The Crossroads Journal Vol 16 No 13

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October-November 2016 Vol.16 No.13

Eagle Mountain resident David Blair wins Paralympic gold medal, sets world record

By Christy Jepson David Blair will never forget the past 30 days. To most people, it would be just a dream: winning a gold medal while breaking your own world record, having your city welcome you home, joining the other athletes from the U.S. Olympic Team in Washington, D.C., and meeting the president of the United States. But for Blair is wasn’t a dream - it was reality.

Even though Blair was born with a severely deformed clubfoot, he never focused on his disability; instead, he focused on his ability to work hard and compete. On Sept. 16, Blair stepped onto the track and into the discus throwers’ circle at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With his third and final throw, he broke an Olympic record - and his own world record - by throwing the discus 64.11 meters. The throw broke his own former world record by more than a meter. His effort earned him the gold medal in men’s discus and he continues to hold the world record in the event.

Although Blair hadn’t slept the two pre-

vious nights leading up to his competition and was nervous just before entering the track to throw, when he got on the track and into the ring he felt calm. “I have a routine I do at every meet. It got me calmed and ready for competing. The lead-up was much more stressful than the actual competition,” Blair said.

His wife Cinthia and his four daughters were back home in Eagle Mountain watching and cheering him on with friends and other family members. According to Blair, it was about two hours after he won the gold medal when he was finally able call them from Rio and talk about his win because of the medal ceremony and other Olympic procedures.

“When I turned my phone back on, it sounded like I had just won a slot machine. It kept beeping and dinging as all the messages were coming in. My neighbors (back home) and my family all ran out into the streets when they found out at the same time that I had won and were all cheering and hugging each other.

Needless to say, it was a memorable moment for all of us involved,” Blair said.

See GOLD, page A3

Despite being born with a clubfoot, Eagle Mountain resident David Blair has excelled in throwing the discus, recently winning a gold medal and setting a world record at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Lehi voters to decide on $50 million Now illegal bond issue for parks and recreation to feed deer in Alpine

By Linda Petersen Lehi City leaders have come to the conclusion that the only way to fund some much-needed parks is to bond for them - and they’re hoping Lehi voters will agree with them.

On Nov. 8 when they go to the polls, Lehi voters will decide whether they’ll support a $50 million general obligation bond issue to pay for additional parks and trails in the community.

City leaders say there’s an immediate need for additional parks and trails to “preserve our quality of life, maintain our city’s small-town feel and support desired sports programming.”

In the October city newsletter, Mayor Bert Wilson wrote, “As a city we recently completed a blind study completed by an outside agency to determine attitudes and opinions regarding recreation in Lehi. The survey found that Lehi residents would just as soon pay for a $50 million bond when compared to $30 million in order to preserve our quality of life and improve our parks and recreation facilities. The difference is just a few dollars a month. After prioritizing necessary projects, we determined that $50 million is what is needed in order to make the necessary improvements and get our parks up to date.”

Projects that would be funded with the $50 million, which is scheduled to be paid back over 20 years, include two new parks, Rhodes-Mellor Park ($21 million) and Peck Park ($8 million); land purchases for future parks ($11 million); trail improvements ($3 million); and capital improvements at more

By Linda Petersen

Above is an artist’s rendering of the proposed Rhodes-Mellor Park, which would be built if Lehi voters agree to support a $50 million bond issue. than 26 city and neighborhood parks. (A complete list of the projects can be found at letsplaylehi.com.)

Rhodes-Mellor Park would include five baseball fields, three soccer fields, multiple playgrounds, competitive soccer/multipurpose fields, restrooms and a “shade structure.”

Amenities for Peck Park are currently being determined. The trails funding would be used to develop trails in the southwest Lehi and Traverse Mountain areas.

With the funding, officials say all the proj-

ects could be completed in three years.

However, opponents say that a bond issue is not the right way to pay for these improvements.

“This is not a vote about whether Lehi should have more parks and trails. Few would disagree that Lehi can benefit from more such amenities. What this vote is about is whether yet another tax increase is the appropriate way to fund such projects,” resident Conner Boyack writes in the voter information pamSee BOND, page A3

The Alpine City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer and other wild animals.

In response to resident complaints that the deer are destroying property and pose a safety hazard, city leaders organized a deer committee to look at the issue earlier this year. The deer committee did research and conducted a survey, presenting their findings to the City Council back in August.

One of those findings indicated that feeding the deer was encouraging them to encroach on residential property. As a result, the Division of Wildlife Resources recommended the city pass an ordinance banning that activity.

It’s a first step, but city leaders are not sure what to do next given that residents are divided about what to do about the deer.

At a public hearing on the issue Sept. 27, several spoke passionately about their love for the deer. Some say the deer should be left alone, that they were here before development and that residents should just accept their presence as a consequence of rural living.

But several residents who spoke at two public hearings and responded to the deer committee study said that deer behavior has changed in recent years, leading to problems unknown in the past. Additionally, climate changes have allowed the herds to reach unprecedented levels.

See DEER, page A3

A2 - October/November 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com

Victims of abuse OPINION should not carry guilt Top 10 principled reasons

By Kimberly Bennett

There has been a great deal of controversy lately surrounding Elizabeth Smart and a statement she recently made regarding the way sexual purity is taught in church. Her comments immediately went viral, with some of the more salacious news outlets even going so far as to say that Elizabeth Smart is “taking the LDS Church to task.”

So what was it that Smart said that got everyone’s attention? First, we have to gain a bit of perspective. Smart was only 14 years old when she was abducted from her home in Utah. Forced into a polygamous “marriage” where she was chained, abused and raped daily, Smart endured nine months of hell before finally being rescued. Showing incredible courage, strength of character and faith, Smart transformed from rape victim to rape survivor to a well-known and respected women’s rights advocate.

Smart recounts how after being rescued, she endured seminary lessons about sexual purity, a very important topic in the LDS faith. In these lessons, teachers likened sexual purity to a beautiful fence or a piece of gum. Once you had sex, the fence was damaged and the gum was chewed. No one wants a damaged fence or a chewed piece of gum.

Smart spoke of how crushed she felt, sitting in these classes and hearing a teacher confirm her worst fears: that because she wasn’t a virgin, no one would ever want her.

Smart stated, “Those are terrible analogies.

No one should use them, period.” It was these comments that have caused the heated debate.

But the thing is, she is 100 percent correct.

The chewed gum analogy does not fall in line with the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though being sexually pure is required to be a member in good standing, the doctrine teaches that, when used, the restorative power of the atonement of Jesus Christ covers all such sins, and all in-

dividuals are of such worth to God, He would ask all to come unto Him. But the church’s official stance on rape completely relieves the victim of the burden of sin. An official church statement reads: Victims of abuse should be assured that they are not to blame for the harmful behavior of others. They do not need to feel guilt. If they have been a victim of rape or other sexual abuse, whether they have been abused by an acquaintance, a stranger, or even a family member, victims of sexual abuse are not guilty of sexual sin.

What’s truly sad about the controversy is that so many outlets are jumping on the sensationalist drama that occurs when someone even appears to question the LDS Church while completely ignoring the true message of Smart’s statement, which is that women always have worth. No matter what they have been through.

How did they get their wires so crossed?

The truth is, it is a cultural bias that is common in any strongly religious community, and it needs to stop.

Let me be clear, I believe in abstinence. I think it is the best policy in regards to religion, sociology and psychology. But I also believe in healing, forgiveness and compassion. The idea of “damaged goods” has survived millennia, being a cultural bias common to almost any strongly religious community. And it is time for that bias to come to an end.

It is important that victims of sexual assault not be afraid to come forward, because many are. Many are afraid that they will be scorned and unwanted, the idea of chewed gum too fresh in their minds. Such ideas and prejudices have no place here in Utah. And it is our job to put a stop to them.

To those of you who have been abused, if any of you are reading these words, you have value. You are of worth. No matter what was done to you, you are priceless. Reach out, seek healing, seek help. Don’t remain silent.

Remember, we stand with you.

Seniors invited to attend trip to SLC planetarium Seniors from the areas of Lehi, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort and Eagle Mountain are invited to attend the Lehi Senior Center field trip to the Salt Lake Planetarium. The trip will be on Monday, Oct. 24. Seniors will leave from the Lehi Senior Center at 9:30 a.m. and return to the senior center around 4:30 p.m.

The Clark Planetarium offers enlightening experiences that inspire wonder in learning about space and science in our daily lives.

Seniors will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the planetarium’s famous and breathtaking IMAX movies and enjoy the museum.

It will be a full day and there will be some walking. The group will meet at the senior center, ride the senior bus to the American Fork FrontRunner Station and then purchase their own UTA tickets from the station. The group will then ride FrontRunner and TRAX to the planetarium.

After the planetarium, the group members will find a place to eat near the planetarium before they head back (seniors may bring their own lunch if desired). The trip will cost about $20 plus lunch. Call Jessie Jones at 385-2012349 to reserve your spot on the bus today.

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to vote no on bond issue

By Jennifer Chamberlain On Nov. 8, residents living in the Alpine School District will vote on a proposed $387 million bond issue that would pay to build new schools and perform work on existing schools.

The top 10 principled reasons to vote no on the proposed bond are: 1. A bond is debt: It is better to save and live within our means.

2.The bond will increase your taxes: While your tax payment will stay the same if the bond passes, your property taxes would go down if it doesn’t pass. Most people would cringe at the thought of getting to the end of their car payments only to find out that they are going to be forced by their neighbors to make the same payment for the next 20 years. Those who use the schools may not mind this, but think about those who don’t.

They are continuing to pay for a car they don’t even drive.

3. The bond is not a friend of school choice: The bond only helps those who attend the regular public schools, but everyone is forced to pay. Many people have chosen alternative ways to educate their children - not because it is convenient, not because they are wealthy, but because it is a better fit for their kids. This would include parents who choose charter school, private school, homeschool and online school. Voting for the bond is like saying, “Too bad for them!”

4. We already pay enough: Public schools are already subsidized with 100 percent of everyone’s income tax plus about 70 percent of our property taxes, whether or not we use the schools. If they need more, they should do fundraisers like charter schools do.

5. The redistribution of wealth is wrong: Being able to vote for your neighbor’s money is an immoral act. It allows one group of people to look upon another’s property and take it through legal means. Frederic Bastiat defined this as legal plunder. Helping one person at the expense of hurting another is not Christian behavior and requires us to violate two of God’s commandments: to not covet or steal.

Just because we have legalized plunder doesn’t make it right.

6. Too much waste: The superintendent makes more than $305,000 yearly, and many administrators make $150,000 on the backs of the taxpayers. The huge buildings are way overpriced and unnecessary. Government school buildings, if paid for by taxation, should be humble and meet minimal needs.

Look to charter schools for examples. There are many other ways to cut spending, including not spending $75,000 to celebrate 100 years of the ASD. These are just a few examples.

7. Volunteering your neighbor’s money is not charity: Charity is voluntary, not forced.

Most people who use the schools don’t even cover the cost of one of their own children, let alone any other kids. Citizens who don’t use the schools are forced to subsidize your children. Voting for the bond is volunteering your neighbor’s money, not just your own, to pay for your choice in education.

8. There will never be enough money: Our government schools are overburdened because everyone can use them, even the wealthy and middle classes. This weighs heavily on the system with special interest groups always wanting another program. What if we allowed this with the food stamp program, housing or health care? It would be disastrous! Remem-

ber, it’s a government program. There is always waste in government programs.

9. It contributes to the debt in our country: Many people rightfully criticize our leaders for adding so much debt to the backs of the taxpayers, funding one program or another. We either believe this action is right or we believe it is wrong. If it is wrong, it is wrong at the local level too. Don’t be a part of the problem.

10. We need an educated society: That is often the argument for the bond, but do we have an educated society? Does more money mean better results? Not necessarily. The majority attend public schools, yet most people have never studied the Constitution; many don’t vote or know how to keep our country free. Many believe we live in a democracy, are willing to trade freedom for security or just would rather watch a football game than get involved in protecting individual freedom.

This is what happens when the government educates the masses. There are many ways to educate children. None of the ways should be subsidized.

So, what do we do? First, we need to cut wasteful spending. If it isn’t necessary, cut it out. Then those who use the system need to make some sacrifices; being grateful for what you already have is a good start. We’re Americans - we can think of ideas! Maybe more trailers would be needed, but those are cheaper than new buildings. Year-round school is an option. Maybe kids could attend school one day and stay home the next, doing their schoolwork with their parents or independently.

Second, look at our tax system. Is it really fair to tax those who don’t use the schools at the same rate as those who do? How will they pay to educate their own kids? What if they are retired and need the money for medical help or would like to donate their money to another cause? What if they need it to retire? We must think of others, not just those who are in the school system.

Last, we need to let the private market compete. It is impossible for the private sector to effectively compete against a program that is subsidized by the taxpayers. Parents should start looking at other options to educate their children. It will take sacrifice, but it is completely worth it. It is right that people should be able to keep the fruit of their labor to use to provide for their families. It is right that we should be charitable with our own money by choice so that those in need can be provided for.

While we cannot fix everything right now, that doesn’t mean we have to make the problem bigger. Vote for freedom: vote no on the bond.

Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - October/November 2016 - A3

BOND

Continued from page A1 phlet sent to residents. “There’s another way - a better way. It first requires voting against this irresponsible proposal and then coming together as a community to rally around the projects we want to make happen,” Boyack continues.

City leaders say that the monthly cost to residents would be $14.06 on a $281,600 primary residence with businesses and secondary residents paying $25.75. (Source: letsplaylehi. com. The website includes a chart where residents can estimate what they would pay.)

The city has set up a website, letsplaylehi.com, and previously held an open house to provide residents with information on the proposal. A second open house will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at Eaglecrest Elementary School, 2760 N. 300 West, Lehi.

The Lehi Senior Center now has an Activities Calendar available for anyone interested in the activities the center has to offer. Come by the senior center to pick up the calendar – it will keep you up to date on all the activities and field trips you can get involved in. Learn

DEER

Continued from page A1 “Fifty years ago the deer were mostly destructive to the orchards and were naturally thinned by the winters … but the deer are no longer dying in the winter. The herds need to be thinned,” Kirstin Shelley said.

City Councilmember Troy Stout expressed support for the residents who were having problems with the deer, saying he had similar experiences in the past, but said he was not necessarily in favor of killing them.

“There are humane ways to attract them to the places they need to be. Some of things we talked about in an earlier meeting was rehabilitating some areas and providing water sources in the foothills,” he said.

Councilmember Lon Lott said he and Stout had met with Robby Edgell, a biologist with the DNR, who felt revegetation was an option.

about October’s newest activities including Games Galore, a dance class and a beginner’s computer class.

Seniors are now invited to play games every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Lehi Senior Center as part of the Games Galore activity. Games Galore will include a variety of available games to play: dominoes, cards, TENZI and more. No registration or fee is required for this activity; just show up, bring a friend if you’d like, and have some fun.

Feel free to bring your own deck of cards or a favorite board game to share.

The Senior Dance Class is now meeting and taught by a member of the Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company. Seniors practice line dancing, jitterbug and more. It is free for members of the senior center and $5 for non-members. Call Jessie Jones at 385201-2349 to register and learn more about the class meeting times and dates.

The Beginners Computer Class is meeting on Tuesdays throughout October, from 10 to 11 a.m. Learn about basic uses of email, the Internet and social media to stay connected with friends and family. Seating is limited; the classes are free for members of the Lehi Senior Center and $2 for non-members. Call the center to register.

Edgell was working with communities to get more feed into areas where there was less feed and get the deer to move out, Lott said, adding he felt wildlife education was central to any plan.

After much discussion, Lott moved to create an ordinance that prohibited the willful feeding of deer, elk and moose in Alpine City and to propose a plan to revegetate the area above Alpine. The council unanimously supported that motion.

At Lott’s suggestion, the council also unanimously voted to begin a proactive education program and inform citizens what could be done legally to minimize the impact of the deer, develop a nature website, have volunteers educate the citizens about coexisting with deer, and allow the DNR to collar deer in Alpine as a step in implementing a plan for deer management and begin an application for deer trapping.

The council may come back at a later date and add a penalty to this ordinance.

Cedar Hills City Council recognizes Champions, discusses water metering

By Linda Petersen At its Aug. 16 meeting, the Cedar Hills City Council recognized local residents Spencer Kelley and his son Connor by unanimously adopting a resolution naming them Cedar Hills Champions. On July 15, Spencer Kelley rescued Connor, 13, from their burning home, sustaining second- and third-degree burns in the process. It was later determined that the fire was caused by a wet beanbag left on a gaming console.

In other business, Mayor Gary Gygi and council members reported on their areas of responsibility. Councilmember Daniel Zappala told the council that the Lone Peak Public Safety District’s fire and EMS budget had been approved. Rates will increase slightly.

The district board discussed canyon rescue equipment that the district provides for canyon rescues. One concern is that the district is not reimbursed by the county for those rescues.

They also looked at tools to help them assess how well the fire district is doing and whether current staffing is adequate. He met with staff members to discuss the State of the City report and how to best structure it to explain what each city department does. He hopes to have published by Nov. 1. and will trim its length so it can be uploaded easily.

Mayor Gary Gygi attended a Mountainland Association of Governments presentation on road utility fees, which some cities are considering implementing to pay for road maintenance. Tax exempt entities such as schools and churches would be required to pay these fees.

Councilmember Mike Geddes reported that he toured the new dispatch facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of October. He emphasized that Cedar Hills is not planning on withdrawing from the North Pointe Solid Waste Special Service.

Councilmember Rob Crawley reported to the council that North Pointe Solid Waste Special Service District is getting ready to vote on the Bayview property. City Manager David Bunker told the council that the special service district is considering participating with the Northern Utah Environmental

Resource Agency to purchase the Bayview Landfill. The NPSWSSD would be a participating member of the NUERA board, he said.

While the argument is being made that it will reduce overall tipping fees, he is concerned that there is a lot of risk with landfills, which are severely regulated by the EPA. He spoke with a representative of Waste Management, Beth Holbrook, who said Waste Management just wants to haul the garbage. Bunker said with such issues as dump fires, as a part-owner of the landfill, Cedar Fort could share some liability. Zappala and Crawley said they would like to see more discussion of the issue at NPSWSSD and future council meetings. Crawley said he believes waste management should be handled by private enterprise.

The council discussed an automated water metering system by Skydrop Water Conservation Systems. As a weather-based irrigation control that runs on Wi-Fi, Skydrop can determine how much water is needed based on evaporation rates and hourly weather reports.

Brandon Kennedy told the council the system is affordable and can dramatically lower water consumption and that rebates are available.

Skydrop is willing to offer the city the system at a cost of $100 per unit with an installation cost of $35/unit. Central Water offers a $100 rebate. Zappala asked city staff to contact the water conservancy districts to find out if the city can utilize a $100 rebate.

Crawley said he is nervous about the plan, saying it would violate agency and privacy and questioned moving forward with a pilot program. He would also like to see proposals from other companies. Councilmember Jenney Rees said she supported a pilot program to collect data on all the options.

***

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. - Jim Rohn

***

Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success. - Swami Sivananda

Lehi council, mayor argue for parks bond while others disagree

By Matthew Gary Milam The mayor and city council of Lehi are very much in favor of a proposed bond issue to fund parks, yet others are against it. In the October 2016 Lehi Ledger city newsletter, a message from Lehi’s mayor and city council stated, “We don’t want Lehi to become a place defined only by its commercial development. We want to maintain a community where our kids can play and families can enjoy parks and trails in the city. This bond provides a responsible way to make an investment in the community. As the mayor and city council, we hope you will join us in voting for this bond.”

In a rebuttal also published in the newsletter, Lehi resident Conner Boyack responded with his own statement: “Wise voters can read between the lines of this argument. The city is trying to convince us of an ‘urgent’and ‘immediate’ and ‘much-needed’ expansion of parks. But this supposedly dire circumstance has arisen through a mismanagement of city finances and a failure to prudently manage taxpayer dollars. They shouldn’t be rewarded with more of our money.”

Boyack goes on to explain that he feels city officials are demonstrating fiscal

GOLD

Continued from page A1 When Blair returned home, Eagle Mountain gave him a big homecoming celebration.

Along with a parade, The Ranches Academy hosted an assembly where Eagle Mountain Mayor Christopher Pengra presented Blair with the Key to the City award. Blair then spoke to the students and finished the celebration with a question-and-answer session with the students.

It wasn’t long after that celebration that Blair boarded a plane and flew to Washington, D.C., along with athletes from the U.S.

mismanagement by passing the massive tax hike. He feels that city officials should cut unnecessary spending and find a more appropriate way to fund Lehi’s growing need for parks. He feels the tax hike is a lazy route.

Yet the mayor and city council stated that the city is acting responsibly and making wise financial decisions. They cite the facts that the city maintains a high credit rating, balances its budget every year, is audited annually by an independent third party, and is recognized annually by the Government Finance Officers Association for the quality of Lehi’s budget and annual audit.

They mayor and council also cite the facts that the city has not issued any recent tax increases and has never issued a general obligation bond, and that the tax increase amount stated in the proposed bond language is the most that taxpayers will pay based on their home valuation. “As Lehi continues to grow the amount that each household pays will decrease as more homes and businesses pay toward the fixed bond amount,” their argument in favor of the bond states in the newsletter.

More can be learned about the proposed bond by visiting letsplaylehi.com.

Olympic team to meet with many of the state’s government officials and with President Barak Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. “I got to meet our Senators Hatch and Lee and our Congresswoman Mia Love. I got to see some very rarely visited portions of our nation’s Capitol building. Then it was off to see the president and First Lady Obama and Vice President Biden. It was one of those trips that you keep kind of checking to see if it really is happening and you are there,” Blair said.

What is beyond Rio for Blair? “Right now, I am in a good rest stage, but it will end in just a few days and I will start training for the world championships in London 2017,” he said. Blair hopes to throw far enough in London to bypass his current world record.

A4 - October/November 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com

Eagle Mtn. girl chosen as Teen Hero 12 Winner

By Wendy Visser Lojik Eagle Mountain resident Sydney Glass has been chosen as the September Teen Hero 12 Winner. Teen Hero 12 is a foundation that celebrates Utah kids ages 12-19 who are doing amazing things - kids who are already great leaders as well as kids who want to be leaders.

Teen Hero 12 can give both types of kids a springboard to change the world.

Teen Hero 12 was founded by recording artist Jessie Clark Funk. Each month one Utah teen is surprised (usually at school) and announced as a winner. They are honored with a bag full of gifts, gift cards, an official famed certificate, and $250 to $500 wash to put toward a charitable cause of their choice.

They are interviewed on TV on Studio 5 and meet with Utah’s attorney general to discuss their platform. Then, at the end of the year, the year’s 12 winners are honored yet again at a black tie gala in Salt Lake City complete with a limousine, red carpet, local and state dignitaries, press and even more awards.

Sydney Glass, 14, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) when she was only 3.

When she was 11, she acquired a rare complication that temporarily gave her a grossly enlarged liver as well as stunted her growth.

However, she hasn’t let that stop her. Shortly after going through the side effects of this complication, she got her first insulin pump to better manage her blood sugar levels and went at life full speed ahead. She earned a lead in her school play and was also voted student council president that year. She started a

Facebook page called The Glass Sneakers and began her advocacy for T1D. She also became very involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as a youth ambassador and was asked to be the youth chair for the JDRF Utah County Leadership Committee. She has volunteered, spoken and performed at several JDRF events, including singing the National Anthem and cutting the starting line ribbon to lead the annual One Walk in September. She also successfully raised more than $5,000 for JDRF over the summer and plans to double that next year.

Last month Sydney was able to meet with Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Mike Lee and Representative Mia Love in three separate meetings to discuss life with T1D and ask for their support on a bill that will benefit the elderly diabetic population. She is also a candidate to go to Washington, D.C., next summer as part of the JDRF Children’s Congress where T1D children from all over the country will meet with members of Congress to discuss the importance of T1D research. She was also able to meet with Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and Gordon Hayward at a JDRF fundraising event she was volunteering at.

Last November, Sydney requested a proclamation from her mayor to declare a specific week in November as Type 1 Diabetes Awareness Week in her hometown of Eagle Mountain. The city council presented her with this proclamation and also lit up city hall with blue lights during this week in honor of T1D. During the week, Sydney shared facts and symptoms to be aware of on the city’s website

Sydney Glass and Facebook page each day. This year she requested a proclamation from every city in Utah County as well as from the governor.

She also posted her own diagnosis story and symptoms on The Glass Sneakers Facebook page and was able to help a young girl in her community get an early T1D diagnosis. Two days after the story was posted, this 5 year-

old girl’s mother recognized the symptoms in her own daughter and took her in to be tested.

This was amazing because a missed or delayed diagnosis can be deadly.

Sydney loves to visit the hospital and homes of newly diagnosed T1D kids and become their mentor and friend. She is a wonderful example of living life to the fullest with this ugly disease. Sydney is currently a ninth-grader at Vista Heights Middle School where she is a 4.0 student, president of the National Junior Honor Society and serves on the student council. She is also a member of her school’s Dance Company. Sydney is the current Miss Utah County’s Outstanding Teen and recently competed for the state title of Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen (part of the Miss America Scholarship Organization) in Provo. She proudly wore her insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on stage to let others know that T1D is nothing to be ashamed of. Sydney won the Teens in Action Award and a $500 scholarship for excellence in service on her platform. It’s no doubt her platform is “JDRF - Turning Type One into Type None.”

She is still about the size of an 11-year-old and several inches shorter than all the other contestants (even in her 5” platform heels), but in the words of Beatrix Potter, “Even the smallest things can change the world.” Sydney is definitely doing just that! By educating, spreading awareness and raising funds for research, she is helping to improve the lives of everyone affected by T1D and is part of finding a cure.

Highland to present theater Performance to feature classic ‘The Mousetrap’ Alpine district dancers

By Linda Petersen

The Highland Arts Council will present Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” on Oct. 24, 26 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Highland Community Center. There will also be a special performance at 10 p.m. on Halloween where the killer will be revealed at midnight.

In “The Mousetrap,” a group of people gathered in a country house and cut off from the outside world by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive of the murderer are finally revealed.

The longest continually running play in the world, “The Mousetrap” opened in London’s West End in 1952 and has been running ever since, exceeding 26,000 performances.

Since the play’s debut, all “Mousetrap” audiences have been sworn to secrecy not to reveal who the killer is.

“Unless you see the show, it’s almost im-

possible to know the ending,” said the show’s producer Jordan Long. “‘The Mousetrap’ is a classic piece of theater history” Characters include Mollie and Giles Ralston, played by wife and husband Nicole and Jake Allen; Christopher Wren, played by Tanner Spear; Mrs. Boyle, played by Kathy Castleton; Major Metcalf, played by Lone Peak High School theater teacher Jim Smith; Miss Casewell, played by Anne Perkins; Mr. Paravicini, played by Scott Eddie; and Det. Sgt. Trotter, played by Kevin Elvey.

While it is a family-friendly production, it may be frightening to children under 10, Long said. “The Mousetrap” is directed by Gabe Spencer.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and seniors with a special family rate of $35 per family (up to seven people) on Monday, Oct. 24.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at www.showtix4u.com. The Highland Community Center is located at 5378 W. 10400 North in Highland.

An evening of dance celebrating dancers from schools throughout Alpine School District will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Westlake High School Auditorium, 99 N. 200 West, Saratoga Springs.

The event, titled “Alpine District Dances,” will feature performances by dancers from American Fork High School, Frontier Middle School, Lone Peak High School, Mountain View High School, Pleasant Grove High School, Skyridge High School, Timberline Middle School, Timpanogos High School, Vista Heights Middle School and Westlake High School.

Presale tickets for the event can be purchased from any Dance Company member for $5. Tickets at the door will be $5 for students and $7 for adults; children 3 and under are free. All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting each school’s dance program.

“This night will be a chance for our community to celebrate all of the dancers, educators and dance enthusiasts within the Alpine School District,” said Director Chelsea Budge.

“We are grateful to live in an area blessed with many talented dance teachers, choreographers and dance practitioners. The evening will

showcase the technique and artistry of each school’s Dance Company.”

Alpine School District is unique in that it offers full dance programs at the junior high/middle school level as well as the high school level. Makenna Hague from Timberline Middle School said, “Each program director in Alpine School District strives to offer dance students the opportunity to foster and develop creativity in a nurturing and challenging educational environment. Through study in the Alpine School District dance programs, students receive an education that is rich in diversity of techniques, choreographic processes and meaning-making.”

Hague further explained, “I believe that the value of performing arts is the voice of the human soul. Through the exploration of dance, students receive an education that is both holistic and overall enriching to all areas of life.”

Alpine District dance teachers are devoted to challenging each student to surpass and master their individual aspirations in the world of dance. Alpine District dancers want to acknowledge support from Alpine School District, the parents and the community.

S d

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Fun Halloween, fall events American Fork to offer planned around the area free events during the

By Christy Jepson This month, some children will be screeching while others will be trick-or-treating. Check out the list of activities that you don’t want to miss this Halloween: This is the Place State Park features a not-so-scary Halloween activity just for little ones at Little Haunts. Visitors can listen to stories read by the Story Witch, make crafts, go trick-or-treating and go on a pony ride or train ride. Prices are $12.95 for adults and $8.95 for children ages 3 to 11. Little Haunts will be held Oct. 20-22 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cornbelly’s at Thanksgiving Point has lots of activities for little ones: hay mazes, the Peanuts-themed corn maze, a rat maze, duck races, pumpkin bowling, corn ball, pig races, a kiddie corral and much more. For the ones that are up for a big scare, there are four haunt venues. Different packages have different pricing, so check their website. Cornbelly’s are open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Check their calendar for fall break hours.

Boo at the Zoo: Come trick-or-treating at Utah’s Hogle Zoo on Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children under the age of 12 can have fun trick-or-treating in their costumes at the 20 booths throughout the zoo. This event is included in the regular admission price of $11.95

for adults and $8.95 for children ages 3 to 12.

Boolights at the Zoo: Walk through Halloween light displays that are set up throughout the zoo. Ride the not-too-spooky train, visit a maze with puppets and see “Spiderella” at the Wyatt Fricks Discovery Theater. Dates are Oct. 19, 20, 21 and 22 and hours are from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 12.

Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point: On Oct. 17 through 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., come stroll through the Ashton Gardens and spot all the scarecrows scattered throughout the gardens. The gardens will be closing for the season at the end of the month, so don’t miss out on this free event.

Halloween Extravaganza: The annual Halloween party at the Legacy Center in Lehi will be full of games, trick-or-treating, movies, a spook alley and more. It will be held on Oct. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. A sloppy joe dinner will be served for an additional $3.25. Advance ticket prices are $3 for children (adults are free) and $3.50 at the door.

There is lots to do for all ages at Hee Haw Farms: a corn maze, pony rides, the Haunted Hayride, a chance to pick your own pumpkins, hayrides, a petting farm, a giant slide, a corn box and much more. Hee Haw Farms is open until Nov. 5. Hours are Monday through Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. General admission is $6; ages 2 and younger are free.

Lehi arts council presents Agatha Christie mystery The Lehi City Arts Council will present Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” beginning Oct. 21.

This play depicts a group of people lured onto an island under different pretexts only to discover that they are about to pay for past misdeeds. Who is the killer? The audience will have to wait until the bitter end to find out.

The show will continue on Oct. 22, 24,

27, 28, 29 and 31. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Glen M. Smith Family Theatre, 685 N. Center, Lehi.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased at http://tinyurl.com/LehiArtsFallShow2016. Seating is reserved.

The show is directed by Paige Albrecht and Kurt Elison. For more information, visit www.lehicityarts.com.

Savoring the good life during the fall season

By Sterling Parker Savoring the moment is part of living the “Good Life.” You may say, now wait a minute.

Savor means the taste or smell. The quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste.

Webster’s Dictionary explains that savor is to relish and cherish and enjoy the moment.

That’s what I have really enjoyed this fall season. However, I do enjoy savoring delicious food.

Today I want to relate to you how I have savored each evening this fall - the beauty of the fields in my neighborhood, the beauty of my wife Sandra’s flower garden. Oh, how I have enjoyed this garden during the spring and summer, and now the beautiful fall chrysanthemum flowers and assorted colors have appeared.

I have a very comfortable chair on my front porch. As soon as I arrive home from school, I go directly to my favorite chair. I sit there and enjoy the beauty of the evening and the cool, crisp air. I watch my neighbors drive up and down the street. Some of my neighbors may think I am just a nosey old man, but really, I’m not. I just enjoy watching people and especially the kids in the neighborhood. I watch the antelope in the corn fields. I savor the fall evening.

I have enjoyed this routine every evening.

Who needs to watch the debates? My little

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neighbor boy Henry keeps me entertained. Remember, I told you about Henry in a previous article. My wife said he’s “Dennis the menace,” but he’s an awesome, good “Dennis the menace” and my friend.

Yes, I hope we all have savored the moment this fall. We are all so blessed to enjoy the good life here in our beautiful area. Now it’s time to prepare for winter.

Halloween season

By Linda Petersen Several free events are planned in American Fork to help local families celebrate the Halloween season. Following is a list of the activities: Family Night at the Library Monday, Oct. 17 7 p.m.

American Fork Library, 64 S. 100 East October’s Family Night at the Library will feature a Halloween theme: “Trick or Read.”

Kids and their parents can come dressed in costume and enjoy stories, crafts and treats for free. (The activities are geared toward children sixth grade and under.) The first 75 children will receive a small treat bag.

Scary Story Contest Authors Reception Monday, Oct. 24 7 p.m.

American Fork Library Winners in the library’s Scary Story Contest will be recognized at this reception, which is open to the public. Entries were received in five categories: kindergarten to third grade; fourth to sixth grade; seventh to ninth grade; 10th to 12th grade and adults. Cash prizes will be awarded in the children’s youth and adult categories and the grand prize winner will be announced. (All entries in the children’s categories will receive a prize.) All children and youth winners will also receive a book. As the younger winners are recognized, the judges’ remarks regarding their stories will be shared.

Refreshments will be provided. At around 7:30 p.m. there will be a reading of the story that receives the grand prize with possibly other stories as time permits. This year more the library received more than 125 entries. Links to some of the winning stories will be available later on the library’s Facebook page.

Annual Scarecrow Contest

Saturday, Oct. 29 Main Street, all day Participants in the city’s annual Scarecrow Contest, sponsored by the Beautification and Shade Tree Committee, will have their entries on display on Main Street between 100 East and 100 West. Judging will take place at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative entries.

Halloween on Main Monday, Oct. 31 4 to 6 p.m.

Doug Smith Auto Trunk-or-Treat 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

American Fork businesses are inviting local children and their parents to trick-or-treat at businesses along Main Street and at a trunkor-treat event at Doug Smith Auto. Trick-ortreating will begin at 100 East and take place along Main from there to Doug Smith Auto at 523 W. Main.

According to American Fork Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Ryan Hunter, thousands of kids and their parents take part every year in this fun event sponsored by the chamber.

Hunter said anywhere from 50 to 80 businesses participate each year as a way to give back to the community.

Participating businesses that don’t have a storefront along Main will be giving out candy and other treats at the dealership from vehicles provided by Doug Smith Auto for the event.

A6 - October/November 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com

‘Wonka’ designed to delight children Council:

Mitchell Hollow has a parking problem

By Christy Jepson

Willy Wonka’s mysterious, mouthwatering, sweet-smelling chocolate factory comes to life on stage at the SCERA when curtains open on Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” musical, which is being performed from now until Nov. 4.

The all-time favorite children’s book “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” will be performed as a one-hour musical version starring the SCERA’s favorite actor, Shawn Mortensen, as the iconic chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka. The show is a production of the SCERA’S Theatre for Young Audiences program.

Reserved tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children (ages 3-11). You can purchase tickets at the SCERA’s box office, 745 S. State, Orem, or online at www.scera.org. The show will run through Nov. 4 with public performances on Monday and Friday evenings at 7 p.m. School groups and other groups of 20 or more can reserve tickets for only $2 and attend the school matinees Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. You can call for more information at 801-22-ARTS. Roald Dahl’s story begins with the much-anticipated search for the five golden tickets that Wonka placed inside his very own Wonka chocolate bars. Not only do the lucky winners receive a tour of the gated factory by Wonka himself but also a lifetime supply of chocolate. The final top winner gets a very special grand prize.

As the story unfolds, one by one the golden tickets are found by five children from around the world. Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee and Charlie Bucket are the lucky winners. As the children come together to tour the chocolate factory, Wonka secretly tests each of them to see if they will obey his rules. Unfortunately, all of the children in some way break Wonka’s rules.

This unique production not only has many of the actors playing multiple roles, but it also features puppets representing Charlie Bucket’s elderly grandparents. The puppets were created by Nat Reed, who is also the production’s set designer. “The puppets are marionettes controlled by other actors in the play. Reed is an excellent puppet designer and we are excited to have him create our puppets for the show,” said the production’s director

By Matthew Gary Milam

The SCERA Theatre for Young Audiences program will present “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” through Nov. 4.

Julie Bonifay.

Even though this is a modified version of the original script, the director says she is staying as close to the first film version as possible.

Songs will still include “Pure Imagination,” “Cheer Up Charlie,” “I’ve Got A Golden Tick-

et,” “Oompa Loompa” and “The Candy Man.” The SCERA’S Theatre for Young Audiences program is starting its 10th year. This program combines children’s literature with musical theater to help introduce children to the magic of live theater.

Lehi Senior Center activities set The Lehi Senior Center now has an Activities Calendar available for anyone interested in the activities the center has to offer. Come by the senior center to pick up the calendar – it will keep you up to date on all the activities and field trips you can get involved in. Learn about October’s newest activities including Games Galore, a dance class and a beginner’s computer class.

Seniors are now invited to play games every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Lehi Senior Center as part of the Games Galore activity. Games Galore will include a variety of available games to play: dominoes, cards, TENZI and more. No registration or fee is required for this activity; just show up, bring a friend if you’d like, and have some fun.

Feel free to bring your own deck of cards or

a favorite board game to share.

The Senior Dance Class is now meeting and taught by a member of the Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company. Seniors practice line dancing, jitterbug and more. It is free for members of the senior center and $5 for non-members. Call Jessie Jones at 385-201-2349 to register and learn more about the class meeting times and dates.

The Beginners Computer Class is meeting on Tuesdays throughout October, from 10 to 11 a.m. Learn about basic uses of email, the Internet and social media to stay connected with friends and family. Seating is limited; the classes are free for members of the Lehi Senior Center and $2 for non-members. Call the center to register.

Residents of the Canterbury neighborhood in Highland are not happy about what they view as an out-of-control situation that has to do with the adjacent parking area.

Canterbury residents claim that youth are using illegal drugs and engaging in sexual relations in the parking area. It has been proposed that an additional parking kiosk be built at the entrance of Mitchell Hollow to alleviate the situation by more accurately directing visitors where to park. Some residents would prefer that visitors to the area park in the Smith’s parking lot instead.

Davy Kammer, coordinator of the Highland Hollow Trail Project, said that his team (Lone Peak Mountain Bike) currently did not have funds to build a second kiosk at Mitchell Hollow. It was suggested that the kiosk be built as an Eagle Scout project. Council members asked that Kammer and concerned Canterbury neighborhood residents work up an estimate for the cost of another kiosk to be discussed at the next Highland City Council meeting.

In the meantime, Rachel Sandberg, a Canterbury neighborhood resident that lives next to the problem parking area, said that she has collected 70 signatures from her neighbors to close the parking area. Look at the Highland City website after the next council meeting for news about this issue.

Other discussion included looking at a report that will determine which maintenance projects will be completed during the year.

Council members weighed in on projects that they were interested in and about which they had questions. Look for information on this under Capital Improvement and Annual Maintenance Projects on the Highland City website.

Alpine sees small water rate increase

By Linda Petersen Alpine City has raised its culinary water rate by $1 a month per connection. This is part of a plan to repay a nearly $5.9 million bond taken out by the city in 2011 to fund a pressurized irrigation system.

As part of the bond, city leaders agreed to increase base culinary water rates by $1 each year for the first five years.

According to Finance Director Alice Winberg, city leaders actually forgot to make the increase one year so it was necessary to charge the additional $1 this year. This is the last scheduled year for an increase. The bond will mature in 2025-26.

The new rate was approved in June and became effective with the July water bill. This brings the base rate to $15 per month for all culinary water users. Users who don’t have access to pressurized irrigation (generally those in upper elevations) have a lower tier structure than those who do.

Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - October/November 2016 - A7

City council discusses 4 design blunders to potential Hadco Const. avoid in your home relocation to Eagle Mtn.

By Jacinda Montano

By Matthew Gary Milam At the Oct. 4 meeting of the Eagle Mountain City Council, there was some discussion of allowing Hadco Construction to relocate its headquarters to Eagle Mountain. The proposed move would bring 500 jobs to the area. The move would also put the company’s headquarters closer to its mining operation.

In association with the Scenic Mountain Master Development Plan, there is the potential of a possible UDOT acquisition for future expansion of the Cory Wride Memorial Highway and a possible additional road between Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs.

The United Fire Authority is also considering building a fire station on a 1.5-acre lot in the area. These items may be discussed and approved during future city council meetings.

The City Center “Commercial Phase A, Plat 3” was approved unanimously by the council. The Gotta Dance studio will be built just south of the new Holiday Oil/Chevron sta-

tion that is set to open in the City Center just south of the studio and east of the Ira Hodges Scenic Parkway. Light will be provided on site as opposed to installing new traffic lights as previously discussed.

Upcoming events in Eagle Mountain include: • Trick or Treat Village – Eagle Mountain City’s annual Trick or Treat Village will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Nolen Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get your costumes on and come trick-or-treating at booths hosted by local businesses and organizations. Booth registration is only $10. Register on the city website. Other activities include a Pet Costume Contest, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and a Monster Mash Dance. Please be aware the library will be closed that day.

• Voter Information – Visit the City website, News section, for voter information ahead of the General Election on Nov. 8. Early voting will be offered from Oct. 25 through Nov. 4.

Choosing paint colors, furniture layouts and other design elements can be one of the most exciting aspects of setting up a new home -- or the most daunting. Here are four common errors many homeowners fall victim to and tips for remedying them.

Pushing Furniture Against Walls Backing furniture against the wall doesn’t create an airy feel; it usually leads to an awkward space in the middle of the room. Instead, try floating pieces to establish conversation areas, or place everything just a few inches closer to the center. Ensure a free flow of traffic through the room by keeping a clear path at all times.

Using Rugs That Are Too Small An undersized rug detracts from the real eye-catching features of a room. Ideally, an area rug should be large enough to fit beneath

all the legs of your furniture. If you’re looking to avoid the cost of an enormous rug, try two smaller ones placed side by side for the same effect.

Hanging Art Too High Homeowners often hang art at eye level, which is a common rule of thumb, but that can be confusing since height varies. Try a more specific tip used by most galleries: Hang artwork so the center of the piece is 57 inches from the floor.

Relying on a Single Light Source Using overhead fixtures as the only source of light in a room can lead to unpleasant shadows. Add layers of light with a floor lamp, a couple table lamps and maybe an accent light on a piece of art. This will produce pools of light -- a hallmark of a well-designed room.

Being mindful of these common slip-ups can make a big difference in how you feel about your overall space.

Westlake hosts FFA Chairman and Officer Be part of Halloween Leadership Training Extravaganza in Lehi

By Sarah Leavitt

By Linda Petersen

Lehi families who just love trick-ortreating can get in an extra night of fun at the Legacy Center’s Halloween Extravaganza on Friday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Families can trick-or-treat around the track, which will be filled with movie-themed booths where they can receive candy, coupons and other treats. Mascots from Skyridge and Lehi high schools, along with those from several local elementary schools, will be joining in the fun.

Activities for all ages will include showings of “Scared Shrekless” and “Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space” on a 25-foot movie screen along with games and dancing sponsored by Munchkin Radio.

There will be a spook alley, a sloppy joe dinner (consisting of a sloppy joe, drink and chips for $3.25), drawings and prizes.

All participants will receive a glow-in-thedark necklace as part of their admission.

Admission to the Halloween Extrav-

aganza is $3 per child (adults are free) if purchased in advance or $3.50 at the door.

For those who just can’t wait or fancy themselves as artists, the Legacy Center has a free coloring contest for all ages going on now. You can pick up a coloring sheet at the Legacy Center lobby or registration office.

Turn it back in by Oct. 27 to be eligible for prizes.

The Legacy Center is located at 123 N. Center in Lehi.

Westlake High School was recently granted the opportunity to host a county-wide officer and chairman leadership workshop training. Attending were the Utah FFA officers - Sakia Brost, Andalyn Hall, Mariah Pace, Mat Gonder, Allesha Arehart, Wayson Foy and, running for National FFA Officer, Sabrina Sage. Multiple schools from all over the state also attended. There were over 200 students participating in the workshops that were put on by the state officers.

Utah FFA’s theme this year is “Surge.”

The definition of surge is a sudden powerful forward or upward movement caused by a nat-

ural force. In the workshops, students worked a lot on being the ones to take the initiative and start to do something rather than waiting for someone to do it for them. For example, one of the workshops discussed applying for agricultural scholarships and what students do in FFA to help qualify them for those scholarships. However, students need to have the drive to get those things done and sit down and apply for all of the different scholarships.

The Westlake Chapter would like to thank everybody for coming and thank the state FFA officers, including Sabrina Sage, for coming out and making COLT such a great experience as well as for the opportunity to host the event.

We want to hear from you!

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Learning life lessons in an African slum

By Paula Fellingham I smelled the stench before I saw the slums.

On an overcast day in August, I nervously walked down the hill of dried orange mud into Kenya’s Kibera Slums. My teenage son, Benjamin, walked beside me. On my other side was Edel Quinn, one of my African sisters and a mentor to the women in Kibera. Edel held my hand tightly. Sensing my concern, Edel whispered, “Do not be afraid, Paula. I am with you, and Otto will protect us.” As I glanced behind us to be sure our large bodyguard was still there, Otto smiled and nodded. His bright teeth contrasted starkly against his rugged black face.

I was soon to learn life lessons I will never forget.

You see, in the Kibera Slums, one million people live in one square mile. It is the densest slum in the world.

To say that my day in the Kibera slums was life-changing is understating its profound magnitude in my life. Indeed, on that day in Africa I felt as if my very cells were being rearranged and I was awakening in new, wonderful ways.

As the four of us turned a corner, the massive expanse of the slums came into view and I gasped. It is a wide, deep gully with rows and rows of corrugated tin huts that were badly put together many decades ago. Pieces of rusted tin, weathered wood slats and old dried mud produced makeshift homes for hundreds of thousands of people who had no other place to live. Slum dwellers used whatever materials they could to shelter their families from the intense African heat, the swirling orange dust of this region and occasional rainstorms.

These dwellings are crammed with crying babies, laughing children, fearful fathers, hard-working mothers and youth who yearn to break free.

They all yearn to break free.

High on one ridge of the gulch sits an old white Christian church. As we were entering the slums, a group of women swayed together outside of the church above us, passionately singing praises to Jesus. Their African voices rang out fervently, “Our Lord is good, our Lord is great, our Lord loves us, yes, He does.”

I smiled as I embraced the moment.

Although these are the poorest of the poor, the first sound we heard as we entered the slums was women rejoicing! They were praising God; raising their voices in joyful gratitude.

My heart broke open and love for those beautiful women poured out.

It was a magical moment.

The first entrepreneur we met in the slums was a middle-aged barber in a very tiny shop.

As I stood in his barbershop, I thought, “It never crossed my mind that all you really need to be a barber is one chair, one mirror, and one pair of scissors.” That’s all he used.

The people I met in the slums live simple lives. There’s a life lesson there. Because “more” is not always better, it’s just more.

Paula Fellingham That memorable day was filled with reminders like that, and I relished each one.

You see, decades ago I learned that the best teachers are also the best students. They seek to learn life lessons every moment of every day. I smiled as I left the barbershop; excited to experience more.

I was shocked by what we saw next. We witnessed two women throwing buckets of trash and fecal matter into the dirty water that is their only water source. It is a stinking brownish-green, sluggish-moving body of filthy water that runs down the center of the slums.

I realized in that moment that there is no sewer system there; no electrical system (just wires strung haphazardly; a real safety threat) and no utility system. And I wondered what I would do with my dirty water if I lived in a similar situation. Of course, I would have no choice but to do the same thing my Kibera sisters were doing.

There was no judgment in my heart. There was only great love and great sadness. Observers quickly realize that there are no easy solutions to the problems in Kibera.

As I contemplated the massive, complicated dilemma, I was filled with a profound yearning to help. In fact, numerous times during the day I fought the urge to cry. And my heart ached to lighten their loads.

Gratefully, I knew that my son, Ben, was learning lessons that day which no American schoolteacher could possibly teach him. Like me, after being in Kibera, my son was never the same.

Then we noticed a group of children gathered in front of something that looked like a big gate. As we came closer, we were surprised to discover that the children were intensely watching a single television that was placed behind a wall of bars, in a room that was part of an old store. The children noticed us as we approached. Some smiled shyly, others asked for money, but most of

Conditions are dire in Kenya’s Kibera Slums, where one million people live in an area measuring just one square mile. them quickly turned back to their viewing and seemed mesmerized as they happily watched the well-protected television set.

One of the highlights of the day was when Edel guided us into the salon of a middle-aged, cheerful hair stylist. She only had two metal folding chairs, a brush, a hairdryer and a hand mirror. As we entered her tiny place (about six feet by eight feet), the three women inside were laughing. When they saw Edel, they squealed with delight and jumped up to hug her. Edel is beloved in the slums because she tirelessly helps the women improve their lives.

She is like an angel to them and to all of us who know her.

Our time in the salon was memorable because of the women’s light, happy hearts and their obvious friendships with one another.

These women own very few earthly possessions, but they are wealthy within. Their wealth lies in their valuable resilience and inner strength. They know how to create their own joy, no matter what’s happening around them. They laugh easily and sing spontaneously. They love passionately and deeply. They serve naturally. They appreciate every little act of kindness. And they are filled with hope and a deep desire to improve their own lives and the lives of their children.

In that crude salon, my heart filled to overflowing with a strong love for these ladies and an even stronger desire to teach women worldwide that the most important things in life are not things.

Although I’ve spent many years being formally educated, the powerful lessons I learned in the Kibera slums outshine my “book learning” on many levels.

Another revelation was that throughout the day, I never saw anyone wearing soiled clothes. That amazed me. Weaving in between the dwellings were countless clotheslines filled with newly washed clothes. I admire their pride. Although there are dirt roads, dirt floors, dirt everywhere, all of the (many) children we saw were very clean. They had clean hair, clean faces, clean clothes, and they seemed genuinely happy.

These children were playing, laughing, dancing and enjoying themselves, oblivious of their surroundings. That’s all they know, and they’re happy.

I was charmed by the children. They are

impressive testimonials to the truth that just as flowers can thrive in the desert when given enough water, children can thrive anywhere when given enough love. And the mothers I saw in the slums (many were teenagers) showed loving kindness to their children.

These women taught by example, which is the best way to teach children anywhere.

Soon after talking with more women and meeting more children, the heavens opened and pouring rain drenched us before we took cover in one of the small homes.

Huddled in their hovel, I was shocked again. I had no idea what it sounds like when you’re inside a coregated tin hut with no insulation to minimize the sound. We couldn’t hear each other (even yelling) because the rain pounded on the roof with such deafening, relentless sound, for about 20 minutes.

And I thought about the 120 degree African heat. How in the world did they live through the summers in these crude huts? How did they keep their babies healthy? And just then I heard a toddler crying in the attached dwelling “next door.” It sounded like the baby was right next to us. And I realized they could hear everything their neighbors said and did … everything.

And when the storm changed from a torrential downpour to manageable rain, we began our climb out of the slums. Edel and I linked arms and hurried, sloshing up the hill under her umbrella and chatting about the day.

As we again passed the old white church high on the hill, a different and larger crowd of women had gathered. This time they danced as they sang their gospel tunes. We stopped for a moment and stared because we were witnessing a magnificent scene.

The beautiful women were dancing and praising God. And at that moment in time, their bodies were perfectly outlined - silhouetted - against a cloudy orange-blue sky.

They had no idea what we were seeing, below them. It looked exactly like a huge movie set with dancing black singers playing their roles perfectly against a breath-taking backdrop of color.

Tears stung my eyes as I watched in awe.

My sweet African sisters were singing, and dancing, in the rain.

To contact Paula, email pfellingham@ gmail.com or call 801-768-1720.

Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - October/November 2016 - A9

Discover who killed the conductor Veterans Day Breakfast set at Timpanogos Symphony concerts for Nov. 5

By Christy Jepson Spooky sounds will come from the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra at their “The Composer is Dead” Halloween concerts on Oct. 28 and 29 at Willowcreek Middle School, 2275 W. 300 North, Lehi. The orchestra will play themes from “Phantom of the Opera,” Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” “Ride of the Valkyries” and “Ghostbusters.”

“Last year we had a tremendous response to our first Halloween concert,” said John Pew, the founder and conductor of the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra. Not only will there be fun, spooky music, there will also be a costume parade during one of the songs where children and adults can walk across the stage and show off their costumes while the orchestra members continue to play in their costumes. Immediately following the concert, the orchestra will have different trick-or-treating stations for the children. The orchestra will provide the bags.

In this year’s concert, the main piece of the night will be “The Composer is Dead,” which is a tongue-and-cheek musical mystery.

Throughout this piece, audience members will be trying to figure out who killed the composer. The narrator will be John Bytheway, a popular LDS youth speaker. “This piece introduces audience members to different sections of the orchestra,” Pew said. “While trying to figure out who killed the composer, different

By Wendy Visser Lojik

The Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra will present its “The Composer is Dead” Halloween concerts on Oct. 28 and 29 at Willowcreek Middle School in Lehi. instrumental sections will be spotlighted.”

The text for “The Composer is Dead” is written by Lemony Snicket, a famous children’s author who wrote the popular “A Series of Unfortunate Events” books. “Not only will this be a fun Halloween activity but parents get to introduce their children to a little culture with some great symphonic music,” Pew said.

“The Composer is Dead” will be performed Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Willowcreek Middle School in Lehi. Ticket prices are $10 per person, $8 for seniors and students or $30 for a family of five (and $6 per ticket for an

Cedar Hills youth council plans Halloween activity The Cedar Hills Youth City Council will host the Haunted Creek and Trick-orTreat event on Monday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Heritage Park, 4425 W. Cedar Hills Drive, Cedar Hills. Trick-or-treating for ages 8 and younger will be available

from 6 to 7 p.m. and the Haunted Creek activity for ages 9 and older will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each activity is 25 cents per person. Hot chocolate and baked goods will be sold with the proceeds going to the YCC’s annual Santa’s Workshop.

additional family member). Tickets can be bought online at www.thetso.org or at the door.

It is suggested to pre-purchase tickets because this concert was sold out last year.

Eagle Mountain City’s Military and Veterans Board is very pleased to announce their first Veteran’s Day Breakfast. To be held Nov. 5 at Frontier Middle School, this event is open to all veterans and their immediate family who live in Eagle Mountain.

They will be starting at 8 a.m. with a short program. Pancakes and hash browns will be served as long as supplies last until 10 a.m.

The Veteran’s Board is asking local businesses to help with donations for food.

“We hope this is the beginning of a great tradition for Eagle Mountain. With the high concentration of military and veteran families in our area, we are constantly looking for ways to support them,” said Board Member Lois Leikam.

If you are interested in donating or helping with this event, contact the Military and Veteran’s Board at MVB@emcity.org.

A10 - October/November 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com

Costume Craze: From experiment to booming business

By Matthew Gary Milam When the founders of Costume Craze started out, the idea of creating a successful online costume company was not what they had in mind. According to Kate Maloney, CEO of the family-owned company, the venture started out as a technology company creating software to build websites. Selling costumes online was just a way to test their new software.

Today, a large pale-green building at the western end of Pleasant Grove’s Center Street (just a stone’s throw away from the city’s historic Main Street) serves not only as warehousing for Costume Craze’s worldwide sales distribution but also as proof that this experiment was a raging success.

Kate Maloney has been in charge of Costume Craze’s strategic direction and finances for the past 15 years. She said the company was one of the very first companies to sell costumes online. The company slogan, “Thousands of Costumes, Millions of Smiles,” was probably inspired by the fact that Costume Craze does a large business not only in the United States but all over the world. They

Costume Craze in Pleasant Grove sells costumes worldwide via the Internet. receive a steady stream of orders from Hollywood studios and even orders from the BBC in the United Kingdom.

As you might have guessed, Halloween is their busiest season, but they do a good business year-round. During every other hol-

iday - from Thanksgiving to Purim to Cinco de Mayo to Independence Day - Costume Craze experiences a significant bump in sales.

Playtime costumes are also popular for kids who want to dress up throughout the year as super heroes and princesses. Costume Craze

also receives orders from customers attending comic conventions and the openings of summer blockbuster movies.

According to Maloney, this year - because of the opening of “The Force Awakens” - Star Wars costumes are more popular than ever. In fact, because of every superhero movie that has opened this year, from Batman to Wonder Woman, superhero costumes are also in big demand. The “Suicide Squad” movie character Harley Quinn in particular has become very popular.

Maloney said that even though Costume Craze currently deals only in online sales, perhaps eventually rentals of costumes to those in the local area might be considered. Costumes Craze is currently gearing up for an exciting Halloween. They offer five daily “Deals of the Day” that sell out quickly. New deals can be found on their website at midnight seven days a week. They are offering a 30 percent store-wide sale and Utah customers can take advantage of one-day ground shipping. Costumes can be purchased at costumecraze.com and Costume Craze invites you to say hello to them on Facebook at facebook.com/costumecrazefans.

Say ‘howdy’ to a new smile at Smile Ranch Lehi Senior

By Michael Young Center hosts dance class When you visit Smile Ranch Orthodontics in Lehi, you might be greeted with a friendly, “Howdy!” It’s the first step in providing good, old-fashioned, friendly service to all their patients.

Smile Ranch is the office of orthodontic specialist Dr. Alan Jensen. He earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma and received his orthodontic training from Baylor University. An active outdoorsman in his spare time, Dr. Jensen has been practicing in Utah since 1988 and so brings a great deal of experience to the table.

They specialize in a selection of different braces including traditional braces, clear braces and Invisalign. Traditional braces are made of metal and are very obviously visible on the teeth.

Older teenagers and adults can opt for ceramic “clear” braces, which require more care but are also less obvious than metal braces. Invisalign uses a set of aligners that straighten teeth over time. The aligners are completely clear and can be removed. They are more comfortable because they do not use any metal wires or brackets. At Smile Ranch, they have treated more patients with Invisalign than any other practice in Utah. Because they

Smile Ranch Orthodontics in Lehi offers a variety of orthodontic options. are so experienced, they can keep the cost of these treatments close to the cost of traditional braces.

You can learn more about their team, see what treatments are available and read their

blog online at www.smileranch.com. You can also request an appointment for a consultation to learn about the benefits of cost-effective orthodontic treatment. Smile Ranch Orthodontics is located at 216 E. Main in Lehi.

Come dance at the Lehi Senior Center as part of its Senior Dance Class, which starts Oct. 14. Come out and meet new friends and learn from a member of the Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company. She will be teaching a variety of dance steps including line dancing, jitterbug and more. It will be a great way to get an aerobic workout while still having a fun time.

The Senior Dance Class is for anyone age 60 or older and will include four class sessions: Oct. 14 and 28 and Nov. 4 and 18 (all on Fridays). The first three classes will be held from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. Due to a conflict at the center, the final class will be held from 2 to 3 p.m.

No partner will be needed for this class.

The class is free for members of the senior center, and $5 for nonmembers. It is a class for any level of dancer; just come out and socialize, enjoy the music and get your body moving to a fun and catchy beat. Call the senior center for more information. Register today by calling Jessie Jones at 385-201-2349.

Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - October/November 2016 - A11

sAlpine’s J. RobRoy Platt named

Estate Planning Law Specialist J. RobRoy Platt is newly certified as an Accredited Estate Planner designee by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. Platt is also newly certified as an Estate Planning Law Specialist by the Estate Law Specialist Board Inc., an organization accredited by the American Bar Association and affiliated with the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. His office, Platt Law, P.C., is located at 256 N. Main, Suite C, in Alpine.

Platt earned his bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University and his juris doctorate at the University of Arizona.

Platt has been the owner of Platt Law since 2007, where he has practiced law exclusively in the areas of estate planning, elder law, probate and trust administration. Platt has been active in the community, having served with the Lehi Area Chamber of Commerce as a board member. His law practice was awarded Best New Business in 2011 by the chamber.

Platt was the founding chair of the Elder Law Section of the Utah State Bar and has served on the board of the Utah Valley Estate Planning Council since 2014 and will serve as its president in 2017. He currently serves on the Utah Valley University Gift Planning Board in

an advisory role to the university. Platt has also been active in Boy Scouting since 2010 in a variety of leadership roles in his local chartered Scouting organization. He and his wife and law partner, Melissa C. Platt (BYU, J.D. 2002), work together at Platt Law where they help families and business owners implement comprehensive estate and trust planning to help protect what matters most and to secure a bright future for their clients.

The Accredited Estate Planner designation is a graduate-level specialization in estate planning obtained in addition to already recognized professional credentials within the various disciplines of estate planning. The AEP designation is available to attorneys, Chartered Life Underwriters, Certified Public Accountants, Certified Financial Planners, Chartered Financial Consultants and Certified Trust and Financial Advisors. It is awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils to recognize estate planning professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education, professional reputation and character.

An AEP designee must embrace the team concept of estate planning and adhere to the NAEPC Code of Ethics as well as participate in a yearly renewal

and recertification process.

The NAEPC is a national organization of professional estate planners and affiliated local estate planning councils focused on establishing and monitoring the highest professional and educational standards. NAEPC fosters public awareness of the quality services rendered by professionals who meet these standards.

NAEPC builds a team approach involving cross-professional disciplines to better serve the public’s need for estate planning.

The Estate Law Specialist Board Inc., an attorney-run affiliate of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils in Cleveland, Ohio, is the only ABA-accredited program for certification of an attorney as an Estate Planning Law Specialist.

To become board-certified as an Estate Planning Law Specialist, an attorney must have devoted at least one-third of his or her practice to estate planning for a minimum of five years.

In addition to passing a comprehensive examination in estate planning law, the attorney must also receive recommendations from five colleagues and must establish that he or she has at least 36 continuing legal education credits on the topic of estate planning within the last three years.

Discover science at new exhibit

By Christy Jepson Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum in Salt Lake City is currently the home of Sid the Science Kid who’s “gotta lot of questions and big ideas and wants to know why.” The museum’s newest traveling exhibit, “Sid the Science Kid: The Super-Duper Exhibit,” opened at the end of September and is all about science investigation, hands-on learning and fun.

From now until Jan. 16, 2017, families can become part of Sid’s world as they discover and explore science questions around Sid’s own house and playground. Visitors will learn about simple machines, magnetism, weight, predictions, the five senses, the laws of motion, air power and more. The exhibit is made so it seems like visitors have really stepped into the popular PBS children’s TV series.

Visitors can play on Sid’s playground, pretend to drive his car, climb

into his treehouse while learning about pulleys, dance along with the TV theme song while it plays on a big screen, and explore in the Super Fab Lab. Don’t forget to spend time cooking something in Sid’s own kitchen.

The museum also has six other permanent exhibits that are filled with things for visitors to touch, explore, climb on, carry, race, create and build.

The Garden area is a 30-foot beehive that moves balls up and around clear tubes. The Kid’s Eye View area is where children can pretend to be construction workers or a cashier at Harmons Grocery store. They can also fix a car, climb a wall, pretend to be a Utah farmer and play in the water area.

The Story Factory and Sensory Room are where visitors can make their own animated stories, perform on a stage and touch plasma balls and lights. The Block Party is where you go when you want to build floor-to-ceiling towers or other structures with big blue blocks and

connectors.

Ready, set, go! Build your own Lego car and then race it down the 37-foot aluminum track in the DG Derby area.

In the STEAM Studio and STEAM Lab, children can build with Legos and Magformers to test their strength on earthquake tables and discover which kinds of paper construction shapes fly the best.

The outside terrace exhibit showcases a Life Flight helicopter and Command Center that kids can play in and pretend they are part of a medical emergency.

There is also a mini-size emergency room medical area.

Discovery Gateway is located at the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 pm.

Sunday hours are noon to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $9.50 for general admission ($6 for Sunday admission). Children under 2 are free. The museum is located at 444 W. 100 South in Salt Lake City.

THE CLASSIFIEDS Lessons PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS! Perfect for any age. Beginner to Advanced. 25 years playing experience, teaching for 14. Have fun learning- theory, technique and duet/quartets. First lesson free.

Call Andrea 801-687-1468 DRUM LESSONS Fun, certified teacher, 42 years experience, positive influence, professional drummer & band leader, all ages/levels.

Studio in Saratoga Springs, references available.

Please call Ken Culmone 801-768-0708 or 801-367-2787.

GUITAR LESSONS All ages, all levels, all styles.

Learn songs, chords, strumming, picking, notation, theory, song writing and MUCH more! Located in Meadow Ranches (by the new middle school) First lesson is FREE! Call Gill Taylor (801) 358-7148

HELP WANTED Ranches Housekeeping Service is looking for both full-time and part-time housekeepers. Please contact Traci at 801-830-4119 or Ciara at 801885-5511 for an application and interview ASAP!!

You must have your own transportation and be a legal US resident. Background checks will be completed as well. Ranches Housekeeping Service offers great employment with flexible hours. Call if interested!

ULTIMATE DANCE Now registering for 2015-2016 Season Dance Classes. Offering Competitive and Recreational classes for ages 3+. Located on Redwood Road just north of Towne Storage in Saratoga Springs.

Ultimate Dance has been offering dance classes in Saratoga Springs since 2003. Offering Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop. www.ultimatedanceetc. webs.com, Like us on

Facebook Ultimatedanceetc. or call us at 801718-6900 or 801-766-2286.

Office hours Mon & Wed 10:00am-11:30am, Classes start Sept 8, 2015.

VOICE LESSONS Learn to sing in the natural Voice. Ages 10 and up. 28 yrs. experience. Performing opportunities.I’m located one mile from west Lake High School in Eagle Mountain 801-472-3280 Ex 10/15

DAY CARE TODDLER PLAY HOUSE We do realize that sometimes mommy and daddy have to work. Located in

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Saratoga Springs. Meals and preschool activities provided.

Call Kristin Egbert now for opening. 801-897-4904.

FREE ONLINE

Listing is always free online in our classified section and realtors and For Sale

by Owners can use the website. Use the multi-photo upload tool to show your property. Renters and Landlords are also welcome to list on the website for FREE. Visit TheCrossRoadsjournal.com for more information.

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A12 - October/November 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 13 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com

Thunder football earns wins over three teams

By Tony Knight The Westlake Thunder seventh-grade A team achieved wins over three opponents during recent weeks.

On Sept. 17, the Westlake Thunder had a game with key UCFC playoff seeding implications against the Lone Peak Knights (3-1) at Frontier Middle School in Eagle Mountain.

Finally home after three straight games on the road, the Thunder battled the Knights on their home field for supremacy of the division.

The game was hard fought in the trenches as neither team was able to mount a ground game on a consistent basis. But thanks to timely passes by Westlake, the Thunder was able to jump out to a 14-0 lead at halftime. The second half brought more of the same, and by game’s end seven turnovers by the Knights (three on downs) gave Westlake a hard-fought 20-0 victory. QB Payton Weber finished with three TD passes on the day and the Thunder defense recorded its third defensive shutout on the season.

On Sept. 24, the Westlake Thunder took on new UCFC foe Skyridge (1-3) at Frontier

Middle School. What seemed like a good matchup on paper for the Thunder turned ugly quickly as Westlake fumbled the ball on the first drive of the game. Aided by a penalty on the play, Skyridge punched the ball in from the Thunder 5-yard line for a quick 6-0 lead, the first time Westlake had trailed all season.

Despite seven fumbles (two lost), Westlake rebounded to dominate the rest of the game, but poor concentration and even worse field conditions killed three drives in the red zone. Westlake’s defense was true to the challenge, however, making the comeback possible and leading the Thunder (5-0) to a comfortable win over a scrappy Falcons (1-4) team 26-6.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Westlake Thunder took a short trip to Lehi to take on the winless Lehi Pioneers in UCFC play. The result of the game was never in doubt. Westlake scored touchdowns on the ground and through the air on each of its first seven possessions of the game to swamp winless Lehi 49-0. The swarming Thunder defense harassed and confused the Pioneers skill players all afternoon long, and by games’ end the Pioneers only managed two first downs.

The Westlake Thunder seventh-grade football team beat the Lone Peak Knights 20-0 at their game Sept. 17.

The Thunder also avoided turning the ball over and had no penalties to cement the terrific play on both sides of the ball. The Thunder rebounded from the previous week’s sloppy performance against Skyridge to fire on all

cylinders. The Thunder are cruising into the post-season with a well-deserved No. 1 seed where they plan on defending their UCFC title against all comers in late October and November.