The Morgan County News | December 30, 2022

Residents show their Holiday spirit

Volunteers jump in to help carriers deliver Amazon packages

Your Community

MORGAN COUNTY NEWS

Since 1929

MHS Spirit Squad performs at Winter Classic competition

By Ethan Hoffmann

K erigan Ovard, a senior on the Morgan High School cheer team, had the opportunity to be captain recently. Sue Kelsey, the advisor of the cheerleading squad at MHS, gives all the seniors a chance to be captains. They rotate captains each week, which allows different members to decide what they want to do for

that specific period.

Ovard was captain of the cheer team for a competition called the Winter Classic, which took place on Dec. 3. At the competition, they performed seven routines. “We were able to get first place in the six routines we competed in together, but the seventh was newer to us,” said Ovard. “It was a stunt pod competition.” A stunt pod competition is where stunt pods come up with their

own original routine and compete in it. In context, a stunt pod is a group of four people: two bases, a flyer, and a back spot. At the competition, they had an extra spotter on the mat. Their job was no less important than the rest of the team. A spotter’s job is to pay close attention to the routine and help catch a flyer in case of a bad fall. In addition, they are also a significant

CHEER on page 2

Morgan Valley comes together to show No One Fights Alone

By Verlene Johnson

June 11, brought over 200 members of the community together with a 10k and 5k run, a CrossFit Unknown workout and silent auction with all proceeds going to four brave warriors fighting cancer in Morgan. No One Fights Alone in a non-profit organization organized by Morgan resident, Bobbi Eddy, who wanted to pay it forward after the community helped her family when her brother was battling cancer. One hundred percent of the money raised and donation stay local. Donations can be made at No One Fights Alone 5k and Instagram at no_one_fights_alone-5k.l

Winter Storms cause havoc across U.S.

Over the holiday week, record low temperatures and storms have created dangerous conditions in many places across the country.

Erie County, New York has recorded at least 28 deaths as a result of extreme freezing conditions and whiteouts. Nationwide, the death toll has been tallied at 51 as of Tuesday morning, which is historically one of the worst single week recorded fatalities related to winter weather. A number of other states have also recorded winter-weather related fatalities over the same time period.

Putin signals a willingness to discuss terms for Ukraine

After months of fighting in Ukraine Putin suggested that he was willing to discuss potential solutions to the conflict. This comes as the Russian military has recently suffered massive losses of both material and forces in fiercely held areas of Ukraine. For its part, Ukraine regards the gesture as empty, stating that “they are simply looking to avoid responsibility” for the invasion.

Meteorite reveals two previously undiscovered minerals

A meteorite discovered in 2020 in Somalia has revealed the existence of two minerals never before seen on Earth, according to the University of Alberta. The university’s Electron Microprobe Laboratory determined that two of the substances contained within had never been observed by scientists before. The minerals have been named elaliite (after the meteor itself) and elkinstantonite (after a professor at the school’s Earth and Space Exploration Program). A potentially new third element has also been identified.

CJ Davis has been noted as holding the second largest nutcracker collection in the world, with a collection that includes 3,500 of the holiday fixture—a mixture of practical and whimsical items that fill her house. She plans to donate the collection to a museum in Washington where she served on the board for 18 years somewhere down the road.

Anglers and waterfowl hunters advised to exercise caution this winter

Over the past 10 years, 67 percent of fatal boating accidents in Idaho were the results of individuals falling out of small boats. These fatalities are increased during freezing temperatures when exposure to extremely cold water temperatures can lead to hypothermia and other issues. Experts cite overloading boats, especially for hunting, as the major cause of boating related fatalities, and encourage hunters to wear life jackets, operate in daylight hours, and abstain from alcohol while hunting.

SAM DINGMAN EIGHTH GRADER at

Mountain Green Middle School.

LISA BETZ, wife and mother of two daughters.

GARRETT SNELGROVE, sixth grader at Mountain Green Middle School.

TIFFANY NETZ, fourth grade teacher at Morgan Elementary School.

DOUG DINGMAN accepting the donation on behalf of his son, Sam Dingman, eighth grader at Mountain Green Middle School.

North Idaho woman has second largest nutcracker collection in world

State seeks members for new watershed council

By Linda Petersen

Anew Weber River Watershed Council that is being formed can help protect the future of the river and other water resources in Morgan, Summit and Weber counties, consultant Dan Adams of the Langdon Group told the Morgan County Commission Dec. 20.

The watershed council is just one of 12 being formed across the state to protect water in Utah. In 2020 the legislature passed the Watershed Council Act 2020 which was put on hold for a year because of pandemic. Since 2021 the Utah Division of Water Rights has contracted with the Langdon Group to help organize the watershed councils across Utah.

“The first thing I did was just go out and try to meet with people all over the state to try to help explain what watershed councils are and hopefully help people to not get paranoid and suspicious and to try to help them understand the value of them,” Adams, a local Morgan resident, said. “So, we met with over 800 people throughout the state, and then in that

year, in 2021, we created the Statewide Watershed Council so that’s up and running.”

Five watershed councils that have the Great Salt Lake Basin within their jurisdictions will form the Great Salt Lake Watershed Council; the Weber Watershed Council will have a representative on it, Adams said.

Watershed councils “are not a governing, decision-making, policy-making body; they are really designed to improve communication, collaboration and partnership among leaders throughout all the different state agencies that have good international resources and tribes” and other stakeholders, Adams said.

The Langdon Group initially approached the Weaver River partnership about becoming the watershed council, but that organization wants to pursue nonprofit status and go after grants to do projects, so they declined, he said.

The Watershed Council Act outlines 11 positions on the councils which it recommends are filled but councils can be made up of nine to 21 members. Those 11 seats call for rep -

resentation from agriculture, industry, Indian tribes, public water suppliers, water planning research institutions, water quality, fish and wildlife, water dependent habitat and environments, watershed management, neutral irrigation companies and local sponsors of reformation projects.

“You really try to get a really good diverse mix so that when you do planning, or when you do NEPA [National Environmental Policy Act], when you do Environmental [studies] they’re already on the same page with each other; they’ve been out on the ground and the have shared understanding of the resource,” Adams said. “It just makes things work a ton better when you actually try to go and implement it and get it to work for us.”

Each watershed council will have one representative that will also be on the statewide council so it should help improve communication, coordination, resource sharing and fundraising, he said.

The Bureau of Reclamation has already approached Adams and told him they are excited to work with the new watershed councils. “’We have

a whole pool with millions of dollars that’s set aside just for people that are collaborating on water issues,’ they said.”

Once the watershed councils are formed, the DWR will assign a local area planning specialist to each of the councils, “so now you’ll be able to have some water resources [people]that can come to your watershed council and give all the latest, greatest information,” he said. “It gives you a one-stop shop for agencies to come communicate about their programs and their plans and update on drought and all that kind of stuff. You have a one-stop shop to get that done so that’s a huge benefit to the state.”

The councils will also serve as a mechanism for government or private donors to be able to pass funds through to do restoration-based projects, Adams said.

The Langdon Group will gather the suggestions from the county commission and other stakeholders for board members and will then reach out to those individuals to see if they’re interested, he added. l

Proposed land exchange means public can access wildlife management area for first time

By Linda Petersen

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Geneva Rock are hoping to do a small land swap that should improve access to area trails for local residents, UDWR representative Eric Anderson told the Morgan County Commission Dec. 20.

UDWR owns and manages the 3,600- acre Morgan/Round Valley Wildlife Management Area which is 2.5 miles northeast of the city of Morgan. UDWR and Geneva Rock have been working on the land exchange for several years and it is in the last stages of the approval process, Anderson said.

UDWR will exchange one 104.33

parcel for two Geneva Rock parcels. The agency has worked it out with Geneva Rock to give UDWR an easement for a parking lot and access through their property to the wildlife management area.

“This WMA has had very little public access,” Anderson said.

“There’s been a lot of trespassing issues and stuff like that on private ground, so this is a win-win for everybody here. It gets the public plenty of parking; it keeps them off the road and it gives them access through Geneva’s property to our property.”

The new parking lot will be just to the east of the old road shed, Anderson said. The UDWR will fence and maintain the parking lot. There will be a 30-foot access road for administra -

tive vehicles to the UDWR property and the public will have access to hike or horseback ride there, he said.

The UDWR purchased the wildlife management area in 1942, Anderson said. “It has had no public access to it since we bought it, so this is going to be great to get public access and alleviate the trespassing on private property.”

Access to another 80-acre UDWR parcel is not possible at this time because it is completely surrounded by private property, Anderson said in response to a question from Commissioner Blaine Fackrell.

Commission members agreed to draft a letter of support that Anderson asked for for the land swap.

“I'm really excited about having

from page 1

source of motivation, encouraging the cheerleaders during a routine. “All three of our varsity groups competed in this, and we all did so amazing,” said Ovard. “My stunt group was not able to win it, but it was so close! It was an enjoyable opportunity for all of us to push ourselves to be better.”

The following week, Capri Rich, another senior on the cheer team, had the same privilege as Ovard. Rich has been a member of the team for four years, taking state three times throughout.

They are hoping for a fourth this year. On Dec 10, the Morgan High School Spirit Squad had the opportunity to attend a Universal Cheer Association regional competition at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. “This competition was a great experience!” Rich commented. “We came out even stronger than before and walked away with a list of things we could perfect in preparation for the next competition.”

In addition to cheerleading events, the Morgan High School Dance team has had a busy month as well. Alix Miller, another senior at MHS, is the captain of the MHS Dance Team. She was the junior captain last year and has been on the team for three years. “I have been dancing since I was three years old,” said Miller. “I started competitive dancing at the Creative Arts Academy when I was nine. Being a part of the Spirit Squad I have been able to watch the team grow and be successful in competitive events. This has given me opportunities to be involved in the school which has made high school so much more fun!” The Spirit Squad competed in the Show Cheer, Sideline Cheer, Fight Song, and

better public access to that property,” Commission Vice Chair Mike Newton said. “I think that's wonderful, and appreciate the department for working so long and hard on that. Eighty years is a long time to work on gaining access. That's true that's that's a pretty big deal and Morgan County being a county with very little public property, you know the better access we have to our public lands the better. I would hope that those who visit that public property will treat it well so that it continues to be open for future generations.”

Anderson said he hopes the land exchange can get federal approval quickly and that construction could start on the parking lot next year. l

Pom routines on Dec. 3, at the Winter Valley Classic competition and Show Cheer and Gameday on Dec. 10 at the UCA competition. As a team, the Spirit Squad had to prepare each routine to be precise, clean, and crowd involved. This not only pushed

the dancers physically but encouraged them to become closer as a team. “As the dancers would support the cheer team and the cheerleaders would support the dance team, we grew to love each other and become a family!” commented Miller. Practicing five

days a week throughout the summer, fall, and winter the Spirit Squad has to learn how to encourage other members of the team and be a friend to everyone. In the words of Alix Miller, “this time together has paid off!” l

Morgan residents show their holiday spirit to help postal workers

MORGAN—As is typical with the holiday season, there has been a recent surge of packages to be delivered in the past few weeks, and several in the community have stepped up to help. On Dec. 11, people noticed that the Morgan Post Office had several pallets of Amazon packages lined up behind their location that needed to be delivered.

Multiple posts were made on Facebook with several inquiries about the situation and when those packages would be delivered. And the majority of responses were overwhelmingly positive. “I received over 400 comments on my post,” said Dale Winterton. “It’s amazing to see the entourage of people helping.”

Winterton services the post office vehicles with chains for their tires during the winter and snapped pictures of the pallets sitting in the back lot. “We just bought a shorter UTA bus, so I contacted the post office to see if they needed to use that for storage,” said Winterton.

Karen Nelson was another one who posted on Facebook. “I have a unique perspective on the postal service because my son is a postal worker,” said Nelson. She explained that from her perspective, she understands that the post office doesn’t always have the manpower they need to get everything out quickly.

“Most of us in the Facebook group seem to understand,” said Nelson. “It’s a hard process to get all of these Amazon packages delivered. And the postal workers don’t have a choice; they are required to get them out.”

“We have the ability to flex our workforce by having employees shift to offices that need additional support as needed to ensure daily deliveries,” said Rod Spurgeon, United States Postal Service Communications Specialist. “In Morgan City’s case, we had a large number of packages presented to the office for delivery this weekend. This is not an unusual occurrence as we normally receive larger package volumes during the holiday season. We were able to shift employees to the city from nearby post offices to deliver all pack-

ages on hand.”

Both the Bountiful and the Ogden post offices stepped up to this call. “The post office only has five routes,” said Winterton. “So the 20 plus vehicles and carriers that came up to help made a tremendous difference.”

Winterton and Nelson both stated that the important lesson from this situation is to learn to thank their postal workers. “If you leave your carrier a gift card, you’ll start getting personalized service,” said Winterton. “Give them a little pat on the back, some recognition.”

“I had the thought of what if we put up a bunch of signs in support of their efforts,” said Nelson. She then reached out on Facebook and had a teacher from Morgan Middle School reach out to help. “I thought it would be a great thing to get a club or school involved.”

Krachel Fullmer, CCA and Digital Literacy teacher at Morgan Middle School, thought Nelson’s idea was inspired. “I thought our students could be the legs to Karen’s idea,” said Fullmer. Between her and Deborah Schroader, they came up with the idea to have both the MMS Kindness Krew and the FBLA get together and make thank you cards and signs to be presented at the post office.

“Their resources were limited, but

BRAIN TEASERS

the kids walked over to the post office with the painted sign and a bunch of cards for the workers,” said Nelson. The students worked together in the school halls after classes to paint the large sign on butcher paper and wrote out thank you cards.

Fullmer explained that the kids all walked to the post office after school, and all the postal workers came to the counters to receive the cards and see the thank you sign. “I explained to the

students the magnitude of their workload so they would understand what they were thanking the workers for,” said Fullmer.

Between the two school clubs and other community members on Facebook, people in Morgan came together to say thank you in the true holiday spirit. “You can tip your postal worker,” said Nelson. “Give them gift cards, leave them treats. A lot of people don’t know they can do this.” l

TWO CLUBS FROM MMS, the Kindness Krew and FBLA, painted a large sign to thank their postal workers this holiday season. Photo by Karen Nelson

POSTAL WORKERS LOADING THEIR trucks with Amazon packages to be delivered.

Photo by Dale Winterton

MHS XC runners place in California race

By Liisa London Mecham

Since 2017, the Morgan High Cross Country teams have been traveling to Walnut, California for the Champs Sports Cross Country Championships to give their athletes not only an opportunity for national-level competition, but also an opportunity to build stronger bonds and unity with their teammates. This year’s trip succeeded on both levels as two Morgan runners placed and several others PR’ed on one of the “toughest cross country courses in the country,” and the team grew closer as a result of their time spent together on the trip.

The Champs Sports Cross Country Championships are sponsored by Footlocker. Four regionals, West, Midwest, Northeast and South, are held in different states late November/early December, and the top 10 qualifiers from the Regionals advance to the National Championships. Morgan’s boys’ and girls’ teams ran at the West Regional December 3, 2022. At the event, there were several different races: championship, open and senior, junior, sophomore and freshman races. Morgan’s top 25 cross country athletes, ranging from freshmen to seniors, traveled to the event and raced in the senior, junior, sophomore and freshman races.

Coach Brennen Fuller was thrilled with his team’s performance. “We had some great PRs on one of the toughest, if not THE toughest cross courses in the country! There is a huge set of switchbacks up a mountain, then a super steep vertical climb up a mountain, and then lastly, a long slow incline up the last mountain all finishing back on the campus of Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC).” Although some cross country courses include inclines and hills, the Utah State Cross Country Championships are held on a flat course at Rose Park which would make it easier for athletes to get a PR (personal record).

Fuller explained, “We had the chance to race some of the best runners in the nation, and it was an amazing experience for our athletes to keep striving to improve and compete with the best!”

“Out of the big PRs, we had two athletes bring home medals as top finishers in their age groups! Senior captain Clara Compton had her best race of the year, passing 22 runners in the last mile and a half to finish 30th place overall snagging the last medal earned!!

“Sophomore phenom EJ Lee finished 11th place and brought home a big Championship Medal!” Fuller proudly shared.

Lee ran a personal record of 17:11 finishing 11th out of 255 sophomore runners, and Compton completed the course in 21:46, 30th out of 160 senior runners. Senior Josh Nicolaides ran in the championship race and finished in a time of 17:15 placing 103/180 in the fastest race of the day. If Nicolaides had run in the Senior Boys race, he would have finished fourth. Senior girls, in addition to Compton, who competed in the senior race were Alexis Weiers, Sharon Gunn, Melanie Bybee, and Paitlee Dorius. Senior boys in the senior race included Hunter Belinski, Ian Wilde, Dylan Gines, Samuel Edwards, Tyson Adams, and Benjamin Poll.

Fuller, along with co-coach Bryan Weir, dedicate hours of time away from their families and other responsibilities to provide this opportunity for their athletes, but they certainly feel that the time spent is worth it to build their team and program. Fuller concluded:

“We love this trip and the effect it has on our team, the culture, and the bond that exists between these kids. It is something they have to earn, and then being there, they spend so much time, make so many memories, and truly become family.” l

Morgan sports super fan continues to offer predictions

By Alisha Copfer

MORGAN—Daniel Mudrow was born with cerebral palsy, but that isn’t what makes him unique. “Daniel is probably one of the biggest fans of Morgan High School sports,” said Wendy Knudsen, Mudrow’s sister. “His speech may have been limited, but not his spirit. He has risen far above any limitations with us working with him and mentors.”

The doctors and neurologists kept telling Mudrow’s family all of the things Mudrow wouldn’t be able to do growing up. According to Knudsen, these doctors said he would never be able to read and never be able to put more than two words together into a sentence.

“Because it was hard for people to understand his speech, a lot of times he couldn’t communicate, or people would ignore him, and he would be frustrated,” said Knudsen. “It was when we made him a speech board that he started being able to point to pictures in this binder to share his thoughts.”

Knudsen explained that Mudrow has been fascinated with sports since high school. When Mudrow was in high school, he was in a program called Futures Through Training. Mudrow’s mentor was Kris Sommers. Sommers worked with him to help develop a program where they could broadcast the Morgan sports and games on the computer.

“It hadn’t been done before on the computer for Morgan Sports,” said Knudsen. “That’s what got him excited about sports.”

Mudrow was also able to work with Doug Johnston, the previous owner of the Morgan County News. Johnston would have Mudrow write an article each week for the newspaper. Mudrow would need to research sporting events and their history for each article.

Mudrow is now helping to record statistics for the Morgan Sports Network. Mudrow studies everything from players’ team colors to wins and losses each team has to height and player’s abilities; he also predicts wins and final scores for the Morgan teams.

“His predictions have been amazingly close for quite a while,” said Knudsen. “Like this year, he predicted that they would take state in football and was close in numbers for the final score.”

Mudrow puts in several hours each week in studying and researching each team. “He could probably tell people sports scores and wins and history from even before he was born,” said Knudsen.

While getting a comment from Mudrow is difficult, it’s easy to see from his face how much he loves these sports predictions. For 22 years, Mudrow has made predictions in the Morgan County News for Morgan High School Sports.

Mudrow’s newest prediction:

For the Eagle Holiday Shootout on Dec. 30, at 4 p.m. at Juan Diego High School, the prediction is that the Morgan boys basketball will beat the Timpanogos Timberwolves. “I think the score will be exact.” In the 2013-14 season, Morgan beat Timpanogos 66-51. Timpanogos has a 6-foot-11-inch kid on the team. Timpanogos will wear white uniforms with blue numbers and green lines with white shorts. “If you can’t make it to Wasatch Jan. 5 in Heber City, watch it on wasatchstingtv.com/girls-basketball.”l

DANIEL MUDROW has been predicting sports for several years for Morgan High School basketball.

Courtesy photo

MORGAN SENIOR JOSH "VEGAS" NICOLAIDES competes in the championship race.

25 MHS RUNNERS TRAVELED to Walnut, California to participate in the Champ Sports Cross Country Championships.

SOPHOMORE EJ LEE placed 11th in the regional sophomore race.

MORGAN SENIORS ALEXIS WEIERS (FRONT) and Clara Compton (339) run in the girls’ senior race. Compton placed top 30 in the senior race.

The best movies of 2022, part 1

By Jenniffer Wardell The Movie Guru

B

est Everything: Everything

Everywhere All at Once

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is the movie no one was expecting, but one that everyone should see at least once. A comedic sci-fi epic that also manages to be a profoundly touching family drama, the movie comes together so perfectly you can’t imagine it being any other way. Michelle Yeoh delivers the performance of her life as Evelyn Wang, who has to deal with both tax troubles and saving the multiverse, but the entire cast is incredible. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll never look at either yourself or the universe the same way again.

Where to find it: Stream it on Showtime, or with the Showtime addon for either Hulu or Prime Video.

Best Historic Drama: Till Emmett Till’s story is a tough

one to hear, but it’s hard to believe it could be told any better than “Till.”

The movie frames the horrific murder from the perspective of Mamie Till-Mobley, Emmett’s mother, and follows her through her pursuit of justice for her son. Danielle Deadwyler delivers a fantastic, award-worthy performance as Till-Mobley, making the movie even more of a heartbreaking, unforgettable experience.

Where to find it: You can rent or purchase the movie on Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, or Apple TV.

Best Pure Shot of Feelings: Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

If you remember the YouTube shorts from the 2010s, you have some idea of just how sweet and hopeful this movie really is. Unlike those shorts, however, the movie also has a beautiful message about grief and healing that turns it into something profound. You can’t help but root for Marcel as he deals with both the challenges and little joys in his life, and

by the time the credits roll the world will feel like a slightly more magical place.

Where to find it: You can rent or purchase the movie on Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, or Apple TV.

Best Popcorn Movie: Top Gun: Maverick

There’s a lot to be said for a wellmade movie designed to entertain as many people as possible. “Top Gun: Maverick” is a textbook example of a crowd-pleaser, designed for cheers, tears, and gasps at every possible turn. The best part is that everything is done really well, from the epic plane shots to character arcs that are actually satisfying to watch. No matter how you felt about the original, it’s worth taking to the skies for this one.

Where to find it: You can rent or purchase the movie on Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, or Apple TV.

Best Non-English Language

Movie: RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt)

Nobody can do an epic like Bollywood, but this is an epic even by Bollywood standards. The tale of two men who become both friends and enemies during India’s struggle for independence, the movie combines genres in a way that should be impossible. It’s an action movie, a crime thriller, a superhero epic, and a glitzy musical in turn, with each genre getting the creative team’s full love and respect. If you’re willing to read subtitles, “RRR” will be one of the most entertaining movies you see this year.

Where to find it: Stream the movie on Netflix

Jenniffer Wardell is an award-winning movie critic and member of the Utah Film Critics Association. Find her on Twitter at @wardellwriter or drop her a line at themovieguruslc@gmail.com.

Credit for photo ©A24

Ten health resolutions doctors encourage you to make today

The New Year represents a fresh start and is the perfect time to invest in your health. However, you may be unsure what resolutions will have the biggest impact. Doctors say that the easy, tangible actions you take are some of the most important.

“Many people kick off the start of each new year with big-picture health resolutions,” says Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “The good news is that small, positive health choices made right now can have long-lasting effects.”

Want to get started today? Here are the 10 resolutions the AMA recommends top your list this year:

1. Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health, so get moving today. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

2. Vaccination is the best protection against a number of serious illnesses. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Your doctor can let you know if you’re due for a COVID booster. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

3. Get screened. Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your physician. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

4. High blood pressure, also known as hyperten-

sion, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, and it affects millions of Americans. Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and what you can do to get your blood pressure under control.

5. One in 3 American adults has pre-diabetes, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. However, there are steps you can take that can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking a simple 2-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. This resource also features helpful lifestyle tips that can help you reverse pre-diabetes.

6. Whenever possible, drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages and replace processed foods -especially those with added sodium and sugar -- with nutritious, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, herbs and spices.

7. If consuming alcohol, drink only in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines that as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

8. Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use. Declare your home and car smoke free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

9. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription drugs – especially opioids. Always store and dispose of these medications safely to prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not taking the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem, and will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.

10. Invest in your mental health by managing

stress, getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health professional when you need it.

If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA encourages you to sign up for coverage at healthcare.gov, which has new, affordable options. The enrollment deadline for 2023 coverage is Jan. 15, 2023. Find more health resources at ama-assn.org. For a healthy 2023 and beyond, invest in your wellness with these doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions.

(StatePoint)

Resolve to protect your finances and your family in the new year

After a holiday season spent racking up credit card bills, many Americans consider making financial resolutions in the New Year. However, now is the perfect time to not only reevaluate your saving and spending, but also commit to creating a more holistic financial plan designed to protect your finances and your family.

Consumers are seeking stability and preparedness in today’s uncertain economic environment, according to a recent Consumer Sentiment Tracker study by Lincoln Financial Group. With ongoing inflation and market volatility, 56% of respondents cited protection from risk as being most important to them. When it comes to thinking about their finances, people said they have the greatest interest in protecting their family (39%) followed by their income (26%).

“Our research reinforced the importance of financial solutions that can help consumers navigate through market cycles and protect their loved ones,” said David Berkowitz, president, Lincoln Financial Network, Lincoln Financial’s wealth management business. “People are not only concerned about having enough to pay their bills, but also saving for retirement and preparing for the unexpected. It’s important to have a well-rounded financial plan that can

address those risks, protect assets and create positive outcomes for today’s families.”

To achieve a stronger financial future, don’t neglect your finances in 2023 — instead, add a little TLC (Talk, Learn, Commit). Resolve to create a robust financial plan using these three tips from Lincoln Financial:

1. Talk about it. Financial conversations play a crucial role. Be transparent with your loved ones about financial priorities so you can set expectations and work toward your shared financial goals. Initiate ongoing discussions to stay on track with everything from saving for retirement to paying for a long-term healthcare event, which can happen suddenly and be very costly. Also, consider talking to a financial professional who can help identify solutions that best meet your individual needs, as well as drive better outcomes. Lincoln’s research found those who work with financial professionals are more likely to prioritize retirement savings (26% vs. 10%).

2. Learn more about tax-deferred investments. Life insurance can be more than just a death benefit, with some types of policies offering income replacement for unforeseen events. It can also protect your financial security from the impact of taxes, market volatility and longevity. It’s not just for individuals and families

either, but businesses too. Also, consider diversifying your portfolio with an annuity, which can provide protected growth and monthly lifetime income to help cover expenses in retirement and ensure you have a stream of income.

3. Commit to maximizing your workplace benefits. Look into supplemental coverages like disability, accident and life insurance that may be available through your employer. Solutions like these protect against unexpected events that can disrupt your ability to provide for your family or drive you into ad-

ditional debt. If you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, make sure you are contributing and getting a match, if offered. Tap into any financial wellness tools offered at work to help provide you with an accurate picture of your holistic financial situation and lower stress.

Visit www.lfg.com for more tools and resources.

With a robust plan, you can help ensure a solid financial future for you and your family.

(StatePoint)

Handel’s Messiah Sing-a-Along a community favorite

By Rachel Cordeiro

The Annual Messiah Sing-Along resumed this year after taking an unexpected break due to COVID, and the performance received a welcome reception from the community. After attending weekly practices that began back in mid September, the Morgan Chamber Choir and Orchestra displayed their talents through the well-known works of Handel’s Messiah.

Several musicians battled sickness in the weeks leading up to the concert but in the end the majority of those who’d been practicing were able to witness the fruits of their labor.

Despite several other community Christmas events taking place the night of the first performance attendance was still favorable for the Saturday evening concert, and Monday night was close to a full house. On both evenings, audience members sung along enthusiastically from their own copies of the score or those they brought along from home.

Each night, the program was opened in prayer following a brief history of Handel’s composition of the Messiah; the length of the concert was ideal for many, finishing at just under an hour. The various musical selections highlighted the talented soloists while also featuring the talent of community members in both the chorus and orchestra. The robust sound of the orchestra and choir easily persuaded the listener that a small town is quite capable of producing a quality fine arts experience, highlighting the spirit and commitment to excellence of so many in our community.

The well-known Hallelujah chorus was the closing number and a favorite of the audience who requested an encore presentation of the selection.

The success of the 2022 Messiah Sing-Along concert was undeniably clear; every listener and performer who commented agreed unanimously on the fact that it will be a favored, annual holiday tradition for the people Morgan Valley.

(c) monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(c) g-stockstudio / iStock via Getty Images Plus

SCHOOL MENU

Morgan & Mtn Green

Elementary Breakfast

Monday, Jan. 2

WINTER BREAK Tuesday, Jan. 3

WINTER BREAK Wednesday, Jan. 4

Breakfast burrito, Cereal Variety, Pineapple Tidbits, Fruit Cocktail Thursday, Jan. 5

Pancake Sausage Stick, Cereal Variety, Sliced Peaches, Apple Wedges

Friday, Jan. 6

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Mini Bagels

Strawberry Mini Bagel, Cereal Variety Omelet Cheese, Orange Juice, Mandarin Oranges

Morgan & Mtn. Green

Middle & HS Breakfast Monday, Jan. 2

WINTER BREAK Tuesday, Jan. 3

WINTER BREAK Wednesday, Jan. 4

Breakfast burrito, Cereal Variety, Pineapple Tidbits, Fruit Cocktail Thursday, Jan. 5

Pancake Sausage Stick, Cereal Variety, Sliced Peaches, Apple Wedges Friday, Jan. 6

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Mini Bagels

Strawberry Mini Bagel, Cereal Variety Omelet Cheese, Orange Juice, Mandarin Oranges

Morgan & Mtn. Green Elementary Lunch Monday, Jan. 2

WINTER BREAK

Tuesday, Jan. 3

WINTER BREAK

Wednesday, Jan. 4

Chicken with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes

Wheat Roll, Green Beans, Peaches Applesauce, Sugar Cookie Thursday, Jan. 5

Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Cucumber Slices,Grape Tomatoes, Pineapple Tidbits

Apple Wedges, Cookie Dough Friday, Jan. 6

Pretzel Bites, Cheese Sauce, Corn Black Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Orange Juice, Applesauce Cookie

Morgan & Mtn. Green

Middle Lunch Monday, Jan. 2

WINTER BREAK Tuesday, Jan. 3

WINTER BREAK Wednesday, Jan. 4

Taco Soup With Cheese, Tortilla Strips

BLT Salad, Chicken Fillet Patty, Wheat Bun, French Fries, Baby Carrots, Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Apples, Oranges, Maple Bar

Thursday, Jan. 5

Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Mini Corn Dogs

Cucumber Slices,Grape Tomatoes Pineapple Tidbits, Mandarin Oranges Apples, Oranges, Chocolate Chip

Cookie Friday, Jan. 6

French Toast Stick, Sausage Patty Chicken Strips / Choice, BLT Salad

Hashbrown Triangles, Baby Carrots

Mandarin Oranges, Strawberry Cup Apples, Oranges, Scooby Snacks

Morgan High Lunch Monday, Jan. 2

WINTER BREAK

Tuesday, Jan. 3

WINTER BREAK Wednesday, Jan. 4

Grilled Cheese, Taco Soup, BLT Salad

Chicken Fillet Patty, Wheat Roll, Wheat Bun, French Fries, Baby Carrots, Fruit Cocktail, Applesauce, Apples, Oranges, Ginger Snap Cookie

Thursday, Jan. 5

Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Popcorn Chicken, Wheat Roll, Cucumber Slices,Grape Tomatoes, Pineapple Tidbits

Mandarin Oranges, Apples, Oranges

Cookie Dough

Friday, Jan. 6

French Toast Stick, Sausage Patty Chicken Strips / Choice, Wheat Roll, BLT Salad, Hashbrown Triangles

Baby Carrots, Mandarin Oranges Strawberry Cup, Apples, Oranges Oreo Cookies

New Year’s Eve origins

By Verlene Johnson

P

eople have been celebrating the new year for over four millennia. The first recorded festivities of bringing in the new year date back to ancient Babylon. In late March the vernal equinox is a day with the same amount of sunlight as darkness, making the start of a new year. What started as a religious festival has turned into a secular celebration around the world.

While most of the world celebrates New Year’s Day on Jan. 1, some cultures recognize the new year on different days, this is because of the different calendars used around the world. The most widely used calendar around the world is the Gregorian calendar; however, that has not always been the case.

Humans have been tracking time since the beginning of agriculture. The first day of the new year was usually centered around agricultural or astronomical events. The first formalized calendar dates back to 3100 BC during the Bronze Age. The Sumerians divided the calendar into seven periods of 50 days, with an annual supplement of 15 or 16 days for synchronization with the solar year. The year was then divided into four seasons with each season divided into three months. The new year was changed from March to January 1. Over the next 3,000 years the Egyptians, Romans, Chinese, Babylonians, Greeks and Hebrews, also formalized their own calendars, usually centering around the moon, each celebrating their New Year at different times.

In 46 BC, Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome, decided to streamline the calendar, introducing the Julian calendar which puts New Year’s Day on January 1.

In 1582, the Gregorian calendar was developed by Pope Gregory XIII, replacing the Julian calendar because it did not correctly reflect the actual time it takes the Earth to circle once around the Sun. The Julian calendar had 365.25 days with a leap year added every four years, but due to counting errors in its first years of use, leap year was added every three years. When the Gregorian calendar was introduced, it had 365.2425 days a year, with a leap year added every four years on Feb 29. It was also 10 days ahead of the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar was mainly adopted by the Christian world. England did not adopt the Gregorian Calendar until 1752 which meant that the American colonies also used the Julian Calendar up to that point.

In 1885, congress made New Year’s Day a federal holiday giving all federal workers the first day of the new off. School is generally out for Christmas/Winter break until after the new year. School will resume in Morgan School District on Jan 3, 2022.

While New Year’s Day is celebrated around the world on Jan 1, starting in the Pacific Islands, to most Americans, New Years’ Eve is celebrated more extensively than New Year’s Day itself. New Year’s Eve is a popular time for friends and families to gather for gluttonous food, games, dancing and counting down to midnight to welcome in the new year. It is also common practice to make new year resolutions to better oneself such as getting healthy, spending more time with family, getting organized, quitting smoking, or learning a new skill or hobby.

The Morgan County News would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a great 2023. l

Sundance Film Festival seeking volunteers for 2023 event

By Jenniffer Wardell

If you’ve got some extra time this January, you can experience Sundance Film Festival in a whole new way.

The festival is currently looking for both online and in-person volunteers to help with the 2023 event, which will run from Jan. 19-29. The festival is seeking both full-time and part-time volunteers in a variety of areas. These range from information, ticketing and venue support to drivers and theater crew.

“Anyone that has ever attended the festival can tell you that Sundance is a community and that volunteers are at the very center of it. They take on a lot of different roles, but something they all have in common is that they are friendly, supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate,” said Brian Marquez, Senior Manager of Talent at Sundance Institute. “The contributions of Sundance volunteers make for a successful event every year.”

Full-time shifts are available for both in-person and online volunteers. Volunteer coordinators will assign shifts every day of the festival, which will run 7-8 hour shifts on average. Those who volunteer in

Park City will end up volunteering approximately 80 hours over the course of the festival, though those who volunteer in Salt Lake or online may end up volunteering less often.

Sign-up part-time shifts are available for both in-person and online volunteers, though assigned part-time shifts are available only in-person. Assigned shifts require a 40-48 hour schedule, while sign-up shifts require a 32-hour minimum across all shifts. Like full-time assigned, part-time assigned shifts may require additional training that falls outside these hours.

In return for these hours, Sundance volunteers get a number of perks during the run of the festival. They get the opportunity to attend screenings, receive branded festival swag, and receive free meals.

“Something special about our artists, patrons and staff is the way we all show that appreciation back to (the volunteers),” said Marquez.

For more information and to apply to be a volunteer, visit sundance. org/festivals/sundance-film-festival/ volunteer.

A GROUP OF SUNDANCE volunteers pose during a previous festival. Photo courtesy of Sundance Film Festival

Students from MSD enjoy a day of field trips

By Verlene Johnson

One thing that most students would agree is the highlight of school is field trips. For years, fifth graders from Morgan Elementary have enjoyed learning about different career options, culminating in a field trip to Salt Lake City to JA City, formally known as JA Biz Town.

Even with moving fifth grade to Morgan Middle School, teachers have continued this field trip. Students prepare for this by learning about jobs, money and balancing checkbooks.

This year, Lena Rose was voted as the mayor of JA City. Student interview for jobs they wanted such as CEOs, CFOs, bank tellers, news anchors and producers and retail stores. They are then interviewed by teachers, principals, custodians and parents. After which, they are assigned a job. On Nov. 28, fifth-grade students and teachers along with parents meeting them in SLC, embark on this tiny town inside a 10,000-square-foot building located inside Discovery Gateway. Once there, students report to one of 20 different storefronts for their jobs where they earn money to buy things in stores that are ran by their classmates.

Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, eighth graders from MMS went to Hill Air Force Base Museum, splitting the 130 students over the two days. Fifth-grade teacher Aaron Croft said the field trip intended to facilitate a real-world experience that would give greater meaning to the things they've been learning in their classes. “Specifically, we wanted to help the students: understand the rich heritage of sacrifice, honor, and duty that they are part of here in Utah, understand how the theoretical things they've been learning in science and math can be applied in the real world to make it better and safer.” Teachers wanted to show students that math and science do have value in the world.

Once there, they broke into small groups and were hosted by Air Force Veterans who provided a tour of the exhibits and answered questions. Some of the things they explored were a Black Bird, a Hercules, a model of Wright Bros. original airplane, a flying fortress and a huge landing gear from a Super Galaxy.

Students also learned how the different aircraft are identified by the letter at the start of their name, for example, H to identify helicopters, B for

a bomber, F for the fighter, C for cargo, S for stealth, OV for observation and R for reconnaissance.

Eighth-grade students at Mountain Green Middle School also had the opportunity to go to SLC for a field trip.

As buses dropped off groups of students at different locations, with a parent chaperone and an envelope containing a

list of significant places they had to find, they began a scavenger hunt. Once they located a place on the list, each group took a picture of their group to show they found it.

The winning team was the students who checked in by a certain time in front of Clark Planetarium where they were able to explore the exhibits about Earth and space before

watching an IMax Movie called “Beautiful Earth.”

Because this was a scavenger hunt that eighth-grade math teacher, Lisa Buitkofer, said they hope to make a

yearly

field trip, she decided details of what they needed to locate and pictures would give away the fun for next year’s students. l

MMS FIFTH GRADERS at JA City

MMS eighth graders at HAFB

OPINION

Morgan, UT – Suzanne (Sue) Allen Brooks, 80, passed away with a smile on her face in her home on Dec. 25, 2022. She was born in Ogden, Utah, on Oct. 26, 1942, to Gale and Nell Allen. Hers was the honor of growing up in the small community of Milton, Utah.

Sue attended school in Morgan and graduated from Morgan High School in 1960. While in school she was a cheerleader, danced with the drill team, and was involved in student government as the secretary. She made it a personal goal to share a compliment every day to someone, which led to her being a friend to all.

One year later, on May 4, 1961 Sue married Marlin Brooks from Henefer, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They became the parents of six children and had the privilege of raising their family one block from her childhood home in Milton.

Sue became a mail carrier for the Postal Service in 1972, where she delivered both letters and love to residents of Morgan County for 30 years. The result of her service was countless lifelong friendships with people who benefited from her friendly smile and wave as she drove by their home.

At a young age, Sue came to know the Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a devoted disciple to Him. She made it a lifelong habit to read of the life of Christ from the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. She invited everyone she knew to do the same. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was called on often to work with and speak to the youth of the Church. She was an avid teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ and enjoyed many callings, including serving as the president of the Young Women’s organizations at both the ward and stake level. She cherished her time spent attending the temple frequently with Marlin, family, and friends.

Sue will be remembered for her genuine love and smile, along with making Halloween sugar cookies, piñatas, working in her flower garden, mowing the lawn on her riding lawn mower, delivering meals and fudge to those in need, and supporting her children and grandchildren at the numerous events they were involved in. She loved reading books, enjoying a good nap and gathering with her family, especially at her weekly Sunday dinners with her children and grandchildren.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband,

Fred N Thurston passed away comfortably of natural causes at his home on Dec. 23, 2022. He had been experiencing general decline and a weakening heart for quite a while and looked forward to his next adventure being reunited with his sweetheart Jean. Fortunately, he was able to leave this life on his own terms with a sharp mind and an opportunity to spend time with many family members and friends during his final weeks.

Fred was born on Sept. 8, 1928 at his grandmother's house in Milton, Utah to Glen Harris Thurston and Ada Myrtle Giles and lived his whole life in Morgan, Utah.

He graduated from Morgan High School where he was active in sports, including football and basketball. He loved watching sports in person or on television whenever he could find the time. He was thrilled to watch the Morgan High football team win the State Championship last month!

His true passion was farming. He had a diversified family farm where he loved to raise beef cattle, pigs, mink, chickens, and a few milk cows, goats and sheep. He loved driving the tractor for hours on end, plowing, planting, cutting, baling, or hauling. He was active in conservation efforts, serving for decades on the Morgan Soil Conservation District and receiving the Leopold Conservation Award in 2017, something he was very proud of. He loved fishing and hunting, spending as much time as he wanted in the great outdoors and could talk for hours about his successful trips. He welcomed fishermen and hunters on his land as long as they respected his property.

He married Verna Jean Ball of Henefer on Oct. 10, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple and they built a home next to his parents' home on the Thurston family farm, where he lived the rest of his life. She was the love of his life and he did his very best to cherish and take care of her for the next 63 years until she passed away in 2015.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and

Marlin, her six children, Gary (Carol), Scott (SaRene), Alan (Teresa), Nancy Pierce (Jerry), Chet (Andrea), Bart (Brooke), and her four siblings Kim Allen (Jeanne), Nedra Richins (Greg), Kent Allen (Susan), and Bret Allen. Sue was the proud grandma of 28 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. They would like to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and support. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m. Family will meet friends on Friday, Dec. 30 from 6-8 p.m. and prior to the service 9:30-10:30 a.m. The visitations and memorial services will be at the Milton Church (1255 North Morgan Valley Drive). The services will also be broadcasted on https://www.youtube. com/@stoddardwardtech4415. Interment will be at the Milton Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please take someone in need to dinner.

Tiny gifts and big blessings are inside and around us

He was very matter of fact as he pointed out the blood vessels and the macula and then showed where millions of tiny nerve fibers converge before their journey through the optic nerve to the brain.

Millions.

IN

THIS TOGETHER

BY LOUISE R. SHAW

It was something I’d never seen before on a scope I’d never imagined before and I was mesmerized.

We were looking at an image of my retina and I couldn’t stop looking.

If I didn’t already know what it was, I would have thought it was a bird’s-eye view of a whole bunch of rivers converging on a central lake. On Mars.

But it was the back of my eye. A very extremely small place that I’d never before thought about much less appreciated.

It was so elaborate. It was so delicate. It was so necessary.

While waiting for the doctor to talk to me about the other tests they’d conducted on my eyes, I studied a poster on his wall that detailed the muscles and tissues and arteries that help us see.

An eye is unbelievably complicated with more than just a pupil and an iris and eyelashes. There is the cornea, the orbicularis oculi muscle, conjunctiva and superior tarsus, not to mention the choroid, bulbar sheath, vorticose vein and the posterior ciliary arteries. To start.

Believe it or not, there is much, much more.

And to think all those tiny parts have to be in just the right place and then work together in just the right way. Twice. For every person you see … to see you too.

We have recently participated in the season that celebrates gratitude.

Our grateful lists often, and rightly, include friends, family, faith and freedom.

I am newly grateful for my retina

and all that surrounds it. And for the miracle of sight. The gift of my eyes. And then when you add to that the miracle of an ear, a nose, a finger, a knee, you quickly realize we are walking miracles. And while everything doesn’t always work perfectly for everyone, what does work is reason for celebration.

Now we are in the season of looking toward a new year.

And we so often talk of all that is going wrong and worry about what may yet, forgetting – or perhaps not seeing – what is going right.

I did not appreciate what those blood vessels and those millions of fibers sending signals to my brain have been so busy doing.

It was just going on without any conscious help from me and thus, no conscious appreciation.

Same in life.

Wow. We live in houses that are warm in winter and cool in the hot summers. We drive on (mostly) well-maintained roads. We are protected by laws and law enforcement. We can go to schools and study what interests us, find jobs in a variety of areas, get health care when needed.

It doesn’t always work for everyone, and those of us who are blessed to live where it does work might be wise to look to find ways to help where it doesn’t. Because when it does work, it’s reason for celebration.

We can start the new year with a new vision. Knowing we have more going for us than we might even be aware of. Inside us, outside and around us.

May we see more clearly. May we celebrate more often.

Louise R. Shaw is an artist and a long-time columnist for community papers in Davis County. She and her husband live in St. George.

Creating a new belief in ourselves

A ll that we’ve lived through, been loved by, and had experience with in the past has colored our perception of who and what we are in the present.

JOHN WATERBURY

served in various callings, including serving for 18 months with Jean in the Ogden Inner City Mission. He loved giving back to his community and served on the Morgan County School Board.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Steve and Dale, sisters: Connie and Sally, wife Jean and four great-granddaughters - Faith, Hope, and Charity Garfield and Pepper Hall. He is survived by his seven children: Marilyn (Jay) Garfield, Charlene (Blayne) Hall, Pamela (Alvin) Jensen, Howard (Kelly) Thurston, Kevin (Tracy) Thurston, Janet (Kerry) Call, Norman (Maria) Thurston, 26 grandchildren, and a large number of great-grandchildren. Also his sisters: Nell (Jim) Nickerson, and Ann (Mike) McMillan.

Funeral services will be held on Friday Dec. 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Field Street Chapel (240 S 300 W, Morgan UT) A viewing will be held Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Milton Cemetery In lieu of flowers take your sweetheart out for a malt.

In the past, we may have felt that we had very little choice in these matters. But the future is different; the future is ours; and the future starts now.

Unfortunately, because of the patterns of the past, there may be a tendency to believe that it would be impossible to alter the old belief systems. And that even if it were possible to change them, a unique set of conditions would be required before corrective measures could be taken.

The fact is that these perceptions are not immutable or unalterable, and transformations will occur, but not always in the way that we might have expected.

The establishment of a belief in ourselves often begins, not in the sunlight, where every detail is clear and every probability has been calculated, but in the dark, where uncertainty and fear may almost seem to overwhelm us.

Ironically, it is the combined efforts of the pain, confusion, and uncertainty that result in: experiences that lead to expansion, expansion that leads to confidence, and confidence that leads to clarity.

These principles serve as a foundation for a new reality, and in this manner, a new future will begin to rise from the ashes of the painful past.

As a result, we begin to realize: we can be the choice we wish to make;

we can become what we search for; we can create the transformation

from what we were, to what we are capable of becoming; we can rise above the fears that seek to immobilize us; we can evolve to what we aspire to be; we can adapt to the ideals we search for; we can revise the limitations that may have controlled us; we can harness the pain and grow beyond it; we can bridle our courage to defeat uncertainty; we can formulate methods to overcome confusion; we can attune ourselves to the positive forces in life; we can redesign our old, imperfect perception of who we are as we envision what we dream we can become; we can integrate the energy forces that surround us; we can synchronize what was previously thought to have been hopelessly disorganized; and finally, we can generate a metamorphosis that will enable us to rise to previously unexpected levels of achievement.

John Waterbury is a retired Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has lived in Utah since 1984 when he moved to Bountiful with his wife and four children. Since then, he has written a weekly column for several years for the Davis County Clipper titled “The Dear John Letters” which was also used throughout the intermountain West focusing on addiction and mental health problems. This new column will focus on mental health and life management issues. l

Suzanne Allen Brooks

Fred N. Thurston

The opinions stated in these articles are solely those of the authors and not of the Morgan County News.

JANUARY NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

1 New Year’s Day

2 Buffet Day, Cream Puff Day, Science Fiction Day

3 Chocolate Covered Cherry Day, Drinking Straw Day

4 Missouri Day, Spaghetti Day, Trivia Day

5 Bird Day, Keto Day, Screen Writers Day, Whipped Cream Day

6 Bean Day, Cuddle Up Day, Shortbread Day, Technology Day

7 Bobblehead Day, Tempura Day, Play Outside Day

8 Career Couch Day, Argyle Day, Bubble Bath Day, English Tofee Day, Joygerm Day, Sunday Supper Day

9 Apricot Day, Balloon Ascension Day, Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Static Electricity Day, Clean Off Your Desk Day

10 Bittersweet chocolate Day, Cut Your Energy Cost Day, National house Plant Appreciation, Oysters Rockefeller Day, Save The Eagles Day, Shop For Travel Day

11 Arkensauce Day, Milk Day, Jump In a Puddle And Splash Your Friends

12 Curried Chicken Day, Kiss a Ginger Day, Marzipan Day, Pharmacist Day

13 Korean American Day, Peach Melba Day, Rubber Ducky Day, Sticker Day, Stephen Forest Memorial Day, Blame Someone Else Day

14 Dress Up As Your Pet Day, Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day, Ratification Day, Vision Board Day

15 Bagel Day, Hat Day, Strawberry Ice Cream Day

16 Fig Newton Day, Nothing Day, Martin Luther King jr Day

17 Classy Day

18 Michigan Day, Pecking Duck Day, Thesaurus Day, Winnie The Pooh Day

19 Popcorn Day, World Quark Day, Get to Know Your Customers Day

20 Buttercrunch Day, Cheese Lover’s Day, Disc Jockey Day

21 Granola Bar Day, Hugging Day, Hyaluronic Acid Day, Squirrel Appreciation Day, Use Your Gift Card Day, Fruitcake Toss Day

22 Celebration Of Life Day, Blonde Brownie Day, Polka Dot Day, Sanctity Of Life Day

23 Handwriting Day, Pie Day 24 Compliment Day, Peanut Butter 25 Florida Day, Opposite Day, Library Shelfie Day

26

Green Juice Day, Peanut Brittle Day, Spouses Day

27 Chocolate Cake Day, Big Wig Day

28 Data Privacy Day, Blueberry Pan-

cake Day, Gift Of The Ladybug Day, Have Fun At Work Day, Kazoo Day, Seed Swap Day

29 Corn Chip Day, Puzzle Day

30 Croissant Day, Bubble Wrap Day

31 Backward Day, Hot Chocolate Day, Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, Plan For Vacation