City of Roy
Our City Council at Work
Here are some of the significant actions taken at the city council regular business meetings held in June.
June 4, 2024, City Council Meeting
Approved April Financial Statements
Approved Ordinance 24-6 Amending Roy City Code 5-2-7 Noise and Roy City Ordinance 4-4-1 through 8 Noise Control
Discussion on Senior Center Partnership
June 13, 2024, City Council Work Session
FY2025 Budget
Focus on Roy Businesses
Roy City is pleased to welcome a new INDOOR gaming option.
Outta-The-Jar Indoor Pickleball is at 1821 W. 4000 S., Bldg. 3, Suite 300. Nine indoor pickleball courts are available to reserve, as well as a Skinny Court (half the width of a regular pickleball court - great for seniors, practice, or lessons). Paddles and balls are available to rent or buy.
Outta-the-Jar is open 24 hours/day, 6 days/week. Courts can be reserved for 1 to 3 hours through CourtReserve. Book the whole indoor pickleball facility or partial pickleball indoor courts for school tournaments, leagues, classes, training, parties, or reunions. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All lights are automatic; when you're done, everything locks behind you.
June 18, 2024, City Council Meeting
Public Hearing – Amend FY24 Budget
Public Hearing – Enterprise Fund Transfers
Public Hearing – Elected, Statutory, and Executive Municipal Officers
Public Hearing – Proposed FY25 Budget
BE A PART OF MEETINGS
Roy Municipal Center Building
City Council Meetings 1st & 3rd Tues at 5:30 p.m. Planning Commission 2nd & 4th Tues at 6 p.m.
for complete meeting minutes and discussion, please visit royutah.org or watch it on youtube.com/@RoyCityCorporation
Lockers and bathrooms are on site, as well as a water station and vending machines. You can bring your own food to eat in the kitchen or one of the mezzanine rooms. High (20') ceilings, carpeted areas, and a dividing wall provide noise reduction. Tall (14’) side nets prevent stray balls from crossing into other courts.
On the second level is a game room with pool tables, foosball, shuffle ball, or ping pong for a small charge.
Check out their website at indoorpickleballutah.com
Roy Connection is published monthly by Connection Publishing© connectionpublishing.com Questions, Comments or to Advertise Ryan Spelts | ryan@connectionpub.com | 801-624-9652 RoyConnection roy_connection www.royconnection.com
for that which they directly submit for print.
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EARLIER EVENTS
July 20-August 3
- Art ShowSouthwest Library During Library Hours
Saturday, July 20
- Miss Roy Scholarship CompetitionRoy High School, 7:00pm
Saturday, July 27
- Fish DerbyRoger Phil Burnett Meadow Creek Pond, 7:00am
Monday, July 29
- Splash BashAquatic Center, 12:00pm-8:00pm
Thursday, August 1
- Night GolfEagle Lake Golf Course
MAIN EVENTS
Friday, August 2
- Salmon BakeEmma Russell Park, 4:30pm-7:00pm - Glow StompRoy High Tennis Courts, 9:00pm-11:00pm
- Movie in the ParkEmma Russell Park, Dusk
Saturday, August 3
- Pancake BreakfastHope Center, 6:30am-9:00am - 5K Run & 2-Mile WalkFire Station 31, 7:00am - Parade1900 W 5150 S to 4200 S, 9:00am
-Super Saturday (George Wahlen Park)Car Show- 10:00am-3:00pm Entertainment- 11:00am-9:00pm Vendor Booths- 11:00am-9:00pm Fun Zone- 11:00am-9:00pm 3v3 basketball Tournament- 12:00pm-finished Pickleball Tournament- TBD -FireworksLaunched from Eagle Lake Golf Course @ 10:00pm
For more information and full schedule of events, please visit roydays.info or scan the QR Code above.
August 3, 2024 | 11:00am-9:00pm
George Wahlen Park, 4200 S. 2175 W.
Roy Days
Monday, July 29, 2024
12:00pm-8:00pm $3.00 Entry
August 3, 2024 August 3, 2024
Approx. 10:00pm Approx. 10:00pm
Special Thanks
PARKS & RECREATION
Roy Days Registrations/Applications
Visit roydays.info to apply today!
5K Run/2-Mile Walk & Kids Fun Course
• Registration Dates: April 1 - July 31 @ 12 p.m.
• Cost:
5K-Run/2-Mile Walk: $25
Kids Fun Course: $15
• Event Date & Time: August 3 / 7 a.m.
Art Show
Calling all artists! Show your artwork at Roy Days. Register online!
• Registration Dates: April 1 - July 15
• Cost:
Adults: $10
Youth & Junior $5
• Event Date & Time: July 20August 3 / Library Hours
• Theme: Color My World Golf Tournament
• Registration Dates: April 1st until full
• Cost: $450
• Event Date & Time: July 26 / 8 a.m.
Entertainment
Roy City is looking for performers for Super Saturday! Dancing, singing, magic, instrumental bands, etc. welcome. Apply online!
• Application Dates: April 1 - May 31
• Cost: N/A
• Event Date: August 3
Parade
• Application Dates: April 1 - June 30
• Cost: $10
• Date/Time: August 3rd / 9 a.m.
Vendor Booths
Are you a business who wants to be a part of the community? Apply online to advertise/sell your products at Roy Days!
• Application Dates: April 1 - July 14
• Cost:
Food: $220
Non-Food: $120
Non-Profit: $70
• Event Date & Time: August 3 / 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Roy Recreation Registration
Register at www.royrecreation.com
For Questions, E-mail ebadger@royutah.org or call 801-774-1048
Tackle Football
Now until June 15
Season starts July 29
2nd-8th Grade
Registration: $150
Flag Football
Register June 1 - July 31
Season starts the end of August
Kindergarten-9th grade
Registration: $60
Coed Volleyball
Register June 1 - July 31
Season starts the end of August
3rd-9th grade
Registration: $55
Is your yard a water-saving wonderland?
Enter our Yard of the Month contest, blooming from June to September!
Show off your sustainable style and conservation efforts while inspiring others to do the same. beautification@royutah.org
For nominations, please submit the following to the email address below:
If you are nominating yourself, please send your name, address, phone, and your permission for it to be shared with committee members for notification purposes.
It you are nominating someone other than yourself, please just send us their address and we will notify the appropriate committee member of the nomination.
City Directory
MAYOR
Robert Dandoy: 801-774-1028 rdandoy@royutah.org
COUNCIL MEMBERS council@royutah.org
Ann Jackson: ajackson@royutah.org
Bryon Saxton: bsaxton@royutah.org
Joe Paul: jpaul@royutah.org
Randy Scadden: randy.scadden@royutah.org
Sophie Paul: sophie.paul@royutah.org
CITY OFFICES AND CONTACTS
Municipal Center & Utilities
801-774-1000 utilityrequests@royutah.org
Open Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Police
Emergency: 911
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 jcrou@utcourts.gov
Parks & Recreation
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.
EVENTS
FUN THINGS TO DO
Jul 1-14: Other Side of the Tracks Art Exhibit 455 25th Street 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Jul 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Riverdale Farmers Market 4300 Parker Dr. 5–8 p.m.
Jul 3: GOAL Community Hike Green Pond, Ogden 6–8 p.m.
Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Roy Farmers Market 4059 S. 1900 W. 5–8 p.m.
Jul 4: Riverdale Old Glory Days Parade, Car Show, Concert, Fireworks
Jul 5: First Friday Art Stroll Downtown Ogden 6–9 p.m.
Jul 5: Little Artisan’s Market 2371 Kiesel Ave, Ogden 6–9 p.m.
Jul 5: Concert on the Plaza: Robin Arnold The Junction Plaza 8 p.m.
Jul 5 & 6: Ogden Twilight Concerts Ogden Amphitheater 5 p.m.
Jul 6: Treehouse Children’s Museum Free RAMP, RSVP req. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Jul 6: Dinosaur Park Free RAMP 4–8 p.m.
Jul 6, 27: Ice Sheet Free RAMP 4390 Harrison Blvd. 12–2 p.m.
Jul 6, 13, 20, 27: Ogden Nature Center Free RAMP 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Jul 6, 13, 20, 27: Ogden Farmers Market Historic 25th Street 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Jul 10: Jazz at the Station Union Station, Ogden 7 p.m.
Jul 11, 25: Concerts in the Park Roy Southwest Library Amphitheater 7 p.m.
Jul 13: WSU Ott Planetarium Free RAMP 12–4 p.m.
Jul 13, 27: BSA Ropes Challenge Course Free RAMP 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Jul 13, 27: Lorin Farr Pool Free RAMP 12–6 p.m.
Jul 14: Lindquist Pops Concert & Fireworks WSU Dusk
Jul 20: Museums at Union Station Free RAMP 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Jul 20-21: Big Boy No. 4014 Steam Locomotive Union Station 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Jul 21: Dirt Roads Couture Freedom Festival 2422 Grant Ave. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Jul 24: Grande Parade: Ogden Pioneer Days Washington Blvd. 9 a.m.
Jul 24: Celebration of Community Bands Concert, Barker Park, No. Ogden 7 p.m.
Jul 27: Fort Buenaventura Free RAMP 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Jul 27: Spider Fest Antelope Island Marina 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
WEBER COUNTY LIBRARY – Southwest Branch 2039 W. 4000 S. • Roy • 801-337-2670
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Tues: Gentle Movements 10:30 a.m.
STEAM Club 4 p.m.
Yoga for Adults 6:30 p.m.
Wed: Discovery Time 10:30 & 11: 30 a.m. Youth Game Club 4 p.m.
Thurs: Summer Cinema for Kids 2 p.m.
Sat: Tai Chi 10:30 a.m.
ACTIVITIES
Jul 1: Teen Scene DnD 6 p.m.
Jul 8: Children Fantasy 10:30 a.m.
Jul 10: Adult Book Discussion The Cartographers 7 p.m.
Jul 11: Teen Screen Movie 3 p.m.
Jul 15: Western Camp 10:30 a.m.
Jul 15: Adults DnD 6 p.m.
SENIOR CENTER
Lunch Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Mondays
Oil Painting 9 a.m.
Zumba / Coffee with Friends 10 a.m.
30-Minute Zumba 10:30 a.m.
Cards 12 p.m.
Line Dancing 12:30 p.m.
Out to Eat Bunch 4 p.m.
Tuesdays
Ceramics 8:30 a.m.
Tai Chi for Arthritis / Quilting 9 a.m.
Coffee with Friends 10 a.m. Pinochle 12:30 p.m.
Wednesdays
Ceramics 8:30 a.m.
Sewing Group 9 a.m.
Thursdays
Oil Painting 8:30 a.m.
Blood Pressure Clinic 8:30 a.m.
Floor Yoga 9 a.m.
Chair Yoga 9:30 a.m.
Tea Time with Friends 10:30 a.m.
Cards 12 p.m.
Fridays
Arthritis Exercise Class 10 a.m.
Coffee with Friends 10 a.m.
Jul 17: SYNKOFA Celtic Jazz 7 p.m.
Jul 18: Teens Sticker Passport 3 p.m.
Jul 18: OSIRIS-REX 6:30 p.m.
Jul 20: Master Builders Club 3:30 p.m.
Jul 22: Children Historical 10:30 a.m.
Jul 25: Teen Summer Reading 3 p.m.
Jul 29: Chain Mail Jewelry 7 p.m. All library events are FREE
Women in Business
These talented business leaders in our community have amazing stories and do incredible work. Each year we look forward to our Women in Business issue. We love getting each of the spotlighted women together to take photos. We also love interviewing them and writing articles about them and the businesses they either own or are part of. This year we were able to highlight Madison Woods, Alyxandria Gonzales, Jeny Stark, Kendra Reaveley, and our very own Ann Park. The stories this year are inspiring. From one of the most successful locally grown companies in Russon Mortuary to a brand new upcycled clothing business in Uptown Cheapskate. I was particularly inspired by the story of Alyxandria who worked as a nurse for 15 years and went back to school to become a nurse practitioner, even with a house full of children.
We were inspired by their contributions and think you will be too. Thanks to all who participated.
Madison Woods
RUSSON MORTUARY
BY ANN PARK
Madison
"I have loved working with the Russon family. The care and concern they and the rest of their staff show for the families they serve really sets them apart."
The Russon family has been serving our community for nearly 75 years, creating a legacy of caring and excellent services to families. "I’ve learned so much from them. The level of personal service and care they give can’t be taught in a school."
Madison graduated with honors in December 2023 from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. She is breaking down the stereotype by entering a typically maledominated field. "I love what I do," Madison says. "I’ve wanted to do this since attending a funeral when I was eight years old. I told my mom that’s what I wanted to be when I
grew up." She is passionate about providing caring service to those who have lost loved ones. "I think this industry is missing out by not involving more women. We have a special touch; maternal and empathetic, which, I think, adds so much value to what we do."
It’s a challenge to balance work with having two small children. "This job has lots of little details, and I find that even when I’m not working, I’m always thinking about ways to help the families." When someone passes away, their loved ones have to make lots of decisions. It can be overwhelming. "We try to make it as easy as possible. Picking up on clues from the family, we get a good idea of what they need."
Madison loves to learn more about the unique people who need her services. "It’s such an honor to help these families and work with them. When I learn a little more about them, I can sense what great lives they lived."
In the future, Madison plans to remain in her field. "I would love to find more ways to share my experience with other young people who are thinking of getting into this industry. I just love what I do, and I’m grateful to be doing something so fulfilling. What we do is important. We want to make sure that people receive the support and consideration they need during a challenging part of their lives. All of us feel that each family we serve becomes part of our family."
BY ANN PARK
Alyxandria Gonzales LUNAR BEAUTY & WELLNESS
With a fifteen-year background in nursing and certification as a Nurse Practitioner, Alyx moved into the business world, opening Lunar Beauty and Wellness in January.
Her goal was to provide excellent medical spa services to the Roy community, including weight-loss injections, IV infusions, Botox fillers, and medical marijuana certifications. "We also have a master esthetician on staff to do facials, chemical peels, and diamond glow treatments."
Alyx relies on her medical training and background to supervise the aesthetic treatments. "Educating my patients is very important to me. I want them to understand the pros and cons. If someone comes in asking for a certain treatment and I don’t feel they need it, I will tell them up-front."
Running a new business has been exciting for Alyx. "As a nurse practitioner, I’ve provided primary care until recently. I went to NP school to have more independence and autonomy, and running my own business was a great way to explore that."
A new service, coming soon to the medical spa, is Hormone Replacement Therapy for both men and women. "I want to be able to offer help, especially for women who sometimes gain weight even when they are already working out and eating healthfully, or suffer from extreme exhaustion." Lunar Beauty and Wellness will draw labs, check insulin and hormone levels, and offer treatment.
This new spa is a great fit for anyone who would like to achieve weight-loss goals, improve overall wellness, gain confidence back, take time for self-care, or prepare for a special event. Alyx makes sure her staff has the best training. "I want people to feel confident in the work that’s being done, and to feel they are getting the best treatment available."
"We love being part of the Roy community. In the end, it’s all about people. Everyone needs to feel rejuvenated, and we love to help. I want our clients to feel good that they made an investment in themselves."
"Educating my patients is very important to me. I want them to understand the pros and cons."
BY ANN PARK
Jeny Stark FRONTLINE FLOORING
Jeny has been working in flooring for over 20 years. She managed a flooring store until, in 2021, she went out on her own to open Frontline Flooring.
"The name of my business came about because my husband was a captain at the Roy City Fire Department and then worked for Weber County fighting wildfires. I have several family members who are also on the front lines serving their communities, so that’s where the name came from."
Jeny does things a little differently than a typical flooring retailer. Instead of a showroom, she makes personal appointments in her client’s homes. She brings samples with her so her clients can see what they look like next to existing colors and finishes, and in the home’s individual lighting. "I find it makes a huge difference when you can see how the colors work in your own space," Jeny says. She also takes the time to narrow down and divide the samples into groups in order to help the client make an effective choice. "It’s very easy to be paralyzed by
the sheer volume of flooring choices. I help my clients make a decision they will love."
Jeny’s process is sleek and simple. She takes measurements in your home, shows samples, and then prepares a bid. Her clients are able to work with just one person throughout the entire process. "I love working this way. It gives me a chance to really get to know people and develop a closer friendship with my clients." Her efficient process means her overhead is lower, and she is able to pass those savings along to you.
Frontline Flooring has a warehouse in West Haven where Jeny stocks a huge inventory of flooring, so many choices are ready to be installed immediately, and she can order in any kind of carpet. She has a team of experienced installers that she works with every day. "They are awesome," Jeny reports. "We install a huge variety of different kinds of carpet every week." People love carpets for comfort.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring has been very popular lately. "I put LVP in my own home, and I’ve loved it. It's really durable and lasts really well. My basement has flooded twice and the floor still looks great." LVP is easy to clean. You can steam clean it where you can’t do that to hardwood or laminate, and LVP is more scratch-resistant and waterproof.
Jeny has years of experience helping clients find the best floor for them, so if you’re ready to give your home a face-lift with brand-new floors, she is here to help.
“It’s very easy to be paralyzed by the sheer volume of flooring choices. I help my clients make a decision they will love.”
AJ PARK
Fantasy Adventure Romance
BY RYAN SPELTS
Ann Park
CONNECTION MEDIA CO. AND STARTREE PRESS
Ann Park has always wanted to be a writer. I first met her when a mutual friend introduced me to her and said she loves to write.
For some of you long-time readers, you might remember the hiking trail features we did several years back. Ann was the author of many of those and she even wrote those articles for free.
Fast forward to 5 years ago, we saw each other in the payment line at Weber High School and she asked if I was hiring. She has been an incredible asset and contributor to our company over the past 5 years. She has worked in sales, operations, writing, editing, marketing, and graphic design. Her job title should be "Glue" because she keeps everything together for us. Every time one of our advertising customers gets to interact with
Ann, they sing her praises and Connection Media Company gets the credit. We are very grateful to have her on our team.
Ann is also a decorated author of her own line of fantasy fiction books. She writes under the pen name of AJ Park. Her novels are available on Amazon and from her website (see below). My family has enjoyed her books and from what I hear they are fascinating to read. I know when new books come out, I don’t see my wife or daughter for about a week. I will usually find them curled up in some quiet recess of our house or outside reading it cover-to-cover.
What are her books like? "I write fantasy focused on adventure and romance, but always keeping my content within a PG-13 range. I want my readers to be comfortable while they enjoy a great story, and I don’t write anything I wouldn’t want my own teenager to read."
Ann is a great example of someone who is willing to dig in and figure things out. She rolls with the punches and has a very creative mind. Recently, she was unhappy with her publisher and has set herself up as her own publisher and is now working on projects where she is helping other aspiring authors publish their own books.
Ann is amazing and we hope you get to meet her one day.
Her job title should be “Glue” because she keeps everything together for us.
BY ANN PARK
Uptown Cheapskate is a national franchise based in UT, with the newest location having just opened in Riverdale. They are a fashion exchange. "We pay people for the clothing they bring us," Kendra says. "But we are selective about the clothing we take in. We need to be sure it will give value to our customers." All the inventory in their store comes from the community. "Because we’re locally owned and sourcing our inventory here, it keeps the profit here in our area."
Kendra focuses on giving new life to slightly used clothing and running a good business for the planet. "The more we can reuse and resell clothing, the better it is for the environment. Producing new jeans, for
example, uses a large quantity of water and other resources. We hope to minimize that."
Are you a discerning shopper who likes high-quality brands? At Uptown Cheapskate, you can expect the pricing to be about 70% off retail. A brand name item that might be $50-$60 new, might be $11$17 there. And every time you shop, there will be new items for sale. The goal at Uptown Cheapskate is to allow you to purchase excellent quality, brand-name pieces for a fraction of the cost.
The more we can reuse and resell clothing, the better it is for the environment.
Have You Really Seen AMERICA?
BY JERRY HIATT
Earlier this year I enjoyed a winter trip to Florida and a few days in the sun and watching Phil, the local Alligator, swim in the small lake behind Julie’s (my daughter) house looking for lunch. During the same stay, I watched as NASA launched a rocket into space carrying a communications satellite into orbit. Soon it was time to take a "red eye" flight back to SLC and home to good North Ogden.
As we made our approach into SLC, I was able to see a little bit of Utah and I was struck by the thought that I had traveled nearly 2000 miles across America and had only seen about 100 miles of this country. I wonder how many people who live in this great land of ours have seen it, or even bothered to look at our country. Other than the roads to and from the airport or the designer destinations they paid handsomely for, but do they really see America?
Did they see the little cafe in rural Utah, where you can "eat here, get gas"? The world’s largest ball of rubber bands? Have they seen the old North church, or the site where the "shot heard ‘round the world" was fired? Have they wandered through Valley Forge in the Winter time? Have they felt the overwhelming sadness of Antietam? Have they been to Little Rock Candy Mountain or gone fishing on Panguitch
Lake? There is so much more to America than the inside of an airplane and free peanuts or cookies. I’m not saying to stop flying, but if you have the time and want to see America, drive. There is really no excuse (in my opinion) for not driving across this country if you have the time, a good GPS and camera. Put some air in the tires, have Charly, your mechanic, change your oil and do a safety check on your car, buckle up the kids and spouse and head on out. Be prepared for potty stops and hearing the question "are we there yet" several times. Electric car? No problem. There are now several APPs that show the nearest charging station. Get out the maps and take a blue road trip across our country.
Why go through all this trouble when you can hop on an airplane and enjoy the speed and convenience of a few hours to your designation, and a rental car with free mileage?
Let me ask a few questions. Do you know how wide the Mississippi River is if you fly over it? You can never understand the vastness of the Great Plains if you only see them from 35,000 ft. Can you see the hard work and spiritual roots of rural America at 35000 ft.
and 500 MPH? Take time to enjoy a night at the "No Tell Motel." Enjoy a breakfast or two, over easy, two slabs and two "Jacks" at the grill across the street, served by the owner/server/ dishwasher/cook. Do you know how deep Crater Lake is, or how wide the impact Crater is, without seeing them?
Take the opportunity to drive the "Highway to the Sun." While you’re there, take a hike up to one of the Glaciers in Glacier National Park. Can you really understand how much damage was caused when Mt. St. Helens erupted without seeing it? Take time to drive the El Camino Real along the California coast. Go further east and, if so inclined, stop at a winery. Drive the "Million Dollar" highway from Durango to Silverton.
You don’t get to know America by clubbing or looking on Wikipedia. America is not beautiful people dancing continued on Pg 24
and enjoying beverages. Chances are those people have never seen Mt. Rushmore (other than pictures). You can’t understand why America is called the "Worlds Bread Basket" unless you drive by the endless cornfields in Indiana. I marvel at the vast crops of wheat in our country’s midsection. Drive by the cattle ranches in Montana and see why we have meat, not only for ourselves, but can help other nations feed their people.
Travel up north and see the oil fields and rigs of the Dakotas. On the way there, stop and see the Devil’s Tower. Pause for a moment at the monument showing the last stand of General Custer. Go further west and enjoy the beautiful Yellowstone National Park. Or turn east and see the Land of a Thousand Lakes".
As you travel these United States, you will not see any red or blue markers, you will only see the United State of America. Take time to enjoy America. Have some ice cream at the Dairy Queen or Frost Top. Have a buffalo burger and a side of onion rings at the Greasy Spoon Cafe. Loosen your belt and order a Raspberry Shake, or fresh limeade, at Bear Lake. Go fishing off the fishing bridge in Yellowstone. Go fly fishing on the rivers in Montana.
Try rafting down the Snake River in Wyoming. Go swimming in the Great Salt Lake and get caked with salt. Drive by the Salt Flats and see not only the raceway, but part of the route of the Donner Party took as they traveled west toward tragedy in the Sierra Nevada’s. Stop at a little roadside stand and buy some fresh produce just picked from the field this morning. If you’re traveling in late summer, go visit the local county fair. Watch the Demolition Derby and Rodeo. Eat a corn dog with plenty of mustard. Have some cotton candy and snow cones. Try a deep-fried twinkie or pickle. Suck it up and have some funnel cake. Stop at the local Rexall, sit at the soda fountain and have a Cherry Coke, or an over the top Chocolate Malt, better yet have a freshly made ice cream sundae or banana split. Go watch a ball game at the local park. Watch a small town 4th of July parade with all the horses, tractors, bands and bicycles all decorated in red, white and blue. Travel to our Nation’s bad lands and see where Dinosaurs once ruled. Use a little imagination and picture yourself creeping up on a herd of Buffalo, armed with nothing but a bow and arrows, possibly a spear. While you’re there, watch for the hazards of nature: rattle snakes ground hogs, and things like that.
You cannot know how big the Bingham Copper Mine is unless you see it. Or, why the mountains of South Dakota are called the Black Hills unless you see them. You don’t know how small the town of Sturgis, South Dakota is unless you go there. You will never appreciate the beauty of the fall season the Northeast part of our nation unless you go there. It will be hard to enjoy the hospitality and food of the south without being there. Want barbecue? Head to Kansas, Texas or Memphis. Go watch a rocket launch in Florida or look for new aircraft in Area 51 of Nevada. Go to the Brickyard in Indianapolis and watch the races. Go to Cheyenne and visit the Rail Museum. Travel to Omaha, Nebraska, and watch the College Baseball World Series.
You can’t get to know America by looking down on it. America is a place that must be experienced to understand.
BY JEREMY POORTE
MMy great-grandfather, Ed Poorte, was a railroad man. He began his 50-year career in the industry at the freight house of the Ogden Union Railway & Depot. It was hard work. However, for a man who walked 3 miles roundtrip to get there, regardless of weather or season, it suited him. He then worked for the Southern Pacific RR and in 1923, the Union Pacific RR. During my youth, I acquired several stories of his 44 years with the “U.P.” The one that stood above the rest was the “Big Boy”.
The climb out of Ogden, eastward into the Wasatch Mountains by rail is a challenging 1.14% grade for a freight train to conquer. For a train to haul over 4,000 tons up and over it would require the use of two or three locomotives. In the late 1930’s when the U.P. needed more efficient capacity to make the grade, they turned to their designers and the American Locomotive Company (or ALCo). The U.P. also wanted a locomotive that could pull at sustained speeds of 60 MPH, beyond those mountain grades. What they were delivered in 1941 was a loco and tender
The Big Boy Steam Locomotive
TURNING BACK THE CLOCK
that together weighed 1,250,000 lbs. It provided over 6,200 horsepower at a cost of $265,000 (or $4.5m today). Flatout, it could pull 80 MPH.
In my procurement of stories about Ed Poorte many, with a glimmer in their eyes would lean in to tell me “He used to work on the Big Boy, you know?” As a machinist, he would bring the wheel carriages into the wheel shop, and using hand tools and fire from a blow torch, he would remove and install wheel bearings. The air inside the shop was filled with flying particles of lathe oil. When he walked home at night, he probably scared a few people by looking like a vagrant, exhausted and covered in axle grease, wearing filthy clothes.
My great-grandmother Lenora insisted upon a strict procedure upon her husband’s arrival at home. He would sit on their back porch, strip off his work clothes and boots and go down the basement stairs in his socks and undergarments where she had a rag waiting for him next to a can of kerosene, on top of a big lead sink
that reminded me of a horse trough (it might’ve been one originally). He would scrub off all of the oil, grease, and grime, turning the rag black as pitch then toss it into their wood-burning stove, so he could be allowed upstairs for supper. She kept a clean house.
Many of those who had lived around Ogden, also shared their fond memories of that “wonderful whistle” from the steam locomotives. Once the cost of coal increased and the development of diesel engines became more of an efficient solution, the U.P. ceased operations of the Big Boys in the late 1950s.
In 2014, my father told me that the U.P. had purchased the Big Boy No. 4014 out of Pomona, California and that they would be restoring and ultimately, returning it to service. The 4014 is a massive machine, over 130 feet long, locomotive and tender. Inside its cab is a daunting complexity of valves, levers, and gauges. Truly an example of engineering function over form. Everything about it was built to achieve. Built to last.
Edward A. Poorte - pictured holding onto a railing of a U.P. steam locomotive Union Pacific Yard - Ogden, UT c.1938
Sweet Summer Treats to Gather Family and Friends
RECIPE & PHOTOS BY MELISSA SPELTS
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Squares
We love sharing our favorite family recipes. This one belonged to Ryan’s Grandma Thelma Dudley Wolsey. She was the most beautiful and loving lady. Have you ever had a recipe that is tied to a memory of someone you love? This is one of ours. Grandma was such a good cook.
1 cup White Karo Syrup
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Peanut Butter (crunchy)
6 cup Rice Krispies
7 oz. Can Marshmallow Cream
2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Cook the Karo syrup, sugar, and peanut butter in a pot until melted (not too long or they get too hard). Pour over 6 cups of Rice Krispies into a bowl and mix. Spread the mixture onto a buttered cookie sheet or cake pan. Add a layer of marshmallow cream on top. Melt 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and spread over marshmallow cream. Eat while the chocolate is soft or hours later when it has hardened. We like both ways. So yummy!!!
Cupcakes with Berries on Top
1 box White Cake Mix
1 cup Flour
1 cup Sugar
½ tsp. Salt
3 Large Eggs
1 1/3 c. Milk
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 cup Sour Cream
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Preheat oven to 325°.
Pour eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, and vanilla into a mixing bowl and blend. In a separate bowl add white cake mix, flour, sugar, and salt and stir. Pour dry ingredients into your mixing bowl. Mix on medium-high for a few minutes until the ingredients are mixed well.
Place cupcake liners in cupcake trays and pour in 1/3 cup of batter in each liner. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the cake cleanly.
Let it cool.
Add frosting. I usually buy Betty Crockers Whipped White Frosting at the grocery store, then add raspberries! We have also put diced strawberries and blueberries on top. So festive and pretty!!
Fruit Pizzas
Sugar Cookie
Cream together:
1 cup Butter
2 cups Sugar
3 Eggs
Add:
1 c. Buttermilk and beat well
1 Tbsp. Vanilla
½ tsp. Baking Soda
½ tsp. Salt
4 tsp. Baking Powder
5 cups Flour
Mix all ingredients well. Add flour last.
Set in a covered container in the refrigerator for at least three hours. The dough will set up more during this time (the dough will be soft).
Roll into good-sized dough balls and flatten with a flat surface (I used my measuring cups). Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes at 350 degrees. Do NOT brown!! Makes four dozen cookies.
Cream Cheese Frosting
5 Tbsp. Salted Butter, softened
8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
2 c. Powdered Sugar
½ tsp. Vanilla
Our favorite fruit toppings: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, mandarin oranges.
Frost the cookies, decorate with fruit, and enjoy!!
