North Ogden Connection January 2023

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

Ann Park

Hailey Minton Cindy Jones

Melissa Spelts

AD DESIGN

Robert Dodd

Abigail Rigby

Crystal Rappleye

Hyrum Rappleye

EDITORS

Carolyn White Brittany Carroll Kassie Baker

CONNECT WITH US!

Mayor's Message

While I was listening to the radio recently, the radio host used a term that I thought was very relevant in today’s world. The term was “hyper-reactionary.” Hyper means over, beyond, extreme, or above. The root word of reactionary is reaction, which is defined as an action or feeling in response to an event or a situation. You don’t have to look far to see extreme reactions to various situations. Overreacting doesn’t appear to solve many problems or contribute to success. Let me give you a few examples where not being “hyper-reactionary” worked.

• Several weeks ago, the Utah Jazz played the Golden State Warriors. With 13 seconds left, the Jazz was behind by four points. They weren’t “hyperreactionary” but, instead, stayed calm and stuck with their original game plan and won by one point. It would have been easy to give up with such little time remaining or to make major changes in their strategy.

• The University of Utah recently won the PAC 12 football championship game. The Utes overcame an early 17-3 deficit. Early in the game, it looked like USC would cruise to an easy victory; however, in the second half, the Utes overpowered USC and won the game by a score of 4724. They never gave up! After the game, some of the television analysts praised the Utes coach for making adjustments at halftime. One analyst who was very familiar with the Ute coach took exception and said, “He didn’t make adjustments, he just inspired his team to execute the original game plan.” This is another example of not being “hyper-reactionary” but remaining calm and sticking with the original plan.

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

You might be asking, “What does this have to do with North Ogden?” Several years ago, the city council agreed on a financial plan that would keep the city on a strong financial foundation. This plan involved avoiding unfunded financial commitments and preparing for future growth. Difficult decisions were made, one of which involved increasing property taxes. I think it would be safe to say that some were “hyper-reactionary” to this plan, which is their right. The city council could have overreacted to such a response but has remained calm and intends on executing the original plan (which does not always include a significant tax increase). Just like with the examples above, North Ogden will not give up and will find success in sticking with the original plan.

Starting in January, the city will begin the budgeting process. For the first time in recent history, the city council has approved a committee of volunteer citizens to give input in developing the fiscal 2024 budget. Committee members' names and contact information will be published in the February Connection Magazine. I’m sure they would value your input. You can also give the city council direct input by attending city council meetings.

As we start the new year, it is my hope we can work together and keep North Ogden a great place to live!

Mayor Neal Berube

Starting in January, the city will begin the budgeting process. For the first time in recent history, the city council has approved a committee of volunteer citizens to give input in developing the fiscal 2024 budget.

Ryan Spelts Publisher

Melissa Spelts Photographer/Writer

Robert Dodd Senior Magazine Designer

Abby Schneider Feature Designer

Hyrum Rappleye Graphic Design

Crystal Rappleye Graphic Design

Abigail Rigby Graphic Design Ann Park Sales & Operations Mgr.

Kendal Rae Jensen Sales/Journalist

Diane Liberator Sales

Danielle Arana Sales

Hailey Minton Writer

Kris Blankman Writer

Cindy Jones Writer Kim Crook Digital Media Mgr. Dawn Paul Photographer Brittany Carroll

City of North Ogden

CITY COUNCIL UPDATE

• The final acceptance of Shupe Farms Subdivision was approved.

• An ordinance was passed, revising the retaining wall standards to add clarifying language regarding grading and drainage standards.

• A resolution to adjust the common boundary with Pleasant View City at approximately 3475 N 98 E was passed.

• Approval of final acceptance of the Land Use portion of the North Ogden City Code with codification and corrections made through an ordinance was given.

• An ordinance was passed in association with the updated Moderate Incoming Housing Plan from the General Plan.

• A resident-led budget subcommittee was approved with the name of the committee members to still be forthcoming.

• Approval of additional money to pay for playground equipment at Wadman Park to make it for all abilities was given.

• An Assistant City Manager position was approved to be promoted from within the city.

January Reminders

Dog Licensing and Fees

Please bring your dog’s proof of rabies vaccination to the police department to license your dog.

Please call 801-782-7219 with any questions.

All dogs residing in the city, including “inside-only” dogs, service dogs, and dogs that are being kept or used as therapy animals, must be licensed in North Ogden City on a yearly basis. The pet must wear the license tag at all times. All animal licenses issued by the city expire on December 31st of each year. A $15 late fee will be added if the dog is not licensed before March 1st.

On-Street Winter Parking Reminder

NO PARKING FOR 24 HOURS

AFTER SNOW STORM

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.

Flood Zones

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

PEAK Award 2022

Progressive • Enthusiastic • Ambitious • Knowledgeable

Each year, the mayor, city council, and department heads nominate an employee who is Progressive, Enthusiastic, Ambitious, and Knowledgeable for the PEAK Award. This year, two employees were selected for this highly sought-after award: Crystal Polson and Richard Lopez.

Crystal has a friendly demeanor and cheerfulness about her that can brighten anyone’s day. She’s passionate about her job and is quick to respond to social media posts regarding public works related issues. Crystal’s laughter is vibrant and contagious, and you can see her smile over a phone call. Always stepping in when needed, Crystal is helpful, professional, and speaks positively about North Ogden. She has a tight knit friendship with many of her co-workers and is appreciated for her grateful perspective. Thank you for bringing your positive energy to our city.

Richard is calm, collected, attentive, accommodating, and always goes beyond the call of duty. Officer Lopez is extremely helpful when working city council meetings by greeting residents, making spur-of-the-moment copies, and most importantly, providing security.

He exhibits a great deal of integrity and professionalism while patrolling our community and has compassion for those who are less fortunate. He brings a positive attitude and fun personality to the police department and has the backs of his brothers and sisters in blue. Your service is invaluable; thank You.

"Crystal Polson"

"Richard Lopez"

Employee of the Year 2022 Awards

The employee of the year award is based upon the concept of promoting team spirit. We recognize and value the strength in our teams and will continue to encourage and support efforts in building a team environment. Employees were nominated by their teammates, and the 2022 winners are as follows

Administration Employee of the Year– Katie provides a welcoming and safe space for all employees at North Ogden City. She’s stepped into her role in Human Resources making sure everyone feels connected, heard, and respected. Her enthusiasm bubbles over as she helps coordinate city events, and she tends to be everyone’s cheerleader or a person of support when needed. She’s the first person to make a call when someone’s sick or going through difficult times, and she does her job with passion and an empathetic approach. Her spirit of kindness is simple and refreshing. Congratulations!

Parks and Recreation Employee of the Year– Justin has a wide variety of skills and can easily adapt to any situation. He's an outstanding mentor for his team at the North Shore Aquatic Center and is always watching for people who need help on the job or in their personal lives. Justin runs a quality facility, going above and beyond to ensure everyone from patrons to his team has a great experience on a warm sunny day! He's got a great work ethic, can turn anything he touches into success, and is known around of our office as the "jack of all trades." In honor of his passion and inspiration to others, congratulations!

Public Works Employee of the Year 2022– Jaime creates a welcoming atmosphere for his team, has an incredibly contagious positive attitude, and is kind to everyone he works with. He's dedicated, determined, and personable, and is a great example of being a team player. Jaime was a huge asset to the inspections team, enforcing SWPPP and Public Works Standards, and now leads his team as our Parks Supervisor. Here's to celebrating his character and the positive impact he has on others. Congratulations!

Police Administration, Patrol, & Investigation Employee of the Year–Detective Holmes has handled several high-profile cases this year, along with having served on the Homicide Task Force. His resilience, courage, and perseverance have been noble attributes in following through on his cases, making sure that every detail is looked at. He takes on responsibilities with a great attitude and keeps a positive work environment flowing at the police department. Jake continues to seek out training opportunities to increase his on-the-job knowledge and has grown tremendously this past year. His commitment to our community has been exemplary. Congratulations!

Police & Court Department Staff Employee of the Year– Lorrie plays a vital role in keeping our chief and lieutenants heading in the right direction. She’s committed to making sure that our officers have what they need to perform their duties smoothly and has been an unforgettable leader to the young men and women in the youth court that she’s led as the Youth Court Administrator. Lorrie has a heart of gold and is one of our family in blue’s greatest fans. Those who know Lorrie benefit from her work and the influence she has on others. Her positive and unwavering attitude is infectious, and she's left her mark on our city. Congratulations!

Jaime Gil

Katie Gerard

Lorrie Frazier

Justin Rasmussen

Jake Holmes

Public Safety Building

On The Rise and Moving Along

The construction on the Public Safety Building is moving along and the foundation has been completed just in time for the cold weather. The backfill around the foundation will begin shortly. Please remember that the road west of the library (475 E.) and south of City Hall (2550 N.) have been striped as a one-way road with on-street parking. Please observe the new striping as we all get used to this new traffic pattern.

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

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Utah Military Acadamy AD

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Students of the Month A Bright Future Begins Here

Kevin Cipullio

Kevin brings a spirit of inclusivity to our class community and to the junior high in general at Maria Montosorri Academy. He laughs with our most spirited students, and he works deeply in small groups and with individuals. Kevin offers a helping hand to anyone who asks it of him. Kevin is quick to respond and fair in his decisions. Kevin keeps a cool head and is never found getting upset or disruptive.

Kevin has great integrity. He is honest in all his dealings and will be straightforward and self-correct when it is needed. Living abroad in other countries has given him a sense of humility and fairness. His character shows that he is grateful for all that he has.

Kevin willingly dedicated his time and talents to joining the Montassori school council by becoming class representative. During the election proceedings, he showed respect for the other opponents.

Raegan Rogers

Raegan is a top-notch student, a dedicated worker, and a friend to all!

Not only does she take several college courses, but she is also involved in DECA and is part of Student Government. She is also dedicated to service, helping to implement the school food pantry last year and with Quarters and Cans for the last two years.

Raegan’s character shines through on a daily basis! Recently there was a medical emergency in the school; she, along with other students, did not shy away from a scary situation. Instead, she sprang into action to get help!

It is my pleasure to nominate her as WHS student of the month!

Lily Lutz

Lily is a 9th grader at Orion Jr. High. Her favorite classes are physics and PE. She is good at math and is in the accelerated math program, enjoys running, playing sports, and baking. She played on Orion’s softball team this year and is a great team player.

Lily spends time helping her dad with their family business – putting furniture together, being a cashier, going on deliveries, and doing whatever needs to be done.

Lily is the vice president of Orion’s HOPE Squad and has done an excellent job serving her peers. She is quick to volunteer to help any time the opportunity arises and is ready at a moment’s notice. She is dependable, kind, friendly, and fun. Her friends and peers find her easy to talk to and she is someone they can trust. Lily has a great attitude and smile! She lights up the room.

Thank You

to our Students of the Month sponsors Students of the Month receive

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader

–John Quincy Adams

Weber CTC is grateful for the fantastic people that live and work in our community. We would like to recognize one of our community members on behalf of an anonymous nomination for Michelle Perry, the Director of Food Services and Kitchen Coordinator at the Lantern House. The following nomination for Michelle touched our hearts.

Michelle Perry works the longest hours making meal plans and then cooking, often working every weekday, coming in on Saturdays and Sundays at times to check on things. She can make fabulous meals with whatever is donated and feels it’s important to give those in need

good healthy food.  She prepares three meals daily and sack lunches for them on the weekends. They eat better than I do!  I am amazed at how respectful she is to everyone she serves. She goes above and beyond her job title. Her favorite motto is, "See beautiful always.”

We appreciate Michelle and great people within our community like her that are working hard to make a positive impact on our community and those around us. In the new year, we can all learn from Michelle and strive to “see beautiful always” and appreciate the amazing community we all live in!

Don’t forget to follow us on social media:

WeberCTC

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

Michelle Perry- Food Services Director at the Lantern House.

SCHOOLS

DECEMBER EVENTS

JANUARY EVENTS

Jan 18: Wrestling Davis 4:30 p.m.

Jan 19: Swim Meet Layton 3:30 p.m.

All Elementary, Jr. High, and High Schools Jan 2-3: No School

Jan 9: No School (except Maria Montessori)

Jan 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day-No School

WEBER HIGH

Jan 3: Basketball Clearfield Girls 5:15 p.m. Boys 7 p.m.

Jan 5: Swim Meet Weber & Box Elder 4 p.m.

Jan 6: Boys Wrestling Box Elder 3 p.m. Basketball Syracuse Girls 5:15 p.m. Boys 7 p.m.

Jan 7: Boys Wrestling Box Elder 9 a.m. Girls wrestling Mtn Crest High 9 a.m.

Jan 10: Basketball Davis Girls 5:15 p.m. Boys 7 p.m.

Jan 11: Wrestling Farmington 6 a.m.

Jan 12: Swim Meet Clearfield & Syracuse 3:30 p.m. Wrestling Clearfield 4:30 p.m.

Jan 13 & 14: Men/Women’s State Honor Choir Abravanel Hall TBA

Jan 14: Wrestling Salt Palace 11 a.m. Basketball Freemont Girls 5:15 p.m. Boys 7 p.m.

Jan 17: Basketball Layton Girls 5:15 p.m. Boys 7 p.m.

Jan 18-21: All-State Band & Orchestra Abravenal Hall TBA

Jan 20: Boys Wrestling American Fork 2:15 p.m. Warriorettes Region Competition Roy High 6 p.m. Boys Basketball Farmington 7 p.m.

Jan 21: Wrestling American Fork Girls 9 a.m. Boys 2:15 p.m.

Jan 25: Wrestling Fremont 4:30 p.m.

Jan 26: Swim Meet Fremont & Ben Lomond 3:30 p.m

Jan 27: Basketball Clearfield Girls 5:15 p.m. Boys 7 p.m.

Jan 30: Warriorette State Quarter Finals TBA

Jan 31: Basketball Syracuse Girls 5:15 p.m. Boys 7 p.m.

NORTH OGDEN JR HIGH

Jan 6: Boys Basketball Wahlquist 3 p.m.

Jan 13: Boys Basketball TH Bell 3 p.m.

Jan 20: Boys Basketball Roy Jr 3 p.m.

Jan 27: Boys Basketball Rocky Mtn 3 p.m.

Jan 20 & 27: School Musical "Tuck Everlasting" 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Jan 21 & 28: School Musical "Tuck Everlasting" 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Jan 31: Boys Basketball Orion 3 p.m.

ORION JR HIGH

Jan 6: Boys Basketball 3 p.m.

Jan 13: Boys Basketball Sandridge 3 p.m.

Jan 20: Boys Basketball Home 3 p.m.

Jan 31: Boys Basketball NOJH 3 p.m.

MARIA MONTESSORI ACADEMY Jan 23-27: Literacy Week

VENTURE ACADEMY

Jan 28: Winter Ball

SENIOR CENTER

North View Senior Center

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

Tax help will start in February - call to sign up.

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

Jan 5: Nate Waite 5:30 p.m.

Jan 9: Hair Cuts $5 10:15 a.m. 2nd Generation Band 11 a.m.

Jan 12: Bingo 5:30 p.m.

Jan 19: Tip Toe Tappers & Christine Scymanski 5:30 p.m.

Jan 21: Gary Romer 7 p.m.

Jan 23: Folk-Tell-It Story Writing & Storytelling (call to sign up)

Jan 26: Class Act 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 9 a.m.

Mondays: Yoga for Families 4 p.m. Snowflake Scavenger Hunt (all day)

Tuesdays: Youth Game Club 4 p.m. Snowflake Scavenger Hunt (all day)

Thursdays: Discovery Time 10:30 a.m & 11:30 a.m.

Jan 7: "A Very Merry Unbirthday" Party 2 p.m.

Intermediate Line Dancing 10 a.m.

Tap Dance Class 1 p.m.

Tuesday

Billards 9 a.m.

Art 9:30 a.m.

Intermediate Line Dancing 10 a.m.

Beginners Tap 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Wood Carving/ Billards/ Bridge 9 a.m.

Intermediate Line Dancing 10 a.m.

Beginners line dancing 12 p.m.

Games (chess, pinochle, etc.) 12:30 p.m.

Tai Chi 2 p.m.

Zumba 3:15 p.m.

Thursday

Billards & Tap Dancing 1 p.m.

Friday

Ceramics 8:30 a.m.

Bridge 9 a.m.

Yoga 10 a.m.

FUN THINGS TO DO

Jan 5, 12, 19, & 26: North Ogden Community Band Rehearsals

North View Senior Center 7:30 p.m. Jazz ensemble 8:30 p.m. Bring your own instrument and music stand. Email jepsen2665@gmail.com for more info

Wasatch Parc Snow Tubing

Nordic Valley, Eden Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jan 6: First Friday Art Stroll Downtown Ogden 6 - 9 p.m.

Jan 7, 14, 21, 28: ACR Chariot Races Golden Spike Event Center 1-3 p.m.

Jan 4, 11, 18, 25: Country Dancing Union Station 8:30-10 p.m.

Jan 4, 11, 18, & 25: Jazz at the Station Union Station 7-8 p.m.

Jan 20 & 21: Sneddon HOF Germanfest Eccles Conference Ctr 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Jan 28: Winter Market by Farmers Market Ogden Union Station 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Gandy Dancer Mercantile

FREE Live Music Series

Friday & Saturday Nights

Antelope Island

See the bald eagles and the bison!

Visitor Center Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fielding Garr Ranch Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Find Gandy Dancer Mercantile on Facebook for performance schedule

All ages/6-8 p.m. 3920 Washington Blvd.

Saluting Our Service Members: Military Spotlight

By The Major Brent Taylor Foundation

Cory and Ryan Baggs

By Ann Park

In 1988, Cory Baggs joined the US Navy Reserve program as an Intelligence Specialist, 3rd Class, in Treasure Island, CA. During his service, he completed several extended active-duty assignments in different locations around the world, including California, Florida, Hawaii, Japan, Guam, Italy, Panama, and the Middle East. His service in the Navy has been extensive, and he has earned numerous awards for his abilities. In 2020, he retired as Commander N2 Deputy, C3F JFMCC.

Cory is blessed to have a wonderful family, a supportive wife, and three wonderful children, Nicole, Heather, and Ryan. “I’m so proud of all my children. They’ve each made sacrifices to support me in my career with the Navy. They have accomplished wonderful things in their lives, and I’m honored to be their father. Our family is patriotic and loyal to the core. With their support, serving our country has been very rewarding.” In addition to his work for the Navy, Cory has owned his own mortgage company, Fidelity First Funding, for the past 22 years.

“Cory joined the Navy when we had been married just a year and he served for thirty-two years, and never missed a drill in all that time.

Once, I added up all his time away. Between the months, weeks, weekends, and two deployments he was MIA through almost ten straight years of our marriage. His service was joyful, painful, and rewarding all at the same time. I’m so proud of him and Ryan.”

–Julie Baggs

Cory has spent a lifetime in the military and always thought he would be proud to have his son follow in his footsteps. While he set the example, the decision was left up to Ryan, who gained the desire to serve from watching what Cory did over the years. “It wasn’t the way they normally do things, but when Ryan joined the Utah Air National Guard, I was able to give him the oath of office. It was an honor.”

Ryan Baggs joined the Air National Guard in 2017. “It was really exciting that my dad was the one to swear me in.” Ryan got married right before basic training. “My wife didn’t

like the idea at first, because I would be gone, but the Air National Guard is very familyoriented, and we found a way to make it work.”

Ryan’s job is to create and set up the infrastructure for communications. Working with his hands has always been something he enjoys, and it seemed like a good fit. His goal for the future is to continue following in his dad’s footsteps. “I hope to serve for many more years. The longer I stay, the more I like it, and I have no desire to quit.”

Julie Baggs remembers, “I had the best kids a mom could ever wish for while my husband was gone all the time. My daughters and my son filled in with chores and yard work and very much wanted to follow in their dad’s footsteps. This picture is of Ryan in 2002 after dropping his dad off at the airport for his first deployment. He cried all the way home and then fell asleep still holding his flag.”

HELP US HONOR A MILITARY MEMBER!

In 2016, Cory joined the Navy Honor Guard and was able to provide military honors at the funerals of over 500 veterans. His wife Julie recalls, “Providing this service was a very personal thing for him. Every time he passed the flag to the family, he had a tear in his eye, and I could tell how much it meant to him.”

FOLLOW US: Are you a military member in the North Ogden area? Do you know one? Submit nominations to be featured here at connectionpub.com/military or info@majorbrenttaylor.com.

majorbrenttaylorfoundation

Cory and Ryan in San Antonio, Texas after Ryan graduated from Basic Training in 2018.

BY HAILEY MINTON

My interest in getting my white clothes bright white again began when a friend of mine told me about her grandmother hand-washing her white clothes when she visited the Philippines. My friend didn’t realize how dingy her whites were until her grandma gave them back. There seemed to be a substantial difference between her washing machine and detergent from home and the hand-washing they got in the Philippines.

Ryan Spelts served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines and had his white shirts laundered there. Instead of having washing machines, he paid people to wash his clothes by hand, like my friend’s grandma. “They came back white, but those shirts didn’t hold up very long. The way they scrubbed them wore them out much faster.” My goal was to find the balance between getting bright white clothing again, and caring for them in a way that will make them last.

A universal whitening solution that works for every fabric type and stain would be incredible; however, as I’ve looked for answers, I’ve realized dirt, grime, and stains interact with different fabric types in different ways. Cleaners and whitening solutions are the same way. Some work better than others with different fabric types. There are also things you can do to maintain your whites to prevent them from getting dingy in the first place. After digging through books from the library and scouring the internet, I’ve accumulated what I deem as the best ways to get white clothes white again.

Always wash your whites separately from the rest of your laundry. This prevents dyes from transferring.

Too frequent washing can make clothing appear grungy as well.

BEST WHITENING SOLUTIONS

BLEACH

Bleach is probably the first option that comes to mind when whitening clothes, but chlorine bleach is probably the last thing you should try. It can damage some fabrics and is dangerous if mixed with ammonia or vinegar. Some clothing is dyed white so the more you bleach it, the more off white it becomes. Chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, and hydrogen peroxide, are all types of bleaches. Oxygen bleach and hydrogen peroxide are good at whitening and are more gentle and less dangerous than chlorine bleach. You can add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to brighten your whites in a wash cycle. According to Better Homes and Gardens, chlorine bleach can deepen stains commonly found on white clothing, like sunscreen or protein stains from body soils. It also can be hard on textiles, especially clothing that has elastic in it. According to spruce.com, bleach works best on cotton, rayon, and synthetics like polyester. Even the smallest amount of bleach will ruin wool and silk fibers.

SODIUM PERCARBONATE

Sodium percarbonate is a type of bleach that combines two compounds: hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate (or washing soda). Sodium percarbonate is the most powerful ingredient in OxiClean. After reading a few chapters of Patrick Richardson’s book, Laundry Love, I am convinced that this is his secret weapon for brightening whites and stain removal. Soaking a yellowed garment in a bowl of hot water and a tablespoon of sodium percarbonate is another way to make whites brighter again. Sodium percarbonate is a more powerful option than washing soda, but washing soda is more accessible. Most grocery stores carry washing soda, but you have to go online to order sodium percarbonate.

LAUNDRY BLUING

According to thespruce.com, “Bluing products improve the brightness of white fabrics by adding a blue pigment that counteracts the natural yellowing that occurs during regular laundering.” According to Wikipedia, this works because blue and yellow are complementary colors in the subtractive model of color perception. The added trace of blue color visually cancels out the yellow color cast, making the fabric again appear white. Blue is the secret to popping whites. Under certain circumstances, artists mix hints of blue to their white paint to make it appear brighter. The eye perceives the nearly undetectable amount of blue and sees the fabric as whiter. This is a much gentler approach to whitening your whites compared to bleach. It’s something to consider if you’re wanting a garment to last longer. You can pick up some Mrs. Stuart’s Liquid Bluing from Ace Hardware, just be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.

SPRAY 'N WASH

I took one of my white shirts made of polyester and sprayed it with Spray 'n Wash. After letting it sit for 10 minutes, I was astounded to see how much gray water rinsed out. This made my clothing significantly whiter.

ENZYMATIC DETERGENT

An enzyme is a substance produced by a living organism, which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. According to denverwashandfold.com, enzymatic detergent and cleaners contain a myriad of enzymes that target different stain producers. This helps to loosen tough stains or breakdown marks made by oil, proteins like blood, or tannins like coffee or red wine. Add detergent to your machine and allow it to soak for at least half an hour, or preferably overnight. Then dispose of the solution and wash as you would a regular load of laundry. This kind of detergent works best at lower temperatures and does not require as much detergent to clean your clothes. Cleaning & Stain Removal for Dummies recommends using a biological detergent, a.k.a. an enzyme-based detergent, to help brighten dull whites. Options like the Arm and Hammer Bioenzyme Power, Persil, and Ecos products are all enzyme-based detergents.

Your Path to Whiter Whites

Times have changed in laundry care. What your mother or grandmother did to get whites whiter is different today because of newer technology. Here is an easy step by step guide to getting those whites even whiter.

Oxygen bleach is a safe alternative to chlorine bleach and can help brighten whites without damaging colors.

Pre-treat stains and then wash immediately

Use Enzyme Based Detergent in cold water Dry clothes in the sun

Use 1/2 cup white vinegar in wash

Don’t overfill your machine

Use oxygen bleach (Sodium percarbonate)

Use laundry bluing

Spray shirt pits every time you wash with 50/50 water & vinegar to prevent yellowing

Hot water and hot drying can burn in stains. Use cold water.

History Hidden in Plain Sight - Utah Hot Springs

BY CINDY A. JONES

Have you ever driven north on Highway 89 toward Willard or Brigham City on a cold day? Have you noticed steam rising from the ground and wondered what it was? You might be surprised to learn it is the former site of a popular hot springs resort known as Utah Hot Springs.

The natural hot springs just southwest of Pleasant View were noted by explorers like John C. Fremont as early as 1843. Artifacts from various indigenous groups found in the area suggest the waters served as a gathering and healing place for humans dating as far back as the PaleoIndians, who resided in the Pleasant View area from about 10,000 to 7600 B.C

In 1887, veterinarian Rason H. Slater was traveling by train and noticed steam coming from the ground just west of Pleasant View, around the area now known as Rocky Point. He got off the train to examine the landscape and found many pools of very hot water. Curious, he took some samples.

Slater ran tests on the water, even treating some of his injured horses with his samples. Upon finding positive results on his animals, he wasted no time purchasing the springs and the land around them from the Utah Territory. He went to work immediately building a series of circular tanks with rock walls to collect the water. The water was piped underground from the rock cisterns into an indoor men’s pool, another, shallower women’s pool, and a large outdoor pool for groups, with a slide running into it.

Deeming his new attraction “The Great Cure of the West,” Slater erected a two-story, forty-room hotel to accommodate visitors who wanted to spend multiple days at the springs, complete with a dance hall and a billiard

room. His business venture was a raging success; people from Northern Utah and beyond came to enjoy the healing waters.

Slater sold the springs in 1889, and the property was renamed “Utah Hot Springs.”

In 1890, owner Will Swan and his associates constructed a railroad to Ogden city limits and created a horse racing track on the mineral flats just west of the springs. A combination of both railroad and private owners ran the resort into the 20th century, improving and modernizing the resort with new renovations.

In 1889, a “dummy line” of the Ogden and Northwestern Railroad was built, running north from Washington Boulevard, west through Pleasant View, and directly to the hot springs. Soon, a railway ticket office opened up near the resort, extending the line into Cache Valley and Idaho and bringing a wealth of new guests from surrounding areas and other states to the resort.

So many stories abound about the resort through the years. Utah Hot Springs was the site an armed robbery in 1913, a

makeshift airport and an aerial circus in 1919, and several boxing matches in the 1920s.

The downfall of the resort began when a fire destroyed the buildings in 1927. The resort was rebuilt and continued to be a popular swimming destination for families across the Wasatch Front and beyond. As the years passed, attractions like Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville and Lagoon Resort claimed potential guests, and the popularity of the resort began to fade.

In 1970, an explosives company purchased the land from the struggling resort and removed the structures that remained from the springs’ resort days. Today, the Allen Plant Company utilizes the warm, mineral-rich waters to both supply water to their plants and heat their greenhouses.

Among the greenhouses, only the rock cisterns hiding in the landscape whisper of the rich history of the site, which so many of us have sped by without knowing the bounty of history that exists there.

4 THINGS EVERY RENTER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT RENTERS INSURANCE

By Travelers Insurance

INSURANCE CARRIERS

Buying renters insurance to protect your stuff may seem like an unnecessary expense until you experience a theft or fire in your rented home or apartment and lose some of your most treasured possessions forever.

Whether you're a longtime renter or starting out in your first place, renters insurance policies provide important benefits and coverage. If a fire or similar incident destroyed your home and you didn't have renters coverage, it would be up to you to replace everything you own. Plus, if someone claimed you caused an injury or property damage, without adequate insurance protection, you could be at risk for an expensive lawsuit and paying that person for his or her damages.

As you consider whether to buy renters insurance, here are four things you need to know:

This coverage typically is limited to 30 to 50 percent of your insured personal property. For example, if your belongings were insured for $100,000, the limit on additional living expenses would be $30,000 to $50,000, as outlined in your policy.

3. A Home Inventory Can Determine How Much Coverage You Need

Before you decide how much coverage you need, it's important to know how much it would cost to replace your possessions. You can calculate replacement costs by conducting a home inventory and checking with your insurance representative to make certain you're fully covered.

4. You Can Reduce Your Renters Insurance Costs

Renters Insurance Provides Off-Premises Coverage

1.

Renters insurance does more than cover the cost of lost or damaged possessions in your home. There is coverage if your bicycle is stolen from a bike rack at the park, or if your laptop is taken from your car while you're at the supermarket.

2. You Can Be Compensated if You're Forced to Relocate

Most renters policies provide additional living expenses coverage if your home becomes uninhabitable due to an event such as vandalism, theft, fire, or water damage from home utilities. This benefit usually includes the cost of living expenses, up to your policy limits.

There are a variety of ways to reduce the cost of renters insurance. An option is to select a higher policy deductible, the amount you must pay before your insurance coverage takes effect. Increasing a deductible from $250 to $500 could create an annual savings of up to 15 percent.

You also may want to consider buying all your insurance policies from one carrier. For example, when you bundle your auto and renters policies from Travelers, you receive additional savings.

Yummy Dinner Ideas for Busy People!

We hear it all the time; “Dinner time is hard because I just never know what to make!”

We have decided to help you solve this problem by creating and publishing a dinner menu each month that you can refer to and make dinner time easy. We even left some time for you to eat out and finish off your leftovers. And of course you can substitute anything you don’t want with your personal favorites.

We also want to make grocery shopping easy, so we are also building out a new website that will be interactive and allow you to build custom shopping lists and link to recipes when needed. Visit the website now and bookmark it as we are building it out. It may not be fully functional quite yet, but it will be very soon. We are excited to offer this new service and would love to hear what you think.

whattoeat4dinner.com

BY MELISSA SPELTS

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray your pan with nonstick spray. Mix the following in a big bowl: eggs, milk, flour, salt and vanilla. Cover and process until smooth. Pour batter into baking dish. Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and puffy.

-Melissa

“I love German pancakes with fresh fruit and maple syrup on top. Fun sides are bacon, sausage, orange juice, or apple juice.”

IT'S NOT BACKED BY GOLD... IT IS GOLD!

BY RYAN SPELTS

What would happen if our financial system crashed? I hope it never does, but I also want to be prepared if it does. Even if the system didn’t fail but the dollar was diminished in value due to inflation like we are seeing now, it would be problematic. Our dollar lost its gold backing in 1971, so the only real value in the dollar is the faith we have in it as a society. So, how do we prepare for these possibilities? With gold!

The main problem with buying gold is that gold is such a valuable asset that it would be hard to buy your day-to-day needs with, even with gold coins. The average Gold American Eagle coin is 1oz. with a value today of about $1900. It would be hard to buy milk and eggs with that. I had a friend who would buy silver coins because they are so much more spendable in the long run. They are still worth $35. An innovative company in Alpine, Utah, has been working hard to develop a secondary currency that is not backed by gold, but it actually is gold. Meet Goldbacks. Goldbacks are the first physical, fully-interchangeable,

gold money of the new millennium. Designed for small transactions, Goldbacks accommodate payments wherever recognized as an authorized medium of exchange or barter exchanges anywhere else worldwide. ♦ They are available in five convenient, interchangeable denominations: the 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50. One Goldback equals a thousandth of a troy ounce of fine gold. ♦ Through the process of vacuum deposition within a proprietary polymer coating, the Goldback, itself, consists of 24-karat gold (no third party vaulting required). ♦ Tougher than most currencies, Goldbacks survive circulation well, especially when handled with some degree of care. ♦ Goldbacks appreciate in value at the same rate as gold, so holding them presents no significant downside compared to other gold products. ♦ Each Goldback bears a unique serial number, coupled with six other anticounterfeiting security features. ♦ Like cash, Goldbacks can be easily spent at small businesses and for private transactions. On fast-track to ubiquity, during its first year of circulation, the Goldback is estimated to have found its way into the hands of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

So, whether you are interested in buying gold in case the worst should happen or just want to have gold in reserve that is spendable, Goldbacks are an amazing currency that can be used today and in the future. It is actual gold. Each Goldback denomination has a unique artist's rendering tied into the state of origin, in our case, Utah. They are beautiful and unique.

For a chance to hold and see some Goldbacks yourself, call Chris Turpin at 801-648-4380, visit gunsammopreparedness. com, or stop by his shop located inside the Weber County Sports Shooting Complex.

The Goldback® is the world’s first physical, interchangeable, gold money that is designed to accommodate even small transactions.

Create a Houseplant Haven

BY CINDY JONES

I don’t know about you, but in January, I crave all things green, and I’ve come to rely on my houseplants for that midwinter fix. My houseplant collection started about five years ago, when the open field behind my home was developed into a subdivision. I had always liked indoor plants and had a few around my home, but the loss of that green space as part of my everyday surroundings hit me harder than I expected. After the fields and some of our woods were gone, I started subconsciously adding a few plants around the common spaces where my family gathered. Over time, I realized how much I loved having leafy greens in my everyday spaces. Now I have a pretty diverse collection with at least one houseplant in every room. It’s been such a rewarding hobby, and I continue to learn with every new plant.

Why Keep Houseplants?

Besides just brightening up your home and adding a dash of green to your living spaces, owning houseplants has so many benefits.

• Rooms with plants tend to have less dust and mold than rooms without them. Leaves act as filters to catch tiny debris and allergens that naturally occur indoors.

• We’re all familiar with dry winter air in Utah, but did you know houseplants can add humidity to indoor spaces? One study found a collection of spider plants boosted the relative humidity in a bedroom by 10%.

• Plants help to brighten and soften areas around our homes, adding a layer of calm that helps us cope with anxiety and stress. Studies have shown that plants in our surroundings enhance memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

• Growing and caring for a living thing provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Before You Buy

Before you purchase a plant, it’s a good idea to do a quick assessment of the spaces you want to keep them in. Do you have areas with natural light coming from a window, or do your rooms have minimal light? I’ve learned that my Oxalis plants (clover) prefer indirect, filtered light and my Aloe Vera loves direct sun. If you’re lucky enough to have a sunroom or a room with lots of south or east facing windows, you can fill it with ferns, palms, and succulents.

You’ll want to gather a few essentials before you start your plant collection. You’ll need some good potting soil and a few different kinds of pots, depending on the plants you’d like to grow.

As far as soil, a good bet for most indoor plants that aren’t succulents is potting mix. Potting mix has a light texture and is mixed with elements like perlite and peat moss that that help keep the soil from getting packed down or waterlogged. For succulents, you’ll want a loose soil mixture with plenty of sand or fine gravel for proper drainage. You can make your own succulent soil using three parts regular

potting mix, two parts sand and one part perlite. Potting mix and all the separate elements can be found at most home improvement stores.

Choosing the right container is also important. Terracotta will dry out more evenly and faster than plastic pots, and wooden pots or planters will dry even faster. Ceramic pots are great choices for most plants that aren’t succulents. For bigger plants, fiberglass planters are a good lightweight option.

Collecting a few simple vessels for watering can help you remember the task, and fun prints and colors are a great way to add an element of whimsy to your plant hobby. I have a cute pitcher that’s designated for just my plants, and a couple of green spray bottles I use for misting or in-between watering.

Finally, it’s helpful to have a quick reference for some common houseplants at your fingertips. Like with most hobbies, Google is your best friend, but a couple of books I really like for quick reference are Houseplants for Beginners by Rebecca De La Paz and Happy Houseplants by Angela Staehling, which has some quick tips for common houseplants with lovely watercolor illustrations. You can get both on Amazon for $10-$20.

Jump On the Plantwagon!

Between the pandemic, the budding work-athome culture, and our growing interest in our health and our homes, collecting houseplants has become a rising trend.

A 2019 article by the National Post states that U.S. houseplant sales had increased by 50% in the prior three years to a total of $1.7 billion! This is great news, not only because you have access to all the information you need to successfully grow houseplants at your fingertips, but there are countless communities where you can foster your enthusiasm. Here are some of my favorites on social media:

FACEBOOK

• Utah Plants is a beautifully diverse group full of experts and novices alike and a great place to ask questions about your houseplants. I’ve been a part of this group for just over a year and I’m going to venture to say there’s no plant problem this page can’t solve!

• Utah Plant Purge and Sell is exactly what the title says, a group for plant people to trade, sell, purge, and chat about their plants. If you’re just starting out, this is a great place to score some new plants at an affordable price, or sometimes even for free.

INSTAGRAM

• Succulentcity is the internet’s largest succulent and cacti community. They provide tips and inspiration about succulents and their feed is just so pretty, you’ll want to run out and buy some new succulents!

• Welcometothejunglehome Phoebe Cheong posts pictures of all her houseplants (and her cute cats) in bright and cheery settings along with plant tips and advice about how to get houseplants to thrive in low-light spaces, like her own apartment.

TIK TOK

• Joy.of.plants Emily Joy Rosen posts videos especially for plant beginners, with easy-to-understand tips and lists of plants that fit all kinds of people and places.

• Reagankastner Reagan Kastner combines practical plant tips with creative ways to style houseplants in your home.

Kim’s Plant Tips

It turns out we have several plant lovers and gardeners right here on the magazine team, and one of them is our contributor Kim Crook. Here are some of her best plant growing tips.

• Don’t overwater! The best way to avoid root rot is to let it dry out completely. Poke a small popsicle stick or bamboo skewer into the soil and leave it for a few minutes. If you pull it out and the stick is moist or soil sticks to it, don’t water yet!

• Inspect the entire plant for pests before bringing it inside. This avoids spreading pests to your other plants.

• Wipe down leaves regularly with a damp rag or microfiber cloth. This helps remove dust and improves photosynthesis.

• Watering with distilled water is best – it avoids hard water buildup on the soil’s surface.

• Use a soil that has good drainage, as well as a pot with drainage holes.

Top 5 Easy to Grow Houseplants

POTHOS

Bright and waxy leaves

Can survive in most light, avoid direct sunlight Water once a week

SPIDER PLANT

Long, curved, spiked leaves

Medium light

Water when top two inches of soil are dry

ZZ PLANT

Long, dark green leaflets on stalks

Lower or indirect light Water every two to three weeks

ALOE VERA

Thick, spiny leaves growing out from center

Bright light, some direct Water when top two inches of soil are dry

SNAKE PLANT

Long, curvy spiked leaves

Bright, indirect light Water every two to three weeks