Friday, September 27, 2013

HELPING A LOVED ONE WITH HEARING LOSS

Dr. Devin Anderson, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology at Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists

The story is told of a man who went to see his doctor and complained that his wife was not hearing him very well at all. “Whenever I ask her a question, she never answers me!” The wise doctor gave him the following advice: “Go home and do the following test. When your wife isn't facing you, stand about 20 feet from her and ask her a question. If she doesn't answer, move 10 feet and ask the same question. If she doesn't answer again, move 5 feet. If she still doesn't answer, move right next to her and ask it one last time to see if she finally hears you. Then you can point out her hearing loss.” The man thought this was a great idea, and went home immediately to give it a try. As directed by his doctor, he stood 20 feet away from his wife who was in the kitchen preparing dinner and not looking at him. “What's for dinner?” he asked. After no response from his wife, he repeated the question at each of the closer distances as his doctor prescribed. Finally, when he was right next to her, his wife turned to him and in exasperation exclaimed “Honey, for the fourth time, WE ARE HAVING FISH TACOS FOR DINNER!!! How many times do I have to repeat myself!” The man finally realized that the doctor gave him the perfect test to demonstrate who really had the hearing loss in the family!

Here is some excellent advice and practical tips for those who suspect that their loved one has a hearing impairment. It comes from a website called www.betterhearing.org:

“If a loved one with a hearing loss has come to rely on your good hearing, what is the great need for them to wear hearing aids? Your co-dependent efforts must stop in order for them to grasp the magnitude of their problem. Many people with a hearing loss never realize how much communication they actually fail to understand or miss completely because you have become their ears. It takes only a short time for them to realize that without your help, they’re in trouble. It is through this realization that one becomes inspired to take positive action to solve their problem. Therefore, as a loving spouse or family member you must create the need for your loved one to seek treatment by no longer repeating messages and being their ears. Your ultimate goal is for them to hear independent of you.

·       Stop repeating yourself! Explain that you are on a “Hearing Help Quest”—one that involves your loved one by allowing him or her the opportunity to realize the significance of their hearing loss. Do not stop helping though. Preface what you repeat by saying each time, “Hearing Help!” or some other identifier. In a short amount of time, your loved ones will realize how often you say this. In turn, they will come to realize how often they depend on you. (This suggestion is only for a loved one who resists the idea of getting any help).

·Stop raising your voice.
·Stop being the messenger by carrying the communication load for the family.
·Do not engage in conversation from another room.
·Do not act as their phone communication intermediary.

Most importantly, have them be seen by an Audiologist! 

Dr. Devin Anderson, Au.D. is located at Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists and can be reached at 435-688-8866 at the Coral Desert Health Center located at 1490 E. Foremaster Dr. #360, St. George, UT between the hours of 9 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday.

Dr. Devin Anderson recently moved to southern Utah to join Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology from Brigham Young University in 2009 and was conferred his Doctor of Audiology degree from Arizona State University in May 2013. In his last year of training, he had the privilege of working with America’s Veteran’s at a VA hospital in West Virginia. Dr. Anderson understands how hearing loss affects everyday life and family relationships because his father has had a hearing loss for many years. In his free time, Dr. Anderson enjoys learning German, studying history, reading, and serving in the community. He and his wife, Aniela, are the proud parents of two girls. As a family, they enjoy traveling, playing tennis, cooking, and camping. Dr. Anderson is particularly interested in helping people with hearing loss find solutions to their everyday communication needs. He also enjoys helping those with imbalance and dizziness get on the road to recovering their balance function, and get back to doing the things that they enjoy most.

Dr. Anderson specializes in:
•    Medical diagnostic hearing assessment, treatment and referral for Adults
•    Dizziness and balance diagnostics and rehabilitation
•    Digital Hearing Aid Dispensing, Service, and counseling.
•    Earmolds and hearing protection
•    Tinnitus testing, education, counseling, and management
•    Assistive Listening Devices

September 2013 Students of the Month Honored by St. George Exchange Club

A new school year means a new crew of Student of the Month recipients honored by the St. George Exchange Club.  All the students that are honored throughout the year are seniors and are recognized for their scholastic achievements, community involvement, and leadership at their respective school. One student from the eight students honored from each high school throughout the school year as a Student of the Month will have the opportunity to become Student of the Year from their school and receive a college scholarship to the college of their choice from the St. George Exchange Club.  The St. George Exchange Club meets Thursday mornings at 7:30AM at George's in Ancestor Square.
Congratulations to the St George Exchange Club 2013 September Students of the Month!

Back Row: St George Exchange Club President Brett Labrum, Hagen McCombs (DHS), Lauren Kamalu (DHHS), Logan Cox (PVHS).

Front Row: EmRee Moody (SCHS), Aubrey Kelton (THS), Sidney De Witt (MHS).

Friday, September 20, 2013

HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors Manager Earns CVA Designation

Richfield, Utah, September 2013 — Michael Torgerson, CPA of HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors has successfully completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) to earn his designation of Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA).

Requirements to earn the CVA designation include being a licensed certified public accountant, completing an intensive training program, and successfully completing the association’s comprehensive examination.

Business valuations are most commonly required in conjunction with the purchase or sale of a business, succession planning, buy/sell agreements, charitable contributions, and estate and gift taxes.  In the litigation arena, valuations are often necessary in situations of business disruption, dissenting shareholder actions, divorce, and partner disputes.

Torgerson has been with HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors for ten years and is a manager in the firm’s Richfield office.  He has primarily focused on taxation and business services but is excited to now offer valuation services as well.  He currently resides in Annabella, UT with his wife, Lenae, and their four children.

Monday, September 16, 2013

14th Annual Art in Kayenta Festival, a favorite outdoor art event

Media note:  Art in Kayenta is a credentialed media event. To obtain a press pass for media parking access and coverage of the Quick Draw press conference and Matt Clark documentary screening, please contact TCS at (435) 674-2846.


ART IN KAYENTA FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ROSTER OF ACCEPTED ARTISTS

The Kayenta Arts Foundation located in Ivins, Utah, announces the acceptance of juried artists to the Art In Kayenta Festival to be held Oct. 11-13 at Coyote Gulch Art Village.

Representing eight Western states and selected from a jury process, artists have been accepted to showcase their artwork in booths throughout the 3-day festival. Mediums represented include painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, leather, mixed media, sculpture, textiles, wood art, and specialty foods.

“Every year, the quality of the artists gets richer,” said Art in Kayenta spokesperson Gayle Bray. “The jury selection process is really what makes this such an esteemed event that appeals to art buyers and aficionados as well as art spectators and appreciators.”

With a lineup of street performers, musicians and special activities scheduled throughout the weekend, this year aims to appeal to patrons of all ages. “Art in Kayenta is a favorite annual outdoor art event for our region,” Bray said. “It is important to festival organizers to make sure there is something here for everyone to enjoy.”

This year, local artist Matt Clark will be participating in the festival and featured at a screening of the award-winning documentary film, “Pieces of the Soul,” which highlights Clark’s career in metal sculpting. Local filmmaker Spencer Sullivan will join with Matt Clark for a Q & A session following two festival screenings:  Friday, 12:30 p.m. and Saturday, 1 p.m. at The Room for Thought in Coyote Gulch Village. “Pieces of the Soul” won the DOCUTAH Audience Choice Raven Award in 2012. Screenings of the film will be free to the public.

Also new this year, Art In Kayenta is partnering with the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance to provide bike racks and security volunteers.

“We are excited to support those who want to bike to the festival this year,” Bray said. “The bike valet will run something like a coat check. Riders will be given a check tag at the entrance and bikes will be parked and secured while riders stroll and enjoy the festival activities.”

An Art In Kayenta Festival favorite, the live action Quick Draw competition will return this year on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2pm. In 90 minutes, artists will exhibit their skills and personal creative process under pressure to produce original works of art. Beginning with a blank canvas artists will paint shoulder-to-shoulder in a roped-off, tented area as spectators circle, cheer, photograph and witness the artistic process unfold. Thirteen artists have been selected to work against the clock after which the finished pieces will be sold at a live auction at 4 p.m.

Quick Draw artists scheduled to participate this year are: Edward Hlavka, Spike Ress, Kate Starling, Jeff Ham, Ginny Norcott, Aimee Bonham, Janet Tenneson-McCarty, Bonnie Conrad, L’Deane Trueblood, Sara Straw, Sang Choi, Michelle Deaderick and Russell Black.

Additionally, an ongoing silent auction with over 30 works of art will take place during the festival. With artwork and bidding forms on display in The Room For Thought, the closing of bids and announcement of winners will take place Saturday afternoon.

The Art In Kayenta Festival will feature live entertainment and performances throughout the event, and food vendors will be on site to accommodate festival patrons.

Proceeds for the three-day festival will benefit Kayenta Arts Foundation, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, dedicated to creating an environment that fosters diverse artistic endeavors for educational and enrichment purposes.

For more information, visit www.artinkayenta.org or the festival’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ArtInKayentafestival. 


Friday, September 13, 2013

Freedom Forum with Senator Mike Lee

You can watch this on http://voddov.com/video/Freedom-Forum-with-Senator-Mike-Lee-2013-09-06

Senator Mike Lee will kick-off a series of "Freedom Forums" as the special guest speaker. This one-hour event is free and open to the public. Space is limited so please arrive early. The Washington County Republican Party will be sponsoring several "Freedom Forums" over the next year with noted speakers who will discuss the importance and impact of liberty, representative government, free markets, and other principles on our way of life. More information about this and future events can be found at the party's website www.washingtoncountyrepublicans.com.

Bicycles Unlimited Honored as a MILESTONE MEMBER at Chamber


The weather outside makes you want to get out and ride your bike along a trail or up a mountain. It seems the faster you go the better life is.  Well, it's time to take off again.  Bicycles Unlimited bikes are rider friendly.  Bicycles Unlimited has been southern Utah's premier outlet for bike repair services and accessories, with the largest array of bikes for all kinds of terrain, since 1984. Rely on them certified bike technicians for all your repairs, tires, tools, tune-ups, and more.  If road work is your passion, you'll find the greatest bikes on the planet. Cannondale, TREK, and Cervelo, or go BMX crazy on Eastern, Haro, Mirraco and more. Don't forget your helmet for a safe ride!  From trikes to TRI bikes, Bicycles Unlimited has it all. For maximum fuel efficiency, minimum pollution, and guaranteed weight control you need Bicycles Unlimited!  Open year-round. Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm.
BICYCLES UNLIMITED
Mark McLaughlin
90 South 100 East
St. George, Utah  84770
435-673-4492     
www.bicyclesunlimited.com

Streaming Channel to Accelerate Media & Entertainment Options in Southern Utah

Tenney Clemons Saarelainen (TCS) Advertising & Public Relations has been named by John Anderson, CEO of VODDOV, Inc., as official provider of marketing, promotion, and advertising services to the VODDOV.com platform.  As a full-service agency, TCS specializes in research, branding, graphic design, media relations, public relations, product packaging, social media, video and audio production, social media management, crisis management and internet web site development and marketing. TCS was founded in March of 1992, and has grown through dedication and creative services to clients. Since it's opening, TCS has won numerous awards for print, radio and television creative. For more information, Contact Brian Tenney, at brian@tcscreative.com or (435) 674.2846

Friday, September 6, 2013

Dean Burdick - LOCAL CPA RECEIVES STATEWIDE HONOR

St. George Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Dean R. Burdick of HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors, was honored August 23, 2013, at the annual Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA) Member Summit and Awards Banquet in Salt Lake City.

Named 2013 Outstanding CPA in Public Practice, Burdick is a partner in HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors. HintonBurdick was founded in St. George 1974 and has expanded to include seven regional offices in Utah, Arizona and Nevada.

 After graduating Cum Laude from Brigham Young University in 1981, Burdick began his career at the Peat Marwick, Mitchell & Company (KPMG) Billings, Montana, office, where he served as tax manager. Accounts assigned to Burdick included financial institutions in Montana and Northern Wyoming, as well as a number of large national and international companies such as Husky Oil Company, K.O.A. Kampgrounds and Wendy’s Restaurants.

Burdick returned to Utah in 1985 to direct HintonBurdick’s tax practice, the position he still maintains.

 “Dean has become well known throughout the region for his expertise in tax law,” said Phillip Peine, HintonBurdick managing partner.

Burdick’s areas of specialty include:  individual and corporate taxation, 1031 real estate exchanges, estate and financial planning, business entity selection, IRS negotiations, and a myriad of other areas of taxation and business consultation. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Utah Estate Planning Council, the BYU Management Society, Dixie State University Athletic Booster Club, the Art Around the Corner Foundation, the St. George Exchange Club, and the Virgin River Land Preservation Association, as well as serving as a member of the Southern Utah University National Business Advisory Council.

“All of us at HintonBurdick are very proud of Dean’s fine accomplishment and recognition,” Peine said.

DOCUTAH "Heart of the Andes" had a Successful Screening

So, I attended DOCUTAH's screening of Heart of the Andes last night at the Eccles Fine Art Main Theater on the campus of Dixie State University. It was nearly a packed house of over 450 individuals who came to support the cause. Melynda Thorpe Burt, Myke Bush and Keith R. Owen created this short documentary about the plight of the Q'ero tribe Peruvians living high above the rain forest. The Heart Walk Foundation lead by Tim and Penelope Eicher is on a mission to create 100 green houses for the families living in beyond poverty standards. With the greenhouses each family will be able to grow gardens to sustain them. TCS has taken on the effort to help distribute the film over the next 12 months in order to help raise $50,000 for the 100 greenhouses. So far we have set up screenings in Jacksonville, Fla.; New York City; Seattle and Tacoma, Washington; Southern California; Las Vegas; Salt Lake City.

We will call this effort the Grow a Mountain Garden campaign and invite you to participate by purchasing a copy of the film and sharing it - hold a screening party of your own in your home, neighborhood, or with friends and family. If we can show this film to 50,000 people and everyone donates $1, we will help Heart Walk Foundation arrive in the Spring with supplies and seeds to build the 100 family greenhouses the Q'ero tribe have asked for. 

Please follow the campaign at heartoftheandes.org.