North Ogden Connection December 2022

"They were fantastic! They lowered the price to beat my other bids. Then they lowered the rate below what I was quoted from other credit unions. They filled my tank and washed it. They even drove my new truck home for me since I rode my motorcycle to their dealership. I've bought dozens of cars over the years, they have been the best so far!"

North Ogden is published monthly by Connection Publishing © northogdenconnection.com ryan@connectionpub.com | 801-624-9652

PUBLISHER

Ryan Spelts

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Robert Dodd

WRITERS

Mayor Neal Berube

Katie Gerard Cindy Jones

Chief Dirk Quinney

Ann Park

Kris Blankman

Melissa Spelts

Ryan Spelts

AD DESIGN

Robert Dodd

Abigail Rigby

Crystal Rappleye

Hyrum Rappleye

EDITORS

Carolyn White Brittany Carroll Kassie Baker

CONNECT WITH US!

What Will Your Gift Be?

Are you one who feels panicked trying to come up with a gift for someone who seems to have everything? Well, it is that time of year, when gift giving can rise to the top of our priority list. I recently saw an advertisement where the headlines read as follows: “GIFTS THAT MATTER FOR UNDER $10.” This really got me thinking about what type of gifts really do matter.

Recently, I attended an event where a young man, maybe 10 years old, expressed his gratitude for the heart transplant he received that allows him to lead a healthy and meaningful life. I thought, Wow, what a gift!

As I reflected upon gifts I have received over the years, there were very few I could remember, even from last year. The gifts I did remember were not material in nature but were those that really do matter. I hope you will excuse me for getting a little personal, but I want to share with you some of the gifts that I will always remember.

Some of you may know my son, Ryan. He was born with a terminal disease, and the doctors told us his life expectancy would be in his late teens or early twenties. He is now 41 years old and has been blessed with an angel for a wife. Our family is grateful for the gift of his extended life.

My middle son, Justin, is a kidney transplant recipient. At 14 years of age, he received a kidney from a 15-year-old girl who died in a traffic accident. The gift of life that was given to Justin by the donor family is the type of gift that really matters.

My youngest son, Colton, was adopted by our family when he was one day old. The sacrifice and courage of his birth mother and the unselfish gift our family was given by her has made an eternal difference in our lives.

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News, contests, photos from readers and lots more! We love hearing from you! PLEASE RECYCLE

I tell you about these personal gifts we have received to expand your thoughts about gifts you may give during this holiday season. I’m not suggesting you give a kidney or one of your children as a gift, but I am suggesting there are gifts that can be given that are not material in nature and that really do matter, even to those who seem to have everything. Perhaps you could consider one of the following as a gift to yourself or someone else:

The type of gifts mentioned above can be given throughout the entire year and are not reserved for the month of December. As you prepare for the upcoming season, I encourage you to ask yourself, “What will my gifts to others be this year and will they really matter?”

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or do not celebrate anything at all, may happiness and joy come your way and may the new year be joyous and fulfilling. We are blessed to live in North Ogden!!

Mayor Neal Berube

City of North Ogden Employee Spotlight

• Final acceptance was given for Cherry Springs Villas Subdivision.

• Final acceptance was given for the Northwood Hills, Phase 1 Subdivision.

• An ordinance was passed, amending accessory building standards regarding zones R-2, R-3, R-4, and PRUD.

• An ordinance to allow short-term rental properties was postponed.

• A property purchase was approved for a parcel of land located at approximately 1500 N 200 W from Weber-Box Elder Conservation District with Storm Water Funds.

• A Town Hall meeting was held with the focus being on Parks and Recreation, allowing residents to voice their opinions regarding different aspects in the city for parks, recreation, the aquatic center, and events.

• The City Council and Planning Commission met to discuss amendments to the retaining wall requirements. The council will consider a recommendation at their final meeting in November.

Maria Cabrera

BY KATIE GERARD

In one single moment, someone can, unfortunately and unknowingly, become a victim of a crime. They can be left with physical scars, emotional trauma, and feelings that they don’t know how to navigate. In a moment of crisis, you need someone to support you, care for you, and advocate for you. Maria is our victim advocate for North Ogden City and is specially trained to help victims of crime navigate the criminal justice system and to provide them with resources for further assistance. Each day, she reviews cases from the previous day and contacts her clients to explain next steps and to let them know what her role is in helping them. She attends court every Monday and keeps those she’s working with updated on their individual cases.

Maria has compassion for the individuals she works with, is empathetic, and listens intently to what her clients have to say. She fosters a cooperative working relationship and communicates in a professional manner, all while doing her best to help someone during a very trying time. Maria is someone you’d want in your corner.

She enjoys working in her garden, going on drives, and spending time with her family.

Maria’s favorite thing about North Ogden City is her coworkers. She says, “I love working with everyone in my department because they do whatever necessary to help me help the victims that I serve.”

Thank you for being a shining light for those who need it the most. We appreciate you!

The Cherry on Top: Volunteers

BY RYAN SPELTS

We want to say thank you to all of the volunteers who helped put up The "Major" Flag in Cold Water Creek Canyon in November. It is one of my favorite times of the year to look up at the beautiful mountains and see that flag waving in the wind in the beautiful canyon. It looks small from my house until you hike up there and see it, how big it is, and how difficult it must be to get something that large. It would not only be difficult to get it up there, but then to hang it so that it will not fall down no matter the weather...it is hard to truly put it into context until you're right there.

The flag is 150 ft by 78 ft and hangs for two weeks from Halloween to Veterans Day each year. The task is headed up by the Major Brent Taylor Foundation and the Honor the Hero Foundation. They do each of us a great service by reminding us of our allegiance to our country and the sacrifice it takes to keep our freedoms. Thank you to each of you who give us this wonderful gift. We love it! Our community is blessed to have the amazing experience of that flag flying over our wonderful community.

The moment the "Major" Flag is unfurled is beautiful and majestic sight to see and the ultimate Cherry on Top. Photo by Chad Roylance.

Water Storage

Water is vital to our survival, so it’s important to store a MINIMUM of 1 gallon of water per person per day in preparation for an emergency. That’s a ½ gallon for drinking and a ½ gallon for food preparation and sanitation. You will need more at high altitudes or in dry climates. People who are older or sick, children, nursing mothers, and those who are physically exerting themselves will also need more.

Store a MINIMUM 2 week supply (14 gallons each) for you and your family in clean, airtight containers. Look for the “HDPE” and “2” label on containers for safe, long term storage.

You don’t need to do anything to municipal “tap” water before filling your containers. It is already treated and ready for your storage. Be sure to fill your containers full. This keeps their gaskets moist and maintains an airtight seal. After filling, put your water storage in an area or areas of your house that are cool, dark, and dry. Check your containers yearly and replace the water as necessary. If there are no leaks or contamination, water can be stored for 5 years or longer without rotation.

DO NOT store water in glass or metal because of breaking and rust.

DO NOT store water in milk jugs. They break down and become brittle.

DO NOT store water in containers which held hazardous chemicals.

Water Treatment

In an emergency situation, you may find yourself without clean and safe drinking water. Use the following process to treat most water and make it safe for drinking, cooking, first-aid, and hygiene. Remember to always start with the cleanest water you can find.

1. Pre-Filter: Filter water through cloth, cotton, or coffee filters to remove large particles. This will keep your main filter from clogging.

2. Filter: Put your pre-filtered water through your main filter. Many commercially purchased filters remove chemicals, sediments, microorganisms, and heavy metals. Most filters do not remove viruses. There are many sizes, styles, options, and levels of quality in water filters. Ask your local outdoor or preparedness dealer to help you find one that will meet your preparedness needs and budget.

3. Purification is the final process that kills any remaining microorganisms in the water. There are different kinds of purification; these are the most common.

● Boiling: A rolling boil for 3 minutes at Utah’s average elevation will kill all organisms in the water. Higher elevations will require a longer boiling time. A lid helps water boil faster and prevents loss from evaporation.

● Iodine Tablets: DO NOT use if pregnant, have an allergy to iodine, have a thyroid problem, or for longer than a few weeks. Follow manufacturer’s directions.

● Bleach has a one-year shelf life. Only use unscented, uncolored bleach. Add 8 drops of bleach to one gallon of untreated water and let it set for 30 minutes. If it does not have a slight bleach smell, repeat the process with 8 more drops.

● Chlorine Dioxide is iodine and chlorine free. It is significantly stronger than iodine, with greater microorganism killing power. Chlorine dioxide does not discolor water, nor does it give water an unpleasant taste. Chlorine dioxide is often used to improve the taste of water. Follow manufacturer’s directions.

Right to Carry Duty to Secure

The Responsibilities That Come With Owning A Firearm

BY CHIEF DIRK QUINNEY North Ogden Police Dept.

Typically, people who are participating in crimes involving firearms are people who are restricted from buying, owning, or possessing firearms in the first place. That means that the firearm they use in the commission of their crime was not legally purchased or acquired. It most likely was stolen from someone who was legally possessing it. It may have even changed hands several times since it was stolen, changing hands from one offender to the next as they use it for whatever their criminal intent.

Additionally, one of the duties of law enforcement is to respond to and investigate incidents of suicide. The most tragic instances of suicide involve young adults and teens and the use of a firearm. Often, the firearm used in these scenes belonged to a family member, usually a parent. So, what can we do to prevent our firearms from falling into the wrong hands? We need to do a better job securing our firearms at home and in our vehicles. Earlier this year, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) started a campaign they titled “Right to Carry, Duty to Secure.” The goal of this campaign is for all law-abiding firearm owners to realize that their 2nd amendment right to own a firearm comes with responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is to see that our firearms do not end up in the wrong hands and are used for the wrong purpose.

In the IACP’s Right to Carry, Duty to Secure campaign, the objective is for law enforcement to practice what they preach. They have asked law enforcement leaders to adopt policies and issue equipment so that their officers have the directives and capabilities to safely secure and store their department-issued firearms at home. The North Ogden Police Department did not hesitate to be part of this. From now on, when the North Ogden Police Department issues a sidearm to an officer, the officer will be issued a handgun safe along with it to be utilized at home to secure that firearm. Policies are also in place requiring department-issued firearms to be secured while at home or in vehicles. We are going to do our part to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

Our hope is that our citizens follow suit. Make sure that if you own guns, you have a way to secure them at home and in your vehicle. Yes, I mention the vehicle, and for good reason. We have several cases every year where someone had their vehicle broken into and a firearm that was not properly secured was stolen. These guns were stowed in glove boxes, under seats, and in consoles. Please take a few minutes to properly secure your firearms when not in use. We’re not going to stop all crimes and tragedies involving firearms, but if we stop just one, it will be worth it.

When the North Ogden Police Department issues a sidearm to an officer, the officer will be issued a handgun safe along with it to be utilized at home to secure that firearm.

Key Community Contacts

MAYOR

Neal Berube: 801-686-0688, nberube@nogden.org

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Phillip Swanson: 801-940-2111, pswanson@nogden.org

Charlotte Ekstrom: 801-920-6987, cekstrom@nogden.org

Blake Cevering: 801-549-8202, bcevering@nogden.org

Ryan Barker: 801-814-4306, rbarker@nogden.org

Jay D. Dalpias: 385-405-6061, jddalpias@nogden.org

CITY OFFICES AND CONTACTS

City Hall 801-782-7211

Planning 801-737-9841

Scott Hess: planning@nogden.org

City Recorder 801-737-9830

Susan Nance: recorder@nogden.org

Human Resources Manager 801-737-9835

Katie Gerard-Nelson: kgerard@nogden.org

Building 801-737-9831

Bruce Higley: bhigley@nogden.org

Police Business 801-782-7219 Dispatch 801-629-8221

Emergency 911

Chief Dirk Quinney: dquinney@nogden.org

Jeremy Hindes: jhindes@nogden.org

Public Works 801-782-8111

David Espinoza: despinoza@nogden.org

Parks & Recreation 801-737-0587

Becca Godfrey: bgodfrey@nogden.org

Justin Rasmussen: jrasmussen@nogden.org

City Manager/City Attorney 801-737-9846

Jon Call: jcall@nogden.org

Senior Center 801-782-6211: Zella Richards

December Reminders

All city offices will be closed on the following days:

• December 26, in observance of Christmas Day.

• January 2, in observance of New Year’s Day.

No on-street overnight parking between November 15th and March 15th.

The City Council Work Session scheduled for December 6th has been canceled.

Santa's Mailbox

The Mailbox will be set out and open on Monday, November 28th and will stop accepting letters on Monday, December 19th.

On-Street Winter Parking Reminder

NO PARKING FOR 24 HOURS AFTER SNOW STORM

Flood Zones

Our snowplow trucks are BIG and with a 12-foot blade, it makes it difficult to plow the streets safely when cars are parked on the road. PLEASE remember that you CANNOT park your car on the road for 24 hours after a snowstorm. This is for the safety and protection of your vehicle along with the safety and protection of our plows and drivers.

Questions regarding flood zones should be directed to Lorin Gardner, city engineer, at 801-782-8111. FEMA flood maps are available for your review at the city offices. We also have elevation certificates.

City Council Meetings

The mayor and council welcome your input and attendance at the council meetings held the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, starting at 6 p.m. Work sessions are held as needed on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Visit our website at northogdencity.com/meetings for changes.

Questions, Comments, Accolades?

Go to northogdencity.com/i-want-to/contact-us for information and community contacts.

www.northogdencity.com

Students of the Month A Bright Future Begins Here

Sage Stevenson

Sage Stevenson is a bubbly, outgoing, and hardworking student. She has learned to overcome obstacles, chosen to serve others, and lead by example. Sage understands the importance of giving back, helping others, doing the right thing consistently, and being kind to everyone. She does not take things for granted and maintains high character, as well as integrity, is important to her.

Morgain Ahlmer

Morgan Ahlmer is a 9th-grade student at Orion Junior High this year. Morgan loves to play sports, particularly pickleball and tennis. Morgan also loves art, drawing, and spending time with her family and her Golden Doodle, Milo. When asked what her favorite subject is in school, Morgan explained that she has two favorite subjects: English and History. Morgan’s future goals entail attending a veterinary program to become a vet or a vet technician. Morgan is kind and considerate to everyone. She always greets people with the biggest and most contagious smile and positive energy. She is an extremely talented individual, and she will go far in life! Thanks for being a great example to everyone, Morgan!

Cayleigh Hess

Cayleigh has been a pleasure to teach since she was in 7th grade. Her teacher, Ms. Wilson, has loved having her in class. This year, there has been a lot of growth, and teachers have been impressed. Cayleigh has worked so diligently this year in making sure she is here for class, turning assignments in on time, and succeeding. The growth that has occurred has been outstanding.

Cayleigh has turned into a leader in classes and has taken the responsibility to be successful. She realizes that 9th grade is important and that it counts. Ms. Wilson has not seen growth in a student like she has seen in Cayleigh, and it will be exciting to see the success that Cayleigh will have throughout her life. She is going far.

Amira Kashinpour

Amira is always polite, helpful, and willing to help others in need. She will step in when asked without complaint, lead a group, or assist in other ways as needed by the teacher or other staff. Amira is always wanting to know about the way things work, people in history, and women's history and studies. She wants to make a difference in the world and be her best self. She is determined to have good grades and is willing to put in the work to make it happen. Amira is honest with herself and teachers; when concepts do not make sense, she will question, ask, and do the research needed to understand. She does all things with integrity, such as ensuring that she is giving credit to those she references in her works. Good job, Amira.

The holidays provide many opportunities for families to spend quality time together. Having conversations and listening is truly important in making your kids feel that what they share is important and is a crucial way to establish strong family bonds. Research has shown that, when children feel bonded to their family, it enhances their mental well-being, and they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like using substances underage. In the science of prevention, family bonds are referred to as a “protective factor” for children.

We hope you can all spend time building protective factors as a family this holiday. This can be as simple as sharing family traditions, telling your favorite holiday stories while driving in the car and looking at Christmas lights, eating dinner

together and talking about your day, or attending one of the many events that happen in Weber County this holiday season. Consider volunteering together, baking, decorating cookies, or playing a board/card game. By doing these things, memories will be made that will be cherished and loved by all. Weber CTC wants to be a resource for you this holiday season. Please follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on family bonding opportunities happening in your community.

Wishing you all a Happy Holidays!

We appreciate your help and support this past year.

WeberCTC

Youth Council Facebook & Instagram: WeberCTCYouthCouncil

QUESTIONS, or to VOLUNTEER, visit our website at weberctc.org

To Make A Difference In People’s Lives”

DECEMBER EVENTS

SCHOOLS

All Elementary, Jr. High, and High Schools

Dec 21-Jan 3: Winter Break No School

WEBER HIGH

Dec 2, 13, & 19: Boys Basketball 7 p.m.

Dec 3: Swim City - County OHS 8:30 a.m. Davis District Meet S. Davis Rec 9 a.m.

Dec 6: Weber High Cone Choir Fest 6 p.m.

Dec 6 & 15: Girls Basketball 7 p.m.

Dec 7: Wrestling 3 p.m.

Dec 8: Swim (Location TBD) 3:30 p.m.

Dec 10: ACT 7:45 a.m.

Dec 12: Holiday Choir Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 13: Holiday Orchestra Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 14: Wrestling 4:30 p.m. Holiday Band Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 16: Wrestling 3:30 p.m.

Dec 20: Holiday Closing Assembly 9:15 a.m.

Girls Basketball 2 p.m.

NORTH OGDEN JR HIGH

Dec 2: NAL/Volleyball Orion 3 p.m.

Dec 5: Assembly (Time TBD)

Dec 6: Boys Basketball Tryouts (Time TBD)

Dec 13: Band Concert 5:30 p.m. Orchestra Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 15: Choir/Theater Showcase 5:30 p.m.

Dec 16: Winter Dance 6 p.m.

Jan 6: Boys Basketball 3 p.m.

ORION JR HIGH

Dec 1: Call Backs: "Guys and Dolls" 2:45 p.m.

Dec 2: Volleyball/NAL 3 p.m.

Dec 6: Boys Basketball Tryouts 3 p.m. Volleyball Playoff Games/NAL Playoff Games (Location TBD) 3 p.m. Orchestra Concert 6:30 p.m.

Dec 9: Volleyball Champs/NAL Champs (Location TBD) 3:30 p.m.

Dec 13: Choir Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 13 & 14: Wax Museum 11 a.m.

Dec 14: Band Concert Weber High 7 p.m.

Dec 20: Talent Assembly 8 a.m.

MARIA MONTESSORI ACADEMY

Dec 9: Caroling 1:30 p.m

Dec 16: Winter Concert 10 a.m.

SENIOR CENTER

North View Senior Center 485 E. 2550 N - North Ogden Questions, Call Zella: 801-782-6211

Play on our pool tables & billiards during open hours.

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

Dec 1: Sound Choice 5:30 p.m.

Dec 5: Haircuts ($5) 10:15 a.m.

Dec 7: Second Generation 11-12:30 p.m.

Dec 8: Day Makers 5:30 p.m.

Dec 7 & 14: Create Better Health 1 p.m

Dec 14 & 21: Foot Clinic ($10) 10 a.m.

Dec 15: Brenna Hyde Family (Lip syncing) 5:30 p.m.

Dec 17: Gary Romer 7-9 p.m.

Dec 22: Christmas Party w/ Gary Toyn 5:30 p.m.

Dec 29: Bingo 5:30 p.m.

ONGOING ACTIVITIES (Monday - Friday)

Lunch is Served 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Monday

Ceramics 8:30 a.m.

Beginners Line Dance & Tai Chi 9 a.m. Intermediate Line Dancing 10 a.m. Tap Dance Class 1 p.m.

Tuesday Billiards 9 a.m. Art 9:30 a.m.

Intermediate Line Dancing 10 a.m. Beginners Tap 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Wood Carving / Billiards / Bridge 9 a.m. Intermediate Line Dancing 10 a.m. Beg. Line Dancing 12 p.m. Games (Chess, Pinochle, etc.) 12:30 p.m.

Thursday

Billiards & Tap Dancing 1 p.m.

Friday

Ceramics 8:30 a.m. Bridge 9 a.m. Yoga 10 a.m.

Dec 1-31: Teen Scene Sticker Maker (All day)

Dec 10: Snow Science 2 p.m.

Dec 15: Art Class-Surrealism and Collage 7 p.m.

Dec 19: Teen Scene Life-size Pac-Man 7 p.m.

Dec 31: New Years' at Noon 11 a.m.

FUN THINGS TO DO

Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29: Community Band Rehearsals N. View Senior Center 7 p.m. Jazz Ensemble 8:30 p.m.

Dec 1-Jan 1: Christmas Village Lights Downtown Ogden 5 p.m.

Dec 2: First Friday Art Stroll Historic 25th Street 6-9 p.m.

Dec 2 & 3: Holiday Open House FREE Ogden Nature Center 9 a.m.

Dec 3: Tree Lighting Ceremony Barker Park 5 p.m.

Dec 5 & 12: Visits with Santa! Barker Park 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Dec 10: A Very SUBI Christmas (FREE) (Proceeds go toward building a school in Uganda) The Monarch 12-4 p.m. Davis Performing Arts Collective: "Scrooge" WSU Browning Center 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Dec 10 & 17: Visits with Santa Barker Park 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dec 14, 15, & 16: Northern Utah High School Art Competition - Call for Entries Eccles Art Center 9:30 a.m.

Dec 17: Christmas Benefit Concert for Savannah Johnson Ogden High 7 p.m.

Dec 18: Christmas Jeep Parade Golden Spike Event Center 6 p.m.

Dec 20: "Die Hard" ($7) Peery’s Egyptian Theater 7 p.m.

Dec 21: "A Christmas Story" ($7) Peery’s Egyptian Theater 7 p.m.

Gandy Dancer Mercantile FREE

Live Music Series

Friday & Saturday Nights

Dec 1: Ashley Nicole

Dec 2: Wood Carver

Dec 3: Bill N Diane

Dec 8: Dixon Haze

Dec 9: Eden’s Yellow Rose

Dec 10: Caleb Wendt

Dec 15: Ashley Nicole

Dec 16: Ashberry Jam

Dec 17: Soul Shine

Dec 22: MarkandAlan

Dec 23: Spot and Waldo

2nd Annual Christmas Sing-A-Long

Dec 24: CLOSED-Christmas Eve

Dec 29: Ogden’s North Bunch

Dec 30: Dixon Haze

Dec 31: CLOSED-New Year’s Eve

Yes, Virgina, there is a Santa Claus

Virginia O’Hanlon, seen in this public domain photo from 1897, authored the famous “Is there a Santa Claus?” letter to the New York Sun. (Virginia O' Hanlon)

Dear Editor,—

I am 8 years zold. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

115 West Ninety Fifth Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.

We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men

to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

“Is There a Santa Claus?” reprinted from the Sept. 21, 1897, edition of the New York Sun was written by FRANCIS PHARCELLUS CHURCH. The editorial, which is in the public domain, is one of the most widely read articles in an American newspaper.

Saluting Our Service Members: Military Spotlight

By The Major Brent Taylor Foundation

Joe Baca

By Ann Park

Joe Baca joined the US Army right out of high school. At the time, the Gulf War was going on, and he felt a strong desire to serve his country.

After eight initial years in active duty, he continued in the National Guard until retiring in October of 2016, after 25 years of service. Joe began his military service in air-defense artillery, but later went back to school to earn a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. In 2008, Joe went to Officer Candidate School. A year later, he received his commission and became an MP.

During his time on active duty, Joe served in Germany and New York. After the World Trade Center bombing in 2001, he was deployed with the National Guard to the Middle East. He also served as acivilian contractorin Afghanistan during 2004 and 2005, working as a civilian police advisor and training the local Afghan national police.

During the years when Joe was serving in the National Guard, his civilian job was law enforcement. He worked as a police officer in southern New Mexico.

Joe continued his emphasis in military law enforcement. After receiving his commission in the army and becoming part of the Military Police, he began to work his way up. First, he

Joe also spent time as a JROTC instructor, and he worked for the Livestock Board as a livestock inspector.

In September of 2021, Joe married Kelly Noble, a Native-American Zuni Pueblo who is the tribal administrator for her tribe. During her school years, she was involved in a placement program. Originally from New Mexico, she graduated high school in Sandy, Utah, spent some time at BYU, and became the Cabinet Secretary of Indian Affairs for the State of New Mexico. They met when Kelly came to give a political speech. She was the event’s keynote speaker, and the minute Joe saw her, he knew he wanted to get to know her better.

became a platoon leader for an MP company, then executive officer, and finally, company commander. For Joe’s last two years in the National Guard, he served as Senior Platoon Trainer for Officer Candidate School.

At the same time, he was elected sheriff in his home town. He spent four years in office before retiring from law enforcement in 2014.

Joe came to Utah to go to school, intending to live here temporarily. Instead, he eventually bought a house, and opened his own barber shop in Roy called, “Got Your 6”; in military and law enforcement, this means, “I’ve got your back.” Thanks for having our back, Joe, and we appreciate your many years of service.

FOLLOW US:

Submit nominations to be featured here at connectionpub.com/military or info@majorbrenttaylor.com.

majorbrenttaylorfoundation

Are you a military member in the North Ogden area? Do you know one?

We appreciate your many years of service, Joe!

Is Memory Care right for your loved one?

The Lodge AD

At The Lodge at North Ogden, we have your loved one’s best interest at heart. Our Gardens Memory Care program supports individuals living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia in an intimate, homelike environment. Specialized programs focus on engagement, dignity, and well-being. Count on us for a high associate-to-resident ratio with Certified Dementia Practitioners who deliver exceptional personalized care and support with empathy and warmth.

Call 801-252-4176 to learn more and schedule your private tour today.

HEADLINES GONE WRONG

(Taken from recent newspapers)

Cold Wave Linked to Lower Temperatures

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash Expert Says Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

Miners Refuse to Work After Death

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant

Recent War Dims Hopes for Peace

If Strike is Not Quickly Settled, It May Last for a While Golfer Struck by Lightning Faces Charges

Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas Smell in Space Station Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

Hospital Sued by 7 Foot Doctors Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Many Dead Red Tape Holds up Two New Bridges

My father Bill Spelts has a unique mind. My entire life he has said and come up with the most random and fascinating things. Some of which he collected from others but some he just randomly thinks of in his strange unique mind. Here are a few Billisms that I thought some of you might enjoy.

POST TORTOISES

Why are most current Washington politicians like Post Tortoises?

What is a POST TORTOISE you ask?

Well, if you are ever driving down a country road and see a tortoise balanced on top of a tall fence post you immediately know several things.

1. You know he did not get up there by himself.

2. He doesn’t belong up there.

3. He doesn’t know what to do, now that he is up there.

4. He is elevated way beyond his ability to function effectively.

5. You have to wonder what kind of idiot put him up there in the first place.

The British Columbia Fish & Wildlife Branch is advising hikers, hunters and fishermen and any persons who venture into the outdoors to take extra precautions regarding bears while in the wilderness. They advise that you consider wearing little noisy bells on your clothing so as to give advance warning to any bears that might be close by so you don’t take

them by surprise. They also advise carrying “pepper Spray” bear repellant with you in case of an encounter with a bear. You should also be able to tell the difference between areas where black bears live vs. those areas where grizzly bears roam. Black bear feces is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear feces has little bells in it and smells like pepper.

A PIECE OF

Utah Christmas History

By Kris Blankman

Have you ever wondered why you do what you do to celebrate Christmas?

Religious beliefs, family traditions, and cultural influences are all part of who we are in Utah today. Perhaps by looking at our past, we can see where it all began.

On the Weber River, Osborne Russell, a Utah trapper, recorded the first known Utah Christmas in 1840, with the Shoshone, Cree, Flathead, Nez Perce tribe, and French mountain men. After sharing a meal of venison, fish, stewed elk, strong coffee, and fruit pudding

around a fire in the center of a tipi, he recorded that following their meal, they smoked pipes and held target practice.

A few years later, a poor and impoverished group of pioneers entered the Valley in July of 1847. Six months later, living together in a fort, they celebrated their first Utah Christmas. It mainly consisted of boiled rabbit and some bread. A young pioneer girl, Elizabeth Huffaker, left us with the following account of that first celebration: “I remember our first

The Browning Family

Christmas in the valley. We all worked as usual. The men gathered sagebrush, and some even plowed, for though it had snowed, the ground was still soft, and the plows were used nearly the entire day on Christmas. We celebrated the day on the Sabbath when we all gathered around the flagpole in the center of the fort, and there we held meeting. And it was a great meeting. We sang praise to God. We all joined in the opening prayer, and the speaking that day has always been remembered. There were words of

thanksgiving and cheer. Not an unkind word was uttered. The people were hopeful and buoyant because of their faith in the great work that they were undertaking. After the meeting, we all shook hands with each other. Some wept with joy, the children played in the enclosure, and around the sagebrush fire that night, we gathered and sang: ‘Come, come ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear, but with joy, wend your way.’ In the sense of perfect peace and good will, I never had a happier Christmas in all my life.”

As time went on, the pioneers and settlers to Utah began to prosper, and Christmas festivities began to improve. Traditions and cultural customs from all over the world were shared by the immigrant pioneers. The Christmas tree, a German tradition, became wildly popular. It is believed that nuts, dried fruits, and cookies baked into shapes were used as some of the first ornaments. Music and dance were an integral part of the early Utah Christmas celebrations: songs such as “Come Come Ye Saints” and, later, “Silent Night,” which had been translated to English by 1858 by Episcopal priest John Freeman Young. The pioneers were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and celebrated Christmas much like any other Christian faith. Reading from Luke, the story of the nativity was shared. Other literature was quite possibly a part of the season, as A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was written in 1843.

Until the railroad came, gifts were mostly all homemade and few and far between. Often, an orange or an apple was left in a stocking and was the sweetest gift of all. After enjoying the sweet fruit, many pioneers saved the peels and put them in drawers and trunks to keep their clothes smelling nice. Children were just as excited on Christmas Eve in the 1800s as they are now; however, toys looked much different. There were handmade dolls hand sewn from scraps of material Small homemade wagons were made for little boys or doll-sized highchairs were made for little girls. Knitted hats and socks or a set of scrap lumber blocks were

welcomed. Since toys were cherished, many have been kept and passed down in families. A collection of pioneer toys can be found at the International Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum in Salt Lake City and in smaller DUP museums throughout the state.

Sweets were a luxury in pioneer times, but molasses would be saved throughout the year so that, on Christmas, there were treats like honey taffy, cookies, and candy canes for the children.

Many pioneers brought their culinary traditions with them. Scottish saints enjoyed shortcake, while the Danish sipped sweet soup made of rice and fruit juice. Scandinavians made rice cooked with cinnamon, sugar, and milk. And the British enjoyed plum pudding to celebrate the holiday.

By the 1870s, Christmas looked much different. There were buildings and homes in which to share the holiday with family and friends. Santa Claus had become part of the celebration. Goose and venison were shared at the Christmas table. The celebrations lasted for hours and sometimes days.

Now, here we are in 2022. Utah has grown and evolved. A myriad of cultural influences can be seen wherever you look.

old traditions can be seen every holiday. Caroling is still a favorite Christmas activity in small towns across our state. Sledding, ice skating, and looking at the lights are all traditions that live on. Perhaps, as we rush into the holiday season, we should pause for a moment. Think about the first Christmases in Utah. It is quite possible that if we reflect on the words of Elizabeth Huffaker, “…There were words of Thanksgiving and cheer. Not an unkind word was uttered,” we can have an experience like she did, where we can all say, “In the sense of perfect peace and good will, I never had a happier Christmas in all my life.”

Merry Christmas Utah!

Santa at the Dee Hospital

Oakley MacCarthy

All Photos courtesy of Weber State University Archives

By: Cincinnati Insurance

INSURANCE CARRIERS

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us will be out shopping and enjoying the festivities. In this joyous atmosphere, we also need to be aware of our surroundings and develop a safe routine because unscrupulous individuals may be out to take advantage of our festive mood. Here are things to keep in mind when you are out.

YOUR CAR

• Never leave valuable items in clear view in your vehicle. Thieves target your car for items they see; put your valuables in the trunk

• Always lock your vehicle when you park

• Park in well-lit areas

• Park in an area with heavy foot traffic, not in an isolated spot

• When stopping for fuel, always lock your vehicle if you leave it

• When pumping gas, lock the doors on the other side of the car to prevent thieves from grabbing your purse or other valuables while your attention is diverted

• Never leave your keys in your car or the ignition. Your car key ring usually has your house keys on it, and this could prove dangerous and costly

Enjoy the holiday season, protect your family, and fun by taking good precautions.

AT THE STORE

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Always make sure your valuables are secured

• If you carry a purse or satchel, don’t leave your purse in the seat of a shopping cart

IF YOU DO BECOME A VICTIM

• Immediately notify the police and provide them with as much information as you can concerning the property taken

• Immediately, while the information is fresh in your mind, note a description of the responsible individual and his or her vehicle, license plate number, or other identifying information

• Make note of the direction the thief fled, and pass that information to the authorities

North Ogden’s Famous Civic League Plum Pudding

BY CINDY A. JONES

In April 1957, a volunteer group of ambitious North Ogden women decided they wanted to improve public places, like parks and cemeteries, in North Ogden, and the North Ogden Civic League was born.

That November, just in time for the holidays, the women decided to make traditional Holiday Plum Pudding to sell as a fundraiser. The pudding, a dish dating back to the Victorian era, was moist and cake-like, accented with fruit, nuts, and spices. That season, the women made and canned 50 cans of pudding in President Peg Fjeldstead’s garage. Each of the group’s members sold them to family, friends, and neighbors, and the fundraiser was deemed a success.

What none of the members realized was that, in the next two years, the demand for North Ogden Civic League’s popular Plum Pudding would grow exponentially. LaVern Cottrell, who was in her 20s when her mother was part of the Civic League, says that the group began to have pre-orders for the pudding months in advance. By 1959, just two years after the group came together, the women were producing around 500 cans each holiday season. They made the pudding in Peg Fjelstead’s husband’s work room, with baking ovens all over her house.

The group was producing about 1500 cans every season.

In the next decade, pudding orders would grow into the thousands. Having started out under $1.00 a can, the pudding was now going for a whopping $2.75 a can. The group was producing about 1500 cans every season, and by the mid 1960s, the pudding project was the group’s main fundraiser. By 1973, the pudding production was such a booming success that the group moved its cooking and canning operations to the LDS Bishop’s Storehouse on 17th Street in Ogden.

Civic League member Evelyn Taylor designed the first label for the pudding cans, and Holly Fuller, who was just a little girl during the early pudding years, remembers when the children at North Ogden Elementary were asked to color the labels before they were affixed to the cans. Later on, a new design was created and printed in color. Holly also remembers the recipe for butterscotch sauce on the back of the labels that her mother made every year.

The pudding operations went on well into the 1990s, and even after the group was forced to move their yearly operations to Franklin, Idaho, due to changing Utah food-handling laws, North Ogden’s Civic League Plum Pudding continued to be a wildly popular treat and a fundraising boon. Among other improvements to the city, the pudding fundraiser helped to build the city’s first swimming pool.

Sadly, the North Ogden Civic League disbanded in May of 2021, but their efforts have left a trail of improvements throughout North Ogden in its 64 years. The Civic League Plum Pudding is a memory still savored by the community.

Looking back, holiday history stories are fun to read. If you have an idea for a great article, please contact cindy@connectionpub.com

Family Law

As a family law attorney, each day holds new and unique situations as clients bring their life circumstances to me. Over the next several articles, I will be featuring some common questions that I have answered throughout the years of my career.This is the second one.

Q: I want to be able to take my children on a trip out of state, but my ex says no. Does my ex have the ability to control my vacation? Do I have any rights?

A: This can be a trickier question to answer because you have to refer to your decree most of the time to get a clear answer. You probably want to ask an attorney your specific question with a copy of your decree in hand. However, let me give you some more general suggestions and guidance for this situation.

Utah Code Annotated § 30-3-36(2) stipulates that you are to provide certain information when your children are traveling with you. This is done primarily so the other parent knows how to reach you and/or the children in the event of an emergency. It is also courteous to share this information, regardless of the statute. The law requires you to provide (1) an itinerary of your travel (when you are going, where you are going to be, and when you will be returning); (2) your destination(s); (3) places where the children or the traveling parent can be contacted (i.e., hotels, family

members, cellphone, etc.); and (4) an available third person who would know the children’s location (like a close adult friend or family member). As long as you are providing that information, there is little that the ex can do to legally stop the trip. However, I have seen it happen where the non-traveling parent will get the children for parent time and then not cooperate with the exchange, which then causes problems because of departure times and other logistical issues. My advice is to plan any trip with a buffer, especially if the possibility of friction is present.

By making the exchange a few days before you are scheduled to leave, you can ensure that the ex cannot cause any problems that create extra trouble because of timing. So, if you are flying out on a Saturday, arrange for the pickup to be on Thursday evening. That allows you time to get everything packed and ready and gives you a day to talk with a judge if any interference comes up. Normally, this isn’t a problem, but if you feel like the ex might be jealous because of your planned activities, or might not like where you are going, or feels insecure in their own relationship with the children, it is a good idea to allow this buffer before going. It all goes back to the principle of controlling what you can; we cannot control ex-spouses. But we certainly can be careful and plan around any possible things that could go wrong.

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Festive Favorites

BY MELISSA SPELTS

Peppermint Bark

This is super easy and so yummy! This was my first time making this, and as you can see, I made it super thick. It was still tasty, but thinner is better.

½ cup of crushed candy canes

1 package of dark chocolate candy melts

1 package of white candy melts peppermint oil

1. Unwrap the candy canes and place in a zip lock baggie. Place the bag of candy canes between a dish towel and crush them with a rolling pin or hit them against the counter. Be sure to break up the candy, but do not crush them too much. The big chunks of peppermint make the bark look pretty.

2. Line a cookie sheet with a large sheet of waxed paper, about 10 inches by 24 inches.

Gingerbread Boys

Mix together:

⅓ cup softened butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 ½ cup dark molasses

Stir in:

½ cup cold water

6 cup flour

1 tsp. salt, allspice, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon

Dissolve together: 2 tsp. soda

3 Tbsp. water

3. Melt the dark chocolate candy melts in a large bowl for 30 seconds at a time, stirring frequently. To prevent burning, stop heating them when things are mostly melted but a few chunks of chocolate remain. Stir, and they will melt.

4. Pour melted chocolate in a thin layer on the wax paper. Work quickly because the candy gets hard fast.

5. Once the chocolate is set, melt the white chocolate melts in the microwave in the same way as the dark chocolate. Once it is all melted, add 2 to 4 drops of peppermint oil and stir in. The peppermint is strong stuff so add slowly. Taste and add more if needed.

6. Pour the white candy melts over the chocolate layer and spread thin. Work quickly so the chocolate layer won’t melt through.

7. Top with crushed peppermint candy and allow to set. Then, break into pieces and serve on a fun plate or plater.

1. Mix all together and chill dough for 3 hours. Roll out dough on floured counter and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Do not over bake.

2. Once they come out of the oven, carefully bend their arms so they cool with their arms ready to hold a candy cane.

3. Once they are cool, pipe frosting to make them festive. Add candy canes and a sign in preparation to share with neighbors, co-workers, and friends. The sign can read: “Tis the season for catching gingerbread men and candy canes.”

Festive Favorites

continued

Rolo Pretzel Reindeer

These little guys are yummy and easy to make. I shared a few of them with a friend, and she said, “Hmm, this tastes like Christmas!” This is a fun treat to make with your little helpers.

50 mini pretzels

25 Rolos

25 red M&Ms

50 candy eyes (found in the baking section)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place pretzels on top.

Christmas Tree Charcuterie

I love charcuterie boards. They let you turn on your creative side, and, in the end, you have something yummy to eat. I found this one on Pinterest and, after that discovery, I also found many other options. Open up your creative side and see what you can come up with for your own unique Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board!

3. Unwrap the Rolos and place one on top of each pretzel on the cookie sheet.

4. Cut the remaining pretzels in half, down the middle, for the antlers. A bunch of my pretzels broke so make sure to have extras.

5. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 1 ½ to 2 minutes, until the Rolos are soft.

6. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and add the antlers, nose, and eyes to each reindeer while the Rolos are still soft.

7. Let the reindeer cool. We placed ours in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.

8. Enjoy this fun treat with friends or family. They are a great conversation-starter at holiday get-togethers!

Ingredients for the Charcuterie Board as pictured:

mozzarella cheese cubes cheddar cheese cubes pepper jack cheese cubes green grapes red grapes purple grapes kiwi slices craisins pretzel sticks peppermint candy balls

Did you know that roofing accounts for 10% of all construction waste in landfills? It generates 13.5 million tons of waste per year. Furthermore, the cost of replacing a roof is high. Roofmaxx extends the life of your asphalt shingle roof while saving you money. One simple treatment adds 5 years at 75% less than a replacement. If you start early enough, you can treat up to three times for an additional 15 years guaranteed. It makes perfect sense!

BY CHRIS TURPIN

Goldback are not a promise to pay with gold, they are gold. Actual gold that has been perfectly weighed, and created into a real fungible, spendable currency. Producing the Goldback relies on 5th generation vacuum deposition technology. Designs are printed on a sheet of polymer that is then bombarded with the precise amount of atomized gold particles in a vacuum chamber. This 24-karat gold is then sealed inside by a second protective barrier of polymer, creating a beautiful textured negative image.

The Goldback® is the world’s first physical, interchangeable, gold money, that is designed to accommodate even small transactions. There is a long term problem that gold investors are fully aware of. Gold is too valuable, making it hard to spend. Before now, there really wasn’t a way to utilize gold for small everyday transactions. Goldbacks were created to solve that problem. They are fungible. Fungible means you can always exchange two Five-Goldbacks notes for one TenGoldbacks note. Also, whether you’re buying 10 or 1,500 Goldbacks, you know the price will be 10 or 1,500 times the current Goldback Exchange Rate.

GunsAmmoPreparedness

(Weber County Sports Shooting Complex) 2446 Rulon White Blvd.,Ogden

RoofMaxx of Ogden 801-823-5092 roofmaxx.com/find-a-dealer/utahogden Connection Publishing 801-624-9652 connectionpub.com

Darren Bideaux RV 1448 W 2100 S, West Haven

NeWay Mattress 3689 Washington Blvd, Ogden Brixtons 2386 Kiesel Ave, Ogden

Shirts to a T 215 E. 300 N., Morgan Safe Air Solutions 4152 S. 5350 W., Hooper

Gap Marketing 5740 W. 4200 S., Hooper

Allen's Ceramics 1747 Gibson Ave., Ogden

The Moxi Agency 1412 Legend Hills Dr. Suite 332 Clearfield

Functional Health Services 4590 Harrison Blvd.,Ogden

Jessica's Hair (Ambiance Salon) 972 Chambers Ave., Ogden, Utah

REEDY SET GO (home Inspections) 801-710-1461

Aspen Natural Health 1900 Washington Blvd, Ogden

Mineral Research International 2720 Wadman Dr. Ogden

BDiamond Leather 3480 Washington Blvd, Ogden

This list is growing quickly. If you own a business and you would like to accept Goldbacks, I can help you get set up. If you would like to own some Goldbacks, I can also help you there. I have samples available in my shop at the Weber County Sports Shooting Complex. The most popular are the 1 Goldbacks and the 5 Goldbacks, because they will be the most spendable. These are actual works of art and are real gold. Come get your Goldbacks collection started.

Where can you spend these today? You can spend your Goldbacks at these businesses nearby.