Lena Toritch had a dream to become a sculptor. As a young girl, she watched her father work on his own projects, but due to the intense rules of the Communist Party, he lacked total creative freedom. For this reason, he encouraged his young daughter to study the great masters from the past, such as Auguste Rodin, to help her see the world through the eyes of an … [Read more...]
Utah’s Heroes: Nurse Saves Man’s Life on the Baseball Field
It was an ordinary day until Danya Topham’s husband, Mike, began to prod her about attending a baseball game at Murray Park. Danya, an R.N. by trade, had just gotten off a long shift at the hospital and was ready for a nice relaxing evening at home. It was out of the norm for her husband to strongly encourage her to attend the ballgame, but this night was different. She didn’t … [Read more...]
Helper, Utah: This Old Train Town Isn’t Just A Whistlestop Any More
For many years, the sleepy town of Helper, Utah was only a place to stop for fuel on the way to and from the world-famous Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. In fact, many drivers didn’t even notice the little city tucked in along the mountainside nestled among the trees and river. But that wasn’t the case for Cindi Curry, the owner of Balance Rock Eatery and Pub, who … [Read more...]
Mysteries of the Great Salt Lake
MONSTERS, GHOSTS, CURSES, AND MORE...DEEP MYSTERIES OF A SHALLOW LAKE Abandoned places have a special allure, as if calling out to tourists, paranormal experts, and scientists alike. The Great Salt Lake is one of the most unique places on the planet. As the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere, and seven times saltier than the ocean, it’s hard to miss on a … [Read more...]
Sugar House Granite Mills
In the spring of 1907, the city of Salt Lake had only eight miles of paved roads, leaving the rest muddy, bogged-down, and at times, almost impassable. The automobile was gaining a foothold in the area, and with such rough road conditions, some brave drivers would take a chance by driving along the railroad tracks. This was fine until a train came along. The joining of the … [Read more...]
Why You Should Visit Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe Utah
Traveling home in an old school bus from the last Grateful Dead concert, Mike Ginsburg, a hippie with a lot of soul, found himself in the small rural town of Monroe when his bus broke down on the side of the road. From there ― which is darn close to the middle of nowhere ― fate took over, as it usually does, and Mike was exactly where he was meant to be. Within a week of … [Read more...]
40 Acres Not Necessary: Utahns are Homesteading in Urban Backyards
Utahns are known for their food storage and preparedness methods and have been encouraged for years to acquire food storage and a 72-hour kit in case of an earthquake or other emergency. For those who did, that storage came in handy during last year’s woes. While many of us had a difficult time believing that we were, in fact, experiencing a pandemic during our lifetime, … [Read more...]
Western Timber Frame
The family gathers at the table, resting in the shade of their new pergola. The sunset and the evening lights illuminate the pathway to this new gathering place. The ceiling fan suspended from the wood rafter pushes the hot summer air away, as laughter and good food brings the family together, forging lasting memories. Hyrum Thompson, a cabinet maker, and his son Brad, … [Read more...]
Gotta Dance! Utah Culture Promotes Dance Excellence
Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow ... music plays, couples embrace and laugh. There is nothing like a good waltz to change your mood. During the 19th Century, the waltz was introduced as a high society social function for the elite. In the 20th Century, a monumental shift occurred which allowed people from all demographics to take part in the joy of dancing. Ballroom dance … [Read more...]
COVID in the Classroom: Teaching Dilemmas in 2020
Coronavirus, Corona, COVID-19, The Rona, The Wuhan Virus. It doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s here, and it looks like it is here to stay. The Coronavirus, commonly known as COVID-19, has changed the way education looks in Utah and across the country. COVID-19 plans for academic institutes have left many parents scrambling for options for their child’s education. Many … [Read more...]