North Ogden Connection December 2019

NORTH OGDEN CONNECTION

THE TRADITION OF OGDEN'S

Christmas Village

The

Magic of the

Season!

December 2019 www.northogdenconnection.com

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CONNECTIONPUBLISHING North Ogden & Pleasant View Connection are published monthly by Connection Publishing© www.northogdenconnection.com ryan@connectionpub.com | (801)721-3762 PUBLISHER Ryan Spelts GRAPHIC DESIGN Kristina Case AD DESIGN Robert Dodd Abigail Rigby WRITERS Floyd Woodfield Francis Pharcellus Church Ryan Spelts Hailey Minton Ann Park Kristina Case EDITORS Carolyn White Hailey Minton Brittany Carroll

CONNECT WITH US! News, contests, photos from readers and lots more! We love hearing from you! northogdenconnection

Connection Publishing www.connectionpub.com If you'd like to advertise in our publications that reach over 10,000 homes in North Ogden, please contact Melinda Hortin at 801-645-5054 or melinda@connectionpub. com, for ad rates and to receive a media kit.

Disclaimer: The paid advertisements contained within the North Ogden Connection and Pleasant View Connection magazines are not endorsed or recommended by Connection Publishing or North Ogden City or Pleasant View City.

Therefore, neither party may be held liable for the business practices of these companies. The cities mentioned are also not responsible for any content in the magazines except for that which they directly submit for print.

The Reason for the Season

C

ongratulations to our new elected officials. It is always a comfort to know North Ogden is in good hands. I hope we can put aside all the election issues and unite behind them and continue to enjoy the surroundings in which we live. We need to realize how blessed we are to live in a great city.

We are approaching the Christmas season. It is the time of the year when we remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the supreme sacrifice He made for mankind. I have been on the hills of Judea where the shepherds were watching over their flocks by night and the angels appeared unto them declaring, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Their immediate reaction was to say “let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made know unto us.” Luke 2:8..15. Shepherds would soon arrive and later wise men from the east. The memory of that night would bring Santa Claus, Frosty, and Rudolph and all would be welcome. But first and foremost, there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel, but a baby lying in a manger and that’s how Christmas began.

I hope you have joy and happiness in your families and that you have a Merry Christmas.

This message has impacted the whole world for centuries. Weapons of war have been laid down on this day and a spirit of giving has been the mark of this event.

Perhaps this provides an important distinction we should remember in our own holiday season. Maybe while purchasing, making and wrapping the gifts amidst the colorful decorations, may we take a quieter, personal moment when we consider the meaning of the Baby and his birth who has prompted the giving of such gifts.

However you celebrate this season of the year, I hope you have joy and happiness in your families and that you have a Merry Christmas.

Brent Chugg, Mayor

Stay connected! www.northogdencity.com The City's website has information on every department in the City.

December 2019 | northogdenconnection.com 3

in this issue

DECEMBER The Connection Publishing Team Meet the people behind the pages of our magazines!

We asked our staff what their favorite Christmas traditon is...

Christmas tree hunting in the mountains Melissa Spelts Owner

See page 32 for a recipe for Wassail, a delicious & warm holiday drink!

Ryan Spelts Publisher/Owner

CONTENTS 5

Rhett Long Sales VP

CITY NEWS

14

COMMUNITY Calendar of Events

Students of the Month History

Yes, Virgina, Santa is Real NOJH Softball Win

23

BUSINESS Smarty Pants Preschool The Diamond Room IntegraLAW Wasatch Peaks Credit Union

29

HOME

Heiner's Insurance Center

History on page 14: Jeanette Shaw Greenwell and Alice Shaw Burton-about 1921.

ON OUR COVER 18 Ogden's Christmas Village Photo provided by Weber State University Special Collections

CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: northogdenconnection

34 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT Thai Curry

Questions or comments? ryan@connectionpub.com or 801-624-9652 Advertising: Melinda Hortin - 801-645-5054 Website: www.northogdenconnection.com 4

northogdenconnection.com | December 2019

Robert Dodd Graphic Design of Roy Connection and Ad Design Ann Park Sales & Writer

32

RECIPES Wassail Cream Cheese Fruit Dip How to Build a Charcuterie Board

Kristina Case Graphic Design

My Christmas sugar cookie decorating party with family and friends. Our cookies are always so festive and delicious!

Vy Trinh Sales Leadership Russ Starker Sales Melinda Hortin Sales & Social Media Crystal Rappleye Ad Design Abigail Rigby Ad Design Hailey Minton Editor & Writer

FOOD

+ CITY NEWS

City of North Ogden 2019 North Ogden Civic League Christmas Tree Lighting Join with the North Ogden Civic League and North Ogden City as we begin the Christmas season with the lighting of the trees at Bicentennial Park on Washington Blvd. and Pleasant View Drive. The program will include entertainment, refreshments and a visit from Santa!

Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2019 Time: 5:00 p.m.

Santa will be at Bi Centennial Park at the following times: Saturday, December 7th: 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Monday, December 9th: 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 14th: 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.

Monday, December 16th: 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 21st: 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.

Start the Christmas Season!

Letters to Santa Monday, December 2nd, a North Pole Express mailbox will be placed at Bicentennial Park. Letters mailed by noon on Dec. 19th will receive a response from Santa. To help Santa save on postage, all letters must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

COMMUNITY QUESTION CORNER

BY JON CALL, CITY ATTORNEY/ADMINISTRATOR

Question: What are the rules for snow this year?

Answer: It is illegal to move your snow onto the street

or sidewalk. NOC 8-4-2. This is particularly problematic once the plows have already been through your area because the snow may be compacted by vehicles and turn into dangerous icy situations. If you see anyone violating this ordinance, please remind them of the city code and point them to this article for information. Also, please do not use vehicle-mounted snow plows to clear away snow from the city streets. Our employees will get to your area

as quickly as possible, and we don’t want to risk damage to public infrastructure. Please remember we need to keep our sidewalks clear, especially along school routes. If you have a sidewalk along the front or side of your house, you are required under city code to shovel the sidewalks so pedestrians can pass freely. NOC 8-4-1. We appreciate your willingness to help us keep the kids off the streets during the upcoming snowy season. For more information, visit the www.northogdencity.com/publicworks page to look at information on snow removal in the sidebar menu links.

If you have questions about proper procedures, city code, building permits, community events, how-to's, or other city-related questions, please send an email to jcall@nogden.org.

December 2019 | northogdenconnection.com 5

+ CITY NEWS

Business Spotlight Ultimate Express Car Wash 1853 N Washington Blvd.

Winter hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday Jeff Shaw, owner of the Ultimate Express Car Wash, has been working to bring a car wash to North Ogden for almost a decade. That project became reality when he opened for business in October of this year.

He has studied car washes and learned from the best to bring the Ultimate (definition: being the best or most extreme of its kind) Express Car Wash to our city.

They also are able to reclaim 80% of the water used to be recycled without affecting the quality of the wash.

He boasts the best equipment available, with the longest tunnel and sufficient pressure to clean most vehicles without an initial prep. Towels are also provided when you purchase the “Ultimate Wash” that have been infused with silicone for cleaning your dash and windshield – just remember to return the cloth at the end so they can be washed for the next customer!

Josh Shaw, Jeff’s son and a Weber High graduate, is the manager of the car wash and is excited to work in North Ogden.

The Shaws are a great support to our community. They are longtime backers of Weber High Athletics and their football program.

Just this last month, they gave free car washes to all veterans on

Employee of the Month COLLEEN PHILLIPS came to work for North Ogden City part-time in the administration department in July of 2017. She works closely with our business licensing and helping customers at the front counter. Colleen is an efficient and outstanding employee and took it upon herself to learn and create a way to make business licensing more efficient. She is always willing to help in any way she can.

Colleen is fun, happy, and very easy to talk to; we all enjoy her laughter. She stepped up and took on the duties of helping with the employee social this past summer, and the committee commented that they were grateful that she took charge and efficiently handled the details. We are very happy to have Colleen in our department.

Look your best for the Holidays Holiday Gift Certificates Available

Veteran’s Day. They also participate in doing fundraisers.

They offer several different levels of service: Ultimate Wash - $18 or $40/Monthly Protect Shine+ - $15 or $35/Monthly Shine Clean+ - $12 or $30/Monthly Clean - $9 or $25/Monthly

428 E. 2600 N. North Ogden

Paying Your City Bill Lee's Marketplace is no longer accepting North Ogden City payments.

Payment options are: • There are two secure drop boxes in the city. One is located on the northeast side of the library parking lot on 2600 North. The other is located at the Public Works office on Lomond View Drive.

•

Payments are accepted over the phone with no processing fee at 801-782-8111 and you can pay online at www.northogdencity.com

6

northogdenconnection.com | December 2019

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December 2019 | northogdenconnection.com 7

FOOD

+ CITY NEWS

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northogdenconnection.com | December 2019

FOOD CITY NEWS

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.

Questions, comments, accolades?

Go to www.northogdencity.com/i-want-to/contact-us or see community contacts, right, for information.

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 6pm. Work sessions are held as needed on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Check www.northogdencity.com for changes.

For more news

www.northogdencity.com

Worried about air quality?

Filter your inside air and breathe better!

Key Community Contacts Mayor: Brent Chugg: 801- 737-9836 bchugg@nogden.org Council Members: Cheryl Stoker: 801-782-9302 cstoker@nogden.org Phillip Swanson: 801-940-2111 pswanson@nogden.org Carl Turner: 801-737-0398 cturner@nogden.org Blake Cevering: 801-549-8202 bcevering@nogden.com Ryan Barker: 801-814-4306 rbarker@nogden.org City Hall: 801-782-7211 Planning:

City Recorder/ H.R.: 801-737-9830

Annette Spendlove - aspend@nogden.org Building:

Particulate Matter Bio-Aerosols Volatile Organic Compounds The Best Indoor Air Filter on the Market!

10-Stage Filtration

Call for a Free Air Indoor Air Quality Evaluation (801) 648-4380

801-737-2220 Rob Scott - rscott@nogden.org

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

Paul Rhoades - prhoades@nogden.org Public Works: 801-782-8111

David Espinoza - despinoza@nogden.org

Shelly Robison - srobison@nogden.org Parks & Recreation: 801-737-0587

Tiffany Staheli - tstaheli@nogden.org

Becca Godfrey - bgodfrey@nogden.org

Jesse Felter - jfelter@nogden.org

Justin Rasmussen - jrasmussen@nogden.org

Nik Brown - n.brown@nogden.org

City Manager/ City Attorney: Jon Call - jcall@nogden.org

801-737-9846 Senior Center: 801-782-6211 December 2019 | northogdenconnection.com 9

+ COMMUNITY

December Calendar of Events SCHOOL EVENTS

tle @ Fremont High Dec 23 – Jan 3: Winter Break Dec 27: Girls Basketball @ Bonneville 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Dec 28: Girls Basketball @ Weber 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Weber High Dec 2: Council Reflections Awards Night @ Weber High Auditorium 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

North Ogden Jr. High: Dec 3: Quarters & Cans Assembly 9 a.m.

Dec 2: Late Start – 10 a.m. | Boys Basketball @ Box Elder 7 Dec 3: Early Out | Volleyball / NAL Playoff p.m. – 9 p.m. | Girls Basketball @ Woods 3 p.m.

Cross 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dec 5: All Day District Honor Band Dec 4: High School Honor Band Concert Rehearsal @ RHS 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | | Girls Basketball @ Taylorsville High 5:15 One-Act Play Hoodie 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | p.m. – 8 p.m.

District Honor Band Concert @ Orion 7 Dec 5: High School Honor Band Concert p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Swim @ Clearfield / Northridge 3:30 Dec 6: Volleyball / NAL Championships | p.m. – 6 p.m. | Boys Basketball @ MounOne-Act Plays 2:30 p.m., 7 p.m. tain Crest 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dec 9: Late Start Dec 6: Wrestling @ Syracuse High time Dec 10: Honor Society Field Trip | ChristTBD | Boys Basketball @ Weber 7 p.m. – mas Orchestra Concert @ Knight Hall 9 p.m.

7 p.m.

Dec 7: Cheer Competition @ Dec 11: Winter Showcase 7 p.m. – 8 Merry Cottonwood High | Girls Wrestling Christmas! p.m.

– Artemis Battle @ Telos U | WarDec 13: 9th Grade OTECH Exploriorette Competition @ Davis High | ration Week Field Trip 9 a.m. – 12 Wrestling @ Syracuse High time TBD p.m. | Winter Dance 5 p.m.

Dec 9: Zero Fatalities Drivers Ed @ Dec 16: Late Start auditorium 6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Dec 17: Band Christmas Concert 7 p.m.

Dec 10: Wrestling @ Ridgeline High time Dec 18: Advanced Ensembles Winter TBD | Girls Basketball @ Weber 5:15 p.m.

Tour – 8:15 p.m. | Swim Meet @ Davis 3:30 Dec 20: Early Out | Teachers vs. Students p.m. – 6 p.m. | Boys Basketball @ Weber Volleyball Game/ Assembly 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dec 23 – Jan 3: Winter Break Dec 11: Girls Basketball @ Box Elder 7 Orion Jr. High: p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dec 2: Late Start Dec 12: Wrestling @ Weber 6 p.m. – 8 Dec 3: Volleyball Playoff Games TBA 3 p.m. | Holiday Orchestra Concert 7 p.m. p.m. – 5 p.m. | STEM Star Club Meeting – 8 p.m.

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Dec 13: Boys Wrestling @ Evanston, WY Dec 4: Weber School District Honor | Boys Basketball @ Cyprus 7 p.m. – 9 Band Rehearsal @ Orion Cafeteria 6:30 p.m. p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Choir Field Trip @ Dec 14: Boys Wrestling @ Evanston, WY Temple Square 9:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. | | ACT Testing @ Weber 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Famous Utahns Wax Museum @Orion Dec 16: Holiday Band Concert with Cafeteria 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Snowcrest and Orion 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Dec 5: Famous Utahns Wax Museum @ Dec 17: Boys Basketball @ Weber 7 p.m.

Orion Cafeteria 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | – 9 p.m.

German Club Activity Christkindlmarkt Dec 18: IB Assembly – FLEX sophomores 2:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. | NAL Playoff Games only 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Wrestling @ TBA 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Weber School Weber 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Holiday Choral District Honor Band Rehearsal @ Orion Concert 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Cafeteria 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dec 19: Holiday Assembly 9 a.m. – 10 Dec 6: Student of the Month @ Media a.m. | Swim Meet @ Syracuse 3:30 p.m.

Center 9:20 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Volleyball – 6 p.m.

Championship game TBA 3:30 p.m. – Dec 20: Wrestling – Jody Warren Duals 5:30 p.m. @ Weber | Early Out 12:15 p.m. | Girls Dec 9: Late Start | Boys Basketball Basketball @ Davis 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Tryouts @ Gym 2:35 p.m. – 4:35 p.m. | | Boys Basketball @ Davis 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Choir Concert @ Cafeteria 6:30 p.m. – Dec 21: Wrestling – Jody Warren Duals 8:30 p.m. @ Weber | Girls Wrestling – Athena Bat-

10 CONNECTIONPUBLISHING | December 2019

Dec 10: Ogden Weber Tech Exploration Day @ Ogden-Weber Technical College 8:10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | NAL Championship Game TBA 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Dec 11: Drama Showcase @ Stage 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Dec 13: Winter Dance 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Dec 16: Late Start | Piano Recital @ Choir Room 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Band Concert with Weber High Band @ Weber High School 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Dec 17: Orchestra Concert @ Cafeteria 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Dec 18: Library Play @ Orion Library 7:40 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Dec 20: Talent Show @ Gym 7:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Early Out Dec 23 – Jan 3: Christmas Break Maria Montessori Academy: Dec 17-19: Early Release Dec 20: No School Dec 23 – Jan 3: Winter Break Lomond View Elementary: Dec 6: Robo Club 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Science Club K-3 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Choir Concert 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Dec 13: Robo Club 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Science Club 4-67:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Dec 19: Parent Concert 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Dec 20: Robo Club 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Early Out 1:15 p.m.

Dec 23 – Jan 3: Winter Break Bates Elementary: Dec 10: Choir Concert @ Weber High School 6 p.m.

Dec 20: Early Out 1:05 p.m.

Dec 23 – Jan 1:Christmas Break North Ogden Elementary: Dec 2: Choir 7:30 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.

Dec 4: Choir 7:30 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.

Dec 9: Choir 7:30 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.

Dec 11: Choir 7:30 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.

Dec 13: North Ogden Elementary Choir Concert @ Weber High School 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Dec 20: Early Out Dec 23 – Jan 1: Winter Break Majestic Elementary: Dec 11: Christmas Social @ Library 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Dec 20: Early Out 1:15 p.m.

Dec 23 – Jan 1: Winter Break Green Acres Elementary: Dec 5: DIBELS Testing 1st – 3rd Grades

Dec 10: 4th Grade Field Trip @ Environmental Center Dec 13: Kindergarten Program a.m. & p.m.

8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. No p.m. class held today Dec 20: Early Out 1:15 | All Kindergarten attend a.m. session Dec 23 – Jan 1: Winter Break

SENIOR EVENTS

North View Senior Center 485 E. 2550 N. • North Ogden, Utah 801-782-6211 Lunch: 11:50 a.m.

Mon, Tues, Wed, & Fri. Dinner: 5 p.m.

Thurs. (Opens at 1 p.m.)

Seniors over age 60 - $3.00 Seniors under age 60 - $6.00 *Meals include a main dish, fruit, vegetable, and dessert Hours: Mon. Tues. Wed. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Thurs. 1 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Fri. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Monday 8:30 Ceramics 8:30 Tai Chi 10:00 Line Dance 12:30 Card Games 2:00 Tap Dancing Tuesday 8:30 Zumba 9:30 Art 10:00 Line Dancing 12:30 Weight Lifting (Strength Exercises) 12:30 Card Games Wednesday 9:00 Wood Carving 9:00 Bridge 10:00 Line Dancing 12:30 Card Games Thursday 1:00 PM Center Opens 1:00 Tap Dancing 5:00 Dinner 5:30 Entertainment Friday 8:30 Zumba 8:30 Ceramics 9:00 Bridge 10:00 Yoga (bring own mat) 12:30 Card Games Special Activities and Events Dec 2. Hair Cuts Dec 4. Foot Clinic by appointment at 10 a.m. Cell Phone Class at 3 p.m.

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

Dec 7. Game Day at 10 a.m.

Dec 9. Gift Wrapping at 2 p.m.

Dec 11. Foot Clinic by appointment at 10 a.m., Blood Pressure at 11 a.m.

Dec 12. Free Legal Advice at 4 p.m. Call Zella to sign up 801-782-6211; Tip Toe Tappers at 5:30 p.m.

Dec 19. Gary Toyn (Christmas Dinner) at 5:30 p.m.

Dec 21. Gary Romer Christmas Dance at 7 p.m.

Dec 25 & Jan 1. Closed (Merry Christmas and New Year’s Day) Dec 26. Blood Pressure at 11 a.m. Bingo at 5:30 p.m.

These are available for your use, Library, Television, Billiards, Exercise Equipment, Air Hockey, Ping Pong Table Kitchen Volunteers Needed

FUN THINGS TO DO! Dec 2, 9, 16, 23: Pet Night with Santa @ Newgate Mall 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. We welcome dogs and cats only Dec 4: Free Weber State University Jewelry Exhibition @ The Local Artisan Collective.

This free event will feature local artists creating handcrafted jewelry, toys, household items and home décor.

Dec 5: A Broadway Christmas with Ashley Brown @ Austad Auditorium 7:30 p.m.

Dec 6: First Friday Art Stroll 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dec 7: The First Annual Craft Lake City Holiday Market @ The Monarch 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. | Imagine Ballet Theatre’s “Nutcracker Tea Party” @ the Ogden Eccles Conference Center 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Cookie Plate & Cookie Decorations @ the Eccles Community Art Center 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Children’s ages 3 and older can create a Santa cookie plate and decorate cookies at this workshop. $12/ plate, extra $5 | Weber State Men’s Basketball vs Westcliff University @ the Dee Event Center 2 p.m.

Dec 8: NEXT Ensemble presents Amahl & the Night Visitors @ The Monarch 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Event is for all ages $10 students/ children under 17 are free.

Dec 9: The Forgotten Carols @ Dee Events Center 7:30 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. Tickets are $14.50 - $38.00 Dec 11: Wild Wednesdays: Nature’s Hoarders @Ogden Nature Center 3:45-4:15 p.m.

Free for members/ $5 adults, $4 senior, $3 kids (2-11) Scavenge, save, store! Unlike humans, animals can’t run to the supermarket to fulfill their basic needs. | Jazz at the Station @ the Union Station in the Grand Lobby 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. all age event for FREE Dec 17: Weber State Men’s Basketball vs Bethesda @ the Dee Event Center 7:30 p.m. | Weber State Women’s Basketball vs Utah Valley @ the Dee Event Center 5 p.m.

Dec 18: Wild Wednesdays: Snow, Snow, Snow! @ Ogden Nature Center 3:45 p.m.

– 4:15 p.m.

Dec 19: A Deseret Book Christmas featuring Mercy River, Calee Reed & Brad Wilcox @ Ben Lomond High School 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dec 23: Utah Symphony: Here Comes Santa Claus @ Peery’s Egyptian Theatre 7 p.m.

Dec 30: Weber State Men’s Basketball vs Idaho University @ the Dee Event Center 7 p.m.

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Party @ Funk ‘n Dive Bar 2550 Washington Blvd, Ogden

CITY EVENTS Dec 17: City Council Meeting @ Council Chambers 6 p.m.

Dec 4 &18: Planning Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Dec 20-23: The North Pole @ Barker Park 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Live nativity, electronic light show, take pictures with Santa and his reindeer, free cocoa and cookies.

NORTH OGDEN LIBRARY EVENTS Dec 4: Weber Reads Snowballs @ 2 p.m.

Get ready for winter weather and learn about snow! | Teen Cupcake Wars @ 6:30 p.m. Race against the clock to decorate a cupcake, incorporate a secret ingredient, and see if you can take home the title of champion! Call (801)337-2652 to register Dec 10: Coding Crew @ 4 p.m. Ages 12-18 Choose your own path and work at your own pace. All supplies are provided.

Call (801)337-2652 to register.

Dec 14: Polar Express Party @ 2:30 p.m. ages 12 and under. Put on your pajamas and join us for a screening of The Polar Express. Enjoy a sweet treat and winter craft.

Dec 18: Gingerbread Architect @ 6 p.m.

Call (801)337-2652 to register Dec 21: Sensory Story Hour 10:30 a.m.

Designed for children with special needs Continuous Programs Mondays: Youth Chess Club 4 p.m. ages 4-18 Wednesdays: After School Program @ 2 p.m. Activities exploring STEAM for elementary school-aged children.

Thursdays: Discovery Time @ 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Infant to 3 years, and 4-5 years. Stories, music, and learning activities. | Movies @ 3 p.m.

December 2019 | CONNECTIONPUBLISHING 11

+ COMMUNITY

Students of the Month Congratulations to our hardworking student's that are recognized by teachers and faculty at their schools. Good job!

Melodie Hughes

Leyla Householder

Weber High School

Maria Montessori Academy

During the 2nd week of school, we were discussing a “you try” math problem, and Melodie volunteered to the class that she got the problem wrong. She then explained why she got the problem wrong and how to correct her mistake. I thought her volunteering this information was very risky as it is hard to know how you will be perceived by your peers. It is often difficult for students to admit when they are wrong. Melodie provided a great opportunity for discussion, and numerous students realized they had made the same error.

It was a very valuable learning experience for the entire class, and I very much appreciate her boldness and willingness to express herself.

Leyla Householder is an 8th grader at Maria Montessori Academy who excels academically and always has a smile on her face. She is a fantastic role model and is a member of our school’s Hope Squad. She has been selected as a mentor for new students and is willing to go the extra mile when asked. She ran on our Cross Country team and set a personal best this season. Leyla does not have an unkind word to say about others and is not only a joy to have in the classroom, but she is also an all-around awesome person!

Aubry Dixon Angel Chavez Orion Jr. High School Angel is a 9th grader at Orion Jr. High.

He is involved in Project Lead The Way and Latinos in Action at school, and loves to play football. Angel has a challenging schedule and is taking several Honors classes with a 3.2 GPA. His personal goal is to make a positive impact in the world, and his career goals include attending the University of Utah and becoming an engineer. Angel is very polite and works hard. We are pleased to recognize his efforts and successes. Congratulations, Angel!

North Ogden Jr. High School I am so excited to nominate Aubry as student of the month. Aubry is such a hard worker in my math class. She comes prepared to learn and does her work every day. Aubry is the type of student that you wish for in math class. She is so excited to learn every day and so friendly. If she does not understand the material, she asks for help in learning how to do the problems.

Every day, Aubry comes to class with a smile. Thank you Aubry for making my day brighter. Good luck in all your future endeavors in life.

-Mr. Perry, Math Teacher at North Ogden Junior High

THANK YOU TO THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS: Students of the Month get a $25 gift card from Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital

12 CONNECTIONPUBLISHING | December 2019

December 2019 | CONNECTIONPUBLISHING 13

+ A LOOK BACK

HISTORY

Sledding and Snow

BY FLOYD WOODFIELD

I have vivid memories of how excited I was when the first big snow storms hit North Ogden in early winter. As more and more snow storms hit and the snow became deeper and deeper, I took a ruler outside to measure it. When it was a foot deep, I was very excited.

One of my happiest Christmases occurred when the family received a Flexible Flyer sleigh for Christmas. I knew it was not mine, but felt it was partially mine and I could use it. It was fairly short but a first rate sleigh, shiny and bright, painted with a red streak down the middle. It was built with a steel frame with sturdy wood on top and steel runners. On the front was a strong turning handle, attached to the frame that I could hold on to and steer to the right or the left. In back of our house was a little hill that descended gradually away from our home to the west. After we had tromped a path for a day or two, down towards the granary and chicken coops, the snow in the path became hard and slick, and sometimes icy. I would run from the top of the hill in the back of our house and slam the sleigh onto the path. With the same motion, I’d throw my body onto the sleigh and ride it down past the granary and towards the chicken coops.

Occasionally, I was allowed to take the sleigh to a hill on Mountain Road, east and south of our place. With other kids on their sleighs, I went “lickety split” down the hill. I’d turn west, down the hill onto Gardener’s Lane, now 1700 North Street, and ride far down the street.

Sometimes, when the roads were icy, we could go almost a quarter of a mile. When 2600 north was covered with snow and ice on wintry days, school children, including me, had fun during recess riding a large bob sled from the old North Ogden Central school to Washington Boulevard, perhaps half a mile away.

Top: The first snow of 1944: LaVern Shaw, Joan,Claudia,LouJean Shaw,Marvin Shaw,Jerald Shaw Above: Kay Burton, Marilyn Richards Randall, and Linda Burton sleigh riding-about 1949

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+ COMMUNITY

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 old. 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.

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Christmas Village An Ogden Tradition

christmas village

BY RYAN SPELTS

O

Photo by Bryan Butterfield

n a magical night in the not

Ogden City’s Christmas Village at City Hall Park.

too distant future, there will

On those lucky years, one of my favorite parts is the beautiful glow from freshly-fallen snow reflecting the multi-colored lights adorning the trees, cottages, and decorations all around Christmas Village. The shimmer from the lights reflecting off the wet pavement is also a highlight. For us, the season just wouldn’t be complete without a family excursion to the famed village. If you have never looked in the windows of these uniquely decorated cottages, you should add it to your list for this year’s must dos.

be a buzz of excitement and anticipation at our house. My wife will be filling the thermos

with piping-hot chocolate and looking for some disposable cups, while I help our kids scramble about trying to find beanies, gloves, and the warmest coats. We are going to Ogden’s Christmas Village!

It is Christmas Eve and Santa is already making his way around the world! We will know precisely where he is because we will be carefully monitoring his progress on www.noradsanta.org and we know he will be touching down in Ogden sometime around midnight. With this in mind, we load up the SUV and head downtown for a magical night of Christmas-themed discovery at the 18 CONNECTIONPUBLISHING | December 2019

The season at Christmas Village starts with the Electric Light Parade and Opening Lighting Ceremony. Each year, it occurs on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, starting with a Santa Run at 4:30 p.m., followed by The Electric Light Parade. At 5:30 p.m., the lights that adorn the trees along Washington Boulevard are turned on as the parade makes its way down Washington Boulevard. After the parade, there is an opening ceremony at the amphitheater at approximately 6:30 p.m. that includes a fireworks show and lighting of all village cottages. From that day until January 1st, the lights are on every day from 5p.m. to midnight. Sometimes, water from rain or snow can cause some

of the lights to stop working, but crews work diligently to dry out the connections and get lights back on.

This year, Christmas Village will have 67 homes, each sponsored by local businesses and organizations. The tradition started in 1962, and you can read some of the details in our “A Look Back” history article in this issue.

Today, the village begins to be assembled just after Halloween festivities are completed at the park and amphitheater. For ten months per year, the city stores the cottages that are constructed on trailers. You might not know this because, while on display, the trailers have the wheels removed and are then set down on their frames.

One by one, the trailers are pulled into the impromptu village and put into place for display. The Santa’s Castle is the largest fixture in the village, and it takes a special permit to transport it through city streets from the warehouse to the park.

For those who want to sponsor a cottage in the village, there is quite a long waiting list. 23 groups are currently waiting for a cottage to open up. Most of these groups want to take over a booth that someone no longer

wants to care for. It can be a little easier to get a space in the village by creating a new cottage from scratch, but is quite a bit more expensive. Bubba’s Trailers sells a special trailer base that is ideal for constructing a Christmas Village cottage. Many of the trailers are built by volunteers, and Weber State students have helped with several cottages over the years. This year, there is a brand new cottage sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. We can’t wait to see what winter theme they create. Even though there is physically room to house more cottages at the park, there is a power shortage, and therefore, not much more expansion is possible. The power availability at the park is nearly maxed out with the 67 booths that will be on display this year.

While Ogden City previously had to seek out companies and groups to construct and decorate the cottages featured in the Christmas Village, the popularity of this event has changed the tide. Now there is a formal application and approval process for would-be cottages.

The city looks for unique and well thought-out cottage ideas and groups that are committed to keeping their

The season kicks off with a spectacular Light Parade with Fireworks on Saturday, November 30, 2019.

Right: Ernie Terravas is the Honorary Christmas Village Mayor. He has been a part of the Christmas Village volunteering his time since 1980.

Photo by Bryan Butterfield

Photo by Bryan Butterfield

December 2019 | CONNECTIONPUBLISHING 19

ideas fresh and updated each year. My family appreciates cottages that have either unique new designs each year or at least have updated fresh looks. The best booths are voted upon by the visiting public on the city’s website, where they can pick the Best of Show each year. You can place your vote at christmasvillage.ogdencity.com Each village contains a Christmas-themed scene that is dreamt up by the company or group sponsoring it. Sponsors can decorate and update their cottages during the off season, but most companies wait until the cottages are set up in the park to make their changes. There is an overall Christmas theme introduced each year for the village, though each cottage can feature a theme of its own. This year’s village theme is “Are you Yeti for Christmas?” In each cottage you will find a cute little figurine that Cottage creators can hide anywhere they want.

Our kids race to see if they can be the first to find the small hidden do-dad in each cottage.

At the heart of this wonderful event and display are a group of 14 incredible volunteers who work all year to pull off the event.

This group of 14 is the leadership board for the Christmas Village, and they are also assisted by around 100 community volunteers during the setup phase of the event that happens in November. The board takes the month of January off and then, starting in February, the meetings begin, where they select the theme for the upcoming year and elect the next Honorary Village Mayor. Those meetings continue each month for the rest of the year. The title of Honorary Mayor is bestowed upon someone who has had a positive impact on Christmas Village festivities over the years.

This year, the Honorary Mayor is Ernie Terravas. Ernie was born in Syracuse, Kansas, and then lived in Colorado until the age of seven. He attended schools in Ogden City and graduated from Washington High School. He started working for Ogden City in April of 1980 and retired in August of last year after 38 years of service.

He has one son, Earnest Anthony Terrazas, and twin daughters, Erica Terrazas Sapien and Kimberly Terrazas Moldenhauer. He also has three grandchildren.

happiness to so many visitors. He loved how he was able to use his creative energies to help build and maintain the village each season. Some of his favorite memories came from behind the scenes working with other city employees and volunteers. This year, he was named the Honorary Mayor of Christmas Village in honor of his many years of hard work and efforts to help make Christmas Village what it is today.

Craig Bielik has volunteered at Christmas Village for more than 10 years. He was raised in Ogden and has powerful memories of the village from early on in his life. He has now visited the village with his parents, on his first date with his wife, and with his kids and his grandkids. He decided to volunteer because he wanted to see the village succeed and feels it is one of the best events the city holds each year.

When asked about his favorite memory from over the years of volunteering, it was an easy answer from Craig. They were approached by a young man who wanted to propose to his girlfriend at one of her favorite places, Christmas Village. The man really wanted it to be memorable so he got permission to be inside of one of the cottages. When his soon-to-be fiancé came by with some friends, she looked through the cottage window and was shocked to see her boyfriend inside. He held up a handwritten sign asking for her hand in marriage. It added more magic to the already magical Christmas season tradition for Craig. (see picture) He also loves that, every year, there is a great turnout of people at opening ceremonies, regardless of the weather.

Christmas Village is already part of so many locals' holiday tradition, and we hope there can be even more visitors this year and in the years to come. This is definitely something to be proud of for all residents of Northern Utah.

magic of the season

Raising his children in Ogden, he volunteered as a coach for various recreation teams, worked as assistant basketball coach for 4 years at Mound Fort Jr. High, and 3 years as assistant baseball coach at Ben Lomond High School.

He has also been part of making Christmas Village happen since 1980, when there were only 13 cottages. He loves Christmas Village because he loves seeing the kids’ eyes light up at the lighting ceremony. He also loves seeing the magic of the village bring 20 CONNECTIONPUBLISHING | December 2019

Volulnteer Craig Bielik says his favorite memory is when a young man wanted to propose to his girlfriend. He got permission to be inside one cottage with a sign for her to read. She said yes!

+ COMMUNITY

The Weber County Softball District Champions North Ogden Jr. High takes back this title after 35 years.

BY HAILEY MINTON

C

oach Lisa Howell described the North Ogden Jr. High Softball championship game against Wahlquist Jr. High as insane! It was a cold sunny day, and the game was held at the Weber State softball field. Leading up to that game, Wahlquist hadn’t lost once in 22 games. The combination of the crowd and their dugout cheering created an amped-up and ultra-supportive atmosphere for their girls. Even though the crowd energy was directed towards Whalquist, the North Ogden Team came out strong and scored 4 runs in the first inning with the help of a homerun by Kendall Strasburg who pitched the game.

Howell described the next three innings as a defensive battle. North Ogden’s defense had zero errors, and no one from Wahlquist got past 2nd base. “At the top of the fifth inning, our bats went crazy and we scored 13 runs with a home run by Kaidyn Mueller,” and they won the game 17 to 0 in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The mercy rule ended the game after the fifth inning because NOJH scored more than ten runs after five innings.

Howell attributes the success of the team to the skill, attitudes, and love of the game each player brought to the

table. “They showed up, were focused, and had fun within the bounds of the game. They were solid!” Howell said their girls were the best teammates she has seen in all her years of coaching and playing. All the girls, especially the ones who stayed mostly in the dugout, set a really positive tone for the entire season.

She said the girls only had good things to say to and about each other and that made a big difference out on the field.

“Our team was just magical this year!”

Howell also emphasized how coachable their girls were. She said the girls typically responded with “I’ll do whatever you want, Coach,” or “I’m ready, Coach,” when Howell or the other coaches gave directions. Sometimes they asked the girls to switch positions or change things up to optimize their chances of winning. The coaches’ good directions coupled with a coachable team obviously worked out wonderfully.

Howell said she and the two assistant coaches brought various skills that to the table that made their coaching staff whole. Janette Blaisdell brought a lot of knowledge from what she learned playing college ball as a catcher. Jennifer Jensen played through high school and she gave amazing motivational pregame speeches to the team. Blaisdell said the girls really

Photo by Brittany Palmer Photography

respect Coach Howell and that seems to motivate them to play harder. “She keeps the girls’ needs in mind, organizes practices with purpose, and she is smart with decisions. She is encouraging, fun, and positive and reminds them they are student athletes. How they’re doing in school is more important than the sport.”

A week after they won, the Weber State softball field dirt was replaced. Thanks to a community donor, the dirt they won on will replace the damaged grass on the North Ogden Jr. High infield. Next fall ,the team will be playing on the same soil on which they took back the title of Weber School District Champions after 35 years. Congratulations, Lady Knights!

Congrats on your win, Lady Knights!

Back: Logyn Howell, Izzy Bird, Jaysie Barker, Coach Lisa Howell, Madalyn Braegger, Coach Janette Blaisdell, Eden Jensen, Coach Jennifer Jensen, Kendall Strasburg, Ellie Nielsen, Kaidyn MuellerFront: Lex Elliott, Kambree Strasburg, Taelyn Poulsen, Gabby Montgomery, Hannah Black, Emma Kelly, Cydnee Hart, Jaycee Steed December 2019 | CONNECTIONPUBLISHING 21

+ BUSINESS

Smarty Pants Preschool

BY HAILEY MINTON

"We're like one big family over here, it's great!"

S

Hali Larsen loves giving her students a love of learning that will help them in every grade.

INFO Business: Preschool Address: 859 W. Pleasant View Drive, Pleasant ViewPhone: 801-425-1079 smartypantspreschoolutah.com

martyPants Preschool began around 7 years ago when Hali Larsen and her husband relocated to North Ogden. She owned a couple preschools in Morgan and Mountain Green, but her husband teaches at Weber High and they wanted to be closer to his work. Larsen said it’s always hard starting a new school, but she believes a community recognizes the difference when high quality makes an appearance. “It wasn’t super hard for us to start from scratch because we already had an awesome teacher, Jodi Lafeber… I built the preschool around what I wanted for my kids and other people saw the value in it as well.”

Larsen said kindergarten teachers frequently tell them the kids who come from SmartyPants are more ready than other children from any other preschool in the area. “We give them a firm foundation and a love of learning. That makes them easy students to teach. Our kids pass the kindergarten readiness test by a mile,” said Larsen.

When a child comes to this preschool, they are loved.

Amber Hodges said in a blog post, her son’s teacher always

greeted him with a bear hug when he arrived, and when they’d see her at the grocery store she came over and made a big deal about how much she loved him. Larsen and all the staff at Smarty Pants chose to teach preschool because they love children, especially this age. “There’s not another age I’d rather teach! The kids love to be there and everything is magical at this age.”

Preschool is usually a child’s first introduction to a classroom setting, and learning the academic lessons like letters and numbers isn’t the only purpose of it. It is teaching children how to be students and instilling a love of learning that will help them excel as they move from grade to grade. The love and the attitudes the teachers bring as they teach here make all the difference though. “It’s not what we teach it’s how we teach.” Larsen said this foundation gives children educational self-esteem because they know how to handle themselves in a classroom. This is what helps them to be successful when they move on from grade to grade.

The social experience children get through preschool is very valuable. Children have play time at SmartyPants and they learn how to get along with peers, share, resolve conflict, and take turns. This is one of the reasons why teachers

want all their students to go through Smarty Pants. If they can’t handle the classroom and being in a group setting, students will not be successful academically.

The SmartyPants Preschool staff understands the process of learning and how to transition kids into taking the next step in the child’s education. The school has twelve teachers and a lot of them have been there since the SmartyPants opened.

Parents happily bring their younger children to teachers their older ones loved so much. The head teachers are licensed and certified and have around 15 years of experience each. The aids have their Early Childhood Development Degree and all their staff are highly trained.

They have teachers who specialize in teaching Spanish, STEAM, Preschool, and their Discovery class for 2-3 yearolds.

If you want to guarantee a spot for your child at Smarty Pants Preschool, register in January because sometimes they can have a waitlist for classes. Larsen’s favorite part of her job is being involved with the families and watching their students’ families turn into friends.

“We’re like one big family over here, it’s great!”

December 2019 | CONNECTIONPUBLISHING 23

+ BUSINESS

The Diamond Room

BY ANN PARK

Kenneth Cassar, owner, loves telling the story of life through jewelry.

Kenneth Cassar has been working with fine jewelry for over 30 years.

INFO Business: Jewelry Store Location: 131 25th St. Phone: (801) 392-3232 thediamondroomutah.com

Phyllis and her dog Boris, are located in the front window and are hard to miss!

The Diamond Room on 25th Street is a cozy, friendly shop owned and operated

by Kenneth Cassar. If you’ve ever strolled along Historic 25th street, you have probably seen Phyllis.

She was created by a local artist and adds a touch of whimsy to the front window. She and her sidekick, Boris, are hard to miss or forget! Kenneth has been at this location for four years, but he has been in the neighborhood working with fine jewelry for more than 30.

He and his team have more than 75 years of combined experience. He loves what he does and it certainly shows in his warm, friendly service.

Kenneth loves jewelry, and most of us feel the same.

There is something rare and special about the polished metal and glittering stones.

They fascinate us and draw us in for a closer look. The inventory at The Diamond Room is especially compelling since nearly every piece they carry is completely unique.

24 CONNECTIONPUBLISHING | December 2019

The selection includes jewelry made from uncut diamonds, Alaskan gold nuggets, turquoise and a wealth of colored gemstones. Their spectacular birthstone jewelry explores different shapes and textures set in dramatic styles.

They are anything but generic styles filled with different colored stones. The best piece of jewelry is one that demands that you look at it at least twice, and these demanded more than that!

Kenneth loves telling the story of life through jewelry. He thrives on the artistic outlet: creating something new, something special, beautiful and one-of-a-kind. He can create a new concept from scratch, something as unique as the people it has been designed for. His passion for jewelry is founded on that love for creative expression.

He has loved his location right in the heart of 25th Street. He plans to stay and has purchased the building.

This, combined with a small staff, enables him to keep his expenses lean, giving him the opportunity to offer wholesale prices, and to do what he loves: match people with jewelry.

The Diamond Room can also clean rings, replace watch batteries, size rings, and make repairs to the jewelry you already own. You can also take advantage of his experience and ask his advice on any

questions you might have.

Why is Kenneth still doing this when he could have retired?

“It’s the people,” he told me.

“I love working with people.

Every person who comes through my door shares their story with me.” Some of his clients have been with him for four generations. Those long term friendships are the highlight of his career.

When someone wants to make a jewelry purchase, they are often motivated by a relationship. It’s the first reason people think to buy jewelry. Kenneth often begins a conversation with “Tell me how you two met.” He enjoys seeing people who fell in love once and have stayed in love for years. A diamond is a symbol of their loyalty, love and dedication to each other.

Kenneth feels that his work allows him to be a part of their story. Love is very special, and Kenneth is focused on finding the perfect symbol for that love.

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+ BUSINESS

Special article brought to you by Wasatch Peaks Credit Union

How Should I Fund My Holiday Shopping?

Q: I’ve made my gift list and I’m checking it twice. But I’m getting a bit panicky just thinking about how I’m going to pay for all this stuff!

What’s the best way to get me through this expensive season?

A: Relax! You can keep your budget and your sanity, too! Instead, learn about your choices so you can spend responsibly and keep your holiday cheer all through the season.

CHRISTMAS CLUB ACCOUNT

Plan ahead and save more for your holiday shopping. Pay a little bit toward this expensive season all year long by opening a Christmas Club Account. A Christmas Club Account is a savings account that enables you to make deposits to save for holiday spending while earning a higher certificate rate.

These accounts offer you a way to plan ahead for the season, instead of playing catch-up on your bills in the coming months. This helps take away the stress and put the cheer back in your holiday season!

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26 CONNECTIONPUBLISHING | December 2019

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Credit cards may just be your best payment of choice for holiday shopping.

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+ BUSINESS

Special article brought to you by IntergraLAW

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Estate Planning

BY GARRETT T. SMITH

1) HAVING NO ESTATE PLAN. Many people believe that they do not need to worry about creating an estate plan until they reach a certain age.

Everyone is mortal and, unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball to know exactly when their life might end. If you fail to designate how you want your estate to be distributed, the state statute holds precedence. Although this process can bring up uncomfortable conversations, the discomfort is outweighed by the peace of mind you gain by having a clearly designed estate plan.

2) NOT UPDATING YOUR ESTATE PLAN. This common mistake can have drastic consequences including additional taxes and family contention because of confusion. Here are a few examples of circumstances that may require an estate plan update: · Acquisition of land (real property) · Death of a beneficiary · Divorce · Marriage · Moving to a different state · Changes in law

3) A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING.

When I review existing estate plans for potential clients, I am surprised by how often the client’s understanding of trust distribution differs from the actual language of the trust. This most often occurs where a boilerplate form was used and there were no customizations made to match the wishes of the client. I take time explaining each document and how distributions will be made to ensure that you understand and are comfortable with your plan.

how your family will react to this type of news better than you do.

4) YOUR ESTATE PLAN IS A SECRET. Every family is different

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and must decide how to approach this conversation. For example, my parents never discussed who would be guardians of my siblings and me if they died, but one of my cousin’s parents would tell him who his guardians would be each time they updated their estate plan. I advise my clients to be as communicative as possible with their families so that their wishes can be understood and clearly articulated. There are cases where it is more appropriate to be discreet with family members who might be difficult to deal with. At the end of the day, it is ultimately up to you to decide how to handle this issue because no one knows

5) ACCIDENTALLY LOSING CONTROL OF YOUR ESTATE. Creation of certain documents can potentially give more financial, legal, and medical control to another person than intended. These documents should be discussed thoroughly and drafted in such a way that you do not inadvertently give up more control than you need or want to.

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Special article brought to you by Heiner's Insurance Center

Winter Driving Tips & Tricks POSTED BY LISA D...- ACUITY

Winter driving can be challenging with snowy and icy weather, inexperienced drivers, and uncertain road conditions. If you can stay home on blustery winter days, good for you!

If not, here are some winter driving tips to help you get to your destination safely.

1. BEFORE WINTER Perform a maintenance check on your vehicle so it is ready for the season.

Lower temperatures can affect the performance of your vehicle, so check the battery and make sure the heater and defroster work. Also, stock up on antifreeze and windshield washer fluid specific for cold weather. Inspect tire tread and windshield wipers and replace if necessary to combat snow and ice.

Consider replacing your current tires with snow tires.

Equip your vehicle with items that could be crucial in a winter emergency, such as a blanket, boots, hat, gloves, snow brush, ice scraper, shovel, and sand, cat litter, or gravel (for traction), as well as extra antifreeze and cold weather windshield wiper fluid. These items are in addition to year-round emergency supplies, such

as a flashlight with batteries, phone charger, first-aid kit, jumper cables, road flares, bottled water, and granola/protein bars.

• Know your vehicle. Is it 4-wheel or

2. BEFORE YOU DRIVE

3. WHILE YOU DRIVE

• Check the weather forecast and

2-wheel drive? Does it have antilock brakes?

• Buckle up.

• Slow down and refrain from using

traffic report for your entire route.

Allow extra time when conditions are predicted to change or worsen.

cruise control when driving through sleet or snow or on ice.

• Leave more distance than usual

• Fuel up, and keep the tank at least

between you and the car in front of you.

half full.

• Charge your phone so it is available after you reach your destination or in an emergency, but not while driving.

• Remove ice and brush snow off the

• Drive with the lights on. Use low beams when conditions present strained visibility.

• If you find yourself sliding, steer to

keep the vehicle going in its original direction without over steering.

When you regain traction, start to straighten the wheels. Pump the brakes if your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes. Stomp on brakes if it does have anti-lock brakes.

windshield, hood, roof, windows, headlights, and taillights so you can see and be seen.

• If you do get stranded, remain calm and safe in your vehicle until help arrives.

Stay safe this winter and avoid driving if conditions are dangerous.

“We pay for Ashes and Crashes” Since 1948 606 Washington Blvd • Ogden, Utah 84404 Ph: (801) 621-2620 Fax: (801) 621-7642

www.heinerins.com | 1-800-565-7720 December 2019 | CONNECTIONPUBLISHING 31

LET'S PARTY! 'Tis the season for holiday parties! Here are some recipes that are great to bring to a party or make when you're hosting. Happy Holidays!

Mary Sue Rasmussen’s Cream Cheese Toffee Fruit Dip

BY HAILEY MINTON

This fruit dip is a medley of sweet, creamy smoothness with an exciting crunch of toffee. My favorite way to eat it is with green apples, but it is good on practically any fruit! It has been a hit ever since my grandma introduced it to us, and it makes an appearance at most Rasmussen family parties.

BY HAILEY MINTON

This drink is a swirl of sweetness and spices that will warm you to your core. This is one of those seasonal drinks to which you can attach vivid memories with the taste and the smell it delivers.

For me, the smell of cloves and cinnamon call back fond memories of making wassail with my uncle during our annual family Christmas party. I was a teenager at the time, and we made a regular batch. Then we made a special batch, just for us, that had more spices in it than the average person liked. I think the candle makers try to tap into these fond memories to coax us into buying their merchandise, but I’ll just make wassail instead.

Let the cream cheese soften for 20-30 minutes.

2 Apples 8 C Apple cider 2 C Orange juice 1/3 C Lemon juice 4 Cinnamon sticks 15 Whole cloves or ½ tsp ground cloves ¼ tsp Ground ginger ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg 1 Tbsp Brown sugar (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a mixer.

Poke the whole cloves into the apples on all sides.

Scoop into a serving dish and chill until ready to serve.

Add all the ingredients, including the apples, to a large pot over medium low heat. (I use a crockpot)

*Coating sliced apples with lemon juice keeps them from oxidizing or turning brown quickly.

Bring to a simmer for 30-45 minutes

1 8oz block of cream cheese ½ C brown sugar ¼ C white sugar 1 tsp vanilla ½ package Heath toffee baking bits (4oz)

Cheers to all the fun parties of the season!

Wassail Recipe

Remove apples, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks.

Ladle into mugs and enjoy!

+ RECIPES Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of assembling cured meats, cheeses, fruits and other items either on a table or a serving board. They are popular because they are a pretty and tasty centerpiece to any kind or size of party, you can customize to your tastes, and they are fun to put together. Here are some tips for assembling one for your next holiday party.

Build a DELICIOUS CHARCUTERIE BOARD

BY KRISTINA CASE

Choose your serveware

This can be a cutting board, a serving tray, a cheese tray or whatever you have on hand (or borrow) that will fit all of your items. You could also put butcher paper down on a table or kitchen island and fill with your ingredients.

Add the cheeses + meats

Start with the cheese and arrange in different places on board. Slice the hard cheeses, start crumbling the goat or feta, and have a cheese knife to spread the soft ones. Add sliced meats that you have folded or rolled. Prosciutto is sliced thin and looks good piled up.

Add bread and crackers

You'll need a vehicle with which to eat all this deliciousness. Stack, fan them out or if you don't have room, they can go in a basket on the side.

Olives + Spreads

A few small dishes to hold these will add a variety of size to your board.

*

Make sure to include plenty of spoons, knives and tongs to help your guests to dig in and serve it up easily.

SHOPPING LIST • 2-3 cheeses: a mix of hard,

R!

GATHE

soft and a crumbled cheese (optional)

Fill in with fruit + nuts

These help bring a balance of flavor and texture. Pile up nuts in empty spaces and place fruit along the edges.

The extras

Have fun with this part! Rosemary and fresh herbs add color and texture. Fresh greenery like eucalyptus can be added around the base of the tray. For a holiday theme, you could add pine cones, and accents of red such as fresh or dried cranberries, raspberries and strawberries.

Love sweets? Add chocolate! Just make sure it doesn't touch any meat or cheese.

ADD LABELS to your board as let your guests know exactly what they are eating. You can buy mini-chalkboard labels like these on Amazon.

•

Soft: Brie, Bleu, Burrata, Provolone

•

Hard: Gouda, Sharp Cheddar, Asiago or Parmesan

•

Crumble: feta and goat cheese

•

Meat: 2-3 kinds of meats:

•

Fresh fruit: grapes,

•

Dried Fruit & Nuts:

•

Add-ins: assortment of olives,

•

Crackers/Breads:

sliced ham, salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto. You can also use other deli meats like turkey and roast beef. strawberries, orange slices, pomegranates cut in half cranberries, apricots, almonds, pecans, or walnuts fig or fruit spreads, and dips

breadsticks, a variety of crackers including butter, wheat, rice or water crackers, crostini or sliced baguettes.

December 2019 | CONNECTIONPUBLISHING 33

+ W H AT T O E AT seasonal. All were delicious and none of them tasted remotely the same.

The names and flavors are determined by the spices and ingredients in each sauce. They vary from savory to sweet, with degrees of heat ranging from none to flames out of your nostrils. Yes, wimpy tongues can eat here too. Ask for a sample of any of the flavors that seem interesting to help decide which one to have on your meal. Meals are put over brown or white rice and can be combined with a protein of your choice along with fresh veggies on top.

Thai Curry Kitchen

BY RYAN SPELTS

W

hen most people think of curry, they often have a particular flavor in mind, and maybe a color. For me, that color is yellow, which, when found in Thai Curry, gets its distinctive color from the spice, Tumeric. Others think that all curry is hot, as in spicy hot, that is also not true.

What I didn’t realize is curry is actually defined as sauce with flavors. Those flavors can be extremely varied.

We sat down with John Thompson, the General Manager of Thai Curry Kitchen in Ogden, and sampled about 8 different flavors of curry. We tasted green, yellow, white, massaman, papuan, Red Jungle, Spicy Steve, and pumpkin, which is

If you are trying to be a bit healthier for your lunch or dinner, or simply want a break from the standard burger and fries routine, Thai Curry Kitchen can fit both of those bills. Their fast-casual style restaurant is patterned after Thailand’s numerous street food vendors. It is located in the heart of the new Nine Rails Creative District on 25th Street, just east of Washington and across the street from the iconic Weber County Main Library. There you will find a charming small diner run by at most 3 employees. This lean operation though, can feed you and your friends or family in a hurry with their simple yet flavorful dishes. In fact, they are so fast and efficient that it almost isn’t necessary to call your order ahead. John says that people often call ahead, but the restaurant still waits until just before the customer arrives to make their food because it only takes 20 seconds to prepare.

Thai Curry Kitchen is one of those places where you can taste the freshness of the food. All food is purchased and prepared daily; their freezer is only for the shrimp and ice cream when they have it seasonally. In addition to curry dishes, you can also enjoy some fresh appetizers like spring rolls, pot stickers

Favorites

Rainbow Salad (pictured at top) + any curry Mango Sticky Rice for dessert!

34 CONNECTIONPUBLISHING | December 2019

Try this!

and some fresh salads. Their most popular salad is the Rainbow Salad which consists of spiralized zucchini, carrots, red cabbage, peppers, cilantro, topped with a peanut dressing, sesame seeds and edamame (delish!). For dessert, you will have to try the Mango Sticky Rice! I loved it; it is my comeback flavor.

John is there nearly every day and prides himself in running a clean, efficient, fresh and environmentally aware restaurant.

He is a partner in the business with Steve Ballard, who owns the Sonora Grill in Downtown Ogden. Steve and John have become really good friends over the years, and when Steve decided to open a Thai restaurant, he asked John to partner with him and run it. Before opening, they and their families all flew to Thailand to experience the culture and taste the flavors. That trip has had a lasting impact on their menu and on their approach to creating their dishes.

We highly recommend stopping by Thai Curry Kitchen and giving it a try. Our our guess is that it will make it onto your list of regular haunts after just one visit. You can also find their food truck at various events across the valley. Follow their instagram @thaicurrykitchen to find out the location and times of their truck.

 Thai Curry Kitchen 582 25th st.

Ogden, UT 84401 P: (385) 333-7100 www.thaicurrykitchen.com

10% off purchase of $50 or more

North Ogden 2586 N 400 E 801-737-3393

Marriott-Slaterville 380 N 2000 W 801-732-8388

Exp: 12/31/2019

Buy One Drink Get One 1/2 Off

(Excludes Monster Drinks) N. Ogden FIIZ 2592 N 400 E North Ogden (801) 737-3054

COUPON GOOD AT

S. Ogden FIIZ Roy FIIZ 6029 Fashion Point 4860 S 1900 W South Ogden Roy (801) 479-7695 (801) 825-7632 Exp: 12/31/2019

$1 off Any Purchase One Coupon Per Customer.

Not valid with any other offers.

North Ogden - Clinton - Layton

Lunch

Dinner

$6.49 Buffet* *Can’t be combined with other offers

Exp. 12/31/19

Buy one Regular Priced Meal and 2 drinks, get one meal 1/2 off.

Valued up to $10.

449 W 12th Street, Ogden UT 84404 (801)393-6090 M-Sun 8am-3pm Th,F,S 5pm-9pm

*No Cash Value. Not Valid with any other coupons or specials.

1 FREE

Eagle’s Nest Cafe´

taco of your choice with the purchase of an entrèe

At Glen Eagle Golf Club 3176 W 1700 S Syracuse UT 801-773-4653 Open: 8am - 4pm Daily

FREE LUNCH

with the purchase of another of equal value Exp: 12/31/2019

Casa de Nena 1071 w 27th Street Ogden, UT Exp: 12/31/2019

EAT LOCAL! Support these great restaurants in our community!

Exp: 12/31/2019

EAT LOCAL! Support these great restaurants in our community!

November 2019 | syracuseconnection.com 31

December 2019 | CONNECTIONPUBLISHING 35