Heber Valley Life

Author: Noni Henderson

  • Homegrown Leadership

    Homegrown Leadership

    When Tom Bonner first stepped into the role of Parks and Recreation Director for Wasatch County on June 6, 1995, the entire department consisted of… well, him. “I was the only employee,” he recalls. “I hired a few seasonals in the summer to mow grass and chalk baseball diamonds. But everything else? I did it myself.”

    Three decades later, the department he built now spans over 160 acres of parkland, a nationally recognized Event Center, a vibrant Rec Center that sees thousands of local families annually, year-round programming, and nearly 90 full-time and part-time staff. And this summer, Tom is stepping away from it all, retiring after a career defined by service, growth, and deep local roots.

    A Wasatch County Native with Deep Roots

    “I’ve been the director for all 30 years,” Tom says with a modest smile. “Same job, my whole career.” That’s pretty rare these days.

    Rare, indeed, but fitting for a fifth-generation native of Wasatch County who still remembers when Heber had a single stoplight and Dairy Keen was the only drive-thru in town. Growing up in Midway, Tom probably never imagined that one day he’d oversee a department that would become central to community life in the valley.

    His journey to Parks and Rec wasn’t exactly planned. At the time, Tom was working in the golf business at the Homestead. “I wasn’t even looking for a job,” he says. “But my boss, Chris Brisco, told me, ‘If you don’t apply for that job, I’m going to fire you.’” Thankfully, Tom listened. “He was the smartest business mind I’ve ever known, and he saw something I didn’t. Turns out, he was right.”

    From the very beginning, Tom approached Parks and Rec with a clear mission: build something that brings people together and make it accessible for all.

    “I used to do everything,” he recalls. “Mowing lawns, dragging fields, running programs, even scorekeeping. And I used my family too,” he laughs. “They were my free labor, my wife Angie, my daughter McKinzie, and my son Max; they helped with cleanup, time clocks, and concession stands. You name it.”

    Over the years, Tom’s department expanded dramatically, but he never lost that hands-on spirit. His assistant director, Heath Coleman, began working for Tom at the age of 16 and is viewed by some as the natural continuation of his legacy. “Heath’s done every job in this department,” Tom says. “From grounds crew to program director. He knows it inside and out.”

    It’s that kind of homegrown loyalty that defines the Parks and Rec team. Many of Tom’s senior staff have been with him for 15 to 29 years. “Amaria Schovil’s been with me 29 years. Kim Kowallis, 20 years. Eric Lappe and John Provost, over 15. That kind of continuity is unheard of. I don’t have much turnover, and that’s a testament to how much they care about this place.”

    Under Tom’s leadership, Wasatch County has become a go-to destination for major events. “We could do events every weekend if we wanted to,” he says. “But I’ve always told my team: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, we go hard. Then we rest. I want them to have a life too.”

    Among the department’s crowning achievements is the Demolition Derby. Once on the verge of disappearing, the derby has exploded in popularity. “Ten years ago, we were lucky to get seven or eight cars,” Tom says. “Now, we’re the biggest derby west of the Mississippi. We host drivers from Canada, Florida, Wisconsin, and beyond. It’s wild.”

    More of Tom’s favorite events include the Firecracker Baseball Tournament—”It’s wood bat, old-school baseball. I love it”— and the Utah State High School Rodeo Finals, which Tom helped host during his very first summer on the job. “That event is special. The kids, the tradition, it’s pure Heber.”

    Powered By Community Support

    Tom credits the local community and businesses for much of the department’s success. “We have 40-plus sponsors contributing over $250,000 annually,” he says. “Mountainland Auto, Karl Malone Dodge, Redmond Salt, Lee’s, Moe at One Stop—they don’t hesitate. If I needed a thousand dollars tomorrow, Moe would pull it out of his pocket. That’s just who he is.”

    Even staffing major events is a community effort. “The high school football team takes tickets. The cheerleaders and girls’ soccer team help clean up and run exhibits. The band and boosters run concession stands. We try to give back to the teams, because they show up for us.”

    Tom also worked hard to ensure the department was built with minimal burden to taxpayers. Over the years, Heber City has seen a couple of property tax increases. However, the majority of funding for major recreational projects like the Rec Center, the Event Center, and the city’s expanding park system has come from transient room and restaurant taxes. In other words, it’s largely visitors, those who stay in local hotels and dine in town, who have helped foot the bill for Heber’s recreational growth, allowing the city to expand without placing a significant burden on local taxpayers.

    Like any growing town, Heber Valley faces its share of challenges. Chief among them? Space. “Even with all our fields and parks, we still don’t have enough. Mondays through Thursdays are packed with practices and leagues. In the winter, the Rec Center is bursting at the seams.”

    Tom sees solutions on the horizon, with the county owning property for future parks and facilities. He also hopes to see a dedicated exhibit hall built, something that could serve the fair, host community events, and become a versatile indoor space.

    Still, Tom believes the department is in good hands. “I may be retiring, but I think things are only going to get better. We’ve laid a strong foundation, and the team is
    always ready.”

    When asked what he’s most proud of, Tom doesn’t hesitate. “The relationships. The employees who’ve become family. The kids I’ve watched grow up. And the fact that, for 30 years, people have trusted us to do what’s right for this valley.”

     A Farewell to the Valley He Loves

    Tom and Angie are moving to Arizona, seeking sunshine, a little golf, and fewer snowflakes. “I just can’t do the winters anymore,” he admits with a smile. “But I’ll be back. My family’s here. My roots are here. I’ll never really leave.”

    Still, the change is bittersweet. “Heber has changed so much. I don’t even recognize parts of it anymore. But the spirit? That’s still here. This is a vibrant community. People care. They support each other. That’s never changed.”

    As he prepares for retirement, Tom reflects on what he hopes people take away from a visit to a game, the fair, or the Rec Center. “I want them to feel safe. I want them to have fun. And I want them to feel proud of what we’ve built, because it’s theirs, not mine.”

    Thank You, Tom

    After 30 years of early mornings, late nights, and countless events, Tom’s departure marks the end of an era, but it also shines a light on the lasting impact of a leader who believed in people, rolled up his sleeves, and made Heber Valley a better place to live, play, and grow.

    Thank you, Tom, for 30 years of heart, hustle, and homegrown leadership. Your contributions will continue to shape Heber Valley’s parks, programs, and community spirit for years to come.

  • Moe’s Grill.

    Moe’s Grill.

    When I get asked where I like to go for lunch here in Heber, Moe’s Grill, located in the Mountainland One Stop gas station, is always at the top of my list. With its wallet-friendly large portions and satisfyingly fresh signature dishes, sandwiches, and Mexican options, Moe’s is a great place to get something for everyone.

    Though Moe’s is becoming more well-known around town, many still don’t know about this gem – maybe because it is inside the Mountainland One Stop gas station. It’s not a place you’ll see from the road. Those in the know, like the high schoolers and city and construction workers, keep the wood tables filled at lunchtime every day. If crowds aren’t your thing, call in your order; it’s usually ready for pick up in 10-15 minutes.

    If you are wondering who Moe’s Grill is named after, it’s named after one of the One Stop’s owners, Mohamed Mohamed. In 2011, Mohamed ‘Moe’ was operating another successful grill in another state and decided to check out Utah. He found and purchased the Mountainland One Stop in 2016 from Jeff Wade. The One Stop was already a busy and loved place in Heber; Moe knew he would have big shoes to fill. He added Moe’s Grill to the gas station in June 2017, keeping the original menu from his previous grill because customers loved it. Moe is passionate about great food, and he knew he could make the grill profitable due to having the same overhead as the One Stop and passing those savings onto his customers. Moe employs family members that include two nephews, one younger brother, and his incredible grill chef, José, his brother-in-law who followed him to Utah. You’ll often see Moe at the One Stop, with his business partner since 2021, Devin Johnson.

    What makes Moe’s so great – besides the fries? Everything is fresh and made from scratch every day. Though the Philly Cheesesteak and Wet Chile Verde burrito put them on the map, there’s something to be said about a delicious, well-made turkey, bacon, and avocado sandwich on sourdough. There’s a vegetarian sandwich loaded with fresh veggies and flavor, and a filling chef salad for those that want something lighter. The tacos, burritos, tortas, and nachos all have that irresistible, authentic Mexican flavor and always come out perfectly hot. There’s also a kid’s menu. As mentioned earlier, the portions are generous, and customers have noticed and appreciated what they can get for their money. Moe says, “I wanted to give the customers enough to appreciate the money they spent and have it be really fresh and quality food.”

    If you have ever stopped in at the One Stop, you’ll see that even though it’s busy, the employees run it efficiently and smoothly; and make everyone feel welcome and taken care of. Moe’s has a wonderfully loyal customer base just from this alone, and you’ll most likely run into someone you know or have worked with.

    Moe loves to cater and does a lot of events in the summer and fall. He prepares and caters everything himself because he loves the connection that happens when feeding people, which he learned by watching his mother when he was a boy. He shares, “It doesn’t feel like work to me. I truly love seeing people happily enjoying food; it fills me in a way.”

    Because of the variety, freshness, and deliciousness, it will be easy for you to try everything at Moe’s. So next time someone asks, “Where do you like to go for an outstanding lunch in Heber?” I’m pretty confident you’ll also say, “Moe’s Grill inside the Mountainland One Stop!”

    Moe’s Grill

    Open Mon-Sat
    10 am-9 pm

    1175 S Main St, Heber
    435 654 5530
    mountainlandonestop.com

  • Gathering Places.

    Gathering Places.

    If you’ve driven by the old Tabernacle building in the past few months, you might have noticed and wondered about the construction work going on. Improvements, updates, and development are hotly debated subjects among Heber Valley residents, and understandably so. Progress will always be met with both support and opposition. Every resident living in the Heber Valley cherishes the small-town atmosphere, clean air, and family-friendly, world-class activities. In recent years, we have seen substantial growth, leaving many valley dwellers wondering how much longer we can hold onto the beloved small-town feeling and way of life.

    Downtown Heber has always been bustling, and it gets busier each year, to the point where many residents avoid it due to the heavy traffic. City leaders have taken notice and are striving to make positive changes. Working together, they are exploring projects to find the best possible solutions to manage downtown growth and redevelopment. Their efforts demonstrate that downtown is worth preserving and investing in. Both county and municipal government are guiding the process, with many strategic initiatives aimed at making downtown Heber City a welcoming place for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy throughout the year.

    The Wasatch Stake Tabernacle, now home to Heber City offices, has a rich and storied history. Standing since 1889, it was constructed by early settlers and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stone by stone, using sandstone quarried from the Lake Creek area. The construction was largely funded by generous monetary contributions from countless families in the valley.

    So, what updates and changes are coming to the Tabernacle? The iconic steeple, which has suffered wear and tear and damage from persistent feathered friends and weather, has been repaired. These repairs began before Christmas and were finalized in April. After years of silence, the steeple’s music was restored a couple of years ago, delighting holiday music lovers within a half-mile radius.

    We have already seen enhancements to our Main Street park including the current construction of the new band shell and 200 South permanent road closure for pedestrians. We’ve enjoyed the annual downtown events such as the Heber Market on Main (June-August), the Red, White and Blue Festival (July), Heber Halloween Fest (October), and Old Fashioned Christmas (December). Many of us have stopped in for a bite at the food trucks while warming up by the fire pits. Now, the old will meet the new with the addition of a playful hardscape water feature next to the Tabernacle, available for enjoyment starting this summer. This space is anticipated to become a family favorite, nestled under towering trees with plenty of space for picnics and relaxation. A re-dedication of the Tabernacle is scheduled for June 8th.

    Heber City is experiencing growing pains, with more changes undoubtedly on the horizon. While we might not embrace every scheduled improvement in our beautiful valley, we can unite as a community to celebrate our cherished gathering places and holiday traditions. Let’s raise awareness and hope with our collective voices, stay informed about what’s to come, and continue to enjoy the present in our quaint jewel of the Wasatch back.

  • The Return of The Hub

    The Return of The Hub

    Whether you’ve lived in Heber your whole life or are new to our community, you probably know that The Hub is a beloved local treasure, and has been for nearly a century. Originally built in 1933, The Hub has seen a few owners and a whole lot of history, but it has always belonged to the town of Heber.

    The fresh paint, wood, and leather scents greet me as I walk into the newly renovated Hub. I can imagine the welcoming aroma of pancakes, freshly brewed coffee, and French fries that all great restaurants have. The main dining area is bright and cheerful, thanks to ample sunlight streaming in from the new windows and the bright, painted, and tiled walls. The bar is open, with comfortable bar stools, and a window that allows me to see into the kitchen. It looks different from the old Hub, but the familiar layout, same booth-style seating, and old photographs reassure me that this is still the same Hub; it just got a much-needed makeover.

    The Hub has had a few owners in its lifespan, the most recent owners taking over the reins being Mohamed “Moe” Mohamed and Devin Johnson. Moe first came across The Hub in 2016, before he purchased Mountainland One Stop from lifelong local Jeff Wade. Moe wanted a positive change in his life and came to Utah looking to buy a gas station in a different town. However, when he arrived, Moe discovered the station was already under contract with someone else. He was told about a possibility here in Heber City. Moe decided to make the trip; and that’s when he first experienced the Heber Valley and decided to buy the Mountainland One Stop. He also made it a goal to one day purchase The Hub. He sold everything he owned, and in July of 2016, bought the One Stop and moved to Utah.

    When Moe took over the Mountainland One Stop, Jeff Wade, wanted Moe to be successful, and wanted the traditions Mountainland was known for to live on, so he generously showed Moe the ropes. They went to the auctions, the rodeos, the fair, and all the local events that Jeff contributed to so that Moe could know how to continue and carry on. Moe says his biggest goal was to make Jeff proud, just like he would his father. Over the years, he’s happy to say he has. So much of what Moe does at the One Stop is because of Jeff and his influence. Moe had a similar goal for The Hub: it would be a great place to fix up and bring back to the locals — making them proud.

    Devin Johnson lived in Salt Lake but had property in Lake Creek that he and his family would frequent. He wanted to spend more time in the Heber Valley, so he purchased a home in Midway. He frequently traveled to his Lake Creek property and always stopped at the One Stop for drinks. Devin struck up a genuine friendship with Moe right from the get-go. One day, Moe asked him if he would like to become his partner. They became equal partners of Mountainland One Stop in 2021. They also purchased the car wash behind the One Stop; in August of 2022, the business partners realized another long-time goal as they became the new owners of The Hub.

    Moe and Devin are different people, but the vision for The Hub is the same: revive it and re-establish the connection the locals have with The Hub. Moe states, “With all the changes and growth happening in the valley, Heber needs something that stays in the community. The Hub belongs to Heber. If I can get someone who hasn’t been here in five years, ten years, to come back and have them feel that they are home again, my goal will be met.” Moe continues, “Anyone can buy a business, but something that has almost 100 years of history is special. It has to continue as part of the community. That’s what I want to do.” Devin agrees, “If you talk to generational locals, you can’t find someone that doesn’t have a family member that hasn’t worked here or some kind of family connection here.” He, too, wants Heberites to come back in and still feel like this is “their” place. “We still want people to feel connected, just like they have their entire lives.”

    After the purchase, they planned on an interior remodel and update; however, once they started, they realized the entire building, top to bottom, was going to need more work than they had anticipated. The cinder block holding everything up was crumbling and would not have lasted much longer, let alone another 90 years. They ended up gutting everything down to the roots. 98% of the plumbing was shot and had to be redone all the way out to Main Street. Once word got around town that it was being renovated, local construction companies wanted the privilege of helping out with the historic building. Moe explains, “Everybody we’ve hired has been as many locals as possible. Most tradespeople are One Stop customers who are in almost every day. We’ve been using familiar faces. It’s hiring people in town, it’s keeping it in the big community circle because they have supported us — even though we are not the cheapest option — it’s meant a lot to us.”

    Moe and Devin hired the designing talents of Midway Design Interiors, Brie Duncan and Emma Murphy, because they, too, have fond memories of The Hub and wanted to be a part of its updating. The new aesthetic MDI brought on is more simplified and modern, but there are still touches of the old Hub. One thing they all wanted to keep was the booth-style seating. They spent a lot of time getting the right booths. They wanted customers to come in and recognize the booths and say, oh, this is still The Hub. The bathrooms are completely redone. They added more windows and outside seating. The kitchen has been a labor of love for Moe. He is excited to have a large new kitchen with a huge walk-in fridge and all new appliances. The materials might be different, but they are hoping to preserve the culture. Devin shares, “There is a huge weight in terms of stewardship; this town has been relying on this place for 90 years. Many people are looking for this to be special, and we don’t want to be the ones in 90 years to screw it up! We feel the mantel of that stewardship and want to ensure we do it right.”

    Before they opened their doors, The Hub ​had a branding party and invited all who had a family brand to come in and sear it on their walls. So many families, some with 100+-year-old brands, took advantage of the unique opportunity. It’s cool to see all the different brands stamped on the wall and hear how long they’ve been around. Moe knows the history of most of them and plans to create a book with all their info.

    “We feel the mantel of that stewardship and want to ensure we do it right.”

    The building and ownership aren’t the only things that have changed. It took over a year to put the right management team in place. They hired Kevin McElroen as their executive chef. Kevin brings over 30 years of culinary experience and was looking for a long-term, quality project with great people to work for. One of the best moves Devin and Moe feel they made was to get an all-new culinary team together, which Kevin trained, for a fresh start. They plan to have an excellent menu and hometown customer service, where locals and visitors can feel welcomed and catered to.

    Speaking of the menu, it will be a new menu, but there will be some of the old staples too, including all the breakfast favorites. Before, the employees were cooking to feed the masses, and now, there is a real emphasis on fresh, local, and quality ingredients like local honey from Heber, small-batch cheeses from Midway, and fresh produce from local farms. The famous pies and cakes will stay on the menu, but just as before, they will change seasonally. All the meats will always be fresh, never frozen, with a down-to-earth quality. An inspiring addition to the menu will be the homemade pasta that will be made fresh daily.

    I asked Moe and Devin why they felt so passionately about reviving The Hub. With its prime location and how busy Heber is getting, it could literally be anything, and it would be successful. Moe answers honestly, “It’s a special place. We didn’t want it to go by the wayside. It’s a special place for me because it was my first experience in Heber before I even purchased the One Stop. It has a strong emotional connection to so many people. Not many businesses left in Heber can say that or even say they’ve been open that long.” Devin adds, “When you have what The Hub has, how can you not preserve that? People from all over still make it a point to stop in because they want to go to the place they went with their father and grandfather when they went hunting. You can’t buy that, and you can’t replace that. It’s living history because it is still connected with people still living today through their ancestors. You’re right; it could be anything, but we’re not trying to do just ‘anything.’ We want to revive the history and the emotional connections. It’s fulfilling to be woven into the fabric of the town you live in, to contribute to society, and have a place.”

    Both Devin and Moe acknowledge they may not have as extensive of a history with The Hub as some, but they each have their own history and memories. And they’ve been here long enough to know that The Hub is still a local treasure worth keeping. It’s a place where locals and visitors come back and feel at home because that’s what we do in Heber. If you want to get to know Heber, go to The Hub. We’ll be there waiting to greet you.

    1165 S Main, Heber
    hubheber.com

  • Katrina Berg

    Katrina Berg

    “A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    This quote is Katrina Berg’s favorite. The German poet’s words apply perfectly to Katrina’s thick, oil paint art pieces that she creates on wood while in her Midway studio. You may already be acquainted with Katrina and her work, but if you’ve never had the joy of coming across her art, it is my pleasure to introduce her and to share a little bit of her story.

    Katrina is a creative, free spirit, very in tune with the elements close to her. A creator since childhood, she was constantly drawing or building in the environment around her; creating in nature has always been Katrina’s passion. While in high school the majority of her studies were geared toward architecture. However, when she attended college, Katrina went into education — she thought it was the right choice for her at that time. Katrina graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Brigham Young University and then attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), enrolling in their landscape architecture program.

    While in college, Katrina had the opportunity to study abroad; once in France studying French and dance, and once in Italy studying hill towns and Italian gardens. It was during these times of attending UNLV and studying abroad that Katrina would have two experiences that would change her life: she began painting after a close friend of hers gifted her a set of watercolors, and she met fellow classmate and Heber City native, Carl Berg.

    Carl was very familiar with landscape design because his father was a landscape architect that did civil engineering, here in Heber. From the very beginning, Carl was very supportive of Katrina, and his no-nonsense, practical style complimented her imaginative, creative style. They made a perfect team in their group assignment projects, so obviously they started dating and eventually were married — right before graduating. The couple started a family right away and decided to move back to Carl’s hometown to be closer to family. So, in 2005, they moved to Heber.

    Bringing the Outdoors In

    Art was extremely important to Katrina and once they were settled in Utah, she and her family started visiting all the galleries, especially the ones in Park City. She realized she definitely wanted artwork in her home and decided “I just need to paint. I just need to paint whatever I want, and put it on our walls.”

    That single thought would be the beginning of Katrina’s journey as a professional artist. Initially, she painted for fun, and at times, as a way to make her days a little brighter and more manageable. There was a calming power to the aspect of having absolute control while creating something beautiful, no matter what life hit her with. For Katrina, the act of creating and painting was very rewarding. Katrina could do what she loved while staying home with those she loved — her five children. As Katrina painted, she discovered that she really enjoyed working with oil paints and palette knives. The more she painted with them, the more clearly her style began to emerge. The unique color pallet, and the whole idea of thick paint that shines like stained glass, almost a mosaic of different pieces of light put together, really set her apart from other artists.

    Eventually, Katrina started doing art shows, meeting and supporting other artists, and participating in the local art scene, where she met Sussette Gertsch (founder of the Midway Art Association). Katrina began participating in Midway’s Plein Air Festival and has painted plenty of historical barns and homes in the Heber Valley, her way of ‘preserving them’.

    With her degree in landscape architecture, it’s no surprise that a lot of her art focuses on flowers and nature. She is still bringing the outdoors in, even if it’s not the way she had originally planned.

    A New Expression

    When Covid happened it really changed so much for Katrina, including her family and business, but most of all, her perspective. It caused a shift spiritually and culturally, and changed the way she expressed herself in and through her artwork.

    One special thing you’ll notice about Katrina’s art is her “love of not conforming to whatever is popular”. She embraces being different and her art connects to multi- generations. Most of Katrina’s pieces now have a theme, symbolism, and song title associated with them. She’s proud of her multi-artistic experience, and this is why her favorite quote is so complimentary to her art and her beliefs. Katrina says that she hopes collectors feel God’s love for them when they experience her artwork. She shares, “Each painting is created and meant for someone specific — sometimes I don’t know who that is until later — but God knows.” Katrina’s faith and beliefs are an integral part of her creative process and she credits her “Heavenly Father and Savior” for her success. Katrina says, “Every step along this art journey has been supported and encouraged by Them — all that I’ve learned in my process, style, and chosen subjects comes from Them. I couldn’t be more grateful for our Savior & Redeemer, Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Parents, and the Holy Spirit.”

    Katrina loves pushing boundaries with colors, and says that “there are a lot of ways to show depth and symbolism without it being predictable. I love surprises and unpredictability in artwork. I love making colors surprising. Art in person is so much more meaningful because of all the pieces coming together.” Her goal is to get people to experience her art in person because that’s when it comes alive, that’s how you can see the magic of the palette texture. She believes certain art is supposed to go through specific people for special reasons and she is happy to be a receiver.

    More info:certainwomenartshow.com or jkr-gallery.myshopify.com

    Collectors of Katina’s art share unexpected experiences they have with her artwork, and she is always fascinated by their stories. If you have seen Katrina’s artwork, it’s hard to miss the creatures that are in so many of her series, past and present. For her, they represent family members and friends who have passed on. She explains, “We are never alone, this journey is not meant to be alone. All these things, especially the hard things we face, are meant to be faced together.”

    It Runs in the Family

    Having an in-home art business has had an impact on Katrina’s family as well. Her five children have helped prepare and travel for shows. Her older sons make frames for her smaller art pieces, and her younger sons like to help apply gold to the frames and sometimes the artwork. Her daughter has learned the ins and outs of running a business and even started her own cookie club. Katrina sells her art from her Midway studio and usually has pieces for sale at Beljar in Midway as well.

    Katrina’s art ranges in size with the occasional oversized statement piece or large commissioned painting; however, 2022 found Katrina embarking on a ‘huge’ adventure. When Alpine Art’s director and curator, Susan Bonosconi, suggested that Katrina create an art show featuring large floral pieces, Katrina was all in! Taking inspiration from her ‘smaller’ pieces of work spanning the last 18 years; Katrina spent the majority of the year painting beautifully unique pieces for her 2023 collection.

    During the creative process, she realized her paintings held a lot more meaning and depth due to the symbolism found in the finished images. While working on the second piece in the collection, Katrina decided that the series was going to be about “Becoming”. All the lessons, growth, hardships, and enlightenment boiled down into these beautiful, larger-than-life, happy paintings. Katrina learned to use her painting as a means of processing. But chose to share only the beautiful and joyful moments on her canvas, and to hold onto those, instead of the dark and difficult, and it has been such a blessing for her. The collection focused on flowers and birds that represent joy and celebration, “and sometimes cake! Because cake itself is a celebration!”

    Katrina has a lot to celebrate. According to Alpine Art, Katrina’s ‘large-print-only’ art show, Becoming, experienced “[…] the most traffic we’ve had for a solo show.” Katrina loved working with Susan and Alpine Art and described the entire experience as wonderful.  She shares, “I have four of the remaining pieces in my studio right now, but two will be leaving soon, and that’s always exciting to see where they go to visit or stay.”

    After the show Katrina took a small break but is excited to return to Swiss Days. She explains, “There’s something about Swiss Days, something about the energy there. It’s a great way for people to be introduced to your work, and it’s such a fun environment.”

    Always creating, Katrina is currently working on next year’s art show, The Measure of Her Creation.  Katrina explains the title and theme, “The theme suggests, not only that women were created for a divine purpose, but also that women are divine creators. Through artistic expression, we hope to find a deeper understanding of our eternal role, and to impart doctrinal clarity concerning women. We seek the freedom to fulfill our divine measure as women, as individuals, and as children of God.”

    As a friend and follower of Katrina, it has been just as much of an adventure for me to witness the different phases and series of her artwork throughout the years. Looking at her past pieces, there are a lot of the same ideas and style that are in her newer pieces, but they have a refinement and easy grace to them. Katrina is a giver and a teacher; she is one of the most genuine human beings you will ever meet. She is generous with her time, gifts, and advice. She wants aspiring artists to know that sometimes artistic style can take awhile. You won’t always start out exactly where you want to be, but don’t give up, keep going, use your mistakes, and it will find you. She is humbled by how far she has come and is excited to see how much farther she can go with the process and the ongoing journey itself.

    The Measure of Her Creation Art Show will be on exhibit in Provo at the JKR Gallery. (1675 N Freedom Blvd Unit 7B, Provo, UT 84604)
    Wednesday April 24th, 2024 – Friday June 7th, 2024.
    There will be talks & special events during the exhibit.

    Visit https://katrinaberg.com/ to learn more about Katrina’s artistic and creative journey.

  • Keeping Tradition Alive

    Keeping Tradition Alive

    You might have already visited and loved the new Milk House at the Homestead Resort but in case you haven’t, allow me to describe it to you.

    The Homestead Resort has been a unique and beloved property in Utah since it opened in 1891 as a hotel and saloon built by Swiss immigrants Simon and Maria Schneitter. Fast forward to today and fans of the resort will be delighted to learn that the new owners have already begun an upgraded vision to the entire property while still maintaining the nostalgic, original feel of the family-friendly resort. Almost every building will receive a full-scale renovation. If you’ve visited recently, you will have noticed the beautiful changes already.

    The Milk House is one of the oldest buildings at the Homestead and, it too, has received a much-needed renovation and has been transformed into a bright, open space. Built in the 1800s, the building was originally used to store dairy products. Over time, with the introduction of modern conveniences, it no longer needed to be used for storage and eventually was converted to be used as one of the resort’s hotel rooms. Today, it has been transformed once again. The new owners decided to keep to the true heritage of the space and return it to its original roots of being a dairy, so to speak.

    The Homestead’s Milk House combines the best of the dessert world: a coffee shop and an ice cream parlor.

    Open every day from 9:00 am-7:00 pm, the Milk House features goodies like specialty coffees and drinks, in-house pastries, their famous fresh resort fudge, and something that they are extra excited about — continuously-churned, fresh ice cream. What makes freshly churned ice cream so delicious? Its light and fluffy texture — it’s so smooth and creamy! It might be the best ice cream you will ever taste. There are always six flavors to choose from but they rotate them seasonally so there’s always something new. We spoke with Ashlyn, our barista, and she suggested we try the strawberry ice cream. We loved her recommendation. You can choose toppings or not, whatever you decide, it will be delicious. In case you’re in a hurry — they offer tubs of ice cream to go!

    And don’t forget the fudge! There are the classic flavors but the most popular are the dark chocolate caramel sea salt and the coconut delight. I love that the tradition of making this incredible fudge in-house has remained an important and constant practice. Long-time ‘Homestead fudge’ lovers are pretty happy about it too.

    One thing that I personally appreciate about the Milk House is all the seating available. I also love the beautiful bright open space and the comfortable atmosphere. In the warmer seasons, you can sit outside and admire the beautiful views of the updated lawn, event areas, and the building itself.

    The new vibes of the property give off “someone loved this treasured property enough to bring it back to life.” The renovations show so much thought, planning, and effort to keep the resort around for another 132+ years.

    Ashlyn shared that people from all over have been hearing about the new dairy and have loved making the drive to Midway to check it out. Anyone can stop in; you don’t have to be staying at the resort in order to enjoy the scrumptious treats found at the Milk House.

    If you haven’t visited yet, I encourage you to go for a little drive to the Homestead’s Milk House. You might just discover a new favorite spot and maybe even a connection to the past, present, and future. I’ll see you there, save some strawberry ice cream for me!

  • Some Bunny is Hungry

    Some Bunny is Hungry

    2023 is the year of the rabbit. And that’s no coincidence for Ania Gorkiewicz-Sullivan as her masterpiece cake creations are truly hoppin’ this year!

    For years, the Heber Valley had little to no options when it came to a custom-order, made-from-scratch cake bakery. That is, until a handful of talented bakers made their way to our valley and brought a bit of extra sweetness with them.

    Ania (Ahn-ya) Gorkiewicz-Sullivan with Hungry Bunny is one of several bakers that have recently opened up shop here in our valley; offering custom orders to satisfy sweet cravings from Charleston to Red Ledges. Opening (and thriving) in 2019, Ania went thru a life changing adventure of getting Hungry Bunny into existence — before she baked a single cake.

    Originally from a small town in Poland, Ania grew up watching her mom and grandfather cook and bake from scratch in their kitchens. One of her earliest memories is of her mom and all the other women at a family gathering making a hedgehog cake that had sliced almonds for the spikes. It impressed her 4-year-old mind greatly. Because of these influences, she learned at a young age that she loved to cook and bake.

    She met and married her husband, Matt, while he was working in Poland for two years as a graphic designer. Because of Matt’s job with the U.S. Ski team, they eventually moved to Heber. Ania was very nervous about moving a world away from everyone and everything she had ever known. When she got to Heber, even though it was beautiful, it took her a bit to acclimate to a whole new way of life. They lived in a charming 1920’s home; and began renovating and fixing it up so, Ania was spending a lot of time at home. In 2018 a friend asked if she would help him sell cakes at the farmer’s market in Heber. She said yes. In that same year, she also started working as a cake decorator at Lee’s Marketplace and loved it! In the two years she worked there Ania shared that it brought her a lot of happiness, especially during Covid. While working at the farmer’s market for a couple of seasons, people started requesting her custom cakes, and that’s how Hungry Bunny got its start. Matt, being her biggest cheerleader, encouraged her to go for it and even built the bakery in their own home. He helped her with the logistics of marketing, the website, deliveries, and the occasional building of odds and ends. He also helped her at the farmer’s markets.

    Before Ania could start to bake, not only did she have to learn how to make American style cakes, she also had to learn the United States customary units. Due to nearly everything being different than Poland, including things like flour, butter, eggs, temperatures, times, and even elevation, to say there was a lot of trial and error would be an understatement. Once she perfected her cake recipes, Ania started taking custom orders; focusing on being in close contact with clients. She loves making every single client feel special and heard. A lot of repeat clients have come to trust her and know that the final product will be exactly as they had envisioned. Wedding cakes have the important role of tying all the small and large details together. Ana prides herself on working closely with her brides for the perfect colors, sizes, flavors, and detailed decorations. She wants their cake to be the epitome of their dream wedding cake. Ania explains, “From the minute you talk to the baker, [creating the] cake should be a whole experience, it’s not ‘just a cake’ you’re getting.”

    “I’m kind of known for ‘less sweet’ treats, I get a lot of clients coming back for just that reason.” People also come to her for her amazing cake decorations. For this reason, most of the requests she receives are for kids’ cakes. Fondant characters are her favorite decoration to create, and if she could make a living just doing characters, she would absolutely do it.

    Hungry Bunny has become a favorite with the kids too. Every year they call her and personally tell her their ideas. “My heart is with kids’ cakes, I love creating colorful, whimsical, goofy stuff for little kids.”

    There have definitely been challenges for Ania‘s business. The happy, bright pink bakery can only comfortably fit one person at a time. She is keeping her options open to one day expanding and hiring more help, as difficult as that may be. She feels that is the next step, but doesn’t want to lose the close connections she has with her client base. It will definitely be a balancing act. Hungry Bunny is a one-woman show and that can mean a lot of long hours. Some days and nights will have her working 16 to 18 hours at a time; leaving her utterly exhausted. But the very next morning, she is right back at it, ready to do it all again. Ania recommends ordering as early as possible to get a guaranteed spot. Spring, summer, and holidays are her busiest times. Community is important to her and if there is ever anything she can’t do, she is glad to recommend another bakery to suit those needs. She is glad there are options for everyone in our valley.

    Speaking in person with Ania, she revealed that moving to Heber was her biggest and scariest adventure. As someone who has a Masters Degree in Genocide Studies, she was scared at the thought of having to completely reinvent herself. Hungry Bunny forced her out of her comfort zone, to put herself out there. She has made strong connections and friends because of Hungry Bunny and in turn it has become more than just a business, it has also become her passion. She is amazed that not only does it provide an income for her, but the business has also brought so much joy to herself and to clients.

    Our valley receives thousands of visitors looking for fun adventures; and it’s extra sweet knowing that even locals are experiencing amazing and brave adventures of their own, whether it’s baking cakes or eating cakes!

    Hungry Bunny
    435-731-7578
    @hungry_bunny_treats

    Holiday Treats • Cakes • Cookies • Cupcakes • Dessert Tables • More!

  • Lost (and found) Treasures

    Lost (and found) Treasures

    When you visit Lost Treasures for the first time, it can be surprising that a store this size could hold so many different items all under the same roof.  Browsing in the unique kitchen items, hard-to-find phone accessories, and a generous sized kids section, you soon realize: this is not an ordinary store but a unique shopping experience full of things you didn’t know you needed.

    Lost Treasures opened almost three years ago by longtime friends who reconnected in the Heber Valley and decided to open a business together. Clarissa Southwick and Riley Alexander opened the business in 2020 as a vintage collectibles store that was supplied via estate sales and auctioned storage units. The business started out strong and then, along came, you guessed it, the pandemic and changed the whole basis of the business. Prices on storage units started going up and they both had a difficult time buying units that they knew were lost due to the shutdowns and people not being able to afford the payments on them. Clarissa had always been intrigued by pallet auctions and on impulse, they decided to try it out. They were all in and they discovered they really liked it and were happy to find that there was so much more selling potential in pallet auctions. The pallet auctions that Riley and Clarissa purchase are lost freight and surplus inventory. They bid on pallets thru an auction house. “We can see pictures of the pallet but we never know what we are going to get until we receive it and start unpacking it.” shares Riley. There are no return items in the pallets and all recent items in the store are new which are then priced at 25%-50% off retail. If items have a scratch or dent, they are always disclosed on the price tag and customers appreciate that.

    When the business first started, there were over 25 local storage units storing the inventory; however, due to the store’s constant rotating, knowing what sells and what doesn’t, and being able to move product quickly and efficiently, they now only need about 10. Items that Clarissa and Riley know they can’t sell, they sell to other vendors that specialize in those products or sometimes they sell pallets back to an auction house.

    One thing you have to know about the store: there is a challenge. As a business owner and as a customer it can be challenging not knowing when they will have a particular item people are looking for. “We know it’s a gamble but when we get requests for the same items again and again, those become the pallets we look for and what we try to purchase.” Clarissa says.

    Clarissa and Riley have made a lot of friendships with their customers as a lot of them visit regularly due to the ever-changing inventory and the thrill of finding something new every week. Local business owners are relieved to know they can find a great selection of commercial goods if they are ever in a bind, particularly restaurant businesses. One other great thing to note: there is a large selection of indoor and outdoor furniture.

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    noniHENDERSON-11

    An interesting thing that the pair has noticed, is that often times, since the inventory is a direct result of mail carrier mishaps, it’s typical to receive items that are on trend with current holidays, because that’s what people are ordering when pallets become available. So around Christmas time, they will have a lot of Christmas items. For that reason, Christmas feels even more special for Clarissa and she loves unpacking all the festive holiday boxes knowing that someone is going to find the perfect gift or love having it wrapped under their tree. The holidays are the busiest and it’s always a goal of theirs to be fully stocked for holiday shoppers. If you can’t find the perfect gift anywhere else in town, it’s safe to say, you’ll probably find it at Lost Treasures.

    Something shoppers may not realize is that Lost Treasures is a family-owned and family-run business. Clarissa’s mom helps handle inventory and is the one that does all the research and pricing on all items. Riley’s son, Landon, loves helping people at the front register. Clarissa’s brother is the warehouse guy; he builds and assembles all the furniture, assists the customers in the furniture warehouse, and packages and ships all the eBay orders. (They sell items as a top seller on eBay to help during the slow times at the store.) Clarissa’s young sons help in the warehouse and shadow Landon. Clarissa is passionate about every aspect of her job but she loves organizing the different sections and keeping it clean and appealing. Riley is a numbers guy and as well as helping with inventory, transportation duty, and customer service, he loves keeping track of the growth and numbers from the store. Last year he crunched the numbers and discovered they saved their Heber Valley customers close to $200,000 — had they paid full retail price!

    The friendly and helpful owners of the store love their customers and often state how grateful they are to be here and how welcomed and supported they have felt. Like so many of us in this valley, they feel honored to be here. In turn, they strive to have excellent customer service, if there is ever a less than stellar experience, they will do whatever it takes to make it right. The store has a discount wheel they spin everyday with discounts up to 25% off in some departments, every day is different and customers find it very helpful knowing what the discount is as soon as they enter the door. You can see them spinning for the discount on Facebook, live every day. The store’s location has been tricky to find for some, but once you find it — it’s well worth the trip.

    Riley and Clarissa’s Lost Treasures has a plethora of discounted gifts, needs, wants, and ‘just because’ shopping: plenty of reasons to come in and find your next lost or found treasure.

    “We love our customers, we love finding people we get to call friends, we love living and working in the Heber Valley Community.

    -Clarissa

    Lost Treasures Resell

    2211 W 3000 S, Suite D
    Heber City
    Follow them on Facebook

    Sunday/Monday: Closed
    Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Saturday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

  • Sweet and Twisted

    Sweet and Twisted

    If you haven’t been into the new Twisted Sugar shop at 458 North Main Street in Heber, it definitely needs to be your next stop. Once you read this, go try it for yourself, but don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to stop in multiple times a week.

    Twisted Sugar is a gourmet cookie shop with over 20 different flavors of cookies made from scratch, fresh, every day. They have over 100 fun drink flavors for their specialty sodas. If you don’t find what you want on the menu — no worries — you can create your own. They also sell refreshing flavored waters and Twisters, which are basically ice cream smoothies. Twisted Sugar got its start right here in Utah and has grown into a successful franchise with locations in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington, with lots more openings on the horizon.

    Heber’s Twisted Sugar franchise owners, Marissa and Aaron Boyer, were living in a small, mountain town in Arizona when Marissa’s father decided to move to Utah in order to be close to family. He talked with Marissa about her moving and possibly opening a business together. The Boyers debated the move for a long time but ultimately decided that, they too, wanted to be closer to family in Utah. They knew they wanted to live in a mountain town; Aaron is an avid mountain biker and finds respite from his career as a nurse in the outdoors and nature. Marissa wanted a safe, close-knit community similar to where they were in Arizona.  Heber checked all the boxes and seemed like the perfect place to move their family.

    Marissa had past experience running a small business in Arizona; baking and selling her own cookies to local boutiques. So, when her dad approached her about opening up a Twisted Sugar franchise location, she definitely felt like it was something that she was ready for. She loved the appeal of having her own cookie shop, and liked the idea of having a plan already laid out and ready to go. Her dad helped them get started and now Marissa runs the entire operation with Aaron’s help. The most difficult part was finding a location, especially once they decided to open in Heber. (If you know, you know, right?) Since the owners are responsible for finding and securing a location, and following the franchise aesthetic, Aaron’s handyman skills came in, well … handy. Aaron and Marissa did a lot of work themselves, remodeling and updating the building and getting everything ready for the grand opening which happened in March of this year. Marissa remarked that “The franchise itself was great about coming in and making sure everyone was properly trained and things would run smoothly by opening day.”

    Most of the mixologist specialists employed are local high school students and, like everyone else, the couple continue to go thru labor difficulties. However, they feel very fortunate that high schoolers like working with cookies and soda. It creates a fun environment and they love that their location can be a place where the younger crowd can gather. But let’s be honest — cookies appeal to everyone! Marissa says, “People want to come in, they want to see the big case window, they love looking at the cookies.” All Twisted Sugar locations have a black and white decor theme, but the Boyer’s mosaic tile floor sets their store apart from other locations — which they are happy about.

    The creator and founder of the franchise, Mike Jardine, created all the cookie recipes. In addition to the 20 cookie varieties, Mike decided to throw in two monthly cookie specials — just in case the original 20 flavors didn’t satisfy the sweet-fix you were looking for. Every month, there are two special cookies available ONLY for that month. The signature cookie is the Twisted Sugar (coconut frosting and fresh lime), but with choices like Peanut Butter Nutella and the chocolaty Crinkle Cookie, it’s easy to have more than one favorite. There is a yummy gluten-free cookie (finally!) that you can add any of the toppings to and even a low carb/keto option.

    One thing that sets Marissa’s location apart and makes them unique is their two bakers. Marissa’s Twisted Sugar cookies are the closest thing to homemade cookies that you can get. The bakers make everything from scratch; as in actual measuring, creating, and baking all these cookies fresh every day. Nothing comes pre-measured or pre-made. No two cookies are the same; as for all the frostings and toppings — yup — all fresh too.

    During the Market on Main, the Boyers were a familiar face with their cookie and drink booth. Being at the market really helped them get a feel for the local community. Marissa has enjoyed putting herself out there and getting to know her clientele well enough that now, when they come in, she already knows what their drink of choice is. They love the community and “being part of the action that happens in Heber.” As first time franchise owners, they are figuring things out as they go and just want everyone to know they are here. They have the drinks and the drive-up.

    They actually have three soda machines! Their drive-up can safely accommodate up to 7-8 vehicles and is easy to access since it is right off Main Street. Marissa laughs, “we do a song and a dance to make our drinks especially amazing, we didn’t just stick a soda machine in the back, a lot of work and thought went into that thing! The soda machine has triple filtered water! We even ran it thru copper piping to make it extra cold so it doesn’t melt your ice, it’s a whole thing.”

    Another thing that sets this location apart from other shops is that Marissa feels like a customer and she always wants her customers to leave happier than when they came in. “I train my employees to make the customer happy- that’s the whole point.” If they somehow mess up an order, they are willing to go the extra mile to make it right; she cares deeply about her customer’s satisfaction and happiness when they come into her shop.

    Next time you find yourself craving a freshly baked sweet treat, or a refreshing drink, or both; place an order online, find an online parking spot at Twisted Sugar, and your delicious dessert will be brought out to you without you ever having to leave your vehicle. Of course, if you like leaving your mode of transportation, you can go inside and see for yourself all the tempting cookie and drink options and reasons why Marissa and Aaron’s Twisted Sugar will be your new favorite sugar stop.

     

    Marissa’s Favorites:

    •  Berrylada Water
    •  Banana Cream Cookie
    •  Dr. Knievel Soda
    •  Pineapple Twister
  • 2 Farm Boys

    2 Farm Boys

    If you love buying local products and supporting our small business economy — you should visit 2 Farmboys.

    This wonderful family-owned and operated goat farm and soap-making company is located right here in our talent-filled valley. 2 Farmboys Soap is created in a ‘soap shed’ in small batches on the Cummings farm in Heber. The business sold its very first family-made, goat milk soap at a local market in 2016 and has been selling and growing steadily ever since.

    The Cummings family includes; JR, Colleen, Wyatt, and Kash. JR and Colleen have been married for 22 years, and in 2008 were able to move to JR’s family homestead that his great-grandfather established as a farm in the early 1900s. After the passing of JR’s mother, the farm laid dormant with no signs of life. The Cummings decided to get back to their roots and revitalize the farm for their two young sons in hopes that doing so would teach them valuable life lessons that only running a farm can. The pride, joy, and hardships of honest, hard work, and the importance of preserving small farms and agriculture have been a valuable part of the farm-life experience for the tight-knit family.

    The farm began to come back to life with the addition of cows, chickens, a horse, and even a peacock or two; however, as Colleen states, “no farm is complete without goats.” They fell in love with three goats after ‘borrowing’ them as weed eaters in 2014 and decided to purchase them as permanent members of their small farmstead.

    The boys were 12 and 9 when they added taking care of the goats to their chore list. They happily took on the responsibility of caring for and milking them every day, and each spring they also help deliver the kids. Today, the farm boasts 11 lovable goats, including their buck, Tank, a LaMancha breed, whose been with them from the start.

    Once they had the goats, they had to figure out what to do with all the milk they were getting. A friend mentioned to Colleen that goat milk soap was popular where she lived and convinced Colleen to start making soap for friends and family. With no experience in the art of soap making, the family watched many YouTube videos to get them started. It was a long process of trial and error and it took nearly a year to produce the perfect bar of soap that the whole family could be proud of. By the time they had the best, final product, all the family members knew how to make the soap and that has ensured that there will never be a low supply. Hashtag teamwork.

    Happy Goats Make The Best Products!
    Happy Goats Make The Best Products!
    Happy Goats Make The Best Products!

    GET YOUR SOAP & FARM FIZZIES SHOP ONLINE

    Enjoy free local delivery in the Heber Valley. Or call 435-654-8511 for shop times. In the summertime, look for their booth at the local Farmers’ Markets!

    Soap making is not a fast process but after years of making it, the family has a pretty efficient soap system down. First, the goats need to be milked every day from April to October (with a break during the winter). The milk is then frozen to prevent scroching from the lye. The lye slowly melts the milk and then it’s time to add colors, and/or essential oils. Once this process is complete, the mixture is poured into molds and set on a shelf to ‘cure’. In four to six weeks the bars are ready to be packaged.

    The soaps are all-natural, made by hand, and packaged by hand. Small batches ensure the quality of the product and all the ingredients are food grade; safe and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Goat milk is naturally rich in fat, vitamins, and minerals, all of which help to prevent skin damage and keep skin radiant.

    The family has found soap-making to be a great creative outlet and has experimented with different colors, molds, and fragrances. They carry artisan and natural soaps as well as Farm Fizzies (bath bombs), shower steamers, and holiday products. The business also offers custom creations and loves creating special soap favors for weddings, and products for company swag. Colleen states, “We have fun artisan soaps as well as an essential oil product line available. We have something for everyone!”

    2 Farmboys wholeheartedly believe in serving the local community, especially the agricultural community, by giving back as often as possible. They love supporting the local Midway Farmer’s Market and sell there during the summer. The boys are part of Wasatch Highschool’s FFA program, where the eldest son, Wyatt, is the president. They participate in a variety of agricultural education activities with the elementary schools. They, as a business, have gone to preschools, kindergartens, and community events to help promote agriculture, teach about goats, and talk about soap making. At times they have even had several foreign exchange students visit the farm. The whole family is passionate about teaching where food comes from, how to create a business from the land, and the importance of donating products to school events and charities.

    Even though the 2 Farmboys Soap will be down to 1 when Wyatt leaves for college, the family still has plans to expand the ‘soap shed’ and have a store where anyone can stop by and purchase their amazing soap and other carefully crafted products. Colleen and JR both have jobs that they will retire from in 5-10 years and will be able to devote more time to the business and plan on selling at more markets. They are hoping to create different products as well and are currently experimenting on goat soap lotions and by request: goat milk lip balm!

    For a valley as small as ours, (not as small as it used to be!) there are so many amazingly talented family businesses that deserve local support. We, as a community, have so much potential to keep our businesses thriving and able to stay in our beautiful valley for future generations. It may take a little bit more effort on our part, but the beauty is that you can have your product the same day if you shop locally. Amazon can’t beat that! The businesses are out there, and now you know of one more: 2 Farmboys Soap!

    WASATCH HIGH SCHOOL Rodeo Team annual fundraiser

    The Farm Boys are members of the team AND THEY ARE fundraising to help OFFSET FEES. If you’d like to donate to this great group of kids, click here!

  • Lace-Up and Get Ready To Skate

    Lace-Up and Get Ready To Skate

    If You’re Skating On Thin Ice, You Might As Well Dance!
    Anita Shreve

    When all the leaves have fallen, the gardens put to rest, and frost starts to sparkle our mornings; some might lament the coming of winter. However, others look forward to this time of year for one special reason — the Midway Ice Rink is ready to open.

    Visitors who come to Midway often say they come for the magical, quaint, small-town feel. Midway draws visitors and locals alike with its lively town square, plenty of incredible restaurants and shops within walking distance, the unique Swiss architecture, and of course known and loved by both — in the heart of it all — The Midway Ice Rink!  Skating in Midway has become a rite of passage for locals and visitors. Everyone that comes to skate is instantly rewarded with feelings of a simpler, more carefree time. The quintessential setting of lights, music, and festive decor, makes it easy to create lifelong, cherished memories.

    Opening the day after Thanksgiving and closing mid-March (weather permitting), the ice rink is open seven days a week for open skate. Boasting over 15k square feet of ice, it’s the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Utah. It takes a hardworking crew approximately ten days, from start to finish, to build the rink and create the 2½ – 3 inch thick ice.

    The Midway Ice Rink committee was formed in the fall of 2017 after a group of citizens realized the city would not be opening the rink for the 2017 winter season. The committee acts as a concessionaire and oversees all management and operational responsibilities, which prevents a single person or entity from personally profiting from the rink. The ice rink is an entity of the Midway Boosters, who are the operating arm of Midway’s beloved Swiss Days and Swiss Christmas celebrations. The change ensures the future of the ice rink by providing needed updates, purchasing new equipment, hiring employees, and creating a consistent seasonal schedule.

    Shannon Wilson, the ice rink manager since 2017, started as a volunteer on the committee but now enjoys an up-close and personal view (literally!) of the rink. Hailing from a professional, competitive ice skating career, Shannon has brought unparalleled knowledge, insight, and trust that only a professional would know, to the operational side of the ice rink. She recalls that the rink was originally built by committee members that wanted a hockey rink for the Wasatch High School hockey club. For years, there has been no hockey on the ice but Shannon, the committee, and locals alike are thrilled that there will finally be hockey offered this winter season!

    The rink has several planned improvements such as new acrylic panels that are much easier to store and install than the previous glass panels. A new Zamboni will also make its debut this year since good ‘Ol’ ‘Bini’ has finally gone into retirement. The upgraded machine will be cleaner for the environment and make grooming the ice faster and easier. Another much-needed item that is new this year is a skate sharpening machine that can sharpen the 300 pairs of skates in a breeze!  Shannon is also hoping to add even more ambiance with more outdoor decor, so Santa can feel right at home during his yearly Christmas time visit.

    A big reason why the ice rink is so special is the people that work there. The staff consists of mostly local high school students, which keeps the rink fun and interactive. It brings in the younger crowds every year, who enjoy a fun and affordable outing with friends. Skating at the rink is part of our youth’s culture, and it’s not uncommon for them to catch up with friends or meet new ones while waiting for their chance to hit the ice. The helpful employees are glad to offer skating tips and tricks to new skaters any chance they get, and many even take their breaks on the ice.

    During the holidays, the magic of the rink is at its peak. The holidays are about tradition, which is why being outside in the fresh mountain air, ice skating with the ones you love, quickly becomes not only a wonderful familial holiday experience but a tradition for many! “It’s the best family activity, it’s affordable, open all weekend, any age can do it, and we have great concessions including the best hot chocolate in Midway to keep you warm!” Shannon’s enthusiasm is contagious.

    Whether you’re a beginner at the ice rink or a seasoned pro, Midway Ice Rink has plenty of opportunities for everyone to get out on the ice this winter season. For an old-fashioned rite of passage, lace-up, don your favorite matching scarf and gloves, and join in on the fun at our beloved Midway Ice Rink. Triple Lutz not required.

     

    Pricing

    $7 Adults

    $6 Kids (6-12 Yrs)

    Free – Children Under 5

    $3 Skate Rentals

    Punch Passes Available

    What To Expect

    • Equipment Rentals
    • Concessions
    • Spectator Seating
    • Warming Area
    • Handicap Friendly
    • Private Rentals Available

    Hours

    Monday………………. 4:00 – 8:00 Pm

    Tuesday………………. 4:00 – 8:00 Pm

    Wednesday………….. 4:00 – 9:00 Pm

    Thursday……………… 4:00 – 8:00 Pm

    Friday…………………. 4:00 – 9:00 Pm

    Saturday…………….. 12:00 – 9:00 Pm

    Sunday……………….. 12:00 – 4:00 Pm

    Location

    75 West 100 North
    Midway, Utah

    435-709-2980

    midwayicerink.com

  • Beljar Home

    Beljar Home

    “Laid back luxury for lifestyle and home” is the statement Beljar has listed as their home decor shop’s description but when you walk through the doors of the local Heber shop, you quickly find out its meaning runs much deeper than that.

     

    Opening their doors in April 2020, owners Aimee Simpson and Desiree Ashworth had no idea what to expect in a time when the whole world was shutting down and no one knew what was on the horizon. To say they took a risk and opened full of hope, would be an understatement. They stuck to their feelings that the Heber Valley needed a place for women to connect, to feel accepted about their design choices, and receive encouragement to create a lifestyle that comes from the heart. They call it — Poetry of Design. Layering like poetry but also layering with feelings and connections. Eliminating the unnecessary so the necessary can not only speak but also shine. They are about quality and not quantity and a pared-back lifestyle. They carry items from all over the world; items that are made by hand and feel artisanal. Antique clay jars and cutting boards, dishes, original art, local handmade jewelry, textiles, furniture, copper, and incredible Turkish rugs are just a few of the treasures they have.

    Aimee is the savvy business side that has great practicality for what women love. She genuinely wants to get to know every person that comes in, personally. She is the “real deal” and chatting with her, it’s almost like reconnecting with someone you’ve known for years. If you’ve ever experienced visiting the shop, you know it’s so easy to lose track of time when you are lost in conversation with any of the ladies that are there. (When my husband asks why I was there for so long, I can always answer with a truthful, “we were just talking! I only bought one thing!”) Aimee has always wanted a place to personally connect with the community and she absolutely loves reminding people, women especially, that we all come from craftsmen, artists, and makers. We have been creating from the beginning of time with only our needs and hearts to guide us. Somewhere along the way it got more and more complicated and filled with rules, do’s, and don’ts. “We all have so much creative potential in us, don’t worry about trends or rules, what do YOU like? Does it speak to you? Create something that is from the heart and a reflection of YOU, not from a designer book and you will love it forever.” She is passionate about lifting others and truly wants abundance for everyone.

    Like Aimee, Desiree had always dreamed of having a place where she could provide her design services and offer bespoke styling items for an effortless look with influences of simple, Scandinavian design. Desiree has been studying foundations of design from different cultures, historical genres, and architecture, for years. She loves finding connections to feelings and familiarity and is always searching for the little, unknown details of how some historical methods can still influence the way we build today. Design that has deep roots to the land inspires her the most because that in and of itself can create a great foundation. The shop is a reflection of Desiree’s design aesthetic. Before the shop, she would spend countless days and hours traveling all over Utah and other states, trying to locate just the right items for her client’s homes. Having the shop has simplified that and she is so happy that it also allows her to share her tried and true favorite finds with everyone, not just design clients. Desiree can effortlessly create an unpredictable moment of “zing” that people fall in love with. She is a master vignette creator and loves teaching others how to create little moments of art in a home sense. “It is such an easy way to encourage a client to create something small that they love and continue the layering to another space, and then another.”

    When asked about what has surprised them the most about running a home decor shop, the answer is that most of the people that come in are not locals. Word of mouth and sharing on Instagram have people driving up to our valley from all over Utah, just to visit and connect with this shop. (Beljar also has become well known as one of the locations to get the popular Kamut flour from The Food Nanny.) Another surprise is how much people just want to connect, how many people are craving any kind of connection right now.

    Desiree and Aimee are both busy mothers, their regular lives outside the store are busy with children, everyday chores, and even building houses for clients. Yet their presence, love, and community radiates throughout the whole shop, even in the wonderful employees they have helping them. One thing Aimee shared with me is that she has moments of “Oh my gosh! We did it — we actually have a shop. Look, we’re doing it!” They want women to feel like they deserve beauty, hope, and abundance. In fact, in these interesting and unpredictable times, they are clinging so hard to it. These ladies have a love for travel, people, homes, and chasing that zing in life and it has translated into something that has been a success of connections and community. They love being here and hope you can stop in to chat and maybe even find a zingy treasure or two!

  • Heber City Tabernacle

    Heber City Tabernacle

    When Heber City Main Street’s Tabernacle Was Facing Demolition, a Community Banded Together to Protect Their Heritage.

    As a resident of this beautiful valley, and an admirer of anything local, I have a deep appreciation for all the history we share and all the beautiful, historical buildings and homes that are still standing. One of my favorite buildings is the Heber City Hall, or as it was originally known, The Wasatch Stake Tabernacle. As I gaze at or walk its corridors, I find it easy to wonder about the past. If only those red sandstone walls could talk — what stories would they tell? As most of the history in our valley, I’ve always known it comes from the endurance of the first pioneer families. However, once I started finding out more about the Tabernacle’s history, I was amazed by everything this strong, simplistic landmark building has endured. Yet, it still manages to inspire, one way or another, anyone that comes across it.

    “The crowning jewel” of the Heber Valley was directed to be built for the Wasatch Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Abram Hatch, and construction began in 1887. After two years of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment, the new building was dedicated on May 5, 1889. The architect and designer, Alexander Forte, worked alongside Elisha Averett, a master mason, and Hatch, who served as project superintendent.  Materials cost $30,000, and the building was constructed – stone by stone – entirely through donated labor! Families, including the little children, contributed by saving their pennies and nickels and donating them to the project. From the red sandstone walls quarried from the Lake Creek area east of Heber to the large bell tower that rang announcements for church time and other gatherings, it was the heart and pride of the community and could seat 1,500 in its pews. Over the many years, it was the center for community events that included concerts, theatrical productions, graduations, and even the high school until the first high school was built a few blocks south. On summer nights in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, crowds gathered to the Tabernacle to hear the high school band play. The property even held the county fair for a few years. The community loved their accommodating building and put it to great use!

    By the 1960s, the 75-year-old building was in sad condition. Because of the cost of renovations and the building itself being impractical to continue to use for the local leadership of the LDS church (due to a lack of meeting rooms), the future of the treasured landmark became uncertain. At this point, a young and newly appointed J. Harold Call served as the stake president. While he was initially interested in renovating the building after the bid came in at $70,000, he decided not to move forward with renovation plans. In 1961 when the news came out about stake leaders considering demolishing the building and replacing it with a new stake center, a local dairy farmer and former clerk to president Call, named Mark Crooke, gathered a petition of 250 signatures and was successful in delaying the decision for three years. However, in 1964 Call shared that after careful study and consultations with church leaders, he decided it was best to demolish and replace the Tabernacle. After the surprising announcement, as you can imagine, local church leaders were bombarded with letters pleading them to reconsider “the destruction of one of Heber City’s proudest structures.”

    In a time of questioning the roles of gender, a group of remarkable and determined women stepped up with great energy to help save the landmark building. Ruth Witt, a widow and natural leader from one of the oldest families in the valley, was fiercely passionate about saving the building that she felt symbolized her family’s Pioneer Heritage. Barbara McDonald, a mother of six small children, when considering whether or not to get involved, asked for advice from her mother and when her mother unwaveringly replied, “if not you, then who?” Barbara knew she had to get involved and later described the experience as a “defining moment” in her life. Sisters Hope Mohr and Beth Ritchie, who had family ties linking to the Murdoch family, one of Heber’s founding families, made up the unrelenting group fighting to save the Tabernacle. This group of women proved to be tenacious by challenging and questioning church leaders even without their husbands present, something that was unheard of in those times.

    To make a very long story — filled with heated debate and interesting viewpoints, shorter — this group of women were vital in the effort to save the Tabernacle which involved Mormon church leaders and townsfolk alike. Blood ties ran deep on both sides of the movement and created a stir locally and elsewhere in the state. The fight to save the Tabernacle confronted roles of gender and faithfulness, causing a strong division between keeping or tearing down the building. The story is fascinating, and I can all too easily imagine the familiarity of the divide that the conflict caused in this day and age.

    The saving of the Tabernacle depended on hundreds of people coming forward in many different ways, including time, money, willingness, and sacrificing to ensure the Tabernacle would be a part of the community once more. It brought an awareness of the value of architectural heritage and was a turning point in the story of historic preservation in all of Utah. The city of Heber bought the building from the LDS church, and the Tabernacle was remodeled to serve as the City Hall.

    In these fast-paced times and with the exploding growth here in Heber, I am grateful for all the glimpses of what life used to be like in the valley. They remind us of our ties, ties that grow more and more fragile with every passing year. Those that came before us have shown that we can revere the buildings of old by weaving them into our present and repurposing them with future value in mind. Today, our valley has an iconic, tangible reminder of the dream a small group of pioneers envisioned and achieved because of a community coming together, dedicated to preserving that legacy for the future for us. We, too, can be a strong, united community inspired by lessons and people of the past. I look at The Wasatch Stake Tabernacle and am hopeful the future of our town continues to preserve accomplishments from our incredible history.

    My favorite quote by James Jenkins Jr. shares my sentiments: “I have always attached a certain sacredness to things that are irreplaceable. I can’t help believe that heritage is one of the last remaining gifts we can give.” 

    The tabernacle originally seated 1500!

  • Alicia Stockman

    Alicia Stockman

    Local singer-songwriter Alicia Stockman was born and raised in Midway and has always felt a strong sense of community. It wasn’t until she decided to take the plunge from part-time entertainer to full-time professional musician; however, that Alicia felt the love and support from her local community, directed specifically towards her.

    Alicia started getting serious about being a singer and a songwriter after she picked up her dad’s guitar and taught herself how to play while in high school. During her college years, she focused on writing and lyrics. After college, Alicia joined a rock band. She loved the experience, travel, and camaraderie she received from the band life. As Alicia began writing more and more music she knew her songs and dreams were outgrowing the band’s style and gigs. Alicia decided to take that inevitable leap of faith and focus solely on pursuing her own musical path. Over the winter of 2018, she released a series of singles. With the help of her band, she compiled those songs and recorded a six-song EP in Salt Lake City. The EP, released during the summer of 2019, is available on Spotify. Alicia shared, “I couldn’t have done all of this without all of that [the band]. We made the record on a shoestring budget all ourselves with the tools we had. It came out great. I’m super proud of it.”

    While networking with other folk music artists and touring all over Texas, Alicia created a name for herself. Everything is bigger in Texas, so it’s no surprise that her ‘biggest’ fan base is there. After so many shows and appearances were canceled or rescheduled due to the pandemic, Alicia found herself shifting back to her local community. Like the rest of the world, she had a lot of time for self-reflection; figuring out what she truly wanted her future to look like, and time for writing new music for a debut album. Alicia began playing at local restaurants throughout Wasatch County and received a lot of encouragement and support.  With all that optimism, Alicia decided to head to Nashville and create a studio-produced album. She began a Kickstarter to raise funds, and her backers hit the goal in the first 72 hours. Alicia refers to her supporters from all over the world as her “shareholders and investors.” She said she definitely felt the most support from Midway and Heber Valley and considers the upcoming album “made by the community.” She expressed, “Because I am relying on the generosity of my community, friends, and family, I want it [the process] to feel like it’s an experience they can be a part of.” Once the campaign ends, she will head to Nashville to record the studio album with local producer Mary Bragg.

    When asked what her music is all about, she responds,

    “I write my truth. I want to be honest but not vague. I want people to connect to it [the lyrics and music] without giving away too many personal details.”

    Alicia draws her audience in with clear, soulful vocals; as she sings about breakups, memories, family, romance, and even mental health. She enjoys experimenting with different musical styles and instruments to keep things fresh and interesting. Books, inspirational quotes, and even prompts from online musical groups, are Alicia’s biggest lyrical inspiration. Artists she is endlessly inspired by are: Patty Griffin, Suzy Boggus, and Indigo Girls, to name a few.

    Alicia wouldn’t be where she is today without the lifelong support from her family and friends. On the tough days, they’re the ones encouraging her; they’ve made a huge impact on her decision to keep going. Alicia’s parents and sister are her biggest promoters and cheerleaders. Each of them are helping to get her name out into the community; sometimes just by good ole’ fashion bragging rights.

    Having an independent musical career and opening shows at her favorite festivals has been a life-long dream. Now that that dream is a reality Alicia says, “For me to feel like I’m at this point in my career where that’s happening is crazy to me!” Although she has enough experience to know that this career choice is not for the faint of heart, she is so optimistically thankful for how far she has come and how much she has achieved. Alicia loves where she was born and raised. She is absolutely devoted to the Heber Valley and Midway communities. The unwavering support she continues to receive has helped solidify what she’s always known in her heart: That she will always have a solid place here, no matter how far her dreams may take her.

    Look for Her New Album Summer 2021 AliciaStockman.com INSTAGRAM

  • Casperville Road Museum

    Casperville Road Museum

    By Noni Henderson

    Driving along Casperville Road, you may notice the eye-catching memorabilia on display and wonder what exactly you are seeing. On this back road is a unique treasure trove of antiques, each with a story full of memories, history, and knowledge of our incredible valley, you likely won’t find anywhere else.

    It was a gusty, freezing spring morning when I stopped at John Besendorfer’s Casperville Road Museum, as he calls it. I had dressed warmly, knowing that once we started the tour, there would be so much to see and talk about that I wouldn’t want to be distracted by the chill. In the few hours I was there, I heard a lot of fascinating details; I would have needed days to hear all the stories and history John is so generous to share.

    John was born and raised on this family farm established in 1889 by his pioneer grandparents, who built the barn when the area was nothing but sagebrush. The farm was one of the many dairies located within Wasatch County, until 2018 when, after 130 plus years, they closed the doors. Now there are only two active dairies left in the valley. John remembers no running water, no inside bathroom, or electricity growing up as a young boy, but there was plenty of hard work to keep everyone busy. John and his wife Jane raised seven children on the farm and had been harmoniously married for 52 years until Jane’s passing two years ago.

    John and Jane ran the farm together with Jane taking over while he taught school during the day. Over his 30-year teaching career in Midway and Heber, John taught 1,000 students and knew every person in the valley, which would have been 3,000 people at the time. With John’s knowledge of the valley’s residents and the couple’s love of history, it was only natural that their farm soon filled with antique artifacts. It was inevitable that John and Jane would heed the call to preserve history, and that is precisely what they have done. Although Jane no longer accompanies John while he leads the tour, one can’t help but feel her presence, as if she might suddenly appear to tell you the stories that only she knew of certain items.

    The museum’s collection began with wooden wagon wheels from a family inheritance. Fifty years later, there are enough artifacts to fill eight to ten buildings. One of their more significant projects was a pioneer home that was carefully transported from Charleston using railroad jacks and a semi-trailer. Their collections are impressive and have been added to by way of yard sales, estate sales, and anything for sale that caught their attention, along with various generous donations.

    As we walked and talked, John happily told the stories behind each item. There were stories of guns and swords found locally, swans, sleds and bottles, and a replica of a fire engine that he helped build. Stories about a “hair loomed” heirloom made from real hair, horse bones, and a collection of over 100 wrenches. If only the stamp collection and compilation of Heber high school graduating class pictures (probably the only one in the valley) could talk — what stories would they tell? You’ll find both in the “School House” building.

    The list of artifacts goes on and on, with many holding special meaning. John’s favorite is his great grandfather’s Mormon Battalion uniform, sword, and cane that he inherited. Having come through both the Mexican War and the Black Hawk war, the artifacts are close to John’s heart and too valuable to be displayed publicly, but he still loves talking about their stories.

    John’s family lives close by; his son lives next to him, and two other children live in the valley. His older brother lives on the other side of him with his own smaller collection of buildings and memorabilia.

    Since the dairy is no longer there to draw in weekly visitors, John keeps busy every day and has had time to expand the museum by adding a few more themed rooms. Though they are a constant work in progress, he hopes to have the rooms ready for visitors this summer.

    One of the most incredible things about John, besides his amazing memory, is his peaceful and sharing spirit. The museum came to be because he and Jane “felt the spirit of preservation, felt a spiritual prompting and power of guidance to do so.”

    If you are fortunate to know someone from John’s generation, you know it’s always so interesting to talk about the experiences of their lifetime. John says it’s a privilege for him to have all this history for others to enjoy. To have them look at something and remember simpler times of their childhood and the sheer happiness it brings them. “This museum is to share, and if it can be an education, answer a question, enlighten about the past, then it has served its purpose — it’s multi-purpose.”

    People like John and his family are our connections to the past. Their wealth of information keeps our community’s stories alive in our hearts. We need these connections, especially as the world changes with each passing day, and new residents move in and wonder about our rich history. Wasatch County is lucky to have the Casperville museum — go for a drive and take a tour. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone as passionate or as knowledgeable about our entire valley’s history, families, and roots as John Besendorfer on Casperville Road.

    Local’s Tip: Please call ahead for reservations 435-654-1459. Although not asked for, the museum would not decline donations.

  • Fort Heber

    Fort Heber

    If you’ve ever driven around the northwestern end of Heber, you may have noticed several sandstone markers displayed at the corners of 100 West 500 North, 100 West 100 North, 300 West 500 North, and 300 West 100 North, that mark the location of Fort Heber. Perhaps in your hustle to Smith’s Marketplace, you’ve wondered at the monument in front of the store. Whether you’re a long time resident or a newcomer, you’ve probably read the brief summaries of Heber’s history. As usual, there is always more to the story once you look deeper.

    In 1858 a group of men came from Provo, surveyed the land in twenty-acre plots, and selected the townsite of Heber. The following winter, twenty families stayed there. As protection from the Northern Ute Indian tribe, they built a fort one block south and one block west from the site. The family homes were constructed using cottonwood logs and were joined together to form the outside wall of the fort. Inside the protective fort, a 20’ X 40’ building was erected; it had two fireplaces
    and a stage and served as a schoolhouse, a church, and a gathering place for social events. In 1860 the fort was enlarged to house 44 families.

    The Black Hawk War

    In 1865, though there was no single act that started the war, a sub-chief named Antonga Black Hawk lead an uprising against the congressional act that forced the Ute tribes of Sanpete and Sevier Counties to reservations. Black Hawk retaliated against the settlers for broken promises, mistreatment, personal humiliation, and other acts that injured or killed Utes in the constant interactions between early settlers and natives since 1849. The Black Hawk War or Black Hawk’s War was a three-part war involving members of 16 Timpanogos Ute, Southern Paiute, Apache, and Navajo tribes, which lasted from 1865 to 1872.

    The Friendship

    Brigham Young ordered families throughout the valley to “fort up” in the central settlements of Heber, Midway, and Wallsburg. Like Brigham Young, Joseph Stacy Murdock, the presiding Bishop in Heber, believed it was better to feed the natives than to fight them. On August 20, 1867, Murdock invited Ute chief Tabby-To-Kwanah, a well educated, wise leader that served the interest of his people, to talk peace at his home. Chief Tabby, only wanting to speak with ‘Old Murdock’, rode down to Heber, taking with him all the sub-chiefs under his control, several hundred braves, women, and children, and camped out in Murdock’s yard and pasture. A feast was held the next day with enough meat, baked bread, corn, and whatever else the townsfolk had to offer to feed everyone. The two spoke all day. Later, Murdock and Chief Tabby exchanged simple gifts. A peace pipe was smoked, and a treaty of friendship was signed, ending the war between the settlers at Heber Valley and the Utes. With their signatures, the war was over, but only in Heber Valley and the surrounding towns and settlements. Chief Tabby acknowledged that he could not control Black Hawk’s actions across the rest of the territory. Even so, the meeting between Chief Tabby and Joseph Stacy Murdock lead the way for other treaties. Within a year, most of the fighting throughout the territory came to an end.

    Peace In Heber Valley

    Joseph and Tabby served their people well. They honored their vows to maintain peace and remained friends for life, leaders demonstrating their commitment to seeking and understanding the best of both worlds rather than fight.

    Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine the wars and countless sacrifices that took place in our quiet valley not too long ago. Wars were fought, allies were made, and dynasties were altered, forging our valley into what it is today. Our valley still draws people in for the same reasons it was fought over — a beautiful, peaceful stretch of land worth fighting to keep.

    The Burial Of Tom Tabby

    One day in 1867, just two years after the signing of the Indian Peace Treaty, Chief Tabby rode into the valley. Astride his horse he carried the body of his son who had been killed in a hunting accident. Joseph Stacey Murdock recognized his friend and went to greet him. Knowing Murdock to be a religious leader among his people, Chief Tabby asked Joseph if he would bury his son in the custom of the ‘Mormons’. Feelings of great sorrow surged within Murdock as he conducted a Christian funeral service for his friend’s son. Tom Tabby was buried under a beautiful pine tree that had been planted several years before in the Heber cemetery by John H. Murdock.

    After the final prayer Chief Tabby said, “My son has been buried in the white man’s custom, now he will be honored in the Indian fashion.” A rick of cedar logs was then laid upon the new grave and Tom Tabby’s favorite pony was led to it. The pony’s throat was cut and the animal was laid upon the pyre where the logs were set afire. Chief Tabby watched the fire until the embers slowly died, then mounting his horse, he rode off into the mountains east of Heber with his braves.

  • A Fruitful Past

    A Fruitful Past

    “It looks as though all nature was kind to me and that even the trees smiled.”

    – Johannes Huber

    One of the first orchards in the Heber Valley, the Huber Grove began as a 160-acre family homestead. Built by Swiss immigrant and one of Midway’s founding fathers Johannes Huber, the historic Huber house and creamery still stand today.

    Johannes and his wife Maria raised 10 children — five girls and five boys (including one who tragically died young) — in the single-story house located in what is now Wasatch Mountain State Park. Built in 1878 and 1879, the house was set on a pot rock foundation and constructed with lumber Johannes cut at the local mill. The original floors and windows remain in the house to this day.

    The Huber children slept in the attic of the small home, and later additions provided a much-needed lean-to that acted as a kitchen and dining room, and an outdoor kitchen that the family used during the warm Heber Valley summers. Maria, a loving wife and mother, added elegance to the simple house with hand-painted wallpaper and handmade lace curtains, and enlivened their home with music and literature.

    Built around 1885, the pot rock creamery’s cantilevered porch and floor joist masonry showcase traditional Swiss German architecture. Through a cellar window and into a trough, cold mountain water from the nearby Snake Creek was used to refrigerate items such as milk, cream, cheese and eggs. The second story of the creamery served as additional bedrooms for the children, as well as lodging for travelers and visitors.

    In 1885, the Hubers planted their first apple and pear trees, thus starting not only the family fruit operation, but also a tradition of sharing with their growing community. The Huber’s were generous with their harvests and bounty, and were known to gift each newlywed couple in the area with a small apple tree. These apple trees can still be found throughout the valley and the Huber Grove’s harvesting festivities continue to this very day.

    A Preserved Future

    In 1960, Wasatch Mountain State Park bought the Huber property, which now consists of only eight acres. The park is dedicated to persevering both the historical Huber family home and creamery, as well as the Huber trees for generations to come.

    In 2011, the park received grafts from Washington state to preserve the heirloom apple varieties and to continue the lineage of these special trees. The grafted trees have been growing successfully — connecting the past, present and future of the Huber Grove in a remarkable way. The park and locals alike are looking forward to the orchard’s promising future thanks to the addition of these heirloom trees.

    A Historical Present

    Today, more than 130 years after the first trees were planted, fall visitors can pick apples from some of the original Huber trees that miraculously still bear fruit. No matter the season — applies or no apples — the grove is a wonderful, peaceful setting for a simple picnic, beautiful wedding or family pictures, and it’s the perfect spot to get away and find a bit of tranquility from the everyday hustle and bustle.

    A towering spruce tree near the creek provides a secluded spot that envelopes with cascading branches that magically shield you from outside burdens; the playful surroundings make you wonder at the mischievous shenanigans of children from long ago.

    A short nature walk circles the upper apple orchard and runs along the creek. Notes and poems by Johannes himself line the trail, bringing the family’s detailed history to life. These reminders that even though times were simpler, they were also quite challenging thanks to the valley’s long winters, put our current state of affairs into perspective.

    Part of the reason Huber’s Grove is so special is the feeling that this remarkable pioneer family left a little bit of their adventurous and generous souls in the very roots and branches for us to enjoy today. As you wander this perfect little hidden gem in the cradle of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, you can’t help ponder our collective past, consider our present and dream about the future.

    Guided tours of the Huber Grove are available Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer and early fall. The park encourages local residents to volunteer to help with the apple harvest, pruning and maintaining the grove’s sustainability for future generations.

    The life span of an apple tree is typically 38 years but it only produces fruit for 15 years. No one knows why the Huber Grove trees have continued to bear fruit all these years!

  • Where there’s smoke, there’s fire…

    Where there’s smoke, there’s fire…

    Fall is here in our beautiful valley, and with the changing leaves come some pretty noticeable changes at Wildfire Smokehaus at the Zermatt Resort in Midway.

    Once mostly known for its finger-licking good wings, nachos and casual cowboy atmosphere, Wildfire is ready to be known for living up to the “smoke” in Smokehaus.

    “I’ve tried BBQ all over Utah and we are striving to be the best,” asserts Sam Phelan, Wildfire’s new executive chef. Hickory smoke now permeates almost every entrée on the new menu. “I’m confident we are headed in the right direction.”

    Smoking the Fall Away

    This time of year lends itself to hearty recipes and familiar comfort foods — dishes new Food and Beverage Manager Michael Oren and Chef Phelan have anticipated since coming onto the Zermatt scene. They have worked hard to revamp and improve everything at Wildfire — from the recipes, rubs, menus and methods, to even the smoke itself.

    Oren, a BBQ connoisseur, brings his love and knowledge of low and slow Texas-style smoking methods to the table. Earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, he quickly realized he wasn’t meant for a cubicle. He decided to stick to food and beverage instead, and has been managing restaurants for the past 20 years.

    A stickler for quality control and having the right systems in place, Oren believes the most important part of his job is “putting a great, quality meal in front of people.” To do so, he’s implemented improved policies and procedures, and has shared invaluable trade secrets acquired over the course of his long career in the industry.

    Chef Phelan, originally from Alabama, received his culinary training in Vermont and has over 10 years of fine dining experience under his (now cowboy) belt. After building a house in Heber three years ago, Phelan now calls the valley home and looks forward to putting down roots. 

    On the culinary side, Phelan is excited about including more flavors that add a fresh, bright contrast to the powerful intensity of his smoky BBQ. His menu features all new salads and an incredible fried green tomato appetizer — the perfect complements to tender pulled chicken and perfectly-sauced pulled pork, premium spicy chopped beef, St. Louis ribs and 18-hour smoked brisket.

    With good ol’ sides such as potato salad, cornbread muffins, Rancho beans and house-made pickles, Wildfire brings the best of the BBQ world to the Heber Valley.

    It’s All About the Food

    Like many of our fellow newcomers, Chef Phelan loves the open space and quieter lifestyle the valley offers and dreams of one day starting a family here. He is excited to grow with the community and feels that the Heber Valley has only just started raising the culinary bar — especially with BBQ.

    “We want people to come in and see for themselves that our BBQ is different than before,” says Phelan. “You can actually taste the smoke.”

    Since moving here six years ago, Oren has made life-long connections and plans on being in the valley for a long time. He’s excited to be a part of an emerging food scene that has people buzzing.

    “In a few short years, I can see us being on par with Park City,” Oren explains. “I want to keep people here in our valley, instead of driving somewhere else. Our valley is growing whether we like it or not — might as well have great food.”

    Our valley has seen numerous changes and will continue the balancing act of keeping things “the old way” while embracing exciting new transformations. Wildfire Smokehaus’ passionate team is determined to adapt as well, and will continue to deliver delicious Texas-style BBQ to our beloved valley.

     “Wildfire” sound familiar? You may have heard the popular 70s song by the same name, sung by Michael Martin Murphy. This is no coincidence, as Murphy has frequented Wildfire over the years and has close ties to the joint. A regular performer at the Heber Valley Country Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Murphy will be taking the stage again this year for the gathering’s 25th Anniversary. If you miss his performance, you may just see him at his namesake restaurant… If you can tear yourself away from your mouth-watering plate of BBQ, that is.

  • Welcome to Fran’s Roots and Wings

    Welcome to Fran’s Roots and Wings

    If you’re ever driving east on Center Street in Heber and notice the cutest aqua and white retro trailer and cheerful garden, be sure to stop by. Inside the refurbished vintage trailer named “Frankie” you’ll find the sweet and welcoming owner of Fran’s Roots and Wings ready to inspire you with beautiful flowers, homemade items and lively conversation.

    An unexpected career change brought Fran Naffziger and her husband Royce to the Heber Valley. Even though Fran was heartbroken to leave her Montana home of over 40 years, she soon felt the love for the valley that every Heberite experiences, and knew that this was the place she was supposed to put down new roots. 

    Fran comes from a long line of gardeners and farmers, and has obviously inherited her love of growing from them. She named her vintage trailer after her grandfather Frank, and joyfully reminisces about her childhood spent gathering and harvesting in the early morning hours in order to sell their bounty in front of his roadside flower garden. Growing up, Fran was also the one who made family weddings beautiful by sewing pretty dresses and taking care of the setup and catering.

    Her expertise, however, was flowers.

    Making Friends, Meeting Neighbors

    On Fran’s first day in the valley, she recognized there was a need for a floral shop and had plans to open her own — until she saw a newly-opened floral business and thought, “that’s that.” She didn’t think about it again until three springs ago when she was creating bouquets from her garden and felt very inspired to place them on a table in front of her house to sell.

    She sold them all. And then again the next day. She has been selling flowers and such ever since.

    “I feel like there is a bigger plan for me here,” Fran says. “I love every day.”

    Fran hopes to pass along the strong work ethic and old-fashioned values she herself learned from her grandfather. The mother of seven, grandmother of 15 and great grandmother of 10 shares her shop and garden with her grandchildren every weekend.

    Living in the Heber Valley, Fran feels, has made her into a better person simply from interacting with the people that stop in at her shop. She has met incredible people who have lived here their entire lives and people who have just moved to the valley. She loves the experiences and growth she has had in her new home and takes joy in meeting new people every day.

    Finding Joy in Frankie

    Fran’s shop features bouquets, corsages, plants, organic healing salves, bath salts and rose petal jelly — all made by Fran — as well as other unique items such as olive wood cutting boards, dishes, cute kitchen items and eggs from her chickens.

    The ultimate goal for Fran’s home shop, however, has always been for all of her customers, friends and passersby to find joy and peace in her little haven and surrounding garden.

    In that goal, she has definitely succeeded. Once you step foot inside Frankie, the sounds of Center Street traffic fade, worries are lessened, and conversation and smiles come easily. Fran may have left a little piece of her heart in Montana, but she has definitely found her wings to fly — and fertile ground for strong roots — right here in the Heber Valley.

  • Wigglish

    Wigglish

    Whether you say “Wigg-lish” or “Wiggle-ish,” there’s no denying that Wigglish is a different kind of toy store. It is, in fact, Heber Valley’s only specialty toy store.

    Amy Schulthess learned about the wide world of imaginative and creative play while living in Paris, France, with her husband and two young children.

    After moving to the Heber Valley with her family, she saw the need for a great toy store in the area. So, she put her knowledge and love of special and unique toys to work. Quickly thereafter, Wigglish toy store was born.

    Hand-Selected,  Mother-Approved

    Amy’s philosophy is “fewer toys, better quality.” That philosophy drives her passionate focus when people come in looking for the perfect gift. To Amy, if a toy she recommends happens to become a family heirloom in the future…. Well, then, her job is done.

    While 90 percent of Wigglish’s business comes from its online store, that hasn’t changed Amy’s goal of having a brick and mortar store where kids can come in and experience the toys. She cherishes this local face-to-face interaction and loves seeing excited customers. Her staff feels the same and takes pleasure in recognizing returning visitors.

    Unlike your typical big-box store owner, if you ask Amy about a certain toy, she will know everything about it. That is because she hand-picks them all herself. She visits yearly trade shows, always with local parents and children in mind. Being a mom herself, she shops like a mom for her store and her customers. It is easy to see that Amy and her staff love their customers just as much as their toys.

    Toys for the Holidays

    What started out as a primarily online store has continuously expanded in the six years Wigglish has been open — and the toys are taking up more and more of the front room. The toys, however, now share the space with unique holiday home decor and specialty Christmas items, as the store is ready for a busy holiday season.

    Just as with her toys, Amy is very selective of what she stocks for the holidays and every year she brings in the latest trends in holiday home décor. And if you find yourself in need of assistance, Amy and her staff are always there to help present-buyers choose the perfect gift from the holiday catalog or from the selection of specialty items in the store.

    So, if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind presents for friends and family this holiday season, chances are, Amy and Wigglish have you covered.

    “The bigger the bow, the better the present.”
    A little trick of the trade Amy learned from her grandmother, who also owned a specialty shop in Wyoming when Amy was growing up — and one of the reasons why Wigglish offers free gift wrapping with every full-priced purchase.

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