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

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


 
 

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

"How May I Help You" - August 2011

By: Angela Hanberg

While it may seem like something of an antiquated phrase or even philosophy to some, to those on the receiving end of poor customer service, the phrase "How may I help you?" is a greatly missed nicety that many feel seems to have gone out the window.

    During this last month I had the chance to ask around to see how our local shoppers feel about local customer service. These are just a few of the comments I got back:

"Shoot, going through [fast food restaurant]'s window, the kid at the window would rather listen to music about "f this" and "f that" and then get mad and start swearing then take my money. This town's customer service really has gone downhill..." This woman clarified that the employee was listening to music streaming from his cell phone that she could hear before she even pulled up.

 

"One time at [sit down restaurant], we had a waitress that was more interested in talking with some guys then with helping us. I didn't get barbecue sauce on my chicken and so I asked for some. I waited for it and my husband had finished eating. The waitress brought the bill. I asked her again for the sauce, which she brought, but we'd been there so long that I asked for a to go box and she never came back. I think we asked someone else for the box and we left without leaving a tip."

 

"A local grocery store that I have always enjoyed and respected has successfully infuriated me the last three times I've shopped there. I have stood in lines of six deep and watched the checkers visit with family or friends checking out ahead of me while everyone waits and taps their feet. I have seen checkers leave customers at their counter while they walk to another checkout stand and make small talk with another employee. I have walked up to employees through the store to ask them a question only to have them make eye contact, then turn and walk the opposite direction. I have paid, then stood there waiting for my groceries to be bagged, only to give up and bag them on my own. I dislike self-checkout lines. The way I see it, I pay the same high prices whether I do all the work myself or not. I'd rather let someone else do part of that work."

    Another top complaint on the ever-growing list was counter help at local offices. Many people interviewed found it very disconcerting that when they walk into an office to pay a bill, ask for information, check in for an appointment or place an order, the only response that they have, is to see the secretary on the phone for what seems like forever. Even worse is listening to them cuss and giggle and realize that it is a personal phone call they're taking at the moment.

    It's been said that customer service in the Uintah Basin has declined drastically in the last few years. In this day and age of technology and automated services, it seems that no one even knows how to properly answer a phone. For many local patrons, it feels that the days of reliable, loyal service to the public has gone by the wayside.

    In my younger days (and I won't tell you how long ago because it's not cool to disclose my age,) I worked retail at a local farm and ranch store. At that time, the practice of good (superb) customer service was pounded into us until we were utterly sick of hearing it. However, it never failed us when it came to keeping our customers happy. What I miss most about that job were the "regulars" I'd see nearly every day. We called them by name. We knew which feed they typically purchased, which dog food they fed [insert dog's name here, because usually we'd know Fido's name as well], which fertilizer they put on their garden, etc. We built relationships with the patrons that shopped with us and in turn, they were loyal to the businesses that they were visiting. We may not have always had the lowest prices, but they shopped there anyway because they felt respected and comfortable while they were there. People were names, not numbers. Fast forward to the current day and many complain now that it's nearly impossible to get store employees to even acknowledge that you are there, let alone help you do what you went in there to do.

    It is with this entire thought in mind that the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce and Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce (DCAC) teamed up to begin their customer service training project entitled "Who's Coming to Dinner". This customer service training project was brought about in an effort to increase the positive reviews that are made to such entities as the Better Business Bureau, Board of Travel and Tourism, and even online businesses like Hotels.com and Expedia.com

    Many of these online travel sites are full of both complaints and compliments on the local businesses in the Basin causing the Chambers to realize the importance of good customer service and how it appeared to be lacking in many businesses in the area.

    "There have been so many negative complaints over the last few years about the poor quality of the customer service in the Uintah Basin that we wanted to see what we could do to help business owners bring some extra training - free of charge - to their front line employees," stated Ann Beath, customer service trainer for area chambers. "It is our goal to help business owners be as successful in their business as they can be and what they sometimes forget is the importance of their employees taking good care of their patrons."

    Never fear! We are not saying that every business has failed us. A local favorite for customer service is Intermountain Farmers (IFA). IFA's policy has always been: The customer is always right and the customer always comes first. And it is the customer standing in front of you with money in hand who is worth a lot more than the one on the phone. Employees are never to take a call if they are assisting a customer unless there is absolutely no one else available to do so and if they do answer the phone, the employee should say "Good afternoon, IFA, can you hold please?"

    When treated in such a respectful manner as this, it's hard to leave a store without making a purchase, especially when everyone there has gone out of their way to help you find what you need.

    One customer shared, "We went there to buy a few coats for Sub for Santa. We left there with every child on the list receiving clothing, coats, boots, hats, and gloves, all donated! They did it again last year. They did all of the "picking out" of outfits and all. Everything was matched and was just perfect!"

    Lazy Dog Salon and Le Paws Boutique were praised by their human customers as well. Getting customers in as quickly as possible even when it means coming in on a day off. Making sure they know exactly what the customer expects of their groomer before leaving their pet. They are all about making their clients happy in order to keep repeat business.

"I think Subway, Wendy's and Cafe Rio have AWESOME customer service. Never had problems there."

 

"You know who I love? The lady at Cafe Rio that goes around cleaning tables! She is always smiling and talking to the kids and acts like she enjoys her work, even though you know she can't possibly."

 

"Adam's Body and Paint always go above and beyond the call of duty. Adam is always right on the ball to research and order parts that are hard to find. He even installed a mirror for me for free that I had been told would cost $200 to install from another auto body shop."

 

"A girl at C.A.L. Ranch spent a long time helping me find a doggy door. It was almost closing time and ours had broke. When I called she even took a measuring tape back and measured what they had for me. I went in and they didn't have what I needed so she gave me the names of other stores to try. We finally found one at Lowe's, but she should have gotten the sale!"

 

"Another good, although new business, is Tenacious. We went there to get my daughter a dress. She is so hard to find clothes for because she wears a women's size but is still a young girl. They spent 45 minutes helping me find a dress for her body type and a shirt to go under it. They were all but trying it on for me. It was very youthful and my daughter loved it! I was expecting them to turn their nose up because she is not the 'size 1 off the rack' girl...I was pleasantly surprised."

 

"Best service in town in my opinion goes to Scott Murray Propane. I worked phones for several years at an answering service in town. Scott never once turned anyone down for propane. I called him out at 2 in the AM more than once because someone with kids ran out of propane in the winter. No matter who the person, how stupid the reason for running out, no matter the holiday or the hour of night, Scott had one rule: call him so he can take care of his customers. He always answers and says 'I'll get right on it.' He even delivers when people can't pay which is unheard of!!!"

    A few of our personal favorites are White Smiles Dentistry, Wal-Mart Bakery, Hallmark Chalet, Larsen and Haslem Dentistry and Prestige Cleaning.

    It is always a good idea to keep in mind that not every place has good or bad employees. There are so many factors involved when it comes to customer service. It is very important for us to realize people have both good and bad days. As customers we may misconstrue a comment or an action if we are having a bad day, that we would have never even noticed if we were on top of our game. The same thing goes for these front line employees. Our community, as a whole, could benefit from having a more positive attitude on both ends of the spectrum.

    If you are interested in having Anna Beath with DCAC come and provide your staff a customer service training, please contact her at 435-722-4798.




 

Ask The Expert: Fitness Is More Than Skin Deep - February 2011

By: Jacey Bauman
I admit that I get a feeling of satisfaction from putting on three layers of clothing and going for a run in cold weather. I enjoy the contrast of crisp air and warm skin as I race my dogs around a deserted park. Winter is a great time to build a foundation of fitness; then when warm weather arrives you are ready to participate in your chosen activities with confidence. The key to exercising outdoors as comfortably as possible in the cold is to layer your clothing. With the right layers you can easily add or remove clothing to stay comfortable in changing conditions. Remember that hydration is just as important in the cold as it is in the heat, so drink plenty of water. We are lucky that there are lots of options for exercise both indoor and outdoor year round here in the Basin, so keep moving and enjoy were you are.
 Q) I am always busy. I get up early, drive to work, sit in a chair all day, and then drive home. When I get home I have kids to take care of and a house to clean. The thought of working up a sweat for 30+ minutes every day on top of everything else that I do makes me cringe. I know I need to be healthier, I am out of shape and would like to lose weight, but I can't commit a large chunk of time to exercise every day. What else can I do to start getting in shape?
        
A) It is often hard to juggle all of the tasks that we want to accomplish each day. However, I believe that making your health a priority improves all areas of your life and is worth the effort. The key to starting and maintaining an effective exercise program is to work it into your life in a way that does not make it just another chore on your to do list. If 30 minutes of exercise at a time is too difficult, then start with ten. Many experts agree that three ten minute exercise sessions a day can be as effective as one longer session. Find ways to incorporate small moments of exercise into your day. You can find exercises that you can do at your desk and do a few of those every hour, or incorporate exercise into your television watching by either exercising or stretching during every commercial. These small moments add up, and as you become more confident in your physical fitness it will become less of a chore.
 Q) My doctor has warned me that I am on the road to becoming diabetic. Type 2 Diabetes runs strong in my family and though my doctor has said that I am prediabetic, I want to avoid the full blown disease. What kind of exercise program is most effective for preventing diabetes?
    
A) I always recommend checking with your physician when dealing with this kind of question. The advice and guidelines that your doctor can suggest are important to your overall health. Assuming that you have a physician's clearance to begin an exercise program, I would give the following advice.
80% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. The good news is that a relatively small weight loss of 5% to 10% can make a big difference to your health. Studies have shown that the combination of cardiovascular and strength training is most effective for helping prediabetic conditions. Aim for 30 to 45 minutes of a cardio activity you enjoy 3 to 5 times a week. Some suggestions could be walking, swimming, biking, or an elliptical machine. Do 30 minutes or more of strength training exercises two to three times per week. Combine this with healthy eating choices and you give yourself the best chance of maintaining or creating better health.
 Q) For the last 3 years my New Year's resolution has been to lose 15lbs. I always start strong. I plan my diet carefully and exercise hard for 2 or 3 weeks. Every year by week 4 I am dragging myself to the gym, and by February I am back to my old habits. I never lose the weight and I can't seem to make any lasting changes. What am I doing wrong? How can I make myself stick to my goals for more than 2 or 3 weeks?

A) You are not alone. A number of studies report drop-outs from exercise programs reach 50% or more by the end of the first 6 months. It is common for gyms to be crowded with an influx of new people in January, only to be back to "normal" numbers by February or March. You are struggling to make lasting changes because you are starting too strong. Your plan to makeover your diet and increase exercise at the same time is overwhelming and stressful so you cannot maintain it. Instead of changing your diet and exercise habits all at once, set small goals to accomplish one at a time. Ease yourself into your new lifestyle by choosing one or two things to work on each week and by letting yourself build upon small successes. Take your time and once you have a solid foundation of exercise and eating habits, then you will be ready to start making bigger goals.
 Jacey is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer who works with clients either in their home or at Freedom Fitness in Vernal, UT. She specializes in turning fitness goals into reality. To submit a question or for more information contact her at