My Community Spanish Fork Magazine - February 2022

February

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2022

Spanish Fork Also Benjamin, Palmyra, and Lake Shore

Meet

Don't Ignore the Ringing | p 8

the

Brandts p 12

Performing Arts Student of the Month p 17

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Special Valentine's Section | p 24 Meet Mayor Mike Mendenhall | p28

Dear residents of Spanish Fork,

Welcome to the first 2022 issue of your magazine! The response from the community has increased every month, and the Christmas season saw high levels of engagement with our decorating contest.

Thank you for participating!

Special highlights for this issue: See who won the contest on page 20! Don’t miss the message from our new mayor on page 28. And be sure to check out the Valentine’s section We especially want you to send us: –Nominations for a FAMILY to feature in an upcoming issue –YOUR PETS for the community to meet –Nominations for STUDENT ATHLETE and PERFORMING ARTS STUDENT of the month –STORIES or ADVICE to share in the magazine, or a letter to the editor –Your FAVORITE RECIPE to include in our food section Want to wish your mother/wife/daughter a Happy Mother’s Day in the magazine? We’ve got a page just for that! See page 31 for details.

With love,

Your My Community Team Are you interested in Advertising | Sponsorship?

Contact us at sponsors@mycommunityutah.com

Dann Goff Publisher / Cofounder

801-687-9303 dann@mycommunityutah.com

Dustin Grady Editor in Chief / Cofounder 801-472-3965 dustin@mycommunityutah.com

Feedback | Ideas | Submissions

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you. Just email us at thebox@mycommunityutah.com.

Article Submissions

articles@mycommunityutah.com

Contests

contests@mycommunityutah.com linktr.ee/mcusf

Stephanie Petersen Alan Moller Production Manager / Editor Graphic Designer stephanie@mycommunityutah.com

@mycommunityutah

Deadlines

Submission deadlines for all magazine content are the 1st of each month unless otherwise specified. If the deadline falls on a weekend, please submit by the Friday before no later than 5pm.

Cover Photo by: Sarah Watson

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@mycommunityutah

Table of Contents 4 4 5

Local Events Important Numbers Community Expert Panel

My Pet Community 6 7

Health & Wellness 8 9 10

Expert Article - Hearing Health Overcoming Rock Bottom Why New Year's Resolutions Fail

Kid’s Corner 11 11

Activity Coloring Contest

12

Feature Family - Meet the Brandts

Sports 14 15 16

John Sherman, Realtor

Meet My Pet Pet Corner - Foods Your Pet Shouldn't Eat

Outdoor Recreation - Go Ice Fishing!

Student Athlete of the Month Motorsports - Leave Some Tracks in the Snow

Fine Arts 17 18

Performing Arts Student of the Month 5 Lessons Learned from Playing Violin

20

December Decorating Contest Winners

16 years experience

801-960-4950 john@livingutah.com john.livingutah.com

Limited time, save up to 2% off of commission fees “We have been so GRATEFUL FOR JOHN. John brought PEACE TO THE PROCESS with his CALM DEMEANOR, EXPERIENCE, and ADVICE. He helped us sell

$37,000 over asking price, with 7 offers, in under 30 days.”

-Jose & Lizzie Lobos

Real Estate Update 21

Sold Homes Around Town

Food 22

Food Critic - Malena's Mexican Food

22

Article Writing Contest

Valentine's Section 24 25 25 26 26

Romantic Dinner Ideas Recipe - Strawberry Chex Mix Craft - Rose Body Scrub 10 Valentine's Gifting Pitfalls Recipe - Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Finance 27

Start Growing Your Money Young

Around the Town 28 29 29 30

Meet Mayor Mike Mendenhall Read, Rate, Review, Repeat Home-based Business Directory Memories - SFHS: Victory Bell

31 32

Community Shout-outs!

This Magazine Brought to You By

#mycommunityspanishfork

February 2022

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Community Calendar Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd Smart Steps for Stepfamilies, SF Library, 6pm

Feb. 8th Boys Varsity Basketball SFHS vs MMHS, 7pm at MMHS Gym

Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd Toddler Time, SF Library, 10am

Feb. 11th Great Hall Ballroom Dance, Angelus Theatre, 8:30-11pm

Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd Preschool & Play, SF Library, 11am

Feb. 11th Basketball - SHHS vs MMHS, Girls @ 5:15pm & Boys @7pm, at MMHS

Feb. 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd Wasatch Chess Club, SF Library, 6:00pm

Feb. 14th MMHS Winter Play, 5:00-9:30pm, MMHS Auditorium

Feb. 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th Music & Movement, SF Library, 10 & 11am Feb. 4th Basketball - SHS vs SFHS, Girls @ 5:15pm & Boys @7pm, at SFHS Gym Feb. 8th Girls Varsity Basketball SFHS vs MMHS, 5:15pm at MMHS Gym

Feb. 17th Dancing with the MMStars, 7pm, MMHS Auditorium Feb. 18th Great Hall Ballroom Dance, Angelus Theatre, 8:30-11pm Feb. 18th Basketball - SHHS vs SFHS, Girls @ 5:15pm & Boys @ 7pm, at SFHS Gym

Feb. 22nd MMHS Choral Solo & Ensemble, 3pm, MMHS Choir Room Feb. 22nd MMHS Concerto & Aria Concert, 7pm, MMHS Auditorium Feb. 22nd-25th Salem City Men’s Basketball, 7pm, at both SHHS Gyms Feb. 24th MMHS Dance Company Showcase, 7pm, MMHS Auditorium Feb 24th-26th, 28th ALA Drama Our Town, 7pm (matinees Feb 25-26 @ 2pm) Feb. 26th Self-care Workshop, Lifehouse in Salem, 8:30am-12pm Feb. 28th Grand Opening of Zagg, 1284 N Canyon Creek Pkwy

Tell us about your events!

Want the community to know about your event?

Get it in the magazine!

Contact us at: events@mycommunityutah.com

Important Phone Numbers Emergency Police Department Non-Emergency Dispatch Fire Department Ambulance Chamber of Commerce Get Help Food Pantry Workforce Services Substance Abuse Addiction Help

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My Community - Spanish Fork

911 801-804-4700 801-794-3970 801-798-5075 801-804-4755 801-798-8352 Get Help 801-709-8573 801-794-6600 801-794-2350 800-839-1686

Suicide Hotline LGBTQIA+ Lifeline Crisis Hotline Opioid Addiction Domestic Violence, 24hr Hotline Rape Crisis, 24hr Hotline Alcoholics Anonymous Sexaholics Anonymous Child & Familiy Services WIC Animal Shelter

801-691-5433 800-273-8255 801-226-4433 211 801-377-5500 801-356-2511 801-375-8620 http://sautah.org 801-794-6700 877-WIC-KIDS 801-851-4080

@mycommunityutah

COMMUNITY EXPERTS Attorney - Personal Injury Ryan Schriever

Hearing Health Jessica Nelson, BC-HIS

Music Education Ashley Boothe Ivers

Clothing Boutique Mele Miyasaki

Heating-Air HVAC Lorene Moore

Real Estate - Residential John Sherman

Dance Studio Nesha Woodhouse

Home Gardening Chris Olson

Sewing

Financial Advisor Dustin Smith

Hospice Care Carma Karsten

Software Development Seth Lowell

Funeral Services Nanette Tanner

Life Insurance Jeffrey Bartholomew

Wellness - Mindful Living Becky Moller

Schriever Law Firm 801-574-0883 ryan@schrieverlaw.com schrieverlaw.com

Mele Saki Fashion - LuLaRoe 801-946-5788 lularoemelekimi@gmail.com melesakifashion.com

Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy 801-423-7899 lifehouseacademy@gmail.com lifehouseacademy.com

Black Swan Legacy Group 801-318-7154 dinodust@gmail.com

Legacy Funerals 801-300-7992 legacyfunerals.com

Timpanogos Hearing & Balance 801-806-0819 thebesthearing.com

Nebo Comfort 801-465-2709 lorene@nebocomfort.com nebocomfort.com

Olson's Garden Shoppe 801-465-4422 olsonsgardenshoppe.com

Maple Creek Home Health & Hospice 801-798-5333 carma@maplecreekhhh.com maplecreekhhh.com

Family First Life 303-619-3939 jeffreysbartholomew@gmail.com

Boothe Music 801-798-7650 boothemusic.com

John Sherman - Realtor 801-960-4950 john@livingutah.com john.livingutah.com

Micki Taylor

Micki Sews It 801-717-5260 micki@mickisewsit.com mickisewsit.com

631-605-0954 seth.lowell@gmail.com

Lifehouse Body & Soul 801-735-4456 info@lifehousefit.com lifehousefit.com

To learn more about becoming a Community Expert, contact us at sponsors@mycommunityutah.com

r r a e a e Y Y n e n e p Op O ! ! d d n un ou Ro R TREES & SHRUBS HOUSEPLANTS HOME DECOR & MORE

#mycommunityspanishfork

GET 50% OFF ONE EMPTY POT WITH THE PURCHASE OF A HOUSEPLANT

February 2022

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My Pet Community — Meet My Pet

Godzilla Northern blue-tongued skink.

He’s friendly, quiet, eats dog food. His puppy siblings love to lick him when he comes out to play.

Jade Jade is a very playful 8-year old Chocolate Lab. She loves rides in the back of the truck and swimming after sticks when you throw them into the water.

— Resident Submissions

Spotty

Bently Bentley is half Old English Sheepdog and half English Bergamasco. He loves to play with other dogs, loves car rides, and loves his new backyard.

Dawn

Dad’s Emotional Support Animal. He’s a lover. He gives the best snuggles ever!

Spotted salamander. He likes worms and chilling at the pool with his 5 friends.

Hans

She’s my big strong dragon girl who loves belly rubs and hugs.

Saphira

She’s my kissy little one who barks a lot.

Tiny Tiny was a foster dog and as soon as we saw him, we knew that we’d adopt him.

He loves fishing, hiking, horse riding, or visiting family/friends.

We want to meet your pet! Send a high resolution photo with a brief fun description to: meetmypet@mycommunityutah.com

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Sponsored by Friends of the Magazine — Pet Corner — My Pet Community

Foods Your Pet Shouldn’t Eat Our pets are perfect cleaner-upppers, but sometimes a seemingly harmless food can be lethal. Never assume because a food is safe for humans that it is also safe for pets.

Foods Deadly to Dogs & Cats: Grapes/Raisins, Currants, & Sultanas - It is still unknown what exactly in grapes and raisins causes canine and feline kidneys to go into failure. Small amounts can still be lethal.

Onions, Garlic, Leeks, & Chives - Even in powdered form, these seasonings often found in everything can be lethal.

Macadamia Nuts - Within 12 hours of eating these highfat nuts, dogs and cats can start to tremor, vomit, become weak and depressed, and experience hyperthermia.

Chocolate, Coffee, & Caffeine - Causes dogs and cats to display hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, excessive panting & thirst, urination problems, diarrhea & seizures.

The darker the chocolate, the worse the symptoms. For little dogs, even a small piece of chocolate can be extremely harmful.

Pits from Fruit (Cherries, Apricot, Peach, Plum, etc) - It’s not just the pit they could choke on, but the pits contain a form of cyanide which is lethal.

Foods Dangerous to Dogs & Cats: Chicken Bones - Though not toxic, chicken bones can easily splinter and get stuck in the roof of the mouth, throat, or intestines.

Avocado - Many pets, not just cats and dogs, cannot tolerate ingesting any part of the avocado plant.

Citruses - Both dogs and cats are sensitive to compounds in citrus, which induces their little bodies into laxative effects and vomiting.

Mushrooms - The deadliness varies according to variety, but avoid them altogether.

Broccoli - Causes gastrointestinal complaints.

If you suspect your pet ate one of these foods and may be experiencing symptoms, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately for guidance: 888-426-4435.

Prepare

for the unexpected.

Protect

the ones you love.

Mutual of Omaha Americo John Hancock Foresters AIG and more

Jeffrey Bartholomew Life Insurance Producer #mycommunityspanishfork

303-619-3939 (text or call) jeffreysbartholomew@gmail.com February 2022

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Health & Wellness Community Expert: Hearing Health Jessica Nelson, BC-HIS

Why You Shouldn't Ignore The Ringing in Your Ears The ringing, buzzing or whooshing many people experience is called tinnitus. Many will experience this temporarily for a few days following exposure to loud noise at a concert or ball game, but for others, the tinnitus is constant and can be extremely distressing.

The best way to describe tinnitus is that it is the brain's way of letting you know that there is damage somewhere in the auditory system. In fact, for more than 90% of people living with tinnitus, the ringing is directly attributed to the progressive and degenerative loss of nerves connecting the ear to the brain, also known as hearing loss. Surprisingly, you could be experiencing “hidden hearing loss” where up to 50% of your auditory nerves are damaged, without you really noticing a problem, other than the annoying tinnitus.

Frustratingly, many patients are often told that there is nothing that can be done, and that they must "suffer in silence", although it seems anything but silent. This is extremely frustrating, as untreated tinnitus affects 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. In addition, the newest research is showing that up to 15% of patients who had COVID-19 are reporting tinnitus after recovery, indicating this problem is increasing in scope.

While there is no cure for tinnitus, just as there is no cure

for hearing loss, there are very effective treatments. The most successful and welldocumented form of treatment is to fight back against the tinnitus by restoring neural signals with sound stimulation.

When done correctly, people living with tinnitus have a 75-85% chance of living with less (or no) tinnitus. For those few who have tinnitus without accompanying hearing loss, there are other effective treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, and Neuromonics. A thorough hearing evaluation by a Certified Tinnitus Practitioner can provide the most effective treatment options. You should schedule a tinnitus evaluation if you have any of these symptoms: *Noise in your head (Ringing, buzzing, whooshing or other) that causes you stress, makes it hard to concentrate, or causes you to lose sleep. *Difficulty hearing others because of the noise. *Memory issues (forgetting names, words, dates etc. more often than you used to).

With proper treatment and follow-up care, tinnitus can cease to be a top-of-mind condition and patients can get on with their lives!

Tinnitus TIN-ni-tus or tin-NYE-tus Definition: The ringing, whooshing, or buzzing sound your brain creates to let you know there is damage in your auditory system

Get relief and treat the damage with FDA Approved Technology from the only Certified Tinnitus Provider in Spanish Fork!

Schedule your free evaluation today and receive 1 month of treatment FREE!

801-806-0819 Jessica Nelson, BC-HIS

Director of Treatment Certified Tinnitus Provider

Free Report Here!

642 E Kirby Lane #102 Spanish Fork www.thebesthearing.com

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Health & Wellness

Overcoming Rock Bottom

by Becky Moller

—Resident Submission Since My Community magazine came out, I will occasionally have acquaintances say, “Hey — I’ve seen you! You’re the Mindfulness Expert!” This makes me chuckle, because there are plenty of times at the grocery store with my 5 kids that I certainly don’t live up to that title. Part of my “expertise” in this arena is the clear understanding that as a human being, living mindfully isn’t something I will ever master, but rather something I will always be practicing.

As I’ve considered that “Expert” verbiage, it occurred to me that perhaps a more apt title would be “Rock Bottom Expert.” Certainly, I can say with authenticity that I have had unique opportunities and heaven-sent support that enabled me to dig into personal rock bottoms in comprehensive ways, to piece apart my inner world and move through pain with intention. I am well-acquainted with the darkness and fear that underlie our ugliest moments and parts. Yes, I believe you could call me a rock bottom expert, and trust that I can confidently help you to move through yours in a way that eventually leads you to beauty for ashes.

Rock bottom is an interesting term in itself. My use of it comes from my involvement in addiction and trauma circles. While rock bottom may not sound like an appealing prospect, I have found, like JK Rowling, that it has become the “solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” Rock bottoms can come in all shapes and sizes— health challenges like chronic pain or cancer, loss of a loved one, anxiety and depression, betrayal, addictions, shattered relationships, racism, LGBTQ issues, career pressures, financial reversals, parenting challenges, faith transitions. All of these experiences can overwhelm our capacity to cope, and leave us feeling powerless in the face of challenges we have not yet faced.

When the stressors of life expand beyond our current

#mycommunityspanishfork

toolkit of coping strategies, we have two choices to make. We can white-knuckle harder, tell ourselves we are “enduring to the end,” and numb ourselves to the dissonance we feel inside in any number of ways. Or we can let go, and open ourselves up to new ways of moving through life, new tools to disrupt old patterns, new definitions of self and success.

The good news about rock bottom is this - and remember, this is coming from an expert. ;) You don’t have to wait for the rubble of despair and devastation to find your Rock Bottom. At any point, you can decide, this is my breaking point. This is where I decide to change.

This is where I choose to say “No more; I need help!”

If you are facing a rock bottom of any kind, I hope you know you are not alone. Rock bottoms are happening all around us, all the time, behind so many smiles of outward perfection. And the cool thing is this — there are vehicles available to move you toward your most deep and empowered self, and a limitless future filled with love. But it will take action on your part. It will take support and community. It will take new tools. It will take commitment. That’s why I recommend you find a program that can help you accomplish all of this.

Don’t procrastinate making a better life by starting now!

February 2022

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Health & Wellness

Why New Year's Resolutions Fail

a week on Sunday and Tuesday evenings. Go to Florida in June (save $X each week until Florida trip).

2 – Lacks a measurable plan

Make a plan. Decide what you're doing, when you’re doing it, and how you’re going to do it. Big objectives are accomplished in small steps. Eg. Research piano teachers, schedule lessons, practice X min/day.

3 – Too much all at once.

If you're like most people, some version of one of the following were probably on your New Year’s Resolution list: • Exercise more • Lose weight • Get organized • Learn a new skill or hobby • Save more money • Spend more time with family/friends • Travel more • Read more And, if you're like most people, several of them have already been abandoned by the time you read this article.

You’re not alone. Here are the common pitfalls that you can avoid with your resolutions (and help you pick them back up if they’ve already failed):

1 – Not specific enough, we settle on general, grand statements

Try smaller, easier, versions of your big goals that take you in the same direction. Eg. Instead of reading the whole BoM, read a page a day. Or, if you have 8 NY’s resolutions, pick 3 of them.

4 – Missing short-term rewards to give boosts along the way

Motivate yourself to succeed by rewarding yourself! Eg. When I walk every day a week, I treat myself to the movies.

5 – Doing it alone

Tell your friends and family about your goals so they can support you (and hold you accountable). Eg. I'm trying to lose weight, will you make sure I don't eat sweets?

6 – Made for New Year’s and not for YOU

The problem with good, general ideas is that they don’t translate into what you will actually do differently. Eg. Exercise 30 minutes 3X/week before 10am. Read 2 hours

Make your goals for YOU rather than simply just because it's the new year.

Why You & Your Relationships desperately need

February 26, 8:30am-12pm

A half-day workshop to celebrate and explore the ways and reasons you desperately need to nourish yourself on a regular basis--in body,

Self-Care

Perfect for Valen6ine's Day! For couples or individuals.

mind, and spirit.

FITNESS

MEDITATION

Amanda Christenson

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Register at lifehousefit.com/self-care-event/

YOGA Becky Moller

FEMININE/MASCULINE ROLES Nesha Woodhouse

Owner of Hope Therapy,

Co-Founder, Lifehouse

Co-Founder of Lifehouse

LMFT

Body & Soul

Body & Soul

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My Community - Spanish Fork

MASSAGE

FOOT ZONING

Holly Lambert

Katrina Long

Yoga & Meditation,

Co-0wner of Summit

Lifehouse Body & Soul

Spa, LMT

@mycommunityutah

Kid's Corner

My Community Coloring Contest Our Coloring Contest provides parents with a fun activity to do with their kids! Color one of this month’s pictures (see link below) and email it back to us or post to social media and use our hashtag (@mycommunityutah, #mycommunityspanishfork) to tag us for a chance to have it featured in our magazine! We will post the winning entry of each category in our next issue.

This page needs a sponsor! Tell us which business you’d love to see here, and email sponsors@mycommunityutah.com.

January Winners

Berkley Devenish – age 10

Jade Lords

For more copies and activities: linktr.ee/mcusf Or scan the QR code

Wo r d S e a r c h Pink Va l e n t i n e Affection Sweetheart Rings Card Cupid Party Cherub Envelope Be Mine Flowers #mycommunityspanishfork

Kiss Arrow Te d d y b e a r Romance Candy Love Hearts February Chocolate Rose Boquet Jewelry February 2022

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Feature Family

Meet the

Brandts

Photo by: Sarah Watson

Spanish Fork has a secret. It's a musical secret. It’s They continued to date and performed together in both jazzy and classical. It’s the kind that waits poised BYU’s The Magic Flute that semester - Robert as the behind red velvet curtains and gold tassels. We’re head priest and Kara as the sidekick to the evil Queen talking about the Brandt Family. of the Night.

Little did Spanish Fork know it had one of the naThanksgiving Break came around. Since Robert tion’s leading Classical Art Song experts in its midst. had no plans, Kara naturally invited him to join her This would be Dr. Robert Brandt. (He may not admit to family’s celebrations with 12 other siblings. Neither such, but his wife will assure anyone he certainly is.) one of them knew they would be engaged when they With an incredible full lyric voice (baritone), he is the returned to campus following the holiday. head of Classical Voice at BYU. His wife, Kara’s Mom, knowing they were Kara, is a full lyric soprano. Almost 21 dating, openly welcomed Robert to the years ago, they met as BYU students in family gathering as if he were already the Vocal Arts Performance Program. a son-in-law. Kara’s sister asked to On the first day of a new semester, take some pictures of them together.

Kara happened to sit down right next The impromptu photoshoot produced to Robert. Her interest was instantly what looked very much like engagepiqued. To her delight, she discovment pictures. On their drive back to ered they shared three whole classes campus, the subject was unavoidable: together that semester! marriage?

With that kind of ammo at her disTurns out, Robert had already decidposal, Kara went to work. Homework, ed Kara was his girl, with intentions to that is. Having so many shared assignpropose a few months down the road. ments, Kara asked Robert “for help” in Her family had sped things up a little rehearsing. Robert was more than a bit. Kara let him know she preferred Photo by: Sarah Watson bit girl-shy, but, being a gentleman, he the faster timeline by giving Robert agreed. They began meeting regularly a kiss. (Remember her rule!!!?) She in the green room below the concert hall to practice. considered herself officially engaged! Shortly thereafIt took a few months (with helpful hints from Kara’s ter, Robert surprised Kara with a ring and they were roommates) to alay Robert’s nervousness about married five months later. having such an outgoing girl enjoy singing with him.

In 2014, Robert essentially replaced his BYU vocal Bolstered, he decided to expand their time together mentor in his dream job as a head faculty of the Vocal by going out on dates.

Performance Program. He and Kara have passed on On date #1, Kara established some rules. She told their talent and love of music to their 4 boys.

Robert she would never kiss a guy she wasn’t officially Adam (18) graduated from Maple Mountain High engaged to. (Thus, there was no need to be nervous.)

School last year. He plays the electric and acoustic

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Feature Family guitar with great skill. One of his favorite artists is has a wide scope of interests: he loves math and sciLed Zeppelin, and he also loves the blues. He is a big ence, and takes early morning honors math classes at movie buff; he especially loves older films. Currently, school; he is good at drawing and loves architecture.

Adam is working on launching his own videography He is also drawn to music with the rest of his family business in the near future. He does filming for a Youby playing the clarinet and by singing and whistling Tube channel of a family friend, and has done editing everywhere he goes. Like work on videos for others. his brother Lincoln, he is Lincoln (16) is quiet the Dungeon Master for his like his dad, and simschool’s D&D Club. ilarly makes up for it Mathew (2) is called “X through music perMan” by his family. He formance. For Lincoln, is “Xtra” in everything he that’s through the does. Not only was he the saxophone which he extra blessing (a delayed plays in three different caboose), but he is extra Photos by: Sarah Watson bands at school: Marchbusy, extra vocal, extra fun ing band, Symphonic and extra active. You always Band, & Jazz Band. At home, he plays the drums too. know when he enters a Old jazz artists are his favorite, especially Miles Davis room: he makes sure of it. He’s the little guy at church and John Coltrain. He also excels at Dungeons and everyone watches, regardless of the program. He is a Dragons as much as he does at playing his instrudaddy’s boy (big-time) and loves owls. He turns 3 this ments. Lincoln is currently the Dungeon Master at his very month (February)! Happy Birthday Matthew! unofficial high school D&D Club.

Kara taught voice lessons for 15 years, and during Palmer (12) is the “creative cat,” as Kara puts it, and that time, she struggled with several health problems.

Continued on pg19

Injured in a Car Accident?

Leave it to Schriever

(801) 574-0883 174 S Main St., Spanish Fork, UT 84660

www.SchrieverLaw.com

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February 2022

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Sports — Outdoor Recreation — Sponsored by Zagg

Go Ice Fishing!

If you haven’t tried ice fishing in Utah, now is a perfect time to try! Here is a quick reference guide to a few places you can go:

Mantua Reservoir This place is far away from all the noise. The fish are quite active in the shallower water, making this another great place for kids.

Rockport Reservoir The trout here like to linger right under the ice. The Yellow Perch, however, like to swim in deeper water.

The Rainbow Trout are active all day long only 5-10 feet below their ice ceiling.

Strawberry Reservoir The best locations for ice fishing at Strawberry Reservoir are the Soldier Creek and Chicken Creek areas. The fish here don’t seem to be too picky, making most tackle and baits effective. The best depths tend to be between 10-30 feet.

Pineview Reservoir This place is great for kids because bites happen fast!

Favored spots include Cemetery Point, the narrows by the dam, and Browning Point. Depths of 13-35 feet seem to be the most productive.

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Nominate a HS student! Email studentathlete@mycommunityutah.com

Sponsored by Tim Dahle Ford — Student Athlete of the Month — Sports

Ben Berky Ben Berky is our Tim Dahle Ford Student Athlete of the Month. A senior at MMHS, Ben has played on both the football and wrestling teams since his freshman year, and has a heart of solid gold. He was also chosen for the MMHS Bryson Strong Award this year - an award created in honor of the late student (and team QB) who passed from cancer during his senior year at MMHS. This award is meant for those who exhibit that same golden heart that Bryson did on and off the field: perseverance, humility, respect for others, toughness, strength in adversity, ability to endure, and perhaps most importantly, love for one another. For Ben, it was completely unexpected and a very humbling honor to accept an award in honor of one of the students who helped inspire him.

One of the difficult things about pinning down a wrestling student like Ben is that his humility makes him so elusive

he avoids the spotlight while he quietly serves.

On the field, that looks like filling in other positions to do double duty during games (a very exhausting task in football). Ben is a defensive linemen who often played offensive lineman positions and special teams as teammates were injured for a game or two. He particularly is passionate about helping and encouraging the younger players, and he helps clean up after practice even though that job is not his.

Off the field, it looks similar - Ben reaches out to others constantly to lift them up.

Ben is an excellent student as well, with a 3.8 GPA and taking honors and AP classes, as well as a private pilot class through UVU (his favorite).

The only flashy thing about Ben might be his cooking. He largely taught himself by watching YouTube videos and now helps with Sunday dinners (as well as their big fancy German Christmas dinner).

Ben plans to continue to play football in college - he currently has 2 offers with a 3rd in the works. Congratulations, Ben, on your achievements this season! Tim Dahle Ford would like to recognize your hard work with a $100 gift card — please visit the dealership for redemption at 2534 N 200 E, Spanish Fork.

WWW.TIMDAHLEFORD.COM 2534 NORTH 200 EAST SPANISH FORK, UTAH 84660 801-798-3553

#mycommunityspanishfork

February 2022

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Sports — Motorsports — Sponsored by Summit Motorsports

Leave Some Tracks in the Snow Side by sides are popular for their ability to go nearly anywhere and do nearly anything. However, the deep snow of February can present challenges, as can March and April’s thick mud and swampy conditions. Tires in these conditions can just spin, digging deep ruts to leave you stuck somewhere.

This is where side by sides with track systems outshine their wheeled counterparts. While they aren’t made for speed or making tight corners, they are made for excelling in every other situation. Tracks expand the footprint of the vehicle. The result is akin to floating across the top of snow, sand, or boggy terrain. A wider footprint combined with the lugs of the track make hooking up to things with minimal spinning a much-appreciated likelihood.

With tracks, you can travel at slow speeds without worrying about sinking. Their heavier towing capacity at slow speeds can outdo snowmobiles in these situations. Side-by-sides are also much better able to start and stop halfway up a hill, whereas snowmobiles… well, they don’t like to do that.

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Need to combat some pretty uneven terrain? Track systems automatically give you more ground clearance than regular wheeled setups. Quad tracks don’t need snow to perform well either. They are useful with little to no snow on the ground.

Their lighter and wider footprint won’t fall into small holes like tires or wheels do, and their ability to bridge gaps improves the comfort level when riding in uneven off-road conditions.

Stop by Summit Motorsports to rent or discuss swapping out the tires on your side by side with some tracks for a whole new winter motorsport experience!

570 S Main St. Spanish Fork UT.

@mycommunityutah

Nominate a HS student! Email performingarts@mycommunityutah.com

Sponsored by Spring Creek Mechanical — Fine Arts

Alexandria Jones

Alexandria Jones is our Spring Creek Mechanical Performing Arts Student of the Month. Allie is a junior at American Leadership Academy and has been heavily involved in both drama and music for years.

She’s the type of person who generally stays quiet and seems shy, but performing brings her right out of her shell and gives her a voice. Her personality and demeanor make her the person that everyone wants to be around. Her quiet work ethic is admirable; Allie has a 3.9 GPA and is on track to finish an associate’s degree from UVU upon graduating high school - something that eats up a lot of time already taken up by Allie’s heavy involvement in both drama and music.

Allie is the pianist for the jazz band, principal clarinetist in the symphony orchestra, and performs some guitar and banjo on the side as occasion permits.

Allie began learn-

ing the piano at 9 years old and the clarinet at 12, and added the banjo at age 13 during the 8th grade. She was hooked on theater when she saw her older sister perform in Henry V and one of her friends convinced her to audition for the school play.

Now, she’s the vice president of the Thespian Troupe, and has one of the lead roles in the play this month (coming out Feb. 24th @ ALA). One of her favorite roles is Puck from Midsummer Night’s Dream, which she was able to play last year in the montage comedy ShakeSPLOSION!!!

In her free time, Allie loves writing poetry and historical fiction. She is working on an Epic poem with a friend, at about 2,000 words, with a goal of 10,000.

(The Iliad is 200,000 just for reference, but, who’s counting?)

In order to manage her extra homework load with college classes, Allie added a study hall to her class schedule. And a summer class. She stays diligent doing homework right after school/rehearsals, especially on weekends with the 3-day weekend. Allie also works at MOD Pizza somehow and still manages to keep up with the busy rehearsal, performance, and homework load.

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S t a y i n T u ne WE DONATE $10 TO LOCAL MUSIC PROGRAMS FOR EVERY TUNE-UP

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Supporting Local Music r Programs Fo over 25 yrs February 2022

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Fine Arts

Five Things I Learned from Playing the Violin -by Krista Olsen

—Resident Submission I distinctly remember being 5 or 6 years-old, sitting in church, captivated as my cousin skillfully ran her fingers over the strings of her violin. When she finished, I looked up at my mom and said something that shaped the course of my childhood: “Mom, I want to play the violin.”

I was blessed with a mother who listened to my budding desire and promptly enrolled me in lessons. I was also fortunate that when I asked to quit a few years later, she told me I had to wait until 5th grade before I made that decision.

It was around that time that I discovered the joy of playing in an orchestra and my desire to quit waned significantly.

While I don’t have the opportunity to play as often anymore, I still am grateful that I can share my gift. After practicing for so many years, I can still dust off my violin and find that my fingers still remember how to play.

There are so many things I’ve learned from playing the violin. I have been able to transfer many of these skills to other areas of my life. Here’s a list of just 5 things I’ve learned from playing the violin:

Consistency. Learning an instrument is something that requires daily practice to show significant improvement.

If you can be consistent in whatever you work on, you are more likely to succeed.

Hard Work and Patience. Violin is one of those instruments that has a steep learning curve before it sounds pleasant. That means working for a while before you reap the benefits of your efforts.

Respect. One of the hardest lessons was learning how to respond when my teachers asked for improvement. After one lesson where I was particularly full of attitude, I quickly learned that I gain more from heeding my teachers rather than fighting them.

Confidence. From a young age I had to perform at recitals and learn how to deal with nerves. This has helped me with public speaking and being more comfortable in the spotlight.

Teamwork. When I played in ensembles, I learned that playing loudest isn’t playing the best. The same goes when working in any kind of team. It requires listening to other voices and finding balance to work harmoniously.

The great thing is that it is never too late to learn an instrument, or to learn these important qualities, for that matter. And if you are a parent, consider introducing your children to learning an instrument when the opportunity is available to them, whether through school or private lessons.

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My Community - Spanish Fork

www.Micki SewsIt.com @mycommunityutah

Feature Family

Continued from pg19 With two small children, anxiety and depression began to dispel her normally sunny disposition. Doctors couldn’t help find any solutions. Kara realized her kids needed their Mom back. Her answer to fervent prayer came unexpectedly on a park bench where she met a lady learning alternative health modalities. After their conversation, Kara tried a few sessions and experienced some dramatic results. This began a quest of certifying in several mindfulness and energy balance modalities. Through the process of overcoming the majority of her physical and emotional health struggles, she then spent the last 7 years teaching and certifying others. Currently, Kara’s office resides at the Integrating Wellness Center in Springville, where she sees clients on weekdays.

Recently, Kara decided to launch an online avenue of educating a wider audience in developing mindfulness and improving their emotional intelligence. She is passionate about empowering people to step into purposeful action instead of the more typical uncon-

Photo by: Sarah Watson

scious reactionary state we tend to slip into so much of the time. You can find her work at beautifullifementoring.vip.membervault.com. Her forthcoming online business will be called YourInnerGuru.com Another passion project Kara is working toward is to create a non-profit organization to help single moms who have suffered financially-crushing legal or medical hardships and regain stability (shelter, food, safety, etc). Be on the lookout for its opening benefit concert, where both she and her husband will be singing together at a venue here in Spanish Fork to launch this endeavor.

Robert and Kara are currently planning to build a new home here in town. They love Spanish Fork, and we are greatly enriched by having them here!

Nominate a family to feature in our magazine! Email their name and contact info, and why we should feature them to: sffamily@mycommunityutah.com

#mycommunityspanishfork

February 2022

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December Community Contest Winners

$250

1st Place – Melissa & Brandon Smith 3rd Place – Jared & Jessi Anderson

2nd Place

– Dennis & Susan Fay

$50 Winners, please reach out to contests@mycommunityutah.com to schedule a time to deliver your prize money!

0

$10

We want to thank the 33 homes that entered the competition and the over 180 voters we had! We hope you enjoyed this year’s Spanish Fork Christmas Lights Tour.

Keep an eye out for your chance to win with our new contests in the upcoming months! This year’s decorating contests will revolve around Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, and Christmas.

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@mycommunityutah

Real Estate Update

Sold Homes Around Town Sq. Ft. Sold Price

Bed

5094 $879,900 7 4735 $850,000 4 4280 $770,000 5 4258 $699,900 5 3516 $499,000 6 3350 $649,900 4 3114 $610,000 6 3054 $554,900 5 2976 $529,000 5 2356 $455,000 4 2295 $550,000 4 2188 $350,000 2 2080 $400,000 3 1887 $385,900 3 1820 $405,000 3 1758 $400,000 4 1663 $399,000 4 1658 $355,000 4

Bath Lot Size 4 3 5 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 1 3 3 3 2 3 2

Year Built

0.42 0.62 0.25 0.3 0.21 0.22 0.28 0.19 0.13 0.03 0.5 0.17 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.23 0.2 0.28

2018 2019 2018 2018 1960 2019 2007 1998 2006 2019 1991 1993 2007 2016 2016 1983 1997 1948

My Community Utah does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

#mycommunityspanishfork

February 2022

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Food — Food Critic — Malena's Mexican Food — Sponsored by Friends of the Magazine it done (sorry, Pats fans). I feel a bit like General Macarthur must have felt as he left the Philippines in 1942, and if I may borrow his words, “I shall return”.

Let me tell you why.

Malena's Mexican Food 1253 Canyon Creek Pkwy One of the most maddening feelings you can experience is unfinished business, at least for anyone with a little ambition. As a guy who dreams of trying all the delicious food the world can offer, I must admit, I’m feeling a bit restless. And it’s all Malena’s fault! Their menu just has so many options—an entire range of desserts and seafood dishes I haven’t even begun to explore, chiles rellenos, breakfast foods and tortas. I want it all!

There are even keto options, for those who are sticking to their New Year’s resolutions, and congrats to you if you are. There’s just so much unfinished business! I feel a bit like the Patriots must feel every time they play the Giants. Actually, scratch that. The Pats had their chance twice and didn’t get

Four Taco Plate Chicken – Carne Asada – Al Pastor – Barbacoa

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Tortillas – I’ll talk about the individual taco fillings in a minute, but the tortillas really deserve their own spotlight. If you’ve had fresh, fromscratch tortillas before, you know what I’m talking about. And if you haven’t, go to Malena’s. I mean it. 4* Chicken Tacos – The chicken is a bit overcooked and needs salt. I know, I say that every time, but it’s true. In contrast with national chain restaurants that use factory-prepared foods, local restaurant fare almost always needs salt. It had great char, though. If you’ve read my previous reviews, you know how I love a bit of char. A touch of salt and lime and these were really nice. 3.5* Carne Asada Tacos – Again, needs salt and a bit overdone, but somehow it was still tender. Most places will use a budget cut of beef for carne asada tacos, especially with the meat prices lately, and they’ll marinate it or mechanically tenderize it. I didn’t taste anything that felt like a marinade, so it’s either the cook or the cut. In either case, kudos to Malena’s. 3.5* Al Pastor Tacos – Great! Standard nitpicks about salt and overcooking, but still great! But where’s the pineapple? A little salt and lime helped, but al pastor needs pineapple.

That could be another full star. For today though, 4*

Barbacoa Tacos – Traditionally, barbacoa is mutton or goat but recently, especially in the US, beef has taken over. I wouldn’t criticize a Mexican restaurant for using beef since it is far more popular, and therefore a good business choice. But Malena’s, if you’re reading this, that might be an opportunity to expand an already diverse menu. As for the meat, it needs salt, but the flavor is solid. 3* Birria Tacos – I really need a special code word for “needs salt, a bit overcooked”. Perhaps readers can suggest one on the My Community Birria Tacos

Facebook page. For now, just imagine that word here. The cheese could be spread out on the tortilla a bit more, but there was plenty of it.

The tortilla was absolutely perfect, soaked in the consommé oil, and beautifully charred. And speaking of the consommé, Malena’s actually serves it with the tacos. A lot of places offer birria, but don’t serve it with the consommé, which a huge swing-anda-miss. If it’s your first time, try these.

Chicken Tamales – There’s definitely some room for improvement here. The masa is a bit dry and

@mycommunityutah

Sponsored by Friends of the Magazine — Food Critic — Food

Chile Verde Burrito crumbly, which is usually the result of too little broth and fat. That makes me wonder if they’re using the same masa for both tamales and tortillas. The tamales could use a little more filling as well. The meat is about the same as the taco filling—needs salt, but nice char. 2.5* Pork Tamales – Same as chicken, but the filling is more flavorful. 3* Rajas con Queso Tamales – Needs more green chile and a bit of salt, and the cheese could be crumbled or shredded instead of in a single solid block. 2.5* Chile Verde Burrito – Chile verde is one of two dishes I will always try when I’m at a Mexican joint for the first time. And I have very strong opinions

#mycommunityspanishfork

about what makes a good chile verde.

So feel free to take this review with a grain of salt, which ironically, was not needed in this dish. It was very nicely salted. I found the sauce a little sharp but much more flavorful than at most local Mexican places, which tells me they’re using more green chiles and less tomatillos. If I had one critique, I’d say to lean even further in that direction—more chile. The meat was just a tiny bit chewy, so maybe they could cook it a bit lower and slower. But I was so happy that it tasted like green chiles that I hardly noticed. 4* Filete de Pescado – This was a real treat!

The fish is flawlessly cooked, moist and flaky with a crispy but delicate crust. That definitely piques my interest in trying their other seafood

dishes. A couple of our tasters detected an off flavor they described as “musty” or “moldy”. But let me assuage any fears—it isn’t mold. It’s a flavor commonly found in Cajun blackened fish or chicken, and it results from cooking certain spices like cayenne, paprika, or cumin on high heat. I recognized it as soon as I tasted it, and because I love Cajun food, I quite enjoyed it. That said, if diners find it offputting, Malena’s could eliminate it by removing spices from the breading and sprinkling it on immediately after cooking. For my taste, however, Filete de Pescado this gets the brass ring! 5* Want to see your favorite company sponsor this page? Let us know by emailing us at sponsors@mycommunityutah.com.

February 2022

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Valentine's Section

Make a Romantic Dinner at Home Having Valentine’s dinner at home is super easy! Pick a meal you know how to do, then fancy it up! Have at least an appetizer, entree, and dessert, regardless of how small and simple. Here are some simple ideas.

Steak • Cook in lots of butter • Caramelize onions to put on top – Or garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest Pasta • Dress up a dish of pasta by adding shrimp (or favorite seafood) • Use wine with your sauces (white wine for white sauce, red wine for red sauce) • Shave prosciutto or sprinkle some lemon juice over the top Chicken • Fresh not frozen, is much juicier • Marinate with a rub for 12 hours, stab with a fork so the flavor penetrates the chicken • Cook in the oven but finish on stove top (or grill) for the last 5 minutes • Sprinkle your favorite herbs over chicken, top with thinly sliced lemon, and cook in butter

Beverage • Sparkling Apple Cider • Make your own sparkling drink by mixing your favorite juice with seltzer water Dessert • No bake cheesecake • Hot fudge brownies with vanilla ice cream over top

Here are some simple ways to make your stay-athome dinner fancy and extra special:

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Garlic bread • Consider topping with slices of tomatoes, mozzarella, and drizzle with dark balsamic vinegar

Send a romantic dinner invitation • Whether digital or on paper, she’ll love getting a “special invite” earlier in the day or on the day before.

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Potatoes • For extra flavor, mash a combo of two different types of potato • Use heavy cream as you mash the potatoes • Make a butter sauce to mix in by sauteing with rosemary, thyme, and garlic • Top off with chopped chives and/or bacon chunks • Drizzle olive oil over top when serving

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commercial-free playlist.

Scatter rose petals with chocolates on the table •

Hershey’s kisses, bonus points if they’re unwrapped!

Use fancy utensils and/or plates and cups • aggrandise the table setting for an extra special touch.

Light candles • Go for unscented or lightly scented candles to not interfere with food flavors.

Use floating tealight candles • Place them in glass bowls or cups filled with water to reflect the light.

Lay out a strand of led lights • Place them on the table around the flowers or around the room.

Adorn the entryway/dining room with candles or rose petals • It's a touch they won’t expect! Shock ‘em!

Keep the menu simple • Focus on special appetizers, desserts, and beverages to dress up the meal.

Dress up • This will coverup even the plainest of table setups! Don’t skimp out on looking sharp.

If you’re ordering food, deliver it early to transfer to your own cookware

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@mycommunityutah

Valentine's Recipes — Section Food Ingredients:

Valentine’s Strawberry Chex Mix

4-6 cups Rice Chex cereal 1 8-oz bag Strawberry Candy Melts OR 1 bag of white chocolate baking chips (12 oz) AND 1 box of Strawberry Creme Jell-O Pudding (NOT gelatin!)

Valentines M&M's and/or Sprinkles

Directions: 1– Measure out Chex cereal into a large bowl. (Note: if you're using the Strawberry Candy Melts, you'll use 4 cups of cereal. If you're using the white chocolate chips + pudding mix, you'll use 6 cups of cereal.)

3– If you used White Chocolate Chips + Pudding Mix: Add 4 TBSP of the strawberry creme pudding into the white chocolate and stir gently until smooth. Add 2 drops of red food coloring, if desired.

2– Pour chocolate into a small glass dish. Add 1/2 tsp shortening, if desired, to help the chocolate coat the cereal easier. Microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds. Let sit in the microwave for 3 minutes. Remove and gently stir.

If chocolate looks smooth, it's done. If not, return to the microwave in 15 second increments, letting it sit for 2-3 minutes each time, until melted and smooth.

4– Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal and stir gently to coat. Transfer cereal mixture to a large piece of wax paper. Sprinkle with M&M's and Valentines sprinkles.

Let cool to set. Break pieces and store in an airtight container to save.

5– Candy can be made up to 3-4 days ahead, if desired. It saves well!

Easy Homemade Rose Body Scrub Ingredients: ½ cup coconut oil 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. Vitamin E oil ¼ cup dried rose petals Directions: 1– Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until completely combined.

Scoop into a gift jar.

2–To use: in the shower or tub, take a small amount of scrub in your hands and gently massage all over your deserving body. Rinse away scrub with hot water and soap, and enjoy your smooth, soft, scented skin.

Note: The roses will turn the water a rose color and it may possibly stain clothes or towels. It is best to use this scrub in the shower or tub.

#mycommunityspanishfork

February 2022

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Valentine's Section

10 Valentine’s Gifting Pitfalls 1–Nothing. Doing nothing is bad. Even if you’re single, show the gals in your life how much you love them! Your mother, sister, friend, whoever!

Don’t let a chance to celebrate someone else go to waste!

2–Last-minute grabs. Nothing says “you are special to me” more than buying roses on your way home from work on Valentine’s day.

3–IOUs. If numbers 1 and 2 weren’t bad enough, combining them into one gigantic let-down will take the cake.

4–A gym membership. Nothing says “you’re not good enough” like “please work out some more.”

5–Tools. Practical and romantic don’t mix. Unless we say it’s practically romantic, but not quite.

6–The cop-out. Explaining that you do XYZ to show your love every other day doesn’t make up for failing on the most important love day of the year.

7–The drive-thru. You might as well slap her in the face. A restaurant with a 2-hour wait is 2 hours of quality time together. Be willing to brave the crowds.

8–Clothing. Are you trying to improve their fashion? How romantic! Skip this one, every time.

9–The blank card. Not being a “writer” is no excuse to just sign your name on a card with printed poetry. Try “5 reasons I love you.” It’s not rocket science.

10–The trap. Don’t say you don’t want anything for Valentine’s. And don’t believe it if she tells you!

Take the opportunity to do something, anything, to make this day a little more special.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: 10-oz jar maraschino cherries ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup shortening ½ cup sugar ¾ cup brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 3 Tbs. reserved cherry juice 2 eggs 2 ½ cups flour 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking powder ¾ tsp. baking soda 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

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Directions: 1– Preheat oven to 350˚F. Drain the jar of cherries, but be sure to reserve 3 Tbs. of the juice. Chop cherries and set aside.

2–Cream butter and shortening together; add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla, cherry juice & eggs, mixing well.

4–Drop dollops of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edge begin to brown just slightly. Enjoy on V-day with your loved ones.

3–Add flour, salt, baking power and soda and mix until well combined. Add the chopped cherries and chocolate chips. Mix until just combined.

@mycommunityutah

Finance

Start Growing Your Money Young It's a good idea to learn about money at a young age. Money touches nearly every aspect of our lives and it's not as easy and straightforward as you might think. But don't worry, it's not that hard to learn the basics. Let's go through some of the beginning fundamentals to help you on your money journey.

Following these steps will give you knowledge, means, and an opportunity to get started on the right track.

Know Your Income – Whether you make money at a job or you do odd jobs around the house and for your neighbors to earn some extra cash, total up the amount of money you make each month. Whatever the amount is, build your budget around it.

Creating a Budget – Creating a budget is really easy and very important. You can create a budget in three steps once you know your income.

First step, list your current expenses.

Second, list what you'd like to save up for. Third, pick a budgeting strategy that works for you.

Choose a Budgeting Strategy – The most important thing is to make sure you have enough to pay your expenses.

What you have left you'll need to divide into first saving for your goals, and then your spending money. Although spending money can be fun and is necessary for a good life, you'll want to make sure you save a good amount as well. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.

Get a Bank Account – Set up a checking and savings account. This is really easy. You'll use your checking account for spending money. I love

Aspiration for this because you can earn more off your savings there than anywhere else.

Get a Debit Card – You can either get a debit card right there at the bank, or if your parents want to track your spending, I recommend Copper. They have no fees, easy transfer, fun referral system, and parents can monitor all transactions and money. Plus, as a teen you'll get a free $3 each time you refer one of your friends.

Round Up – Use a round-up app like Acorns to save your spare change. Add your debit card information and every time you use it, the remaining change up to the next dollar will be saved in an account for you there. It's quite the surprise how much spare change can make.

Establish Credit – Everyone has a credit score and the better or higher your score the more financial options you'll have in the future. Establishing credit early is important and it's simple to do with a secured credit card or a self loan. Your bank can give you a secured credit card or loan. It's easy and they'll report it to the credit bureaus to help increase your credit score.

Understand Interest – Interest is both your friend and your enemy. With credit cards, interest is always your enemy. If you spend money and don't pay it off, they will charge you interest, and then you'll have to pay more than you spent. But when you're saving or investing in different accounts, then the interest gets paid to you, so you end up with more than you started with.

Invest – There are lots of quality apps out there that allow you to put a little money in and try your hand at investing. Coinbase allows you to invest in cryptocurrency. Stash and Robinhood allow you to purchase stocks and set up portfolios with automatic deposits.

Whatever option/(s) you choose, the fast and hard first rule is to never invest money you need. Always use money that you don't mind losing. In other words, don't invest your savings or your expense money. They are more important to keep. Invest a portion of your extra money.

Keeping to these simple rules will help you for when you are out on your own. You'll learn important lessons of budgeting and living within your means. You'll learn that word of mouth pays out and there are creative ways to make money. You'll learn that credit is incredibly important and having a good credit record will make your life so much easier. You'll learn how to use interest to your advantage. And you'll learn that investing can be really good for you and is a lot of fun. For quick links to each of these resources, go to linktr.ee/mcumoney.

Software Developer 631-605-0954 seth.lowell@gmail.com

Seth Lowell #mycommunityspanishfork

February 2022

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27

Around the Town

Meet Mayor Mike Mendenhall I want to personally express my gratitude for Mayor Steve Leifson’s 16 years of amazing service to the city, during which he has built a solid foundation for the city’s success.

I am humbled to continue serving Spanish Fork City, in a new capacity, as Mayor. I’ve always loved Spanish Fork and am grateful to call it home. I was born and raised in Palmyra and Spanish Fork, by my parents John and Lenna Mendenhall. I graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1998, and attended Utah Valley University in 1999. I’ve also had the privilege of working in finance for 16 years in Spanish Fork, currently as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments.

My biggest goal is to continue to build on the solid foundation that has been laid by those before me.

There are a lot of things going right with Spanish Fork,

Mike is married to Amber Geslison of Spanish Fork and they have three children, Nash, Monroe, and Jagger; an English bulldog named Mocha, and a cat named Boomer.

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and it’s a place that we are lucky to be able to call home.

In public service, I have learned at the feet of servants who have had no agenda above the progress of their community. They have been an impact for good in furthering the collective mission of those who they represent.

For me, the learning started in 2011 as my wife, Amber, and I were asked to serve as Fiesta Days Chairmen. It was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to all that goes into such a great event and the many, many hands that make it possible. I was also privileged to serve as president of the Spanish Fork Area Chamber of Commerce in 2011, and later as President of the Rotary Club and President of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Each of these opportunities have helped me to serve with others who put others before themselves.

When I was elected to the city council eight years ago, I did so to give back to the community that gave me so much. I have the same sentiment this go-round, and just want to serve the place and people that I love.

My vision is to continue to be the home of pride and progress by finishing some of the great projects that have been in the works for some time. This includes the completion of Library Hall, some major transportation projects, and a new wastewater treatment facility. Additionally, my hope for this year is to have a path forward for a new pool in our city. This is the first year I can ever remember that we won’t have a community pool. While I’m thankful for other amenities, we will need to figure out together what to do about a place to swim.

More than anything, I want our residents to be happy and safe. I want each of them to be proud of their community, regardless of whether they’ve lived here 40 years or 40 days. I want them to be engaged in city functions and events and with the city council. We’ve always been a community of service and volunteerism, and with the community lifting and serving together there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish.

-Mike Mendenhall

@mycommunityutah

Around the Town

Read. Rate.

Review. Repeat -by Trish LeBaron

—Resident Submission

It’s an interesting position we authors end up in when we finish a literary work. Our novels are launched into the world for readers to devour (which we love!) and then regurgitate their experience by way of posting online ratings and reviews (which we need). A reader’s experience serves as “social proof” for other bookish browsers who are seeking out their next story. And a reader’s glowing review does so much more to promote our work than anything we could ever say for ourselves. But sometimes we find that the crossfire we stand in—be-

tween what we want and what we need—is unfriendly reviewer fire.

From working and playing in Utah’s stellar writing community, I’ve learned that authors generally have a thick skin for receiving feedback. When you’re in the business of crafting stories you rely on feedback to know what’s working, what’s falling flat, and where you have room to grow; critiques are necessary for improvement.

Unfortunately, oftentimes there are reviews left to be permanent fixtures on Goodreads and Amazon that lack tact or even a measure of constructive criticism—which would at least offer a sense of how an author’s work fell flat in the particular reader’s mind.

Authors understand the power of words and the experience they can create from ‘Once upon a time’ all the way to ‘The End’. We experience our own ups and downs from the opening line of a review to the

number of stars left at the close.

I’d love to offer up a sweet idea for you to savor this month: What is your personal rating system?

By approaching a book review with a personal rating system in mind, it can bring constructive verbiage into even the most dismal of feedback. How? Because it offers up a ‘why’ to the review. Why a three star rating? While this story wasn’t a gripping page-turner, it was still entertaining. Why a one star rating? Though I’m an avid reader of this genre, the graphic nature of the content took even me by surprise and readers should be advised.

I love readers and I love writers and we all truly belong to the same community! So you keep reading and writing your positive reviews, my friends. (Using your personal rating system!) And we’ll keep reading those reviews and feeling positive as we write.

Home-Based Business Directory Crystal Shop Bronson Hunt 801-633-1188

Kombucha, Gingerbeer, etc Brooke’s Brews 716-308-5252

Custom Tables and Benches Valerie Mortimer 801-960-7156

Lawn Care Hilly Goat Lawn Care Text 385-201-8156

Film Producer Wren Barnes wrenbarnes1@gmail.com

Life Coach Kerri Chadwick iamworthme.com

Freeze Dried Snacks Susie’s Pantry SusiesPantrySnacks.etsy.com

Outdoor Gear Kiva Outdoors kivaoutdoors.com

Handmade Gifts A Little Bit of Everything abitoeverything.etsy.com

Thai Yoga Therapist Heather Adams IG: @yogaforlazypeople

Horseback Rides Hobble Creek Canyon hobblecreekoutfitters.com

Therapy & Counseling Accelerated Results Therapy 801-701-0033

#mycommunityspanishfork

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February 2022

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Around the Town — Memories — Sponsored by Friends of the Magazine

The Victory Bell at Spanish Fork High The game is over. The crowds are cheering exuberantly. The scoreboard is clear: Spanish Fork High School has won! The team gives a hoorah and clammors over to a bright red bell, perched high atop it’s stand a couple dozen feet in the air. With gusto, the winning Dons tug the rope and pulley to loudly sound the final verdict: they are the Victors!

With every winning game, the red

Victory Bell at Spanish Fork High rings the good news into the raucous air.

No game-time celebration is complete without its notable peals piercing through the revelry. Fifty-four years of wins have been marked by the Victory Bell, a tradition that predates even The Rock.

Little may it be known, however, the bell which now brings cheers and untethered exuberance, might have once induced bemoaning, panic, or even cursings from late students scurrying to class. Perched in the belfry of the yellow brick Central Schoolhouse on Main Street for 67 years, the Victory Bell (without a bright red coat of paint) was a much more humble, everyday school bell. From 1896 to 1963, it’s peal announced the commencement of classes, shepherding students through the stairways and halls of what is now the City Offices.

A fire siren replaced the bell in 1963, the same year the Central School was retired from educational use. Once ringing almost daily in sun, snow, or rain, the bell sat silently in the dark for seven years.

The Senior Class of 1968, however, brought not only resurrection to the bell, but also a promotion. The bell found a new home next to the swimming pool. There, it rang to announce successes, rather than to alert students about classes. It was relocated to the old football field for the same purposes, becoming known as the Victory Bell. When the new, highgrade football field was completed, the bell again was moved nearby to ring out important victories.

Spanish Fork High is growing into its 3rd brand new building soon. The bell which first summoned a couple hundred students to class in 1896 is ensured to continue ringing out wins and victories for the growing student body of Spanish Fork High School in years to come.

Dustin Smith 801-318-7154 dinodust@gmail.com

Protect your interests; Protect your future.

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My Community - Spanish Fork

@mycommunityutah

Co m m u n i t y S h o u t- o u t s !

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S e n d yo u r l ove d o n e a s p e c i a l m e s s age fo r a n y o c c a s i o n !

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February 2022

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This Magazine Brought to You By:

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HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE

Seth Lowell

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