Neighbors of Park City December 2024

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EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

DAY SPA EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Allie Vacanti

Spa Manager • Align Spa 1792 Bonanza Dr., Building C, Ste 130 Park City, UT 84060 435.647.9300 • relax@alignspa.com

DENTAL WELLNESS EXPERT

Dr. Ryan Osorio

Rise Wellness

1800 Prospector Ave., Park City, 84060 435-214-0544 risedentalwellness.com

EDUCATION EXPERT

Jennifer Billow Vice President of Advancement Park City Education Foundation (435) 615-0235 pcef4kids.org

COLOR AND STYLE EXPERT

CONTRIBUTOR

Julie Hickam House of Colour Julie.Hickam@houseofcolour.com 435.315.2258

PLUMBING EXPERT

Jonathan Cheever Team Cheever Plumbing & Heating www.teamcheever.net (435) 252 7697

FINANCE AND TAX EXPERTS

Danielle M. Meister, CFF®, CDFA® Madrona Financial & CPAs 833-673-7373 daniellem@madronafinancial.com

ANIMAL HEALTH EXPERT

Dr. Carl Prior

Park City Animal Clinic 1725 Sidewinder Dr., Park City 84060 435-649-0710

PET NUTRITION EXPERT

Heide Fowler, Owner Healthy Pets Summit County 435-214-7963 healthypetssummit@gmail.com

ANIMAL WELLBEING EXPERTS

Stephen Jones, MVB, MS, DECVS 5373 UT-224, Park City, UT 84098 barkcityvet.com | 435.200.2160 info@barkcityvet.com

Molly Uhlig

Pete’s Adventure Pack petesadventurepack.com petesadventurepack@gmail.com 404-550-5633

EARLY PREVENTION MEDICAL EXPERT

Dr. Spenser Reed Park City DEXA pcdexa.com info@pcdexa.com

INSURANCE EXPERT

Bryan R. Daybell

Bryan R. Daybell Insurance Agency, Inc. 1960 Sidewinder Dr, Park City, 84060 bryan@bryandaybell.com 435-649-9161

RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION EXPERT

Jenn Lewis, Owner Ghigau Construction | (801) 941-4508 www.ghigauconstruction.com jenn@ghigauconstruction.com

REAL ESTATE EXPERT

Annett Blankenship

Keller Williams Real Estate 693 Main St., Park City, UT 84060 annett@parkcityinvestor.com 435-602-9976

EVENT EXPERT

Tom Brazill

Elevate Event Bartending 801-477-4452 tom@elevateeventbartending.com elevateeventbartending.com

WINE EXPERT

Pamela Wood Park City Wine Club info@ParkCityWineClub.com ParkCityWineClub.com

WELLNESS & ESTHETICS EXPERT

Dr. Giselle M. Batcheller Wellness And Esthetics wellnessandesthetics.com 1816 Prospector Ave., Suite #203 435-631-2113

CLEAN LIVING EXPERT

Dana Grinnell Free Living Co. dana@freelivingco.com 208-869-6866

INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

Franky & Tam Studio Interiors & Co.

franky@studiointeriorsutah.com tam@studiointeriorsutah.com 435-214-6951

LIGHTING DESIGN EXPERT

Jenn Brassey

Elume

3156 Quarry Rd., Unit A, Park City, 84098 elumepc.com 435-640-5427 | 435-647-2997

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Betsy DeMann at bdemann@bestversionmedia.com or 801-671-6315

Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: bdemann@bestversionmedia.com FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS

BETSY DEMANN Publisher bdemann@bestversionmedia.com

JACQUIE SYMES

Content Coordinator jacquie@bestversionmedia.com

MITCHELL OLSEN

Account Executive molsen@bestversionmedia.com

JARED DEMANN

Account Executive jdemann@bestversionmedia.com

CASEY LANE Assistant Publisher

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Neighbors is growing! We are excited to announce we are launching a third Neighbors publication in Murray City, Betsy's hometown. Jared, Neighbors of Murray City Publisher, and Betsy's brother, has joined our team.

Meet Jared!

I’m Jared DeMann, a fourth-generation Murrayite who proudly holds the title of the fifth of eight children—a role that’s made me a team player from an early age. I graduated from Murray High School in 2002, where I played soccer, showcasing my competitive spirit.

I am a self-proclaimed space nerd. I have been a member of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society (SLAS) for more than 15 years. I love stargazing at the Stansbury Park Observatory or on camping trips with family and friends.

I am also a plant enthusiast and history buff. I have a knack for trivia and aspire to be the next Ken Jennings. By night, I transform into a rockstar, passionately pursuing music and sharing my creativity with others.

I take great pride in the DeMann name, which has a legacy in our community. My grandpa, Jack DeMann, was a legend in Murray politics and development, and his impact on the area has always inspired me to make a difference. In his early years, Grandpa Jack, who graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Journalism, worked nights at the Deseret News as a crime beat reporter. My first job, at the age of 13, was delivering the Murray Greensheet. Launching Neighbors of Murray City feels like an ode to Grandpa Jack and, in a fun way, like I have come full circle from those early mornings as a youngster tossing newspapers from my 10-speed.

As the Publisher of Neighbors of Murray City, I’m deeply connected to my community and actively involved with the Chamber of Commerce and the Murray City Historical Society. I’m also a passionate supporter of Murray High School sports, often found cheering on local athletes at games.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

EMILY REZIN Designer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

KIRSTEN KOHLWEY

MICHELLE DEININGER

PHOEBE ZANIELLO

TIFFANY WICKES

RICHARD ELLIS SANDY GELDHOF

NATALIE TAYLOR

MARITZA ROÑO REFUERZO

OWEN CRANDALL DEB DEKOFF DANA KLEIN

LEXIE LARSON

The Vixen’s Cosmo is a great holiday version of a classic - The Cosmopolitan. This version is great for the Holiday Season. It substitutes festive Pomegranate juice for the traditional Cranberry juice you normally find in a Cosmo. I also add a touch of cinnamon to give it some wonderful holiday spices.

THE VIXEN’SCosmo

The traditional Cosmopolitan gained popularity in the 1990s partially due to a few celebrities partaking in the drink. Madonna was spotted drinking them, and many wanted to follow in whatever Madonna was doing. Then the cocktail again took off when Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw frequently ordered them on Sex and the City. Later on in the series the character stopped drinking them, and when asked why, Carrie replied, “Because everyone else started.”

Well Carrie, perhaps this version can bring you back!

Prep Time 5 Minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ oz Vodka

• ¾ oz Cointreau (Triple Sec will also work)

• 1 ½ oz Pomegranate Juice

• ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice

• ½ oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup*

• Orange slice for garnish

*To make Cinnamon Simple Syrup, heat 1 oz water with 1 oz Sugar on the stove. Add 3-4 cinnamon sticks, cover and let sit for 4-6 hours. Pour into a container that you can seal. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 month.

DIRECTIONS:

Add Vodka, Cointreau, Pomegranate Juice, Lime Juice, and the Cinnamon Simple Syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a Martini or a coupe glass. Garnish with an Orange Slice. Sip while discussing all the latest “Tea” with your closest friends.

If you try it, please tag me on Instagram @Elevateeventbartending

From corporate events and weddings

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The last week has shown us that we are not exempt from the seasons. And while we love to reach for the comfort foods that warm our homes and souls like a braised ossobuco and all things gravy. It is not the time to throw color off of our plates! Winter time boasts some of the most bright and tantalizing produce such as citrus, pomegranate, beets, kiwi and squash!

Pair these in a hearty butternut and arugula salad or with a poached char for a lighter fare. [See recipe and photo below.]

This year, Just Joi will be featuring two new intermezzo granitas [Kiwi & Pomegranate seed & a Meyer Mint Pomelo] on plated menus for the 24-25 winter season.

Arugula Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pomegranate, and Burrata

This salad is a perfect balance of earthy sweetness from the butternut squash, tang from the pomegranate, creaminess from the burrata, and peppery freshness from the arugula:

INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD:

▶ 4 cups arugula

▶ 1 small butternut squash, peeled, cubed

▶ 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or pre-seeded)

▶ 1 ball of burrata cheese ( 4- 6 oz Goat or Mozzarella)

▶ 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds, pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)

INGREDIENTS FOR THE DRESSING:

▶ 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

▶ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic for a lighter flavor)

▶ 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

▶ 1 tsp Dijon mustard

▶ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

▶ A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Let it cool slightly once done.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding lemon juice if you’d like a bit of freshness.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the arugula with a few tablespoons of the dressing until lightly coated. Arrange the arugula on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with the roasted butternut squash cubes, pomegranate seeds, and toasted nuts. Tear your burrata into pieces and scatter it over the salad. The creamy texture of the burrata will add a beautiful richness.

4. Finish the Salad: Drizzle a little more dressing over the top and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Seasoned with Salt LLC was established on the East Coast as an intimate catering company for families and businesses that wished to embrace the hospitality and avoid the pretense that comes with dining out. We offer Personal Chef services and a Concierge service for those visiting the Summit and Wasatch counties.

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Good Earth Markets Expands Local Offering with Acquisition of Fairweather Natural Foods

Beloved Local Market Unveils a Fresh Identity

In an era where sustainability and community-centric business practices are not just appreciated but expected, Good Earth Markets is leading the charge by acquiring Fairweather Natural Foods. This marks its seventh location in Utah. The rebranded store officially opened in December 2023.

Fairweather Natural Foods has been a staple for eco-conscious products and fresh, natural café fare in Park City for over 30 years. However, in response to shifting market demands, owner Jen Rattray decided it was time for a change—a transformation that not only complements a growing industry, but also keeps her on as the company moves toward a brighter future.

The transition from Fairweather Natural Foods to Good Earth Markets is not merely a change of name and ownership. It signifies a broader shift in the company’s operations and product selections.

“My decision to sell the business was ultimately the culmination of my desire to pass the baton, with the finding of an interested, thriving, and successful natural foods operation that I knew could take it to a next level,” said Jen. “Owning a small business is challenging in today’s world, and for some time, I have known that a larger collaboration would be necessary for the business to grow, and that this was beyond my own capabilities. Fairweather always prided itself on natural and organic, convenient and healthy, along with affordable. Good Earth operates with all of those principles on a much bigger scope, able to provide more selection and inventory in grocery, and in natural options for health and wellness. This was a great matchup that will benefit our community and I am proud that the legacy I created will continue on with an experienced company that values this mission, and also all of its employees.”

The timing for Good Earth Markets to take over Fairweather Market couldn’t have been more opportune. Since its establishment in 1973, Good Earth has remained steadfast in its commitment to offering a diverse range of natural and organic products while being locally owned and operated. This transition allowed Good Earth to leverage its longstanding experience and financial stability as a thriving private company, ready to expand its footprint within the community.

The takeover by Good Earth, a brand synonymous with sustainability and quality, means customers can expect an enhanced shopping experience marked by an even broader selection of eco-conscious products. This strategic move consolidates Good Earth’s position in the market and ensures the continuation of the legacy and values that Fairweather stood for.

“We didn’t want to build a new store; we support the idea of the Dark Sky Initiatives that Park City has, we wanted to come in naturally, and this was an ideal way for us to have a presence on the Wasatch Back,” said Spencer Pettit, Vice President of Marketing for Good Earth Markets

A pivotal element of this merger was the transition of the store’s beloved café, renowned among locals as “Park City’s Best” for its healthy offerings. In alignment with expanding product selections, the café has undergone a downsizing, refocusing the space to accommodate the broadened array of products available in the store. Salads, sandwiches, and soups that customers have grown so fond of will remain.

Good Earth was also able to secure the space next door to the existing market, which tripled the store footprint, allowing for more grocery and supplement product lines. Customers can

By Aimee L. Cook

expect a large organic produce section, aisles of natural foods, prepared foods, and snacks, and walls of frozen options. Good Earth Markets also brought in its signature water machine. Reverse osmosis water can be purchased for $.29 a gallon. Bring your own containers and refill all you can carry.

Good Earth has set incredibly high standards for the products it stocks on its shelves, underscoring its commitment to health and wellness. The company has banned over 100 additives, chemicals, and other substances commonly found in conventional products. This stringent selection process ensures that everything available in the market is clean and safe, allowing customers to shop with confidence.

“We are seeing very consistent growth as a company. We feel like being positioned in Park City allows us to provide something special to local residents and be a resource to tourism,” Pettit added. “We are open to carrying what the customer wants; we are one of the most flexible retailers you will find because we are small and local. Come by the store and let us know; we can do a special order and get it in. We also deliver within 15 miles of the store.”

To learn more about Good Earth Markets and their wide range of products, or to place an order for delivery, visit goodearthmarkets.com

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BY ERIN VANDER WEELE

The holiday season brings with it a sense of warmth, togetherness, and, of course, festive treats. There’s not a drink that embodies the spirit of the season quite like eggnog. This rich and creamy beverage has been enjoyed for centuries, evolving from its beginnings as a British winter warmer into a classic holiday favorite around the world. Extra yolks are used in this recipe to bring out the rich flavor of the eggnog.

INGREDIENTS:

▶ 6 large eggs

▶ 2 egg yolks

▶ 3/4 cup granulated sugar

▶ 4 cups whole milk

▶ 1/2 cup heavy cream

▶ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

▶ 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)

▶ Optional (for alcoholic version): 3/4 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy

INSTRUCTIONS:

▶ Beat Egg Yolks: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg and egg yolks with sugar until the mixture is slightly thickened.

▶ Heat Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, bring milk to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

▶ Temper the Eggs: Once the milk comes to a simmer, remove it from heat. While whisking constantly, gradually pour the milk into the egg mixture. Return the mixture to the saucepan, whisking continuously. Heat gently for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches 160°F. Do not let it boil.

▶ Chill: Pour the mixture through a strainer into a large bowl. Stir in vanilla and nutmeg. At this stage, add the ¾ cup alcohol for an adult version. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to chill.

▶ Whip Heavy Cream: Just before serving, use a mixer to whip heavy cream on a medium-low speed until foamy. Increase speed and whip until soft peaks form. Whisk whipped cream into chilled eggnog.

▶ Serve: Pour the eggnog into mugs or glasses and sprinkle with a pinch of ground nutmeg.

Let the magic of the season flow with every creamy sip and toast to good health, happiness, and a wonderful New Year!

Holiday A Toast to Tradition

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BY AIMEE L. COOK

Handle Restaurant Celebrates a Decade of Culinary Excellence

Culinary Creations, Signature Dishes and Flavorful Experiences

“Michael Pollan says, ‘Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.’ Which I can get down with — I don’t think there is any need to overthink or complicate this concept or one’s culinary philosophy.” – Briar Handly

Handle Restaurant is the epitome of fine dining and culinary innovation. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the acclaimed eatery continues redefining gourmet cuisine parameters, driven by the seasons and the bounty of local ingredients.

Handle’s philosophy revolves around the essence of seasonality. The restaurant’s executive chef and owner, Briar Handly, is committed to sourcing ingredients at the height of their freshness, ensuring every dish erupts with flavor and authenticity. A James Beard Foundation semifinalist nominee several times over, Briar is an outstanding chef whose vision and expertise have propelled the restaurant to new heights. Over the past decade, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of fine dining, earning accolades and a loyal following of food enthusiasts and fine-dining lovers alike.

“I’ve always tried to have a sense of integrity and appreciation for the ingredients I was using and to let that carry over into my dishes. I’ve strived to let the ingredients shine without too much manipulation — to keep my dishes balanced in flavor, appearance, textures, and aromas. In harmony, if you will,” says Briar. “Lately, the more I learn about the current state of our food industry, the more it makes me appreciate and value where my food comes from and the people it supports in the process as well.”

OUTSTANDING FOOD YOU CAN PRONOUNCE

Handle’s menu personifies simplicity and innovation in equal measure. Classic dishes are

reimagined with a modern twist, offering diners a unique blend of comfort and surprise. From the first bite to the last, each plate is a testament to the skill and creativity of the kitchen team.

“Our kale salad has been on the menu since day one, but I have to give our business partner, Meagan Nash, credit for it,” Briar says. “She brought over a similar rendition for a get-together we had before we opened the restaurant; I had been brainstorming ideas for our opening menu, and after I tasted Meagan’s version of the salad, I thought, ‘This is so simple and so good. It has to be on the opening menu.’”

Briar adds, “I think it resonates with our guests because of its simplicity — the salad pretty much embodies my culinary style — with a little crunch from toasted and chopped pine nuts and Maldon sea salt; umami/savory notes from microplaned Parmigiano Reggiano; different textures and sweetness from tender baby kale, and other varieties like Red Russian, Lacinato, and curly kale; and balanced acidity and sweetness from a champagne vinaigrette. It’s not going anywhere if you have yet to try it.”

The lively ambiance at Handle complements its vibrant menu. Guests are surrounded by an atmosphere where food and drink are celebrated. Whether you have a special occasion or are out for a casual evening, Handle’s welcoming environment provides the perfect backdrop for any gathering.

Briar’s legacy in the culinary world is rooted in authenticity and a deep respect for ingredients. He enjoys watching the success of other chefs who have once worked for him be successful. Colleagues often cite him as a pivotal influence in their careers, attributing their success to his guidance.

Through his dedication to both his craft and his staff, Briar continues to shape the future of the culinary arts, leaving a lasting impact that resonates well beyond the walls of his restaurant. “I hope they learned something or at least have an entertaining story to tell from their time in my kitchens, and I hope to hear those stories at a campfire real soon.”

For aspiring chefs, Briar has some sage advice:

▶ Keep your knives and mandolin blades sharp.

▶ Travel, eat, read, go work for someone talented, don’t take things personally, and always keep an open mind.

▶ Don’t party too much, especially with your staff, and get sleep — basically self-care outside of work.

▶ Show up early — with a note pad, pen, and Sharpie.

▶ Be kind. Don’t talk crap on anyone else in the game. Be humble.

▶ Be thankful for family meals.

▶ Get outside before work.

Visit Handle Restaurant and celebrate a decade of excellence. You will experience firsthand the magic of seasonal ingredients transformed into culinary art.

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‘TIS THE SEASON...

Time for festive parties! So how do you have a successful party? How can you create a less stressful holiday party without cramming guests into your kitchen?

Here are some helpful ideas, appetizer and wine suggestions, to make your party flow seamlessly and smoothly so all can enjoy.

You’ve picked a date, invited your friends or co-workers, and even have some festive decorations.

Now, with just a little planning, you can have a great party no matter the size of your space. The key is to designate 3 to 4 spaces in your home to set up with different appetizers and wines. One space will undoubtedly be the kitchen.

Use this space for any hot, cooked foods. Have some plates and napkins and just a few wine glasses. Now find a second space in your living room or near a fireplace or window, where you can cover a small end table, coffee table, or even TV trays and set it with some small plates and napkins along with charcuterie items, cheeses, meats, crackers, chips and dip, etc., and have a few more wine glasses. A third space in a dining room or even a foyer is perfect for desserts, again some plates, napkins and a few more wine glasses. As your guests arrive, put food in these designated spaces. Then, decide where you want red wine, white wine, and other libations. For example, have red wines in the kitchen, white wines by the charcuterie, a mix of wines, egg nog, and maybe an ice bucket with beer or ice for cocktails in the dining room.

The key is to create spaces that require mingling so your guests spread out. This will make the party enjoyable for all, as everyone will need to move about for food and drink while engaging with other partygoers and not crowding the kitchen.

There are endless options when it comes to appetizers, these are merely just a few easy and tasty suggestions:

Butternut squash soup with an oil drizzle and a dollop of feta cheese - easy to make - heat soup in a large pot and put in small individual bowls (ramekins), drizzle some olive oil, put a dollop of feta cheese (I use Mayflower feta from Park City Creamery) on top.

Top some crostini with a warm crab and cheese spread, or bake some crab or cheese-stuffed mushrooms.

Make a charcuterie board - get three kinds of cheese, one soft cheese like a triple cream, Brie or fresh chèvre. The other two could be hard cheeses, an aged Gouda and a Manchego have great flavor profiles and are visually pleasing. Cut one into cubes and the other into triangle or strip pieces. Have some crackers and a dish of olives and nuts, then add some salamis. Have a knife for the soft cheese and a small glass with toothpicks or bamboo picks for the other items.

Another easy and tasty appetizer is small skewers with a melon slice, some prosciutto, and a small cheese cube. You can also make a Caprese skewer with cherry tomato, basil, and a mozzarella ball and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Not only is it delicious, but it also has a festive look Again, you can create whatever you like, and the options are endless.

Now for the wines: Be assured people will bring Cabernet and Chardonnay, so with that, you should have something different and delicious. Try some Spanish reds, Rioja or Can Blau. Both are incredibly food-friendly, medium body, smooth and delicious. For whites, a blend is an excellent choice. Something like a Chenin Blanc-Viognier blend or Coquille Blanc will be perfect and pleasing to all.

Remember to have some bubbly. Whether it’s Champagne, Cava, or Sparkling wine, it’s always good to have on hand and perfect for festive parties. Whatever you choose, the key is to create a flow with different food and wine options in various locations in your home. This can be done with just a little effort and on any budget.

If you need help planning wine selections for your party or if you need me to work for your party, just email parkcitywineclub@gmail.com. I’m happy to help.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year - Cheers!

Pamela Wood, CWE

Green Drink

In a mixing tin with no ice

1.5 oz Ange Vert Herbal Liqueuer

0.5 oz Preserve Liqueur

0.5 oz Lemon juice

0.5 oz Cane

0.5 oz Egg White

Dry shake for 30 seconds then ice shake Strain into Coupe

Alpine Martini

In a shaker full of ice

1.5 oz Persistent Vodka

0.75 oz Preserve Liqueur

Shake hard to bruise contents

Strain into Coupe

Garnish with orange peel

Bramble

In a mixing tin with 1 scoop of ice

1.5 oz Alpine Elevated Gin

0.5 oz Preserve Liqueur

0.75 oz Jam

0.5 Lemon juaice

0.25 Cane

Shake 6-8 times, pour into Rocks glass

Garnish with 3 blueberries

Lafayette Lemonade

1.5 Alpine Blended Bourbon

0.5 Lafayette spiced Bourbon Whiskey

1.0 Lemon Juice

0.75 Demerara

Serve over crushed ice

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Social Aid & Pleasure Club

Welcome to the extension of our living room, where we invite you to experience Alpine Distilling’s awardwinning spirits and inventive cocktails and gather in the name of community. Join us for cocktails & tastings, live music, special events, and spirit bottle sales.

364 Main Street, Park City UT 84060

Main Entrance on the corner of 4th & Swede Alley Tuesday through Saturday 4-10pm and Sunday 2-7pm PARK CITY

For more information or to inquire about private events, weddings, tastings, or other custom experiences, please contact events@alpinedistilling.com www.alpineparkcity.com www.alpinedistilling.com

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MEET...Rebekah Gonet

Rebekah embarked on a new chapter in her life when she moved to Utah in 2000, starting a family and embracing the beautiful adventure of parenthood. Originally from the East Coast and raised on the West Coast, she has found her true home in the breathtaking landscapes of Utah.

With a career in the home improvement industry that began in 2014, Rebekah joined the Elume team in February 2020. Since then, she has thoroughly enjoyed working in Park City, where she has the unique opportunity to create beautifully lit spaces that enhance the lives of local residents. “Listening to the client is essential when selecting the right lighting,” Rebekah emphasizes. “I enjoy asking a lot of questions during our initial discussions. It’s important to dig deep and discover what will truly work for them, even if they’re uncertain at first. It’s like a fun riddle—observing their likes and dislikes to find unique fixtures that will make each project special.”

While Rebekah loves working on private residences, she has also embraced larger projects that bring an exciting element of challenge. These experiences create opportunities for continued growth and

learning within the lighting sector. She believes lighting is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an atmosphere that brings joy and comfort to a space. “Lighting should reflect the home’s style while also fostering an ambiance that makes the environment enjoyable and inviting,” she explains.

Travel is another of Rebekah's greatest passions. This past year, she had the chance to explore Norway’s breathtaking landscapes and witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, as well as indulge in the delicious cuisine of Thailand. Through her encounters with diverse cultures and new places, she finds that travel offers invaluable learning experiences—it's also an opportunity to discover local lighting designs that inspire her work.

When she's not illuminating homes, Rebekah enjoys baking, gardening, and soaking in the local beauty of Utah through hikes and visits to hot springs. Each of these passions enriches her life and informs her approach to design, allowing her to bring a warm and personal touch to every project. As she continues to grow in her craft, Rebekah remains dedicated to creating spaces that truly shine.

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CREATE PC Holiday Makers Market

December

DATES TO REMEMBER:

PARK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

HOLIDAY BREAK 12/23-1/3

DEC 7 PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

DEC 21 FIRST DAY OF WINTER

DEC 23 FESTIVUS

DEC

@Create PC 1500 Kearns Blvd, Park City Shop local this holiday season! The CREATE PC Holiday Makers Market is a creative marketplace celebrating local makers by providing local entrepreneurs and artists an opportunity to sell and showcase their creative products and tell their stories to the community.

The pop-up style retail space is planned to launch at CREATE PC on Friday, November 22nd and will run through the holiday season.

Time: Noon-6pm

Cost: Free

Website: https://www.pcscarts.org/ holidaymakersmarket

Local Business Holiday Market

@Maker Union 1912 Sidewinder Drive, Park City

Join us for an evening and morning of shopping at some local businesses for the holiday season! We’ll have a variety of art, products, gift sets, and gift cards. Snacks will be provided by Chef Adam Walker on Friday night. Saturday morning, Luna’s Kitchen will have juice and pastries for sale.

Time: Dec 6 4-8pm and Dec 7 9am-noon Cost: Free to enter

Christmas Chancel Choir Rehearsals

@Park City Community Church 4501 N Hwy 224, Park City

Join our Chancel Choir for the Christmas Season! Calling all singers: it’s time to raise your voices and spread holiday cheer! Whether you’re a seasoned chorister of just love to sing, we welcome you to join us as we prepare beautiful music for our Christmas Services. No audition required, just bring our enthusiasm and love for music!

Time: Wednesdays from 6-7pm

Cost: Free

Nutcracker’s Greatest Hits

@Jim Santy Auditorium 1255 Park Ave, Park City

Enjoy live dance from world-class artists from around the world including artistic director Michele Wiles, former principal ballerina at American Ballet Theatre, Matthew Helms, and Maria Nishida of Japan. Dance will be paired with an original narration performed by actress and storyteller Katrina Kmak. This year, we’re taking you to the magical Land of Park City, featuring stunning aerialists from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team, incredible dancers, and guest performances from the BalletNEXT Youth

Christmas Concerts 2024

Park City Treble Makers, a 16 voice women’s a cappella ensemble has been spreading holiday cheer in the community since 2011. Enjoy the full selection of this season’s holiday favorites at the Treble Makers Salon Christmas Concert December 8, 5:00 PM and Treble Makers Community Christmas Concert December 15, 4:00 PM. A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to a local non-profit. Reservations are required for the Salon Concert which includes sparkling beverages and appetizers. Tickets for the Community Concert will be available at the door or purchase advance tickets by Venmo. For concert information and ticket pricing and for our holiday season performance schedule, please visit our website parkcitytreblemakers.org. We look forward to sharing holiday cheer with you!

Project and pre-professional program. BalletNEXT is on a mission to bring ballet to everyone in Utah and thanks to community support, all tickets are available on a donation basis. For a $75 donation, receive an invitation to a special pre-performance craft and a thank you gift of a pair of signed pointe shoes. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday experience—perfect for audiences of all ages.

Time: 6:30-8pm

Cost: Donation-based

Wild Winter Art Market

@Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter 1258 Center Dr, Park City

Join Swaner for a holiday market featuring local artists whose work highlights the beauty of the natural world. This market aims to feature local artists whose work highlights the beauty of the natural world, fosters a deeper connection to nature, and/or inspires action to care for our environment. This community experience will encourage guests to shop local items that help us to preserve, educate, and nurture both people and our planet!

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: Free

Website: extension.usu.edu/swaner/

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The Silly Bazaar

DEC 13-15

@Double Tree by Hilton Park City 1800 Park Ave, Park City

Presented by Park Silly Sunday Market

Join us for our Annual Park Silly Holiday Bazaar. With over 80 vendors to peruse, you will find something for everyone on your list ~ even YOU! FREE photos with Little St Nick (bring your camera)! Restaurant and Bar on-site.

Time: Fri 5-9pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm

Cost: Free Website: parksillysundaymarket.com/

2024-2025 Silver Sky Nights and Fireworks

DEC 20, 27, JAN 4, JAN 18, FEB 14

ABOUT

@Canyons Resort 4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park CIty

Join us this winter for Silver Sky Nights! Live music, treats, and spectacular fireworks displays await throughout the season. Each event will begin at 4pm, with fireworks starting at varying times. Presented by the CVMA. Silver Sky Nights Event times, bands, and offerings may vary and are subject to change. Weather, conditions, and operations permitting.

Time: 4-6:45pm

Cost: Free

Website: https://cvma.com/events/

The Egyptian YouTheatre program is based on the premise that participating in an arts program is an important aspect in the growth of every child, and that this education should be offered to all children for free. Through the creativity, discipline, and teamwork of being part of a production, our students are instilled with confidence, an appreciation for the performing arts, and life skills for navigating obstacles to achieve their ambitions.

We think theatre is a ton of fun, but we also know how important it is to your kids’ development as people! Drama education, more than other art forms, allows kids to learn to engage with the world by learning to communicate and relate to others through storytelling. We’ll play pretend, put on costumes, and learn how to tell stories, but we will also learn how to be whole, healthy, and creative human beings.

Cowboy Country Christmas

- Music and Poetry

@Park City Performing Arts 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City

DEC 21

Break out your cowboy boots and join us for a heel stomping good time celebrating the Holidays with Cowboy Country Music and Cowboy Poetry, featuring Cowboy Poet Darrell Holden, and singersongwriters Kaden Miner and Brenn Hill. Time: 7-9pm • Cost: $30-$55 Website: www.parkcityinstitute.org/

Last Friday Gallery Stroll

@Historic Main Street, Park City

DEC

Hosted by the Park City Gallery Association, the Last Friday Gallery Stroll, is a fun (and free) monthly community event dedicated to highlighting artists and special exhibits at art galleries throughout town. Park City’s art scene continues to thrive, offering a robust variety of unique art collections from local, national, and international artists. On the last Friday of each month, nineteen of our art galleries open their doors for visitors and locals alike to enjoy light refreshments and to admire their latest art installations. It’s the perfect way to explore the Park City art scene while enjoying scenic Historic Main Street and our beautiful alpine evenings. Time: 6-9pm • Cost: Free Website: parkcitygalleryassociation.com/

CAMPS

We offer an array of camps, workshops, and productions for kids to enter and learn about the wonderful world of theatre. With options like Puppetry, Silly Shakespeare, Improv, Radio Drama, Musical Theatre and Play Productions, and everything in between, there is something for everyone entering grades Kindergarten and up!

CLASSES

Students will learn the fundamentals of theatre and performance through active and engaging theatre games and activities. From learning how to work as an ensemble to effectively using voice and movement to create characters, participants will have fun, gain self-confidence and social skills, and act their little hearts out!

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HOLIDAY TREE & GINGERBREAD HOUSE SHOW

Friday, December 6th, 1:00 - 8:00 PM

Saturday, December 7th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Utah Film Studios, 4001 Kearns Boulevard, Park City Free Admission

Come see over two dozen beautifully decorated holiday trees and symbols of the holidays on display. Each tree is designed and decorated by local businesses, designers, organizations, and community groups. We also have rows of stunning gingerbread houses, kids’ activities, and a pop-up holiday boutique!

Benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties Homeownership Program

Information and online auctions at habitat-utah.org

SCAN ME

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Shop local this Holiday Season

1500 Kearns Blvd, Space F110/F210, Park City, UT

Open weekly Beginning Nov. 22 // Wednesday-Sunday // 12-6pm

The Holiday Makers Market is a creative marketplace celebrating local makers by providing local entrepreneurs and artists an opportunity to showcase their creative products and tell their stories to the community.

The pop-up style retail space is planned to launch at CREATE PC on Friday, November 22nd and will run through the holiday season.

LAST FRIDAY ART GALLERY STROLL

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARK CITY GALLERY ASSOCIATION

SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 27

The Art Gallery Strolls promise an unforgettable evening enjoying the vibrant art scene of our community while savoring the magic of Park City and beyond.

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BY BETSY DEMANN

Joel Zuckerman GRATEFUL, NOT GANDHI

ON A SUNNY AUTUMN DAY, I SIT ACROSS FROM JOEL ZUCKERMAN, A PROFESSIONAL WRITER AND CELEBRATED SPEAKER, IN ONE OF THE FAMILY-ROOMINSPIRED READING NOOKS AT LECTURA LOUNGE IN PROSPECTOR SQUARE, HERE IN PARK CITY. JOEL’S CHARISMATIC YET UNASSUMING PERSONALITY FILLS THE SPACE, MATCHING THE COZY, INVITING AMBIANCE AS WE SINK INTO PLUSH CHAIRS.

With exuberance and charm, Joel shares his message of “proactive, expressive gratitude” from his new book, Gratitude Tiger, to be published in 2025.

“To tell you about this book, I need to tell you about my last book,” he says. “It’s called Grateful.”

“I wrote my first letter of gratitude to someone close to me in 2013, and when I wrote it, it never occurred to me that I would write a second letter. But I was taken aback by putting the letter in the mail. I felt a warmth and a feeling of accomplishment that took me by surprise,” Joel recounts. “So I wrote another letter the next week, then another.”

Grateful, published in 2020 during the pandemic, is a compilation of Joel’s first 180 letters of gratitude, written between 2013 and 2020. “It’s a nearly 400-page book comprised of letters I had written to people who have helped me along life’s journey. The book is divided into seven sections. The largest was the section devoted to friends in Pak City. It also includes a section for family; vintage friends, which I describe as people who knew me as a teenager or before; Savannah, where I used to live; the golf business, where I spent 20 years; sympathy; and a catchall category titled miscellaneous,” Joel describes. “Anyway, I thought that was the end of it, but I kept writing letters.”

Joel emphasizes that while he practices expressive gratitude, this does not imply that he is without flaws. One chapter in his new book, Gratitude Tiger, beautifully explores the idea

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that we can wholeheartedly embrace gratitude while celebrating our unique imperfections and quirks; in fact, he candidly acknowledges his imperfections, reinforcing the idea that embracing gratitude is a journey of personal growth rather than a hallmark of perfection. As a recovering perfectionist, this generally resonates with me. I say “recovering” because I am a work in progress. I am capable of so much and am constantly striving for the image of perfection. Sadly, this is not realistic. Life is innately imperfect. This past year, I have focused on progress rather than perfection. I have pushed myself to embrace the journey of growth, attempted to allow the mask of perfection to slip, and let others see my insecurities, stubbornness, temper, and discontent with myself.

“It means you can be grateful and difficult,” Joel adds. “Grateful and impatient. Grateful and irascible. Here’s the secret: It’s going to make you feel good. Why do you think I’ve written 260 of them? You can see I’m very edgy. I’m no Gandhi, I’m no

Mother Freaking Teresa.”

EXPRESSIVE GRATITUDE

Mahatma Gandhi, a lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer, spent considerable time reflecting on the self and how we can be better individuals. In doing so, he reasoned, we can better serve others and build communities that help one another. Gandhi envisioned a world “of neighborliness and openness to strangers,” something I hope this magazine inspires in our community, if ever so slightly.

What started as a means to leave a corporate career that wasn’t fulfilling quickly evolved into a way to connect with our community

and create a platform that reminded others of our shared humanity. This past April, we celebrated five years of bringing connection to our community. I have since reflected on this journey and feel grateful for the relationships I have developed, the impressive people I have met, and the stories others have allowed us to share.

Gandhi’s life offered valuable lessons relevant in today’s fast-paced and demanding world. His teachings prompt us to pause, reflect, and consciously choose the right course of action amidst relentless competition, technological distractions, and constant pressure to achieve more.

Listening to Joel passionately articulate his philosophy of expressive gratitude, emphasizing the transformative power of acknowledging those who made a difference in his life, I am impressed with his

eagerness to encourage others to follow in his metaphorical footsteps. “I’ve written more than 260 letters to people who have helped me on life’s journey, and it has changed me for the better,” he says, “and if you follow this philosophy, it’ll change you too.”

Joel excitedly reveals that his new book features a chapter dedicated to the seven pillars of expressive gratitude. It offers readers insightful strategies for weaving this practice into their daily routines. As he shares personal anecdotes, Joel vividly describes his nightly ritual of counting blessings under the warm glow of a bedside lamp, where each reflection serves as a step toward contentment.

Joel highlights a powerful truth through these practices: Embracing expressive gratitude could inspire personal growth and foster a more optimistic outlook. Like exercising or eating healthily, cultivating gratitude requires consistent practice, and its beauty lies in its simplicity while yielding profound effects. Over time, gratitude could shift your mindset, helping you focus more on life’s positives and less on the negatives, illustrating how dedicated efforts could lead to lasting transformation.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Gandhi

To transform your life for the better, it is essential first to envision the changes you desire and then to take actionable steps toward realizing those dreams. Change begins with oneself, as we ultimately control our actions and thoughts. Seeking to improve our lives often requires us to shift our perspective rather than alter who we are at our core.

Earlier this year, our publishing partner asked me to speak at a conference. The other publishers in attendance wanted to know about the success of our little Park City publication. What was I doing differently? What advice could I give someone struggling with their community publication?

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As I prepared what I wanted to share with a room of more than 500 fellow publishers, I knew my message was simple: I made the conscious decision to ditch the negativity in thoughts and individuals and blast through the wall that was preventing me from moving forward in my life and surrounded myself with a network of positivity.

We are products of our thoughts; what we think shapes our reality. Embracing a positive outlook is crucial, as negative thoughts can hinder our progress and success. By surrounding ourselves with positivity and believing in our abilities, we can foster selfimprovement and empower ourselves to become the best versions of who we aspire to be. One impactful way to embody this change is by writing letters of gratitude, which effectively merge words and actions. By expressing appreciation to others, you uplift their spirits and reinforce your intentions for positivity and connection.

I am inspired by Joel’s message. I have some letters to write.

EARLY LIFE AND CAREER

Joel spent his early life in Western Massachusetts before moving to New York to start his career. His initial career journey encompassed a variety of roles, including disc jockey, waiter, and salesperson, before he ventured into entrepreneurship and started a business in his hometown. “I ended up back in my hometown, had a business that had the dual distinction of being uninspiring and unprofitable,” Joel recounts. “I reconnected with a bunch of old friends and made a bunch of new golf buddies. Our kids were born in New England, but I felt like I was suffocating. I just felt like there was more for me. So, for no reason in particular, we headed south to coastal Georgia.”

This pivotal move underscored the importance of reinventing oneself

and embracing fresh possibilities, ultimately leading to his success in writing and speaking.

“I applied for a newspaper columnist job even though I hadn’t written more than a grocery list in 15 years. But I talked my way into the job as a golf columnist for The Carolina Morning News on Hilton Head Island. I found my niche and went from newspapers to local magazines, regional magazines, national magazines, and airline magazines,” says Joel. “I was fortunate to start writing books, eight in a 12-year span, including five books in six years during my most prolific period. Some of my books sold robustly and got a fair amount of media attention. That’s when I started being asked to speak professionally, and I was lucky to be engaged by luxury cruise lines, corporate retreats, professional conferences, etc.”

SAVANNAH

Quoting from memory the first couple of lines from the first chapter of Gratitude Tiger, titled “The Metamorphosis,” Joel remembers this period. “There was once a time, and for quite a long time, I was a busy, up-to-my-elbows golf and travel writer. I was also something of an ingrate,” Joel admits.

Joel started to live what he described as an “alternate reality” of consistent invitations on press junkets, or what is known in that industry as FAM (short for familiarity) trips. Regarding his life on the road reviewing courses, hotels, restaurants, and spas, “The rest of these writers and I descended on these vacation locations like rock stars; we didn’t have the fame, the groupies, the money, or the talent, just the sense of entitlement,” Joel says.

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Gandhi

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“I’ve written more than 260 letters to people who have helped me on life’s journey, and it has changed me for the better,” he says, “and if you follow this philosophy, it’ll change you too.”

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Believing we know everything is a tremendous mistake. Life’s journey is filled with opportunities for continuous learning. As we navigate our experiences, we should take advantage of every chance to grow. Embracing this never-ending process enriches our lives and deepens our understanding of the world.

THANK YOU, PARK CITY

Joel became a part-time resident of Park City in 1999 and then settled here permanently in 2018. His decision to relocate was also influenced by the presence of his daughters and grandchildren in Park City, as he longed to be near his loved ones. “I lived in Georgia for 20 years. I loved it. I loved the warm weather, and I played a lot of golf. I’m lucky,” Joel explains. “Even though Savannah was the most important place I ever lived, once the girls were all living out here, I told Elaine, my wife, we should get out of Georgia. And so we did. We’ve been here full-time since 2018.”

With heartfelt enthusiasm, Joel shares his love for the vibrant change of seasons. “Coming out here, I’ve rediscovered my inner New Englander. I like the change of scenery, of seasons. I have many scores of friends and friendly acquaintances because it’s not based on where you grew up, religion, or your education,” says Joel. “I’ve got my bike friends, my ski friends, my golf friends, like everyone else. That’s what I love about this place; it’s just a town full of affable, athletic, accomplished people.” Recognizing the profound impact of community involvement, Joel aligns his endeavors with his mission to promote expressive gratitude. He actively participates in local initiatives and is dedicated to sharing his message with various organizations, believing that fostering gratitude within the community strengthens connections and enhances overall well-being. Joel collaborates with nonprofits, such as Live Like Sam and The Little P Project, in meaningful ways. He plans to continue this vital work in the future, ensuring that his commitment to gratitude and appreciation extends beyond his own experiences.

For Joel, Park City is not just a place to live; it has become a nurturing home where he thrives personally and professionally. Enveloped by the warmth of family and the splendor of nature, he contributes to the betterment of the community around him.

GRATITUDE TIGER

A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes. - Gandhi.

Over the years, Joel has developed a solid reputation as a mesmerizing speaker. He effortlessly holds an audience’s attention for 50 minutes without notes, slides, or a PowerPoint. While his previous books have enjoyed considerable success, he is incredibly passionate about his new book, which focuses on spreading the bonafide message of gratitude. This shift in focus reflects his deep commitment

to entertaining and inspiring others.

Joel emphasizes engaging audiences and intersperses moments of levity amidst the more difficult topics to deliver his message effectively. He has me laughing as he gives examples of his extensive collection of clever lines and jokes that entertained and captivated his audiences, keeping them fully engaged throughout his lively presentations. “When I speak, I have a lot of good laugh lines. I’ll say, ‘Everyone here, I want you to take 10 seconds and be grateful that you came to this event. You’re interested in learning, you’re networking, you’re with some of your peers, and you’re with people that you haven’t met before. And if that doesn’t work for you, you can be grateful that I’m only doing 40 minutes and not 55,’” Joel laughs. “There’s always something to be grateful for. That’s proactive, expressive gratitude. This manifested in me and anyone who will follow me by writing letters of gratitude to people who have helped me along the path. That is my jam.”

Joel aims to spark a genuine exploration of gratitude’s transformative power, encouraging individuals to embrace this profound sentiment in their lives and weave it into the fabric of their everyday experiences.

“‘Tiger’ is an acronym. It means Tapping Into Gratitude Engenders Rewards. If you are willing to tap into gratitude, you will be rewarded,” Joel explains. “It’s a fancy way of saying it’s better to give than to receive. When you give gratitude liberally and often, you will be rewarded.”

Joel reflects on his journey and the profound growth he has experienced through the practice of expressing gratitude. He acknowledges the myriad opportunities he encountered along the way and the invaluable support from those around him that significantly shaped his path.

As Joel speaks, I–suddenly and with great emotion–reflect on my journey. I am so grateful for the opportunities presented to me. I am grateful for my parents, who taught me the value of hard work and encouraged me to pursue opportunities that create joy. I am grateful for siblings who are friends and friends who are family. I am grateful for the chance to rub shoulders with other hardworking small business owners in our community. I am grateful for an outstanding freelance staff who are as enthusiastic about Park City as I am. I am grateful to live in a beautiful mountain town.

Just like Joel, I am lucky. Again, I have a lot of letters to write.

As he concludes his thoughts, Joel expresses heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to share his story. He hopes his message will inspire others to embrace gratitude and positive thinking as transformative practices, sparking positivity within our community. “My goal is to speak to corporate groups, nonprofits, and associations, and my mission is to urge people to become proactively grateful. Be grateful in any situation you find yourself.”

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ENRICH YOUR HOLIDAYS

Enrich your holiday season through family giving. Involving kids or grandkids, both young and grown, in family giving is a fantastic way to teach them about money, empathy, social responsibility, and family values. Here are some practical ways to approach giving this holiday season:

1. Set Up a “Giving Jar”

Designate a portion of the family’s monthly allowance or earnings to a “Giving Jar.” Each family member can contribute, including the kids, who might add a portion of their allowance. Then, discuss as a family where to donate the money, allowing the kids to suggest causes that resonate with them.

2. “Save, Spend, Give”

When kids receive an allowance, earnings or gift, divide it into three categories: saving, spending, and giving. This approach lets them choose a portion for charity and feel the joy of setting aside money for something beyond themselves.

3. Volunteer as a Family

Volunteering as a family not only reinforces the concept of giving but also allows kids to see the direct impact of their efforts. Look for local opportunities that welcome families, like food banks, animal shelters, or community cleanup days.

4. Sponsor a Child or Family

Sponsorship programs can be a meaningful way for kids to learn about different cultures and living conditions. The whole family can contribute to supporting another child or family, and you can share letters and photos as part of the process, making it a personal, ongoing experience.

5. Choose a Charity Together

Spend time researching different charities and let the kids help decide which one to support. They’ll learn about various causes and the process of making thoughtful choices about where money goes.

6. Gift Matching

For older kids, consider matching any amount they choose to donate from their allowance or earnings. This teaches them the value of giving and shows that their contributions can grow when supported by others.

7. Participate in Holiday Giving Programs

Many communities offer holiday-specific giving opportunities, like toy or gift drives for children. Let your kids pick out gifts, pack food boxes, or prepare holiday cards. It’s a memorable and tangible way for them to experience giving.

8. Encourage Handmade Gifts for Charities or Neighbors

Kids can use their creativity to make small gifts or cards for local charities, like handmade blankets for animal shelters, or care packages for elderly neighbors. This hands-on approach builds a sense of personal connection to giving.

9. Create a Family “Giving Goal” for the Year

Set an annual goal for 2025 for how much the family wants to give in money or hours of volunteer work, and track your progress together. Kids will feel motivated as they see the family work toward a shared purpose.

By getting kids actively involved in these activities, they’ll not only learn about money, but also develop a giving mindset that stays with them into adulthood. Which of these ideas feels most exciting for your family to start with this holiday season?

For over 30 years, Madrona Financial & CPAs has been helping individuals and families improve their financial well-being by giving them experienced advice on public and alternative investments, real estate, insurance, taxes, executive compensation, business structure and business succession strategies, advanced gifting strategies, estate planning, and more. Madrona is headquartered in Washington, while Danielle and her staff have offices in Park City and Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Call us 833-673-7373.

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BY LACY HARRISON

THANK YOU AND WELL WISHES AS WE SAY GOODBYE TO 2024

Happy December dear friends! As we close 2024 we can't help but pause and reflect on the year behind us. For many, the market felt flat or slow, but in actuality, sales volume was up 21% compared to last year. However, overall prices rose a modest 5%. As we look ahead into 2025, we anticipate the market continuing to gain momentum with more and more eyes falling on Park City as we inch closer to hosting the Olympics once again.

On a personal note, the Hudgens & Harrison team has had an active year with personal and professional opportunities. Gretchen has been elected as our President Elect for the Park City Board of Realtors and is busy continuing her service sitting on many committees to better the real estate community. You can find Gretchen coaching at F45 in her off time and making her friends and clients sweat it out! Lacy

ALL IN FOR YOU.

Ways to Win with the Hudgens and Harrison Team... We are passionate about the people of Park City and want to help you find “Ways to Win” with your real estate goals in 2024. If you would like to know what your house is worth or what your buying power actually is - we would love to meet with you!

Jessie

opened her 5th PEAK|45 Lagree fitness studio and loves seeing you all in and out of the Park City studio. She continues to be a personal Uber for her young daughters and loves being involved with the Park City schools and local charities.

Jessie has had a busy year giving the Hudgens & Harrison team a true glow up as our social media guru. Jessie continues volunteering at the local schools, community events and is non stop running her kids to and from every sporting activity imaginable.

As we say goodbye to 2024 we personally want to say thank you for allowing us the opportunity to answer your real estate questions, work on your behalf and/or be a source of guidance in 2024. What we value most is our community and the opportunity we have had to work with many of you. Happy Holidays to you and yours and from the Hudgens & Harrison team.

Gretchen: Over fifteen years in the global luxury hospitality industry, Gretchen takes a concierge-style approach to work with discerning clients worldwide. Her extensive and diverse experience in hospitality and marketing, coupled with 10 years in Park City real estate gives her a unique perspective and knowledge. Gretchen sits on the Board of Directors for the Board of Realtors, the Legislative Committee, the RPAC Committee, and the Affordable Housing Committee. You can find her enjoying the mountains when she’s not working with clients.

Lacy: With personable and attentive service at the forefront, Lacy is known for her expertise, professionalism, industry knowledge and ability to deliver big results for her clients. Lacy has a unique ability to connect with the most discerning clients, having worked for the NFL for 15 years in marketing, specializing in negotiations internationally. Lacy also owns the small business, PEAK|45, a luxury boutique Lagree fitness studio here in Park City. You can find Lacy, her husband and two little girls skiing the slopes in the winter or biking in the summer and are proud to call Park City their forever home.

Jessie: After establishing a successful business in Park City, Jessie transitioned to real estate, fueled by her passion for interior design. She leverages her design skills to create beautiful, functional spaces, assisting clients in all facets of real estate, including home preparation for the market. When not working, Jessie enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time with her two children.

Gretchen Hudgens

435-901-1015

Insta: @gretchenhudgens

Email: Gretchen@winutah.com

Jessie Lannings

858-952-4742

Insta: @jessielanningrealestate Jessie@winutah.com

Lacy Harrison 858-525-3434

Insta: @lacykharrison

Email: Lacy@winutah.com

Lacy

Gretchen

OffBeat Productions Freshie’s Lobster Co. SMALL TOWN STORIES

Artists always seem to find each other, Shannon Nellis believes, citing her journey from an LA acting class to co-owning Offbeat Productions merchandising in Park City with her husband, Bob. “Bob and I did a scene in class together; that is how we met!” she recalls. “He was mostly a rock drummer then. We had a fun life, but finding steady work was impossible. By 1998, we segued into merchandising, which Bob was doing on the side.”

Small business ownership was built into Shannon’s Kentucky background. “My Dad had a pizza place across from the original Papa John’s,” she recalls. “Dad relocated here, and John Schnatter bought a condo at Saint Regis. What a coincidence!” Visiting PC with their two children eventually lured the Nellis’ here for good in 2010, along with their burgeoning LA business. “We have many entertainment industry clients, like touring artists, who have merchandise needs,” she says.

Today, their two boys are at Park City High, one ready to graduate while the other competes on the school hockey team plus a travel team. “That is where all my spare energy goes,” she smiles. “We’re getting ready for a tournament in Aspen now.”

“We’ve all loved it here from the start,” she recalls. “That everyone is here by choice, not by default, makes the energy so positive.” That spirit helped charge Shannon’s desire to help others. “Supporting artists is part of my life,” she states. “I also offer internships through the high school PCCAPS program and support women-owned businesses.”

“Chamber programs mean so much in helping us meet and get to know each other,” she says of the benefits of Chamber partnership. “Meeting people at the Annual Meeting last month who have worked for years paving the path to today’s Park City was very inspiring. That kind of community backbone does not exist everywhere.”

“We’re all so fortunate to be here,” she concludes. “Our family is happy and thankful every day.”

In another world, Lorin Macri would be filling teeth, not stuffing brioche buns with fresh lobster and a delicious blend of spices, hot butter, and mayo, “New England style,” says the owner of Freshies of her award-winning lobster rolls. The Lebanon, New Hampshire native hit Park City 20 years ago upon graduating from the University of New Hampshire. “I wanted a year break before starting dental school,” she smiles. “But it was too hard to leave, and I just didn’t!”

Raising three boys and expecting a fourth child next spring, busy Lorin remains fiercely focused on the quality of her freshly cooked and sustainably caught crustaceans, flown in from Maine every day. “100 percent Maine lobster,” she says firmly. “I’ll close my restaurant before I serve anything that does not meet my standards.”

Like more than 150 local small business owners, Lorin started Freshies at Park Silly Market. “We set up a tent at in 2008,” and met with immediate acclaim, she recalls. “I know it was because of our quality ingredients.” Freshies eventually added its famous food truck, a “World’s Best Lobster Roll” win in Maine, and stores in PC, Salt Lake, and Midway. “I love hearing customer stories from back East,” she smiles. “You can see their joy as the food takes them back. It was a great place to grow up, and I miss it sometimes.”

Raising her own kids in Park City keeps this Chamber partner fully occupied in the few off hours available to successful restauranteurs. “We started home-schooling our two eldest this year,” she says. “Though I love to bike and ski, these days, a quiet day lying on the beach sounds good!”

With two of her children in the mix, Freshies may be on its way to becoming a family restaurant as well as a home-grown business. “Stop in and say hello,” Lorin says with a friendly Down East smile.

HEBER VALLEY CHAMBER PARTNERS WITH PARK CITY CHAMBER TO LAUNCH THE WASATCH BACK BUSINESS UNIVERSITY

Heber Valley, Utah (November 4, 2024) — The Wasatch Back Business University (WBBU) is excited to announce a new series of complimentary professional development courses exclusively for Heber Valley and Park City Chamber members. Beginning in November 2024, these events will offer actionable insights from leading consultants and industry experts, allowing business owners to grow professionally and enhance their operations with immediately applicable strategies.

To foster greater connection between the Heber Valley and Park City business communities, WBBU will alternate locations each month between the Blair Education Center at Park City Hospital and the UVU-Wasatch Campus in Heber City. Each location is convenient for business owners in both communities, providing easy access and minimizing travel time.

"Wasatch Back Business University is a testament to our commitment for empowering local businesses and fostering collaboration across the Wasatch Back," said Dallin Koecher, Executive Director of the Heber Valley Chamber. "By providing high-quality professional development and networking opportunities at no cost, we're helping our Chamber members thrive and strengthening connections across our communities."

In addition to learning opportunities, each event offers invaluable networking time, with dedicated segments for attendees to introduce themselves and share information about their businesses. These sessions promise high-quality interaction and engagement as the Wasatch Back community continues to build strong professional ties. Learn more here: gohebervalley. com/wasatch-back-business-university

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Discover the Rise Difference. We intentionally schedule fewer patients to allow adequate time to give you our full attention and address all your dental concerns. We offer wellness-based dental care to all ages as well as complete smile renovations.

ABOUT WASATCH BACK BUSINESS UNIVERSITY

Wasatch Back Business University (WBBU), a collaboration between the Heber Valley and Park City Chambers, aims to empower local business owners through shared resources, professional development, and networking opportunities. WBBU is supported by community partners including America First Credit Union, whose generous contributions help make these events possible.

Heber Valley Chamber Media Contact

Jessica Turner, Public Relations Manager jessicaturner@gohebervalley.com hebervalleychamber.com

In our studio, we provide workshops for the development of your “Inner Smile” which encompasses overall physical, mental, emotional and energetic wellbeing. Dr. Ryan Osorio

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MASTERING THE BALANCE: TIPS FOR MOMPRENEURS JUGGLING BUSINESS AND FAMILY

By Aimee L. Cook

Balancing the demanding roles of a business owner and a mom can feel like a never-ending juggle. For “mompreneurs,” time management, the pressure to do it all, neglecting self-care, and nurturing relationships are all key challenges.

“While perfection is not possible, women can effectively integrate the immense responsibilities of running a business with the profound importance of being a mother and caregiver,” said Ann Marie Wallace, state director of the Women’s Business Center of Utah. “With resilience, determination, and support, they can achieve success in both realms, proving that it is possible to excel professionally while nurturing and caring for their families.”

ESTABLISH A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM

A solid support system is one of the most powerful tools in a mompreneur’s arsenal. Surround yourself with people who understand your dual roles and are willing to lend a hand when needed. Whether it’s family, friends, or even a community of fellow mompreneurs, these connections can provide emotional support and practical help that makes a world of difference.

SETTING BOUNDARIES

Setting clear boundaries is essential to manage time effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It starts with defining specific work hours and sticking to them as much as possible, signaling to both clients and family members when you are available and when you are not. Communicate these boundaries clearly and consistently, ensuring that everyone in your life understands and respects them.

SEEK SUPPORT FROM OTHERS

Effective delegation is not just about assigning tasks, but ensuring they are completed to the required standard, and that everyone involved feels empowered and valued. Start by identifying tasks

that can be delegated, focusing on those that are time-consuming or do not require your unique expertise. Quality delegation involves clear communication about expectations, deadlines, and desired outcomes. Provide the necessary resources and training to those who will be taking on these tasks, and establish frequent check-ins to monitor progress and provide support.

PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE

Often, self-care is the first thing to fall by the wayside when juggling multiple roles. However, neglecting your well-being can weaken your physical health and burnout, which benefits no one. Make it a priority to carve out time for activities that replenish your energy and spirit. Whether it’s a morning yoga session, a book before bed, or a coffee date with a friend, small acts of self-care can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.

MANAGE TIME WISELY

Effective time management is essential for balancing business and family life. Use tools like planners or scheduling apps to keep track of your commitments. Set realistic goals and break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS

Amidst the hustle, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of nurturing relationships. Schedule regular date nights with your partner and quality time with your kids. These moments strengthen your bonds and remind you why you’re working so hard.

CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

Acknowledging minor accomplishments, whether it’s completing a project on time, receiving positive feedback, or simply managing a more hectic day without stress, reinforces your progress and boosts morale. Make it a habit to reflect on these achievements regularly by jotting them down in a journal or sharing them with loved ones. This practice not only uplifts your spirits but also helps to maintain a positive outlook, reminding

you of your abilities and determination in handling the challenges of being a mompreneur.

Being a mompreneur is a challenging yet rewarding journey, filled with unique growth opportunities both personally and professionally. As you navigate the complexities of managing a business while fulfilling the demanding role of motherhood, remember to embrace the journey with flexibility and grace. Celebrate your successes, learn from setbacks, and remain anchored in your priorities. By applying the strategies discussed and nurturing both your business and family life, you can carve out a fulfilling path that resonates with your goals and values. As you continue to evolve in this dynamic dual role, keep in mind that the balance you seek is not a destination but a lifelong process of adjustment and resilience.

EXPEDITION HR PAVES THE WAY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO SOLVE HR ISSUES

By Aimee L. Cook

Having a dedicated human resources department often seems like a luxury. For many small businesses and entrepreneurs, the complexities of HR—ranging from employee training to navigating tough workplace conversations—can be daunting. Enter Expedition HR, a consulting firm that bridges the gap by offering personalized and comprehensive HR solutions tailored specifically for small businesses.

Jill Shroyer, founder, CEO and Lead Consultant of Expedition HR, is a seasoned HR professional with over two decades of experience. Shroyer has built her career on providing pragmatic and innovative HR solutions, and she brings that expertise to Expedition HR and a (PHR) Certification. Under her leadership, the firm has developed an array of services designed to meet the unique needs of its clients.

“I was in the workplace for 17 years in a variety of roles, starting from the ground up and realized through the years I was good at handling ‘sticky situations’ like someone who had a medical thing going on and not doing well at work,” Jill said. “No one knew how to handle that and didn’t want to get sued. I had a knack for making the employees feel cared for and finding a really good solution.”

KEY SERVICES OFFERED

Expedition HR provides three primary services, each crafted to address different aspects of HR management:

• Expedition HR Subscription: Often compared to having a VP of HR on call, this service offers ongoing support for businesses that require expert consultation on demand. Clients benefit from immediate access to seasoned HR insights without the overhead of a full-time hire.

• HR Jumpstart: This program is ideal for businesses looking to establish a strong HR foundation. It provides essential training and resources, ensuring that even the newest companies can build robust HR practices from the ground up.

• Leadership and Employee Trainings: The Signature Training program, “Navigating Tough Conversations,” stands out among these. It equips leaders and their teams with the skills necessary to handle challenging discussions with confidence and empathy.

Jill is the author of “Conquer Sticky Situations: A Fresh and Empowering Approach to Tough Talks at Work and in Life,” a book that offers a practical guide to improving workplace communication. Her approach is empowering and refreshing, encouraging business leaders to tackle difficult situations head-on with clarity and confidence. Jill does not get involved with in-house administration

tasks or recruiting for businesses but does offer guidance in those areas.

Expedition HR primarily works with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups—groups often lacking the resources to develop a dedicated HR department. Jill’s primary clients are employers with 15-50 employees. Businesses are well aware of the challenges posed by managing personnel, yet they might not have the bandwidth or budget to hire full-time HR staff. Expedition HR fills this gap, ensuring every business can access expert HR guidance regardless of size.

“When you have over 15 employees, you have much to consider when it comes to employment law,” Jill said. “These are usually the biggest issues I deal with. I want small businesses to know that they can manage employee performance and fire people without being a big jerk for doing it.”

Through her innovative service offerings and dedication to client success, Jill Shroyer has positioned Expedition HR as a leader in the HR consulting space for small businesses. For those seeking to elevate their HR practices without the overhead of a full-time team, Expedition HR offers a clear path forward—one conversation at a time.

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The Local Community news from KPCW

Welcome to The Local, your source for community news from your friendly neighborhood public radio station.

We have hand-selected a few recent articles that reflect the happenings in our vibrant, eclectic and engaged community. Be sure to go to kpcw.org to read – and listen – like a local.

Future of Park City’s DoubleTree hotel uncertain

By Parker Malatesta

Singerman Real Estate, the owner of The Yarrow/DoubleTree hotel, is walking away from plans to demolish and redevelop the property into a modern, mixed-use development after a series of difficult meetings with the Park City Planning Commission. The developer argued that benefits of the project included a new pedestrian walkway along Kearns Boulevard, 60 units of affordable housing and public open space. However, a majority of the commission was not open to the project’s 45 foot height, which exceeds area zoning by 10 feet.

Park City resident Peter Tomai served as a consultant on the project and said he’s unsure about the future of the DoubleTree, as its existing contract with the Hilton brand is set to expire soon.

Profits, land stand in way of replacing Oakley assisted living community

By Connor Thomas

Nationwide market gaps are often magnified in the Wasatch Back and as with child care, the market isn’t meeting demand for elder care in the Wasatch Back.

The only continuing care retirement community in Summit County, Elk Meadows Assisted Living & Memory Care in Oakley, said it was losing money and closed on Dec. 1. According to the American Health Care Association, the average operating margin on a continuing care facility nationwide is -19%.

County leaders are exploring ways to replace it by adding it to current development applications or putting a CCRC on county-owned land.

KPCW Broadcasters Club celebrates 10 years of supporting community radio

By KPCW Staff

KPCW celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its major donor program, the Broadcasters Club, last month. KPCW’s former general manager Larry Warren and former board chair Bob Richer launched the club in 2014 with a small group of local donors as a response to economic challenges facing the station.

Over the past 10 years, the number of Broadcasters Club members has continued to grow with more than 700 active members today. Memberships start at $1,000 and cover two people who are invited to an annual summer BBQ, winter kickoff party and exclusive events, with ski days at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley at the Sterling level and above.

If you are interested in learning more about the Broadcasters Club, contact KPCW Development Director Sarah Ervin (sarah@kpcw.org).

Get your Park City and Summit County local news in your email inbox every morning for free! Subscribe to “The Local” at KPCW.org.

KPCW is a nonprofit, NPR affiliate located in Park City, Utah, that relies on reader and listener donations for our programming. Like our content? Please consider making a donation at KPCW.org.

BY AIMEE L. COOK

Bridging Communities With the Colectiva App

The Park City Leadership Class 30 has unveiled an innovative solution designed to empower the Spanish-speaking community in Park City. Colectiva is a free, revolutionary app that places vital community resources and information right at your fingertips.

“I had the idea and brought it to Miriam and Emma, who supported me,” Chantal Guadarrama says. “The idea for the app is to try to bridge both the Latino community into the greater community of Summit County. We saw a gap in our Latino community, where the people were not accessing services that were free or that were at their disposal. We wanted to create this app that had both events and the resources in the palm of their hands.”

The steering committee for Colectiva consists of:

▶ Miriam Nieto (Holy Cross Ministries)

▶ Frank Hammond

▶ Rhea Cone

▶ Roberto Olivares

▶ Seychelle Marcus

▶ Victoria Schlapfer

▶ Scout Maziarz

▶ Emma Zevallos (Peace House)

▶ Chantal Guadarrama (Summit County Health)

Colectiva was created to serve as a lifeline for Spanish-speaking residents, providing them with essential details about local resources. From healthcare services to educational opportunities and community events, the app consolidates all available information into one accessible platform. This means users no longer need to scour various sources to find the help they need — it’s all conveniently located within Colectiva.

“If you work for an organization such as Peace House, you will share resources that we offer [in the app], like the 24/7 helpline and emergency housing,” says Emma Zevallos. “For Holy Cross Ministries, it will provide information on the legal services they offer, the school, and clinics. I am excited that people who historically may have had a

hard time navigating the systems are able to access it, and it is easy to use. We are able to break those barriers.”

Colectiva has bilingual functionality. The information uploaded by local businesses and organizations undergoes translation, ensuring every piece of content is available in Spanish and English. This streamlines communication and fosters a sense of inclusivity and understanding within the community. While translations are manual, efforts are underway to automate this process for faster updates. The group is asking the public to help them spread the word about Colectiva.

“All nonprofits work together in one way or the other; we all have different connections to the community, so we are going to be posting [details about the app] through our own organizations, social media, and going around the community,” Miriam Nieto explains. “It is going to take some time; we are in the process of making the app better.”

BY NATALIE TAYLOR

RAD IN THE WASATCH

Ancient stone gets a new life

Greg Kathan, © Best Version Media

President of USA sales for Steinbild, shares the process of transforming earth into art.

One day, Greg’s best friend handed him a catalogue written in German and asked him to translate it to English. “That’s really good,” he told his friend, after he read it. “Who’s going to sell it?” His friend smiled and said, “You,” which is how Greg Kathan became the president of USA sales for the German-based company, Steinbild. “I’ve been a pilot for United Airlines for 27 years,” he says. “But I fell in love with the product.”

It’s easy to understand why. Steinbild makes incredible works of art using natural stones that are millions of years old. “My best friend has a stone manufacturer business in Europe—they buy from quarries all over the world,” he says. “He and his family came up with the idea of using the stones that can’t be manufactured or used for commercial projects as art. Some are between 100 to thousands of millions of years old. Currently, our oldest slab is 2,000 million years old.”

Steinbild’s cutting machine slices these ancient stones into thin slivers, some just 2/8 of an inch thick. The stones are then set in topquality frames crafted by master carpenters. “No one has the same picture because each stone is different,” says Greg. “They’re not flat, you can feel the crevices and dents. Each one is extremely unique, and each piece is 100% natural, we don’t use chemicals to preserve the stone. No one else is doing this like we are.”

Greg, his wife Melanie, and their son moved to Utah eight years ago after they visited some friends living at the Hideout Canyon near Jordanelle Reservoir. They loved the Wasatch mountains so much, they bought a home and moved in just five weeks. Called the Little Alps by many, Midway reminded Greg of the Allgäu Region in Bavaria where he grew up, and Switzerland where he skied. “I am a big skier, so that helped our decision to stay here,” he says. “There is so much outdoor beauty: lakes, rivers, fishing, boating, camping, exploring,

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skiing. I love the seasons. It’s very similar to Europe so I can associate with this area.”

When Greg and Melanie met in Houston 24 years ago, it was love at first sight. He flew her to Dallas where she lived and, after a 69-day whirlwind romance, they were married. They’ve been together happily ever since, enjoying the outdoors, traveling and scuba diving. Their son lives in Huntsville and is studying to follow in his father’s footsteps as a pilot and Greg’s oldest daughter lives in Germany.

The couple works together to sell these stunning pieces. “We love that this is a family business and want to bring it to the valley,” says Greg. “There are so many art connoisseurs and designers here that really appreciate the value of these pieces and want something that no one else has. So, it’s a perfect location for us.”

Steinbild offers different lines that range in size and variety of stone. The Soul Line is crafted from healing stones. These small pieces are ideal for spas or bathrooms. The Focus Line uses a variety of stones in different shapes and can be customized for décor and backlit for illuminated wall art. The Essential Line uses limited edition stones that can be cut into larger formats: 20x20 inches to 3x3 feet. These can also be sliced into mirror images of the same stone and framed to look like butterfly wings.

And finally, the masterpieces. These one-of-a-kind murals are commissioned, hand-crafted and chosen specifically for the space. “Our stone designer is an old German craftsman,” says Greg. “He cuts each piece to fit your wall space.” After they are cut with a spinning diamond rope (imagine cutting a block of ancient stone the size of your living room couch into ultra-thin slices), they are custom framed and shipped directly to your house. “Some weigh 30 to 40 pounds, the bigger they get, the more they weigh,” he says. “For example, a 4 or 5-foot picture may weigh 60 pounds. A 9x3-foot picture may weigh 100 pounds, but they can be hung easier than you think.”

Steinbild works with designers, businesses, art galleries and homeowners. They currently sell online but have a small home gallery for in-person viewing. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.

Each stone tells a story of existence on the planet—some from as far back as the ice age with extinct creatures and a changed landscape. Now, you can hear their whispers in your own home.

How to Build a Snow Fort

Some of my favorite winter memories involve my family’s annual snow fort project. I don’t know what it was about hanging out in a hollowed-out pile of ice that felt like such an adventure, but I looked forward to it every year. There are some tricks to getting a structurally sound fort, and to making it last as long as possible. Why don’t you give it a try this winter?

1. Before a large dump of freshly fallen snow gets dirty, shovel it into a large pile, in the shade or at least out of direct sunlight if possible. If you have an outdoor climbing structure, ideally one with an upper and lower level, pile the snow beside it. This adds an easy extension to your fort! Alternatively, you can also use a large cardboard appliance box for this as well, piling the snow on top of and around it.

2. Pack the snow tightly and spray the outside with warm water so it melts a little, then let it re-freeze at least overnight and up to a few days so it forms a hard, icy shell. The colder the weather, the better!

3. Hollow out the interior of the fort by first chipping through the shell and then digging with a snow shovel. Depending on how large your pile is and how many helpers you have, this can take several hours to multiple days. If you’d like, you can add some extra windows, but don’t scrape the walls too thin or the fort could collapse. The main door alone will provide plenty of air circulation.

4. Break through the snow wall to access the lower portion of the climber, or get an adult’s help to cut a door into the cardboard box with a utility knife. Spray warm water onto the inner walls of the fort too and allow it to freeze for extra stability.

5. Once you’ve finished, decorate your fort however you like. If you mix food coloring with some warm water in a spray bottle, you can dye the outside like a rainbow. Let your imagination run wild! Breathtaking photographs and hands-on interactives

AUGUST 23 - DECEMBER 1, 2024

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WINTER WILDLIFE

While winter in Park City tends to bring the hustle and bustle of ski season, winter for wildlife often means a time to migrate, hibernate, hunker down, or reduce activity to survive the long and cold season. Lucky for us, a blanket of snow across the landscape provides the best tracking season of the year! Wildlife tracks become much more visible and widespread once grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation is covered with a blank white canvas. After each snowfall, the Swaner Preserve tells a story about who was out there and offers insights into animal behavior.

To identify tracks in the snow, we often categorize animals and their tracks into hoppers, walkers, bounders, and waddlers.

Hoppers: Like their name suggests, hoppers “hop” across the landscape! Their front feet typically land first, and then larger back legs swing in front. Black-tailed Jackrabbits and Snowshoe Hares are frequent hoppers across the Preserve, and their large feet keep them from sinking into the snow.

Walkers: Stepping with a distinct efficient pattern is just how humans move, as well as moose, elk, deer, and bobcats. Sometimes, groups of animals may all step in the same spot to maximize efficiency. Have you ever walked in somebody else's footprints so you didn’t have to break trail in the snow?

Bounders: Picture an animal “bounding” across the snow-covered Preserve- their front feet land together first, and then back feet join them. Long-tailed weasel tracks are most commonly seen in our area, but mink and otters follow the same pattern.

Our residential cleaning service is not just about cleanliness; it’s about caring for your home and the environment. We use eco-friendly products, offer customizable plans, and pay detailed attention to every corner of your home, all while reducing our environmental footprint.

Waddlers: Waddlers tend to move one side of their body at a time, lack some of the other walking patterns of wildlife, or tend to move more slowly, such as badgers or skunks.

Sometimes other types of tracks appear on the Preserve, like wing marks from a hawk or owl hunting and briefly landing to grab their prey! A beaver sliding on its belly down a hill can leave a track much like a sled. Just like how skiers and snowboarders seek out fresh powder, the texture of snow can make a big difference in the quality of tracks and how easily we can identify them. What other clues can you use to identify the creature that make the tracks you’re observing? Size is a great place to start! When we look at two similar tracks made by hoppers, we know that the big black-tailed jackrabbit will make larger and farther tracks versus the small and cute mountain cottontail. The shape of the print is also important. Are there visible claw marks? If so, it may be coyote or domestic dog versus a cat, who retract their claws when walking. Want to practice your tracking? Join us on the Preserve for a Saturday morning nature walk or during open hours to observe signs of wildlife around you. Happy tracking!

Our commercial cleaning service ensures a professional environment. It includes floor cleaning, dusting, and restroom sanitization, all scheduled around your hours for your convenience.

Our deep cleaning service tackles hidden dirt and grime, making it ideal for special occasions. It also includes appliance interiors and detailed sanitization.

At Ochoa’s Cleaning LLC, with our extensive 20 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing top-notch cleaning services that you can trust.

We pride ourselves on our unique approach: ‘We Do More Than Just Cleaning.’ We aim to ensure every client experiences the highest cleanliness and customer service.

PARK CITY DAY SCHOOL: FOCUSED

ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

NURTURING TODAY'S STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW'S WORLD

Park City Day School is an example of innovative education. As Park City's only accredited, independent school, PCDS serves toddlers through 8th grade, and prioritizes experience over rote memorization. The school's commitment to small class sizes (15-18 per class) allows for individual attention and fosters a nurturing environment where students can thrive.

Across the school, the adult-to-student ratio is 6:1. The school aims to prepare students for higher education, creating a seamless transition from middle school to college prep. Park City Day School’s unique curriculum is built on experiential learning—where

students learn by doing, rather than being lectured to. This hands-on approach is woven throughout the school’s interdisciplinary projects, engaging students in subjects ranging from science and history to art and technology. By integrating different fields of study, students develop a comprehensive understanding of complex topics, preparing them for the multifaceted challenges of the future.

“The academic standards are embedded in those [interdisciplinary] projects,” says Brad, McCutcheon, Head of School. "We also have a standalone literacy and math curriculum, Our academics are fairly advanced, and

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many of our students perform at or above grade level. For students who need extra support, we also have learning support services."

At Park City Day School, the search for mission-aligned families is a priority. The school seeks families who appreciate the value of a robust educational experience and actively prioritize their child’s learning journey. They look for eager parents to participate in the educational process and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the school’s ethos. These families understand the importance of nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—to ensure a balanced development that goes beyond the classroom. By fostering a community that shares these values, Park City Day School creates an enriching and supportive environment where students can excel and flourish on their educational path.

“We like to consider ourselves partners with parents. We use the term ‘senior partner’; we are the experts in education, but parents are experts on their children,” Brad explains. “We come together should there be an issue or if we need to collaborate on something; the parents are at the table with us.”

The school’s dedication to offering a high-quality education extends to its financial aid program. Park City Day School has awarded $688,000 in tuition assistance this year, benefiting 23 percent of its students. This commitment ensures that a diverse student body has access to the school’s enriching educational experience, regardless of economic background.

“We have an administrator that is tasked with DEI[B] work; we added ‘B’ for ‘belonging,’” Brad explains. “She helps guide the work, but it comes from the top down. It is important to me also that we have diversity but that our diverse families and students feel like this is their home. That they are part of the family.”

For residents of the local community considering educational options, Park City Day School presents a compelling choice. Beyond its academic offerings, the school instills a love for learning and critical-thinking skills in its students, shaping well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.

A “Beloved Woman” a “WarWoman” these are each translations by which Jenn Lewis, owner and licensed contractor at Ghigau Construction, and her company’s namesake, can be defined.

An African-American woman with Native-American ancestry, Jenn has been working in the world of Park City Construction for more than 20 years. After years spent honing her trade, in 2014 Jenn made the leap into both licensure and entrepreneurship. Today, she operates Ghigau as one of the few, if not only, women in the biz.

“Ghigau” (pronounced: heh-go) is a prestigious Cherokee title recognized to describe the impact and heroism shown by the women in Native American communities on the battlefield, and in life.

JENN LEWIS Owner - CEO - General Contractor

© Best Version Media

PHOTO BY DEB DEKOFF

DEB DEKOFF,

PARK CITY’S BEST

As we anticipate word of Park City’s Best Teacher of 2024, nominated by Park City community members via online voting and awarded by The Park Record, let’s take a moment to recognize last year’s first-place winner, Deborah DeKoff—known as “Deb” to our small community —a sixth-grade educator of both visual art and social studies at Ecker Hill Middle School. Deb is also the owner of Park City Photographers, and she serves as a contributing photographer for Neighbors of Park City and Neighbors of Heber Valley magazines. I’ve had the honor of working with her at the magazine, as well as chatting with her recently at Back to School Night about my younger son’s (over)confidence in her advisory class. “He knows who he is,” says Deb, while we shake our heads and laugh together. Coincidentally, I could say the same about Deb: She emphatically knows exactly who she is. With her short, stylish ginger-red coif, her go-getter-you-should-and-can-do-this persona, and her outspoken, plain-spoken way of educating—whether in or outside the classroom—it’s no wonder that she stands out among the crowd, running a small business, working as a full-time teacher for PCSD, and advocating for breast cancer research via the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. Eight years ago, Deb was diagnosed with breast cancer. As an educator, she embarked upon a personal quest to learn as much as she could about the disease. “I also wanted to know what one could do to lessen recurrence,” she adds. “To that end, I became a founding member of Huntsman’s Breast Cancer and Gynecological Research Advocate cadre. I also trained in San Diego with Project LEAD and formed the Park City Breast Cancer Support Group.” Project LEAD, a course offered by the National Coalition for Breast Cancer, prepares graduates to become involved in local and national forums in which breast cancer decisions are made, and it has created sea change in the world of public policy concerning breast cancer research.

“I went into education because I wanted to be a changemaker,” says Deb. “I wanted to reach and teach those who were ‘out of the box’ and ‘marching to the beat of a different drummer’—those who were the quiet observers who held greatness, but didn’t yet realize it. I want (my) students to feel visible and empowered.”

Deb is a four-time scholarship recipient and member of Susan G. Komen’s Advocates in Science, whose first and foremost qualification is an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those with breast cancer or those at

risk for breast cancer. “As an active member of these groups, I learn what researchers are working on within their labs, offer support via writing letters from a patient’s point of view for grant purposes, and give feedback when warranted.”

A changemaker she is—in addition to being an educator and a teacher. When asked about the difference between educating and teaching, Deb doesn’t hesitate to answer: “Anyone can ‘teach’—impart a ‘how to.’ An educator goes beyond by going deeper into the lesson with questioning and analogies, having the student make their own connections, and examine the problem from different points of view, by being more circumspect.”

Deb hails from South Florida and is a graduate of University of Southern Florida, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, then pursued studies in Educational Leadership and Administration at Nova Southeastern University. She is an educator, a teacher, a photographer, a changemaker, a breast cancer survivor, a research advocate—and has a master’s degree in education. Here’s a woman who obviously is motivated to succeed, but where she has witnessed true ambition might surprise you.

“I taught inner-city for a year. Although it was the hardest year ever, with about thirty students crammed into a portable in the South Florida sun, I learned that education was the way out to a better life,” begins Deb. “And while their mommas had hopes and dreams for their better future, the neighborhood pulled them back in a never-ending tug-of-war. These kids taught me if there is a will, there is a way. I had one student who always quoted Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. He made it to Florida State University!”

Deb acknowledges that the desire to do better and be better is universal. Back in 2022, Deb photographed me and my family for the cover story of Neighbors of Park City’s September issue, and I’ll always remember this tip she shared, which is used at Hollywood red carpet events. “The diagonal” is named after the left thigh, which is angled diagonally across the right leg, a pose used for floor-length gowns to outline the body. Deb had instructed me and my husband to keep one leg behind the other, also to place one hand in a pocket, emphasizing that we would look more slender in the photos as a result. (Side note: Our sons, Marco and Emilio, were free to pose in whatever way they wished. Hmm…)

What is my point, you ask? Despite the fact that I’ve seen many of my girlfriends do the UFA (Universally Flattering Angle) in all of our group photos, I credit Deb (and only her!) for gifting me with the ability not only to look better (a.k.a., appear skinnier), but also not to be afraid of standing out, of knowing who I am—and not just in pictures. As I’ve gotten to know Deb, I have faith she will continue to go-get, cancer-survive, and drum differently. And she will always, and for always, make others feel seen.

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading:

Reading has long been one of my favorite pastimes, but like many avid readers, I've encountered periods when my passion for it waned—a "reading slump." If you find yourself reminiscing about the days spent lost in make-believe worlds during middle school yet struggle to connect with a paperback now, you're not alone.

After a challenging few years and a significant life change, I lost my reading momentum. For the first time, reading felt like a chore rather than a source of happiness. Fortunately, I discovered a remarkable must-read book that has reignited my interest in literature and serves as a perfect reintroduction to reading for pleasure: Groovy Girl by local author Maritza Roño Refuerzo, aka I.B. Casey Cui.

MARITZA HAS CREATED A SAFE PLACE

I struggle with anxiety. Books remind me that I don’t always have to live in the worries of the natural world, which helps when I’m dealing with something difficult. There are millions of worlds out there, and that comforts me. Knowing I can pick up a book and transport myself into another world, even briefly, is an intriguing and incredible experience.

Groovy Girl and its sequel, Sabina Saved, have become welcome refuges and frequent headliners in my rotation of comforting rereads when I need to escape life's stressors. Reading is the perfect getaway.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maritza hails from a vibrant beach town in Southern California and has a rich cultural heritage that includes roots in Spain, China, and the Philippines. She studied at UC Berkeley and Mills College, earning an MFA in English literature and creative writing. Her diverse experiences shine through in her storytelling.

She has worked as a copy editor for several tech-media companies in San Francisco.

Maritza is the co-founder and program director of Lectura Lounge. She and her husband, Ray, are parents to two boys. They opened the lounge in early 2024 to provide a place for community connection.

Maritza enjoys dogs and books, blending her diverse background into her creative work.

THE MUST-READ BOOK

Groovy Girl tells the story of 8-year-old Isa José, who learns to cope with her sister Makena's colon cancer diagnosis. As the family's world turns upside down, Isa provides insights into the challenges of being young amidst adult hardships, taking us on an emotional rollercoaster that we can all relate to.

The beautiful writing vividly brings characters and their environments to life, making you feel a part of the José family's journey. Maritza honestly tackles complex subjects—such as illness and family dynamics—allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters. Each character has strengths and flaws, creating a realistic portrayal of life’s complexities.

What I love most about the book is Isa’s candidness. Her ability to express conflicting emotions—from laughter to tears—is incredibly relatable. While reading Groovy Girl, I felt enjoyment, heartbreak, anger, fear, and almost every emotion in between. I often revisited specific passages that beautifully articulate deep feelings about family, making me feel deeply connected and understood.

WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT

Groovy Girl is perfect for anyone who enjoys heartfelt family stories, wants to relate to family drama, or is curious about Filipino

culture in the U.S. This book showcases the strengths and weaknesses that define us, reminding us of our shared humanity. It's a powerful reminder that no matter our differences, we all experience love, loss, and the complexities of family life.

Unsurprisingly, it has received numerous awards, and I can't wait to read more from Maritza!

EMBRACE THE JOURNEY

Rekindling my love for reading through Groovy Girl taught me that the right book can make a huge difference. Let this story guide you if you want to dive back into reading or explore new literary worlds. It’s a privilege to experience the José family through Isa’s eyes. Grab a copy for yourself at groovygirlnovel.com

Happy reading!

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LECTURA LOUNGE LECTURES: BENEFITS OF MULTILINGUALISM

Funded by Utah Humanities, Lectura Lounge Lectures hosted its first speaker, Carla Llewelyn-Vasquez, on November 14. Carla is a Panamanian-born educator who champions multilingualism as the Language and Literacy Coordinator for San Mateo County Office of Education, in Northern California. She spoke to our community about the benefits and importance of knowing multiple languages, drawing from her 29-year background as a Spanish bilingual teacher, a multilingual pathways specialist, an access and equity program administrator, and a principal of an elementary school for Spanish-speaking newcomers.

Annie Wallace, Dual Language Immersion coordinator and specialist for Park City School District, joined us to explain Utah’s DLI model and secondary pathway in detail. We had a couple of graduates of PCSD’s Spanish DLI program discuss how they’ve used their biliteracy to expertly navigate our global society and achieve success, and parents of DLI students were on hand to share their own experiences.

We look forward to hosting more speakers for our lecture series! We will be focusing on Latino culture for our next event— stay tuned for updates.

LECTURA LOUNGE IS AN ANTHEM AWARDS FINALIST!

If any of you are familiar with The Webby Awards, these are the same people who launched the Anthem Awards! From the GM at Anthem: “On behalf of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, it is my pleasure to inform you that the following work has been selected as a Finalist for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards.”

Lectura Lounge: A Cool Place to Read Education, Art & Culture - Community Space (Community Engagement)

The Anthem Awards honors the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies, and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, they’re defining a new benchmark for social impact work that inspires others to take action in their own community.

Lectura Lounge’s work was singled out as one of the best in its category and was among the highest-scored work of 2,300+ projects entered from around the world. At the time of this writing, our organization is up for a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Anthem Award, as chosen by the Academy in each category. Personally, I believe our recognition is due to the AMAZING children and volunteers in our community, so this is your award too!

YOGA & MEDITATION IN SPANISH

Marcela—the same dynamic, dynamite lady who leads one of our ¡Divertimos! sessions—has been hosting Yoga & Meditation in Spanish for our happy Homeschooler Huddle (others are welcome too—just show up!). Heard through the grapevine: There are kids in this group who want to join in on ¡Divertimos!—thanks to the yoga fun and frolic that’s been had with Marcela.

Woohoo! Everyone is reaping the benefits of multilingualism! The class, currently on Wednesdays from 12-1 p.m., will run until December 18 and recommence in January.

¡DIVERTIMOS! (LET’S HAVE FUN!)

Mayra, Marcela, Nori, and Marisol continue to lead high-energy interactive games and activities—for two entire hours each session—(todos en español, por supuesto!) on Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., and on Fridays from 3-5 p.m. DLI students wanting to practice their Spanish outside of home, homeschoolers learning Spanish, and native Spanish speakers earning their community service hours have been joining us since the end of June! RSVP not required but appreciated: https://www.caseyandcharleys.org.

READING BUDDIES/COMPADRES DE LECTURA

I’ve witnessed it firsthand: Reading aloud can unite people. It can also highlight the impact of stories on our beliefs. It can explain the importance of literature in our everyday lives.

Every week since January 18 (twice weekly starting soon thereafter!), our rabid readers have continued to improve communication skills, build confidence, make new friends, relieve stress…you name it, there’s a benefit for reading out loud! RSVP here:

LECTURA LOUNGE

WINTER SCHEDULE COMING SOON

ALL PROGRAMS FREE TO THE COMMUNITY!

READING BUDDIES

Monday and Thursday, 5:00 to 6:15 p.m.

READING INSTRUCTION WITH SERENA 3:45 to 4:20 p.m

$5 a class; RSVP @ 435-565-1509

¡DIVERTIMOS! Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. Friday, 3-5 p.m.

WITTY WRITERS WORKSHOP

Tuesday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. For adults and teens

DROP-IN HOURS

MTuThuFri, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wed, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CONTACT US

1960 Sidewinder Dr., Suite 106 Park City, UT 84060

Email: info@caseyandcharleys.org Website: caseyandcharleys.org

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Book Snobs and the Mainstream

’ll admit to this coldhearted fact: I’m a book snob. I grew up watching my mother curl up to Harlequin and Danielle Steel books; I’d approach her bed, chuckling at the worn-out paperback lying face-down on her chest, her eyeglasses falling off her sleepy face. Then I’d wince as I thumbed through pages of Mom’s most recent read, filled with lines like, “My sweat-slicked cheek slid across the hard squares of his bare abdomen,” as she dozed off into romantasyland. Interestingly, and fortunately (because, indeed, I am that “book snob”), Mom also devoured history books—U.S., world, Philippine, various global conflicts and wars—while Dad read Newsweek (whose writing he claimed was “tighter” than that of Time magazine; ha, so who’s the snob now?), or biographies about successful 20th-century business leaders.

In the October issue of Reading With Neighbors, I called attention to my book-snobbery while trying to explain my love-hate relationship with graphic novels, yet coming to the realization that literature comprises any collection of written work—“any” being the key word here—valued for its artistic and intellectual merit. I’m the author of Groovy Girl, whose review—by none other than this magazine’s wonder-woman publisher—you’ll find here on the very page you’re reading. I was thrilled to hear that Betsy loved my book, knowing that she most likely was still in diapers when she received her first library card; is one of the most well-read people I know; and is an ardent fan of the Harry Potter series, books that my two sons and I, to be frank, couldn’t get into. WHAT, “couldn’t get into” Harry Potter?! Does this translate to my boys bearing the label of Book Snob as well?

I self-published Groovy Girl in the late summer of 2021. “Self”published as in self-aggrandizing? Not in the slightest. An agent, back in early 2008, after Groovy Girl had reached the semifinals of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, wanted to represent me, but only if I changed the ethnicity of the family in my novel. Semiautobiographical, Groovy Girl is narrated by a feisty 8-year-old

Filipino-American girl (a.k.a., me), so said “agent” was asking me, in essence, to be(come) somebody I wasn’t. My characters would need to lose—or, more accurately, sacrifice—their identity to cater to the mainstream.

Who is this mainstream? Is it the guy with the rock-solid abs in Mom’s Harlequin romance? Is it the mostly white, magical society featured in Harry Potter? Or is it a Chinese-American family, thanks to the popularity of Amy Tan’s and Maxine Hong Kingston’s works in the late ’70s to early ’90s, which said “agent” boldly suggested I “try” for my Filipino-American family—akin to trying on a new outfit—during that momentous phone conversation?

The winner of the 2008 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award ended up being a mystery/thriller—a genre that epitomizes what is known as “formula,” “popular,” or “mainstream” fiction. Many of my colleagues in grad school, fellow writers whose manuscripts reached the final editor with the publishing house they were signed to—the company that would possibly make them New York Times best-selling authors—were turned down in the 11th hour because their book’s subject matter was no longer “timely.” In other words, no longer something that would fly off the bookshelves for the mainstream public.

Wait. Doesn’t this mean that literary agents and publishing house editors can also be name-called Book Snobs, rejecting authors, coldheartedly, after countless rounds of edits and editors, only to be told that their work suddenly isn’t convenient for the publishing industry? Or, rather, favorable to the mainstream?

I welcome feedback—friendly, not so friendly, and/or constructive— about this op-ed piece. If you consider yourself a snob of books or a member of the mainstream readership, whatever you think that might be, send a note to maritza@caseyandcharleys.org. What I really want to know is the type of literature that sends your artistic, intellectual-self drifting off to those dreamy romantasylands…

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Imagine you walk into a fine restaurant and the host leads you downstairs to a cold basement where the tables are wobbly and the chairs are made of white, flimsy plastic. You ask the host, “Uhm…do you have any tables available upstairs?”

“Of course,” he says. “It’s $25 per member of your party to sit in the main dining room. For seating near a window, it will be $40 per person.”

Would you pay up? Well, you have, just not in this exact situation. Businesses have the power to create products and services out of words. Here’s this thing that was once included or free—now it’s called a “Main Dining Room Table” and costs $25 per person. While that sounds like straightforward greed and profiteering, it isn’t always.

In 2023, I was ghostwriting a piece about the “subscription economy” when I noticed that BMW, the car company, had introduced recurring fees for heated car seats in certain countries. The cars came with the hardware to warm your bum, but unless you paid $18 per month or $415 for unlimited access, no tush warming for you.

My client and I thought this was an awful use of subscriptions. Turning on the seat warmer would not cost BMW anything. They’d already installed the hardware. After a backlash, BMW retreated from subscription seat warming…and then tried again in 2024, adding subscriptions for adaptive lights, better suspension performance, and more.

BMW isn’t unique. If you own a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle (EV), you can “rent” more horsepower for a monthly or annual fee. It costs Mercedes-Benz nothing to give you the horsepower.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz’s schemes reminded me of the airlines. Once upon a time, airline tickets came with seat selection, checked bags, and a meal. Now, using words and software, the airlines have turned those into divisible products. The bags and meals do cost the airline, but does it cost anything to let us choose a seat? No, but there is demand for that choice, which is why airlines can charge for it.

Likewise, a restaurant could turn table selection into a product if there was enough demand for good seating. To match the gall of BMW or Mercedes, though, restaurants would have to charge you to take home leftovers you already bought, and mostly ate.

Here's the thing: we don’t necessarily pay more money when businesses butcher a whole product into individual cuts. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics finds that average domestic airfares, adjusted for inflation, fell from $611 in 1995 to $388 in 2024 (but up from $297 to $388 if unadjusted). Sure, fees have increased, but nowhere near as much as airfares have decreased.

Back in the romanticized days of air travel, we did pay for bags and meals. We just didn’t see them broken down as separate fees, and we

Perhaps the airlines made air travel feel more expensive by creating new products out of words and by asking us to make more choices about what to purchase or not. They ensured that we almost always pay more than the minimum, no-frills fare. It therefore seems like we’re spending more and more to fly when, in fact, air travel is becoming relatively more affordable.

By standardizing all the features in a car, regardless of trim level, maybe BMW and Mercedes-Benz will save money in manufacturing that they can pass on to the consumer. Even so, people will hate the idea of spending on a car and then spending to activate features that are already in the car.

When businesses can create new products out of words, they often convince people that they’re getting less for more money. BMW owners wouldn’t hesitate to pay an extra $415 for a car with a seat warmer, but paying $415 less for the car and then paying to activate the seat warmers? Fuhgeddaboudit.

A FROSTY CHRISTMAS

BY ISABELLA VENEGAS

Spring’s dancing and her glacier tears lie dormant; Gold’s fiery sun has become smoldering embers; Autumn’s aroma has dispersed in the smiling wind; They have fallen into slumber, abandoning the throne Of the Great StoryTeller; who shall reign nature now?

In a timely manner appear thin layers of crystals, Visible breaths that last past morning, biting drafts, And a yawning emptiness in life’s fresh chapter. The whirl of crumbling brown leaves have run stale; The quartz that has covered the waiting world is Frost.

The frozen earth twinkles as Frost melts into droplets. Gold’s fraternal twin surveys carefully each creature; Materializing a glistening silver thought, Frost bites. Eyes flutter open to a winter vision of gleaming blankets Of pure white snow now embracing the countryside.

In the frigid snowflakes that flurry outside, people laugh, Wrapped in the warmth of fabrics in the snowstorms. Frost observes all come alive in His breathtaking view. The smiles, the happiness, the warmth, and the cheer; He feels his old frozen heart defrost and beat again.

The final days of the year’s novel will be missed, The winter season and His Frosty Christmas.

© Best Version Media

© Best Version Media

“I love making things with my hands. There is so much satisfaction when something is finished and just holding it and saying, ‘I made this.’”

MAKERS SERIES

CatherineMarchant

Catherine Marchant has been a weaver for almost 40 years, but for the first time in her life, she finds herself running a company as well, a nonprofit by the name of Salt Lake Weaving Studio.

She took her first lesson at a community college in “Midland, Texas, the cultural Death Valley of the United States,” as she describes it.

Catherine lived in several states known for their vibrant art scene, including Utah and Michigan, and landed in Texas after living in New Jersey and falling in love with New York City. She was happy to move back to New Jersey, when her husband’s employer transferred him back to Manhattan.

She was mostly self-taught, but New Jersey had a good guild. Whenever Catherine went to a conference, she took spinning classes and brought her spinning wheel along because it was easier to transport than a loom. Catherine spins her own wool and then weaves it into beautiful creations; she also knits and makes paper bead jewelry. She didn’t want to limit herself to one art form.

When her husband decided that they should move back to Utah, she told him she would move back only if he gave her mountains. He did. They built a home in Alpine, where Catherine has a studio with great lighting, with windows facing the mountains. She has served on the board of the Handweavers Guild of America for 12 years and was their president for a few of those years.

During the pandemic, Catherine found herself focusing on weaving. She would walk between her studio and her house for meals. This gave her thousands of hours of weaving practice, making her weaving so much better. Now, her work is featured in the summer 2024 issue of Handwoven, the only weaving magazine that has survived among the others.

A year and a half ago, Catherine, along with Deanna Baugh, who used to run the weaving program at the Pioneer Craft House, decided to start a weaving studio. In June 2024, they finally found a location for their studio, and the first classes have since been taught. You can contact them at slweavestudio@gmail.com or on www.slweavingstudio.com.

Some of their classes are also listed through the University of Utah. Catherine sells her artwork at markets put on by the Park City Artists Association and Salt Lake City’s Mary Meigs Atwater Weaver’s Guild, and she expects to host a sale at the Salt Lake Weaving Studio in the spring.

“I love making things with my hands. There is so much satisfaction when something is finished and just holding it and saying, ‘I made this.’”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UTAH SYMPHONY

Utah Symphony

The symphony is seated in front of a giant movie screen. Fans dressed in Harry Potter costumes are everywhere. The anticipation is palpable. Guest conductor, Ron Spigelman, steps onto the stage and is greeted with loud, enthusiastic applause. He is wearing a Harry Potter tie and welcomes the audience to this unique symphony performance. Spigelman has conducted more than 20 live performances to movies, including seven of the Harry Potter films.

For this performance, the audience is expected to root for their heroes, scowl at the villains, and cheer on the Utah Symphony. Ron invites the audience to cheer when the Hogwarts house they identify with is called. After the third house, the conductor admonishes the audience members for belonging to more than one house.

FILMS IN CONCERT SERIES Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Then, the lights dim. You can still see the orchestra musicians playing their instruments, but the movie starts playing above them. The violins, wind instruments, and percussion instruments seemingly take turns until they all come together in “Hedwig’s Theme,” the well-known tune of the Harry Potter films.

This is the ultimate movie-going experience and a wonderful introduction to the artistry of the Utah Symphony. The soundtrack of the movie provides all the voice acting and special-effect sounds without the music. Symphony Hall is filled with the music of John Williams as performed by the orchestra.

Halfway through the movie, there is an intermission. This used to be common practice in movie theaters as well. If you expected to purchase a snack or a drink, you would try to head to the lobby immediately, with the lines at the concession stand getting long very quickly. For this performance, hot butter beer is available, along with the standard candies, baked goods, and drinks, all of which you have to consume in the lobby. The only item allowed back into the performance area is water.

The second half of the movie performance is just as enchanting as the first part, and the audience stays until the very end of the symphony’s performance, concluding the event with thunderous applause. The Utah Symphony does plan to cycle through the rest of the Harry Potter movies in upcoming years, but for this year, they have several others scheduled for the Films in Concert Series.

On February 7 and 8, watch for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and on April 25 and 26, the Utah Symphony will present Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. If you don’t have tickets yet, get them soon. The Harry Potter performance played to a full house.

To dive back into a historical movie performance, check out Modern Times in Concert: A Charlie Chaplin Film, a special event scheduled for January 2, 2025. David Robertson will conduct the Utah Symphony as it performs the Charlie Chaplin masterpiece, Modern Times, live to the picture, as it would have been experienced back in 1936.

The Utah Symphony has an array of other concert series, one of which is the Family Series, designed for the youngest of family members, ages 3 to 10 years old. Tickets can be purchased for as low as $6 per performance. All performances start at 11:00 a.m., except for a second show of the first concert, to be held on December 21st at 12:30 p.m. The Series consists of Here Comes Santa Claus! and Gold Rush: An American Musical, scheduled for March 15, 2025, and Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony for April 12, 2025.

The Utah Symphony performs at Maurice Abravanel Hall at 123 W South Temple in Salt Lake City. It was established in 1940 and is considered one of the country’s major orchestras. Additionally, there are plenty of concert series designed for adults. This year, Utah Symphony will be playing with Yo-Yo Ma on December 11, though unfortunately, that concert has been sold out for a while.

© Best Version Media

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PARK CITY MINERS SPORTS DEC. 2024

BOYS BASKETBALL

Dec 03 @ Kearns.

Dec 06 Vs West.

Dec 10 @ Jordan

3:30- 8:30 pm

Dec 13. Vs Cottonwood. 3:30-8:30 pm

Dec 17. Vs Tooele. JV 3:30pm Var 5:15pm Soph 7:00pm

Dec 18 Vs Grantsville 3:30-9:00 pm

Dec 20. Vs Hillcrest 3:30-8:30 pm

Dec 30, 31 @ Riverton

Jan 03 Vs

GIRLS BASKETBALL BOYS WRESTLING

Dec 03 Vs Timpanogos

Dec 10 @

Dec 11 @ Salem JV 3:30 pm Var 5:15 pm Soph 7:00pm

Dec 13 Vs Cottonwood 3:30-8:30 pm

Dec 17 Vs Tooele JV 3:30pm JV 5:15pm Var 7:00pm

Dec 20 Vs Hillcrest 3:30-8:30 pm

Jan 03 @ Orem.

20, 21 @ Salt Lake Academy

Jan 03, 04 @ Tooele Tournament

Dec 06-07 @ Alta

13-14 @

Vs

REAL PRESEASON SKI CONDITIONING

Now that I’m 43, I feel the stiffness in my knees, the ache of a long ski day on the hill. I don’t ski moguls the way I used to. But my heart yearns for that. I love the rapid succession of slamming my boots into the next mogul. Skiing is a way of life, and if more effort is required to ensure great experiences on snow all season, so be it. Enter the 100 Year Athlete 8 Week Ski Prep at Minerstown in Park City. As a skier from a very young age, there was no conditioning or warmup, let alone off-season training, unless we were on one of the few development or race teams (in the ’80s and ’90s) in Park City. My nephews and I just headed up to, then called, Park City Ski Area and ripped. My friends who raced slalom and competed in freestyle, names that flitted through professional limelight, trained the summer months away in “dryland.” None of them professed to enjoy it, and many of them, by preference, did something other than prep to “chase gates” in the coming winter.

Ben Van Treese’s Off the Mountain (OTM) ski prep incorporates Functional Range Conditioning ® (FRC) – developed by Dr. Andreo Spina – with stretching, strengthening, and mobilizing joints for snow sports’ rigorous, dynamic movements. Ben discovered FRC as he searched for an approach to personal training that addressed his own concerns of athletic longevity. He comes from a history of demanding athletics, beginning with professional water skiing. As a rock climber and a mountain athlete, he – personally – asks a lot from his body.

© Best Version Media

In that way, he relates to the rest of us, who rely on his experience and insight to continue to pursue our mountain adventures. This is the basis for designing the 8 Week Ski Prep class.

Each segment of seasonal training fits directly into what we’re usually doing outside so that we’re conditioning during off-season and in-season months appropriately. Sitting on the floor inside Minerstown, legs fanned in 90-degree “L” shapes, Sara Mitton directs us to lift our front ankle and drop the knee through the ground, then to reverse the motion. From the onlooker’s perspective, it looks like we’re struggling awkwardly to fight our own movements. These “PAILs and RAILs” movements don’t look like much, but, as Ben explains, we’re connecting and bolstering nerves and developing stronger connective tissue.

We follow through many more exercises and movements based on that concept. “The more tissue you can use on purpose, the more strength you have,” Ben adds. Nerves, tendons, fascia, muscle; it is all tissue. The nerves allow better muscular control, and stronger connective tissue protects against more severe injuries.

Ben continues, “If tissue can handle 90 units of force and it experiences 100 units, that’s likely a strain or sprain. That’s 2-3 weeks recovery, and you’re back out skiing. But if the force capacity is only 50 units, and experiences the same 100 units, you’re possibly looking at MCL, PCL, or ACL – or even a combination – gone. You’re looking at surgery, and you might not ski next year.”

Likewise, if we have more control over muscle movement, we have more available when executing turns. Ski Prep focuses on strengthening tissue and increasing joint mobility. Ben acknowledges, “You will get stronger from skiing. However, skiing is not the best rotational tool for building strength in the hip or knee. In here (the gym), we’re using the best tools we have to build that rotational strength. And you can use that strength while skiing.” Trying to ski to build that strength and mobility is difficult because it’s such a dynamic environment.

Creating the workout curriculum for this class, Ben had to examine the combination of environmental demands and physiological limitations. “What type of range of motion do you need to perform,” he asks, “and what is the most likely way you’re going to get injured? Those are the two variables you look for in exercise selection.” Thus, during class, we made seemingly small resistance movements. We strengthened muscle groups that reinforce skeletal structures, like the neck. We lifted heavier weights in a narrow range for leg power. But each was obviously building for a better ski season.

Ski Prep incorporates “push” and “pull” days, heavy and light days. In surprisingly small class sizes for a ski town, there’s a wealth of knowledge and interaction shared with our trainers and fellow skiers. While most of us are over 40, the training is great for anyone who wants to extend their skiing deep into life, not just into deep pow. We’re five weeks into the eight weeks, and my knees already have less stiffness.

The 100 Year Athlete 8 Week Ski Prep is a “buildup” program. It’s followed by preseason training classes, where mobility and strength gains get put into functional conditioning for skiing. That ends around New Year’s Day, when skiing really ramps up for a lot of locals. If you continue Ben’s program with “in season” classes, he’ll keep you skiing strong through the whole season. Personally, I want to be skiing with my kids when they’re teaching their kids.

GIRLS & BOYS AGES 6-18

To inquire about team openings for the 2024/25 competitive soccer season, contact Technical Director Eli Ulvi at eulvi@parkcitysoccer.org

PCSC Office: 6443 N Business Park Loop, Suite K, Park City, UT 84098

Scholarships are available/Becas disponsibles. For more information, contact sgillwald@parkcitysoccer.org

Spanish language assistance available. Asistencia en español disponible.

Para español contacto Juan Perez al 435.659.9387 ó jperez@parkcitysoccer.org

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

TaliseLarsh

I have always known of Talise’s two-handed commitment to sports, but I never realized the extent of it. I knew her as the strong varsity mountain biker who, at every moment, would make us smile. At the top of the climb, she would full-send it, passing the varsity boys and setting the pace. Occasionally, I would try to follow her down, unable to keep up, admiring both her precise technique and her attitude. It’s almost like Talise had no fear when she was descending. And though, sometimes, she ended up in bushes, I was inspired by her ability to just go. I always knew part of her fearless talent was attributed to her ski racing. I learned the extent of it during one team practice, when I asked her to openly brag about herself as a skier, curious to learn more about her off-season sport. And from that moment on, I saw Talise Larsh as a stunning skier who just happened to be a varsity rider.

THE FIRST SKI

Talise can’t remember the first time she clicked her boots into her skis, but pictures show her learning to ski at the bunny hills of Deer Valley as a mere wobbling two-year-old. When prompted to describe her first memory on skis, Talise fondly recalls skiing with her dad. She would ski through the little obstacle course, weaving under and around the colorful markers. Whenever there was a wood animal decoration on the side of the run, young Talise would halt to a stop. Her dad, trying to entice her on another lap, would pull out frozen peanut M&Ms on the chairlift to enjoy together. Talise notes, “Going skiing, tuning my skis, doing drills, going on fun powder days – we’d all really connect that way, especially me and my dad. He taught me almost everything I know about skiing.”

LEARNING TO RIP

Every Saturday throughout early elementary school, Talise participated in Learn to Rip (LTR) at Park City Mountain Resort. She calls to mind attempting to keep up with the boys and older teammates, trying to replicate their technique to improve her own. Between ski lessons, Talise would do NASTAR, dialing in on her skills even further. One of her coaches, Alan Schoenberger, states, “Talise joined my program at age six, and her presence was immediately felt as inspiration by the older athletes. After 10 months of disciplined training, Talise won the season’s first U8 race by four seconds and ended the season as the U8 YSL champ.”

© Best Version Media

BEYOND THE PLACEMENT

As young Talise grew into a racer, Abby, one of the older girls on the ski team, inspired Talise with her attitude. Talise describes that Abby went directly against the stereotypical ski racer. “She just rode up the lift with me, asked me how I was doing, and what I was working on; she offered me tips. And that just meant the world to me,” says Talise. As Talise got older, she knew she wanted to be that kind of teammate. “I wanted to be a leader in the sport, even if I’m not always like the fastest,” she adds. “I can always be a positive influence.”

ON THE ROAD

Since her first race, which was 10 years ago, Talise has experienced many setbacks but has always made it back on the snow. She had her first ACL injury a little over a year ago and was out for four months. She got back into training, and within 15 days, she re-tore her ACL completely, had surgery, and was benched for another nine months. Losing more than a year of training through her injuries, Talise was understandably diminished. But with the support of her family, coaches, and teammates, she continued to train, becoming an even stronger skier. Talise’s coach, Alan, also remarks on Talise’s dedication to skiing: “It has been wonderful watching this spectacular young champion lift the training levels of all our athletes as she continues to press, even through adversity, her improvement bandwidth.”

Graduating from the Winter Sports School this month, Talise is excited to continue her ski career. She is hoping to get into an NCAA Division 1 ski program at a school on the West Coast. “Then after that, I definitely want to get on the U.S. Ski Team. And race the World Cups, maybe win a couple of World Cups too.” From learning to ski on the bunny hill in this community to racing around the country all whilst kindly inspiring her peers, Talise Larsh is a neighbor to look up to.

© Best Version Media

BY JESSICA DAVIS

ATHLETE LEADER OF THE MONTH

MEET

Aspyn

Name: Aspyn Knight • Age: 14

Disciplines: Trampoline & Tumbling Team

Favorite Quote: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not" – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Meet Aspyn, a remarkable young athlete and leader who shines as an athlete, teammate, coach, and role model for her peers.

Aspyn began her gymnastics journey on the women’s artistic team, where she became known for her kindness. At just eight years old, she saw a teammate struggling with fear at a competition. Aspyn guided her onto the floor, then performed the routine with her from the sidelines. Her ability to positively influence others was already shining through at a young age.

Aspyn has since transitioned to competing on the Trampoline & Tumbling (T&T) team at Black Diamond. That move inspired her to share her passion for all things gymnastics by becoming a coach at just 14 years old.

"Aspyn has a special way of taking kids of all ages under her wing, sharing her own experiences to guide and uplift them. She makes everyone around her feel seen and included, creating an environment where they feel supported and inspired to grow." – Coach Taylor Smith

Her dedication and work ethic extend beyond the gym. Aspyn excels academically, setting high standards for herself with straight A’s and is a respected leader as a house captain at her school. She’s admired by teachers, peers, and school leaders for exemplifying the values of compassion and commitment.

Outside of gymnastics, Aspyn enjoys raising animals on her family’s small farm, hunting, camping, baking, and spending time with friends. Her kindness, drive, and love for helping others make her a truly inspiring Athlete Leader of the Month.

Joy Over Jitters:

HOW TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS LESS STRESSFUL FOR KIDS

While exciting, the holiday season can be overwhelming for children. Parents may not always realize that seasonal changes in the fall—such as shorter days and reduced sunlight—can impact kids’ mental health, mood, energy levels, and sleep.

These changes in routine and environment, along with holiday anticipation and excitement, can lead to heightened stress. Neurodiverse kids, in particular, may find overstimulation and unfamiliar settings more challenging. Fortunately, with some thoughtfulness and proactive strategies, parents can help kids manage holiday stress.

SEASONAL STRESS TRIGGERS

Seasonal changes can affect children’s well-being in a few important ways:

▶ Reduced sunlight can lower vitamin D levels, potentially leading to feelings of sadness or irritability.

▶ Darker, colder days reduce outdoor play, limiting physical activity and social interaction—two important factors for healthy development. Reduced time with friends or in social settings can lead to feelings of loneliness, which may heighten stress.

▶ Many kids experience changes in appetite during this time, often craving carbs and sugary foods that lead to energy crashes, which can affect mood and focus.

The excitement of holiday traditions, changes in school schedules, and shifts in family routines add to these seasonal effects, creating a potential “perfect storm” of emotions for kids.

PLAN NOW TO AVOID STRESS LATER

▶ Set Expectations – Share plans and schedules with your kids to help them process upcoming events. Answer questions, involve them in planning, and address any uncertainties to help them feel prepared.

▶ Balance Physical Activity with Rest – Include both active and restful familyfriendly activities. Establish traditions like daily family walks, dance parties, or brief, playful indoor games. Even small bursts of movement throughout the day help manage energy and prevent burnout from holiday activities.

▶ Establish and Maintain Healthy Rou-

tines – Consider enrolling kids in ongoing classes or activities (think yoga, karate, basketball, indoor soccer, gymnastics) which aren’t weather-dependent. Have kids start before the holidays to provide continuity when the holiday "high" fades in January, giving kids something to look forward to.

USE MOVEMENT TO SUPPORT NEURODIVERSE KIDS

For neurodiverse kids, regular movement can offer stability, reducing stress and creating a sense of control amidst holiday disruptions:

▶ Establish a Daily Movement Routine – A few minutes of stretching or dancing daily can provide a familiar, grounding routine amidst holiday activities, helping reduce anxiety.

▶ Use Movement to Transition – New places and faces during the holidays can feel overwhelming. A quick activity, like jumping jacks or a brisk walk before big events, can help ease transitions, making changes more manageable.

▶ Plan Sensory Regulation Breaks – Holiday gatherings can be overstimulating. Designate “movement breaks” where your child can step away from the excitement to a quieter area. Simple exercises like deep breathing or stretching can help them reset and feel centered.

▶ Incorporate Sensory-Friendly Activities – For neurodiverse kids, active play that engages the senses—like obstacle courses, swinging, or bouncing on a mini trampo-

SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BE STRUGGLING

Look out for these signs, which may indicate that your child feels overwhelmed:

▶ Increased irritability or moodiness

▶ Trouble sleeping

▶ Withdrawing from activities

▶ Changes in appetite

▶ Physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches

▶ Restlessness or hyperactivity

▶ Clinginess

▶ Difficulty focusing

▶ Sensitivity to noise or crowds

▶ Frequent outbursts or crying

If you notice these signs, consider taking a break from the current activity. Validate your child’s feelings, offer a quiet and comforting activity, and provide your undivided attention to help them feel grounded again before moving on.

line—allows them to release energy in a controlled, enjoyable way.

▶ Engage in Inclusive Family Activities – Try activities that include the whole family, like family walks, holiday scavenger hunts, or dance parties, so neurodiverse kids can participate without feeling singled out. These group activities strengthen family bonds and build a sense of support.

▶ Let Your Child Guide the Movement –Pay attention to your child’s preferences. Some neurodiverse children respond well to fast, rhythmic movement, while others prefer slower, calming activities. Allowing them to set the pace and type of movement can make it more comfortable and enjoyable.

“By building regular, sensory-friendly movement into holiday plans, parents can help neurodiverse kids feel less overwhelmed, creating a more relaxed, joyful season for the entire family.” – Katy Heddens, Owner, Black Diamond Gymnastics & Sports Center.

SUPPORTING KIDS’ WELL-BEING BEYOND THE HOLIDAYS

Creating consistent, structured activities that promote physical and emotional health helps ALL KIDS adapt to seasonal changes and holiday stress. Whether through family bonding, adding movement routines, or trying new classes, these small efforts make a big difference in helping kids enjoy the holiday season and carry healthy habits into the new year.

Shane is an advanced practice nurse (APRN) with dual master's degrees as an MSN-ED and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from the University of Cincinnati. With a robust background in the medical field since 2004, Shane initially specialized in critical care nursing, providing compassionate care to his fellow veterans at the Salt Lake City Veterans Hospital. His extensive experience is further underscored by his 20 years of dedicated service in the military, currently as a provider in the Utah Air National Guard medical group.

Throughout his career, Shane has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health, allowing him to effectively treat a wide range of mental health issues across the lifespan, including those affecting children, adolescents, and adults.

Renowned for his warm and kind demeanor, Shane creates an inviting and supportive environment that helps patients feel comfortable and safe during their sessions. His sense of humor further enriches the therapeutic experience, easing tensions and fostering open communication.

Shane is passionate about positively impacting his patients' lives and is now accepting new patients.

If you or someone you know is seeking compassionate and specialized mental health care, please call our office to schedule an appointment. Shane looks forward to partnering with you on your path to wellness.

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A SAD Holiday

The holidays have made their arrival, bringing about the merriest time of the year. Family and friends gather together. Your community, the world, and the entire universe are all demanding happiness from you. Blend in with the masses everyone shouts! Winter has brought white blankets of snow and crystal snowflakes, what a beautiful sight.

But something isn’t right. The happiness that is being demanded of you refuses to show itself. While the rest of the planet continues to spin around, you remain stuck. Your mind is full of a thick and heavy fog, the ease in others is non-existent within yourself, and even the sun itself has become dim. What is happening and why can’t you seem to keep it together?

SEASONAL DEPRESSION TRIGGERS

Five percent of the US population suffers from seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The disorder is characterized by mood impacted by environmental change. Although it can happen at nearly any time during the year, it is most common in fall and winter months. SAD occurs more in the Northern Hemisphere due to the drastic difference in seasons. While participating in a DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) support group, I gathered information from people in Northern Utah and their perspective on this seasonal slump. What does seasonal depression mean? Described as “predictable” due to the seasons, some group members also attributed words such as ‘light’ and ‘darkness’ as the difference between depressive episodes and neutral times. These differences in mood can alternate quickly; as one individual said, a couple of cloudy days can serve as a trigger, possibly even just one. Although SAD’s rapid changes of mood is also characterized by bipolar and depressive disorders, seasonal depression can occur to anyone. It is most commonly developed in young adulthood.

The depressive cycle can be a vicious one. When winter begins, the days get shorter with daylight savings, causing the depression to be more constant in the dark hours. As with any depressive disorder, sleep problems often arise. Oversleeping and undersleeping can cause the depression to spiral further, which in turn, causes even worse sleeping habits to develop. The cold and the constant snowstorms can drag one further down into a depressive crash. The lack of sunshine affects every human being especially in winter. Although the winter weather is a highly contributing aspect to SAD, the holidays also come into play in seasonal depression.

SEASONAL DEPRESSION AND THE HOLIDAYS

When asked why the winter holidays affect the mental health of individuals suffering from SAD, many DBSA group members commented on the amount of things happening. Events such as social gatherings, religious traditions, and holiday events can seem overwhelming and repulsive when experiencing depression. The world appears energetic, happy, and extremely busy, all the while one is in a sound state of mind. Juggling anything near to what everyone else is seems like an impossible feat. As one group member described, you are supposed to be happy and maintain that lighthearted spirit during the holiday season. When you are unable to meet that expectation, depression is triggered.

Christmas and New Years are often times when family gathers for parties or dinners which can be a further stress. Getting together with family or friends that you have not seen in a long while or that you do not enjoy being with can also add to SAD. Shielding these emotions can be draining and exhausting. On the other hand, being alone during the holidays is a direct cause of depression. Suicidal idealization is not uncommon during holiday months and sadly neither is the carrying out of the act.

COPING WITH SEASONAL DEPRESSION

Although SAD can be a heavy topic, there is plenty of hope in living with it. Countless coping skills were brought forward during the DBSA support group. Dressing appropriately to the weather and temperature outside is important. Going outside even in the winter months can be highly beneficial for improving your mood. Light boxes can be helpful for treating sleep and mood. If it is dark outside and you are alone or depressed, turn on the lights in your house. Try decorating your space. Keeping out of bed during daylight hours is important; give yourself easy tasks to complete that will keep you busy. Reflection and journaling about your mood can be a

healthy outlet. Contact your family members or friends to check in with them. Helping others or even having a conversation with someone can help stabilize mood or even save a life. And finally, support from support groups can be powerful. Sharing and communicating your ideas can help. Facing your past, present, and future with any disorder can be terrifying. A great resource is the DBSA Support Group in Davis County, Utah. There are three meetings a month, two in person and one over zoom, making it available also for those in Park City and Heber Valley. Email Bob and Jennifer for more information at: dbsa.davis.weber@gmail.com.

It is important to remember that we are not the only ones going through this SAD holiday. Although SAD wants us to believe otherwise, we are not alone.

BY ISABELLA VENEGAS

NAMI UTAH, MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH

Utah is a beautiful state, home to red rock, snowy mountains, and large freshwater lakes. But what truly makes Summit and Wasatch Counties come to life are the people. However, unknown to most, individuals throughout Utah have been subject to suffering from mental illness. According to the report of a master plan that was released to improve behavioral health service in Utah, our state ranks 11th when considering the number of adults with any generalized mental illness; 3rd for adults with severe mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); and, finally, 4th for suicidal ideation in adults. Furthermore, the 2023 Summit County Mental Wellness Strategic Plan states that more than 16,000 residents of Summit County live with mental health or substance abuse diagnoses. Who is paying attention to these numbers, and who can we look to for help?

Court Advocate, is paying attention. “YES, a lot of people are suffering from mental illness in the US, in Utah, and in Summit County.”

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the United States’ most expansive mental health grassroots organization, established in 1988. Wendy O’Leary, NAMI Utah Healthline Expert and Mental Health

NAMI’s mission is “to ensure the dignity and improve the lives of those who live with mental illness, and their families, through support, education, and advocacy.” This mission is taken seriously at all times and held in highest priority. NAMI’s great strength comes

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from its strong dedication to family members and individuals who have mental health conditions – those who are now teachers and leaders of support groups, classes, and who advocate for the community around them. It is through these interactions that these individuals can provide the best help, hope, and healing to others also affected by similar experiences.

To help those with mental illness, NAMI offers numerous programs, which include educational classes and support groups. All of NAMI’s programs are free, and because most are virtual, anyone can have access to them. A few exceptions are in-person programs. “All classes and support groups are taught and facilitated by trained peers,” says Wendy. These trained peers all have experience with mental health difficulties, whether it be with themselves or family members, and therefore are able to share insights and information from their own lived experience.

There are many different programs available: NAMI Basics, a class for parents of children 0-17 years of age who are dealing with behavioral challenges; NAMI Family Support, a group for family members/loved ones; and NAMI Connection, a support group for adults who are living with mental illness. There is also QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer), a once-a-month suicide-prevention training workshop. September is Suicide Prevention Month, a perfect time to support QPR. These programs can be extremely beneficial to all ages of various situations. For more information, you can simply go to https:// www.namiut.org/our-programs, where you can also register for any NAMI programs.

NAMI Utah provides the NAMI HelpLine, which consists of on-call trained peers with mental health experience, another completely free service to every community in Utah, including Summit and Wasatch Counties. NAMI HelpLine is available to callers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

Monday through Friday. Many problems and desperate situations can be addressed by experts who listen, offering empathy and support, and can direct you to the resources that may help. “The NAMI HelpLine experts talk to hundreds of individuals and family members in Utah every year, helping to navigate the complexities of the mental health system and other systems these individuals are involved in,” Wendy states enthusiastically. You can reach an expert on the NAMI HelpLine at (801) 323-9900, or at namiut.org. Additionally, all conversations with a HelpLine peer remain confidential at all times.

NAMI Utah depends on generous contributions of individuals and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You can learn how to support by visiting their website. Its largest annual fundraising event, attended by thousands across the country, is known as NAMIWalks. On the topic of these walks, Wendy tells us they are “bringing together individuals, families, friends, providers, and other supporters who ‘walk’ to raise awareness and money to further the mission of NAMI.” Walks start at 9:00 in the morning and run until noon. There are peers who share stories; vendors; and even yoga classes, along with music, at these amazing events. You can register and find walks all over the country at namiwalks.org.

Remember, NAMI Utah is a FREE service for all communities, including Summit and Wasatch Counties. Wendy passionately ends with these words: “We want everyone to know that treatment works, recovery is possible, there is hope, and you are not alone!” Truly, no matter what you are experiencing or what a family member, a friend, or a member of your community is going through, there is always hope.

Registration/information for NAMI Utah classes, support groups, and programs: https://www.namiut.org/our-programs

NAMI HelpLine/information: (801) 323-9900 or namiut.org

NAMIWalks: namiwalks.org

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Glow Through the Season: Winter Skincare Essentials for Radiant Skin

By Dr. Giselle M. Batcheller, DDS, IBDM

Winter brings holiday lights, cozy gatherings, and snowy days, but it is dry, cold air can be tough on our skin, often leaving it dehydrated and dull. As the season changes, adjusting your skincare routine is essential to keep your skin glowing and resilient. Here, I’ll share some simple yet powerful winter skincare tips to help you look and feel your best.

1.Hydration:

The Foundation of Winter Skincare

Effective winter skincare starts with hydration. Cold air and indoor heating can strip skin of moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. Hydration goes beyond drinking water (though that’s crucial, too!). Switching to a richer, emollient moisturizer in winter helps create a barrier that locks in moisture, keeping skin soft and supple. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract and retain moisture.

A good winter tip is to layer a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer. This layering approach can prevent that tight, uncomfortable feeling and help maintain a healthy, radiant appearance.

2.Light Therapy for Full-Body Health and Glow

Light therapy is an excellent way to keep skin vibrant and resilient through winter. Full-body red and near-infrared light therapy, for example, stimulates cellular health, boosts collagen production, and

supports hydration at a deeper level. Winter often leaves us feeling low on energy, and light therapy also supports wellness by helping reduce inflammation, improving circulation, and restoring vitality. It’s a quick, multifunctional treatment that meets various wellness needs—from enhancing skin radiance to supporting pain relief and better sleep—making it a fantastic addition to any self-care routine.

3.Laser Treatments: Preparing for the Holidays and Beyond

Winter is the ideal time to consider gentle laser treatments to tackle sun spots, fine lines, or uneven skin texture. These treatments improve skin tone and texture by stimulating collagen production and encouraging cell turnover, which helps minimize imperfections and promotes an even complexion. The reduced sunlight of winter helps minimize exposure to UV rays, making it a safer time for laser treatments.

Laser lip enhancements and brow lifts for example, can add brightness to your look for holiday gatherings or photos. Incorporating a smart blood concentrate like PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) further supports skin health from within, boosting hydration and vitality over time. By adding regenerative treatment sessions to your winter routine, you’re also supporting long-term skin health and reducing the need for more intensive treatments in the future.

Why Winter Skincare Is More Than Just a Seasonal Change

Winter skincare isn’t only about looking good for holiday events; it’s about building a strong, healthy skin foundation year-round. Think of it as a way to prevent damage from seasonal stress, dryness, and exposure. Taking proactive steps now—hydrating, using light therapy, and addressing concerns with laser and other regenerative treatments—helps ensure your skin’s longterm health and beauty.

This winter, let your skincare routine be part of your wellness journey, embracing the glow that comes from healthy, well-caredfor skin. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the season and get ready for the year ahead.

I’m Dr. Giselle Batcheller, Utah’s PRF pioneer. Proud Parkite and member of the international faculty of PRF experts at PRFEDU. Since 2018, I’ve trained doctors in advanced laser and PRF applications. For more on lasers, light, PRF, and regenerative medicine, follow social media and website updates via DrBatcheller.com.

BY AIMEE L. COOK

Experience the Healing Touch:

EXPERT MASSAGE THERAPY AT ALIGN SPA WITH TIFFANIE LORENSEN

Twenty-one years ago, Align Spa was located at the base of Park City Mountain. In 2007, it moved to its current location, marking a new chapter in its history. Earlier this year, the spa welcomed new owners AmyLu Asherman and Calli Sorensen, who are set to continue its legacy of relaxation and wellness. Their leadership promises to infuse fresh energy and ideas into the beloved establishment, ensuring a revitalized experience for its clientele.

Align Spa is consistently recognized for excellence, frequently winning awards for being the “Best” in various categories. As the oldest day spa in Park City, its enduring reputation for quality and service has solidified its place as a cherished destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Align Spa offers a haven of calm and is celebrated not only for its exemplary services but also for the dedicated professionals who bring their expertise to each treatment. Licensed Massage Therapist Tiffanie Lorensen, whose presence at Align Spa has become synonymous with excellence in massage therapy, is among these professionals.

“Tiffanie is an amazing person and an incredible therapist,” says Calli. “She pours her heart and soul into her work, and her clients absolutely love her. I’m truly honored to have her as an employee, but even more grateful to call her a friend.”

Tiffanie, a former collegiate basketball and volleyball player, brings the same discipline and commitment to her role as a licensed massage therapist — a practice she has honed over 18 years. Her deep understanding of the human body, gained through years of athletic training, translates into an intuitive and effective approach to massage therapy. Clients often praise her ability to identify and alleviate tension in ways that rejuvenate both body and spirit.

“I do a lot of deep tissue, injury recovery, and sports massage; I love to tailor it to what the person needs,” Tiffanie explains. “I love working with people. I like to see them heal and have more energy. When you care about the individual, they can feel that, and it helps them to relax.”

Align Spa, renowned for its comprehensive menu of services, offers a variety of massages, body treatments, and aesthetic services. Within this broad spectrum, each session meets the client’s unique needs. Whether it’s a deep-tissue massage to relieve chronic tension or a soothing aromatherapy session, clients leave feeling revitalized and balanced.

For wellness enthusiasts seeking a truly personalized experience, Tiffanie’s sessions are not just treatments, but journeys of rediscovery and healing. Her ability to connect with clients and her extensive

knowledge and skills make her an invaluable asset to Align Spa.

“With having an athletic background, it is fun to tie that into massage; I kind of know the areas to target,” Tiffanie says. “I am reading the body and the muscles as I work them.”

Align Spa and Tiffanie Lorensen offer more than just a reprieve from the daily grind; they provide a path to sustained well-being. For those yearning to explore the depths of relaxation, Align Spa awaits, with Tiffanie ready to guide you on your wellness journey.

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HOLIDAY FEASTING WITHOUT REGRETS:

TIPS FOR STAYING ENERGIZED AND GUT-HEALTHY THIS

The holidays are upon us! Along with the joy and gatherings, this season often brings a few less-welcome guests: stress, low energy, and post-celebration regrets. But holiday feasting doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health or feeling burnt out by New Year’s. With a little mindful preparation, you can enjoy the festivities, savor your favorite dishes, and still feel great throughout the season.

Here’s how to keep the holiday spirit alive without compromising your health:

1. EMBRACE MINDFUL EATING

With gatherings and feasts on nearly every calendar page, it's easy to eat on autopilot or overindulge in holiday favorites. Mindful eating brings awareness to each bite, helping you tune into hunger cues, savor each flavor, and make satisfying choices. Try to avoid distractions like phones or TV while eating, and focus on the textures, tastes, and smells of your food.

A useful strategy is to start with smaller portions, giving yourself time to fully enjoy and appreciate the flavors before deciding if you want more. This practice can help you enjoy rich, festive foods without the uncomfortable feeling of overindulgence.

2. CREATE A BALANCE BETWEEN NOURISHMENT AND INDULGENCE

The holidays are a time of celebration, so it’s okay to enjoy some indulgences! Instead of restrictive thinking, aim for balance. If you know you’ll be having a hearty meal later, start the day with a nutrient-dense breakfast or lunch, full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Think oatmeal with berries and nuts or a hearty salad with protein, which will help keep you feeling full and prevent a sugar crash later.

When you do indulge, choose the foods you genuinely enjoy rather than loading your plate with items just because they’re available. Enjoying a slice of pie or a holiday cocktail is part of the fun—balance it out with greens, lean protein, and fiber-rich foods that support digestion and leave you feeling your best.

3. KEEP YOUR GUT IN CHECK

For many, rich and heavy foods can lead to digestive discomfort, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to bloating.

Supporting your gut health can make a big difference in how you feel after meals.

Consider incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kimchi into your routine, which can support healthy digestion. Additionally, drink water between meals to stay hydrated, as hydration is crucial for digestion and energy. Aiming for a plate that’s half vegetables can also support digestion, thanks to fiber’s role in keeping things moving smoothly.

For those with a tendency to feel sluggish after heavy meals, digestive enzymes may also help with breaking down more complex dishes and make meals easier to digest.

4. PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

The holiday season is packed with things to do, which can lead to stress and burnout if you don’t take intentional breaks. Stress has a direct impact on our gut health, as high stress can throw off the balance of our microbiome, leading to digestive issues, low energy, and even mood imbalances.

Set aside time for yourself each day, whether it’s a quiet morning walk, a quick meditation, or even a 5-minute breathing exercise. Just taking a few deep breaths before a meal can help your body enter a “rest and digest” state, which can ease digestion and bring awareness to your food.

5. STAY ACTIVE AND ENERGIZED

Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for hours. During the busy holiday season, even a short, brisk walk can help boost energy, improve digestion, and relieve stress. Movement is an excellent way to support both physical and mental health, and it doesn’t have to be a chore. Try a family walk after a meal, or even dancing in the kitchen while cooking—whatever brings you joy and movement.

6. MANAGE PORTIONS WITH SIMPLE TRICKS

Portion control is one of the best ways to enjoy holiday dishes without overdoing it. Start by filling half your plate with veggies, which are packed with fiber to help you feel full and satisfied. Use smaller plates when possible, and put serving dishes away after

SEASON

everyone’s been served to avoid the temptation to go back for more.

Finally, consider a “one plate” rule at parties, choosing your favorite items to enjoy thoroughly. Savor each bite, and check in with yourself about halfway through to see if you’re genuinely hungry or eating out of habit.

7. GET QUALITY REST

Holidays are often associated with late nights, but poor sleep can affect digestion, mood, and energy levels. Aim to keep a consistent sleep schedule when possible, and try to prioritize rest. Better sleep supports digestion, boosts immunity, and leaves you feeling energized to make the most of the season’s festivities.

WRAPPING UP THE SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE

By adopting these simple, mindful strategies, you can navigate holiday meals and gatherings without feeling like you’ve abandoned your health goals. Eating mindfully, balancing indulgences with nourishment, and prioritizing self-care can help you feel vibrant and energized all season long. To learn more about supporting your gut health and my personalized nutrition services, visit my website at Whole Essentials Nutrition!

PHOTO BY CASCIO PHOTOGRAPHY FOR EMILIE DAVIS

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Holiday Wellness Tips with Chinese Medicine

As we move into the winter months, a season traditionally associated with rest and introspection, it’s essential to nurture our health and maintain balance amidst holiday activities. In Chinese medicine, winter is the most yin time of the year—a period to go inward, conserve energy, and, like the natural world around us, “hibernate.” While the holiday hustle and bustle can make us feel pressured to stay active, embracing moments of quiet can be profoundly restorative. Here are a few tips to support your immune system, calm your mind, and stay healthy this season.

1. CULTIVATING CALM IN THE CHAOS

The holidays bring both joy and often stress. Set aside time each day to stay centered:

• Deep Breathing: Practice deep, mindful breathing to soothe the mind. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for six.

• Acupressure Point: Yin Tang, located between the eyebrows, is excellent for calming the nervous system and reducing stress. Press gently for a few minutes, while taking deep breaths to feel its calming effects.

• Herbal Teas: Calm your mind with chamomile, lavender, or rose teas.

2. STAYING HEALTHY ON THE GO

With winter gatherings and travel, it’s wise to boost your immune defenses:

• Pack Immunity Essentials: Keep a small wellness kit with hand sanitizer, immune-supporting herbs- Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Elderberry, Echinacea, and essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint.

• Hydrate and Move: Staying hydrated by adding electrolytes into your water and taking breaks to stretch during travel can prevent fatigue and support overall immunity.

• Herbal Recommendation: Yu Ping Feng San – Also known as “Jade Windscreen,” this traditional formula strengthens the immune system and is particularly helpful in colder weather and crowded spaces. Reach out to see if this is a good fit for you.

3. EMBRACE WARMING FOODS

According to Chinese medicine, winter is the season to nourish the kidneys and focus on warmth. Try adding warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to your meals. Soups, stews, and teas made with these spices help keep you warm, grounded, and balanced.

IMMUNE-BOOSTING HONEY, GINGER, LEMON & CAYENNE TEA

This simple tea is perfect for staying warm and healthy this winter. With ingredients to support digestion and immunity, it’s a soothing remedy for chilly days:

Ingredients:

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

• one tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• one tablespoon honey (or to taste)

• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra warmth)

• 1–2 cups of hot water

Instructions:

• Add ginger slices to a mug and pour hot water over them. Let steep for 5–10 minutes.

• Add lemon juice and honey, stirring until the honey dissolves.

• Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne if desired, and enjoy while warm.

Book Your Seasonal Wellness Appointment

This December, give yourself the gift of health with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Regular treatments help balance energy, boost immunity, and calm the mind, so you can enter the new year feeling your best. Schedule your session today to set the foundation for a peaceful, healthy winter season.

Happy Holidays!!

Dr. Kallie Harrison

Dr. Kallie Harrison

• Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (DACM)

• Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc)

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

• Certified Psychedelic Therapist

With over two decades of experience in the healing world, I hold a doctorate in Chinese Medicine specializing in acupuncture and I am also a registered nurse, licensed massage therapist and certified psychedelic therapist. My commitment to healing extends beyond conventional methods, aiding individuals in preparing for and integrating transformative psychedelic experiences.

What sets my approach apart is the culmination of my diverse training and experiences. I blend acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, bodywork, energy work, tuning forks, sound healing, breathwork, and guided meditation into personalized sessions. I also offer guidance in supplement selection, herbal remedies, and nutrition planning to support holistic well-being. My philosophy centers on meeting each individual where they are on their healing journey and providing tailored support for their unique path to wellness.

www.kallieharrison.com

2078 Prospect Ave., Suite 2 Park City, UT 84060

(Inside The Prospect Executive Suites)

Cell: (801) 703-5280

Balancing Business and Books: MEGAN LAWRENCE

OF CORNERSTONE ACCOUNTING GROUP INC.

By Aimee L. Cook • Photos by Monica Wroblicky

Small business owners often find themselves juggling countless responsibilities, from managing dayto-day operations to ensuring their financial health. Enter Megan Lawrence, the dynamic force behind Cornerstone Accounting Group Inc., who is redefining accounting services for small enterprises with 1-10 employees.

Megan is a certified public bookkeeper [NACPB] with a keen eye for detail. She’s also a dedicated mother of two, seamlessly balancing family life with her professional aspirations. Currently enrolled in a master’s degree program for Forensic Accounting, Megan is always on the move, personally and professionally.

“I have a very helpful husband; he’s great, he helps me juggle everything,” Megan said.

Cornerstone Accounting Group Inc., Megan’s brainchild, is rooted in a simple mission—to provide comprehensive accounting services that small businesses can rely on. Whether it’s bookkeeping, payroll, accounts receivable, or financial

clean-up services, Megan offers a one-stop solution for business owners looking to streamline their finances.

“I am also an employee of a construction company; I am their bookkeeper,” said Megan. I am growing my business. I would like to have at least ten clients and hire another bookkeeper. I love supporting local businesses, and they also support me.”

Megan’s approach to accounting is personalized for each client. She takes the time to understand her client’s unique needs and provides customized solutions that make a difference.

Megan’s commitment to excellence extends beyond providing top-notch services. She’s also dedicated to advancing her own knowledge and skills.

“I make sure when doing payroll that FICA taxes are set up correctly and that writeoffs are handled correctly for bookkeeping,” Megan explained. “I have a pro advisor account with QuickBooks that keeps me informed with different seminars and tips.”

For small business owners seeking a partner in financial health, Cornerstone Accounting Group Inc. represents more than just accounting services—it’s about peace of mind. With Megan Lawrence at the helm, clients are assured that their financial matters are in capable hands, allowing them to concentrate on what truly matters—growing their businesses.

BY KIRSTEN KOHLWEY

Traveling From the USA to Europe for the Holidays Without Leaving the State

Extensive outdoor drive-through light shows are something you are not likely to find in Europe or outside of the Americas. Salt Lake Valley features several of these light shows, which are paid – meaning a fee is required for access – and have been ranked in the top 10 in the country by various national magazines.

Salt Lake Valley also has a long history of decorating. Christmas Street in Sugar House (Glen Arbor Street, which begins at 1735 S 1500 E) has been decorated for the holidays, dating back to 1947. This year, the lights will be turned on from dusk to 10:00 p.m., starting on December 9. Temple Square will be lit up during the same hours, beginning November 29, despite the ongoing construction. ZooLights at Hogle Zoo will run every day from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. All of the above continue through January 1, 2025.

Most paid light shows are open now, and

they have the benefit of allowing just about anyone to participate in the activity. You can purchase tickets for a specific time slot online; some light shows may not sell tickets at the event.

World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road through December 29, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., most days at the Utah State Fairgrounds, located at 155 N 100 W in Salt Lake City. Whiz through mountainous terrain, traverse glacial peaks, explore the northern ice caves, and make your way through the northern forests to the heart of it all – Santa’s Workshop – the world’s largest animated toy shop, for $39.99 per vehicle.

Christmas in Color takes place at 11161 S 2200 W in South Jordan through December 29, from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Prices range from $34.99 to $46.99 per vehicle. The more expensive package includes 3D glasses for four people. Here, you will find more than one million lights synched to music.

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GERMANY: A.K.A., SALT LAKE CITY

From December 4th through the 7th, you can visit the Christkindlmarkt at This Is the Place Heritage Park. Entry is free, and it’s open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Its market features traditional wooden booths and food you would find in Germany, which seem to be inspired by the ones at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. Not all food offerings would be considered German food, but the choices available in Germany today have also changed with the times. Weller's Döner Wagon presents a shaved-meat offering that is extremely popular in Germany but actually is of Turkish origin.

Don’t miss the Lantern Parade Honoring St. Martin on December 5th at 6:00 p.m. The parade features youth who have participated in service projects. As is tradition on St. Martin’s Day, November 11, the children sing Christmas carols while marching through the market with illuminated lanterns. A song always sung in Germany is “Ich geh mit meiner Laterne” (I walk with my lantern), from the 19th century, which I have heard at the Salt Lake City parade as well. If you read this early enough, you can even register to participate in the parade. Check for details at https://www.christkindlmarkt-slc.com/ lantern-parade.

SWITZERLAND: A.K.A., MIDWAY

Midway is known for its Swiss Days in August, but the cold season brings another spectacle, Ice Castles, which started there in 2011. Every year since then, the artists and construction crew have been creating a winter wonderland with hand-grown icicles and embedded LED lights for everyone to explore when the temperatures cooperate. The crew started working on this year’s castles in October. While founder and lead artist Brent Christensen initially created an ice cave for his daughter in his yard, the attractions now feature frozen towers, caverns, ice slides, crawl spaces, thrones,

and tunnels. The ice castles are about one acre each and consist of more than 25 million pounds of ice. This attraction is designed with the environment in mind –when the ice melts, the water returns to the environment. All six Ice Castles sites are next to natural water sources.

In Switzerland, there is Ice Palace Jungfraujoch. Back in the 1930s, the Swiss carved passages about 100 feet below the surface into the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe. This ice palace is now also a tourist attraction, but the focus is on smoothly polished walkways and alcoves with ice sculptures, more like a frozen museum than an active-participation adventure.

Be prepared for the cold when you visit either one. In Midway, there are several options for warming up after visiting Ice Castles. Among the many buildings built in typically Swiss style, you can dive into the holiday spirit at the year-round Christmas store, Kringles, at 6 S 200 W.

Midway also features a new bookstore with plenty of cozy seating areas to warm up and find your next great read. The Folklore Bookstore is run by three owners, who love books and are happy to recommend one for you. They even have a typewriter, ready with paper for writing a poem while you are there. Check the bookstore’s website for current hours. And, as one of the notebooks for sale says: READ, IT’S OUR ONLY HOPE.

If you need a more active spot to warm up, consider making reservations at the Homestead Crater. This geothermal spring is open every day, on Sundays until 4:00 p.m., and the rest of the week until 8:00 p.m. Up to 20 people can go swimming or snorkeling during each 40-minute session. The hole at the top of the dome lets in sunlight and fresh air, while the interior stays warm due to the mineral water, which is at a constant range of 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit. If you just can’t fit everything into one day, you can return to this activity anytime during the year, perhaps after exploring an outdoor sport at Wasatch Mountain State Park. What would be better than learning how to cross-country ski on an Olympic course?

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Maybe you’ve seen a need in our community and wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others — or even learn new skills. Maybe you’re seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in our community or abroad.

TOP FIVE REASONS TO JOIN ROTARY:

• Community service

• Networking

• Leadership skills

• International service

• Friendship

PARK CITY TWILIGHT ROTARY

“

I left Park City nearly 20 years ago, and one of the things I missed most in the places we moved to was being in a Rotary organization and getting involved in the community. When we returned to Park City after nearly two decades away, Twilight Rotary became a chance for me to get to know people and this community again. Being back in Rotary has made me feel like I have returned to a special fellowship, and that I am taking part in an opportunity to give back to my community and the wider world.

Every time I see the Rotary symbol in all kinds of places in the world, I know that there is a dedicated group of local people bonding and coming together to serve their own and global communities—and I feel connected.

The Twilight Club is wonderful because it has so many people with a passion for service, and they are simply a really fun group of people to know. The twice-a month evening meetings fit into my schedule and allow me the opportunity to participate in service projects in the local area and worldwide. I encourage you to come visit/join us!

~ Elizabeth Marlin, MD, MPH

WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US!

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays. Social begins at 6:00 pm.

The meeting begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 7:30 pm @ Lush’s BBQ. (7182 Silver Creek Rd. Park City, UT 84098)

JOIN DEER VALLEY RESORT TO FIGHT BLOOD CANCER AT SHRED FOR RED

EVENT PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE UTAH LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

DEER VALLEY RESORT;

PARK CITY, UTAH (Nov. 15, 2024) –

Deer Valley Resort invites guests to ski for a cause on Saturday, December 7, opening day of the 2024/2025 ski season. This year’s Shred For Red event marks seven years at Deer Valley spreading awareness and raising funds to eradicate blood cancers on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). On-mountain challenges and activities will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

“Our annual Shred For Red fundraiser supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the perfect kick off to our 2024/2025 season,” said Deer Valley Resort Vice President of Marketing, Susie English. “Participants will enjoy freshly groomed slopes, some friendly competition, and the chance to ski with Olympians, all for a great cause to help eliminate blood cancer.”

Shred For Red is family-friendly and open to skiers of all abilities. To be eligible to participate, adults must raise a minimum of $500 ($300 for children under 12). Participants will receive and have access to the following:

▶ Full-day ski lift ticket to Deer Valley, valid on Saturday, December 7, 2024

▶ Shred For Red participant bib

▶ On-mountain scavenger hunt and slalom racecourse

▶ Opportunity to meet and ski with winter Olympians

▶ Après-ski reception at Deer Valley’s Snow Park Lodge

All proceeds will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s efforts to support blood cancer patients and their families before, during and after their cancer journey. To support or register for this event please visit lls.org/shredforred. If you have further questions regarding Shred For Red, please email shredforred@lls.org.

Discounted accommodations for participants are available at The Lodges at Deer Valley or Silver Baron Lodge ($315 hotel rooms, $413 One Bedroom Suites). Valid dates are December 6-9, 2024. Reservations can be made online.

Additionally, Deer Valley is offering 25% off equipment rentals including skis, boots and poles for Shred For Red participants. Helmets are not included but can be added for a small additional fee. For reservations, call 435-645-6648 and mention the Shred For Red 2024 event.

For more information about Deer Valley Resort’s Shred For Red event, visit the resort’s website at deervalley.com, or contact Deer Valley Director of Communications Emily Summers at esummers@ deervalley.com) or 435-645-6522.

ABOUT DEER VALLEY RESORT

Deer Valley Resort, located in Park City, Utah, revolutionized the ski industry by providing the first-class service one would receive at a five-star hotel. The ski-only resort currently offers 24 chairlifts, 122 ski runs, seven bowls, 300 annual inches of powder, 2,342 acres of alpine skiing, limited lift ticket sales, numerous restaurants, three elegant day lodges, hundreds of luxury accommodations and a renowned ski school and children’s center. In August 2023, Deer Valley announced “Expanded Excellence”, a significant resort transformation, which will extend the skiable area to a total of 5,726 acres, add a new resort gateway and village, reimagine the Snow Park Base Area and revitalize existing mountain facilities. Deer Valley is honored to be ranked as the United States’ Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for 11 consecutive years. View and download the Deer Valley Press Kit

ABOUT THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY (LLS)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global leader in the fight against blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www. LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

For additional information, visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork.

Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

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Could Utah Become a Top Producer of Clean Electricity?

Researchers at Utah FORGE are “de-risking” a new geothermal energy industry for private companies

In Beaver County, researchers with Utah FORGE (Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy) are demonstrating how our state could become a major producer of clean energy. Led by Dr. Joseph Moore and colleagues from the University of Utah’s Energy & Geoscience Institute, Utah FORGE has figured out how to harvest underground heat almost anywhere on Earth, starting with a site near the town of Milford. Utah FORGE has also shown why academic researchers can often take bigger risks than for-profit companies.

Subterranean Earth is an inexhaustible source of carbon-free energy. Just 2% of the energy available two to six miles beneath the surface of the United States could provide 2,000 times the country’s annual energy consumption. However, “All of the geothermal systems in the world currently exist at hot springs,” explains Dr. Moore, a geologist by training.

Hot springs provide three critical ingredients for geothermal energy: heat, fluid, and permeability—basically, cracks and fissures in rocks. Hot springs are relatively rare, however, so geothermal accounts for only 0.4% of U.S. electricity generation.

Starting in the 1970s, scientists worldwide tried and failed to create enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) that imitate hot springs. That didn’t deter the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), which in 2014 issued a funding opportunity announcement looking for teams to build EGS reservoirs. In 2018, Utah FORGE won the project and has so far received $300 million in funding to pursue EGS.

So, why invest taxpayer dollars in Utah FORGE while startups are also raising hundreds of millions of dollars for enhanced geothermal?

Startups need to generate returns for investors. That constrains what risks they can take. Research projects like Utah FORGE measure success in publicly available data and papers, not dollars. Thus, “Nobody [else] in the geothermal community will spend the money to do this kind of research,” Dr. Moore says. For example, Utah FORGE has pioneered the application of highly “deviated” geothermal wells. These descend 4,000 to 5,000 feet vertically, turn 65 degrees, and continue on that trajectory until reaching a length of just

over 8,500 feet. One well is for injecting water underground, the other for transporting heated water back to the surface, where it would drive a turbine in a hypothetical power plant. During a test earlier this year, FORGE injected 420 gallons of water per minute for 30 days, proving that this design can circulate water at the scale needed for a commercial power plant.

When FORGE first started drilling wells in 2016, they advanced at 10 to 13 feet per hour. After years of testing new drill bits and techniques, the team now drills at 120 feet per hour. That matters because cost is king in energy. The DoE wants the price of electricity produced through EGS to fall 90%, from an estimated $450 per megawatt hours (MWh) to $45 per MWh by 2035. A stretch goal, that would be less than half the $119.10 per MWh Utahns pay for residential electricity on average.

Beneath FORGE, there’s heat aplenty and a nearby supply of local groundwater that is naturally unsafe for human consumption but perfect for geothermal energy. However, the granite below lacks permeability, so FORGE adopted a controversial oil and gas industry technique to create cracks and fissures in the rock: hydraulic fracturing, aka, “fracking.”

Because fracking practices have triggered earthquakes in the US, it’s valuable for Utah FORGE researchers to study its safety instead of, say, corporate researchers with a financial incentive to find certain results. FORGE has measured some 150,000 seismic events at its site and none that a human being can feel. That’s encouraging.

FORGE has largely “de-risked” enhanced geothermal in the Milford area (that’s DoE jargon for proving the commercial viability of emerging technology). Indeed, it paved the way for Houston, Texas-based Fervo, a geothermal startup, to build an EGS power plant feet away from FORGE. Currently under construction, this plant could generate enough carbon-free electricity to power 2 million homes.

By conducting expensive research without any pressure to generate financial returns, FORGE has laid the (literal) groundwork for a new geothermal industry. Perhaps Utah will become an unexpected hot spot in the clean energy revolution.

“NIGHT DRILLING” PHOTO BY DR. CLAY JONES

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DON’T GET BURNED BY BAD SUN ADVICE

The sun can be good and bad for us—but good luck finding moderate, nuanced health advice in modern America

Somehow, the topic of sun exposure and protection has become a self-reigniting dumpster fire of a debate. Stage one of (re)ignition: an Instagram influencer with 67,000 followers posts something like, “MAINSTREAM MEDIA FINALLY ADMITS SUNSCREEN IS TOXIC.” Another with 203,000 followers recommends sungazing— staring directly at the sun—because it "… activates your dormant DNA and your pineal gland, aka your third eye.”

Stage two: journalists write stories lamenting this “misinformation” and try to overcorrect with Manichean admonitions about how bad sun exposure is. People who already accept mainstream opinions on sun protection read this, mostly for the pleasure of feeling superior to anti-science sheeple. No one’s views change.

Rather than pour gasoline in the dumpster, let’s try something different. Sun exposure is bad for us and good for us. Too much exposure can cause skin cancer and accelerate aging, and Utah has the highest rates of melanoma skin cancer in the country. Lack of sunlight is associated with some bad health outcomes, though we don’t know why yet. This take probably satisfies no one. Why?

“Like most things in life, the middle ground is probably the right answer,” says Dr. Luke Johnson, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Utah School of Medicine and host of the Dermasphere podcast. “And that’s tough for human brains because it's a lot easier to come up with an extreme or absolute position, because then you can stick with it easily and don't have to worry about nuances or gray areas. But in the real world, that's usually not how things work, especially when it comes to people's health.”

In that spirit, let’s challenge our brains. In July 2020, a group of 15 researchers published an article titled “Insufficient Sun Exposure Has Become a Real Public Health Problem.” They warned that it “…may be responsible for 340,000 deaths in the United States and 480,000 deaths in Europe per year, and an increased incidence of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hypertension,

cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, asthma, type 1 diabetes and myopia.”

The authors note that supplementation with vitamin D has not been found to prevent any of those conditions. Thus, vitamin D is probably a proxy for how much sunlight a person gets rather than a benefit of sun exposure. They’re not sure how, exactly, sunlight protects against ill health.

So…the more sun exposure the better? Not quite.

“To minimize the harms of excessive sun exposure,” write the researchers, we should get five to 30 minutes per day of “unprotected exposure” with our eyes closed or safely behind sunglasses. By that standard, the average hike, bike ride, or tour on the Wasatch Back violates that recommendation unless the hiker, rider, or skier is wearing sunscreen or UPF clothing.

Then again, “A lot of these studies have confounders, so different reasons why they could be true,” Dr. Johnson argues. For instance, a fit Utahn who recreates outside regularly gets more sunlight and has a lower risk of mortality compared to average, but not necessarily because of sun exposure. Conversely, someone who is sick and stays home for months won’t get much sun and will have increased risk of mortality for reasons having little to do with the sun.

In that case, how does a dermatologist balance the benefits and risks of sun exposure in his own life?

“I put some screen on my face every morning, whether I'm going to go outside or not, SPF 30 or higher, and if I'm going to be outside, I reapply it every hour and a half to two hours. I do this with my kids as well,” Dr. Johnson says. If you plan to be outside for less than 15 minutes, he says, sunscreen is optional.

As for getting the benefits of sunlight, “I think the reasonable approach, based on current research, is it's healthy for people to be outside and letting sunlight hit their eyeballs and hit their skin, but in a safe way,” Johnson says. Safe meaning don’t stare at the sun or burn your skin to a red crisp.

There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Chemical-based sunscreen can get absorbed into the bloodstream. “We don't know that they do anything bad if they're in your blood,” notes Dr. Johnson. Still, out of an abundance of caution, he recommends that children use mineral-based sunscreen in which the active ingredient is zinc, titanium, or iron oxide. He puts mineral-based sunscreen on his children every morning. Mineral-based sunscreens can be white and chalky looking, which may deter adolescents who worry about looking dorky (too bad, rizzly bear!). Dr. Johnson tends to use a stickbased sunscreen from All Good and other mineral-based options from Neutrogena. Does this extinguish the dumpster fire of a debate? Oh, definitely not. The point is to take extreme health advice with healthy skepticism and a willingness to learn. Because when we don’t, we get burned.

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER WITH A BOILER & FURNACE TUNE-UP

By Aimee L. Cook

As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, homeowners and property managers alike begin to feel the crisp anticipation of winter. But before you cozy up with a hot cocoa and a good book, it’s essential to ensure that your home’s heating systems are in prime condition. This means addressing both your boiler and furnace to guarantee warmth and efficiency throughout the cold months.

THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ANNUAL BOILER TUNE-UP

Have you had your boiler checked this year? If not, you’re not alone. Many homeowners overlook this critical annual maintenance task. Manufacturers consistently recommend annual boiler tune-ups to prevent unexpected breakdowns and to ensure your heating system operates at peak performance. For those with a snowmelt system, these checks are even more crucial. A well-tuned boiler not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps in reducing energy consumption, saving both money and the environment.

During a tune-up, technicians will inspect the system for leaks, test efficiency, and clean components such as burners and heat exchangers. This

proactive approach can extend the life of your boiler and minimize the risk of costly repairs down the line.

DON’T FORGET THE FURNACE

Boilers aren’t the only heating systems that require attention. Furnaces also need their annual cleaning and tuning. A neglected furnace can become less efficient over time, potentially leading to higher utility bills and the risk of malfunction during a critical cold spell.

Regular furnace maintenance involves cleaning the ducts, checking for leaks or blockages, and ensuring all parts function correctly. This keeps your system running smoothly and improves indoor air quality—a vital consideration for household health during the winter when windows are typically closed.

THE BENEFITS OF

PROFESSIONAL

MAINTENANCE

While handy homeowners can perform some tasks, professional

maintenance is recommended for both boilers and furnaces. Our technicians have the expertise to spot potential issues that might not be immediately visible to the untrained eye. By relying on professionals, you’ll ensure that your systems are ready to tackle the winter, providing peace of mind along with comfort.

Don’t wait until the first snow falls to think about your heating systems. Schedule your boiler and furnace tuneups today, and stay cozy and worryfree through the cold season. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking comfort or a property manager responsible for tenants, timely maintenance is key to a stress-free winter experience.

Remember, a little preparation now can prevent discomfort and expense later. Make the call to us today for your annual maintenance check—and enjoy the warmth and efficiency of a wellmaintained home this winter.

© Best Version Media

BY SANDY GELDHOF • PHOTO BY LEXIE LARSON - TAKE

Deck the Halls Delivers the Holiday Spirit

Park City local Christie Dilloway rings in the season with customized Christmas cheer

As Park City begins to reveal its holiday attire, from simply lit front porches draped in garlands to elaborate installations of Christmas trees, lights and window displays local resident Christie Dilloway is the one to go to for helping ring in the season in style. For 26 years, Christie has been infusing private homes, rental properties, and businesses large and small in the community with holiday cheer through her company, Deck the Halls.

From setting up a simple six-foot tree in a rental property to multiday installations creating an entire winter wonderland in million-dollar homes, Christie welcomes nearly any job, big or small, and does it all with her natural flair for creativity.

Originally from Connecticut and a Park City resident of 35 years, Christie’s résumé is long and varied, with a storied career within the hospitality sector, from destination and property management to many marketing and event production roles within the community, including the Egyptian Theatre, Park City Jazz Festival, and corporate events, including five different Olympic Games. She also is currently a music consultant and Fresh Tracks producer at KPCW, Park City’s local radio station.

In 1998, her entrepreneurial spirit was further inspired during a travel position that landed her in Orlando, where she noticed Christmas decorations being installed at her hotel. She recognized the need in Park City, where she could fill a gap during her slower travel season by offering holiday decorating services to the community, whose largest visitor rush happens during the holidays. “I reached out to a property management company I worked with that supported that idea and within days had my first seven clients, which I thought was great,” she says. “It reinforced the idea that this was something I could do, that people needed and wanted, especially for visitors coming for the holidays that wanted to have the feel of Christmas during their stay.”

Those seven clients have evolved into a full calendar across more than 80 each year and include Park City residents, tourists staying at hotels and Airbnbs, and some of Park City’s largest resort hotels, which include the Canyons’ Grand Summit Hotel and the Waldorf, and Deer Valley’s Goldener Hirsch Restaurant and The Chateaux at Silver Lake, among many others.

Christie’s services include everything from tree procurement and trimming to mantel displays, railing treatments, table décor, and front door and porch creations. Customization, she emphasizes, is her specialty. “Clients can send me their vision and inspiration boards, which I love because it gives me the opportunity for creativity. With enough notice, I can come up with what works with that concept.”

Christie procures her live trees from Park City Gardens, and all her décor comes from personal shopping in order to ensure quality and authenticity. She also removes all her installations following the holidays. She has a small staff that assists her with her larger installations, and her tallest trees exceed 18 feet. Attentive to the environment, she recycles her live trees through Park City’s community tree-disposal program.

When asked about some of her biggest challenges, Christie says it’s maintaining her schedule when she has multiple jobs in a day, and handling things that happen that are out of her control, like snowstorms, car accidents, or incorrect entry codes. “And

“I love being able to create magic and meaningful intentional space for gathering, entertaining, and sharing those personal special moments.”

getting a 20-foot tree through a lobby door!” she laughs. “You have to be a problem solver and know your way around.”

Clients can request any of her services through her website, and she doesn’t shrink back from last-minute orders. “It’s a wait-and-see game when it comes to taking last-minute orders. It will depend on the scope of other jobs, when can I get into a property, the unknown factors that we’re always dealing with. We try to be accommodating. I love that last-minute request from someone who calls in a panic because at that point, I might have a better handle on what’s already gotten done, and where are the gaps and what else can I do?”

An owner who lives near the Canyons, Peggy Schmidt, is a fan. “Christie and Deck the Halls provide Christmas decorations with a Martha Stewart touch,” she says. “The tree, wreath, table centerpiece, swags, poinsettias, and other touches were just fantastic. Her ‘eye’ is unerring — she knows how to create a holiday Hallmark scene.”

While Christie admits meeting the needs of more than 80 clients in six weeks can be daunting, she says her inspiration lies in the true spirit of the holidays. “I love being able to create magic and meaningful intentional space for gathering, entertaining, and sharing those personal special moments.”

CHRISTIAN CENTER OF PARK CITY DECEMBER UPDATES © Best Version Media

As the holiday season approaches, the Christian Center of Park City (CCPC) gears up for its annual Operation Hope event on December 11th and 14th . A heartwarming initiative aimed at bringing joy and hope to families in Summit and Wasatch counties. This cherished tradition, held every December, transforms the lives of many by ensuring that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.

Operation Hope is a testament to the power of community. Each year, generous donations of toys, gift cards, and volunteer hours pour in from residents and businesses. These contributions are crucial in making the event a success. In 2023, the event served over 1,800 children, thanks to the dedication of nearly 500 volunteers who collectively contributed over 1,200 hours of their time.

The event is more than just a toy drive; it’s a celebration of community spirit and generosity. Families in need are invited to register for the event, where they receive not only toys but also essential items like winter coats and food bags. The joy on the faces of children as they receive their gifts is a powerful reminder of the impact of community generosity.

The success of Operation Hope relies heavily on community involvement. There are numerous ways to contribute, whether through financial donations, donating toys, or volunteering time. CCPC welcomes all forms of support to ensure that every family can enjoy a festive holiday season.

Operation Hope is a shining example of how a community can come together to support its members. It embodies the true spirit of the holiday season—giving, sharing, and spreading joy. For more information on Operation Hope, how to get involved or to donate, visit the Christian Center of Park City’s website – ccofpc.org.

There is a lot more going on at CCPC. To keep up on the latest happenings, you can follow our social media here: facebook.com/ChristianCenterofParkCity or our website here: ccofpc.org

(435) 649-2260

© Best Version Media

BY MICHELLE DEININGER

FOR NEURODIVERSE ADULTS, BRIDGE 21 OFFERS PATH TO HOME, COMMUNITY AND INDEPENDENCE

In a career spanning 25 years in occupational therapy work, much of that with children in schools, Stephanie Polukoff saw firsthand that society’s safety net for those with extra needs has its limits. Once a child turned 18, there was virtually nothing in place to meet those needs.

“There’s a cliff where the services just stop,” Polukoff explained. “Parents go ‘whoa, what do we do now?’ I started questioning my own skills as a therapist, questioning, am I doing enough for them with where they’re going?”

As a longtime advocate for the neurodiverse community, Polukoff put those thoughts into action. She helped found Park City’s Bridge 21 in 2020 and served on its first board, then took the helm as executive director in July 2024.

The non-profit formed with the goal of creating neuroinclusive housing - places for neurodiverse people over 21 years old to live and receive needed levels of care and support while being integrated into the surrounding community.

It’s a housing model that recognizes the “isolation crisis” that the population too often faces - but it’s no small task, especially in a resort town where real estate seems worth its weight in gold. Bridge 21 is building out its first community home, a four-bedroom house in Silver Creek Village expected to be ready early in the new year.

That house will be designed for full-time residents with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities. The application process for residency starts soon and information about that can be found at bridge21parkcity.org. When complete, that house will serve either allmale or all-female residents depending on applications. The first home will serve those who don’t need full-time care, but a Bridge 21 program coordinator will always be accessible. The coordinator’s salary will be funded through residents’ rent.

That will keep the volunteers plenty busy for the foreseeable future, but Bridge 21 is also planning longer-term, and scouting a location for second and third homes.

With both the first home and future projects, Polukoff said the goal is building pocket communities, so residents can live near navigable public transportation lines that help them get to volunteering or parttime jobs, and connect with their neighborhood. It’s a concept that Polukoff said seems to be unique in the United States, where traditional housing models have isolated those with cognitive disabilities. In pocket communities, she said, there’s natural support built in as “people get to know neighbors. We’ll help each other.”

The term neurodiverse is an umbrella; it includes a spectrum of cognitive and intellectual disabilities including autism, developmental delays, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other congenital and chromosomal differences that affect learning.

“It’s important to use the medical term,” Polukoff said. “People need to understand the gravity. [Also] someone born with this…they’re going to live a whole life, and they deserve the same opportunity to live independently as anyone.”

She said there are an estimated 3,000 neurodiverse people living in Summit County––an educated guess based on statistics from the Centers for Disease Control. There’s a general public perception that the neurodiverse population is growing, she said, but that isn’t necessarily correct. Rather, more refined diagnoses are identifying the population more accurately.

In addition, public health and policy advances, like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975, have increased much-needed awareness along with opportunities for people to live fuller lives. That law guaranteed education to all children with disabilities.

And this era is seeing still more advancements toward inclusion with a grassroots effort to assimilate neurodiverse people into workplaces.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy launched whatcanyoudo.org to campaign for disability employment. While workplace inclusion may have started with the goal of increasing opportunities, a growing body of research is making ever stronger arguments for the economic benefits to employers of expanding workforces’ inclusivity.

In September The White House shared a proclamation honoring National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It said in part:

“America’s economy is stronger when every American has an opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we honor the incredible contributions of disabled Americans to our country and economy.”

Polukoff is happy to debunk myths regarding a population she’s passionate about caring for. She hopes the entire community understands that because neurodiverse people are delayed by virtue of their diagnoses, they can’t be totally independent, but they’re always learning and developing.

“The misconception is that they’re fully developed by the time they’re 21,” she said. “We just don’t think about it, but we’re all still learning. They’re just still learning basic living skills. It might take them longer to learn a skill, but it doesn’t mean they can’t learn that skill.”

Bridge 21 is also building a community of volunteers to help with various aspects of its mission. Polukoff and her colleagues would love to hear from anyone who wants to lend a hand and help build the community.

© Best Version Media

BY SANDY GELDHOF PHOTOS BY KELLI KLUNDER, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT AND LEXIE LARSON

LOCAL NONPROFIT SPREADS THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

Clark’s Christmas delivers holiday cheer to Summit County families

With the holidays quickly approaching, excitement and anticipation is in the air, and true to its mission, a local nonprofit has been helping make the Christmas dreams of area residents come true.

Kelli Klunder, a Park City resident and VP of Operations for a Utah-based medtech company, had long been a volunteer for other state nonprofits providing help for families during the holidays, and recognized a need in Summit County for local families struggling to provide gifts for their families. And, so, in 2023, with a mission to serve and give back to the community, she created Clark’s Christmas Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, and a new Park City tradition was born. “For a few years, I was sponsoring children for Christmas in Utah County and in St. George, but I wanted to support the children in my community and spread the magic of Christmas,” she says.

Klunder says that her charity is different from Operation Hope sponsored by the Christian Center, another local holiday gifting program, in that community members can provide specific items for children from their wish list and that the foundation relies heavily on the public for donations, or to sponsor a child through their Gift of Giving program. In its first year, the program sponsored 85 local children and provided more than 660 gifts, including books, clothing, and toys. “We had great success our first year and hope to be able to support more families each year moving forward.”

Out of the gate, Klunder was able to engage the business community, securing partnerships and collaboration with many area retailers, including Kodiak Cakes, Ritual Chocolate, Hearth and Hill restaurant, and Hill’s Kitchen, who all provided goods and services — some of which included donating part of their proceeds toward the program, as well as hosting targeted promotions and fundraising initiatives throughout the year to support the foundation’s mission.

In July, Clark’s Christmas held an

opportunity-drawing fundraiser, raising more than $2,000 from donations provided by over a dozen local businesses, including Deer Valley, Backcountry, and Riverhorse on Main, among many others. In addition, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Target, and Costco donated money and gift cards to be used in their stores to purchase gifts for the children.

A new community partnership includes Prime IV Hydration and Wellness, who will be donating a portion of proceeds from their Black Friday November packages, as well as hosting a giving tree in their store in Kimball Junction, where customers can select a child’s gift request to fulfill. “We have been very fortunate to have great companies who support our mission and the local community,” Klunder says. Growing community awareness and its fundraising efforts, Clark’s Christmas also promotes its mission during the annual Live PC Give PC fundraising event in November.

Families who are interested in being selected for the program can apply through the organization’s website. Once they’re notified of their acceptance, they will complete a form detailing their child’s age, favorite color, clothing needs, and specific gifts they would like. Klunder then chooses items specific to a request, and a team of volunteers made up of friends and family helps shop, wrap, and deliver gifts directly to the families if they are not able to pick up their gifts. Klunder says the nonprofit usually spends between $150 to $200 per child and provides 8–10 items. While adults are not eligible for the Gift of Giving program, Clark’s Christmas helps provide a holiday breakfast for the family through a partnership with local business Kodiak Cakes.

“One of my favorite memories from last Christmas was handing a bag of presents to a little boy named Anthony and his older sister. Anthony’s face lit up with pure excitement when he saw his bag of gifts, and he looked at his sister as if to say, ‘Are these really all for me?’ His sister was

“We strive to create a world where every child feels valued and loved, and where the magic of the season is accessible to all.”

giggling with joy, not just about her own presents, but seeing her little brother so happy. Moments like this are exactly why I started Clark’s Christmas Foundation — to spread the magic of Christmas. Giving back to the community and witnessing the joy on these children’s faces is what makes it all so special,” Klunder says.

One of the families who participated in 2023 expresses how special the program is. “My husband had lost his job, so there were fewer resources. When [our kids] opened their gifts and saw what they had requested, it was fabulous. Everything new, everything beautiful. My three daughters were happy.” Says another family, “Thanks to Clark’s Christmas Foundation, my family was able to have a great Christmas.”

Klunder shares her passion behind her project: “Our goal is to make the holiday season a special and memorable time for children who might otherwise go without one, and to empower families by relieving some of the financial burden. We strive to create a world where every child feels valued and loved, and where the magic of the season is accessible to all.”

While the program is focused on families in Summit County, Klunder hopes to expand to Wasatch County in the next few years, with additional funding and partnerships.To participate as a program sponsor and support, you can visit www. clarkschristmas.org for more information.

LOOKING BEYOND VOTES, FETCH CARES RAISES $4,000 FOR LOCAL SHELTERS

PARK CITY, Utah — Fetch Park City, known for its pet boarding services, took a different approach to building donor relationships this year. Instead of requesting votes for ‘Park City’s Best,’ which they have won numerous times, Fetch requested donations for its nonprofit arm, Fetch Cares. They ended up raising $4,000 for Summit County Animal Control and the Heber Valley Animal Shelter. PJ Saylor, co-owner of Fetch, explained the motivation behind the ask:

“We felt uncomfortable asking our clients to vote daily, especially given the challenges shelters are facing. Instead, we decided to ask for donations to help address overcrowded and underfunded shelters.”

The fundraiser also helped Fetch educate the community about the ongoing challenges for shelters, including the many pets abandoned after the pandemic puppy boom.

The response from clients was overwhelming, with donations exceeding expectations. A Fetch Cares volunteer said, “The generosity was incredible. We ended up with more money than we anticipated, which allowed us to support not just the Summit County Shelter but also Heber Valley.”

The funds were used to purchase essential items such as metal water buckets, humane traps, and even medical care through the Nuzzles clinic. “The shelters were thrilled,” Saylor said. “It’s heartwarming to see the community come together to support these animals.”

To donate to our local animal shelters, check out their Amazon wishlists by scanning the QR codes to the right.

By Danielle Miles

You can also find Fetch Cares’ Live PC Give PC link here.

Heber Valley Animal Shelter Wishlist:

Summit County Animal Control Wishlist:

BERNADETTE MARCHESANI BRINGS ALL THE FEELS TO NUZZLES AND COMPANY ADOPTION CENTER

When it comes to her love of caring for animals, driving 120 miles roundtrip to her job is nothing to Bernadette Marchesani. As manager of Nuzzles and Company’s Adoption Center at Junction Commons in Park City, Bernadette has been making the commute from her home in Eagle Mountain, west of Salt Lake City, for more than ten years. “I’ve been through a lot of tires and cars through the years,” she jokes.

A mom with four daughters, Bernadette was raised in Utah, and her love of animals has been a focus for her as long as she can remember. Bernadette previously volunteered with the Utah Animal Adoption Center in the valley before she followed a past Nuzzles director for a new staff position with the Summit County nonprofit. With her new position, Bernadette found her true calling. “I’ve always loved animals, but not to the extent of what I do now,” she explains. “When you work in rescue, you get to see how much good you can actually do.”

Bernadette explains that her dedication comes directly from the animals in her care. “Seeing their faces every morning, that’s my favorite thing,” she says. “You get to know the animals so well that when you come into

Providing the very best in kennel-free dog services on 50 acres, minutes from downtown Park City!

“When you work in rescue, you get to see how much good you can actually do.”

work, they get excited to actually see you. That’s what makes my day. You come across a super shy dog that doesn’t respond to anybody, but then you say their name, and suddenly it’s wagging its tail and its eyes light up and it’s like, ‘Ahhh. There’s nothing like it.’”

Most of the animals that come into the adoption program are cats and dogs pulled from local shelters and from the organization’s regular missions to the Ute and Navajo Nation reservations, located in Duchesne and Arizona, which Nuzzles has been involved with for years. Bernadette has seen an encouraging difference in the situation on the reservations, with a growing number of rescue groups becoming involved in spay and

CARE MEETS PURPOSE

FETCH

neutering efforts, taking in adoptable animals and generally fulfilling a need to help the reservation communities. “Times have changed a lot, so now we primarily do spay and neuter clinics. On the last trip a few weeks ago, we spayed and neutered over 200 animals, so we have to be making some kind of difference. There’s not a need as much anymore because there’s so many rescues down there offering assistance,” she says of the positive shift.

Bernadette says most animals at the AC find their forever homes within a week, which is a source of joy for staff and volunteers. And, when it comes to “letting go” of the animals once they find an adopter, Bernadette says it has gotten easier over the years. “You learn how to regulate your emotions over the years. It used to be a lot harder,” she says. “I’ve had to learn how to let go a little bit more. I know what we’re doing is so good that it just makes everything so much easier. By letting go, we can save more.”

Arin Meade, Director of Operations at Nuzzles, has worked with Bernadette for eight years, and praises her commitment to their organization. “Bern is passionate about all animals, advocating for animal welfare and making sure that every animal we take in is happy and healthy before finding their forever home. She takes the time to talk to adopters to make sure that each pet is going to their perfect home. She is a mama bear to all of the Nuzzles team, as well as her four beautiful daughters!”

Of the needs that the local community can help provide, Bernadette said there are many ways the public can help, including financial donations, and supplies like food, litter, blankets, and cleaning supplies. But primarily, the organization can always use more volunteers to help care for the animals, and they welcome participation by the public, she adds. “We want the community to feel that they’re welcome and that they can come do whatever they want, whenever they want. They don’t need to have a set schedule. Having volunteers makes the place — it helps. Walking a dog or taking a dog for a hike; we could always use more. It’s never enough.”

Bernadette extends her message to the community in other ways they can help, as well as mentioning the assistance Nuzzles and Company can provide to the public. “Spaying and neutering, adopt don’t shop, and help to spread the word about all the ways we can help. With the current economy, we know people are struggling, and when it comes to their pets, we are here. If someone calls and they can’t afford food, they can call the ranch. Our community clinic can help with reduced spay and neuter fees, and we have other programs to help people who need it.”

The Adoption Center is located at the outlet stores in Park City and is open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday. More information and adoptable animals are available on the website at www.nuzzlesandco.org.

SAVING LIVES WITH SUGAR FACE FOUNDATION THE STORY OF AT-RISK DOGS

When Laura Francese, founder of Sugar Face Foundation in Park City, sees animals in a shelter, she leans on intuition to know which ones are in serious trouble — needlessly endangered due to forces they could not control. Pets that once filled a home with energy that only a wily pup or an affectionate cat could bring may have run out of chances. Those who have animals in their lives know they’re emotive, empathetic, and intelligent. They need a chance. They need love.

They also need a voice. With so many dogs kenneled in shelters for one reason or another, Laura knows she has her work cut out for her.

According to Best Friends Foundation, a Kanabbased rescue with multistate sanctuaries, tens of thousands of dogs are brought to shelters in Utah each year, and only about 87% of them are adopted. While many counties are designated as “no-kill,” there are still several that euthanize abandoned or struggling pets.

TO SAVE LIVES

Wanting to make a difference, Laura launched her 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation by adopting Weimaraners. “They make adorable puppies. As they grow, owners don’t know how to train them, or they can’t afford or don’t have time for appropriate training. So, they end up getting dumped or taken to shelters.”

By “dumped,” Laura conveys, there are cases where disoriented dogs (of all breeds) are found wandering nearby mountains or forests and random neighborhoods, literally left behind to fend for themselves. In Utah, abandoning an animal in this way ranges from a Class A to a Class C misdemeanor, situation depending, and can land the offender in jail for up to 364 days. But it can be difficult or impossible to enforce, meaning that owner accountability is limited even when the owner can be found.

rates were temporarily encouraging, it tells a story of how animal care arrived second place to nearly everything else.

Some of the dogs being dumped deal with hunger and injuries, even psychological trauma. The combination of neglect and abandonment exacts a heavy toll on these dogs for the rest of their lives, which for some will be in a shelter.

Imagine, once having human companionship and care, then left out in the cold, dark woods? It is a sad reality, and the only reasonable response is to shelter them until a good home or a foster family can be found. Laura laments, “It’s the unfortunate truth that people don’t want to hear.”

ADOPTION AND ABANDONMENT

“During covid, a lot of shelters were emptied (as adoption rates jumped),” she says, “but people started going back to work and took animals back to shelters.” While the adoption

We collectively have social responsibility to manage the nation’s abundance of dogs and other animals. Laura had recognized from a young age that adopting a homeless dog over shopping from a breeder made more sense from a humanitarian standpoint. It’s a moral waypoint that could reduce the number of suffering and struggling homeless pets.

Powered by local donations and her own lifeforce making a difference for each high-risk dog, she fills corners of her home with canine cancer patients, injured rescues, and yet others needing behavioral rehabilitation. Sometimes it is not enough.

HOPE

Laura describes the physical anguish of utter loss when animals die despite providing the best possible care. In the beginning, she didn’t

© Best Version Media

think she could continue the work. She wept through grief, which never quelled; however, she continued her mission. She described it as “a shift,” when she could still be a beacon of hope through the anguish.

Simply because a dog has a tough case doesn’t mean it needs to be left behind or put down. She takes them on because, often, the effort outweighs what others can or will lift. Whether they need to be spayed or neutered, put in hospice care, or rescued from the euthanasia queue, Laura intervenes. “We’ve been able to help roughly 150 dogs,” she says. She established a foster network and connected with clinical specialists, including veterinarians, trainers, and other rescues. For example, a Sugar Face volunteer pulled a dog with behavioral issues that was headed for euthanasia. After a trainer worked with that dog, it joined a search-and-rescue unit. Some dogs just need a chance. Laura voices that they need “time to decompress, their basics met, then they can really thrive.”

However, Laura adds, “I can’t grow the foundation, because I don’t have enough volunteers. There’s also the balancing time for ensuring quality animal care.” She also describes caring for her family and meeting their needs. She continues to do it all because these are the parts of her life that matter most.

“There are so many wonderful dogs in shelters. If you can’t adopt, fostering saves lives. There are purebreds at the shelters too!” - Laura Francese

WHAT CAN I DO?

It’s almost a tragic fiction. Life, the kind that brings so much joy and companionship, must be rescued in the aftermath of an unfair deal. Yet, breeders continue to produce litters whose pups must find homes. Not all homes are permanent.

But the dogs are. They are with us. As pet owners, we must consider the long view and ask ourselves, “Can I be with this dog (or cat, or horse) for the next 15 to 20 years?”

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Laura pleads: “There are so many wonderful dogs in shelters. If you can’t adopt, fostering saves lives. There are purebreds at the shelters too!” She is grateful for where the Sugar Face Foundation is today but calls on us to help make a difference. “If there’s a way for people to open their minds, hearts, and homes to dogs that aren’t straight from a breeder, they’ll find out that they’re just as wonderful as one that they’ll pay a premium for!” Not only do we offer mobile service, but we offer a variety of treatments in the comfort of our spa facility. 2080 Gold Dust Lane, Unit B Mobile Services are available in Park City and Heber Valley.

© Best Version Media

URGENT CARE

Veterinary Urgent Care Available On Weekends!

Bark City Veterinary Specialists and Urgent Care offers Urgent Care services on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 8pm and a Veterinary Specialty practice Monday through Thursday. We are an easily accessible, walk in Urgent Care, for when your regular Veterinarian is unavailable. Our Urgent Care treats urinary tract infections, wounds, lacerations, vomiting, diarrhea, ear issues, broken bones, broken toenails, and many more common non-life threatening, but urgent medical concerns. We have x-ray, CT, in house lab, and Quick Scan ultrasound capabilities offering state of the art care for your pet when they need it most.

Meet Nora, a 5-year-old Goldendoodle.

This lovely lady loves puzzles to keep her brilliant mind occupied, as well as running around, and being your constant shadow around the house.

This beautiful dog does well with other dogs and people. She is ready for her forever home, please reach out to Fetch Cares for more information!

435-777-3771

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Alfie. This handsome fella is a 3-year-old neutered German Shepherd mix. Alfie is in need of a foster home or a forever family! About a month ago he was hit by a car that broke one of his rear legs. His previous parents were unable to provide him with the necessary care, that’s when Fetch stepped in and was able to provide him with the care he needed. If possible I would have stuffed this dog in my camera bag and took him home with me. He is a goofy but incredibly smart dog. He will thrive in a home that can work with his mind; he’s super eager to learn. Please reach out to Fetch Cares to learn more about Alfie. 540-383-7522

“Outstanding

- Jamie

“Ed

- Andrew N.