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Show -N E W S- Spanish Fork A8 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2008 Canine companions: Photo guru: From MELANDER • A6 stylus and tablet, to digitally paint the images he creates. One of the most exciting elements of Melander's new business is his new large-format printer. "This is really the best product on the market right now,'* said Melander. The printer uses eight colors and makes "the most realistic skin tones I've ever seen." It can print images up to 44 inches wide and to almost any length, and it can print on canvas, photo board, photo paper, watercolor, signs, banners, etc. The printer is extremely useful for making prints of Melander's digital paintings, but he also uses it for a variety of other services which are offered through Photo Guru Studios. In addition to photo restoration and retouching, and digital painting, Melander offers graphic design services — such as designing logos and signs for businesses—and photography services. He can print out existing photos on watercolor paper or canvas, and he can make unique images such as portraits of children, families, pets, and wedding pictures changed into a painting. "A guru is someone who is an expert at what he does, so that's where the name of my business comes from," said Melander. "I have extensive training in the field, and I've also trained other artists how to work in this field. My expertise helps you prepare your photos to look their best. If you go print out your photos at Walmart, there's not much you can do with them to correct problems, etc., but Covering what matters most I can really help you get the best-looking, most beautiful images possible." Melander's favorite part of his work is that he gets to deal with so much more than just images. "I realize, these aren't just photos, but they're people's memories," Melander said. "I've made images where all people had to remember a relative who had passed away were a few simple photos. I can help make the memories of that person last forever." Melander has also done paintings and photos of dogs, cats, and other pets — "Basically anything you can take a picture of, I can paint," he said. Melander also has a special offer available to those who have photos of someone who has served in the armed forces, in any war. "I know a lot of these images get lost or ruined, and I want to thank those who serve our country by helping to preserve some of those memories," said Melander. "I will retouch your photo, fix it up, and make it look great for you, and only charge you the printing costs." Anyone who orders an 11x14 print of their photo of someone in the military will get two 5x7 prints free. Photo Guru Studios, said Melander, is all about "the use of modern tools combined with old tried and proven techniques such as painting and portraiture." Those interested in seeing some examples of his work can visit his store, 36 East 300 North, Spanish Fork, open from 8:30 a.m-5 p.m., to see his gallery of photos and other images. In the near future, he will also have a website up at www.photogunistudios.com. • "•'• From AUTISM • A l before receiving his canine companion, Hal. He had a hard time going out in public or participating in crowds of people. "He had always wanted a dog," said Kandace Hamilton. "When we really realized that he needed a pet was when we went to Sea World in California. Sawyer was able to participate in the dolphin show, and he had such a great interaction with the dolphins. We could tell a difference in his behavior immediately and we couldn't attribute it to anything else. He seemed to feel more comfortable around animals." Kandace started researching some of the programs involving animals. Most of them were expensive, and many required that you train the animals yourself. Finally, she found the organization Canine Companions for Independence, which is free of charge and has volunteers that train the dogs. She completed an application through their website. "It's a very long process to get accepted into the program," said Kandace. "There was a phone interview, and then a personal, one-on-one interview. And once we were accepted, we had to go to California for training and we had to pass both written and practical tests for how to take care of the dog and hot to behave with the dog." After the application process and training, Kandace and Sawyer came home with a new member of their family, Hal. Kandace explained that Hal continually affects Sawyer's life for the better. "Having Hal has taught him a lot of responsibility and it has drawn him out of his own little world and into the real world, because he has to take care of his dog," she said. Since Hal became a part of Sawyer's life, Sawyer has been able to go out in public more, participate in school, play with other kids, shy away from much of his anxiety and grow as an individual. Sawyer said, "It was hard for me when I was younger to do stuff until I got Hal and I started doing better at things that I couldn't do before. I could finally go in public more often." Before Hal, Sawyer had a hard time at places like movie theaters and grocery stores (because of the noise), but now Sawyer totes Hal along with him and feels much more comfortable. "Just a couple of years ago, Sawyer wouldn't be able to interact with people the way he does today," said Kandace. Hal provides a comfort for Sawyer. Before getting Hal, Sawyer had difficulty sleeping in his bed, but ever since Hal has been by his side, he hasn't had any trouble with his sleeping habits. Sawyer said, "If I'm ever feeling sad or angry, I just run into my room and grab Hal and he makes me feel better." Erica Forbush, Sawyer's sister, explained that Hal also serves as a social link between Sawyer and other children, because children will come up to him and start asking him about his dog. "Instead of being known as the kid who acts different, he's known as the kid with the cool dog," said Erica. Besides offering canine companions, CCI also uses volunteers to train their dogs. Each dog has to be vigorously trained and cared for. Erica is currently training a dog for the organization. "It's a lot of work," said Erica. "It's like having a kid, but it's our way of giving back. We can take her wherever we go. Utah gives a service dog in training all the rights of a full service dog." Although Hal has made a significant difference in Sawyer's life, Kandace realizes that a canine companion may not be the solution for every child with autism. "Some autistic children are terrified of animals," said Kandace. "And I understand that. But my advice is to find what works for your child. Don't just stay home and do nothing and let them just do their special interests. Expand their horizons and push their limits, so you can still have a life with your family." For more information on Canine Companions for Independence, visit www. caninecompanions.org. Higginson who is over the judges, Tracee Breeze over awards, and to Lori Brinkerhoff for overseeing publicity. Thanks to Cammy Peterson for the interview/paperwork, to Becky Provstgaard as stage manager production, Jeannette Raulston as hostess, as well as Little Misses Paige Raulston. Thanks to Woman of Achievement Salem City, Pageant Program Designer Mark Meservy, M Creative Sound Terry Ficklin and Eric Edwards, Councilwoman Lynn Durrant, Workshops Veralyn Isamon and Miss Salem 2007 Ashley Alanis. Miss Salem: From PAGEANT • A l Platform: Financially Fit for the Future The cost for admission to the pageant is $8 per person. Entertainment will be provided by award winning, nationally recognized, Spanish :.;'.',i" 1 "V. •;«;•_; V-"''-"-\ Fork Ambassadors under the direction of Rick Lunt. A special thanks to the Miss Salem Scholarship Board, including Director Ronda Hansen, Co-Director Collyn Kirry, Treasurer Leslie Gordon and Danielle Christensen for overseeing the Scholarship Fund. Thanks to Suzanna ' Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Sedans, Sports 84 YEARS - THAT'S HOW LONG SMITH AUTO HAS BEEN DOING BUSINESS IN UTAH AND WHEN YOU'RE THE OLDEST AUTO/TRUCK D E A A E R - i ^ T t t E ^ f c g Y b U MUST BE DOING "OMERS SO LONG HAVE EXPE SMITH FORD. NfflifePAGE A J W E J E N SOME) DA LYMAN A N F H E R STAFF AT SOON ... THE FINAL 4 NOW... 16 AWARDS FOR THE SPANISH FORK NEWS - V ••••"• Ui'-S'.?. • i.'4-. Big Spring Savings going on now! A FORYOU. 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