The Crossroads Journal Vol 16 No 14

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November-December 2016 Vol.16 No.14

Cedar Hills voters reject CARE tax

By Linda Petersen Cedar Hills voters have said no to a city sales tax that in the past has helped fund recreation and arts programs – even though they had voted for it twice before.

On Nov. 8, 1,769 voters (51.2 percent) refused to support the Cultural Arts and Recreation .01 percent sales tax with 1,686 (48.8 percent) voting in favor of it.

The CARE tax was first approved by Cedar Hills voters in 2008 and again in 2012. In the past, it has been used to fund a basketball court at Heritage Park and a restroom at Mesquite Park as well as finish the community center basement and fund various recreation

activities.

City leaders had hoped to use this round of funding to pay for improvements at Bayhill Park and Heritage Park.

City Councilmember Rob Crawley has been vocal in his opposition to the tax. “It is not the proper role of government to tax and spend money on programs that are not necessities for its residents,” he wrote in the voter information pamphlet mailed out to residents. “Just as it would be wrong for an individual to force neighbors to all pitch in for a swimming pool that this individual wanted, it is not right for a government to force individuals to ‘pitch in’ for recreational activities,” he wrote.

Other city leaders have expressed their concern that some of those programs might not be funded without the tax. “CARE tax funds are used to augment other city funds to provide youth and adults with cultural arts and recreation programming without traveling to other cities or paying nonresident rates as charged by other cities. The proposed CARE tax helps keep our tax dollars in our city to be used for Cedar Hills programs.

Over the past eight years, CARE tax funds have been utilized by Cedar Hills to successfully fund a variety of recreation and cultural arts programs,” those leaders wrote in their argument.

In the past, the CARE tax has generated

about $40,000 annually for the city.

“The CARE tax could have been put to good use, but I understand the residents were saying clearly yesterday that they’ve been taxed enough by the federal, state and county government and don’t want to be taxed any more,” Mayor Gary Gygi said in response to the outcome.

“In Cedar Hills we’ve been very responsible with their sales tax dollars,” he said.

“When I was appointed in 2012, the amount of residential property tax that went directly to the city was 24 percent. Since 2012, while property taxes as a whole have gone up slightly, the portion that has gone to Cedar Hills has dropped to just under 19 percent.”

Westlake High School Marching Alpine to Band attends nationals in Indiana monitor

mountain bike teams’ park usage

By Christy Jepson The Westlake High School Marching Band just returned from Indianapolis, Ind., where they were the only high school marching band to represent Utah at the Bands of America Grand National Championship.

“We are so excited for the students to compete on this national stage,” said Westlake’s band director Brek Mangelson before the band left on Nov. 9. “They have worked so hard this season and are well prepared to represent our community and the state of Utah in Indianapolis.”

The band performed Nov. 10 at 10:30 p.m. at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. One hundred bands from all around the country competed at this three-day event. Late on the night of Nov. 11, they announced the top 30 bands, which then performed at the semi-finals and finals on Nov. 12.

Westlake Marching Band took 54th out of the 100 bands.

“For our first time competing at nationals, the coordinators said we did very well,” Mangelson said. According to the Bands of America, it was the most competitive year they had ever seen. Westlake Marching Band competed See BAND, page A2

By Linda Petersen

The Westlake High School Marching Band performed at the Bands of America Grand National Championship in Indianapolis, Ind., on Nov. 10.

Parks in question after bond issue fails

By Linda Petersen The future of Lehi’s Peck Park, approved by the city council on Oct. 4, along with several other parks in the city is now in jeopardy since voters did not pass the $50 million general obligation parks and recreation bond city leaders were asking for.

With a vote of 9,949 (60.7 percent) to 6,442 (39.3 percent) on Nov. 8, voters declined to support the bond city officials say was needed to “preserve our quality of life, maintain our city’s small-town feel and support desired sports programming.”

“The city should once again be denied its desire to tax and spend and encouraged to

find a better way to fund what residents want.

Secure corporate sponsorships. Solicit donations. Coordinate fundraisers. Offer a more modest proposal at a lower cost. There are many options besides siphoning a staggering $50 million from Lehi residents. Many Lehi families are struggling financially and cannot bear this additional tax burden,” resident Conner Boyak, who was opposed to the bond, wrote in the voter information pamphlet sent to residents. “More parks would be a wonderful thing for Lehi — few disagree with this.

But that does not mean that this bond is a good idea. Just like the irresponsible bond city officials proposed last year, this one should also be denied. They — and we — can do better.”

Despite two open houses, public hearings, an aggressive marketing campaign and a website dedicated to the proposal (letsplaylehi. com), in the end voters did not support the plan.

“The Lehi City Council made the decision to let Lehi residents decide whether or not to invest in parks and open space for our future. The residents have made their decision.

Regardless of the outcome, I am pleased to see community engagement on such an important issue,” Mayor Bert Wilson said. “The fact remains that our community continues to grow at a rapid pace and there is an immediate need for parks, trails and open space. While we may See PARKS, page A2

Alpine City officials are concerned that Lambert Park is being overused by mountain bike teams. The teams are causing significant damage to the park, they say, and something needs to be done to address the issue.

In an August city council meeting, City Councilmember Troy Stout said “it was apparent that the park was being loved to death.”

Currently five school teams — Skyridge High School, Pleasant Grove High School, American Fork High School, Lone Peak Junior High School and Lone Peak High School — use the park during the season, which lasts from July to October.

Stout, an avid mountain biker who uses Lambert Park several times a week himself, said he’d seen more traffic in the park this year than in the last five years combined. In the past he has seen several teams show up at the park at the same time. “There’s literally no room for anyone else on the trail,” he said.

Stout also said the trails are becoming hazardous and that he worries about less-experienced riders. He said he strongly supported the mountain bike teams, but added, “We’re taking a little bit more than our fair share in our end of the county to support the sport.”

At a Sept. 27 council meeting, two residents spoke in support of protecting the park. Blyth Larrabee said Lambert Park was “a wonderful place to recreate and for families to gather. As gra ndparents, it has been a wonderful place for us to participate in different activities there.”

“I hope that will be preserved in our community ... and that the council will take the See BIKES, page A2

A2 - November/December 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 14 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com

Marines to sponsor Am. Fork sponsors Toys for Tots campaign weight loss contest It’s the giving season for 2016! We are back and are ready to collect toys for the wonderful girls and boys. We encourage everyone to give a little this year to help someone who may be in need. The United States Marine Corps is proud to present its campaign for Toys for Tots.

Please read all of the information below.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to myself or my counterpart via email, text or phone. We are extremely excited to run this campaign again this year and look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

BAND

Continued from page A1 in the top division, which was based on school size. “I was very proud of the performance by the students. It was their first time playing in a dome environment. It was unlike anything we’ve ever done,” Mangelson said. Westlake’s band was one of the smallest bands in their division with 136 members. Several bands that competed in the same division exceeded 300 members.

Westlake’s show was titled “The Siege” and included music from “Pagan Dances” by James Barnes, the main theme from “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” by Tan Dun and Prokofiev’s Scythian Suite.

Dominick Parker, a sophomore at Westlake who plays the baritone, talked about his experience going to nationals. “I learned

BIKES

Continued from page A1 necessary measures to protect it and safeguard the gem that we have here in Alpine,” she said.

Bryan Burr said he was a mountain biker and an avid user of Lambert Park. He said it is great the teams have Lambert the park to ride in, but added, “There’s a price that’s being paid. In some areas, the trails are becoming degraded and are becoming treacherous.”

Both Burr and Stout felt it was important that the teams that use the park give back in some way.

In response to these concerns, coaches from some of the teams attended the Oct. 25 council meeting to discuss the issue. “Lambert Park has been great for us. It’s a wonderful venue with a lot of great trails. We certainly appreciate having that available to us,” said Clay Shubin, coach at Lone Peak Junior High School. He said the teams have worked on park maintenance projects in the past and plan

If you would like to volunteer for this year’s campaign, then please contact SSgt Matthew Mcknight at -801-357-9330. He will be more than happy to answer any and questions you may have. Thank you so much for your dedication and support.

We strongly encourage any local businesses to sponsor a Toys for Tots event in an effort to collect donations as well as help spread the word. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to offer a helping hand by volunteering for one of our events, please contact SSgt Zachary McClendon at 801-878-5814 or email at zachary.mcclendon@usmc.mil.

that there is so much more to band than just music. I learned it takes a great amount of work and emotion for everyone, each individual student has to put so much into it. We have to devote ourselves and work together to make it a perfect show,” he said. Along with the hard work and long hours of rehearsing, the band was able to find some time to relax. Parker recalls how much fun he and other band members had seeing the Indy 500 racetrack and, for memory’s sake, “kissing the finish line.”

Mangelson’s favorite part of the entire trip was seeing the excitement and nervousness of his students when they all walked out of the tunnel and onto the field in Lucas Oil Stadium.

As the band walked onto the field, Mangelson admits he got a little teary eyed. “It was a dream come true to see the Westlake band performing at the national championships for the first time in school history. I am very proud of my students and program!”

to do so in the future.

“We feel like we need to earn our turn,” he said. “We’re more than willing to do trail work and signs. We realize what a blessing it is to have that park.”

In response to the council’s concerns, Lone Peak High School coach Davy Kammer sent an email to the city council.

“On average, Lambert Park is being used roughly 3 times a week for a 1.5 - 2 hour practice during these 4 months.... The residents of Alpine and other users of Lambert Park currently share the Park with the Mountain bike teams for about 5 1/2 hours a week over a 4 month period,” Kammer’s email said.

The coaches currently have a complete schedule of when each team will be practicing at Lambert Park and at what times. Generally they practice in the evenings.

After a prolonged discussion on the issue, the council decided to have an annual meeting with all the coaches and to utilize the coaches’ schedule as the city’s guide for using the park.

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By Linda Petersen

The months between Halloween and New Year’s are when many Americans put on weight. While many people begin a new year trying to take those pounds back off, in American Fork they’re trying to be proactive with a citywide “Maintain, Don’t Gain” contest.

Those interested may sign up and weigh in anytime through Nov. 12 (the contest began Oct. 24) at the American Fork Fitness Center front desk. You do not have to be an American Fork resident or fitness center member to participate.

Everyone who maintains or loses weight by the end of the contest, which runs from Halloween to New Year’s Day, will receive a prize.

“The contest captures all of the holidays – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s – and just helps people watch their weight throughout the holidays,” said Office Manager Shelly Medina.

The person who loses the most weight will receive the grand prize of an annual indi-

vidual fitness center membership and $50.

(Most grand prize winners in the past had lost between 25 and 40 pounds.) The winner will be announced at the fitness center’s annual fitness Fair on Jan. 14, 2017.

Medina said the city has been doing the contest for about 15 years. Generally, around 200 people sign up.

The cost for the contest is $5 and includes a Workout Challenge Workbook. (Exercise can generate extra points). Contestants are welcome to use the fitness center scales for self-monitored weigh-ins, Medina said.

Sign up at the fitness center at 454 N. Center in American Fork.

Bids for Bayhill Park higher than anticipated

By Linda Petersen Cedar Hills officials are holding off on awarding the bid for a new park after bids came in higher than expected.

Bids received for the proposed Bayhill Park came in at $518,974 and $520,000. The city’s contract engineer Bowen Collins & Associates had anticipated a bid of around $363,000.

Residents in the area say they have been promised a park in their neighborhood for more than 15 years. Several attended the Sept.

20 council meeting expressing their desire for a park in that area.

The city has had an acre set aside for the park at 10279 N. Bayhill Drive for several years. The bid called for the park to include a parking lot, pavilion, retaining walls, playground surfaces, landscape and irrigation. In August 2009, residents submitted a petition with 100 signatures asking for the council to make the park happen.

The council ultimately decided to have Bowen Collins & Associates “aggressively pursue bids” right away, according to the motion, with a plan to begin construction in January and complete the project by the beginning of summer 2017.

Bayhill Drive resident Angela Burgongia said there is so little space for the “hundreds of kids that live up there to play. They’re in the street all the time.“ “We really could use some grass space and a little destination to go,” she said. “This is much more than a neighborhood park for the people who live on the street.”

“In 2009 there was funds approved for it

PARKS Continued from page A1

not be able to complete the proposed projects at the rate that we had hoped, we will continue to work hard to provide great opportunities for our residents to get out and play.”

Projects that would have been funded

(the park) that got eaten up when Timpanogos Park went over budget,” she said.

Becky Hoffman said that when she moved into the neighborhood 15 years ago, they were told a park would be put in. “Fifteen years is a long time to wait for that park to come in ....

I see all these little kids in our neighborhoods ... that are playing in the street,” she said.

“We see other parks go in ... but our park gets put off and put off and put off. Morally, it’s wrong.”

“The beautiful young families in the neighborhood, they need (a park) desperately,” Donna Lyle said. “You must fulfill that promise because it was promised 15 years ago.”

Mayor Gary Gygi reassured the residents that the council plans to have the park finished but was deciding that evening whether to accept one of the high bids. “Do we spend an additional $100,000 of your tax dollars now when the engineer is not even sure it can be done … or do we wait until spring to rebid it?” he said.

City Councilmember Jenney Rees spoke about the long history of the park. “This is something I’ve been advocating for since I joined the council in 2012 .... It’s been delayed multiple times .... My concern is that there’s always a good reason to delay a project and this one has been delayed several times.”

“We’ve done it too many times already. We do owe it to these residents to put in a park,” she said. “There’s always been a reason to delay it and I think we should stop delaying it.”

Initially city officials were looking at waiting until January to rebid the park. But after a prolonged discussion, the council decided to put it out to bid right away. with the $50 million included Peck Park ($8 million) and another new park, Rhodes-Mellor Park ($21 million); land purchases for future parks ($11 million); trail improvements ($3 million); and capital improvements at more than 26 city and neighborhood parks.

Even if the bond had passed, city staff members said the $8 million planned for Peck Park would only have been enough to finish half the park.

Vol. 16 No. 14 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - November/December 2016 - A3

Lehi to celebrate Family Week Nov. 20-26

By Linda Petersen

Lehi’s annual Family Week will kick off Sunday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. with motivational speaker Hank Smith at Skyridge High School, 3000 N. Center, Lehi. The event will also include recognition of outstanding families and businesses, a youth choir and prelude music

by Brynn Christiansen. Smith, a renowned speaker, has an MBA from Utah State University and a PhD from Brigham Young University and has published 16 “Talks on CD” with Deseret Book and Seagull Book.

Being honored this year during the week are three Lehi families: the Jeremy and Paige Albrecht Family, the Greg and Emily Eastman Family and the Scott and Michelle Holbrook Family. Also being honored as Lehi’s Family-Friendly Business is Ancestry.

“Come to all the events and tell them you are a guest of the mayor. Let’s love more, forgive more, do more, appreciate what we have, stop worrying about what we want, and be grateful that we have a community who cares about each other and our families,” Mayor Bert Wilson wrote.

Throughout the week, there will be various events and special discounts at Lehi area businesses for Lehi residents. The schedule is as follows: Monday, Nov. 21 MAD Greens: One free hummus side or cup of soup from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 50 N. 1200 East, Suite 100, Lehi.

Cahoots Fitness: Free Ballet Barre fitness class for Moms and Movement Preschool or Baby Steps class for kids 5 and under at 10:30 a.m. (please reserve a spot on the website: http:www.cahootsfitness.com/try-a-free-class. html).

Jack and Jill’s Lanes: Bowling and laser tag, 6-9 p.m. BOGO plus an up to two-topping pizza for $10, 24 oz. drink for $1 a person.

Thanksgiving Point: $5 off admission to Museum of Ancient Life and Museum of Natural Curiosity, 10 percent off at the Emporium, and $5 discount to the Harvest Restaurant for lunch or dinner (this is not $5 off per person, it is $5 off per family, per table).

Tuesday, Nov. 22 - Stonehaven Dental: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free dental exam and x-rays for new patients.

Cahoots Fitness: Free HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) fitness class for Moms and Movement Preschool or Baby Steps class for t kids 5 and under at 10:35 a.m. (please reserve

a spot on the website: http:www.cahootsfitness.com/try-a-free-class.html).

Hutchings Museum: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., half-price admission.

Mountain Point Medical Center Hospital: From 4:30 to 7 p.m., Pictures & Pancakes with Santa, $3/person or $10/family. Also Storytime with Mrs. Claus, free Santa pictures, food, crafts and more.

Wednesday, Nov. 23 Hutchings Museum: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., half-price admission.

Seven Peaks Fun Center of Lehi: From 2 to 9 p.m., $20 off Family Ludicrous Pass, $5 off Eat and Play Combo.

Legacy Center: From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., halfprice swim.

Cahoots Fitness: Free yoga class for Moms and Movement Preschool or Baby Steps class for kids 5 and under at 9:20 a.m. (please reserve a spot on the website: http:www. cahootsfitness.com/try-a-free-class.html).

Thursday, Nov. 24 Cahoots Fitness: Free fitness class for adult women, 8 a.m.

Outlets at Traverse Mountain: Moonlight Madness. Deep discounts; all-night shopping party beginning at 9 p.m. Deep discounts, door busters, entertainment and hourly giveaways with a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. Prize ball drop at midnight and a money machine.

Friday, Nov. 25 Shop Lehi businesses and Outlets.

Hutchings Museum: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., half-price admission.

Thanksgiving Point: $5 off admission to Museum of Ancient Life and Museum of Natural Curiosity, 10 percent off at the Emporium, and $5 discount to the Harvest Restaurant for lunch or dinner (this is not $5 off per person, it is $5 off per family, per table).

Saturday, Nov. 26 Hutchings Museum: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., half-price admission.

Thanksgiving Point: $5 off admission to Museum of Ancient Life and Museum of Natural Curiosity, 10 percent off at the Emporium, and $5 discount to the Harvest Restaurant for lunch or dinner (this is not $5 off per person, it is $5 off per family, per table).

Santa Parade: Down Main Street at 5 p.m., tree lighting at Lehi Main Street Plaza.

Family Square Dance: Legacy Center north gym from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring a canned good for dance fee entrance.

Senior center plans Thanksgiving Luncheon The Lehi Senior Center will hold its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This luncheon will be festive and entertaining with live music played by singer Sheery Brennan. Brennan will perform cowboy and Western oldies music – she will be sure to bring a smile to many faces and bring back fond memories from the past.

In addition to the great food and music, seniors will also have the opportunity to play

a few Thanksgiving-themed games, socialize and enjoy a bit of Thanksgiving poetry.

Meals are a $3 donation per person for those 60 or older. Anyone who wishes to attend and is under the age of 60 will be asked to pay $6 for their meal. Please RSVP to Jan Jonsson-Kirkham at 385-201-2350 by Wednesday, Nov. 16. We hope you come out and enjoy a festive get-together at the Lehi Senior Center, which is located at 123 N. Center in Lehi.

Porter Rockwell District Eagle Scouts announced

By Wendy Visser Lojik The Porter Rockwell District area has announced approved Eagle Scouts and projects: Eagle Mountain Zachary Anderson: fingerprinting Hiram Arenas: blankets for UVRMC Jeremy Mitchell: horseshoe pits in Willow Park Josh Salter: Emergency Preparedness fair Lone Tree Skye Staley: food and clothing OVA Homeless resources Nick Templeton: refurbish Camp Wms ldrship training courses Tyler Westphal: shelving boundaries, Eagle Mountain library Devan White: renovated Mosida Handcart site campground James Woodard: wooden window well covers Saratoga Springs Adam Baca: newborn kits, serving with smiles Jonathan Despain: beautify Massacre Rocks campsite Colten Empey: RFID tags library books Cordell Hall: shoes for souls

Walker Hammond: Jacobs Ranch Fire Hydrants Isaac Jepson: sports equipment, Scottish Rite Hospital, Dallas Dalton Klinger: picture and chapter books, Pri Childrens Charles Larson: video war artifacts, veterans tour Hutchings Museum Bennett Mitchell: collected socks school and baby supplies for DCFS Colby Peterson: meal for Road Home in Midvale Riley Schroeder: summer dance programs in Saratoga Springs Lance Walker: Art Kits Pri Childrens Nathan Wilkinson: renovated fire station in Tetonia Jacob Wycherly: renovated social hall St. Peters’ in AF Lehi Maxwell Jardine: photographed tometones, Alberta Jacob Madore: concrete pads and benches, Lehi Park Tyler Trane: wood cutouts, Pri Childrens Cedar Fort Rueben Peterson: repainted rodeo grounds

The Jeremy and Paige Albrecht Family

The Greg and Emily Freeman Family

The Scott and Michelle Holbrook Family

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North county to host wide variety of Christmas events

By Linda Petersen

All the communities in northern Utah County have special events planned for the holiday season. Many of them are free and all are family-friendly. A list of various activities appears below.

ALPINE Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Alpine Utah Stake Center, 98 E. Canyon Crest Road The Alpine community choir will holds its 46th annual Christmas performance, “I Stand All Amazed.” The performance is open to the public 8 years of age and older. Free admission.

Santa comes to Alpine Monday, Nov. 28, 5 to 6 p.m.

Legacy Park, 50 E. Center They will be collecting items for refugees, so please bring an unwrapped item. Free hot chocolate available.

Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra Concerts Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Timberline Middle School, 500 W. Canyon Crest Road, Alpine Two concerts featuring John Rutter’s “Gloria” for choir and orchestra. The symphony will be joined by Highland Choral Arts under the direction of Cathy Jolley. Tickets: $10 general admission, $8 students/seniors. Purchase at www.thetso.org.

AMERICAN FORK “Christmas in the Rotunda” Children’s Art Show American Fork Library, 64 S. 100 East For ages 6 to 12. Theme: “Songs of the Season” Registration: Monday, Nov. 28, from 3 to 6 p.m. Artists’ reception on Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. Free admission.

Other Christmas in the Rotunda events: Timpanogos Chorale, Monday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

American Fork Children’s Choir and Ukulele Band, Monday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

Violin concert Tuesday, Dec. 20 (call for time) Other library events Adult classes - Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.: Creating holiday scents with essential oils.

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.: Cooking class, holiday recipes.

Wasatch Winds Christmas Concert Monday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.

American Fork High School auditorium, 510 N. 600 East.

Wasatch Winds will perform several holiday favorites including “Sleigh Ride,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells” along with several other numbers. Admission: adults $5, students $3 and immediate family pass $15. Children 5 and under are free.

American Fork Symphony Concert Monday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

American Fork Junior High School, 20 W. 1120 North Program to include “A Rhapsody on Christmas Carols,” “Around the World at Christ-

The American Fork Symphony will present a concert of Christmas music on Dec. 19 as one of many different activities and events occuring in Northern Utah County cities this holiday season. mastime” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.”

Admission: $5 adults, $3 children ages 3-18, $15 family pass. Tickets available at the door.

CEDAR HILLS Night with Santa Monday, Dec. 5, 6 to 8 p.m.

The Vista Room, Cedar Hills Community Center, 10640 N. Clubhouse Drive Santa Claus will arrive in a fire truck and then join everyone in the Vista room where he will lead the singing of several favorite holiday songs. Visit with Santa, receive a candy cane, have a complimentary picture taken and enjoy refreshments. Free admission.

Light Up Cedar Hills For the city’s annual lighting contest, judges from the city’s Beautification Committee will canvass the city on Friday, Dec. 16, to determine who has the best outdoor lighting displays. One winner will be selected from each voting precinct, and the five winners will be announced in the January newsletter.

Last year’s winners were the Millers at 10145 N. Evergreen Circle, the Haags at 10683 N. Spyglass and the Mortensens at 4420 W. Hawthorne Court. Photos of the decorated homes can be viewed on the city’s website at cedarhills.org/light-up-2015.

HIGHLAND Christmas Craft Day Highland’s Christmas Craft Day will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at City Hall, 5400 W. Civic Center Dr., Suite 1, Highland. Activities will include crafts (free to $1.25), storyteller Nanette and performances by the Highland Children’s Choir, Chime Choir and Flute Choir. Also visit with Santa Claus. Proceeds will benefit the Highland City Arts Council.

Holiday Photography Class Monday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Highland Library, 5400 Civic Center Dr. #2, American Fork Get tips for your best holiday shots. Free admission.

Highland Teen Chimes Choir Concert Monday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.

Highland Elementary School, 10865 N. 6000 West Combined concert with Highland Elementary Chimes Choir. Free admission.

LEHI Library Christmas Story Time Nov. 30 and Dec. 1: 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. - December Tales Lehi City Library, 120 Center St. Santa Parade Saturday, Nov. 26, 5 p.m.

The parade begins at Lehi High School and ends at the Main Street Plaza (100 W. Main). Following the parade, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Dec. 2 through 17, 7 p.m.

Lehi Arts Center,685 N. Center, Lehi “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is the story of the six delinquent Herdman kids and their unconventional telling of the Christmas story. Tickets: 12 and older, $7; under 12, $5.

Tickets available at www.showtix4u.com.

A Joshua Creek Christmas Dec. 22 and 23, 7:30 p.m.

Lehi Arts Center, 685 North Center, Lehi All tickets $7.95 Tickets available at www. showtix4u.com.

Lehi Children’s Choir Nov. 26, 5 p.m.: Lehi Christmas parade Dec. 2, 2 p.m.: Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Salt Lake City, free admission.

Dec. 10, 7 p.m.: Lehi Children’s Choir Christmas Concert, Stonegate Reception Center, Pleasant Grove. Cost: Adults $5, students $3, immediate family $15. Children 5 and under are free.

SARATOGA SPRINGS Thanksgiving Crafting Wednesday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saratoga Springs Library, 1307 North St. Free admission.

Christmas Tree Lighting Monday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Neptune Park, 452 W 400 North. Free admission.

Messiah Performance Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.

Westlake High School, 99 N. 200 West, Saratoga Springs. Free admission.

Saratoga Springs Community Orchestra Performance Monday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

Vista Heights Middle School, 484 Pony Express Pkwy. Free admission.

Visit with Santa Wednesday, Dec. 21, 4 to 6 p.m.

Saratoga Springs Library, 1307 North St. Free admission.

Christmas Crafting Friday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saratoga Springs Library, 1307 North St. Free admission.

EAGLE MOUNTAIN Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Nov. 24, 8 a.m., Hidden Hollow Race starts at Hidden Hollow and ends at the entrance of the Eagle Park subdivision.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place; first full team to finish; largest team registered; and best costume. The first 20 finishers will receive a special 20th anniversary prize. Registration required: emcity.org/ turkey.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Eagle Mountain City Hall, 1650 East Stagecoach Run Enjoy hot chocolate, visits with Santa, the tree lighting and essay contest winners. Free admission.

Santa on the Fire Truck Saturday, Dec. 3, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

City Hall, 1650 E. Stagecoach Run

Alpine City looks at new public works building, well

By Linda Petersen

Alpine City has begun the process of getting a new public works building constructed on city-owned property on 300 North. At its Oct. 8 meeting, the Alpine City Council discussed the issue and approved a feasibility study on the property.

Some residents were concerned that there might be heavy traffic with asphalt trucks and other trucks, but Public Works Director and City Engineer Shane Sorenson told them the 300 North location would not be the main hub of Public Works. It would primarily be used for the storage of mowers.

Also at the meeting, Sorensen told the council that the city had been struggling to provide pressurized irrigation water in the city’s high water zone and proposed a well that would help that zone. They were looking at several possible sites, three of which were owned by the city. Last year the city had Loughlin Water Associates conduct a study on those sites. The LWA study recommended a

site which was not owned by the city. However, after review and on Sorenson’s recommendation, the city council approved the drilling of an exploratory well on city-owned property near the detention basin on the south end of the Heritage Hills development.

The cost of drilling this well was expected to be $250,000 to $350,000 for the well and an additional $30,000 to $40,000 for engineering and construction management. Sorenson said if the well worked out, the city would have to file an application for a well right which could take up to a year to get approved.

Several Fort Canyon Road residents addressed the council to complain about the reconstruction project. Those complaints included concern about the increase in traffic with development of the Three Falls subdivision, closure of the road, a lack of information and difficulty working with utility companies.

Mayor Carl Wimmer said that the city would put information on the city website to help keep residents informed about the project.

Vol. 16 No. 14 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - November/December 2016 - A5

Thunder Ridge hosts night of interactive learning

By Christy Jepson

Thunder Ridge Elementary School in Saratoga Springs hosted its first Family Engineering Night on Nov. 3 with students and their families engaged in science, engineering, technology and math activities in a fun, creative, interactive way.

According to Thunder Ridge Elementary School Principal Jason Theler, there were 14 different hands-on stations. The projects included launchers, catapults, marble coasters, Lego challenges, a circuit city, snack construction, kazoos, straw rockets and water bottles and LED jewelry. Most of the activities had “make-and-take” creations to take home.

In talking about the purpose of the evening, Theler said, “We wanted to introduce families to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) principles and practices, showcase some of the great STEM things we are already doing, and measure parent attitudes and support for the STEM steps we

are taking.”

Throughout the night, 452 visitors came and participated in building, making, creating, flying and testing various items under the supervision of 26 teachers and volunteers.

After the evening was over, parents were asked in a survey what activities their families really enjoyed. Out of 55 responses, 85 percent said marshmallow launchers, 80 percent said LED jewelry and 69 percent said kazoos.

Without the help of the School Community Council, which budgeted and set aside $1,200 in the Trust Lands budget, this family event would not have happened. Theler also received a grant from the Utah STEM Action Center for an additional $500 to help with additional supplies, door prizes and treats, which made the night a little more special.

“It was a great night!” Theler said. “I am very grateful for the awesome teachers and SCC members that helped plan, organize and facilitate this wonderful night.”

Cedar Hills bans wind and solar systems - for now

By Linda Petersen Cedar Hills officials have put a temporary moratorium on renewable energy systems into effect. This includes solar and wind systems but excludes roof-mounted solar and will be in effect until Dec. 15.

According to City Manager David Bunker, the city has received numerous applications and inquiries regarding these types of systems. City officials say they have taken this action “in an effort to curb any nuisanc-

es” that could be caused by these types of systems and to bring city code current in addressing them.

The city council was expected to hear recommendations from the planning commission at its regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 15. Those recommendations include requiring the sound level of wind turbines to be no more than 65dB at the property line. They are also recommending that rooftop-mounted wind energy systems be prohibited “based on aesthetics.”

Victim advocate services available to local residents

By Candace Johnson What is a victim advocate? A victim advocate is someone who assists a victim of crime.

Victim advocates, also referred to as victim service providers, can offer resources for help, provide emotional comfort, assist in filling out paperwork, attend court with the victim, and get the necessary service the victim requires.

Victim advocates play many roles. They can provide information on victim rights, crime prevention, the criminal justice system, safety planning and shelter and transportation.

Victims advocates deal with crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, elder abuse and more.

Victim service providers can work anywhere from the local police station to nonprofit organizations and crisis centers. There are both paid and volunteer victim advocates that can provide a victim with the help they need.

A victim advocate will work to ensure your rights as the victim. The National Center for Victims of Crime lists a victims rights as: 1.Right to Be Treated with Dignity, Respect, and Sensitivity 2.Right to Be Informed 3.Right to Protection 4.Right to Apply for Compensation 5.Right to Restitution from the Offender 6.Right to a Speedy Trial 7.Right to Enforcement of Victims’ Rights Victim advocacy is listening to and believing victims of crime in a nonjudgemental, respectful manner. Victim advocates ensure that victims are heard in the criminal justice process. They don’t tell people what to do or how to feel. They provide support soon after crimes are committed and throughout the criminal justice process. They assist victims with Crime Victim Reparations, Protective Orders and Stalking Injunctions. (Holly Johnson, SSPD Victim Service Coordinator) Saratoga Springs Victims Services All of the services the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Victim Services Program offers are confidential and free of charge. They believe victims need to be informed of their rights and be treated with dignity and respect.

Their program consists of Holly Johnson, victim services coordinator; Andrea Sims, victim advocate; and a team of volunteer victim advocates. The program’s office is located inside the police department at 1307 N. Commerce Drive and it can also be reached by phone at 801-766-6503 or 801-794-3970. They are glad to work with victims of reported and non-reported crimes.

Eagle Mountain Victim Services The Utah County Victim Assistance Program is available to address the needs of victims of crime within our community.

It is available to assist those who have been

affected by crime and the abuse of others. All services are free of charge. It is their goal to increase the safety of victims and to give support and guidance in maneuvering through the various elements involved in being a victim of crime.

If you believe you are a victim of crime, there is hope. Victims Services encourages anyone who thinks they are a victim of crime to call its office and speak with a victim advocate.

To contact the Saratoga Springs victim advocates call Holly Johnson at 801-766-6503.

To contact the Eagle Mountain victim advocates, call Celeste Lojik at 801-851-8364 or BreAnn Wilkes at 801-851-8378. To contact The Domestic Violence Hotline, call 800-8975465.

Candace is a volunteer victim advocate for SSPD and a freelance writer. *** Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. - Robert Louis Stevenson

Hands-on activities centered on science, engineering, technology and math were offered during an evening of learning at Thunder Ridge Elementary School.

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Understanding addiction key to helping others

By Wendy Visser Lojik

Addictions plague our generation and reach into our safe little community here in Northern Utah County. Understanding is key to dispel the misinformation and shaming that unjustly occurs and adds insult to injury to individuals and their families.

Addictions compromise the mechanisms in your brain that lead you toward better choices.

A new paper from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers a new framework for describing and understanding addiction.

This offers researchers a system for dealing with addiction as a single neurological problem and fitting the puzzle pieces individual kinds of habitual substance abuse into a larger whole.

It makes it easier to ask and answer questions like, why are certain people more likely to develop addictions? Why do so many addicted people have this gene? And, most importantly, how can we prevent and treat addictions once they form?

Deficits show up in people with addictions to substances ranging from nicotine to cocaine to cannabis and seem to play a significant role in addiction as a mental disease. When your brain is trained to want something, whether a sweet treat or a shot of alcohol, a rewards system kicks in and you develop a craving. And when it gets it, it releases a surge of reward chemicals including dopamine.

In people with addictions, that reward system is altered. The addictive substance gets outsized salience - that is, the addicted brain weighs it as more important and kicks in larger rewards when it arrives.

Negative emotionality: This is the simplest of the three keys. People with addictions display more negativity. Present them with some stimulus, and their reaction is more likely to be sad or angry.

Negative feelings (which researchers term “hypophonia”) make addicted people more susceptible to their cravings. And the substances that drive their addictions become temporary salves for that internal hurt.

Those three keys drive addictions as common as nicotine habits and as ravaging as opioids and amphetamines. And they track with genetic factors like mental health and family history as well as environmental factors like class and education.

Here are a few resources: Substance Abuse Treatment Centers in Utah, treatment.psychologytoday.com, dsamh.utah.gov, https:// addictionrecovery.lds.org, www.recovery. org/browse/utah, www.addicted.org/utah-detox-centers and healthcare.utah.edu.

Eagle Mtn. senior calendar

The Eagle Mountain Senior Citizens have announced the following activities and events: Monday, Nov. 21: Thanksgiving Service Project in the city center at 5 p.m. A light dinner will be served before three baskets are delivered to families who are in need of help at this time of year.

Thursday, Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day. The senior council wishes all a great day.

Monday, Nov. 28: BINGO at the city center at 5 p.m. This is a different day, so mark it on your calendar. This will include a potluck dinner.

The seniors would like to thank those who attended the planetarium trip. It was a first for some and all seemed to enjoy it very much.

Thank you everyone for attending. We had a

great time with our Lehi seniors also.

Monday, Dec. 5: Christmas Party in the City Council Chambers at 5 p.m. with dinner starting at 6 p.m. and entertainment by the Riverton Jazz Band. The dinner will be catered

by Serving Time Café. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per couple if paid by Nov. 28. At the door, the cost is $15 per couple.

Wednesday, Dec. 7: Dominos at 1 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

Thursday, Dec. 8: Bunco 1:3 in the City Council Chambers. Bring a $5 unwrapped gift.

Monday, Dec. 12: Senior Council Meeting at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. No Game Night.

Monday, Dec. 19: BINGO at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Includes pot luck dinner.

Before and after pictures of the gazebo at Highland City Cemetery. Tyler Dawson cleaned it up for his Eagle project in the spring of 2015 and Jeanie Westover and her family have kept it up. Photos courtesy of Laura Dawson

Make a difference: adopt a patch in Highland City

By Linda Petersen On many highways and byways across the U.S., Adopt A Highway signs can be seen at regular intervals. Community groups commit to keeping a stretch litter-free.

In Highland, they’re doing something similar but with a unique twist. Instead of adopting a highway, you can adopt a patch.

Those patches are pieces of city-owned property such as the cemetery, medians and entrances to neighborhoods that the city can’t afford to maintain.

The program started three years ago when Laura Dawson and a group of about eight women began working on those orphan pieces.

Each week they would choose a different location.

It’s been a pretty successful program, Dawson said, but these days the group has dwindled to just Dawson and Ginger Ford. So far, several areas around the city have benefited from the extra care, but, “If people don’t step forward and spend a little time, they won’t stay that way,” Dawson said.

“We need new people to take a turn or it’s all going to go back to weed patches,” she said.

Dawson said surprisingly, it doesn’t take a lot of time. “You’d be amazed at what you can do with 15 minutes here and there,” she said.

Dawson said the city just doesn’t have the manpower or money to take care of these areas. She is willing to take any help she can get – from individuals and families to church or civic groups and businesses.

Dawson said she has tried to recruit new helpers in a variety of ways but has so far been unsuccessful. She has a map of the city and

can help you choose a spot where you want to make a difference.

There are several adoptable areas available such as Windsor Meadows, Bull River Road and Country Club Drive.

“We have a city full of green space – it’s beautiful – but we can’t have that until people are willing to pitch in,” Dawson said.

If you can spare a few occasional minutes to help keep Highland beautiful, give Laura Dawson a call at 801-310-1009. Even though it’s going into winter now, “There’s no reason we can’t plan for the spring,” she said.

Cedar Hills offers Date Night Dec. 2

Slip on your dancing shoes and dressy attire and invite a date to the Cedar Hills Cultural Arts Second Annual Date Night on Friday, Dec. 2. This year Cameron Burr, operator of The Grill at Cedar Hills, will serve a catered dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by a fun time learning 1940s swing dancing from a professional instructor.

Cost for the evening is $20 per couple online or $30 per couple at the door (if there is space available). There are only spots for 32 couples, so this event will fill up quickly. The event will be held in the Vista Room at the Cedar Hills Community Center. Sign up online at cedarhills.org/date.

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FamilySearch building to house Family Discovery Center

By Christy Jepson It has been a controversial two-year building project. Initially, some residents of the Lehi neighborhood adjacent to the old Thanksgiving Point Golf Course driving range voiced concerns about the traffic, appearance and code of a new three-story office building to be built right behind their subdivision. Finally, in March, plans were modified and the new FamilySearch office building is now well underway. The building will also house a Family Discovery Center on the main floor.

The 12-acre site was sold by Alan and Karen Ashton, founders of Thanksgiving Point, to the LDS Church and plans originally called for construction of two four-story business

buildings. As a compromise between Lehi residents and the LDS Church, however, some modifications were made to the original plans, and phase one will now include only the office building currently under construction. Phase two will be construction of an LDS stake center next to the office building.

The Family Discovery Center at the new FamilySearch building in Lehi will be similar to that found inside the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in downtown Salt Lake City. The Family Discovery Center focuses on bringing family histories and stories to life. It makes family history more interactive and more meaningful.

The center in Salt Lake City has several fun and interactive stations. When guests first arrive, they enter their FamilySearch login

information on an electronic tablet. At one of the stations, “Discover My Story,” guests put the device on a docking pad and it essentially pulls up their own family history information.

On a huge interactive screen, they can see the meaning of their first and last names, how many people have their same names, what happened the year they were born and other interesting facts.

At the station “Explore My Story,” the electronic tablet is again placed on the docking pad and visitors can see a huge interactive world map showing where their ancestors from eight generations ago were born and where they immigrated to or died. By touching a picture of the ancestor, you can instantly pull up stories and pictures that have been submitted to FamilySearch by relatives.

In another station, guests can sit in a room filled with couches and record their own family stories in a professional recording studio. If guests bring a USB drive, they can save their stories on the device to take home.

The best way to make the most of the Family Discovery Center is to have a FamilySearch account. This allows guests to pull up their own personal family history pedigree, stories and pictures. Signing up for a FamilySearch account is free.

The Family Discovery Center is located on the main floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building located just next to Temple Square at 15 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City.

Before visiting the discovery center, call to check availability and to make an appointment.

Youth rugby program available in S. Springs, Eagle Mtn.

By Sheridan Bristow In keeping with the growing demand for rugby nationwide, Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain now have a much expanded youth rugby program. The Westlake Thunder Rugby Club provides teams for both boys and girls in seventh through 12th grade and plays under Utah Youth Rugby with many teams across the state. Westlake Thunder Rugby is supported by volunteers that have years of international rugby experience from New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, South Africa and the U.S. For those interested in rugby, there will be a parent and player information session held at Westlake High School on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. For any questions, call 801-518-3395 or send an email to sheridan21@comcast.net. The Westlake Thunder Rugby Club can also be found on Facebook.

Rugby is the fastest-growing team sport in the U.S. With all the worries of concussions in football, parents and players see rugby as a safer alternative.

Rugby has long been thought a more dangerous game than football as it is a full-contact sport with no pads. Rugby, as in any sport, carries a risk of injury but sees far fewer injuries than football and injuries that are less severe.

Football pads and helmets are the cause of many football-related injuries, while rugby has specific rules around tackling that keep players safe. Rugby tackling techniques, being safer and more accurate, are being adopted by many football teams including the Seattle Seahawks, one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. Rugby was first played in America in 1874.

The U.S. won back-to-back gold medals in the 1920 and 1924 Olympics and are still by default the reigning Olympic Champions for Rugby union (rugby fifteens).

Rugby sevens made its debut at the Rio Olympics, where the U.S. was well represented by both their men’s and women’s teams.

According to U.S.A. Rugby, there are more than 115,000 registered rugby players in America. Of those, 32,000 are on college teams with the rest in high school and club teams across the country. Interestingly, 25 percent are women, and the opportunities for collegiate scholarships for rugby are much greater for girls than they are for boys.

The Sports Fitness Industry Association in the U.S. says participation numbers in rugby are at 1.2 million; either way, rugby is growing at a fast pace.

U.S.A. Rugby has invested heavily in both

The sport of rugby is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. rugby sevens and rugby fifteens, with fulltime programs for both men and women. With this investment, both the men’s and women’s sevens teams are ranked in the top 10 in the world. In rugby fifteens, the Eagles have qualified for all but one Rugby World Cup. The

goal is to have all teams ranked in the top five in the world in the next five years.

Professional rugby just had its first full season in the U.S. and will help fuel top level athletes choosing rugby over other sports in the U.S.

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Youth in Highland in grades nine through 11 are invited to apply to be part of the Highland Youth City Council.

Break-ins caused thousands of dollars in damage at Jack and Jill Lanes.

Highland Youth City Council Break-ins at Jack and Jill now accepting applications

By Linda Petersen Applications are now due for youth wanting to be involved in the Highland Youth City Council in 2017. Currently the youth council has 17 members.

The youth council is composed of the youth city council and the youth service committee.

Both groups are involved with several events in the city throughout the year including the Christmas Crafts Day, Senior Citizens Dinner, Easter Egg Hunt, Highland Open House, Arbor Day Tree Planting and Highland Fling.

To be considered, applicants must live in Highland and be in grades nine through 11. On

the application, prospective youth city council members must write one page indicating why they would be an excellent candidate for youth council and must commit to attending at least one Highland City Council meeting.

They must commit to participate in monthly service projects and to be in charge of at least one (along with a parent). They must also commit to participate in Highland Fling activities. Prospective service committee members are required to write the one-page recommendation.

Applications must be submitted no later than 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, and can be found at http://bit.ly/HC-Youth_Council.

Timpanogos Chorale plans Christmas concerts

By Linda Petersen

The Timpanogos Chorale will perform several holiday concerts during December.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the chorale will present its Utah Food Bank Benefit Concert at 730 p.m. in the Alpine Tabernacle, 110 E. Main, American Fork. Bring food to donate to the Utah Food Bank.

The chorale will perform in a joint concert

with the American Fork Children’s Choir on Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Orem Library, 58 N. State, Orem. Admission is free.

The chorale will present its Christmas on Temple Square performance on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m., in the North Visitors Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The chorale will follow that performance with another that same evening at 8:30 p.m. in the Temple Square Assembly Hall. Admission is free.

Eagle Mountain business briefs l Opening day for the first fully functioning business in the Eagle Mountain City Center was Nov. 16 as a large crowd of excited customers greeted the new Holiday Oil and Chevron station. No longer will this part of the community have to drive more than 10 miles to the nearest fuel and convenience store. l Jiffy Lube has opened in the Ranches in Eagle Mountain. Mayor Christopher

Pengra, in addition to members from the Lehi Area Chamber of Commerce and other local business owners, welcomed the new store.

Jiffy Lube was able to provide free service to military personnel on Veterans Day to show its appreciation for their service to our country.

Manager Matt Johnson is pleased to oversee this location and looks forward to serving the community.

Lanes in two locations

By Wendy Visser Lojik

Sgt. Cameron Paul of the American Fork Police Department reported that early in the morning on Nov. 12, four individuals broke into the Jack and Jill Lanes location at 105 S. 700 in American Fork. The individuals vandalized the business, causing thousands of dollars of damages including breaking vending machines and an ATM. The Jack and Jill Lanes Lehi location at 113 S. 600 East was also discovered to have been

broken into through a back door. An unknown amount of cash was stolen; however, this location sustained far less damage. Police said it is currently unknown if the burglaries are related, but they believe they likely are connected.

Both police agencies are asking the public to contact them with information about the burglaries. Anyone with information should call the Lehi Police Department at 801-7687110 or the American Fork Police Department at 801-763-3020.

Black Bear Diner offers a family-friendly dining option

By Ashley Katis Baker Dining out with family and friends is always a great way to unwind, relax and catch up with loved ones after a long day. However, throw some kids into the mix and simply “going out to eat” can be a daunting task if the restaurant you go to is less than ideal.

Shaswati Cates and her family of four were deciding where they could enjoy a great dinner at a place that was close to home and kid-friendly one night last week. They chose to try out the American Fork location of Black Bear Diner.

“We’ve visited other locations, so we already had an expectation for the food, ambiance and prices,” said Cates. “This experience did not disappoint. Although there were some hiccups (we waited for a server a little longer than usual), the food was just as great as expected. The restaurant was clean, the food was plentiful and staff were friendly.”

According to Cates, Black Bear Diner carries a vast array of menu items. “It’s a great breakfast place within a short driving distance and that’s awesome. It’s a good place for kids since it offers kid-friendly options.”

Black Bear Diner offers several options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with affordable pricing. “The portions are gigantic! Two adults can easily share one entree. And don’t even get me started on their biscuits ... fluffy, freshly baked and super tasty,” said Cates.

Cates recommends the corn hash saying,

“It’s amazing - crispy, salty and super savory.”

Black Bear Diner is located at 154 N. West State Street. Its hours of operation are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Visit their website for menu options and pricing at www.blackbeardiner.com.

“You can tell that everything is freshly made. It’s seasoned well, which makes this a top choice for our family,” said Cates.

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American Fork residents dealing with damage caused by new water line

By Linda Petersen Lehi City is constructing its third fire station at 3870 N. Traverse Mountain Boulevard.

Lehi’s third fire station under construction

By Linda Petersen A new Lehi fire station is under construction at 3870 N. Traverse Mountain Boulevard.

It will serve the Traverse Mountain area.

Fire Station #83, which will resemble old Chicago-style fire stations, was designed by Design West and is being built by Ascent Construction. The building will have a tower which will be utilized to train firefighters to practice techniques for multi-level buildings.

Ground was broken on Oct. 19 for the station, which is expected to cost about $5.29

million.

The station will include living quarters, offices and a training/community room. It will be manned by a crew of five firefighter paramedics and will house a fire truck and an ambulance The approval for the four-acre lot includes right of way for extending Traverse Mountain Boulevard and Traverse Terrace Drive.

This will be the third station in Lehi, joining Fire Station #81 at 176 Center and Fire Station #82 at 250 W. 2600 North. It is expected to be completed by January 2018.

Cedar Fort gets new commission member

By Linda Petersen

At its October meeting, the Cedar Fort Town Council appointed Gary Cook to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

In other business, the council approved minor updates (format, numbering and grammatical changes) to several ordinances, along with a building permit for an outbuilding for Mike McInnes.

The council also reviewed the building fees ordinance. Proposed changes include granting an extension for the start of the Ag building. After a discussion, the council

agreed informally (straw vote) to change it to 540 days.

The council also considered adding language to allow a building permit transfer if property is sold with an unfinished, permitted structure on it instead of requiring a new building permit as long as there are no changes to the original building permit. The ordinance will be brought back for a formal vote in November.

Mayor J. Howard Anderson reported that the town received a $1,927 rebate from the Utah Local Governments Trust.

Residents near the Geneva Rock Loefler project have experienced damage such as blown water heaters and lines and other damage to their homes as a result of the installation of a new water line to the development, Lee Rawlings told the American Fork City Council on Oct 11. He presented photos showing some of the damage.

Mayor Jim Hadfield responded that the Public Works Department was aware of the problems and was working to resolve the issues. The problem, he said, was not increased water pressure but more volume coming through the meters.

The mayor said the city had done a poor job letting the neighboring residents know what to expect and that they should have encouraged installation of pressure-reducing valves in the homes. He said Geneva Rock’s

bond would not be released until the residents were satisfied.

At the same meeting, the city council provisionally approved changing the name of 150 East from 550 North to 650 North to Star Mill Lane. The change is subject to input from the public.

An interlocal agreement for the establishment of the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force with Utah County and other county cities was also approved.

The city agreed to pay $136,510 for improvements in the area between 300 and 200 East in UDOT’s 200 East Main Street realignment project.

A commercial site plan for the Perry Flex Development, located at 792 E. 280 South, and a zone change from Residential Agricultural to Transit Oriented Development for 18.1 acres at 747 W. 200 South were also approved by the council.

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The Lehi Area Chamber of Commerce has honored Lon Sorensen Insurance Agency with its Busines of the Month recognition.

Lon Sorensen Insurance Agency is November’s Business of the Month

By Wendy Visser Lojik Lon Sorensen Insurance Agency in Lehi has been named the November 2016 Business of the Month by the Lehi Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lon Sorensen began working in the insurance industry in 1995, working for a prominent captive insurance company for 18 years.

He recognized that there were limitations in the captive agency system, especially for business insurance. He sold his captive agency in 2003 and set about to open a brokerage agency at that time.

Starting over was a challenge, but his agency has been able to secure appointments with many companies that are leaders in the insur-

ance field. His office is on Main Street in Lehi, and they carry insurance coverage for personal needs like home, auto, boat, motorcycle, RVs including campers and trailers, snowmobiles, 4 wheelers and Jet Skis plus the full line of business insurance such as general liability, professional liability, workers compensation, business auto and business machinery and property as well as group and individual health and life insurance.

His employees are licensed and trained to find the best coverage for the dollar invested.

They recognize that their customers are their greatest asset as the majority of their new business comes from referrals from current customers.

Emotions a large part of our journey through life

By Sterling Parker I am writing this article in the early morning of the day after. You ask the day after what? Oh, come on now, the morning after game 7 of the World Series. I know you watched that game; everyone did! Everyone I know got caught up in the emotions of the series. How do I know you watched? I received so many text messages from family and friends during the game. Even people who don’t give a hoot about sports.

I am going to throw out some thoughts about emotion. Now that’s a good old baseball reference. Get it? Throw out. I could see the emotion in the faces of my grandkids, daughter and wife. They had so much energy cheering for the Cubs. I could hear it in the voices of those who called me. The text messages were expressed with excited emotion.

Emotion is a large part of our lives. Family, sports, community and church are all steeped

high in emotion. I find arousing, intense feelings from emotion - powerful, heart-rending, heart-warming, stirring and excitable. I also read that one can actually become exhausted from an emotional high. I wasn’t that far off a few days ago.

Dreams were fulfilled for Cubs fans. Hearts were broken if you were Indian fans.

We who were second-guessing the manager were dreaming of being a coach. Those youngsters and teenagers who played baseball were dreaming of a baseball career. I know that Carsen and Hudson, two of my grandsons, told me that night. My daughters Misty, Candice and Kim didn’t go to bed until the final out.

They called me the next morning completely emotional.

Yes, it’s been a long 108 years for the Cubs fans. I’m sure it was emotional for them. What I’m saying is, good emotions help us all enjoy the Good Life.

Cahoots Fitness has a new facility in Lehi and offers fitness classes for adults and children.

Cahoots offers workout options for busy moms

By Amanda Jacobsmeyer

Cahoots Fitness has moved to a sleek new facility in Lehi offering the perfect fitness solution for busy moms who are trying to fit in time for exercise while raising young children.

Cahoots Fitness shares their new location with Move Dance Studio, a studio for children of all ages and dance backgrounds. The recently opened 6,000-square-foot studio is designed specifically for dance and exercise classes. With both Move and Cahoots under one roof, local families have plenty of options for family fitness.

At Cahoots, the focus is on replenishing moms while developing their kids. The most in-demand fitness classes are available for women along with a one-of-a-kind Movement Preschool for children and a Baby Steps class for infants. Babies are even allowed to sit in their carriers next to their mom during a workout, allowing new moms to get their sweat on while keeping a close eye on their newborn.

By visiting the Cahoots website, first-timers can try a class for free.

Cahoots Fitness was founded by Megan Murff after she realized that the need for busy moms to get the replenishment that exercise

brings wasn’t being met.

“My favorite thing about Cahoots is when moms tell me how much of a difference it is making in their lives or in their kids’ lives because that’s the whole reason I started it,” explained Murff.

Murff quickly found out that she was not the only mom that loved the idea of getting exercise herself while her kids learned and developed in a fun atmosphere. Membership has steadily grown as well as satisfaction.

“Working out in the various classes makes me feel strong and healthy and beautiful. I leave feeling good about myself and energized to go home and get things done,” said local mom Kirsta Silvey. “My kids go to their Movement Preschool class and come home happy and excited to go back and learn something new the next time.”

Cahoots offers a variety of classes from a diverse range of instructors every weekday morning. Every adult fitness class is accompanied by a Movement Preschool class for children ages 2 to 5 and a Baby Steps class for babies 2 and under.

Babies are also welcome to sit next to mom in their carriers for free while mom works out.

SS council awards bid for marina improvements

By Linda Petersen The Saratoga Springs City Council approved a bid of $5,130,991 from COP Con-

struction for a marina intake and booster station at its Oct. 18 meeting. It also approved $187,500 for dredging of the marina. The booster station should add about 4,000 gallons of water to the system, according to Mark Edwards of Public Works. The dredging should provide navigational benefits because the marina will then be as deep as the lake, he said.

In other business, more than 25 Aspen Hills residents worried about traffic on their street showed up to voice their concerns at the council meeting. Spokeswoman Tamara Peterson gave city staff a list of neighbors who want something done about the street and a packet of information addressing their concerns. Several residents had attended the Oct. 4 council meeting and shared their concerns then.

A public hearing was held on the proposed Wildflower Village Plan Area 1 located west and north of Harvest Hills and north of SR 73.

They are proposing 1,438 units in the development, which will have a church building along with open space and park land. The development was approved unanimously by the council.

In October, the council also approved an update to the personnel policies and procedures manual and approved an extension of the Market Street soil removal contract to December 2017 so soils could be used at the sports complex.

Mayor Jim Miller reported on a shooting range at the south end of the city. The Bureau of Land Management wants to close down more land than previously asked for, but Miller and the council do not support that and asked city staff to draft a letter to that effect to be sent to the county. *** Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. - Buddha

Vol. 16 No. 14 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com - November/December 2016 - A11

Enjoy exploring the outdoors? Visit Western Moto and ATV for help

By Michael Young At Western Moto and ATV in Lehi, you can find anything you need for all major brands of ATVs, UTVs, SxSs, dirt bikes, street bikes and snowmobiles.

They provide service, repair and parts for a wide variety of vehicles so that you can enjoy the amazing vistas that Utah has to offer.

They have been around on State Street in Lehi since 2008 and pride themselves as being a “little shop with big service.” They honor their commitment to bring their customers the best deals possible while providing fast and reliable service that is done right the first time so that they can keep on riding. After working for years in trucking, the owners got back to their first love - power sports.

Western Moto and ATV services and repairs all types of recreational vehicles.

You can interact with them online by visiting www.facebook.com/westernmo-

toandatv. They love to field question and to hear from satisfied customers.

Essay contest open to Utah youth The Utah League of Cities and Towns is encouraging Utah’s youth to become more aware of their communities through its annual essay contest, “Why I Like My Community.” This contest is open to students in fourth and seventh grades.

Many teachers have commented that the contest enhances the social studies

curriculum for these two grades by giving students an opportunity and encouragement to look at their communities in new ways. Others have used the contest as a concrete way to use the writing process.

Cash prizes will be awarded to winning students and their schools. First place winners will receive $100 and the

school will receive $1,000; second place, $75 and $750; and third place, $50 and $500.

Entries must be submitted to the Utah League of Cities and Towns by March 1, 2017. Entry forms and essay guidelines can be obtained at http://www.ulct.org/ ulct-youth-essay-contest/. For more information, call the ULCT 801-328-1601.

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

Saratoga Springs. Meals and preschool activities provided.

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

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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 - November/December 2016 - Vol. 16 No. 14 - Online All the Time - TheCrossroadsJournal.com

Beck Christmas Tree Farm growing strong after 50 years

By Christy Jepson

Every time Donald Beck walks through his 10-acre Christmas tree farm in Alpine, he realizes his childhood dream has come true.

At age 90, Beck still gets teary-eyed when he sees his entire family, including his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, working on the family Christmas tree farm.

When Beck was a child living in Alpine, he saw a neighbor in town plant a few trees.

This piqued his interest in having his own tree farm. At age 35, there was a piece of property available to him in Alpine. He decided to go for his childhood dream of owning a tree farm, and that is how Beck Christmas Tree Farm got started. Every year, Beck’s family gathers in April and helps plant about 1,000 trees at the farm, which is located at 798 W. 800 South in Alpine.

According to one of his grandsons, Eric Fotheringham, Beck started growing trees on the farm in the 1950s. According to Fotheringham, it takes about 12 to 15 years to grow a tree. So in the mid 1960s, Beck finally started selling trees at the tree farm. Ever since then, hundreds of community members

go to the Christmas tree farm to cut down their own trees to put in their homes for the holiday season.

“My grandpa loves it! He loves that it is a family event. He loves seeing his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids work together at the tree farm. It is his passion!” Fotheringham said.

For the Beck family, it is not about making money during the holidays; it is about working and being together, especially when life takes everyone in so many different directions. Donald and Emily Beck have three children, and each of their children and their families are responsible for a major job at the farm. One family is in charge of irrigation, one family is in charge of mowing the grass between the rows, and one family is in charge of weeding. “Grandpa loves seeing everyone at the farm,” Fotheringham said.

During the past few years, visitors could come to the farm between Labor Day and Halloween and tag their Christmas tree so when the day after Thanksgiving came, they could come and cut their tree down. “This is the last year we are letting people tag their

Four generations now help run the Beck Christmas Tree Farm in Alpine. trees. Unfortunately, last year we had 30 tagged trees that were taken by other people.

So we are stopping that tradition,” Fotheringham said. “Starting next year in 2017, the tree farm will only be open the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving from 9 to 5 p.m. to cut your tree.”

At the tree farm, visitors will find trees ranging in size from 100 feet tall to those planted last year that are only 15 inches tall.

The cost is $60 per tree, no matter the size.

They sell about 700 trees per year.

The Beck Christmas Tree Farm will be open on Nov. 25 and 26 from 9 to 5 p.m.