January 2012 Cover



JANUARY 2012 IS ALMOST HERE!!! ARE YOU READY!?!?

Braggin' Rights - December 2011

“Kaden’s Elk” - Art Courtesy of Gina Strole

“Dave’s Deer” - Photo Courtesy of Mark

“Chelsey’s Retrieval” - Photo Courtesy of Justin Hanks

“Winter Geese” -  Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton

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 3^rd at 6pm on Main Street in Duchesne. Entries are currently being accepted. will be taken contacting Dee Skewes 822-5745

 
 

Live Nativity

December 3^rd at 6:00p.m. Christmas Nativity with a live Nativity show at the 1st & 4^th ward building (across from the Swimming Pool).

 
 

Center Stage

December 3^rd & 5^th 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 8^th 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 7^th & 20^th 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 8^th Utah Legal Services will be at the Crossroads Center from 3:00pm until 5:00pm.

 
 

Messiah

December 9^th at 7pm. Messiah will be performed by Pops & Chorus at the Roosevelt Jr. High for more information call (435) 725-4585.

 

Legal Services

December 8^th 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-10^th. 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 6^th 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 12^th 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. 25^th

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

Dr. Willian Wright

    "OK, go SMILE at Dr. Wright before your leave," states a clinical assistant as the patient gets up to leave their examination chair at the conclusion of their appointment.
    "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.
    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."

Dr. Larsen and Dr. Haslem’s staff presenting the check
of the money donated at this year’s Charity Bowl.

    Wright Orthodontics treats people of all ages, they actually like to see children as young as seven in order to determine if orthodontic care is needed and to what extent. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment. However, if you are one of those oh so lucky adults who needs braces, Dr. Wright can help you out as well.
    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.

Dr Wright and his staff are always eager to help their clients.

    Wright Orthodontics participates in numerous other community projects and services. One that is near and dear to Dr. Wright and his wife Jackie's hearts is Trees for Charity. They've been supporting Trees for Charity for 8 years, and are proud to be a part of a community that cares. Dr. Wright & Jackie are amazed as everyday people in this community that may not have much themselves, come together in a spirit of giving and raise literally thousands of dollars to help those in need. Trees for Charity is a great way to kick off the Christmas season, the spirit of giving and the feelings fostered by helping someone else in need is magical.
    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.

 1.Officers in uniform shopping with children, sub-for-Santa trees with all the names taken, and other evidence that we live among generous folks. Basinites are exceptionally generous toward their neighbors who've fallen on hard times. My friend Rachelle told me how she remembers one year as a small child when she received 2 dolls for Christmas and her younger brother 2 trucks. That was all they got, and after they opened the 4 gifts, their parents told them to choose 1 of the items to give to a needy family nearby. They each chose 1 of their toys, got in the car with their parents, drove to the home of a family with even less money than they had, and delivered 1 truck and 1 doll. I believe there are businesses, families, and individuals making great sacrifices to see that children and their families are cared for at Christmastime.
 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.

The Family Support Center in Roosevelt, UT

    "The children remain safe in our friendly, home-like atmosphere until their family crisis is resolved. Whether this means being returned home or placed in the foster care program, our well-trained and caring staff provides nutritious meals, clean clothing and loving arms."
    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.

A visual reminder of the number of children who have been
helped by the services provided at
The Family Support Center.

    The biggest difference between the Family Support Center and other local agencies is that they are not funded by the government. They do not have seemingly unlimited tax dollars funding their facility. Other than the federal grants they have to compete for, for parenting classes, they run solely on the manpower and financial support of the community.
    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.


The Family Support Center’s 2011
Enchanted Forest Tree

    "When children have to stay here because they have been placed by DCFS, we not only feed, house, and clothe them, but our staff of seven is extremely patient and loving. They spend time with the children, answering questions, and making the children feel safe. None of them are paid a huge salary, they do this work out of love for the children."

    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.
 
 

UBIC Float

It's Snow...Beautiful Snow - December 2011

“Fire and Ice”

Photo Courtesy of Mark Hansen

“Just Diggin’ Around

Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton

“Snow Robin”

Photo Courtesy of Kim Barton

“Snow Crystals”

- Photo Courtesy of Jason Schmidt

“First Snow Angel of the Year” -

 Photo Courtesy of Sherry Kellogg