FavoriteThings

Our Favorite Things 30 | A Home for the Holidays 36 | Where The Joy Remains 43

“At any given moment you have the power to say: This is not how the story is going to end.” – Christine Mason Miller

volunteers - organizations - purpose causes

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causes

Our Favorite ThingsCharitable giving is not a revolutionary concept. At Élan Woman, it’s one of our favorite things. Actually, 8 out of 10 residents in the southwest would prefer the gift of a donation to a charity made in their name during the holidays rather than receiving a gift that they didn’t necessarily need.

The holidays are filled with ‘favorite things.’ It’s a whimsical and wonderful time of year when the senses are fancied with illustrious sights and festive sounds. Shoppers rush home with their treasures. The message of ‘peace on earth goodwill towards men’ has a powerful sincerity to it and warms the winter chill. Somewhere in between the frolic and retrospect are opportunities; the chance to make a memory, to make a difference, to make a change, or to make a friend. Where do you start? Give of your time to experience a deeper sense of purpose. Shop local. 44% of money you spend in a local business is returned to the community. Contribute to a charity. Your donation could keep a child fed, a homeless senior warm, or an abused animal alive. As joyful as the sound of holiday music, here are a few of Elan’s “Favorite Things” to remember during this celebratory season.

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Our Favorite Things -Healing HEART Sanctuary (HHS) is an organization that shelters and rehabilitates injured or disabled animals. Equally beneficial, in a wonderfully unique partnership, the animals also help children with challenges or special needs. www.healingheartsanctuary.org160 W. Kanab Creek Dr.Kanab, Utah 84741818-406-7923

-One More Chance (C.A.T.S.) offers assistance with trap and release for feral and community cats as well as no to low cost spay/neuter programs reducing reproduction and euthanasia of these kitties.http://one-more-chance.tripod.comWashington County, [email protected] -H.A.R.T. (Homeless Animal Rescue Team) is dedicated to reducing the number of unwanted animals that are killed at local shelters.www.hartofutah.com1838 West 1020 North - Unit A.Saint George, UT 84770Lorraine 435-407-9835Cathy 435-668-2655

-Because Animals Matter (BAM) is dedicated to reducing animal abuse and neglect by providing education that addresses these specific issues. In addition they provide community programs such as Kibbles on Wheels, pet foster care and adoption services.www.bamutah.comPO Box 213 Hurricane, UT 84737435.773.5209 -P.A.W.S. (Providing Animals With Support) was formed in effort to decrease euthanasia rates at local shelters through spay/neuter programs, public education, and an extensive adoption program.www.dixiepaws.org1125 West 1130 NorthSt. George, Utah435.688.9748 Zion Animal Lovers provides low cost/free spay and neuter programs while fostering and re-homing of homeless pets in the Zion Canyon area. This organization also supports and contributes to like national and local animal organizations.www.zionanimallovers.org Phone: 435-632-0798

raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...Provide a unique gift with purpose while supporting the loving volunteers who advocate for the humane treatment for animals. Make a donation to any of these regional non-profit organizations in the name of your chosen recipient. Better yet, adopt a dog or cat from one of these locations and feel for yourself the power of unconditional love year round.

32 HOLIDAY ISSUE 2012

brown paper packages tied up with stringAre all of those old newspapers that you never read piling up in the garage? Start the gift-wrapping season off right by repurposing them. Grocery bags including those of brown paper, tied up with string unveil a classic yet consciously chic style.

Recycling has environmental benefits at every stage in the life cycle of a consumer product—from the raw material with which it’s made to its final method of disposal. Out of concerns for the southwest region, support has been formed to ensure the visual spectacle of our landscape remains captivating.

Check out the following websites for recycling locations and educational events near you:www.southernutahrecycling.orgwww.nevadarecycles.govbright copper kett les and warm woolen mit tens...

Warm the heart and the little body of a child. With the unemployment and homeless rates up, the hard cold facts are that people need assistance. Clothing is an essential that no child should go without. One look through your closet and you may well discover you have the means to clothe another. Donations to national and local charities are established to assist in gathering and distributing these basic needs. Here are a few you can count on to welcome a contribution towards keeping the children warm this winter.

Coats for Kids (Utah Knights) www.Utahknights.org

Assistance League of Southern Utah www.alofsu.org

Coins for Kids www.coinsforkids.net

Photo by Tammi Swanson.

Photo by Tammi Swanson.

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door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles. In “the land of plenty” where food is the center of celebrations, gatherings, and events, millions of Americans are struggling to have enough to eat. These are often hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days. The Salvation Army’s bell ringers are music to the hungry’s ears. The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again when you drop your loose change into the little red bucket seen everywhere during the holiday season. Even if it’s only a few cents each time, every penny adds up towards a hot meal. Say hello, share a smile, and take a moment to appreciate these volunteers who are filling empty bellies across America.

www.salvationarmyusa.orgwww.utahfoodbank.orgwww.foodpantries.orgwww.feedingamerica.org

cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudelA carousel is perhaps a vision of nostalgia at its best. T he gentle circular motion ride is unique in itself combining beauty, artistry, and entertainment that both the young and young at heart enjoy. The placement of an enchanting carousel amidst the St George City Town Square was the perfect addition to the City’s Historic District. The 36-foot classic style carousel features over 1000 lights, whose warm glow illuminates the wide eyes of a child. With two sleighs and 30 hand-painted horses, a visit to take a ride on the Carousel makes a wonderful family outing. What’s more, a ride atop one of the cream colored ponies is not only magical but affordable at only $1 per person. www.stgeorgeutah.com

Photo of Elsa Picklesimer - Photo by Tammi Swanson - Wardrobe by Urban Renewal

HOLIDAY ISSUE 2012

girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes . . . snowflakes that stay on my

nose and eyelashes

girls in white dresses...No one is too young to appreciate the beauty of the Arts. Dress up your darlings and together experience an evening of entertainment while supporting one of the magical non-profit organizations dedicated to delivering a performance worthy of a lasting impression. Partake of the Southwest Symphony and their education programs or experience Tuachan’s outdoor amphitheater knowing your ticket contributes to the education of students pursuing a professional interest in the performing arts. Whatever you do, don’t miss Utah’s Shakespeare Festival performance of “Scrooge” in Cedar City. The interactive play is a take off of Charles Dickens, A Christam Carol. Your support assists their generous effort to keep Iron County’s Care and Share food bank well stocked.

Southwest Symphony www.SouthwestSymphony.org

Tuachan High School of the Performing Artswww.tuachan.org

Utah’s Shakespeare Festivalwww.bard.org

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wild geese that fly with the moon on their wingsThe coral colored canyons throughout the southwest are considered some of the most scenic parts of the country. It makes sense that conservation and wildlife preservation are vital aspects of maintaining the grandeur. For more than a century, the Audubon Society has built a legacy aimed towards conservation and the ability to restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. The Red Cliffs Chapter of Audubon reaches across the southwest region including Washington and Iron Counties offering ongoing field trips, presentations, sponsor the Junior Birder Program and are the host for the St. George Winter Bird Festival. Take time to join them for an area event and engage in something new for the preservation of the wildlife that resides here. Monthly meeting and event information can be found on the Red Cliffs Audubon website. www.redcliffsaudubon.org

Original Oil by Angela Moulton available on Etsy

Photo by Tammi Swanson.