July Newsletter Bonus...
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Message from Gail Ridings, TallGrass Owner

I was reminded of the saying "take time to smell the flowers" yesterday in our garden at TallGrass. Like many of us, I often rush past our lovely patio focused on the day ahead, the multiple tasks that need to get done, the numerous people that I'd like to greet. While speaking with a guest relaxing on a chaise lounge, I noticed that we had a lilac bush blooming. I had never known that we even HAD lilacs let alone noticed the flowers. The smell was heavenly, summery, wonderful! Instantly, I thought that I need to slow down, enjoy every delicious scent, sight and sound during our amazing summer season.

Just last week, at the beginning of Upper Bear Creek Road down by the lake there were about 15 cars stopped by the side of the road in the middle of rush hour (what little there is in Evergreen) to watch a bald eagle sitting majestically in a tree. I was already late for an appointment, but I decided that this sight was worth a few extra minutes. So, once again, I was reminded to slow down, enjoy each moment of the day, look around, listen and even smell what's happening around me. Our senses are such a gift, and I plan to use each one to the fullest - especially during this sensual time of year.

And don't forget, we at TallGrass specialize in another sense: touch! Please come enjoy all of your senses with us!

Angela Wokan
Spa Babe

Angela Wokan has been a TallGrass team player since Day One. It's the camaraderie at TallGrass that she loves so much. "This is one of the best places I've ever worked," she says. "It's like a big family. We like and respect each other and have a sense of community and togetherness."

In announcing Angela's selection as Spa Babe, TallGrass' pinnacle award, owner Gail Ridings called her "someone who does everything really well, always cheerful, flexible, balanced and a person everyone can aspire to be like."

Angela began working at TallGrass while attending cosmetology school, starting in guest relations and then moving to catering and retail. When she graduated school and received her license, she joined both the hair and nail departments, where she enjoys the opportunity to interact with lots of different people. "I get to talk one-on-one with guests," she says, "and we learn interesting things about each other." They find common ground talking about topics like travel, books and families.

Angela's dream is to design hair styles for Fashion Week in New York. She thinks she'll do fine in that high stress environment. "I work well under pressure," she confides. With the educational opportunities that TallGrass offers and all the tips she's picking up from the stylists here, her dream is well within reach. "There's always room for growth at TallGrass and I think that will help me achieve my goal."

Angela is pictured here with TallGrass owner Gail Ridings.

Dog Wash Event
Benefits Evergreen Animal Protective League

It's hard to say whether it's a spectator sport or a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-wet event. But, either way, all the fun can be found at the "4th Annual Wine, Washes and Wagging Tails" dog wash coordinated by the staff of TallGrass. Scheduled for Sunday, July 20, from 11 am until 3 pm, the dog wash and wine sipping event takes place in the drive-thru of Evergreen National Bank in downtown Evergreen.

A $20 ticket buys one wash by volunteers for a dog and a glass of Creekside Cellars wine for its owner, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Evergreen Animal Protective League (EAPL), a totally volunteer non-profit organization that aids lost, abandoned and suffering animals through rescue, shelter and education.

Dogs available for adoption will be there, along with information about EAPL and its programs. Returning this year is Buddy Bites, a doggie ice cream truck serving "pupsicles" and there will be cool treats for humans, too.

Available for Adoption

Larry and Darrell
8 yrs. old, male and female, Flat Coated Retriever siblings
Larry (male) and Darrell (female) came to the shelter as puppies back in 2006 and, sadly, have been there ever since. Maybe it's a mix of black dog syndrome and lots of hair. These siblings deserve a home. Is it yours?

Available for adoption at
Evergreen Animal Protective League
www.EAPL.com