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“I have a magical vision in my head of live music or music playing from juke boxes, with the windows open and the late summer breeze blowing in, and laughter. I just can’t wait to sit there and hear those sounds.” Leentje Klingensmith, the Marketing Director for the newly restored Oakley Diner, shares her vision for how the fresh space is going to feel. The historical Oakley Diner, formerly known as the Road Island Diner, has resided in Oakley, UT since 2007. Recently, the diner closed its doors in 2020 and went up for sale.…

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” Ludwig Wittgenstein Devany Browning and Jenna Haynie are helping individuals and families break through language limits in relation to speech and literacy. These two talented women recently joined forces; opening the doors to their joint office space. Jenna’s Literacy Utah and Devany’s Pathways Speech and Language Therapy go hand-in-hand, and, while they practice separately, they serve many of the same clients. Devany and Jenna are aware that the services they offer…

“What you do has far greater impact than what you say.” - Steven Covey Jerry and Ella Simons have spent their lives impacting others and offering the ‘Gift of Hope’ from the bottom of the ocean to the top of the high Andes of Peru and everywhere in between, including the Utah Crater in our beloved Midway. Along the way, they have discovered how to not only balance family, work, and adventure but to serve others and celebrate lives with great meaning. One aspiration, in particular, has led them to do work that changes lives…

The Heber Valley is not only lighting up the night with fireworks this Fourth of July but also extending the festivities to an all-day-long celebration. Fifteen individuals representing different community organizations have come together to create a grassroots Independence Day celebration. 2023 marks the first year of the Red, White, and Blue Festival, which is destined to become a memorable family tradition. Jessica Broadhead, the marketing manager for Heber Valley Tourism, says this special event is “by the community, for…

“Yoga takes you into the present moment. The only place where life exists.” -unknown Two miles underground, in the middle of Midway, lies a water source that feeds an incredible natural wonder. She has a lovely hourglass shape, was formed from a geothermal hot spring, and boasts a cozy water temperature of 94°F year-round. You might know this crater as Schneitter’s Hot Pot, Homestead Crater, or the Utah Crater. Regardless of the name you know her by; she has been in the making for years. Some estimate that the limestone…

There are lots of giants in the world, formidable foes, beasts, dragons to be slain, and our job is hopefully to make those more manageable, to shrink them a little bit so that people can handle their particular trials. When Jean-Marc Barr was 16 he walked into a pawn shop in Provo, Utah. His sole purpose? To walk out with a guitar. At only 4’ 8” and 75 lbs Jean-Marc decided to use this to his advantage; placing a handful of wadded up bills and some change on the counter, he declared, “I’m looking for a guitar for my dad…

Did you know that the largest plein air painting competition in Utah is held right here in our valley? Painting “en plein air” is really just the French way of saying “in the open air.” With an easel set up right on location, this process allows artists to paint directly in the landscape they are working to capture on their canvas. For fifteen years now artists from all over Utah, and neighboring states, have gathered in our beautiful valley for Wasatch Plein Air Paradise, the signature event put on by the Midway Art…

A common thread weaves its way through the life and work of Robert Duncan illuminating and inspiring his life’s path. What is this thread and driving force that ties his work together? A bright yet simple curiosity. Curiosity about interactions between people and places and time. Curiosity about wildlife and the earth they roam. Curiosity about relationships between individuals and other living things. This curiosity has driven a lifetime’s work that has shifted and evolved over time according to the current passions of…

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. Edgar Degas The emergence art contest is in its second year and is already gaining good traction. The theme this year was “My Place in the World.” The theme really inspired the youth of Heber to think of and express the interaction they have with the world we live in. Last year there were 175 entries, and this year entries soared at 255. Angie Neuberger, president of Wasatch Parent Network for the high school, was thrilled with the increased submissions. There…

“Cyclers see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to.” – Dr. K. K. Doty Are you ready to shake it up a bit? Do you need a mood-boosting change as you head into summer? Are you looking at rising gas prices and thinking it is time to try a different mode of transportation? A bike may just be the answer. Picture yourself starting your day on two wheels, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the sights of the grand…

A chicken, a dog, and a paintbrush – sounds like the perfect start to an art career. “It all got started when my dog killed the neighbor’s chicken,” artist Rebecca Proctor shares with a laugh. How could an art career bloom from this you may ask? Well, let’s back up a little and you will begin to see. Rebecca says it is likely that her mother has caveman drawings on her uterus. She says, “I have drawn since I can remember. All my Christmas gifts were always art, always craft stuff. I drew and drew and drew.” With all of…

Chris Peterson has tried almost every form of outdoor recreation. He has snowboarded, mountain biked, and backpacked, but the thing he keeps coming back to, the sport that connects with his soul, is fly fishing. He says, “For my personality, for who I am, fishing is the thing. It’s about those moments of magic where you’re face to face with the wild animal, these crazy looking creatures.” Fishing is not the only thing Chris happens to love. He is also passionate about painting. The Contemplative Man’s Recreation So,…

For those dreaming of getting more actively involved and developing a stronger network in our community, a rewarding leadership opportunity has come to fruition. The City of Heber and the Chamber of Commerce have joined together to create Heber’s first Leadership Academy. What exactly is it? The Heber Leadership Academy is a group of 20 individuals from the community who have the opportunity to gather together and learn leadership skills from several impactful leaders. The team will discuss community-related hot topics…

The leaves crunch under-tire as the crisp air greets and awakens your senses. Fall in all its colorful splendor is finally here! And, what better way to welcome autumn than with a bike ride in good company? Slim and Knobby’s Bike Shop has been hosting group road and mountain bike rides for the last few years. On Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings, a group of road bikers makes their way around the valley by riding in a big clockwise loop. Making mostly right turns Thursday evenings, they’ve dubbed their ride; Thursday…

Jordan’s studio is bright and open and full of natural light. Large paintings lean against the wall, some complete, while others are awaiting their turn. An easel sits in the corner with a canvas adorned by a beautiful array of vibrant colors coming to life as they circle around and around. To some, the looping pigments resemble tree trunk rings; others see a thumbprint or an oyster shell. One of the more substantial linear abstracts Jordan loves to tackle takes up a good portion of another wall, while a cart sits with wet…

Remember the falling? The times you couldn’t wait one more second to see each other. The conversations and hanging on to every word shared. The feeling that there’s no way you’ve known one another for just a couple of months because you feel you’ve known this person forever. Take a moment and remember. Falling in love is exhilarating. There’s nothing else like it. Staying in love? Staying in love can sometimes feel more exhausting than exhilarating; however, it can provide an incomparable foundation to build from. A…

Taking therapy off the couch and onto the trail.

30 Years Thirty years of non-stop hustling. Thirty years of mastering a competitive craft with constant creative challenges, where no two days looked the same. Thirty years of working his way to the very top in an intense environment. Thirty years of visiting gallery after gallery in all the towns and cities he toured across the U.S. Thirty years of frustration knowing an inherent reservoir of talent was left untapped. Thirty years of inspiration seeing the expressive and meaningful creations of others. Starting A New…

82 acres of open land in Midway will remain undeveloped thanks to generous hands. Utah Open Lands and Midway City were thrilled to work with Kem C. Gardner in placing 82 acres under conservation easement. Gardner, who has owned a home in Midway since the 70s, has been concerned as he’s watched Midway “slowly lose its rural flavor it gets more and more built out.” Gardner said, “I’ve worried that we need to protect our open lands as much as possible.” Gardner is a real estate mogul and has many impressive titles, but…

By Stacey Burton In the last few months, life as we have known it has dramatically changed, but thankfully there are still great options for our kids when it comes to summer reading programs and incentives. It’s true that some restrictions remain in place, but we can rest assured that curling up with a good book will never be against the rules. We still have the power to travel to far-away lands, have great adventures, and expand our knowledge on various topics. Here are some resources to get kids excited about summer…

Get to Know Your Own Backyard

Sunlight softly filters through the branches of a mulberry tree, creating mesmerizing shapes of light and shadow. A young Valoy Eaton stands below the tree captivated by all he sees. Now, at age 82, that fascination with light, shapes, and shadows continues to be an integral part of him. He says that when it comes to being an artist, “The seeing is really important.” His ability to see and appreciate his surroundings, along with good old-fashioned hard work, has earned him his livelihood and a 50-year career as an artist.…