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1310 S Daniels Rd., Heber City, 84032 435-657-0715
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Tom Brazill Elevate Event Bartending | 801-477-4452 tom@elevateeventbartending.com elevateeventbartending.com
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REAL ESTATE EXPERT
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MASSAGE AND WELLNESS EXPERT
Crystal Joy, Mountain Elite Massage 32 South Main Street, Olde Town Square Building, Heber City, 84032 mountainelitemassage.com 435-315-3573
COUNSELING EXPERT
Meadowbrook Counseling 150 North Main Street Suite 201 Heber, UT 84032 office@meadowbrookcounseling.com 801-655-5450
Meet Deb DeKoff— artist, educator, survivor, and storyteller.
Deb graduated high school early, became a licensed cosmetologist, and used those skills to fund her college education. By seventeen, she was photographing weddings, styling hair, and decorating cakes at her "One Stop Wedding Shop."
During this time, she was recognized by Kodak for excellence in black and white imagery.
She went on to earn a MS in education and leadership. A cancer diagnosis led her to advocacy: joining the Huntsman Research Advocacy Committee, founding a breast cancer
support group, and receiving scholarships from Susan G. Komen, SABCS, and Project LEAD. She’s spoken out for research funding and legislative change and continues to give back through the Huntsman.
Today, Deb is a photographer for Neighbors magazines in addition to owning Park City Photographers. Her landscapes are featured in art shows, Park City Hospital, and private collections. Her work has appeared on album covers, websites, Forbes, Disney, and more. She was
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
voted Park City’s Best Visual Artist and Park City's Best Teacher several times.
When she's not behind the camera, Deb inspires middle schoolers through the power of art.
Club Manager at The Chateaux Residences and Operations Manager of Stein Luxury Homes
When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences and delivering top-tier service, Dan Tewksbury plays a pivotal role at the Stein Collection. Since 2019, he has managed 19 residences within the exclusive Stein Eriksen brand. Dan manages operations at the Chateaux Residences, in addition to overseeing nine luxury homes in the Stein Eriksen Residences, ensuring every guest enjoys an extraordinary Park City escape time and again.
“I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Chateaux Residences,” Dan explains. “I lead a team of managers who handle concierge services and bell staff, and behind the scenes, I take care of scheduling, budgeting, and forecasting monthly expenses.”
Originally from Minnesota, Dan moved to Montana for college before making Park City his home in 2009. His career has been defined by dedication, community, and a deep passion for guest service. Dan’s hospitality journey began at Cole Sport ski shop, followed by roles at Promontory Golf Club and Deer Valley’s food and beverage team. In 2014, he joined Stein Eriksen Lodge as a concierge—a role that would profoundly impact both his personal and professional life. It was there that he met Jacqi, who shares his love for hospitality. The two married in 2018.
“When I came to Park City in 2009, I planned to spend just one winter here—but I’m still here,” Dan says with a smile. “Jacqi and I bounce ideas off each other and understand the industry’s demands, so we support each other through it.”
Today, the Chateaux Residences thrives as a premier destination for luxury travelers.
Perfectly located steps from Deer Valley’s iconic Silver Lake Lodge and ski lifts, the property features spacious three- and four-bedroom accommodations and world-class amenities. But what truly sets it apart is the thoughtful care and expertise of people like Dan.
“My customer service experience at Cole Sport really helped me transition into luxury hospitality,” Dan notes.
Whether it’s ensuring a morning espresso is ready after a fresh snowfall or overseeing the smallest details in each residence, Dan approaches his work with a mission to exceed expectations.
“Every day, I assess staffing needs—making sure we have enough team members to handle guest requests like transportation into town,” Dan says. “We also ensure the concierge staff can efficiently answer phones and emails and manage dining and activity reservations. It’s all about keeping things running smoothly.”
On the Luxury Homes side of his role, Dan is available to guests 24/7. He personally meets
them at their home, offers a tour, and assists in coordinating activities during their stay. Before guests arrive, he checks in with homeowners to align on availability and address any maintenance needs.
“I make sure the homes are always guestready so they can be booked as soon as they’re available,” Dan explains. “I also help onboard new properties and manage rental reservations. It can mean long days, but good time management and prioritization keep everything on track.”
Dan’s dedication to providing seamless experiences for both homeowners and guests reflects his love for hospitality and his pride in working for Stein Eriksen.
“Stein really takes care of us,” he shares. “They offer great perks that extend to our families. I met the CEO on my first day—they take the time to know everyone on the team.”
In a place where world-class slopes and stunning mountain views take center stage, it’s the people behind the scenes who truly make the experience memorable. Dan’s leadership and passion exemplify the spirit of hospitality that defines the Stein Collection. Whether welcoming first-time visitors or longtime guests, he creates an atmosphere of warmth, care, and excellence, ensuring that every stay feels like coming home to something extraordinary.
The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is a regional twist on the traditional Old Fashioned. This version uses brandy instead of whiskey as the base spirit. Also the incorporation of muddled fruit (both a cherry and an orange slice) is another major difference. The brandy itself offers a much sweeter and smoother overall profile. The cocktail is then finished with a variety of washes. Either soda water, lemon lime soda, or a sweet and sour mix to create three distinct variations. Sweet (soda like Sprite), sour (sour mix), or Press (a more sophisticated, boozy seltzer option).
Why brandy? Apparently, this was due to the amount of German immigrants in the region, and how easily available brandy was post-World War II. Or, possibly due to the extreme cold conditions in the area, locals were led to creating a drink they could warm their insides with and using the brandy allowed them to down a few more?
Prep time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 ½ oz Brandy
• ½ oz Simple Syrup
• 1 Maraschino Cherry
• 1 Orange Slice
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• ½ oz Soda Water, or Lemon Lime Soda, or Sour Mix
• Optional: Cherry and/or Orange slice for Garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Start by muddling a cherry and an orange slice in the bottom of an old fashioned glass. Add bitters, simple syrup, brandy, and ice then stir for 5-10 seconds. Wash (or top) with one of the listed options. Garnish with another cherry and orange wedge. Sip away…feel the warm embrace.
Did you try it? Tag me on Instagram @elevateeventbartending
In 2024 the Yellow Lake fire, which consumed Mill Hollow in the mountains east of Woodland, also consumed the forest, prompting summer cabin evacuations. Tammy Thacker, managing partner of Heber’s Black Rifle Coffee Company, found out the wildland firefighters were drinking instant coffee and said to her best friend (and business partner) Amy Madsen, “You and I are going to take them coffee and muffins one day.”
“At three o'clock in the morning, I came down here and started making coffee,” Tammy continued. “We took it up to the firefighters at five o’clock in the morning, and they were so excited.” Tammy and Amy have long emphasized supporting first responders, veterans, and law enforcement, well before owning Heber Valley’s Black Rifle Coffee. Black Rifle Coffee was a great business fit for the friendship. Amy and her husband, Andy, already had some experience with the Black Rifle franchise in Louisiana. Together, they considered the impact she and Tammy could make in Heber.
When retiring from law enforcement, Tammy wanted to continue to be a force for good in Heber Valley. “For a couple years we batted around ideas like starting a restaurant. We both love to cook. We thought about opening an Airstream restaurant, based on camping and camp food,” she said.
But with a penchant for supporting veterans, law enforcement, and first responders, the duo landed on Black Rifle’s mission, “Black Rifle stands for more than high-quality coffee. We are a Veteran-founded business operated by principled men and women who honor those who protect, defend, and support our country.”
The Black Rifle website goes on to say, “Founded in 2014 by former U.S. Army Green
Interested in our interior design services?
Have questions or inquiries about what we offer?
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Beret Evan Hafer, Black Rifle Coffee Company was built upon the mission to serve coffee and culture to people who love America.”
Amy, with one son currently serving in the Navy, another returned from the Navy, and yet another in law enforcement, was destined to fulfill the idea. As it turns out, Black Rifle is also a great platform to launch community events supporting local veterans.
Tammy said, “As law enforcement, we did a lot of protecting and serving. But you're more protecting than you are serving.” It’s the nature of the work. She worked in children’s forensic investigations, giving children a voice and reassurance. Even though she found ample opportunity to serve as an officer, especially as a detective, she yearned for more.
It was challenging work but rewarding at the same time. Often, outcomes made her whole career worthwhile. It was built on serving the most vulnerable demographic; a career that embodied service.
“We Do It Because We Care”
Every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Black Rifle hosts Caffeinated Veteran’s. This is not a franchise-wide event, but something that Tammy and her crew have initiated. “We promote it and encourage it. It’s mostly grown through word of mouth,” Tammy said. She specifically indicated that one barista made the recommendation to do a coffee meet-up for local veterans.
Caffeinated Veteran’s coffee beverages are often covered, either by donation or by Black Rifle. The weekly meeting has been wildly successful, and the attending veterans have made new connections while discussing every aspect of their lives and service years, including trauma and victories.
In 2020, Amy wanted to show community support for police officers, firefighters, veterans, and first responders, during the socially challenging time when those institutions were threatened by defunding. She rallied community support and found donors from around Heber Valley, providing gifts and prizes.
Karl Malone hosted it at his dealership and over three-hundred attendees flooded the outdoor sales space.
Amy now hosts this event annually, with her daughter and Tammy also at the helm.
At the coffee shop’s 2023 Grand-Opening celebration they honored local WWII veteran Cal Giles, who passed away almost two years ago, and also raised $5,000 in cash donations. Karl Malone matched it, and they handed a $10,000 check to local veterans support organization, White Heart Foundation.
During the holidays, Amy and Tammy set up a small Christmas tree and provide cards for customers’ children to write a Christmas letter and hang on the tree. Then, each card is sent to soldiers afield, just so they have a note and a gift from people back home.
Tammy and Amy’s version of Black Rifle is visionary, proactive and quite special. They smile and reminisce over the already powerful experiences they’ve had, which have deeply impacted local first responders, veterans, and law enforcement officers. Black Rifle fuels their passionate gratitude.
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THE
Mood
As the owner of Moodyblu Express, I am grateful to share that July was a month of both challenges and triumphs. We experienced a range of busy days, such as Sunday, July 6th, when we handled 13 airport runs in a single day, and Sunday, July 13th, with six airport runs. These days remind us of God's provision and the importance of giving Him praise during successful times. Conversely, we also faced quieter days, like July 21-23, with no airport runs at all. These fluctuations prompt us to seek divine guidance on how to navigate the days that aren't as busy.
One particularly demanding day last week showcased the complexity of our operations. We coordinated a group of over 30 passengers arriving at various times and flights, requiring printed sheets and meticulous organization. The reality hit quickly: one group's flight was mis-scheduled and landed an hour early, while another group faced delays—one by an hour and a half, another arriving 20-30 minutes early. Despite these challenges, our team worked seamlessly to accommodate all changes and ensure every passenger was taken care of, demonstrating our commitment to excellent service.
Business expenses remain high, and we recognize the need to cut costs where possible. We are actively connecting with local chambers of commerce and exploring new advertising avenues. We recently printed new brochures and are
seeking recommendations for locations where we can distribute them. If anyone knows of suitable venues, please contact us at Moodyblu2019@ gmail.com or moodybludispatch@gmail.com.
On a personal note, July was full of meaningful family moments. Our baby Aliyah celebrated her first birthday on June 28th, and we spent the first week of July practicing with our daughters Nataly and Bella at the BYU stadium for the Stadium of Fire performance. Their dedication culminated in an incredible 4th of July performance, closing for Rascal Flatts and featuring other talented IDT dancers. We also celebrated important milestones: Carrie’s birthday on July 8th and Liam’s birthday on July 13th. Our family attended church camp from July 13th to 15th, enriching our spiritual and familial bonds.
In addition, I initiated a new venture called Ride And Worship—a motorcycle ride through scenic spots like Cascade Springs and Guardsman’s Pass, where we pause at lookout points to worship and reflect on the connection between songs and scripture. It’s a passion project that blends my love for riding and faith. Interested individuals can reach out to me at Kyleweston90@gmail.com.
Looking ahead, August is shaping up to be another fruitful month, with the girls’ birthdays and my participation in the Global Leadership Summit at MVF Fellowship. My goal is to absorb leadership insights that will help me
better manage and grow Moodyblu Express.
Overall, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and lessons of July, trusting that God's guidance will continue to steer Moodyblu toward success and purpose.
WEEKDAY EATS & LOCAL TREATS
ROCK MOUNTAIN RESORT
I V E M U S I C
SWEETEN
BY AIMEE L. COOK
Keeping Kids Safe Around Water With Wasatch Aqua Kids
Water safety is life-saving. For parents of young children, ensuring their safety around pools, lakes, and other bodies of water can feel overwhelming. That’s where Wasatch Aqua Kids comes in. Offering Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons, Wasatch Aqua Kids is committed to teaching critical self-rescue techniques to children in Wasatch and Summit Counties. Founded by certified instructor, Jana Cornelis Jones, these life-saving lessons are available to the local community.
"I provide drowning prevention swimming lessons," Jana said. "ISR uses the philosophy, 'the sooner the safer.'"
WHAT IS ISR?
Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) is the world leader in infant and child survival swimming. With nearly 60 years of research and development, the ISR Self-Rescue program teaches children aged
six months to six years survival swimming skills that could save their lives if they find themselves alone in the water. This isn’t your average swim lesson as all lessons are conducted in a one-on-one format. Held 5 days a week, from Monday through Friday, each lesson has a maximum duration of 10 minutes per day. The program typically spans approximately 6 weeks and each child is assigned their own dedicated lesson time every day to ensure a focused and personalized learning experience. Your child will learn to roll onto their back to float, rest, and breathe, and to maintain this position until help arrives.
With drowning remaining the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of four in the United States, ISR aims to prevent these tragedies through training, education, and awareness. To date, ISR has delivered more than 19 million lessons and attributed its teachings to saving over 800 lives.
"We teach the 6-month-olds by using sensory motor skills, it is all about our touch and when to reinforce the behavior we want to see," Jana explained.
THE STORY BEHIND WASATCH AQUA KIDS
Originally from Belgium, Jana and her husband, Clint, settled in Heber City in 2017. After welcoming their daughter, Willa, in 2021, Jana’s focus on water safety grew sharper.
After her father shared a video of a baby performing the swim-float-swim technique, Jana was intrigued. With a family frequently around water, she knew she wanted Willa to learn these life-saving skills. However, after researching, Jana quickly noticed an alarming gap in the number of ISR instructors in the area. The closest instructor was over an hour away. Determined to fill this need and driven by her passion for safety, Jana made a bold career move. She left her job teaching French at Wasatch High School and decided to focus her talents and expertise on becoming a certified ISR instructor. That leap of faith led to the creation of Wasatch Aqua Kids.
"I found an instructor in Orem and was so intrigued by what I saw, after observing a few lessons, I wanted to provide that to
our community," Jana shared. "I looked into getting certified and went through the process to start my own business."
Jana had been a competitive swimmer, a traditional swim lesson instructor, and a lifeguard in Belgium and France. Her ISR certification process included eight weeks of intensive training, totaling over 80 hours of hands-on instruction supervised by experts. She studied child psychology, physiology, and behavioral science to ensure the safest and most effective teaching methods. Jana participates in annual recertifications to maintain the highest standards. Additionally, she’s certified in CPR, AED, and IBCCES Autism Spectrum training, ensuring her instruction is inclusive of all children.
“Swimming can be fun, but first you must know what the dangers are,” Jana said. “It is amazing to see the big differences when you compare week one to week six, the kids feel so confident.”
Whether you live, work or play in the Wasatch Back, KPCW is your only nonprofit source for daily news in Summit and Wasatch counties. “The Local” from KPCW delivers the latest headlines straight to your inbox weekday and Sunday mornings, keeping you informed and connected to your community.Subscribe for free at kpcw.org.
End of an era: Buys family bids farewell to the Wasatch Wave
By Grace Doerfler
After 136 years of delivering weekly headlines to Wasatch County readers, the Wasatch Wave has rolled off the presses for the last time.
Laurie Buys-Wynn, the Wave’s co-publisher and managing editor, is retiring after 50 years in the newsroom and said it’s a bittersweet moment. She says she began working in the newsroom with her grandfather at age seven. Since then she’s done every job at the paper, from accounting and photography to laying lead type.
The Buys family is talking to potential buyers and hope the Wave can continue publishing, perhaps in a digital form.
Meanwhile, the family sold the Wave building to Heber City in July for about $2 million. They will rent back the building for the next year and continue other printing operations.
New Wasatch County School District superintendent wants students to thrive
By Grace Doerfler
As the new superintendent of Wasatch County School District, Garrick Peterson says he wants students to have every opportunity to find their passions.
He said creating a diverse array of opportunities — both inside and outside the classroom — is key to helping students succeed and grow. He says the real success of education isn’t producing good test scores, it’s helping kids launch into life.
Petersen took over as the district’s superintendent in July. He comes to the job with two decades of experience as a teacher and administrator. Over the past six years, Petersen has been the district’s director of academics, working to increase student achievement.
Horse sells for record-breaking $1.7 million at Heber auction
By Sydney Weaver
Crosby Ray Von may be the most expensive roping horse in rodeo.
The 3-year-old blue roan filly recently sold for a record $1.7 million at the Old West Roping Future Sale in Heber. That makes the mare the highest-selling Western performance horse at public auction.
Crosby Ray Von was bred for team roping, a timed rodeo competition event that features two mounted riders who chase and attempt to rope a steer by the horns and back legs.
The Team Roping Journal reports the horse has champion blood. Her father, Stevie Rey Von, is a National Cutting Horse Association Futurity Champion who earned more than $400,000 in his career. Combined, his offspring have earned close to $18 million in prize money.
KPCW relies on local support to keep news and programming strong in Summit and Wasatch counties. Your contribution helps keep our community informed, connected and supported. Give today at kpcw.org.
KPCW’s Summer Pledge Drive kicks off with a FREE community celebration you don’t want to miss:
Back Alley Bash
Friday, August 22 | 5 - 9 PM
Pack a picnic to enjoy the live music and family-friendly activities in Park City’s City Park!
Public radio stations like KPCW keep our community connected through fact-based reporting, local storytelling, and civil discourse. But we can’t do it without your support.
Donate during the Summer Pledge Drive and help keep local radio strong.
Founded in 1995 as a 501c (3) nonprofit organization, Habitat for Humanity of Summit & Wasatch Counties, Utah (“Habitat”) is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization.
Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions – ultimately creating pathways to economic stability.
Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Habitat is the only provider of a unique and needed combination of program services in the rural-agricultural and tourism-based communities along the eastern slopes of the Wasatch Mountains.
ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL
Founded in Americus, Georgia, USA, in 1976, Habitat for Humanity today operates around the globe and has helped more than 9.8 million people obtain a safer place to sleep along with the strength, stability and independence to build better lives.
Insights from Sotheby’s 2025 Mid-Year Luxury Market Outlook
Each year, Sotheby’s International Realty releases a pair of in-depth reports analyzing trends in the high-end real estate market. The Luxury Outlook Report, published at the beginning of the year, is followed by a Mid-Year Luxury & Real Estate Outlook, which offers a data-driven checkpoint on the state of luxury markets around the globe.
This article offers a brief overview of the key insights from the 2025 MidYear Report, along with some thoughts on how these global and national trends could shape the luxury housing landscape here in the Heber Valley and the broader Wasatch Back. If you’re interested in reading the full report, reach out and I’ll be happy to send you a copy.
1.Cash Is Still King
According to the report, 88% of all luxury real estate transactions in the U.S. are now cash deals. This trend reflects growing market sophistication among buyers and a desire to avoid the complications of fluctuating mortgage rates. It also highlights the fact that there are a lot of people out there with a lot of money that are willing to pay for luxury in all market conditions. Locally, we’re seeing a similar pattern— especially in the Park City area and surrounding communities (an above certain price points) where secondhome and relocation buyers often arrive
with liquid funds. For sellers, this means understanding the priorities of cash buyers: fast transactions, clean offers, and homes that deliver immediate lifestyle value.
2.
Lifestyle Is Driving Demand
One of the strongest themes in the report is the continued migration of wealth to locations that offer lifestyle benefits—proximity to nature, recreational amenities, and breathing room.
That’s the Wasatch Back to a tee.
With year-round recreation, access to skiing, clean air, wide open views, and a growing luxury home inventory, our area aligns perfectly with what buyers are seeking today. The report notes that demand in lifestyle markets hasn’t just held steady—it’s grown stronger as remote and hybrid work remain the norm for many affluent professionals.
3.
A Reemerging Luxury Market
Sotheby’s identifies Park City and the surrounding Wasatch Back as a reemerging luxury market. That includes Heber, Midway, and the entire Kamas Valley. As prices in more traditionally dominant markets rise, buyers are increasingly turning their attention to communities like ours where they can still find quality, space, and lifestyle value—without compromising access to recreation and airports.
This kind of market visibility benefits sellers,
but it also raises the bar. Sophisticated buyers expect a curated, professional experience.
4.
Strategy Matters More Than Ever
The report emphasizes that as markets normalize postCOVID, success is increasingly tied to proper pricing, premium marketing, and targeted global exposure.
This is where working with an experienced agent and brokerage becomes essential. If you’re selling in today’s luxury market—especially in a destinationdriven area like ours—you want a team that understands buyer psychology, leverages global networks, and can present your property at its absolute best.
Let’s Talk About Your Strategy
The Mid-Year Luxury Outlook is a helpful reminder that real estate isn’t static—it evolves with economic forces, buyer preferences, and long-term lifestyle shifts. Whether you’re thinking about listing your home, buying into the market, or just want a better understanding of how current trends apply to your specific situation, I’d love to connect. I can also send you a copy of the full Sotheby’s International Realty 2025 Mid-Year Luxury & Real Estate Outlook Report—just reach out.
Here in the Wasatch Back, we’re not just watching luxury trends—we’re part of them.
me to discover how I offer
– where marketing and exposure matters, negotiation and sales skills matter and where networks, affiliations and a
“MOST OF THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH ARE MOMS, WHO, NOT SURPRISINGLY, TYPICALLY TAKE CARE OF EVERYONE IN THEIR FAMILY ALL THE TIME,” SAYS LYNDSEY WELLS, OWNER OF THE DISNEY TRAVEL PLANNING AGENCY, CONCIEARS. “One of the best parts of my job is getting to take away just a little of the stress they carry on their shoulders and make them feel like they are the ones being taken care of for a change.”
Summer was just getting underway when Lyndsey and I met at downtown Heber City’s airy Mountain Wellness Kitchen. As I learned about how she came to specialize in making family vacation dreams come true—a path spanning her Disney-adjacent childhood in Southern California and studying public relations at Brigham Young University to becoming a “mom-fluencer” and her almost accidental dive into travel planning—I couldn’t help thinking how well-suited she is to what she does.
There’s, of course, the official accolades. ConciEARS is an Earmarked Disney travel agency, meaning it’s achieved top-tier recognition for meeting Disney’s high customer service standards. But above and beyond the formal kudos, Lyndsey’s success is rooted in a keen eye for detail, an authentic passion for all things Disney, and an unwavering drive to give families the best vacation they’ve ever had.
DISNEY IN HER DNA
Lyndsey was born at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, a hospital located next door to Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. She visited Disneyland throughout her childhood, including regularly performing with her high school marching band on the park’s Main Street U.S.A.
After high school, she moved to Utah to study public relations at Brigham Young University. “I was attracted to PR because it taps into things I love to do, like writing, paying attention to the details, and bringing people together,” she says. There she met and began dating fellow PR student, Brandon Wells, who grew up in Sandy, Utah.
Lyndsey and Brandon dated throughout college, but then after graduation she moved to New York City to work for a PR firm while he found work on the West Coast. Soon after, they both relocated to Los Angeles to get married and work for different PR agencies. After Brandon returned to BYU to earn his MBA, he landed a position working for Microsoft at the company’s Redmond, Washington headquarters. The Wells jumped at the opportunity and moved to Sammamish, Washington where Brandon settled into his new job and the couple began building a family.
CREATING A COMMUNITY OF MOMS
“When our first boy, Jack, was born in 2010, and then our second, Hudson in 2013, I continued doing freelance PR work from home,” Lyndsey says. But when their third, Luke, arrived in 2017, Lyndsey decided to take some time off to focus on her kiddos exclusively. “But I got bored pretty fast,” she says. And so, leaning into her PR background and tapping into her day-to-day life, Lyndsey created boymomsunite.com (on Instagram @boymoms_unite), a blog dedicated to parenting boys. “I used to consider myself much more of a ‘girl’ person, but I just love being a boy mom and wanted to talk to other boy moms about their experience.” The blog was well received and so Lyndsey launched Seattle Bloggers Unite, a blogger meetup group where she connected bloggers and companies looking for exposure for their products.
At the same time Lyndsey was building community through blogging, she was also sharing Disney with her growing kids every time she took her family to visit her parents in Southern California. Soon her friends began asking for tips for taking their own families to the Magic Kingdom. “So, I wrote a Disney guide that included things like how to navigate each ‘land’ within the park, the best rides/attractions for boys and our favorite places to eat,” she says. Lyndsey eventually offered her Disney guide for a small fee on her blog as well. “I really thought that would be the extent of my Disney planning services,” she says.
EXPERIENCING THE MAGIC IN A NEW WAY
In 2017, Brandon was invited to attend a work-related conference that included lodging at the Disneyland Hotel, an official Disney property located steps
from the Downtown Disney District. “I had never stayed at a Disney property before. Whenever we took the kids before then, we’d always stay with my parents,” she says, “and so, of course, we all wanted to go.” Needless to say, after that trip Lyndsey was hooked. “Nothing compares to being immersed in the Disney magic 24/7. The staff [or cast members, as they are officially referred to] were so nice. They constantly went above and beyond to make our stay special, like giving my kids signed photos of Mickey.”
The following year, while considering their next Disney family vacation, Lyndsey took a deeper dive into planning and started listening to The Sweep Spot, a podcast about Disney history and trivia hosted by two former Disney cast members. “While I was listening to an episode, I heard an ad for a Disney travel planning agency called ConciEARS,” she says.
She called the ad’s contact number and was connected to ConciEARS founder Michael Renfrow. What was supposed to be a quick, 15-minute chat turned into a hourlong conversation ending with Michael offering her a job as a planner. “When I told him I had zero travel agent experience, he said, ‘I can teach everything you’ll need to know about travel planning, but I what I can’t teach is the passion you have for Disney.’”
A NEW CAREER PATH AND NEW HOME
At first, Lyndsey’s job with ConciEARS was “very low key,” she says. “It started as a side gig that I worked on around everything else
going on in my life.” But, dipping into her deep well of Disney intel, Lyndsey’s client roster grew steadily. Then came 2020. The global pandemic shuttered Disneyland for over a year and Disney World for four months. Travel ground to a halt, and along with it travel planning. But then just as quickly as the phones stopped ringing when the pandemic began, thanks to “revenge travel,” in 2021 Lyndsey became busier than ever.
By this time Brandon had been promoted to director of product marketing for Xbox Game Studios, a job that went remote during the pandemic. Considering they both could do their jobs from anywhere, Lyndsey and Brandon decided to move closer to family in Utah. “When we were choosing where to live, Heber City immediately stood out,” Brandon says. “We've found the culture here warm, active, and family-centered in a way larger cities simply can’t match.” Lyndsey echoes his sentiments. “I love the outdoorsy vibe, the strong sense of community, and the wide open spaces for my boys to roam.”
TAKING THE BATON
Lyndsey’s role with ConciEARS began to expand when Michael decided to take a sabbatical from the company in 2022. When he returned the following year, he asked Lyndsey to become his business partner, proposing that she direct ConciEARS’ dayto-day operations while he transitioned to CFO. “I jumped at the opportunity to be able to work on improving ConciEARS for our
“One of the best parts of my job is getting to take away just a little of the stress moms carry on their shoulders and make them feel like they are the ones being taken care of for a change.” – Lyndsey Wells
clients while Michael handled the part of the business that’s not as fun for me,” Lyndsey says.
Last year, upon Michael’s retirement, Lyndsey took over as sole owner of ConciEARS. Her company now employs 25 planners across the country who book travel to Disneyland (California), Disney World (Florida), Disney Cruise Line, Aulani Resort (Hawaii), Adventures by Disney, Disneyland Paris and small group travel to places like Paris and Vietnam. “While some Disney planning agencies have hundreds of planners on staff, I really like our size,” Lyndsey says. “It allows us to create relationships with our clients, giving them a more personalized, boutiquelike experience.”
WHY YOU SHOULD USE A DISNEY PLANNER
All of ConciEARS’ planning services—from booking airport transfers and hotel reservations to pointing out the park’s best churro stand and the best spots to watch Disneyland’s twice-daily parades, and much more— are offered free of charge. “Disney pays us directly based on trips we book and so our clients receive the same prices they see listed on the Disney Vacations website,” Lyndsey says.
Also, Disney’s many rules, release dates and offers are ever-changing. The Fast Pass, for example, is now the Lighting Lane. Another is that Disneyland maintains the pandemic-era requirement of booking reservations as well as a ticket. And if you don’t book dinner reservations on the day they are released, you’ll likely not get one. “Someone could spend hours getting up to speed on all the changes and rules,” Lyndsey says, “or they can let a ConciEARS planner navigate all of that for them.”
Using a planner also provides peace of mind if the unexpected happens. “If a family I work with has an emergency while on their trip, and they need to leave suddenly, I take care of all the cancellations and/or rescheduling for them,” Lyndsey says.
GETTING TO THE BEST DAYS EVER
Whenever someone reaches out to ConciEARS, getting to know them and the group they are traveling with is the first step in the planning process. “We help people prioritize what they want out of their trip and then customize a plan and an itinerary around that,” Lyndsey says. “We then spend time getting to know them so we can make sure the things that are important happen and they have fun.”
Once a client books, they are sent a series of mini planning guides— highlighting topics like ‘what to pack’—once a month leading up to their vacation. And then, around 30 days from their departure, the client will receive a customized itinerary with confirmation numbers for all their hotel, flight, ground transportation, dinner, etc., reservations. These itineraries also include the lowdown on things like making the most of a Park Hopper pass, ConciEARS’ recommended ride order and details about special events, like Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration, going on all this year at the California theme parks.
“It makes me really unhappy when I hear about families who spend all this money to go to Disney without a plan,” Lyndsey says. “And then they come back and complain about the lines, how hot it was, their kids’ ‘Disney tantrums,’ etc. and say they’ll never do that again. To me, the Disney magic should begin as soon as you decide to take the trip. And hiring a planner is not just for those going to Disney for the first time. I work with many people who visit Disney every year and they work with us every time not only for our expertise, but for how easy and streamlined we make the planning process.”
LYNDSEY’S BIG-THREE DISNEY PLANNING TIPS
The following are three ways to sprinkle a little fairy dust on your next trip to the Magic Kingdom.
▶ Make dinner reservations ASAP. Disneyland dinner reservations open 60 days in advance at 6 a.m. PST and are often booked out within minutes of opening.
▶ Consider going in January or February (outside of President’s Day Weekend). “The parks are not very crowded then and the weather is usually not too hot nor too cold,” Lyndsey says. “But this is also a time when Disney often performs ride refurbishments and so some rides and/or attractions may be closed during this time period.”
▶ Book as early as you can. Disney releases reservations over a year in advance and if you book soon after the release, you’ll have the best choice of hotels at the lowest prices. “And we track discounts as well, meaning if Disney releases a discount later for a hotel I’ve already booked for you, I’ll get the discount applied retroactively,” she says.
To feature your event in a future issue, email jacquie@bestversionmedia.com.
Just be sure to send it in by the 13th of the month before your event date
YOGA: Free, Gentle Community Yoga Practice (Ages 55+)
@Wasatch County Library, Bowcutt Room 400 E 1200 S, Heber Wasatch County YOGA FOR SERVICE Class Series. Join Yoga Instructor and volunteer, Marty Harger, for a yoga series intended to bring more grounding and less stress to your week. We use gentle movement connected to breathwork, mindful awareness, and meditation as practices you can learn to incorporate at home to stay calm and well. Presented by the Wasatch County Senior Citizens Center and Wasatch County Library. Please bring your own yoga mat and yoga block. Wear clothes that allow you to move and breathe freely. Being comfortable is key and all are welcome. The room is a beautiful space to practice together! Questions? Call or text Marty Harger at 801-712-5406. Time: 8:30-9:30am • Cost: Free Website: https://martyharger.com/event/ yoga-classes/
Heber Valley Railroad
@Heber Valley Railroad 450 S 600 W, Heber City
Enjoy the various rides offered at HVRR this month including:
▶ Lakeside Limited Train Ride 90 min Thurs, Fri, and Sat.
▶ Deer Creek Express Train 90 min Thurs, Fri, and Sat.
▶ Chocolate Lovers Train Ride 90 min Select Fridays each month
Midway's summer concert series is happening at Midway Town Square on Wednesday nights. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. There will be food trucks and great music for the whole family. Come and support local musicians.
Time: 6:30-8:30pm • Cost: Free
Heber Market on Main
@Heber Main Street Park 250 S Main St, Heber City
Over the past two decades, the Heber Market has been a weekly summertime event that has welcomed visitors and locals to gather in downtown Heber City to enjoy local food, drink, shopping, and live music. ime: 5-9pm Markets w/booths and vendors, 6:30-8:30pm Live music
Cost: FREE to all
Website: https://hebermarket.com/
Midway Art Gallery Open House
@Midway Art Gallery 120 W Main Street, Midway
Visit the Midway Art Gallery to explore stunning works by local artists. Stroll through the gallery, admire unique pieces, and experience the creativity of Heber Valley. Stop by and support the arts in the heart of Midway!
The market is held every Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Midway Town Square from June through October. Fresh local produce and local artisans are onsite selling goods at the farmer's market in Midway. See you there!
@City Park, Library Field, Jim Santy, & The Marquis, Park City Song Summit is a different way to experience a music festival, emphasizing wellness, mental health, addiction recovery & inclusivity. We invite you to Park City Song Summit to immerse yourself in the storytelling of the human experience, prioritize your well-being with dedicated wellness activities, and revel in music performances of some of the best artists of our time. Your ticket offers you the ability to feel true social impact and the chance to leave changed and inspired. Headlining Artists include: Goose, Greensky Bluegrass, Dawes, Marcus King, Cimafunk, and more!
Time: See schedule on website
Cost: Ticket prices and packages vary Website: parkcitysongsummit.com/
Midway Swiss Days Festival
@Midway Town Square 100 N Main Street, Midway
The annual Swiss Days Festival takes place the Friday and Saturday before Labor Day each year and draws a huge crowd both days. Swiss Days includes a 10k race, parade, live entertainment, and so much more. A shuttle bus lot is available across the street from Heber Valley Artisan Cheese at 920 River Road. Parking is $10 and the shuttle runs approximately every 15 minutes. There is also limited street parking and private pay parking lots on the streets around the square. Pets are NOT allowed at the venue. The Midway Swiss Days food booths only accept cash. ATMs are available at the venue.
Time: Fri 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-7pm
Cost: Free to attend
Website: www.midwayswissdays.org
IT'S THE BUZZ
BY AIMEE L. COOK
Park City’s Historic Main Street comes alive with the vibrant Park Silly Sunday Market on select Sundays. Now in its 19th year, this free street festival is the ultimate celebration of community, creativity, and sustainability. Local artists, crafters, and vendors fill Main Street with their unique creations, transforming it into a bustling marketplace that supports small businesses in the area.
The market has something for everyone. From live music and delicious eats to booths filled with one-of-a-kind treasures.
Driving there? The easiest place to park is at Park City High School, where you can leave your car for free and hop on the City Bus straight to the action. If you prefer to park closer, limited paid options are available at the China Bridge parking lot and the Old Town area.
Mark your calendar and join in on the fun, festivities, and flavor at Park Silly Sunday Market: August 31, September 7, 14, 21 • 10 am-5 pm
Get ready for the 2025 Strider Cup World Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 20, 2025, when two-wheeling tots ages 2-6 from around the globe will race to show off their skills at The Gallivan Center. It’s the first time this exciting event is returning to the USA since 2019, and we’re thrilled to bring the World Championship back to SLC for the first time since 2017.
Watch young riders build confidence, make international friends, and feel the thrill of competition in Sprint and Adventure-Cross Stage Races. Enjoy food trucks, swag bags, cheer stations, and more as families from all over the world gather to celebrate the joy of riding Strider bikes.
“Getting a group of little kids together to play on bikes is always fun. Getting hundreds of kids together from all over the world is crazy fun. And, it is about so much more that just riding the bike,” said Ryan McFarland, founder of Strider Bikes.“This really is the biggest event these little kids have ever participated in. The excitement, the crowds, the singular responsibility to get their bike from start to finish without Mom or Dad assisting...what a big day for them! It is also a great mix of participants from many states and many foreign countries. For many kids, this is their first time interacting with kids who have a different accent or speak a different language. We hope to have people from Japan and China, Costa Rica, Canada, Ecuador, Europe, and more.”
Date: September 20, 2025
Time: 8am-7pm
Location:
The Gallivan Center, 50 E 200 S, Salt Lake City
The Madrona Difference Advisors + CPAs
It takes a team of professionals to manage both wealth and taxes properly. Consider a highly specialized team that works in harmony as they plan and manage your wealth, so that you can enjoy the quality of life you’ve always wanted.
Danielle M. Meister, CFF®, CDFA®
Phone: 833-673-7373
daniellem@madronafinancial.com
Listen to the “Growing Your Wealth” radio show on-demand wherever you get your Podcasts (Spotify or Apple Podcasts). Brian Evans has been on air for 12 years and Danielle is a monthly guest on the show!
BY DANIELLE MEISTER, EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
TRUMP’S “BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL”
What It Means for Your Wealth
President Trump’s newly signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is the most sweeping federal tax legislation since 2017. With dozens of provisions, this law presents a wide range of planning opportunities. From expanded estate tax exemptions and tax-free tip income to new retirement strategies and small business incentives, the OBBBA touches nearly every corner of the tax code. In this article, I’ve highlighted just a few of the changes most relevant to families with estates, real estate holdings, traditional IRAs, or small businesses.
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR ROTH CONVERSIONS
From 2025 to 2028, the OBBBA allows retirees over age 65 to benefit from a powerful—but temporary—tax break: the Senior Bonus Deduction. This extra $12,000 deduction ($6,000 per individual) is added on top of the standard deduction and age-based deduction, bringing total deductions to an estimated $48,300 for eligible couples. To qualify, you must be 65 or older and have Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) under $150,000 for married couples (under $75,000 for single filers) to receive the full deduction.
Roth Conversion Example: a retired couple with $100,000 of AGI in 2025 would qualify for an estimated $46,600 in total deductions, including the standard deduction, age-based add-ons, and the new Senior Bonus Deduction. That brings their taxable income to roughly $53,400. With the 12% federal tax bracket topping out at $96,950 for married couples, they could convert up to $43,550 from a traditional IRA to a Roth—and pay only 12% tax. Converting now means paying today’s low tax rate and enjoying tax-free growth for life.
NO FEDERAL INCOME TAX ON TIPS?
YES—FOR NOW
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) gives service industry workers a temporary tax break: from 2025 through 2028, individuals can deduct up to $25,000 of tip income from their federal taxable income.
This effectively makes the first $25,000 in tips tax-free for eligible workers—think servers, bartenders, hairstylists, and drivers. Income phaseouts begin at $150,000 (single) and $300,000 (joint). Social Security and Medicare taxes still apply, but for income tax purposes, this is a rare four-year free pass on tips.
A BIGGER, MORE PERMANENT ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION
One of the most impactful provisions is the permanent extension—and expansion—of the federal estate and gift tax exemption. Instead of reverting to $7 million per person in 2026, the new law raises the exemption to $15 million per individual ($30 million per couple, with proper estate planning in place), indexed for inflation. This change allows families to pass significantly more wealth to the next generation tax-free.
Fears of a capital gains tax increase have been put to rest—for now. The new law leaves long-term capital gains rates unchanged, keeping the top rate at 20% (plus the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for high earners). That’s good news for anyone planning to sell appreciated real estate, stocks, or a business. If you’ve been waiting for clarity before executing a major transaction, now may be the ideal time to move forward.
The law did not change 1031 exchanges. If you're preparing to sell highly appreciated investment real estate and want to avoid triggering capital gains taxes altogether, you can Section 1031 exchange into a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST). This passive real estate structure allows you to defer the 20–23.8% federal capital gains tax, 25% depreciation recapture, and state taxes like Utah’s 4.65%—potentially saving hundreds of thousands in taxes while generating ongoing income, without active management.
PASS-THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERS: QBI DEDUCTION MADE PERMANENT
For small business owners and real estate investors, the bill’s permanent extension of the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is a major win. This tax break—originally set to expire in 2025—lets owners of S-Corps, LLCs, and partnerships deduct up to 20% of qualified profits.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW?
Even living high up in the Wasatch Mountains—where the pace is calmer and the views are wider—it’s important to keep a finger on the
pulse of federal policy. This legislation is a clear reminder: tax laws evolve, but wealth planning is timeless. Whether you’re retired, building a business, or preparing to transfer wealth to the next generation, there are real opportunities to improve your position.
Growing Your Wealth with Danielle Meister. For over 30 years, Madrona Financial & CPAs has been helping individuals and families improve their financial well-being. Madrona is headquartered in Washington State, while Danielle and her staff have offices in Park City and Cottonwood Heights, Utah – with clients across the United States. Call us for a consultation 833-673-7373.
information shall be on an “as is” basis and entirely at your own risk. Additionally, Madrona Financial Services cannot and does not guarantee the performance of any investment or insurance product. Insurance products are offered through Madrona Insurance Services, LLC, a licensed insurance agency and affiliate of Madrona Financial Services. Madrona Insurance Services and individual advisors affiliated with Madrona Insurance Services and Madrona Financial Services receives commissions on the sale of insurance products. Clients are not required to purchase insurance products recommended or to otherwise implement financial advice through Madrona affiliates. When we refer to preparation and filing of tax returns, tax returns are prepared and filed by our wholly-owned sister company Bauer Evans, Inc. P.S., a licensed certified public accounting firm. Madrona Financial Services, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Our registration with the SEC or with any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Madrona Financial & CPAs is a registered trade name used singly and collectively for the affiliated entities Madrona Financial Services, LLC (“Madrona”) and Bauer Evans, Inc., P.C. (“Bauer Evans”). Investment advisory services are provided through Madrona. CPA services are provided through Bauer Evans. While it's essential to optimize your tax situation, it's equally important to comply with tax laws and regulations. Always ensure that your tax-saving strategies are legal and appropriate for your financial situation.
*DST investments only available to accredited investors and offered solely through the issuers offering documents. DST sponsor determines whether to accept any individual’s subscription documents. To be an accredited investor, an individual must have had earned income that exceeded $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the prior two years and “reasonably expects the same for the current year,” according to the SEC. Or, the individual must have a net worth of more than $1 million, either alone or together with a spouse. With the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, this now excludes a primary residence as being eligible as part of an investor’s net worth (investors who had existing accredited investments but who now fail the net-worth test without their residence being valued were grandfathered).
As someone who’s been part of this incredible community and works in our local real estate market, I wanted to share some insights about what’s happening right here in Heber Valley. Whether you’re thinking about selling, buying, or simply curious about how our market is shaping up, here’s a quick update from my perspective.
Heber Valley continues to captivate both residents and visitors with its stunning scenery—lush meadows, rugged mountains, and sparkling lakes create an idyllic backdrop for outdoor adventures. If you love hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or skiing, you already know how special our backyard is. This natural beauty makes our area highly desirable, yet prices remain attractive compared to bigger urban centers, making Heber Valley a great place for families, retirees, and investors alike.
Market Snapshot:
▶ The median home price is now around $650,000, reflecting a 7% increase over last year — demand remains strong, and inventory is limited.
▶ Homes are selling fast, with an average of just 30 days on the market, down from 35 last year.
▶ In the second quarter of 2025, we saw 180 homes sold — a 12% increase from the previous year — showing steady interest.
▶ New listings are also up, with 200 homes available in Q2, indicating our sellers are confident and eager to participate.
What’s Hot in Our Market:
Single-family homes remain the most sought-after, with a median price around $700,000—notice a 6% rise YoY. These properties are perfect for families looking for spacious, established neighborhoods. Townhomes and condos are gaining popularity, especially among younger buyers and retirees wanting low-maintenance living, averaging around $400,000. Luxury properties continue to fetch attention, with a 10% price rise, now around $1.2 million, appealing to those seeking a higher-end mountain escape.
Neighborhood Highlights:
▶ Heber City is the lively heart of our valley— rich in history, with friendly neighborhoods and excellent amenities, perfect for families eager for community.
▶ Midway offers a peaceful retreat with scenic farmland, mountain views, and a relaxed pace of life—just right for those seeking tranquility.
▶ Glenwood is the adventurer’s haven, with lakes, hiking trails, and proximity to worldclass ski resorts—ideal for outdoor lovers.
What’s Next:
Our community’s popularity is growing, especially among out-of-state buyers from California, Colorado, and Texas. This influx is driving new development projects aimed at meeting demand while preserving our charming character. The market remains balanced, avoiding the frantic bidding wars of some other areas, which is good news for buyers and sellers alike.
Looking ahead, I believe our market will continue to appreciate, thanks to Heber Valley’s reputation as a year-round outdoor playground and limited land for new development. As more people discover what makes this place so special—its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and strong community vibe—demand should stay high, helping us keep a resilient and vibrant market for years to come.
If you have questions about the current market or are considering your next move, I’m always here to help. Let’s keep Heber Valley thriving together!
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement
MEET REGGAN JASTRAM: With a distinguished career spanning 20 years in the real estate industry, Reggan brings a level of expertise and sophistication that is unparalleled. As a broker for 9 years, she has successfully led her own boutique brokerage as well as one of the largest Brokerages in the area. She offers a personalized, high-end luxury service to all of her clients regardless of the listing.
Morning Book Club for Adults “The Rent Collector” by Cameron Wright 8/21 - 6pm
Evening Book Club for Adults “The Escape Artist” by Jonathan Freedland
BY ERIC RAMIREZ • PHOTOS BY WASATCH COUNTY LIBRARY
ERIC RAMIREZ
Wasatch County Library Augments Family Historical Archiving
Heber Valley residents live among the annals of history. Every day, we drive by houses constructed more than a century ago. Our cemetery is filled with headstones dated to the late 1800’s. Yet, there are bits and pieces, answers to questions, that we will never have. Heber Valley is changing faster than ever and it’s concerning that much is only publicly documented through building permits and home sales at the county clerk’s office. What we record now, will be read and heard by generations yet unknown, curious humans eager to learn how we lived through these historic times. Should we give them something more?
Juan Lee, Wasatch County Library’s director, referenced hosting the 2023 Smithsonian exhibit Crossroads: Change in Rural America, which inspired the library staff to consider Heber Valley’s present level of change and how it should be actively recorded. This set in motion their interest in historical preservation, both facilitating and cataloging it. “There is a focus on recognizing and honoring our past,” said Juan, “and we recognize history is not static.”
But for it to work, the library had to stick with three key elements of successful archiving, which, as Juan explained, “are high quality digitization, metadata (making the files discoverable), and then providing access.”
TOOLS – CREATING AND DIGITIZING
At the time of this writing, a soundproof booth was being installed expressly for interviews. Interviews could be with grandpa or an aunt across town, with recording equipment provided. Whether the library hosts the interview in the soundproof booth or with checked-out equipment at home, it is just the beginning of preparing the process. Equally, capturing or digitizing pictures––or even three-dimensional objects––requires technology generally not available to the armchair archivist. Juan explained that their new “memory station” will do this, with little-to-no instruction and, “once scanned and touched up, you can narrate something about the image or article, and the audio gets attached to that file.”
During the interview, Juan pointed to the sparkly “new” VHS player. It will allow them to digitize old family videos for people, not only making it easier to archive and catalogue, but also allow people to share old videos on platforms like YouTube. “We're capturing all of this and, of course, families are going to take it
and share it with their loved ones. But, if they give us permission, the library can take those stories, images, and audio data, and add them to the catalog,” explains Juan, enthusiastic about the prospects. This new library service could be the powerful new tool our “future community” will need for better understanding the past. “Whether it's for a person who just wants to leave their story for posterity, or someone who wants to take it with them, we truly believe the library can help.”
GETTING THE WORD OUT
“We started, a couple of years ago, meeting local folks involved in historical preservation,” Juan continues, describing the meeting between individuals from the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum on Main Street, Heber Valley Heritage Foundation, and even the Heber Leadership Academy. “In terms of heritage and historical preservation, this is very much in line with our strategic plan.”
Angela Edwards, assistant director, said that raising awareness will naturally stem from their adult programming. Using digitization or recording equipment might seem intimidating,
so Adult Services Librarian Kate Mapp will be offering a class starting September 3rd titled, Preserve Your Family Memories.
Juan and Angela, as well as the entire library staff, have endless projects, but this one stands to be a formidable resource for community historic preservation. And to those reading the words, looking through pictures, and sensing the tones in our interviews, well, hopefully you will better understand our perception of today’s historic times.
Chaoyu Irvin, owner of Peak Concierge Medicine, blends science and artistry to bring out each client’s natural glow
No two faces are alike—and neither is anyone’s definition of beauty. But for Chaoyu Irvin, board-certified Physician Associate and Founder of Peak Concierge Medicine in Midway, beauty is more than skin deep. For her, true aesthetic enhancement begins with a foundation of health, harmony, and confidence.
“Beauty on the outside reflects what’s happening on the inside,” says Chaoyu. “I approach aesthetics holistically, starting with a thorough medical assessment. Every face tells a different story, and every client deserves a customized, thoughtful treatment plan—not a one-size-fits-all solution.”
Chaoyu combines her rigorous medical background with a passion for artistry, offering patients natural-looking results through tailored, evidence-based treatments. Her clinic specializes in luxury aesthetic and regenerative procedures—including Botox, dermal fillers, Sculptra®, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), microneedling, CO₂ skin resurfacing, intravenous (IV) therapy, laser treatments and medical-grade skincare. Clients get more than a quick fix: they’re guided through a year-long wellness and beauty journey that’s as personal as it is transformative.
“We create a comprehensive plan designed around your anatomy, lifestyle and long-term goals,” Chaoyu explains. “The goal is not just to look refreshed—but to feel your best.” She launched Peak Concierge Medicine in 2020, building on years of experience in a scientific background, acute care and family medicine. “I’ve always loved working with my hands. If I weren’t in medicine, I’d be a fashion designer,” she says with a smile. “This is the perfect blend of creativity, science, and service.”
Originally from Taiwan, Chaoyu came to the United States in 2005 to further her education. She began as a researcher at the University of Colorado and earned a master’s degree in chemistry with a biology emphasis. Her career in medical research spanned 8 years, focusing on cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at National Jewish Health.
“My specialty was immunology—understanding how the body reacts to disease at a cellular level. That foundation makes me a better clinician today,” she says. “It helps me explain the ‘why’ behind what’s happening in my patients’ bodies.”
During her research career, she published several papers and found herself drawn to patient interaction. “I fell in love with talking to patients about the science and seeing the human side of the work. I wanted more of that.”
After moving to Utah, Chaoyu shifted toward clinical medicine. She became a certified nursing assistant (CNA), worked as an emergency room (ER) technician and earned her physician assistant (PA) degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. For the last few years, she’s practiced medicine at Heber Valley Hospital’s Instacare—all while running Peak Concierge Medicine full-time. “I have two full-time jobs,” she says. “It’s intense, but incredibly fulfilling.”
At her clinic, Chaoyu integrates regenerative medicine with aesthetics to achieve long-lasting, natural results. Treatments like PRF and stem cell therapy support tissue repair, reduce inflammation and promote collagen growth. “These therapies use the body’s healing power,” she says. “It’s all about helping people age gracefully and feel their best.”
Chaoyu and her husband, Matt, live in Midway with their 3 young boys. The couple met on a blind date at a concert in Colorado, and when their first son was born, they relocated to Utah to be closer to family. “We instantly fell in love with Wasatch County. This is our forever home,” she says.
But the Irvins aren’t just living in Midway—they’re actively investing in the community they love.
Matt is the founder of Adventourage, a premier outdoor adventure company based at the Homestead Resort. The business offers unforgettable experiences like backcountry snowmobile tours, off-road UTV rides and guided wilderness adventures. Adventourage plays a major role in trail-building, habitat restoration, and snow grooming initiatives in both the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Wasatch Mountain State Park.
“As a family, we believe in giving back,” Chaoyu says. “We’ve contributed thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars to create and maintain recreational infrastructure that benefits everyone—locals and visitors alike.” Their downtime reflects this love for the outdoors. “Our backyard is the mountains,” she says. “We hike, bike, ride motorcycles and we have a yurt at the top of the ridge that we call our sanctuary.”
Fun fact: Chaoyu and Matt launched their businesses on the same day. “I don’t recommend doing that,” she laughs. “But we’ve built something really special together, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team.”
Despite their packed schedules, the Irvins find ways to stay involved in local causes. Chaoyu volunteers for the Wasatch Community Foundation, supporting events like the Mile-by-Mile Marathon and the Kids’ Health & Safety Fair.
Her approach to life mirrors her approach to aesthetics: balanced, thoughtful, and centered on well-being. “I believe in grace, in balanced beauty, and in living with intention,” she says. “If we can use our skills to help others live healthier, more confident lives, then that’s a life well-lived.”
We would love to hear from you! If you have any ideas for nominating a member in our community for this column, please reach out to Jacquie Symes at jacquie@bestversionmedia.com Thank you!
Hazel Rodriguez Coppola graduated from the University of Utah with a BFA in Ceramics. Her art has been exhibited in galleries at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, the University of Utah, Utah State University, the Mexican Consulate, the 2025 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference, and others. Hazel is heavily influenced by the colors and art of her ancestry. You will notice the bright pinks, yellows, teals and reds of Guatemala in conjunction with animals. While Hazel loves birds and playful, whimsical depictions of animals, most of her work is about women. Her family has a strong legacy of intelligent and creative women.
She teaches advanced and basic classes, mostly in wheel throwing at Kimball Art Center and was honored to be speaking at an event at the Kimball Art Center recently on How to Look at Contemporary Art.
Locally, Hazel manages the art scholarship presented by the Park City Artists Association to a graduating senior at Park City High School. Even though Hazel didn’t start working with clay until she took a ceramics class in high school at the age of 16, she has already introduced her two young daughters, 4 and 10 years old, to ceramics.
In college Hazel Coppola discovered that she loves working with red earthenware and bright colors for the slip and underglazes. Hazel paints, carves and sculpts in her pieces. For her it is a way to connect, remember, and honor her parents. Her art is based on her heritage and stories told at family gatherings. She does not create functional work. Her art represents clay expressions of her identity, growing up in an immigrant home. Storytelling and generational knowledge learned from passed down crafts are encapsulated in clay artworks highlighting realistic and geometric styles in natural clay colors.
She learned her favorite techniques, sgraffito and sculpting, in college. Sgraffito is a technique that allows you to create contrasting images by layering colored underglazes and then scratching some of it off. She feels a strong connection to food and Earth and likes blending styles. She likes sculpting realistic faces in natural clay colors and uses bright colored slips and underglazes for the embedded stories, which are more abstract and more impressionistic paintings on her clay artwork. Hazel also learned printmaking and loves using newspaper transfers in some of her art pieces.
Wyatt Pike attended Berklee College of Music remotely during Covid when he was approached by American Idol to participate in their competition. He had just released his first single.
He was no stranger to performing. From the age of 12 to 18, Wyatt played acoustic guitar and sang every Saturday during the ski season at the Black Diamond Lodge, Stein Ericksen or the Waldorf Astoria. Wyatt decided that he should jump at the opportunity. By February 2021 he was in the top 24, then the top 16. Technically, he was in the top 10 when he dropped out of the competition, but it hadn’t been announced to the public yet. He considers himself a singer-songwriter and hates the idea of being categorized in a specific genre. He felt like he was being pressured to either embrace pop or country music or he didn’t have a place on the show. “It's storytelling, and it's very real and authentic. Everything I said on that EP was true, and everything I'm saying on the upcoming music is true,” says Wyatt.
After that experience he moved to Los Angeles for a year, and released a new EP. In 2022 he did a West Coast headliner tour to 11 different cities, and East Coast tours to Philadelphia, Boston and New York City among others. 2023 found him on tour opening for Theo Kandel before he hit burnout.
Park City is the “soul cleaner of my life,” says Wyatt Pike. He graduated from Park City High School. Even when he isn’t living in Utah, he returns here frequently. Take a look at his music videos and you will recognize a lot of Utah landscapes. Since 2023, he has done a lot of personal growth and gained an understanding of what he wants from art.
During this time, he got a job delivering sail boats and started writing songs again. He considers his music written in the last eight months his favorite and best yet. He took two years off from releasing music. In June 2025 he released a single called “Leatherman” and has an EP coming out in August. His music can be found on all music streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music and on Instagram @wyattpike.
He aims to do some headline touring, write more music, and make a living at it––perhaps own a sailboat. His upcoming EP does include a sailing song.
Grow joy this summer: How gardening supports your mental health.
Learn how simple, mindful time in the garden reduces stress, eases anxiety, and brings joy—no green thumb required. Life moves fast – and not always in ways that feel good for your mind or body. Stress builds. Screens pull you in. Quiet moments are harder to come by. And after several challenging years, many of us are carrying more mental load than ever before. Rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout are high across all age groups. If you’ve been feeling it too, you’re not alone.
But sometimes the simplest acts can help you find your way back to calm.
One of those acts? Tending a garden. You don’t need a perfect yard or a green thumb. You don’t even need to start in the spring. You can begin right now, in early summer, and still enjoy the mental health benefits gardening has to offer.
See how gardening supports your mental health.
More and more research points to a simple truth: spending time in nature is good for your well-being. And gardening goes a step further. It offers a hands-on, mindful way to slow down and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Here’s how:
It brings you into the present: When you garden, you’re engaging your senses. The feel of soil in your hands. The scent of herbs or flowers. The sight of new growth. The rhythm of watering.
All of this draws your attention to what’s happening right now, helping quiet the constant swirl of thoughts and worries. It eases stress and anxiety: Gardening can help lower levels of stress and boost your mood. The American Psychological Association reports that spending time in nature, including in gardens and green spaces, can reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall emotional well-being. It gives you a sense of purpose: Watching something grow under your care is deeply rewarding. Whether it’s a sprig of basil, a few cheerful flowers, or a pot of tomatoes, nurturing plants gives you a sense of accomplishment and meaning, both of which are linked to better mental health.
This is especially valuable during times when life can feel uncertain or overwhelming. A small, positive focus can go a long way in supporting resilience. It encourages movement and time outdoors: Gardening is gentle physical activity that gets you moving, stretching, and sometimes breaking a sweat – all of which can improve mental well-being. The CDC highlights that regular physical activity, including activities like gardening, can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and improve mood.
Gardening also encourages time outdoors, where natural light and fresh air offer additional benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health, exposure to daylight and fresh air while gardening can boost mood, support better sleep, and enhance overall well-being. Start now – it’s not too late
If you’re thinking, “But it’s already summer!” — don’t worry. Plenty of plants thrive when started in early or mid-summer. And starting a garden doesn’t have to mean planting an entire vegetable patch.
In fact, beginning a garden in summer comes with its own advantages: longer days, more consistent warmth, and more opportunities to spend time outdoors.
Here’s what you can still grow:
Herbs: basil, mint, chives, cilantro – quick to sprout and satisfying to snip for meals
Flowers: zinnias, marigolds, cosmos –all fast growers that bring beauty and pollinators
Vegetables: bush beans, cucumbers, radishes, summer squash – great options for a late start
You can plant in containers, raised beds, window boxes – whatever fits your space and lifestyle. Even one pot on a balcony or windowsill can become your mini garden.
And remember, gardening is about process, not perfection. You’re not trying to win a county fair. You’re creating a space (big or small) where you can pause, breathe, and find a little joy.
Make gardening part of your self-care routine
If you approach gardening with mindfulness, it can become a meaningful
ritual that supports your mental health over time.
Be present with each task: When you water your plants, really notice how it feels. When you prune a leaf or pull a weed, focus on the movement. Let the sights, sounds, and smells anchor you in the moment.
Use gardening as a screen-free break; Let your time in the garden (even five minutes) be free of phone notifications and to-do lists. Treat it as a space to simply be, with no other expectations.
Notice growth in your plants (and yourself): One of the beautiful things about gardening is how it mirrors life: progress happens slowly, then all at once. Watching your plants grow can be a gentle reminder that your own well-being is a work in progress, too. Celebrate the small wins: a new sprout, a bloom, a thriving pot. They’re worth noticing.
Try garden journaling: Consider keeping a small journal where you jot down what you notice each week in your garden and how you feel during the process. This simple reflection can deepen the mindfulness and joy you experience.
Create a personal garden ritual: Perhaps it’s enjoying your morning coffee while checking on your plants. Or spending five quiet minutes outside after work. Regular, intentional moments in your garden can become a restorative part of your daily rhythm.
Grow joy, one plant at a time: You don’t have to overhaul your life to feel better. Sometimes, the smallest shifts make the biggest difference.
Gardening is one of those shifts. It helps you step out of stress and into the present. It offers movement, purpose, and a deeper connection to the natural world. And it’s something you can start today – no matter the season, no matter your experience.
So, if you’ve been looking for a way to support your mental health, consider this an invitation: plant something. Nurture it. Let it nurture you in return.
We are thrilled to recognize Peach Handly as our Athlete Leader of the Month at Black Diamond Gymnastics & Sports Center!
Peach lights up our summer camp each day with her contagious smile and positive energy. From the moment she walks in the door, she brings an excitement that lifts the whole room. Whether she’s diving into games, cheering on a friend, or leading by example during activities, Peach shows us what it means to be a true team player.
One of the first places you’ll find Peach shining is in arts and crafts, where she’s always ready to help her fellow campers and offer kind, creative suggestions. She listens with respect, follows directions with care, and makes every project more fun with her upbeat attitude. In the gym, Peach continues to impress with her growing gymnastics skills! She works hard, tries new things with confidence, and celebrates not just her own progress but the progress of her peers. Her determination and joy make her a standout in every class.
But what truly sets Peach apart is her kindness. She goes out of her way to include others, offer encouragement, and treat everyone with respect—whether she’s with longtime friends or new faces.
Peach, your enthusiasm, helpful spirit, and consistent leadership inspire us all. Thank you for being such a bright part of the Black Diamond family. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see how you continue to grow both in and out of the gym.
Congratulations, Peach—you’re an amazing Athlete Leader!
Once upon a time, at the top of Telluride’s public gondola, stood a man so fast that he would go on to hold more World Cup downhill racing titles than any other mountain biker. He possessed some uncanny magic, almost as if he controlled gravity itself and selfishly altered the laws of physics. Greg Minaar needs no introduction among any discipline of cycling or mountain biking. And if there was one person whose skill outpaced the development of new gear, it was him. And tires were always trying to keep up.
It was 2002, and the tire of choice among the world’s fastest downhill racers was the Michelin Wild Gripper 2. It came in 26” x 2.8” and that was about it. It belonged on a motorcycle. Racers could run lower pressures and with an extra thick butyl downhill tube, it was otherworldly heavy.
The tread pattern was not revolutionary. In fact, it could have been a dirt bike tire, but the talent running the tire was faster than anything I’d ever seen. Telluride’s UCI World Cup course careened down the mountain prompting unbelievable speeds and was littered with corners crossing double fall-lines, where gravity bullied lesser racers off the track.
Greg Minaar, whose riding buddies and rivals were Cedric Gracia, Steve Peat, and John Tomac, oh, and Eric Carter… altered all understanding of what a tire could grip. It was an era that not only preceded accessories like CushCore, tubeless, and bead-locking rims, it was mountain biking’s wild west. True long-travel bikes had only been available for a few years and RedBull Rampage had its initial season just nine months before.
I watched in awe as his World Cup buddies taunted him. “You’ll never make that gap. Even if you do, you’ll never hold that corner!” It was a fifty-foot gap between two unsuspecting mounds, the “landing” of which entered a double fallline corner into an aspen forest.
Minaar came into the take-off with a sonic boom, jersey sleeves flapping like sails in a squall.
How can a cross-country rider keep good momentum but also grip better? How can an enduro racer maximize the contact patch of their 27.5” x 2.5” Maxxis Minion?
First thing’s first. Get rid of the tubes. Run low pressure.
Tubes were prone to many deflating concerns: snake bites, nails, thorns, bursting through sidewall tears; they were also heavy, contributing to the rotating mass fighting quadriceps and calves up the mountain. Running low pressure with tubes in tires is a recipe for failure.
Cross-country (XC) racers like low tread profiles with denser lug patterns, which is a compromising win for pedaling efficiency, grip and downhill speed. Purpose built, they’ll have lighter sidewalls with lower TPI, or thread per inch, reducing weight and durability.
The tires can still run lower pressures, but the XC rider isn’t smashing through rock gardens or landing road gaps, so demands on the gear are generally lower.
An enduro rider is looking for the descent, pedaling up to go down, explore, and carry a bit more. I’ll group enduro with trail as well because the gear preference is similar. They tend to run similar tires to the downhill guys, for similar reasons; sidewall and treads are offered in a lighter-duty version for this category, specifically to be less painful on the climb.
Tread designs on these tires incorporate larger, blockier lugs with more spacing. Typically, the tire durometer (rubber softness) is lower for better grip. These build characteristics target grip through loose, rocky, and rutted-out trails, with reinforced sidewalls to deal with impacts at speed.
There is no one-size-fits-all checklist to achieving maximum tire performance, since we all ride differently. Many of us have yet to tame gravity or the laws of physics but we’d like the best performance from our gear.
After determining the lowest tire pressure we can ride without destroying our rims and wheels, there’s still the chance that we can do more. We talk with the shop guys and get a tire insert, CushCore, Tannus, or similar product. Suddenly, we’re riding faster on softer tires, with less damage.
The world has changed. Each cup of coffee has more flavor. Each breath of air is more energizing.
THE GAP
Minaar slipped past us silently, all senses mute but vision, then he flew over “the gap,” stuck the landing, and disappeared into the woods faster than any other top-level racer we had seen that day. Grip played a role. He also knew just how far he could push it. Most of us are not like him. But if we can master our tires, the bike will deliver better results for any level of riding experience.
BY TIFFANY WICKES, ON BEHALF OF WOW CLINIC PHOTOS BY DANA KLEIN
Discover the Missing Piece in Your Wellness Journey at Wasatch Optimal Wellness
Since opening in August 2024, the team at Wasatch Optimal Wellness (WOW Clinic) has proudly served the Heber Valley and surrounding communities with precision, insight, and compassion. From weight loss programs and IV therapy to DEXA scans, saunas, and more, WOW has built a reputation for cutting-edge services and personalized care.
But there was still one critical element missing in the pursuit of true, lasting health: Metabolic health — the foundation of optimal wellness.
WHAT IS METABOLIC HEALTH?
Metabolic health is your body’s ability to create, store, and efficiently use energy from the food you eat. In simple terms, it’s how effectively your body converts fuel into function, powering everything from your brain and muscles to your immune system and healing processes.
According to a 2025 study published in Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy. That means nearly 9 out of 10 people are living with some form of metabolic dysfunction, often without realizing it.
Experience Wellness Like Never Before
In the picturesque surroundings of the Wasatch Back, Wasatch Optimal Wellness (WOW Clinic) is redefining healthcare by blending the wisdom of conventional medicine with the insight of holistic healing approaches.
• Cold Plunge
• Dry and Infrared Saunas
• Full-body DEXA Scan
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
• IV Therapy
Give Us a Call (435) 800-6WOW or Scan Here:
• RMR
• VO2 Max Testing
• Weight Loss Management
• Joint Injections
• Nutritional Counseling
INTRODUCING WOW’S GLUCOSE MONITORING PROGRAM
To address this growing health challenge, WOW is launching a comprehensive Glucose Monitoring Program designed to help patients gain real-time insight into their metabolic health and make meaningful, sustainable changes.
This multi-phase program includes:
• Foundational bloodwork to assess your current metabolic markers
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) using a discreet, wearable sensor
• One-on-one nutrition and lifestyle counseling with expert clinicians
• Ongoing support and lifestyle strategies tailored to your unique glucose trends
“Most of our patients want to understand how their biomarkers change with different foods and activities — this program gives them that clarity,” says Ben Fogg, MD, Medical Director at WOW.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
It’s a common misconception that metabolic dysfunction only affects those with poor diets or sedentary habits. But even patients who eat clean, exercise regularly, and sleep 8 hours a night can still struggle with hidden imbalances.
“I noticed a huge spike in my blood sugar after just one night of poor sleep,” says Meredith Salmon, WOW’s Co-Founder and Nurse Lead. “I never would’ve known how much sleep affected me without using a CGM.”
CGMs give patients real-time feedback on how their body responds to food, stress, sleep, and activity — offering a powerful tool for optimizing long-term health.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GLUCOSE MONITORING PROGRAM
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Program Introduction
Start with a comprehensive health visit with Dr. Fogg or Bryant Salmon, PA-C, which includes:
• A DEXA scan to assess body composition (bone density, muscle mass, percent body fat, and visceral fat)
• Baseline bloodwork assessing metabolic markers and vital signs
• Education and training on application of the device and interpretation of CGM data
Wear your CGM for 14 days while tracking meals, sleep, and lifestyle habits. At your follow-up visit, your clinician will review the data with you and provide a personalized plan to optimize your glucose response.
Step 3: Progress Monitoring & Support
After implementing some changes to your activity, nutrition, and daily habits, we’ll check back in and decide when to repeat the CGM. From there, we’ll see how your body is responding. This is where we really dial things in, fine-tuning and adjusting your plan based on what works best for you.
YOUR NEXT STEP TOWARD OPTIMAL WELLNESS
At WOW, they combine science, technology, and expert care to help you take control of your metabolic health. Their goal isn’t just shortterm change; it’s lifelong transformation.
If you’re ready to gain personalized insight into your body and unlock the next level of wellness, they’re here to guide you.
Take the next step. Discover your metabolic potential with WOW.
BY TIFFANY WICKES
Mountain Elite Massage’s Salt Room Therapy: A Sanctuary for Moms
As a newer resident of this community, I have been “on” since moving to this incredible town a year ago-getting kids acclimated to a new social climate, drapes for the new windows, learning where you can get the Organic produce versus when it's time for a last minute microwaveable to take the lead, and where is the closest grocery store anyway? Constantly being “on” started to deplete me, and fast! When I met Crystal Joy, owner and lead massage therapist at Mountain Elite, she suggested I come to “The Sanctuary” and experience healing and rest for my fatigued mind. My first stop by default of its location was the salt room. Salt room therapy, also known as halotherapy, involves breathing in air filled with tiny salt particles. This practice, which originated from observations of the health benefits experienced by salt miners, has gained popularity as a complementary wellness treatment at Mountain Elite Massage and Sanctuary as well as in other healthfocused spas across the nation. It was my first stop but my longest stay because of how soul centric it was in that amber colored room. But what if this therapy could unlock optimal wellness for this tired mother? Here are some potential benefits of halotherapy—and why myself and other moms are the ideal candidates:
SKIN HEALTH:
Stress, dehydration and environmental change can all wreak havoc on a person’s skin. Having come from a humid environment in Georgia to a dry Utah I was a walking skeptic but willing learner. The salt
Whether it’s a deep tissue massage, pedicure, or a Sanctuary Signature Stretch with CBD, we hope you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed from the moment you walk in the door. Please feel free to book your appointment online or call the spa directly at 435-315-3573. We look forward to seeing you soon! EMBARK ON
particles actually positively impacted my skin by exfoliating, balancing pH levels, reducing inflammation, and improving its overall glow! Other conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne have been shown to show improvement too. Moms often don’t have time for complex skincare routines, so habit-stacking a monthly massage, salt room session, and a detoxing sauna (which they also have!) visit builds a simple yet powerful wellness ritual.
STRESS REDUCTION AND RELAXATION:
I’ve been told more than once that I need to reduce my stress and RELAX. The idea of relaxing and not achieving is more than uncomfortable, between cortisol and caffeine, some days its impossible. The salt room provides a peaceful, calming environment that encourages relaxation and eases anxiety—enhanced beautifully by a peppermint aromatherapy bar. Some believe the negative ions released by salt may help balance serotonin levels thus boosting a mom’s mood—and as we know, a happy mom makes a happy home. I absolutely left my visit happy, nay, giddy!
After I read that salt’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties may strengthen the immune system and help the body fight infections, I knew I needed this! This is especially valuable during cold and flu season—or, let’s be honest, during the entire 18-year marathon of raising a child let alone 7 children! Between the sleepless nights, freezer nugget meals, and catching every virus from three different schools can wear a mom down. To care for others, I must first care for myself and this has been my new monthly mantra.
IMPROVED SLEEP:
By reducing stress, salt therapy may promote deeper, more restful sleep. And when sleep quality improves, nearly every other aspect of my health does too-making me a more impactful writer, coach, mother and wife. My experience with salt room therapy offered a natural and relaxing path to wellness, potentially improving overall health, skin conditions, stress levels, and immune function. Mountain Elite Massage is a true sanctuary to rest and revive the body and mind and it is just a short drive away—and maybe, just maybe, the self-care that every mom truly deserves..
Just minutes from Deer Valley’s new East Village ski lifts, Ameyalli Residence Club boasts serene views of the majestic Wasatch Mountains.
The Club’s
RESIDENCE CLUB
THE ART OF PRESENCE MEDITATION BEYOND THE MAT
In a world that moves faster each day, meditation offers a needed invitation: slow down, tune in, and simply be. Once seen as a spiritual practice limited to monasteries or yoga retreats, meditation is now recognized as a powerful tool for clarity, resilience, and well-being—and it’s more accessible than ever.
Forget the image of sitting cross-legged in silence for hours. Meditation isn’t performance; it’s a state of mind. It’s a space between waking and dreaming, where you observe thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Whether walking in nature, sipping tea, or focusing on your breath for a few minutes, meditation meets you where you are.
Ancient texts from India, China, Greece, and later religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam describe contemplative practices as early as 1500 BCE. Meditation evolved as a sacred ritual to connect with the divine or attain self-realization. In the modern era, thought leaders like Thich Nhat Hanh and Jon Kabat-Zinn brought mindfulness meditation into mainstream awareness, offering practical tools for stress.
From a scientific viewpoint, meditation does more than calm you down. It enhances brain function, supports better sleep, lowers blood pressure, and boosts immunity. Emotionally, it helps regulate moods, reduces anxiety and depression, and fosters self-awareness and compassion. Spiritually, it deepens a sense of connection, purpose, and inner peace.
Studies show that even brief daily practices can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. A 2018 meta-analysis found mindfulness interventions as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression. Meditation also improves resilience, helps manage chronic pain, supports addiction recovery, and enhances overall well-being.
If you think, I don’t have time to meditate, you’re not alone. Many struggle with consistency, distractions, or self-judgment. The key is approaching meditation with curiosity, not expectation. Instead of aiming for perfection, commit to presence—even for just a few minutes. You don’t need a guru or fancy cushion; willingness is enough.
Explore different methods until something resonates. Popular styles include guided meditation, breath awareness, body scan, loving-kindness, and mindful movement. Even everyday tasks like dishes, gardening, or preparing food can become meditative when done mindfully.
You don’t have to “do” meditation; you only need to create space to be. Start with a routine—five minutes in the morning or a few deep breaths before bed. Place your mat or cushion where you see it, or set a reminder. Consistency, not intensity, creates transformation.
Meditation invites us home to ourselves—no passport, schedule, or gear required. Just a few moments daily can reconnect you with what truly matters.
Ready to begin?
Join me every Wednesday from 4:30–5:00 PM at the Midway Studio Collective for a guided breathwork and meditation class. These 30 minutes will help you reset, reconnect, and root into the present—no experience needed. Come as you are… leave lighter.
Coming Back to Fitness After Taking the Summer Off
Certified Nutrition And Fitness
Coach Tiffany Wickes
You took the summer off your fitness routine to travel with the kids, cart them around to the five different camps you signed them up for—turns out that was a mistake—and now that school is starting up again and those highly coveted hours of kid-free time are upon you… what’s the best way to ramp back up your fitness routine after a much-needed (but lengthy) vacation from your barbell?
Hi! I’m Tiffany Wickes, a Certified Nutrition and Fitness Coach living in Midway with my seven crazy kids and my adorable husband of almost 20 years, Adam. If you’re ready to dive back into your fitness routine but unsure where to start, this will be your one-stop guide to regaining your muscle mommy status in six weeks or less!
START SLOW
If you jump straight into a six-mile run or 150-pound barbell squats on day 1, you’ll be walking like an injured deer and cursing the day you bought a three-level house. For two weeks, you’ll be nursing sore quads and questioning all your life choices.
Instead, start with a long walk—bonus points if you throw on a 5–10 lb weighted vest and hit some hills. And while you're at it, rein in that summer YOLO eating plan. Summer screams hot dogs and coolers full of Coke, but now that you're locking in your fitness, your nutrition needs to get on board. Swap the soda for water and the processed wieners on a Ballpark bun for chicken breast laid gracefully upon a beds of lettuce.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Sometimes… if your body is saying “We’re still on summer schedule and snacking at 10 p.m. is totally fine”—ignore that. But DO listen when your body is sore, tired, or genuinely hungry. Here’s a great test: Would you eat a grilled chicken breast right now? If yes, you’re truly hungry. If not, it’s probably just a craving—and cravings can be managed. Drink some water, take a walk, and distract those taste buds with something other than chocolate-covered pretzels lurking in the back of your pantry..
CONSISTENCY IS KEY—AND DON’T SKIP REST!
Muscles aren’t made in the gym—they’re made
during recovery. The best workout plan is the one you can (and will) do consistently. Allow time between workouts to prevent injury and promote muscle repair. Rest isn’t lazy—it’s strategic.
SET REALISTIC GOALS AND TRACK PROGRESS
Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate all the non-scale victories and keep track of your progress to stay motivated. Make goals specific and measurable—not just “get in shape,” but “fit into those white jeans I love by Labor Day” or “increase my squat by 10 pounds in four weeks.”
MIX IT UP—FITNESS SHOULD BE FUN
Your program is only as good as your excitement to do it! Try group fitness classes, outdoor adventures, or a totally new workout style to keep things fresh and fun. Your body loves novelty.
COMBINE STRENGTH AND CARDIO
If I wanted to lose the summer fluff in six weeks or less, I’d go with a balanced approach. My routine includes:
▶ 2 days of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
▶ 3 days of heavier weight lifting
▶ 1 active recovery day
▶ 1 full rest day
Also, embrace “chore workouts”! Throw on a weighted vest and squat to pick up toys instead of bending over. Put a walking mat under your folding station and bounce on the backyard trampoline to boost your lymphatic system and tone your legs. Functional fitness, baby!
Prioritize Whole Foods and Hydration
Ask yourself: Did it have a mother? Did it grow in the ground? Did it fly in the sky? If yes—it’s probably a whole food and it’s probably on plan.
Grab that Costco-sized pack of chicken, frozen veggie medley, and a jumbo bag of sweet potatoes or rice. Bulk prepping keeps you sane on busy weeks. Even if you're vegan, focus on ground-grown, unprocessed options. Fill your plate with protein and vegetables. And please hydrate like it’s your job! Add electrolytes to a few servings of water daily, especially around workouts.
MOTIVATION IS CHEAP—DISCIPLINE WINS
Motivation comes and goes. Discipline + accountability = results.
Find a workout buddy! Having someone to show up with makes a huge difference on the days you’d rather binge Netflix than do burpees. If that fails, consider hiring a personal trainer— they’ll help you set goals, create a plan, and most importantly, keep you accountable.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Track your workouts, nutrition, measurements, and progress photos. What isn’t measured can’t be changed. And remember: It’s just data—not your entire personality. Use setbacks as information, not excuses.
Muscle has memory. You’re not too far gone. Give yourself time to reestablish these healthy routines, and in just six weeks, you can reclaim everything you lost over the summer—and then some.
If you’re looking for a great program to follow at home or at the gym, I’ve got you covered! My program includes a clinically proven mobile app that supports fat loss using scientifically validated techniques. It pairs strategic nutrition with customized training for real results, including:
▶ High-intensity intervals
▶ Strength training
▶ Intermittent fasting
▶ Elimination diets
▶ Emphasis on recovery
Ready to get back in the game? Feel free to give me a call at 850-774-4029—I’d love to help you come back stronger than ever!
BY EMILIE DAVIS, HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST & GUT HEALTH SPECIALIST
TRAVELING THIS SUMMER?
DON’T FORGET TO PACK YOUR GUT HEALTH
Summer travel is something we all look forward to—but it can also wreak havoc on your digestion. Bloating, constipation, and even traveler’s diarrhea are incredibly common when we’re on the go, especially for those already dealing with sensitive stomachs or underlying gut issues.
Why does this happen? Travel often disrupts the delicate balance in your digestive system. From time zone changes and altered sleep patterns to unfamiliar foods and increased stress, your gut takes the hit. But the good news is—you can set yourself up for success with just a few simple strategies.
As a holistic nutritionist specializing in gut health, I help clients navigate everything from IBS and food sensitivities to post-travel symptoms that just don’t go away. With a little planning, you can enjoy your vacation and come home feeling great.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Start boosting your fiber and hydration a few days before you leave. Think chia seeds, leafy greens, and plenty of water—especially if you’re flying. Magnesium supplements (like magnesium citrate or glycinate) can also be helpful for staying regular.
I also recommend packing a few gutsupporting essentials:
• A shelf-stable probiotic (look for one with Saccharomyces boulardii)
• Electrolyte packets to stay hydrated
• Digestive enzymes and ginger chews for heavier meals
• A gentle herbal antimicrobial if you're traveling internationally (like oil of oregano or berberine)
SKIP THE AIRPORT FOOD (YOUR GUT WILL THANK YOU)
Pack snacks that travel well: nuts and seeds, boiled eggs, hummus packs, fresh fruit, or a wrap made at home. You’ll save money and avoid gut irritants like processed oils and added sugars commonly found in airport or gas station foods.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE:
Try to maintain a bit of rhythm—regular mealtimes, hydration, and daily movement all help keep your digestion on track. Don’t overdo alcohol or sugar, and get some fiber-rich foods on your plate when you can. Even small things like walking after meals or winding down with herbal tea can support your gut while traveling.
And If You Come Home Feeling
“Off”...
Post-travel bloating, stomach cramps, or irregularity can sometimes linger longer than expected. If your gut doesn’t bounce back, it could be a sign something deeper is going on—like microbial imbalances or exposure to a gut pathogen.
This is where my Gut Restore Assessment comes in. It includes advanced stool testing to help identify what’s really going on inside your gut and gives you clear next steps to heal and feel your best.
Wishing you smooth travels—and smooth digestion—this summer!
Emilie Davis is a holistic nutritionist based in Park City and Salt Lake City area. She offers virtual coaching programs, personalized meal plans, and functional testing to support gut health from the inside out. Learn more at www.wholeessentialsnutrition.com.
BY KIRSTEN KOHLWEY
ALPINE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY
FROM CAVES TO PADDLEBOARDING
After just over an hour of driving we enter American Fork Canyon from the west. The visitor center for Timpanogos Cave National Monument (TCNM) is about two miles ahead. This area is part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. If you stop at one of the recreational sites other than TCNM, you need to purchase a pass. Passes start at $10 but America the Beautiful Federal Recreational Lands passes are also valid. We booked our cave tour online. Check-in is in front of the visitor center. They have a clear box to verify that your bag or backpack is acceptable to take into the cave and give you a safety briefing.
TCNM, a cashless facility, offers three different types of cave tours starting at $12 for adults.
The 1.5 mile trail up the mountain provides spectacular views and education about the rock formations and environment during the almost 1,100 feet in elevation gain. We encounter quite a few hikers that walk the trail for exercise and the views without going on a cave tour. In either case, avoiding the hottest part of the day and taking water along is advisable. Our tour takes us past the entrance section of Hansen Cave, through Middle Cave and into Timpanogos Cave, all connected with manmade tunnels. So far TCNM has identified
34 invertebrates in the caves. Be prepared to climb stairs and duck even on the standard tour, which shows off gorgeous formations and the differences between the three caves.
We picnic at the tables in the parking lot before continuing on Highway 92 but the canyon offers plenty of other picnic areas, most even with restrooms. Our next stop is Tibble Fork Reservoir, reached via a wellmarked side road off Hwy 92. The views from this area transport you into a mountain wonderland with a water playground in the middle. I can’t believe I had never explored this place before. Plenty of swimmers, paddleboarders and kayak enthusiasts beat us there, but the reservoir is big enough to accommodate the crowd. Unfortunately, the restrooms are closed since the vaults are full. We encountered this in several areas with different explanations that come out to the same: lack of funding and staff.
American Fork Canyon is reported to have Fremont era pictographs along the walls but with all the trees and vegetation, we failed to find them. Plenty of spots for camping present themselves along American Fork River and then along Cascade Springs Road. Watch out for bicyclists and motorcyclists. Some drive quite fast, coming down the narrow roads. We pass a film crew, who are likely shooting car
commercials or mountain driving scenes for a movie. They have their base camp set up in the Upper Cascade Springs parking lot. One brave soul rode a nonmotorized scooter down to the base camp. Meanwhile, a deer is not bothered while eating next to the road.
We park at the Lower Cascade Springs parking lot. The walkways through the wetlands loop around what should be two lakes, but the water level is so low that the upper lake no longer looks like a lake––more like wetlands with shallow creeks running through them. This is a fun area for photography. Tiny waterfalls cascade among the vegetation and under a few of them flowstone has formed. Yellow warblers fly back and forth, and butterflies are plentiful. Birds, fish, and insects attract everyone’s attention. Mammals were hiding during this time of the day. From here you can head back to American Fork Canyon, enter Wasatch Mountain State Park on a dirt road or continue to Midway.
We head back to the Alpine Scenic Loop Bypass and turn towards Sundance Resort. Recent windstorms seem to have toppled over large aspens, but they don’t block the now narrow road. As we loop downhill, the remnants of Mount Timpanogos’s glaciers are clearly visible. A plein air painter is just packing away his tools. We will have to return
to hike up Mount Timpanogos. Our leg muscles are already indicating distress from the steep hike earlier. Along this stretch of road dead conifers dominate the landscape, not from forest fires but likely from beetle infestations.
Sundance Resort looks like a construction zone but once you dare to park, some of the old-time charm remains. The chairlift shuttles people up the mountain, quite a few of them look like they are attending a wedding. We enter the restaurant area and order food at The Deli. Sitting in the anteroom to The Foundry Grill provides a pleasant break from the glaring sun. The historic photos from the start of the Sundance Institute showing Quentin Tarantino during the shooting of Reservoir Dogs and a younger Alan Alda offer a look into early indie film making in Utah.
BY SANDY GELDHOF
BY LEXIE LARSON
FROM GOLD TO GEARS: LOCAL JEWELER TURNS OLD BIKES INTO GEMS FOR CHARITY
Heber local and gemologist Murray Becker donates his time and bike knowledge to keep things rolling for kids
Heber Valley local, Murray Becker, is a man of many talents. On any given evening you can find him in his garage in Midway surrounded by bikes. This jack-of-all-trades with an engineer’s brain and a philanthropist’s heart leans into a decades-long career in bike repair to give back to a community he’s called home since the 1970s.
Born and raised in Michigan, Murray found himself working at the Ford Motor Company where he realized his aptitude for engineering wasn’t finding the right place to match his adventurous spirit. So, in 1976 he followed a friend to the Intermountain West, ultimately landing in the Heber Valley after a brief stint in Park City.
Murray is nostalgic about those times. “I remember when Main Street was a two-lane road and there were only about 1,100 residents in the entire county,” he recalls. “I could walk from Main Street all the way to where the Back 40 Restaurant is now and never see a vehicle.”
Murray started a trade business doing drywall but a fall from a scaffolding made him turn what was once a hobby into a thriving Heber business. “From the time I was four years old I was obsessed with bikes. Back in Michigan I was dabbling with bikes and bike racing and in the 1970’s that was all road bikes. Mountain bikes hadn’t been invented yet, but I worked on Schwinns, Rallys, Fujis. I was hooked.”
He added that his interest was born more out of necessity than any real intention. “With racing I couldn’t afford the mechanics or to just take it to the shop all the time, so instead I’d buy the tools required for the job. Back then it was reading a book, there was no internet or Youtube, so I’d muddle my way through it.”
And that muddling paid off. In 1983, Murray opened one of Utah’s only bike shops, appropriately named “The Bike Shop” located near the corner of Main Street and Midway Lane. His instinct for fixing things was backed by proficiency and his natural aptitude. “Years before, I was offered a ‘dominant test’ and it was basically a bullseye on the chart for the technical quadrant. My numbers actually went off the graph, which went to 100. My score was 127. I knew that minute there was something there. It’s been a good thing in my life,” he said. As the idea of a shop began to gel, Murray relied on a few locals. “There was a guy who had
some bike tools and some old inventory, and he hooked me up with a supplier. So, I slapped the money on it and away we went.”
Early on, he focused primarily on repairs due to the costs involved with carrying a lot of inventory. “I could get someone anything they wanted but couldn’t afford the inventory with all the different sizes and different colors. I found pride in the work. My thought was I could just give them a little something better than what they’re getting elsewhere, which was easy back then.”
Around 1983, mountain bikes began to hit the scene. Murray recalls with pure joy, “It was a delight to see the mountain bikes, I’m so pleased that I got to be where I was for the dawning of them, and the development of them, as they went through their stages and design developments. It was so great to go through that.”
After 15 years Murray closed The Bike Shop, but not his passion for the sport. Fast forward and Murray has since become a graduate gemologist, working in several of Park City’s
jewelry stores including Park City Jewelers and Woodbury Jewelers, another passion he loves. But, he says, he hasn’t stopped tinkering with bikes and has a shop set up in his Midway home where his passion has turned into a philanthropic hobby, rehabbing donated bikes for charity.
It started 30 years ago when he was approached by a Marine who wandered into his Heber shop and asked whether he would volunteer fixing up some donated bikes which he wanted to rehab and rehome to kids. “I was hesitant,” Murray recalls. “That was a long way
away and I had a store to run.” But, he says, “another guy talked me into it, and we did it for 2 ½ weeks. Then they asked a couple of us to come give the bikes out because we knew how to size them, and they gave everyone a seated turkey meal and fixings for Christmas meals. It was one of the best things I ever did.”
That experience stayed with him and in the spring of 2024, Murray considered revisiting the idea for the Heber valley. “I was thinking to myself, what if I did that here? I put out the word on Facebook for donations and I thought I’d get six or eight bikes, and I got 57,” he
laughed. “It’s been nonstop.”
Present day, Murray estimates the number of bikes he has repaired and donated to be over 100. He has partnered with the Christian Center’s Heber Valley Thrift store where the bikes are sold. “The people that need them get coats, boots, shoes, and food and I thought, that’s a great program to work with,” he said. Murray accepts donations of bikes at his home at 249 S. Center Street in Midway with notice (435-640-8033) and he can also be found on Facebook (@Murray Becker).
CHRISTIAN CENTER OF PARK CITY STORES: BACK 2 SCHOOL BASICS
As summer winds down in the Wasatch Back, one of the most impactful programs of the season quietly springs into action: Back 2 School Basics, a beloved initiative by the Christian Center of Park City (CCPC). Designed to support local students from low-income families, the program ensures that every child starts the school year with the essentials—and the confidence—they need to succeed.
Held annually in early August, Back 2 School Basics transforms a local retail store into a shopping haven for over 1000 students from Summit and Wasatch counties. Each child receives a $100 gift card to pick out brand-new clothing and shoes—items they choose
for themselves, reflecting their style and personality. The experience empowers students while easing the financial burden on their families during the backto-school season.
But the support doesn’t stop there. Students also receive backpacks and age-appropriate school supplies, donated by generous individuals, local businesses, and community groups. Each student receives the necessary tools for academic success, from pencils to binders.
“This program is about more than new clothes or school supplies,” says Lisa Griffeth, Programs Manager at CCPC. “It’s about dignity, confidence, and giving every student the opportunity to start school on equal footing.”
Thanks to dozens of volunteers and sponsors, Back 2 School Basics embodies the spirit of community. It’s a reminder that when people come together to care for their neighbors, students don’t just show up on the first day of school—they shine.
Find out more about this program and how to get involved at: ccofpc.org/back-2-school-basics/.
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
649-2260
END OF AN ERA
After 30 years, the masters of ceremonies for Swiss Days are saying auf wiedersehen.
For the past 3 decades, the cherished Swiss Days Festival in Midway has had the same masters of ceremonies (MCs).
Cass Ho, Ken McConnell and Cary Hobb’s voices were as integral to the festivities as the alphorns. But this year, these talented folks are stepping down from their roles. If you’ve been to Swiss Days, you’ve likely been delighted by the array of German and Swiss food vendors and browsed the approximate 175 booths with crafts and wares. Maybe you’ve enjoyed performances by the Swiss Miss or even met the Honored Citizens. Or, you’ve relished live entertainment such as internationally renowned master yodeler Kerry Christensen, the Swiss Choir, Swiss Bells, vocalists, dancers and more.
Cass remembers its humble beginnings. “Mrs. Smith and her third-grade dance class were in the little white gazebo at the opposite end of the Town Square,” she said. “The tiny, round gazebo’s sound system was a boom box. We’d just turn up the volume when the kids started to
dance. I didn’t even have a chair to sit on. Kerry Christensen and the alphorns had to stand in front of the gazebo. It was so quaint.” That was 1995.
Cass is no stranger to the stage. She sings and acts, is a performance coach, and a state judge for Miss America, traveling to various states to judge pageants. She sang with the Silhouettes in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Eventually, the stage moved to a more visible area. With the Olympics, the staging got a major overhaul. “We went from 120 people sitting on bleachers to 1,000,” she says. As the event grew, she needed help on stage, so she reached out to some friends in the acting community.
Ken McConnell was acting in local theatre with Cass. One day, she asked him to help. “Back then, Swiss Days was primitive,” he says. “We didn’t have the beautiful structures we have now. It was interesting and fun, but once was enough for me.” The next year, she reached out again. “I told her no,” he said. She said, “You have
to, I’ve already printed your name in the program.” That was 28 years ago.
Ken had parts on Touched by an Angel, Promised Land, and TV commercials. He worked with Bart the Bear on a sportsman show in Toronto, Canada and was the lead in Utah’s sesquicentennial play, “Bands of Iron, Rings of Gold.” For the past 17 years, he has volunteered part time with Wasatch County Search and Rescue, was a judge for the 2002 Olympic biathlon event and served as Chairman of the Board for the Heber Valley Railroad for 4 years. He’s also Ken of the Ken ‘n Cary duo.
Cary started playing piano when he was 5. “I was a kid disc jockey in Texas,” he says. “When I was 14, I supposedly had the first rock-and-roll show between Dallas and LA. In June, I had Elvis Presley on my show and paid him $150 for 30 minutes of airtime. Then Buddy Holly came on. It was the first and only time they were together on the same show.”
Cary had a daily radio show on local station KTMP for 13 years. He pioneered the Heber Valley Pickleball club, is active with the Midway Art Association, is a Wasatch Mountain State Park volunteer, and actor in Timpanogos Valley Theatre. He started playing with the Bavarians, a polka band, in 1993. “We were featured entertainers every year at Swiss Days,” says Cary. In 2004, he became an MC in addition to an entertainer.
“Swiss Days is the only large festival I know that is run by 99% volunteers from our entire community,” says Cary. “Everything is family oriented. Kids pick up trash, teenagers make sour kraut, adults cook, serve food, man booths, and more. The only reward is a tee shirt, hat and
meal ticket plus the fun and satisfaction of being part of a world-class event.”
Preparations begin in January. But the hard work is all worth it. “I loved being the face and voice of Swiss Days,” says Cass. “To represent this community has been an honor for me and I’m proud to have served here. It’s a wonderful event.”
She became the entertainment chairman 8 years ago but has been working alongside Rob Sorenson for the last 3 years. “Rob and I are a really good team,” says Cass. “We book the acts and are in charge of basically everything under the big entertainment tent.”
Although she’ll still be a part of it, she’s passing the mic. “It’s been 30 years,” she says. “We need fresh blood to spice it up.” Ken has mixed emotions about it. “I loved getting to know the entertainers, they are so talented,” he says. “The incredible energy we generated is mind-boggling. It was a lot of hard work, but we enjoyed it. It’s time to pass the baton to a younger generation. It’s bittersweet.”
If you’re sad to see them go, don’t despair. All 3 still MC events in Heber and Midway. This isn’t the last you’ll hear from them.
And found if eyes can speak lies or speak truth, Or found them shine in the dark curiously,
Or seen such of them in the old and youth.
Can eyes change the mood of a living day, Can there in them lie a story to be?
Can they bring tears or wipe them all away,
From this blind darkness will I ever be free?
As a mother’s song, can those bright eyes soothe, As a black star, can dark eyes disperse light? As a cool morning breeze, can eyes renew, As someone who sees, can you give me sight?
I have lived long and seen it to be true, Though I’m in blind darkness, some stories shine through.
Every Thursday evening at Heber City’s Utah Valley University campus, a circle forms—not just of chairs, but of connection, compassion and courage. The gathering is Circles Heber Valley, a grassroots organization dedicated to help individuals and families move from surviving to thriving. Through this empowering organization, participants connect with peers and a supportive network of mentors to develop the tools they need to achieve lasting financial and personal independence. “Circles helps people in poverty create the scaffolding they need to get to higher ground,” says Circles Heber Valley Coach Jeri Davis. “And that’s when life starts to get better.”
While Circles Heber Valley is relatively new—Jeri established the Heber Valley chapter in August 2023—Circles USA is not. In 1992, as he was seeking to address the systematic causes of poverty, CEO and founder of The Poverty Solution, Scott Miller, created what was then known as the Circle Campaign. This unique model pairs people experiencing poverty, called Circle Leaders, with community volunteers, or Allies, to build intentional friendships and provide support as the Circle Leaders work towards economic stability and overall well-being. There are now 70 Circles chapters across the U.S., including six in Utah, in Salt Lake City, Provo, Price, Ogden, Clearfield and Heber City.
Circles Heber Valley is what Jeri describes as a “labor of love.” “I worked for the Department of Workforce Services for ten years and watched people struggle and just never get ahead,” she says. “I am very
passionate about helping people lift themselves out of situational or generational poverty and so when the job as a Circles coach in Heber City became available I jumped at the opportunity.”
The Circles journey begins with the weekly family dinner, held every Thursday evening at Utah Valley University’s Heber City campus at 5:45 p.m. There Circle Leaders and their families and Allies get to know one another over a complimentary meal. After dinner, Circle Leaders attend class where they learn essential life management skills, set goals and build relationships that become the foundation for their path forward. (Since most Circle Leaders are single parents, a children’s program runs at the same time as the class offering childcare for younger children and homework help for older kids.)
Though the curriculum can vary based on the group, a cornerstone of Circles 12-week class is creating a dream board, which serves as the first step in developing a road map for change. “This is really transformative for Circle leaders,” Jeri says. “Many people in poverty have never had the time or opportunity to dream about their future or what they might want for themselves, they are so busy in the moment just trying to pay their bills and keep food on the table.”
Subsequent classes cover topics like relationship building skills, the vocabulary and language of applying for a job, exploring money mindsets and the hidden rules of the middle class. “I use a lot of the understanding I gained from what I did before I was a Circles coach,” Jeri says. “We also help Leaders navigate state or federal benefits
Ann and Bruce Fillmore have been Allies for Circles Provo for the past seven years and became Allies for the organization’s Heber Valley Chapter when it launched in 2023.
they may be receiving. There’s many, many hoops to jump through to receive assistance–the paperwork for applying for food stamps alone can be really daunting. And we’re here to help with that.”
But above and beyond Circles’ 12-week life-skills class, what Jeri says makes the most meaningful impact on Circle Leaders are the Allies. “Circle Leaders just need a little hope, and that’s where the Allies come in,” she says.
Ann and Bruce Fillmore of American Fork had been Allies for Circles Provo for several years when they were invited to be Allies
with Circles Heber Valley. They now serve as Allies for Circle Leaders within both chapters. “There’s a big need and we get a lot out of helping people,” Bruce says.
Examples of the ways the Fillmores have lent Circle Leaders a hand over the years include setting up a garden irrigation system, providing help in a move, organizing a garage sale and picking up children from daycare. “For many reasons, they [Circle Leaders] just don’t have a network of family or friends to call on,” Ann says. “And so, we provide the support that many of us take for granted.”
Other Circle Leaders need what Bruce described as “a cheerleader.” “Allies are people who are on their side, giving them emotional support and providing them with a little social capital,” he explained.
The minimum time commitment to being an Ally is six months, but most stay on much longer. And to be clear, providing a Circle Leader with monetary support is not what being an Ally is about. “Many people in poverty are dealing with really hard things,” Jeri says. “The Allies let them know that they are not in this alone, that you don’t have to go it alone. And when they realize that you see these amazing transformations occur.”
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Transformation is an apt description of how Kellie Rhoades turned her life around after she discovered Circles just under two years ago. “I was at the lowest I’d ever been,” Kellie says. “One of the other Circle Leaders described their first impression of me as ‘like a beaten dog.’”
After years of addiction, an abusive relationship, homelessness and losing custody of her children, Kellie was living at the Peace House in Park City when one of the residents there asked her for a ride to a Circles’ Thursday night dinner. She agreed and decided to stick around rather than make the trip twice. “I stayed off to the side during that first dinner and class, but then after that, I never missed a week,” Kellie says. “I met people there who’ve been the biggest supporters I’ve ever had. It literally changed my life.” Kellie is now fully employed and housed and, best of all, her children are living with her full time. She also serves on the board of Provo’s Community Action & Food Services, which provides housing, food, education and support to those in crisis in Utah, Wasatch and Summit Counties.
According to Circles USA’s 2023 Impact Report, Kellie’s experience with Circles is not
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unique. Of the 951 Leaders who completed the 12-week class and engaged in the weekly follow up meetings for 18 months, 75 percent increased their income, 58 percent experienced an increase in employment, 63 percent furthered their education and 38 percent now own a home. Also, 2023’s Circle Leaders dramatically increased their social networks. At registration, participants struggled to name one or two emergency contacts; at 18 months, they could name more than four people to call on for support. In addition to the lifelong friends Kellie made in her Circle Leaders class, and the strong relationship she forged with her Allies, the Fillmores, (“My kids call them Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Ann,” she says), Kellie credits the profound impact Circles had on her life largely to Jeri. “She is just so passionate and has such a pure heart,” Kellie says. “She would not give up on me.”
For more information about Circles Heber Valley, to volunteer as an Ally or to donate a Thursday night dinner, email Jeri Davis at jerid@casfb.org.
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A group of Circles leaders celebrate their completion of the program’s 12-week class.
Circles Heber ValleyCoach, Jeri Davis, speaks at a Wasatch Community Foundation donor appreciation event in 2024.
THIS IS YOUR BIG CHANCE, NEIGHBOR: THE SANDLOT
Growing up one of my favorite movies to watch on VHS was The Sandlot. The film featured a group of friends who loved to play baseball together. Some of my favorite scenes in the movie were watching the kids rascaling around at the fair, eating what they called a “mallow” in their clubhouse, oh! and let’s not forget the scene at the pool with Wendy Peffercorn and Squints. The film begins introducing us to a newcomer, Scotty Smalls, who has moved into town with his mom and stepfather. This kid finds himself in somewhat of a “pickle” trying to make friends.
My family moved from California roughly three years ago and I remember feeling somewhat like a fish out of water. I really only knew one person when I arrived here, in many cases, I was the “Smalls” from the movie. As we see the growth happening in Wasatch County, the same theme applies to many neighborhoods; there will be new people on your block. For example, I have neighbors from Florida, Singapore, Australia, Texas, and other states all on my block.
It’s important to show your neighbors support in the game/our neighborhood. It can be as simple as letting a neighbor borrow a cooking tool or just making sure the new member of our community feels the warmest of welcomes. The ball doesn’t always land straight into our glove. Picture yourself called up to the sandlot, we are going to role play this out, but this time in Wasatch County. Did you know Sandlot was filmed here in Utah? Cutting to the chase, I am going to be sharing some ideas for you to become the Neighborhood’s STAR player.
SCOTTY SMALLS: THE NEIGHBOR WHO JUST MOVED IN
In the movie, Smalls is the kid who just moved into town, hoping to make some new friends by playing baseball. Having hardly played the sport, Scotty Smalls was not the best player on the team and he was ridiculed for his novice participation causing him to at one point, give up. If it was not for a true leader named Benny who showed compassion; offering him a baseball cap, knocking at his door, inviting him to come play, Smalls claims he would have not have made it through that summer. This theme applies to newcomers moving into town who may have a hard time finding their way. Be Benny.
If you see someone new to the area, be the neighbor who invites them to join you on an outing. You very well could make a lifetime friend just like Benny did with Smalls.
Places to Invite Them Out:
▶ Holiday Lanes: Bowling
▶ Thursday Night Concerts in the Park: Heber Valley
▶ Wasatch Community Pool
▶ Kellsey’s Pickleball Club
HERCULES: FOR ALL THE NEW ANIMAL NEIGHBORS
An unforgettable character in the movie is a dog the kids call, “The Beast.” We find out his name is really Hercules, he drools a LOT, and his dog dad is none other than a legendary professional ball player who swung the bat next to the likes of Babe Ruth. But you don’t have to have legendary lineage to share some local spots for your new neighbor’s dogs to have some fun, get groomed, access boarding, and more. There are some amazing spots for you to encourage your pet lover neighbors to go to locally:
Local Pet-Lover Suggestions:
▶ Coombs Kennels
▶ Ruff Life Resort
▶ Fetch
▶ Puppy Palace
▶ Mountain Dog Lounge
▶ Midway City Dog Park
BABE RUTH: STEP UP TO HELP A TEAMMATE
Babe Ruth makes an appearance in the movie as a spirit guide of sorts. He tells Benny to step up and help out his newcomer friend who is struggling to return a very important piece of memorabilia. Would you be that neighbor who helps out someone new in a time of distress?
Perhaps they need to borrow some milk or could use a ladder spotter during an impromptu project. If not for neighbors helping me when I first moved to town, I don’t know if I would have made it through year one. When my Grandma Chu passed, people showed up with food, plants, hugs, and more. Do not turn a blind eye to neighbors in need.
For Connections and Community:
▶ Wasatch County Library: Posts different group activities that they host monthly. Offering options for all age groups: New Moms, Seniors, Kids, and more! Invite your neighbors to go to events like the fasters puzzle challenge.
▶ Midway Buzz: Found on GroupMe, showcases different activities happening in the community. E.g., Groups for grief and loss, yard sales, and more!
▶ If you are in a club like Rotary of Heber Valley or another Non-profit group, there is no fault in inviting them to a meeting.
▶ Heber Chamber of Commerce posts a calendar of events happening monthly throughout the community.
"Remember, kid (neighbor), there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart, kid, and you'll never go wrong,"-Babe Ruth, The Sandlot.
It is not always easy being the new neighbor on the block. Put yourself out there to extend a helping hand to the new residents in town. We all believe that living in Wasatch county is a HOME RUN. We are blessed to call ourselves part of the same team. Help your neighbors and be that star player.
SUMMER ADVENTURES AWAIT AT UTAH OLYMPIC PARK AND WOODWARD PARK CITY
EXCITED FOR SUMMER? WANT TO KNOW THE THRILL OF BEING IN A BONA FIDE OLYMPIC VENUE?
The Utah Olympic Park offers an array of thrilling adventures guaranteed to spark joy for adventurers of all ages. Tickets for the Summer Gold Pass and the incredible Summer Bobsled Experience are now available at UtahOlympicLegacy.org. Plan ahead to secure your spot and enjoy the best rates.
"What makes the Utah Olympic Park so fun and unique is the wide range of activities it offers," said Kole Nordmann, Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation Marketing and Media Production Manager. "From adrenalinepumping adventures like Extreme Tubing and the Bobsled Experience to more relaxed options like Guided Tours and Scenic Chairlift Rides, there’s truly something for everyone in the family. It’s a place where you can experience things you won’t find anywhere else in the country."
The Summer Gold Pass gives you access to everything you need for an action-packed, unforgettable day:
• Extreme Tubing: Glide down the iconic ski jumps for an adrenaline rush like no other.
• Extreme Zipline: Feel like a ski jumper soaring through the air.
• Alpine Slide: Enjoy a smooth, scenic ride on the mountainside.
• Action Tower (ages 3+): Perfect for budding adventurers with activities like tubing, climbing, airbag jumps, and a giant slide. Enjoy unlimited access to these and more, including the Discovery Ropes Course, in 3.5-hour morning or afternoon sessions.
"Instead of sitting inside this summer, you could be sitting on a seated zip line, or a tube that takes you down the biggest hill I’ve ever seen," said Katie O'Brien, patron. "Definitely go check it out if you have the chance."
Craving a once-in-a-lifetime thrill? The Summer Bobsled Experience lets you race down the historic 2002 Winter Games track at top speeds. Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure with one-hour sessions available throughout summer.
Pro Tips: weights are taken for every participant before loading onto an experience. Also, if you have ADA needs, notify someone at the Olympic Park front desk and they will do their best to provide
accommodations. They do have an ADAaccessible van to transport individuals directly to the venue.
For all the details on hours, activities, and ticket options, visit UtahOlympicLegacy.org Woodward Park City is the ultimate destination for families seeking both thrills and quality time together. Combining a summer camp spirit with the excitement of extreme sports, this 125-acre facility offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes.
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS
Woodward’s Summer Mountain Park is designed with Progression Zones to help visitors of any ability grow their skills in a safe, supportive environment. Families can start at the Start Park, where kids and adults new to outdoor sports can learn the basics of park riding. For those ready to elevate their experience, the next zones include beginnerfriendly jumps, wall rides, and a variety of challenging obstacles that allow progression at your own pace.
DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR FAMILIES
Get the whole family on wheels with Woodward’s network of downhill mountain biking trails. These lift-served trails, accessible via the Hot Laps lift with bike carriers, are designed for all ages and skill levels. From smooth beginner trails to routes with banked turns, jumps, and wall rides, it’s an exhilarating outdoor activity perfect for both kids and adults.
SAFETY MEETS FUN ON BMX DIRT TRACKS
For families with little adventurers, Woodward’s BMX dirt jumps are a must-try! Practice jumping techniques on purposebuilt tracks, or safely land tricks into the small airbag. These thoughtfully designed features ensure fun and safety for riders of every age.
“There was something about holding my baby for the first time that changed my life forever.”
My sister-in-law, Haley, participated in a previous article about mental health and her pregnancy journey. In the second part of the series, Haley will talk about the beautiful close of her pregnancy and the beginning of a new chapter in her life with her son.
Haley began by describing the process of leading up to her son’s birth. She revealed her anxiety of going into labor earlier than her son's due date since her mother had this experience with all her children. However, proving the point that all women's birth processes are unique, Haley’s baby was overdue. After talking to her midwife, she was scheduled for an induction at 41 weeks. She knew very well that she would not be coming home until her son was finally in her arms.
Haley revealed that there is a stigma surrounding induction and use of pain medication during labor. She knew indefinitely that induction was the best thing for her situation but struggled more with the possibility of receiving pain medication. Haley received an induction catheter, placed on monitors, and changed into her hospital attire.
“The baby looked healthy and I slowly started progressing to more intense and frequent contractions,” Haley recalled. She desired to see how her body handled the natural labor pain and did not have pain interventions until she decided to try nitrous oxide which she found unhelpful. Her contractions became increasingly intense. She could not handle the pain and decided to get the epidural. Haley talked to many people previously about natural births and had been told by women around her that unmediated labor births gave them a sense of accomplishment. “Labor is one of the hardest things to go through not only physically but mentally as well, and any woman who goes through
labor unmediated is absolutely a superwoman,” Haley told us. “However, I don’t think that the underlying message—that women who go through labor with pain medication are any weaker or less than—is healthy for anyone to hear.” She continued to state that if pressured to have an unmediated birth, a woman’s labor can be much more traumatic than the experience needs to be. Haley decided to listen to her body and mind and do what was right for her. With the medication, Haley felt an overwhelming relief of peace. She could fully focus on giving birth with a sense of control. Haley and her
husband’s baby boy was born just after midnight. “It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced,” Haley said passionately. Her son was healthy and blessed with no complications. Haley acknowledged that this blessing was not always the case for everyone and she was grateful for the result of her nine months experience. “I think what helped me was going into labor with an open mind,” she told us. She openly communicated with her birth team and husband. The next most important thing to Haley during this process was her support system. Her husband, Angelo, constantly cared for her during the most difficult parts of her labor. “During my delivery, he held my hand and stayed right by my side comforting me and I knew he had my back the whole time,” she remembered.
When asked what three words would describe the experience of giving birth, Haley said life-changing, intense, and joyful. Her experience was life-changing because she was forever changed after bringing her son into the world. The intensity came from the events leading up to the birth. And how could holding her baby not be joyful? She cried, and in that moment, her gratitude outweighed her exhaustion.
“The first night home from the hospital was one of the most rough nights we experienced since I was back in my 1st trimester,” Haley told us. Luckily, Haley’s mother and sister came to tend the baby and gave her a chance to finally rest.
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Haley spoke about the physical and mental changes of postpartum. While she had no complication in her recovery, her body looked different and she had severe lack of sleep which gave her a delirious sense of depression and anxiety. She began getting sleep as her support system helped her and she began taking supplements to help her body recover. Addressing postpartum depression, Haley said, “It is something you need to be aware of and reach out for help.” If she didn’t sleep or eat correctly, she began feeling more depressed. “It is easy to lose yourself if you aren’t careful,” she warned.
But was it worth it? “The way he smiles and coos makes my whole day and this whole experience worth it,” Haley told us. To her, there is nothing quite like holding her little one and knowing she went through all those challenges for such a tiny person. “I would literally lay my life down for him, and I know that feeling will never change,” she smiled.
DOES IT MATTER WHO (OR WHAT) THINKS? THOUGHTS FROM A WRITER
WHO MADE 300+ WEB PAGES USING CLAUDE
In June, scientists with MIT Media Lab published a study: “Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task.” They split 54 participants into three groups, each tasked with writing SAT-style essays on broad topics like loyalty, happiness, and philanthropy. One group could use ChatGPT, one could use search engines, and one could use only their brains.
The scientists measured participants’ brain activity and evaluated their essays. The ChatGPT group demonstrated a lack of brain engagement, poor retention of what they wrote, a lack of critical thinking, and poor marks from reviewers. The brain-only group outperformed the search engine group which outperformed the AI group. There are plenty of issues with this study. The cognitive load of a task doesn’t necessarily correspond to its value. The researchers chose a task that AI can complete in full based on one prompt. The ChatGPT users completed the task quicker than their peers—that saved time and energy is worth something.
All that said, if the purpose of writing essays in school is to cultivate critical thinking—and there may be better ways to do that—then ChatGPT undermined the point.
In what I believe is related news, New York Times technology reporter Kevin Roose noted in late May that unemployment for recent college graduates had reached an “unusually high 5.8%.” Graduates in finance and computer science—fields in which AI is highly capable—were hit hardest.
Roose believes this is just the “tip of the iceberg.” Firms are automating entry-level tasks, and “A.I. companies are racing to build ‘virtual workers’ that can replace junior employees at a fraction of the cost,” he writes.
Potentially, student use of AI degrades the value of a college education that, either way, is increasingly worse at securing employment for graduates—because they
can’t compete with AI.
The mechanics of how AI replaces an entrylevel job can be hard to grasp if you haven’t witnessed it or done it. So, let me share a real example.
Early in June, a client sent a spreadsheet outlining all pages that needed to be completed for a new website. I’d already done the meaty stuff: home, about, why us, team bios, and so forth. However, there were another 300 pages that neither I nor my client had known about initially. The firm insisted that the site launch in three weeks from that date (for no particular reason).
The 300 bonus pages were for local SEO. Say you have a business in Heber City that wants to sell services in St. George that don’t require a physical presence— something like accounting or HR consulting. When St. Georgians search “accounting help” on Google, the algorithm assumes they want a local firm. No St. Georgian will find your Heber City business unless you convince Google your Heber City business is also local to St. George.
How do you convince Google? You create “local” pages that mention a local number, local address, local landmarks and streets, and local clients.
Doing that for 30 cities and for five to ten kinds of services per city—and making each page read differently, because Google’s algorithm cares about originality—is horrendously time-consuming. No human writer I know enjoys writing the same page five to ten different ways, all to convince an algorithm that each page is local.
Ten years ago, entry-level writers or interns would have done this task. Neither the client nor I had any available, so I gave them two choices: Outsource to an army of low-cost SEO writers in South Asia, or use AI, which is what they chose.
I trained Anthropic’s Claude on the web pages I had written so far and then I outlined what each local page would have to contain. I also gave Claude an example of a
local page I wrote from scratch. Claude, replicating the brand voice and outline with ease, made more local pages. What it learned in 20 minutes an entry-level writer would have taken weeks to match.
Once I realized that Claude couldn’t do all 300+ pages in one chat—it would hit a token limit—I asked Claude how to retrain itself for this task. Claude made a guide to writing these local pages and the prompt I should use to retrain it. Correct: I trained Claude to train me in how to retrain Claude. Creating new web pages became a matter of naming a city and service and hitting enter.
For the first time, I used a machine to make 300+ web pages for another machine: Google’s search algorithm. If my brain had been hooked up to an EEG, there wouldn’t have been much going on. It was mindnumbing.
Maybe that is the future for the website copywriter: Less thinking, more clicking. And if the wider job market wants less thinking, more clicking too, what is the purpose of writing those SAT essays?
Hell if I know. Ask Claude.
BY SANDY GELDHOF
DANCING WITH WOLVES
Heber native Sausha Seus was, quite literally, raised by wolves. The daughter of worldrenowned animal trainers and conservationists Doug and Lynne Seus—best known for raising and training Bart the Bear, the famous Hollywood grizzly—Sausha grew up surrounded by wildlife on her parents’ expansive property in the Heber Valley. Among the many animals, it was the wolves, living in family-style packs, that became a defining part of her childhood. “From the time I was six months old my parents had wolves, so to me they were just a natural part of being in a family,” she said.
In her twenties Sausha attended Southern Utah University, receiving a degree in sociology and political science, finally returning home to take care of the many wildlife while her parents embarked on one of their many Hollywood film commitments featuring Bart the Bear, in this case, in the blockbuster Legends of the Fall. The elder Seuses also had twelve wolves and an assortment of other wild animals in their care, including cougars, foxes, badgers and raccoons. Sausha answered their call, saying “I’ll gladly stay home and take care of my animal family.”
While she continued her family legacy of raising wildlife and training animals for television and film, as well as running a dog training, boarding and grooming business, Sausha also was busy raising her three children. But wildlife was strong in her blood and in 2020 she formed her business, Wolves of Wasatch, to continue her parents’ tradition of training and advocacy. With a host of offerings to the public and with loftier goals in the works, Wolves currently offers opportunities to connect with nature and learn more about a species so often misunderstood. From a twohour excursion hiking her 47 acres with her two wolves––known as Apollo, and the newest member of the pack, a four-month-old cub named Wizard––to corporate events tailored to businesses who learn to incorporate wolf mentality into their team structure and bonding, Sausha is a huge believer in wolves’ natural ability to heal and be teachers. “Wolves by their nature are natural healers and with guidance and a desire to go deeper, people can experience true magic,” she said. “More than half the people who leave are crying happy tears, and that is so fulfilling for me.”
While many people opt for just the hike and
learning more about wolves, Sausha, who has also been ordained as a chaplain, offers an expanded experience for people to face past trauma and experience deeper healing. “Healing is my heart center, and I can use my skills as a chaplain, and my talent with wild animals, to connect with people. Once that connection space is open, people can start healing from the inside.” Sausha explained that using wolves as a modality to that end goal is a truly unique journey. “I really honestly just let the wolves operate and mediate, and every experience is different,” she said.
“There’s really no other word for it than pure magic. There’s a sort of divine quality to this type of healing and wolves are already connected to a
higher source, so it just transpires in such a beautiful way.”
Her two-hour tour can be tailored for specific groups or specific goals, whether for healing, awareness, or education. A recent tour featured lessons on ecosystems and wildlife conservation tailored for a youth group.
Sausha has also begun partnering with “Drum Utah” to incorporate drum circles into her wolf experiences, which is based on native American therapy and healing modalities, and which is an initiative that is a first step on the way to her larger goal. Springboarding from her parents’ organization, Wasatch Rocky Mountain Wildlife, she would like to realize her dream of creating a retreat center complete with the many Native American wildlife which she knew as family growing up and offering the public a sanctuary to heal among nature. “My ultimate goal is to offer multi-day wolf and wildlife experiences and to eventually create a retreat center for people to come back to themselves into nature and heal,” she said. “It’s about coming full circle to what my parents started. I have to follow my passion, and that’s my goal.”
On her journey to that goal, Sausha is formatting more extensive experiences, including days-long retreats on her Daniels’ property which incorporates healing body and soul work, sound baths, yoga, and polar plunges, crater soaks, breath work, and of course, wolves. “Wolves can and will teach us to look inside ourselves, to be fully present and to establish good boundaries,” she said. “They teach us once again to connect back to our primal selves and open up our hearts to heal.”
For more information visit www.wolvesofwasatch.com and Wolves of Wasatch on Facebook.
Website: www.wolvesofwasatch.com
FB: Wolves of Wasatch
Meet Biggs!
Who has four paws, floppy ears, and the most handsome golden eyes? This giant lover is Biggs, and he’s looking for his forever home. Mr. Biggs is a 4-year-old Doberman and practically still a puppy at that age!
His personality was amazing from the very moment I got to pet his big ol’ head! In true “big dog” form, he loved to lean on me while getting scratched and loved all over. Biggs was surrendered by his owner. He was loved dearly, but they were unable to give him all the attention and exercise needed.
Dobermans require physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. There are many ways to mentally enrich your dog’s routine; sniffle mats, training sessions, and indoor obstacle courses to name a few. Working with your dog’s mind is a wonderful way to tire them out.
I have no doubt Biggs will find his forever home. Who could say ‘no’ to those big eyes?
To learn more, please reach out to Laura with The SugarFace Foundation at (716) 969-7591.
If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, Laura is the person to speak with!
Fosters make this all possible, thank you!
August 14-16, 2025
The Park City Song Summit is a vibrant and evolving event that highlights music and the well-being of artists and attendees.
Since its inception, the Song Summit has grown into a platform for cultural and wellness exchange, featuring diverse activities. Attendees are treated to intimate sessions that address mental health, enhancing the overall experience with thoughtful wellness activities like sound baths, yoga, and massages.
The Song Summit celebrates a wide array of musical talents, providing a unique opportunity to see artists such as Larkin Poe and Mavis Staples perform in intimate settings. It offers diverse musical experiences, ranging from gospel harmonies to high-energy performances. Programs like Summit Rising demonstrate a commitment to nurturing emerging artists, with structured mentorship and performance opportunities that emphasize healthy creative practices.
Returning to downtown Park City, the summit will infuse City Park and the local library with events, allowing for rich interactions in these iconic venues. With the Main Stage and the Foundation Stage offering a mix of established and emerging talents, the event promises an immersive, educational, and entertaining experience.
Whether reconnecting with favorite artists or discovering new ones, the Park City Song Summit provides a dynamic environment to enjoy music and support young talent while promoting health and wellness.
Join us and be part of this special, one-of-a-kind event in our beautiful mountain town. Experience the magic of music, creativity, and community right here at home!
