Author: Gabrielle Zelaya

A little over one year ago, three students from Wasatch high school assembled after a local talent show to play music together, and instant chemistry was born. Not just musically, but personally, as the boys immediately became great friends. Hien Maeda (vocals and guitar) 18, Joseph Nielson (bass) 18, and Coleman Atkinson (drums) 18, make up the three-member band called SPACEDØUT. They are passionate about what they do and have been honored to be able to show Heber Valley what they have to offer the music community. Their success in the Heber, Salt Lake and Provo music scene is impressive considering the time they have had to master their artistry as a group. SPACEDØUT is breaking barriers and making waves throughout the art culture locally and beyond.

SPACEDØUT is an Indie/Alternative rock band based out of Heber. The band is grateful to the community for giving them the opportunity to share their talent. Heber Valley has had a significant effect on the band members and has played a major role in the writing process for their songs. Making music has helped them embrace the local music and art culture. The band shared, “The music culture here is small but important to those in it. A part of us [the community] is kept close and embraced when moments of artistry arise and are shared.” It is in these moments that the best friends discover inspiration for their music. Our beautiful Heber Valley has been an ideal place for them, and others, to share their songs. Everyone from teenagers to adults can appreciate songs like “Thoughtless Dreams,” “Motorcycle Girl,” and “Angel Behind the Wall,” a ballad that has over 50,000 Streams on Spotify. “Angel Behind the Wall,” is the band’s most popular song and holds special meaning for both the band and community. It was written in honor of the band’s classmate and friend, Avery, a local student who was injured in a rock rappelling accident. The song has touched many hearts with lines like, “Could you be kind enough to let her know that she is loved unconditionally” and “angel behind the wall, can you hear us as we try to talk.” The song skyrocketed, earning about 40,000 more streams on Spotify than any other song the band has released to date.

SPACEDØUT consistently has almost 900 monthly listeners, which is impressive for such a young band. Exciting as the numbers are, the band prefers not to check up on the amount of listens and streams they receive, concentrating more on their writing. Hien, the lead singer, says, “If you’re not producing music, your stats go down, and you can feel discouraged. I’ve completely stopped looking at that now.” Writing music is a time for the band to collaborate and share their creativity and ideas. “During these times, we build upon and fine-tune these inspirations together. It takes time, like a puzzle, but the finished piece is the reward.” SPACEDØUT enjoys writing together, but most of all, they enjoy performing live. “Nothing can beat the feeling of a live performance. You get a reaction to the things you are doing and playing, and it is really rewarding.” SPACEDØUT enjoys recording in the studio together and making music with their producer, who is also a Heber local.

This spring, two of the band members will graduate from Wasatch High School, and another will return to college in the fall. At the end of the summer, the band will part ways. In the meantime, Hien, Joseph, and Coleman are excited to announce a full-length album to be released this spring. The album will consist of 10 songs and is something they are very proud of. For now, the band plans to spend as much time as possible writing and recording in the studio as friends and bandmates.

Follow @spacedout_officialband for their music release dates and upcoming shows

Livestock branding is an age-old technique that dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where brands were used to signify ownership. Europe adopted the practice during the Middle Ages and the technique was later imported to the Americas by Spanish cowboys.

Creating A Brand

Back in the day, ranchers would record brands in a book they carried in their pockets. As brands became more widely used, laws were passed requiring registration and inspection. Today, Utah ranchers can either design their own unique brand or choose one from a master catalogue provided by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food — the department that regulates brands in the state.

Breaking Down The Brand

Brands contain two or more symbols and can be placed on six different areas of the animal: the left hip, left ribs or left shoulder and the right hip, right ribs or right shoulder. Different ranchers may use the same brand, so long as the brand is not placed in the same location.

Modern Branding

As technology evolves, branding via hot iron is used less and less. Freeze branding, universally considered more humane, is a technique that removes pigmentation from hair using liquid nitrogen. With this technique, the hair typically grows back white, which is more visible and less injurious, but also more expensive than old-school branding irons.

At the Heber Food Pantry, it’s about more than just giving away free food. Bryce Hendley, the pantry’s leader, says the pantry is all about the “spirit of community giving and loving.” As the second largest food pantry run by Utah Community Action in the state, that’s a lot of giving and loving.

Utah Community Action, a nonprofit whose mission is to “put themselves out of business,” works to end the cycle of poverty by filling the gaps where families can’t and helping families get to a place where they no longer need its assistance. Utah Community Action hopes to turn its mission into a reality by offering a number of services, including counseling, financial planning and job search assistance, as well as food pantries around the state.

So, what is the Heber Valley community’s role in all this? Our community members are vital to the upkeep and continuation of the food pantry. From financial and food donations to volunteers, the Heber Food Pantry survives because of the community’s participation. Volunteers sort cans, put away donations, stock food, check expiration dates and keep everything running smoothly. As volunteers of all ages are welcome, the food pantry is an incredible way for you and your family to get involved with the Heber Valley community.

Looking for a fun family night or a philanthropic church or school activity? Look no further, as the Heber Food Pantry could always use a helping hand. As some local scouts found out, volunteering your time at the pantry is fun! Hendley remembers a time when a group of scouts made sorting cans into a game.

If you don’t have time to volunteer, donations are greatly appreciated. The pantry is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and non-perishable donations can be dropped by the door day or night, rain or shine.

Whenever you have extra food or other household items you’re not going to use, swing by the pantry and feel good knowing that you are helping your neighbors in need. Canned food, milk, butter, diapers, paper towels and toilet paper are all great donations. Despite its name, the Heber Food Pantry also accepts clothing donations. Your old coats, boots and winter gear can help keep local families warm this winter.

If you want to make a donation but are unsure of what the pantry needs, just give the pantry a call. In fact, Hendley is always touched when community members call to see what the pantry really needs. Financial donations are also greatly appreciated. By donating your time, resources or both, you can make a monumental difference in the lives of your fellow community members. In coming together to support our neighbors in need, we can help Utah Community Action in its mission to end poverty and change families’ lives forever.

Heber Food Pantry

34 W 200 S, Heber City
Open Tuesdays and Fridays
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information on volunteering or arranging food drives, call 435-654-2182 or email Bryce Hendley at [email protected].