September 2010 Calendar of Events

Every Monday
Bingo!! Come join our seniors every Monday right after lunch until about 3:00 p.m. for some fun games of Bingo, at the Crossroads Senior and Community Center.


Every Tuesday
Vernal Chamber of Commerce Meeting held at Golden Corral in Vernal at 12 PM.

Every Wednesday
Spanish & English Story Time for kids at the Uintah County Library at 2:00pm. For more info call 789-0091.

Every Friday
Golden Age Center Dance open to the public. Dances held at the Golden Age Center beginning at 3:00pm.

Back Country Horsemen MeetingsMonthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month at the Frontier Grill in Roosevelt at 6:30 PM.

Quilters Guild Roosevelt Crossroads Center The quilter's will be meeting on Wednesday Sept. 8th, and 22nd between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sept. 14 between 7-9 p.m. at the Crossroads Senior and Community Center. Everyone interested in quilting is welcome to join in the fun.

September 3, 2010Farmer's Market5pm until 8pm This will be another big Farmer's Market in Duchesne City at Wallace Park … This event has become a community favorite as local vendors welcome locals and visitors alike with fun entertainment and opportunities to support local activities. Come for a fun weekend at Starvation State Park and Make Duchesne City Your Destination For Fun.

September 6, 2010 Labor Day

September 8, 2010API Meeting 6:30 @ Frontier Grill in Roosevelt. For more information contact Bob Barlow at 724-2500 or e-mail at rballou@ubtanet.com.

September 11, 2010Children's Justice Center Benefit RideThe Uintah Back Country Horseman will once again sponsor a Benefit Ride for the Children's Justice Center, at the Lake Mountain Trail Head North East or Lapoint. There will be a Poker Ride, Raffle, Auction, BBQ and lots of fun. There is a $5.00 donation requested for the Poker Ride. Raffle tickets are $1.00 per ticket or 6 for $5.00, the prizes include a Ruger M-77 Rifle 22/250 w/scope, a handmade King size Quilt, $150.00 cash. There are a lot of items available for the auction. The BBQ Dinner will cost $7.00 per plate and what a feast, beef, pork, chicken, corn on the cob, a variety of salads and drinks and more, you won't go away hungry. The entertainment for the evening will be a group called Crimson Rose. All proceeds go to the Children's Justice Centers in Roosevelt and Vernal. For more information Contact: Gale Robbins @ 790-8961 Rod Harrison 738-5925 or Alan Oleen 353-4314 Lake mtn. trailhead on Mosby mtn. - turn north 1/4 mile east of Lapoint and follow the signs – road is paved Tent will be provided in case of inclement weather.

September 11 -1218H Annual Walleye Classic StarvationStarvation Reservoir Walleye Fishing Tournament. Teams consist of forty- 2 man teams from throughout the state of Utah. Anglers will compete for best two day catch at Starvation Reservoir. Great competition and exciting weigh- ins will take place each day at Approx 3:00 P.M. The Awards Ceremony will be Sunday at the conclusion of the tournament. Winners will receive prizes and plaques. The giant prize giveaway will be Saturday Sept. 11 at approx. 4:00 P.M. in the group site area at Starvation. Contact the Duchesne County Chamber 722-4598 for more information. http://www.starvationclassic.com/

September 11, 20104th Annual Fun Family Day at Starvation The Fun Family Day will be Saturday Only from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 P.M., at the group site area. The afternoon will include a duck race, family activities, recipe swap, big fish stories, and prizes. Bring your entire family, lawn chairs and a picnic, while you spend the afternoon relaxing and participating in all Starvation has to offer. Take time to enjoy all the amenities at Starvation State Park including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and much more in between activities. Regular park fees will apply. Construction at Starvation will relocate most activities to the group site ….parking will be very limited…please consider car pooling. The Giant Giveaway will end the fun family day at Approx 4:00 P.M. Contact the Chamber of Commerce 722-4597 or 722-4598.

September 16, 2010 Social Security 9:30-1:00 at the Crossroads Senior Center 50 E. 200 S. Roosevelt. Please bring all of your information. For more information call Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce at 722-4598/722-4597.

September 21, 22, 2010 ARUP Blood Drive in Roosevelt at Strata Networks. Tuesday 1:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M….. Wednesday, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Please consider donating blood this year.

September 23-24 2010Vernal Utah's Indian Summer Storytelling FestivalFall in love with story all over again. Special Dinner Theater Performance! The Fine Beauty of the Island A solo musical theater piece written and performed by Celtic Harpist and Storyteller Patrick Ball. Thursday, September 23 Uintah High School Little Theater, 6:30pm Dinner/Theater Tickets are $25 per person with Limited Seating. Tickets on sale at Davis Food & Drug and Bitter Creek Books For more info contact Lori Olmstead at lorio@ubtanet.com

September 24-October 30Bluebell Corn Maze Experience fun, excitement and enjoy getting lost in one of Utah's largest Corn Maze attractions. Tuesday & Wednesday: By advanced reservation only-please call in advance to make reservations for groups of 20 or more. Thursday & Friday: 5-9 pm Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm Sunday & Monday: Closed Prices: Adult 11 and over $7.00 Children 5-10 $5.00 $2.00 per person more during the haunt Children 4 and under Free with accompanying adult Courtyard Fee: $3.00 per person if not participating in the maze Fieldtrip Information: Field trips begin September 21 and will continue through October 29. Fieldtrips will be hosted Tuesday-Friday or each week. Contact Kim Layton at 454-3369 to schedule a day and time Directions: ¾ mile north of the Bluebell Store Watch for signs in Roosevelt Special Events: October 14 & 15 UEA holiday open at 11 am (no fieldtrips) Beginning October 14, during normal hours or operation at dark- Family Friendly Haunting (Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays): Tickets are $2.00 per person more for the haunt- No group reservations during the haunt. For more info contact 454-3732
If you have any information that you would like to be included in the Calendar of Events then please email us at

michelle@TheEdgeMagazine.org

OR

Mail it to us at

PO Box 287

Neola, UT 84053

 

Stephanie's Nutrition Tips - September 2010

    Stephanie Jacobsen gets asked all the time, "What supplements do you take or recommend?" or "What do you eat to look like that?" Her answer? Keep it simple and basic. Eat the most nutrient rich foods and the most natural, well balanced meals possible.


ON FOOD:
"Pretty much if you can catch it, grow it, or kill it, that's what I eat." she laughs. "I stay away from processed foods and sugar. I love chocolate and I don't deny myself that, but I only eat it every once in a while. You have to create a balance and stick to the basic principles of eating healthy."



ON NUTRITION:
"I don't take a lot of supplements. I use whey protein when I don't have access to natural food, but to me, nutrition to me is all about clean eating. It is about putting only the most nutrient rich foods into your body to create your ultimate physique. Nutrition is key in shaping ones physique. I strongly believe you are what you eat. I eat six small meals a day in order to keep my metabolism running efficiently. By eating this way not only have I created a lean, healthy body but also I know I am doing right by my body."*



FAVORTIES:
"I love salmon, sweet potatoes and grilled vegetables. I love oatmeal and nut butters."



*parts of quote taken from an interview with Simplyshredded.com

 

Papa Floyd - September 2010

Submitted By: Carrie Mair

The amazing thing about the Uintah Basin has always been, and will continue to be, the people. The diverse nature of the melting pot we call home is something to marvel and respect. I myself have the honor of calling Neola my home. For those of you who live here, you are aware of the partiality the residents show towards the community, and our property. However, for those of you who don't live here, you might not be aware of how open and accepting this small town truly is.
    There are many actions shown to me that have epitomized my thoughts of living in the Basin; from UBIC, to the kindness of the folks in grocery stores and supermarkets, to the pristine breathtaking beauty of the Uintah Mountains and the copious amount of fishing opportunities. However, in all of my short time here, all of my thoughts were summed up in a brief, one hour period spent with a neighbor I had never met.
    Mr. Floyd Broadhead, known locally as Papa Floyd, is a resident of Neola. He is a stout and gruff man with defined lines on his face that tell stories of his life and his experiences. With the hands of a farmer and the heart of a saint Papa Floyd carries himself with dignity and conducts himself as a gentleman and nothing less. Like many other residents of the area, he is commonly found puttering about in his dirty blue jeans, button up plaid shirt, suspenders, and a ball cap.
    Although I live quite close to Floyd, my experience with this man was limited to cussing him for driving too slowly down the Neola highway. Often in life we get caught up in our own rhythm and forget to take the time to get to know the people around us. This all changed one night when my small family and I decided to take a walk around the block. Coincidentally, Floyd was standing in the middle of the road talking with another resident of Neola. Unbeknownst to me, he was the owner of a small shop with several very admirable tractors parked out front. My kids had frequently begged incessantly to stop and see the tractors. As we rounded the corner to where the two were talking, Floyd's eyes lit up. My sons were gawking and giggling about the tractors and you could see the look of opportunity come over Floyd's face.
    "Would you like to see those tractors?" he asked coyly.
    It was as if you had lit a firecracker under both of my kids and turned up the volume. They both began bouncing hard enough I thought they were going to tip the stroller over. Not to mention that I'm sure their squeals of agreement could be heard for miles around. My boys had the opportunity to take a short ride on the little tractor, and in turn, Floyd had the opportunity to become a hero to both of my kids.
    Being extremely appreciative for the experience, I decided it was time to thank Papa Floyd Neola Style. I took him a plate of sweet rolls. When he opened the door and saw me and my small family standing there, the very last thing on his mind was the large plate of sweet rolls I had just made. He quickly swept up my boys, and his grandchildren, and took them out to the tractor.
    A few short minutes later there we were, cruising slowly across the Neola town block in the most fashionable ride I had ever been on. The pride of Floyd's fleet is a very attractive red Farmall, which my little boy refers to as "The big red tractor." As we all bounced down the road the look of enjoyment on the children's face was unparalleled to the look on Floyd's. It was at that moment I realized his act of kindness was completely selfish. I firmly believe he gets more enjoyment out of watching the kids become elated than the kids themselves do in the process. After a few minutes of waving at the envious neighbors, we arrived at our destination, the duck pond.

    The kids were still smiling from ear to ear as they threw out feed for the ducks. I stood back quietly and watched the interactions take place. The kids chased the ducks, and Floyd chased the kids. I've said it before, and I'll say it a hundred times over "There is nothing like the Neola sun at 8 p.m. in the summer." The moment was very quaint. The sun hung just low enough in the sky to cast a golden haze over the entire setting. The tractor sat quietly in the background acting as a theme for the moment, while Papa Floyd followed the kids with his camera doing all he could not to giggle out loud. I could have relished in the moment for days.

    My life experiences have led me to believe that a truly good person is someone who's selfish tendencies lead to the happiness of others. While Floyd is one in a million, there are many other people in this area who replicate his actions on a daily basis. I encourage you all to take a walk around your block, and bump into your neighbors. You might be lucky enough to find a true cowboy.

 

Sacred Ground - September 2010

By: Paul Squire

I'm sure that we have all heard the question, "Which is your favorite season?" My answer is, "The one I'm in!" With that in mind, I'd like to share some thoughts and pictures on one part of this great season — flowers.
    Flowers are some of the first plants to emerge in the spring, often extending their blooms through the slowing melting snow. There seems to be no limit to the variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. When they grow together, they can transform a meadow or hillside into a masterpiece of many colors.
    I like to get up close and personal with flowers. The shapes, textures, and shades of color work together to create such exquisite beauty in each one that its amazing to me. Most flowers seem so delicate, yet they have power enough to break rocks by simply growing up through small cracks. John Denver's song, The Flower That Shattered the Stone attests to their strength. He compares that strength to the love of children in the second half of the chorus which says:

    In the hearts of the children
    A pure love still grows
    Like a bright star in heaven
    Like the flower that shattered the stone."

    People have used flowers as symbols of their love for one another for ages. They are given at births. Weddings, funerals and a thousand other occasions between. Mark Twain used a flower as a definition of forgiveness which, to me, is part of unconditional love. He said, "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that crushed it."
    As we go about our daily activities, lets be aware of the many different flowers which grow around us. Remember to consider their beauty and power as symbols of love. Take time to stop, look real closely at, and yes — smell the roses — along with all the other flowers!
 

Friday Nights In A Small Town - Take A Jacket - September 2010

By: Jennifer Oleen- Rook
    "Where are you kids going?" Grandma hollered after us as we walked out the door on a lazy, late summer day in September.
    "To the football game, Grandma." I answered as I hopped into my cousin, Brandy's, little gray Honda Civic. "Then to the parking lot dance afterwards. We'll be home by midnight. Love you!"
    "Hey! You kids take a jacket!" Grandma warned.
     "Oh, Grandma!" I laughed as I kicked up the air conditioning in the Honda. "It's 80 degrees right now. We're not going to get cold. It'll be fine."
    But Grandma wouldn't have it. She told us to wait while she grabbed a couple of sweatshirts and threw them on the back seat of the Honda. Off we drove to the football game to enjoy the evening with our friends and, of course, left those sweatshirts on the back seat of the Honda, scoffing at the gesture and mimicking Grandma as she hollered after us, "Take a jacket!" We thought we were pretty funny.
    When we entered the stadium and found our usual seats in the student section, we were cooking. It was, indeed, quite warm as the sun was still high on the horizon in the West, blazing right into our eyes at Uintah High Football Stadium, and keeping us quite toasty. I was even sweating a little as the boys ran their pre-game drills and we danced and cheered around with our friends. The football team soon cleared the field and ran off to have another pre-game pep-talk, so it was up to us fans to keep that stadium noisy and rockin'.
    "We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit, how about YOU?" we screamed at the opposing team's fan section.
    They'd scream back at us and we'd answer them a few times back and forth then the whole stadium would erupt into wild cheers as our football team ran back out onto the field. It wasn't until three more "We've got spirit!" wars and two "The mighty Utes are gonna tomahawk-a you" cheers that I started to notice the night air was beginning to cool off.
    "Ahhhh! Relief" I said to myself as I wiped the remaining sweat off my brow and settled in to enjoy the rest of the cool night air. The sun had dipped below the horizon, creating a gorgeous sunset for us to enjoy during half-time, after we watched our best girlfriends perform with the drill team, of course. As our football team rushed back onto the field, I felt myself shiver with pride as the boys broke through the giant banner the cheerleaders had worked on all afternoon. I shivered with more pride as the band started up the familiar refrains of the school song.
    "A valiant band of warriors brave from Uintah High are we…" we sang along.
    By the time we got to the "Fight! Fight!" part of the song at the end I realized I really wasn't THAT proud and that, in all honesty, I was mostly just kinda chilly. That was what all the shivering was about. The cool night air continued to get cooler and by the time the boys kicked off for the second half, I was downright cold. So was Brandy. I could tell. Neither of us wanted to admit we were cold though, so I offered to get us some hot chocolate. I made my way down the stadium steps and got in a very long line with a bunch of other fools in shorts and t-shirts. As I looked around, I noticed most people wrapping up in blankets.
    "I just thought they brought those to sit on." I said to one of my girlfriends in a red and white tank top who was ahead of me in the hot chocolate line.
    "I wish I had one of those blankets right now." She muttered through chattering teeth.
    "Wimp!" I laughed and playfully punched her on the arm, but Grandma's words echoed in my head as I walked back to my seat.
    "Take a jacket!"
    I arrived back at our seats just as the siren sounded for the end of the 3^rd quarter. Brandy and I sat back down to enjoy our hot chocolate and polished off our cups just in time to join in the "Warm up the bus!" jeers to the opposing team. Our Utes were barely ahead and there was still half of the 4^th quarter left to go, but it's never too early to jeer the opposing fan section. Brandy and I jumped around the rest of the game, energized and warmed a little by the hot chocolate. Our friends thought we were extra peppy and supportive that game, but Brandy and I both knew it was an attempt to prove Grandma wrong and we were really just trying to stay warm. It was still September though, and by all rights, it WAS still officially the summer season. We didn't need those jackets! We could handle those cool late summer nights just FINE.
    After the post game rush onto the field to congratulate our boys and high-five and hug our friends in celebration of our team's win, Brandy and I hurried out to her car. She started the engine and immediately we felt that blast of cold air from the air conditioner we had turned on earlier in the day as we ran out the door at Grandma's.
    "BRRRRRR!" Brandy said as she shivered and switched the controls over to heater and hot air.
    Brandy and I looked at each other as we sat there, warming our cold arms. Our gazes slowly turned to the back seat and fell up on those two unworn sweatshirts. They seemed to mock us saying, "Shouldda listened to Grandma, girls!" as they laid there on the back seat. We reached for those sweatshirts at the same time, wrapped ourselves in their warmth and silently thanked God for a wise Grandma who always made sure to remind us of one important thing before we left the house on a soon-to-be-chilly Friday night in September.

"Take a jacket!"

 

The Edge of Style

By: Jessica Blunt

    Wait a minute...did you just blink too?! Summer really IS gone, kids ARE back in school, Fall IS knocking on our front door and fun new fashion IS IN THE BASIN!!!! Yes my little darlings, we have been supremely blessed with some stylish retailers Basin wide carrying everything from the "Country Girl Chic" to "City Bombshell" and EVERYTHING in between! Who needs a city trip with so much going on here? Save the gas money...buy an extra outfit!
    So where do we start?! Got the kids taken care of so lets venture out of the "Back to School" looks, however you MAY be able to take advantage of some of the more practical everyday pieces from some of those sales - layering camis, leggings, jewelry pieces, etc. But as for what is standing out THIS Fall...everyone will tell you, being GIRLY is "IN"!! If you remember last Fall, the style was big prints, bold colors and boots! While these styles will still carry over into this Fall, we will start seeing something a little more prettier appearing...DETAILS! Specifically, ruffles, little bows and flowers. Anywhere from sprucing up a simple button down shirt with a light ruffle down seems or a jacket with a huge flower embellishment. The sky is the limit here girls. I'm not kidding...I've seen just a plain white tee with a small cluster of brown or taupe flowers up by the shoulder/breast...making it wearable with either shorts and flip- flops to skirt and heels! Really, this is going to be a FUN time for some flare girls...and way EASY!
    As for a little bit of accessory, grab a little head band and clip on a bow or flower at an angle and POOF! Instant playfulness! It's a very Modern take on something very simple and classic.
    Like I said, "Girly" and very feminine, even for those of us girls that get dirty and rough, these are all things that we can do. I know you're shaking your heads when I mention "ruffles and flowers" but I'm telling you, this IS do-able! You will be so surprised. And please trust me when I say TRY IT ON!
    From very subtle and very simple to very playful, bold and beautifully elegant, this is most importantly not a lot out of our pockets, pinky promise!
    Some of the awesome retailers that we love and support us chicks at The Edge Magazine and carry some of these styles are What a Girl Wants in Vernal, Black Eyed Susan's in Roosevelt and Country Flair in Altamont. But with Inspire, Sassy's, Muddy's, and so, so many more
WONDERFUL retailers just to serve US...get out there ladies, shop at these fantastic places that carry the best styles, biggest brands, cutest clothes and accessories just so us country gals can look a little bit girly and chic!
    For more info on these styles and styles for this season, please email me at Jessica@TheEdgeMagazine.org. Until next time my spicy mamacitas....rock it out!! And just a quick head's up, I will be seeing YOU around our beautiful home we call the UINTAH BASIN....camera in hand! In the next few months I will be capturing some of the Basin "On the Streets" to see if you are using these style tips! See ya around.

The Basin's Dirtiest Jobs - September 2010

    We are happy to debut this latest feature; "The Basin's Dirtiest Jobs". We hope to highlight some of the dirtiest jobs in the Basin and introduce you to some of the hard working folks from our community who get dirty every day or have to deal with undesirable substances, perform nasty tasks or deal with all manner of muck, slime, dirt, guts, oil; you name it. If it's a Dirty Job, we want to tell you all about it.

 By: Jennifer Oleen-Rook

Work Over Rig Crew

    The Uintah Basin has its share of oil rigs in "The Patch" and The Patch has its share of dirty jobs, but you may not find one dirtier than that of a work over rig hand. "Work over rig hands get dirty. Anything can happen on a work over rig." Says Luke Massey, Maintenance Supervisor for Stone Well Service as he whips out his cell phone to show me a picture of just how dirty this job can be. He shows me a picture of four men, work over rig hands, covered in black wax crude (see picture). Now that's a really dirty job indeed!

    A work over rig is brought in on an oil or gas well when the well goes down, or quits producing. It's up to the rig hands to "work the hole (or well) over" and get it back online. Working the well over often includes "tripping rods", which means running solid rods all the way down the well (see picture). The rods run down 2 7/8 inch pipe and connect to the pump at the bottom of the well. Once the well is properly worked over and producing again a pump jack is placed on the well and the rig is removed, leaving the pump jack to do all the work on the well. But sometimes getting from start to finish isn't a quick process and sometimes everything doesn't go so smoothly.
    "Every well is different." Explains Massey. "It could take hours to get a well going again other times it could take months. These guys get dirty when they're swabbing or pulling pipe. Sometimes the well will 'burp' and throw oil 80-90 feet in the air. Other times it might a full on blow out." (see pic)    It's definitely not the cleanest job around, but it's good steady work and a necessary task. The Edge Magazine salutes the men and women who work in the oilfields around the Basin. We appreciate your hard work, even if we do pity the person who has to do the laundry when you come home at night.

If you have ideas for "Dirtiest Jobs" please send them to jennifer@theedgemagazine.org with contact information if you've got it.

A Found Jewel - September 2010

By: M. Michelle Spencer
Oscar Wilde was once said, "A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament." And so it is with Vernal's newest art gallery.
    Alycia Frankovich, owner of Alter Ego Photography has just opened her doors to the public and with much churning of the stomach and excited anticipation of what the future now holds, she has found a way to add to the unique appeal that is Old Main Street Vernal.
    Alycia has always had a love fore the arts and is a self confessed shutterbug since the ripe old age of 6.

    "I had an old box style camera held together with tape, I would take pictures of just about anything, flowers, sunsets, my dog, ect. I don't have any formal training. I am completely self taught, but is has been my passion that has kept driving me for the last 20 + years."

    Photography is not the only medium that this multifaceted artist has a propensity for however. Alycia has worked with metal, painting, sculpting, and sketching to name just a few of her other areas of interest. During the last year she created her own line of Fairy Art.

    "I began to do more and more research and I found out that when a fairy dies, they are not really dead, they continue on as a part of their surroundings."

    So with this thought in mind she began work on her limited edition Fay Faie Collection. These one of a kind pieces feature the small delicate skeletons of a fairy. While it may at first seem slightly macabre, one can not help but to stare at these true pieces of art for the simple intrinsic value of what the piece represents when it comes to our own mortality.

    On the lighter side Alycia is excited to work with other local artists in order to create a stronger community for the art world in the Basin. In order to do this she plans to have a featured local artist of the month.
    "I've been through many small towns and walked the main streets and I have seen  several art galleries. Some to shop and some to get inspired, Vernal doesn't offer this and with such a wonderful town and a beautiful main street I figured why not bring something like this here. With some of the photography I have and since I am already selling prints why not. I am starting with literally nothing but my love for the arts,  I do hope to expand into a larger building with larger pieces in the next few years."

    Along side Alter Ego Photography is local resident Shellie Orr. Shellie is the owner of The Sleeping Pear. Shellie is a muralist who got started back when she was living with her husband and children in Phoenix, Arizona.

    "I was born and raised in Vernal, Utah.  I moved to Phoenix when I was 29 and spent 15 years there.  While I was there I came across a wonderful lady that was painting a faux finish on a wall in the Spa that my sister-in-law works at.  The finish was Venetian Plaster and I told her it was one of the prettiest things I had ever seen.  She gave me a job working for a couple days of the week. It was a dream come true for me. "
    Shellie doesn't limit herself to just walls however, she is more than willing to bring her own special mark to any surface you can put in front of her from pebbles to jeans. If it holds still long enough, Shelly may just paint it.
    "I have created a special touch to jeans, lamps pillows ceiling fans, glass, candles, rocks, a diesel truck  and just about anything you can imagine.  I love to add special touches to anything. I specialize in all faux finishes like marble, suede, leather, linen weave ect."
    The most important thing out of all of this though, is that Alycia and Shellie simply want you to stop by and see the little bit of sparkle that they are adding to the Uintah Basin. From prints to one of a kind art pieces, there is something for just about everyone in that little jewel at the top of the stairs on Main Street in Vernal.

Alter Ego Gallery and photography studio is located at 64 E Main Street in Vernal, UT at the top of the stairs Appointments Are Encouraged, call: 801-783-8320  
 To reach Shellie Orr with The Sleeping Pear call 435-790-1843

  

 

Building Above The Pain - September 2010

By: Jennifer Oleen-Rook

Often times in life we come to a crossroads; sink or swim, live or die, victim or survivor. It's a time for each of us to make a choice. Stephanie Swain Jacobs, formerly of Vernal, was thrust up against the crossroads of life quite tragically and abruptly. The accidental death of her beautiful, 4 year old son, Wesley, was more than painful for Stephanie, but when it came time to choose to be a victim or a survivor, she chose to be a survivor.   
    Stephanie had always had a passion for working out, lifting weights and keeping herself physically fit, but she never knew this passion would ultimately save her soul. With some fitness titles under her belt now, and four and a half years after that horrific day, Stephanie has started a new chapter in her life and through her efforts at improved physical well being, she is not only helping herself heal, but she is helping others as well.
    Stephanie's story begins on a beautiful spring day in 2006. She and her husband were working in the house and the yard as her 4 year old son, Wesley, played, running in and out of the house, back and forth from his scooter to the swing set and sandbox. The French doors to the back yard were open as Stephanie and her husband worked around the house. She had just finished repairing a piece of furniture when she saw Wes run into the house and back out again. Minutes later, as she walked out the French doors to check on him, Stephanie's world came crashing down around her. Wesley had suffered a tragic accident on the swing set. Her husband, a physician, acted quickly and administered CPR until the paramedics arrived.
    The rest of the nightmare seemed to flash by quickly. "There was an ambulance ride," Stephanie remembers, "the doctor pronouncing time of death, police officers and news reporters to deal with, but the hardest part of the night was facing the unimaginable: saying good-bye to my son. I had to leave my angel boy in the arms of a stranger and go home empty handed. That is the hardest thing I've ever had to do."

    The depression and darkness that followed the funeral were difficult as well, but when she began coming out of "the fog", Stephanie realized she needed to get a handle on life again. She had a 13-year-old daughter, Jade, who was suffering as well. Jade saw a grief counselor who suggested that Stephanie find an outlet for much of Jade's "hostility she felt at the sudden loss of her brother." As she was driving through a Salt Lake neighborhood one day, Stephanie noticed a sign that read, "Boxing is for Girls" so she went to check it out. She signed Jade and herself up for a few boxing sessions, not knowing the experience would help transform her grief into something positive. As she and Jade hit and kicked and worked out their emotions in that sweaty room, she realized this therapy wasn't just for Jade; it was for her as well. She also realized that "what is good for the body is also good for the soul." Finally, Stephanie let herself begin to heal.
    Stephanie puts her feelings into perspective: "We are not born with or taught the skills to cope with tragedy," she told Simplyshredded.com in an interview earlier this year. "There are multiple choices that include over eating, alcohol and drugs.  I was counseled by a wise person to embrace something that I was passionate about. I chose physical fitness. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of my son, but I had to make a decision as to whether I wanted to be a survivor or a victim."
    As she began to heal, her body began to harden and muscles began to build. Within a year Stephanie was in better shape than she ever had been in her life. She entered a local fitness competition show on a whim, and she won. She began training with a coach and, later that same year, won the figure portion of the Miss Fitness America competition in the Tall division. (Stephanie stands 5'7" tall). She was also in the top 10 in the bikini category. She placed 2^nd in the Miss Fitness Universe competition in June as well, competing in fitness and bikini, but for Stephanie the titles aren't why she is dedicated to staying in shape.

    "There is so much more to it than just fitness and winning. It's not my identity. It's a fun hobby, the shows are fun and it's great to get out and meet other people who share my passion, but for me, I want to pass on the feeling of well being that staying in shape offers me. I have a network of women I work with who have also suffered personal tragedy, and this is my way of giving to them and helping them. I want to honor my son by living an inspired life. If I can give back, be an example and help someone else along the way, that is what does it for me."
    Stephanie recently opened up her own gym, aptly named "Soul Fitness", inside her Salt Lake home. She has a home studio and offers weight training, competitive coaching and nutritional counseling. She has taught classes in Vernal as well. Her message to women interested in getting in shape is to find where the power lies. "Anybody can train. It's the emotion behind it that makes it successful. My motivation comes from my son," Steph says. "I feel the only way to honor Wes's legacy is to live life to its fullest and strive to give 100% of myself in all that I do. We have a saying on our refrigerator that says, "In the end everything will be OK.  If it's not OK…then it's not the end." No one's life is a fairy tale, but the ups and downs are easier to take when you allow yourself the personal satisfaction of being in shape." (quoted from an interview with Stephanie on Simplyshredded.com)

    Although Stephanie is still repairing her broken heart, her life is on a good track, her body is stronger, literally, than ever before, and, more importantly, her soul is healing, and she's taking her passion and turning it into not only a business but a lifesaver for other women as well. "It's more than just wanting to lose 5 lbs so you can fit into those jeans for the next party. It's about dedication to long- term goals for overall well being and getting there. It's about repairing the soul and making something positive out of life."
    Stephanie's favorite quote sums it up well: "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow.'"

    Stephanie is married to John Jacobs of Salt Lake City and is the daughter of Joe and Teddie Evans of Vernal. She is also the mother of 18 year old Jade Martinsen of Salt Lake City and her angel in Heaven, Wesley Swain Cowan. She also has two bonus daughters, Alex, 21, and Caitlin, 19.
 

The Signs You Are Ready to Buy

By: Crissy Knibbe

From the National Association of Realtors, here are six tips that tell you it's time.

    Whether you're a renter or are aiming to move up or size down, that can be a daunting task. But there are signs that will indicate whether you're ready to take the buying plunge.

    If you are thinking about buying, you're not alone. So are you ready to make the move? You might be if you:

 
 

1. Are familiar with the market. If you've been paying attention to how much houses are listed for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing and have a realistic view of how much a house will cost you, you're in good shape. But if you're dreaming about that big corner house with no clue about it's asking price, you may want to spend some more time becoming familiar with the market and how much houses are going for.

2. Have the money for a down payment and closing costs. The down payment is a percentage of the value of the property. Freddie Mac says the percentage will be determined by the type of mortgage you select. Down payments usually range from 3 to 20 percent of the property value. Also, you may be required to have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MI) if your down payment is less than 20 percent. Closing costs include points, taxes, title insurance, financing costs and items that must be prepaid or escrowed and other settlement costs. You can expect to pay between from 2 to 7 percent of the property value. Generally, buyers will receive an estimate of these costs from your lender after you apply for a mortgage.

3. Know how much you can afford. Freddie Mac says that as a general guide, your monthly mortgage payment should be less than or equal to a percentage of your income, usually about a quarter of your gross monthly income. Also, your income, debt and credit history go into determining how much you can borrow. As a general rule, your debt -credit card bills, car loans, housing expenses, alimony and child support -- should not be more than about 30 to 40 percent of your gross income.

4. Know what additional expenses will come with owning a home. This includes homeowners insurance, utility bills, maintenance costs -- roofing, plumbing, heating and cooling.

5. Have your credit in good shape and make sure your credit report is accurate. Potential lenders will view your credit history -- how much debt you've accrued, how many accounts you have open, whether your payments are made on time, etc. -- to determine whether they'll give you a loan. You should get a report from each of the three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

6. You haven't made any recent major purchases, particularly a vehicle. If you do, you may have a harder time getting a loan -- or it could potentially lower the amount you'll be approved for.

 
 

 
 

    If you, or anyone you know, are unsure if you qualify, want to know more about the current market conditions or would like a list of homes for sale, please contact me and I will help you with all your real estate needs. Just remember, to shop within your budget and find the home that you will be happy in for the next 3-5 years. Happy house hunting!

 
 

And the Winner Is...

    Thanks so much to all of those who voted for their favorite photo during the "Fundraiser for Chad" event that was held this last month by Kari Morris of Sweet Reflections Photography. There were some amazing photos that we were able to share with you, our readers, in a web poll that was held on our website from August 2nd - August 23rd.
    We received over 2.600 votes during this 3 week period. We here at The Edge Magazine were very excited to see who our winner was going to be and it was a VERY close race between our winner "Little Lady in Red", PaisLee Richards, daughter of Nathan and BJ Richards of Roosevelt and our 2nd place winner, "Thinking IN the Box", the very adorable Axel Oleen, son of Grizz and Cindy Oleen of Neola. Third place went to the little cutie Teddy Oleen, Axel's big sister, giving us "The Scrunch".