The beginning of fall is an exciting time of year as kids settle back into school; the leaves turn bright red and gold, and fall sports begin, including high school football. Last year, the Wasatch Football team said goodbye to Coach Steve Coburn. Coburn spent the final 12 years of his remarkable football career at Wasatch High, managing the opportunities and challenges that come with an expanding enrollment; taking WHS from a 3A to a 4A, then a 5A, and now an almost 6A school. Coburn brought consistency and experience at crucial times to the football program and community, and now he is passing the ball to Coach Jody Morgan. Coach Morgan looks forward to continuing the traditions set before him with enthusiasm while making his unique mark on Heber Valley.
Jody Morgan is a Utah native from the Salt Lake Valley. He grew up tagging along with his dad who was also a head football coach. Schools, practice fields, and stadiums are home to him. Morgan played for his dad at West Jordan High School. He played collegiate ball at Dixie State (now Utah Tech) and was an assistant coach there for four years. He also had the privilege of participating in NFL summer camp internships for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. One thing he learned while rubbing shoulders with professional athletes was that for most, their fondest memories are from high school. Morgan agrees, “There’s something unique about high school football. I like high school football because you’re growing up with kids that you’ve known your entire life, and the bonds there are just a little bit different than people that you meet in college and maybe even in your professional world. Not that those relationships can’t be fulfilling, but I feel like the relationships you’ve had your whole life are different. They’ve seen you when you were a teenager. When you see somebody’s scars and you share these moments when everything was a little bit simpler, I feel like that’s what high school’s like. It’s your school.”
His first high school coaching job was offensive coordinator at Herriman High School for three years, during which they won a state championship. He went on to be the head coach at Riverton High School. During his five years there, they won a region championship. After taking a step back for a year, he was right back at it for Herriman as an assistant, keeping his eyes and ears open for the next best fit for him as a head coach. As a newlywed, Morgan told his wife, Bree, that he had a list of five places he would love to coach if the opportunity became available. At the very top of his list was Wasatch High School. Lucky for him, Coach Steve Coburn announced his retirement. Touchdown! Jody and Bree moved their two daughters, ages three and six months, to the Heber Valley.
Like many others, he is drawn to this valley because of its location, beauty, goodness of the people, and community connections. He shares, “Go out and stand on our practice field. How could you have a bad attitude being out on our practice field just taking a look around? People have been nothing but supportive and nice. Being at Wasatch High School you’re in Wasatch County [sic]. It’s all connected in some way, which again makes it so cool and so fun. What better place to raise your kids? [You can’t] give me a better spot in Utah that provides the community support.”
Even though the Heber Valley continues to see exponential growth, Morgan appreciates the not-too-big-not-too-small feeling that still exists. He continues, “In the Valley [Salt Lake and Utah County] it’s sad to say, but kids kind of play wherever they want. Up here, we win or lose with our boys. I just think that’s really unique and cool. It’s a challenge at times, but I would rather have something be challenging and accomplish it than be easy and be comprised of a bunch of players that aren’t from that area. I like to think of it as recruiting our kids. Even if there is another school; that’s only two schools. It’s just a very special place, special valley. Even when the new school is built, I think that our valley is still going to be like these are our boys. Kids might go back and forth but they’ll still be known as the two schools from Heber. They’ll just be Heber kids, and I think that’s what’s unique about this place.”
Morgan acknowledges the legacy and values Coburn and other past coaches have set for Wasatch Football. Learning the same lessons from various people and coaches is a good thing. He wants players to understand that expectations are set by standards. These things aren’t unique to him; it’s what he’s seen other successful programs do. The three standards he wants the boys to define themselves by are attitude, response, and effort. “If we get them used to establishing things that we know are going to be beneficial for us no matter what, the score is going to take care of itself,” he explains. He also doesn’t take anything for granted as a coach, “Expectations are sometimes external. There are a lot of factors that play into expectations, which can be dangerous, because once you start expecting something and then you don’t get it […] that kind of ruins your attitude a little bit.” Morgan continues, “I tell the kids before we can have expectations, we need to have standards. Standards for this program, going forward, include showing up with a good attitude — and that means coaches too — and responding to success and adversity the same. If we go out there and we have a lot of success, are we going to get complacent, if we go out there and we are not getting what we wanted or not seeing the successes we thought we would earn, what is our response to that? Are we always giving whatever max effort we can get that day?” Morgan also believes that “[…] it’s a good thing for kids to learn that you may not be at your full potential right now, but I need whatever your max is today. If you need to communicate, this is what’s going on, we need to have that conversation, but I expect your best when you show up. Other standards we’re putting into place [include] leaving places better than you found them. If kids can communicate properly, be on time, have the right attitude, respond, and put in good effort, we’re going to go to all the right places.”
The number one thing he wants the players to know is, “…that they’re supported and loved by their community, their coaches, their administration, and their school; no matter what happens, we’re in support of our boys. I don’t feel like there’s ever a time when adversity is hitting more.” The number one focus he hopes the community will hear and see is that the program is, “…being positive and encouraging, I hope that’s what the community can see from us as coaches and from players. No matter what’s going on, we’re being positive. I feel like being positive all the time is a habit, it’s not something that just happens all the time.”
Morgan was inspired by a group of Wasatch football players from long ago who showed great courage despite devastating circumstances. Wasatch Football has never won a state championship, although they have played in the finals a few times throughout the years. After Morgan was hired, he met with Superintendent Paul Sweat, who told him about the extraordinary football team who were the undefeated region champions in 1942. They were led by new head coach Floyd Slater and comprised of eleven seniors: Pat O’Toole, Russell Grouse, Roy Smith, Andrew Lundin, Bob Wallis, Vern Mahoney, Dean Moulton, Kay Jones, Kent Buehler, Eugene Probst, and Clayton Sonderegger. Being undefeated, the team and community had high hopes for them to win state. The United States had entered WW2 just months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The country was in the midst of sacrificing lives and rationing supplies and goods to help the war effort. Because resources were scarce, all high school playoffs and championships were eventually canceled. All eleven boys either enlisted or were drafted into the military. Paul Sweat shared this story at the commencement exercises for the WHS’s class of 2020 on YouTube.
One of Coach Morgan’s traditions is to organize his football players into squads with squad leaders. They are comprised of freshmen through seniors to look after each other, have different duties, and work together at various events. He usually lets them pick their names, but this year he’s decided to have twelve squads named after the 1942 football team who epitomize Morgan’s standards of attitude, response, and effort.
With inspiration and tradition at his side, experience and education behind him, and opportunities and possibilities ahead, Coach Jody Morgan has a playbook ready to lead his first team of Wasatch football players. Go Wasatch!
The combined experience, expertise, and enthusiasm of the six candidates running for the Wasatch County School Board is impressive.
Wasatch County School District’s Board of Education is governed by five members representing delegated areas. Three of those positions are due for the upcoming election on November 5th. These positions serve for four years. Seat E, which represents the Midway area is being contested by Tom Stone and Brad Ehlert, both of which would replace Tom Hansen. Seat F covers the eastern parts of the county including Hideout. Kim Dickerson, who has served for one term, is being challenged by Randall Lund. Marianne Allen, also a one-term incumbent, and Breanne Dedrickson are competing for Seat G, which includes Daniels, Wallsburg, and southern portions of Wasatch County. Seat C (northern sections) and Seat D (central and southern parts) do not have elections this cycle and are currently filled by Cory Holmes and Tyler Bluth. These six candidates are in full campaign mode. I asked each of them the same questions. Here are their answers.
Seat E: Tom Stone vs. Brad Ehlert (Midway)
Tom Stone
Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.
“I moved to the valley in 1986 and graduated from Wasatch High School in 1988. After graduating from the University of Utah, I came back to the valley to work in the mortgage industry, and have been here ever since. I married a wonderful girl with [generational] family roots here in the valley. We raised all four of our children here, with our granddaughter starting kindergarten in the district this fall.”
What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?
“Preparing students for real life, real-world opportunities, so they aren’t scared to go into the workforce and create a space and place for themselves and others, as well as get involved in community issues themselves. This begins with giving them this opportunity during their school years. This is happening already in the CAPS program, but to also make it [opportunities] more available to the student population, and show them the diverse ways they can contribute and make a living for themselves and their future families.”
What is one of your strengths when working with a group?
“I’ve never worked alone and solved anything really meaningful…I’ve always worked in groups, whether that is at my employment with my team, CAPS with the board and the teachers, coaching my sons in Little League throughout the years, or volunteering on many levels in the community. I’ve never been able to truly assist or solve much in any capacity by myself. I like to get out there and hear what others are saying and see common ground and then get to work and build something for the greater good.”
What is the purpose of a school board in a community?
“To represent those who don’t have a right to vote based on age restrictions; they are first and foremost. Other stuff, like budgets and taxes, are important, and believe me, I have something to say about that, but students are the priority.”
Brad Ehlert
Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.
“Hi, I’m Brad Ehlert. For more than 20 years, my career has been dedicated to improving schools. My focus has been on building safe and effective learning environments. With a background in technology, I’ve created software and hardware solutions to enhance classrooms and help them feel secure. This includes everything from better sound systems in classrooms to emergency alert systems. I’m a proud Midway resident with my wife and three kids. One has graduated from Wasatch High School, and two are currently attending schools in our district. Seeing firsthand the impact of our schools on young lives fuels my passion for this work. I’m committed to working closely with school districts to make the most of their resources. By implementing smart solutions, we can create schools where every student feels safe and inspired to learn.”
What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?
“Our schools face big challenges. Taxes are going up, but it’s hard to see where all the money is going. People in our community aren’t always on the same page about what our schools should be. If I’m elected to the school board, I’ll make sure we’re open and honest about everything. You deserve to know how your tax dollars are being spent. We need to work together to figure out what kind of schools we want for our kids. I am committed to listening with an open mind. I want to understand our community’s priorities, and to communicate and advocate for those with the board and district administration. Choosing the right leader for our schools is really important. When the time is right, I’ll make sure we find a superintendent who listens to everyone and has a clear plan for the future. We also need to be smart about how we spend our money. Our high schools are getting bigger, but we can’t keep raising taxes. I’ll work hard to find ways to make the most of every dollar. By fostering an environment of transparency and inclusive dialogue, we can bridge divides, build trust, and work together to support our students and schools effectively. Let’s work together to build the best possible schools for our kids.”
What is one of your strengths when working with a group?
“My work in different schools has taught me how to listen to different points of view and find solutions that work for everyone. I excel at building strong, collaborative teams and fostering open dialogue to ensure every voice is valued. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. This not only leads to more creative and effective solutions but also strengthens morale and cohesion. I have a proven track record of building consensus and driving collective decision-making. My goal is to give everyone a chance to share their ideas. By actively listening to team members, understanding their needs and concerns, and leveraging their strengths, I can facilitate a collaborative process that yields positive outcomes. I am confident in my ability to navigate complex situations, mediate conflicts, and build trust among team members. I want to create a team culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and committed to achieving shared objectives. This helps us come up with better ideas that will serve the variety of students and families in our district.”
What is the purpose of a school board in a community?
“School boards are the governing bodies that oversee our school districts. They’re responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently, with a primary focus on providing an excellent education for every student. School boards have a big job. They set the rules for the district, decide how to spend the school budget, and hire and evaluate the superintendent. This means they’re in charge of making sure the schools have everything they need to succeed, from textbooks and technology to qualified teachers and support staff.
But their role goes beyond just managing the schools. School boards are also the connection between the schools and the community. They listen to what parents, teachers, students, and other community members think about education. Their job is to make sure the schools are meeting the needs of the entire community. To do this effectively, school boards need to be open and honest. They should be transparent about their decisions, explain their reasoning, and welcome feedback from the community. By building trust and fostering open communication, school boards can create a strong partnership with the community that benefits everyone, especially the students.”
Seat F: Kim Dickerson vs. Randall Lund (Eastern parts of the county, Hideout)
Kim Dickerson
Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.
“My background includes many diverse experiences. I was born in Seoul, South Korea, to a father who served in the Army and a mother who is a native of South Korea. This upbringing has given me a global perspective, having lived and traveled to various parts of the world. My work with Delta Air Lines brought me to Utah thirty years ago. I have called the Heber Valley my home for the past fifteen years, where I live with my husband and children. All four of my children have been part of the Wasatch County School District system, and my daughter, Maya, will be a senior in the upcoming school year. My journey in volunteering for my children’s schools began 14 years ago in the kindergarten hallway of Old Mill Elementary School. Since then, I have held numerous leadership positions, served on parent boards, and participated in various committees within my children’s schools and the district. My dedication to supporting quality education for every child has been unwavering, and I have spent countless hours towards this cause.”
Education: Utah Valley University, Bachelor of Science, Family Science, Summa Cum Laude (GPA 4.0) Emphasis on Marriage & Relationship Skills, Human Development Life Span, Contemporary Family Relations, Ethics for Family Interventions, Social Work Practice, Applied Parenting, Family Policy, Family Finance, Family Dynamics and Systems, and Family Life Education Methodology, Certified Family Wellness Instructor.
What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?
“One of the most important issues facing Wasatch County School District is recruiting and retaining quality teachers. As a board member, I will prioritize ensuring competitive compensation for teachers to attract and retain high-quality educators within the Wasatch County School District.”
What is one of your strengths when working with a group?
“My strengths in a group setting are communication, attentive listening, openness to different viewpoints, and respect for others. I also dedicate time to in-depth research, examining and exploring an issue before reaching conclusions.”
What is the purpose of a school board in a community?
“The purpose of a school board is to help govern the local school district. School boards are responsible for setting the district’s vision and goals, establishing policies and budgets, and ensuring that the schools provide a high-quality education to all students. They also serve as a bridge between the schools and the community, striving to nurture a strong connection and relationship. Additionally, school boards hire and evaluate the superintendent and business administrator, making important decisions about curriculum, facilities, and resources”
Randall Lund
Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.
“[I am] a retired BYU professor with a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction and [have] over 40 years of teaching, from middle school to college. [I have] experienced a variety of school districts in Minnesota, New York, and Utah both as a parent of 9 children and as a university teacher trainer. [I am] currently the lead author on a national German proficiency test. In [my] spare time [I] enjoy music, reading, track and field officiating, and working with [my] wife on [our] 4-acre property.”
What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?
“The most important issue is the district’s mission to give the children the kind of excellent, academically rigorous education the community expects, despite pressures and distractions. National and state-level influences have recently encroached to a great extent on the local schools, leading to, among other things, mediocre academic standards. I can help leaders and teachers by mitigating bureaucratic restrictions and allowing them to engage their professional skills and interests to give their students a better education.”
What is one of your strengths when working with a group?
“As every group is different, it is important to understand the nature, context, make-up, and purpose of each group. One of my skills is to keep each of those factors in mind and to help the group remember the bounds and conditions under which it operates.”
What is the purpose of a school board in a community?
“A local school board is a classic example of representative government. The people elect a board to do their will in creating and running a school district. Among other things, the board is a listening board. It must listen to the district as it asks for resources necessary to achieve its mission. But above all else, it must listen to the people—the parents, the taxpayers—to make sure it is giving them the kind of schools they want.”
Seat G: Marianne Allen vs. Breanne Dedrickson (Daniels, Wallsburg, southern parts of the county)
Marianne Allen
Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.
“I mainly grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado. I come from a family of educators, so I have been around education my whole life. I graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in History, Secondary Education, and a minor in Political Science. I married my husband Dennis in 2006, and we have three wonderful kids who are currently attending Wasatch County schools. I taught and coached for six years at the junior high and high school levels in the Weber County School District. I was elected to the Wasatch School Board in 2020 and have been serving in my first term. I was reelected by school board members to the Utah School Boards Association Board of Directors to represent Wasatch County, South Summit, North Summit, and Park City school districts at the state level of the [USBA].”
What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?
“[We hear about] balancing the growth of the valley and needs of residents, with the needs of educating the children of our community a lot. But it is one of the biggest hurdles our fast-growing community faces right now, and it impacts many aspects of our community. As a school board member, I listen to the needs of my constituents and the needs of our community’s residents. We have community members who are struggling to stay in this valley, and we need to consider that when balancing the needs of education. Wasatch County School District teachers and staff are doing an incredible job in teaching our kids. The gains in student testing over the last four years are remarkable! That is a testament to the skill, knowledge, time, and dedication, of our teachers and staff doing their jobs. My job is to support teachers and staff by providing the means for resources, curriculum, facilities, and professional development opportunities [that help them] teach their students – the children of our community. As a school board member, I would continue to listen to my constituents, and the district, about the educational needs of our students, and act to find the most balanced solutions. I feel I currently do this and did this on the Truth and Taxation vote in 2023, and the Lease Revenue bonding in 2022.”
What is one of your strengths when working with a group?
“I believe one of my strengths is that I value listening to all points of view, and part of who I am as a person, is being respectful in valuing differing opinions. When I first ran for this office four years ago, I ran on being a new voice, with a unique perspective, and an inclusive approach. I feel that I have brought these things to the school board, and one of the most valuable strengths is being inclusive and listening and valuing those with differing experiences. Better solutions to issues, and plans made for the future, can be found when we listen to all sides of an issue and take that knowledge to guide us in those decisions.”
What is the purpose of a school board in a community?
“According to State Code 53G-4-401 and 402, there are a lot of purposes to your local school board. I believe in following the law and that the school board needs to represent their community to the school district and direct the school district in educating the future voting citizens of our community and nation.”
Breanne Dedrickson
Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.
“I am a former Wasatch High School English teacher, Timpanogos Intermediate School assistant principal, and current Liahona Preparatory Academy principal. I earned a Bachelor of Science in English Teaching from Utah State University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. I am the mother of four wonderful children, and I love volunteering in their classrooms. I am active in the Wasatch Parent Network and serve on the Daniels Canyon Elementary School Community Council. I also served on the Wasatch County School District’s Safe Schools Committee and Future Schools Committee. I am running for the school board because I am passionate about high quality, comprehensive education, and academic achievement. I want to ensure Wasatch County School District has the policies and resources in place to provide the best educational experience for all children in a fiscally responsible and transparent way.”
What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?
“Two important issues facing Wasatch County School District are growth, and attracting and retaining high-quality educators. First, to address growth, I will have the courage and creativity to provide safe, appropriate, up-to-date, educationally conducive spaces for students to learn in. I will use data and open communication to evaluate needs, build community consensus, and make decisions that are best for students, educators, and the community. I would like to implement policies so that the long-term plan to accommodate growth is transparent and expected. Collaboration with community leaders is also important. Second, to attract and retain high-quality educators, I will be a proponent of fair compensation and benefits to ensure we can hire and keep top-notch employees. This means I will support and vote for a budget that allocates the majority of its money to salaries and benefits. Continuing to fully fund benefits and staying competitive in the salary market is a priority for me because high-quality teachers directly impact student achievement.”
What is one of your strengths when working with a group?
“I am an excellent communicator. I have learned the value of listening to all perspectives to ensure I am fully informed. I listen with respect, value the contributions of others, and have empathy. I ask questions for clarity and accountability. I have the courage to speak up, contribute, and engage in critical conversations. With honest, clear, responsive, and respectful dialogue, I have found groups function more effectively and efficiently.”
What is the purpose of a school board in a community?
“A local school board shall make and enforce policies necessary for the control and management of the district schools (Utah Code Section 53G-4-402). U.S. News & World Report (2023) further explains, ‘school boards have three major responsibilities: developing the annual budget to run the school system; setting school policies; and hiring and evaluating the superintendent.’ It is also the role of the board to ask questions, assess progress, listen to all sides, represent the community, and do what is best for students.”
The School Board generally meets the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Study sessions are at 5:00 pm and Board meetings are at 6:30 pm at the district office (101 East 200 North). Visit wasatch.edu for more information such as recordings, agendas, and instructions on public comment. The school district is allocated the most tax dollars of any county government entity, which is 67% of the county budget. School board members hold very important and impactful positions for the whole community.
Get involved in school board elections! November 5, 2024.
Is love a noun or a verb? It’s both. When someone is moved, inspired, or connected, powerful forces of positive possibilities are created. Love is the greatest energy, power, and motivator in the universe. Humanity likes to see, hear, feel, and do, and when all those experiences come into play, something special happens — Charitable Acts Theatre does just that.
Their Story
Charitable Acts Theatre was created by Carrie Zabaldo, after considering ways she could make a difference. With many generous organizations already established, Carrie wondered how she could create something unique that would help the community. The thought of using her personal experiences, knowledge, gifts, and talents was the answer. Carrie grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho, and, as a young girl, participated in community theatre with her mom and siblings. At age twelve, she started doing a show every summer and fell in love with community theatre. After earning an associate degree in theater, she discovered a new love and priority: raising a family with her husband, Nathan. As her children started getting older, the desire to perform more service that would make an impact grew stronger. Carrie believes abilities and desires are given to everyone for the simple purpose of making a difference in each other’s lives.
Blending entertainment with donations to charities is a special combination. Carrie explains, “I think the arts can make a difference in impactful ways. Through the arts, we can build bridges, knock down walls, and, at the same time, help people who are in need. I feel like I put myself in other people’s shoes because of my own experiences, so, like most people, I want to help where I can. I feel when we have talents or life skills or even just a basic desire to make a difference, we have a responsibility to follow through. That’s what enriches our lives. That’s what makes life meaningful.”
Carrie and Nathan Zabaldo moved to the Heber Valley from Oregon in 2020. Because of the pandemic, Nate was able to work from home, which set the stage to live anywhere. The couple began searching and scouting out places to live. In addition to wanting to be closer to extended family members, they also wanted to live somewhere family-oriented.
After visiting various states and a few Utah cities, the drive through Provo Canyon towards Wasatch County felt like a call home. Once here, she met other like-minded, service-oriented people who encouraged her to move forward. She began networking with others, and in two short years, her vision became a reality. Charitable Acts Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit organization that donates 100% of its ticket sales to other local non-profit causes. In 2022, Charitable Acts Theatre went from being a good idea to a reality with their first show, Steel Magnolias, benefiting local charity The Horse of Many Colors. In 2023, the cast and audiences of Arsenic and Old Lace supported the local Community Action Food Bank. This summer, Our Town, will contribute to the Wasatch Community Foundation.
Our Town is an ideal play for Charitable Acts because it’s a reflective and touching story about life and love. Written by American playwright Thornton Wilder in 1938, the play takes place in the early 1900s. The set and props are minimalistic, so the focus stays on the characters and theme. It’s simple and raw. Because it’s considered a classic, it drew many talented and even some professional actors throughout the valley to the auditions, which makes for an amazing cast. Performances are at Midway Town Hall. The stage will be on the floor, set up like a black box theatre with risers. In this way, the audience has a more intimate experience by seeing the actors’ facial expressions and getting the full dramatic effect. There won’t be a bad seat in the house.
Carrie expounds, “It’s a play with heart. It’s a play where his [Wilder’s] purpose in writing is to allow the audience to see themselves in the characters and situations. It’s just real people on stage in a real town, which is extremely moving.”
Connecting Our Town with benefiting Wasatch Community Foundation is a perfect match. WCF is comprised of a large group of volunteers and donors that serve Wasatch County in many areas, including human services, health, education, recreation, and arts. “I like the idea of connecting it with the play. Since the play Our Town is about a little town with real people who experience real challenges in life, what better thing than to give to a charity that supports our town here so well,” Carrie shares excitedly.
She continues to define Heber Valley, “The amount of people who are so giving in this community is inspiring. It’s a very unique place, and I don’t know if I could make Charitable Acts Theatre work anywhere else because community support is vital to our mission. That, coupled with the local talent and love of the arts, makes Heber Valley the perfect place for us.”
Your Connection
There are so many opportunities and resources in the Heber Valley. Sharing an evening with fellow community members and neighbors, and knowing you’re making a difference is incredibly rewarding. Knowing your time and money benefits others (including yourself) on many levels is exciting. Charitable Acts Theatre gives people unique opportunities and experiences.
Carrie’s epilogue, “I feel we’re a community theater in every way and then some. Yes, we are a community theater and we reach for excellence, but our motivating force is beyond the performance. We aim for a sense of community from beginning to end – in planning and implementing productions, in rehearsals, and in the participation of audience members – and then we extend that into helping those in the community who need it the most. It sets us apart. I want people to come and experience the community of it.”
Get Your Tickets
Our Town is showing June 3rd-15th, Monday, Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Midway Town Hall. Buy tickets online or at the door (unless sold out).
To donate, nominate a charity, buy tickets, get involved, or find more information, visit HeberCAT.org. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.
Josh and Rose Schneiter, owners of Wasatch Gymnastics, score a perfect 10 as husband-and-wife duo. Their positive coaching philosophy and commitment to community drives their desire to make a difference in young athletes’ lives.
Josh began participating in tumbling and gymnastics at the age of four as part of Pinnacles Gymnastics in Sandy, Utah. He competed with USAG (USA Gymnastics) Future Stars Program until his mid-teens.
At 14, he began training other gymnasts for his coach, Luke Evans, and fell in love with coaching. Throughout his career, Josh has coached collegiate level gymnasts, artistic gymnastics, parkour/free-running, tumbling, and private lessons in various places in Utah and California. Josh’s Heber experience includes starting the parkour program for Tumble Central while Rose handled their marketing. In 2017, Josh began coaching for Steve Lake, who owned Wasatch Gymnastics which is housed at Wasatch County Parks and Recreation. During this time, Rose taught art classes for the recreation center. Four years later, in 2021, Josh and Rose bought Wasatch Gymnastics from Steve. In 2023, the couple opened their own facility. However, Josh still runs an introductory class geared for ages 3-6 at WCPR. The world of gymnastics is small; Josh shared this fun fact: the equipment at the recreation center was originally bought from Luke Evans, his childhood coach and mentor, years ago when the WCPR gymnastics program first began.
While studying graphic design at the Utah Art Institute, Josh and Rose Brittney Moreno met and fell in love; they’ve been inseparable ever since. Rose’s family was involved in the restaurant industry, so, she grew up all over the United States, and is proud of her Hispanic-Italian heritage. For several years the Schneiters moved back and forth between California and Utah; however, they feel Heber is the best fit for their family. Today, they’re settled in the Heber Valley, running their own business and raising a family of four boys, ages 13, 11, 8, and 2. Josh handles the coaching and operations of Wasatch Gymnastics while Rose manages the branding, marketing, and social media. Rose is also utilizing her artistic talents by painting large murals on the tall industrial gym walls. Each mural incorporates motivational messages to inspire and establish an optimistic atmosphere. She designs and custom makes a lot of merchandise (such as hair bows personalized with names, and beanies for staff, customers, and team members), by hand for their business through sublimation, custom vinyl cut outs, and more. An art section at the gym is also in the works that will be called, HoneyBuzz Art.
From his life-long experience, Josh has seen various coaching styles and has watched gymnastics evolve as well. Coaching, correcting, motivating and disciplining require both art and science. Josh not only spots kids on apparatuses, but also spots the positive by highlighting effort along with corrective feedback. He also strives to make the most of peoples’ time. Josh sticks a perfect landing by explaining, “My coaching philosophy is to get as much learned in a fun and concise way as possible. You typically only have an hour with the students once a week. I’m just trying to pack as many things as possible into that session as I can.” Josh continues, “We want the kids to take what they’ve learned home. The more shapes, movements, and positions you can get your students to learn, and practice, the easier it’s going to be to teach them things later on down the road. So, with that in mind, I’ve refined and articulated my lessons as best I can.”
Josh also shares how the world of gymnastics has evolved over the years, “When I was growing up in gymnastics there was a little bit more stick than carrot. I feel like society has shifted away from that, which is for the better. We keep a positive vibe, and make sure that kids are feeling like they’re doing a great job when they’re putting forth the effort. Putting in the effort to try hard and not give up after failed attempts is the best thing we can give our students.” He explains, “Sometimes you have a talented kid that can win all the medals, some students were just born to do this sport. Then you’ll have the kind of kid that is working their tush off trying to keep pace. I don’t want students giving up or getting discouraged because they’re not meeting the expectations that they have set for themselves or what other people might set for them. Progress can sometimes be two steps forward one step back. It’s important to make sure you’re not throwing in the towel on the back step. That’s my approach to it. We want students to come out of our program with an experience and template of how to get through life when things get hard.”
Wasatch Gymnastics focuses on artistic gymnastics for boys and girls. The boys’ events include rings, floor, mushroom (introduction to pommel horse), vault, parallel bar, and horizontal bar. The girls’ events are beam, floor, uneven bars, and vault. In addition to gymnastics, they offer tumbling and parkour classes, open gym times for anyone, and birthday parties. They also have a baby/toddler play area near the front of the gym so that younger siblings can enjoy their time while waiting during class. “As soon as Josh and I saw the empty warehouse (that would soon be transformed into our gym), I told Josh I really wanted a small space dedicated to help parents with younger children feel more comfortable. I was pregnant with our fourth son when we started planning this design in advance. Now, so many parents have expressed their gratitude for having it!” says Rose smiling up at Josh.
There are classes for kids who want to just learn and have fun and try it out, and there are classes and team options available for those interested in competing. Rose and Josh acknowledge the other gyms in the valley, and appreciate the niches and specialties that they offer, such as: tramp and tumble track (a trampoline based runway), and cheer and tumbling. The Schneiters have 13 coaches who help out with the varying levels and teams. Some of them are in their teen years, getting a start just like Josh did, coaching the younger kids. The competition team travels to gyms and venues throughout the state including Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo/Orem, and St. George. Wasatch Gymnastics is not big enough to house multiple teams and spectators for competitions, but hopes to host meets at a separate venue in the future.
For now, it has been a dream come true to have their own venue where they can finally offer everything they’ve been discussing for years. Rose shares, “We had a lot of support from friends around Heber, some who own businesses out here too. We received a lot of encouragement from the very beginning when we would mention wanting our own space someday. It’s been amazing as we’ve gone along to share our growth with so many who were there for our family from the very beginning. This is supposed to be a happy place, somewhere that parents and children of all ages can come and feel that they are getting something out of it. Whether you want just a good experience or you’re trying to reach a goal as far as talent goes – we want everyone to feel welcome here.”
Meet Wasatch Gymnastics Owners, Josh and Rose Schneiter
Clogging is a type of folk dance that originated in the Appalachian Region of the United States that uses two metal plates on the toes and heals of the shoes (called jingle or hinged taps) that usually strike on the downbeats.
McKenna Flores started clogging as a toddler and hasn’t stopped stomping, striking, or smacking dance floors since. Clogging has been a family affair that began with her grandpa, who taught her mom and uncle, who later both taught her and her brother, Cameron. McKenna’s mom, LaNay King, taught her until the 3rd grade, which is when McKenna started taking clogging lessons from her uncle and aunt in Orem at Rocky Mountain Express. McKenna has carried on the teaching tradition and has been passionate about it since her junior year of high school when she opened her own studio in her parents’ basement. Five lucky neighborhood kids were her first students, and her teaching has been clicking, rocking, and stepping up ever since.
While she attended college at BYU, McKenna continued to teach, and subleased from another Heber dance studio. Also, during that time, she was on the BYU International Folk Dance team. She’s been director of the year four times, earned three national titles, and was inducted into the Clogging Hall of Fame in 2014 at the age of 19. McKenna was Miss Wasatch County 2013 and placed in the top 10 at Miss Utah. Four years ago, McKenna opened her dance studio: Stomp it Out Dance Studio. The studio offers classes for students ages 2-18 in Clogging, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and Tumbling. As students progress, they have the opportunity to audition for Stomp it Out’s award-winning competition teams. McKenna also professionally choreographs for other individuals and teams, and offers private lessons. In addition to managing an expanding business, McKenna balances a growing young family with four children, ages 6,5,2,1.
Affirming Worth and Meaning
McKenna’s excitement and expertise for clogging is evident, but her passion for influencing younger generations is her number one priority. Besides being the only studio in the valley to offer clogging, there are two other things that demonstrate her uniqueness and commitment to the kids. She graciously explains, “Something that makes me unique is that in every single class, we do these affirmations that are on the wall: I am brave, I am kind, I am strong, I can do hard things, my body is amazing, I can do anything I set my mind to, I am awesome, I am a Stomp it Out dancer.” McKenna continues, “I don’t take lightly how much of an impact I can have on youth and how important it is for these girls and boys to have a positive role model, especially body positivity. So much is going on with teenagers with mental health and physical health and social media pressures that […] they’re dealing with a lot. In addition to teaching the kids how to dance, I hope that they leave the studio each day feeling a little bit more confident about themselves, like ‘you know what? I’m actually pretty awesome!’” McKenna shares what she strives to give each of her students, “In here, it’s just a real safe space. They can tell me anything. I try to be a soft spot for the kids if they need to tell me anything that they don’t feel they could tell another adult. I want to make sure that the kids know they have a place for that. ‘For me, that’s a huge focus. Another thing that makes me different is the touring that we do. Each summer, we go somewhere on tour.” McKenna’s teams have performed at Disneyworld, Tuacahn Center for the Arts in St. George, Disneyland, and Branson, MO.
I am brave, I am kind, I am strong, I can do hard things, my body is amazing, I can do anything I set my mind to, I am awesome, I am a Stomp it Out dancer.
Influencing Value and Purpose
As the studio has grown, McKenna invited three additional amazing teachers to join her. Tayler Newman, Kelsey Tippitts, and Lydia Pullan are incredibly talented women who share the same values and goals as McKenna. Each of them brings a unique perspective and adds to what makes Stomp it Out Dance Studio such a great place for students to learn, develop, and share their talents. Speaking of sharing talents, every year, the studio holds two recitals: one in the spring and another at Christmas time. All classes and competitive teams perform and share what they’ve learned with their family, friends, and the community.
The Christmas Recital is held as a benefit event for the Children’s Justice Center and The Heber Food Pantry. In 2020 Stomp It Out pre-recorded their recital and offered it virtually; the community donated via Venmo, and blankets were brought to the studio and delivered to the Children’s Justice Center. The Cloggers also held a silent auction in conjunction with the 2021 Christmas recital, and last year, they held a food drive for The Heber Food Pantry. McKenna shares, “I want Stomp it Out to be a place in the community that gives back. We always perform for the community somewhere, […] and we do all of our performances for free. I want the kids to donate their time back to the community that gives a lot to them, to donate back to organizations that benefit youth that maybe go to their school. The most important thing is that Stomp it Out is a place for everybody.”
Heber is blessed with multiple dance studio options, which is a good thing; according to McKenna, “I think all the dance studios in the valley offer awesome things for kids. One thing that’s so great is that, you know, maybe a student that doesn’t totally vibe with me vibes with another instructor at another dance studio, which is why I think it’s so great that there are multiple dance studios.”
McKenna’s passion for clogging and life is definitely an asset to the Heber Valley. As she continues to influence dancers in the Heber Valley, they will benefit from her approach to teaching and life.
“We want to help kids develop confidence on the inside that really reflects on the outside to help launch them for the rest of their lives.”
It’s refreshing when someone keeps their promises — like that nice clean feeling right after washing your hands. Chris and Alise Allen of Heber teamed up with their great friends Kurt and Jennifer Offereins of Spokane, Washington, to lather up the Promise Soap Company. They’re bubbling with excitement for their new company committed to connection, community, and the environment. They believe in “better soap for a bigger purpose.” Their love for people, goodness, and nature is contagious.
The Allen and Offereins families have been friends for years and were thinking about what sort of project they could collaborate on while making a difference. During Covid 19, life slowed down, and things shut down, including Jennifer’s business consulting company. It was the perfect time to turn ideas into reality, with Jennifer and Alise being the driving forces. Not being able to purchase the hand soap she wanted, Alise had an ‘aha moment’. Everyone uses soap! Soap was an obvious and perfect product to pursue. Alise and Jennifer wanted to take something practical and elevate it. And the Promise Soap Company was born. Today, Alise, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a photography emphasis, oversees the website and design elements and helps with packing donations, along with networking in Heber Valley. Jennifer and her family fill orders and network in the Spokane area. The teams’ goal and mission is to incorporate a higher and deeper purpose by giving back to their communities; product donations to charitable organizations are a central part of their business model.
“Elevate Your Hand Washing Experience”
Businesses and families have an opportunity to become part of the “promise club” through online subscriptions. Promise Soap’s Welcome Kit includes two signature glass bottles, two foaming pumps, and four concentrated soap pouches. Subscribers receive a 15% discount and free shipping and handling on all orders. Subscriptions are conveniently customizable, which makes it possible to personalize delivery frequency and scent combinations. Customers can experience the joy of “spreading the suds” to those who need it most. With each online subscription and anniversary, one bottle of soap is donated to various charitable organizations. If you have an organization in mind, nominations can be made. One student connected with Promise Soap prior to going on a humanitarian trip to Tanzania and 30 bottles of soap were donated. The Heber Food Pantry has also been the recipient of dozens of bottles through community connections. Businesses in Heber Valley that are already enjoying Promise Soap subscriptions are Mountain Wellness Bar, Gravity Coalition, Dorius Dental Design, Lola’s, Audrey Powers Salon, Dainty Pear, and Daly B. Preschool. These businesses have discounts and QR codes next to their sinks that also give soap customers an extra discount.
Alise Allen shares, “We have loved this part of Promise Soap, and I feel like it’s been the most rewarding. It’s been really fun to meet business owners and network with them. These are businesses we already love, support, frequent, and appreciate.” She explained how rewarding it is to be able to offer businesses and customers a product that “[…] has a cause to give back, right to the heart of our community. We know there’s a need. We live in a crazy economy right now; there are a lot of people who need more than just food and basic needs like hand soap. To be able to provide really nice hand soap for them is a wonderful privilege. We want as many households and businesses to switch their soap and be a part of something that can make a difference, something to be proud of, to put a smile on people’s faces with one less thing they have to worry about finding when they visit the food pantry.”
Don’t Forget Mother Nature
Promise Soap Company is also passionate about pure ingredients and taking care of the environment. Their soap is made with a short list of certified organic ingredients, including olive oil, coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, rosemary extract, and essential oils. Their Oregon-based wholesaler also believes in giving back. They plant trees and native plants for every five gallons they sell. Packaging and concentrated refill pouches are 100% recyclable. Each concentrated pouch mixes with water to make a 12-ounce bottle of foaming hand soap. Foaming hand soap last longer and has the potential to be less messy unless you have a bubble-obsessed pump-loving toddler or teenager. Their scents include lavender, citrus, evergreen, and unscented (which can be mixed with one’s own essential oil). Promise Soap’s foaming hand soap is good for the skin while providing a nice silky feeling, and their “convenient, recyclable packaging and reusable glass bottles reduce your environmental impact daily.”
Alise suds it all up, “Every home and business that uses [Promise Soap] in our community is taking care of the environment by switching to refillable bottles and less plastic waste. They’re able to give soap to those in need. The impact could be huge. We want to be a force for good, a force for change, and for taking care of people in our community. Being able to contribute in some small way, connect with others, and give to those in need is definitely the most rewarding part of it all.”
“If you want to know the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” – Nikola Tesla
The positive or negative tone of a voice, the major or minor key signature of a song, or the volume and intensity of any sound, vibrates with tremendous power and energy. Simply put, sound is vibrational energy transmitted as waves that are perceived by the brain, heard by the ear, and felt throughout the body. Every cell in the body and every emotion are also made up of energy. It has also been proven that crystals give off natural vibrations. When “played”, a crystal singing bowl resonates with a vibrational frequency that matches a note in the C major scale, you know do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do or CDEFGAB. A full set would have seven bowls so the whole scale could be used. These seven notes also correspond to the major energy centers, or chakras, in the body. Smaller bowls have higher pitches while bigger bowls have deeper pitches.
A typical set of crystal singing bowls is usually white, as they are created from pure quartz. Personalized sets can be tailored with bowls made from various crystals that have their own natural colors. Tibetan bowls have similar properties as crystal bowls except they are made out of metal which produces richer and deeper sounds. Alchemy bowls have the ability to hold vibrations for longer periods of time, have more intense reverberations and longer-lasting tones with various harmonics and overtones. Singing bowls’ humming vibrations help balance body energy; allowing cantankerous, negative, and unhealthy vibrations in our emotional, spiritual, and physical bodies to be replaced with good, positive, and healthy vibes.
Sound Healing
Sound healing or sound therapy uses different vibrations to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Different instruments such as Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, glasses, gongs, and tuning forks have the same effect to trigger relaxation, reduce blood pressure, calm stress, and harmonize energy fields. Sound therapy operates on two principles: First, that emotions vibrate at different levels, and second, that trapped, blocked, or unexpressed emotions can cause disease due to stagnating in the body. Unpleasant and uncomfortable emotions have lower vibrational levels than positive ones that are easy to express and metabolize. The word emotion is derived from the Latin word, emovere, which means to move out or through. Emotions are literally energy in motion.
In quantum physics, everything is energy and has its own vibrational frequency. It is believed in many cultures throughout the world that our bodies have energy centers, called chakras. The most universal system is made up of 7 chakras, each associated with different organs, functions, emotional, mental, and spiritual issues. Each chakra is associated with a note. Going from bottom to top, root chakra coordinates to C, sacral chakra-D, solar plexus chakra-E, heart chakra-F, throat chakra-G, third eye chakra-A, and crown chakra-B.
Since our bodies our mostly water, we are great conductors for vibrations. When the crystal bowls are played or struck, the vibrations penetrate internally releasing or balancing at least one of the energy chakras. When all 7 notes are played in various sequences or harmonies, all 7 chakras can be balanced. This is called a sound bath. When bowls are used, a mallet or wand is used to rub along the outside of each bowl, creating the various vibrational frequencies.
Sound healing works in four ways: sympathetic resonance, brainwave entrainment, frequency following response, and balancing the brain’s left and right hemispheres. Sympathetic resonance is when the vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another. This is the principle that causes the body to vibrate at the same frequency as the sounds produced by crystal bowls, gongs, tuning forks and other sound healing instruments. Brainwave entrainment refers to the capacity of the brain to naturally synchronize its brainwave frequencies with the rhythm of external stimuli. The positive frequencies allow your cells to operate in harmony with each other, healing organs, bones and uncomfortable emotional states. Frequency following response deals with the mental states of consciousness and the different types of brainwaves: delta, theta, alpha and beta waves. Balance of the brain’s left and right hemispheres is when sound healing works on both sides of the brain to develop areas where we might be weak and improve communication between the hemispheres.
Sound healing or sound therapy uses different vibrations to heal the body, mind, and spirit.
Heber Valley’s Crystal Bowl Healer
After moving to Utah twenty years ago, Theresa discovered crystal singing bowls while looking to overcome her own trauma and health issues, including severe mercury poisoning. Theresa shared, “Over twenty years ago, I realized that the quality of one’s life is directly related to their emotional health. Emotional health is the foundation beneath self confidence, and self confidence is the springboard to achievement […] This lead me to study various intuitive practices of healing work which focus primarily on emotional release. This work, along with several other lifestyle changes, has changed my life. As I was once sick, I am now healthy.”
Today, Theresa has her own crystal singing bowl studio in Midway where she shares the peace and power she discovered on her journey to healing. Besides crystal bowl sound therapy, chakra alignments, and group sound baths, Theresa also offers drum circles, theta healing, and possesses a rare angelite table. If your “vibe” is off, check out her website, www.4youraura.com.
Sound healing with crystal singing bowls compliments traditional western medicine and holistic eastern healing. We are all connected with the emotions we feel, the energy we experience, and the vibrations we sense.
“The body is held together by sound. The presence of disease indicates that some of the sounds have gone out of tune” – Deepak Chopra
Mental health is a broad and complex topic. This article is not meant to be comprehensive. Suicide is a sensitive and serious topic. Our deepest love goes out to anyone who is struggling, getting treatment, or has lost someone to suicide.
Are You Thinking About Suicide?
I know. It’s a very uncomfortable question to ask. However, it is one that has become normal and necessary in our house. Suicide is something I never thought I would have to worry about. When our daughter was admitted into a mental hospital, on three separate occasions, for having suicidal plans and multiple attempts all within a five month period — including a life flight to Primary Children’s Hospital — suicide and mental health took on a whole new meaning.
After the third stay, she began a long term treatment program. Deciding what to do and where to go was one of the hardest decisions of our life. Mental illness is tough and affects the whole family. The good news though is that the more we open up, the more we discover that mental illness is more common than we ever thought. The more we share and talk about suicide the easier it is to find resources and connect with others. Ganel-Lyn Condie, a Utah author, speaker, and advocate says there are three groups of people: you have or had a mental illness, you love someone who does, or you have lost someone to suicide. Mental illness or suicide can happen to anyone.
You Mean Everything
“Are you okay? Is something wrong? Can I help you?” These are all questions Kevin Hines desperately wanted to hear before jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He miraculously survived and is now a suicide prevention activist and powerful speaker. As soon as he jumped, he realized what he had done and did everything he could not to die. Most suicide survivors have shared that they immediately regretted their actions. I believe it, because the words my daughter said almost immediately after making a life-threatening mistake were, “I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die.”
Life is hard, unfair, and at times excruciatingly painful, but life is also meant to strengthen, teach, and most importantly connect us. We ALL matter. YOU MATTER. Sometimes people feel so deeply hopeless, and erroneously think that death is the answer. Tragically, some people die by suicide. Thinking about or planning on ending life is usually a symptom of underlying problems that can be treated. And there is absolutely help and hope. No one should suffer in silence; talk to someone. It is okay, not to be okay. Happiness is not the absence of adversity. Time is too precious to tease and tempt death. Life is a gift. Your life is a gift. You are a unique, irreplaceable gift. Shared, experienced, and loved, life is rewarding, good, and at times overwhelmingly joyful.
Something to Be Aware of
Suicide is the second leading cause of death nationally in people ages 10-34. Unintentional injuries or accidents is number one1. Utah was ranked 10th in 2020, for number of suicide deaths in ages 5-25 behind Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma, Idaho, and Kansas (May 2022, Vol. 50 Number 7, Communique [a publication for National Association for School Psychologists]). Why are people afraid to ask for help or talk about feelings? Looking at the states above, maybe there’s some pioneer pride, explorer ego, homesteader honor, or cowboy conceit that needs to be redefined. Starting in the teen years, the risk for suicidal death grows higher as a person grows into early adulthood. People ages 18-25 have the most suicidal thoughts and attempts.
The 2021 Wasatch County School District Student Health and Risk Prevention (SHARP) Survey which is done every 2 years, was completed by 1450 students: 407 6th graders, 401 8th graders, 423 10th graders, and 201 12th graders. 4.6% of the students who answered said they had attempted suicide one or more times during the past 12 months. That’s a staggering 67 Wasatch County middle grade and high school kids — our kids — who have had multiple attempts. And, Wasatch is lower than the state average, which was 7%. 71,001 students across the state took the SHARP survey, 4970 attempted multiple times. 10.1% of Wasatch participants said they made a plan about how they would attempt suicide during the past 12 months. 12.6% said yes to seriously considering attempting suicide during the past 12 months. Thankfully, the percentage diminishes from considering to planning to attempting, but sadly it is still on the minds of many teenagers.
In the book, If Your Adolescent Has Depression or Bipolar Disorder, the authors state that, “For the parents of adolescents with mood disorders, the biggest fear of all may be suicide… Over 90% of suicide victims have a psychiatric illness at the time of their death, and mood disorders are among the main culprits. All too often, the disorders had gone undiagnosed or untreated. Many suicides in young people seem to be impulsive acts triggered by a stressful event, such as getting into trouble at school or with the law, breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend, or having a fight with friends. These events might not be sufficient in themselves to cause suicidal behavior, but when the stress is compounded by untreated depression or mania, the results can be tragic. In fact, mood disorders play a role in about two-thirds of completed suicides.” (If Your Adolescent Has Depression or Bipolar Disorder, Evans, Dwight, and Linda Andrews, p. 55-56, 2005)
Nothing to be Ashamed Of
Utah has the highest percentage of mental illness, at 29.68% followed by Oregon, West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Washington, Idaho, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Arizona. It’s not easy to admit something is wrong or you need help but the brain is susceptible to disease just like any other organ or part of the body. Recognizing signs and understanding mental illness is important because many suicides happen during the first few episodes; before treatment with medication, therapy, and coping skills are learned. Knowing that hopeless, painfully dark thoughts and emotions will eventually pass is important. In a world of split-second messages, quick searches with immediate answers, fast food, and even instant potatoes (being an Idaho native I think the real thing is much better) enduring is a tough thing to sell. Our daughter explained, “Suicidal ideation doesn’t belong to a specific lifestyle. I myself felt rather selfish for feeling this way because to me there was nothing to feel sorry for. When I realized that anyone can feel this way things started to change, and I finally (hesitantly at first) decided to seek out help.” Recognizing and getting professional treatment early for any mental illness is not a sign of weakness. Kevin Hines likes to say, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”.
Dr. Ben Springer, Wasatch County School District’s school psychologist sums it all up “To me, prevention is connection. The best prevention we can do, whether it’s suicide, alcohol, drug abuse, addressing mental health, depression, aggression, anything, you name it. We see aggression in our schools and in communities. The more we connect with families and one another, the more we can talk and open up those channels for support.”
We were given valuable information from acquaintances and friends who had experienced their own crises. They shared professional opinions that helped us make a decision about what our next step should be for our daughter. We have many more neighbors, friends, and family, who continue to offer love and support.
Hope is just one person away. If you are struggling mentally or emotionally, find a trusted family member or friend that will listen, validate, and help you get professional help. If you are in a situation where you are not in a safe place or feel that you do not have anyone who will help you, please call one of the hotlines or places listed. They are caring professionals that will listen to you and have resources if you need additional help. If it’s an emergency call 911. Helping someone is just one question away. If you have anyone tell you that they are struggling, don’t be afraid to ask the hard or uncomfortable questions.
Let’s look out and watch for clues that people are struggling and let them know they are loved and not alone. We are blessed to live in an amazing and majestic valley with beauty all around but the most awe-inspiring asset we have is each other.
Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
Seeking to access pills, weapons, or other ways to kill themselves
Expressing hopelessness, no purpose
Having rage, anger, or seeking revenge
Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, without thinking
Feeling trapped
Drug or alcohol use
Withdrawing from friends or family
Dramatic change in mood, for better or worse
Sleeping all the time or unable to sleep
Anxious or agitated
Giving away possessions, making “final arrangements”
The recent suicide or death of a friend or relative
Previous suicide attempts
Preoccupation with themes of death or expressing suicidal thoughts
Depression, conduct disorder and problems with adjustment such as substance abuse, particularly when two or more of these are present
Sudden and extreme changes in eating habits/losing or gaining weight
Apathy about appearance or health
Frequent irritability or unexplained crying
Lingering expressions of unworthiness or failure
Lack of interest in the future
A sudden lifting of spirits, when there have been other indicators, may point to a decision to end the pain of life through suicide
Myth: Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts.
Fact: Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. Fears shared are more likely to diminish. The first step in encouraging a person with thoughts of suicide to live comes from talking about those feelings. A simple inquiry about whether or not the person is intending to end their life can start the conversation. However, talking about suicide should be carefully managed.
Myth: People who threaten suicide are just seeking attention.
Fact: All suicide attempts must be treated as though the person has the intent to die. Do not dismiss a suicide attempt as simply being an attention-gaining device. It is likely that the person has tried to gain attention and, therefore, this attention is needed. The attention they get may well save their lives.
Myth: Once a young person thinks about suicide, they will forever think about suicide.
Fact: Most young people who are considering suicide will only be that way for a limited period of their lives. Given proper assistance and support, they will probably recover and continue to lead meaningful and happy lives unhindered by suicidal concerns.
Myth: Some people are always suicidal.
Fact: Nobody is suicidal at all times. The risk of suicide for any individual varies across time, as circumstances change. This is why it is important for regular assessments of the level of risk in individuals who are ‘at risk’.
Myth: Young people who talk about suicide never attempt or die by suicide.
Fact: Talking about suicide can be a plea for help and it can be a late sign in the progression towards a suicide attempt. Those who are most at risk will show other signs apart from talking about suicide. If you have concerns about a young person who talks about suicide:
Encourage them to talk further and help them to find appropriate counseling assistance.
Ask if the person is thinking about making a suicide attempt.
Ask if the person has a plan.
Think about the completeness of the plan and how dangerous it is. Do not trivialize plans that seem less complete or less dangerous. All suicidal intentions are serious and must be acknowledged as such.
Encourage the person to develop a personal safety plan. This can include time spent with others, check-in points with significant adults, and plans for the future.
Myth: People who are thinking about suicide cannot help themselves.
Fact: While contemplating suicide, people may have a distorted perception of their actual life situation and what solutions are appropriate for them to take. However, with support and constructive assistance from caring and informed people around them, they can gain full self-direction and self-management in their lives.
Myth: Break-ups in relationships happen so frequently, they do not cause suicide.
Fact: Suicide can be precipitated by the loss of a relationship.
Myth: If a person attempts suicide and survives, they will never make a further attempt.
Fact: A suicide attempt is regarded as an indicator of further attempts. It is likely that the level of danger will increase with each future suicide attempt.
Myth: All young people with thoughts of suicide are depressed.
Fact: While depression is a contributory factor in most suicides, it need not be present for a person to attempt or die by suicide.
Myth: Most young people thinking about suicide never seek or ask for help with their problems.
Fact: Evidence shows that they often tell their school peers of their thoughts and plans. Most adults with thoughts of suicide visit a medical doctor during the three months prior to killing themselves. Adolescents are more likely to ‘ask’ for help through non-verbal gestures than to express their situation verbally to others.
Myth: Young people thinking about suicide are insane or mentally ill.
Fact: Although adolescents thinking about suicide are likely to be extremely unhappy and may be classified as having a mood disorder, such as depression, most are not legally insane. However, there are small numbers of individuals whose mental state meets psychiatric criteria for mental illness and who need psychiatric help.
Myth: Once a person is intent on suicide, there is no way of stopping them.
Fact: Suicides can be prevented. People can be helped. Suicidal crises can be relatively short-lived. Immediate practical help such as staying with the person, encouraging them to talk, and helping them build plans for the future can avert the intention to attempt or die by suicide. Such immediate help is valuable at a time of crisis, but appropriate counseling will then be required.
Myth: Marked and sudden improvement in the mental state of an attempter following a suicidal crisis or depressive period signifies the suicide risk is over.
Fact: The opposite may be true. In the three months following an attempt, a young person is at most risk of dying by suicide. The apparent lifting of the problems could mean the person has made a firm decision to die by suicide and feels better because of this decision.
Myth: Every death is preventable.
Fact: Sadly, no matter how well intentioned, alert, and diligent people’s efforts may be, there is no way of preventing all suicides from occurring.
Myth: Suicide is much more common in young people from higher (or lower) socioeconomic status (SES) areas.
Fact: The causes of suicidal behavior cut across SES boundaries. While the literature in the area is incomplete, there is no definitive link between SES and suicide. This does not preclude localized tendencies or trends in a population during a certain period of time.
911 or 988 988 is the new national number for mental health crisis
800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
801-318-4016 Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line
800-932-4616 helpline for emotional listening
800-662-HELP (4357) Substance Abuse/Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline
SafeUT App Access a chat, call, or tip — all Wasatch students have this on their school device
Mental Health Services and Resources
Utah Strong Recovery Project 385-386-2289 7am-7pm Counselors are available for stress, anxiety, and depression help
Wasatch County Family Clinic 435-654-3003 Offering a variety of services for the entire family
Wasatch Community Foundation 435-315-2130 Financial assistance to those who qualify
Christian Center of Park City 435-649-2260 x1 Counseling services
Emotional Health Relief Hotline 833-442-2211 10am-10pm Counseling services
Wasatch County Victims Advocate for Domestic Violence 435-657-3300 Crisis intervention and shelter
Wasatch School District 435-654-0640 Counselors and social workers are available to students
WCSD has a Family Education Center that promotes mental health and wellness through online info and evening classes, info on the Facebook page: Wasatch Wellness. Contact Ben Springer, Ph.D., NCSP (435-654-0280, x 4124)
Wasatch County residents have earned what seems like a doctorate in dealing with growth, but channeling change is a never-ending process that seems to be as challenging as the teenage years. Just like that awkward, formative, and stressful stage of life, Wasatch County has a lot of current issues: traffic, taxes, affordable housing, water, air quality, the airport, public safety, and on and on and on. (Take a deep breath — it’s going to be okay.) With growth being the proverbial issue on every local campaign, and education always being a high priority to the community, the Wasatch County School District School Board has set out to develop a 10-20 year master plan while pursuing citizen involvement. This planning process has been named “Future Schools Project” (FSP). In 2021 WCSD held a multi-step interview process in hopes of hiring a consultant team. With an impressive presentation and an exceptional resume of projects and values, GSBS Architects, in Salt Lake, was selected to direct this process of determining educational goals, assessing the facilities, and recommending future options.
Last fall, 489 registered voters responded to a community survey issued by Y2 Analytics. All results can be found on the FSP website (futureschoolsproject.com). The question is not if we will need more schools, but why, where, when, and most importantly how. One key finding from the survey showed that Wasatch County residents find fiscal responsibility (91%) and transparency (87%) “very important”.
According to the FSP website, “The Wasatch School District administration and Board of Education are committed to a master planning process that prioritizes listening to parents, students, and community members. Our Master Planning Goals are: Be innovative and forward-thinking as we plan for growth, Ensure that students reach their personal goals and become productive contributing members of society, and create solutions that are efficient and financially responsible.”
The FSP is a simple concept yet has detailed steps and multi-involved phases that have been taking place since September 2021. Phases include: gathering information, generating options, reviewing with the public, and finally the master plan draft presentation at the school board meeting on April 21, 2022. As part of community engagement, three committees were formed to help consult, frame, and direct this process; an educators committee (teachers and administrators), an advisory committee (elected officials of local jurisdictions and leaders of community organizations), and a steering committee (constituents selected by school board and district administrators). The FSP team has tried to give the community as many opportunities as possible to voice opinions, share ideas, and ask questions. There have been surveys, neighborhood meetings, and a special website with a place to “join the conversation”. It is always possible to email or call board members and district personnel. Contact information can be found at wasatch.edu.
Part of the process also included an assessment, completed in December-January, of current school buildings and facilities. The project team analyzed safety and maintenance issues; and explored whether or not buildings were meeting the education visions gathered from the prior input of the committees.
Building “Bridges” to Future Schools
This project comes on the heels of the 2019 bond failure. It was an emotional campaign with frustration and passion from both proponents and objectors. The final outcome showed 57% voting against and 42% in favor.
Superintendent Paul Sweat explains, “The Future Schools Project is the Board of Education’s response to the community asking to be more involved in the planning process, as well as to the rapid growth that we are experiencing in Wasatch County and within the District. Based on continual updates from District Staff, they know our buildings are at — or over — capacity, and we are in need of a long-range plan to address the growth, which shows no signs of slowing down, based on data from local agencies gathered by our demographers, Davis Demographics.”
Findings from the community survey referenced above, show how growth and education are perceived in the valley. 67% believe that the county is growing “much too quickly” along with 82% agreeing that public education is “very important to the health of a community”. Community involvement is also “very important” to 67% of those who participated in the survey.
Sweat reflects, “It’s been eye-opening to see the engagement and enthusiasm for the process from within our District and throughout the community. We’ve long heard that our constituents want to become involved in our District; now they are actively participating in the process through committees and community meetings. Our visits to school staff meetings were very productive in gathering information for us to share with our consultant team, GSBS Architects, and allowed teachers and staff to candidly share their thoughts and concerns.”
April: Enroll in Civil Engagement 101
Although much has happened in the past six months, the next two months are even more crucial and exciting. All the effort and hard work will culminate at a public open house on April 7th. A final master plan draft will be shared at the school board meeting on April 21st. Look for details to be announced soon on the district website (wasatch.edu) or the Wasatch County School District’s Facebook page.
“The Open House on April 7th will provide the public with an opportunity to view the recommendations from GSBS, which will incorporate the information they’ve gathered during their months-long process. It will be a chance for folks to weigh in on the possible next steps in addressing growth within our District,” says Sweat.
Lindsey Ferrari, the public outreach consultant for GSBS Architects, explains, “This master planning process is designed to identify the public’s vision and values for education through a set of guiding principles; assess how the district’s facilities and buildings are performing now and how they will perform with future growth projections; then give the public some options for addressing growth based on the public’s vision. Those options will be presented to the public for feedback at the open house in April and through other various methods such as the District website and smaller group meetings. It’s important for residents to get involved in April and let the school board and consultant team know which options they want to accept as a community.” Ferrari continued by stating, “I’d also like to add that the master plan will not dictate where and what a new school or expansion might look like, but rather when the board should consider taking action based on pre-determined milestones regarding growth or building condition. So the public should be on the same page as to when and how the District will address growth.”
Just like a high school graduate that made it through those tough and fun teenage years, the future holds many possibilities and educational options for Wasatch County. Now is the time to take the opportunity to be a part of the vision and decision-making process for future schools. The next few weeks will advance the goal of addressing and managing growth and education in positive and intentional ways.
Sweat concluded by stating, “It’s crucial for our community to know we are working diligently to ensure our learning environments will provide the best possible achievement outcomes for the students of Wasatch County. Whether that takes the form of updated or new buildings will be determined by the FSP process and our much-anticipated Facilities Master Plan.”
“Who are You?” is the question Anya, or perhaps Anastasia, the lost grand duchess of Russia, must answer. This historical fiction is full of mystery and adventure as Anastasia is trying to remember who she is. Beginning in Bolshevik Russia, Anastasia and two con men Dmitry and Vlad survive a dangerous escape to Paris to find the heartsick Dowager Empress Marie Romanov. Anastasia is not the only one on a path of self discovery. Based on the 1997 animated film; this popular theatrical adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2017 and has continued to inspire audiences all over the world, including Heber.
Wasatch High School has once again produced a spectacular show! Anastasia premiered Thursday, February 3rd and had showings the 4th and 5th. With a cast and crew of nearly 100 and directed by Laurie Turnblom, musically directed by Stephen Reynolds, and choreographed by Christie Moulton this is a show you won’t want to miss. The show stars Brooke Thatcher as Anastasia, Kai Haddock as Dmitry, Ethan Scott as Vlad, Cecily Rowland as Dowager Empress Marie, Enoch Fry as Gleb, Dane Roberts as Count Ipolitov, and Elissa Ross as Lily Malevsky-Malevitch. Set in Russia and Paris; plotted adventure, intrigue, and romance, harmonized with incredible music, and costumes. Add in original Broadway digitally projected backdrops, and custom props – including a spinning train car – this show is perfect for a family Valentine’s Day outing.
Shows continue Wednesday, February 9th through Saturday, the 12th at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at whsheberut.booktix.com
Join your fellow community members at one of six local meetings taking place between Wednesday, January 12th and Tuesday, January 25th to learn about the “Future Schools Project” and let your voices be heard!
Our beautiful community is exploding with new development and many of our schools are nearing, at, or pass capacity. Our local school board, district administrators, and three different committees have been working on a “Future Schools Project” for the last several months. The committees have put together a draft of five guiding principles of education:
1-Learning environments are inspiring, safe, and welcoming.
2-Schools support multiple learning styles and life-long learning.
3-Schools support teachers in delivering high quality education.
4-Schools are integrated into a community to serve multiple purposes.
5-Schools support students in their overall wellness.
School Board Member Marianne Allen invites and explains, “The school board would greatly appreciate community wide participation. In order for this master plan process to be successful, we need to hear and have participation from as many members of our community as possible. This is a plan that will guide our schools and community for the next 10-20 years. If you can’t attend your neighborhood night, please feel free to attend a different meeting or attend the zoom meeting. If you can’t make these community meetings please go to the www.futureschoolsproject.com website and leave comments there.”
Meeting Locations and Times
Wed. Jan. 12 Old Mill Elementary, 6:30
Thurs. Jan. 13 Daniels Canyon Elementary, 6:30
Tues. Jan. 18 Midway Elementary, 6:30
Wed. Jan. 19 J.R. Smith Elementary, 6:30
Thurs. Jan 20 Heber Valley Elementary, 5:00 (Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30)
The school board is asking the public to come and learn more about the “Future Schools Project”, provide feedback, give input, and make suggestions. These meetings are being held at the various elementary schools to make this opportunity accessible to everyone, including those without children in the education system. Multiple dates and times will hopefully allow as many people as possible to come and voice their ideas and opinions.
Fill in the blanks: “Every time a ______ rings, an angel gets his _________”. If you were thinking bell and wings then you must be familiar with the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Timpanogos Valley Theater will be performing “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play” this holiday season. The timeless George Bailey and his wife Mary; Clarence the angel, and the antagonistic Mr. Potter; and all the other beloved characters of Bedford Falls will be brought to life to share this inspiring story of life, hope, and friendship. The production is a little different than just a regular stage play. This radio style script will transport the audience back to the entertainment era known as the “The Golden Age of Radio”.
Director Kristen Hughes enthusiastically explains, “The ensemble members do the voices for every character in the story. So, they are constantly switching! It’s a blast to watch. It is like a really fun reader’s theater complete with advertising jingles and Christmas carols from the post WWII era.”
The show encompasses two different casts. Kevin and Felicia Siggard, Cevin Carr, David Burrow, and Cary Hobbs are the main characters in one cast while Nathan Moulton, Jessica Wall, Tom Hughes, Gary Harter, and Bo Walker make up the second. Both sets include three jazz musicians and a foley artist. Foley artists recreate an array of everyday sounds in real time, rather than pulling pre-recorded sounds, for film and theater to enhance the overall experience. “Our foley artist is a gentleman by the name of Jared Wright. He’s a local musician. He built a wind machine for the show and has been having a ball experimenting with all kinds of sounds. It’s amazing to hear! One sound we were having a problem getting right was a car door. And one day he showed up with an antique metal tool box. When he opened and closed it, it sounded just like an old car door,” Hughes explains.
Another local touch to the play will be the commercials. The radio show will feature ‘live commercials’ tailored to some of our valley’s businesses, and arranged using the jingle style of the late 1940’s. Set in 1946; the play’s production team, led by Gary Harter, have added touches that were authentic to a real radio station, including electric art deco “on air” and “applause” signs, glass windows, and vintage doors.
Hughes encourages everyone to come, “I hope people come see the show during the holidays with their families. It is only an hour and fifteen minutes long, perfect for an outing, and has something for everyone. It is nostalgic, warm and inviting. It will leave you feeling hopeful and happy and ready to really enjoy the Christmas season.”
A good story reminds us to be our best selves, and inspires us to find the best in others. “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Show” aims to do just that. To quote Clarence, the guardian angel, “Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends”.
The show opens *November 29th, and runs through Saturday, December 18th with performances on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:00 pm.
*Dec. 3: 9pm following Heber’s tree lighting ceremony and *Dec. 18: 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Timpanogos Valley Theatre is located at 90 North 100 West, Heber. Ticket prices are: $10.00 and $8.00 for groups of six or more. Purchase tickets at the door or online at timpvalleytheatre.com
Michael McLean is an extremely-gifted, world-renowned composer, musician, playwright, author, and filmmaker. His larger-than-life personality and life experiences surely make him one of a kind. He’s spontaneous, funny, gracious — and he calls the Heber Valley home.
“I wasn’t born in Heber, but I got here as soon as I could,” explains McLean, who partnered with a good friend in 1984 to acquire 21 acres in Daniel. “People who’ve lived here, I’m convinced, when they die and go to heaven, nothing’s changed except they can have all the Trainburgers and shakes they want, and they won’t put on weight,” he proclaims.
A Christmas Classic
Of all his many accomplishments, McLean is best known for creating the enduring and powerful Christmas musical The Forgotten Carols. This story was created right here in the Heber Valley 29 years ago and has grown and evolved, only getting bigger and better over the years with performances across the country.
“The Forgotten Carols has always been, for me, the gift that keeps on giving,” says McLean. Last year he was excited because of the rewrite and reimagined changes that were made. “It’s given me a new reason to get up every morning and learn how to tell this story in a way that’s deeper, more hopeful, more fun, and more relevant in these times where so many are crying, ‘I cannot find my way at all.’”
The show seems to resonate with people because of its real-life application and truth. The story is about a nurse who hasn’t felt much of anything for a very long time and meets a patient who claims to have been around for thousands of years. This patient goes on to share personal stories of various people not typically remembered in the nativity story.
McLean reflects, “I see myself in the characters and their ‘forgotten carols.’
“I’m like the innkeeper who turned away Joseph and Mary. I’m not a bad guy; I’m just so busy that I miss things that truly matter.
“I’m like the shepherd who fell asleep that first Christmas and missed everything — and the only way I know about it is the feeling I get from hearing others tell me about it.”
Because the characters and their stories are so relatable, this Christmas classic makes audiences truly connect and reflect on the holiday’s true meaning.
“I think that might be happening for those who have made The Forgotten Carols a tradition. They see themselves in the story, and it helps them remember what they’ve forgotten about the holiday,” McLean supposes. “I also think that the response to The Forgotten Carols is that it is unapologetically about Jesus — about seeing His birth and feeling ‘the magic in the air’ that comes when this story is told.”
“I’ve got to say, I don’t know how it’s possible to tell the same story so differently and have it feel more familiar than ever.”
A Tradition Saved
Because of the current conditions of COVID, this year’s performance of The Forgotten Carols will be more memorable than ever. Through miracles of timing, venues, grants, positive COVID tests, among others, The Forgotten Carols can still be a part of many family Christmas traditions. Last year’s script changes were inspired for that time and even more so for today. It will be shown at movie theaters across the country as a recorded live production of one of the most touching performances ever done at Heritage Theater in Cedar City, Utah, with a masked live socially distanced audience. Because it was filmed using 15 camera angles, The Forgotten Carols will be better than ever. Think of it in the same category as Disney+’s debut of Hamilton. Michael McLean calls this the “No excuses” tour as it will be more accessible than before — something that defies the pandemic.
A Different Kind of Christmas Star
Throughout McLean’s storied career, he has had countless memorable moments and special performances. However, one of his most treasured experiences was working with Jimmy Stewart, the legendary actor who played George Bailey in the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.
In his own words, McLean tells what he learned from the star:
“Back in 1980, I was lucky enough to produce a television show called Mr. Krueger’s Christmas starring a truly world-famous person: James Stewart, Academy Award-winning actor, and my hero. In the time I worked with him, I noticed how he handled his fame.
People came up to him out of nowhere to meet him, shake his hand, get an autograph, tell him their story, and their connection to him or one of his legendary films. It was utterly amazing how gracious and kind and personal he was with everyone who interrupted his day. I asked him how he was able to do it, and he told me that he believed every one of those people were his partners.
They had paid for his house in Beverly Hills, got his kids through college, gave him a chance to do the work he loved — and that he owed it to them to show his gratitude for their encouragement and support of him. He then added, ‘If I’m not up to treating everyone that way . . . I stay home.’
I never forgot that, and when somebody recognizes me and wants to make a connection, I think of the most famous person I ever worked with and try to follow his example.”
It’s a Wonderful Life in Heber valley
Just like everyone, McLean’s life has not been without challenges and trials. He’s endured failures and frustration; tackled fears and hopelessness. He battles depression. He’s grateful to have survived a nine-year faith crisis, and for the lessons he wouldn’t have learned any other way. He knows it’s the people around you that make life wonderful.
There’s a little piece of the Heber Valley in everything he does. He explains, “I am crazy about Wasatch County. I love, love, love living here and want who I am and my work to reflect positively on the gift I’ve been given of being among you. As much as the spectacular surroundings fill my soul and inspire me every day, it’s the people I’m lucky enough to live around that remind me who I hope to become.”
The Forgotten Carols film will be released starting November 19 and playing at The Avon Theatre in Heber. Find more info online at forgottencarols.com.
Art is a pathway to the human spirit. It has the power to inspire emotions, teach concepts, motivate change, challenge perspectives, question beliefs, deepen understanding, and more. It can bring special moments to remembrance and form new unforgettable memories.
Art in public places has that same power and is accessible to everyone. Like artwork in a home, public art enhances a community’s beauty and charm and illustrates personality and value. Public art is just plain fun and adds some extra to the ordinary.
There’s nothing plain or ordinary about Heber Valley. Our canvas is already painted with beautiful landscapes and portraits of character which are uniquely framed with rich history. Heber City’s Community Alliance of Main Street (CAMS) formed an Arts in Public Places Committee to explore options that would enhance the downtown area. CAMS, Heber City, and the Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce have partnered together for a project called the “Downtown Mural Initiative.”
The “Downtown Mural Initiative” will bring 6-12 murals over the next 3-5 years to Heber’s Historic Downtown. The initiative is well underway, with the first mural slated for completion by the end of summer. The mural is located on the North wall of the Visitor’s Center. The Arts in Public Places Committee is already working on selecting artists for the next few locations. Cities throughout the country, including Utah’s Moab, Salt Lake, and St. George, have added their municipal personal touches.
The committee studied some of these cities to sketch their approach and vision for such an investment for the community. Nicole Ferguson, Head of the Arts in Public Places Committee, is very excited, “We had some really deep discussions on where Heber is and was and where it is going, so we did a lot of studying because we didn’t want the town to look hodge-podge. We really want to unify the town and bring it together. We don’t want the town to look messy at all.” Blending history with the future is an art worth mastering, and the committee is dedicated to doing that. According to Ferguson, the downtown district will be a “hub for where we were,” and they’re hoping to have artwork that will be “more modern on the outskirts.”
Nicole expresses, “We’re hoping that murals really take off, but we’re also wanting to put some statues and some other pieces of art throughout Main Street and the valley. It really brings a nice feel to our community and a place where people want to stop and linger. We feel like the artwork gives a good taste of the valley, and it’s something that people love to look at and talk about,” Ferguson illustrates.
Something To Talk About
The initiative’s debut will set the tone for the rest of the murals, so selecting just the right artist was crucial.
Out of nearly 20 applicants, Heber Valley native Jason Quinn was given the honor of painting the first mural. Quinn already has murals in Rocky Mountain Middle School and Wasatch High School. He has an outside mural in Mount Pleasant, Utah, on a National Guard Armory. The life-like war memorial painting looks like the military statues could literally jump off the wall and start marching. For Heber, he’s created a masterpiece of motion showcasing the multi-seasonal recreational palette found in this beautiful valley, including fly-fishing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ballooning. He utilized the whole space and captured the beauty of what nature has to offer here.
Anyone living here or visiting can have fun with the larger than life motif. Everyone has a fishing story, a biking or skiing tale, or loves seeing a hot air balloon or two color a majestic morning sky.
Quinn elaborates, “It’s only been my opinion that good old-fashioned American illustration style appeals to broader [audiences]. The message is clearer, and that’s what we want, for everybody to look at it and know exactly what it means. You can’t come into the valley and not know that this is Heber Valley and Heber wants you to know first of all this is who we are. It’s the first of many, all of them are going to be different. By the time they’ve developed all of them, it’s going to offer a really neat kind of art walk throughout the city to take them all in. And, hopefully, every single one is worth slowing down and taking a look at.”
Ferguson offers a final brushstroke, “There’s a reason to be excited and proud to live in the Heber Valley. There are people that are working really hard at making our town beautiful and something that they can be proud of. It’s something to get involved in. Find a passion in Heber, and be a part of it, get involved. I think that this art is really going to set a spark under Heber and show the people that we are something special, and you can be proud to live here.”
The ordinary space of the Visitor’s Center north wall is now an extraordinary place, and it will be exciting to see what other spaces are brought to life in the next few years.
If you are interested in submitting artwork or being part of CAMS contact hebercitycams.org.
Road Trip
This summer, my family and I had a blast experiencing a wide range of public art in Le Mars, Iowa, a quaint little mid-west town dubbed the ice-cream capital of the world. (It’s home to Wells Enterprises, one of the biggest ice-cream manufacturers in the country). While visiting family in Omaha, Nebraska, we ventured two hours north for a day full of adventure. We had fun finding different themed ice-cream cone statues throughout the town. But, it was their “Alley Art” that provided the most entertainment. We “painted the town” by driving and walking in search of the many murals painted in the last seven years. It was fun to see where and what was on the buildings and admire the work and snap lots of photos. And, of course, we couldn’t leave without getting a creamy treat at the Blue Bunny Ice-cream Parlor. I’m excited about what Heber has to look forward to with its public art displays.
The familiar words “Off we go into the wild blue yonder…” from the United States Air Force Song inspires commitment, courage, and confidence.
The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) at Wasatch High School is just as exciting. With no obligation for military service, this unique academic program prepares students for college, careers, and any future endeavors. Its focus is specialized and comprehensive-unlike any other elective.
The AFJROTC program encompasses academics, leadership, physical fitness, community service, co-curricular clubs, and competitions. This class is taught by two retired Air Force members, Lieutenant Colonel Denise Harris and Master Sergeant Kevin Sater. In this cadet-run program, students can earn one elective credit per school year and can join any semester during their four years of high school. Cadets are eligible for promotion each term, which makes it easy to earn advancements, higher rankings, awards, and have different leadership opportunities. Students enrolled are eligible for a Wasatch Varsity letter, PE credit, and it enhances college and career resumes. The curriculum includes: Leadership Education (discipline, responsibility, citizenship, customs and courtesies, communication skills, principles of management and drill) Aerospace Science (principles of aircraft flight, history of aviation, development of air power, contemporary aviation, exploring space, astronomy, geography, cultural studies) and Wellness and Physical Training.
Cadet Audrey Bailey, a junior, said, “I like the curriculum that we have. It’s really interesting to learn about what kind of colleges I can go to, and what kind of space things are going on. It’s really fun.”
An Extraordinary Beginning
Although this distinguished program started nationally in 1911, it is only in its third year at Wasatch High School. The school district is fortunate to have the program take off when it did. In early 2017, Claire Mair, a vice-principal at Wasatch, was visiting the old Provo High School. She explains, “I saw kids in uniforms carrying a folded flag with great dignity, so I followed them to their class and started asking questions. I had no idea about JROTC at Provo; however, a few years earlier, one of our students who moved here from down South, had expressed how much he had loved JROTC in his old school and wished we had one here. It just so happened that the visit [to Provo High School] was shortly after. It was as if the stars aligned.”
Master Sargent Kevin Sater explains, “The Air Force evaluator came here and looked at the school, the community, the kids, the teachers, the counselors, the administrators, and was so impressed. When he went back to the headquarters in Alabama, he told them Wasatch needs a program right now. They jumped Wasatch to the top of the list. Usually, it’s about 5-10 years depending on a lot of different things. They were blown away with this school and community.”
An Extraordinary Experience
Claire Mair conveys, “I love the leadership opportunities students have in the class as well as outside of the classroom. Students are in charge of so much of it. I love the dignified manner of their presentations, inspections, and ceremonies. The students plan and implement so much of what happens. I love all of the different kinds of competitions JROTC students can participate in. Some are academic, some physical, some ceremonial. They have a drill team that competes with rifles, an obstacle team, a competitive academic team, and they have a Color Guard. I love seeing students proudly wearing their uniforms! The academic curriculum in the classroom is also first-rate. I love that it is not a recruitment program. We have had some students, however, who have chosen a military education or vocation, and some have received amazing scholarships and opportunities. Most of the students just want a great high school experience and a way to belong to an awesome organization and be involved in something way bigger than themselves.”
One of the most notable services to the community is the Color Guard at various events, especially varsity athletic competitions. The dignified way the flag is presented is memorable and helps keep things in perspective.
Cadets are never under any obligation or pressure to enlist in any military branch. If students choose a military path after graduation, there are advantages if they complete at least three years of JROTC, such as higher rank/pay if they enlist. If a cadet wants to pursue a nomination to one of the military academies or a college ROTC scholarship, each service values JROTC as a positive in the application process. Colton Furnish, a sophomore, already knows he wants to join the marines. “I explored with what I could do, and I really don’t want to go to college when I finish high school, so the easiest way, in my opinion, is to join the military. My dad’s father was in the Air Force; he was a raidar man. My mom’s dad was in the Navy as a frogman, the beginning of the SEALs. I didn’t really know any of them, but my dad was going to join the Marines, and that’s how I heard about it. After that, I put the pedal to the medal.”
Senior Tanner Jensen shares, “It allows so many different groups of people to come together as pretty good friends. I’m friends with people that would normally drive me crazy, but they’re some of my best friends now. We all love each other; that’s probably my favorite part. It gives you a little sense of belonging.”
JROTC is a unique experience that combines leadership, academics, comradery, and fun. Students involved in Wasatch High’s phenomenal AFJROTC program will soar high as they go off into any wild blue yonder.
Who Can Join?
Students in grades 9-12 that live in Wasatch County (which includes homeschool or charter school students) can join anytime by talking with their guidance counselor. Current 8th-grade students are encouraged to look at adding AFJROTC as they start building their schedules for the upcoming school year.
Visit their Facebook page: Wasatch High School Air Force JROTC program or contact Lt. Col. Denise Harris, [email protected]
What does “Toy Story,” “Robin Hood,” and “The Andy Griffith Show” have in common? Sheriffs.
Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby is much better than a fictional character from a movie or old TV show. Guilty of incredible credentials, impeccable character, and indisputable concern and innovation, Jared just finished his first year as sheriff.
An Open Case
The sheriff’s rigorous responsibilities include; Correction and Court Security, including the jail, civil papers, the 911 Center, Search and Rescue, Emergency Management, public safety, community outreach, and more. Wasatch has 60 full-time deputies that patrol, investigate, and work the jail and ten civilian employees. Search and Rescue operates with 30 volunteers. Without a reasonable doubt, Wasatch County is a big responsibility.
Jared is a gracious leader. He shared, “It’s important for me to talk about the good work of our employees, they work hard. They and their families sacrifice for the community. They’re always in harm’s way, and always working hard with EMS, Fire, and Search and Rescue. All those first responders are trying to serve the community. I love it when, especially at the beginning of anything, the focus is on the good work that they do.”
Background Check
Jared grew up in Thousand Oaks and Moorpark, California. While in high school, he moved to Heber. Jared was always interested in law enforcement and the legal side of things. He had great examples to follow. His uncle was an attorney, and his next-door neighbor, Steven Hansen, was a Wasatch County Attorney and later a 4th district court judge. After finishing a bachelor’s degree in political science at BYU, he took a few years to decide what route to take next while working at the jail. In 2004, he and his wife Krisann headed to the University of North Dakota, where he received a joint master’s degree in law and public administration. Shortly after studying for the bar and working part-time in Heber, Jared became the Chief Deputy to Todd Bonner. He’s also been a law clerk under Utah Judge Derek Pullan and worked at a North Dakota prosecutor’s office. In 2015, Jared was able to go to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. It’s a three-month training that Utah can send one person to each year, so it’s a prestigious honor to be able to attend.
Not only does he have a demanding job, but his family also keeps him busy. Jared and Krisann have nine children, ages ranging from 1-21. He handles it all by staying involved within the community and taking part in interests outside the office as much as possible. He enjoys running with his wife and participating in half marathons and other races. His kids are involved in playing musical instruments, theater, and swimming. He even found time to be in “The Messiah” with two of their kids. He makes time for family vacations one or two times a year, usually to Bear Lake or St. George. This summer, their family will be part of the Hill Cumorah Pageant in New York. Jared is also active in his church and currently serves as Vice-President of the Wasatch County Republican Party.
Evidence
Jared has been innovative in multiple areas, including school safety, employee retention, professionalism, and community outreach.
The Wasatch County Sheriff’s office leads the state in school safety. The school district, county council and manager, have come together to make it financially possible to have a full-time resource officer at every school by financing those positions 50/50. There isn’t another place in Utah that they’re aware of that does this. The building entrances have also been updated. All of this came about because of a public meeting and citizens wanting more security. School safety is a top priority in keeping the community safe.
A unique challenge has been retaining employees. The county has lost nearly 25% of its patrol deputies to outside agencies in the last year. Jared, along with County Manager Mike Davis and the county council, has been working on competitive pay, tuition reimbursements, and merit increases for things like education, and bilingual skills.
With our total population being around 14% Hispanic/Latino, reaching out to everyone is important to Jared. He stated that “The culture and language can be different enough that we need to take it into account. If we don’t have officers that speak Spanish, then how are we going to reach some folks and be approachable? In law enforcement, we need to be inclusive.”
He wants his deputies to always be learning and involved in education. It helps with communication, tolerance, and inclusiveness. He wants every employee to be an instructor in some form of law enforcement, critical skill, or knowledge base because they learn more by teaching and keeping current with cases.
One of Jared’s top concerns is suicide and suicide prevention, which he addressed during his campaign. Wasatch County and Heber City police get 5-6 calls a month relating to suicide. Jared expresses what’s important, “This is one of the biggest things — building relationships in the community so that we can all help each other. When difficult things happen in a community, we need to be able to have relationships that weather the storm. Relationships are essential for law enforcement in a community, to try to understand each other. We’re trying to serve, that’s our number one thing.”
Deputy Sheriff and School Resource Officer at Daniels Canyon Elementary, Steve Mecham (who’s worked at the office for 20 years), says this, “Sheriff Rigby has many great attributes and qualities that he brings to the office of sheriff. I am always impressed with his priorities and goals and his tireless and meticulous pursuit of them. Sheriff Rigby has his priorities correct. At the top of the list, as always, with him is the safety of the community that he serves. Next are the people that he works with and their families. Sheriff Rigby is always looking for ways to improve the quality of life for everyone in every scenario and every interaction.”
Case Closed
Jared Rigby is impressively guilty of serving, protecting, building, and leading this valley as Wasatch County Sheriff.
There’s no place like home for the holidays and, according to Mayor Kelleen Potter, “One of the best ways to bring a community together is holiday celebrations.”
An Old-Fashioned Christmas, which takes place between the Bank Block building and Heber’s City Center, is a time for the community to come together and — for a night at least — forget personal stresses, life’s worries and the valley’s growing pains.
This cheerful community event is a way to remember what’s most important: each other.
“Slow time down, sit and talk to your neighbor and enjoy a nice evening: that’s the whole purpose of it,” says event creator, Tom Stone. “This growing community will have an opportunity to come together to create unity and community.”
The More, The Merrier
Four years ago, Tom Stone, the manager of Guild Mortgage and owner of the historic Bank Block building, wanted to give back to the Heber Valley by hosting a community-centered Christmas celebration. To do so, he rallied the businesses in his building and together they started a unique local tradition.
The community response to the first celebration was more receptive than Tom could have imagined, and the next year was even bigger. Last year, Heber City stepped up to the plate and added to the activities, especially by way of the tree lighting ceremony.
“Last year, we discussed hosting a similar event with the city as sponsor,” explains Mayor Potter, “but we concluded it would make more sense to team up with the successful Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration. This partnership resulted in a bigger and more widely-supported event. With the beauty of Christmas in our historic downtown, it was truly magical!”
Last year’s attendance was estimated at more than 2,000 people and, as the celebration continues to grow with our community, even more people are expected this year.
A holiday experience meant to delight the young and the young at heart, the festivities will include live reindeer, cookie decorating at the Ideal Theater, writing thank-you letters to servicemen and women, Christmas music, wagon rides, pony rides, food trucks, hot chocolate, an ice sculptor, live musical performances, a scavenger hunt with prizes, tours of the historic Bank Block building, warm fires and a tree lighting ceremony at 7:45 p.m.
“The Old-Fashioned Christmas event is a homegrown event where one can experience the warmth and charm of an ‘old-fashioned Christmas,’” explains Heber City Manager Matt Brower. “The city is honored to partner with Tom Stone to facilitate other traditional elements to the event, such as the tree lighting, caroling and warm chocolate.”
In short, the event includes everything a perfect town Christmas party should! The best part? An Old-Fashioned Christmas is sponsored by some of our local small businesses, so except for optional food and Santa pictures, the event is completely free for all to enjoy!
It’s Better To Give Than Receive
In addition to spreading the holiday cheer, An Old-Fashioned Christmas also gives the gift of charity. Two special families, chosen from those who applied for the local “Shop with a Cop” program, will be VIP guests at the celebration!
“If you come to the help of someone in need at Christmas and you sing around a tree, you just kind of make giving simple,” says Stone. And as we come together as a community to celebrate this holiday season, it’s important to remember how easy it is to help support our neighbors in need. Whether it’s through supporting “Shop with a Cop,” lending a helping hand or donating your time, money or belongings, it always feels better to give than receive.
As for Stone’s gift to the community, the inspiration was simple. “I want people to feel like this is Heber City’s celebration,” he explains. “There was a comment at the party I heard a couple of times: ‘a lot of our economy and effort is put into bringing tourists to the valley. You know, what about just doing something for our city?’ That is what this is.”
So, join your neighbors in celebration at this year’s An Old-Fashioned Christmas. Reminisce on the good old days, make new memories and — most importantly — give and receive the gifts of unity and community at this very special Christmas event.
There’s nothing old-fashioned about that.
Come Celebrate
December 6 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ice Sculpting Cookie Decorating Live Reindeer Letters + Coloring Face Painting Craft Boothis Food Trucks Photos with Santa Hay Rides Live Music Caroling Tree Lighting
In the Heber Valley, “Crossing the T’s” has nothing to do with being meticulous, penmanship or naval warfare. Just as exciting as Michael Jordan’s 1995 NBA return or the 2004 World Series in which Boston broke the Curse of the Bambino, this Wasatch High original show has made a comeback to our local radio station KTMP.
Wasatch Class of 2006 alumni Tyler Moss and Tyler Baird, now teachers and coaches, are the hosts of “Crossing the T’s with Ty & Ty,” a local radio show that spotlights Wasatch High School athletics.
Moss and Baird love to recap and highlight the great things that are happening with our hometown sports teams. “We’ve got so many cool stories of what’s going on with these Wasatch High School kids and people should know about them,” says Moss.
The 30-minute show runs Saturday mornings for fall sports, on Friday nights prior to basketball games during the winter, and then returns to Saturday mornings for spring sports coverage. It’s a chance for Moss and Baird to brag, inform and entertain during segments such as “Wasp in Review,” “Wasps on Campus” and “Saturday Morning Quarterback.”
The Tylers
Since they were seven years old, Moss and Baird have played and worked together — which means they can practically read each other’s minds. As little kids they pretended to do sports shows in Moss’ basement and spent hours watching “Sports Center” on ESPN. They also played backyard ball games, competed on youth teams and, of course, lived their high school glory days together.
Moss is naturally laid back and outgoing; Baird is detailed and reserved. Like a bat and a ball, their personalities bring a natural chemistry to their show.
“Crossing the T’s” began in a television broadcasting class at Wasatch High School, patterned after ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption.” Focused on national, state and high school sports, Ty and Ty instinctively bantered and captivated their audience.
Led by teacher John Moss, many students behind the scenes also contributed to the show’s success, including Sam Mathews, Will Pollock, Ryan Chadwick, Ryan Provost, Jake Heywood, Pat Burns, Trevor Lawton, Landon Reiss, Jordan Lundskog, Beau Mair, Allie Howard, Jenna Vest, Kylie Jones, Jack Wright and Whitney Green.
By their senior year, Comcast Cable aired “Crossing the T’s” throughout Utah.
The Peak
When owners Doug Barton and Beau Lund purchased our local radio station 94.5 FM and 1340 AM The Peak KTMP in fall 2017, they wanted to make high school sports a priority. “Crossing the T’s with Ty & Ty” was a natural fit. The Peak also broadcasts various sporting events throughout the school year and the games can be found on the radio or at hebervalleyradio.com — so even out of state family or fans can listen to games.
“Everywhere we go, people are surprised and admire that our station would send us to away games,” says Baird. Moss and Baird greatly appreciate The Peak’s good ownership — and its commitment to serve the sports-loving people of the Heber Valley.
pa-tri-ot (noun) a person who passionately supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.
A Summertime Tradition
Summertime is a kid’s paradise filled with popsicles, picnics, flip flops, fireworks, barbeques, ballgames and vacations. For many Utah families, Patriot Camp has been added to that iconic summertime list.
Patriot Camp was started in Pennsylvania by a group of ambitious moms who wanted to teach their children more about our country’s founding and freedoms. Patriot Camp made its way to Utah nine years ago in Pleasant Grove and became a tradition in the Heber Valley seven years ago with Patriot Camp — Midway.
“Patriot Camp is a way to teach kids about the founding of our country in a day camp setting,” states the Patriot Camp’s website. “Kids will have fun while they learn and develop an interest in our history, as well as an understanding of what makes the United States of America unique.”
The camp runs four days and is organized and executed by a director, a committee and many volunteers, including Teen Leaders. During camp, the Teen Leaders are each assigned a group to help supervise and lead the children from station to station.
The curriculum is for all ages; however, patriotic and colonial activities, games, songs and crafts are designed for children in first through sixth grade.
The last day of camp is always unique. In previous years, there have been special guest appearances by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, a collector of historic flags, a collector of army vehicles and colonial artisans of different trades. Every camp culminates with a short program that includes patriotic songs the kids have learned.
More Than Just A Camp
Campers are encouraged to complete the Patriot Challenge, which includes memorizing the U.S. National Anthem (the first and last verse), the Preamble to the Constitution, the Articles of the Constitution (one-word descriptions), the Bill of Rights (short explanations), the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence.
The Teen Leaders’ challenge also includes a summary of the Articles of the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address and a portion of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech.
In a world that gets more contentious and confusing every day, it is important to understand the ideals and principles of government that our Founding Fathers and so many others lived and died for. We should hold the truths Jefferson so bravely defended in the Declaration of Independence just as critical today. The United States of America has never been perfect, but it still is a great country because of the principles upon which it was founded and meant to be governed by. Patriot Camp helps teach these principles to our children and other future leaders across the country.
Christine Chappell has turned an ordinary fiberglass gas station mascot into a corner craze. Heber’s herbivore, aptly named Octane, delights young and old with each wardrobe change. From seasonal to promotional outfits, this talented and creative seamstress has brought many smiles and laughs to residents’ routine drive-bys and visitors passing through.
The owner of Mountainland One Stop, Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed, placed the Sinclair green dinosaur on the corner of his lot at the prominent intersection of 1200 South and Main Street in summer 2017. That fall, Christine was looking for ways to promote “Mary Poppins,” the upcoming musical at Wasatch High School. Not knowing Mohamed, Christine approached him about dressing the new miniature giant as a chimney sweep. Mohamed was a little surprised, but curious to see what it would look like.
Christine masterfully turned a queen size black sheet into a vest and the costume swept the community off its feet!
And just like that, a Heber legend was born.
Next, the Heber Valley Western Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering dressed him up to advertise their annual gathering and buckaroo fair. Wasatch Dance Company also took notice and the statue became a “Nutcracker” ballerina. Christine then dressed him up as a festive elf to finish out the year.
After a New Year’s Eve party animal outfit was followed by workout gear resembling 1980s fitness guru Richard Simmons, Christine felt that the public really began to anticipate the outfit changes. Around this time, Mohamed offered to pay Christine for her time and materials.
As the Sinclair dino gained fame, a dialogue about naming the brontosaurus popped up on the Ask (Heber, UT) Facebook page in January 2018. Around 160 suggestions were narrowed to seven, and “Octane” received nearly half of the 223 votes. “Hi Octane” quickly became a witty salutation for the friendly petroleum-promoting neighbor.
Award-Winning Designs
Nationally, Sinclair Corporation sponsors various dinosaur costume contests throughout the year. Last summer, Mohamed made his only request of Christine: design an outfit for the Fourth of July contest.
Christine’s patriotic attire won first place! In October, her Halloween Viking landed in third.
Dressing a dinosaur can be tricky. Christine uses 2 ½ yards of fabric for each shirt and 2 ½ yards for every pair of pants. She doesn’t use patterns, so her creations are completely free-hand. She’s tried Velcro and ties but has found that holding the costumes on with safety pins is easiest. She uses regular fabric, so most costumes are not re-used and the oversized hats are usually store-bought.
“The dinosaur is a fun outlet for my creativity and it has become a topic of conversation with friends and family,” says Christine.
One of her favorite outfits so far has been a holiday ugly sweater made from an old crocheted blanket that was donated by a fan in Francis, Utah. One of her most recent costumes is near the top of her favorites list, as well. She was extremely excited to partner with the Wasatch County School District for the New Year’s Resolution ensemble promoting the district’s literacy campaign — a costume aptly topped off with a large pencil and oversized books.
Octane has also helped promote fundraisers for both Rocky Mountain and Timpanogos Middle Schools, the Wasatch High School swim team, Heber Valley Soccer Club and the Wasatch County Library Summer Reading Program. Over the years, Octane has modeled many more wardrobe changes celebrating holidays and seasons.
The Woman Behind It All
Christine is a mom of five, ranging from college-aged to fourth grade, and is pursuing a teaching degree in Secondary English. She learned to sew in third grade and quickly started making money with her skills. She made her own book covers — the private school she attended required them — and ended up selling some to fellow students. She also makes and sells denim quilts, and does all the sewing and hemming for the Junior ROTC uniforms at Wasatch High School.
“Christine’s dedication is amazing,” compliments Mohamed. “I couldn’t find anyone to do it if I had to ask. She has a lot of passion and it brings lots of smiles. I love how it affects the community in a positive way and entertains. It’s become a fixture in the community and is sort of an adopted pet.”
Wasatch County is blessed by Christine’s willingness to share her many creative talents and skills. A silly green gas station dinosaur, dressed in costumes created by an artistic genius, is just one more reason to smile about living in this beautiful valley.
Christine is open to ideas and suggestions for future costumes. You can contact her on Instagram @heber_dino.
The Wasatch County Library claims fame to the one and only Miss Sally, the children’s librarian and program director with an enormous passion and love for literacy and children. And when those things come to together, something extraordinary happens.
“Literature is magical,” says Sally Baird. She moved to Heber in 2005 and her first visit to the library just happened to be the building’s one-year anniversary. She inquired about story time and was told it was done by moms who volunteered once a week. Kristen Bowcutt, the library director, asked Sally if she would like to take charge. Sally quickly stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with story time exploding in just two months.
After a year, Sally told Kristen that she needed to quit in order to open her own preschool, and Kristen immediately offered to pay her to keep her with the library. Sally is now with the library full time and has taken her talents to a new level. “Sally has been sharing her many talents, energy and enthusiasm at the library for 13 years through story times for preschoolers and toddlers,” gushes Kristen. “She visits the schools as a Mystery Reader, performs special story telling events, hosts Homeschool Book Club and organizes a monthly movie night.”
What started with 10 children on three platform steps has grown to serve over 300 kids in six weekly sessions. “Everyone from small children to the staff love Miss Sally,” says Kristen. “Her love for children and books, along with her dedication to literacy have taken the library to a whole new level of services and programming.”
“She is certainly in demand around the valley and has a knack for knowing what the community needs and enjoys,” continues Kristen. And with Sally’s popularity growing right along with the county, the library is excited for its newly built expansion. “I am sure that we have the best story telling experience for your child that you will find in the state,” Kristen proclaims.
Making The Most Of Story Time
Sally’s story times include a story, activity and a craft relating to colors or letters. Some of Sally’s tricks of the trade include pantomime, puppets and props, and she even dresses up in costumes! Chelsea Cheatwood, a library patron mom, illustrates, “Sally has a pink box like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag and has Barney the Dinosaur running through her veins.”
Sally has two closets full of fun costumes and several shelves of hats and wigs. When asked her favorite, she replies, “Yikes, that’s like asking me which of my kids is my favorite! I love them all.” She loves pretend and all that comes with it. Still, her favorite part of the job is the kids. “They’re magical, they love you no matter what and they believe,” she explains.
“What a blessing to have Miss Sally at Wasatch County Library,” says Kristen Bowcutt.
Sally loves to do “Mystery Reader” at the schools. Her philosophy that learning should be fun is what makes these appearances so special. She does cross-curriculum with literacy and science or math. She believes kids have a natural love for learning – and hopes that those inclinations aren’t ever squelched.
A Fairy Tale Ending
What might be surprising is that Sally struggled with reading in elementary school. She doesn’t remember it being a big deal, but looking at old report cards she realizes she really wasn’t very good. Even today, she practices and preps for “work” by reading and telling the stories she’s going to use.
As a child, the first book that really came alive for her was “Ramona The Pest” by Beverly Cleary. Ramona is a mischievous little girl and the idea of getting into trouble was somewhat intriguing and liberating, since she’s the only daughter and second child in a large family.
Sally has come a long way since her Ramona days. “You know I was thinking about the reason why story time has been so successful — it really doesn’t have to do with me other than the consistency that I provided,” she explains. “It has more to do with the good mothers, fathers, and yes, grandmothers that live here in Heber.”
All avid readers understand that reading can be an escape; it enlarges the imagination and enhances mental freedom. For this reason, Sally gives credit to the adults in her story time kids’ lives. “They know the importance of reading and exposing young children to literature,” she says. “It is because of their dedication to their children’s learning that has made story time successful. Without them, I wouldn’t have been given a job that I love and am passionate about. I am so grateful for the wonderful families of Wasatch County.”
And with that, Miss Sally will live happily ever after in the Heber Valley.
Story Times:
Books and Babies Tuesday 9:45 a.m.
Toddler Time Wednesday/Thursday 9:45 a.m.
Preschool Hour Wednesday/Thursday 10:30 a.m. After-school Story Time Wednesday 4:00 p.m.
Wasatch High School’s football stadium, with its black and gold seats, elevated press boxes and entrance tunnel, is impressive — but not as impressive as the two men it is named for. Dan Wright and Ron Tree were two of the greatest teachers and coaches who have ever served and mentored the students and athletes of Wasatch County.
A building usually showcases peoples’ names either because they’ve accomplished something memorable or they’ve contributed substantial amounts of money to its creation or renovation. In this case, the dark-gray capital letters that spell out the Wasps’ stadium name aren’t over-bearing or attention-drawing, symbolic of the kind of people these men were. Wright and Tree were two modest men who enjoyed doing what they did best — love and encourage students.
Dan Wright graduated from Wasatch High School in 1949. He returned to WHS as a teacher and coach and was influential in the lives of his students for 22 years. Throughout those years, he coached football, track, basketball, wrestling and baseball. He taught physical education and math and was also a counselor.
Over the years, Wright inspired many young athletes to became teachers or coaches. One such athlete was Ron Tree. Tree graduated from WHS in 1969 as the student-body president. He played football at Brigham Young University for four years, including in 1972 — LaVell Edwards’ first season as head coach.
LaVell Edwards was one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. He guided BYU to a national championship in 1984 and in 2000, the year he retired, BYU’s stadium was renamed in his honor. Edwards commented on one occasion that the hardest working player he had coached was Ron Tree. After graduation, he spent two different stints at WHS in which he either coached or assisted with wrestling, football and track. He also taught physical education, health, career education and driver’s education.
Notably, years ago, Tree tried to get the stadium named after Coach Wright. The community was understandably heartbroken when Tree unexpectedly passed away in May 2005. Wright had the honor of attending the stadium’s renaming ceremony, formerly known as Booster Stadium, in the fall of the same year.
The bleachers and field were rebuilt in 2012, (one year after the current high school opened) and Wright passed away in 2014, leaving behind many admirers in the community.
Neil Carlile, WHS class of ’71, played football, basketball and ran track for Coach Wright. He wrote this condolence after Wright’s passing: “A person serves in many capacities and roles in one’s life, but the roles of ‘Teacher’ and ‘Coach’ are among the most profound titles one could have. Coach Wright exemplified both of these titles and so many more. He leaves a service and mentor legacy in the Heber Valley community and at Wasatch High School that cannot be measured.”
“He was always positive, a builder of people, a man of strong and consistent standards, and among the finest of examples. His words often come back to me: ‘do your best,’ the classic ‘don’t get your [daubers] down boys,’ and so many other words of encouragement in the wins and losses on the sports field and in life.”
Likewise, there were two mottos that Tree lived by and tried to instill in his students: “Stand up for what’s right, even if you’re standing alone,” and, “There are things in life I can’t control, but my attitude and actions are two that I can.”
These two men were known for their kindness and keeping things in perspective. They both knew people were more important than wins and losses, and that the game of life is won by how we treat others. In that way and so many others, these men were champions.
As the Heber Valley continues to grow and memories fade away, fewer and fewer people will know how Dan Wright and Ron Tree influenced life in the Heber Valley. They epitomized why people love to live here. Hopefully their names proudly displayed on the front of our football stadium will help us remember what’s most important in both life and in our community.
Brad Ehlert
Kim Dickerson
Randall Lund
Marianne Allen
