Heber Valley Life

Author: Aubrey Pettinger

  • Extreme Skier Meets Cowboy

    Extreme Skier Meets Cowboy

    What do you get when an extreme skier partners up with a cowboy and his horse? It’s called skijoring. Never heard of it? Skijoring has actually been around for centuries. The Norweigan phrase translated means ski driving or driving with skis.

    More than 100 years ago, the city of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, created a winter carnival to help its residents cope with cabin fever during the long winter season. That carnival is where Leadville, Colorado residents got the idea of pulling a skier behind a horse—but the sport needed to be a lot more exciting. Leadville created its own skijoring event to have faster horses and include jumps, rings, and other obstacles turning it into the sport we see today. Rocky Mountain Outfitters Owner Joe Loveridge thought it seemed only fitting to have an event like this in Utah.

    Originating as a method of winter travel, skijoring today is primarily a competitive, high-adrenalin sport in which a skier is pulled by a horse and rider through a course consisting of gates, jumps, and rings. Skijoring appeared as a demonstration sport in the 1928 Winter Olympics and continues to be a popular event in neighboring states.

    Soldier Hollow Skijoring

    Rocky Mountain Outfitters coordinated the valley’s first skijoring event last winter bringing in teams from Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and, of course, Utah.

    “I had seen it before and thought it would be a good fit for Utah with all the skiers and horse people here,” said Loveridge.

    When Ashley Richards heard about last year’s skijoring event at Soldier Hollow, she just thought it would be “something fun to do.” The former high school barrel racer was paired up with a couple of skiers she had never met before and as a team they competed for prize money and a buckle. “By the second day I was in it to win it,” admitted Richards.

    Richards pulled Riley Tucker, a coach for Sundance’s ski racing team, who also had never attempted skijoring. “It took a few times to figure out the rope,” Tucker said. “It’s fun and very similar to ski racing with things coming at you.”

    The event is a two-day competition. The inaugural race consisted of 62 teams drawing a crowd of 1,500 spectators. Teams attempt to complete the 700-foot course going through gates and over jumps while collecting rings at a very fast pace. Missing one of the obstacles results in a penalty. The fastest time with the least amount of penalties wins the race.

    “There are those that do it for fun and those that are more competitive—that race to win,” explained Loveridge. The competition has both a novice and an open category allowing anyone to participate.

    “It was a much better turnout than we expected,” Loveridge said but expects this winter to be even better anticipating around 100 teams to participate in the 2018 event.

    Richards will be there again pulling several different skiers. “I’ve had so many people that saw me do it last year say they want to do it,” said Richards. Richards hopes to pull the skiers she pulled last year too.

    “It was awesome! I can’t wait to do it again,” said Tucker. He will be racing with Richards again, but plans on doing more preseason training. He admitted the prize money is “good incentive to have fun getting dragged behind a horse” hoping to collect it this time.

    “I think the horse is the athlete,” Loveridge told Park City Television. “If you don’t have a fast horse, you’re not going to win.” Horses in this event are traveling at 25-30 miles per hour.

    “There’s only one thing in charge, and it goes really fast,” said Joe Feller, a professional skier and skijoring participant.

    Richards said she had the fastest horse there, but her inexperience may have cost her the buckle. “In barrel racing it’s about what you and the horse can do. I learned to be watching and anticipating what the skier was going to do. We really have to work together.”

    After the results of the first day of competition, a Calcutta takes places allowing spectators and participants to “buy” a team, raising money for a non-profit organization.

    “Last year we gave money to the National Ability Center,” said Loveridge. “This year, we hope to keep it local, giving it to a local ski or rodeo club.”
    Be sure to catch the next skijoring event scheduled for Feb. 2-3, 2018, at Soldier Hollow. Register as a team, get paired up if you’re interested in skiing or riding, or come watch the thrilling, fast-pasted race filled with unexpected excitement.

  • Still Striking 50 Years Later

    Still Striking 50 Years Later

    As you walk into Holiday Lanes, it’s like you’ve stepped back in time. Peach, turquoise, and gold adorn the back wall above the 12 bowling lanes. Faux wood paneling surrounds the sound of falling pins. There are no flashing lights. No big screen televisions. No lounge chairs. Nothing glitzy about it. However most days, you’ll be greeted by Owner Phyllis Christensen.

    “Some people come in and say, ‘Now this is a bowling alley,’” said Christensen. “People say it looks like it’s from the 60’s and I think—that’s because it is!”

    Christensen has been behind the counter or helping in the café for more than 50 years at Holiday Lanes. Built in 1962, Christensen’s father, John William “Bill” Jordan, bought the bowling alley two years later.

    A few years after purchasing the bowling alley, Jordan would venture to Arizona each fall leaving Christensen in charge. Christensen worked alongside her husband, Garold, who was a farmer.
    Holiday Lanes used to host leagues every night except Fridays and Saturdays. But a decline in league participation has been a trend throughout the nation.

    Aside from the dwindling number of leagues, not much has changed at Holiday Lanes. The hardwood floors have been replaced and telescores have been added so bowlers are no longer responsible for scoring their own games.

    Claim To Fame

    Named by CNN Travel as one of the best “old-school” bowling alleys in America, it has been the set of numerous Hollywood movies. The bowling alley was even mentioned on national television by Tom Brokaw who ended up bowling there one evening with Robert Redford.

    “My husband had no idea who they were. It was late so he told them ‘only one game and hurry.’ I almost fell off my stool when I realized who it was,” laughed Christensen.

    Holiday Lanes Café

    Patrons don’t just come to bowl. The café is a big part of Christensen’s business.“Everyone tells us our burgers are the best they’ve ever had,” stated Christensen. “I can’t eat a hamburger anywhere else.”

    Holiday Lanes uses beef from a butcher in Midway and hand-blends their shakes with hard ice cream and milk. “Our food is made to order. Nothing is pre-made,” said Jan Gines, Christensen’s daughter who oversees the café.

    Long-time residents may recall the pies Christensen would make. “People still ask me if I make pie. I would if I could get into the kitchen,” she said.

    There may be other reasons Christensen isn’t in the kitchen these days. “I have broken both shoulders. This arm doesn’t work like I want it to,” Christensen said as she grabbed her left arm. The soon-to-be 90-year-old said she isn’t allowed in the back anymore to help with the bowling machines. “It’s kind of frustrating. I can do it but they are afraid I’ll fall or something,” admitted Christensen.

    Retirement?

    Despite getting older, Christensen does not see herself retiring anytime soon. “People ask me ‘aren’t you retired?’ I’d probably die [if I retired] of boredom,” joked Christensen.

    Christensen is a long-time supporter of Utah Valley University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Utah Valley University in its first commencement ceremony in 2009 alongside Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints President Thomas S. Monson. Christensen humbly said she wasn’t really sure why she was nominated. “Maybe it’s because I donated money for scholarships,” Christensen said.

    With four children, 14 grandchildren, more than 40 great grandchildren, and four great, great grandchildren, the bowling alley has enabled Christensen to work beside many family members. “Every one of my grandchildren has worked for me,” Christensen said. Currently, Christensen has a couple of granddaughters and a grandson helping her along with her daughter.

    Christensen has many memories of her time spent at Holiday Lanes and hopes her family continues its legacy of providing the community with family fun and good food.

  • Derrick Boudwin

    Derrick Boudwin

    Derrick Boudwin was 18 when he was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa, which robs people of their eyesight. The doctor told him he would eventually have to deal with losing his vision, but he didn’t know it would completely change him. Music turned out to be the key to lifting his sadness.

    “To an 18-year-old, eventually means never,” said Boudwin. But by age 24, Boudwin was experiencing significant night blindness and losing his peripheral vision. The deterioration of his sight led Boudwin into such a depression that even after the birth of his first child, Boudwin found little to be happy about. “We tried all kinds of things to manage it,” said Boudwin.

    After an especially dark period and without success from psychotherapy or drug therapy, both Boudwin’s wife, Cami, and his brother suggested he sing more, recalled Boudwin. Boudwin has always loved to sing. He spent many hours commuting while living in California. He would sing to stay awake. “I don’t really feel like singing” was Boudwin’s thought. Taking their suggestion to heart, Boudwin discovered music to be “very cathartic.” “I started to feel these things I had never given myself permission to feel,” explained Boudwin. Music allowed him to finally open up.

    Seeing music help her husband, Cami pushed Boudwin to make a career change from information technologies to musician. “It just seemed like a natural step at the time,” said Cami. Doing so changed  everything. Derrick Boudwin had heard of a crowdfunding campaign offered by his favorite singer and songwriter J.R. Richards of Dishwalla in which Richards was offering to write a song. Boudwin reached out to Richards pitching him the idea of producing a song. Richards was interested in switching songwriting for producing and the two got to work.

    “One song turned into 10,” said Boudwin. Boudwin worked remotely with Richards who lives in the United Kingdom. Boudwin had basic ideas for the songs stemming from things that have happened in his life. After six months of skyping, Boudwin and Cami took their children to the UK for five weeks to record Boudwin’s first album. Boudwin then enlisted Richard’s wife Min Reid-Richards, a director and producer, to help  produce his music videos.

    Boudwin’s version of Taylor Swift’s Red is grabbing international attention. Red’s music video is based on a true story illustrating the pains of knowing someone with Alzheimer’s disease. The music video has been sweeping up awards at film festivals all over the world. So far, the film has received five awards. Boudwin and his wife attended the Dances with Films festival to represent Reid-Richards. The film picked up the Industry Choice Award at the festival and enabled Boudwin to witness his music touching many. “You could hear the sniffles in the crowd,” recalled Boudwin who felt the experience was very surreal.

    The singer-songwriter is happy to share with others the music that has helped him. “Regardless of revenue or what we have had to sacrifice, all we ever wanted to do was help others with the music that helped me,” said Boudwin. While going blind has complicated things for Boudwin, he says he can think of a million things that he is grateful he doesn’t have to deal with. “Everybody has ‘hard’ in their life,” echoed Cami. Boudwin still has his central vision but blindness is on the horizon. The four surgeries and steroid shots every eight weeks only slow the progression of his disease.

    Currently Derrick Boudwin can see only things directly in front of him, but he is confident there will be some sort of treatment in his lifetime. Until then, Boudwin will continue to touch the faces of his four children attempting to memorize their features and write music to help cope with the changes happening in his life.

    Boudwin also finds remedy in speaking to youth groups. He enjoys sharing his music and message of hope with anyone who may struggle. “I hope by them seeing a blind guy with four kids, they say, ‘if he can do it I can do it.’”

  • Wasatch Aquatic Center

    Wasatch Aquatic Center

    Hundreds of Wasatch County residents put on their swimsuits and hit the water as the long-awaited Aquatic Center opened in June.

    The Aquatic Center has been in the works for almost a decade. “It started as a grassroots effort,” explained Greg Tayler who started petitioning for a new pool in 2009. “There was a group of 12 of us that swam. We wanted to get something different.”

    The rise of the swim team at Wasatch High School also prompted Tayler’s action. “They were getting so good so fast,” said Tayler. The WHS swim team has clenched many individual and team titles including nine men’s regionals, eight women’s regionals, two men’s states, and one women’s state title. “I heard other teams call our pool ‘crumby.’”

    Tayler had no idea what he was getting into. The idea of a new community pool resulted in the formation of a committee, endless meetings, and eventually left the fate of a new pool to a vote in 2014.

    According to Tayler, the committee was able to raise money to commission a Dan Jones survey to find out if there was truly a need for the pool. The results of that poll strongly supported a new pool.

    Wasatch Aquatic Center Bond

    “A vast majority of those polled surprisingly said they wanted a new pool and even said they would be willing to pay a tax increase for it,” said Tayler.

    Tayler was confident the bond would pass, but the community ultimately voted against the first proposed bond by a very small percentage.

    Disappointed, Tayler thought it would be another 5-10 years before the community would get a new pool, but the school district felt there was still a need. A new bond was proposed to build an elementary school, a middle school, and a pool.

    “The vote on that bond went through with high acceptance,” said Ann Horner, president of the Wasatch County School District Board of Education. “For us the pool has always been an education thing.” Horner continued to explain that the school district was spending an extensive amount of money trying to maintain the old pool.

    “We had such a demand for the pool with all of our feeder programs and school teams,” added Horner.

    The district enlisted the help of USA Swimming to “build the right thing,” said Aquatic Center Director Dennis Tesch. “They helped to determine an idea of size. They taught us how to run it and give support beyond that,” added Tesch.

    Splash Pad

    While the new Wasatch County Aquatic Center isn’t as grand as the pool first proposed, it features three pools; a 10-lane competition pool, an activity pool, and a therapy pool. During the winter months, a splash pad is being constructed, taking up a portion of the sun patio. The splash pad is scheduled to be up and running this spring.

    According to Horner, the splash pad was not included in the original construction because there were so many factors indicating it would cost too much. Board Member Tom Hansen did more research and discovered an economical way to build a splash pad using the remaining proceeds from the bond.

    Safety In Knowing How To Swim

    The board of education says they put the needs of the kids in the community first but the Aquatic Center does not only serve the children. According to Tesch, anyone can learn to swim at any age and take advantage of all the programs offered.

    “35-40 percent of adult Americans do not know how to swim,” said Tesch. “With two reservoirs close by, we need to help those in our community feel more comfortable and safe.”

    In addition to the life-preserving skill of swimming, programs such as water aerobics, water Zumba, and BOGA mat classes offer options for keeping in shape. “In the water there is added resistance. It’s easier on the body with no joint impact. You can get into shape without the impact,” said Tesch.

    The center also helps those with special needs. “It is such a great thing for autistic kids and those with disabilities,” said Horner. “It changes their abilities. In the water they are not challenged; they are not handicapped.”

    The new, larger facility has allowed the center to increase the number of programs and will be able to host many future events.

    “We have been able to quadruple our water aerobics,” Tesch said. In addition, lap lanes are available most of the time other than when swim teams are practicing.

    With seating for 500 spectators, a separate entrance, and a giant LED score board, the Aquatic Center will be hosting the 2018 3A and 2A State High School Championships for swimming in addition to many other swim meets, invitationals, and community events.

    “We have heard nothing but ‘thank you,’” said Horner. As for the old pool, Horner said it will be filled in and the space will be used for the growing needs of the high school.

  • Passing The Torch

    Passing The Torch

    When the 2002 Olympic Games ended, Soldier Hollow opened to the public by adding a tubing hill, housing a charter school, and hosting a variety of events each year such as the Sheepdog Classic.

    “Soldier Hollow is one of the only venues where you can see everything from everywhere. It’s really nice for spectators,” said two-time Olympian Sara Studebaker-Hall. “It offers a unique atmosphere and has a lot of options for terrain.”

    As one of three venues built to host events during the 2002 Olympic Games, Soldier Hollow was the setting for the games’ biathlon and cross-country ski competitions.

    Infrastructure  Updates For Soldier Hollow

    While the center has been able to sustain itself, fifteen years later, it is now in need of some updates to remain a viable venue. Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation (UOLF) acquired the Nordic Center in May of 2016. Plans to make Soldier Hollow a world-class venue once again are already underway.

    Melanie Welch, director of marketing and sponsorships for UOLF, said the foundation offers Soldier Hollow the benefit of utilizing existing resources. “The venue has been aging and is in need of updates to infrastructures. The foundation has the means to do that,” Welch explained.

    “To keep these venues going is good for Utah’s economy,” said Stuart Ashe, Soldier Hollow general manager. Doing so also puts Utah into a good position to win a bid for another Olympic Games.

    Plans For The Future

    Immediate improvements include a biathlon tunnel which is a new requirement for hosting World Cup events, new snow-making machines, and an expansion of the tubing hill.

    The tubing hill will feature a conveyor belt to pull tubers up the mountain replacing the current rope tow. Skiers will be able to purchase their trail passes and rent ski equipment from the new ski shop in the basement of the lodge.

    UOLF has been running the Olympic Oval in Kearns and the Olympic Park outside of Park City, proving the organization is capable of keeping Olympic venues relevant and can evolve them into community centers and visitor destinations. The plan for Soldier Hollow is to do the same.

    Ashe plans to add activities to have more reasons for locals to come to Soldier Hollow. “We want it to become a place where the community goes…when you have visitors or are in need of a venue for an event, you can come here,” said Ashe.

    Ashe hopes to create an advisory board consisting of a diverse group of members from the community including those serving as government officials, state park positions, parents, and others to help determine what activities are appropriate for the area to produce more traffic, bringing in more revenue.

    The Nordic Program

    “We need to make revenue for our youth programs to be affordable,” continued Ashe.

    Last year, Soldier Hollow added biathlon to their Nordic program in an effort to grow their youth program. Studebaker-Hall, Soldier Hollow’s program director said introducing children to athletics is good for their overall development. Kids do better in school, are happier, and live healthier lives.

    “Kids are exposed to a lot of different sports through the Nordic program.” With the merger, Studebaker-Hall said there are more opportunities to join other clubs for practices and more access to the other venues’ activities. Children may discover a love for ski jumping or speed skating through the Nordic program.

    “We want to foster winter sports but we also want them to become great people. We talk about goal setting. The kids learn how to balance school with training. They get to be outside which helps with their focus,” continued Studebaker-Hall, “and with the skill of Nordic skiing…this is something you can do your whole life.”

    According to Ashe more improvements will come, transforming the venue into a year-round attraction for locals and tourists. Soldier Hollow also plans to host more national and international events bringing athletes from all over the world to Midway—keeping the Olympic spirit alive in the valley.

  • Happy Trails to You

    Happy Trails to You

    The most desirable communities found in the United States have one thing in common — trails.

    Heber City is no different. As the third fastest growing city in the United States for its size, the area offers an amazing 150 miles of trails to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, bird watchers and anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors.
    As people continue to move into the valley, the number of trails will increase as well. “As our population grows, there will be more trails; the trails will be more diversified and get more use,” said Wasatch County Planning Director, Doug Smith.
    Heber hasn’t always been the outdoor recreation mecca it is now. Just seven years ago, the valley was much different. “Heber had everything an outdoor enthusiast could want — lakes, rivers, mountains, golf courses, resorts, and clean air — but it was lacking a decent trail system,” said Don Taylor, a member of the Wasatch Trails Alliance. Taylor built some of the first trails himself so he would have somewhere to ride.
    Zachary Wood, manager of the local bike shop Slim & Knobby’s, is a huge advocate of trails. “Trails transform communities,” Wood said. “Trails make the community have a whole different feeling — more vibrant — and develop a sense of community,” Wood added.
    According to AmericanTrails.org, trails add a myriad of benefits to a community.

    BETTER HEALTH

    Trails support an active lifestyle, improving the health of community members. Physical activity helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, colon cancer, and depression. An increase in physical activity can save millions in health care spending. Physical activity also reduces stress and improves mental health. “With trails, more people get out and use the them — people who wouldn’t normally get out,” explained Wood.

    STRONGER ECONOMY

    Tourists will come to communities to use trails. “Trails are a huge economic driver for tourism,” said Taylor.
    Tourism creates jobs and puts money into local economies. Many trail users buy goods and eat at local restaurants. Some communities have found that people living near trails take shorter vacations, closer to home.
    Trails increase property values. A home near a trail can offer a pleasing view, quieter streets, recreational opportunities and a chance to get in touch with nature. Studies find that properties located near trails generally sell for five to thirty-two percent more than those farther away.
    Smith echoes these claims. “Trails add value. Trails provide opportunities to have exercise where you don’t have to compete with cars.”

    STRONGER COMMUNITIES

    Communities are strengthened by adding new trails. Many of the trails in Wasatch County have been built by local volunteers. “People feel ownership when they help build something,” Taylor explained. “There are many more ears and eyes of people who want to keep the trails nice,” continued Taylor, which results in a decrease of vandalism and partying near the trails.

    CONSERVING AND RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

    Trails often provide access to remote wilderness areas and stunning views. They provide meaningful outdoor experiences for many users, satisfying the need for wanderlust. Trails often cross lands which are environmentally sensitive in many ways. By leading users along well-worn paths, trails keep users away from more sensitive features that might not be able to withstand traffic.
    In the future, Heber Valley will include even more trails. Since 2001, all new projects or developments in the valley are required to have a public trail component following the trend that exists in many other growing communities. Not only will the new communities include trails connecting neighborhoods, but trails continue to be built all over the valley. “The hope is to have a trail that’s accessible — hopefully right out your door,” Smith said.
    Wood often directs customers to the trailhead near the local Utah Valley University campus. “It’s well marked, there’s plenty of parking,” he explained. For the more adventurous, there is the Coyote Canyon Loop which takes you into Kamas and Woodland. Dutch Hollow is another local favorite. Taylor is particularly proud of “The Barrel” found in Dutch Hollow. It was one of the first trails he built after moving to Heber. Now Dutch Hollow offers more than 40 miles of trails.
    Heber Valley is known for its beautiful views, blue skies and picturesque mountains. What better way to take in all the beauty, then to get out and experience it for yourself?

  • A Century-Old Fixer-Upper

    A Century-Old Fixer-Upper

    Since 1948, Heber City’s Main Street has changed quite a bit. A number of different businesses have come and gone. The road used to have angled parking and a median separating the traffic. But to this day, the recognizable art-deco sign illuminating the Avon Theatre remains unchanged.

    “The Avon looks the same as it did when it first opened,” said James Kohler, who grew up going to movies in the Heber Valley.

    The Ideal Theatre is also a recognizable Main Street business that has been around for a very long time. The façade and the inside of the Ideal has changed since its original opening in 1918.

    “You used to have to walk up steps,” recalls Michelyn Lawton who ran the theatres for her father who owned them during them 1970’s. “We used to have a ticket office outside and it used to have a balcony. My father bulldozed that after he bought the theater because it was so expensive to heat.”

    Before video and DVD rentals, the movie theatres were the only way to see the films. “Going to the movies was fun,” Lawton said. “It was where everyone from town went to be social.”

    Kohler remembers the theatres having matinees every Saturday. “That’s where all the kids in the valley would go,” said Kohler. “They would have drawings and give away prizes each week.”

    The two theatres changed ownership several times since they were built. For a short period of time, the name of the theatres was changed from the Avon and Ideal to Reel 1 and Reel 2.

    In 1986, the Avon became one of the first movie theatres in the country to be equipped with surround sound. The system was installed by the “Father of Surround Sound” himself, Jim Fosgate.

    Fosgate, a Heber City resident and inventor, owned an audio company in the building where Lee’s Music is currently located. During that time, Fosgate was developing technology that would later be used by Dolby. Fosgate personally installed his system into the Avon. “The installation took about two weeks,” recalled Fosgate.

    The first movie to be shown with the new sound system was “Top Gun.” Word got out about how good the sound was and drew a crowd. “People heard about it. After a few weeks people were lined up around the block and two streets down,” said Heber City resident Kelly Jarvis about the showing of “Karate Kid II.”

    Despite its incredible sound, the Avon had not been properly maintained and was listed as condemned in 2004. No movies had been shown in the Avon for almost a year when Jim Lane stepped in taking on a renovation of the two theatres and changing the names back to the original.

    “It was pretty extensive,” Lane recalls about the renovation of the Avon. “The entire auditorium had to be gutted. It was pretty gross,” said Lane.

    The Lanes began work on the Ideal Theatre. After closing the Ideal for about 14 days, the Lanes reopened that theatre in mid-October of 2005. Next, they tackled the Avon which reopened in May of 2006 with new carpets, seats, sound folds, and a new screen.

    Moving to Heber from Colorado after buying the two theatres, Lane had just completed his Masters in administration but decided to purchase the theatres in order to spend more time raising his children. “We were looking for a change and this opportunity came up from a friend of ours,” said Lane.

    While small town theatres seem to be an “endangered species” according to Lane, the Avon and Ideal theatres became the first small town theatres in Utah to go digital and offer 3-D movies. Lane said the two theatres went digital in 2010. The Ideal Theatre has room for more than 250 movie goers while Avon Theatre has seating for up to 400 people in its the audience. “The Avon still has some of the best acoustics around,” added Lane.

    Shortly after the theatre renovations were complete, the Lanes opened Corner Sweet Treats right next to the Avon. The nostalgic ice cream parlor features a soda fountain and homemade ice cream and candy. “It was originally an ice cream parlor and a spud nut shop. It has been many things throughout the years,” said Lane. Corner Sweet Treats is open during the summer months allowing you to grab a treat before heading into the theatre.

    Experience the history and nostalgia of the Avon and Ideal Theatres for yourself. Movies are shown nightly changing every few weeks. In addition, a 100th celebration of the Ideal Theatre is being planned for 2018.

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