Utah Stories February 2024

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UTAH STORIES MAGAZINE

6 Utah Stories Contributors 12 It's a Winter Wonderland

|

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 43

18 Escape the Crowds and Support Local Redrock wonderland

42 Avalanche Dogs

Enjoy it!

Avy dogs save lives

14 Nuturing Love Over the Decades Long-term love

SPOTLIGHT 22 Moab

34 Sugar House

From Moab, With Love

26 Ogden

Sugar House Rising

38 Food

Ogden's Happy Trails

Valentine's Day Out of the Box

30 Park City Personal Art Gallery Stroll

LOCAL & AWESOME? Utah Stories invites excellent local businesses to inquire about our advertising rates and determine if our readership is a good fit. For more information please contact Richard at 801-856-3595 or visit utahstories.com/advertising WE POST STORIES AND PHOTOS ALL THE TIME. FOLLOW US @ UTAHSTORIES

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Richard Markosian Golda Hukic-Markosian

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PUBLISHER’S ASST. Connie Lewis

DIGITAL PUBLISHER & MARKETING & EVENTS Golda Hukic-Markosian Alegra Zuchowicz

SALES & ACCOUNTS Golda Hukic-Markosian Alegra Zuchowicz

DISTRIBUTION Connie Lewis

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SOCIAL MEDIA Alegra Zuchowicz

PHOTOGRAPHERS

COPY EDITOR David Jensen

ILLUSTRATORS Chris Bodily

GRAPHIC DESIGN Anna Lythgoe Fletcher Marchant

Nicole Anderson

WRITERS Nicole Anderson Brandi Christoffersen

Bianca Dumas Rachel Fixsen Taylor Hartman Connie Lewis Heather L. King Cathy McKitrick COVER Dung Hoang

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BEHIND THE STORIES Nicole Anderson

Nicole Anderson is a communication professional and freelance writer. She holds a master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Westminster College and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Utah.

She is a certified Utah Master Naturalist in Wetlands, and has spent many years researching the Great Salt Lake. Anderson co-founded the blog, Summer of Salt, where she spent three summers exploring the shorelines of Great Salt Lake. In 2010, Anderson was commissioned to write, "Patterns of Change" which documented bird and human usage in Bear River Bay, and she later had a role in the 2012 documentary, "Evaporating Shorelines."

Anderson teaches intercultural and interpersonal communication at Salt Lake Community College. She has written as a freelance author for ten plus years. Her stories and articles have appeared in Airboating Magazine, Gateway Magazine, Utah Stories, and Utah Life Magazine, among several other print and online publications. Anderson has a passion to protect landscapes and places that cannot speak for themselves.

Rachel Fixsen

After growing up on the east coast and earning degrees in English and art from the University of Maryland, Rachel moved to Utah in 2010 and fell in love with its deserts, mountains, rivers and canyons. She has worked as a wildland firefighter, a park ranger, a field research technician, and a builder.

She now lives in Moab, where she writes for the Moab Sun News and the Moab Area Real Estate Magazine. She loves rock climbing, hiking, trail running, and summiting mountains. She also enjoys learning more about Utah’s history and culture, and how we are all adapting to a changing world.

Heather L. King

Heather is a food and beverage writer and anonymous restaurant critic for a variety of publications in Utah.

She's happy to have reported on Utah's changing food landscape for more than 20 years. When not dining out, you'll often find her at local farmers markets shopping for fresh produce and meeting local vendors.

During the pandemic lockdown, she spent her time perfecting gin cocktails — often using locally produced spirits and garnishes. She shares her love of great food with her husband and two Great Danes.

Her passion for traveling is fueled by experiencing the food cultures of other countries and regions. She owns SLCLunches.com, and you'll find her sharing her favorite dishes @slclunches.

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Don't let the cold keep you from enjoying it

I

By Connie Lewis

t is easy to complain about winter. The frigid temperatures. The dirty slush and snow piled in the gutters. Red air days.

Shoveling driveways and sidewalks. If we were bears we’d pull the covers over our heads and hibernate until February was over.

But we’d be missing out. In this February issue of Utah Stories, we explore the beauty

12 | utahstories.com

of winter in Southern Utah. Taylor Hartman writes about our red rock country as a “desert wonderland” just waiting for you to discover it. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the temperate Southern Utah weather, and best of all, you can almost have it all to yourself.

Winter is also a good time for hiking

PHOTO BY DONALD GIANNATTI | UNSPLASH

It's a winter wonderland!

excursions in Moab. Our Moab writer, Rachel Fixsen, put together a list of “romantic hikes” around features such as Bride Canyon and Hand Hold Arch.

Discover Ogden’s sizable hiking network with 28 different trails throughout the Ogden area. Find out where they are in Cathy McKitrick’s article on page 26.

In Utah, we’ve long boasted that we have The Greatest Snow on Earth. The world flocks here to experience this epic snow while skiing on world-class runs. But there is a lot going on behind the scenes at the ski resorts that helps everything run smoothly and keeps everyone safe. We take a look at one of them; Avalanche Dogs. Bianca Dumas delves into the history of these heroic dogs and the extensive training involved in producing a working dog that just might save your life.

And let’s not forget Valentine’s Day (even though some people would like to). It’s not everyone’s favorite holiday, after all. As

Jimmy Fallon said about Valentine’s Day, “Oh, here’s an idea: let’s make pictures of our internal organs and give them to other people we love on Valentine’s Day. That’s not weird at all.”

We try to discover the reason we’re so in love with love as our writers talk to generations of couples about how they stay in love and how they celebrate it.

And we have more, including a personal Park City art gallery stroll, and a story about the controversial high-rise that might be coming to Sugar House.

There is lots to enjoy and do in February, but if you still don’t want to venture out, you can get a cup of hot chocolate, put your slippered feet up, and read Utah Stories.

Oh, and when summer finally does arrive and people start complaining about the heat, remind them that at least they don’t have to scrape sunshine off their windshield.

utahstories.com | 13

Nuturing love

over the decades how to keep the romance from wearing off

ow married 75 years, Don and Shirley of Ephraim, Utah met while on a hike.

“Was it love at first sight,” I asked? They both grinned as they looked at each other.

Don spent a significant amount of time at Aspen Grove Scouts, and just like a storybook romance, they happened upon each other on an old dirt trail as he hiked along toward Wild Woods Camp. Along came a group of girls, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Shirley loved to hike and be outdoors so it seemed it was a match made in heaven. But, as the saying goes, thunderstorms are made there too. Not for this couple, though. When asked if they ever fight, they just laughed and responded with a mutual “No, there is nothing to fight about.”

Celebrating a lasting romance after three or four decades, let alone seven, is an achievement — especially when current divorce rates stack up at a 50% failure rate.

So what’s the secret to a long and happy life together?

I interviewed three couples to ask what keeps the love alive, and of course I asked about romance, too. All three couples, married 40, 50, and 75 years respectively, told me it takes work and a daily commitment to keep the love alive.

I cleaned houses to put myself through college. I remember one family in particular because of the love notes I found. Every

14 | utahstories.com

week I would find their house in disarray, but in the midst of it all they chose to continue to make a commitment to one another.

I would be cleaning and putting something away in the cupboard, only to find little notes that read, “I CHOOSE YOU!” among other, more risque notes, and some just reminding the other that “You’ve got this.”

It seemed so simple. Was that their secret to romance? I needed to know.

When asked, Brad and Deena Anderson of St. George, Utah, married 40 years, replied, “It’s not just about date nights and grand gestures; it’s about effort. It’s about communication and commitment.”

Brad’s brother Jeff, also of Ephraim, was married 50 years in February to the love of his life, Vickie. Both explained that romance is something that can wear off. In order

PHOTO BY TIMO STREN | UNSPLASH

N

By Nicole Anderson

to have true romance, you have to have a complete and intimate understanding of one another.

“It’s important to remember that as you grow as an individual, you are also growing together as a couple,” Jeff said.

In the playbook of a long-lasting marriage, honest and straightforward communication is a cornerstone. As time passes, it’s vital to share dreams, fears, and the everyday stuff.

When asked about the rules for a long term marriage, Don and Shirley stated very firmly, “Don’t say the “D” word” The Anderson brothers agreed. In a world of starter marriages, if you give up early on, you’ll never really know what true long-term intimacy and romance really is, they said.

“You have to carve out time for one another,” Deena mentioned. “Time for a weekend

getaway, or a sporadic date night. Spending time together reinforces the bond and reminds us of the joy we find in each other’s company.”

Romance isn’t just about grand gestures.

Surprising your partner with thoughtful gestures, expressing gratitude, and maintaining physical intimacy are the real keys to keeping the flame alive. Keep finding new ways to keep the spark going and prioritize both the emotional and physical aspects of your relationship.

While the marital bond is essential, so is maintaining your individual identities.

Encouraging and supporting each other’s personal interests fosters growth and fulfillment outside the marriage.

Don and Shirley both worked outside the home while raising their four children

utahstories.com | 15

and 20 grandchildren, and now almost 40 Long-term marriages are a marathon, not great-grandchildren. They put each other a sprint, and in order to run a marathon you through school and encouraged one another have to train, laugh, and be able to laugh at to continue to grow individually. yourself. Brad brings humor to the table on a Don earned his Ph.D from the University daily basis even in the midst of challenging of Utah in Limnology, and a Master’s life decisions. from Utah State in Fisheries.

After visiting with these Shirley earned her Master of couples, I realized that the Education from the Univergushy romance that comes sity of Utah, and taught to mind isn’t the same ro5th grade while the chilmance that is there after dren were young. Later, decades of friendship. she returned to school That romance is a much and earned her Masters more prized possession. of Fine Arts degree and Communicate always, has a passion for wood spend quality time Don and Shirley Hales of carving. together, adaptation to Ephraim, Utah, who have been married 75 years, still Vickie explained how change is a must, and don’t keep their romance alive. important it is to express quit doing the things you love gratitude for the qualities you to do together. love in your partner.

“Don’t jump into ideas without “Jeff worked at the pharmacy six days a thinking about both sides of the relationweek so that I could stay home and raise the ship, and talk about it with each other,” said kids.” It’s things like this that go a long way Shirley. These are the keys to keeping the in long-term relationships. “He isn’t able to flame of romance — long term romance — travel by air and so I am really grateful that alive and well in marriages that have stood he is okay that I go on adventures with my the test of time. And remember, don’t say the sisters or kids.”

“D” word.

16 | utahstories.com

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escape the crowds & support local experience winter in southern utah

By Taylor Hartman

Winter in Southern Utah

S

outhern Utah, renowned for its scorching summers and iconic red-rock landscapes, transforms into a desert wonderland in winter. For locals and those wanting a unique and more solitary experience, winter in Utah’s red rock country is a smart travel option, providing a peaceful escape with fewer crowds and mild temperatures.

Winter in Southern Utah is a great place to be, and when you visit, you’re supporting locals when they need it most.

Unlike the frigid temperatures found in much of the United States during winter, Southern Utah enjoys cooler, more com-

18 | utahstories.com

fortable weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Depending on where you are, temperatures can top out in the 40s to 60s during the day, providing a pleasant contrast to the summer’s stifling heat.

“We enjoy temperate weather frequently, so when residents in Salt Lake are shoveling their driveways, we’re enjoying a round of golf or riding our bikes in Greater Zion,” says Sara Otto, Marketing Manager for the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office.

This climate allows visitors to explore the natural beauty without the extreme heat or crowds that summer brings. Still, it’s wise to be prepared with layers, gloves, waterproof clothing, and shoes or crampons made for slippery surfaces.

The landscapes of Southern Utah are particularly breathtaking in the winter.

Red rocks dusted with snow

Outdoor Activities

Winter in Southern Utah is not just about admiring the beauty; it’s also about engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

Hiking is especially popular, as the cooler temperatures make for a more comfortable journey. Trails in Zion National Park, such as the Riverside Walk and Lower Emerald Pools, remain accessible and provide unique perspectives of the park’s features with a backdrop of snow and ice.

For those who love winter sports, Brian Head Resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Located at a high elevation, it boasts Utah’s highest base

elevation for skiing, ensuring good snow conditions throughout the winter. The resort caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, and provides a cozy mountain retreat atmosphere.

Cultural Experiences and Events

Southern Utah also offers a range of cultural experiences during the winter months.

Towns like St. George, Cedar City, and Bluff host various events, including balloon shows, holiday festivals, art shows, and local markets, providing an insight into the region’s culture and community spirit.

The Tuacahn Saturday Market in Ivins, near St. George, is a popular destination for those interested in local arts, crafts, and food.

Here, visitors can find unique handmade items, sample local cuisine, and enjoy performances by local artists, all set against the stunning backdrop of the red rock canyons.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Winter also brings the advantage of more availability and often lower prices for accommodations, according to Yamamoto-Sparks.

Needles District in Canyonlands National Park.

utahstories.com | 19

PHOTO BY ANDREANA MENDOZA

create a striking contrast that people don’t soon forget. Areas like Monument Valley, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park offer a different kind of beauty during this season, with different wildlife to spot and frost-covered canyons.

The serene and peaceful atmosphere, with fewer tourists, offers a more intimate experience with nature.

Allison Yamamoto-Sparks, Assistant Marketing Director for San Juan County, Utah, says, “You might even get lucky and see Monument Valley covered with a light dusting of snow!”

“One of the biggest benefits of visiting in the winter is that lodging prices are quite a bit less than during the rest of the year,” she says. However, she advises visitors to be aware of reduced dining options during winter, recommending that they plan ahead.

The opportunity to intimately experience nature with your travel group is one of the best aspects of access in Southern Utah at this time of year.

“With so much going on, winter is quickly becoming a popular time of year to visit, because the cooler months draw fewer visitors, so guests will have a more intimate experience,” Sara Otto, with Greater Zion, said.

“Many businesses are open year-round to offer outstanding lodging options, golf, shows and happenings at Tuacahn, outdoor adventures and more.”

Supporting Local

Supporting local guides and businesses in tourist areas during the off-season is crucial for the sustenance and growth of these

20 | utahstories.com

communities. The seasonal nature of tourism often means that these areas face a significant reduction in income during quieter months.

By choosing to travel during the off-season, not only do tourists enjoy a more authentic and less crowded experience, they also contribute significantly to the local economy.

Engaging with local guides during these times provides them with a steadier income and helps preserve their invaluable expertise and cultural heritage.

Winter in Southern Utah offers a unique blend of mild weather, stunning landscapes, diverse activities, and cultural experiences.

It’s an ideal time for those looking to explore the great outdoors without the summer crowds, experience the region’s natural beauty in a new light, and enjoy the local culture and events.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone looking for a peaceful getaway, Southern Utah in winter is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience.

PHOTO BY MACNEAL CRANK

Monument Valley in winter.

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MOAB

Kissing Turtles is just one of the many romantic formations around the Moab area.

FROM MOAB, WITH LOVE M

By Rachel Fixsen

oab’s complex terrain generates a lot of names. Tagging features with a title helps orient people among the myriad canyons, towers, buttes, gullies, boulders, arches and knolls that texture the landscape.

Some features are named after people; for activities that happened near, on, or in them; or for some attribute of the feature (such as Big Flat Mesa). Towers and arches

22 | utahstories.com

are often named for their shape, or what that shape reminds people of — and that’s often when imaginations run wild. There’s an arch called ‘Paul Bunyan’s Potty’ in Canyonlands National Park, for example, and another was nicknamed ‘Klingon Bird of Prey Arch’ in reference to the classic television show Star Trek).

Despite cooler temps, shorter days and oc-

PHOTO FROM NATURAL ATLAS

You’ll love these hikes with ‘romantic’ names

casional snow, February is a great time to hit the trails. In fact, a holiday-themed objective may inspire you to get outside and enjoy the peace and quiet of the off-season. And the photo opportunities are amazing!

In recognition of Valentine’s Day, here are some Moab-area features with romance-themed names that may prompt you to explore a new place on your own, with friends, or even with that special someone.

Bride Canyon

A remote rock tower near Moab reminds some observers of — you guessed it — a bride, complete with a veil and bouquet, and wearing a full-skirted gown. Its hues, however, are sandstone-buff and desert-varnish black instead of the white of a conventional wedding dress.

The tower, along with Bride Arch, is located in Bride Canyon. They’re all accessible from the four-wheel-drive Gemini Bridges Road, and there are dispersed camping sites (managed by the Bureau of Land Management) in the canyon. Hikers, bikers, climbers and motorized recreation enthusiasts all use the area.

Wedding Ring Arch

A narrow band of sandstone forming a rounded arch reminded someone of a wedding ring — maybe the person also had a marriage proposal on their mind. Perhaps they even got married there.

The arch is in the remote Salt Creek Canyon within the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, south of Moab. Access to the trail is by dirt road.

Kissing Turtles

A permit is required to explore the Fiery Furnace within Arches National Park, a labyrinth of fins, slots and gullies where visitors may happen upon an arch feature called the Kissing Turtles. Its resemblance to two dome-shelled turtles sharing an intimate gesture is remarkable.

Hand Hold Arch

This arch may be named for its resemblance to a ladder rung, or maybe the type

of handhold you would look for while rock climbing — but for Valentine’s Day, it could easily be interpreted as a symbol of affection.

The arch is in Lavender Canyon, a remote area of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and accessed by four-wheeldrive roads.

Anniversary Arch (North and South)

This pair of arches in the Marching Men area of Arches National Park is named for a sweet story rather than the shape of the feature itself. Roby “Slim” Mabery was a head ranger in Arches National Park during the 1960s, and he and his wife Juanita “discovered” and named the arches on their wedding anniversary. (Of course, the arches had likely been seen by many people before, but the Maberys’ names have been used on maps.)

The Marching Men and surrounding features can be seen from the Tower Arch trail, accessed by unpaved roads inside Arches National Park.

Matrimony Springs

This freshwater spring trickles out of the bottom of a sandstone cliff along River Road.

Locals and visitors have drunk from the spring for decades, and many people still pull over and fill up bottles and jugs (though the spring is not necessarily recommended for drinking by the health department or the Division of Water Quality. It was closed for a time in the 2000s when tests detected coliform).

The origins of the name are unknown, but some local legends surround it. One bit of lore claims that anyone who drinks from the spring will always return to Moab; another predicts that couples who drink from the spring will get married.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about traditional couples or marriage, and these sites don’t either. Maybe you’ll visit one of these features and come up with your own name or interpretation. Your alternative name won’t be used on maps, but it can be a personal waypoint to help you recall your visit (romantic or otherwise) to the Moab landscape.

utahstories.com | 23

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OGDEN

ogden’s

happy trails more than just places to walk

By Cathy McKitrick

W

ith February comes Groundhog Day, when a toothy rodent emerges from his subterranean home to forecast the onset of spring. Regardless of the prediction, however, sunshine and warmth inevitably arrive in spite of the furry soothsayer’s most pessimistic prognostication.

But the very idea of relief from winter’s dreary days motivates many folks to get outside and start moving their limbs. And the Ogden area is well prepared to oblige with a broad trail network suitable for hiking, jog-

Malan's Peak is a favorite Ogden Hiking destination.

26 | utahstories.com

ging, cycling and scaling the mountainside.

“Outdoor natural environments may provide some of the best all-round health benefits … altering physiological functioning including stress reduction, restoring mental fatigue, and improving mood and self-esteem and perceived health,” research provided by the National Institute of Health summarized, as it urged communities to develop options that everyone could access and enjoy.

In 1995, three community activists banded

physical and mental well-being … a place to see wildlife and possibly challenge us beyond what we think is possible.”

What trail users say

Whether new to the trails or well-established wanderers, people easily get hooked on outdoor adventuring in a landscape that has so much to offer.

Roy resident Kurt Anderson first took to the trails as he approached his 70th birthday.

“With several close family and friends who are currently experiencing health challenges, I decided to seriously look at my own health and sadly, lack of physical exercise,” Anderson said.

While researching low-impact exercise for senior citizens, Anderson learned that walking provides outstanding benefits with little investment.

After conferring with a friend, Anderson chose to start out walking the nearby Weber River Parkway trail through Riverdale in October 2022.

“At first, my walk would only be at a leisurely pace for about 10 minutes in one

utahstories.com | 27

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT OGDEN

together to build a pedestrian trail in Ogden Canyon, and that effort launched the growth and cultivation of multiple active exercise options in the greater Ogden area.

The Ogden City website maps 28 different trails, detailing their location, length and degree of difficulty from easy to difficult.

Some are paved — such as the Weber and Ogden River Parkways — while others are well-traveled dirt paths situated along the bench and canyons of the Wasatch Mountains.

By 2020, Weber Pathways had evolved into the Trails Foundation of Northern Utah, fueled by the vision of creating “a culture where all have places to walk, run and ride as they enjoy nature and connect with their neighbors in Northern Utah.”

TFNU’s Executive Director Aric Manning launched 2024 underscoring the importance of getting outside in nature.

“Trails are more than just a path — whether natural surface or paved. They connect us with nature and give us the opportunity to escape the crazy schedules that can take over our everyday lives,” Manning wrote in his January 5th letter. “They offer a place for

direction and then return,” Anderson said.

But in about two weeks, he picked up the pace and extended his distance to at least 30 minutes in one direction before heading back to his vehicle.

And he discovered added bonuses along the way.

“The leaves were magnificent in their many shades of gold and yellow. The air was crisp and clean, and the sound of the river offers a calming soundtrack to the experience,” Anderson said.

Plus he encountered unexpected opportunities to socialize with other hikers and their dogs.

“The benefits are innumerable on both a physical as well as emotional level,” Anderson said.

Of course, this is how many trail users turn into lifetime devotees.

“I have been using the trails since I arrived in Utah over 30 years ago,” said Ogden City Council member Marcia White.

White expressed awe and gratitude for the

28 | utahstories.com

mountainside trails and those who maintain them.

“In my early years, there wasn’t a trail I didn’t try on my mountain bike, but now I’m finding the hiking incredible,” White said.

And by getting out in nature, she said she discovered another world: “The smells, the views, the flowers and everything in between.”

One of her favorite hikes is heading up Malan’s Peak. ”The view from the top that overlooks Ogden makes me so happy,” White said.

In addition to increased fitness, White said she also enjoys the sense of personal accomplishment, socialization and “knowing that you are such a small speck on this really large planet.”

While exercise tends to evolve with age, White said her love for Ogden’s many trails remains constant: “At the age of 60, I hope that I will be blessed with the health and wellbeing to continue using them for a long time.”

PHOTO BY CHRIS EASTON | ALLTRAILS

Malan's Peak Trail

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Park city gallery stroll Immerse yourself in artistic ambiance

By Brandi Christoffersen Park City is known for skiing, mountain biking and the Sundance Film Festival.

However, it is also known for its thriving art scene, with more than 20 galleries showcasing curated collections of fine art, sculpture, photography, and jewelry.

By starting at the top of Main Street and

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heading down the hill, you can experience your own personal gallery stroll. Here is a list of some of our favorites:

Susan Swartz Studios, 260 Main Street

For the past two decades, Swartz has worked as an artist, activist and docu-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE THOMAS ANTHONY GALLERY

PA R K C I T Y

emerging talents from Utah and the western United States. Solo shows include Douglas Aagard on February 10th and Jeffrey Pugh on February 23rd.

David Beavis Art Gallery 314 Main Street

Australian photographer David Beavis uses an immersive printing process that creates three dimensional images. Check out his Artist Choice Prints, which are unnumbered and signed by Beavis and are iterations of his iconic Limited Edition Collection.

Thomas Anthony Gallery 340 Main Street

Thomas Anthony Gallery has a beautiful selection of paintings and sculptures by acclaimed artists as well as regional up and coming artists. This unique collection is a truly visual delight. A Solo Showing of Joshua Tobey’s nature in bronze will be on February 16th and 17th, and wildlife creations by Shannon Marie Schact on February 23rd.

Gallery MAR 436 Main Street Paintings and sculptures at the Thomas Anthony Gallery.

mentary film producer. Currently battling Lyme disease, Swartz’s paintings evolved from realism to abstraction and her work is inspired by the intersection of art, nature and spirituality. Current pieces that are available are Aspen Touch, Florals, and Rhapsody.

Mountain Trails Gallery 301 Main Street

Mountain Trails Gallery represents many renowned contemporary and western artists.

With a mix of representational and impressionist paintings and sculpture, including figurative, wildlife, still-life, and landscapes.

From February 16th through the 19th, Andrew Bolam Winter’s work will be showcased at the gallery.

Meyer Gallery 305 Main Street

At Meyer Gallery, the art is eclectic and refined, featuring both experienced and

Gallery MAR is home to sophisticated paintings and sculptures. In February, owner Maren Mullen will be featuring Matt Flint’s work in a solo show. Flint says, “My paintings are of animals, plants and landscapes seen through a moment of shifting focus. I paint the way I explore the rugged mountains by my house, always pushing to see what is over the next hill, searching for the unexpected.”

McMillan Fine Art 505 Main Street

The Fine Art Gallery showcases western landscapes by award winning photographer Jared McMillan. One of his newest pieces, “Always Moving Forward,” features two bison wandering in the Grand Tetons with a stark white background and a panoramic view of the “Teton Valley Sunset.”

Pearls By Shari 513 Main Street

“The pearl is the only gem that is formed by a living creature,” Explains Shari Turpin, owner of Pearls By Shari. The white and calm gallery features beautiful jewelry pieces creat-

utahstories.com | 31

Painting by Matt Flint.

Park City Fine Art Gallery 558 Main Street

Providing a collection of traditional and contemporary art, the Park City Art Gallery is a must-see on your stroll. Featured artists include Stephen Boren, Karl Lansing, Jeremy Salazar, and Salvador Dali.

Old Towne Gallery 580 Main Street

At Old Towne Gallery, you will find works from artistic masters like Marc Chagall, Alexei Butirskiy, and Mark Yale Harris. The collection is large and constantly changing, with drawings, paintings, mixed media, sculptures, and photography.

Lunds Fine Art Gallery 591 Main Street

Allen Lund grew up painting under the tutelage of his parents who were professional artists. His favorite seasons are autumn, winter, and spring. His paintings give sensory impressions beyond the visual. Lunds is set up as an interactive art ‘Studio-Gallery’ where the public can engage in the creative process from start to finish. You can watch Lund work on his latest masterpiece Wednesday through

32 | utahstories.com

Saturday, right in the gallery.

Montgomery Lee Fine Art 608 Main Street

Featuring realistic impressionist works by current national and international talents.

This family-owned studio showcases custom paintings and bronze sculptures. Artists include Steve Songer, Jared Sanders, Joseph Alleman, and Don Weller. Owner Jennifer Lee Fargo, says, “I consider our artists to be some of our greatest friends because they have been with us for so long.”

Summit Gallery 675 Main Street

With both contemporary and traditional pieces, art lovers of all kinds will enjoy perusing this eclectic gallery. Artists range from Duke Beardsley, to Mike Barlow and Holly Manneck. Owner Megan McIntire and her staff will help with in person and delivery options, and will provide suggestions based on your preferences.

Once you finish your Main Street stroll, be sure to stop by the Kimball Art Center on 1251 Kearns Boulevard. The Center “believes that art brings joy, direction and a welcome distraction.” The Kimball Art Center provides educational programs, exhibitions, and art events, and is open seven days a week.

PHOTO COUTRESY OF GALLERY MAR

ed with Tahitian, White South Sea, and Golden South Sea pearls. During your art stroll take time to view these original works of art.

Open Every Day, 10am-5pm 528 Main Street Park City, UT 84060 Parkcityhistory.org Or call 435-649-7457 for more information

From mining to skiing, discover more of this town’s unique history at the Park City Museum.

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SUGAR HOUSE

Sugar house rising

sugar house’s changing skyline

By Cathy McKitrick

T

34 | utahstories.com

Too Much Shade?

Kelly Hannah purchased his Sugar House property at 1988 South 1100 East in 2011 after carefully scrutinizing the community’s master plan.

But now he fears that if the pending sustainability zone gets approved, his business — less than 200 feet north of the proposed project — will “literally be in the shadow of this building.”

As a licensed drone operator, Hannah took two photos in mid-January of the site to compare the 105-foot height to 305 feet.

Hannah, owner of Eightline Real Estate, also shared his concerns in writing to city officials.

PHOTO BY RICHARD MARKOSIAN

his once quaint neighborhood could soon compete with Salt Lake City’s downtown for sun-blocking skyscrapers packed with high-density housing.

In January 2023, Build Salt Lake reported that Harbor Bay Ventures had plans to redevelop the old Wells Fargo site at 1095 East 2100 South into a massive residential project that could reach 305 feet in height if a zoning change to the community’s 2005 master plan gets approval.

The 1.2-acre parcel represents the heart of old Sugar House, an eclectic haven at risk of vanishing altogether as properties change hands and developers usher in dramatic changes.

Current business district zoning along 21st South caps building heights at 105 feet, also specifying active uses at ground floor level.

Illinois-based Harbor Bay Ventures teamed with the private equity Bascom Group out of Irvine, California for this project that aims to bring the first mass timber residential building to the Salt Lake City area.

Building Salt Lake described mass timber as posts, beams, and panels made of factory-pressed wood. The material reportedly performs well in seismic events and can be more cost effective than concrete and steel.

Wells Fargo building at the 2100 S. and Highland Drive intersection.

“While there are a host of reasons this proposed amendment should be denied, my core concern is that the developer is effectively asking for a spot approval zoning exemption,” Hannah said. That, he warned, “would create a disastrous precedent for the future growth and development of Salt Lake City, in whole.”

Deja Vu?

Some small business owners in Sugar House vividly remember the razing of old and historic buildings on the south side of 21st Street to make way for a new mixed-use development.

Financial challenges caused that plan to

stall for four years after long-existing structures had been demolished, and the vacant lot acquired the nickname of “Sugar Hole.”

Resources finally came together by 2011 to commence construction of The Vue, a massive seven-story apartment building with ground floor shops, restaurants and a parking garage underneath.

But photographer Laurie Bray fears the proposed Wells Fargo development will impact her business at 1066 East 21st South even more directly than the one across the street.

“The project is way too tall for the area,” Bray said. “Some posts on social media are in favor of it, saying it will bring more custom-

utahstories.com | 35

A drone's-eye view of the proposed site of the highrise taken at 305 feet — the height the new building would be.

Oversized ambitions?

In support of the project, the law firm of Snell & Wilmer wrote a 24-page petition to Salt Lake City’s Planning Commission last November listing the project’s potential benefits.

“Salt Lake City is experiencing a housing crisis that demands a bold response,” the letter said. “The proposed zoning map amendment will permit the development of a unique mass timber mixed-use project that is focused on sustainability. Mass timber has become recognized as a central building material in a global effort to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions within the built environment.”

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The letter also touted its proximity to existing neighborhood services, arguing that increased population density would encourage “utilization of public transit, cycling, walking and carpooling within this portion of the city.”

What’s next

The public comment period for the proposed zoning change — which would apply only to this particular 1.2-acre parcel — opened December 26, 2023, and closed on February 6, 2024. The developer presented an overview of the project to the Sugar House Community Council on Jan. 31, just six days before the public comment period ended.

Next in the process: the Salt Lake City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for additional comments, and will then make a recommendation to the Salt Lake City Council, which is responsible for making the final decision to accept or reject the requested sustainability zone for this 1.2acre parcel.

PHOTO BY KELLY HANNAH

ers to local businesses. But people that live in all the apartments are really not frequenting local businesses anyway.”

Bray said she’s seen 15 restaurants come and go on her own block since 2014, even as apartments sprouted in the space where Granite Furniture formerly stood.

“Just because you build it doesn’t mean they will come,” Bray said.

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FOOD & DRINK

valentine's Day out of the box

unveiling utah’s perfect valentine’s day dinner

E

By Heather L. King

loquently expressing your love on Valentine’s Day can be even more complicated than scoring a dinner reservation on February 14. To confuse matters, gifts and meaningful moments resonate differently across generations. From traditionalists to trendsetters, what the perfect Valentine’s Day looks like to adults reveals a chocolate box full of tastes when it comes to cooking up the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner.

choose to dine at restaurants with sustainable and ethical business practices with shareable, internationally focused menus to accommodate various dietary requirements.

“Gen Z spends approximately 10-20% of their income on eating out if it meets their need for connection and inclusion,” Palle continues. Look for them at casual restaurants with social media-worthy cocktails and food.

Generational Mindsets

Millennials and Gen Z: Thriving in their Twenties and Thirties

“How each individual spends Valentine’s Day can be influenced by their financial circumstances, family and cultural traditions, as well as bad breakups and their idea of the commercialism of holidays,” explains Generational Business Strategies CEO Karin Palle, who helps people understand, communicate with and motivate across the generations.

She provided further insights into how different generations might choose to celebrate Valentine’s.

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS BODILY

Gen Z: Experiencing Love

Younger Utahns love to exercise their penchant for experiential dining, leaning towards unconventional venues with Instagram-worthy aesthetics. A rooftop dinner with panoramic views, a pop-up event featuring local chefs, or even a food truck rendezvous could define their perfect Valentine’s Day celebration.

“Gen Z couples are more likely to engage in group activities with friends and/or family that focus on the experience rather than giving gifts,” Palle reveals. They’ll likely

Millennials might love a culinary experience cooking with friends or even the convenience of online ordering with delivery as they binge watch the latest streaming shows or a romcom. And research shows they’re willing to spend the most on food of all generations — approximately 15-25% of their income if they feel economically comfortable.

Prescott Dunn and Sam Leonhart will be spending their first Valentine’s Day together as a couple, so they plan to celebrate their blossoming relationship the entire day.

“We’re definitely having champagne in the morning!” laughs Dunn.

Leonhart, who is a self-described homebody, initially thought about a romantic evening at home cooking their favorite dishes, but Dunn adamantly explains, “It’s my first Valentine’s Day. I haven’t done this before. I want to go out to dinner.” So their day will be bigger and more celebratory than might normally be the case.

At 31, Dunn has a pragmatic view of Valentine’s Day. “I’ve waited 30 years for Valentine’s Day. He’s my first boyfriend so

utahstories.com | 39

Generation X: Fabulous in their Forties and Fifties

Gen Xers grew up in the grips of commercialism around this Hallmark holiday so they may opt for a combination of tradition and innovation with an eye on ROI. A farm-totable dining experience or a trendy fusion restaurant where the known is married with the excitement of a new place and quality is foremost. Price will likely play into the final Valentine’s experience as Gen Xers may have their sights firmly on college savings for their kids or retirement for themselves, although they regularly spend 10-15% of their income on dining out.

40 | utahstories.com

Holladay residents Joe and Jeni Libin, who have been married for 27 years, typically make locally owned Italian restaurants like Antica Sicilia, Stanza or Matteo’s their go-to Valentine’s destination thanks to their love of Italian. “We bring a really nice bottle of Italian red, share some burrata to start and then split dessert,” Joe explains. “We might have some port to finish.” He also always comes with lilies in hand for Jeni and sometimes “something special that may sparkle.” He’s been gifting gemstone jewelry — usually earrings or the occasional ring — for nearly two decades with stones that catch his eye and make him think of her.

Gen Xers might also choose to spend Valentine’s with their family, perhaps inviting their Gen Z children to join them out at a restaurant or at home. Jeni recalls that when their son was young, “One of the things that we would do was to make dinner at home and Jack was our waiter so it was a romantic dinner for us.”

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner

Regardless of the generational bent, the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner is a deeply personal expression of love and connection.

The day, and the meal, is about creating an experience that resonates with each couple’s tastes and preferences, celebrating both their shared history and the ever-evolving nature of love in the Beehive State.

PHOTO BY ALAN CAISHAN ] UNSPLASH

there’s more pressure in my subconscious than I probably would like, but I’m kind of disenfranchised by the whole thing.”

The couple feel it’s important to stay true to their relationship and what they would do for each other on every other day of the year — favoring authenticity over cliché.

So the day will start with champagne in bed so they “can wake up and spend actual, quality time together,” says Leonhart, before a couples massage at The Kura Door and dinner at The Copper Onion, one of their most frequently visited restaurants. “We’ll probably crack into a nice bottle of wine from California,” Dunn continues. Most importantly though, “We both align on quality time. That’s our main love language.”

The avalanche dogs at Alta are prepared to work in all conditions.

avalanche dogs

By Bianca Dumas

“T

hey love to search. Their ‘work’ is the most fun game they play,” says Greg Miller, Alta Ski Area Patroller and avalanche dog handler.

Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon experiences some of the most extreme snow conditions in the world, and avalanche dogs are essential to skier safety. Even when the Valley floor hardly has a dusting of snow, Alta and Snowbird might be covered up in hundreds of inches. This deep powder, steep terrain, differences in snow layers, and fluctuations of temperature combine to create

42 | utahstories.com

avalanches.

The avalanche risk has always been high.

From 1872 to 1927, nearly 100 people were killed in avalanches in the town of Alta. It’s therefore no surprise that avalanche mitigation and the employment of the country’s first avalanche rescue dog — a German Shepherd named Cola — began working at Alta in 1952.

The next avalanche dog wasn’t put to work until 1980, when Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (WBR) founder and Alta Ski Patroller Dan O’Connor became the ski area’s first dog

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALTA SKI AREA

Saving lives isn’t a game — unless you're a search and rescue dog

handler. O’Connor’s dog Je Yu (pronounced Hey You) was a German shepherd mix bred with Snowbird’s first dog, Nico, and an Alta town dog.

Ski historian Alan Engen recalls that additional dogs were introduced to the program over time. “Around 1985 a second dog, a German shepherd named Jingo, was trained. In 1986, a third avy dog [short for avalanche], Crystal, a yellow lab, joined the team, and in 1987, a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Emma.”

Engen’s uncle, Sverre Engen, was Alta’s first Snow Ranger. He and his wife Lois learned to analyze the snowpack to see which layers were in danger of sliding.

Sverre Engen later encouraged Monty Atwater, a fellow veteran of the WWII 10th Mountain Division, to come to Alta and help him study snow science. Atwater is considered the father of US avalanche safety work.

The first goal is always reducing the occurrence and severity of avalanches, but avalanches are acts of nature and can’t always be prevented. That’s when avalanche dogs are called in for search and rescue.

When an avalanche happens, a trained dog can work a 100’x100’ area and search for up to three victims. That’s because an avalanche dog’s training is based on something that comes naturally to it: scent finding.

Trainers looking for an avy dog typically select from eight breeds known for their noses, including Saint Bernards, labs, and hounds. What’s most important is that the dog has strong scent receptors, great endurance, a friendly temperament, and a desire to please.

Miller is the handler for an avy dog named in honor of O’Connor, a black lab called OC. He explains that avy dogs start their training at a young age.

“Avalanche dogs are trained from the time they are selected from a litter and brought home at around 7 weeks old,” he says. “Soon after arriving in their new home, they start to work with their handler to learn about ski lifts, snowmobiles, loud noises, and to meet their new pack.”

While their canine cousins in the valley might shudder at the sound of fireworks, avy dogs have to get used to explosives, which are set in order to purposely trigger

avalanches at times and in places of the ski patrol’s choosing. The dogs also have to learn to ride calmly on ski lifts and snowmobiles.

In avalanche training, the trainer will hide an item under a shallow layer of snow.

When the dog finds it, he’s rewarded. Over the course of the training, the object will be buried deeper and deeper. The dog learns to associate the human scent with something they want, like a treat or a game of tug-ofwar.

The best avy dogs have a lot in common, but they’ve got their own personalities and don’t all get inspired by the same reward.

OC loves tug toys. Ninja, a black lab employed by Deer Valley, loves a good tennis ball. Meanwhile, Greta Gustav Von Griffon, a wirehaired pointing griffon who works for Solitude, prefers a Milk Bone as a reward for a job well done. She also insists on just being called Greta.

Utah’s avalanche dogs are all part of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (WBR), now a nonprofit sponsored by nine Utah Ski Resorts, working together with sheriff’s departments to respond to backcountry emergencies. WBR hosts training throughout the year to bring dogs from different resorts together and acts as the certifying agency for all Utah avy dogs. They also produce a great annual fundraising calendar, featuring the dogs’ photos and a few fun facts. Jagger, for instance, is a Sundance pup and a big Rolling Stones fan.

WBR dogs are first tested and certified at around two years old and, much like their human Search and Rescue counterparts, have to maintain their certifications biannually. Of course, they also have to be proficient in the basics of dog obedience, including recall, sit/stay, and leash work. It takes about 600 hours of training to develop a good dog.

Avy dogs normally retire between 8 and 10 years old, at which point they live out their lives as beloved pets. Some dogs keep going in spite of old age, like Banjo, who, at 13, is still part of the Alta pack.

And in the summer months? “They love to raft, swim, hike and travel with their handlers,” says Miller. “Most of the dogs spend just as much time outside in the summer as they do in the winter.”

utahstories.com | 43

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