Neighbors of Park City - June 2025

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EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

DAY SPA EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Allie Vacanti

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

WELLNESS & ESTHETICS EXPERT

Dr. Giselle M. Batcheller

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

CLEAN LIVING EXPERT

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

DENTAL WELLNESS EXPERT

Dr. Ryan Osorio Rise Wellness 1800 Prospector Ave., Park City, 84060 435-214-0544 risedentalwellness.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COACHING EXPERTS

Ashley Montague, MA, AMFT, ACMHC Tracey Dwyer, LMFT (805) 319-1870 StillPointUtah.com

EDUCATION EXPERT

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

COLOR AND STYLE EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

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

REROOFING EXPERT

S and S Roofing

Emergency Repairs & Free Estimates Utah’s #1 Roofing Company 435-658-4344

AESTHETICS AND PLASTIC SURGERY EXPERT

Dr. Renato Saltz

Saltz Plastic Surgery and Spa Vitoria 1441 Ute Blvd. Suite 140, Park City, UT 84098 435-216-9876 | saltzplasticsurgery.com

Betsy DeMann • (801) 671-6315 bdemann@bestversionmedia.com

EARLY PREVENTION MEDICAL EXPERT

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

INSURANCE EXPERT

Bryan R. Daybell

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

RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION EXPERT

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

REAL ESTATE EXPERT

Annett Blankenship

Keller Williams Real Estate 693 Main St., Park City, UT 84060

annett@parkcityinvestor.com 435-602-9976

EVENT EXPERT

Tom Brazill Elevate Event Bartending 801-477-4452

tom@elevateeventbartending.com elevateeventbartending.com

WINE EXPERT

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

WELLNESS OPTIMIZATION EXPERTS WOW Clinics 435-800-6969 info@wowclinic.com wowclinic.com

INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

Franky & Tam

Studio Interiors & Co. franky@studiointeriorsutah.com tam@studiointeriorsutah.com 435-214-6951

FINANCE AND TAX EXPERTS

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

LOCAL NEWS EXPERT KPCW

Spencer F. Eccles Broadcast Center PO Box 1372 | 460 Swede Alley Park City | UT | 84060 | kpcw.org 435) 649-9004 | (435) 655-8255

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

ANIMAL

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

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

ANIMAL WELLBEING

Stephen Jones, MVB, MS, DECVS 5373 UT-224, Park City, UT 84098 barkcityvet.com | 435.200.2160 info@barkcityvet.com Molly Uhlig Pete’s Adventure Pack petesadventurepack.com petesadventurepack@gmail.com 404-550-5633

WOMEN’S WELLNESS EXPERTS Erin Seamons Earthy Erin earthyerin.com | 435-200-5778 info@eathyerin.com Rachel Friedman Stoke Coach stokecoach.com rachel@stokecoach.com

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

feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from

Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: bdemann@bestversionmedia.com

BETSY DEMANN

Publisher bdemann@bestversionmedia.com

JACQUIE SYMES

Content Coordinator jacquie@bestversionmedia.com

MITCHELL OLSEN

Account Executive molsen@bestversionmedia.com

JARED DEMANN

Account Executive jdemann@bestversionmedia.com

EMILY REZIN

Designer

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Meet theTeam!

Richard Ellis © Best Version Media

Richard Ellis is a professional writer and consultant who likes to question assumptions and conventional thinking. In Neighbors, he writes cover stories and monthly columns on history, science, and sustainability. Rich also writes Tales of a Ghostwriter (TOGW), a column inspired by the 350+ founders, investors, and executives he has ghostwritten for over the years. TOGW often includes his poorly designed comic strips, stitched together with Canva and ChatGPT.

Among friends, family, and the unfortunate people who sit near him at coffee shops, Rich is known to type obnoxiously hard. Seriously, he has managed to break six backspace keys in 12 years. For that reason, he started using external keyboards instead of the one on his laptop. His saintly wife, Heather, gets annoyed when he tests all the keyboards at Staples and decides he doesn’t like any of them—except the Logitech MX Keys S. That thing can take a beating.

The middle of three boys, Rich grew up in the Chicago area and spent most of his free time between the ages of 5 and 25 in a

Shotokan Karate dojo. Thanks to the way Karate instructors give feedback, nothing you say about Rich’s writing will ever hurt his feelings.

By the time you read this, Rich will probably be a new dad with a fear of waking up the kiddo through overly aggressive typing.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

KIRSTEN KOHLWEY

MICHELLE DEININGER

PHOEBE ZANIELLO

TIFFANY WICKES

RICHARD ELLIS

SANDY GELDHOF

NATALIE TAYLOR

ISABELLA VENEGAS IZZY CRANDALL

MARITZA ROÑO REFUERZO

ERIC RAMIREZ

AIMEE L. COOK

OWEN CRANDALL

DEB DEKOFF

DANA KLEIN

KRISTEN PIERCE

LEXIE LARSON

SARAH SEVERSON

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BBQ & WINE A PERFECT PAIRING

Barbecue (BBQ) season is here, with the passing of Memorial Day and entering June with longer hours of daylight, warmer weather and Father’s Day approaching, it is now considered the official beginning of BBQ season!

There are many, many options for enjoying great beverages with BBQ. But do you know that almost every kind of BBQ goes with wine? If done right, wine can have more options than beer or cocktails!

Beer seems to be the go-to choice for BBQ, as it has a cold, refreshing taste combined with carbonation. This acts as a palate cleanser, gently removing fat and richness from your mouth with every sip, leaving you ready and wanting another bite of BBQ. Sparkling wine has the same effect, and Cava, Spanish bubbles, are an excellent choice and very price-friendly. If you don’t want the bubbles, look for dry, high-acid whites: Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Riesling, Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, for example.

Wine with BBQ is all about understanding and appreciating the flavors of barbecue: tangy sauces, sweet and spicy sauces, rubs, smokiness, char caramelization, etc. BBQ has many flavors and textures, but each item brings its own unique flavors that beg for the right delicious wine to elevate and enhance the flavors and wow your mouth.

Pairing wine with BBQ is about finding balance to complement the food without overpowering the food – this can be achieved by a complementary pairing or a contrast pairing where opposites attract. Red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel with red meat is a classic choice, but Malbec, Tempranillo (Rioja) and Shiraz are great options with grilled beef. White crisp wines can enhance flavors in chicken and grilled vegetables. Here are a few examples of wine and BBQ pairing;

Red Meats (Steaks, Burgers, Ribs):

• Bold Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Malbec.

• Full-Bodied Reds: Tempranillo, Cabernet-blend, Sangiovese, Grenache-Syrah-MourvèdreGSM blend.

Pork (Ribs, Pulled Pork, Pork Chops):

• Fruity Reds: Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, or for a white Dry Riesling.

• Medium-Bodied Reds: Merlot, Chianti Classico (Sangiovese)

Chicken:

• Chardonnay: Consider a lighter, unoaked Chardonnay.

• A White Field Blend – Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc blend

• Sauvignon Blanc: A great option for classic herb grilled chicken.

Grilled Vegetables & Kabobs:

• Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Riesling

• Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris/Grigio

Wine to Match Sauces:

• Sweet Sauces: Zinfandel, Riesling.

• Spicy-Mustard Sauces: Sangiovese, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

• Classic BBQ Sauces: Carménère, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon.

These suggestions serve as an excellent general guide, but play with your food, the spices and sauces on your BBQ, and wine a bit, don’t be afraid to find an new combination that may knock your socks off or the opposite, it is ok to learn what makes a bad pairing as food and wine is all about chemistry and balance. We don’t always get it right – having a bad pairing certainly makes you appreciate all the good pairings you’ve already tasted. I recommend testing this experimental side with only a few people, just in case it’s not the flavor/taste you want and you’re not doing this while entertaining the family or neighborhood BBQ...

BBQ is synonymous with summer; it’s about enjoying the flavors of summer with your friends and family. So fire up the grill, open the wine and savor the magic of wine with BBQ and the essence of summer gatherings – Cheers!

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Angel Angelovski Infuses Genuine Passion for Hospitality Into Cena Restaurant

BY AIMEE L. COOK

PHOTOS BY DEB DEKOFF

At Cena Ristorante & Lounge, located in The Chateaux Deer Valley, the aroma of housemade veal bolognese and freshly baked Margherita pizza invites guests to indulge in the classic flavors of Italy. Behind the scenes of this Italian eatery is a driving force who ensures every plate and experience is unforgettable. Meet Angel Angelovski, Cena’s food and beverage manager, whose passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality has left an indelible mark on the community.

Originally from Macedonia, Angel first visited Park City in the summer of 2016 and moved to Utah officially in 2017. It wasn’t long before he became enchanted by the scenic mountain landscapes and the vibrant food culture in Park City. A fan of Italian food, Angel knew that Cena was the perfect fit for combining his love of classic flavors and genuine hospitality.

“I genuinely love working with people,” he shares. Whether he’s supervising the dining room or chatting with regulars, his enthusiasm for face-to-face hospitality shines through in every interaction.

At the heart of Cena’s success is its team, which Angel describes as “phenomenal.” “We’re a cohesive team,” he says. “For me, the most important part is the relationship we have together. It brings good energy for all of us. We set up goals together and work towards them.”

That bond translates to a seamless experience for guests, who consistently praise Cena’s attentive service and warm atmosphere. Angel’s passion for his craft and his team’s camaraderie have turned Cena into a gathering place. The staff can perform multiple jobs and tasks, from taking orders to busing tables. They greet each guest with genuine smiles and personalized attention.

“I love Italian food and pizza; I have been to Italy and tried all types of food,” Angel adds. “We offer seasonal items in our pastas and salads.”

The staff enjoys picking a wine for the day and pairing it with menu items. When guests ask for recommendations, they are ready to deliver. “Hard work pays off,” says Angel.

© Best Version Media

BY AIMEE L. COOK

AkeenoClarke

Bringing Caribbean Flair to Elevated Cuisine

When Akeeno Clarke steps into a kitchen, the symphony of sizzling pans and the bold aroma of island spices instantly announce that this isn’t just cooking—it’s storytelling. Raised in Jamaica and currently making waves as a personal chef in Park City, Akeeno is blending the rich, vibrant flavors of his Caribbean heritage with the refined techniques of classical French cuisine in dishes that are as innovative as they are soulful.

“My way of cooking needs to be something my mom would be proud of,” Akeeno says. “Cooking fresh and healthy food is my brand.”

From Jamaica to Park City

Akeeno’s culinary odyssey began on the shores of Jamaica, where necessity first ignited his passion for cooking. The eldest of two younger siblings, he often took charge of preparing meals while his single mother worked to support the family. His early dishes were humble but laced with the

tropical spices and traditions that would serve as the foundation of his culinary identity.

“I started cooking to make sure there was a hot meal for my mom when she came home,” Akeeno explains. “We all would sit down and eat, and it soon turned into a passion.”

At 17, fate opened a door for Akeeno in the form of a work visa to spend six months in Spain. There, he was immersed in the art of Spanish cuisine, picking up skills and flavors that would later find their way into his creations. Inspired by global gastronomy, his range of culinary innovations lends his dishes a depth of flavor that can be achieved only by a culinarian with a broad scope of experiences to draw from.

Akeeno’s path to the United States led him first to Deer Valley, where he completed a six-month culinary internship, then to San Juan Island in Washington State to finish it. But destiny had

more in store for him. After meeting Harmony, the woman who would become his wife, in Washington, he returned to Utah, planted roots in Park City, and resumed work at Deer Valley. Then, like many others, COVID changed his trajectory.

“I gained notary when COVID happened,” Akeeno says. “I got laid off, and I had to sit down and reinvent myself. I had been the man of the house since I was a kid. I received a call from a friend who told me that a big party was happening and they needed a chef. I had already been thinking about becoming a private chef, and it just happened. After the client Tony Hsieh [former owner of Zappos who passed away in 2020] tried my food, he hired me as his private chef. Working for him opened many doors for me.”

Working for Tony Hsieh not only provided Akeeno with incredible opportunities but also inspired him to take a leap into entrepreneurship.

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Tony advised Akeeno to formalize his culinary expertise by creating his own business. Motivated by this guidance, Akeeno established an LLC and became an official business owner. He named his venture “Thyme to Dine,” a nod to his culinary roots, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

“This job comes from a selfless place; seeing people smile when they are at the dinner table and the fun they are having fuels me,” Akeeno says. “If you know you can be part of that happiness, it gives you the drive to do it every day.”

Today, with more than 15 years of culinary experience, Akeeno has honed his craft to near perfection, delivering exquisite dining experiences that reflect his passion and expertise. For the past four years, he has run a successful personal chef business that serves more than 70 high-end clients. His dedication to providing personalized, high-quality meals has earned him a reputation as a trusted and sought-after culinary professional in the community.

“I love cooking healthy food. I believe you are what you eat,” Akeeno explains. “When clients call me to do a dinner or [an] event for them, I want it to be healthy, and when you consume it, you walk away feeling good about yourself. I enjoy showcasing my culture in a way that still feels fresh and approachable.”

Case in point? His whiskey jerk sauce, made with High West Campfire Whiskey, is a bold twist on a traditional Jamaican staple, laced with smoky heat and a depth and complexity that awaken the palate. Whether it’s drizzled over grilled meats or paired with fresh vegetables, it’s always a showstopper.

A Life (and Kitchen) Full of Love

While Akeeno’s talents have taken him to the kitchens of fine restaurants and private residences, his love for cooking is personal. “I use a lot of fresh farm ingredients, and I work with several local businesses in Park City,” he shares. “I tell people to call me when they want the healthiest and freshest food prepared.”

Akeeno offers a personalized approach to his culinary services, ensuring each event is as unique as the individuals he serves. The process begins with a thorough consultation for understanding your tastes, preferences, dietary restrictions, and vision for the occasion. This is followed by a site visit to assess the space and logistics, ensuring seamless execution on the day of the event. Upon securing a deposit, Akeeno works closely with clients to craft a customized menu, drawing inspiration from seasonal ingredients and your desired theme. From meticulous preparation to flawless execution, Akeeno brings excellence and joy to the meal, which can be served on your family’s fine china.

Park City has become the perfect backdrop for Akeeno’s culinary endeavors. He has found a community that embraces innovation and diversity, and he’s eager to give back by sharing his Jamaican heritage. “I source as much locally as I can and use them as the foundation when creating my menus,” he says. “Every dining experience is customized for the client; I want it to be a memorable experience.”

Akeeno’s versatility shines through his ability to cater to a wide range of events, from high-end luxury gatherings to intimate family celebrations. His experience and creativity allow him to tailor each culinary experience to suit the unique needs of his clients.

“I am very client-focused. I always ask, ‘What is it you need me to do?’” Akeeno adds. “I make sure I put the client’s needs first, not my ego. As much as you can create a good memory, you could also create the worst. And everyone remembers the worst.”

Authentically Jamaican yet effortlessly worldly, Akeeno is a culinary visionary whose creations remind us that the best food is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a celebration of culture, family, and life itself. If you’re lucky enough to sit at Akeeno’s table, you’re in for more than a meal—you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

www.thymetodinecatering.com

Instagram: @thyme_todine

SAVOR THE SUMMIT:

Park City’s Signature Al Fresco Dining Event

Mark your calendars for Park City’s most anticipated outdoor dining experience of the year! The Park City Area Restaurant Association (PCRA) proudly presents the annual Savor the Summit, taking place on June 28th at 6:00 p.m.

This one-of-a-kind event transforms historic Main Street into a mesmerizing culinary haven, where food, community, and ambiance come together in perfect harmony.

“This annual al fresco dining event has become a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate our local restaurants in the backdrop of our historic Main Street,” says Ginger Wicks of PCRA. “For our participating restaurant members, it’s an opportunity to showcase their culinary talents while creating memorable experiences for both locals and visitors. It’s the perfect blend of great food, community spirit, and the beauty of dining outdoors in our unique mountain town.”

This year, some of the participating restaurants include Flanagan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Don Gallo, Firewood, and Fletcher’s. The High West

Spirit Garden is open to the public at no charge, and no reservation is needed. VIP tickets include three assorted food items from Deer Valley Resort’s The Brass Tag, as well as two drinks.

A continuous communal table stretching down iconic Main Street, adorned with imaginative tablescapes designed by some of Park City’s finest local restaurants, is a sight for those dining. Each participating eatery will showcase its unique take on al fresco dining, offering an exciting variety of menus crafted just for this event.

While the dishes served are extraordinary, the vibrant atmosphere might make Savor the Summit truly unforgettable. Under the golden glow of string lights, diners will revel in the lively energy of the event while enjoying the fresh mountain air and views surrounding Park City. The combination of exquisite flavors, creative decor, and the sense of community makes this event a must-attend celebration of food and culture.

Flanagan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant has participated in Savor the Summit since 2018. The

restaurant accommodates 120 guests and creates a tablescape showcasing vibrant, fresh flowers and elegant place settings.

“It is fun to have people come from all over. Some return year after year; it is really cool,” says Ivonne Timar, general manager for Flanagan’s. “We go all out. The chef, Franco, and I get together and create the menu and plan, starting in February. We try to keep the cost as low as possible.”

Interested in experiencing the magic? Explore the menus of participating restaurants and join me in celebrating the art of good food and great company.

PRO TIP: Since the beverages flow along with the noshing, staying in the area overnight is highly recommended. Stein Eriksen Lodge offers a complimentary shuttle service for guests to and from the event.

Save the Date: June 28, 2025, 6:00 p.m.

Location: Historic Main Street, Park City Explore Menus and Reserve Your Seat Today: parkcityrestaurants.com/savor-the-summit

HALLE BERRY The

INGREDIENTS*:

• 1 ½ oz Tequila

• 1 oz Triple Sec or Cointreau

• ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 1 “dime” of Jalapeño

DIRECTIONS:

• 1-2 fresh Blackberries

• Lime wedge and/or a couple more blackberries for garnish.

The Halle Berry is a reshreshing flavored margarita with a touch of heat, and a jolt of fresh berry flavor. This version of a margarita combines the spicy taste of Jalapeños with fresh Blackberries. Together, these contrasting flavors confuse your taste buds, but leave you wanting more. The first sip is hot on your lips, followed by the amazing taste of a freshly made margarita, then finishes with the sweet berry bliss of the blackberries. The beautiful purple hue of the drink reminds me of home. Whether it’s the gorgeous purple tint of fresh lavender fields, or the daunting purple uniforms of my hometown team (Go Dawgs!).

Enjoy this one, it’s a winner!

Prep time 5 minutes

Muddle 1 “dime” of jalapeño with 1-2 blackberries in bottom of shaker. Add ice. Add Tequila, Triple Sec, and Lime juice.

Shake until chilled. “Dirty Pour”* into rocks glass. Optional: rim the glass with salt, or better yet, Tajin. Garnish with a lime wedge and/or a couple whole blackberries.

*Bartenders tip- Dirty pour means to pour all the ingredients in the shaker directly into the glass.

Do not strain. We want all of those wonderful chunks of Jalapeño and Blackberries in with the cocktail.

If you tried this and liked it….

Tag me on Instagram @elevateeventbartending

us Elevate

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Rich History and Year-Round Luxury Are

at Snowpine Lodge

Snowpine Lodge, just 13 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon, is where history and modern elegance intersect. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Snowpine Lodge offers enjoyable experiences well-suited for families year-round. Its fascinating history creates a seamless blend of old-world charm with contemporary comfort.

FROM A MINING PORTAL TO A LUXURY DESTINATION

Snowpine Lodge has a history as rich as its surrounding mountains. Built initially as the portal to the Bay City Mine in 1868, it played a key role during the mining boom in Alta. Later, the property was converted to a general store and, later, a post office, until it became home to

J.G. Stillwell, whose legacy remains within the lodge’s luxurious spa—complete with some of the original rock walls from his residence.

After the stock market crash, the building served as a storeroom for supplies for nearby mines. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps acquired the property and turned it into the first public lodging for skiers in the area. Today,

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

© Best Version Media

it remains the only original building left in Alta. Sometime between 1941 and 1942, Richard Ruckenbrod was awarded the first Forest Service permit to operate the building as a shelter in the winter; he named it Snowpine.

In 2011, current owners Brent and Meg Pratt purchased Snowpine Lodge. Major renovations began in 2017, with the goal of preserving the building’s historic charm while elevating it to a premier resort, adding floors D, E (entry level), and F, all of which was completed in 2019. The Lodge has 56 guest rooms, and locals are offered a 20% discount.

“We had to get the building up to road level, so we had to complete the span over to the new building. All of the parking deck is over the existing building,” says Brent. “It became a family project. My daughter, Courtney Pena, took over the design and made it feel much more like a home than a hotel. It was her first commercial project.”

YEAR-ROUND ALPINE FUN

Winter Wonderland

For winter-sports enthusiasts, Snowpine Lodge offers ski-in, ski-out access to one of the most iconic powder-filled destinations in the world. Alta is renowned for its deep snow, and Snowpine is perfectly positioned to get you onto the slopes effortlessly. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, guests can unwind in the lodge’s heated outdoor pool and hot tubs or enjoy a fireside après-ski in the cozy Igloo or lounge.

Summer Adventures

When the snow melts, a magnificent mountain paradise emerges. Snowpine offers access to hiking trails teeming with wildflowers, e-bike rentals for enjoying the routes, and disc golf among the scenic views.

You can relax on the outdoor terrace as you soak in the mountain air or spend the afternoon exploring nearby trails that lead to other beautiful settings. Staff is in the process of adding to its summer programming—stay tuned to the website for updates.

“The small, intimate vacation is what you will find at Snowpine Lodge,” says Matthew Seamons, general manager. “If you want to talk to staff, interact with other guests, our hotel facilitates that very well. We have lounges on every floor, with fireplaces that are great gathering spaces.”

ELEVATED DINING

No matter the season, Snowpine Lodge delights food lovers with its expertly crafted culinary experiences. The in-house restaurant, Swen’s, serves dishes inspired by executive chef Andrew Hebson. You can expect hearty meals after winter slopes, or indulge in light, refreshing fare to complement a summer evening. Pair your meal with a fine wine or a creative cocktail for the perfect cap to your day. Also, try the herbmarinated chicken: Although the chef would not share his secret on how it is prepared, it is one of the best chicken dishes I’ve had, which is saying a lot for chicken.

“It is all about keeping a balance and maintaining

approachability to the guests,” says Andrew, in regard to crafting a menu appealing to a wide range of guests. “The chicken is something I am proud of. If you want to really size up a place, order the chicken. It is actually fairly difficult to get a staff to execute chicken, on a consistent level, well.”

The Gulch Pub is a great casual place to gather and have a drink, along with some Wasatch nachos made with the pub’s own bison chili.

RELAXATION REDEFINED

The spa at Snowpine is a destination in itself. Built into the historic portions of the building, the spa combines original features like rock walls with modern amenities, offering a rejuvenating escape. Enjoy a massage, a facial, or a wellness treatment and feel the history within every stone.

“The spa is a huge highlight of the hotel; with the integration of wellness, we can customize any treatment, year-round,” says Audrey Nichols, director of Spa and Fitness. “Our base massage is called Mountain Bliss, which is very relaxing. Then we have our High Altitude Recovery massage, which is more deep tissue. We have an amazing local clientele here.”

Try a biotech facial—it is something special. If treatments aren’t your thing, get a pass for the grotto and recharge in the serene setting.

EXPERIENCE SNOWPINE LODGE FOR YOURSELF

Whether you visit in the bustling beauty of winter or the serene calm of summer, you’ll find a perfect blend of historic character, modern luxury, and the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Alta.

Book your stay or learn more about the lodge’s rich history and year-round activities by visiting Snowpine Lodge’s website.

Ameyalli Residence Club:

Discover a Place Where Healthy Living, a Vibrant Resort Lifestyle, and the Sharing Economy Come Together Naturally

The confluence of two increasingly popular trends in luxury vacation home ownership –wellbeing communities and residence clubs - has arrived just minutes from Deer Valley Resort..

Cradled by the snow-capped Wasatch Mountain Range, the exclusive Ameyalli Residence Club at Ameyalli Resort & Residences is ideally located in the charming, tranquil town of Midway, Utah—just nine minutes from Deer Valley's new East Village and 25 minutes from downtown Park City. Residence club co-ownership was first introduced at Deer Valley Resort 35 years ago. Since that time, residence clubs have been embraced by affluent buyers around the globe, causing it to be termed “the preferred choice of the rational rich.”

America’s newest residence club in Midway is an enclave of luxurious, four-bedroom homes.

Each residence incorporates modern mountain architecture, is fully furnished, and boasts expansive, well-appointed outdoor terraces with breathtaking views. There are eight like-minded owners per residence, and each enjoys abundant use of their elegant homes throughout the year. The Club staff ensures worry-free ownership and hasslefree vacations.

“This is perfect,” said an Ameyalli Club owner. “It’s like buying a vacation home with my friends except you find my friends. The

only thing I have to worry about is airline reservations for my next visit.”

Ameyalli Residence Club amenities include a private clubhouse with outdoor pool, fitness room, locker rooms, and rooftop terrace. Owners are provided secure clothing and equipment storage to ease the travel burden, and enjoy concierge, housekeeping, bell, and pre-arrival grocery provisioning services.

In addition to their private facilities, Ameyalli Residence Club owners will have privileged access to future Ameyalli resort amenities, which will include a farm-to-table restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, natural hot springs, an expansive Clubhouse Fitness Center, entertainment lounge, a Wellness Spa, and a host of wellness and longevity programs

Ameyalli Residence Club embodies all the reasons luxury residence clubs have been developed in many of the world’s most coveted destinations. The list includes generous, year-round vacation use, removal of the worries and responsibilities typically associated with absentee ownership, and a dramatic reduction in the financial burden. Club ownership is deeded real estate and, like owners of other expensive resort homes, Club owners can host guests, send unaccompanied guests, and make some of their time available for rental.

Ameyalli Residence Club is the smart way to own and a beautiful way to live. Introductory ownership pricing is currently $375,000.

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A NEW WAY TO OWN ALPINE LUXURY AT AMEYALLI

Starting from the low $400’s

Just minutes from Deer Valley’s new East Village ski lifts, Ameyalli Residence Club is surrounded by 78 acres of idyllic alpine beauty. Boasting serene views of the majestic Wasatch Mountains, our private residence club offers like-minded families a seamless blend of pampered living, real estate co-ownership, and wellbeing programs curated by one of the world’s most respected longevity experts. Your fully furnished and accessorized, four-bedroom, four-and-a-halfbathroom vacation home beckons with expansive outdoor living areas and includes privileged access to remarkable resort amenities.

Phase One is nearly sold out. Don’t miss your opportunity to own at America’s newest wellbeing and recreational community.

DATES

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A NOTE FROM NEIGHBORS: IN PUTTING TOGETHER OUR MAY CALENDAR, WE REGRETFULLY MISSED INCLUDING MOTHER’S DAY—A DAY THAT MEANS SO MUCH TO SO MANY. PLEASE ACCEPT OUR HEARTFELT APOLOGIES. WE HOPE YOUR CELEBRATIONS WERE FILLED WITH LOVE, GRATITUDE, AND MEANINGFUL MOMENTS WITH THE MOTHERS AND MATERNAL FIGURES IN YOUR LIFE.

Wildflower Hikes

@Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter 1258 Center Dr., Park City

This hike will take place in-person on the north side of the Swaner Preserve. We will meet at the Spring Creek Trailhead.

Join Swaner & Basin Recreation naturalists for a hike on the north side of the Preserve to enjoy and learn about the wildflowers in bloom! Terrain is variable and the trails are exposed: please come prepared with hiking shoes or boots, sun protection, and water.

Time: 8-10am and 5:30-7:30pm Cost: $20/person or $10 for Swaner or Basic Rec members (space limited, reserve your spot!)

Website: extension.usu.edu/swaner/ calendar

Bark City Festival

@Willow Creek Park 4460 Split Rail Lane

Join us for the Dirty Dog 5k, food trucks, music, vendor booths, dog adoptions, dog-friendly competitions, dog dive, agility course, Bark Silly tricks & fashions, and much more!

Time: 10am-3pm • Cost: FREE Website: https://barkcityfestival.com/

Park City Community Foundation’s Summer Solstice Family Celebration

@4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City Join Park City Community Foundation as we celebrate summer and show support for our local community! Along with drinks and food, there will be music by Jake and the Heist, face painting, games, local resources for parents & kids, and fun for all ages! Bring your friends and get connected at this free, community-wide celebration and fair.

Be sure to stop by our tables to learn about Park City Community Foundation and our initiatives including Early Childhood Alliance, Youth United, Zero Food Waste, Women's Giving Fund, and Community Pass Club - and how you can contribute and get involved. Parking is available in the upper village lots.

Thank you to our sponsor, Park City Mountain supported by Vail Resorts EpicPromise for sponsoring this event.

Time: 4-7pm

Cost: FREE Website: https://parkcitycf.org/event/ summer-solstice/

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3W Panel - Wine, Women, & Words

@Santy Auditorium - Park City Library

1255 Park Ave, Park City

Join us to explore the generative power of creative writing communities as seven women from Summit and Salt Lake Counties reunite in Park City after twentyseven years. Together, they formed a community to support each other’s creative writing practices and passions. In this panel discussion, the authors will share how one small group of women writers sparked a wave of creative energy, offering insights into how to inspire synergy within creative communities and at an individual level. There's no need to book your place for this event. Just meet us at Park City Library.

After the panel, celebrate with a toast and refreshments to honor their inspiring journey.

Dolly's will be provide books for purchase and signing.

Time: 2-3:30pm

Cost: FREE

Website: https://parkcity.events.mylibrary. digital/event?id=167582

Last Friday Gallery Stroll

@Historic Main Street, Park City

Hosted by the Park City Gallery Association, the Last Friday Gallery Stroll, is a fun (and free) monthly community event dedicated to highlighting artists and special exhibits at art galleries throughout town. Park City’s art scene continues to thrive, offering a robust variety of unique art collections from local, national, and international artists. On the last Friday of each month, nineteen of our art galleries open their doors for visitors and locals alike to enjoy light refreshments and to admire their latest art installations.

It’s the perfect way to explore the Park City art scene while enjoying scenic Historic Main Street and our beautiful alpine evenings.

Time: 6-9pm • Cost: Free Website: parkcitygalleryassociation.com/

Savor the Summit

@Park City Main Street

This is no ordinary dinner party! Park City’s Savor the Summit returns to historic Main Street, transforming it into the state’s largest outdoor dining experience. On Saturday, June 28 at 6:00 p.m., more than 2,500 guests will enjoy signature dishes from a variety of top restaurants, served al fresco as the sun sets over Main Street. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with exceptional cuisine, refreshing drinks,

and live music, all set in the heart of Park City. This open-air community celebration is the perfect way to experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene in a truly unique setting.

Time: 6pm • Cost: Tickets below Website: parkcityrestaurants.com/savorthe-summit

Junction Jam Music Series

@Junction Commons 6699 N Landmark Drive, Park City

Join us for The Junction Jam, an electrifying live music series held at Junction Commons in Park City. In collaboration with Mountain Town Music, we’re bringing the best local and regional talent to the stage, creating the perfect soundtrack for your Sunday afternoons. Whether you’re a fan of rock, folk, blues, or indie vibes, there’s something for everyone at The Junction Jam. Enjoy great music, delicious food from local vendors, and a vibrant community atmosphere – all in the beautiful setting of Park City. A variety of delicious offerings from local food vendors. The Border Food Truck and Dos Hermanos will be offering 15% off during the events. Family-Friendly Fun: Activities for all ages in a lively outdoor setting The Junction Jam is your Sunday destination for live music and community fun!

June 29: Jim Bone + The Dig

Time: 4:30-6:30pm • Cost: FREE Website: junctionjampc.org

Park City Fourth of July Celebration

@City Park/PCMR

Park City's Fourth of July Celebration kicks off with a 5k fun run, parade (begins at 11am), games and gathering in City Park, and will culminate with a drone show at Park City Mountain. If you are interested in participating in the Fourth of July Parade, applications are due by June 15. A list of Park City and Summit County events throughout the holiday week will be posted prior to the event. If you are interested in participating in the Fourth of July 5K, please register at the website below. Please review the impact notice that will be posted prior to the event for information on parking and transportation and make sure to review the impact map for additional details.

Not sure where to watch the drone show from? Park City Mountain is best. You should also have a good view of the show from Park City Golf Course, City Park, and Lower Main Street. Time: 11am Cost: FREE Website: parkcity.org

IT'S THE BUZZ

BY AIMEE L. COOK

JOE NICHOLS HEADLINES HEBER VALLEY’S RED, WHITE & BLUE FESTIVAL

This year the Red, White and Blue Festival is hosting an evening concert on July 4 at 7:00 pm.

Event Highlights:

▶ 7:00 PM – Tribute to Our Veterans: Honor the brave men and women who serve our country.

▶ Opening Act – Cover Dogs: Enjoy this local band featuring hit songs and surprises.

▶ Headliner – Joe Nichols: Experience the chart-topping country star performing hits like “Brokenheartsville,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” and “Sunny and 75.”

Grab your tickets and celebrate patriotism, music, and community at this special event.

▶ Reserved Seats: $60 per ticket, reserved seating May 1- July 4th

▶ General Admission (standing only in front of the stage): $40 per ticket. Limited tickets are available.

▶ VIP Backstage & Lounge Access: $150, limited tickets available.

https://www.gohebervalley.com/joe-nichols/

FORUM FEST IS BACK FOR ITS FOURTH YEAR AT CANYONS VILLAGE IN PARK CITY

From Thursday, July 3, to Saturday, July 5, this FREE multi-day event celebrates Independence Day with something for everyone.

What to Expect:

▶ Live Music: Headliner concerts at the Forum Stage with acts like Super Diamond, MarchFourth Marching Band, DJ Nate, and Laine Hardy (American Idol winner), plus three days of live performances.

▶ Nightly Shows: Fireworks and drone displays light up the Park City sky each evening.

▶ Family Fun: Activities include cornhole, axe throwing, air archery, juggling performances, face painting, balloon twisting, and a dedicated kid zone. Stop by the puppy adoption initiative hosted by Nuzzles and Co.

▶ Great Food: Indulge in local and regional food and drink favorites.

Don’t miss Park City’s best Independence Day celebration! https://forumfest.com/

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Learn Spanish at the Library, Wednesdays at 3pm Classes include short readings, popular songs, and cultural insights from Spanish-speaking countries.

One Book One Community: Professor Anderegg: Illuminating the Future of Earth’s Forests, June 4th at 2pm

We aim to answer the question: what is the future of Earth’s forests under climate change? Massive forest mortality events of many tree species in the last two decades prompt concerns that drought, insects, and wildfire may devastate forests in the coming decades. This talk will cover how drought, fire, and climate change affect forest ecosystems in the western US and around the world.

Craft Swap: June 6-8 during open hours

Looking to refresh your crafting supplies or find something new? Come participate in our Craft Swap!

Summer Reading Kickoff & 10th Anniversary Renovation Celebration, June 6th at 4pm

We’re kicking off our annual Summer Reading Challenge and celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the library’s transformative renovation. Come and sign up for a summer filled with reading adventures, challenges, and prizes. While you’re here, help us celebrate a decade of community enrichment with cake, crafts, and fun!

One Book One Community: Fireresilient Landscaping for Safer Spaces, June 10th at 5pm Join Maddie Nelson, the Open Space

Supervisor at Basin Rec, and Sara Jo Dickens from the Summit CWMA for an engaging and informative session on fire-resistant landscaping and fire mitigation projects in Park City. Discover how to reduce the spread of noxious weeds during fire mitigation efforts, and take home free seeds to plant your own fire-resistant plants.

Virtual Class: Learn to Draw with Hope Larson, June 11th at 12pm

Join Hope Larson for a fun Summer Reading themed Learn to Draw Webinar! Hope Larson is a New York Times-bestselling, Eisner awardwinning author and illustrator of numerous comics and graphic novels for younger readers such as: A Wrinkle in Time, Very Bad at Math, Minecraft, and Batgirl.

Art Reception for Nancy Ness, June 12th at 5pm

Meet and mingle with artist Nancy Ness at this art reception. Her art will be displayed at the Park City Library on the second floor from June to August.

Pride Author Talk, Meet & Greet, and Craft, June 14th at 2pm

Join us for an inspiring talk with Laurie Lee Hall, author of Dictates of Conscience: From Mormon High Priest to My New Life as a Woman. Hear her powerful story, then stick around for a special meet-and-greet with Laurie and contributors to the book Queer Mormon Joy. Books will be available for purchase from Dolly’s Bookstore. Plus, get creative while making a Pride themed keychain. Be sure to visit the Summit Pride, Utah Pride, and Encircle tables at the event to learn more about the incredible work they’re doing in our community.

Local Speaker Series 3 W’s: Wine, Women, and Words, June 21st at 2pm

Join us to explore the generative power of creative writing communities as seven women from Summit and Salt Lake Counties reunite in Park City after twenty-seven years. Together, they formed a community to support each other’s creative writing practices and passions. Over the years, their collaboration has led to the publication of sixteen books and the creation of new writing communities, spanning from Nevada to Alabama and Utah to Oregon.

Kids Glow Dance Party, June 23rd at 5pm Lights out, fun ON! Kids, get ready to shine at our awesome black light dance party. Put on your dancing shoes and wear your brightest white or neon clothes to glow like crazy under the lights! We’ll dance the afternoon away to bumping beats. PLUS, we’re mixing in some super fun learning with the “Currency Conga” – a cool game where we’ll groove while learning a little about money! Don’t miss this unique afternoon of dancing, glowing, and learning!

One Book One Community: Learning to Live with Wildland Fire on the Wasatch Back with Bradley Washa, June 30th at 6pm

In his presentation, Brad will demonstrate the parallels and differences between our local wildfire events and those across the country and beyond, including that of the 2016 Fort McMurray Fire in Alberta, which is the fire of interest in this year’s One Book One Community selection, Fire Weather by John Vaillant.

Make your next Park City group gathering unforgettable. With versatile event spaces, exclusive local perks, and breathtaking mountain views, we make every occasion effortless and memorable. Park City’s hidden gem for gatherings of all sizes.

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“IT WAS A FIGHT, ONE OF THE LONGEST DEALS WE’VE EVER BEEN THROUGH, WITH LOTS OF UPS AND DOWNS,” SAYS JASON WOYWOD, PRINCIPAL AT WOYWOD ENTERPRISES. “Purchasing the Canyon Corners shopping center through our affiliated investment companies was a roller coaster, because the company that owned it was a large national corporation.” While most commercial real estate deals can be done in a couple of months, this one took almost a year. “We felt it was the right move to make the center locally owned,” says Jason. The fight was worth it. “We’ve all seen what can happen when large corporations take over,” adds Stefanie (Stef) Stef Woywod. “We feel strongly that it’s important to invest in our own community. It can shape what Park City may look like for years to come.”

To celebrate their hard-earned victory, the couple spent a night out with friends and cheered over wings and beer. “We got silly,” says Stef. “We have a tight-knit group of friends here, more like family, and we’re so grateful. It was fun to celebrate.”

That young-at-heart vibe defines their family. They bought property in Park City in 2017 and love the easy access to trails and natural parks the town offers. “We ski, mountain bike, and hike,” says Jason. Stef enjoys reading, yoga and Pilates, being outdoors, and communing with nature. “The mountains are church for me,” she says. “There is a connection and community that comes from being outside. People may have different views, but you can always find common ground in sunshine and love of the outdoors.”

They moved from Las Vegas, which, at first glance, seems like a world apart. Jason sees it differently. “Park City and Las Vegas are very similar in the sense that they are both destination towns,” he says. “They survive on tourism.” He grew up in Las Vegas where his father was in the hospitality industry. Jason attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he earned his MBA and then went on to earn specialty degrees from both Harvard Business School and Cornell University. After he graduated, Jason followed in his father’s footsteps. Together, they owned and operated several hotel and casinos throughout Nevada.

The father and son’s properties had a boutique cowboy and mining theme, featuring ranch-style art and artifacts from all over the world, including the world’s largest beer stein. Their flagship properties, The Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall and Hotel Nevada Gambling Hall, hosted famous guests including Ingrid Bergman, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and President Lyndon B. Johnson. Wayne Newton often performed in the lounge.

“My father started in the casino business in 1969,” he says. His father immigrated to the United States from Germany. When he lived in Los Angeles, he met Jason’s mom while attending Hollywood High School. The young couple married and moved to Las Vegas to live the American dream. His father started as a blackjack dealer at Four Queens, and went on to work at the International Hotel and then, eventually worked in senior management at MGM. His

“We try to support local ownership whenever possible, rather than these beautiful centers going to large corporations that could care less about our town. So, for us, the money we make goes right back into our community.” – Jason Woywod

“We want to make sure people in our local community can put food on the table, that we keep people in business, and grow foot traffic,” says Stef. “One of the things we loved most about this center is being able to do business with our neighbors. We can go buy groceries or have dinner and bump into someone we know. So that’s the beauty of doing good business, weaving a strong relational fabric with everyone.” – Stefanie Woywod

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mother worked at the International Hotel as a cigarette girl in Elvis’ showroom. As an ode to his mom, Jason and Stef played Elvis’ music at their wedding in Mexico.

Sunshine girl Stef is from southern California. She earned her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in journalism and minored in political science. Her first television reporting job was in Midland, Texas and from there, landed a job at the FOX affiliate in Las Vegas covering crime, politics, and entertainment. She then became a primetime co-anchor for the morning news.

“I loved being part of a live show because anything could happen, and did, especially in the early morning hours,” she says. “As journalists, we all hope to change the world, and shed light on serious problems when people need help. Everyone has a story,” Stef says. “On the other hand, with a morning show, there’s also the element of high energy, fun, and a touch of crazy. I enjoyed that season of life.” In fact, she was so good at it, she was nominated several times for journalism awards and won an Emmy with her co-anchors.

They met when their careers collided. Stef was called to interview Jason, but she wasn’t too happy about it. “We were doing a controversial promotion at our casino that became national news,” says Jason. Stef was annoyed that she had been pulled away from an assignment she felt warranted her attention. The two hit it off immediately. After the interview, they shook hands and exchanged numbers. “He called the next day and we went to dinner, and the rest is history,” Stef said.

That was in 2009. They’ve been married almost 12 years and have a son, Grant, who attends McPolin Elementary, and have a brindle Boxer named Snoopy “Snoop Dogg”. “Grant loves school, mountain biking and skiing. He’s definitely an adventurous boy,” says Stef. “He’s joyful and outgoing. We’re so happy with the quality of life we’ve been able to give him here.”

The couple loves to travel and will try almost anything once. “We really want to live life outside the box,” Stef says. “Our favorite saying around the house is, get it on the calendar.” she laughs. They travel often. “It’s important that Grant experiences different cultures,” says Stef. “We try to travel outside the U.S. frequently, and we realize it’s a blessing to do so.”

They also enjoy eating and trying new foods. “We love sharing a good meal with friends,” says Stef. As tall as he is quick-witted, Jason is always in search of great spicy food or a really good steak, and a nice glass of whiskey.

As for the future of Canyon Corners, the duo is committed to supporting local ownership efforts and the community workforce. “It’s one of the newer constructed and designed centers in Park City,” says Jason. “It’s gorgeous, very aesthetically pleasing, so we have pride in ownership and want to keep it beautiful. The footprint is maxed out so we’ll invest in upgrades.”

The shopping center is located in Kimball Junction, a major retail hub anchored by Whole Foods Market, and home to other notable tenants such as Spitz, Mod Pizza and Christy Sports. They recently signed a new, local tenant. “Several out-of-state tenants applied, but we chose her,”

says Jason. “The center also has several affordable housing units that support local workforce. Affordable housing is so important right now.”

Maintaining strong relationships with national and local tenants is paramount to their vision. “We want to make sure people in our local community can put food on the table, that we keep people in business, and grow foot traffic,” says Stef. “One of the things we loved most about this center is being able to do business with our neighbors. We can go buy groceries or have dinner and bump into someone we know. So that’s the beauty of doing good business, weaving a strong relational fabric with everyone.” The couple is thankful their neighbors have welcomed them and this move with open arms. They’ll continue to focus on their relationships, both personally and professionally. “I have a few projects I care deeply about in the social and criminal justice world, including a short documentary I wrapped up last year,” Stef says. “My goal is to connect people on a deeper level, to inspire change… and have fun while doing it.”

Jason hopes to acquire more commercial real estate in Park City. “Every town we’ve lived in we’ve invested in,” he says. “We try to support local ownership whenever possible, rather than these beautiful centers going to large corporations that could care less about our town. So, for us, the money we make goes right back into our community.”

And that’s the difference a local investment makes. It’s about commitment, making decisions that benefit people that live here, not just those that visit to play. Because keeping Park City’s unique appeal alive and well starts with conversations on the trail, at the grocery store, and in our backyards with people we call friends.

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CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY AT THE PARK CITY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S SUMMER CELEBRATION

PARK CITY, Utah — As the summer sun begins to shine, Park City Community Foundation is inviting the entire community to its annual Summer Celebration—an event dedicated to connection, fun, and support for local initiatives. Join on Friday, June 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Canyons Village for an evening of live music, games, and good hangs.

The Summer Celebration is designed to bring people together, offering something for everyone. Enjoy live music by Jake and the Heist, whose vibrant performance promises to set the perfect tone for a summer evening. For families, there will be face painting, games, and local resources for parents and kids, ensuring that attendees of all ages can join in the festivities. To top it off, delicious food and drinks will be available.

While you’re enjoying the event, stop by the Park City Community Foundation tables to learn more about their initiatives, including:

• Early Childhood Alliance – Focused on ensuring that every child in Park City has access to quality early learning opportunities.

• Youth United – Empowering local youth to engage in community service and leadership.

• Zero Food Waste – Aiming to reduce food waste and increase sustainability in Park City.

• Women’s Giving Fund – A powerful network of women making high-impact grants to support women and children.

• Community Pass Club – Offering exclusive access to local attractions while supporting community causes.

Discover how you can contribute, volunteer, or simply spread the word about these meaningful programs that strengthen the Park City community.

The event will be held at Canyons Village, with parking conveniently available in the upper village lots. Simply follow the signs and enjoy easy access to the celebration.

TownLift is

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Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates.

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THE LOCAL

COMMUNITY NEWS FROM KPCW

Welcome to The Local, your source for community news from your friendly neighborhood public radio station. KPCW is the only not-for-profit source of daily news across Summit and Wasatch counties. Tune in to our new podcast, “The Community Campfire,” Fridays at 9 a.m. We showcase your stories, live music, witty Campfire Kids and much more.

KPCW has hand-selected recent articles that reflect the happenings in our vibrant, eclectic and engaged community. Read–and listen–like a local at KPCW.org.

New deputies to staff Summit County schools this fall

By: Connor Thomas

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has hired five school resource officers to comply with a new state law, bringing its total number of SROs to nine. In the summer, they will beef up the patrol division.

Last year’s House Bill 84 required armed “guardians” in every Utah school, public and private.

Although that could mean armed volunteers or other school employees, Summit County decided to go with trained deputies. Sheriff Frank Smith has said that’s safer for students and parents across the state.

Park City fireworks, open flame bans take effect June 15

By: Parker Malatesta

The Park City Council has unanimously approved a resolution banning fireworks and open flames within city limits, which stretch from the McPolin Barn to Richardson Flat and upper Deer Valley.

The ban starts June 15 and runs through Oct. 31. Park City has enacted a similar ban the past four summers to mitigate wildfire risks.

The ban does not apply to permitted fire pits, gas stoves or charcoal barbeque grills.

Vail Resorts: Skier visits down 3% in 2024-2025 season

By Parker Malatesta

Vail Resorts recently released visitation and revenue numbers for this winter season.

The data reflects performance at the company’s 37 resorts in North America, which include Park City Mountain, British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb and Breckenridge in Colorado.

Vail said skier visits were down 3.1% compared to the same time last year. Although visitation declined, lift ticket revenue increased relative to the previous ski season by 3.4%. Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch attributed the revenue increase to the growth in Epic Pass sales ahead of the season.

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

Local News in Summit County

The KPCW News Team brings you daily news on the radio, online, and directly to your email inbox with our free newsletter:

Scan here to subscribe – it’s

Public radio stations like KPCW play a vital role in connecting communities through fact-based reporting, local storytelling, and civil discourse. We’re community-powered and committed to serving the Wasatch Back, but we can’t do it without your help!

Donate now at www.KPCW.org.

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FEATURED LISTING:

ALL IN FOR YOU.

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

1522 Crescent Road Park City, UT 84060

$2,350,000 • 3 beds • 3 baths • 1,742 SF

Description: Discover one of the few ground level units within the serene development of Crescent Ridge. Nested into the trees, this fantastic 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath is ideally located just minutes to world-class skiing offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Picture waking up on the perfect powder day, walking over to Armstrong chairlift at Silver Star for an epic day on the slopes! When you're ready to warm up, you can take the access trail that goes directly into the community. Warm up by the fireplace or hang out on the deck on one of our sunny winter days enjoying mountain views and the lift.

The primary boasts a private bath with steam shower, while the bunk room provides plenty of space for family or guests. Take advantage of nearby skiing, hiking, biking, golf and outdoor recreation. With easy access to ski resorts, dining and shopping, this townhome is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful mountain lifestyle.

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

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

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

Gretchen Hudgens 435-901-1015

Insta: @gretchenhudgens Email: Gretchen@winutah.com

Jessie Lannings 858-952-4742

Insta: @jessielanningrealestate Jessie@winutah.com

Lacy Harrison 858-525-3434

Insta: @lacykharrison Email: Lacy@winutah.com

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

Lacy Gretchen Jessie

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BY JESSIE LANNING, WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE

LEWIS Owner, CEO, General Contractor

WHY HIGH-NETWORTH BUYERS ARE TURNING TO PARK CITY — AND WHY NOW STILL MAKES SENSE

The Park City real estate market is proving to be more than just a lifestyle investment — it’s a strategic one. In Q1 of 2025, over 60% of transactions were cash purchases, a clear signal that high-networth individuals are seeking the stability and long-term value of tangible assets amid increasing stock market volatility. With multiple economic reports pointing to a shift in investor behavior, real estate in lifestyle destinations like Park City is seeing renewed interest — and confidence.

We’re seeing it firsthand. Our team recently brought to market a stunning Crescent Ridge property, offering seamless ski resort access and the kind of slope-side lifestyle that’s become harder to find. The interest we’ve received is telling: cash buyers, second-home seekers, and savvy investors are all circling, recognizing the rare blend of recreation, rental potential, and year-round appeal this community delivers.

Even with mortgage rates hovering around 7%, many current homeowners in Summit County have built up significant equity — some preparing to list, others looking to upgrade or diversify. In both cases, the momentum is shifting, and the inventory is loosening just enough to allow for meaningful movement.

At Hudgens and Harrison, we’re not only local experts — we’re globally connected. Whether you’re considering an investment here in Park City or scouting opportunities across other luxury markets, our team can guide you every step of the way. From ski properties to city penthouses, our reach and experience allow us to tailor the right strategy for your portfolio, wherever it may take you.

In uncertain economic times, people seek value that holds. Park City remains one of those rare destinations where lifestyle and legacy meet — and where smart investments still have room to grow.

BY BRI CENCAK, VISITOR EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR

A LITTLE DIRT DON’T HURT: WHY MESSY PLAY MATTERS

As a kid, you probably remember jumping in puddles, feeling mud squish between your toes, and proudly serving up “mud pies” from your backyard kitchen. There was something magical—and just a little rebellious—about getting messy for no reason other than it felt good.

Here at Swaner, we believe getting dirty is not only fun, it’s important. Nature isn’t just something to observe from a distance—it’s something to experience with all your senses. Mud, dirt, water, and sticks are some of the best tools for learning, exploring, and building confidence in the great outdoors.

To encourage learning through messy play, we’re hosting Splish, Splash, Splat: Mud Day! on Saturday, June 29th. Stop by the Swaner EcoCenter anytime between 10 AM and 2 PM to dive into some muddy fun! This international event encourages children and families around the world to celebrate nature through hands-on, squishy, splashy, dirty play.

At Swaner’s Mud Day, families can look forward to engaging in activities like mud painting, building beaver dams with mud, sticks, and

rocks, tracking animal prints in the mud, and stirring up imaginative creations in our mud kitchen. It’s a day designed to bring kids—and adults—closer to nature, while we take care of the mess. We recommend wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. A towel and change of clothes will come in handy for the ride home!

So why celebrate mud? It turns out that unstructured, messy play is more than just fun—it’s vital for healthy development. When children engage in sensory-rich outdoor play, they build stronger motor skills, improve emotional regulation, and boost creativity. Getting dirty also encourages resilience, risk-taking, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

And it’s not just for kids—grown-ups benefit too. Letting go of the need to stay clean or “on schedule” allows us to be more present, curious, and joyful. Traits like imagination and playfulness often get pushed aside in our busy lives, but they’re essential for well-being. Mud Day gives everyone a chance to slow down,

tune into nature, and reconnect with the simple joys of being outside.

So this summer, lean into the mess. Let the dirt cling to your elbows and the mud cake your boots. You just might find that the best memories come from the messiest moments!

PC Tots Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Second Annual Birthday Bash

BY AIMEE L. COOK

PC Tots, the nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and care for families regardless of financial barriers, is hosting its signature fundraiser, the Birthday Bash, on July 12. This year’s theme, “Corks & Quizzes!”, promises an evening full of fun, food, and philanthropy to mark the organization’s 10th anniversary.

The celebration will take place at The Legacy Lodge and features an exciting lineup that includes live trivia, food, cocktails provided by Vail Resorts, and live music from local favorite Powder Day. Guests can enjoy it all with the purchase of a $75 ticket, which covers everything from tasty bites to toe-tapping tunes. Tickets can be purchased directly on the PC Tots website.

“We are so excited to celebrate 10 years of supporting families in our community,” said Katie Madsen, development and marketing manager for PC Tots. “It will be a fun night for people to come and learn more about the organization.”

PC Tots has been a lifeline for Park City families, championing accessible, top-notch early childhood care that helps create a brighter tomorrow for the entire community. This annual fundraiser plays a vital role in ensuring the nonprofit can continue its mission and expand its reach. All proceeds support PC Tots’ programs and services, allowing them to continue breaking down financial barriers for local families.

A portion will be allocated toward professional development for teachers, ensuring they have access to ongoing training and resources to provide the highest quality of care and education. Additionally, funds will help supply classrooms with essential materials and tools, and contributions will also go toward tuition scholarships for families. Every dollar raised makes a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families.

“Our organization is really important to the workforce in town; childcare helps keep everything going in town,” Madsen said. “Helping to support kids at the earliest part of their life can make a big difference.”

Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who loves supporting the community, the Birthday Bash is a can’tmiss event.

PC Tots

1850 Sidewinder Drive Ste. 410, Park City 84060 (435) 731-8860

PC Tots Too

1881 Prospector Ave, Park City 84060 (435) 731-8203

Ed and Equity for All

As I pen this issue’s story for our Education Corner, the merry, merry month of May, which I like to call “Maycember,” is just about to begin. End-of-school-year EVERYTHING is jam-packed into this busy time, similar to the frenetic energy of December, which can drive parents up the wall with all of the scheduling, rescheduling, shuttling of kiddos, and pretty much being in at least two places at once, at least twice a week. Also in May(cember), news media consumption trends continue to shift away from traditional sources toward digital platforms, so kudos to you for reading an actual print publication— namely, our mighty local magazine! Don’t we all need a break from the doomscrolling, the beeping/ringing/chiming notifications (of doom), and just plain Doomsday all around? YES indeed! Which is why I’d like to report on the positivity that’s been spreading throughout the Park City learning community…

MR. ED IS RETIRING!

As a mom of two former McPolin Elementary students, I had the privilege of witnessing Bob Edmiston, a.k.a., Mr. Ed, give high-fives to students and parents alike, direct school curbside and parking lot traffic—donning his cute floppy-antler moose hat and neon-orange safety vest—and simply being the amazing hands-on principal he was for more than a decade, before heading back to be an associate principal at Park City High School (where he had made a pitstop between 2011 and 2014). This month—this week, in fact—he is wrapping up his 34 years as an educator. Full-hearted felicitations

and warm wishes to Mr. Ed, whose imposing height (6’4” is my guess, given how many times I‘ve craned my neck upward when speaking with him!) has matched his all-embracing presence in Park City School District since 2006.

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During the pandemic, I remember when Mr. Ed was awarded the United Way’s 2020 Collective Impact and Summit Changemaker award, which recognized the work he has done in advocating for the needs of his students and gathering the resources to change their lives for the better. United Way Salt Lake CEO, Bill Crim, had said this about Mr. Ed: “Bob Edmiston represents everything we want to recognize about changemakers. He knows that schools cannot do everything to break down the barriers that kids in our community face.”

SIXTEEN YEARS OF RUNNING WITH ED!

Speaking of changemakers and another “Ed,” Running With Ed—Park City Education Foundation’s annual community-focused fundraiser, a 27.6-mile relay with teams of up to eight taking turns running segments of the course—held its 16th event on May 17th. At the time of this writing, this Park City tradition has raised nearly $175,000 of its goal of $325,000, with all proceeds going to programs in Park City public schools, particularly to those that conventional funding doesn’t cover, such as teacher grants, STEM, and wellness initiatives, impacting every single student, of which there are approximately 4,500 in the district. When my family and I had moved here from San Francisco in 2019, a new friend of mine noted that Park City is the “wealthiest metropolitan area in the US,” so I was surprised to hear that Park City’s schools are lacking funding, due to nearly 100% of state-collected tax education dollars going to other state education needs.

Harkening back to Mr. Crim’s testimonial about Mr. Ed, he had also mentioned, “Bob is a champion of the idea that we have to create equitable systems to help every kid succeed.”

EQUITY ADVANCEMENT COHORT

Equity is a crucial priority in Park City, and our community members have continued to celebrate diversity and advance equity initiatives by spearheading coalitions such as the Park City LGBTQ+ Task Force and the Park City Community Foundation (PCCF) Equity Advancement Cohort, which is being led this year by Center for Equity & Inclusion’s Hanif Fazal and PCCF’s Diego Zegarra, VP of equity and impact, and Sarah MacCarthy, senior director of equity and impact. At least two representatives from various local organizations were invited to apply, 15 of which participated last year, where six months of training includes guidance on establishing agreements and protocols that promote equity and create safe spaces for conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as learning how to form strategies on outreach and engagement with the Park City community. Lectura Lounge, a new local 501(c)(3), will have its first opportunity to send three representatives—cofounder Ray Refuerzo, Latin outreach coordinator Elsa Lavín, and board member Patrick Green—to collaborate with our community and possibly help stave off more DEI “doomsdays.”

How was that for some nice nonpartisan news? As CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite used to say during his signoff, “And that’s the way it is.” In Maycember or any other month, however, it doesn’t have to be the way it is. At any given moment of our waking lives, we all have the power to “break barriers,” reach our full potential, and write the ending to our stories.

BY ISABELLA VENEGAS

The world is painted in shades of grey; The blinding starlight is dim and faded. How reality has burned and become ash, How even the smoldering sun lies jaded. Her heartbeat is dwindling, a faded complexion. If the universe was once a rich living green, It has been smothered by a veil of smoke: A bloodless, ghostly black and white. There is no daylight or darkness of night.

She settles down and shuts her twilight eyes. Dusk has seemed to settle over the hills, The flowers gathered are wilted and murky. But in the shadow of the earth lies disloyalty; A single light, a spectacle of hopeful beauty.

Her hair holds a reddish-blue floret, a smile. The world is painted in shades of grey; The blinding starlight is dim and faded. How reality has burned and become ash, But at the end of the tunnel is a bright-lit path.

She can breathe because this sadness shall pass.

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POETRY CORNER

BY PHOEBE ZANIELLO, YOUTH WRITER

Erin Donovan is a senior at Park City High School, and this year she graduates as the valedictorian of the class of 2025. Next year, she’ll be at the University of Utah where she plans to major in chemistry. Since taking a chemistry class her freshman year, Erin has been steadfast in her love for science. During her sophomore year, Erin headed straight into Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry, but when registering for her junior year classes, she hit a dead end. After realizing that there were no more chemistry classes offered by her school, she took it upon herself to resolve this deficit. With her friends, Erin started a petition to add organic chemistry to the offered courses. In her senior year, she is now taking this class and thoroughly enjoying it.

This organic chemistry class is project-based and serves as an introduction to the subject. Describing the class, Erin states, “It’s really interesting because the subject matter applies so much to regular life. I can use what I learn about enzymes and proteins to understand my friends with diabetes.” It’s this idea that underlines Erin’s love of chemistry. Referencing atomic forces and molecules she affirms, “Everything relates back to chemistry.”

ErinDonovan THANK YOU!!!

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Erin uses her love of art to reinforce this. Her mother is an artist, so Erin’s childhood has been spent engaging in Kimball Art Center projects. She’s completed a variety of projects, ranging from a portfolio of quilts to vinyl-wrapped electrical boxes as a part of a city beautification project. Among these undertakings is an art piece unlike her others because it wasn’t done for an art class, but a chemistry class. When the final project for chemistry was about water, Erin chose to crochet water molecules, uniting two of her passions.

Looking towards the future, Erin finds her passions for chemistry and art could merge well, stating, “Being able to combine the more creative side of myself with the scientific is a niche that I can fill well going into a future career.” For college, she’s considering branches of chemistry that relate to her artistic side. One of these is material science chemistry, which places focus on fabrics. As a quilter, Erin’s intrigued by fabrics like Gore-Tex and NASA space suits. With a background in chemistry and sewing experience, she is well prepared for the industry.

As college looms ahead, Erin reflects on her high school experience. Participating in four sports and graduating as the Valedictorian of her class, most would assume it to be stressful and challenging. Though Erin doesn’t deny this, she emphasizes the importance of

strategies to manage any anxiety or obstacles of high school, stating, “You have to be very proactive. Never use your phone when studying, and always prioritize sleep. I study as hard as I can until 10:30, and then I go to bed and cut my losses.”

Beyond her measures of management, Erin says that the classes you choose to take are just as important. As somebody who wanted to be valedictorian throughout high school, she found that this sentiment was very crucial for her. After her older sister was third in her class rank at graduation, Erin looked at her class rank and found herself to be fourth. In that moment, she decided to strive to be the valedictorian, but she would be mindful about it. Park City High School’s class rank is determined by a grade point average, which is set by the grades you receive and the difficulty of the classes, with AP classes having the most weight. For Erin, the goal was to take as many AP classes as possible, but she didn’t want to arbitrarily choose them. Her interest and enjoyment in the class were valuable when choosing what to take, especially when it came to physics.

After taking AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, it appeared AP Physics C would be the next class to take. Instead, Erin chose to take a step back, acknowledging that she didn’t enjoy physics and that she probably

shouldn’t take AP Physics C. Despite this, she recognizes the value that taking physics had for her. She states, “I struggled with all the kinematics, and I had to do more on my own than I had to before. I had to search for my videos and find my practice work for me.” This experience taught her effective study methods that she used throughout high school to succeed.

For incoming high school freshmen, Erin offers some advice. “You are supposed to be learning and pushing yourself to learn all the different subjects, but you shouldn’t be punishing yourself. If you hate math, don’t sign up for calculus.” However, she encourages students to use high school to try new things, like art, music, or the sciences. After taking AP Economics this year, Erin was surprised by how interconnected it was with her interests. In AP Biology, she furthered her love of the sciences. These new experiences also go beyond academics. Attending football games or participating in school events are memories that have defined her high school experience.

Looking back at the past four years, Erin affirms her most important lesson: “Don’t set your standards so high that you can never achieve them, and it’s okay if you don’t. You can always shift your timeline, but you don’t have to shift the goal.”

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

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Witty Writers Workshop at Lectura Lounge:

A WONDERFUL WORLD OF WRITING

During summer 2024, after receiving funding from Summit County’s Recreation Arts & Parks (RAP) Cultural Tax grant, Witty Writers Workshop launched with two youth sessions and has since evolved into some kind of wonderful—a wonderful world of writing that attracts anywhere between four and 10 participants to Prospector Square every Tuesday evening to partake in a light dinner from a local restaurant, exchange tight hugs, and offer support for each other’s essays, memoirs, poetry…anything that has to do with setting one’s pen to paper.

“Writing is way too lonely,” says Britt Sady, the workshop’s current fearless facilitator. “We need that feedback and affirmation.” Britt arrived in Park City last August and had already been researching writers’ groups before moving from Pennsylvania. “I manifested you, honey,” she says to me, grinning.

I recall that day, just two weeks after Britt’s move, at Youth United’s Super Sunday event, where families can sign their kids up for fall and winter sports and activities, as well as access community resources. I had been chatting up a couple who stopped by Lectura Lounge’s table, and while I was describing Witty Writers to them, Britt and her darling teenage son, Noah, who was born with Down syndrome, happened to walk by.

“What?! A writing workshop?” Britt excitedly asked.

“Yes!” I replied, just as exuberantly.

As a child, I would spend hours at my desk drawing pictures of Snoopy, writing letters to friends, or starting novels that would begin with lines like, “Today was the most boring day of my life.” I’ll have to agree with Britt: Writing indeed is lonely, but imagine if someday I could “manifest” a community to support it?

Eighty-six-year-young Lorraine Stuecken, Witty Writers’ oldest participant, says she used to not want to live to her nineties. After joining the group in September, she now writes every single morning and says the workshop will be the reason she makes it to age 95. She totes around a bright yellow binder that contains every one of the works she’s produced, three of which are among a compilation that the group recently published, thanks in part to the aforementioned grant, and one of which she read to our community at the spoken-word performance held at Lectura Lounge on May 13. The adult workshop has welcomed one of the teen writers from summer 2024, Dalia

Mariscal-Cantor, 16, who is finishing up her sophomore year at Park City High School. “This experience has been so great. I have a place to practice what I like to do, which is write. I also love that I keep going back to those questions you asked us in the beginning: How did you get here, and where do you belong?”

Dalia adds, wistfully, “I would say I belong here.”

be able to spot one of our Witty Writers carrying extra copies around town.

Lo Dennis, a homeschool mom of three, had discovered the group via The Compass, Park City School District’s community education brochure. “When I saw that Witty Writers was a six-week course, I thought it was too late to join, but your email was so welcoming,” she says to me. “It gave me permission…that I belong here.”

My cofounder and I had toyed around with adding start- and stop dates to each session; when I asked the writers how they felt about this, Britt adamantly chimed in. “Like a yoga class, there’s no start and stop. It’s a way of life. There’s something beautiful about it being so free and flowing. We keep writing and celebrating each other.”

Amber Johnson, community engagement manager for KPCW, checks in with me about Witty Writers Workshop from time to time. Although she wasn’t able to attend the Witty Writers’ event last month, she’s excited to check out their book, entitled Neither Here Nor From There/Ni de aquí, ni de allá, which is available for $20 on BookBaby. Or, you might

Noah started coming to the workshop with Britt from day one; oftentimes, we would find him asleep on the Lounge’s couch by the end of our 90 minutes together. Nowadays, he welcomes everyone with a song that he’ll sing along to on Spotify. Today, it’s “For Forever” from Dear Evan Hansen. The low, serene pitch of his voice, combined with its slight hypernasality, warms my heart.

“Each of us gains confidence in our voices,” says Britt, “and community adds on top of that. For those who want to carve out our soul with words, I think it’s a magical place to come; there have been plenty of months where this has been the most important hour of my week.”

Lorraine turns to me. “We really appreciate that you’ve pursued Witty Writers and done it for us.”

Feeling my eyes well up, I tell this diverse group of writers, “It’s our [my family’s] gift to the community.” As Pablo Picasso once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

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MIL GRACIAS TO YOUTH UNITED AND PARK CITY ROTARY CLUB!

WITTY WRITERS WORKSHOP

Our gratitude goes out to Youth United and Park City Rotary Club for their generous grants to Lectura Lounge/ Casey & Charley’s Foundation for Dogs and Kids! Previously known as Solomon Fund and RISE Fund, Youth United offers children and teens in Park City and Summit County access to sports and all sorts of extracurricular activities, with the goal of fostering a sense of belonging and to build connections between members of our community. Park City Rotary Club’s funding will go toward ¡Divertimos! and Divertimos Viajando!!, helping promote two of our organization’s core pillars: multilingualism and community-building. We absolutely love philanthropy in this community! Thank you again!

Witty Writers Workshop welcomed two new adult participants (with an infant in tow!) during spring break! Talk about nothing making me happier, although sushi and Swedish Fish remain higher in ranking on my happy-making list.

Neither Here Nor There/Ni de aquí, ni de allá, penned by none other than our Witty Writers, is hot off the press! You can buy a copy here: https://store.bookbaby. com/Book?bookurl=neither-here-nor-from-there. Proceeds will go towards Witty Writers Workshop and the Lounge’s other core programs. Thank you for your support!

READING BUDDIES/ COMPADRES DE LECTURA

We also absolutely love seeing new volunteer readers at Reading Buddies/Compadres de Lectura! According to Ms. Judy, nothing makes her happier, which is saying a LOT, because I know for a fact that Judy is a diehard runner and reader.

Thanks to Hilary Schmutz, president of the Summit County Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL), as well as Eyee Hsu, VP of philanthropy at Park City Community Foundation, NCL volunteers will be helping out this summer! ALSO: I keep forgetting that the Lounge has been open for just a little over a year(!), so word-of-mouth is much appreciated in helping us continue to grow and thrive.

¡DIVERTIMOS! AND DIVERTIMOS VIAJANDO!!

Elsa, Marcela, and Mayra continue to wow our Wednesday (5-7 p.m.) and Friday (4:30-6:30 p.m.) kiddos with storytime, games, conversation, and journeys to different Spanish-speaking countries! Elsa will be taking the kiddos on an adventure to Mexico for the month of May! RSVPs not required but very much appreciated.

ORTON-GILLINGHAM WITH SERENA

Serena Mueller, owner of Silver Creek Speech Therapy, continues to offer group reading instruction for $5 per child (to cover the cost of supplies), per session, at the Lounge. Classes are held on Mondays at 3:45 p.m., approximately 35 minutes long, and designed for kids in pre-K or early kindergarten. Serena uses the OrtonGillingham approach, which is a multisensory phonics technique for children learning how to read, spell, and write. If you’re interested in having your child participate, you can contact her at 435565-1509 or serena@silvercreekspeech.com. Or just show up to the class! Be sure to check her flyer for any blackout dates.

LECTURA LOUNGE

SPRING SCHEDULE

ALL PROGRAMS FREE TO THE COMMUNITY!

READING BUDDIES Monday and Thursday, 5:00 – 6:15 p.m.

READING INSTRUCTION WITH SERENA Monday at 3:45 p.m. $5 a class; RSVP @ 435–565–1509

WITTY WRITERS WORKSHOP Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. ¡DIVERTIMOS! Wednesday, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

DIVERTIMOS VIAJANDO!! Friday, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

DROP-IN HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY CALL 510-386-1009

CONTACT US Address: 1960 Sidewinder Dr., Suite 106 Park City, UT 84060

Email: info@caseyandcharleys.org

Website: caseyandcharleys.org

7-Pound Ghostwriter

HOW WE SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION’S VOICE

There is a second ghostwriter living in my home. She weighs seven pounds, eats two ounces of formula every three hours, and doesn’t say anything or write anything. Yet, she is doing what I’ve done professionally. She is absorbing a vocabulary laden with culture and history. She is developing the foundations of voice—not a literary voice, necessarily, but the kind that distinguishes one being from another.

A ghostwriter captures or creates someone else’s voice. To sound like someone else, I don’t merely use their words and sentence patterns. I also consider the community behind those structures and its beliefs. Consciously or not, we all inherit elements of our voice from communities.

Leni Wilk Ellis, born April 8, 2025, will draw upon many communities—the Ellis family, its extended family, the Wasatch Back, the state of Utah, the USA, and Earthlings, among others. What words will shape her voice? And what beliefs might lie beneath them?

Dad will say, “rest your keppy,” using the same Yiddish term for a small, cute head that Dad’s mom and nana both used. The term traveled with the family as it fled pogroms in Russia and discrimination in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Keppy is a story of the Jewish diaspora and the events that led a semitic people to speak a distinct Judeo-German language that is used widely by English-speaking Americans.

Ever felt like a klutz complained about a computer glitch? Thank Yiddish for those words.

Leni will hear about “ordeals,” the comedic mishaps in which her Mom’s family specializes. She will know that an ordeal, though frustrating and annoying in the moment, is something to be cherished. Her late Grandpa Larry, aka, Dr. Ordeal, created those stories with everyone, everywhere he went.

Leni

Is it his plea to a higher power for help?

A sense of helplessness? An incomplete prayer? For better or worse, Leni will invoke G-d, the mystery of that word, and the complicated emotions it can raise.

Baby Leni will also hear her Nana tell Papa, “You don’t know how lucky you are.” He knows, but if he admitted it too often, he’d deprive Nana of the pleasure of saying those words—of knowing and owning how great of a partner she is. Maybe Leni will channel that self-confidence in her own voice.

Papa will impart his quiet wit and perceptiveness. While she might not get his humor initially, she will notice that the quality and quantity of words are unrelated. A good quip strikes like poetry with the right timing and delivery. She will discover, too, that Papa prizes “logic” over other ways of knowing and thinking, even though he can be comically illogical (a claim he’d surely contest).

Most importantly in our household, Leni will hear, “Thanks, Chad.” In the Ellis-Wilk marriage, we do not blame one another for anything—we blame the dear friend who introduced us. It’s not my wife’s fault that her 1979 Volkswagen Beetle sat in our garage unused for an entire summer, leaking multimillion-year-old dinosaur muck in the garage. It’s Chad’s fault! He introduced us. Leni will know when there is “hero dirt” and when there is “pow” and that these are divine phenomena to be cherished. In knowing those words, she will feel part of the Wasatch Back community that reveres nature in all different ways.

Of course, Leni may pick up words containing our fears and insecurities. She will hear her father say “Oh G-d…” before sharing a news headline with her mother.

She he will hear Mom say “I’m sorry” even when there is nothing to be sorry about. It’s a habit to always assume she has done something wrong. In being sorry automatically, she sometimes discourages others from questioning their own actions and considering their own culpability. If Leni is sorry instinctively, things become her fault, even when they are not.

Maybe Leni will pick up our better tendencies. I like to say, “That’s fair” when I believe someone has challenged my viewpoint convincingly, and that I should reflect rather than argue the point further. With those two words, maybe I can encourage Leni to be comfortable being wrong and practice skepticism towards her own beliefs.

Loved ones outside the immediate WilkEllis clan will shape Leni too. Aunt Jessi will teach her to say, “Wow” when her Uncle Brian is being a dork. Uncle Brian will teach her to put out “sweet sweet” (sugar water) for the “hummies” (hummingbirds) in their yard. Cousin Shane will probably do as his Uncle Richard did: buy a remote-controlled fart machine and teach Leni how it can create mirth and joy when used at the right place and time.

Ghostwriters become someone temporarily. We put on the costume, say our lines, and make the audience feel like the performance was real. Those little ghostwriters in diapers act at first but eventually create something more enduring: a voice of their own, set on a foundation we provide.

BY ISABELLA VENEGAS

The Mental Health Journey to College Graduation

Summer has begun, the halfway point of 2025, and the closing of many college careers. College is often expected as part of a young adult’s next step in life after high school. The mental health journeys of these individuals are often overlooked and downplayed. In this article, we will explore the mental health journey of college until graduation by an interview I conducted with my brother, Paolo.

Paolo is currently 23 years old, enjoys the outdoors through hiking, camping, and hunting. He is also often working out at the gym. Ever since he was a young child, he was very interested in engineering aspects. He fashioned small machines and fixed broken items around the house for his family. When he decided to attend college, he ultimately decided to start a path toward mechanical engineering. After he graduated high school, at the age of 18, he moved to Logan to attend school at Utah State University.

When asked why he decided to pursue mechanical engineering, Paolo stated that not only had he always known that he loved engineering, but also hoped to attain a high paying job after graduation that he was guaranteed to enjoy. Not many people have a knowledge of what their passion in life is at this age, and he counts himself lucky to have found this passion so early on in life.

Although from an outside point of view it appears that Paolo is very outgoing, one of his great fears that he took with him to college was extreme social anxiety. After years of limited interaction with fellow classmates due to COVID school shutdowns, Paolo felt disconnected, socially. In fact, he did not even get to walk to receive his diploma due to the pandemic. Very soon, after graduation, he was living at college in a dorm. He

described the experience as “exciting, stressful, and overwhelming due to being with roommates nearly at all times, leaving little room for personal time.” In a situation like this, he felt that he had no choice but to be social.

The mental toll of working while also being a full time student was sometimes overbearing. Paolo felt as though he had a very difficult time studying and focusing on his schooling, especially in the early years of his college career. “I didn’t truly know how to ‘learn’ properly until my sophomore year of school,” he told us. Testing was especially difficult due to the pressure of having to know everything that was thrown at him. Finding social time, making it to classes, completing homework, and working part time enough to pay for it all proved to be something only experience and dedication could balance.

Many people struggle at the aspect of attending college, especially because of how mentally taxing it seems. When asked if Paolo had any advice for an individual considering pursuing their degree, he had a lot to say. “Surround yourself with good people, people who will challenge you to be a better person,” he stated passionately, “people who give you the time of day in both your ups and down, your struggles and fun side, are the best people to have in your life.” He went on to say that like with any relationship, there will be people that disappoint you, affect your mental health, and to be careful who you give your time to.

Having stability, and a sense of support and love, is also needed in this journey. Although Paolo lives significantly far away from his family, he continues to make an effort to visit and stay in contact.

“Don’t forget about your family,” Paolo said firmly. Along with family, a sense of community on

college campus also provides a sense of purpose and motivation. Paolo participated in Utah State’s power lifting group, was part of a swing dancing club, and pushed himself to be a leader in his college’s Newman Center, the Catholic community group of the college.

“Participate, don’t isolate,” Paolo advises. “Whether you are an introvert, extrovert, enjoy the spotlight, or simply enjoy the company of a few good friends, feeling connected and like you belong will aid you in the mental health journey to college graduation.” Paolo graduated from his college journey in May 2025 and proudly walked to receive his diploma, a dream that had been his for so long. He sees this as not the end of a story, but the beginning of the great expedition of life, just as so many others have and will also experience.

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AIM HIGH: WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS DESERVE A RAISE

Today’s women business owners have overcome an avalanche of obstacles, often persevering against a backdrop designed for their exclusion. Yet, amid their triumphs, a glaring disparity persists—a compensation gap that calls for action.

Across sectors and industries, a fiscal divide persists, to the detriment of women entrepreneurs who have forged their path. The harsh reality is that despite matching or, in many well-documented cases, surpassing the business acumen of their male counterparts, female business owners still find themselves at the short end of the financial stick. Funding disparities, lack of representation in venture capital, and limited access to loans are not just data points; they represent a systemic undervaluing of women’s economic contributions.

Women’s entrepreneurship is about more than profits. It’s a vehicle for social change, a path to economic inclusion, and a critical player in the diverse and robust global market. By carving out spaces in industries once monopolized by

men, women business leaders have served as examples of possibility for future generations, clearing the way for a more equitable business environment.

Awareness of the issue is a potent first step, but it’s not enough. To bridge the wage gap, women business owners must be strategic and assertive in their approach. They must learn to recognize their worth, price their products and services competitively, and declare their value in financial negotiations.

“Women business owners must recognize their worth and prioritize paying themselves fairly,” says Ann Marie Wallace, state director for the Women’s Business Center of Utah. “By undervaluing their own compensation, they inadvertently undermine their expenses and bottom line. Remember, you control your pay, and bridging the gap where male owners typically pay themselves more begins with your decision to value your own contributions equally.”

Women business owners must honestly assess their contributions,

By Aimee L. Cook

recognizing the qualitative and quantitative worth they bring to the marketplace. This self-awareness is the basis upon which financial evaluation and compensation must be secured.

Setting the right price is an art and one that women should not shy away from. Underpricing to win business due to a lack of confidence in the marketability of one’s products and services is a self-defeating strategy. Women can position themselves to negotiate fair pay and compensation, transforming what would be a marginal raise into a substantial step towards fiscal equality.

BLUE SKY NOMADS:

HANDCRAFTED TREASURES WITH A PURPOSE

By Aimee L. Cook • Photos by Deb DeKoff

Blue Sky Nomads, founded by Diane Newland in 2024, is more than just a jewelry and accessories shop—they are an enterprise with a mission to inspire, connect, and give back to communities around the world.

“We bring ethically made, handcrafted accessories to conscious consumers,”

Diane said. “We do this by empowering tribal women in small village cooperatives. I actually go into the villages and work with the women to produce products that are well-made, high-quality and made using sustainable products. They grow everything from the ground up.”

A MISSION ROOTED IN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Blue Sky Nomad’s commitment drives us to collaborate with over 25 women’s artisan collectives and small family artisans from countries like Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Bali, Cambodia, and India. These partnerships serve a greater purpose, providing sustainable livelihoods and empowering women in rural areas.

While Diane was traveling, she discovered an untapped world of incredible craftsmanship. Along her journeys, she

would encounter talented women creating exquisite handmade items, yet struggling to bring their products to market. She began by finding the finest handmade treasures she could come across— beautiful, authentic, and rich in cultural heritage. Starting very small, she worked to build relationships with these women, sourcing their best creations and helping to provide them with a fair and dependable marketplace.

“I got into this business because I was a high school geography teacher at Highland High for 22 years, and my husband and I started traveling 35 years ago, and I would just bring back stuff I would wear,” Diane explained. “My teacher friends would ask me to bring things back for them. Then I started selling at the Farmers Market and wholesale. After COVID, I went from selling wholesale to retail.”

A WORLD OF HANDCRAFTED BEAUTY

At the core of Blue Sky Nomads is a commitment to showcasing timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces. From owner Diane’s uniquely designed handmade jewelry to hand-selected, limited-edition collections from artisan communities in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Bali, Cambodia, and India,

every item tells a story. Each piece is not just a product, but a masterpiece created by skilled hands passed down through generations. Blue Sky Nomads is proud to offer a range of beautiful, sustainable, and eco-friendly creations.

All the products are:

• Handcrafted using natural resources

• Naturally dyed, painted, or woven

• Fair-traded and ethically made

• The Collection Includes:

• Handmade clothing

• 100% natural, hand-woven silk and cotton scarves

• Handmade and embroidered purses and bags

• Handmade jewelry by Diane

Every item is a testament to exceptional quality, artistic excellence, and the rich heritage of its origin.

“I do this because I really love helping these women and helping to lift them up,” Diane said. “I also just love the hunt, I am constantly finding new people and new products. It is my passion.”

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.

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WOMEN AND INVESTING SERIES

THE MONEY CONVERSATION WOMEN CAN’T AFFORD TO SKIP

Achieving financial literacy is vital for anyone to unlock long-term economic freedom, potential in business, and lasting security in life. Accepting that there are challenges to economic viability unique to women allows women to attack those challenges with confidence, purpose and precision. Our future is not merely dictated by rates of return; it’s also about overcoming real-life circumstances with confidence and clarity.

Here’s what’s different for women—and where to plan wisely.

1. Unique Hurdles for Women Entrepreneurs

In the U.S., women now own 4 in 10 businesses, yet female entrepreneurs face greater difficulty securing funding, accessing credit, and building scalable retirement plans. Forbes reports that in 2023, women received less than 3% of all venture capital funding, and are more likely to rely on personal savings or informal credit to start or grow a business. Additionally, because many women entrepreneurs focus on reinvesting in the business, they often underfund their own retirement. Unlike corporate employees with built-in retirement plans, women business owners must self-create systems for income protection, succession, and long-term wealth building—all while managing the unique financial headwinds women face.

2.

The High Cost of Earning Less and Giving More

Many women earn less than men throughout their careers, especially mothers than women of color. Lower pay means smaller retirement contributions, less employer matching, and reduced compounding over time.

3. Under-Investing

While women are often excellent savers, studies show they’re less likely to invest excess cash compared to men. According to Fidelity’s 2021 Women and Investing Study, only 33% of women see themselves as investors, even though nearly 70% are managing household budgets or savings. This hesitation around investing leads many women to hold excess cash in savings accounts or money markets, where returns historically barely outpace inflation. The cost of this conservatism adds up over time. While cash may feel “safe,” it often loses purchasing power year after year. If two women set aside $100,000 at age 35—one keeping it in a savings account earning 1%, the other investing in a portfolio averaging 7%—by age 65, the investor would have over $761,000, while the saver would have just $134,000. That’s a $626,000 difference.

4.

Left Out of the Conversation

In many households, men still lead financial decisionmaking. According to the 2021 Fidelity Study, Couples & Money, only 19% of women say they are the primary financial decision-maker in their household, and more than 1 in 5 women say they have little to no involvement in long-term financial decisions like retirement planning or investments.

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!

Women are far more likely to experience career breaks for caregiving—whether for children or aging parents— further reducing earnings and retirement savings. These gaps also impact Social Security, which is based on your highest 35 years of income. If some years include little or no earnings, your benefit goes down. The result?

The average woman receives $1,637 per month in Social Security, while the average man gets $2,020—a gap of $383 monthly or nearly $91,920 over a 20-year retirement. Yet women typically need their money to last 5+ years longer due to longer life expectancy.

Women also tend to prioritize others—saving for children and giving to others before themselves. Without intentional planning, that generosity can have long-term financial consequences.

The problem? 75% of women will outlive their husbands, and many will take over the finances alone for the first time in widowhood or divorce. When women aren’t actively involved in financial planning, they’re more likely to feel unprepared, overwhelmed, or regretful later on. UBS’s 2018 Own Your Worth study found that 59% of widows regret not being more involved in financial decisions while their spouse was alive, and 74% say they lack the confidence to make informed investment decisions on their own. This imbalance creates blind spots—leaving women vulnerable at the very time they need the most clarity.

What You Can Do Today

Planning around the challenges women face requires attention and intention. To ultimately feel confident and in control as you navigate life’s most important decisions, it’s vital to blend both quantitative metrics with qualitative insights. Whether you need solutions focused on real estate, executive compensation, selling a business, planning for retirement, outliving a spouse, or building your confidence after divorce, these are high-stakes moments that demand more than a Google search or generic advice.

Growing Your Wealth with Danielle Meister. For over 30 years, Madrona Financial & CPAs has been helping individuals and families improve their financial well-being by giving them experienced advice on public market (stocks and bonds) investments, alternative investments, real estate, insurance, taxes, executive compensation, business structure and business succession strategies, advanced gifting strategies, estate planning, and more. While Madrona is headquartered in Washington State, and Danielle’s offices are in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, we also consult with clients nationwide. Call us 833-673-7373.

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY, DRIVEN BY CLARITY:

HOW QUINN RICHINS IS REDEFINING THE MORTGAGE EXPERIENCE IN UTAH

For Quinn Richins, helping people finance their homes is more than just a job—it’s a passion built on years of hands-on experience, relentless communication, and a genuine love for the communities he serves.

A Senior Loan Officer with VanDyk Mortgage, Quinn has been a trusted name in Utah’s mortgage industry since 2007. With nearly two decades of experience and a background in home renovation and house flipping, he brings a unique blend of practical know-how and financial insight to every deal he touches.

“I’ve walked in a lot of my clients’ shoes,” Quinn says. “Whether they’re first-time buyers, seasoned investors, or tackling a fixer-upper, I understand what they’re up against—and I know how to guide them through it.”

Quinn’s specialty lies in renovation loans and DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans for real estate investors—two niche areas that require a level of understanding beyond the average mortgage product. But whether he’s handling complex investment scenarios or traditional home purchases, one principle drives his work: communication.

“Clear communication is everything,” he explains. “People deserve to know exactly what’s going on with their loan. I make sure my clients understand each step of the process—and that everyone involved stays on the same page.”

It’s this thoughtful, hands-on approach that has earned Quinn a reputation for trustworthiness and results across Utah. Though based in Murray, his reach spans the entire state, and his commitment to community runs deep.

When he’s not crunching numbers or walking clients through pre-approvals, he’s likely kayaking, camping, or blazing trails in his side-by-side. He’s also a lover of dogs, good books, and the occasional glass of wine under a starlit sky.

As Utah’s housing market continues to evolve, Quinn Richins stands as a steady, experienced guide—someone who not only gets the deal done but makes sure his clients feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Outside the office, Quinn is a self-proclaimed outdoorsman who thrives on adventure.

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ABOUT US

The Ripple Effect of Your Shopping Spree

When you shop at Park City’s ReStore, you’re doing so much more than scoring great deals, you’re participating in a community-wide effort: supporting local sustainability and strengthening the community and improving lives through home ownership. The proceeds from your purchases go directly to fund Habitat for Humanity’s local home building initiatives, so you’re personally contributing to the construction of affordable homes in Summit and Wasatch Counties.

You’ll delight in the joy of discovery and the surge of satisfaction from finding that perfect piece of furniture, décor item, or appliance—at an incredible discount. Every ReStore patron has a story about their favorite find. From the antique armchair that now sits by the fireplace, to the retro lamp that’s become a conversation starter, these items transform a house into a home, and a space into your personal sanctuary. Each visit to ReStore is a unique experience, and what you find can often surprise you with its functionality, beauty, and value.The ReStore stocks hundreds of both new and used items in our boutique and home goods store, including furniture, artwork, lighting, electronics, home décor, building materials, housewares, appliances, and so much more.

Our inventory is refreshed daily so you never know when you might find the occasional antique or simply the perfect piece to complete a room’s look. Everything is 50% to 90% off retail prices and always a shopping adventure!

WAYS TO DONATE

• SPRING CLEANING

• MAKEOVERS

• DECONSTRUCTIONS

• CORPORATE

PARTNERSHIPS

PICK UPS

The Park City ReStore now offers two convenient options to have your new and gently used furniture, artwork, home décor, and building supplies picked up: Standard Pickups & Priority Pickups

DROP OFFS

We may accept new and gently used furniture, artwork, home décor and building supplies. Store team members have final say on what donations we will accept. Drop Offs available – Mon-Sat 10-4:30

6280 SILVER CREEK DR., PARK CITY, UTAH 84098 (Just beyond Home Depot by Silver Creek Village)

We are a short drive from Heber, Midway, Kamas, Coalville, Salt Lake City, and Evanston.

OPEN HOURS: MON – SAT 10AM-7PM

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BY AIMEE L. COOK

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN PARTNERS WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO ADDRESS AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges in the Park City area, particularly for workers in the local service and resort industries. Park City Mountain is stepping up to help tackle this pressing issue through its decade-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch counties.

“This year, Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 30 years of service in Summit and Wasatch counties,” says Deirdra Walsh, vice president and COO of Park City Mountain. “It’s a major milestone that reflects decades of dedication to improving access to housing in our area. Park City Mountain is proud to continue supporting that mission through both hands-on involvement and financial contributions.”

Since 2013, Park City Mountain and its EpicPromise program have consistently supported Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide housing solutions for the community. Over the years, the collaboration has blossomed into a meaningful relationship focused on making a lasting impact.

“One of the most tangible ways we support Habitat for Humanity is through their annual fundraiser, the Overall Ball,” says Deirdra. “Each year, Park City Mountain donates staffing, food, beverages, and other event support to help make the event a success. That support totals approximately $25,000 to $30,000 annually, which allows Habitat to direct more funds toward their core mission of building homes for local families.”

Recently, Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its latest development, Silver Creek Village, a project that will include a ten-plex of townhomes for families in need. This marks another significant step in providing affordable housing solutions for the local community. Importantly, Habitat for Humanity is not fully funded by the government; instead, it relies on the generosity and collaboration of community partners to bring its vision to life. The EpicPromise grant from Vail/ Park City Mountain Resorts has been instrumental in supporting programming like this, showcasing the collective impact of organizations committed to creating a positive and lasting difference.

“The [in-kind] donation from the EpicPromise grant flows directly into our home-build programs,” says Shellie Barrus, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch counties. “We have held the gala since 2011 and used to have to pay for everything; having the grant cover those expenses elevates the cash we have to raise that can go directly to support our programs. It also gives a great partnership with the local employees at Park City Mountain.”

Every Habitat home represents more than a structure—it’s an investment in stability, growth, and opportunity. As both the builder and the mortgage lender, Habitat for Humanity establishes true partnerships with the homeowners. This collaborative

relationship allows Habitat for Humanity to provide enduring stability and ensure that families can thrive within the community where they work and live.

Each applicant is evaluated based on three principal criteria: income, need, and willingness to partner. This process ensures that the program supports individuals ready to make a meaningful, long-term investment in their future.

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BY MELISSA FIELDS

Long before skiing, mountain biking, and aprés-ski became beloved parts of the Park City experience, workers from around the world toiled in the town’s 300 silver mines. Vestiges of the silver-mining era, lasting from the mid-1880s to around 1950, dot the Old Town commercial and residential district to this day. But to get an authentic sense for the gritty and dangerous work performed by the silver miners, it’s necessary to look beyond Main Street to the surrounding hillsides. There, among the chairlifts and singletrack trails, stand several of the original buildings used during Park City’s brief mining industry. Over the last decade, many of these historic structures have been saved from collapse, allowing the stories each represents to live on for generations to come—an effort spearheaded in large part by the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History (parkcityhistory.org/mining).

“I’ve been an advocate for local history from the time I moved to Park City to be a ski instructor in the 1980s,” says Sally Elliott, Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History founding member. “But the active effort to save the old mining structures really began in 1998, when United Park City Mines (UPCM) sold Empire Pass to Deer Valley.” At the time, Sally and fellow local history

advocate, Marianne Cone, persuaded UPCM, Deer Valley, and Park City Mountain to fund 36 interpretive signs to be placed at artifact sites within each resort’s boundary. And then when Vail Resorts purchased Park City Mountain in 2014, Sally petitioned the new owners and Park City Municipal to do even more. “I was very aggressive,” Sally recalls.

Her persistence paid off. In approving Vail Resorts’ $50 million capital improvement package for the resort, the city asked for a $50,000 donation to seed Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History. Vail Resorts also agreed to survey the sites within the ski area boundary and support a five-year fundraising plan for restoration efforts through EpicPromise, the company’s philanthropic arm. Since then, stabilization work has been completed on more than 12 historic mining structures throughout Park City proper, including the King Con Counterweight (on Park City Mountain’s Claimjumper run), the Thaynes Conveyor (located near the base of the Thaynes chairlift at Park City Mountain), and the Daly West Mine head frame (located near the Montage at Deer Valley). Late this summer, restoration will complete on one of the largest and most

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costly mine stabilization projects, the Silver King Mine Shaft House, circa 1895, located next to the base of Park City Mountain’s Bonanza chairlift.

Community support for Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History has increased exponentially since it was formed in 2015. Today, more than 60 people make up its roster, and regular financial support comes from Summit County Restaurant Tax grants, Park City and Summit County, the Park City Chamber of Commerce, as well as private entities like the Empire Pass Master Owners Association, funders of the 2022 re-erection and stabilization of the Daly West Mine head frame, after it collapsed in 2015.

Earlier this year, Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History received a grant from the Park City Rotary Club for the Park City Mine Route hiking trail, a 7.5-mile loop that, when completed, will pass by more than 20 mine

sites and historic buildings. The trail, with its new wayfinding signs and a smartphone-accessed audio guide, is slated to open by Miners Day (Labor Day) 2026.

In the meantime, the curious can educate themselves about Park City’s silver mining past by reserving a spot on one of Deer Valley’s monthly guided historical hikes (deervalley.com), White Pine Touring’s guided historic hiking tours (whitepinettouring.com), or by riding or hiking on their own along the hillsides above Park City. Social Media: @parkcitymuseum

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BY NATALIE TAYLOR

RAD IN THE WASATCH

SILVER LINING

Silversmith Stacy Sherr galvanizes jewelry, sculptures and intricate metal work

In the 1983 film Flashdance, Alex Owens is a welder at a steel mill by day and dancer at a bar by night. No one is more surprised that a woman could thrive in a male-dominated field than her own boss.

Fast forward to reality. By day, Stacy Sherr runs a mobile welding service and drives a welding truck filled with tools needed to repair iron railings, gates and more. By night, she creates beautiful jewelry and sculptures and fabricates detailed metal work for homes.

“Everyone calls me a badass, because I am,” says Stacy. “People see me welding and ask if I’m afraid of getting burned. The answer is no. My happy place is under the welding hood in front of a molten puddle. It helps me take my mind off everything else that’s going on.”

Stacy was always artistic and loved to create. She grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. One year, her Mom went on a ski trip and fell in love with ski towns. That was that. They moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado when she was 5 years old. After high school, she worked as a Danish exchange student and traveled across Europe before returning to the states and enrolling in art school in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was in the desert that she discovered her passion for metal working. She graduated with a BFA, moved to San Francisco, took a silversmith class and began crafting jewelry. In fact, she took to it so naturally, for years she made a living as a jewelry artist in New Orleans.

“I was living in NOLA, pre-Katrina and pregnant,” she says. “I wanted to come out West to raise my son Beau. My mom was living in Vernal and so I rented a miner’s shack in Park City and sold jewelry at Terzian Gallery and Phoenix Gallery. My son and I were part of the first Park Silly Sunday Market. Beau soldered coins and made more money than I did sometimes.” She made exclusive lines of jewelry for No Name Saloon and Back 40 and also had a jewelry show at the Kimball Art Center in 2014, titled “The Art of the Timepiece” sponsored by O.C. Tanner. After 8 years in Park City, they moved to Heber where they lived for 12 years before moving back to Park City.

“I do a little bit of everything,” she says. “So, every day is different.” Her range includes making light posts, teaching children how to weld horseshoes at Northfield Stables, welding original Alta ski chairlifts back together, creating commissioned sculptures, and more. “I’m working on an 18-foot handrail with decorative accents and sculpting and fabricating solid antler ends for curtain rods. I don’t do just one thing. I also do repairs, like weld a gate or an axle back on. I’m moving into a future with steel fabricating and designing art and sculpture.”

Stacy thrives by honing her craft. “Since I’ve become a welder, the men in my community have been so encouraging, they invite me to come to weld with them. Mike Bronn, owner of Park City Iron Man and his lead welder, Tierney Vaughan, help with heavy lifting and measuring and they have been wonderful to help me become an independent welder,” she says. “I’m in my 50s, so when someone asks for a handrail or a floating staircase, I call Mike. There’s just only so much I can do physically.”

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That wasn’t always the case. She joined the Ironworkers Union in Salt Lake 3 years ago. “That’s when I really felt the man’s world,” she says. “It was challenging and I was never given the opportunity to weld the way I wanted to. I realized I would never be appreciated so I moved away.” But that one experience pales in comparison to the outpouring of support she’s received from her community.

“My mentor, Judy Summers, is a local artist legend,” she says. “I have helped her make jewelry, sculptures, and modeling for her private classes. Judy is still sculpting even though she is blind now. She has been my voice of reason and inspiration.”

Just 2 years ago, her son Beau died. “He was my whole world. He was just 22,” she says. “Someone did hard drugs with my baby in a McDonalds parking lot and it was on. He struggled with drug addiction for 8 years. I was naïve, I thought living in Heber was so safe. Drugs are here and it’s scary. The opioid epidemic destroyed my beautiful boy.”

Metalwork has helped her process the profound grief.

“The welding community is amazing here,” she says. “So many people have supported me by encouraging me to make jewelry. They recognize me as an artist. Some people order entire collections.” For now, she’s working on a large commissioned sculpture for a private home.

“Welding has taken my time and helped me forge a new path forward that includes creating art sculpture,” she says. “It is helping me heal through the great loss of my son.” And although that loss cracked her into multiple pieces, her eye for detail and meticulous approach to craft keep her welding beautiful things. Like the element she works with, she embodies strength and resilience.

WANT TO SEE MORE?

Her jewelry is available at the Show Pony 295 E Main St, Midway, showponymidway.com

Find her on Instagram @sesjewels

Email her at sesjewels936@gmail.com

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!

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How a Rare Disease Caused an Artist to Emerge BeckyRichards MAKERS SERIES:

Becky Richards came to Park City to ski in 1978 and stayed. Originally from Oregon, she followed her brothers to Park City. She attended Westminster College and became a registered nurse. After adding a master’s degree, she eventually became the Dean of Nursing at one of the local colleges. In her spare time, she painted.

Everything changed when Becky started falling down for no reason. An MRI revealed that she had Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), a rare disease that affects 1 in 65,000 adults. Becky says if you are having back pain and falling down for no reason, you should seek medical help immediately, or you may end up with permanent damage. Surgery within 24 to 48 hours can prevent you from becoming disabled. In her case, it was too late. She found herself bedridden for three months and now cannot feel one of her feet and has to walk with a cane.

During those three months, she started making beaded jewelry; this was 11 years ago. She had to retire early back then and still suffers from chronic pain, but a doctor told her to grieve over what she lost—skiing, golfing, and all the sports she loved—and it helped. This is her new normal. She teaches art classes to her grandchildren and enjoys making an expanding selection of jewelry.

Six years after coming down with CES, Becky was giving everything away, then someone suggested she should sell her creations here or there, so she checked in with a few places. “They wanted the jewelry. I was surprised at that,” she says. She really loves making her jewelry; it gives her a sense of productivity and satisfaction.

Becky uses a lot of raw gemstones, like aquamarine, rose quartz, turquoise, and pearls and crystals, in addition to several different metals. She just started getting into using stainless steel, which has a pretty color and is lightweight. She now sells her jewelry at the Deer Valley signature store, the Kamas Bolt Ranch Store, and at Peaks Art & Frame within its Made in Park City boutique.

Becky shares, “Half the fun is shopping for the stones, which are from all around the world.” Her current favorites are Herkimer diamonds. They are double-pointed quartz crystals discovered within exposed outcrops of dolomite in and around Herkimer County, New York, so they aren’t actual diamonds, but they’re very clear. Art has given Becky Richards a new purpose in life, and she loves seeing the joy in her friends’ faces when she gives them one of her creations. She has named some of her jewelry after Park City friends; the rest fall into her Western, Beach, Classic, or Bohemian collections.

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MUSIC SERIES:

Late to theParty

Late to the Party came to life in 2024 when three friends decided to combine their musical talents, practicing in Ryan Miller’s recording studio. Ryan has been performing in the Greater Salt Lake area for decades, both in bands and as a solo artist, winning accolades from City Weekly and the Best of Salt Lake Live Music award for his solo acoustic guitar gigs. He started playing guitar when he was nine years old and has an impressive collection of both electric and acoustic guitars. His most memorable concert was when he and his father, also a guitar player and a singer, performed together in front of 58 adoring fans, all that his warehouse studio would hold.

Mat Ulmer earned BA degrees in English, history, and music education. He retired from teaching music at Riverton High School in 2023 but still teaches piano and voice lessons privately. He loved going to Europe with the university choir, performing on the steps of a cathedral in Rome. The people in the plaza drifted towards them, and they soon found themselves with a crowd. He is the associate conductor of Bells at Temple Square and the interim director of Bells of Joyful Sound. Mat, as well as Melissa Mullins, started playing piano when they were eight years old. Melissa collaborated with Mat when both

were teaching at Evergreen Junior High School. When she retired in 2020, she picked up the fiddle and lucked into taking lessons from Deanie Richardson, a grammynominated artist and the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Fiddler of the Year for 2020 and 2024. Melissa and Mat give mostly remote lessons, but when Deanie’s band, Sister Sadie, came to Cedar City, Melissa was backstage with her fiddle, and the band started playing with her. Being the fiddle player, Melissa suggests songs for Late to the Party to play. They all love experimenting with tunes from many genres, including Irish and Scottish folk music, oldtime fiddle tunes, ’80s pop, and James Taylor songs. They also add other instruments:

When appropriate, Mat plays the spoons, and Melissa the eggs.

Their goal is to spread fun, joy, and the love of music. Discovering that the piano was out of tune during their first concert at a senior citizen center was an exercise in improvisation, Ryan and Melissa had to adjust to let the tunes still work. Members of Late to the Party have a great time cooperating, saying, “We have no pretensions or delusions of being great.” Sitting in on their practice session, I felt the joy and friendship among these band members. They manage to joke with, experiment with, and correct each other, all within a few bars of music. ARTS

MEET YOUNG ARTIST

Scout Maziarz

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Growing up in a household that championed creativity and individuality, it was almost inevitable that art would take root early in Scout Maziarz’s life. With a mother who is an acclaimed musician and a father who is a professional photographer, artistic expression was less a choice and more a shared language in the home.

“I don’t feel excited about doing things besides art,” Scout reflects. “It’s always something that feels natural—something to lean back into.”

That natural pull toward art began to crystallize during Scout’s freshman or sophomore year at Park City High School, when art became more than a hobby—it became his calling.

“If I'm making work for other people, or it needs to look a certain way, I will often do a super loose sketch to guide me,” Scout explains. “If I'm doing art for happiness, I'll just start painting. Either way, I'm almost always painting in our basement studio with a cup of tea on my desk and some classic rock playing.”

“One of the things I love the most about art is that it's something I feel safe enough with that I can readily explore,” Scout says. “It makes me want to make the kind of art that makes people think.”

“I never wanted to be a professional artist because I was afraid it would ruin the hobby or the love of it,” Scout admits. “And as I shift more toward an art career, it's becoming increasingly hard to navigate. Simultaneously, it is exactly what I love, and if I can make a living off of it, why not?”

A pivotal moment came during a Leadership PC event, when Scout shared his uncertainty about pursuing art professionally. A listener responded without hesitation: “You’re going to be an artist.”

“And suddenly,” Scout recalls, “it seemed like it was so obvious, so clear that, of course, I'm gonna be an artist. I had to be. Art is my whole life, and I am still figuring it out.”

It’s clear, when looking at Scout’s paintings, that creativity not only took root—it bloomed in brilliant technicolor.

A SNAPSHOT OF GROWTH, OPPORTUNITY & INVESTMENT IN THE PARK CITY AREA – Q1 2025

HOW IS THE PARK CITY AREA MARKET DOING OVERALL?

The latest stats from the Park City MLS were recently released, and they indicate continued stability in our local real estate market here in Park City and the Wasatch Back. Through the 1st Quarter of 2025, we experienced steady sales growth and stable inventory across the overall market area. Following the volatility of the pandemic years, our market appears to have settled into its normal seasonal patterns.

While national economic conditions— particularly tariffs and interest rates—remain in focus, Park City continues to be viewed as a safe and resilient investment. As stock markets fluctuate, more investors are turning to real estate in lifestyle-driven markets like Park City for long-term value, personal use, and portfolio diversification.

Inventory remains approximately one-third lower than pre-2020 levels. However, this appears to be the new normal, supporting current price stability across most segments.

JORDANELLE REAL ESTATE MARKET – GROWTH AND MOMENTUM

The Jordanelle real estate market has become one of the most active and dynamic submarkets in the greater Park City area. Initially appealing to buyers looking for more affordable options, out-of-town atmosphere, and sweeping lake and mountain views, Jordanelle is now drawing attention for its new construction, easy access to

outdoor access, Deer Valleys new expanded ski terrain and the ability to bypass in-town traffic.

With more residential and resort development underway—including new lifts, hotels, and retail—the area has become increasingly attractive to full-time residents, second-home buyers, and real estate investors.

JORDANELLE REAL ESTATE – Q1 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

These numbers reflect not only strong demand but also rapid appreciation, particularly in communities benefiting from private club amenities and proximity to East Village.

• Top performing team for KW Park City 2018-2024

• We sell an average of 50+ properties a year!

• 20+ years of combined experience

• Benefit of superior service, exceptional results, and strong ind

• Buy or Sell with us in 2025!

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CONDOMINIUM MARKET

The condominium market around the Jordanelle provides a great example of the nuances in our local real estate market. While the total sales volume increased 56% year over year, the median sale price rose only 9%. The reason for this disparity is that a large share of the condo sales in the Jordanelle were newly-constructed units in the Pioche development, which sold at an average price of $550k - about one-third of the overall area average. This was balanced to some degree by sales in the new developments at Mayflower Lakeside that sold on average at $1.6 million.

COMMERCIAL GROWTH & UPCOMING AMENITIES

As the Jordanelle area grows, so does its commercial footprint—especially in and around Deer Valley East Village. Commercial developments include a Four Seasons Resort and over 60,000 square feet of commercial and conference space at East Village. SkyRidge will feature a public golf academy and equestrian center. Deer Cove (east of Hwy 40) will introduce hotel and condo developments, along with grocery and shopping facilities.

To learn more about active listings, upcoming developments, or to receive expert guidance when buying or selling real estate in the area, contact Drew Via and Annett Blankenship with The Park City Investor Team at 435.640.6966.

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

BY ASHLYN FROST

ENCIRCLE THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY WITH LOVE

“IF YOU NEED A PLACE TO FEEL SAFE, TO BE YOURSELF, ENCIRCLE IS OPEN TO YOU. NO COST, NO RSVP. JUST SHOW UP!”

It’s Pride Month, and we have a highlight to share! In our very own Heber Valley lives one of the most special nonprofits in the state: Encircle House, bringing hope and healing to our community.

Now with four locations in Utah, Encircle continues to provide life-affirming mental health services to LGBTQ+ individuals, right here in our backyard. The newest location in Heber City represents more than just a building—it’s a safe space where healing, connection, and community can flourish. The opening page of Encircle’s website greets you with this lovely message:

“Every LBGTQ+ youth deserves access to supportive spaces and resources to help them heal, grow, and thrive.”

Encircle has set off to make a more inclusive and affirming community. It offers in-house therapy, activities, programs, and more. The staff doesn’t ask questions or close its doors to anyone. Encircle’s mission is exactly this: “Bring the family and community together to enable LGBTQ+ youth to thrive.” The world is harsh, and especially harsh to people who go against the status quo, so Encircle offers sanctuary to those in need of peace—in need of acceptance and of a guiding hand.

With nearly a quarter of Summit County and almost 30% of Wasatch County made up of youth under 18 (US Census, 2022), the need for inclusive, affirming resources has never been greater. Many kids struggle daily with identity and mental health— Encircle acknowledges this and has created programs to serve as a vital support system for young people, their families, and the broader community.

Encircle is open Monday through Friday during after-school hours for anyone needing to hang out, take off a load, use the free WiFi, or sit in a place that feels safer than real life. You can join in on some activities, such as Art Night on Wednesdays and Music Night on Thursdays. If you don’t love that, then tune into a Youth Friendship Circle every week, which welcomes LGBTQ+ youth to sit in a place of understanding and openness with each other—a place that asks nothing of you but to be yourself. Also, to bring the community together, Youth Friendship Circle has a monthly Rainbow Brunch that offers some delicious food to enjoy at an LGBTQ+–affirming community event.

Especially during Pride Month, when we focus on celebrating and highlighting the LGBTQ+ community, this is the perfect time to take a trip to Encircle House and see the beautiful and lifesaving community it’s bringing to Heber and Park City. Another invitation from its website reads, “Join us for a friendship circle, a program, or drop in to study, hang out with friends, or be in a space where you feel safe and understood.”

And remember, Encircle sees you. The staff doesn’t discriminate—it loves. Everyone leads with love, guides with love, and changes lives with love. And because of that, they spread so much needed acceptance. Through its inclusive programs, free therapy, and monthly calendar of events and gatherings, Encircle is changing the Heber Valley and Park City area for the better. If you’re looking for a place to feel safe, to be yourself, Encircle is open to you. No cost, no RSVP. Just show up!

81 E Center Street, Heber City, UT 84032

Open Monday to Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Instagram: @ encircletogether

RADICAL LOVE IN UTAH

June marks National Pride Month, a time to celebrate. Awareness—in all aspects—is very important in our community. The Utah Pride Center works daily to foster understanding, acceptance, and equal treatment for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. By promoting awareness statewide, the Utah Pride Center helps break down harmful stereotypes, reduce discrimination, and create inclusive environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

The Utah Pride Center encourages open dialogue and education, which are both

organizations like UPC help pave the way for a more compassionate and empathetic society. “If I am speaking to the older allied generations out there…the unknown can be frightening. The unknown can lead to uncertainties or some assumptions made about certain communities,” said Chad Call, Executive Director of the Utah Pride Center.

The Utah Pride Center (UPC) was officially founded in 1992. Formerly known as “The Utah Gay and Lesbian Center,” the center has taken on many forms throughout the years. “It has changed as quickly and as often as our community’s needs have changed,”

has experienced a rapid amount of change

honestly, worldwide. Resource centers like successfully grown and adapted with these changes, from their day-to-day programs to the marquee events they host

When Chad was asked if he had seen a big need for the center in Utah specifically, his reply captured the essence

strong counterculture specifically along the Wasatch Front.” Salt Lake City has been an incredible ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. For the first time in many years, the city has a primarily queer city council. Queer council members are more likely to understand firsthand the barriers these community members face, and their presence sends a powerful message of visibility and acceptance.

Breaking it down into two demographics— within the center and in public events—UPC serves thousands of individuals each month.

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With a staff of three full-time employees and one contractor, Chad said that the varied programming within the center is available to anyone who needs it. Whether it be afterschool study hours, community support groups, or help navigating affordable health insurance, UPC’s door is always open. “One of the goals of the Utah Pride Center is to continue to tell our history among our own stakeholders, and one of our more popular programs is our ‘Queer History Fireside Chat,’” Chad added. Every guest feature is a local individual who has helped shape and grow Utah’s LGBTQIA+ community. By learning this history, both queer and non-queer individuals gain a deeper appreciation for diversity, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Monthly guests and more information can be found at utahpride.org.

“One of the biggest resources we provide is we are a referral center for any kind of social or human need that would exist inside the queer community.” Chad said anyone can visit in person or call their crisis hotline.

“There is a live person on the other end during our open hours, Monday–Friday, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.” UPC can connect you with legal resources, mental health services, housing assistance, and food security programs. The Utah Pride Center is located at 68 South Main Street, 9th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101.

The Utah Pride Center operates with an annual revenue of approximately $2 million. “Our revenue varies depending on the programming in any calendar year,” Chad stated. Currently, UPC does not receive any state or federal funding. All of their funding comes through private grants, corporate sponsorships, peer giving, and fundraising efforts surrounding the Utah Pride Festival and Parade. “Utah Pride is our largest program and also our largest fundraiser. It serves both functions, but it is also earned revenue for the center.” UPC is a 501(c)

(3) organization, so all contributions are tax-exempt. If you or someone you know is interested in making a contribution, all information is available on their website.

UPC receives help from thousands of volunteers each year. Volunteers assist at the center weekly or on an event-by-event basis. Most volunteers come during Pride Weekend, Chad said. “We are sending out calls for volunteers every few weeks for various activities going on throughout the state—whether it’s taking tickets at the festival, marketing needs, or simply working the front desk at the center. Even our Volunteer Director is a volunteer.” More volunteer information can be found at utahpride.org.

“Utah Pride Center’s mission is to unite, empower, and celebrate Utah’s LGBTQIA+ community,” Chad said. It’s important to the center because every community and individual deserves to be celebrated. There’s power in being visible and being empowered—especially when coming together. “In our country’s culture that we are all currently experiencing, it’s critical that there are organizations like UPC that can bring people together in a world that is otherwise trying to divide groups. Our main objective is to unite our community and to make them feel empowered and celebrated— not in spite of who they are but because of who they are.”

One out of every 10 people you meet is a part of the queer community. Whether they are sharing that part of themselves with you or not depends on their level of comfort and safety. “We need allies, we want allies. It’s really difficult to hate up close, and it’s also really difficult to not love this community once you start working with them.”

people do submit ideas, the center looks closely at the current state of the community when making the decision. “We decided that radical love is really an empowering notion. This is the kind of love that we are trying to proliferate in our state, that we want to make more widespread.” Radical love, by definition, pushes us to be vulnerable. It’s a love that welcomes growth. Choose love as a radical path of devotion and compassion for others. You are enough. Visit utahpride.org for more program information, to purchase festival tickets, and more.

MORE INFORMATION:

The Utah Pride Center will be closed June 2–15 during Pride.

June 5: 7 p.m.–9 p.m. – Pride Interfaith Service

June 6: 8 p.m.–11 p.m. – Pride Youth Dance

June 7: 10 a.m.–11 a.m. – Pride Rally and March

June 7: 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. – Utah Pride Festival

June 8: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Utah Pride Parade

June 8: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. – Utah Pride Festival

JULY 4

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UTAH OLYMPIC PARK

More information on Hiking, Biking, Fly Fishing Call 435-658-4200 for more info

▶ Extreme Tubing ▶ Zip-line Tour ▶ Alpine Slide

PARK CITY RECREATION

Flying Ace Freestyle Shows

& More

Visit the online program portal at parkcity.org to register for the following featured programs available to both adult and youth recreators!

▶ Softball Kickball

▶ Pickleball Line Dancing

▶ Tennis Aquatics ▶ Basketball and more!

Mountain

Biking

BASIN RECREATION

435-655-0999 Main Number ▶ Adult Biking ▶ Swimming Fitness

▶ Youth Baseball, Softball and Basketball

▶ Youth Soccer, LaCrosse and Summer Camps ▶ Yoga ▶ Drop-in Soccer ▶ Spring Rookie Soccer

Water Aerobics

Toddler Swim School

ATHLETE LEADERS OF THE MONTH:

This month’s shoutout goes to three of Black Diamond Gym’s youngest members, Faith, Wyatt, and Reese, who are a part of the Right Start Kids Academy preschool program. They light up the gym with their creativity and unstoppable energy! Whether they’re leaping across the floor or bouncing on a trampoline, these little athletes remind us what movement is all about—learning, laughing, and letting your imagination fly.

The Right Start program puts focus on what preschoolers need to thrive at early ages:

▶ First, turning play into brain power. Activities like hopping to colored spots or counting jumps help kids connect numbers and colors to real-world movement, boosting memory and problem-solving skills in the process.

▶ Second, incorporating creative play to open up a world of expression. Whether they’re pretending to be rainbow dinosaurs or inventing a number dance, imaginative movement encourages kids to think outside the box, express emotions, and build confidence.

These athletes are proof that incorporating playful movement isn’t just fun—it’s powerful. The time these preschoolers spend in the gym develops motor skills and coordination, builds strength, and helps little ones release big feelings in healthy ways. All that movement also teaches teamwork and perseverance.

What their teachers and parents have to say: Faith – Faith loves school. Her favorite thing to do is explore the fun things to do in the gym, take naps, and play in both the classroom and the gym with her friends.

Wyatt – Wyatt enjoys all of the craft projects he gets to do with his teacher, and spending time in the gym. He especially loves bouncing on the trampolines and getting creative with the mats and foam blocks to build things.

Reese - Reese is always excited to go to school and enjoys time spent with her teachers and the toys and books in the classroom. She also loves to play in the gym and get her energy and wiggles out on the trampoline.

We can’t wait to see where this early time in the gym takes Faith, Wyatt, and Reese in the future!

© Best Version Media

BY ERIC RAMIREZ

TRAILS & TARIFFS

“We wanted to get a feel for the tariff’s effect at Sea Otter. There’s an industry-wide anxiety.”

–Mitchell Andrus, QEJA Socks, Park City

Most of DT Swiss products are made outside of the EU, and companies like Campagnolo have taken a portion of their production to Taiwan. For both those companies, the highest-level products are still designed and built in-house. SRAM designs its equipment in Colorado or Germany, but nearly everything is built in Taiwan. Aside from a few small US bicycle frame builders and boutique parts-makers committed to domestic design and production, everything that’s imported supposedly is getting tariffed.

As if cycling and mountain biking were not expensive enough.

If you ask any industry leader or sales rep, they convey that all this gear is to make your ride more enjoyable. Some even drive it home with their company slogan. Despite all that, the most critically significant truth to riding bikes is that we ride trails (or roads); the bike is the tool.

When I was a kid, skidding the mine tailings with my buddies, we were completely inspired by the two-wheeled mayhem in British Columbia, Canada. Stuff had to hold up from ride to ride. Broken cranksets were a conversation. We replaced gear as it broke or wore out. Today, the marketing makes us think about changing gear, even though our current derailleur or cassette still works fine.

In fact, years ago, my nephew Mitchell and I had no choice other than to ride in our road Lycra during a mountain bike demo event. As in previous times, it was the gear we had. That day, we rode Deer Valley’s NCS trail in Lycra and without body armor. Because we looked like road cyclists, we had some unsuspecting cyclists follow us down the most terrifying trail they’ve been on. We all had a good laugh later.

Demo events like that are designed to prime shops and media with the newest bike toys. Over the last 30 years, each new season kicked off with the announcement of awesome new designs. Pro riders and staff writers discuss whether the newest gear is valid. It was the year of our Lycra ride that Rockshox introduced its Charger Damper. Marketing is so fantastically woven into bike culture that new gear is a topic of discussion on group rides and among riding buddies over beer. Fueled by mountain bikers’ and road cyclists’ lust for new gear defying any notion of buyer’s remorse, the industry simply responds. It’s like a hunt that never ends.

Gear addiction is powerful; there’s a social component in there too. Looking forward, the monetary expense of that retail dopamine rush is just going to elevate. There’s a lot of uncertainty because it won’t just be an increase in prices.

Locally owned and operated QEJA Socks imports finished products from Italy. The company blends Egyptian cotton and Italian nylon into their weaves. Mitchell says of the tariff’s purpose: “We would be 12 to 16 months to shift to US production; if we decide to do that, then where do we get the materials and packaging? Then how do you ramp up production for increased volume?” Fortunately for QEJA, there’s no huge tariff hurdle, assuming it goes into effect, because it doesn’t deal with any Asian production.

Velo, an Outside publication, reported in What Tariffs Mean: “The hardest hit bikes in the industry come from mainland China. Some reports say that it exports as many as 27.1% of the world’s bikes…”

It’s going to be tough times for gear. We may not find it in our budgets to upgrade to SRAM’s AXS on our road bikes or its new cable-actuated mountain Transmission. From a pocketbook perspective, it might look more appealing to go back to Mavic of France or Campagnolo of Italy. Maybe another Serotta will turn up?

However, it’s important to remember why we ride. A good friend and excellent mechanic told me that he’s building up a $400 antiquated bike from random parts, including handbuilt wheels. He cites the “#makemountainbikingsustainableagain” mantra. He’s in it for the trails; the gear doesn’t have to shine or be really cool. He’ll prove it on the jump line this season. Yes, he’s going to ride.

Let’s hit the trails in earnest, make contributions, and give our time to trail maintenance, get with our riding buddies, and challenge our skills. Can we spend more time advocating for safe roads? If you’re the entrepreneur in the room, you have your work cut out for you as the industry attempts to reshore.

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: SierraDarling

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Meet Sierra Darling, a Park City High School Junior and a competitive short-distance runner. Living in Park City since the age of 5, she grew up with the opportunity to try various sports and activities, including gymnastics and lacrosse. But during her time at Ecker Hill Middle School, Sierra tried the Park City Running Club and began her journey as a runner.

Her time there wasn’t competitive, though it was simply a way to move her body and connect with kids her age. But when COVID hit during her 6th and 7th grade years, her interest in running was sparked further. During these uncertain years, Sierra began to run alone with the guidance of Nikki, her previous coach from the Park City Running Club. At the start of her Freshman year, Sierra decided to try the Park City Cross Country team, and showed up to the first practice unsure of her goals in running.

Waiting outside the school, Sierra saw a group of kids wearing running shoes and figured she was in the right place. Sierra followed them to the track, quickly realizing that this was not the group she was initially looking for. There was no long-distance running on dirt or grass, only a 400-meter loop that looked dauntingly hard. After one incidental practice of sprints on the track, Sierra was hooked. In fact, Sierra has become the fastest female for Park City High in all of the short-distance events, holding the school record for the 200 and 400 meter races, as well as the 4 x 200, 4 x 400, and 4 x100 meter

relays. Her times have qualified her for further development teams in Salt Lake City, as well as the top running schools in the nation. During our conversation, these stats were striking (and intimidating) to say the least, but what really stuck out to me the most was her unrelenting drive. After her early successful seasons, Sierra explains that her worth as a person began to get tied up with her running results. If a meet didn’t go as planned, the rest of her week became glum, and if it went well, she felt on top. In time, Sierra realized that her longevity in the sport was dependent on dissociating her identity and results. She began to implement more practices to improve the mental side of training, such as meditation, journaling, and being more open with coaches after rough practices and meets. This work, internally, Sierra hopes, will allow her to train to her fullest potential without sacrificing her love for the sport.

With Sierra's change in mentality and the community supporting her, her times have continued to improve. Recently, she broke her own school record, running 55.2 in the 400 meters. At State Championships, occurring as this is published, Sierra has the goal to run a sub-55-second 400-meter, doing so will most likely place her as the Utah State Champion. Sierra also has the goal of reducing her current 24.7-second 200-meter time to below 24.5. As an outsider, these milliseconds may seem simple to shave off, but at Sierra’s competitive level, every stride counts. In the long term, she is hoping to run track for a D1 school, possibly an Ivy League University. Currently, she is looking to pursue entrepreneurship to design and manage a company that focuses on human performance, particularly female running, to help push human potential.

From an accidental start of track, to becoming one of the strongest in Utah, all whilst keeping a love for life, Sierra Darling is a rising star to look up to.

GuaSha: The Ancient Art of Returning to Yourself SKIN + BODY + SOUL

In a world obsessed with quick fixes and cosmetic trends, Everly Grace Whole Beauty invites you to rediscover something far more lasting: yourself. This isn’t about conforming to what the world wants you to be—it’s about returning to who you were always meant to be. And one of the most powerful tools on this path is the ancient, intuitive art of Gua Sha.

More Than a Face Tool

Most people know Gua Sha as a sleek stone used in skincare routines to sculpt the jawline or drain facial puffiness. But this tool holds wisdom far deeper than its trending videos. Rooted in traditional East Asian medicine, Gua Sha is a fullbody tissue treatment—not just a cosmetic ritual. It works beyond the surface to stir energy, break up stagnation, and guide the body back into its natural rhythm. At Everly Grace, we use Gua Sha not only to tone and uplift the face but to relax the entire body, improve blood flow, and activate internal systems that contribute to your true radiance.

The Internal Facelift

When we speak about Gua Sha’s transformative power, we aren’t just talking about a lifted cheekbone or smoother skin. The real facelift happens inside. This technique activates pressure points that release fascia tension and allow the tissue to breathe again. When muscles are tight, tissue can get “stuck” where two structures meet—like a bottleneck in a river. Gua Sha acts like a gentle paddle, breaking up blockages and guiding movement, like creating rapids through a sluggish stream.

This flow brings nutrient-rich blood, oxygen, and vitality back into your skin and organs, awakening systems that have been stagnant from stress, trauma, or the demands of modern life.

Movement is Healing

We often think of beauty as stillness—frozen in time. But true beauty is movement. Gua Sha restores this flow not only in the face but throughout the entire body. When circulation returns, tension melts. The nervous system softens. You aren’t just sculpting a jawline—you’re inviting your whole being to exhale.

This is why, at Everly Grace Whole Beauty, we treat the body to treat the face. A relaxed back or released hips can do more for your glow than any serum. It’s all connected.

Enhance Who You Already Are

Gua Sha is not about reshaping you into someone you’re not. It’s about helping you come home to yourself—to your natural lines, your inherent energy, your most authentic beauty. When the body is in flow, the face follows. You soften. You brighten. You come alive. And that kind of beauty doesn’t fade. It deepens.

Come experience a Gua Sha treatment at Everly Grace Whole Beauty—where your body, your spirit, and your beauty move as one.

With Glowing Gratitude, Christa Jutras

Christa Jutras is a Wellness Esthetician and has been committed to helping people feel their best in their skin for over 20 years.

CHRISTA JUTRAS

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YOUR GUIDE TO CHOOSING BETWEEN A MEDSPA AND A PLASTIC SURGEON-LED AESTHETIC PRACTICE

MedSpa treatments are becoming the go-to for anyone dreaming of refreshed, youthful skin, wrinkle reduction, and non-surgical facial enhancements. But here’s the big question: Should you waltz into a trendy MedSpa or step into a top-tier plastic surgeon-led aesthetic practice for your aesthetic makeover? While both can deliver results, surgeon-led practices offer a level of expertise, safety, and personalized care that’s hard to match.

Why a Plastic Surgeon-Led Aesthetic Practice Might Be

Your Smartest Choice

One major advantage of choosing a surgeon-led practice is the incredible expertise behind every procedure. Every treatment is administered by a highly credentialed professional and backed by a board-certified surgeon. At the helm is Dr. Renato Saltz, MD, FACS — a renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon passionate about rejuvenating faces and bodies. After his role as an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Utah, he launched his own clinic in 2002, dedicated to delivering stunning results and exceptional service.

Your Playful Guide to Finding the Perfect MedSpa

Navigating the world of MedSpas can feel overwhelming, but with a little savvy, you’ll find your perfect match. Here are some fun and practical tips to help highlight your ideal spa:

Prioritize Expertise: Look for a spa run or overseen by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Saltz. Their involvement guarantees treatments are safe, effective, and crafted with precision.

Check Credentials & Experience: Ensure the staff are licensed, and don’t hesitate to ask

about their experience. The more experienced and credentialed they are, the greater your chances of achieving picture-perfect results.

Demand Personalization: Every face, body, and skin is unique, so seek out a spa that offers customized treatment plans tailored specifically to your needs and beauty goals. Personalized care makes all the difference.

Explore Tech & Tools: During consultations, inquire about the equipment. State-of-the-art devices often provide better results with less downtime, giving you that “wow” factor faster.

Read the Reviews: Online testimonials are your best friends. A series of glowing reviews on sites like Google and RealSelf can tell you a lot about the spa’s reputation and success stories.

Price with Purpose: Transparent pricing is key. Remember, top-quality results usually come with a fair price tag. Don’t fall for the promotion of the month— savings shouldn’t compromise safety or outcomes.

The Bottom Line: Choosing a plastic surgery center means partnering with medical professionals who provide tailored, safe, and medically advanced treatments.

Saltz Plastic Surgery and Spa Vitoria is passionate about transforming aesthetic dreams into reality. If you’re in Salt Lake City or Park City, UT, don’t wait — Book your consultation today and experience aesthetic care that goes beyond the basics.

WHERE BEAUTY

Neograft Hair Transplant

Body & Breast Surgeries

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Medical Weight Loss and so much more... EXPLORE SALTZ

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR • BY BETSY DEMANN, ON BEHALF OF SALTZ PLASTIC SURGERY AND SPA VITORIA • PHOTOS BY DEB DEKOFF

Face, Neck, And Brow Lifts

Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Research: The Science Behind Acupuncture

For thousands of years, Acupuncture has been used to treat pain, promote healing, and restore balance in the body. What was once dismissed in the West as an “alternative” is now increasingly backed by modern science — and even integrated into hospitals, fertility clinics, and cancer centers.

As a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine practicing here in Park City, I often hear the same question: Does Acupuncture really work?

The answer — grounded in both ancient wisdom and today’s research — is yes.

How Acupuncture Works: Both Energetically and Scientifically

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”) — the vital energy that flows through the body along meridians. When Qi is blocked, illness or pain can arise. Acupuncture uses tiny needles at specific points to restore flow and balance.

Modern research offers several explanations for how acupuncture works:

• Endorphin release: Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Studies show it reduces markers of inflammation in the body.

• Nervous system regulation: Acupuncture influences the vagus nerve, helping to shift the body from stress mode (sympathetic) to rest and repair mode (parasympathetic).

• Blood flow: It enhances circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues, aiding healing and reducing tension.

What the Research Shows: Conditions Acupuncture Helps

Acupuncture isn’t just for back pain — though it’s excellent for that. The World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize acupuncture as effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain (back, neck, joints, arthritis)

• Migraines and headaches

• Anxiety, stress, and insomnia

• Nausea and digestive disorders (IBS, reflux, crohn’s disease, etc.)

• Menstrual irregularities and menopause symptoms

• Fertility support

• Post-COVID fatigue and immune regulation

In Utah, even our local hospitals are embracing Acupuncture as part of integrative care. Both Primary Children’s Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute now offer acupuncture for pain management, cancer recovery, and more.

I’ve had the privilege of working at Primary Children’s Hospital for over a year and a half, treating both inpatient and outpatient pediatric patients. Witnessing how these gentle treatments support young patients through complex medical journeys has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

What to Expect in a Session

If you’ve never tried Acupuncture, you might be surprised by how relaxing it is. Most people feel a sense of calm within minutes. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and may include:

• A thorough intake exploring symptoms, sleep, digestion, mood, and stress

• Gentle needle placement (many are thinner than a human hair)

• Add-ons like cupping, gua sha, energy work or herbal and supplement recommendations

Acupuncture is cumulative — meaning regular sessions often yield the best results over time.

East Meets West: A New Era of Healing

We’re living in a time where ancient medicine and modern science no longer have to be at odds. Acupuncture offers a bridge between the two — blending holistic insight with measurable results.

Whether you’re navigating chronic pain, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, dealing with complex medical conditions or simply seeking a deeper connection to your body, Acupuncture can be a gentle but powerful support system.

If you’re curious, I invite you to try it for yourself. Healing, doesn’t always have to be loud — sometimes it starts with a single point. If you have questions or would like to book your first appointment, I’d love to hear from you. Wishing you a vibrant, healthy June!

Warmly,

Dr. Kallie

Dr. Kallie Harrison

• Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (DACM)

• Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc)

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

• Certified Psychedelic Therapist

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

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

www.kallieharrison.com

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

(Inside The Prospect Executive Suites)

Cell: (801) 703-5280

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Your friendly guide to GLP-1 weight loss: what works, what doesn’t and what’s next

Learn about their benefits, safety, side effects and how to maximize results with healthy habits

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know how frustrating it can be. Despite eating healthy and exercising, many don’t see the results they want. Weight loss isn’t just about willpower; biological factors significantly influence body weight.

Traditional methods often overlook the complex biological systems governing weight gain. This is where GLP1 medications, such as Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide), come into play. Patrick Welch, PharmD, BCACP, an advanced clinical pharmacist at Intermountain Health, explains, “These medications don’t just help people lose weight. They also improve overall health. Many patients see lower blood pressure, better cholesterol, and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.” These benefits highlight the multifaceted role of GLP-1 drugs in health management.

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists were found to suppress appetite, making them effective for weight loss. These medications work by regulating hunger, slowing digestion, and supporting insulin function—leading to feelings of fullness and reduced cravings. They’re administered as weekly injections, using a small needle into fatty tissue, usually in the abdomen or thighs. With practice, most find the injection routine straightforward.

Eligibility for GLP-1 therapy typically includes individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher. However, those with a BMI of 27 or more who have related conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes might also qualify. Healthcare providers evaluate each patient’s overall health, previous weight loss attempts, and medications to determine suitability.

While considered safe when monitored properly, GLP1 medications can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, or dizziness. An often-overlooked side effect involves appetite suppression leading to forgetting to eat. Sara Fausett, a registered dietitian, notes, “GLP-1s slow food moving through the intestines. It tells your brain it’s not hungry. I’ve had to remind some clients they still need to eat.”

To optimize results, medication use should be combined with healthy habits like balanced eating, regular physical

activity, and working with a dietitian. Discontinuing GLP-1s carries a risk of weight regain, but gradual transition and ongoing lifestyle changes can help maintain progress.

Access through trusted healthcare providers remains safest. Intermountain Health offers an online program where patients complete a health assessment, consult with a pharmacist, and receive their medication at home. This integrated approach emphasizes the importance of medical oversight and personalized care.

Looking ahead, research suggests GLP-1 medications may also improve cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular and kidney risks. As Welch states, “The future of GLP-1s is exciting” for their potential to enhance overall health beyond weight loss.

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Spring Renewal: Inner Radiance through Molecular Hydrogen Water

By Dr. Giselle M. Batcheller, DDS, IBDM

In December, our office had the unique honor of being featured in a documentary exploring the emerging science of molecular hydrogen water and its effects on the body—captured in real time through live blood microscopy. It was a powerful experience, not just as a practitioner but as a believer in the body’s ability to heal and thrive when given the right tools.

We’ve long known that the blood carries clues about our inner state—oxidative stress, inflammation, hydration, even energy levels. But to see these changes unfold under the microscope, sometimes within minutes of drinking hydrogenenriched water, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Molecular hydrogen is the smallest molecule in the universe, but its impact is profound. As a selective antioxidant, it targets the most damaging free radicals without disrupting beneficial signaling processes. Research shows it can support cellular repair, mitochondrial function, and inflammation modulation—all of which play a role in how we age, feel, and function day to day.

Live blood microscopy allows us to observe these shifts in real time. With just a single drop of blood, we can witness patterns of cellular stress, clumping, or oxidative damage—and how those

patterns respond to supportive therapies like hydrogen water. This approach bridges modern science with real-time feedback, empowering people to take an active role in their health.

As we embrace the theme of renewal this season, we’re offering molecular hydrogen water machines for at home benefits as well as water memberships in the office as an accessible way to integrate this modality into daily life. Whether your focus is on skin health, energy, or graceful aging, this is a simple and accessible tool to help restore inner balance over time.

For those curious to learn more about cellular health and underlying signs relating to gut health and systemic wellness, we also offer live blood microscopy as a service—an educational experience that helps make the invisible, visible.

Because when you understand your body better, you can support it more intentionally for optimal health. The healthiest version of you is the best version of you.

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

ASK ANYTHING ABOUT FERTILITY: WHEN TO SEEK FERTILITY HELP SIGNS IT'S TIME TO CONSULT A SPECIALIST AND WHAT TO EXPECT.

Knowing when to seek fertility support can feel confusing and even overwhelming. Many individuals and couples wonder if they’re acting too soon—or waiting too long. As a nurse specializing in fertility care, I often remind patients that it’s never too early to ask questions and understand their options. Here are some signs that it may be time to consult a fertility provider.

Sign 1: You’ve been trying to conceive without success. If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for six to twelve months without success—or over 35 and have been trying for six months—it’s time to consider seeing a specialist. Age significantly impacts fertility, so earlier evaluation can make a meaningful difference, especially as ovarian reserve naturally declines over time.

Sign 2: You have known reproductive health conditions. If you have been diagnosed with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, or if you experience irregular cycles, painful periods,

or other reproductive concerns, it’s important to seek guidance sooner rather than later. Addressing these factors early can help optimize your chances for a healthy pregnancy.

Sign 3: You’ve experienced multiple miscarriages. Experiencing more than one miscarriage can be emotionally and physically challenging. A fertility specialist can help uncover possible underlying causes and offer targeted treatment options to support a successful pregnancy journey moving forward.

Sign 4: You’re considering fertility preservation. Fertility care isn’t just for those actively trying to conceive. If you are thinking about delaying parenthood for personal, medical, or professional reasons, consulting a fertility specialist about egg, sperm, or embryo freezing can provide important peace of mind for the future.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

During your initial consultation, you’ll review your medical history, discuss your family-building goals,

and often recommend basic diagnostic testing. This first step is about understanding your unique circumstances and creating a personalized plan together, whether that includes simple interventions or more advanced treatments.

Your Fertility Questions Answered

Navigating fertility can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions about your reproductive health or fertility options, we invite you to submit them to be answered in upcoming columns. Email me at hello@wellnestfertility.com.

Complete Fertility Care

For Aspiring Families in Utah

Wellnest is the only fertility clinic in Ogden that brings together renowned fertility specialists, a suite of wellness and support services, and accessible pricing.

OUR SERVICES:

•

•

• Fertility Preservation

•

• Now Accepting New Patients

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BY TIFFANY WICKES, ON BEHALF OF WOW CLINIC

Unlocking Peak Performance: The Power of VO2 Max Testing at Wasatch Optimal Wellness

So, you’re an endurance athlete and looking to fine-tune your exercise regimen, track your progress, identify performance plateaus, or achieve your best performance? Maybe you’re an average Utahn seeking the tools for taking the guesswork out of your health and fitness journey. For those two demographics and everybody in between, Wasatch Optimal Wellness (WOW) has you covered with VO2 Max and Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) testing! This dynamic duo of testing can take the confusion out of training and empower you with metrics that matter. Consider this: The Utah Sports Commission works to make Utah a global hub for sports and entertainment, with nearly $4 billion in economic impact and 1,100 sports events. With thousands of professional athletes and couch-to-5k hopefuls training to compete—both professionally and just for fun in our beautiful state—it’s worth a minute to explore how you can get the best out of your training.

At WOW Clinic, the staff believes these powerful tools can benefit everyone—from the weekend warrior, to the professional athlete, to someone just starting their fitness journey. While VO2 max testing is a powerful tool for assessing aerobic fitness and optimizing training and can be particularly helpful for athletes, it also provides extremely valuable health insights for the general population. VO2 max is a goldstandard measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness, or how efficiently your body can use oxygen during intense exercise. It’s one of the most powerful predictors of longevity in the medical literature—often referred

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

• RMR

• VO2 Max Testing

• Weight Loss Management

• Joint Injections

• Nutritional Counseling

to as the single best biomarker for lifespan and healthspan.

During a VO2 max test, WOW measures:

▶ Oxygen intake (VO₂)

▶ Carbon-dioxide output (VCO₂)

▶ Heart rate

▶ Ventilation (breathing rate and volume)

Take a deep breath, and let’s jump into how the test is performed at WOW, and how its skilled clinicians will help interpret your data. These measurements are taken during a graded “ramp” exercise protocol, such as on a treadmill, either by increasing speed every minute while running or increasing incline while walking. Or it can be done on a spin bike by gradually increasing the power output—or how hard you’re working— required each minute. The test ends when you’ve reached your maximum sustainable effort.

Your VO₂ max is more than just a number. It can:

▶ Identify your individual training zones (Zone 1 through Zone 5)

▶ Pinpoint your anaerobic threshold—the point during exercise where your body’s reliance on glucose for energy production increases significantly

▶ Replace outdated and inaccurate formulas based on age and gender

▶ Help optimize your workouts to train smarter, not harder

Instead of guessing what intensity you should train at, you’ll leave with clear, actionable data personalized for you. At WOW, a treadmill is used, and during the testing, you wear a face mask that measures the volume of gas concentrations in each inhale and exhale. Your nose will be pinched closed so that you’re breathing only through your mouth during the test. There will be a practitioner with you the whole time, and a speaker will be ready to play the pump-up jams of your choice. Now, let’s talk about why knowing what your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is, and why it’s a critical piece of this success equation.

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Your RMR is the number of calories your body burns at rest just to stay alive—before factoring in exercise or daily movement.

Why test your RMR?

▶ Determine your baseline caloric needs

▶ Build more accurate nutrition plans based on your activity level and body composition goals

▶ Avoid common mistakes like undereating or overtraining

▶ Use it alongside DEXA body-composition scans to build a smart, efficient plan for fat

loss or muscle gain—even better, both! If health optimization is what you seek, WOW has a plan for you. With its full-body recovery systems in place, joint injections, IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, weight-loss injections, and cold/hot contrast therapy are all available to help optimize your current and future performance. Whether a longer, healthier lifespan is what you seek or you’re envisioning that first-place finish in the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run, Moab 240, Ute 100, or Bear 100—WOW has you covered in both your preparation and recovery to live and win your

best, most optimal life. Come get your VO2 max and RMR testing done at WOW Clinic and take the guesswork out of your health and fitness journey. You’ll leave empowered with clear, personalized data—and a plan to reach your goals more efficiently.

By combining your VO₂ max, RMR, and DEXA data, we give you a 360-degree view of your health and performance potential. Whether your goal is weight loss, endurance, strength, or general vitality, WOW will help you make datadriven decisions to get you there.

Free Living Co SMALL TOWN STORIES

Gratified. Mission-driven. High energy. These words pop to mind when talking with Dana Grinnell of Free Living Co. These and the exploding laundry detergent story.

“Routine grocery trip, family of five, and the detergent blew up in the back of the car,” she remembers. “It was labeled ‘Number one dermatologist recommended’ but blasted radioactive purple everywhere. I couldn’t believe it.”

A new mission crystallized for the former healthcare executive: a local business to help Parkites wade through the toxins and other disruptors “none of us asked for,” she says. “It’s confusing and exhausting to try to decode it, so I can help.”

Dana’s store on 1476 Newpark Blvd #100 (behind Cupla, in front of Newpark Resort) and her website, freeliving.co.co, are packed with thousands of products, from skincare to wallets, backpacks to blankets, all tested and approved by the Grinnell family as safe, clean and good for the planet. “My kids love it,” she says of her three children

and husband Frank, who help vet potential offerings. “Moving my warehouse off our property will help my inventory since I suspect they ‘shop’ without my knowing,” she laughs. Working with over 150 brands, Dana’s site recently exceeded 2,000 products.

“You’ll notice I love grunge and 90s hip hop,” Seattle-raised Dana says of the ambiance at her Newpark Blvd. store, which opened just two weeks ago. “I’m always up for a pop-up dance party.”

The family lived throughout the West during her healthcare career, settling in Park City just a few years ago. “We fell in love,” she recalls.

“I was born in Salt Lake, so maybe it was in my blood to return.”

“I’m so grateful,” she says of running an exciting new business that advances a less toxic life. “Parkites care about their health, the planet, and supporting entrepreneurs.”

Have ideas for Dana? “We’re open to adding products and meeting new suppliers,” she says. “Stop in to chat or visit our site!”

5

SIMPLE, CLEAN SWAPS FOR SUMMER

Finally, the snow is gone, replaced by sunny skies and increasing bike traffic. Summer activities bring joy and an opportunity for simple swaps to keep our families and outdoor spaces safer. Here are five less-toxic summer swaps:

HYDRATE CLEANLY

Hot weather and outdoor adventures require extra hydration. Electrolytes aid water absorption at the cellular level. Many sports drinks contain harmful ingredients like corn syrup, artificial flavors, dyes, and preservatives. Look for options with natural ingredients, such as spirulina, turmeric, or hibiscus for coloring. Prioritize high-quality minerals; Re-lyte offers good mineral density, and Just Ingredients provides a natural, less salty taste.

PUMP INSTEAD OF SPRAY

Summer means more sun and bug protection, but many sprays contain chemicals. Opt for pump sprays (non-aerosol) or traditional flip-top containers. Choose mineral sunscreens

and avoid chemical-based repellents when possible. Instead, use physical barriers like mosquito nets or natural scents such as tea tree or citronella.

LESS-TOXIC LAWN CARE

Toxic lawn treatments are often hidden but dangerous. Many parks and residential lawns are treated with glyphosate-based weed killers. Avoid glyphosate products like Roundup, and ask your landscaper about safer, natural options. After outdoor activities, wash your hands, clothes, and shoes thoroughly to limit chemical exposure.

START COMPOSTING

Summer is an ideal time to begin composting. Use outdoor compost bins or indoor electric units. If home composting isn’t feasible, participate in local curbside food waste pickup programs in Park City. Several initiatives like Zero Food Waste aim for zero food waste by 2030—getting started now makes a difference.

GROW SOMETHING

Growing your own food ensures fresh, non-toxic produce. Start with seedlings for a quick start. Herbs such as basil, mint, thyme, and rosemary flourish easily, while vegetables like squash, kale, and lettuce can thrive in pots. Use natural pest controls like ladybugs and involve kids in gardening activities for an educational experience.

Wishing you a fun, healthy summer! Live free, Dana

Dana Grinnell is the founder of Free Living Co, a marketplace of non-toxic, sustainable products supporting health and well-being. Visit us in Kimbal Junction at 1476 Newpark Blvd, or online at freelivingco.co.

What is House of Colour?

For over 35 years, House of Colour has been helping people look their best and feel their most confident by finding color and style options that are completely unique to YOU!

Utah, the wait is over.! Do yourself a favor and book a color analysis with Julie! It is a ONE-TIME investment into yourself that lasts for many, many years.

Book your consultation @ hocjuliehickam.as.me/schedule.php 435.315.2258 • Julie.Hickam@HouseOfColour.com • Follow me on Instagram @houseofcolour.juliehickam

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THE FIRST FORTY DAYS:

After pregnancy and birth, society often expects new mothers to recover quickly—entertaining visitors, returning to work, and resuming normal activities. Yet many traditional cultures honor the first 40 days postpartum as sacred—a time for healing, bonding, and transformation.

In The First Forty Days, Heng Ou emphasizes that postpartum is a profound rite of passage, supported by three essential pillars: warmth, nourishment, and rest.

WHY WARMTH MATTERS

Following birth, a woman’s body experiences hormonal and physical shifts. Keeping warm— physically and energetically—is key. Traditional Chinese Medicine warns that cold exposure can lead to long-term issues like fatigue, joint pain, and digestive problems.

Warmth promotes circulation and tissue repair. New mothers are advised to stay bundled, enjoy warm baths, sip hot teas, and avoid cold foods. Creating a cozy environment with blankets, heat packs, and warm drinks helps the body heal. Even drinking room temperature water instead of ice-cold can make a difference.

THE POWER OF REST

Modern society often undervalues rest, but postpartum rest is vital. After childbirth, your body has undergone physical and hormonal upheaval, and sleep is disrupted by a newborn’s needs.

Give yourself permission to do less. The “5-5-5 Rule”—five days in bed, five on the bed, five near the bed—can guide your recovery. Use this time for skin-to-skin contact, nursing, and gazing into your baby’s eyes. These moments promote bonding and boost oxytocin, which supports both emotional well-being and physical healing.

Sleep when you can, accept help, and limit visitors if needed. During this period, your focus should be on resting, recovering, and connecting.

NOURISHMENT AS FOUNDATION

Nourishment isn’t just about eating enough; it’s about eating foods that rebuild tissues, balance hormones, and support milk production.

Postpartum meals should be warm, easy to digest, and nutrient-dense—think slow-cooked stews, bone broths, herbal teas, and comforting dishes. Ask loved ones to help deliver nourishing foods.

Key postpartum foods include:

▶ Iron-rich meats like beef and liver

▶ Cooked greens and root vegetables

▶ Warm grains such as oats and quinoa

▶ Healthy fats like avocado and ghee

▶ Fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi

Hydration is critical—aim to drink your body weight in ounces daily, with warm broths or electrolyte drinks for added support.

YOU DESERVE SUPPORT

Many new mothers feel pressured to “do it all,” but what they really need is permission to slow down.

Honoring the first 40 days with warmth, nourishment, and rest creates a foundation for lasting health—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Light candles, pour tea, wrap yourself in comfort. Remember, slowing down isn’t falling behind; it’s honoring this sacred time—the start of your transformation into motherhood.

• birth and postpartum doula support • birth education + prep classes* • prenatal yoga series*

HOLISTIC FITNESS TRAINING AND WELLNESS COACHING

Connect with joy and ignite your inner badass through mindful movement in nature:

Training for Life’s Everyday Adventures

Custom Outdoor Fitness Experiences

Functional Fitness Training

Corporate and Group Events

Mind/Body Connection

Hybrid/ Remote Coaching

In Home Nature Inspired Movement Sessions … in Park City, Utah and Beyond

RACHEL FRIEDMAN

HOW MINDFULNESS DEEPENS OUR CONNECTION TO MOVEMENT AND VICE VERSA

In Park City, it’s nearly impossible to ignore the call to move. Whether it’s catching first chair on a powder day, hiking to a sunset overlook, or biking ridgelines as wildflowers bloom, movement is woven into the rhythm of life here. But beyond the fitness, adrenaline, and fun, something deeper happens when we engage our bodies in motion, especially when we pair it with mindfulness.

As a wellness coach and trainer, I often work with people who are already active but feel disconnected. They move, but something’s missing. They’re strong, but not always present. That’s where mindfulness comes in—not just as a buzzword, but as a practice that can turn a simple walk into a moving meditation or a strength workout into a celebration of aliveness.

MINDFULNESS, AT ITS CORE, IS AWARENESS.

It’s the art of paying attention—of noticing the breath, the sensation of feet hitting the ground, the cool breeze across your skin, the way your heart lifts at the summit. When you bring that awareness into movement— whether hiking, skiing, or stretching—it becomes transformative. It becomes less about burning calories or chasing goals, and more about connecting to yourself, the moment, and something bigger.

Movement is one of the most accessible ways to experience mindfulness. You don’t need to sit still to cultivate presence (though meditation has its place too). You can find it on the trail, in a yoga class, or during a few sun salutations in your backyard as the aspens quake overhead. Movement anchors us to the present because it demands our attention. And in return, mindfulness teaches us to slow down enough to savor it.

HERE IN PARK CITY, NATURE IS OUR GREATEST ALLY.

The mountains remind us to pause and breathe. The changing seasons teach us to flow with cycles. The beauty surrounding us invites awe, and awe itself is a mindful state. You don’t need a perfect routine or rigid schedule. Just willingness. A moment to check in with your body before a run. A breath before you drop into a line. A stretch at the trailhead, noticing how you feel before you begin.

It’s in these small pauses that mindfulness lives—not as a performance, but as a quiet return.

Growing up as an athlete, mindfulness wasn’t even part of the equation.

It was all about going harder, faster, pushing limits. Movement was measured by performance, not presence. But over time, especially as I deepened my own wellness journey, mindfulness began to weave into how I moved. I noticed how a trail run could clear my head, how breathwork could calm my system, and how being outside was as much for my spirit as it was for my strength.

Pregnancy deepened my relationship with mindful movement, teaching me patience, surrender, and how to truly listen inward. After giving birth, I was focused on reconnecting to my body, strength training, and finding small daily moments of joy. It’s the same shift I see in my clients: a return to self-trust, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for movement and life.

This isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing it differently.

You can still go hard. You can still train, challenge yourself, sweat, and get stronger. But when you layer mindfulness into that intensity, something powerful happens. You recover better. You prevent injury. You savor the process. And perhaps most importantly, you recognize that movement is not separate from life—it is life. A reflection of how you show up for yourself every day.

MOVEMENT AS A GATEWAY TO MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness doesn’t always have to come first. For many of us, movement is the entry point. When the mind feels too loud or

cluttered to sit still, the body can lead the way. A hike, a run, a bike ride—these physical rhythms naturally calm the nervous system and quiet mental chatter. Before we even realize it, we’re syncing with the breath, noticing the crunch of the trail, the warmth of the sun, the simple miracle of effort turning into ease.

That’s mindfulness in motion.

Sometimes the best way to be present isn’t by sitting still—it’s by moving through it. The body becomes the teacher. The breath becomes the anchor. And consistent movement strengthens our ability to notice, pause, and respond with more clarity—both in motion and in life.

Mindfulness and movement are a two-way street. They support and amplify each other. When practiced together, they become one of the most powerful tools we have for cultivating joy, resilience, and connection.

So the next time you lace up your shoes or click into your skis, ask yourself—not how fast, how far, how many—but how present? How joyful? How connected?

Because that’s where the real magic lives.

READY TO BRING MORE MINDFULNESS INTO YOUR MOVEMENT PRACTICE?

Join me for outdoor training sessions, mindful hikes, or customized programs designed to help you feel strong, grounded, and connected. Email me at rachel@stokecoach. com — I’d love to move with you.

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GI MAP VS. COLONOSCOPY: WHICH TEST IS RIGHT FOR YOUR GUT HEALTH?

Have you been trying to “fix” your gut with various DIY methods, only to remain bloated, foggy, and frustrated? You're not alone. Many struggle with digestive issues like gas, constipation, food intolerances, skin problems, and reflux. Unfortunately, DIY gut health fixes often miss the mark and can sometimes make matters worse.

Why DIY Gut Healing Doesn’t Always Work

When my clients come to me, they’ve often tried:

▶ Probiotics chosen without proper knowledge

▶ Elimination diets that leave them scared to eat

▶ Uncomfortable parasite cleanses or coffee enemas

▶ Trendy supplements like colostrum or Colon Broom

▶ OTC acid blockers like Prilosec or Omeprazole

While these can be useful in some cases, people often guess, and their gut health can suffer as a result.

Common

Symptoms of Gut Imbalance

Symptoms indicating a gut imbalance include:

▶ Chronic bloating, gas, or cramping

▶ Constipation, diarrhea, or both

▶ Food sensitivities or nausea

▶ Skin issues such as acne or eczema

▶ Brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, or mood swings

Tired of digestive distress and considering a colonoscopy?

Get real answers with a GI MAP stool testno scopes, no stress! www.WholeEssentialsNutrition.com

These are your body’s way of signaling imbalance.

What to Do Instead: A Functional Approach

As a holistic nutritionist, my strategy involves using the GI MAP, a comprehensive stool test that assesses:

▶ Infections (bacteria, yeast, parasites, or viruses)

▶ Microbiome health

▶ Inflammation and immune markers

▶ Digestive function and nutrient absorption

Armed with this data, I tailor a personalized nutrition and lifestyle plan to address the root causes—eliminating guesswork and avoiding trendy gimmicks.

Ready to Feel Better?

If you’re tired of trying every gut health hack and still feeling stuck, let’s talk. I offer a free Discovery Call to discuss your symptoms, goals, and whether my programs are suitable for you.

Learn more or schedule a call at www.wholeessentialsnutrition.com

You don’t have to tackle this alone. Let’s get to the bottom of what's affecting you so you can feel your best again.

Psychotherapy & Coaching

Integrative Psychotherapist and Coach for Adults and Teens at The Still Point Collective.

To explore working together, or to learn more about writing therapy groups, yoga retreats, nature therapy, and other upcoming offerings, reach out to ashley@amontague.com.

I’d love to hear from you!

stillpointutah.com

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CALL IN YOUR DREAM PARTNER

There is nothing more powerful than a successful businesswoman who knows exactly the kind of partner she desires, heals the deep wounds holding her back, and confidently calls in the man of her dreams; manifesting her partner into her life with unwavering certainty in her choice!

Coming out of a relationship and/or stepping into the possibility of a new one can be scary…but many women enter into incredible ones—especially when they do these two things: 1. they’re certain of what they truly desire in a partner, and 2. They heal their deep wounds from previous relationship(s). If not, studies show that you’re bound to repeat past relationship problems, just with a different person. When a woman gains clarity about what she truly desires in a partner, that’s when the real transformation begins. As a successful businesswoman, you already know you have the power to create what you want and eliminate anything holding you back from it. So why wouldn’t the same approach apply to your romantic life?

If you’re unsure or don’t yet have a clear vision of what this kind of romantic relationship would even look like, I’d like to share some helpful tips to guide you. And by the way, healthy relationships are not only possible—they’re absolutely real!

STEP ONE: CREATE WHAT YOU DESIRE! CREATE YOUR LIST OF 100

1. List 50 Characteristics and Attributes You Want in Your Partner: What qualities do you admire in others—whether it’s a hot celebrity, a close friend’s relationship, or someone you look up to. What attributes do they have that you value? Compassion, ambition, humor, loyalty? Write down 50 characteristics and attributes you desire in a partner. This exercise will help you clearly define the type of person you want to call in and manifest into your life.

2. List 25 Experiences You’d Like to Share with Your Partner: Consider the experiences you dream of having. This could be traveling to specific places, trying new activities, or sharing life’s milestones. By identifying these experiences, you not only visualize a future full of adventure, but you also open yourself up to exciting opportunities—whether you manifest a partner or not.

3. List 25 Things You Want to Become with Your Partner: Think about the person you want to evolve into—individually and within a partnership. Do you want to be more adventurous, kinder, healthier, more creative? Defining these personal growth goals will help you recognize if a potential partner aligns with the person you aspire to be. You’ll have a clear vision of who you want to become and can actively work toward that vision—on your own or with someone by your side. This will make you more fulfilled, regardless of your relationship status.

This exercise gives you a clear, well-rounded vision of what you truly desire in your ideal partner. But before you start calling him in, there’s one more crucial step to take… STEP TWO is healing your deepest wounds that are holding you back from having your dream partner. And the good news is—it’s much easier than you think! I’d love to invite you to watch the video “Call In Your Dream Partner” by scanning the QR code to get started. Imagine how it will feel when you’ve healed your deepest wounds, leaving the past behind you, knowing that you are inherently worthy, loveable and more than enough; that the void within you is filled with pure self-love as you confidently call in the man of your dreams; manifesting your partner into your life with unwavering certainty in your choice!

I’d be honored to guide you into calling in your dream partner. Feel free to reach out. I’m here for you.

.

I’m Camilla Peterson.

As a Master Practitioner and Trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Time Line Therapy®, I’ve helped hundreds of individuals break through the limits of their mind and get unstuck in their business and careers. Through my work, I’ve discovered a powerful connection between professional success and sexual fulfillment, as well as the relationship one has with themselves and their partner.

I’ve had the privilege of working with founders, CEOs, and professionals— helping them overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, sexual trauma, and more. My clients have reclaimed their power, finding greater freedom, joy, and intimacy in both their personal and professional lives.

My mission is to guide you on a transformative journey of selfdiscovery, unlocking deeper pleasure, purpose, and fulfillment in every area of your life. I’d be honored to support you as you take a quantum leap toward your fullest potential!

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Testicular Cancer Thriver Sends Message Through Trail Snack

It wasn’t yet light, the air crisp and sounds of ski-touring bindings snapping against boots, filling air between two camper trucks. Canadian mountain summits loomed overhead, outlined in moonlight. The skin track abruptly turned skyward. Fueled by his own trail snack, Jon Carter ascended. He embraces tough things in search of positive outcomes, for himself and others, a defining characteristic that helped him traverse cancer and chemotherapy, emerging with a message.

“I’m a big snacker, especially when I’m out in the backcountry, skiing or trail-running, anything outdoors,” Jon says. He wanted to create something with all the energy characteristics a mountain athlete could desire—and none of the other stuff he always found on the ingredient list of familiar trail food supplements.

During summer 2021, Jon was formulating such a recipe in his truck camper while employed at a grassroots nonprofit. He loved the nutritional aspect of mushrooms; research and experimentation led him to test a combination of Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane. It started out with a gel prototype but had more potential and portability as a bar. It was a promising idea.

But something seemed amiss, which prompted Jon to get himself checked. “I call it Black Monday, November 8, 2021. I got a call from the doctor saying I likely had cancer in my right testicle and needed to come in immediately.”

Seeking a second opinion, Jon contacted the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, close to where he grew up. With family support and his fiancée, Morgan Parham, at his side, he opted to have the operation performed at Mayo. “Being able to lean into family during that time was so helpful, and I’m so grateful I could,” he says.

It was as if Jon had been skiing a flowing, deep powder run, right off an unimposing cliff rather

than a smooth landing, and was sidelined on to an intense timeline delineated by treatments and consultations. Even after surgery, he wasn’t done.

Pathology identified cancer in the tissue but reported it hadn’t spread. Despite the good news, “CT scans came back showing that cancer had spread to lymph nodes in my abdomen and my chest,” Jon says. “It was stage three testicular cancer, the highest stage they grade for it.” Chemotherapy was next; like assessing the avalanche hazard of a large alpine ascent, he painstakingly read through all the potential benefits and precautions, including possible negative repercussions of undergoing treatment.

“It was still a big shock, feeling like I was pretty fit and active and somewhat healthy at 30 years old, to be told the recommended course of treatment would be chemotherapy,” Jon says, adding that chemo rode on the heels of creating his first bar. Revealing enough, conversations with a specialist gave him insight and justified his interest in mushrooms.

“An integrative medicine oncologist at Mayo even recommended functional mushrooms as one of the few herbs to be taking, as they know that beta-glucans found in them activate your immune system,” Jon recalls. However, chemotherapy doesn’t work that way. “There are different chemo drugs, and one that I took, Etoposide, has a potential side effect of leukemia. Something I’ll have to live with forever.”

Armed with knowledge and a steady diet of powerful mushroom supplements, Jon began the dangerous, lifesaving treatment. Doing nothing was never an option. “I started chemo, and it's about as bad as you think it is,” he shares.

Jon might love snacks, but he’s thirsty for

knowledge and understanding. Having been with him on countless backcountry adventures, I’ve seen him pore over maps, route history, and avalanche conditions, along with prior, current, and projected weather forecasts.

During Jon’s moments of clarity between chemo infusions, he’d research nutrition to improve his current health and, thus, trail snack prototypes, which is when he discovered a study involving testicular cancer patients and Cordyceps. It detailed promising results in those patients.

This is when the irony struck. Cordyceps, one way or another, had been on his radar for its health benefits. Jon recalls telling himself, “I need to pursue this energy bar when I’m finished with chemo. I need to use it as an avenue to help raise awareness around this disease and introduce mushrooms to others. It became a calling.”

Jon still scans for cancer, enduring side effects like tinnitus, bad circulation in his hands, and neuropathy. “Eating healthy and finding alternative options for symptoms that have no cure is all I can do.”

As the sun rose in the Canadian Rockies, I watched Jon outpace us all. I could say he was fueled by the fruits of his labor. He packed the bar recipe into a ball and called the company ODD BALLS, which, he tells me, “is both the product and call to action in shape and name.” They’re infused with functional mushrooms promoting clarity, better health, and regeneration.

Right on the package of ODD BALLS, a skiing, winking mushroom jumps out in a spread eagle. On the back of it reads, “They’re a symbol of resilience, a reminder to check for odd balls, bumps, or lumps. And with our One Ball Initiative, your purchase supports young adults impacted by cancer.”

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BY KIRSTEN KOHLWEY

Moab has changed. Lines wait to enter Arches National Park, and new hotels and eateries block the lower parts of the red rock, but on Main Street, we find the Red Rock Bakery. This is the vibe I remember: fresh baked breads; customers ranging from climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to hikers in their sixties; joke books featuring Buddhist monks riding a rollercoaster; and guides with hiking trails lining the windowsills. Moab hasn’t lost all its charm.

Just 15 miles south of Moab on US Highway 191, we stop at Wilson Arch. The short hike up provides wide-ranging views of the area to the south; it also requires some balancing skills. Strong winds nearly push me backward down the trail as I head up.

Edge of the Cedars State Park in Blanding has extensive plains to the west, allowing the wind to penetrate every seam in your clothes. The park tells the history of the Puebloan people; currently, there’s a special exhibit on 100 Years of Silence. Ute Mountain Ute tribe elders, storytellers, musicians, and creative makers commemorate their resilience while focusing on unity, healing, and hope for the future. I’ve never heard the story of the Posey War of 1923, but the images remind me of concentration camps. The entire world needs healing.

The museum’s pottery exhibit is extensive. As a potter, I could spend hours learning about the collection of pottery behind glass, using their monitor interface. Outside, you can tour the remains of a former village, including a kiva you’re allowed to climb down into; also, don’t miss the artwork indicating the solstices. The Puebloans lived here starting around 750 A.D.

Time to head to the southernmost Utah destination I have yet to visit: Monument Valley on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Make

From Native American Culture to the Milky Way, Monument Valley, and Beyond!

sure you have enough fuel to get there and back, as well as water to drink. The roads to The View Campground are well-marked, and we stop at the Forrest Gump overlook, where two vendors have set up shops. A Native American artist fixes a necklace for us on the spot while we prevent her lighter-weight jewelry from flying away. Dust is everywhere, and the views are hazy. I end up taking a photo of two guys, whom we had seen in the bakery in Moab at this stop. It’s still a small world.

Watch out for tourists standing in the middle of the 65-mile-per-hour road with their selfie sticks; we encounter three sets of them. To the north, you can head to some of the areas John Wayne was shooting movies in during the 1960s, and in the south, you can venture towards The View. The Navajo Nation does not accept cash, so be

PHOTOS BY KIRSTEN KOHLWEY AND CARL HENDERSON

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sure to have a credit card with you; it costs $8 per person to enter. In front of the hotel, you can book a tour on one of the vehicles along the scenic drive, or you can take your own 4x4 on the road. You cannot start down the scenic drive after 4:00 p.m.; cell phone reception is sporadic, so anyone with a flat tire has to borrow a phone to call for help.

Having checked in, we find tent site 17, where there are unobstructed, breathtaking views of the monuments. For the next hour, we perform what would have been a great comedy show if we had filmed it. The ground is fine-grain red sand, and thorn-covered tumbleweed plants surround each tent site. Setting up the tent shouldn’t take more than five minutes, but the 37-mile-per-hour wind gusts turn each part of the tent into a sail, trying to take it on a magic carpet ride. We watch others perform the same gymnastic ballet as we struggle through our own.

From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the restaurant at The View allows visitors not staying at the hotel to enjoy its services, so expect Park City prices. My green chili stew and mashed potatoes hit the spot, and the views are great

from every table.

The adjacent trading post is filled with Native American art, from carved pottery to rugs and sand paintings. A porch with tables and chairs lets you enjoy glimpses of the scenic drive. You can purchase ice cream bars and non-alcoholic drinks next to the

restaurant; alcohol is not permitted on the Navajo Nation.

You’re allowed to hike on only two trails without a Native American guide. The Rim trail is available around the clock, and the Wild Cat trail, which starts at the scenic drive, is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and heads down into the valley for about a mile before turning into a loop, at 3.8 miles long. Some of the plants are labeled along the way, and there are a few shade shelters. Let me warn you, though: The shelters don’t protect you. In the gusts, the sand feels like nails being shot at your skin.

The true magic starts when the sun goes down. The monuments glow red before turning gray as darkness approaches. A horse whinnies not too far away as if to say, “I am free, come join me.” The same sand that stabbed you now sounds like soothing raindrops on the tent, lulling you to sleep. The ultimate gift is when you rise in the middle of the night. The sky is filled with more stars than I have seen in decades, and the Milky Way is a wide streak across the sky, now burnt into my mind.

“Outstanding service. Ed’s team comes to meet you at a location of your choice (at your home, office, etc.) The team arrived on time, and in only 2hrs, my BMW looked fresh off the lot. Thanks so much, DetailParkCity! You’ve got my business!” - Jamie R.

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HOSPITALITY HINTS AND HACKS FOR HIGH-ALTITUDE PARTIES

Wouldn’t it be fun to have some people over soon? Nothing huge— just backyard casual. Oh wait, thought of a few more? Okay, a couple dozen. Ish.

What about the menu? Kids? Chairs? Outdoor speakers?

Hosting parties can be incredibly rewarding. Think about favorite memories involving your family and friends—gatherings surely come to mind. But many of us talk ourselves out of entertaining because logistics seem daunting, especially with uncertain weather, parking challenges, and escalating costs.

Well, summer is here: Talk yourself back into it! According to veteran hospitality expert Xania V. Woodman, well-prepared hosts work around those potential setbacks. As a former food and beverage writer who owns a Park City events company—Park Citizen—Xania has seen everything from disasters to memorable successes.

She offers backyard party–throwers tips to keep hosting manageable and joyful, including Park City–specific considerations, areas that are budget-friendly, and how to take care of the VIP—a.k.a., the host. First and foremost, Xania says, is to anticipate what guests need to know, then communicate everything from the outset.

“You can’t possibly have too much information—don’t just send your invites out into the ether and pray for success,” she says. “Even if the party is in your own backyard, if you’re planning an adult event, mention childcare suggestions or hire a babysitter on site.”

Also important: Let guests know where to park, and whether they’ll be on surfaces affecting footwear choices. Request information about dietary restrictions so that you don’t spark someone’s anaphylaxis.

“Something that’s over is trying to be the host with the most and do everything yourself. There’s too much good stuff and so many great people out there.”

AROUND

TOWN BY MICHELLE DEININGER PHOTOS COURTESY OF XANIA V. WOODMAN, ALPINE DISTILLING, AND NATALIE SIMPSON, BEEHIVE PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

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“You don’t have to be everything for everyone,” advises Xania. “You’re not a hotel.”

This applies to drinks as well. “Have one white, one red, one or two beers, and a couple of basic spirits,” she says. In Park City, you can’t go wrong with tequila and whiskey.”

The subject of libations is close to Xania’s heart, and she’s enthusiastic about cocktail catering, which took off during COVID.

“The pandemic forced people’s hands. Something good came out of something bad,” she says with respect to the trend of hiring mixologists to prepare beverages at all sorts of gatherings.

Xania cites Top Shelf as a local company that thrived when people suddenly had to have all their fun at home. Now, she says, “You can hire bartenders to quietly make fantastic drinks so you’re not picking up two-liter bottles and some Captain. For a reasonable amount, you can hire people to throw parties for you, and you spend more time with the people you invited.”

The possibilities are endless, incorporating a trend toward low, and that includes no-alcohol mixology.

“The non-drinking stigma is lifting, thank goodness,” Xania says. She recommends “deconstructed” bars where guests can choose traditional spirits or low- or no-alcohol versions, and customize with interesting, fresh mixers. She points shoppers to The Market in Snow Creek for an array of high-quality zero-proof spirits.

This goes for food catering too. An ever-growing list of food purveyors can do as much or as little as hosts want: cook ahead and drop off, stay and serve, bring a taco or an açai-bowl truck.

“Something that’s over is trying to be the host with the most and do everything yourself. There’s too much good stuff and so many great people out there,” says Xania.

Utah-centric reminders: Spell out any age restrictions so that no one gets turned away. Families here can be large—specify exactly who and how many are invited, and how many legs they can have (some Parkites share tales of throwing parties and winding up with as many canine guests as human ones).

Xania’s advice is to get in front of those things.

“You can specify, ‘We love your animals as much as you do, but we’d like them to stay home tonight,’” she says. “It’s the nicest thing you can do for guests. Tell them ahead of time so there are no awkward interactions at the door.”

More of Xania’s rules of thumb to ensure a good time for all:

▶ Have a contingency plan for weather. Put a deposit down on a tent (and be prepared to lose it), or make sure indoor space can handle an influx if skies open up.

▶ Don’t underestimate how much people will eat. You can’t go wrong with charcuterie. At the end, if no one touched it, it holds well; you have an antipasto salad for the week.

▶ Is it a potential gifting event? Choose your words carefully and be discreet. “The greatest gift would be your presence” is the cutest play on words, and it relieves a lot of pressure.

▶ Mention a time when something specific is happening to entice people to arrive by then, like a speech or a food truck. Give them a target so that they know how far they can push being fashionably late.

▶ Do as much in advance as possible. Save yourself from being frazzled at party time.

▶ Plan for disaster. In other words, have wipes, dustpan and broom, and Tide pens handy.

▶ Entertaining on a budget? Forgo tons of variety in favor of a smaller menu focused on what’s available locally. One way to blow a budget is to base your menu on things that aren’t abundant and of the moment. If you have a fantastic herb garden, use your own mint and rosemary. People are getting wise to that especially now with prices being inconsistent.

You can reach Xania Woodman at xania@parkcitizen.com.

WINE, WOMEN, & WORDS HOW SEVEN WOMEN REBELLED AGAINST UTAH CULTURE IN THE 1990S—WITH

In February 1998, seven women gathered in the home of novelist Kate Woodworth in Salt Lake City. To step away from their domestic lives in that era, in that Utah, was subversive. However, “There was something that we needed to do, we wanted to do, and we were going to do it, and the things around us just needed to accommodate that,” Woodworth says.

What they needed to do was write. Daily life became a barrier to the writing life. It isolated them from other literary women and alienated them from their own voices.

They named their group “Wine, Women & Words,” or 3W. “The only reason ‘wine’ was first was the rhythm of the name,” explains Susan Sample, PhD, Writer-inResidence at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Between them, the women of 3W now have 16 published books, four MFAs, and three PhDs. They credit 3W with creating a foundation for their careers. And for the first time since 2005, 3W will gather in person on June 21, 2 pm, at the Park City Library.

Their panel, “The Generative Power of Creative Writing Communities," nods to a form of connection that is undervalued and increasingly rare today. 3W is the story of how we find or create communities in which we can be ourselves—in which relationships built upon trust, honesty, and love support us in doing the thing we need to do.

3W began inside the public affairs department at the University of Utah, where Sample and Woodworth worked in the late 1980s. Sample, raised in New Jersey and Silicon Valley, completed an MFA in fiction in 1984 but hadn’t written creatively in years. “I had two very young daughters, and I was finding absolutely no time to do any writing,” she says. Woodworth, originally from Boston, had planned to become a famous novelist during college. A professor encouraged her to have a plan B, which led her to journalism, Salt Lake City, and the U of U. At first, her writing life in Utah was rich and productive. She cofounded Writers at Work, a writing conference in Park City, and published her first novel, Racing into the Dark, in 1989. Then marriage and motherhood consumed her writing life.

“We were the first generation of women to be professionally in the workforce,” Woodworth explains. In addition to 40-hour work weeks, “I had to come home, I had to pick the kids up, I had to fix dinner, I had to do the laundry, I

had to clean the house, all of those things.”

In 1997, Sample attended a memoir writing conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico—partly because Woodworth (affectionately known as “Auntie Accountability” in 3W) wouldn’t let her skip it. The conference showed Sample what was missing in her writerly life. Back in Utah, she asked Woodworth to join her in starting a writing group.

For women in 1990s Utah, a writing group took courage. “How do you––as a woman writer who is a working mother––negotiate the time and the space to do something that is not going to necessarily generate income but is critically important to you?” Woodworth asks. “That, to me, was a really important foundation of what we were doing.”

Sample and Woodworth called up writers they knew, who knew other writers, until they found five co-conspirators. They came from strikingly different backgrounds.

Dorothy Allred Solomon was the twentyeighth child of a polygamist leader who fathered forty-eight kids from seven wives before being murdered. Solomon left that community, studied at the U of U, and in 1984 published In My Father’s House: A Memoir of Polygamy. Then everything stalled. “My writing had suffered, and I needed people to believe, against the grain of my family, that my writing mattered and that it was important enough to take time away,” Solomon says.

A WRITING GROUP

Kristen Gould Case, raised in New England, moved to Park City in 1986 and left a career in corporate advertising to raise her sons. She was working from home as a freelance writer when she first attended Writers at Work. There she met Solomon (coincidentally, her neighbor) and Dawn Marano.

When 3W assembled in 1998, Marano, raised in California’s San Fernando Valley, had just resigned her MFA candidacy at the U of U and felt “adrift.” The professors demeaned her writing for not fitting their postmodernist dogma. She loathed the sycophantic “guild” culture at the U and suffered for it.

The U of U also felt hostile to Heather Hirschi, raised in Salt Lake City by hippie-activist parents. “There was a sense of being demeaned for wanting to come from the heart,” she recalls. Plus, the coursework was obnoxious. “I had to read an entire novel about eating a bowl of oatmeal.”

Wendy Rawlings, a second-year PhD student in creative writing from New York, had a similar experience to Hirschi. “I felt I didn't have anybody who was going to read my work on campus. I

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didn't feel mentored. I was almost in despair.”

3W offered a haven—away from domestic life, from the U of U, from a literary world that still expected women to write about children and marriage. The group had an unapologetically feminist perspective.

Between 1998 and 2005, 3W met once a month, rotating homes. It began at night, after the mothers (five of the seven) had fed their families. Before each meeting, one writer would distribute physical copies of her work to the others, who would come prepared to discuss it.

The women’s prior experiences with judgmental workshops, intellectual snobbery, and one-uppers in academia motivated 3W to be different. Safety—an oft-maligned and misinterpreted word—had to come first.

“I have belonged to several writing groups in my long life,” Solomon says, “and this one was unique in our mutual willingness to embrace each other no matter what was going on in our lives and tell each other the truth and be there for each other in moments of vulnerability.”

Feedback doesn’t come out of a vacuum. The relationship in which it is given, the intentions of the giver, and the quality of the feedback matter. That sense of being supported, not judged, made a difference. “We gave each other some harsh feedback,” Solomon recalls. “I think it wasn't experienced as harsh because we came from love.”

Love of writing brought 3W together, and in turn, 3W facilitated the act of writing. The women met monthly for the next seven years with ripple effects lasting into the present.

Sample had long wanted to write poetry but

didn’t because she felt unqualified. Eventually, she pitched 3W a challenge: How about each member write one piece outside their genre? That pretext gave Sample permission to write poems. Woodworth remembers it as one of the few moments in which she witnessed a writer find their voice.

Sample’s poetry progressed. She took second in a Utah poetry competition with a collection of ten poems that became her first chapbook, Terrible Grace. That opened the door to launch a writing program for teens who’d undergone heart, liver, and kidney transplants at the U of U. “I didn't realize it, but that was the beginning of a writing community centered on health and the body,” Sample says. That community continues to this day.

For Marano, 3W sparked a realization. “What I began to suspect is that I probably enjoyed being an editor or being a mentor, at least as much, if not more, than I enjoyed writing my own work.” After working as an acquisitions editor for the University of Utah Press between 1996 and 2002, she founded a developmental editing firm, Dawn Marano and Associates, in 2003. She served over 170 authors of fiction and nonfiction before retiring in 2018. Marano also returned to the U of U to finish her MFA, which she completed in 2005.

3W helped Rawlings endure her isolation at the U of U and publish her first book, Come Back Irish, a collection of short stories. That led to a tenure-track faculty position at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where she taught creative writing until retiring this spring. In Tuscaloosa, she never managed to find a writing community quite like 3W.

Hirschi went on to teach writing at the University of Utah and published a book: Creative Writing the Easy Way, now in its third edition. Dororthy got back to writing and has published five more books.

“Watching the 3W group all publish books gave me the courage to say yes when Deer Valley and Ski Magazine asked me if I could write their coffee table book,” Case says. She wrote Deer Valley: The Quest for Excellence, published in 2003, and served as editor of Park City Magazine for 16 years.

Woodworth moved back to the East Coast and worked as a medical writer—but struggled with her novels. “I wrote far more manuscripts than I would want to really confess to in trying to find the second book,” she says.

Years later, feeling overwhelmed with workshops, she mentally went back to 3W. “One of the things I really learned from being a part of that group is, I can do it, I can trust myself. And that's when I really found my way through the manuscript to this book that is coming out.”

Woodworth’s Little Great Island, a work of climate change fiction, was published on May 6. Why did 3W endure when so many writing groups don’t? Trust and safety, it seems, are fundamental to an environment in which critique is perceived as helpful. The most common communities are “faux communities,” to borrow a term from Solomon. They form around happenstance, shallow interests, and sometimes coercion. They find their strength in something besides healthy relationships.

The panel on June 21 at the Park City Library will address that and many other topics.

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The Story of Keetley, Part 3

Because there were less men available to work, World War II had shut down a degree of Summit and Wasatch counties’ mining industry. Federal interest in precious metals also shifted. So, families hunkered down. Miners and their families took fewer trips from Keetley, staying close for nearly every activity.[1] The Glazier family “purchased the community’s first radio-phonograph console. They hosted other families for evenings of music and radio programs.” This brought the world picture to Keetley’s families; however, other events piggybacking on the war altered Keetley for several years.

Pearl Harbor was decimated. Japanese bombers reigned nightmare, terror, and death on US fleets. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive order 9066 gave military generals the discretion to identify potential security and espionage threats.[2] Thus, General DeWitt declared California, Oregon, and Washington “exclusionary zones.”

Roughly 110,000 Japanese Americans, already suffering generations of social fear and prejudice, were to be forcibly relocated to the interior states. However, General DeWitt “did not initially have the resources to move [so many people], so for a brief time, DeWitt encouraged voluntary relocation. Although some 10,000 Japanese indicated their desire to move voluntarily, less than 5,000 were able to do so.”[3]

Suspicion made travel difficult. Some Japanese families hit the road, and when they needed fuel in the tank, no one would sell. Stranded, they were closer to where they left than where they wanted to go.[4]

Fred Wada, a successful Japanese produce farmer and merchant from Oakland, had

other plans. Not only would he avoid forced relocation, but he would also set up his and other families in Keetley for freedom during the war, totaling around 140 people.

Utah Governor Herbert Maw had not approved this move, however. Keetley Mayor George Fisher was persuasive, and despite local upheaval when he leased his land (some 3,500 acres) to Wada, he quelled it in both Summit and Wasatch counties. Fisher also had a financial interest with the contracted lease, which was $7,500 ($152,000 in 2024 dollars) per year.

Wada had mere weeks to recruit and organize families. They had to arrive in Keetley before the voluntary relocation period ended, March 30th, 1942.[5] Issued “Travel Permits,” ostensibly managed by the military, they left Oakland, California, on March 28th, 1942.” [6]

When they arrived at winter’s end, the ground was still covered in several feet of snow; they had no idea how bad the land was. The houses that were part of the lease needed repairs, but they had no choice except to hunker down during spring storms. [7] Nonetheless, the journals of Howard Yamamoto, then a young boy, detail the brazen, business-savvy Wada as a man who stood out and made things happen.[8]

“‘When the snow melted, it was all hilly with rocks and sagebrush. Hell, we had to move fifty tons of rocks to clear 150 acres to farm,’” Wada had said.[9] By spring, they were planting lettuce and strawberries, as well as raising small livestock. Keetley Farms was productive, but not enough for the number of people there. Many of the men took work in Spanish Fork and Orem.[10] Still, their farm was successful in the first year; the harvest

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yielded enough to support the local markets, stores in Salt Lake City, and they even sent food to Topaz, Utah’s Japanese internment camp near Delta.

Winter was tough. Without farming for income, some men went to work the mines. Others found work elsewhere. In the following growing seasons, they lost livestock to disease and impeded from transporting produce due to the high freight cost.

As patriots, the Japanese Americans at Keetley Farms worked to make a difference. They worked to maintain their dignity during a time when their loyalty was in question. Today, at Jordanelle State Park’s Ross Creek facility, there is a Keetley Farm information post, created by Mountain Trails Foundation, as well as a picture of a barn, the roof of which reads: “Food for Victory.” [11] Once they had settled in, their presence was generally inconspicuous. They integrated themselves into the community, and the kids went to school. At the end of the war, they harvested their last crop and moved away. [12] As many as one-third of them stayed in Utah, joining the freed residents of Topaz. The 1950 Census reported some 1,183 Japanese residents living continuously in Utah.

Keetley became a much quieter place after the war. Miners continued to rent homes from Fisher, and others would buy.

Park City’s mining-era glory days had long passed. Heber local Ashley Anderson says her grandfather had worked in the mines, and at the time, it made more sense to live in Keetley, since operations were located at the Ontario Drain No. 2 and the Mayflower would actively produce gold for many more years.

Ashley’s maternal grandparents moved from Park City’s fading prosperity in the 1950s, but not before her mother was born—one of the last births—in Park City’s old hospital. They had purchased their home from the Fisher family. When Ashley’s mother married into Heber Valley’s Lloyd family, they bought the house up the hill from Ashley’s grandparents. “It was kind of cool to grow up next door to my grandparents. They were always right there,” she says.

Right around that same time span, a kid named Jay Thompson was out fishing in the creek and running around the fields. His memoirs indicate he would have grown up in Keetley during the 1950s and early 1960s. In 1962, an earthquake rocked the Wasatch. That day, Jay impatiently waited for his seventh-grade class to end so that he could go rabbit hunting with his father after his shift ended in the Mayflower mine. They had shared the morning routine: his father smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee, while Jay stood by the wood stove thawing his frozen boots. Jay’s brother, still in his “rubber yellow slicker and steel-toed boots,” rushed into the school to get him (Sabey, p. 29).

The earthquake collapsed a tunnel, crushing their father while he was working. Jay arrived at the hospital, writing, “He lay there, remote from life, tubes of scarlet exiting his nose, veins, and a horrible wound in his flesh that covered the ladder of his ribs to drain the fluids that poured from his crushed lungs.” He recovered somewhat but eventually passed away of complications on February 8th, 1969 (Sabey, pp. 30–33).

Later in his life, Jay moved to Duchesne. By the time he had become truly homesick, the town had been razed. Ashley was nearly

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eight years old, in 1989, when she and her family had to leave Keetley. By 1995, Provo River’s waters had sealed Keetley’s fate to the depths. The town with a documented beginning had met a finite end.

Jay wrote in a Facebook post, referencing how people and places are lost as society progresses: “Hopefully, this will never happen to Heber. It can unless we make a history of it so that it won’t become a curiosity like Hailstone or Keetley.” [13]

and osteoporosis. For older adults, it’s especially valuable for early osteoporosis detection, while those concerned about visceral fat can benefit from its accurate readings, leading to better health decisions.

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Dr. Reed’s office is committed to making this advanced technology accessible to the community. Book your DEXA Scan today and start your journey to better health. Learn more about how this stateof-the-art technology can benefit you by visiting Dr. Spenser Reed’s website or call 866-360-3945.

BY SANDY GELDHOF

RUN, WAG, REPEAT!

While the Labor Day holiday is still three months (and a whole summer) away it’s not too soon to mark your calendars and plan on joining the Bark City 5k Run as one of the ways to celebrate Miner’s Day in Park City the first weekend of September.

In its sixth year, sponsored by Park City’s Twilight Rotary Club, the annual run is a donation-based fundraiser which benefits local nonprofit organizations and projects throughout the year. The rotary has used proceeds to donate to local dog shelters and rescues, the Christian Center of Park City, homeless shelters, coat drives, and Utah Days for Girls Utah Collection Point, a project to assist with organizing hygiene kits for young women across third-world countries. In 2024, the rotary helped assemble over 400 kits for the organization and has reached over 3 million women and girls internationally.

Julie Strople, a 34-year Park City resident and president-elect of the Twilight Rotary Club who will assume officer duties in July, said that in the past participants were charged an entry fee but the rotary has since transitioned to a donation-based model.

“This is just a fun run, so no pledges,” she said. “You can run for free, or you can make a donation to support our efforts.” Strople said in 2024 donations ranged from $1.00 to $300.00 and that any amount is welcome.

The goal for the event is to double the participation in 2025. “In 2024 we had about 100 runners and we’d like to see that doubled this year,” said Strople. “We are working hard to increase awareness and participation so we can work to increase our presence and ability to contribute to the community.”

The run is scheduled in conjunction with other official Miner’s Day activities in Park City over the Labor Day holiday. It will be

WASATCH BACK’S DOGS’ FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY

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

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held on Monday, September 1 beginning at 8 am. The run begins at City Park and continues on the rail trail to a turnaround point at Wyatt Earp in the Prospector neighborhood and finishes back at the park. While most runners bring their leashed fourlegged friends Strople says participating does not require a canine counterpart. “All are welcome,” she added, noting that the run will take place rain or shine. “A few years ago, it was cold and pouring and we still had a great turnout!” Strople laughed.

The event utilizes a team of rotary volunteers to make sure everything goes smoothly from check-in to finish, and participants will enjoy water, snacks and some fun swag. Strople said in the past, runners and their dogs have received anything from dog tags and

bandanas to t-shirts.

Participants can sign up online while advance registration is not required. Strople also emphasized that the focus is on fun, not competition. “This is not a timed event; it’s just for fun,” she said. “You can walk the whole way with your family or friends if you just want to be a part of the activity.”

The Twilight Rotary Club meets every first and third Wednesday of the month at Lush's BBQ in Silver Creek from 6-7:30 pm. Strople encourages community members to attend and consider membership. “We are a fun group that really likes to be active with our volunteer activities in the community and welcome new members to join!” said Strople. “Some of our other events are blood drives,

roadside clean ups, a literacy program––where we read and give books to the first graders at Jeremy Ranch and Trailside elementary schools––Utah Food Bank, Days for Girls, Youth Resource Center, and assisting the Park City Christian Center and Swaner Nature Preserve with various projects. It’s a great way to give back to the community, have fun, and meet your neighbors.”

The Twilight Rotary follows the Rotary International mission to promote service to others, foster integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Essentially, Rotary aims to make a positive impact on the world by engaging in service projects, promoting ethical behavior, and fostering international cooperation.

Healthy Pets are Happier Pets.

WINE ABOUT IT AT HEALTHY PETS SUMMIT COUNTY: PAWSITIVE TRAINING WORKSHOP

YOU'RE INVITED!

Wine About It at Healthy Pets Summit County: Pawsitive Training Workshop

Join us for an evening with Traci Madson as she shares about positive, science-based training methods—moving away from dominancebased techniques.

ABOUT TRACI MADSON:

Traci has over 20 years of experience in dog training and animal welfare. She started with traditional methods but switched to positive reinforcement after working with a rescued “Vicktory Dog.” She founded Three Little Pits Pawsitive Dog Training and has helped rescue organizations, shelters, and low-income pit bull owners. Traci trains therapy and service dogs and promotes humane, reward-based training to build stronger, happier bonds with pets.

DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, June 28th

Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Cost: $25 (individual) / $40 (couple)

Limited Space Available! Reserve your spot today!

For registration and inquiries, contact Heide: healthypetssummit@gmail.com

Enjoy some wine and learn how to improve your relationship with your pet!

Please note: this event is not a hands-on training; please leave your furry kids (and non-furry kids) at home.

• Doggie Playtime

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BY ERIC RAMIREZ

BREITKREUTZ

Ryan’s“River”:

A RESCUED-DOGTURNED-RESCUER

AND URGENT CARE

Ryan Breitkreutz has a day job. If you ask him about the more fulfilling aspects of his life, it might have to do with training River. River, an 80-pound male Weimaraner, was abandoned on public lands, rescued from a shelter, and, having received the proper training to get past his behavioral issues—stemming from his previous owner’s behavior—was recognized as an intuitive search dog. Today, Ryan and River seek certifications qualifying them to take on increasingly more complex wilderness search situations.

When River was a cute little puppy, he was adopted and taken home. These hunting dogs were initially bred by German royalty.[1] They are defined by the American Kennel Club as “friendly, fearless, and obedient” and “eager to please and can take training well,” with a cargo ship’s worth of energy.[2] That’s where a lot of new owners go wrong.

On a scale of one to five, Weimaraners need level-five-plus mental stimulation. Coupled with boundless energy, left without coaching and exercise, these dogs can easily find trouble. According to Laura of Sugarface Foundation, once these dogs mature, they’re often too much for some families, so some are abandoned and dropped off at shelters or otherwise.

“They thrive on an active outdoor lifestyle, and need consistent training, so assess whether this is really something you can provide before you fall head over heels in love with their aristocratic good looks,” Martha Terry of England’s Horse & Hound writes.

Ryan describes a strong search dog as a “wild child,” an endearing term that breaks down into characteristics that don’t necessarily look like those of a house pet. “You need that over-the-top drive, that go, go, go. They’re breeds that naturally have high energy, high working abilities,” he says.

Urgent Care: Saturday & Sunday: 10am-8pm

Specialty Care: Monday-Thursday: 8am-6pm

Veterinary Urgent Care Available On Weekends!

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

people & dogs build

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“They’re obsessive about something. And if you can transfer that behavior to a job, the dog ends up loving that job,” Ryan continues. But there is also reward. “River works endlessly just to play tug with a ball and rope. The only time he ever gets to play tug is when he does his job.” And his job now is searching for lost people. River’s newly acquired, task-oriented behavior and training helps him focus.

Ryan knows that when River is on the hunt for lost people, squirrels are not going to shift his focus. River has a strong hunt instinct—it is literally in his DNA—and a long range. He can find living people in the wilderness. However, not all environments are peaceful forests. Search-and-rescue teams often use helicopters to get in and out of such austere environments.

“I went to a seminar last July with River, and we were able to get on a Black Hawk helicopter. He hopped right on, buckled in, laid down. We went for a flight and came back,” Ryan recounts. He and River had no helicopter experience, no preparation—and Black Hawks are big, imposing machines. He explains that River’s focus on the training helped him

temper the nuance of that situation.

River is trained as a “Recall Refind” dog. This means that he not only finds people but also returns to Ryan and leads him back to that person. This is who River is. But he needed Ryan to help bring that out.

Their story started out when Ryan got a phone call from Laura at Sugarface: “This dog’s in the queue to be euthanized, because it’s mentally crashing and going through all kinds of crazy behavior problems.”

River did not want to get into Ryan’s car; eventually, he calmed down. The shelter was a high-stress situation, so decompression took time. He figured out how to open doors and get to food. During those first few weeks, he found a ball to chew and grew attached to Ryan.

“It was very clear that he was looking for his person,” Ryan says. Usually the foster, River called on Ryan to adopt him. But as a dog foster parent, he knew that River needed help.

“We brought in a couple ladies from Beehive Training in Salt Lake; they're wonderful. They do a lot of strong-willed dog behavioral training.

I did five sessions with them, five days in a row, and we used busy parks, [like] Pine Brook Park, with all kinds of distractions. It was fundamental, and we did hour-long sessions, and it worked,” Ryan shares.

Eventually, through eagerness to learn and other training, River grew quickly, hitting his training milestones. After four months, in summer of 2023, he started his first training with search-and-rescue groups. In March 2024, he passed his first search test, where he found the two test people—and then found two more. The image of a troubled dog on death row has faded into the past. River didn’t ask to be in a shelter. He didn’t ask to be left in the wilderness. River, like all dogs, needed guidance, love, and consistency. Ryan laments, “There are a lot of steps you can take before dropping a dog off in the mountains and walking away from it.”

[1] https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/dogs/ weimaraner-dog-breed-factfile-852162

[2] https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/ weimaraner/

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I’ve lost count of the many wet noses and wagging tails that I’ve had in front of my camera over the years. Not a single one failed to make me smile. Some made me work a little harder, yes. Maybe it even made me pray to the doggie gods to have them look at me for a gosh dang second. The smiles are endless when working with animals.

The one fault all dogs have is that they don’t live forever. Please excuse me for the typos; my eyes got blurry. It tends to happen when thinking of the entirety of existence when it comes to our dogs.

Gray muzzles and milky eyes, quick paws that slow with time. I strongly believe every dog hair you find is a love note written just for you. A whole lifetime of love in one stray hair. Displayed are a small handful of the amazing dogs I’ve gotten to meet over the years, each and every one loved so deeply and was loved in return. I will never know what we did to deserve man’s best friend.

Years from now when I find a white hair with a black tip I’ll know exactly who it came from, love everlasting, the bond so strong it can only come from a good dog.

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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!

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• Landscape Design & Installation

• Sprinkler Installation & Sprinkler Repairs

• Fertilization & Pest Control • Spring Clean-Ups

• Park Strip Flips • Sprinkler Start-Ups

• Block Walls and Pavers/Patios

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