as told by our customers
"We always imagined our retirement would be about leisure and relaxation But when my husband started developing mobility issues du to arthritis, our two-story family home becam a source of constant stress. Downsizing to a single-level home has been a game-changer. H can now move around freely, and we're both relieved of the worry of a dangerous fall. I recommend downsizing to anyone dealing with similar health challenges - it's a decision we'll never regret!"
"Our large family home was becoming a burden to maintain Cleaning, gardening, and other homerelated tasks were eating into our retirement time. Downsizing to a single-level home has drastically reduced these chores Now, we spend more time enjoying our hobbies, visiting our grandchildren, and exploring our interests. Retirement has become what it should be: a time to enjoy the life we've worked so hard to build "
"After our kids moved out, the silence in our large, two-story home was overwhelming We felt lonely and disconnected However, moving to a single-level home in a tight-knit community has entirely transformed our retirement years. We've made new friends and are involved in community activities It feels great to have a social life again. We are no longer just retirees - we are active community members."
Syracuse Connection is published monthly by Connection Publishing©
www.syracuseconnection.com
ryan@connectionpub.com | (801) 624-9652
PUBLISHER
Ryan Spelts
PUBLICATION DESIGN
Robert Dodd
WRITERS
Mayor Dave Maughan
Sheila Worley
Micah Redmond
Nathaniel Loomis
Sabrina Lee
Cindy Jones
Dan Deuel
Hagen Cook
AD DESIGN
Robert Dodd
Crystal Rappleye
Hyrum Rappleye
Sarah Bodiker
EDITORS
Cindy Jones
Nathaniel Loomis
Katie Jane Park
News, contests, photos from readers and lots more!
We love hearing from you!
@SyracuseConnection
@syracuseconnectionutah
Connection Publishing
www.connectionpub.com
If you'd like to advertise in our publications that reach over 10,000 homes in Syracuse, please contact Danielle at 801395-4640 or danielle@connectionpub.com, for ad rates and to receive a media kit.
Disclaimer: The paid advertisements contained within the Syracuse Connection magazine are not endorsed or recommended by Connection Publishing or Syracuse 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.
I get asked about speed bumps often. It seems to be the first thing people think of when they witness someone speeding. We have a policy against speed bumps in the city. There are some remnant speed bumps in the city that have proven to us that they are NOT the best solution. Here are some of the reasons why speed bumps are bad for the city:
1. Speed bumps don’t just slow down your average traffic they slow down first responders. We never want to delay someone that could be speeding to save a life.
2. Frequently, the first people to complain about a speed bump are those who live near one. You may think you prefer slower traffic until it’s you all day, every day, and the consequences are not just slowing down.
3. Speed bumps are designed to damage cars! A car that hits a speed bump unaware can cause damage to the undercarriage of that car. Car parts and fluids are an additional hazard to the rest of us on the road.
4. Speed bumps destroy snow plows. These are tax dollars we have to spend to repair very expensive vehicles that are also trying to make it safe for drivers.
5. Inconsistency of speed bumps. As you can imagine speed bumps wear differently and are hard to keep within a standard. In some areas it leads to uneven roads, adds deterioration in the area, and these are conditions that are also frequent complaints.
6. Speed bumps often just divert traffic to other areas which doesn’t solve a problem, it just moves it. You may think this solves a problem today but see number 2. It gets frustrating fast because if you live where you can’t avoid the bump you likely suffer the extra wear and tear.
7. Unpredictable driver reactions and poor choices seem to go hand in hand with speed bumps.
8. Frustration, road rage, noise pollution, added fuel consumption, added exhaust emissions, speeding to make up for slowing down at the speed bump, and more, are all associated with speed bumps.
If NOT speed bumps what can we do to slow down traffic? There are better choices for traffic calming. Many start with safe design and can be applied to new construction such as chicanes, roundabouts, street narrowing, street trees, and anything that limits the vision ahead, all tend to slow down traffic. In existing areas, we can consider traffic signs, road markings, temporary speed cameras, speed monitoring signs, and increasing law enforcement numbers. These all cost additional tax dollars but as we grow, it is far more effective to add enforcement. The goal is safety on our roads. We all can contribute not just by driving safely but by stressing the importance to those we raise and those around us. Embracing safety and raising awareness is by far the most effective solution! We raise families here in Syracuse. Help us make Syracuse a safe place to do that.
Mayor Dave Maughan
There are better choices for traffic calming... Embracing safety and raising awareness is by far the most effective solution!
Ryan Spelts Publisher
Melissa Spelts Photographer/Writer
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
Bill Cobabe Writer
Erinne Jones Writer
Marliss Scott Writer
Annette Daley Writer Kim Crook Digital Media Mgr.
Dawn Paul Photographer
Nathaniel Loomis Proofreader/Writer
Katie Jane Park Proofreader
The City Council held its regular business meeting on July 11, 2023. Here are some of the significant actions taken at the meeting:
• Firefighter Trevor Haycock was presented with the designation of Utah Supervisory Officer.
• A proclamation was adopted declaring July as Parks and Recreation Month and July 21 as Parks and Recreation Professionals Day.
• Appointed Nicholas Mills as Hearing Officer and authorized service agreement.
The next regularly scheduled City Council meetings are to be held at City Hall on August 8, 2023, and August 22, 2023, at 6 p.m. Residents may attend in person, via Zoom, or watch online via YouTube. Stay informed about City Council meetings and agendas by subscribing to the City’s Notify Me list here: syracuseut.gov/list.aspx.
Pavement is laid and the track is being built for Antelope BMX, a high-level bicycle motocross track facility. Antelope BMX is located at 2261 W. 3060 S. next to the Syracuse City Equestrian Park and anticipates opening in the next month.
Antelope BMX’s season will run from May through October during designated times for races, practice sessions, and clinics, with all riders and skill levels welcome. The track will be fun, challenging, and unique with a split-third straight, and the facilities will include an announcer’s booth, a registration building, and bleachers.
Next to Antelope BMX, Syracuse City is constructing a bicycle pump track that will be free and open to the public, weather permitting. The pump track will feature a smaller circuit of rollers and berms to be a perfect combination with the BMX racetrack.
Artist's rendition
Antelope BMX is run completely by volunteers and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. To become a sponsor, volunteer, or learn more follow Antelope BMX on Facebook or Instagram at @antelopebmx.
We are privileged to spotlight the Syracuse City Firefighter of the Year, Shiloh Crawmer. He has been in the fire service for eight years working as a firefighter and an advanced emergency medical technician.
Shiloh Crawmer is a role model to his shift and has helped coordinate training that has dramatically improved the abilities and knowledge of those who have attended. His dedication to learning is showcased by his fifteen different certifications as well as being only a few classes away from a degree in Fire and EMS. His professional demeanor and extensive knowledge help his team work through complicated and difficult tasks.
Shiloh Crawmer has shown patience with new employees and is an incredible example of maintaining composure in emergencies because of his extensive experience.
Shiloh Crawmer has two young boys and spends as much time in the mountains with his family as he possibly can. His love of the outdoors extends to fishing and shooting bows, and he runs a carpentry business on the side.
The recent installation and support of the Syracuse City blessing box highlights the spirit of generosity in our community.
Blessing boxes are small pantries with donated free foods and essentials for those in need. Sustained by the community, the guiding philosophy of a blessing box is to “take what you need and leave what you can.”
Thank you, Shiloh Crawmer, for your dedication to the welfare of Syracuse citizens!
If you can donate, consider providing non-perishable food and personal care items. Items must fit in the box, not be expired, and be new and in the original sealed package. Due to the pantry being located outside and not temperature controlled, please follow the donation guidelines available on the Syracuse City website: www.syracuseut.gov/484/ Blessing-Box
Located in front of the Syracuse Police Department. 751 S. 2000 W.
The blessing box is available to anyone, at any time.
Thank you for the steady flow of donations that have helped serve our residents and will continue to improve food security in our community.Ribbon cutting ceremony for 2022 Miss Syracuse Brooklyn Piper’s blessing box service project.
As debris, grime, and dirt get onto our parking lots and driveways, one good way to prevent these pollutants from getting into the storm drain system is to sweep it up and discard it into the garbage can. If we each do our part, this will help prevent pollutants from clogging storm drainpipes and keep our waterways cleaner while having our parking lots and driveways looking more appealing.
To stay up to date on current and ongoing road closures, please visit the website at syracuseut.gov/232/Streets or www.udot.utah.gov.
We would like to thank you for your patience and continued support during our road closures and construction projects. As always, please drive safely and cautiously.
We appreciate all who are observing the watering conservation guidelines of watering only three days per week until Labor Day and then only two days per week after Labor Day. These limits are being enforced until the secondary water season ends on October 1, 2023. More information can be found on the city website at www.syracuseut.gov.
The violation penalties are as follows:
• 1st time: Warning
• 2nd time: $200 Fine
• 3rd time: $500 Fine
• 4th time: $1000 Fine and water terminated for the season
Four individuals have declared their candidacy for three City Council member seats to be voted upon in the 2023 Syracuse Municipal Election: Drake Mailes, Paul Watson, Julie Robertson, and Brett D. Cragun. Due to the fact that there are not at least double the number of candidates as open seats, there will be no Primary Election this year. Each candidate will advance to the General Election, which will be held. November 21, 2023. Election information can be found on the Syracuse City website, www.SyracuseUT.com/elections.
Each candidate will have the opportunity to submit biographical information to a State-wide voter information website as well as to the Davis County website and both are linked from the Syracuse City website.
The General Election will be conducted by mail and all registered voters will receive a ballot 21 days prior to Election Day. Ballots can be returned by-mail or via a drop location at City Hall. Those wishing to vote in person rather than by-mail will have the opportunity to cast their ballot on voting machines on Election Day; polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Syracuse branch of the Davis County Library, 1875 S. 2000 W. In order to vote in person, a registered voter must surrender their mailed ballot.
The voter registration deadline for the General Election will be November 10, 2023. Voter registration can be completed via mail or online, or in person in the office of the Davis County Clerk. Voters who miss the registration deadline may vote provisionally in person on Election Day. Visit the Davis County Website, www.daviscountyutah.gov/clerk-auditor/elections, or call or visit the City offices for a copy of the registration form. You must have been a resident of Syracuse City for at least 30 days to be able to participate in the election.
Any questions regarding any aspect of Municipal Elections can be directed to the City Recorder:
Cassie Brown– 801-614-9633
cassieb@syracuseut.gov
BY SHIELA WORLEY
The Syracuse City Arts Council would like to say thank everyone who came to see our annual summer musical, Disney’s Freaky Friday. We hope you enjoyed it as much as the cast and crew did performing for everyone in our city and surrounding communities. We would like to especially thank Banbury Donuts for sponsoring props for the show so the actors could have fresh donuts for every performance! SCAC would also like to give gratitude to Syracuse High School’s administration and Drama Department to help us bring this wonderful story to life.
Help us with our fundraiser at our Battle of the Bands on August 26, 2023, at Syracuse High School at 6 p.m. Only $5 per person, or get your band together for only a $25 entry fee to win a cash prize!
Syracuse City Arts Council 2024 Season starts with Seussical, Jr. Audition registration is now available!
Use the link for SignUpGenius to choose your time to come shine! You may also go to our webpage www.syracuseutaharts.org. Auditions will be at the Syracuse City Community Center. Performances will be November 2nd- 4th at the Syracuse Arts Academy.
In a time of complete darkness was born Illumination, an event enhancing mental health awareness and promoting individual empowerment for youth.
Illumination is a free community event focusing on what we can do daily to support and improve our mental health and well-being. Youth groups from our community teach their peers different topics that support mental health in a fun and interactive way. A key message of Illumination is that we all have a "spark" inside us - that thing that gives our life meaning and purpose. When our youth find their spark, nurture it, and are allowed to let it grow, they are more likely to be socially competent, to help others, to have a sense of purpose in their life, and are less likely to experience depressive symptoms.
The purpose of Illumination is to bring suicide prevention awareness by addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. This event will bring our community together to talk about the connections between physical and mental health, how to build and maintain healthy relationships, and how to find passion and purpose in life.
Recognizing that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Illumination will be starting with the first-ever Davis County Suicide Awareness Walk. The community will be meeting at Founders Park to start the walk and will be back in time for the Illumination activities. Illumination will feature a variety of food trucks, live entertainment, youth activity booths, and a keynote address.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. on November 8, 2018, Northern California’s most deadly wildfire “The Camp Fire,” ignited due to faulty electric transmission lines and gusty winds (25-35 mph). Residents from Paradise, CA, reported that the early emergency warning systems failed them. Thousands of critical cellphone messages were missed, delayed, or lost. During the first two weeks of the fire 66 cell phone towers were damaged or out of service, causing cell phones to go silent or calls to be dropped by surviving cell towers which quickly became overwhelmed with cellular traffic. Emergency alert notifications are amazing resources available through radio, television, phone, text, and email. In order to receive an emergency alert to your cell phone, you can register your device through the CodeRED emergency alert system (QR Codes provided below).
Sign up to receive text or email notifications of emergency situations or critical community alerts in Davis County. Available for residents and businesses, CodeRED is used to share information specific to missing persons, hazardous materials dangers, boil water advisories, evacuations, and much more.
Receive notifications directly to a mobile device whether at home, on the road, or traveling around the country. Push notifications deliver relevant, location-based alerts based on GPS location to ensure you receive critical information when you are in a CodeRED client’s jurisdiction
Syracuse City also utilizes a notification system to promote resident awareness regarding public safety, meetings, events, news, and more. To subscribe to an email or text message list, sign up using the Notify Me feature on the Syracuse City website.
The Emergency Alert Notification System is generally a reliable resource, however, when damage to cellular infrastructure or loss of power occurs these systems will also fail.
Here are some helpful tips for communicating with your cell phone if the Internet or another cell tower may still be functioning:
• To communicate with family during a disaster or high call volume incident, send a text message instead of calling since it uses less data.
• If Wi-fi is available, consider using Facebook Messenger, Google Chat, or other direct messaging apps.
• Create Emergency Contact “Chat groups” in email and text.
• Have an out-of-state contact (not in the disaster region) that can keep those in the disaster region informed of your condition and needs.
• Have an external power bank to keep your cell phone charged.
When cellular, internet, and power infrastructure fails, having a personal backup communication system to receive and transmit emergency information will be helpful. In Davis County and Syracuse City, we have a large community of Amateur (HAM) Radio operators that can communicate within the disaster region and potentially throughout the world (based on radio equipment). The main reason why so many people love Amateur radio is because it is the most powerful and longest-range radio service available to the general public, once a license is obtained. When all other communications fail, Amateur Radio continues to work because it isn’t reliant on the power grid or other infrastructure.
To learn more about Amateur Radio licensure follow the QR Code below:
Lots of fun programs to join!
1st Session Registration: Ends September 24
Divisions
• Itty Bitty Hoops (participant MUST be registered in kindergarten)
• 1st grade boys
• 2nd grade boys
• 1st/2nd grade girls
• 3rd/4th grade girls
• 5th/6th grade girls
• 7th- 9th grade girls
• 10th-12th grade girls
*Leagues will tentatively begin at the end of October and run until mid-December.
2nd Session Registration: Ends October 30
Divisions
• 3rd grade boys
• 4th grade boys
• 5th grade boys
• 6th grade boys
• 7th grade boys
• 8th grade boys
• 9th grade boys
• 10th-12th grade boys
*Leagues will tentatively begin midDecember and run until March.
**Teams for Itty Bitty and 1st/2nd grade will be organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. Grades 3rd-8th, and 7-9th grade girls, will be organized through drafts.
**9th-12th grade boys and 10th-12th grade girls must register as a team.
For more detailed information and registration on these and other programs visit www.syracuseut.gov
Move your body with one of our fitness classes.
HIGH FITNESS
Thur., 9 a.m.
First class free
$5 drop-in
10-time punch pass $30
STEP IT UP!
Mon. & Fri., 9 a.m.
First class free | $3 drop-in
10-time punch pass $20
Work your heart, muscles, and mind in this fun, energetic workout! All skill levels are welcome; we offer low and highintensity options for you to choose from.
PUMP IT UP!
Tues., 9 a.m.
First class free | $3 drop-in
10-time punch pass $20
Boost your metabolism and tone your muscles with resistance training. We provide hand weights and exercise balls; you just bring your own exercise mat. All skill levels are welcome.
YOGA
Tues & Thurs., 8 a.m.
Available for anyone aged 50+/$1.00 or 60+/$0.50
(FREE with membership to the Syracuse Community Center)
This class teaches movements to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and help increase mobility for people who are challenged by arthritis, or the stiffness that comes with age and/or injury.
FIRST ONE IS FREE! Find more
on Facebook at Syracuse Fitness Classes
Notice is given that upon the expiration of the period for filing a declaration of candidacy for the 2023 Election, the following individuals have declared candidacy for the position of City Council and will appear on the 2023 General Election Ballot.
Drake Mailes Paul Watson
Julie Robertson Brett D. Cragun
We appreciate our citizens who help the city to be aware of issues needing addressed such as road repairs, street light/ sign repair, park maintenance, water problems (culinary & secondary), garbage can pickup, code ordinance enforcement, and employee feedback. The city website is a great tool for providing notifications. The Fix-it Request link can be found on our home page by clicking on the REPORT A CONCERN icon.
Green waste recycling is a voluntary program for curbside collection of green yard waste. The charge for green waste is $7.43 monthly and can be added to your utility bill by calling the utilities department at 801-825-1477, option 2.
Our green waste season began on April 1, 2023, and continues through November 30, 2023. Green waste is collected on the same day as your regular garbage day by a truck designated for green waste.
Passport application processing services are offered at City Hall between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Processing takes approximately 2030 minutes per application. Passport acceptance services are by appointment only. Please call 801-825-1477 to schedule. All required forms, photos, and payments must be completed prior to 4 p.m. to be accepted the same day. Applications can be found at travel.state.gov website. Application fees must be paid with a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. More info at syracuseut.gov/158/passports
Dave Maughan: 801-927-7752 dmaughan@syracuseut.gov
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Lisa W. Bingham: 801-725-2300 lbingham@syracuseut.gov
Jennifer Carver: 801-430-8844 jcarver@syracuseut.gov
Jordan Savage: 385-424-0258 jsavage@syracuseut.gov
Seth Teague: 951-515-6423 steague@syracuseut.gov
Paul Watson: 801-750-4059 pwatson@syracuseut.gov
SYRACUSE SERVICES
City Arts Council: 801-896-8101 volunteer@syracuseutaharts.org
City Hall: 801-825-1477
1979 W. 1900 S.
Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Closed Holidays
City Museum: 801-614-9674
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 2-5 p.m.
Community Center: 801-614-9660
1912 W. 1900 S.
Summer hours: Monday–Thursday, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m. | Saturday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fire Station: 801-614-9614
1869 S. 3000 W.
Lady Lions Service & Social Club: 970-209-8186
Lions Club: 801-719-1804
Utah Lions District 28UT (open to all)
Parks & Recreation: 801-614-9660
1912 W. 1900 S. parksandrecreation@syracuseut.gov
Police Station: 801-825-4400
1751 S. 2000 W.
Post Office: 801-614-9677 (Inside City Hall)
Public Works Facility: 801-825-7235
3061 S. 2400 W.
Utilities Department: 801-825-1477 Opt #2
Volunteer/Eagle Scout Projects: Lesley Draper 801-614-9655 ldraper@syracuseut.gov
Contact Danielle Arana
801-395-4640
ALL SCHOOLS IN DAVIS
COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Aug 16: Purple Star Schools Back to School Night Hill Aerospace Museum 5 p.m.
Aug 17: First Day of School
SYRACUSE JR HIGH
Aug 24-25: Picture Day
SYRACUSE ARTS ACADEMY
Aug 16: First Day of School Grades 1-9
Aug 16-18: Early Out
Syracuse Community Center
1912 W 1900 S
Syracuse, Utah 84075
(801) 614-9660 #1
Aug 1, 15: Think Tuesday
Play Mexican Train, Three to Kings, Tri-Ominos, Nada, and Yahtzee. Bring your favorite game. FREE 10 a.m.
Aug 15: Book Club Contact Judy Price
801) 549-7210 Syracuse Library 2 p.m.
Aug 30: Seniors Lunch & Bingo
(Must RSVP by 12 noon, Aug 22) 12 p.m.
Senior Yoga: FREE with Syracuse Community Center membership. Ages 50+/$1.00 or 60+/$0.50
Tuesdays & Thursdays 8 a.m.
Pickleball: FREE with Syracuse Community Center membership. Adults/$2.00 or Seniors 60+/$0.50
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
For a Senior Cititzens Newsletter, visit the Syracuse Community Center.
Clearfield Community Band
Rehearsals Tuesday 7 p.m.
Clearfield Community Jazz Band
Rehearsals every other Tues. 8:30 p.m.
Clearfield Community Choir
Rehearsals Ages 15+ Wed. 7:15 p.m.
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: Roy Community Farmers Market 4059 S. 1900 W. 5 p.m.
Aug 5: Great Salt Lake is Wonder-Ful! Free program, regular park entry fees apply. Visitor Center Amphitheater
Antelope Island State Park 10 a.m.
Aug 5: RAMP Hill Aerospace Museum FREE 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1875 S 2000 W • Syracuse, UT • (801) 451-1850
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Tuesdays: Story Time 10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Story Time 10:30 a.m.
Virtual Story Time 10:30 a.m. (sign up for a link at bit.ly/3qftb65)
ACTIVITIES
Aug 2: Game Show Night - Card Sharks All ages 6:30 p.m.
Aug 19: RAMP Roy Aquatic Center FREE 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Aug 19: South Weber Model
Railroad Club FREE Hitch a ride on a 1 ½” scale model train! Weather permitting. Canyon Meadows Park, South Weber 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
FREE SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES
Kenley Amphitheater 7 p.m.
Aug 6: Halau Ku Pono I Kamalani
Traditional and modern hula.
Aug 13: The Distractions Soul, Disco, Motown, and R&B favorites.
Aug 20: Benny C Quartet Jazz
Aug 27: Chrome Street Quartet Modern/ classical acoustic hybrid quartert.
FREE FRIDAY FILM SERIES
Kenley Amphitheater 7 p.m.
Aug 4: The Book of Life (PG)
Aug 11: The Princess Diaries (G)
Aug 18: Shazam! (PG-13)
Aug 25: School of Rock (PG-13)
Aug 3: After Words Book Club The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan (Adults/teens) 7 p.m.
Teen Summer Reading - Pick up a Pick Me Up Affirmations Kit (Teens)
“Space, the final frontier.” That’s how the old line from Star Trek goes. Truthfully, we don’t know that for certain. We don’t even really know everything that goes on in space, let alone the boundaries of it. But it remains the next step in our pioneering adventure as humans. Plans are currently underway at NASA to form a moon base in the future, and in 2025 they intend to have astronaut boots on our lunar surface once more. So, in the spirit of science and all things outer space, I present some of the awesome spacethemed activities and adventures we have right here in Northern Utah.
I remember my first telescope. It was this little plastic thing my mom got for me as a Christmas present that was falling apart almost as soon as we took it out of the box, but I loved it. We lived on the edge of a military base where the man-made light was dimmest, and I’d take it out every summer and fall evening to see what I could find. I imagined locating a new star, one they’d have to name after me, or a comet on a collision course with earth since Armageddon had just come out and space-rocks were on my mind.
I never found much with that little telescope; I could barely keep the moon in focus. But a love for stargazing never disappears, it can only be enhanced.
Located at Sagers Memorial Park, just west of Salt Lake City, lies the Stansbury Park Observatory. What makes this place so interesting is that they house four of the largest telescopes in Utah, and frequently host viewing parties where all are welcome to join. Have you ever wondered what the colors of Saturn look like with the naked eye? Would you want to watch solar flares or sunspots form and disappear like fiery mist in the great cosmos? Saturday morning on August 5th the Observatory will be hosting a Sun Viewing Party, and every Saturday evening thereafter will be hosting Star Viewing Parties, so grab your kids or your SO and head on over to see the stars closer than ever! To view their public schedule, you can check out stansburypark.org/observatory
I grew up watching a lot of 80’s movies with my aunts, uncles, and grandparents, and one thing a summer movie with kids or teens always seemed to boast was a camp. Kids would go off on magical adventures away from their parents to be with other kids, getting up to all sorts of hijinks and learning a bit more about the world and themselves along the way. I’d always thought those camps were movie magic because I’d never heard of any actually existing. Granted, I grew up a military brat, so we were never in one place for long, but still. Summers existed, I was a kid, I wanted a camp experience I never got.
actually real until I was almost 20, there is a local option available. I spoke with the Douglas Space and Science Foundation Director Annika Jensen who now runs the S.T.A.R. (Science, Technology, Achievement, and Research) Camp programs, space and science themed camps, lectures, and events designed to make science more accessible in every sense of the word. Her program was made to get people thinking along the lines of what science experiments they can do at home using the items they already have on hand, versus locking it behind some astronomically expensive piece of cool tech.
Sleepaway camps occur for students in the summer months while they shift to classroom presentations during the school year, but they are holding a free, large community event during the first week of October for World Space Week. Registration for summer 2024 camps begin in October. To learn more about the summer camps, events visit douglassciencecenter.org
knock off my bucket list at an early age was visiting a planetarium. In my mind it was more than just a light show, it was my ticket to the stars; everyone knows you meet all the NASA scientists recruiting young kids for impromptu trips to space at a planetarium, and as a very imaginative child, I truly believed that. That planetarium dream didn’t pan out until I was much older and much less naïve about the way NASA finds their astronauts, but the experience itself was still something magical.
The Ott Planetarium located in the main Weber State University campus is unique in that it is also a public observatory. While they hold regular shows at the planetarium itself, they have all types of fun gadgets and instruments designed to see beyond our atmosphere. They have nine sets of high-powered binoculars as well as nine medium-powered telescopes and include various sizes of eye pieces, solar filters, and laser pointers to help with star hunting, making this an easy date idea, or even a fun activity for you and the kids. To learn more or schedule a visit, check out weber.edu/ottplanetarium
distance between astral bodies you might come across this mental wall. It’s far—we all know that. But what does that mean for a society who can drive just about anywhere? For example: a trip to the moon. Did you know it’s over 238 thousand miles from Earth? Imagine trying to take that in a car. It already takes two or three days to go to the east coast from Utah, and that’s only about 2,200 miles.
Jen Jones started the fundraising efforts for the 5.2-mile S.S.T.A.R.S. (Solar System Trail for Astronomical Research by Students) Trail, a scale-model walking, biking, or hiking trail designed by students. Starting at Tuscan Park on 2125 W. 3100 S. and ending at the Confluence Ogden River Parkway, each planet is represented with a 3D image as well as lesser-known factoids about them. While the walk isn’t a difficult one, Jen suggests taking a bike. For the more diehard hikers, there’s also a 13-mile trek beginning near the Compass Rose Lodge in Huntsville! For more information or a map of the shorter route, visit sites.google.com/ questac.org/questunderthestars
A local NASA program for kids
One aspect of living in space no one seems to be talking about is one of the largest problems a foodie like me could ever imagine—what would we eat?
A human can only stand so many dehydrated or freezedried foods before they start to forget what taste and flavor are, and that’s exacerbated by the fact that it’s harder to taste things in space. Thanks, circulatory system restricted by gravity.
Sponsored by the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and locally spearheaded by Jen Jones, our NASA Solar System Ambassador, the Growing Beyond Earth
program has come to Northern Utah and is wholly invested with botanical research to be used aboard future missions in space. Students 6th–12th grade from all over are welcome to join in for these two-stage botanical experiments in ISS simulated conditions. The program is held at the Clearfield Branch Library, but keep in mind the spaces fill up quickly. Keep an eye on the Clearfield Library website at daviscountyutah.gov/ library for more information on upcoming programs as they are released. To learn more about the Grow Beyond Earth program visit fairchildgarden.org/gbe
To have a food reviewer in the magazine was an idea Mayor Maughan had a few years ago to help promote our local eating establishments. It took some time to find a passionate foodie who was willing to commit to regular content and one of the conditions was that this person could remain anonymous. Like food reviews everywhere, it is just one opinion. The hope is these entries will encourage your appetite to eat locally and enjoy what Syracuse has to offer. Thank you, Syracuse Spoon, for your contribution to the city. Your secret is as safe as the secret to the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices.
I had no idea what to expect from Jet’s Pizza as I have never been to one before. There is no dine-in experience as I quickly learned upon arrival, BUT it was very clean and appealing as you might expect from a brand-new pizza spot. When I parked on the south side of the building, I could see through the large window right down the pizza preparation line and that too was appealing to see their attention to detail in pizzas.
You may have seen the dump, clump, caution to the wind approach somewhere else in pizza making, but I noticed the prep cook making sure there was an even distribution of ingredients and that’s the way I like my pizza. If you’ve ever opened the box to find one slice has all the pepperoni and another piece of the pie is basically only cheese, you know what I mean. The Jet’s cook line clearly cares about your pie. For this first experience, I wanted to order something new and interesting, so I tried the Jet’s Boat. This turns out to be a bit of a combination between the calzone and a deconstructed
pizza. I’ve never had anything like this previously. It was a wellprepared pizza crust folded over like a traditional calzone, but the crust on both sides was buttered and prepared in a way that it really didn’t feel like there was a top and bottom, which I liked. Golden crust wrapped the toppings without sauce. The sauce comes on the side with an option of pizza sauce or ranch. I went traditional for my first time out and this is where I compare the dish to a deconstructed pizza—you dip the crust and topping in the sauce. If you are picky about how much sauce should be on your pie, the Jet’s Boat is for you! A lot or a little, it’s up to you. As the sauce was separate, I couldn’t help but note the fresh tomato flavor it carried. Some sauces are so boiled down and mobbed by spices you might never know there was a tomato in it, but this tasted fresh. The tang of fresh tomato was a standout. I didn’t watch them grind down a tomato personally, but the flavor had that hint of savor. Overall, the Jet’s Boat was very well prepared.
During my short wait, I gave the menu a better study as my foodie senses are very curious. I think Jet’s Pizza offers some fun variety for a pizza spot and I will be back to try more of the menu. They offer a variety of styles of pizza including round and square, New York and Detroit, thick and thin, and they also serve sandwiches and dessert items. In addition, they have veggie and gluten-free options and a cauliflowerbased crust option. Jet’s Pizza definitely adds some new choices to the community and my first trip there has me looking forward to trying even more of those options.
JET'S
WEBSITE: jetspizza.com
ADDRESS: 817 West Antelope Drive
PHONE: 385-426-1496
The number one question among small business owners is, “How do I promote my business?”
You need more customers, but do you know where to start? If you are starting with buying some advertising, where should you spend your money? Print, Digital, Video, Social… Or more importantly, are you ready for paid advertising? Do you need to define your WHO and your WHY first? Have you developed your Strategic Marketing Plan?
The Get Attention Marketing Mastery Newsletter is written each week by our CEO; Ryan Spelts has a lifetime of experience selling products and services and has worked his entire career with local small businesses. On his
own, his career sales are in excess of $50,000,000. He has helped clients achieve many hundreds of millions more. If you aren’t sure where to start, sign up for the newsletter and follow along. This newsletter is not what you would call light weight tips and tricks. It is the real deal, down and dirty, tried and true marketing expertise that works and it can be delivered to your inbox every week.
Do you have a marketing question weighing on your mind right now? We’d love to hear it. Ryan will answer your questions and teach you how to overcome the obstacles you are facing.
Congratulations to this month’s winners of the Syracuse Beautiful Yard Awards! Code Enforcement has been busy contacting nominees and recognizing outstanding residents for their efforts in beautifying our community.
Do you have a beautiful yard or know someone who does?
Have you gone above and beyond to beautify and improve your yard? Or have you noticed a home with exceptional landscaping? Nominate a beautiful yard by scanning the QR code or visiting tinyurl.com/Beautiful-Yard-Award today.
Long before the pioneers crossed the plains and decided that “This is the place,” indigenous peoples had made Utah their home. They moved with the seasons, never really making permanent villages as they followed the sources of food. Traces of where they lived, hunted, played, and died are found all through Davis and Weber County. Above Farmington, on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, is a historic marker for the grave of a Goshute/ Shoshone woman and her daughter.
In May of 1861, Deseret News reported the following:
"On Saturday last, a young squaw, daughter of Little Soldier, died in his camp near Point of the Mountain, between G. S. L. and Lehi. The body was taken north for internment on some creek or in some ravine in the vicinity of Farmington. The funeral party passed through this city that evening, with the body wrapped in a blanket, and lashed on a pony, together with some provisions and other things that were to be deposited with the body of the deceased. A fine young pony was also taken to be killed by strangulation at the place of internment."
In 1989, a boy scout troop, the U.S. Forest Service, the Utah Statewide Archeological Society, and the Shoshone
Nation worked together to restore the grave site. For generations the site had been vandalized. Artifacts, and even some of the skeletal remains, had been taken. It is believed that the site had been a burial area for multiple indigenous people. With the consultation of the Bureau of Land Management, the scout troops spread concrete over open gravesites and then replaced the stones that had been scattered about. Present at the re-dedication of the burial site was the great-granddaughter of Chief Little Soldier, Florence Garcia. She retold the oral history of the gravesite to Deseret News in July of 1989. The Shoshone oral tradition is that the grave site is that of the daughter of Chief Little Soldier. She was cursed by the tribal medicine man that she would die in childbirth for refusing to marry him. She instead married a warrior. She died in childbirth, just as the medicine man had said she would. She was buried with a pony and the live baby. Later, Chief Little Soldier had the medicine man killed. Efforts like this, to restore and preserve indigenous artifacts and sacred sites, are an important part of historical preservation. Had no efforts been made, this site could have just been left to disappear. And maybe even the story that Florence was handed down orally, and no doubt handed down to her children, could have been lost forever. Now, 34 years after the preservation effort, the gravesite and story of Chief Little Soldier's daughter has been shared and visited by a countless number of people, and preserved for the future, never to again be forgotten. For more information on the Northwestern Band of Shoshone please visit nwbshosone.com.
As the long summer days stretch into August, my desire to stand in a hot kitchen decreases with every balmy afternoon. While these dishes can make excellent sides for your barbeques and summer gatherings, they can also serve as quick and easy meals that keep cooking to a minimum to help you keep that summertime chill.
By Cindy Jones
Leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe, and it can be customized with whatever greens, cheeses, and nuts you have on hand.
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped into 1” squares
4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
5 oz. spring greens or butter lettuce
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 small red onion, sliced thin
1/2 cup crumbled feta or mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pecans
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Place all the salad ingredients in a large bowl, reserving a few cheese and bacon crumbles for garnish. Add the desired amount of dressing and toss to coat. Add nut/cheese crumbles on top. Chill for up to an hour or serve immediately.
Dressing
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. fresh oregano, minced (or ½ Tbsp. dried)
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Salad
1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa
2 1/2 cups unsalted chicken broth
1 heavy pinch kosher salt
1 medium cucumber, deseeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 large red onion, chopped
1 pint (8 oz. by weight) cherry tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup feta cheese
1/3 cup goat cheese
3/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 cup parsley, finely chopped
Rinse the quinoa under cold running water with a strainer and drain.
Place the quinoa and broth in a 1.5 qt. saucepan. Add a heavy pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked through. Place cooked quinoa on a sheet pan atop a cooling rack and spread out. Allow to cool.
Place dressing ingredients in a small jar with lid and shake to combine (or whisk together in a small bowl), then set it aside.
Place cucumber, pepper, red onion, tomatoes, feta, olives, and parsley in a large bowl and toss to combine. Add cooked quinoa, stirring to combine. Shake dressing again, pour over your salad and toss to coat. Chill or serve immediately.
We’re looking for local recipes to feature in the magazines and on whattoeat4dinner.com. If you’re interested in collaborating with us, email cindy@connectionpub.com and let’s get cooking!
By
Cindy JonesThis salad makes the best breakfast and tastes great with whatever fruit you have on hand. I’ve used raspberries, pineapple, bananas, green grapes, and even watermelon!
Dressing
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 tsp. honey
½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. ginger
Salad
1 cup blueberries
1 cup red or green grapes, halved 2 nectarines, chopped into 1” pieces 1 cup strawberries, quartered ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds.
Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Rinse the fruit thoroughly and set aside to dry. Whisk the yogurt, honey, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl and set them aside as well. Combine all the fruit in a large bowl and pour the dressing on top. Use a large spoon to gently toss until the fruit is coated. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat.
Kevin Morales had always been into creating things, from drawings in art class to any sort of content creation. As long as he was letting his mind take an idea and run with it, he was happy. After countless, random conversations he’d had with his friends, he finally acted.
This is a phrase I’m sure many of us have heard during hilarious conversations with our friends. It never actually happens though… unless it does. Kevin Morales has always been into creating things, from drawings in art class to any sort of content creation. As long as he was letting his mind take an idea and run with it, he was happy. After countless, random conversations he’d had with his friends, he finally acted.
The beginning is always the hardest part, but Kevin knew that he could really do something with these conversations, he knew he was adept with technology and that he knew he wanted to see if he had what it took to turn this idea into reality. Spoiler alert: he did!
Two months of preparation came before an episode was released. In this time, Kevin taught himself how to use software to mix audio to make his podcast sound professional and created a stylish logo. Through trial-and-error or practice-makes-perfect, he got it done. After this preparation, the last piece missing was someone to accompany him in those funny and entertaining
conversations to come. He chose the first person that came to mind, a friend of over five years, Hallie Murdock. And so, The Off Topic Podcast was born. It didn’t take long to realize that Kevin had successfully turned a dream into reality, but he kept pushing and made sure that The Off Topic Podcast was delivering quality content every episode, “We wanted to provide something that would set us apart from an average to a professional standard.”
Kevin never lost sight of this even when he was finishing up high school. Every episode he edits the recorded audio to ensure his and Hallie’s voices sound full and rich. He also records videos of the episodes which he spends time colorcorrecting and editing for those that want to watch. But the professionalism of the podcast is only half the battle, it also needs entertaining content.
Hallie believes finding their podcast’s personality came easy. “We just match each other’s energy and build off each other’s thoughts to have really awesome, and pretty random, conversations.”
I found this to be true after listening to Kevin take Hallie’s idea about handling insults to something about eating popcorn with a spoon. Together they create such an entertaining chemistry that makes you feel included as a listener. While providing a professional product, they simultaneously deliver a fun and energetic listen that I enjoyed. Since Kevin and Hallie were finishing up high school and gearing up for their futures, The Off Topic Podcast had to take a backseat. After this brief hiatus, Kevin says, “I’m certain that we will be back very soon.” If you enjoy podcasts, go give this one a listen as you’ll find yourself engaged in whatever Kevin and Hallie might talk about next.
You can find the first three episodes of The Off Topic podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify
“WeKevin Morales and Hallie Murdock recording The Off Topic Podcast
MADE FOR YOU MENU PLAN AND RECIPES. MAKE A MASTER SHOPPING LIST AND PRINT OR SEND TO YOUR PHONE FOR EASY MEAL AND GROCERY SHOPPING. Menu plan curated by Deidre Roush
AUGUST
What to Eat 4 Dinner
Ideas Your Whole Family Will Love!
Pork Chops w/ Spicy Peach Salsa, sides of Corn on the Cob & Roasted Potato
Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet w/ Tomato Butter
Sauce, Served with Crusty Bread
Sheet Pan White
Pesto Lasagna served w/ side
Salad & Garlic Bread
Cinnamon French Toast
FREEZER MEAL
Honey Sesame
Chicken served with rice and a side salad
Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
Bachelor's Delight Leftover Night
FREEZER MEAL Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Veggies served with Rice
Low Carb Chicken Club Sandwich
BBQ Chicken Salad
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Eggs Benedict Wrap
Baked Berry and Cream Cheese
Croissant French Toast
FREEZER MEAL Swedish Meatballs over Rice
"Just
here and it was amazing! They make you feel so relaxed and are very kind. I will definitely be back!" L. W.
