Heber Valley Life

Author: Heather W. Hoyt

  • Pippi the Reading Dog

    Pippi the Reading Dog

    Can a dog become a librarian? If you ask Kirsten Nilsson, Dan Compton, and the many excited patrons at The Summit County Library’s Coalville, Kamas Valley, and Kimball Junction branches, they’d say, “Yes, and her name is Pippi!”

    Pippi, a miniature goldendoodle born in 2019, is the library’s newest Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.). The R.E.A.D. program, launched by Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) in Salt Lake City over 20 years ago, has spread across the U.S. and the world. Its mission is to improve children’s literacy skills through registered therapy teams serving as reading mentors.

    A Perfect Match

    Pippi’s owner, Kirsten Nilsson, has been the Youth Services Librarian at Summit County Library since 2011. “The job fell in my lap, and it turned out to be absolutely perfect for me,” she shares. The library had previously worked with R.E.A.D., and Kirsten saw firsthand how reading to a dog reduced children’s stress and built their confidence.

    Knowing the benefits of the program, Kirsten wanted a dog that could be part of the library. She carefully chose Pippi for her calm, gentle temperament. “She was the smallest in her litter and had just the right personality for working with kids,” Kirsten explains. Pippi started visiting the library as a puppy and has been coming ever since.

    Library Director, Dan Compton, was thrilled when Kirsten suggested Pippi as a R.E.A.D. dog. “Children all over the county now have the opportunity to read to Pippi if they would like,” he says.

    Overcoming Challenges

    Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed Pippi’s journey. Because she wasn’t around children for a long time, she became hesitant when they returned to the library. To help, Kirsten partnered with ITA to train Pippi as a therapy dog. Pippi started working in hospitals, providing comfort to patients, and later began volunteering at the airport to assist anxious travelers.

    “It’s been surprisingly rewarding,” Kirsten says. “Pippi really knows what she’s doing.” She explains that Pippi instinctively adjusts her energy based on the situation—offering quiet snuggles to patients in need and playful energy to those who want interaction.

    After two and a half years as a therapy dog, Pippi was finally ready for her library role. Dan eagerly awaited the day she could officially read with children, and soon, Pippi was attending book clubs and story time. “She loves to sit in her cart, put her head over the edge, watch the kids, and sometimes even fall asleep,” Kirsten says with a smile.

    In December 2024, Pippi and Kirsten passed their certification test and officially became a R.E.A.D. team.

    A Safe, Encouraging Space for Young Readers

    Reading to a therapy dog is far less intimidating for children than reading to an adult. Dogs don’t judge, correct, or rush them. The R.E.A.D. program is open to preschool-age children and older, as well as disabled adults. It helps with fluency, confidence, and developing a love for books.

    Unlike school-based R.E.A.D. programs, the library’s approach is more flexible. “It’s about introducing kids to the joy of reading and showing them that libraries and books are fun,” Kirsten says. She loves watching children return and grow as readers. “Some kids think they don’t like reading, but often, they just haven’t found the right book yet. I love helping with that.”

    Dan praises Kirsten’s dedication, saying, “She works hard to prepare children for school and improve literacy skills through various programs. Our mission is to create lifelong learners, and Kirsten plays a key role in fulfilling that.”

    What Happens in a Reading Session?

    Sessions with Pippi last 20 minutes and take place in Kirsten’s office at the Kimball Junction branch. The door remains open with a small gate, and a sign lets visitors know Pippi is busy reading. Parents are encouraged to browse the library while their children enjoy their independent time with the R.E.A.D. team.

    Children aren’t required to read aloud—Kirsten can step in, and sometimes she and the child take turns reading. There’s little monitoring or correction; instead, the focus is on positive reinforcement and creating a relaxed, enjoyable environment. Books are available to choose from, or children can bring their own.

    Dog-themed books are especially popular, and many children return to read with Pippi again and again. She loves making new friends and listening to their stories.

    The Library’s Furry Librarian

    Pippi may not have a degree in Library Science, but as a certified therapy dog and R.E.A.D. assistant, she is officially part of The Summit County Library team. She helps make reading a fun, stress-free experience for young readers while strengthening the library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning.

    So, can a dog be a librarian? At Summit County Library, the answer is a resounding yes—and Pippi is proving it every day!

    To learn more, visit thesummitcountylibrary.org

  • The Belvederes

    The Belvederes

    Dr. Seuss once penned, “From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” He’d probably be pleased to know ‘everywhere’ would include vegetables.

    The punch line of the Belvederes Improv show came at the beginning, when a wiggly, six-year-old boy walked into the Timpanogos Valley Theater yelling, “Carrots!” When the MC asked for a suggestion, the boy would insist again that this show was to be about carrots. And it was. There were carrot brothers and sisters; carrots being afraid of being made into a stew; a lively debate about whether hairy carrots, who could run, were good to eat. The boy wasn’t the only one to shout carrots — other members of the audience picked up the refrain as well. And it was funny!

    The audience was a mixture of families and date nights, all of them ready to laugh. When an audience member was invited on stage for a game of freeze frame, he was thrown into a story about an odd vacation where a Chewbacca impersonator kept making an appearance.

    Some of the performers deadpanned through ridiculous moments, while others demonstrated exaggerated emotional theatrics over the smallest things. And the audience was in for the ride, laughing as they watched the absurd stories that were made up right there on the spot.

    The Belvederes Improv was started seven years ago, when a group of theater friends decided to put together an improv group and perform for a Christmas variety show. Ben Ray, a high school science teacher, became involved a few months later. “I knew nothing about improv before I got in,” he says. “There’s a lot of work put in, but it was more for fun.”

    David Thorpe, a long-time member of the troupe, explained to Ray that improv is a world of imagination, and the audience gets a chance to go with the performers into that imaginary world and be part of the story. That’s when it becomes the most fun.

    From the beginning, the Belvederes Improv has always been a family-friendly and respectful troupe. Though the occasional euphemism might slip in, the troupe doesn’t swear and they avoid certain topics to remain respectful and appropriate. The performers want to entertain both the adults and the kids in the audience.

    The Belvederes also strive to be a team. While other improv groups might throw each other under the bus to get a laugh, the Belvederes try to maintain respect and acceptance for one another. Ray says that this intentional difference has allowed everyone there to feel welcome.

    How To Improv

    Ben shared that when people try improv for the first time, they may feel uneasy because they think it needs to be done a certain way. But the real magic of improv is when the performer relaxes and can embrace whatever character they are playing, acting naturally.

    Improv isn’t just trying to be funny. Ray explains, “The funny just happens.” Improv works differently than something like stand-up comedians, who worry about saying the right thing at the right time. With improv, it’s more of a team effort, where they try to set each other up in awkward situations that turn out to be funny. Improv is not a one-man show, and the performers have to practice together so that they are in sync when they perform.

    The performers practice basic improv rules: Always say yes. Don’t block or deny what someone else is doing. And then go and build on it.

    A large part of practicing improv is learning to listen. If performers are going in different directions, it gets confusing — fast. So a performer must listen closely to what is happening, process it quickly, and then be able to keep the story going.

    While playing improv games, memorable moments just happen. For example: the phrase “cat, top, freedom, burrito,” began innocently enough, but soon those four random words became an exclamation that worked perfectly in emotional moments and as secret lyrics to an opening song. The best moments come through interaction with others. And Ray says that improv is “a chance for us to relax and allow silly to happen, which you don’t get a lot of in the real world.”

    Keep Going

    During Covid, the Belvederes had to shut down. After a short hiatus the group attempted to play online on Zoom meetings, but Ray says that the online meetings were difficult. When they were finally able to meet again, the troupe had changed. Before, there was a regular group that met consistently, but after the pandemic, many of the previous members no longer came, and the Belvederes troupe discovered new people who wanted to be involved. The audience also changed, as many of the audience members are experiencing improv for the first time.

    The Belvederes Improv is operated and performed by volunteers, leading to low-cost entertainment. But since everyone has responsibilities outside of the troupe, making it all work can be a struggle. Sometimes they barely scrape enough people together to put on a show; and they can be stretched thin as they figure out advertising, networking, and all the other work that is involved with running the troupe. Ray says that they often improvise on how to run the business aspects of the troupe.

    Most people are in the troupe so they can bring joy to other people. They aren’t just there to improve their own skills. Instead, they want to perform for an audience and make that audience happy. And while they may wish for a big, high-energy audience, even when the audience is smaller, the performers still work hard to imagine and create stories and laughter.

    Harness Creativity

    Even watching improv can help people harness creativity. Improv allows people to step outside the grind of daily life, leaving behind automatic to-do lists and stepping into a place where almost anything can happen. Ray says that improv gives people a place to go and laugh, relax, and step away from reality for a second. And when improv is played right, it can become intellectual, giving the audience a chance to think about things in a new way.

    Ray says, “The reason people love it is the release.” The performers don’t care what they look like, and they don’t need to be super good at what they are doing. It doesn’t matter–because every performed moment is soon gone forever, and the performers and the audience together just keep going. “It’s freedom that you don’t get all the time.”

    Ray says that doing improv has changed the way he communicates. He listens better and is more willing to follow someone else’s train of thought and add to it. He has learned better cooperation with others. Participating in improv allows people to be open and work together and create something new from multiple minds. Because of the advantages of watching improv and doing improv, the Belvederes Improv are available to work with businesses for team building and listening skills.

    They are looking to grow. The Belvederes need volunteers who can work behind the scenes to help put the show together. Ray says, “Anyone who wants to be involved is welcome to join on Wednesdays.” The troupe asks that someone be involved for several months to learn and improve before being invited to perform. The troupe meets every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Timpanogos Valley Theater. Bringing your ‘silly’ is preferred; carrots are optional.

     

    The Belvederes Improv at the Timpanogos Valley Theater on the last Saturday of the month (unless there is a play being performed). You can see their schedule, purchase tickets, and find out more at thebelvederesimprov.com

  • H2O Go!

    H2O Go!

    From Deer Creek to Jordanelle to Strawberry to Rockport to Echo; the Heber Valley and surrounding areas have plenty of opportunities for boating and water sports. But before you go out on the water this summer, make sure that you know how to keep yourself and those around you safe.

    The lakes and reservoirs attract many different kinds of recreational watercraft, both motorized and non-motorized. Recently, sports such as wake surfing, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards have increased in popularity. Motorized boats, fishermen, kayaks, and even sailboats and swimmers, share the same water. Everyone can stay safe if they educate themselves, follow the rules, and most importantly, wear a life jacket.

    Wear A Life Jacket

    The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80% of boating fatality victims. 75% of fatal boating accidents result from drowning and 86% of those drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

    There are many different types of life jackets, but the best type of life jacket is the one that you will wear. Make sure the life jacket is Coast Guard approved. A life jacket needs to be in good condition, fit well, and be sized properly according to age and weight. Read the label on the life jacket for any restrictions and proper care.

    Ty Hunter, the boating program manager for the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, says, “Some of the most simplistic decisions can determine the most life-altering outcomes.” The best practice is to always wear your life jacket, even when you are not required by law to do so.

    Children 12 and younger are required to wear a life jacket when a boat is in operation, and there needs to be a wearable life jacket for each person on board a boat. However, Devon Chavez, the public affairs manager for Utah State Parks, says, “We recommend EVERYONE wear a life jacket, even if they are experienced adults.”

    Hunter notes that there is a huge issue with not wearing an approved life jacket when operating a paddle craft or in towed sports. Utah requires that each person being towed on water skis or other devices or operating a personal watercraft wear an appropriate life jacket.

    Wearing A Life Jacket Can Save Your Life, So Make It The First Priority When Heading Out To The Water.

    Take A Boating Safety Course And Keep Learning

    Hunter encourages everyone to take a boating safety course. Even those who have been boating their whole lives don’t know everything. A boating safety course can help teach you how to stay safe.

    Utah offers courses for adults ages 17 and older and a mandatory youth personal watercraft certification for ages 12-17. The certification is required for youth operating personal watercraft such as Jet Skis, Wave Runners, and Sea-Doos. Courses cost $39.95 and are simple and easy. Make sure you review the study material before taking the test. Boating safety courses can be found at boating.utah.gov. In addition, Hunter recommends that all operators of motorized and non-motorized watercraft read Utah’s Boating Law Highlights found under Rules & Regulations, also at boating.utah.gov

    The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources offers an aquatic invasive species education course that is required for boaters who are not residents of Utah and is voluntary for Utah residents. Mussels threaten Utah water bodies, and it is important to educate yourself to stop the spread.

    Follow The Speed And Proximity Law

    Hunter states that boaters need to pay special attention to the speed and proximity law. A vessel that is above wakeless speed should not be driven within 150 feet of another vessel, a water-skier towed by another vessel, a downed water-skier, a shore fisherman, a launch ramp, a dock, or designated swimming areas. When boaters adhere to this law, they prevent collisions, injuries, and reduce conflicts.

    Boaters can be courteous by placing even more than 150 feet between themselves and other boats while above a wakeless speed. Hunter says that wakeless speed is still wakeless speed, even if you are late or want to get through an area quickly.

    With another drought year, Chavez notes that there is going to be less overall boatable water in Utah’s reservoirs, so it’s even more important to remember the speed and proximity rule and to respect each other’s space.

    No Boating Under The Influence

    Do not operate a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

    While alcohol is allowed on boats, it is illegal to drink and drive. Chavez says that boating under the influence is no different than driving a car under the influence; they are both illegal and the same penalties apply. If a boater operates under the influence, they can face fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and their boat could be impounded. Anyone operating a motorboat on Utah’s water has given consent to take a field sobriety test when requested by an officer who feels the person may be operating under the influence.

    Boaters need to remember to drink alcohol responsibly. Passengers on boats who choose to drink need to figure out how they are getting home before they start drinking.

    Know The Dangers

    Boating can be dangerous. Boaters often lack knowledge of laws and basic safety information. And when boaters have been boating for a long time, their actions can become repetitive and complacent and they forget to take appropriate steps to stay safe.

    Before going boating, you should learn about the specific body of water, particularly the water levels, lake conditions, and weather forecasts. Hunter explained that with varying water levels, a boater might have passed through a spot yesterday, but may not be able to pass over it today. Underwater hazards may exist, so boaters need to use caution.

    Weather can change rapidly. Be aware of changing conditions to stay safe. But even when the weather is perfect for boating, accidents can still happen, so remember to wear your life jacket, pay attention and make good decisions.

    Prevent Drowning

    Hunter shared that he has been involved in searches and recoveries of too many drowning victims. He has seen individuals, who enter the water voluntarily for a short swim or to recover a hat or other article blown from the shore or the boat, fail to resurface. Others have gone to assist someone in need while not wearing a life jacket. The decisions are often made without thought. But lakes are not swimming pools, where there is a wall nearby and a lifeguard to assist you if you get into trouble. Distances in open water are greater than they look, and the water can be cold; stealing your body heat.

    Hunter suggests that if you are going to assist someone, try basic water rescue methods first: reach, throw, row and go. Do not jump in the water without a life jacket, as people without life jackets have drowned trying to save someone.

    Prevent Other Injuries And Accidents

    There are other ways to prevent injuries and accidents on the water. Utah State Parks’ boating website lists additional things to know before you go boating:

    Be aware of where passengers are. You can’t go faster than wakeless speed with passengers sitting on bow ducking, gunwales, seatbacks, or the motor cover.

    Tow people safely. The person being towed must wear a life jacket. You must have an observer in addition to the boat operator and you must display a 12” x 12” flag when the tow is finished. Tow only between sunrise and sunset. It is also prohibited to tow a person in a non-standing position within 20 feet of the back of the boat.

    Be aware of carbon monoxide and propeller injury. Don’t spend time on the back of the boat while the engine is running. Turn the propeller off when there are people around.

    If you are involved in a boating accident, help others, exchange contact information, notify law enforcement, don’t leave the scene, and submit an accident report.

    Take Care Of Yourself

    In the heat of summer, you can easily become dehydrated, so remember to drink plenty of water while on the lake. And always be aware that any boating trip can be dangerous. Wear your life jacket. Watch out for any hazards. Be courteous to others. By making safe decisions, you can stay safe and enjoy the water this summer.

    Boating safety courses can be found at boating.utah.gov

     

    What to do if you need to rescue someone in the water:

    Reach. The first step to assist a victim who is having trouble in the water is to reach, by extending something like a fishing rod or an oar towards them and then pulling them to safety.

    Throw. If the victim is too far away, you can throw a personal flotation device. Boats 16-39 feet in length must carry at least one throwable PFD, and vessels more than 40 feet must carry at least two throwable PFDs.

    Row. You can row towards the
    victim to get closer to help them.

    Go. Get help. If you do not have lifesaving training, you should not try to swim to a victim. If you do go into the water, make sure you are wearing a life jacket and take something that floats to keep between you and the victim.

  • A Heber Valley Guide to Water Wise Landscaping

    A Heber Valley Guide to Water Wise Landscaping

    As Utah enters another year of drought conditions and water restrictions, what can you do to reduce your water use and still enjoy a beautiful landscape?

    You don’t have to tear up your entire landscape to make your yard more water wise — though some people might enjoy that challenge. There are small and simple steps you can take to make your landscape more drought-friendly: water less, check your irrigation systems, add mulch, plant adapted plants, use less lawn, and check out local rebate programs.

    Water Less

    Many people water much more than their plants need. Liz Braithwaite, a garden designer, says that during the summer, it’s normal for plants to wilt in the heat of the day and for some lawns to go brown. A brown lawn doesn’t always mean the grass is dead. Cool-season turf can go dormant in the heat, but it will green and continue growing later in the fall.

    Maegen Lewis, from the USU Extension Office in Heber, stated that Heber Valley has predominately clay soil, which is hard for water to penetrate. Watering less often, but for longer periods of time, is best. Deep watering less often is better for plants than frequent shallow watering; the plants will get deeper roots and will need less water overall.

    Pressing a long screwdriver or metal rod that is at least 12 inches long into the soil is an easy way to tell how much water penetrates the ground. The probe will pass easily through wet soil, but it will stop when it hits dry soil. If you monitor your soil after irrigation, you can make sure you are irrigating enough. You can also use a soil probe after a rainstorm to see how much water your landscape received and then adjust your automatic system accordingly.

    Adjust Your Automatic Systems

    Approximately two-thirds of drinking water in Utah is used to water landscapes, and much of the water is being applied inefficiently. Lewis says that at the Heber Extension Office, homeowners can rent water catch cups to measure how much they are irrigating. Placing catch cups or cans in a grid system can help you make sure your irrigation system is watering uniformly.

    You can also inspect your irrigation system for any problems such as broken heads or inadequate or excessive water pressure. After inspection, you can make necessary changes such as adjusting sprinkler heads and changing automatic clocks.

    A drip system uses less water than overhead irrigation. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plants that need it and reduces water waste. It also helps prevent weeds, reduces disease, and saves time and money. A drip system also needs regular maintenance.

    Hand irrigation can also help reduce water usage in the right situation, such as when establishing new plants or when watering potted flowers. Many water wise plants only need irrigation on occasion, so hand watering can be more efficient.

    The Utah Legislature recently allocated $50 million for pressurized secondary irrigation providers to install water meters on existing systems by 2030. Installing meters is estimated to reduce water usage by around 30%. Heber is in the process of implementing a secondary water meter installation. Measuring pressurized secondary irrigation allows homeowners to see how much water they are using so that they can learn how to better conserve.

    Add Mulch

    Braithwaite says that adding mulch results in plants needing less water. Mulch can keep plants cooler, minimize evaporation and reduce weeds. Organic mulches, usually wood chips, should be 2 to 6 inches deep. On a vegetable garden, clean straw and compost are good mulch materials. Organic mulches can decompose and improve soil quality. You can also use rocks and gravel, but when used in sunny areas, they tend to retain heat. And avoid black plastic, as it does not allow air, nutrients, or moisture to get to plant roots.

    Chose Adapted Plants

    A water wise landscape does not need to be filled with rocks or cacti. Lewis says that a water wise garden can be lush and very beautiful. There are many trees, shrubs and perennials that grow in our environment with little water that bring beautiful colors and textures into your landscape. Some adapted plants are native to Utah, but others come from other regions that also grow well in our dry climate.

    If you do choose to plant and establish water wise plants, make sure that you don’t give more water than what they need.

    Establish Hydrozones

    When you design your landscape, establish hydrozones. Different areas in your yard have different light, soil, wind, and water conditions. Grouping plants that have similar needs together allows you to customize irrigation so that every plant gets just enough water. You can place plants that need higher water near water sources, downspouts or in cooler areas.

    Reduce Lawn

    Lawn can take up a lot of water, so reducing lawn is an important step to making your landscape more water wise. But lawn can still be a part of a water wise landscape if it is only used where it is functional. Lawn may be needed for high-traffic areas, play areas or sports fields. If you are never walking on your grass, chances are it could be replaced by something else.

    Some lawn varieties can grow with less water. For example, tall fescue stays greener than the traditional Kentucky bluegrass. Wheatgrasses can also be used for a low maintenance lawn without much mowing or irrigation.

    Mowing your lawn at a higher setting can also reduce the amount of water your lawn needs.

    Participate in Flip your Strip or Localscapes Rewards

    As part of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, homeowners in the Heber Valley are eligible to participate in the Flip Your Strip and Localscapes Rewards programs. To get started, visit utahwatersavers.com, where you can create an account and enter your information and water bill.

    The Flip Your Strip program is limited to the park strip, or the grass between the curb and the sidewalk. Zack Seipert from the CUWCD says that’s a great place to start your landscape change, as you can still see water savings in that small area. The rebate incentive is tied to the amount of grass you are removing and replacing with a water wise landscape. The rebate is $1.00 per square foot of grass removed, or, if you complete an optional free online education class, you can get $1.25 a square foot. The class teaches you how to make your park strip water wise and eligible for the rebate. Once your application is approved, you must complete the Flip Your Strip program in six months.

    The Localscapes Rewards program offers rebates for larger landscape projects, such as your front or backyard. The incentive amount is related to the water savings, and you must take an education class from Localscapes to be eligible for the program. The classes teach you how to create a water wise landscape plan and put it into practice in your own yard. Once you create and submit a plan, your landscape is drawn to a scale that meets the Localscapes requirements, and you can get a rebate estimate. Localscapes Rewards allows you to complete your landscape in 12 months. Once completed, you upload photos and schedule a landscape review. After passing the review, you get a cash reward. If you participate in the Localscapes Rewards, you are not eligible to participate in Flip Your Strip.

    The CUWCD also offers a rebate for using a smart irrigation controller.

    Keep on learning

    There are many helpful websites to help you conserve water and some are found below. You can also visit demonstration gardens such as Red Butte or the Jordan Valley Water Conservation Garden. And the best learning is in your own garden. Not everything you plant will grow, but you can continue to learn as you observe what dies and what thrives in your own yard.

    Localscapes at localscapes.com

    Conserve Water at conservewater.utah.gov

    Utah State University Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping at extension.usu.edu/cwel

    Slow the Flow at slowtheflow.org

    Utah Water Savers at utahwatersavers.com

    Combinations for Conservation Book, found at usuextensionstore.com/combinations-for-conservation/

    Deer Resistant and Water Wise Plants

    Ornamental Grass
    Big Bluestem Blue Fescue Blue Oat Grass
    Feather Reed Grass Little Bluestem Purple Moor Grass
    Switch Grass    
    Trees
    Colorado Spruce Common Chokecherry Douglas Fir
    Ginkgo Juniper Norway Spruce
    Pinyon Pine    
    Shrubs
    Cotoneaster Fernbush Lilac
    Mock Orange Ninebark Rabbitbrush
    Sagebrush Spirea Three-Leaf Sumac
    Perennials
    Aster Baby’s Breath Basket-of-Gold
    Blanket Flower Butterfly Weed Candytuft
    Catmint Shrubby Cinquefoil Columbine
    Daffodils Desert Four O’Clock Evening Primrose
    Globe Thistle Globemallow Hens and Chicks
    Pincushion Flower Poppy Poppy Mallow
    Culinary Sage Salvia Sea Pinks/Thrift
    Thyme Yarrow
Translate