CONNECTIONPUBLISHING
Roy Connection is published monthly by Connection Publishing© www.royconnection.com
ryan@connectionpub.com | 801-624-9652
PUBLISHER
Ryan Spelts
PUBLICATION DESIGN
Robert Dodd
WRITERS
Council member Joe Paul
Cindy Jones
Ann Park
Abraham Tinklepaugh
Kendal Rae Jensen
Hailey Minton
Sabrina Lee
Melissa Spelts
Kalee Aaron
AD DESIGN
Robert Dodd
Crystal Rappleye
Hyrum Rappleye
Sarah Bodiker
EDITORS
Cindy Jones
Savanna Clark
Nathaniel Loomis
CONNECT WITH US!
News, contests, photos from readers and lots more! We love hearing from you!
@royconnection
@royconnectionutah
Roy City Council Election Update
This year Roy City Council has three seats up for election. Roy City held a declaration period from June 1st through June 7th for individuals to declare candidacy. From that period, 10 candidates were declared. Your Roy City Election Candidates are:
Joe K. Paul joepaulforroy@gmail.com / www.joepaulforroy.com
Claude W. Payne cpayne@weber.edu
Benjamin Pearson bpearsonforcouncil@gmail.com
David S. Young grand.dad.9850@gmail.com
Jeremy A. Thompson jeremy@jt4roy.com / www.jt4roy.com
Trent Wilkins (801) 643-0408
Jeremy Brighton jbrighton612@gmail.com
Bryon K. Saxton bryonsaxton@gmail.com / www.electsaxton.com
Ethan Shepherd emoney1002@gmail.com
Ann Jackson jackson6387@msn.com
CANDIDATES
Connection Publishing www.connectionpub.com
If you'd like to advertise in our publications that reach over 14,000 homes in Roy, please contact Kendal at 801-603-6216 or kendal@connectionpub.com, for ad rates and to receive a media kit.
Disclaimer: The paid advertisements contained within the Roy Connection magazine are not endorsed or recommended by Connection Publishing or Roy City. Therefore, neither party may be held liable for the business practices of these companies. The City is also not responsible for any content in the magazines except for that which they directly submit for print.
Due to the irrevocable letter of resignation to the governor by Rep. Stewart, Governor Spencer J. Cox called for a Second Special Session at the Utah State Capital on June 14, 2023, for some of the following purposes:
1. to change the date of the 2023 municipal primary election from August 15, 2023, to September 5, 2023;
2. to change the date of the 2023 municipal general election from November 7, 2023, to November 21, 2023;
Please keep checking back for updated election information as it becomes available. Roy City welcomes you to visit vote.utah.gov to learn about the candidates and if you feel appropriate, please reach out to candidates and be sure to attend election events.
If you are not a registered voter and would like more information, please visit vote.utah.gov/learn-about-registering-to-vote.
Stay connected!
The city's website has information on every department in the city, and the Facebook page has fun updates on events and other local interests.
www.roycity.org
@royconnection
The Connection Publishing Team
Ryan Spelts Publisher
Melissa Spelts
Robert Dodd Senior Magazine Designer
Cindy Jones Editor/Designer
Hyrum Rappleye Graphic Design
Crystal Rappleye Graphic Design
Sarah Bodiker
Graphic Design
Ann Park
Sales & Operations Mgr.
Kendal Rae Jensen
Sales/Journalist
Diane Liberator Sales
Danielle Arana Sales
Hailey Minton Writer
Sabrina Lee Writer
Abraham Tinklepaugh Writer
Amanda Koldewyn Writer
Marliss Scott Writer
Kim Crook
Digital Media Mgr.
Dawn Paul Photographer
Savanna Clark
Proofreader
Nathaniel Loomis Proofreader/Writer
City of Roy
Key Community Contacts
MAYOR
Robert Dandoy: 801-774-1028 rdandoy@royutah.org
COUNCIL MEMBERS council@royutah.org
Ann Jackson: ajackson@royutah.org
Diane Wilson: dwilson@royutah.org
Joe Paul: jpaul@royutah.org
Randy Scadden: randy.scadden@royutah.org
Sophie Paul: sophie.paul@royutah.org
ROY SERVICES
Municipal Center & Utilities: 801-774-1000 utilityrequests@royutah.org
Open Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Emergency: 911
Police: Non-Emergency Dispatch: 801-395-8221
Records: 801-774-1046 pdrecords@royutah.org
Fire: 801-774-1080 fire@royutah.org
Community Development: 801-774-1040 ced@royutah.org
Justice Court: 801-774-1051 court@royutah.org
Parks & Rec: 801-774-1048 parksandrec@royutah.org
Recreation Complex: 801-774-1050 (Temporarily Closed)
Public Works: 801-774-1090 publicworks@royutah.org
Please keep in mind, emails are not monitored 24/7. If your matter is urgent, please call.
Roy Days 2023 is an event you won’t want to miss!
This year, the City Council decided to move most of the Roy Days events to George Wahlen Park. This will increase parking availability, lighting, green space for vendors, and overall accessibility for our residents and surrounding patrons.
Roy Days has a long history of bringing our community together. Here at Roy City, we truly relish the sense of togetherness and find that residents, from the young to the elderly, are sure to have fun.
Please keep an eye on the posted schedule of events as some will still be held at West Park, events such as the BMX Competition. As always, we hope you will bring your kids to the Fishing Derby, head to the High School and watch the Miss Roy Scholarship Competition, enjoy dinner at the Salmon Bake, run in the 5k, grab a seat for the parade, stop by the vendor booths, and watch the fireworks from all over Roy.
For more information, visit roydays.info or find us on Facebook @roycitydays.
Councilmember Joe Paul
Roy
As of July 1, 2022: Roy City has implemented the following Rate Increases that have been brought on by the service providers. The increases are for water, garbage/recycling, storm sewer, and Central Weber Sewer (mostly customers east of 1900 W.). These increases will be reflected on the August bill.
1,000)
EARLIER EVENTS
Saturday, July 22nd-August 5th
- Art ShowSouthwest Library During Library Hours
Monday, July 31st
- Splash BashAquatic Center 12:00-8:00pm
Saturday, July 29th
- Fish DerbyRoger Phil Burnett
Meadow Creek Pond 7:00am
- Miss Roy Scholarship CompetitionRoy High School 7:00pm
Main Events
Thursday, August 3rd
- Night GolfEagle Lake Golf Course
Friday, August 4th
- Salmon BakeEmma Russell Park 4:30-7:00pm
- Movie in the ParkEmma Russell Park @ Dusk
- StompRoy High Tennis Courts 9:00-11:00pm
Saturday, August 5th
- Pancake Breakfast6:30-9:00am @ Hope Center - 5K7:00am @ Fire Station
- Parade1900 W 5150 S to 4200 S 9:00am
Saturday, August 5th
Events at George Wahlen Park Car Show 10:00am
Entertainment 11:00am-Fireworks
Vendor Booths 11:00am-9:00pm
Fun Zone 11:00am-9:00pm 3v3 basketball Tournament 12:00pm-finished
Events at West Park
BMX Demo/Comp. 12:00pm-finished
FIREWORKS - 10:00 p.m. (Viewable from City Parks and Schools)
For more information and full schedule of events, please visit roydays.info or scan the QR Code above.
2023 Scholarship Competition Miss Roy
2023 Scholarship Competition Miss Roy
2023 Scholarship Competition Miss Roy
Saturday, July 29, 2023 - 7:00 PM Roy High School
Saturday, July 29, 2023 - 7:00 PM Roy High School
Saturday, July 29, 2023 - 7:00 PM Roy High School
Tickets are $10 Pre-sale - $12 at the door. Contact us to purchase pre-sale tickets! (801) 671-3590
Tickets are $10 Pre-sale - $12 at the door. Contact us to purchase pre-sale tickets! (801) 671-3590
Tickets are $10 Pre-sale - $12 at the door. Contact us to purchase pre-sale tickets! (801) 671-3590
Contestant Introductions
Contestant Introductions
Contestant Introductions
2023 Scholarship Competition Miss Roy
Loryn Merrill is 22 years old and graduated from Roy High in 2019. She is the daughter of Stephen and Deborah Merrill. This fall she will be attending Weber State, majoring in emergency healthcare.
Breanin Berrett is 20 years old. She currently works as a pediatric neuro trauma nurse at Primary Children’s Hospital. She is in her senior year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at WSU, and graduated from Roy High in 2021.
Saturday, July 29, 2023 - 7:00 PM Roy High School
Aubrey Tsosie is the daughter of Emilie and Anthony Tsosie. She is 24 years old and a Roy High graduate. Aubrey is a licensed master esthetician and is currently pursuing a degree in social work at Weber State University.
Tickets are $10 Pre-sale - $12 at the door. Contact us to purchase pre-sale tickets! (801) 671-3590
Savanna Spencer is 21 years old. She is the daughter of Halie and Cary Spencer. Savanna graduated from Roy High in 2020 and is attending the University of Utah with plans to become a dentist.
Contestant Introductions
Abigail Martinsen is 23 years old and the daughter of Cory and Kristi Martinsen. She graduated from Roy High School in 2018, and is currently attending Weber State University on her way to becoming a Dental Hygienist.
Zaira Coria is 18 years old and a new graduate from Roy High. She is the daughter of Norma and Carlos Coria. She will attend Weber State in the fall to study communications and journalism and also audition for musicals in the community!
Maddie Wilde is currently a student at Weber State University studying communications, wanting to have a career in news or radio. She has competed with the Miss America Organization coming up on three years now and has loved every second of it. She is excited for her future and also excited for this year's Miss Roy competition!
Kambrie Rose Plays softball and volunteers with those that are in hospice. She uses her kindness to help people who can't help themselves. Kambrie strives to make this country a better place for those that live here.
Kassidy Slater is 18 years old and a 2023 graduate of Roy High School. She is the daughter of Melanie and Nathan Slater. She will be a cheerleader at Idaho State University while working toward her degree in business!
May Chen is 21 years old. She is the daughter of Xiu and Zhuo Chen. May was born and raised in Ogden Utah and is currently attending Weber State University pursuing Dental Hygiene with the hopes of becoming a Dental Hygienist.
Ellie Lakey is 18 years old. She is the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Lakey. She graduated from Roy High in 2023. She is currently finishing cosmetology school at Ogden-Weber Technical College, then she plans on studying nursing at Weber State.
Marisa Weiker is a 21-year-old student attending Weber State University. She is studying athletic therapy in hopes to become a Pediatric Physical Therapist.
Kenzie Clark is 17 years old and will be a senior this year. She is the daughter of April and Chay Clark. She has plans for attending college next fall studying business and special needs education.
Kambrie Wessler is a 2023 graduate from Roy High School and is 18 years old. She is the daughter of Chad and Melissa Wessler. She plans to attend Weber State University in the Fall to become a teacher.
Kianna Tsosie
and Anthony Tsosie. She is a recent high school graduate and looks to pursue a career in fashion design.
@missroy.ut
Miss Roy Scholarship Competition
@missroy.ut
@missroy.ut
Miss Roy Scholarship Competition
Miss Roy Scholarship Competition
@missroy.ut
Miss Roy Scholarship Competition
Welcome to the Roy Days Salmon Bake!
To increase family involvement, and affordability, and provide an option for those who don’t prefer salmon, Sam’s Club is sponsoring a limited number of free hotdog meals (hotdog, chips, and a drink).
To qualify for the free hot dog meal:
• The hotdog meals are for additional persons in the family.
• Sign up in advance online and must be in conjunction with buying a salmon meal.
• One meal per person.
• Must be present with the purchaser of a salmon meal.
In addition, Walmart has donated a Bicycle for a drawing at night during the Salmon Bake and the Winner will be in the Parade the following morning!
Here’s how it works:
• Youths ages 8 – 16 are eligible.
• One entry per person is filled out and entered at the time you pick up your meal.
• Youth & parents must be present to win. Drawing at 7 p.m.
• The winner and parent must participate in the parade the following morning, Saturday, August 5th.
• The bike is the property of Roy City until after the parade.
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
SENIOR CENTER
5051 S. 2000 W. Roy
Director: Kathy Prevedel (801) 773-0860
ONGOING ACTIVITIES (Mon - Fri)
Lunch is Served 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday
DON'T REPLACE IT RENEW IT AND SAVE MONEY!!
roofrenewalogden.com
JULY EVENTS
FUN THINGS TO DO
July 1-31: Traces of the West art show Eccles Community Art Center 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Farmers Market Historic 25th Street 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Roy Community Farmers Market 4059 S 1900 W 5 p.m.
July 1: RAMP North Shore Pool FREE North Ogden 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: RAMP Ogden Nature Center FREE 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
July 5, 12: Music on the Plaza FREE The Junction, Ogden 6:30 p.m.
July 5, 12, 19, 26: Country Dance Union Station Browning Theater
8:30 p.m. $4 before 9 p.m.
July 6, 20: Concert in the Park FREE Southwest Branch Library 7 p.m.
July 7: First Friday Art Stroll Downtown Ogden 6 p.m.
July 8, 29: RAMP Crossroads of the West (BSA) Ropes Challenge Course FREE 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
July 8: RAMP Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park FREE 4 – 8 p.m.
WEBER COUNTY LIBRARY
2039 W. 4000 S. • Roy • 801-337-2670
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Mondays: ESL Class 6:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: Gentle Movements 10:30 a.m.
STEAM Club 3:45 p.m.
Yoga for Adults 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: Discovery Time 10:30 & 11:30 a.m.
Youth Game Club 4 p.m.
ESL Class 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Tai Chi 10:30 a.m.
Southwest Branch
ACTIVITIES
July 6: Teen Screen Movie Big Hero Six (PG) 3 p.m.
July 12: Summer Sizzle Synkofa, 4-piece Celtic Jazz ensemble 7 p.m.
July 19: Superhero Camp Ages
8-12 Call to register 10:30 a.m.
July 20: Teen Scene – Makerspace Learning Lab Make a trinket in the new makerspace! 3 p.m.
July 8, 29: RAMP Lorin Farr Pool FREE
12 – 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 – 6 p.m.
July 8: RAMP Treehouse Children’s Museum FREE (Reservations required)
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
July 11: Utah Youth Rodeo FREE
Golden Spike Event Center 4:30 p.m.
July 11: Special Kids Rodeo FREE Lorin Farr Park (Participants need to register by July 6, call 801-603-1896) 5 p.m.
July 14, 15: Dairy Days FREE
Golden Spike Events Ctr. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
July 15, 29: RAMP Ice Sheet FREE
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Call for reservations.
July 15: RAMP Union Station Museums FREE 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
July 15: RAMP Ott Planetarium FREE 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
July 15: South Weber Model Railroad Club Hitch a ride on a 1 ½” scale model train! Canyon Meadows Park, South Weber 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
July 16: Lindquist Pops Concert and Fireworks Weber State University Duck Pond Dusk FREE
July 24: Celebration of Community Bands FREE North Ogden Barker Park 7 p.m.
All Library Events are FREE
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Story time for ages 0-5 Activity for ages 5-12
July 12: Science That Serves 10:30 a.m.
July 26: Community Connections 10:30 a.m.
July 31: Summer Reading Finale –Neighborhood Block Party 10:30 a.m.
CONTESTS
Teen Writing Contest Ages 12-14, 15-18
Teen Drawing Contest Ages 12-18
Enter through July 31. Call for information.
in BUSINESS Women
BY CINDY JONES PHOTOS BY DAWN PAULWhen asked about their career choices, each of the women I reached out to for this year’s Women in Business feature said it came down to their desire to connect with others. Each is dynamic, intuitive, and creative in her career. What sets each apart is the ability to meet people wherever they are in their lives–whether running a well-loved business while building and giving back to the community or teaching, speaking and serving families in need. It was a great privilege and an inspiration to learn about each nominee, and I hope their stories inspire you too.
With a strong sense of nurturing and pride in her city, Marge Becraft believes that the arts create connections in the community.
Marge has been the chairwoman for the Roy Arts Council for over two years, planning and overseeing activities like the summer Concert in the Park series, the annual Art Show, the Youth Poetry Competition, and the Gingerbread House Decorating contest. Each of these projects are led year after year by a group of volunteers, including herself. Sometimes it can be difficult to find resources and funding for these events, but Marge says it’s a mutual passion for bringing the community together that keeps her and the other volunteers coming back.
“The more we can involve citizens, the more they have a sense of belonging and pride in our beautiful community. The arts programs give everyone the chance to get out and witness it.”
Working as Director of Community Services for over a decade, Julie Johnson didn’t expect to become CEO of United Way of Northern Utah. But having worked with the organization for over a decade, Julie naturally gleaned the skills needed to be a good leader.
“It’s not about gaining power, dictating orders, or controlling people. It’s when we come together that we do great things. Being a leader means inspiring and empowering the amazing people around me to be their best selves.”
In her first year as CEO, Julie has distributed over $200,000 in Community Service Grants, expanded community school work in the Ogden School District, and is preparing to launch our 90th birthday celebration for 2024.
“I feel so fortunate to see people willing to give of their time and resources. I see United Way as a connector for good. Taking those resources and connecting them to those in need to make change where it counts.”
JULIE JOHNSON Chief Executive Officer United Way of Northern Utah MARGE BECRAFT Chairwoman Roy City Arts CouncilMMichelle Giacoletto has worked for Ovation Homes for four years. She is a key team-member responsible for handling accounting, accounts payable, payroll, bonds, taxes and much more.
Herfocus and attention to detail are vital to the function of this fast-growing company. And she shares a close bond with her fellow team members. “I feel like I found my second family working here,” Michelle says.
During her time with the Ovation family, Michelle has played a vital role in developing company systems, facilitating growth, overseeing the internal processes, and managing collaboration between organizations. Land acquisition and building is a complex process, and Michelle helps keep all the moving parts working together. Ovation Homes has grown rapidly in our area. For over twenty years now, they have specialized in providing single-level floor plans that can be personalized to the needs and tastes of homeowners. “We create homes that allow residents to enjoy the lifestyle they’re looking for,” Michelle says, “every detail of our work goes toward that goal.” Working with numbers comes natural to Michelle, who has always loved math. She loves to figure things out and find solutions to intricate problems. With her background in math and analytics, she runs the financial systems and internal processes that help them continue to grow and serve their customers.
“I worked for another company for many years, and I was ready for a change,” Michelle says. “My network of business connections
helped me so much as I advanced in my career. The people working around me, who recognized my abilities and helped me gain more education and skills, were a tremendous support. They helped me move forward, and I’m very grateful to be where I am now. We all need a network. As working women, our friends and coworkers are important.” Her advice to others considering accounting as a career: “Make sure you enjoy a challenge. Accuracy is very important to me and to my company.” While much of Michelle’s work happens behind the scenes, Ovation Homes wouldn’t be able to run smoothly without her. “I’m excited to see what comes next. I love being part of the growth happening now.”
"I’m very grateful to be where I am now. We all need a network. As working women, our friends and coworkers are important.”
Madison Woods Russon Mortuary
BY ABRAHAM TINKLEPAUIGHpassion for this industry
comes from growing up with hard working parents,” said Woods. “It began when I went to a funeral as a child, at which point I knew I wanted to become a mortician.”
In the fall of 2019, Woods applied to Russon Mortuary and became a secretary at their Syracuse location. They also have full-service locations in Bountiful and Farmington.
After nine months with the Russon Mortuary family, Madison became a Funeral Service Intern. She works every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with one on-call day every week.
Madison is a full-time mother and student at Commonwealth Institute in Houston, TX, where she’s been studying to earn her degree in Mortuary Science while also working full-time as an intern. She graduates this year to become a licensed Funeral Director. Woods suggested to those seeking entry into the Funeral industry that true success comes from having a real passion for the work. “Being in this industry is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding and fulfilling getting to help families through what is one of the most difficult times in their lives. It’s why I do what I do.”
“The people at Russon Mortuary are truly incredible,” said Woods. “I am so blessed and grateful to work here because the Russons are an amazing family who truly care about those they serve, as if they were their own family, just like I do.”
Her passion to become a mortician springs from a longtime desire to help families through their grief after losing a loved one. “My drive and
"Being in this industry is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding and fulfilling getting to help families through what is one of the most difficult times in their lives. "
Our funeral directors are experts in creating personalized services that are unique and honor your loved one in meaningful ways.
Rochelle Van Wagoner Floor Coverings International
BY KENDAL RAE JENSENAAfter 22 years of Rochelle being a stay-at-home mom, she and her husband Jarad found themselves at a crossroads due to the job market impact of COVID.
Seeking a new adventure as business owners, they decided to purchase a franchise from Floor Coverings
International. The franchise's exceptional training program and ongoing mentorship convinced them that they could succeed and serve their community effectively. With Jarad's dream job offer, Rochelle made the courageous decision to open the business on her own, enlisting their daughter Emmalee, who was about to graduate with a communication studies degree. In June 2021, they launched their mobile showroom, bringing flooring samples and expertise right to customers' doors.
Rochelle and Emmalee form a powerful mother-daughter team as business owners, dedicated to providing exquisite and distinctive flooring solutions. Their unique business model sets them apart, offering personalized consultations with a vast selection of flooring options brought directly to customers. They take into account customers' existing homes, styles, and needs to provide tailored color, style, and product suggestions. Drawing on Rochelle's experience as a mother of six, they offer practical advice on durable and family-friendly flooring options.
Breaking the mold of a typical flooring company, this dynamic duo brings a women's touch of style and design to a predominantly male industry. They prioritize effective communication and respect in all interactions, striving to make the flooring transition process seamless. With a knowledgeable team of installers, they
invest time in understanding different installation techniques and products. Even after installation, they ensure customer satisfaction by following up on how the flooring performs.
Floor Coverings
International is a comprehensive mobile flooring business serving Weber, Davis, Morgan, Box Elder, and Cache counties. Their free in-home consultations make it convenient for customers to explore various flooring choices. Rochelle and Emmalee specialize in guiding clients towards the flooring solution that best suits their needs and lifestyle. Whether customers prefer LVP, laminate, sheet vinyl, tile, wood, or carpet, they can easily contact the team for assistance through a phone call or website appointment booking.
Rochelle and Emmalee's Floor Coverings
International franchise offers a personalized and convenient flooring experience, combining expertise, variety, and exceptional service. As passionate business owners, they strive to transform customers' spaces with high-quality flooring solutions that exceed expectations.
Shelly Bailey
BY HAILEY MINTONT“The bathroom is this way. Here’s your popcorn…” All said with the warmth and kindness of a woman who cares about each child she talks to.
is Shelly Bailey. She is the owner of On My Way Preschool and Daycare. On the day I spoke with her, she was on a field trip with 95 children. This was their biggest field trip yet, but the trips themselves are not uncommon occurrences. They go out three times a week.
“We’re not just babysitters. We are here to help kids grow and be successful in life. We’re developing their little brains! We have more awake hours with these kids than some parents do, and we take that responsibility seriously.” They try to do as good of a job as any parent would. Shelly said her best teachers and employees share the same vision as her. They are consistent, take ownership, and love the kids like their own. They want their facilities to be a home away from home. They will soon be expanding to Pleasant View in August where they can care for up to 500 children. She is overstaffed at
On My Way Preschool and Daycare
Thisher locations in Roy and Clinton so she will take her seasoned teachers to get things established at their new location. Trusting another person to care for your child can be hard, but Shelly has found ways for parents to stay in the loop. They have an app that logs everything from diaper changes to what activities the child has done. The teachers can even send pictures. Shelly also has an open-door policy for the parents, they are free to drop by and see their children any time. The facility is a preschool, and they are focused on helping each child meet their developmental, academic, and social milestones. She has seen how children being with their friends and caring teachers can influence them in positive ways. Nonnappers start napping, and picky eaters start eating vegetables. It also creates a space for children to learn social skills and problem solve when toys inevitably get taken. The teachers guide them to help navigate their world in a positive way. Shelly sees some of the results of her team’s efforts when she runs into adults who used to be in her care. It always warms her heart when she hears an adult exclaim “Miss Shelly!” No doubt, she is happy to see them too.
“We’re not just babysitters. We are here to help kids grow and be successful in life. We’re developing their little brains!BY ANN PARK
MMallorie Andersen is just finishing her exemplary junior year at the Utah Military Academy. She has taken full advantage of the many opportunities the school offers.
Withlower numbers in each classroom, the students have more opportunities to play sports, join clubs, and hold leadership positions. A driven young woman, Mallorie has taken full advantage. As captain of the Debate Team, and voted Student Body President for her upcoming senior year, Mallorie has big plans. She is working on building her resume. “I hope to get into the United States Military Academy at West Point, to major in cyber security and minor in nuclear engineering.”
Active in sports, Mallorie is a member of the volleyball and archery teams. She placed first for girls in the Utah State Archery competition her freshman year. “I used to hate archery,” Mallorie said, “but my parents thought it would be good for me, and I just stuck with it. Most of it is the internal discipline to perform under pressure. No matter how much you practice, if you pay too much attention to what’s going on around you, you forget everything you learned.”
Cadet Andersen will be going to boot camp this summer. “I am younger than most. I’ll be 17 when I go. It will be a hard experience, but it will strengthen my ability to work with different people of varying ages, genders, and leadership styles.”
Utah Military Academy focuses on helping students prepare for professional success and leadership roles when they complete school. “I have always wanted to be in the military,” Mallorie says, “though my school has helped me build skills that would provide a great base for any career path. Whatever I
decided to do, I counted on the Utah Military Academy to help me get ready. I knew I was where I needed to be mentally, but school training helped get me where I needed to be physically. They have helped me build myself as a leader, and I’m very grateful to them for helping me discover additional opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Mallorie sets a great example for her peers.
“I want to inspire other kids and help them understand that not everything in life is going to be easy. You’re going to have to work and deal with the stress and struggles of life, but at the end of it, you’ll come out a stronger person and achieve great things. Utah Military Academy is helping me get there.”
“Utah Military Academy has helped me build myself as a leader, and I’m very grateful to them for helping me discover additional opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Looking through this year’s art contest submissions I am reminded what a beautifully diverse and talented group of people I live among, each seeing and interpreting the world in a unique way. Our annual art contest brings that reminder home to the magazine’s pages, but since we don’t have room to feature them all, I encourage you to visit the website to appreciate the talents of this year’s artists: connectionpub.com/art-contest
Honorable Mentions
ART CONTEST Winners
BY CINDY JONESMA’S AND PA’S– ROY’S FIRST RESTAURANT
BY SABRINA LEEWWII led the Pingree’s to close the restaurant as their two oldest boys went to war.
Whatbegan as a fruit stand in front of Verdi and Beatrice Pingree’s home and farm, on the east side of Highway 91, morphed into a small bowery restaurant with gas pumps. They called it “Ma’s Place,” and it was Roy’s first restaurant. With the claim of having the “best chicken in the state,” the business flourished. Initially, Beatrice “Ma” Pingree did all the cooking. Her sons helped by peeling potatoes, and her daughters helped by wearing pants and pumping gas for customers. As their family grew, their sons and daughters became more involved. The establishment of Hill Field created an economic boom for the city of Roy. Verdi and his boys built a 24-unit motel in addition to the restaurant.
When the United States entered World War II, the two oldest boys went to war and Ma and Pa closed the restaurant to run the motel.
By the 1950’s, Ma’s Place reopened and was called “Ma’s and Pa’s Restaurant.” They had themed dining rooms and a coffee shop. Their boys joined in much of the cooking while their daughters waitressed. One son, Carl, displayed and sold his oil paintings in the large dining room. Even when Ma
retired, she continued to be active at the restaurant by playing piano during the dinner hours for patrons.
Do you remember Ma’s and Pa’s? We would love to see photos of the themed dining rooms!
The daughters wore pants and pumped gas for customers.
What popular establishments bring back memories of Roy city past history. Let us know! Email cindy@connectionpub.com with your stories, and we might feature them in the magazine.
Star Spangled Snacks
Show off your patriotic pride with these refreshing and delectable snacks, just in time for Fourth of July cookouts, summer swim parties, and watching fireworks!
Mason Jar Strawberry Lemonade
By Kalee AaronThe sweetness of fresh, ripe strawberries adds the perfect balance to tart lemons in this recipe. Preserving the freshness allows you to serve this summertime favorite at any special occasion throughout the year.
6 cups hulled strawberries
4 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
6 cups granulated sugar
7 (16 oz.) pint jars
Optional: Electric Water Bath Canner + Multicooker
1. Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
2. Puree strawberries in a blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade, working in batches, until smooth. Transfer to a large stainless steel saucepan as completed.
3. Add lemon juice and sugar to strawberry puree, stirring to combine. Heat to 190° F over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Do not boil. Remove from heat and skim off foam.
4. Ladle hot concentrate into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
5. Process jars in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.
Berry No-Bake Dessert
Crust
By Melissa Spelts3 cups crushed pretzels
⅓ cup melted butter
¼ cup light brown sugar
Filling
16 oz. cream cheese
½ cup sugar
¾ cup heavy cream
1 tsp. salt
Topping
3 cups chopped fresh strawberries
2 cups fresh blueberries
1. Crush up pretzels on a cutting board with a rolling pin. Add to a measuring cup and dump into a bowl along with the brown sugar and stir together. Melt butter and pour over the top of the crushed pretzels and brown sugar. Mix well and press in the bottom of an 8x8 pan.
2. In a mixing bowl add the cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream and salt and mix until a smooth consistency. Spread over the top of the crust with a spatula.
3. Wash and cut up strawberries and add to a bowl. Wash blueberries and add to the strawberries. Dump the fresh fruit on top of your dessert. Refrigerate for 2 hours prior to eating.
Watermelon & Blueberry Kabobs
By Melissa SpeltsThe perfect treat for your 4th of July celebrations!
1 watermelon
5 cups blueberries
1 star cookie cutter
Kabob sticks
Wash the outside of your watermelon with dish soap, rinse and dry and start cutting 1” slices all the way down your watermelon. Lay the slices down and push the cookie cutter in as many times as you can in one slice.
Take a kabob stick and line 10 to 12 blueberries and top it with the watermelon star. Place on a tray or in a vase ready to eat!
Kalee’s Mac & Cheese
By Kalee Aaron1 lb. uncooked macaroni noodles
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups Swiss cheese
1 ½ cups Muenster cheese
1 ½ cups Colby Jack cheese
½ cup butter (one cube)
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
½ Tbsp. season salt
½ Tbsp. granulated garlic or garlic powder
Cook up the pasta in a pot, when cooked al dente drain pasta and put it back in the pot. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on medium until we’ll combined.
Pour into a 9 x 13 cake pan and bake with tinfoil at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. If you like a crispy top, take the aluminum foil off halfway through.
Homemade Mac & Cheese served with homemade lemonade and a side of sautéed asparagus
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