While in college she took several art classes including, drawing, 2D art, art history, and pottery, and was well on her way to earning her associates degree when, as often happens in life, she changed her mind. Instead of earning a degree in graphic arts, AmberLee earned her bachelor’s in elementary education, and began teaching. After her first year, she took a one-year break to stay home with her son. Still thinking about art, she decided to teach a few art classes out of her house before going back to teaching school full time; which she would do for another six years.

In early 2022 AmberLee and her husband went out on a date to a pottery studio, and that changed everything. She explains, “While we were at that class, I was like I want to do this! I want my own studio. Originally, I thought I’d just have a pottery studio, but I also wanted to do paints and other art.” The couple went to a few different art classes — just to make sure — but AmberLee was certain. She continues, “I was like, ‘Ya, this is what I want to do,’ and that just sort of started the ball rolling. This was literally like January/February of this year that I decided I wanted to take the leap; and actually open an art studio instead of just doing classes out of my house.” AmberLee laughs as she shares that once the decision was made they immediately started purchasing supplies and looking for a place. In March they found a quaint basement ‘studio’ that they renovated and by April they were opening their doors; welcoming all to Inspiration Haven Art Studio!

What can you expect to find when you walk into the studio? A lot of inspiration, a lot of fun, and a lot of ways to create! With clay being AmberLee’s favorite medium, it comes as no surprise that she plans to have a pottery room in the back of the studio. But for now, Inspiration Haven offers art classes, paint nights, and private parties for families, birthdays, and corporate events. Combining her love for art and elementary education, AmberLee also offers 4-week and 12-week kid’s art classes for ages 3-15. AmberLee teaches the fundamentals of art and the kid’s get to explore all types of mediums. AmberLee explains, “We work with clay and pastels, we paint with watercolors and acrylics, we explore all avenues. The kids come once a week for an hour-and-a-half and we just have fun and learn all kinds of art.” At the end of the 12 weeks Inspiration Haven turns into an art gallery. “We give the kids an opportunity to have their art work displayed in a more formal setting. It’s fun for them to see their work on display with everybody else’s.” The event is open to the public so friends, family, and community members can all enjoy what they’ve accomplished.

AmberLee has accomplished quite a bit in just a few short months and enjoys helping others fall in love with art too. For her paint nights, anyone, from expert to never touched a paint brush before are welcome. AmberLee shares, “I guide them through a painting. I teach them technique a little bit too, but it’s not necessarily a formal art class. It’s more of an opportunity to come paint a picture and have fun, have a friends or family night out and enjoy the night.” The two-hour classes are typically on Friday or Saturday night; however, you can call and set up a private party for any night of the week. You can choose a 16X20 (or request a size) painting from Inspiration Haven’s collection or, if you give AmberLee a two-week notice, you can send her a picture of the art work would like to use instead. Everything you need to create your masterpiece is provided by the studio. If you require ‘snackage’ while painting (or hosting a birthday party or event) AmberLee says, “bring the food” just let her know first and she’ll make sure there’s a table for your victuals. Her goal is to create an inviting, fun space where everyone can be inspired. When asked what artist(s) inspire her she shares, “One of my favorite artists has always been Vincent Van Gogh. I love most post-impressionism art but his has always been a favorite of mine. I love how he creates movement in his artwork and the vibrant colors he uses. I’m also inspired by my husband’s grandma and aunt. They are incredible artists and I have always hoped to paint as well as they do.”

When you visit Inspiration Haven’s website you will be greeted with these words: Inspiring Creativity & Imagination. If you scroll down just a bit more you’ll find this quote from Vincent Van Gough: “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” And that is just what AmberLee is doing; inspiring all to ‘silence’ the voice that says you can’t, to use their imagination, and to create!

Santa’s Workshop
Saturday, December 3rd. Sign up for painting and other Christmas crafts.

Art Student Gallery
Monday – Tuesday December 12th & 13th 5:00-8:00 pm

2 S Main Street Heber City, UT
435-271-3549

inspirationhavenart.com

Swiss Chocolate & Pears

Using just 3 ingredients, the Schoggibirnen is arguably the simplest Swiss dessert.

Ingredients

• Fresh pears, peeled (leave the stem for easy handling and esthetics) or substitute 1 tin of pears
• ½ Cup dark chocolate
• 2 Tbsp butter

Method

Steam peeled pears for approximately 8 minutes. Let them cool before placing on 3-4 dessert plates. Using a saucepan, add chocolate (in pieces) and the butter. Carefully melt the chocolate at low heat while stirring (make sure the chocolate sauce doesn’t start boiling, otherwise it’ll turn crumbly).

Pour the chocolate sauce over the pears and enjoy while the sauce is still warm!

Spitzbuben

Swiss Christmas Cookies

Spitzbuben is a must-have dessert at any Swiss Christmas party. These cookies really stand out thanks to the brightly contrasting fruit filling. The Swiss prefer to use raspberry, lemon, or apple jam.

Ingredients

• 10 Tbsp butter, at room temperature
• 1 Cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 Cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 Tbsp almond extract

For finishing

• Confectioners’ sugar
• Jam or Jelly

Method

DOUGH: Knead the ingredients for the cookie dough together. Cover and allow to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

BAKING: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll the dough out very thinly (1/8 inch). Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes, and cut a hole in the middle of half of the shapes. Arrange all on baking sheets. Bake 10 minutes, until very lightly browned.

ASSEMBLY: Let the cookies cool, then turn the whole shapes over and cover them with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Top with a cookie that has a center hole and sprinkle the top with confectioners’ sugar.

Children’s Activities 

• Holiday Craft
• Sugar Cookie Decorating
• Visit with Santa Claus
• Plus a Special Surprise

Prices:

• $17.75 per person – includes 7.50% sales tax
• $56.75 for a family of four – includes 7.50% sales tax

*Adults are welcome to watch for free when accompanied by a paying child!

Gingerbread House Creations

Let your little ones bring their own special touch to their Gingerbread creation. We supply all the tools and furnishings. All you need to bring is your imagination. All Gingerbread Houses must be pre-purchased to guarantee availability.

Price: $34.50 – includes 7.50% sales tax

Buy Tickets

Citizens of the valley – some representing local businesses, others there for a good time, and all dressed in their best 1920’s attire- were greeted upon arrival at the Zermatt Resort by a ‘Moffia’ gangster who presented each individual with a ticket and explained the outline of the evening. Guests were then invited to the buffet tables for an incredible high class dinner that included an oyster bar, prime rib, charcuterie options, and several desserts; my favorite was the white chocolate mousse fig tart. During dinner, the BYU ballroom team showcased a few of their dances in flamboyant elegance.

Following dinner, several awards were presented by the Chamber to well-deserving members and businesses of the community. Roonies Ice Cream was given the Business of the Year award. This local business was a by-product of the quarantine season and has taken off! Amanda Pensis, founder and owner of Boutique 1921, received the CAMS Community Partner of the Year Award. The dynamic duo of Reggan Jastram (owner of Innovative Real Estate) and Nicole Ferguson (owner of Mountain Refined) deservedly won the title of Ambassadors of the Year. Valerie Kelson of Midway was presented with the Wasatch Community Member of the Year award for her dedication and service to the community. She was pleased and surprised with the presentation and grateful to have many of her children there to witness the announcement.

With dinner and awards finished; guests swapped out dinner plates for dancing shoes and traded tickets for poker chips. The next hour and a half or so was a constant uproar of hollers and laughter as round after round of Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette were played. Some people boogied to the sounds of the Heber Big Band, who did a remarkable job performing classic songs by Frank Sinatra and other iconic artists of the 1920’s era.

To wrap up the evening, poker chips were exchanged for raffle tickets and a few lucky participants were awarded with incredible prizes like an overnight stay and dinner at the Black Rock Resort, a hot air balloon ride, or a gift certificate to Sundance. The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the CAMS committee, the Zermatt Resort, and all of the local businesses who were present or donated to the incredible evening. I would like to thank them all for creating a memorable experience.

You might get to talk to Santa or see his reindeer.

Maybe you’ll want to decorate cookies or drink some hot cocoa.

Perhaps a live performance filled with holiday cheer stirs up sentimental feelings.

Cross off some holiday shopping and support some local vendors at their booths.

Enjoy delicious food from the valley’s food trucks.

Join in caroling and watch the City Hall tree light up (this event will happen at 8:15 pm)

There will be something for everyone and the event is free to the public!

“The parties were bigger, the pace was faster, the shows were broader, the buildings were higher…”       – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Come embrace the spirit of the Roaring 20’s at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Gala this Thursday, December 2 at the Zermatt Resort in Midway! This event raises funds for the chamber to support our local businesses and promote tourism.

Tickets are available at www.gohebervalley.com/gala and can be purchased for Singles ($60), Couples ($120), or tables of 10 ($600).

Dinner and desert, dancing, casino-style games, and drinks are included with each ticket!

Attire is 1920’s or formal.

This is sure to be the event of the year!

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 29^th, and runs through Saturday, December 18^th 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

The children hear a soft buzzing — quiet at first and a bit confusing but all the more exciting as it moves closer. Still watching intently they soon realize that who they’ve been waiting for — Santa Clause — is arriving in a . . . helicopter? A bit of an untraditional form of transportation perhaps, but no less special for these kids as they clamor forward to receive the first of their gifts. For most of these children, today is the only reason they are getting any presents this year.

SHOP WITH A COP

The “Shop with a Cop” program has been part of the Heber Valley for many years, or at least as long as the 20 years that County Sheriff, Jared Rigby, has been in the area. Sheriff Rigby shares that “The Shop with a Cop program is different. People don’t fill out an application like [they do] for other services.” Instead, they are referred by first responders who are actively looking for children from families in distress throughout the year. School resource officers, firefighters, valley-wide law enforcement, and volunteer search and rescue officers can make suggestions. Administrators take the time to research each situation and make phone calls to families in order to decide which 30-50 children will receive the opportunity to participate in this special day.

Partnering with The Homestead in Midway, the children meet with an appointed officer-friend for breakfast. Following the tasty meal, they are taken to the Walmart parking lot where the most iconic figure in Western Christmas culture is flown in by the valley’s Search and Rescue department. After receiving their first gift from Santa, the children are led into the store where they can spend an allotted amount of money on additional items they may need: winter coats; gloves; and shoes. Those in charge of the program try to collect enough donations from individuals and businesses throughout the year so that each child can pick out one or two gifts for a family member such as a parent or sibling. When it’s time for checkout, Walmart offers extra assistance to the program by having plenty of staff on hand to run the registers, offer treats, and wrap the items the children have purchased, so those they give to can open their gift on Christmas day. Donations for this year’s Shop with a Cop day are being accepted through December 1.

For details about how to offer assistance, contact the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office at 654-1098

THANKSGIVING DINNER

Each year, the Heber branch of the Christian Center of Park City offers a Thanksgiving dinner open to anyone in the community. Traditionally, the dinner is prepared by volunteers and served cafeteria style. However, due to the worldwide pandemic of COVID, the custom has shifted to accommodate social distancing by serving meals through a drive-thru style service. Continuing concerns about the virus and elevated case numbers means that 2021 will look the same. As of this writing, details regarding the location and time for this year’s dinner have not yet been released.

If you would like to donate or partake of the deliciousness, visit ourwcf.org or ccofpc.org

WEEKEND SNACK PACK

In an effort to prevent local children from going hungry over the extended holiday break, the Wasatch Community Foundation expands their Weekend Snack Pack each year. The WCF partners with the CCPC and local businesses to offer Christmas gifts in combination with two-weeks worth of food for their Christmas Box Food initiative. Wigglish, Walmart, and other partners, including generous community members, provide gift cards that are given to the families to purchase the presents. The food is purchased with money from the Wasatch Community Foundation’s Human Services fund, bagged up by volunteers, and distributed to the families in need. Monetary and gift card donations are accepted year round for this program, and volunteers are needed to help package and distribute the food items.

For more information on donating, or to inquire about receiving assistance, contact the Wasatch Community Foundation at ourwcf.org

When we live with our eyes and hearts open, we see opportunities to uplift someone, even through a smile or offering a “hello”. Sometimes these tiny acts are the most meaningful. I challenge each of us to search daily for these kinds of moments. If you can do a little more, especially during this holiday season, consider participating in one of these programs to help take care of our own. We all know the Heber Valley is a great place to live for many reasons, and the quality that makes it the greatest place is our ability to give back.