said.

And that’s what makes Smith’s random acts of kindness project so remarkable. Around the same time that he decided to do the project, he lost his job.

“I was really letting the depression get to me and I decided, you know what? I’m not gonna sink into this sad state and say ‘woe is me,’” he said. “I really wanted to figure out what to do with my time.”

He decided to use his extra time to serve.

He had already saved the $500 for the projects and decided that despite his personal hardships, he would see it through.

Week 2: Free lunches at Great Steak

For week two of his month of service, Smith paid for nearly a dozen lunches at the Great Steak restaurant in Provo. He worked the drive-thru; as people pulled up to the window to pay, he told them their meal was paid for, and then relished their reactions.

“They were completely ecstatic," he said. "They were thrilled. And that just goes to show that it doesn’t take a lot to really brighten somebody’s day.”

He never let them know that he was the one paying – just that their meal was free.

Week e: Gift cards at Wal-Mart

The project had such an impact on Smith, that for week three, he decided to randomly approach people in a Wal-Mart parking lot and offer them gift cards that he paid for out of his own pocket.

Daniel Smith receives a hug of gratitude from a stranger after giving her a Wal-Mart gift card. The gesture was part of Smith's Month of Happiness project. (Photo: courtesy Daniel Smith)

“Oh my goodness, you’re going to make me cry," said one woman who was approached by Smith on her way into the store.

“Thank you,” she said with a hug. “That is so nice of you.”

Others brushed him off and didn’t even get him a chance to explain what he was doing.

One woman expressed skepticism, and then broke down in tears sharing how hard things had been for her lately and how much this $15 gift card meant.

“We’re really busy in our hurried lives that we don’t really stop to look around and think of the stories of these people that are all around you,” Smith said. “Kindness is a universal language … and they tell you their story and they tell you their struggles and it’s really amazing.”

Another family graciously accepted a gift card as the father said, “I’m actually laid off right now, so this really helps.”

They said Smith’s random act of kindness made them think about how they could help others too. They didn’t know that he, too, was laid off at the time.

“The impact that it has had on me and seeing the smiles on these people’s faces and the astonishment that there is still good in the world is just amazing,” Smith said. “And if I can continue doing that forever, I would love to.”

Week 4: ???

He is still in the process of deciding what he’ll do for week four. He said the greatest lesson he’s learned is that it doesn’t take a lot, or even money, to make someone smile.

"Kindness is and can be everywhere," he said. "We just have to stand up and do it."

Irinna Danielson is a special projects producer for KSL-TV. Contact her at idanielson@ksl.com.

You can find the link to this KSL story here:

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=29275366#wPDDWWzXLWEbvfi8.99

Friday, June 13, 2014

Yard Sales With A Cause!

It is yard sale time and we all love to find a good bargain. What better way to enjoy a Saturday morning that to shop for incredible finds while making a difference in the Cache Valley? The next two Saturday you have an opportunity to do just that.

The Annual Yard Sale Fundraiser for Four Paws Rescue is this Saturday (June 14^th) from 7am to 4pm. 100% of the proceeds will go to pay for food and medical bills for the cats and dogs at the Four Paws Rescue Shelter.

Four Paws Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless pets. They rescue strays, and abandoned cats and dogs. They find loving homes for these homeless animals as well as some they rescue from high-kill shelters.

This is the 9^th year for their fundraising yard sale and 4 Paws Rescue has put the proceeds to good use enriching the lives of more than 4,000 companion animals and their new adoptive families since 2005!

You can find more information about this great yard sale here.

If you have items to contribute or want to help out with this great event, contact Debbie at 435-764-6311.

Four Paws Rescue Yard Sale

Saturday, June 14^th 7am-4pm

855 W 600 S, Logan

Free Parking at Woodruff Elementary (South of the Yard Sale)

Next Saturday mark your calendars for the ENORMOUS Garage Sale to benefit Options for Independence.

Options for Independence is an organization that assists people with disabilities while teaching them skills to gain more independence over their lives. They devote their energy to empower those with disabilities to have control of their own independence. Equipping them to take the reins of life and freeing them from dependence on others.

All benefits from this Garage Sale will benefit the Options for Independence Youth Program.

Options for Independence Garage Sale

Saturday, June 21^st 8am – 12pm

106 E 1120 N (Center Parking Lot/Behind TJ Maxx)

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Volunteer at Summerfest (it's not too late!)

If you missed the deadline to sign up as a Summerfest volunteer, but just realized you have some time to serve this weekend - it's still not too late! Sign up here, or email volunteers@logansummerfest.com if you'd like to help out with this terrific event. (Or just stop by and enjoy all of the great festivities!)

Summerfest Arts Faire
June 12th-14th
(Thursday and Friday 11 am- 10 pm
Saturday 10 am - 9 pm )
50 North Main Street

Here is the official press release:

Contact:
Debbie Ditton
435-213-3858
debbie@logansummerfest.com

Be pART of Summerfest Arts Faire, now entering their fourth decade as Northern
Utah’s premiere art faire. Join with friends, neighbors and valley visitors, June 12-14th
to celebrate the arts on the shady grounds of the beautiful Logan Tabernacle in historic
downtown Logan.

ART:
During this free, three-day event, more than 150 artists, from as far away as Arkansas,
will showcase visual, wearable, functional, edible, playful, recycled and personalized
art. One of our artists, KC DeGroff, is a 16-year-old boy from Arizona, was juried into
the event for his beautiful writing instruments. Woodworker Scott Kidman, a Cache
Valley native, has had his business boom since his first Summerfest experience in 2013.
NASCAR is his newest client. Finally, there will be booths from two valley high schools
and a sidewalk chalk gallery, painted by local middle school students.

FEATURED ARTIST:
This year’s featured artist is local painter Andi Jorgensen. Andi won our featured artist
competition and is the new arts coordinator at Cache Valley Center for the Arts.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES:
New this year is a FREE Family Art Yard, with projects for all ages. Thanks to
Herberger’s Department Store and a grant from the George S. and Delores Doré Eccles
Foundation, children and adults alike, can create a piece of art and take it home for
FREE. We would also like to thank Michaels Arts and Crafts for donating additional
materials to this portion of the event.

PERFORMERS:
Over 50 performing groups applied to be pART of Summerfest 2014. Only the best
were chosen to bring the Main Stage to life. Evening Headliners include local favorite,
Mile Marker 6, world-renowned Party Crashers (recently returned from Mardis Gras
in New Orleans) and Voice Male, Utah’s premier 6-man acapella group. In addition, the
Q92 Acoustic Venue will feature some great performers playing classical, bluegrass,
pop, rock, western and acoustic music. This year’s Senior Outreach performance will
feature The 4 Hims, a barbershop quartet with smooth harmonies and sharp wit. They
will perform at AquaWorx, 209 W 300 N in Logan, at 3pm, Friday, June 13th
Summerfest event is free to all who wish to attend.

FOOD:
Great food is pART of the tradition of excellence people have come to expect at
Summerfest. Only the best food vendors have been selected to tempt the taste buds
with ethnic and American entrees, specialty drinks and sweet and salty snacks. New to
Summerfest this year, Tikki Treats will be bringing Dole Whip®, the #1 selling treat at
the Dole Plantation in Hawaii and Disneyland theme parks (gluten and dairy free).

CONTESTS:
Summerfest week begins with the annual Plein Air Paint Out and Photography contests,
June 9-11. Anyone can enter up to two framed pieces that depict the sights of Cache
Valley. Painted or taken out of doors (en plein air), it is a great opportunity for artists to
highlight the natural beauty of the valley, sell their work and compete for cash awards.

SCHOLARSHIPS:
The Summerfest at Tabernacle Square Scholarship is highlighting 3 projects for 2014.
The sidewalk chalk gallery, mentioned above, is the first. The community is invited to
be pART of the second project, awarded to the Cache County School District. 5 mosaic
benches, which will be placed in downtown Logan, as functional, public art will be
created on the grounds during the event. Designed by Mountain Crest HS students (with
SLC artist Donna Pence and local artists Aurora Hughes Villa and Michael Bingham),
this project is partially sponsored by Logan Regional Hospital, celebrating 100 years in
operation, with additional funding coming again from the Eccles Foundation. The third
project will be conducted in Eiko Anderson’s booth. #100. This Summerfest artist will
demonstrate Japanese Sumie Art during the event. The scholarship will allow patrons
to learn this traditional art form, using authentic materials, and take home their own
painting. The S@TS Scholarship is in its second year and was established in appreciation
of Summerfest’s venue at the Logan Tabernacle.

TRANSPORTATION:
Although parking around the Logan Tabernacle is not abundant, there are a few other
options for transportation to and from Summerfest. First, the Cache Valley Transit
District has a bus that runs from the Transit Center on 500 North to Summerfest every ten
minutes during the event’s open hours. Also, Aggie Blue Bikes will be on the Tabernacle
grounds with a free bike valet. They will be located on the corner of 100 North and 100
East. See our website for the bus route and event map.

HOURS:
Summerfest hours are Thurs.-Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Many artist
booths will close one hour earlier each night, so shop before dark, then eat and listen to
live music for the rest of the evening.

Visit logansummerfest.com for all the details about the Summerfestivities!

Monday, June 9, 2014

The Week in Preview 06/09 - 06/15

This will be a great week for family activities and service! The big thing to look for is the much anticipated Summerfest 2014! I can’t wait to spend cozy evenings on the Tabernacle grounds listening to music and eating all the food I can. The vendor lineup is amazing, as usual.

A great thing about living in Cache Valley is that the events around town follow a lineup and usually you can make it to everything you’re interested in. I had a great time last weekend attending the Gardener’s Market, getting some lunch on Federal Avenue, then heading down to the Storytelling Festival that Sharilee so wonderfully covered for us in another post you can read HERE. Be sure to get your fill of both Summerfest and the other activities happening this week.

Here’s a schedule of things to come Monday June 9-Friday June 13th:

MONDAY, TUESDAY, & WEDNESDAY- Sign up for Summerfest volunteering! The Logan Summerfest is our premier summer kickoff event with hundreds of people participating and attending throughout the weekend. We are looking for volunteers to assist at the booths, serve as parking lot attendants, and do checkins for on stage performers in particular. For more information, contact volunteer@logansummerfest.com

Monday-

12-1 PM: The Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theater’s singers and instrumentalists will perform their favorite pieces and previews from their upcoming season. For more information, go to www.utahfestival.org/

1:00-3:30 PM: Around the World in 80 Days continues at The Family Center with a new speaker from a different country coming each day. For more information, contact the center by emailing director@loganfamilycenter.org

6:30 pm-7:30: The Logan Library Monday Movie Night continues with a viewing of Boy in the Striped Pajamas; a harrowing story of courage and friendship during the Holocaust. This movie is rated PG 13. For more information about the movie and Logan Library Movie Night, go here.

Tuesday-

12-1 PM: Utah State University’s much beloved Fry Street Quartet will perform pieces by Mozart and Bartok on Tuesday. For more information, go to www.utahfestival.org/

1:00-3:30 pm: Around the World in 80 Days continues at The Family Center with a new speaker from a different country coming each day. For more information, contact the center by emailing director@loganfamilycenter.org

Wednesday-

12:30-1:30 PM: Story Time at Global Village Gifts continues on Wednesdays to bring more beautiful stories from around the world to the families of Cache Valley.

Thursday-

11AM-10PM: SUMMERFEST. Located at 69 E 100 N Logan, Ut from Thursday to Saturday to experience Logan's summer kickoff event.Check out their fabulous new website for more about the art, performances, and food at http://www.logansummerfest.com/

Friday-

9 AM: Bike with Brent at Willow Park registration goes from 9 AM-10 AM. This wonderful event will feature a buncehouse for kids, pie eating contest, face painting and games, and even a bike giveaway until noon when the bike ride starts. Bikers will ride with Brent around the Willow Park block to raise awareness for the Cache Employment and Training Center. For more information, visit http://cetcsupports.org/bikewithbrent/

11AM-10 PM: SUMMERFEST. Check out their fabulous new website for more about the art, performances, and food at http://www.logansummerfest.com/

3 PM: The 4 Hims perform barbershop, instrumental music, and a capella at Summerfest

6:00 PM-9:00 PM: The Art Gallery Walk in Downtown Logan will continue with new exhibits from local artists. Wander from venue to venue,some will even be at Summerfest, viewing the art and collecting some food goodies along the way. For more information, go here.

Saturday-

10 AM-9 PM: SUMMERFEST. Check out their fabulous new website for more about the art, performances, and food at http://www.logansummerfest.com/

7 AM- 4:00 PM: Four Paws Rescue’s 9th Annual Yard Sale Fundraiser will be at 855 W 600 S in Logan this Saturday. Come by and pick up some gently used items— all proceeds go toward pet food and medical bills for the cats and dogs at Four Paws Rescue.

Visit http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/4paws.html for more information.

Sunday- Father's Day!

For more information on all events listed here, check out our two awesome Calendars:

An event I went to this week: Cache Valley Gardeners' Market

Cache Valley Storytelling Festival Follow-up

It was FABULOUS!!

And I wasn't the only one who thought so! I have heard so many positive comments from people who were there. The storytellers that donated their time to be here so that we could get our own storytelling festival going were amazing, and there was a good variety. Everything from scary to humorous, real life to fantasy and even some magic, pioneer to modern day, patriotic to bedtime tales. In addition to stories there was food, puppets, and some great music!! What a phenomenal day!

We are DEFINITELY doing it again next year~ and there is even talk of a Fall event and maybe a Christmas event. So-- stay tuned to www.cachefest.com or the facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cache-Valley-Storytelling-Festival/1481066585445562?fref=ts) for more fun to come. Of course, we will also keep you posted on the Cache Valley Volunteer Center webpage located at www.cachevolunteercenter.org!

Here are some pics to enjoy: