Colorful chalk toss to raise money for three BC organizations
June 20, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
The Brigham City Fine Arts Center in conjunction with Brigham City Rotary Club and Box Elder Community Garden are hosting the second annual Chalk Toss and Fun Run event on Saturday, June 23, behind Member’s First Credit Union, 120 East 1000 South, Brigham City.
The event is in its second year, Susan Neidert of the Fine Arts Center, said she is hoping that the increased visibility of this year’s event will improve attendance over the inaugural chalk toss last year which was held at Watkins Park.
The event will begin with 5K race check-in at 7 a.m. Register now on line for a discount on shirts and the 5K registration. Check-in and on-site registration for the 5K opens at 7 a.m. with runners/walkers setting off at 8 a.m. Activities will commence with chalk tosses throughout the day until 4 p.m.
Chalk toss events have gained notoriety and popularity through the spread of social media photos with families covered in multi-colored chalk thrown by other participants. Participants typically wear white or light colors so that the colored chalk shows up. Many residents have traveled to more metropolitan areas to participate in these events, Neidert said she is hoping to encourage fun family engagement through providing a local opportunity in Brigham City.
The Chalk Toss and Fun Run is family-friendly: there will be children’s activities, live entertainment, local crafters vendor booths and chalk tosses every hour. The cost is $6 per person, or $25 per family, and children 5 and under are free. The entry fee includes a package of chalk, masks, activity tickets (2 per individual entry, 10 tickets provided for family tickets) and a water bottle. Additional chalk will be available for sale between $2-$4 per bag. Although most wear their colored chalk with pride, those parents who might want to protect clothing can request a cloth drape.
“Come have fun and help three awesome community programs. We’re doing a combined fundraiser splitting it three ways, between the community garden, fine arts center and Rotary club,” said Neidert, who explained that her portion of funds raised will go toward scholarships and kids programming to keep costs down.
Booth and race sponsorships are still available, those interested should contact Janet via email, janet@bcfinearts@gmail.com, cash or check donations are also accepted at the Fine Arts Center, 58 South 100 West, Brigham City, or by calling 435-723-0740.
New this year, the “Rock Monster” will be in attendance, this oversized puppet-like character uses ordinary pebbles which will be provided, the jaw moves and chews up gravel and returns a nicely polished rock to the children to keep as a souvenir.
Prices for activities will vary there will be five free activities, and eight activities that cost one ticket each. There will be face painting, ring toss, mini car races with New Hope Crisis Center, sensory challenge boxes, water bottle puppets and more. Vendors will be selling small crafts and slime. Alpine Gardens with community gardens will be creating fairy garden crafts. Neidert said that the activities should easily entertain families for an hour or more, but they are welcome to stay and play all day.
“We try to make it as fun as possible, we will have a chalkboard wall where they can leave their mark, and make artwork on,” said Neidert.
Returning is a crowd favorite activity: Cardboard box car designing and a race. Neidert would like to encourage attendees to bring an extra grocery box to decorate as there will be a limited number of boxes provided, but plenty of decorating materials on site. The children can spray pain them or decorate them with tape and other craft items.
“That was really a hit last year, they will make them at 10:15 and race at 10:45, then they can race over and see Alan [Dial]...he is a family oriented comedian,” Neidert said that she is excited to see his act as she has heard wonderful things. Neidert said that mid-morning timeframe will have the most appeal for those with young children as far as the live entertainment goes, but the whole day will be bustling with activities.
June 20, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
The Brigham City Fine Arts Center in conjunction with Brigham City Rotary Club and Box Elder Community Garden are hosting the second annual Chalk Toss and Fun Run event on Saturday, June 23, behind Member’s First Credit Union, 120 East 1000 South, Brigham City.
The event is in its second year, Susan Neidert of the Fine Arts Center, said she is hoping that the increased visibility of this year’s event will improve attendance over the inaugural chalk toss last year which was held at Watkins Park.
The event will begin with 5K race check-in at 7 a.m. Register now on line for a discount on shirts and the 5K registration. Check-in and on-site registration for the 5K opens at 7 a.m. with runners/walkers setting off at 8 a.m. Activities will commence with chalk tosses throughout the day until 4 p.m.
Chalk toss events have gained notoriety and popularity through the spread of social media photos with families covered in multi-colored chalk thrown by other participants. Participants typically wear white or light colors so that the colored chalk shows up. Many residents have traveled to more metropolitan areas to participate in these events, Neidert said she is hoping to encourage fun family engagement through providing a local opportunity in Brigham City.
The Chalk Toss and Fun Run is family-friendly: there will be children’s activities, live entertainment, local crafters vendor booths and chalk tosses every hour. The cost is $6 per person, or $25 per family, and children 5 and under are free. The entry fee includes a package of chalk, masks, activity tickets (2 per individual entry, 10 tickets provided for family tickets) and a water bottle. Additional chalk will be available for sale between $2-$4 per bag. Although most wear their colored chalk with pride, those parents who might want to protect clothing can request a cloth drape.
“Come have fun and help three awesome community programs. We’re doing a combined fundraiser splitting it three ways, between the community garden, fine arts center and Rotary club,” said Neidert, who explained that her portion of funds raised will go toward scholarships and kids programming to keep costs down.
Booth and race sponsorships are still available, those interested should contact Janet via email, janet@bcfinearts@gmail.com, cash or check donations are also accepted at the Fine Arts Center, 58 South 100 West, Brigham City, or by calling 435-723-0740.
New this year, the “Rock Monster” will be in attendance, this oversized puppet-like character uses ordinary pebbles which will be provided, the jaw moves and chews up gravel and returns a nicely polished rock to the children to keep as a souvenir.
Prices for activities will vary there will be five free activities, and eight activities that cost one ticket each. There will be face painting, ring toss, mini car races with New Hope Crisis Center, sensory challenge boxes, water bottle puppets and more. Vendors will be selling small crafts and slime. Alpine Gardens with community gardens will be creating fairy garden crafts. Neidert said that the activities should easily entertain families for an hour or more, but they are welcome to stay and play all day.
“We try to make it as fun as possible, we will have a chalkboard wall where they can leave their mark, and make artwork on,” said Neidert.
Returning is a crowd favorite activity: Cardboard box car designing and a race. Neidert would like to encourage attendees to bring an extra grocery box to decorate as there will be a limited number of boxes provided, but plenty of decorating materials on site. The children can spray pain them or decorate them with tape and other craft items.
“That was really a hit last year, they will make them at 10:15 and race at 10:45, then they can race over and see Alan [Dial]...he is a family oriented comedian,” Neidert said that she is excited to see his act as she has heard wonderful things. Neidert said that mid-morning timeframe will have the most appeal for those with young children as far as the live entertainment goes, but the whole day will be bustling with activities.
Local 10-year-old recovering from traumatic brain injury
Another ATV accident with no helmet or seatbelt to blame
June 13, 2018 • Nancy Browne • Staff writer
Left with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a RZR side-by-side all terrain vehicle turned over during a family camping trip May 27, 10-year-old Lizzie Anderson finally went home last Friday.
Although she was well enough to go home, her mother Jessica May Anderson, said it will take a full year of continuous physical, occupational, cognitive and speech therapy to get the Mountain View fifth-grader back to normal. And even then, there’s no guarantee.
With a moderate to severe TBI like Lizzie’s, the first year is the most critical, Anderson said. The therapy will be long and hard.
The accident occurred near Spencer, Idaho, while Lizzie was camping with her aunt and uncle and several other individuals. Her mother was not on the trip.
Because Lizzie was not wearing a helmet or seat belt, when the driver of the RZR swerved on a dirt road to avoid a head-on collision with a dirt bike, he hit a rut, which overturned the vehicle. Lizzie was thrown out and the vehicle landed on top of her.
The youngster was life flighted by helicopter to Barrett Hospital in Dillon, Montana, and then flown by a fixed wing Life Flight carrier to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
She remained in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) where she had surgery to stop the bleeding on her left temporal and frontal lobe. She was also on a ventilator to help her breathe for five days.
When she woke up on Friday she started all the therapy needed to help her body heal and help her speech and memory functions return.
Jessica said her daughter has never remembered the accident and is able to walk but gets dizzy and tired easily. She can’t pronounce a lot of words and can’t remember things like telling time so is getting help relearning those kinds of things.
While at the hospital she kept saying it was 2017 and was sad about having her hair shaved off, recalled her mom.
The staff at Primary Children’s told her that Lizzie’s recovery “‘was the fastest recovery they’d ever seen.’ Of course, she’s still got a long way to go with lots of outpatient therapy, but it could have been so much worse.”
During her hospital stay, Lizzie, who studies martial arts, “had a fighting attitude,” said Jessica. “She would fight the doctors and nurses because she just didn’t understand what was going on. But now she has a very positive attitude although she does have good and bad days. They say mood swings are normal but she’s mostly very positive.”
Because Jessica is a single mother with no health insurance, friends have started a go fund me page where they’ve raised $7,000 so far. Those who would like to contribute can go to www.gofundme.com/5m6ewoo.
She said she is so appreciative of the financial and moral support of friends and family and is working with the hospital over the costs. Donations in the account have “taken the pressure off me so I can focus on Lizzie.”
In a Facebook post, Jessica said her heart aches “for the young man that is struggling with his own emotions being that he was the driver. I hold no hard feelings towards him. Accidents happen and it doesn’t do anyone any good to hold on to anger or guilt over an unavoidable situation. I hope that he can find peace.”
As to whether she’ll let her daughter ever get on an ATV again, Jessica said, “My first instinct is to not let her back on an ATV but I told her she can choose for herself.”
Lizzie did learn something from this experience even though she doesn’t remember the accident. She often says “’I was dumb and should have been wearing a helmet and had a seatbelt on,’” said Jessica.
She said her job as an independent contractor with Powell Resources lets her create her own work schedule so she can work around her daughter’s therapy appointments in Logan. Her mother is also able to stay with Lizzie while Jessica is working.
“I think where my family is so supportive, I don’t feel all alone in this,” she said. “With the financial aspect, I definitely feel out on a limb but emotionally, I don’t feel alone at all.”
June 13, 2018 • Nancy Browne • Staff writer
Left with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a RZR side-by-side all terrain vehicle turned over during a family camping trip May 27, 10-year-old Lizzie Anderson finally went home last Friday.
Although she was well enough to go home, her mother Jessica May Anderson, said it will take a full year of continuous physical, occupational, cognitive and speech therapy to get the Mountain View fifth-grader back to normal. And even then, there’s no guarantee.
With a moderate to severe TBI like Lizzie’s, the first year is the most critical, Anderson said. The therapy will be long and hard.
The accident occurred near Spencer, Idaho, while Lizzie was camping with her aunt and uncle and several other individuals. Her mother was not on the trip.
Because Lizzie was not wearing a helmet or seat belt, when the driver of the RZR swerved on a dirt road to avoid a head-on collision with a dirt bike, he hit a rut, which overturned the vehicle. Lizzie was thrown out and the vehicle landed on top of her.
The youngster was life flighted by helicopter to Barrett Hospital in Dillon, Montana, and then flown by a fixed wing Life Flight carrier to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
She remained in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) where she had surgery to stop the bleeding on her left temporal and frontal lobe. She was also on a ventilator to help her breathe for five days.
When she woke up on Friday she started all the therapy needed to help her body heal and help her speech and memory functions return.
Jessica said her daughter has never remembered the accident and is able to walk but gets dizzy and tired easily. She can’t pronounce a lot of words and can’t remember things like telling time so is getting help relearning those kinds of things.
While at the hospital she kept saying it was 2017 and was sad about having her hair shaved off, recalled her mom.
The staff at Primary Children’s told her that Lizzie’s recovery “‘was the fastest recovery they’d ever seen.’ Of course, she’s still got a long way to go with lots of outpatient therapy, but it could have been so much worse.”
During her hospital stay, Lizzie, who studies martial arts, “had a fighting attitude,” said Jessica. “She would fight the doctors and nurses because she just didn’t understand what was going on. But now she has a very positive attitude although she does have good and bad days. They say mood swings are normal but she’s mostly very positive.”
Because Jessica is a single mother with no health insurance, friends have started a go fund me page where they’ve raised $7,000 so far. Those who would like to contribute can go to www.gofundme.com/5m6ewoo.
She said she is so appreciative of the financial and moral support of friends and family and is working with the hospital over the costs. Donations in the account have “taken the pressure off me so I can focus on Lizzie.”
In a Facebook post, Jessica said her heart aches “for the young man that is struggling with his own emotions being that he was the driver. I hold no hard feelings towards him. Accidents happen and it doesn’t do anyone any good to hold on to anger or guilt over an unavoidable situation. I hope that he can find peace.”
As to whether she’ll let her daughter ever get on an ATV again, Jessica said, “My first instinct is to not let her back on an ATV but I told her she can choose for herself.”
Lizzie did learn something from this experience even though she doesn’t remember the accident. She often says “’I was dumb and should have been wearing a helmet and had a seatbelt on,’” said Jessica.
She said her job as an independent contractor with Powell Resources lets her create her own work schedule so she can work around her daughter’s therapy appointments in Logan. Her mother is also able to stay with Lizzie while Jessica is working.
“I think where my family is so supportive, I don’t feel all alone in this,” she said. “With the financial aspect, I definitely feel out on a limb but emotionally, I don’t feel alone at all.”
“Alpaca’s Salad” by Barbara Barrick McKie, Connecticut
International Art Quilt Invitational Exhibition at BC museum
June 13, 2018 • Mary Alice Hobbs • Guest writer
Quilt art generally has more in common with fine art than it does with traditional quilting as displayed in the “soft paintings” in the Brigham City Museum’s International Art Quilt Invitational Exhibition on view June 16 through Sept. 1, 2018. The prized quilts are by artists from Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
Quilts that are sculptures in motion are a floating iceberg, a child somersaulting into spring, Sandhill Cranes pecking at red chile pods in a field, a red wheelbarrow glazed with rainwater and cool camels in Egypt. Barbara Barrick McKie of Connecticut visited Egypt in 2007, and the comical expressions of the camels with their pompons and tassels as well as the hieroglyphics seen everywhere fascinated her. She recorded the sights with her camera and used them as reference material for her quilt.
Two foreign subjects sewn into the quilts are “Orvieto Memories” and “Gossiping Ducks and Hungry Tiger.” Lisa Walton of Australia taught quilting workshops in Orvieto, a small city perched on a rock cliff in Umbria, Italy. While drinking coffee in a local shop, she saw a distinctive, semi-circular, wrought-iron frame over the door and decided to incorporate the motif into a quilt.
Linda Anderson of California visited China in 2016 and attended a performance of Tang Dynasty dance and music. Three men, part of a percussion group, were dressed in clothing and using instruments of this historic period in Chinese history. The title of her quilt reflects the back and forth exchange of sounds between gossiping ducks, while a growling tiger, spoken by the large drum, waits nearby, hoping for his meal. Anderson created the quilt image from three different photographs she took at the performance.
Stateside subjects include “Poppy Dreaming” and “Waterwheel, Berry College, Roan, Georgia.” There is a poppy reserve north of the Los Angeles basin and, in a good year, it is covered with poppies from hillside to hillside. The reserve has influenced many of Rose Hughes’ quilts. Hughes resides in Kentucky.
Stephanie Wilds of North Carolina constructed the waterwheel quilt for her husband, who is passionate about alternate energy. The quilt is based on the waterwheel at Berry College. The wheel was originally built by students in 1930 using an old iron hub donated by automobile magnate Henry Ford. At 42-feet in diameter, the waterwheel is abnormally large.
McKie is the Featured Art Quilter in the exhibition. She has had many careers, including research microbiologist, bridal gown designer/manufacturer, homebuilder, computer consultant and professional art quilter. McKie has won awards at the American Quilter’s Society show in Paducah, Kentucky, the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas, and the Denver National Quilt Festival, to name a few. Characteristics of her work are strong texture, contrast, graphic appeal and either nature’s colors or vibrant color contrasts with a rhythmic movement that comes from an inner musical sense. Her themes involve nature, still life and people. Five of McKie’s quilts will be presented in the exhibition.
Funds to support this exhibition have been provided by Village Dry Goods and the Box Elder County Tourism Tax Advisory Board.
The museum is located at 24 North 300 West. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. For further information, please phone 435-226-1439 or visit www.brighamcitymuseum.org.
International Art Quilt Invitational Exhibition at BC museum
June 13, 2018 • Mary Alice Hobbs • Guest writer
Quilt art generally has more in common with fine art than it does with traditional quilting as displayed in the “soft paintings” in the Brigham City Museum’s International Art Quilt Invitational Exhibition on view June 16 through Sept. 1, 2018. The prized quilts are by artists from Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
Quilts that are sculptures in motion are a floating iceberg, a child somersaulting into spring, Sandhill Cranes pecking at red chile pods in a field, a red wheelbarrow glazed with rainwater and cool camels in Egypt. Barbara Barrick McKie of Connecticut visited Egypt in 2007, and the comical expressions of the camels with their pompons and tassels as well as the hieroglyphics seen everywhere fascinated her. She recorded the sights with her camera and used them as reference material for her quilt.
Two foreign subjects sewn into the quilts are “Orvieto Memories” and “Gossiping Ducks and Hungry Tiger.” Lisa Walton of Australia taught quilting workshops in Orvieto, a small city perched on a rock cliff in Umbria, Italy. While drinking coffee in a local shop, she saw a distinctive, semi-circular, wrought-iron frame over the door and decided to incorporate the motif into a quilt.
Linda Anderson of California visited China in 2016 and attended a performance of Tang Dynasty dance and music. Three men, part of a percussion group, were dressed in clothing and using instruments of this historic period in Chinese history. The title of her quilt reflects the back and forth exchange of sounds between gossiping ducks, while a growling tiger, spoken by the large drum, waits nearby, hoping for his meal. Anderson created the quilt image from three different photographs she took at the performance.
Stateside subjects include “Poppy Dreaming” and “Waterwheel, Berry College, Roan, Georgia.” There is a poppy reserve north of the Los Angeles basin and, in a good year, it is covered with poppies from hillside to hillside. The reserve has influenced many of Rose Hughes’ quilts. Hughes resides in Kentucky.
Stephanie Wilds of North Carolina constructed the waterwheel quilt for her husband, who is passionate about alternate energy. The quilt is based on the waterwheel at Berry College. The wheel was originally built by students in 1930 using an old iron hub donated by automobile magnate Henry Ford. At 42-feet in diameter, the waterwheel is abnormally large.
McKie is the Featured Art Quilter in the exhibition. She has had many careers, including research microbiologist, bridal gown designer/manufacturer, homebuilder, computer consultant and professional art quilter. McKie has won awards at the American Quilter’s Society show in Paducah, Kentucky, the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas, and the Denver National Quilt Festival, to name a few. Characteristics of her work are strong texture, contrast, graphic appeal and either nature’s colors or vibrant color contrasts with a rhythmic movement that comes from an inner musical sense. Her themes involve nature, still life and people. Five of McKie’s quilts will be presented in the exhibition.
Funds to support this exhibition have been provided by Village Dry Goods and the Box Elder County Tourism Tax Advisory Board.
The museum is located at 24 North 300 West. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. For further information, please phone 435-226-1439 or visit www.brighamcitymuseum.org.
Finding the right match
Bone marrow transplant needed to save life of seven-year-old BC girl
June 6, 2018 • Nancy Browne • Staff writer
Despite battling cancer for 2 1/2 years and unable, so far, to find a perfect bone marrow match, 7-year-old Ali Herbert smiled broadly when asked how she was feeling and cheerfully responded “fine.”
She gave another one-word answer—“happy”—when asked how it felt to have so many people praying for her.
The little trooper “is amazing,” said her mother, Heather Herbert. “Except for her little bald head, you’d never know she’s sick.”
But unfortunately, Ali is very sick with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and because chemotherapy hasn’t worked, she now needs a bone marrow transplant.
So far, the blended family of eight has not been able to find a perfect match and so on Saturday, they held a Team Ali Marrow Donor Registry Drive in Brigham City and Clearfield.
Ali’s mom is a 50 percent match for bone marrow and will be the donor if a perfect match can’t be found. Even with a perfect match, Ali only has a 50/50 chance at surviving, said Heather.
“It’s devastating for me to know that we have zero matches,” she said. “A friend of mine has a boy going through the same thing and they had over 10,000 perfect matches.”
Ali’s cancer was diagnosed in February 2015, and treated with chemotherapy at Primary Children’s Hospital at least once a week, and sometimes for several days in a row, depending on what treatment phase she was in.
Heather recorded on her blog, “Ali’s attitude has remained so positive through this whole life change. She absolutely loves her nurses. She refers to them as her friends. When we are at her appointments she sees other children there crying. She goes up to their parents and asks their parents if it would be okay for her to give them a hug. She just amazes me.”
Ali finished her treatments in June 2017, and was considered cancer free, but after 10 months of regular check-ups, the doctors announced on April 11, she had relapsed. Two days later, she was back in the hospital undergoing intense chemotherapy for the next 35 days.
Heather explained that this is called the re-induction phase to get her back into remission. Unfortunately, it didn’t work and so the next step is a bone marrow transplant, which also can’t be done unless the patient is in remission, therefore, treatment will continue.
If remission is not attained the only other recourse is “going into experimental chemo, but it’s only been out for a year,” she explained.
When the doctor told her the cancer was back, Heather said, “My heart sunk. It was hard to breathe and I couldn’t hold back the tears.”
She recorded in her blog, “Each night I would try to hurry and go to sleep before my thoughts took over. Unfortunately, many nights I was stuck with my thoughts and couldn’t stop crying. The pain of feeling like my Heavenly Father had forsaken me was like no other.”
But she managed to overcome that feeling of abandonment and credits her faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with helping her find strength to control the grief. She wanted to be strong for Ali and to keep up the demands of running a household with a husband and six children to care for.
She said she’s thankful for her church ward, family and friends who fasted and prayed for Ali. “I am overwhelmed with how much love and support our family has. Everyone loves Ali. To know her is to love her.”
She said her husband, Jess, has been a rock for the family, taking off work to help with the chemo treatments and keeping the family moving forward. The couple has been married for five years and between them, their six children range in age from 7 to 14.
“My poor husband holds a lot in,” Heather said. “He sees me crumble and does his best to be there for me even though he is crumbling as well.”
If Ali makes it to remission and a perfect match is found, in addition to a dismal 50 percent survival rate, there are other complications that could set in. This includes graft vs. host disease, where the body tries to attack the foreign transplant.
Many family and friends have already been tested for a bone marrow match to no avail but even if they can’t help Ali, they could be the means of helping another child with the disease, Heather said, encouraging people to be tested.
Lauri Merrill, a friend who lives across the street from the Herbert family, registered and was tested and so were her two children who live in Portland, Oregon. Merrill was on hand to show people how to fill out the required registry paperwork.
“I think finding someone who could actually save her life is something you can’t put a price on,” Merrill said. “We can donate meals, time and money but finding an actual match would be amazing.”
One of those already tested—and not a match—was Tiffany Patterson, who’s son is Ali’s age. She tested 7 years ago when her sister-in-law had leukemia and came to the Saturday event to lend support for the family.
Michael Dash of Salt Lake City attended the registry event after having met the Herbert family while raising money in 2016 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Ali had been named the society’s Girl of the Year.
Dash had been named the society’s Man of the Year for personally raising $75,000 in 10 weeks. Eight people had participated in that fundraiser and between them raised $575,000.
June 6, 2018 • Nancy Browne • Staff writer
Despite battling cancer for 2 1/2 years and unable, so far, to find a perfect bone marrow match, 7-year-old Ali Herbert smiled broadly when asked how she was feeling and cheerfully responded “fine.”
She gave another one-word answer—“happy”—when asked how it felt to have so many people praying for her.
The little trooper “is amazing,” said her mother, Heather Herbert. “Except for her little bald head, you’d never know she’s sick.”
But unfortunately, Ali is very sick with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and because chemotherapy hasn’t worked, she now needs a bone marrow transplant.
So far, the blended family of eight has not been able to find a perfect match and so on Saturday, they held a Team Ali Marrow Donor Registry Drive in Brigham City and Clearfield.
Ali’s mom is a 50 percent match for bone marrow and will be the donor if a perfect match can’t be found. Even with a perfect match, Ali only has a 50/50 chance at surviving, said Heather.
“It’s devastating for me to know that we have zero matches,” she said. “A friend of mine has a boy going through the same thing and they had over 10,000 perfect matches.”
Ali’s cancer was diagnosed in February 2015, and treated with chemotherapy at Primary Children’s Hospital at least once a week, and sometimes for several days in a row, depending on what treatment phase she was in.
Heather recorded on her blog, “Ali’s attitude has remained so positive through this whole life change. She absolutely loves her nurses. She refers to them as her friends. When we are at her appointments she sees other children there crying. She goes up to their parents and asks their parents if it would be okay for her to give them a hug. She just amazes me.”
Ali finished her treatments in June 2017, and was considered cancer free, but after 10 months of regular check-ups, the doctors announced on April 11, she had relapsed. Two days later, she was back in the hospital undergoing intense chemotherapy for the next 35 days.
Heather explained that this is called the re-induction phase to get her back into remission. Unfortunately, it didn’t work and so the next step is a bone marrow transplant, which also can’t be done unless the patient is in remission, therefore, treatment will continue.
If remission is not attained the only other recourse is “going into experimental chemo, but it’s only been out for a year,” she explained.
When the doctor told her the cancer was back, Heather said, “My heart sunk. It was hard to breathe and I couldn’t hold back the tears.”
She recorded in her blog, “Each night I would try to hurry and go to sleep before my thoughts took over. Unfortunately, many nights I was stuck with my thoughts and couldn’t stop crying. The pain of feeling like my Heavenly Father had forsaken me was like no other.”
But she managed to overcome that feeling of abandonment and credits her faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with helping her find strength to control the grief. She wanted to be strong for Ali and to keep up the demands of running a household with a husband and six children to care for.
She said she’s thankful for her church ward, family and friends who fasted and prayed for Ali. “I am overwhelmed with how much love and support our family has. Everyone loves Ali. To know her is to love her.”
She said her husband, Jess, has been a rock for the family, taking off work to help with the chemo treatments and keeping the family moving forward. The couple has been married for five years and between them, their six children range in age from 7 to 14.
“My poor husband holds a lot in,” Heather said. “He sees me crumble and does his best to be there for me even though he is crumbling as well.”
If Ali makes it to remission and a perfect match is found, in addition to a dismal 50 percent survival rate, there are other complications that could set in. This includes graft vs. host disease, where the body tries to attack the foreign transplant.
Many family and friends have already been tested for a bone marrow match to no avail but even if they can’t help Ali, they could be the means of helping another child with the disease, Heather said, encouraging people to be tested.
Lauri Merrill, a friend who lives across the street from the Herbert family, registered and was tested and so were her two children who live in Portland, Oregon. Merrill was on hand to show people how to fill out the required registry paperwork.
“I think finding someone who could actually save her life is something you can’t put a price on,” Merrill said. “We can donate meals, time and money but finding an actual match would be amazing.”
One of those already tested—and not a match—was Tiffany Patterson, who’s son is Ali’s age. She tested 7 years ago when her sister-in-law had leukemia and came to the Saturday event to lend support for the family.
Michael Dash of Salt Lake City attended the registry event after having met the Herbert family while raising money in 2016 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Ali had been named the society’s Girl of the Year.
Dash had been named the society’s Man of the Year for personally raising $75,000 in 10 weeks. Eight people had participated in that fundraiser and between them raised $575,000.
Banish boredom with family-friendly activities and destinations for summer
Editor’s note: This is a list of recommendations for activities throughout the summer curated based upon personal and family experience, it is not a comprehensive list, nor is it paid content. This guide is intended to be a sampling of ideas, activities and events to promote family play.
May 23, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
Simple, at-home solutions to the call of the children, “I’m bored,” can make or break a parent’s sanity over the summer break. Here are some simple ideas that can be done in or around the home at little to no expense: Have a sidewalk chalk contest, make dish soap bubbles, read together whether it is a picture book or a series, write a story together, create a skit or a play and perform it, choreograph or lip sync a song, create a scavenger hunt list and then find the items, jump rope, play basketball or catch, star gaze, document sunsets, work together to streamline clutter and then host a yard sale for the children to earn spending money, or hold a lemonade stand. A search on Pinterest for summer activities can also lead to a number of pre-made lists of ideas.
Here are some ideas of places to go and things to do this summer outside of the home:
Free Activities
Lunch Program BESD
Free lunch for children 0-18 at Mountain View, Lakeview, Garland and North Park Elementary. June 11 - Aug 3, Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., adult meals $3.50.
Play Unplugged
Play Unplugged is a program that runs through the summer with assigned activities which can be turned in or redeemed at local businesses to earn “brag badges,” there is no cost for children to participate but they should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Participants can be entered into prize drawings which take place at Peach Days. More information is available through the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce.
Movies in the Park
There are four scheduled movies in the park events through the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce, held at dusk at Pioneer Park in Brigham City. They are “Secret Life of Pets,” June 11; “The Little Mermaid,” June 25; “The Greatest Showman,” July 16; and “Moana,” July 30. There is no charge to attend, movies will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Parks
Box Elder County is host to many beautiful parks with fun playgrounds and amenities including swimming pools, ultimate frisbee course, skate parks, baseball fields and a splash pad. There are shaded grassy areas ripe for picnics. But, if out and about here are some parks within a reasonable drive that can be a fun change of pace.
Ryan’s Place at Heber Olson Park – Logan
Located at 400 South and 600 East in River Heights, Cache Valley, this park was a collaborative community effort built by volunteers over only six days in 2007 with the assistance of over 1,000 volunteers. The community pride shows in the upkeep and maintenance of the cleverly designed park which has a town feel. Named after a two-year-old, Ryan Adams who drowned at just two years old, the family came together to raise money for a swing to dedicate to his memory—it quickly became something so much bigger. The Trex faux-wood plank park is split in two featuring an age appropriate tot side as well as more standard playground equipment for the older children.
High Adventure – Ogden
High Adventure Park in Ogden is located in a surprising neighborhood at 1859 Grant Avenue, there are two main playground areas that each have some riskier elements for the coordinated adventure-seeking children. This park is not helicopter-mom-friendly, but it is a lot of fun for children with a taste for living boldly. The elements to climb and swing from are plentiful and reminiscent of scouting high adventure obstacles. There is a lovely creek that runs through the area, bench seating and a covered pavilion. Although the park is only a few years old there have already been some elements removed for safety, but on the whole it is a favorite for our family.
Creek Side Park – Bountiful
This newly opened park is still a bucket list item for our family, so I can’t give a first-person account, but reports are positive. The park is located alongside a creek where there is a designated wading area, water play elements and slides built to accentuate the natural land around the playground.
Wardle Fields Splash Pad and Playground- Bluffdale
The 40 acre destination park includes an extensive splash pad which includes a waterfall. It is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily Memorial Day-Labor Day, and the playground includes two racing ziplines, a 300’ bouldering wall, a 20’ climbing wall and a 25’ fire watchtower with tube slides. This is the farthest park from Box Elder County on the list, but from all accounts worth the drive. The park has elevated the concept of a splash pad to the most extreme levels, particularly with no admission charge.
Nature
Utah and surrounding states are simply full of opportunities for hiking, fishing, tubing rivers, walking established trails like Pioneer Park, Mantua Reservoir or Weber Walkway; and a family favorite is geocaching which is like a treasure hunt. Earthwork art like the Spiral Jetty and the Sun Tunnels in West Box Elder County draw in international tourists, as well. If camping is a possibility there are many campgrounds in Box Elder and neighboring counties, but if willing to drive for some spectacular scenery some favorites camping getaways include: Shoshone Falls, near Twin Falls, Idaho; West Yellowstone, Montana and Goblin Valley in South-central Utah.
Antelope Island
Antelope Island is home to free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn (antelope), and many other desert animals. Millions of birds congregate along the shores surrounding the island, offering unparalleled opportunities for birding.There are primitive camp sites and sandy beaches, but bugs like no-seeums are plentiful and long sleeves are recommended as most bug sprays are ineffective. The state park is open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle up to eight people. Antelope Island State Park is located approximately 41 miles north of Salt Lake City. Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive to the park entrance gate. The park is seven miles west of the entrance gate across the Davis County Causeway. More information on discount rates and camping fees are available at stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake was formed 28,000 years ago by earthquake activity. At an elevation of 5,923 feet, Bear Lake is 20 miles long and eight miles wide, 208 feet deep, and covers 112 square miles. Its beautiful and unique green-blue color is the result of calcium carbonates suspended in the lake. Follow Highway 89 through Logan Canyon to Garden City, and don’t forget to stop for a famous raspberry shake along the way. Bear Lake has plentiful cabins, camping, boating and beach activities.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/bear-lake. State park fees apply at three beach locations. A public beach at Garden City Park has no entry fee.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
The auto loop on the Bear River Migratory Bird refuge west of Brigham City, following Forest Street, is a self-guided tour which loops through the migratory bird habitat a newly constructed observation tower is located at the entrance of the loop. Hunting and fishing can take place according to the regulations and restrictions available in pamphlets located at the visitor areas. The James V. Hansen Wildlife Education Center is located at 2155 Forest St., Brigham City, one block west of I-15 at Exit 363. The Center is open 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and the second and fourth Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Auto Tour Loop is open, daily, sunrise to sunset. Call 435-723-5887 or more information.
Ogden Botanical Gardens
Located at 1750 Monroe Boulevard, the Ogden Botanical Gardens are one of the most treasured places in the Ogden area. The 11-acre public gardens is beautifully situated along the Ogden River, and is home to rose, cottage, four-seasons, Japanese, water-wise, cactus, power-line and other demonstration gardens, along with an outdoor classroom. With hundreds of perennials, annuals, and trees it provides an ideal setting for a leisurely walk, lunch, family gathering, wedding or reception, company, picnic, photography session or just a serene place for contemplation.
Learn and Play
Zootah - Logan
Willow Park’s Zootah, located at 419 West 700 South in Logan, is home to nearly 100 unique species. Zootah is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5:15 p.m.), Adults are $4, children 2-11 are $3. The zoo has plentiful green space for picnics, and peacocks wandering about.
George S. Eccle’s Dinosaur Park - Ogden
Ogden’s George S. EcclesDinosaur Park, at the mouth of Ogden Canyon is open year-round and features eight acres of splendid dinosaur habitat featuring over 100 dinosaur sculptures. It also features the Stewart Paleontology Museum with enormous dinosaur skeletons, the Ogden Natural History Museum, and a University of Utah satellite paleontology laboratory where new bones are unearthed every day. Summer hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m-7 p.m, Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the outside park area remains open one hour past the museum close. Day passes are $7 for adults, $6 for students and senior citizens with I.D., children ages 2-12 are $5.
Treehouse Museum - Ogden
The Treehouse Museum, located at 347 East 22nd Street, Ogden, is a hands-on museum focused on literature and the arts.Open Mondays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost is $7 per child ages 1-12, and $5 for adults. Closed Memorial Day. Participating in the Blue Star Museum program free admission for active duty military and their immediate family is available with ID from May 29-Sept. 1. A variety of summer camp programs are also available. More information at treehousemuseum.org.
Discovery Gateway - Salt Lake City
This children’s museum offers 60,000 square feet of interactive play for children and their guardians in downtown Salt Lake City. Daily workshops, performances and themed exhibits are open for exploring the arts, humanities and sciences. Open Mon-Thurs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. General admission (ages 2-64) is $9.50, Sunday admission is $6.
Clark Planetarium - Salt Lake City
There are 10,000 square feet of exhibit space that is free and open to the public, as well as a comprehensive science gift store. The Hansen Dome and Orbital ATK Imax theatres do have a fee to view their showings. Adults 13+ are $7 before 5 p.m. and $9 after, children under 12 are $7 for showings, children under 2 are free. The late evening offerings of rock shows featuring music of Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin and other classic rock offerings make for an excellent date night, as well.Located at 110 South 400 West, Salt Lake City.
Museums
The Leonardo - Salt Lake City
The Leonardo, located in downtown Salt Lake City, 209 East 500 South, Salt Lake City,is a science and art museum where visitors can explore the ways that science, technology, art, and creativity connect.
Current exhibits include: Flight; Perception: The Illusion of Reality; Woman/Women; Innovation Showcase; Fantastic Forgeries and the Young Inventors Garden. Adults (ages 12-64), $12.95; Children 3-12, $8.95; senior, student and military discounts available with I.D. for $9.95.
Museum of Natural History - Salt Lake City
The Natural History Museum of Utah is a museum located on the campus of the University of Utah, 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City. The museum shows exhibits of natural history subjects, with an emphasis on Utah and the Intermountain West and has an outstanding view of the entire valley. Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with extended hours on Wednesdays staying open until 9 p.m. Adult entry, $14.95; Seniors 65 and older as well as young adults ages 13-24, $12.95; and children ages 3-12, $9.95.
Special Events
“Warriors Over the Wasatch” Air and Space Show - Roy
Saturday-Sunday June 24-25 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Hill Air Force Base will open its gates to the public to witness firsthand the pride and precision of the U.S. Air Force including the awe-inspiring U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and a number of other spectacular aerial performers and demonstrations.
Cruise In - Logan
Cache Valley Cruise In will take place. July 5-7, Thursday will be 12-10 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The event includes over 1,000 vehicles from street rods, Street machines, customs, restored vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks. A concert featuring The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band can be purchased in advance and allow entrance to the car show at 5 p.m. on Friday with the concert starting at 7 p.m. Concert tickets range from $25-$65. Standard Cruise In tickets are $10 per adult and $1 per your ages 5-17, the ticket gives access to all three days.
Third Friday LIVE -Brigham City
Every third Friday the Downtown Historic district will have stores open late, a live concert performance and treat/food options available for sale.
Famous Fruit Way Farmer’s Market - Brigham City
Every Saturday June 16-September 29 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Famer’s Market features artisan booths, local produce, gourmet treats and food trucks. Located at 06 North Main Street, Brigham City. This year will feature the Vintage Dove Market every third Saturday with vintage, antique and collectible items for sale.
Historic 25th Street Car Show - Ogden
Ogden’s 16th annual Historic 25th Street Car and Motorcycle show is a free event in conjunction with the monthly First Friday Art Stroll on Friday, June 1 from 5-9 p.m. the event draws over 300 show vehicles, the street is closed from Wall Avenue to Washington Boulevard, local shops, galleries and restaurants will participate in the event.
Ogden Twilight -Ogden
The Ogden Twilight Concert Series has extended their offerings at the Ogden Amphitheater beyond their standard every Thursday in June tradition. Three concerts in July and three concerts in August have been added to this year’s line up. Gates open at 5 p.m., music begins at 6 p.m. Advance General Admission tickets are $10 (plus a $1.50 service fee and Ogden sales tax). Day of Show General Admission tickets are $15 (plus a $1.50 service fee and Ogden sales tax). An Ogden Twilight ticket is also acts as a RideUTA pass for the night. Take FrontRunner, Trax or the bus. These events fill to capacity, expect large crowds. For complete information on artists, venue maps, sponsors, directions, and more is available at ogdentwilight.com.
Box Elder County Fair - Tremonton
The County Fair will kick off with a concert, the band has yet to be announced, on Saturday, August 18. The main events of the county fair, including the parade will begin Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. along Tremont Street. The fun then shifts to the county fairgrounds where there will be a variety of animal exhibits by 4-H and FFA contributors, commercial exhibits and competition pieces, as well as a wide variety of food, games, carnival rides and rodeo events which run until 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday night.
Individual city celebrations like Fourth of July, Pioneer Day and city festivals like Wheat and Beet Days, Peach Days, Little Valley Days, etc. will be listed in the News Journal’s Community calendar as they approach, so check back for additional activities and events throughout the summer.
Other family favorites
Here are a few recreational options that might make nice rewards for good behavior and helping around the house, some might require some budgeting arrangements: Lagoon, Boondocks, Rush Funplex, Hogle Zoo, Thanksgiving Point, Crystal Hot Springs, Cowabunga Bay, Seven Peaks, Classic Fun Center, Homestead Crater, George S. Eccles Ice Center, Ogden Raptors or Salt Lake Bees baseball games, Utah Jazz Summer League or visit the Olympic Park in Park City.
As always, it is recommended to price check for discounts. There are a number of discounts available for locals and buy one get one offers that pop up throughout the year. Some websites to check before finalizing purchases are Groupon, Utah Sweet Savings website, Pass of all Passes, and site-specific season passes--some of which offer reciprocal programs-- for the most savings.
Editor’s note: This is a list of recommendations for activities throughout the summer curated based upon personal and family experience, it is not a comprehensive list, nor is it paid content. This guide is intended to be a sampling of ideas, activities and events to promote family play.
May 23, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
Simple, at-home solutions to the call of the children, “I’m bored,” can make or break a parent’s sanity over the summer break. Here are some simple ideas that can be done in or around the home at little to no expense: Have a sidewalk chalk contest, make dish soap bubbles, read together whether it is a picture book or a series, write a story together, create a skit or a play and perform it, choreograph or lip sync a song, create a scavenger hunt list and then find the items, jump rope, play basketball or catch, star gaze, document sunsets, work together to streamline clutter and then host a yard sale for the children to earn spending money, or hold a lemonade stand. A search on Pinterest for summer activities can also lead to a number of pre-made lists of ideas.
Here are some ideas of places to go and things to do this summer outside of the home:
Free Activities
Lunch Program BESD
Free lunch for children 0-18 at Mountain View, Lakeview, Garland and North Park Elementary. June 11 - Aug 3, Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., adult meals $3.50.
Play Unplugged
Play Unplugged is a program that runs through the summer with assigned activities which can be turned in or redeemed at local businesses to earn “brag badges,” there is no cost for children to participate but they should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Participants can be entered into prize drawings which take place at Peach Days. More information is available through the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce.
Movies in the Park
There are four scheduled movies in the park events through the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce, held at dusk at Pioneer Park in Brigham City. They are “Secret Life of Pets,” June 11; “The Little Mermaid,” June 25; “The Greatest Showman,” July 16; and “Moana,” July 30. There is no charge to attend, movies will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Parks
Box Elder County is host to many beautiful parks with fun playgrounds and amenities including swimming pools, ultimate frisbee course, skate parks, baseball fields and a splash pad. There are shaded grassy areas ripe for picnics. But, if out and about here are some parks within a reasonable drive that can be a fun change of pace.
Ryan’s Place at Heber Olson Park – Logan
Located at 400 South and 600 East in River Heights, Cache Valley, this park was a collaborative community effort built by volunteers over only six days in 2007 with the assistance of over 1,000 volunteers. The community pride shows in the upkeep and maintenance of the cleverly designed park which has a town feel. Named after a two-year-old, Ryan Adams who drowned at just two years old, the family came together to raise money for a swing to dedicate to his memory—it quickly became something so much bigger. The Trex faux-wood plank park is split in two featuring an age appropriate tot side as well as more standard playground equipment for the older children.
High Adventure – Ogden
High Adventure Park in Ogden is located in a surprising neighborhood at 1859 Grant Avenue, there are two main playground areas that each have some riskier elements for the coordinated adventure-seeking children. This park is not helicopter-mom-friendly, but it is a lot of fun for children with a taste for living boldly. The elements to climb and swing from are plentiful and reminiscent of scouting high adventure obstacles. There is a lovely creek that runs through the area, bench seating and a covered pavilion. Although the park is only a few years old there have already been some elements removed for safety, but on the whole it is a favorite for our family.
Creek Side Park – Bountiful
This newly opened park is still a bucket list item for our family, so I can’t give a first-person account, but reports are positive. The park is located alongside a creek where there is a designated wading area, water play elements and slides built to accentuate the natural land around the playground.
Wardle Fields Splash Pad and Playground- Bluffdale
The 40 acre destination park includes an extensive splash pad which includes a waterfall. It is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily Memorial Day-Labor Day, and the playground includes two racing ziplines, a 300’ bouldering wall, a 20’ climbing wall and a 25’ fire watchtower with tube slides. This is the farthest park from Box Elder County on the list, but from all accounts worth the drive. The park has elevated the concept of a splash pad to the most extreme levels, particularly with no admission charge.
Nature
Utah and surrounding states are simply full of opportunities for hiking, fishing, tubing rivers, walking established trails like Pioneer Park, Mantua Reservoir or Weber Walkway; and a family favorite is geocaching which is like a treasure hunt. Earthwork art like the Spiral Jetty and the Sun Tunnels in West Box Elder County draw in international tourists, as well. If camping is a possibility there are many campgrounds in Box Elder and neighboring counties, but if willing to drive for some spectacular scenery some favorites camping getaways include: Shoshone Falls, near Twin Falls, Idaho; West Yellowstone, Montana and Goblin Valley in South-central Utah.
Antelope Island
Antelope Island is home to free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn (antelope), and many other desert animals. Millions of birds congregate along the shores surrounding the island, offering unparalleled opportunities for birding.There are primitive camp sites and sandy beaches, but bugs like no-seeums are plentiful and long sleeves are recommended as most bug sprays are ineffective. The state park is open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle up to eight people. Antelope Island State Park is located approximately 41 miles north of Salt Lake City. Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive to the park entrance gate. The park is seven miles west of the entrance gate across the Davis County Causeway. More information on discount rates and camping fees are available at stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake was formed 28,000 years ago by earthquake activity. At an elevation of 5,923 feet, Bear Lake is 20 miles long and eight miles wide, 208 feet deep, and covers 112 square miles. Its beautiful and unique green-blue color is the result of calcium carbonates suspended in the lake. Follow Highway 89 through Logan Canyon to Garden City, and don’t forget to stop for a famous raspberry shake along the way. Bear Lake has plentiful cabins, camping, boating and beach activities.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/bear-lake. State park fees apply at three beach locations. A public beach at Garden City Park has no entry fee.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
The auto loop on the Bear River Migratory Bird refuge west of Brigham City, following Forest Street, is a self-guided tour which loops through the migratory bird habitat a newly constructed observation tower is located at the entrance of the loop. Hunting and fishing can take place according to the regulations and restrictions available in pamphlets located at the visitor areas. The James V. Hansen Wildlife Education Center is located at 2155 Forest St., Brigham City, one block west of I-15 at Exit 363. The Center is open 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and the second and fourth Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Auto Tour Loop is open, daily, sunrise to sunset. Call 435-723-5887 or more information.
Ogden Botanical Gardens
Located at 1750 Monroe Boulevard, the Ogden Botanical Gardens are one of the most treasured places in the Ogden area. The 11-acre public gardens is beautifully situated along the Ogden River, and is home to rose, cottage, four-seasons, Japanese, water-wise, cactus, power-line and other demonstration gardens, along with an outdoor classroom. With hundreds of perennials, annuals, and trees it provides an ideal setting for a leisurely walk, lunch, family gathering, wedding or reception, company, picnic, photography session or just a serene place for contemplation.
Learn and Play
Zootah - Logan
Willow Park’s Zootah, located at 419 West 700 South in Logan, is home to nearly 100 unique species. Zootah is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5:15 p.m.), Adults are $4, children 2-11 are $3. The zoo has plentiful green space for picnics, and peacocks wandering about.
George S. Eccle’s Dinosaur Park - Ogden
Ogden’s George S. EcclesDinosaur Park, at the mouth of Ogden Canyon is open year-round and features eight acres of splendid dinosaur habitat featuring over 100 dinosaur sculptures. It also features the Stewart Paleontology Museum with enormous dinosaur skeletons, the Ogden Natural History Museum, and a University of Utah satellite paleontology laboratory where new bones are unearthed every day. Summer hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m-7 p.m, Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the outside park area remains open one hour past the museum close. Day passes are $7 for adults, $6 for students and senior citizens with I.D., children ages 2-12 are $5.
Treehouse Museum - Ogden
The Treehouse Museum, located at 347 East 22nd Street, Ogden, is a hands-on museum focused on literature and the arts.Open Mondays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost is $7 per child ages 1-12, and $5 for adults. Closed Memorial Day. Participating in the Blue Star Museum program free admission for active duty military and their immediate family is available with ID from May 29-Sept. 1. A variety of summer camp programs are also available. More information at treehousemuseum.org.
Discovery Gateway - Salt Lake City
This children’s museum offers 60,000 square feet of interactive play for children and their guardians in downtown Salt Lake City. Daily workshops, performances and themed exhibits are open for exploring the arts, humanities and sciences. Open Mon-Thurs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. General admission (ages 2-64) is $9.50, Sunday admission is $6.
Clark Planetarium - Salt Lake City
There are 10,000 square feet of exhibit space that is free and open to the public, as well as a comprehensive science gift store. The Hansen Dome and Orbital ATK Imax theatres do have a fee to view their showings. Adults 13+ are $7 before 5 p.m. and $9 after, children under 12 are $7 for showings, children under 2 are free. The late evening offerings of rock shows featuring music of Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin and other classic rock offerings make for an excellent date night, as well.Located at 110 South 400 West, Salt Lake City.
Museums
The Leonardo - Salt Lake City
The Leonardo, located in downtown Salt Lake City, 209 East 500 South, Salt Lake City,is a science and art museum where visitors can explore the ways that science, technology, art, and creativity connect.
Current exhibits include: Flight; Perception: The Illusion of Reality; Woman/Women; Innovation Showcase; Fantastic Forgeries and the Young Inventors Garden. Adults (ages 12-64), $12.95; Children 3-12, $8.95; senior, student and military discounts available with I.D. for $9.95.
Museum of Natural History - Salt Lake City
The Natural History Museum of Utah is a museum located on the campus of the University of Utah, 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City. The museum shows exhibits of natural history subjects, with an emphasis on Utah and the Intermountain West and has an outstanding view of the entire valley. Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with extended hours on Wednesdays staying open until 9 p.m. Adult entry, $14.95; Seniors 65 and older as well as young adults ages 13-24, $12.95; and children ages 3-12, $9.95.
Special Events
“Warriors Over the Wasatch” Air and Space Show - Roy
Saturday-Sunday June 24-25 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Hill Air Force Base will open its gates to the public to witness firsthand the pride and precision of the U.S. Air Force including the awe-inspiring U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and a number of other spectacular aerial performers and demonstrations.
Cruise In - Logan
Cache Valley Cruise In will take place. July 5-7, Thursday will be 12-10 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The event includes over 1,000 vehicles from street rods, Street machines, customs, restored vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks. A concert featuring The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band can be purchased in advance and allow entrance to the car show at 5 p.m. on Friday with the concert starting at 7 p.m. Concert tickets range from $25-$65. Standard Cruise In tickets are $10 per adult and $1 per your ages 5-17, the ticket gives access to all three days.
Third Friday LIVE -Brigham City
Every third Friday the Downtown Historic district will have stores open late, a live concert performance and treat/food options available for sale.
Famous Fruit Way Farmer’s Market - Brigham City
Every Saturday June 16-September 29 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Famer’s Market features artisan booths, local produce, gourmet treats and food trucks. Located at 06 North Main Street, Brigham City. This year will feature the Vintage Dove Market every third Saturday with vintage, antique and collectible items for sale.
Historic 25th Street Car Show - Ogden
Ogden’s 16th annual Historic 25th Street Car and Motorcycle show is a free event in conjunction with the monthly First Friday Art Stroll on Friday, June 1 from 5-9 p.m. the event draws over 300 show vehicles, the street is closed from Wall Avenue to Washington Boulevard, local shops, galleries and restaurants will participate in the event.
Ogden Twilight -Ogden
The Ogden Twilight Concert Series has extended their offerings at the Ogden Amphitheater beyond their standard every Thursday in June tradition. Three concerts in July and three concerts in August have been added to this year’s line up. Gates open at 5 p.m., music begins at 6 p.m. Advance General Admission tickets are $10 (plus a $1.50 service fee and Ogden sales tax). Day of Show General Admission tickets are $15 (plus a $1.50 service fee and Ogden sales tax). An Ogden Twilight ticket is also acts as a RideUTA pass for the night. Take FrontRunner, Trax or the bus. These events fill to capacity, expect large crowds. For complete information on artists, venue maps, sponsors, directions, and more is available at ogdentwilight.com.
Box Elder County Fair - Tremonton
The County Fair will kick off with a concert, the band has yet to be announced, on Saturday, August 18. The main events of the county fair, including the parade will begin Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. along Tremont Street. The fun then shifts to the county fairgrounds where there will be a variety of animal exhibits by 4-H and FFA contributors, commercial exhibits and competition pieces, as well as a wide variety of food, games, carnival rides and rodeo events which run until 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday night.
Individual city celebrations like Fourth of July, Pioneer Day and city festivals like Wheat and Beet Days, Peach Days, Little Valley Days, etc. will be listed in the News Journal’s Community calendar as they approach, so check back for additional activities and events throughout the summer.
Other family favorites
Here are a few recreational options that might make nice rewards for good behavior and helping around the house, some might require some budgeting arrangements: Lagoon, Boondocks, Rush Funplex, Hogle Zoo, Thanksgiving Point, Crystal Hot Springs, Cowabunga Bay, Seven Peaks, Classic Fun Center, Homestead Crater, George S. Eccles Ice Center, Ogden Raptors or Salt Lake Bees baseball games, Utah Jazz Summer League or visit the Olympic Park in Park City.
As always, it is recommended to price check for discounts. There are a number of discounts available for locals and buy one get one offers that pop up throughout the year. Some websites to check before finalizing purchases are Groupon, Utah Sweet Savings website, Pass of all Passes, and site-specific season passes--some of which offer reciprocal programs-- for the most savings.
History of Shoshone tribal massacre to be told in new cultural center
May 16, 2018 • Nancy Browne • Staff writer
On the icy morning of Jan. 29, 1863, 200 U.S. Army soldiers slaughtered hundreds of Shoshone Native Americans near Preston, Idaho, a story today’s tribal members want to tell in a planned visitor’s center slated to be built on the site of the massacre.
In January, the tribe purchased 550 acres where they plan to build the Boa Ogoi (translated as Bear River) Cultural and Interpretive Center for approximately $5 million. Funding is yet to be secured to construct the facility.
“I decided we needed to build an interpretive center so we can tell the whole story and about who we are,” said Darren Parry, chairman of Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. The story will include a history of the Shoshone people, their relationship to Mormons living there at the time, the massacre itself, and the surviving Shoshone who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The largest mass killing of Indians in U.S. history, the Bear River Massacre resulted from pioneer farming practices that caused the loss of the Indian’s food sources, and a lack of understanding between the two cultures.
“When the Mormons came into the valley there were not enough resources for both groups and skirmishes occurred,” said Parry. “The saints in Cache Valley sent a letter to Fort Douglas asking for help with the Indians who kept stealing their cattle and horses. I don’t think they ever envisioned a massacre.”
An arrest warrant was issued for three chiefs, including Chief Sagwitch, who led the nearly 650 Shoshone in the Bear River Valley. But Col. Patrick E. Connor, the commander of the fort, decided to forego any arrests and “take care of it once and for all,” said Parry.
Brigham Young’s bodyguard, Porter Rockwell, led the troops to the tribe’s location, Parry said. Rockwell “didn’t participate but he knew what the troops were planning to do.”
About 130 Shoshone survived the attack, including Chief Sagwitch, who is Parry’s great-great-great-grandfather.
After about 10 years of getting along with the settlers, Sagwitch had a dream in which three men appeared to him saying he needed to listen to the Mormons “because there was a God among the Mormon people and that he should send someone to Salt Lake where the Church would tell him what to do.”
Two months later, LDS Church President Brigham Young called George Washington Hill, who spoke Shoshone, to be a missionary to the tribe, said Parry. “He baptized 102 Shoshone in the Bear River on May 3, 1873, the same river where the massacre took place.”
Instead of sending these Native Americans to a reservation, “Brigham Young said ‘they’re Mormons now and we will assimilate them into the area.’”
The LDS Church designated land 10 miles north of Tremonton as the Washakie Indian farm, where “the missionaries taught us to live like white people, to farm and to ranch,” he said. “The Church also built us a school and a church.”
The tribe has never owned any land until its recent purchase of the 550 acres, which it purchased through profits of some businesses the tribe runs.
The $5 million needed for the new interpretive center will come through donations, which are already pouring in, he said. Donations can be made at www.boaogoi.com.
GSBS Architects in Salt Lake City have produced a design for the land and building that is respectful to the Shoshone people and their strong connection to the land, said Baylee Lambourne, a GSBS building architect.
“We presented lots of options but this one stood out as a way to hide the building within the landscape,” she said. “We call it ‘Reverence,’ which really resonated” with tribal leaders.
A design rendering shows a building sunk into the ground with a land bridge over the top. An outdoor plaza and amphitheater are also part of the proposed site.
David Garce, a lands architect with GSBS, said because bodies were left scattered at the site for many months after the attack, “one way to respect that is to put carefully placed boulders about the grounds to represent victims of the massacre. Visitors can walk on trails that meander around the boulders.”
He said he also wants to restore the stream flow of Battle Creek by bringing in new plants that grew at the time and taking out ones that were brought in after the massacre.
The Department of Natural Resources at Utah State University will help with the planning and implementation of changes to the land.
Parry, who is an active Mormon, said he hopes to raise the funds needed for the project within one year so he can begin telling the full story of his people.
“We’re a tribe that wants to retain our culture but teach our children to learn how to educate themselves in the white man’s world,” he said, adding there are about 550 tribe members today who have to be at least 1/8th Shoshone to be a member.
“Most of our people were massacred but descendants of survivors mostly live in parts of Wyoming, Idaho, northern Utah, eastern Nevada and a bit of California,” he said.
May 16, 2018 • Nancy Browne • Staff writer
On the icy morning of Jan. 29, 1863, 200 U.S. Army soldiers slaughtered hundreds of Shoshone Native Americans near Preston, Idaho, a story today’s tribal members want to tell in a planned visitor’s center slated to be built on the site of the massacre.
In January, the tribe purchased 550 acres where they plan to build the Boa Ogoi (translated as Bear River) Cultural and Interpretive Center for approximately $5 million. Funding is yet to be secured to construct the facility.
“I decided we needed to build an interpretive center so we can tell the whole story and about who we are,” said Darren Parry, chairman of Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. The story will include a history of the Shoshone people, their relationship to Mormons living there at the time, the massacre itself, and the surviving Shoshone who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The largest mass killing of Indians in U.S. history, the Bear River Massacre resulted from pioneer farming practices that caused the loss of the Indian’s food sources, and a lack of understanding between the two cultures.
“When the Mormons came into the valley there were not enough resources for both groups and skirmishes occurred,” said Parry. “The saints in Cache Valley sent a letter to Fort Douglas asking for help with the Indians who kept stealing their cattle and horses. I don’t think they ever envisioned a massacre.”
An arrest warrant was issued for three chiefs, including Chief Sagwitch, who led the nearly 650 Shoshone in the Bear River Valley. But Col. Patrick E. Connor, the commander of the fort, decided to forego any arrests and “take care of it once and for all,” said Parry.
Brigham Young’s bodyguard, Porter Rockwell, led the troops to the tribe’s location, Parry said. Rockwell “didn’t participate but he knew what the troops were planning to do.”
About 130 Shoshone survived the attack, including Chief Sagwitch, who is Parry’s great-great-great-grandfather.
After about 10 years of getting along with the settlers, Sagwitch had a dream in which three men appeared to him saying he needed to listen to the Mormons “because there was a God among the Mormon people and that he should send someone to Salt Lake where the Church would tell him what to do.”
Two months later, LDS Church President Brigham Young called George Washington Hill, who spoke Shoshone, to be a missionary to the tribe, said Parry. “He baptized 102 Shoshone in the Bear River on May 3, 1873, the same river where the massacre took place.”
Instead of sending these Native Americans to a reservation, “Brigham Young said ‘they’re Mormons now and we will assimilate them into the area.’”
The LDS Church designated land 10 miles north of Tremonton as the Washakie Indian farm, where “the missionaries taught us to live like white people, to farm and to ranch,” he said. “The Church also built us a school and a church.”
The tribe has never owned any land until its recent purchase of the 550 acres, which it purchased through profits of some businesses the tribe runs.
The $5 million needed for the new interpretive center will come through donations, which are already pouring in, he said. Donations can be made at www.boaogoi.com.
GSBS Architects in Salt Lake City have produced a design for the land and building that is respectful to the Shoshone people and their strong connection to the land, said Baylee Lambourne, a GSBS building architect.
“We presented lots of options but this one stood out as a way to hide the building within the landscape,” she said. “We call it ‘Reverence,’ which really resonated” with tribal leaders.
A design rendering shows a building sunk into the ground with a land bridge over the top. An outdoor plaza and amphitheater are also part of the proposed site.
David Garce, a lands architect with GSBS, said because bodies were left scattered at the site for many months after the attack, “one way to respect that is to put carefully placed boulders about the grounds to represent victims of the massacre. Visitors can walk on trails that meander around the boulders.”
He said he also wants to restore the stream flow of Battle Creek by bringing in new plants that grew at the time and taking out ones that were brought in after the massacre.
The Department of Natural Resources at Utah State University will help with the planning and implementation of changes to the land.
Parry, who is an active Mormon, said he hopes to raise the funds needed for the project within one year so he can begin telling the full story of his people.
“We’re a tribe that wants to retain our culture but teach our children to learn how to educate themselves in the white man’s world,” he said, adding there are about 550 tribe members today who have to be at least 1/8th Shoshone to be a member.
“Most of our people were massacred but descendants of survivors mostly live in parts of Wyoming, Idaho, northern Utah, eastern Nevada and a bit of California,” he said.
Two events this week mark Intermountain Indian School history
May 16, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
Two separate events hosted by the Brigham City Museum of Art & History will take place this week focusing on the history and impact of the Intermountain Indian School. The first will be a panel discussion held at the Museum, 24 North 300 West, Brigham City, on Thursday, May 17, at 7 p.m. The panel will be made up of former teachers of the Indian School: Peggy Barker, Hal Reeder and Arlie Pittman, who will discuss their time at the school, tell their stories about coming into those positions and speak about memories of the art in the school. The event is free to attend.
An on-site event will take place on Saturday, May 19, at 6 p.m. with a walking history tour. The guided tour will meet at 200 East 950 South, Brigham City, and will be led by campus researcher CJ Guadarrama. He will discuss former building locations and purposes, and discuss the art that once graced their walls. The tour will include historic photos, maps and personal experiences. Plans are in place for this walking tour to be hosted online at tours.brighamcityhistory.org and on a mobile app, along with other area walking tours.
“CJ has been researching the Intermountain Indian School for more than 10 years. His research has covered the art, the history, the folklore, and the educational aspects of the Intermountain Indian School. He has a Masters degree from Utah State University,” said museum director Kaia Landon.
Although some may be disappointed that there will be no entry to the remaining standing buildings, being on site of where they once stood while learning about the history is something that Guadarrama finds to be a powerful way to connect to the past.
Guadarrama remembers being fascinated from a young age with the art work on the building, a mural, near where the Room Loft is currently located. As he grew older he ignored no trespassing signs and entered more buildings and to see the art that they contained. Years passed and the plans to raze more buildings continued. At this point, well into his collegiate experience at USU, Guadarrama gained permission from the dean of the USU BC campus to enter the buildings and document as they attempted to salvage as many murals and relics as they could, though many had already been lost to weather, age, vandalism and previous demolition.
“It was nice to see, because up until that point, I felt like the only person interested in them—which means nothing without the administration power or funding to ensure their safety, you know?” said Guadarrama, “Well, in the Fall of 2016, I met a former art teacher of Intermountain at a reunion in which I was able to guide several former students through two of the buildings. She actually had pictures of all the murals that she [taken] before the school closed, some that I had seen when I went in, and some I never knew existed.”
“I started writing my Master’s thesis on that and eventually learned that the murals I saw USU trying to salvage back in 2012 were still in this little storage building from the old property. It made me worried that it wasn’t the best spot for them, so I asked my department and college if there was anything that could be done to move them to a more climate controlled area,” said Guadarrama, who noted that given their condition was actually pretty great given their age. They were well protected and guarded in that location. “It was at that point that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at USU stepped in while I worked to finish my Master’s and really got the ball rolling. My place in this whole situation was less actually doing something and more asking anyone who could make a difference if they’d be willing to help. Luckily, USU was willing and able to save the incredible pieces of art. The BC museum also has several murals, and they have also been incredibly supportive in this process.”
Guadarrama is excited to share the history of the buildings, including information about the Bushnell General Hospital, but also a bit of insider information as it is commonly known as a legend-tripping site with a great deal of lore and mystery that was passed down for decades and was popular with area youth.
“Answering what it was specifically that drew so many teenagers to the property for decades before the buildings were torn down—the curiosity element, the cautionary tales, the sort of ins and outs of the property that is undocumented and largely ignored because it doesn’t fit within the typical story of Intermountain or Bushnell.” Guadarrama said, when people question the history of the buildings they are often quick to produce preconceived ideas from rumor that has been passed down, “They’re always quick to share the perceived idea that the property was haunted, or they maybe retell a Legend about the property. So, everyone knows about the period After the school, when it was all abandoned and largely forgotten or ignored. They’re just as curious about that as they are the history, and being able to provide that insider’s view—as a local who used to crawl inside though broken windows and explore each hallway—is incredibly exciting for me.”
“Most of the stops are where the building once stood, and if you’ve driven by the property, you can see that is mostly dirt right now as USU [makes] preparations for their own campus [design] ideas. The group will have a phone or tablet that (I believe) will either have pictures of the buildings as they looked and some information about that stop, or at least a way for them to access those things,” said Guadarrama who wants to encourage attendance but emphasize that it will be a lot of information that will be valuable for those who appreciate local history.
May 16, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
Two separate events hosted by the Brigham City Museum of Art & History will take place this week focusing on the history and impact of the Intermountain Indian School. The first will be a panel discussion held at the Museum, 24 North 300 West, Brigham City, on Thursday, May 17, at 7 p.m. The panel will be made up of former teachers of the Indian School: Peggy Barker, Hal Reeder and Arlie Pittman, who will discuss their time at the school, tell their stories about coming into those positions and speak about memories of the art in the school. The event is free to attend.
An on-site event will take place on Saturday, May 19, at 6 p.m. with a walking history tour. The guided tour will meet at 200 East 950 South, Brigham City, and will be led by campus researcher CJ Guadarrama. He will discuss former building locations and purposes, and discuss the art that once graced their walls. The tour will include historic photos, maps and personal experiences. Plans are in place for this walking tour to be hosted online at tours.brighamcityhistory.org and on a mobile app, along with other area walking tours.
“CJ has been researching the Intermountain Indian School for more than 10 years. His research has covered the art, the history, the folklore, and the educational aspects of the Intermountain Indian School. He has a Masters degree from Utah State University,” said museum director Kaia Landon.
Although some may be disappointed that there will be no entry to the remaining standing buildings, being on site of where they once stood while learning about the history is something that Guadarrama finds to be a powerful way to connect to the past.
Guadarrama remembers being fascinated from a young age with the art work on the building, a mural, near where the Room Loft is currently located. As he grew older he ignored no trespassing signs and entered more buildings and to see the art that they contained. Years passed and the plans to raze more buildings continued. At this point, well into his collegiate experience at USU, Guadarrama gained permission from the dean of the USU BC campus to enter the buildings and document as they attempted to salvage as many murals and relics as they could, though many had already been lost to weather, age, vandalism and previous demolition.
“It was nice to see, because up until that point, I felt like the only person interested in them—which means nothing without the administration power or funding to ensure their safety, you know?” said Guadarrama, “Well, in the Fall of 2016, I met a former art teacher of Intermountain at a reunion in which I was able to guide several former students through two of the buildings. She actually had pictures of all the murals that she [taken] before the school closed, some that I had seen when I went in, and some I never knew existed.”
“I started writing my Master’s thesis on that and eventually learned that the murals I saw USU trying to salvage back in 2012 were still in this little storage building from the old property. It made me worried that it wasn’t the best spot for them, so I asked my department and college if there was anything that could be done to move them to a more climate controlled area,” said Guadarrama, who noted that given their condition was actually pretty great given their age. They were well protected and guarded in that location. “It was at that point that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at USU stepped in while I worked to finish my Master’s and really got the ball rolling. My place in this whole situation was less actually doing something and more asking anyone who could make a difference if they’d be willing to help. Luckily, USU was willing and able to save the incredible pieces of art. The BC museum also has several murals, and they have also been incredibly supportive in this process.”
Guadarrama is excited to share the history of the buildings, including information about the Bushnell General Hospital, but also a bit of insider information as it is commonly known as a legend-tripping site with a great deal of lore and mystery that was passed down for decades and was popular with area youth.
“Answering what it was specifically that drew so many teenagers to the property for decades before the buildings were torn down—the curiosity element, the cautionary tales, the sort of ins and outs of the property that is undocumented and largely ignored because it doesn’t fit within the typical story of Intermountain or Bushnell.” Guadarrama said, when people question the history of the buildings they are often quick to produce preconceived ideas from rumor that has been passed down, “They’re always quick to share the perceived idea that the property was haunted, or they maybe retell a Legend about the property. So, everyone knows about the period After the school, when it was all abandoned and largely forgotten or ignored. They’re just as curious about that as they are the history, and being able to provide that insider’s view—as a local who used to crawl inside though broken windows and explore each hallway—is incredibly exciting for me.”
“Most of the stops are where the building once stood, and if you’ve driven by the property, you can see that is mostly dirt right now as USU [makes] preparations for their own campus [design] ideas. The group will have a phone or tablet that (I believe) will either have pictures of the buildings as they looked and some information about that stop, or at least a way for them to access those things,” said Guadarrama who wants to encourage attendance but emphasize that it will be a lot of information that will be valuable for those who appreciate local history.
Onlookers clap for the start of the Relay for Life event with the survivor’s lap, where those who have faced cancer walk together.
Relay for Life brings new hope
May 9, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
Relay for Life walked back into viability with the lively event held throughout the day at Pioneer Park in Brigham City on Saturday. Financially, the event was a success, raising money to fund cancer research through the American Cancer Society, but the telltale sign of a fruitful year was all of the laughter and big smiles seen as participants walked the course.
One frequent participant said that it was the best event they had held in many years, and that the energy was palpable. Though she preferred not to be named, she said that the planning and outreach really hit it out of the park this year.
The event was well attended by registered participants as well as community members who stopped by to support friends and family, make purchases from vendors and watch live entertainment. Jeana Parsons, committee chairman, was overwhelmed by the success of the Relay for Life event that was held on Saturday, at Pioneer Park.
“We had 11 teams and 100 participants registered with over 300 people participating [the] day of the event. We had 21 vendors (food and products) that joined us from the community. We will raise just over $20,000 once the last few things come in!” said Parsons. Updated totals topped $21,000 at time of press.
The event kicked off with an introduction by Cidne Christensen, the area’s Director of Community Development for the American Cancer Society who reminded the crowd of sources like the Hope Lodge in Salt Lake City, where many Box Elder County residents have been able to find comfort during extended treatments, as well as the money that goes toward research for finding a cure.
Linda Baugh spoke to the crowd and shared her personal experience and appreciation for Relay for Life through her experience as a caregiver as her late husband, John, battled cancer.
“My husband fought cancer for ten years,” said Linda Baugh, He was diagnosed with desmoplastic melanoma, stage four. She said that he was involved in many study trials over the years, he called himself the guinea pig and he felt that was the way he could help other people going through this fight.
John Baugh had required the use of a scooter at the time of last year’s Relay, in August, when it came time for the survivor’s lap to kick off the event he said he wanted to do it without. “I told him he should do the survivor’s lap on his scooter and he said, “Nope I’m walking it.” Baugh was flabbergasted because he could barely walk, and yet he did. He completed the survivor’s lap and continued and completed the caregiver’s lap that followed without assistance of the scooter.
“We were the last ones to get that lap done, but it didn’t matter because he did it, and that meant so much to him and to me that he could do that,” said Linda Baugh, it was a source of joy and pride which eased the pain a little when he passed away the following month.
“I relay for those who can’t…I relay for awareness…I relay to fight back…I relay for hope…I relay for the cure, because we’re all hoping that there is a cure for cancer…I relay for the past, the present and the future, I relay for those who have not been able to win this fight...” said Linda Baugh, whose hope is that her children and grandchildren won’t face the battles that are currently faced by so many.
“Each of those lights, is like a little glimmer of hope for each cancer patient to have as they are going through their struggles,” said Linda Baugh of the Luminaire event, where small sacks line the pond in the dark for a silent lap of contemplation and in memory of those lost.
A traditional flag ceremony was provided by the American Legion, Amanda Shogren sang the national anthem. Other entertainment throughout the day included gymnasts from Tanglewood, breakdancers from the Savage Dance Team from Salt Lake City, musical performances from Steven Davis, Singularity and PALs were also well-received. A visit from the 501st Legion, a “Star Wars” cosplay group, was fun as they lead the kids’ lap.
A 5k was held to raise funds, it brought in $750 with 30 registered runners. Bob Marabella and Jill Nelson were the first place male and female runners.
Relay for Life brings new hope
May 9, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
Relay for Life walked back into viability with the lively event held throughout the day at Pioneer Park in Brigham City on Saturday. Financially, the event was a success, raising money to fund cancer research through the American Cancer Society, but the telltale sign of a fruitful year was all of the laughter and big smiles seen as participants walked the course.
One frequent participant said that it was the best event they had held in many years, and that the energy was palpable. Though she preferred not to be named, she said that the planning and outreach really hit it out of the park this year.
The event was well attended by registered participants as well as community members who stopped by to support friends and family, make purchases from vendors and watch live entertainment. Jeana Parsons, committee chairman, was overwhelmed by the success of the Relay for Life event that was held on Saturday, at Pioneer Park.
“We had 11 teams and 100 participants registered with over 300 people participating [the] day of the event. We had 21 vendors (food and products) that joined us from the community. We will raise just over $20,000 once the last few things come in!” said Parsons. Updated totals topped $21,000 at time of press.
The event kicked off with an introduction by Cidne Christensen, the area’s Director of Community Development for the American Cancer Society who reminded the crowd of sources like the Hope Lodge in Salt Lake City, where many Box Elder County residents have been able to find comfort during extended treatments, as well as the money that goes toward research for finding a cure.
Linda Baugh spoke to the crowd and shared her personal experience and appreciation for Relay for Life through her experience as a caregiver as her late husband, John, battled cancer.
“My husband fought cancer for ten years,” said Linda Baugh, He was diagnosed with desmoplastic melanoma, stage four. She said that he was involved in many study trials over the years, he called himself the guinea pig and he felt that was the way he could help other people going through this fight.
John Baugh had required the use of a scooter at the time of last year’s Relay, in August, when it came time for the survivor’s lap to kick off the event he said he wanted to do it without. “I told him he should do the survivor’s lap on his scooter and he said, “Nope I’m walking it.” Baugh was flabbergasted because he could barely walk, and yet he did. He completed the survivor’s lap and continued and completed the caregiver’s lap that followed without assistance of the scooter.
“We were the last ones to get that lap done, but it didn’t matter because he did it, and that meant so much to him and to me that he could do that,” said Linda Baugh, it was a source of joy and pride which eased the pain a little when he passed away the following month.
“I relay for those who can’t…I relay for awareness…I relay to fight back…I relay for hope…I relay for the cure, because we’re all hoping that there is a cure for cancer…I relay for the past, the present and the future, I relay for those who have not been able to win this fight...” said Linda Baugh, whose hope is that her children and grandchildren won’t face the battles that are currently faced by so many.
“Each of those lights, is like a little glimmer of hope for each cancer patient to have as they are going through their struggles,” said Linda Baugh of the Luminaire event, where small sacks line the pond in the dark for a silent lap of contemplation and in memory of those lost.
A traditional flag ceremony was provided by the American Legion, Amanda Shogren sang the national anthem. Other entertainment throughout the day included gymnasts from Tanglewood, breakdancers from the Savage Dance Team from Salt Lake City, musical performances from Steven Davis, Singularity and PALs were also well-received. A visit from the 501st Legion, a “Star Wars” cosplay group, was fun as they lead the kids’ lap.
A 5k was held to raise funds, it brought in $750 with 30 registered runners. Bob Marabella and Jill Nelson were the first place male and female runners.
Off to the races: A beautiful day for a derby in Brigham City
May 2, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
The second annual Soap Dish Derby was a successful fundraising event for Meals-on-Wheels, with hundreds gathering along Highland Boulevard to spend a day at the races and raise funds to provide healthy meals for senior citizens.
“Magic happens when like-minded individuals come up with an idea to host a fundraising event including derby cars. Under a gorgeous blue-sky with unseasonably warm temperatures, ‘kids’ of all ages raced down Highland Boulevard trying to come up with the fastest time.” said Nancy Green, Supervisor, Brigham City Senior Center Community Activities and Services Department, “Spectators lined the sidewalk cheering on the racers and enjoying the delicious food from the Senior Center kitchen. Following a full morning of fun, Meals on Wheels could breathe a bit easier knowing that $5,000 would be added to their funds to continue to provide daily meals and safety checks to the 150 people that rely upon this service. 1,000 additional meals will be able to be prepared thanks to this amazing event.”
“I think we had a good time we had beautiful weather and everything went pretty well,” said Brian Simcox of Brigham Heating and Cooling, Inc. Each year improvements happen, this year they acquired their own ramps which will be used for upcoming events, he said,“Next year we can focus more on promoting it, and liven it up a bit.”
One lesson learned from last year which initiated change was holding the children’s medal ceremony immediately following the children’s heats instead of waiting for the end of the event. Next year there will be a lot of changes including more publicity in advance and discussion with the businesses who have sponsored cars for the first two years to get feedback on ways to improve the experience for both the racers and the spectators.
Some of the ideas Simcox would like to incorporate are bringing in live entertainment, encourage participating businesses to do giveaways and throw out t-shirts and swag, another idea proposed would be using elimination brackets with prize money on the line to heat up the competition.
Simcox said that despite the number of racers being cut in half, a necessary action to prevent brake burnout from excessive runs, the turnout was still good, particularly in the morning. The heat of the day made the spectators dwindle as the morning turned to afternoon. The children’s races were well attended with families there to support their child drivers.
Due to welcoming a new baby into their family Simcox and wife Britt had to take a step back and have the recreation department fill in for them, the pair will resume spearheading the event again next year.
Family will always be the focus for these events. He mentioned that families are so busy with kids involved in sports and activities, but this is an experience where they can truly come together and work with each other to build a car which can race for years to come. One family spent two weeks building a car by hand to race, Simcox said, “I’d love to see more of those cars out there if people would build them.”
Simcox wants to thank the volunteers and city workers who set the event up and did a wonderful job of teardown as well. The team at George’s Tire brought in 250 tires which lined the track for safety, they even shut down business long enough to be able to pick up the tires after the race.
When the idea of the derby first launched Simcox approached the businesses who participated with the promise that he’d at least put on five events so that they got their money’s worth out of the kits they purchased. He fully intends on fulfilling that promise.
Brigham City Community Activities and Services Director Kristy Law said, “The Community Activities and Services Department is grateful to all of the volunteers and sponsors that helped make this event possible. Brian and Britt Simcox are the driving force that spearheaded this great event last year as part of the City’s Sesquicentennial celebration. The interest for the event is growing and we look forward to hosting this event annually.”
Law said, “Anytime that we can pair a fun community event and earn additional meals for senior we are all winners.”
Sammy Oberg, administrative assistant for the community activities and services director for Brigham City said that the staff at Brigham City Recreation would like to thank Brigham Heating for being the major sponsor along with George’s Tire, Mountain Transmission, Master Muffler, Workforce Staffing, Storm Products and Veracity for making the event a success.
The Recreation department is already looking toward next year’s race, they will have registration packets ready for the 2019 event by the second week of May. Law said that now is the time to start thinking about building a car to support Meals on Wheels.
RACERS READY
The second annual Soap Dish Derby will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Highland Boulevard between Beecher Avenue and Sycamore, with the finish line near Mary E. Christensen Park. Pictured are two of last year’s competitors.
Second annual Soap Dish Derby takes to the streets this Saturday
April 25, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
After a successful inaugural run last year, the Soap Dish Derby is returning to Brigham City’s Highland Boulevard on Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
This family-friendly event is a day to watch business and family-sponsored derby racers speed down the large hill at the intersection of Beecher Avenue and Highland Boulevard while viewers line the streets and gather at Mary E. Christensen park to witness the spectacle.
Soap Dish Derby vehicles can be made from kits or built from home, many area businesses have purchased their own vehicles to compete in junior or adult divisions.
“Overall, the format is pretty much the same, a few more race cars have registered,” said Sammy Oberg, administrative assistant for the community activities and services director for Brigham City. A few changes have been instituted since last year.
Last year’s event was timed, this year’s will be a double elimination bracket, with a limit of three drivers per car. This change was implemented due to the risk of brake burn out as they found major wear and tear on the brakes last year, and safety is the utmost priority.
New, also, this year will be food sales at the park, with funds raised benefiting the Brigham City Meals-on-Wheels program. The funds help support the program which delivers hot, nutritious noontime meals to eligible residents, and is run by a team of volunteers. The service not only provides a healthy meal, but also a social experience and general welfare check for those receiving services.
The lunch options will begin around 11 a.m. and will include the choice of a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and chips for $5, or a hot dog with chips for $2.
Meals-on-Wheels has a car in the races, to raise funds they sold raffle tickets where winners were chosen to take the wheel as drivers in Saturday’s competition.
The majority of race cars were built by Box Elder High School students last year. “I’m pretty excited we have a couple of home car builds this year, so that will be fun,” said Oberg.
Jackie Christensen, of Brigham City Recreation, said that there are seven adult cars currently registered and three junior class division cars registered, with at least two more who are planning to participate.
If you would like to enter your own car, or have additional questions call 435-734-6610. Information about the race car specifications and rules of the event are available at brighamcity.utah.gov/soap-dish-derby.htm.
Second annual Soap Dish Derby takes to the streets this Saturday
April 25, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
After a successful inaugural run last year, the Soap Dish Derby is returning to Brigham City’s Highland Boulevard on Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
This family-friendly event is a day to watch business and family-sponsored derby racers speed down the large hill at the intersection of Beecher Avenue and Highland Boulevard while viewers line the streets and gather at Mary E. Christensen park to witness the spectacle.
Soap Dish Derby vehicles can be made from kits or built from home, many area businesses have purchased their own vehicles to compete in junior or adult divisions.
“Overall, the format is pretty much the same, a few more race cars have registered,” said Sammy Oberg, administrative assistant for the community activities and services director for Brigham City. A few changes have been instituted since last year.
Last year’s event was timed, this year’s will be a double elimination bracket, with a limit of three drivers per car. This change was implemented due to the risk of brake burn out as they found major wear and tear on the brakes last year, and safety is the utmost priority.
New, also, this year will be food sales at the park, with funds raised benefiting the Brigham City Meals-on-Wheels program. The funds help support the program which delivers hot, nutritious noontime meals to eligible residents, and is run by a team of volunteers. The service not only provides a healthy meal, but also a social experience and general welfare check for those receiving services.
The lunch options will begin around 11 a.m. and will include the choice of a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and chips for $5, or a hot dog with chips for $2.
Meals-on-Wheels has a car in the races, to raise funds they sold raffle tickets where winners were chosen to take the wheel as drivers in Saturday’s competition.
The majority of race cars were built by Box Elder High School students last year. “I’m pretty excited we have a couple of home car builds this year, so that will be fun,” said Oberg.
Jackie Christensen, of Brigham City Recreation, said that there are seven adult cars currently registered and three junior class division cars registered, with at least two more who are planning to participate.
If you would like to enter your own car, or have additional questions call 435-734-6610. Information about the race car specifications and rules of the event are available at brighamcity.utah.gov/soap-dish-derby.htm.
Brigham City Suicide Prevention Coalition members receive a check from the America’s Farmer Grow Communities Monsanto Fund program, the grant was won by local farmer Becca Ferry who was able to donate to the charity of her choice. Pictured are (front) Ashton Steel, Carrie Rutherford, Tara Roche, Kristen Nation, Ray Ferry, Becca Ferry, (back) Maya Miyaira, Michelle Carter, Nicole Kaae, Shelisa York, Mike Nelsen, Phil Collins, and Janette White.
Farmer donates grant funds to BC Suicide Prevention Coalition
April 18, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
America’s Farmers Grow Community grant, by Monsanto Fund, is a program which rewards one farmer per eligible county with a $2,500 grant to be used for a non-profit organization of their choice designed to strengthen communities. Becca Ferry was recently selected as the recipient for Box Elder County, the only qualifying county in the state of Utah, she decided to put those funds to use by donating to the Brigham City Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Suicide is a topic which hits home with Ferry as she has seen friends, family and neighbors suffer when people have died by suicide, and the topic of suicide in itself is prevalent in farming communities as farmers have now topped the list of high-risk industries for suicide.
According to information by the Center for Disease Control, “Persons working in the farming, fishing, and forestry group had the highest rate of suicide overall (84.5 per 100,000 population) and among males.”
“I love farmers, they don’t get the credit they deserve for their role in society,” said Ferry. There are so many variables than can affect the lifestyle for farmers, including but not limited to the variables in the market value of their crops/products, and being subject to the whims of the weather are major factors that often affect the bottom line for farmers, as well as their personal levels of satisfaction.
Farm Crisis Center, a website serving the National Farmer’s Union states, “Net farm income dropped 50 percent from 2013-2016, and it has remained depressed ever since. These conditions force many family farmers and ranchers to make tough financial decisions that will impact their families, communities, and the entire country.” Their website includes the Farm Aid hotline 800-327-6243 and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255.
The Dairy industry has been hit particularly hard with a fourth consecutive year of low dairy prices, yet their overhead costs remain the same or have increased with cost of living variables. National Public Radio brought awareness to the problem within one elite Northeastern dairy group, Agri-Mark Inc. The dairy co-op has approximately 1,000 members and within the past three years has lost three members to suicide.
Agri-Mark member Will Rogers said that the amount he is getting for milk currently is what he made several decades ago, this income is only about 75 percent of his break even point. When Agri-Mark distributed their February checks, a letter was also included a chart showing the dismal 2018 milk prices forecast, and a list of suicide prevention hotlines.
The Agri-Mark letter said, “We have reached the halfway point of a particularly stressful winter while also facing falling milk prices. Farm families are incredibly resilient, but some members may want to take advantage of helpful programs where they can talk with experts about work and financial stress, depression and anxiety, grief counseling, substance abuse and family relationship issues.”
Agri-Mark has responded to the crisis by implementing a free member assistance program, where co-op members can reach out in crisis. There is discussion of other co-ops following suit. However in the mean time, according to Ferry, small farmers are doing their best to look out for each other however possible, particularly here in Utah where neighbors often become like family.
In an interview with the New York Times, farmer Fred Morgan, of New York, has shared his story regarding his own preparation and choice to nearly end his life so that his family could use the funds from his life insurance policy to free themselves from the burden of debt that had befallen his dairy. Hundreds of small dairies across America have closed their doors in the past four years, many due to the intentional death of their owners.
The CDC has stated that those working in farming, fishing and forestry were 3.4 times more likely than other American workers to commit suicide on the job.
According to Hal McCabe, outreach director for FarmNet, he believes the actual number of farm-related suicides to be higher than numbers currently reflect, as they may be reported as farming or hunting accidents.
Ferry said that previously when she thought about the suicide problem that we face as a society we are often quick to think about teens, LGBTQ, the elderly and veterans, but statistics are proving that there is reason to be concerned for neighbors in the agricultural industry.
Ferry’s interest in the topic has grown recently, along with the national conversation and she has sought out engagement on the topic within her social circle. Ferry shared an article on Facebook regarding the book “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari, who addresses the topic of whether the information currently available to the public about depression and treatment is enough. Noting one particular quote in which Hari wrote, “Professor Michael Chandler in Vancouver explained to me that if a community feels it has no control over the big decisions affecting it, the suicide rate will shoot up.”
“There is a stigma, ‘I’m strong, I can handle it,’” said Ferry, when it comes to farmers. But, there is always a time and place to ask for help.
Ferry has spoken with a family member who works in the mental health industry who has voiced concern that people who need crisis help are often delayed anywhere from 6-8 weeks to receive service. This is a common wait time in Box Elder County, according to both mental health providers and those who have sought help. Being part of a bedroom community residents often choose to go out of the area to receive treatment in a timely manner, because waiting could be a major risk. “It’s a problem and there is not an easy way to change that,” Ferry said.
There has been a distinct increase in the public awareness of the problem and government officials like Lt. Governor Spencer Cox have spoken out to reduce the stigma of mental illness and to advocate for seeking help in times of crisis. The legislature has been effective in providing resource numbers like the 4-1-1 program, and the SafeUT app. But, even so those help lines still go unanswered at times, and that can be a matter of life or death to those in crisis. Every extra effort that can be made to better prepare community members to recognize a person in crisis and be able to refer them to the right place for help has the potential to save a life.
A bill was proposed but did not pass this legislative session which would have required medical practitioners to receive mandatory crisis training to better assist those at-risk of suicide, she hopes it will be revisted in the future as approximately 40 percent of people who die by suicide have visited a family practice doctor in the month prior to taking their life.
According to Ferry, nearly 90 percent of all psychiatric medications have been prescribed by a primary care physician rather than a mental health provider. Health networks like IHC have followed suit of the United States Air Force in providing nearly immediate in-network referrals. When a doctor feels that the situation would be better handled by a mental health provider he or she walks the patient down the hall to the appropriate doctor.
“This concept of “Where is the right place for you to get help? Is it medication? Is it counseling?...Are you getting the help you need?” is a proactive approach that Ferry appreciates and hopes is implemented further.
Ferry recently attended the Northern Box Elder County Suicide Prevention Coalition town hall meeting regarding anxiety and was impressed by the matter of fact manner in which anxiety and depression was addressed.
She mentioned the concept that if something is physically wrong, if someone needs knee surgery there is never a question of shame or stigma regarding the treatment. Mental health concerns should also be treated without judgment.
“We need to not be judgmental of people, or of ourselves, if we need help. It’s just the reality.” said Ferry.
Ferry has previously won an award by the America’s Farmer organization for which she donated the stipend to the Box Elder Community Food Pantry, because the tie between farmers as a provider for food the connection just made sense. With the recent influx of information and concern for the increasing suicide rate of farmers nationwide, this Grow Community grant seemed to be a good fit for a non-profit resource dedicated to preventing the loss of life by suicide.
The Brigham Suicide Prevention Coalition is a group of volunteers in the mental health industry, those who have been personally affected by suicide and members of the community who simply see a need for prevention efforts. The Coalition is primarily funded by private donations.
Coalition Co-chair Carrie Rutherford said, “We feel very fortunate to have received two grants this year. One from Monsanto, which was procured for us by Becca Ferry, and the other from The United Way of Northern Utah. These grants make it possible for us to obtain the training our members need in order to teach suicide prevention in our community.”
Four members of the coalition recently took training to become certified as QPR gatekeepers, Four of our members have recently become Question Persuade Refer (QPR) gatekeepers and now have the ability to teach QPR as well as other programs like Talk Saves Lives.
The coalition will be sponsoring a few upcoming events including a special event private screening of the film, “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” which will be held at the Megaplex University Stadium 6, 1225 North 200 East, Logan, on May 1, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at http://bit.ly/2F11asy Tickets are $12 per person and an online fee of $2.50 does apply to tickets.
Another community event will be held on Monday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at the Utah State University Brigham City Campus, 989 South Main Street. This “Teach 2 Reach” event will be focusing on family communication, the importance of communication in family, how to appropriately engage in difficult conversations with family members, how to recognize when a family member may be struggling, and where to get help when things are beyond the ability of the family.
Farmer donates grant funds to BC Suicide Prevention Coalition
April 18, 2018 • Loni Newby • Associate editor
America’s Farmers Grow Community grant, by Monsanto Fund, is a program which rewards one farmer per eligible county with a $2,500 grant to be used for a non-profit organization of their choice designed to strengthen communities. Becca Ferry was recently selected as the recipient for Box Elder County, the only qualifying county in the state of Utah, she decided to put those funds to use by donating to the Brigham City Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Suicide is a topic which hits home with Ferry as she has seen friends, family and neighbors suffer when people have died by suicide, and the topic of suicide in itself is prevalent in farming communities as farmers have now topped the list of high-risk industries for suicide.
According to information by the Center for Disease Control, “Persons working in the farming, fishing, and forestry group had the highest rate of suicide overall (84.5 per 100,000 population) and among males.”
“I love farmers, they don’t get the credit they deserve for their role in society,” said Ferry. There are so many variables than can affect the lifestyle for farmers, including but not limited to the variables in the market value of their crops/products, and being subject to the whims of the weather are major factors that often affect the bottom line for farmers, as well as their personal levels of satisfaction.
Farm Crisis Center, a website serving the National Farmer’s Union states, “Net farm income dropped 50 percent from 2013-2016, and it has remained depressed ever since. These conditions force many family farmers and ranchers to make tough financial decisions that will impact their families, communities, and the entire country.” Their website includes the Farm Aid hotline 800-327-6243 and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255.
The Dairy industry has been hit particularly hard with a fourth consecutive year of low dairy prices, yet their overhead costs remain the same or have increased with cost of living variables. National Public Radio brought awareness to the problem within one elite Northeastern dairy group, Agri-Mark Inc. The dairy co-op has approximately 1,000 members and within the past three years has lost three members to suicide.
Agri-Mark member Will Rogers said that the amount he is getting for milk currently is what he made several decades ago, this income is only about 75 percent of his break even point. When Agri-Mark distributed their February checks, a letter was also included a chart showing the dismal 2018 milk prices forecast, and a list of suicide prevention hotlines.
The Agri-Mark letter said, “We have reached the halfway point of a particularly stressful winter while also facing falling milk prices. Farm families are incredibly resilient, but some members may want to take advantage of helpful programs where they can talk with experts about work and financial stress, depression and anxiety, grief counseling, substance abuse and family relationship issues.”
Agri-Mark has responded to the crisis by implementing a free member assistance program, where co-op members can reach out in crisis. There is discussion of other co-ops following suit. However in the mean time, according to Ferry, small farmers are doing their best to look out for each other however possible, particularly here in Utah where neighbors often become like family.
In an interview with the New York Times, farmer Fred Morgan, of New York, has shared his story regarding his own preparation and choice to nearly end his life so that his family could use the funds from his life insurance policy to free themselves from the burden of debt that had befallen his dairy. Hundreds of small dairies across America have closed their doors in the past four years, many due to the intentional death of their owners.
The CDC has stated that those working in farming, fishing and forestry were 3.4 times more likely than other American workers to commit suicide on the job.
According to Hal McCabe, outreach director for FarmNet, he believes the actual number of farm-related suicides to be higher than numbers currently reflect, as they may be reported as farming or hunting accidents.
Ferry said that previously when she thought about the suicide problem that we face as a society we are often quick to think about teens, LGBTQ, the elderly and veterans, but statistics are proving that there is reason to be concerned for neighbors in the agricultural industry.
Ferry’s interest in the topic has grown recently, along with the national conversation and she has sought out engagement on the topic within her social circle. Ferry shared an article on Facebook regarding the book “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari, who addresses the topic of whether the information currently available to the public about depression and treatment is enough. Noting one particular quote in which Hari wrote, “Professor Michael Chandler in Vancouver explained to me that if a community feels it has no control over the big decisions affecting it, the suicide rate will shoot up.”
“There is a stigma, ‘I’m strong, I can handle it,’” said Ferry, when it comes to farmers. But, there is always a time and place to ask for help.
Ferry has spoken with a family member who works in the mental health industry who has voiced concern that people who need crisis help are often delayed anywhere from 6-8 weeks to receive service. This is a common wait time in Box Elder County, according to both mental health providers and those who have sought help. Being part of a bedroom community residents often choose to go out of the area to receive treatment in a timely manner, because waiting could be a major risk. “It’s a problem and there is not an easy way to change that,” Ferry said.
There has been a distinct increase in the public awareness of the problem and government officials like Lt. Governor Spencer Cox have spoken out to reduce the stigma of mental illness and to advocate for seeking help in times of crisis. The legislature has been effective in providing resource numbers like the 4-1-1 program, and the SafeUT app. But, even so those help lines still go unanswered at times, and that can be a matter of life or death to those in crisis. Every extra effort that can be made to better prepare community members to recognize a person in crisis and be able to refer them to the right place for help has the potential to save a life.
A bill was proposed but did not pass this legislative session which would have required medical practitioners to receive mandatory crisis training to better assist those at-risk of suicide, she hopes it will be revisted in the future as approximately 40 percent of people who die by suicide have visited a family practice doctor in the month prior to taking their life.
According to Ferry, nearly 90 percent of all psychiatric medications have been prescribed by a primary care physician rather than a mental health provider. Health networks like IHC have followed suit of the United States Air Force in providing nearly immediate in-network referrals. When a doctor feels that the situation would be better handled by a mental health provider he or she walks the patient down the hall to the appropriate doctor.
“This concept of “Where is the right place for you to get help? Is it medication? Is it counseling?...Are you getting the help you need?” is a proactive approach that Ferry appreciates and hopes is implemented further.
Ferry recently attended the Northern Box Elder County Suicide Prevention Coalition town hall meeting regarding anxiety and was impressed by the matter of fact manner in which anxiety and depression was addressed.
She mentioned the concept that if something is physically wrong, if someone needs knee surgery there is never a question of shame or stigma regarding the treatment. Mental health concerns should also be treated without judgment.
“We need to not be judgmental of people, or of ourselves, if we need help. It’s just the reality.” said Ferry.
Ferry has previously won an award by the America’s Farmer organization for which she donated the stipend to the Box Elder Community Food Pantry, because the tie between farmers as a provider for food the connection just made sense. With the recent influx of information and concern for the increasing suicide rate of farmers nationwide, this Grow Community grant seemed to be a good fit for a non-profit resource dedicated to preventing the loss of life by suicide.
The Brigham Suicide Prevention Coalition is a group of volunteers in the mental health industry, those who have been personally affected by suicide and members of the community who simply see a need for prevention efforts. The Coalition is primarily funded by private donations.
Coalition Co-chair Carrie Rutherford said, “We feel very fortunate to have received two grants this year. One from Monsanto, which was procured for us by Becca Ferry, and the other from The United Way of Northern Utah. These grants make it possible for us to obtain the training our members need in order to teach suicide prevention in our community.”
Four members of the coalition recently took training to become certified as QPR gatekeepers, Four of our members have recently become Question Persuade Refer (QPR) gatekeepers and now have the ability to teach QPR as well as other programs like Talk Saves Lives.
The coalition will be sponsoring a few upcoming events including a special event private screening of the film, “Suicide: The Ripple Effect” which will be held at the Megaplex University Stadium 6, 1225 North 200 East, Logan, on May 1, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at http://bit.ly/2F11asy Tickets are $12 per person and an online fee of $2.50 does apply to tickets.
Another community event will be held on Monday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at the Utah State University Brigham City Campus, 989 South Main Street. This “Teach 2 Reach” event will be focusing on family communication, the importance of communication in family, how to appropriately engage in difficult conversations with family members, how to recognize when a family member may be struggling, and where to get help when things are beyond the ability of the family.
Anxiety: There is no shame in seeking treatment, assistance
April 11, 2018 • Abby Payne • Staff Writer
Heart racing. Palms sweating. Racing thoughts. Restlessness. Irritability. Fatigue.
Anxiety is a normal part of day-to-day life, but for some people, it’s more than just wondering if the stove got turned off or if the boss is in a good mood. For many, anxiety is a restless and debilitating way of life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people are affected by mental illness. Due to its prevalence in Box Elder County, the Northern Box Elder County Suicide Prevention Coalition held a mini town hall meeting on April 5 to explain the symptoms and available treatments for anxiety.
The meeting was led by coalition director Jenny Schulze. She introduced three speakers, who are all locals to Box Elder county, including Tom Kotter of Brigham City who lives with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression, Stephen Hoffman who practices clinical psychology with Community Health Centers in Tremonton, and Jonathan Gardner who practices family medicine at the Bear River Valley Hospital.
Each speaker gave their perspective on the importance of mental health care, especially as it relates to anxiety and anxiety-adjacent mental illnesses like OCD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Kotter explained his experiences leading up to his diagnosis, which started shortly after he returned home early from an LDS mission in Spain. Kotter shared how when he came home from his mission early, he felt shame and guilt because of his mental illness. Kotter encourage the audience, especially those suffering with mental illness, that there is nothing shameful about struggling with a mental illness and nothing wrong with seeking treatment.
“There’s no reason to feel that something’s wrong with you or to think that you’re lost or there isn’t hope,” Kotter said.
Unlike so many things in life, Kotter explained that there’s no amount of “sucking it up” that can replace treatment for a mental illness. Whether talk therapy or medication, mental illness isn’t something that can just be ignore until it goes away, according to Kotter.
Hoffman warned the audience against parents passing their anxieties to their children by pushing them to be better in school, sports or whatever they are good at. He also warned against “socially influenced perfectionism,” in which one tries to live an “Instagram perfect” life at all times and doesn’t allow for room the inevitable bumps and mistakes of life.
Hoffman also explained that there is no shame in seeking treatment for any mental illness, no matter what it stems from or the patient’s age and that everyone deserves to live a happy and healthy life.
Desi Larsen of Elwood attended the event. She said she learned a lot about anxiety and mental health from the meeting, much of which she is planning on sharing with family members. Larsen said she is beginning to recognize the magnitude of the problem of mental illness in Box Elder county and she appreciates those who are trying to shed light on the situation.
“I thought [the meeting] was extremely helpful and eye opening to realize how many people might have this issue and how similar we all are,” Larsen said.
Larsen said she hopes that more events like this happen in the future and that more people can learn about the mental health resources that are available in Box Elder county.
“It was really helpful and gave really good resources,” Larsen said. “Getting to know the panel was really helpful. Maybe if you know who is there, you can go talk to them on a personal basis.”
Chad Hunt, a member of the Northern Box Elder County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Communications and Public Relations Specialist for the Bear River Valley Hospital, said he was pleased with the event and that he hopes the Suicide Prevention Coalition can continue to hold similar events in the future.
Hunt said one of the goals of the event was to make information about mental health, specifically anxiety, accessible and to demystify the illness.
“We wanted to make the event relatable so that they feel comfortable and they don’t feel like they’re weird because they have anxiety,” Hunt said. “We all have anxiety to some extent.”
Hunt also said that he thinks it’s important to begin reframing the conversation around anxiety and depression, from one of extraordinary actions by sick people to one of authentic actions by normal people.
“I once heard it said that we need to stop treating people with depression and anxiety as if they’re being brave, but that they’re being honest,” Hunt said. “We just need to be honest with ourselves that anxiety and depression is a normal part of life and we just need to be comfortable with who we are and that seeking and getting treatment for that is normal.”