Magical Advertising

Dr. Eric L. Maxwell, Au.D, FAAA

I have always been fascinated by magic.  It is so interesting to see the card you have chosen shown up when you think there is no way that it could.  Or someone “magically” transported from one place to another.  Or to see a person that gets cut in half but then with a little bit of “magic” they are whole. 

The thing that intrigues me the most is trying to figure out how they do their “magic”.  I know that what they are doing can’t be real so I try to figure out how it is done.  Is someone else in the box that is being cut in half?  Same thing with transporting someone to a different location, is it a look alike?  Or did they use a trapdoor and have the person move really quickly?  For a card trick are they counting cards or is it because they have the cards in a certain order?  There are numerous magic tricks that I still can’t figure out how they perform them but I always come away thinking that even though it looks really good I know that it isn’t real.  It has no substance.  It catches your attention and is flashy but isn’t something that you can rely on.

Sometimes, to me, it seems that advertising falls into the same category as magic.  It can sound too good to be true.  It can catch your attention but not have a lot of substance.  An example from my profession as an audiologist is that I’ve seen it advertised that the new hearing instruments will remove all background noise.  That would be an example of “magic” advertising because there aren’t any hearing instruments that can remove all background noise.  Some of the newer high end hearing instruments can reduce background noise and help you understand easier in those situations but it can’t get rid of all background noise.

So why am I bringing this up?  I love to help people hear and understand better so that they can participate in and enjoy life.  I know that all the audiologists in our practice feel the same way as I do.  Because of this I want to make sure that everyone has the correct facts without any misinformation.  So if you have questions about what is truly real and not just “magic” come in and visit with one of our audiologists.  We would be happy to answer any of your questions about what is real and what isn’t.

One of the ways that we achieve this is that we hire only audiologists.  The reason we made this decision is because with audiologists you have an individual who has at least a masters degree and most of the time a doctorate degree.  This education is focused specifically on understanding hearing and balance disorders and the proper treatments for them in the pediatric through geriatric populations.  It is very important for us to have the most knowledgeable providers helping you. 

So to sum it all up, if you want good, straightforward, and sound advice about your hearing and/or balance problems please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable audiologists.  Until next time……………….here’s to better hearing.  From Dr. Eric Maxwell

Dr. Eric L. Maxwell, Au.D, FAAA, was raised in St. George and spent a lot of time in the Cedar City in his youth. He studied Audiology at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah and earned a Master’s of Science degree in Audiology from the University of Utah. Upon graduating, Dr. Maxwell and his family moved to Tucson, Arizona where he practiced Audiology for five years. When an opportunity came to move to Cedar City, Dr. Maxwell jumped at the chance and have been back in Cedar City for the past 8 years. He loves the beautiful scenery, friendly people, and the community. Dr. Maxwell specializes in:

• Digital Hearing Aid Sales, Service and Counseling Specialist
• Earmold and Hearing Protection Specialist
• Diagnostic Medical Hearing Assessments for Adults and Children
• Industrial Hearing Conservation Specialist

Dixie Foundation Hosts 12th Annual Fire and Ice Gala

St. George, UT, December 2015 — Every year for the last eleven years, the hottest ticket in town has been the annual Fire & Ice Gala – a night of glamour, good food, and fun – with proceeds going to needs-based scholarships for students attending Dixie State University. The 12th Annual Fire & Ice Gala is sponsored by the Dixie Foundation, a 501(c) 3 entity, and supported by generous individuals and businesses. The fundraising from the Fire & Ice Gala allows needs based students an opportunity to attend Dixie State University. This festive evening begins with hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction with something for everyone to bid on, including vacation packages, personal pampering items (e.g. massages and facials), autographed sports memorabilia, books and collectibles, and more. In addition, a delectable meal is served in the ballroom as a live auction commences allowing patrons an opportunity to bid on larger items, such as motorized vehicles, paintings by prominent local artists, and extravagant vacation packages.

This years Fire and Ice Gala will be held on February 26, 2016 at the SunRiver Ballroom. Because of the generosity of donors and volunteers, the Foundation has been able to provide many scholarships to people who would not otherwise have been able to go to college. We invite the public to be part of this event. Seating is limited so be sure to make your reservations early.

When you become associated with the Foundation at the Fire and Ice Gala by securing seats at a Gala table, providing a cash donation, in-kind services, or providing auction items, you will help lives change through the opportunity for an education that these in-kind recipients might not have otherwise.

Randy Wilkinson, president of the Foundation said, “We anticipate around 300 people from around the community, Dixie State University, and from out of town planning to attend the Gala. We’re just so pleased to have people so responsive. It’s an excellent mix of people.”

Along with a dinner, attendees have the chance to participate in a silent auction and a live auction. Wilkinson added, “The items auctioned off are donated by businesses and individuals who are engaged in supporting our needs-based scholarship cause. There are many of these same people who sponsor dinner tables. Without sponsors it would be difficult for The Fire & Ice Gala to be a success,” he said. Wilkinson added that for the past 11 years they’ve been able to raise over $1,800,000 to DSU needs-based scholarships.”

Dixie State University President Biff Williams said, “It’s amazing to me that so many people donate things to be auctioned off. It’s a nice indicator of the support we have from the community and around the state.” Williams added, “Scholarship funding is lacking especially during these times. Our ability to fund needs based students’ schooling relies heavily on this (Gala),” he said. “So when people of the community come forward like this we have to say ‘hoorah for you’ and hoorah for the students.”

Tickets are $150 per person. For reservations and more information, please contact Marilyn Lamoreaux at 435-652-7502 or by going to http://dixiefoundation.org/fire-ice.

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Dixie Foundation Hosts Fire and Ice Gala Where Proceeds Benefit Needs Based Scholarships

This new year, get ready to party for a good cause. The Dixie Foundation will be holding their annual Fire and Ice fundraising Gala on February 26, 2016 at SunRiver St. George. This black-tie event raises funds used exclusively for need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students. The contributions donated to the Fire and Ice Gala allow students, who, because of financial constraints, may not otherwise be able to complete or pursue their college education. The annual Fire and Ice Gala brings together a variety of benefactors for a silent auction, dinner and live auction as part of the foundations fundraising efforts. 

 

A recent recipient of a Fire and Ice Scholarship was Michael Nelson. Because of the assistance he received from a Fire & Ice Scholarship, Michael was able to achieve and exceed many of his life's greatest goals. Nelson grew up in a traditional home on the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, AZ. His parents stressed the importance of gaining an education and attending college. He is the third oldest of eleven kids and his parents struggled to make ends meet and provide the most basic needs.

Michael Nelson, Fire & Ice Scholarship recipient

He had a desire to attend college and from 1999 until the fall of 2000, Michael was a full-time student at DSU. He then got married, stared a family and quit school. He made the decision to return to college in spring 2012 after 11 years, in hopes for a better future for himself and his family. In the spring of 2015, Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Communication, Human Emphasis, and graduating Magna Cum Laude, which included eight straight semesters with a 4.0 GPA.

Following graduation, he was offered a position to work in the Multicultural and Diversity Center as the Native American Student Advisor at Dixie State University. Michael feels that because of his education he is able to reach out and help others with similar stories. He and his wife are expecting their third son in February and will make education an important part of their lives. Even thought Michael was working full-time while he was attending college, he needed some help. He said, “The generosity of The Fire & Ice Scholarship has put me on this path that has changed my life 180 degrees. Now I am able to provide a better life for my family and help others, from my Native American Nation, as well as give back to our community.” 

Randy Wilkinson, Dixie Foundation president, said, "We've had the opportunity, over the past 11 years, to raise $1,800,000.00 for need-based scholarships for students who could not attend Dixie State University without financial help. With these scholarships, they are able to continue their education and open opportunities in their lives. This is only possible where we live in a community with such generous citizens, both individual and corporate."

The 12th Annual Fire and Ice Gala is open to everyone, and advance tickets are required.  Tickets are $150 each and are available by calling Marilyn Lamoreaux at 435-652-7502. To learn more about the gala or the Dixie Foundation or to make a donation, contact foundation secretary Kalynn Larson at 435-652-7535 or larson@dixie.edu or visit www.dixiefoundation.org.

All proceeds from the Fire and Ice Gala go 100% to need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students. The Dixie College Foundation has a 501(c)3 status so individuals or entities can make this a tax deductible contribution. We invite you to be part of this event.

Pitfalls of Estate Planning by Deed. JensenBayles - Attornies at Law

Phillip G. Gubler and Thomas J. Bayles, Attorneys at Law

Pitfalls of Estate Planning by Deed

“Are there any problems with including my adult child on a deed as a joint tenant holder so the child receives the real estate at my death?”  “Are there any problems with providing a deed to a child with instructions not to record the deed until death?”  “What if I just deed my real estate to my children while I am alive?”  These are all questions I hear with significant frequency.  The motivation appears to be a desire to avoid probate, but probate may be the least of one's problems if one utilizes any of the above scenarios. 

There are a few problems that may arise if you rely upon your child to “do the right thing.”  First, the child may not carry out your wishes on death thereby disinheriting your other children.  An example of this arises in a Utah court case in which a parent transferred real estate to a child in order to qualify for Medicaid.  The child, by oral agreement, was supposed to transfer a half interest in the real estate to his sibling upon death of the parent.  The child failed to make the transfer to his sibling, the sibling sued, but the court refused to provide a remedy to the sibling under the theory that the law will not provide a remedy to parties scheming to circumvent the law and qualify for Medicaid.  Second, if your child holds title to your real estate with you as joint tenants then the child's signature is required to sell the real estate or obtain a mortgage.  What if your child refuses to sign?  Third, if your child has creditors you may be forced to defend your real estate against attacks by your child's creditors.   

An outright transfer of real estate to another for less than fair market value triggers gift tax and the requirement to file a gift tax return with the IRS on any amount over $14,000.00 (2016) per year.  You may have gift tax credit that will save you from paying tax out of pocket, but you must file the gift tax return.  A transfer to a child as joint tenants may be viewed as a gift of one-half the value of the real estate which may also be subject to the gift tax and its filing requirements.

An additional tax issue is the loss of an income tax benefit if you transfer investment real estate to your child during your life.  If your tax basis in the real estate you transfer to a child during your life is $100,000.00 then your child's tax basis will also be $100,000.00.  If your child then sells the real estate for $150,000.00 there will be a capital gain tax on the $50,000.00 difference between the tax basis and the sales price.  If your child receives the investment real estate as a result of your death by will or trust then Section 1014 of the Internal Revenue Code generally provides that your child can reset the tax basis to the fair market value of the real estate on the date of your death.  Thus, if the fair market value is $150,000.00 on your date of death and the child sells the real estate the day after your death your child will not be required to pay capital gain tax on the real estate. 

A deed signed by a parent with the understanding the child is to record the deed on the death of the parent is subject to all of the foregoing problems and may also fail to transfer valid title.  For a valid transfer to occur the deed has to be delivered or the deed must meet the requirements of a valid will.  This method is fraught with problems and should be avoided.

A good solution to these issues is to utilize a revocable living trust prepared by a capable estate planning attorney.  

JensenBayles, LLP provides a broad spectrum of legal services.  Thomas J. Bayles has been actively providing advice in the areas of trusts, wills, probate and tax planning in the St. George area for over 15 years. Please visit our web site www.jensenbayles.com or call 435-674-9718 and ask for Thomas J. Bayles. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as tax or legal advice.

Alex Boye' in Concert: Feb 5-6 at DHHS. St. George, Utah

YouTube’s 2014 COVER ARTIST OF THE YEAR!

Alex Boye' will be in Concert February 5-6 at Desert Hills High School located in St. George, Utah. Tickets will go on sale soon. For ticket information go to http://www.ticketor.com/alexboye. 

Paul Simon did it with his multiple Grammy winning trip to Graceland in the 80s. Elton John drew us all into his “Circle of Life” with The Lion King in the 90s. Now, with over 145 million total YouTube views and counting, entertaining sensation Alex Boye is “Africanizing” the pop landscape yet again, infusing the explosive rhythms and various languages of his ancestral continent (he was raised by his Nigerian mother) into the perfect embodiment of the singer’s belief that “music has no passport.”

“Both of my parents were born in Nigeria, and I lived there for several years of my early childhood,” says Boye. “But even with that strong Nigerian background, I never focused on the African culture in any of my music before. As a singer and artist, I’ve always been this British guy who has lived in the U.S., recently became a citizen and so in essence I’m also African American. For years, my mother urged me to put some African influence into my music, but I kept insisting that it wasn’t a commercially viable genre.

“I’ve done everything else—jazz, pop, hip hop, gospel, heavy metal, even emo—and then I got a
phone call from ThePianoGuys wanting me to be in their video singing Swahili,” he adds. “The
resulting success of the ‘Peponi’ video had been the biggest response to any of the music I had
ever done up to that point, and it was exciting to see so many people responding to pop with an
African twist.

Boye’s original musical journey began during his early years in the Tottenham neighborhood,
where he was influenced in his teen years by Motown (particularly Stevie Wonder and Marvin
Gaye) and other soul greats like James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Otis Redding. He launched his
professional career in 1995 as the lead singer of the European boy band Awesome. The band
performed at local dances and other small venues until 1996 when they won a vocal competition
on Capitol Radio, London’s largest radio station. Awesome signed to Universal Records Europe
and released three singles from their debut album Rumors which made the Top Ten on various
pop charts throughout Europe. Selling over half a million CDs, they performed shows alongside
numerous superstars, including Bryan Adams, The Backstreet Boys, George Michael, Simon and
Garfunkel and MC Hammer.

Looking forward, Alex Boye is presently engaged in a number of exciting activities which
include:

- An invitation to audition for a recurring role on the next season of #1 Hit show "Empire" (Audition presently scheduled for August 2015).

- Just made the 1st round of NBC's America’s Got Talent, wowing the judges with his high
powered and energetic "Africanized" stage show.

- UPCOMING ALBUM (produced by Jerry Wonda, et al) entitled "Afromerica" featuring duets
with Jennifer Hudson, Peter Gabriel, Akon, Melissa Etheridge and Wyclef Jean.

- 3 of Alex's "Africanized" songs slated to be featured in highly anticipated Warner Bros feature
film "PAN" featuring Hugh Jackman (scheduled for release this fall).

- Performing in Carnegie Hall 1st & 2nd July (Alex’s second and third performances at that
venue this year alone).

- Scheduled Network TV appearances /performances on "Today Show" & "Good Morning
America" to promote the Carnegie Hall events.

- Song collaboration with Prince's new protege' and Grammy winner Judith Hill from Michael
Jacksons hit movie "This is it".

- Song featured on upcoming biographical film depiction of Olympic champion "Jesse Owens".

“What I’m doing now is taking those big arena type songs I sang with Awesome and mixing
them with the joyful vibe of African music. The ultimate goal is to make people feel good and
give them a few moments of uplift, which as I’ve discovered over the years, can have
transforming and even lifesaving potential. I’m glad I finally listened to my mom, and it feels
good to be home.”

For ticket information go to http://www.ticketor.com/alexboye. 

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Alex Boyé has entertained audiences worldwide for over 20 years. Born in London, England and raised by his mother of Nigerian descent, Alex has had top 10 hits in over 15 countries, selling over half a million CDS.

Alex served a mission in England Bristol, and upon suggestion of his mission President, decided to pursue music as a career. Alex's strongest desire has been to follow Elder Ballard’s admonition as an artist to spread the power of good music and clean wholesome dynamic entertainment into the world. Alex has performed in many notable venues across the nation including the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In acting, Alex played a walk in role in CBS's hit sitcom "How I Met Your Mother," and has a featured role in the Saints & Soldiers movie entitled,  "The Void", which is currently in theaters.

With over two hundred million views on YouTube and growing, Alex Boye has also become a bonafide YouTube sensation. His music videos have been featured on Jimmy Fallon, Queen Latifa, Good Morning America, Jay Leno and David Letterman.

Ryan Seacrest and Huffington Post dubbed one of his videos, an Africanized version of “Let it Go” as one of the 50 most watched music videos in the world.

Radio Disney picked up his current hit song entitled “Lemonade” for their playlist.

Alex simply refers to himself as the "Token Black Guy in Utah". He loves to laugh, and says some of the highlights in his life have been giving a book of Mormon to Prince Charles, singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 8 years, and marrying his wonderful wife Julie in the Salt Lake Temple. As a recently retired member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Alex performed as one of the principle soloists for over 8 years. In a past Pioneer Day Commemoration concert at the Conference Center, Alex received a standing ovation from President Monson.

Advanced Hearing Family Says Thanks

Lance F. Greer, Au.D

Doctor of Audiology

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just recently behind us, I can't think of a better time to talk about family and giving thanks for another successful year.  Each day that I come into the office I feel extremely blessed to work with the employees that really want to make a difference in the lives of those that walk through our doors needing help with their hearing or dizziness needs.  For me, coming to the office is really a home away from home.  Very often I arrive well before patients start to arrive for the day and very often I am not the first one here.  We have dedicated staff that come in early to make sure that your experience is as pleasant as possible.  I can't even begin to list the countless tasks that need to be done; from office cleanliness, to chart preparation, to aligning you with the best technologies, to preauthorization's and billing, to shipping/receiving, to cleaning and checking your hearing devices or to just putting on a smile each day, all day long.  Our Staff is full of people that are eager to assist you in any way.

As the managing partner in the day to day operations of Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists, there is no responsibility that is higher than taking care of our employees, as well as you, who we feel belong to our AHB Family.  I am proud at the accomplishments that we continue to make to be the best hearing care provider in Central and Southern Utah and Southern Nevada.  Kimball Forbes, being our most tenured Audiologist has been in St. George for over 33 years.  He is timeless and looks as young as the day he moved to St. George.  Dr. Eric Maxwell has been in Cedar City for 13 years.  You couldn't pry him out of there even if you had a crow bar.  I have been Servicing the St. George/Mesquite areas for nearly 18 years and enjoy the friendship I have made with my patients over the years. 

During these years, we have seen many hearing service offices come and go.  As I have thought of this, I have come to the conclusion is that these offices are more concerned about their pocket books than the service and relationships that they provide for their patients.  Over the years we have consistently had dedicated employees who pride themselves in providing honest, friendly service to you, our AHB family members.  They have delivered repaired hearing aids to patients home who had difficulty coming in to pick them up.  Others have stayed after hours to accommodate work schedules or those that come in on a weekend.  Customer service and friendliness is what we pride ourselves in.  We may not always get it right the first time, but we will always to find solutions and answers to the help you seek.  Every interaction we have with you is an opportunity to connect you with what's important in your life.  Sure, we are a hearing care office, but it's the human connections that we make in your journey that mean the most to us.

To serve you better we have added a new Audiologist, Spencer Stirland, Au.D and support staff, Hayli Heussner and Ashley Brimhall who you'll read about in their bio's.

So on behalf of the entire AHB Family, I'd like to thank you - the one's who really sign all of our paychecks and making it all possible - for offering us an opportunity to welcome you into our home.  It's an honor to serve you and we wish you many blessings and much joy in this New Year!

Sincerely,

Lance F. Greer, Au.D

Doctor of Audiology

Co-Owner, Managing Member of AHB

My Spouse Always Managed Our Finances. What Do I Do?

 

It is not uncommon for us to meet with a client whose spouse was responsible for paying debts, making investments, arranging for insurance and paying the taxes, but has become incapacitated or passed away.  The well spouse is left to deal with the emotions of losing their partner, whether that is due to incapacitation or death, and has the challenge of learning how to manage the household finances. This often becomes overwhelming to the well spouse.

If you are faced with this problem, you may need help to get through the financial questions.  You may want to gather a support team which could include a qualified attorney, accountant, investment advisor and a trusted friend or family member. The first thing will be to determine income, assets and expenses.  Hopefully, your spouse will have an organized method for paying bills, tracking income, and keeping track of investments.  If that is not the case, you will need to get organized.  One way is to create file folders with headings such as bills, credit card statements, banking, taxes, investment accounts, estate documents and life insurance policies. 

Review the checkbook and bank statements to see when bills have been paid.  Take care to pay bills on time so late charges do not accrue.  Payments may include mortgage, credit cards, car loans, utilities, property taxes, and insurance premiums.  You may want to cancel club memberships and monthly magazine subscriptions you no longer need or want.  Explain the situation and you may be able to cancel with no penalty and possibly receive a partial refund.

The best solution to this situation is for a couple to work together before a life changing event.  Make sure both of you meet with the family attorney, investment advisor, accountant, banker and insurance agent.  It is important that both of you have a good relationship with the advisors and that you trust their advice.  Both of you need to be educated on your joint and personal assets, insurance, sources of income, monthly bills, investments and even passwords.  Now is the time for you to be proactive.

JensenBayles, LLP provides a broad spectrum of legal services.  Thomas J. Bayles has been actively providing advice in the areas of trusts, wills, probate and tax planning in the St. George area for over 15 years. Please visit our web site www.jensenbayles.com or call 435-674-9718 and ask for Thomas J. Bayles or Phillip G. Gubler. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

 

Phillip G. Gubler and Thomas J. Bayles, Attorneys at Law