CoolSculpting® is FDA-Cleared and performed under on-site medical supervision, and backed by 9 years of proven results. We specialize in targeted non-surgical fat reduction. Book your complimentary CoolSculpting® consultation today. Call or visit wasatchdermatology.com to book today.
Welcome to this month’s edition, where our theme is all about exploration—whether that means discovering a new passion, exploring local art, or finding a new furry best friend!
Meet Sarah and Dreamy!
First, please give a warm welcome to one of our newest team members, Sarah Hammond! This month, Sarah is sharing the spotlight with Dreamy, an adorable adoptable pet currently waiting for a forever home at the Davis County Animal Shelter.
Every month, OCL spotlights a local pet in partnership with Weber, Davis, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Could Dreamy be the perfect addition to your family?
Cover Story: Behind the Lens at Farr’s Jewelry
When you think of Farr’s Jewelry, you likely think of stunning gems. But did you know they are also a hub for high-end photography? Beyond their gorgeous showcases, Farr's sells and rents top-tier cameras.
If you want to explore your artistic side, they even offer free photography classes. Grab a rental, learn the ropes, and start capturing the world through your own lens!
Arts & Community Exploration
The exploration continues at Weber State University and the Dumke Arts Plaza. We take a closer look at the stunning, world-class creative installations open for the public to view. It is the perfect outdoor gallery space to inspire your own inner artist.
Our Kindness Chronicles this month highlights an incredible local family dedicated to giving back. They are spreading comfort and smiles across the community by donating stuffed animals to children in local hospitals.
Local Limelights
We are thrilled to feature two outstanding local professionals this month: Dr. Dre: One of the expert partners leading the team at Specialists in Orthodontics.
Doug Varney: The proud owner of Utah Pool Pros, officially voted Utah’s best pool company for 2026!
Utah on the Silver Screen
Finally, did you know some of your favorite cinematic masterpieces were filmed right in our backyard? Take a trip down memory lane with our feature on the famous movies shot on location across Utah’s diverse landscapes.
Remember to stay kind, Weber County! Enjoy the beautiful season of exploration.
SARAH HAMMOND,
CONTRIBUTING
@OGDENCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Katrina Hammond | katrina.hammond@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Evana Mauriz | evana.mauriz@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katrina Hammond, Sarah Hammond, Evana Mauriz
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mike Ash, Andrea David
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
WRITER
Ramona and I would like to invite you to come to our home on July 23rd at 6pm for a special evening. We will provide a wonderful lean and green meal while we share some valuable information about metabolic health. Don’t bring your credit card. It is not that kind of meeting. It is however an evening for making new friends. And at the end, we will hold a drawing and give away a smart metabolic scale. Seats at the table are limited so reserve yours today.
Go to GetHealthy.Life, scroll down to our Huntsville Evening, and reserve your seat. There is no cost.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT THE
Discover your home’s next statement piece at Pieces Furniture! From everyday foundational furniture to fun, unexpected accent pieces, our curated collection offers something for every style.
Owned by interior designer Amber Hamilton, Pieces Furniture, brings her impeccable taste and design expertise directly to you. Whether you are completely redesigning a room or just hunting for that perfect final touch, Amber’s hand-selected inventory will inspire your space. Come find your inspiration today!
Cox
Alicea
Your Orthodontic Specialist in Ogden & Pleasant View, UT
Dr. Brett Cox and Dr. Andrea Alicea are committed to providing the absolute best in orthodontic care. Every smile is unique—that’s why at Specialists in Orthodontics, every patient receives the individualized care and attention they deserve. We would be honored to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!
Wasatch Dermatology is a practice built on a 40+ year family tradition. Dr. Willard Maughan began his dermatology practice in 1979, and his daughter, Dr. Julie Maughan, has continued the tradition of compassionate care since 2007. The Wasatch Dermatology team provides the highest standard of skin care informed by credentials, experience, and dedication.
Scan to read more Scan to read more
Born to hardworking Colombian parents and raised in South Florida, Dr. Andrea Alicea has built a life centered on resilience, service, and a deep passion for helping others feel confident in themselves. As a first-generation American, she credits her parents’ sacrifice and unwavering work ethic for shaping the determination, gratitude, and compassion that continue to guide her both personally and professionally.
Today, Dr. Dre is known for far more than her clinical expertise. Patients and colleagues alike are drawn to her warmth, energy, and genuine ability to connect with people. A devoted mother of two sons, she spends much of her free time on soccer sidelines, traveling with her family, and embracing opportunities to experience new cultures and perspectives. Soccer has remained one of the constants throughout her life, eventually following her overseas during her military career. While stationed in Italy and Germany, she played on women’s and co-ed teams, forming lifelong friendships and finding a sense of
community wherever she lived. Those experiences abroad also inspired a love of travel, and she has now explored more than 30 countries around the world.
After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and graduating from the University of Southern California dental school, Dr. Dre entered active duty service in the Army through a military scholarship opportunity that would ultimately change the course of her career. Following years as a general dentist, she was selected for the highly competitive Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency Program, inspired by the confidence she personally experienced after her own orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Dre brings a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to orthodontics and is now practicing alongside fellow Army veteran and longtime colleague Dr. Brett Cox at Specialists in Orthodontics. For her, crafting beautiful smiles is about so much more than aesthetics—it's about empowering people, giving them confidence, and making them feel truly seen.
ARTICLE BY EVANA MAURIZ
“Savvy’s Stuffies provides comfort to frightened children during life’s hardest moments.”
In the sterile, often intimidating environment of an emergency room, the smallest gesture of warmth can alter a child’s entire world. For Stephen and Nicole Mack, this realization came during a frantic evening in February 2022.
Their young daughter, Savannah—affectionately known as Savvy—had fallen while playing. This required an unexpected rush to the hospital for stitches. In the panic, she left her beloved teddy bear behind. Distressed and in an unfamiliar place, Savannah was inconsolable. That is, until a compassionate medical staff member blew up a glove, drew a cheerful face on it, and handed it to her.
Fast forward to 2024. Stephen and Nicole were browsing a local auction website when they spotted a bulk order of stuffed animals. Remembering the comfort a simple toy brought their daughter during her hospital visit, they purchased the lot and donated it to Intermountain Medical Center.
The feeling of giving back resonated so deeply with the Mack family that they knew they couldn't
stop at just one donation. Thus, Savvy's Stuffies was born. Named after their brave little girl who inspired it all, the organization is now an official nonprofit dedicated to providing stuffed animals to children facing frightening medical or emergency situations.
Operating a nonprofit that donates directly to medical facilities requires meticulous attention to detail. Hospitals have strict regulations regarding hygiene and allergies. To maintain the effort, the Macks work directly with a distributor to purchase high-quality, brand-new teddy bears.
The Macks have expanded their philanthropic footprint. Today, their pristine bears bring solace to children at McKay-Dee Hospital, Ogden Regional, and through first responders like the Weber County Sheriff's Department.
For Stephen and Nicole, the ultimate reward lies in sharing this ongoing journey with Savannah. By taking her along to make the hospital deliveries, they are allowing her to experience the joy of charity firsthand, instilling a lifelong lesson in empathy and community care.
The Mack family reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact. Through Savvy's Stuffies, they are ensuring that when emergencies happen, no child has to face the scary unknown without something soft to hold onto. To find out more, visit savvystuffies.org
Your Ticket to Exploring Utah This Summer
ARTICLE BY EVANA MAURIZ
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at photography, but you weren’t sure where to start? Perhaps it’s been years since you picked up a camera, or maybe someone you know is interested in trying something new.
For decades, locals have hit the trails with hiking boots and mountain bikes, eager to immerse themselves in our state’s unmatched natural beauty. But this season, there’s a different kind of gear you should consider packing for your next adventure: a camera lens.
Cameras and lenses can come in many shapes and sizes, and so can their price tags. The best way to make a well-informed decision is to rent different types of photography equipment. Try different brands and sizes first to see what fits best.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or someone who has only ever shot photos on a smartphone, capturing the world through a dedicated camera forces you to slow down. It demands that you observe the finer details, appreciate fleeting moments, and truly connect with your environment.
You can find the ultimate launchpad for your summer photography journey right here in Ogden at Farr’s Jewelry and Cameras.
Located on Washington Boulevard, Farr’s has been a staple of the northern Utah community since 1956. The store sells and rents cutting-edge gear, and loyal customers have gifted a charming, museum-like display of vintage film cameras over the decades. It is a place that breathes history, but more importantly, it breathes passion.
At the helm of the operation is Mike Ash, the store’s general manager, whose face you’ve likely seen if you’ve ever looked for camera advice in Weber County. Mike is celebrating his 35th year at Farr’s, carrying with him a staggering 45 years of camera-selling expertise.
“I’ve loved photography since I was in high school,” Mike shares, recalling his days as a yearbook and newspaper photographer. That lifelong obsession is precisely why Farr’s has grown into the largest camera store north of Salt Lake City, stocking the powerhouse trio of the industry: Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
For Mike and his wife—who is also an avid photographer—photography isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. “We share that passion,” Mike chuckles. “So now, anytime there’s new gear that comes out, we have to buy two of everything.”
If you are curious about photography but hesitant to commit financially, renting offers the perfect, low-risk opportunity to experiment. Today’s modern cameras have shifted to mirrorless technology, making them incredibly intuitive. As Mike points out, at their base level, they are practically as effortless to use as a cell phone. However, the creative freedom they unlock is truly exceptional.
Farr’s stocks a massive range of equipment available for sale and rent, meaning you can grab toptier gear tailored exactly to your weekend plans. If you are heading out to spot wildlife or go birding, you can rent one of those massive, powerful telephoto lenses that would normally cost thousands of dollars to buy outright. Want to capture the sweeping landscapes of Goblin Valley, the majestic peaks of the Tetons, or a crisp, star-filled sky over the desert? You can rent a specialized wide-angle lens and a tripod to make your vision a reality.
CONTINUED >
“Generally, the more you spend on a camera, the less complicated it gets,” Mike explains. “They become better tools that are more accurate in low light and faster at focusing.” By renting, an amateur can temporarily step up to a $2,000 or $3,000 setup, letting the precise technology do the heavy lifting while they focus purely on the art of exploring.
We live in a spectacular geographical location. From Ogden, we are just three and a half hours away from Yellowstone to the north, and roughly the same distance from Moab, Zion, and Bryce Canyon to the south. The potential for exploration is infinite, and a rental camera is the perfect companion to push you out of your comfort zone.
If you don’t know where to start, the team at Farr’s won’t just hand you a camera and wish you luck. They offer a popular “Photography 101” class explicitly designed for beginners who are new to the craft. In fact, when you decide to take the plunge and purchase a camera down the road, Farr’s includes the introductory class and free lens rentals to make sure you have the confidence to get out and shoot.
Summer moves quickly in Utah. This July, take a moment to see familiar places with a different kind of attention— through a lens that encourages you to slow down and notice more. Whether it’s a roadside view you’ve passed a hundred times or a long-awaited trip into the state’s red rock country, photography has a way of turning passing moments into something worth keeping. And sometimes, the right tool simply makes it easier to begin.
Renting a camera is one of the easiest ways to explore photography without a major up-front investment. Start by thinking about your goal—wildlife, landscapes, or everyday travel moments—then match your gear accordingly. A telephoto lens works well for distant subjects like birds or wildlife, while a wide-angle lens is ideal for sweeping Utah scenery. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple; modern mirrorless cameras are designed to be intuitive, even for beginners. Ask for a quick walkthrough when you rent, and take a few test shots before heading out. Most importantly, have fun— the goal isn’t perfection; it’s learning how to see differently. A short weekend rental can completely change the way you see the world around you.
Mike Ash’s photography can be found at Farr’s Jewelry and Cameras or EyePoppingPhotos.com
DISCOVER THE PUBLIC ART, SEASONAL STROLLS, AND CONTEMPORARY SPACES SHAPING OGDEN’S ARTS LANDSCAPE.
For a city with a population just under 90,000, Ogden has blossomed into a vibrant arts destination. Colorful murals and public sculptures celebrate the region’s landscape, wildlife, local history, and winter recreation.
First Friday Art Stroll: For more than 20 years, the First Friday Art Stroll has been a community highlight, allowing folks to peruse galleries and art-focused boutiques from 6 to 9 p.m. Most Art Stroll locations are along 25th Street (the Nine Rails Creative District), though Weber State University’s Shaw Gallery also participates.
WSU’s Shaw Gallery: This gallery features 4 exhibitions of contemporary art each year.
This past spring, We Are All Migrants brought together powerful artwork on the theme of migration. At the end of every semester, BFA students mount a thesis exhibition as a culmination of their studies. Two biennial shows showcase Weber State faculty on odd years and a juried student exhibition on even years.
This fall, Of This Place: Great Basin Neighbors will bring together Shoshone, Paiute, Ute, and Diné artists to explore our shared region and the impact of history on the present.
Dumke Arts Plaza: Recently established in 2021 with sculptures by Chakaia Booker, the Dumke Arts Plaza is the local outdoor space one block west of the Monarch building on 25th Street.
This Plaza is managed by WSU’s Shaw Gallery Director in partnership with Ogden City. Sculptural installations rotate twice per year, ranging from bold, vibrant interventions—like Megan Geckler’s A Dream That Comes in Color (2024)—to science-based sculptures drawn from research on the Great Salt Lake, such as Kellie Bornhoft and Carey Campbell’s This was Water (2024).
The most recent installation opened May 15th. Artist Meredith Connelly, based in North
“OGDENITES DON’T HAVE TO GO FAR TO SEE AMAZING EXHIBITS AND MINGLE WITH CREATIVE MINDS.”
Carolina, fell in love with Ogden during a weeklong visit to install Luminous Ecologies . This quiet, meditative work is best experienced in the dark when one can appreciate the magical glow of her hand-sculpted mushrooms, 3-D-printed snails, and colorful projections of water. Luminous Ecologies will be on view until October 15th.
Ogden Contemporary Arts (OCA): The OCA is located in the heart of Ogden’s Nine Rails Creative District and has become a driving force in Northern Utah’s contemporary arts landscape since opening its flagship art center in 2020.
OCA exhibits contemporary art, supports artists, and provides educational experiences. Guided by its core values, OCA works to break down barriers surrounding contemporary art while embracing curiosity, risk-taking, and forward-thinking ideas. Through changing exhibitions, artist residencies, free community arts education, and public programming, OCA creates opportunities for respectful dialogue, diverse representation, and meaningful creative engagement.
Past exhibitions such as Good Girl by Elyse Pignolet, Aim High , and Tamara Kostianovsky’s Mesmerizing Flesh have explored themes of identity, ambition, consumerism, environmental impact, and human experiences through immersive and thought-provoking contemporary works.
OCA also offers free Artist Factory workshops throughout the year. This provides accessible hands-on creative experiences for youth, families, and emerging artists. Housed within the historic Monarch building, OCA continues to shape Ogden into one of the region’s most vibrant and accessible cultural destinations. Thanks to support from the community, Ogdenites don’t have to go far to see amazing exhibitions and meet creative minds.
The Dumke Arts Plaza will be buzzing with activity all summer long!
• Food Truck Fridays (2nd Fridays)
• Arts After Dark market (2nd Sundays)
• Silent Disco (3rd Saturdays)
• Silent Cinema Sundays (last Sundays of the month)
EXPLORING UTAH’S MOST RECOGNIZABLE MOVIE AND TELEVISION BACKDROPS
ARTICLE BY EVANA MAURIZ
The Utah Film Trail is a remarkable way to explore filming locations while experiencing the scenery and character that make Utah a standout destination for Hollywood productions. You can even find it right here in Weber County! Ogden’s historic streets, western charm, and local landmarks have built a cinematic legacy by serving as the backdrop for beloved cult classics and hit television series.
Ogden’s historic area transformed into the city into Bozeman, Montana, during the filming of Yellowstone. The hit television series (starring Kevin Costner) used several Weber County locations to create its rugged western setting. It gives local viewers the excitement of spotting familiar landmarks onscreen.
Historic 25th Street became part of the gritty aesthetic that helped define the show’s visual identity. This includes Ogden Pioneer Stadium, which was featured during rodeo scenes, as well as the Outlaw Saloon, which appeared in several nightclub moments throughout the series.
Long before Yellowstone, Ogden became home to one of the most iconic moments in family movie history. The unforgettable pool scene from The Sandlot was filmed at our very own Lorin Farr Community Pool on Gramercy Avenue in Ogden.
In the famous scene, Squints pretends to drown so he can be rescued by lifeguard Wendy Peffercorn, creating one of the most recognizable moments from the beloved 1993 baseball classic. Today, The Sandlot remains a favorite for generations.
Thinking of planning your own movie-inspired adventure this summer? VisitUtah.com offers an interactive map and pre-planned itineraries that will guide you through multiple iconic filming locations across the state.
ARTICLE BY KATRINA HAMMOND
Utah Pool Pros transforms luxury backyards into award-winning outdoor spaces.
When it comes to transforming a backyard into a resort-style oasis, northern Utah homeowners turn to one trusted name: Utah Pool Pros . Spearheaded by owners Doug Varney and James Hafen , this Salt Lake City powerhouse has solidified its reputation by winning Best Pool Company of 2026 in Utah , adding to past Best of SLC honors.
The 2026 finalists were selected based on 12 months of online customer reviews and an exemplary standing with the Better Business Bureau. This crown follows another major milestone: receiving the 2025 Builder of Excellence Award from Latham Pool Company.
For over 24 years, Varney has brought unmatched expertise to the region. In 2023, Hafen joined as co-owner. As Varney states, “He is a great asset to Utah Pool Pros!” Together, they guide clients directly from initial 3D design to the final fill.
Utah Pool Pros specializes in custom concrete (gunite) pools and integrated landscaping. Known for high-durability finishes like French Grey Quartz, they redefine luxury. They recently showcased their engineering elite status at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes with a show-stopping project featuring a custom pool, spa, multi-tiered jumping platforms, and a 65-foot slide.
As complete outdoor living innovators, their team handles full backyard transformations:
• Custom masonry and stone hardscapes
• Complete landscape design and installation
• Year-round maintenance (cleanings, openings, winterizations, and upgrades)
Custom in-ground pool builds in Utah typically range from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on size, heating, and landscaping features. To help families jumpstart their dreams, the team occasionally offers seasonal promotions, including $5,000 full builds during peak booking windows. They are celebrated for transparent communication and ensuring complex projects hit seasonal deadlines.
With their 2026 crown, Utah Pool Pros proves their dedication to quality craftsmanship remains unrivaled. When they aren't building paradises, Hafen and Varney love the great outdoors! Their vision continues elevating luxury outdoor living throughout northern Utah.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
We are excited to welcome Circle of Life Specialty Center to Ogden Clinic! This new name encompasses both the existing Circle of Life Women’s Center and Mindful Medical Specialty.
This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to compassionate care, strong patient relationships, and helping our communities thrive. Patients will continue seeing the providers they know and trust at the same familiar location, now with expanded resources and support behind every visit.
A growing circle of care, centered on patients.
Obstetrics & Gynecology • Men’s & Women’s Wellness • Hormone Therapy • Weight Management • Medical Aesthetics
To schedule an appointment, call 801-337-5800
