JANUARY 2012 IS ALMOST HERE!!! ARE YOU READY!?!?
A Little Bit About Us
- The Edge Magazine
- Neola, Utah, United States
- The Edge Magazine is a lifestyles and culture magazine about the Uintah Basin. We are located in the North-East corner of Utah and we have a TON of fun doing what we do. We feature the positive aspects of the area in which we live with monthly articles, contests, and best of all...PHOTOGRAPHY! We pride ourselves on being able to provide most everyone in your family something that will interest them in the pages of our magazine. We are in our 3rd year of publication and each month keeps getting better and better! We live here, we work here, we love being here and we look forward to seeing you on THE EDGE!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Braggin' Rights - December 2011
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“Kaden’s Elk” - Art Courtesy of Gina Strole
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“Dave’s Deer” - Photo Courtesy of Mark
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“Chelsey’s Retrieval” - Photo Courtesy of Justin Hanks
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“Winter Geese” - Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton
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Calendar Of Events - December 2011
Every Monday
Bingo!! Come join our seniors every Monday right after lunch until about 3:00 PM. for some fun games of Bingo, at the Crossroads Senior and Community Center in Roosevelt, UT
Every Tuesday
Vernal Chamber of Commerce Meeting held at Golden Corral in Vernal at 12:00 PM.
Every Wednesday
Spanish & English Story Time for kids at the Uintah County Library at 2:00 PM. 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 3:00 PM.
It is time to start do your part! The Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce and the AmeriCorps Vista Volunteers will be thanking volunteers and randomly recognizing organizations and groups who make our communities a better place to live. Be on the look-out and contact us if you know of a group of volunteers who deserve a surprise visit and Special Recognition. Call Jackie or Darlene at 435-722-4598.
H.E.A.T.
November 1 until funds are depleted
Call Uintah Basin Association of Governments (435) 722-4518 for Appointments
Zion's Bank Light's on tree lighting celebration
Roosevelt Zion's Banks will be holding their traditional Light's on tree lighting celebration on Wednesday Dec. 1rst at 6:00 p.m. in the Lobby. with local talent performing for the Celebration. Come enjoy the festive celebration with Santa and light refreshments to help kick of the Christmas Season with lights and music of the holiday. Thank you Conamore for decorating the tree.
Christmas Concert
December 1st at 7:00pm in The Roosevelt Junior High School auditorium free to the public
Winter Concert at Union High
Union High School Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band will be presenting their winter Concert on Thursday Dec. 1st at 7:00 p.m. Come join this talented group on young people share their music of the holiday season. FREE TO THE PUBLIC
Light Parade
Duchesne City will have their light parade on December 3rd at 6pm on Main Street in Duchesne. Entries are currently being accepted. will be taken contacting Dee Skewes 822-5745
Live Nativity
December 3rd at 6:00p.m. Christmas Nativity with a live Nativity show at the 1st & 4th ward building (across from the Swimming Pool).
Center Stage
December 3rd & 5th evening Crossroads Community & Senior Center. Come out and enjoy the very talented performances by the center stage performing group. There will be a small charge. Whatch the Basin Briefs for more information.
Ribbon Cutting
December 8th 12:00p.m. The new Clinic wing would like to invite everyone to the Ribbon Cutting for the East Wing of the new clinic. They will have tours of the clinic from 12:00- 7p.m. light refreshments will be served, and they will have a drawing.
Family Finance Class
December 7th & 20th 11:00a.m. – 12:30p.m. At the Ute Tribe Education Building. For more information and registration please contact Suzanne 738-1140.
Legal Services
December 8th Utah Legal Services will be at the Crossroads Center from 3:00pm until 5:00pm.
Messiah
December 9th at 7pm. Messiah will be performed by Pops & Chorus at the Roosevelt Jr. High for more information call (435) 725-4585.
Legal Services
December 8th Utah Legal Services will be at the Crossroads Center from 3:00pm until 5:00pm.
Sub for Santa in Roosevelt
Applications for Sub for Santa will be available December 1st-10th. Some limitations apply, and verification will be required. Applications will be accepted from parents or legal guardian only.
For more information call 722-4598
Be a Santa's Helper
Please support Sub for Santa by taking a tag off an Santa's Helpers Tree in Roosevelt the locations are: Stewarts Thriftway, Davis Jubilee, The Patch, Zions bank, Crossroads Community Center, Strata Networks, Moon Lake Electric, and Mailbox Express. Then bring your new, unwrapped gift to The Chamber of Commerce at 50 E. 200 S. Roosevelt (Crossroads Community Center). Preferred drop off date December 6th or the final date December 13. Cash donations are also accepted at the Duchesne County Area Chamber of Commerce
For more information call 722-4598
Winter Concert at Duchesne High
December 12th at 6:00pm Duchesne High will be performing their winter concert at Duchesne High. For more information call (435) 738-1260.
Christmas Day Sunday Dec. 25th
Happy Holidays
School Breaks for Christmas Dec. 21rst and Resumes on Jan 1rst for Duchesne county School District.
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
Send it snail mail
PO Box 287
Neola, UT 84053
The Basin's Dirtiest Jobs - Jolly Ol' Saint Nick - December 2011
By: Angela Hanberg
Twas the night before Christmas and up at the Pole,All the reindeer were cranky and tired and cold.
The elves all had blisters, the toys were half done
And the thought of the holiday has lost all it's fun.
Santa had had it, he'd about lost his mind.
The whole blasted schedule was running behind.
"Oh why oh why oh why me" he moaned.
"I never should have tried this alone."
See, since the beginning of time it's been the same
Santa huffs and puffs and goes over every name
Every year, making lists of the good and the bad
Thinking, 'Surely this time will be the best they've had.'
But every year, by hook or by crook,
The folks will complain when they don't get a Nook
Or an iPad or Kindle and sometimes it's worse
The grumble and mumble over a designer purse.
Chimney's are non-existent it seems,
And the ones that are left have surely not seen
Any type of a chimney sweep for many a year,
Poor Santa gets soot clear up to his ears.
Cookies and milk are the fav but you know,
This new-age health fad is starting to show.
Try as he might, Santa can't seem to gag
The kale and the tofu and the lettuce that sags.
But he tries, oh he tries, it's his job don't you know
To trudge through the deer droppings, ice, soot and snow
To deliver the gifts we insist that we get
(Cause you know if we don't we just might pitch a fit.)
Santa's work day begins January 1st and ends 357 days later on Christmas Eve. I don't know of any other employment in the entire world that requires 24/7 dedication with only one week off during the year. When he's not overseeing his crew of elves and the production of Christmas toys, he is keeping a close eye on each and every one of us and revising his list as he sees fit.
Because Santa believes in free range, the reindeer are allowed to roam freely through the town, eating and "releasing" wherever they see fit. Not a day goes by that Santa doesn't leave his house only to step in a big pile on his front walk.
You may or may not realize this, but elves are known for their tempers. Being the size of a typical toddler, they also have the attitude of one as well. Think of spending never-ending days with hundreds of elves pitching tantrums typical to the "Terrible Twos." Trying to keep up with the technical advances of the last 50 years, most times they cannot MAKE the toys and gifts that Santa delivers, so they spend a lot of the year traveling the world, looking for the best deals on the latest must-haves. Ever wonder why it's so hard to find that newest model of iPod a week before Christmas? Now you know! Elves have the sole responsibility of making sure the North Pole is stocked with these goodies, and NOBODY is in a good mood after spending that much time fighting the crowds in Walmart. We won't even mention the breakdowns that occur when someone changes their mind a week before Christmas...
This doesn't even start to cover all the rough parts of Santa's job, but when put to a vote, we decided that Santa Claus has most definitely got the dirtiest job of all. For more information, you can contact him by mail at Santa Claus; North Pole. Or you can also watch him on radar Christmas Eve night at http://www.noradsanta.org.
More Than A Mouthful - December 2011
By: M. Michelle Spencer
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| Dr. Willian Wright |
"It was great to see you today, Everything looks awesome. Remember to be careful with what you eat so that the brackets on your braces don't become loose or broken. You may be a little sore for a few days," Dr. Wright jovially explains to the 14 year old patient.
Dr. Wright, a native of Heber City, Utah, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. He graduated with honors while achieving his D.D.S. degree as well as his specialty certificate in orthodontics from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Upon completion of school Dr. Wright and his family made their way back to Utah where he started his career servicing the Uintah Basin and Heber Valley.
Dr. Wright's main focus with his career in orthodontics can best be summed up with his office motto which reads:
"Quality is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives."
—Willa A. Foster
Helping patients get through their orthodontic treatment as quickly as possible without sacrificing the desired results is the number one goal of Dr. William D. Wright and his staff.—Willa A. Foster
Results are what Dr. Wright is able to achieve with his patients through a myriad of orthodontic techniques. After a patient's initial consultation Dr. Wright and his staff configure a customized program that is meant to maximize the benefits of the orthodontic techniques which are used. Dr. Wright prides himself in offering a wide range of orthodontic techniques because he realizes that not every patient's treatment plan will be the same.
"Some of my patients do great with the Invisalign products, where others need more in-depth treatments like the SmartClip Self-Ligating Braces which are actual computer engineered braces. It's our goal to provide the most sound, advanced, state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment available. Everyone wants to have a beautiful and confident smile, so we want to help our patients achieve the desired results as soon as they possibly can."
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Dr. Larsen and Dr. Haslem’s staff presenting the check
of the money donated at this year’s Charity Bowl. |
Wright Orthodontics is not all business all of the time. In fact Dr. Wright love's being able to help out the community and be involved. Every year Dr. Wright and several additional local dentists get together in the month of November for a charity bowling tournament. This bowling tournament allows them to raise money to give back to the community that they love and who supports them in return.
This year was no exception. Wright Orthodontics hosted their 8th Annual Charity Bowl Friday November 18th at the Dinah Bowl in Vernal, UT. The offices that participated in this year's event were: Dr. Callahan, Dr. Hunt, Dr. Haslem, Dr. Larsen, Dr. Monfredi, Dr. Ogden, Patterson Dental, Dr. Smuin, Dr. Spendlove, Dr. Tomlinson, Dr. White and of course Dr. Wright.
This year Dr. Larsen and Dr. Haslem's office was the winning team, claiming a second year in a row, the traveling trophy, the title and the honor of selecting the charity. With over $3000 raised for the Ashley Food Pantry Wright Orthodontics was "bowled over" with the success of this year's tournament and looks forward to the competition and bonding at next year's tournament.
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| Dr Wright and his staff are always eager to help their clients. |
Wright Orthodontics looks forward to what the 2012 year will bring and are excited for not only the growth of their own practice but the new office they are building to better accommodate their patients.
Top 10 Ways To Know It's Christmas In The Basin - December 2011
By: Shallin Squire
10. Eggnog (non-alcoholic, of course!) hits the shelves at the grocery stores.Yes, I have noticed that the delectable liquid is becoming available earlier each year, but for some reason, it doesn't taste the same when poured from a carton with a witch on it, so I try to hold out on buying and consuming the high-calorie deliciousness until Christmastime. This year I discovered the vanilla spice and the sugar cookie flavors, and I'm convinced they are the preferred drink in heaven! Mmmmmm…
9. Kids counting down. You don't need an advent calendar if you're a mom or a school teacher because you'll be asked several times each day how many days (or "sleeps", as they are fondly called in some readers' homes) until the official day. As an adult, I love the season more than the day itself, but I don't mind the countdown. For some teachers, though, the excitement at Christmastime is practically tangible, and it's harder to tame than spring fever at the end of the school year!
8. "Wise men still seek Him." No offense intended to anyone of another or no religion, but like the wise men in the nativity story, my heart naturally seeks Christ at Christmastime. He is the center of Christmas in our home as we strive to better know Him and act as He would.
7. The dinosaur dons his Santa suit. Seven-year-old Garrison Spencer was thoroughly disgusted when he noticed that his favorite dinosaur in Vernal wasn't dressed in his usual pilgrim ensemble in mid-November, and he'll be disappointed beyond description if the dino has misplaced his Santa outfit as well!
6. Street lamp décor. Personally, I'm partial to the snowflakes in Roosevelt!
5. Pine trees tied creatively to the tops of vehicles of all sizes and shapes. The first couple of years after I got married, I grumbled about the Squire family tradition of cutting their own Christmas trees. I was accustomed to perfect trees from the tree farm, and for some reason, I didn't appreciate traipsing about the dusty (not snowy!) hillsides of BLM land in search of the not-so-perfect Christmas tree. Something about the tradition has grown on me, though, and I wouldn't miss the annual expedition for anything, nor would I trade in my beloved, imperfect tree for one from a tree farm. Seeing a Christmas tree atop a vehicle traveling on a Basin roadway gives me a warm, tingly feeling. If you think that sounds crazy, you've never cut your own tree, or at least you didn't try it enough consecutive years to learn to love it!
4. "Jack Frost nipping on your nose." It sounds so elegant when sandwiched between imagery like "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" and "tiny tots with their eyes all aglow." However, when out and about in the Basin, you're probably more likely to hear, "It's friggin' cold!" On a positive note, the bitter cold is a perfect excuse to build a fire, "get your Snuggie on" (as Jenn Rook delightfully explained in a previous issue of The Edge), and sip homemade hot cocoa or wassail.
3. Community events that have become cherished family traditions. For the Guymon family of Roosevelt, it's the Holly Fair, held early in November, that heralds the beginning of the Christmas season and permits the playing of Christmas music. Vernal Holly Days and Trees for Charity, the live nativity in Ioka, the Enchanted Forest, and the community Messiah concert in Roosevelt also usher the Christmas Spirit into the Basin.
2. As much as I hate to emphasize a sadder note…Longing for loved ones missed.
Servicemen abroad; missionaries in distant lands; students, newlyweds, and other family members and dear friends with inadequate funds for plane tickets; winter storms that prevent travel; and especially loved ones who've passed on are sorely missed at Christmastime. Fortunately, I've observed that in the Basin, the majority of people deal with the void by reaching out to someone who is even lonelier than they are.
A big thanks goes out from the staff at The Edge to those who are serving our country and laboring to preserve our freedoms as well as to their families who are missing them during this special time of year.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and/or a warm December 2011 to all our readers from The Edge Magazine
Family Support Center - December 2011
By: Angela Hanberg
Although we don't hear it very often, the term "respite" is something each and every one of us requires at one point or another in our lives.
"Respite" [res-pit] is defined as an interval, usually short, of rest and relief. The most important part of this definition is that respite is temporary, and may be revoked either after a period or without warning. It is normally associated with people suffering from physical pain, but respite can also apply to those who receive brief relief from financial or social pains as well.
The Family Support Center of the Uintah Basin, led by director Janet Row, is equipped to offer emergency respite care to individuals experiencing emotional, financial or even legal difficulties that have no one else to turn to. The FSC's caring and capable staff are on call 24/7 to take in children from birth to 11 years old, giving them the safety and stability they need and deserve in these times of crisis.
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The Family Support Center in Roosevelt, UT
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Parents should keep in mind that this facility is not a drop-off daycare, but a safe place to leave children while they go to appointments, court, deal with medical issues, or just really need a break. The FSC should be used as a last resort. Children are always better off with family or friends that they know and feel comfortable with, but on the other hand, taking advantage of the services at the FSC in a non-emergency situation may take up space needed to attend to other children who really don't have anywhere else to go.
Currently, the FSC is only able to attend to eight children at a time. Their facility is dated and small and although they have made many upgrades and improvements to what they have, they are in desperate need of an expansion. The community has been so generous with donations, in-kind and otherwise, and Newfield has been their biggest source of income as of recently. They also apply for federal grants in order to offer free parenting classes to the public. These parenting classes are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting the first Tuesday in January. Please watch our Calendar of Events for a list of classes and times each month.
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A visual reminder of the number of children who have been
helped by the services provided at The Family Support Center. |
Another equally important function of the FSC is working with the Children's Justice Center. A common misconception is that these two entities are one in the same. Where they do support and work very closely with each other, they are not covered under the same financial blanket; however, the involvement of each group in these times of crises is equally important to the welfare of the children. When unfortunate events cause children to be removed from their home, the first place they go is the Children's Justice Center. There, the child may spend an hour or two in an interview and screening process to determine the best course of action, after which, they most often go to the Family Support Center where they can stay anywhere from a few days to a few weeks until a foster care family becomes available to them. During this waiting period, they are given food, water, shelter, baths and clean clothes in this comfortable safe environment.
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The Family Support Center’s 2011
Enchanted Forest Tree |
The Family Support Center also works very closely with the Ute Tribe have been a good resource for them as well. There team of six wonderful caring workers serve the entire Duchesne, Daggett and Uintah Counties. The next closest center that provides this same function is located in Price.
By request, the center can provide a resource list of every shelter, law enforcement office, court, hospital and countless other resources in our area. This information can also be found at www.211ut.org. The Family Support Center of the Uintah Basin is located at 259 N. 700 E.; Roosevelt, UT. For move information you can also contact the Center at 435-722-2401.
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| UBIC Float |
It's Snow...Beautiful Snow - December 2011
“Fire and Ice”
Photo Courtesy of Mark Hansen
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“Just Diggin’ Around
Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton
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“Snow Robin”
Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton
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“Snow Crystals”
- Photo Courtesy of Jason Schmidt
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“First Snow Angel of the Year” -
Photo Courtesy of Sherry Kellogg
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Braggin' Rights - November 2011
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Success - Photo Courtesy of Angela Hanberg
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“Don’s Dream Hunt” - Photo Courtesy of Mike G
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“Breakfast Time” - Photo Courtesy of Kerry Bray
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“Day of the Dead” - Art Courtesy of Carol Swallowcliffs
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The Basin's Dirtiest Jobs - Emergency Medical Technicians - November 2011
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XTO Drill - EMTs and fire fighters had the chance
to practice their response time.
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By: Angela Hanberg
"9-1-1. What is your emergency?"
If you've ever had to hear this, you have probably hoped that the dispatcher has immediately called out an ambulance and that they're coming your direction, gear in hand, ready to save your bacon from whatever mess you might be in at the time.
What if it's not actually an emergency though? I remember learning about this in grade school. They fire department or EMTs would come into class and give us the run-down on what to do when and if we had to call 9-1-1. I had a turn once: They asked me what my emergency was, I said my house was on fire, they said "Where are you?" I said, "Here on the phone talking to you..." I failed that exercise, I guess I was supposed to say I was at the neighbor's house, not my own which was on fire. DUH.
Believe it or not, there are times when our friendly Emergency Medical Technicians could be tied up on a non-emergency call when they are actually needed elsewhere. One particularly frustrating incident involved a call out involving CPR in progress. Imagine being in their shoes, running with lights and sirens, heading to a scene that could be a lost cause any second, worried you're wasting precious seconds getting around traffic, only to show up on scene and discover the "victim" is in the bathroom on the toilet. The caller admitted, "We knew you'd get here faster if we told you we were doing CPR." I'm sure there are many times they have to just bite their tongues.
Back to our grade-school training:
What do you do BEFORE calling 9-1-1?
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This helicopter is the newest addition to the
Gold Cross Ambulance’s tool box.
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What information do you need DURING the call to 9-1-1?
Make sure you know your address. Or at least the street number and a really great description of the house. Getting the wrong information is as bad as getting a call to a non-emergency: both waste precious minutes that are needed to save lives. You also need to be able to relay the events that have or are happening in order to give the EMTs a heads-up to the situation they're about to be in control of.
What should you do when the emergency workers arrive?
Get the heck out of the way. These men and women have been trained to take care of emergency situations. That's what they're here for, it's their job and it's why we called them in the first place. Get out of their way and let them do their job. Also, don't be tough. Don't try to act like you've got everything under control and don't need them. Don't treat them with disrespect. If you wake up tied to a stretcher and cop an attitude about not needing any help well guess what Buddy, you wrecked your bike (or 4-wheeler, or car, or tote-goat, or hotwheels...) you've been unconscious for the last half hour, the kind stranger who found your limp body called 911 for you, you have no say at this point. They're there to help and save your sorry butt so be gracious. The same goes for the on-call folks at the different activities at venues here in town (rodeo, demolition derby, Diamond Mountain Speedway, etc.) The whole reason they are available to you is to keep you safe, healthy and alive.  |
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Dan and Angela on Safety Fair Duty at
K-Mart
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For information regarding our local Gold Cross, contact Scott Adams, Director of Operations at 435-789-6907. You can also check out www.whentocall911.com for more information on emergency situations.
Thinking About Buying Your First House - November 2011
By: Crissy Knibbe
With interest rates low, many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a home is a serious commitment, and there are many factors to consider:
How long you plan to live in the home
Selling a home costs money. If you potentially may have to move in the short term, the value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs of buying and selling.The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors. Average appreciation tends to sit at around 5% per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. The real estate market can be particularly volatile, however, and dramatic swings up and down are not uncommon.
How long the home will meet your needs
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? People tend to remain in homes longer than they initially intend, primarily due to the work and expense associated with moving. Therefore it is worth considering a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.
Your financial health - your credit and home affordability
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, people with poor credit tend to pay far more to borrow.Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. It is, however, important to stay within your comfort zone. Purchasing a house involves many up-front and ongoing costs, and the stress of worrying about those costs often outweighs the satisfaction that may come from owning a slightly nicer home.
To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a home affordability calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation.
The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential, and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, it's important for you to know your options.
Where the money for the transaction will come from
Typically, homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk for a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender. High-ratio mortgages can be a good option for those who haven't managed to save a large chunk of money (who has?), but naturally, these have additional costs associated with them.
The ongoing costs of home ownership.
Maintenance, improvements, taxes, and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium or townhouse, a monthly homeowner's association or maintenance fee will be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your Realtor® and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.
You can find a mortgage calculator at my website and also a rent vs. buy analysis.
There are still 100% financing loans available! There are loans for people with lower incomes and there are openings for "self help" homes. (ask me about it).
So, don't be scared to get what you want. Call me and
I'll help you get it!
What Is A Veteran - November 2011
Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in the eye. Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity. Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem. You can't tell a vet just by looking. He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel. He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel. She - or he - is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang. He is the POW who went away one person and came back another - or didn't come back AT ALL. He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat - but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs. He is the parade - riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand. He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by. He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep. He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come. He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being - a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs. He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known. So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You. That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded. Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU"."It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
- Father Denis Edward O'Brien/USMC
The Edge Magazine thanks all of our service men and women both current and past as well as their families for all the sacrifices they have made for our country!
WE SALUTE YOU!
Rilee's Day - November 2011
Submitted By: Shawn O'Bagy
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Rilee poses with her trusty .223 and her trophy for the day.
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The day began a few hours earlier as Rilee, my 10 year-old-daughter, asked me to take her coyote hunting. Coyote hunting, for those who know me, is my favorite type of hunting. Normally, I take my boys but not this time. Today was Rilee's day.
The day was not ideal for hunting dogs; warm and sunny. My hopes were not high as we left Vernal, but I wanted to make sure she had a great time. She was just excited to be in the truck with dad. No boys, no mom, just Rilee.
Our first set was uneventful but with the sun just high enough for one final stand we hurried to the second location. We sat on a sagebrush knob facing east. Our shadows grew as the sun raced towards the horizon. Views of sage flats and cedar ridges were plentiful. I called the vast valley with the call that Rilee chose. She said that she liked the way it sounded. I guess the dog liked it too because he showed himself within a few minutes.
We noticed the dog from 500 yards away with only a few minutes of shooting light remaining. I was excited for her as she steadied for a shot. The dog was closing the distance in a hurry. At 100 yards, just as she was ready to pull the trigger, he dropped into a ridge that was difficult to notice from our vantage point. Almost immediately, he surfaced on the nearside of the ridge, almost 20 yards closer than the last time we saw him. Bad move.
Rilee is no stranger to hunting, which was evident as she steadied for the shot on the statuesque varmint. He stood motionless for a few seconds, watching the horizon like a sniper. We, likewise, remained motionless. I know my heart was pumping from the adrenaline running through my veins. I can only imagine the commotion inside my little girl's 60-pound body. Regardless, she sat rock solid. The dog, after a few waning seconds, began to walk towards his right as if he did not want to play. I have seen this too many times, which rarely ended up in my favor. I bellowed a bark, which stopped him in his tracks.
BOOM! "Did I get him"? I watched the shot from her .223 reach its mark. "Yes, Rilee, you did!" I said excitedly. Her bright smile and messy blond hair was all I remember before giving her the celebratory hug. "Go get your dog", I told her. As she walked towards the furry critter, I couldn't quit smiling. I was a proud papa. This indeed was Rilee's Day.
Ask The Experts - Gearing Up For The Flu Season - November 2011
By: Maigen Zobell
WHAT IS THE FLU?
The flu is a highly contagious virus that usually enters the body through the mouth, nose or eyes. The virus can become airborne if an infected individual coughs or sneezes, thus spreading rapidly to people within close proximity. Flu symptoms are often mistaken for catching a cold or simply feeling under the weather; however, the sudden onset of symptoms, such as severe muscle aches, extreme fatigue, chills, severe chest discomfort and dry, unproductive coughing, most commonly signal the flu.
"Mild flu symptoms can quickly progress and become severe," said Dr. Elizabeth R. Pollak, M.D., Pathologist for Uintah Basin Medical Center. "If you have the flu, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and those around you by staying home and avoiding close contact with others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours. This will help stop the spread of the virus."
WHAT IS THE FLU SHOT?
The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The CDC has determined that receiving the flu vaccine does NOT cause flu, nor is it associated in any way with later onset of autism in children.
WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED?
For the first time last year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended that all individuals older than six months of age receive the vaccine, and they stressed that flu shots are particularly important for the following high risk groups:
· Children under the age of five
· Adults age 65 and older
· Pregnant women
· People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
· People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
· People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare workers
People who have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past and those who suffer from egg allergies should not seek flu shots and should speak with a healthcare provider for an alternative method of protection. The vaccine is not approved for children younger than six months. WHEN TO GET VACCINATED
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available in their community. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest. CDC continues to encourage people to get vaccinated throughout the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Over the course of the flu season, many different influenza viruses can circulate at different times and in different places. As long as flu viruses are still spreading in the community, vaccination can provide protective benefit.
AVAILABLE FLU SHOTS
There are three different flu shots available. 1) a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older, 2) a high-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older, and 3) an intradermal flu shot approved for people 18-64 years of age. The nasal-spray flu vaccine is also available for people ages 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE FLU
Practicing good hand hygiene is the single most important way to avoid spreading the flu virus. In addition, be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. It's also important to get adequate rest, exercise, drink plenty of fluids and practice good nutrition. Doing so will not only offer some protection from the seasonal flu, but from other cold viruses that often circulate during the fall and winter months as well
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