11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
Updated Economic Snapshots and Economic Indicators available for Bear River and Wasatch Front North areas
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10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
NEWS: 9-14 July WSU International Solo / Chamber Music Camp 2012 and performances
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9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Secular Humanism
To contact us Click HERE
Secular Humanism
Secular
from the Oxford English Dictionary
2. a) Belonging to the world and its affairs* as distinguished from the church and religion; civil, lay, temporal . . . non-ecclesiastical, non-religious, or non-sacred
Humanism
from the Oxford English Dictionary
4. Sympathetic concern with human needs, interests, and welfare; humaneness
5. a) Any system of thought or ideology which places humans, or humanity as a whole, at its centre, esp. one which is predominantly concerned with human interests and welfare, and stresses the inherent value and potential of human life*
b) A variety of ethical theory and practice characterized by a stress on human rationality and capacity for free thought and moral action,* and a rejection of theistic religion and the supernatural in favour of secular and naturalistic views of humanity and the universe.*
* emphasis added
Now, you may be wondering who I am. And, perhaps my only real claim to fame is, that I am a Secular Humanist in Utah! We are sort of few and far between. But, as you may have seen from the Billboard put up recently by the Utah Coalition of Reason – You Are Not Alone! Rather, we are not alone. There are doubting, questioning, free-thinking, skeptical Utahans ~ everywhere across the state. There have been “doubters” for all of human history! And, today I want to tell you a little bit about what many of history's doubters have come to claim as their own life-stance or philosophy.
Secular Humanism is the philosophy that we, as human beings, have what it takes. To make this world better. To provide care and love for each other and this Earth we're on. To be happy. Happy Humanists. Without the supernatural idea that we're all waiting to arrive someplace better, or hoping for someone better to save us, or yearning for something better in some distant future . . . Secular Humanism is the idea that we can make it better! That we do make life better. That we always have, and that we can continue to do so. It means questioning religious answers to the problems we face on this world, in this life, here and now – it means coming up with secular, or non-religious, solutions to our this-world problems. And, it means doing so together as one human race.
A couple of my “prophets” are Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau, authors of “Leaves of Grass” and “Walden.” My true “church” or “religion” can be found on a blustery autumn day when unsuspecting leaves, flaming red, yellow, and orange, are brought down to earth in piles by an early snowfall. Then, again, you can find me “at worship” hiking among the flies and bees up Millcreek Canyon in the spring, sloshing through mud and breathing in deeply the crisp mountain air.
To me, “humanism” is simply a profound awareness of my own humanity. Humanism is a deep compassion for the humanity of others. This is what brought me to lead the once-tiny Secular Student Alliance as an undergraduate at the University of Utah, and then to join forces with other humans to found SHIFT – Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought. This awareness of my own humanity and compassion for others is what has led me now to lead the Utah Coalition of Reason – and to, again, join forces with other humans – this time across the State of Utah – to create a deeper, broader community of awareness, compassion, and support. To let other freethinkers know they are not alone. To educate the broader religious community about what it truly means to us to be ethical human beings.
And, this is why I finally became a Humanist Minister this year : to remind ourselves and to educate others about what life is really like as a Secular Humanist – that we, too, celebrate life and mourn death. That we, too, feel and think and wonder and seek! That we are all human, and that it is what is human among us that we choose to relate with, not what is religious. It is what is secular, and humanistic, that unites us all, Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist and all alike.
Secular
from the Oxford English Dictionary
2. a) Belonging to the world and its affairs* as distinguished from the church and religion; civil, lay, temporal . . . non-ecclesiastical, non-religious, or non-sacred
Humanism
from the Oxford English Dictionary
4. Sympathetic concern with human needs, interests, and welfare; humaneness
5. a) Any system of thought or ideology which places humans, or humanity as a whole, at its centre, esp. one which is predominantly concerned with human interests and welfare, and stresses the inherent value and potential of human life*
b) A variety of ethical theory and practice characterized by a stress on human rationality and capacity for free thought and moral action,* and a rejection of theistic religion and the supernatural in favour of secular and naturalistic views of humanity and the universe.*
* emphasis added
Now, you may be wondering who I am. And, perhaps my only real claim to fame is, that I am a Secular Humanist in Utah! We are sort of few and far between. But, as you may have seen from the Billboard put up recently by the Utah Coalition of Reason – You Are Not Alone! Rather, we are not alone. There are doubting, questioning, free-thinking, skeptical Utahans ~ everywhere across the state. There have been “doubters” for all of human history! And, today I want to tell you a little bit about what many of history's doubters have come to claim as their own life-stance or philosophy.
Secular Humanism is the philosophy that we, as human beings, have what it takes. To make this world better. To provide care and love for each other and this Earth we're on. To be happy. Happy Humanists. Without the supernatural idea that we're all waiting to arrive someplace better, or hoping for someone better to save us, or yearning for something better in some distant future . . . Secular Humanism is the idea that we can make it better! That we do make life better. That we always have, and that we can continue to do so. It means questioning religious answers to the problems we face on this world, in this life, here and now – it means coming up with secular, or non-religious, solutions to our this-world problems. And, it means doing so together as one human race.
A couple of my “prophets” are Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau, authors of “Leaves of Grass” and “Walden.” My true “church” or “religion” can be found on a blustery autumn day when unsuspecting leaves, flaming red, yellow, and orange, are brought down to earth in piles by an early snowfall. Then, again, you can find me “at worship” hiking among the flies and bees up Millcreek Canyon in the spring, sloshing through mud and breathing in deeply the crisp mountain air.
To me, “humanism” is simply a profound awareness of my own humanity. Humanism is a deep compassion for the humanity of others. This is what brought me to lead the once-tiny Secular Student Alliance as an undergraduate at the University of Utah, and then to join forces with other humans to found SHIFT – Secular Humanism, Inquiry and Freethought. This awareness of my own humanity and compassion for others is what has led me now to lead the Utah Coalition of Reason – and to, again, join forces with other humans – this time across the State of Utah – to create a deeper, broader community of awareness, compassion, and support. To let other freethinkers know they are not alone. To educate the broader religious community about what it truly means to us to be ethical human beings.
And, this is why I finally became a Humanist Minister this year : to remind ourselves and to educate others about what life is really like as a Secular Humanist – that we, too, celebrate life and mourn death. That we, too, feel and think and wonder and seek! That we are all human, and that it is what is human among us that we choose to relate with, not what is religious. It is what is secular, and humanistic, that unites us all, Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist and all alike.
A Letter to the Turkey
To contact us Click HERE
Dear Wight's Farm Fresh Young Turkey from West Ogden, Utah,
This year will be my first preparing a Thanksgiving Turkey completely on my own ~ from Liberty Heights Fresh in Sugarhouse where I picked you up, to my parent's home in Sandy, you will have come a ways from Ogden where you were raised.
I do not know exactly the kind of life you lived. Apparently the owners of the farm where you were raised make about $100,000 a year and have been raising turkeys since 1974. I read two blog posts, one with an adorable little blond-haired girl playing with some baby turkeys, which say that your feed was made daily by hand by a farmer and his family. They say they never added anything weird to your food, and they let you out into the great outdoors to run around after you were about 7 weeks old.
Although I don't believe you had any sort of turkey spirit or soul that is still living someplace in the universe now, I do want to say “thank you” for the food that I am about to eat. It means a lot to me that no added growth hormones or antibiotics were added to your turkey body, and that you were able to run around with your turkey brothers and sisters in the sunshine for just over four months before you were killed so that I could buy you for just under $40. It would have been such a miserable four months if you had to be cooped up someplace with so many other turkeys that you couldn't move around comfortably. I'm very glad you didn't have to go through that kind of misery so that I could enjoy eating you.
Sometime this coming year, I will be going to Wights Family Farm in West Ogden, which is only about 45 minutes away from my home, so that I can see where you were raised. Preferably, I would like to go there sometime in the next month, because more turkeys are being raised there in preparation for more winter holidays in December.
When I was growing up, I always thought turkey meat tasted dry and bland and I never ate more than a few bites of it. However, these farmers at Wights sure know how to raise their turkeys as healthily and happily as possible. Because last year when I bought a turkey from your farmers, I could not stop eating more, and more, and more. The meat was soft, and tender, and juicy, and flavorful in every way I thought only the meat of a cow could taste.
I have always been the type of girl who savors the taste of meat when prepared to my liking. However, after finding out how many animals are treated while they are alive so that I can enjoy this savoury diet, I was so distressed that I could not eat the meat of any animal for quite some time. Eventually, however, my human body began to crave this sort of savoury diet once more, and in order to align my biological desires with my ethical principles, I began to research where and how I could find meat that was prepared by more compassionate humans. And last year, around the time of Thanksgiving, this search led me to Liberty Heights Fresh and Wights Family Farm!
So once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the farmers of such a venture as Wights, because I trust that my human body will be treated right as I consume the meat of animals who were treated right.
Someday I too will die, and I don't know of anyone who will eat me directly, but if what Mufasa told Simba was true, my body will turn into grass, and other animals (specifically antelopes) will eat that grass. Whenever that happens, I will have been able to run around in the great outdoors with my human brothers and sisters for a lot longer than four months, but I hope that, as was the case for you, there won't be any added growth hormones or antibiotics in my body either, that might contaminate this earth and/or those who live on it after me.
I love this earth very much, and am grateful that the natural cycle of life on this earth is one that provides the type of bountiful harvests we are gathering to celebrate today!
In Gratitude,
Elaine Ball
Certified Humanist Minister
This year will be my first preparing a Thanksgiving Turkey completely on my own ~ from Liberty Heights Fresh in Sugarhouse where I picked you up, to my parent's home in Sandy, you will have come a ways from Ogden where you were raised.
I do not know exactly the kind of life you lived. Apparently the owners of the farm where you were raised make about $100,000 a year and have been raising turkeys since 1974. I read two blog posts, one with an adorable little blond-haired girl playing with some baby turkeys, which say that your feed was made daily by hand by a farmer and his family. They say they never added anything weird to your food, and they let you out into the great outdoors to run around after you were about 7 weeks old.
Although I don't believe you had any sort of turkey spirit or soul that is still living someplace in the universe now, I do want to say “thank you” for the food that I am about to eat. It means a lot to me that no added growth hormones or antibiotics were added to your turkey body, and that you were able to run around with your turkey brothers and sisters in the sunshine for just over four months before you were killed so that I could buy you for just under $40. It would have been such a miserable four months if you had to be cooped up someplace with so many other turkeys that you couldn't move around comfortably. I'm very glad you didn't have to go through that kind of misery so that I could enjoy eating you.
Sometime this coming year, I will be going to Wights Family Farm in West Ogden, which is only about 45 minutes away from my home, so that I can see where you were raised. Preferably, I would like to go there sometime in the next month, because more turkeys are being raised there in preparation for more winter holidays in December.
When I was growing up, I always thought turkey meat tasted dry and bland and I never ate more than a few bites of it. However, these farmers at Wights sure know how to raise their turkeys as healthily and happily as possible. Because last year when I bought a turkey from your farmers, I could not stop eating more, and more, and more. The meat was soft, and tender, and juicy, and flavorful in every way I thought only the meat of a cow could taste.
I have always been the type of girl who savors the taste of meat when prepared to my liking. However, after finding out how many animals are treated while they are alive so that I can enjoy this savoury diet, I was so distressed that I could not eat the meat of any animal for quite some time. Eventually, however, my human body began to crave this sort of savoury diet once more, and in order to align my biological desires with my ethical principles, I began to research where and how I could find meat that was prepared by more compassionate humans. And last year, around the time of Thanksgiving, this search led me to Liberty Heights Fresh and Wights Family Farm!
So once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the farmers of such a venture as Wights, because I trust that my human body will be treated right as I consume the meat of animals who were treated right.
Someday I too will die, and I don't know of anyone who will eat me directly, but if what Mufasa told Simba was true, my body will turn into grass, and other animals (specifically antelopes) will eat that grass. Whenever that happens, I will have been able to run around in the great outdoors with my human brothers and sisters for a lot longer than four months, but I hope that, as was the case for you, there won't be any added growth hormones or antibiotics in my body either, that might contaminate this earth and/or those who live on it after me.
I love this earth very much, and am grateful that the natural cycle of life on this earth is one that provides the type of bountiful harvests we are gathering to celebrate today!
In Gratitude,
Elaine Ball
Certified Humanist Minister
Thanksgiving Poem
To contact us Click HERE
Dear Turkey Hen or Tom
Though we may never know your gender
And we never looked you in the eye
We gather here today in thanks dear turkey . . .
For your giblet stock and turkey gravy
Compliment our mashed potatoes,
Yams, and breads, and casseroles
So dearly and our tummies
Have been grumbling in anticipation
So, once again, dear Hen or Tom,
Thank you for a life well-lived!
Though we may never know your gender
And we never looked you in the eye
We gather here today in thanks dear turkey . . .
For your giblet stock and turkey gravy
Compliment our mashed potatoes,
Yams, and breads, and casseroles
So dearly and our tummies
Have been grumbling in anticipation
So, once again, dear Hen or Tom,
Thank you for a life well-lived!
Listen To The Mustn'ts
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Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me --
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.
- Shel Silverstein
I bought a book a few weeks ago from the First Unitarian Church book sale, called "Earth Bound," which contains "Daily Meditations For All Seasons." The first meditation I read yesterday, January 1, 2012. It was about the atypical human tradition of crafting "resolutions" for the New Year. I adore this tradition, personally. For probably all of the month of December, I find myself thinking about what I would like to see change the most in my own life the coming year. I don't often write my resolutions, but I voice them, to myself and my partner. We encourage each other in pursuing some that are meaningful to us both.
But this meditation/thought I read yesterday pointed out that we are the only species in nature who seek for perfection in this way. I am trying to craft my resolutions now in terms of what will bind me more to the earth and the natural world I am a part of. Eating & moving healthily. Practicing consideration and compassion for others (people, plants, animals, all life). The reading suggested that, rather than seek for 'perfection,' or resolve to be 'perfect,' we embrace the changes and inherent imperfections as parts of who we are as human beings.
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me --
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.
- Shel Silverstein
I bought a book a few weeks ago from the First Unitarian Church book sale, called "Earth Bound," which contains "Daily Meditations For All Seasons." The first meditation I read yesterday, January 1, 2012. It was about the atypical human tradition of crafting "resolutions" for the New Year. I adore this tradition, personally. For probably all of the month of December, I find myself thinking about what I would like to see change the most in my own life the coming year. I don't often write my resolutions, but I voice them, to myself and my partner. We encourage each other in pursuing some that are meaningful to us both.
But this meditation/thought I read yesterday pointed out that we are the only species in nature who seek for perfection in this way. I am trying to craft my resolutions now in terms of what will bind me more to the earth and the natural world I am a part of. Eating & moving healthily. Practicing consideration and compassion for others (people, plants, animals, all life). The reading suggested that, rather than seek for 'perfection,' or resolve to be 'perfect,' we embrace the changes and inherent imperfections as parts of who we are as human beings.
A Lover and a Blog
To contact us Click HERE
Dear Oregon Chai,
I am sitting in my small apartment near the state capitol in downtown Salt Lake City, UT (recently named The Gayest City in America by The Advocate), sipping my Oregon Chai (I purchase the Oregon Chai Original tea bags, to which I add a touch of organic vanilla soy milk, as well as the tin of Oregon Chai Original mix, which I add to warm fresh local milk when I have it) and thinking . . . I should blog about this peace and quiet I'm enjoying ~ my whole body being warmed this chilly February evening by this wonderful drink.
And then I thought I would write, just to let you up there in Oregon know how your product ended up on my shelves, regularly stocked in my home pantry and served to my closest friends (but mostly horded jealously by yours truly). Thank you!
Elaine Ball
I am sitting in my small apartment near the state capitol in downtown Salt Lake City, UT (recently named The Gayest City in America by The Advocate), sipping my Oregon Chai (I purchase the Oregon Chai Original tea bags, to which I add a touch of organic vanilla soy milk, as well as the tin of Oregon Chai Original mix, which I add to warm fresh local milk when I have it) and thinking . . . I should blog about this peace and quiet I'm enjoying ~ my whole body being warmed this chilly February evening by this wonderful drink.
And then I thought I would write, just to let you up there in Oregon know how your product ended up on my shelves, regularly stocked in my home pantry and served to my closest friends (but mostly horded jealously by yours truly). Thank you!
Elaine Ball
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
Strategic Two-Day Grant Seminar @ the University of Utah ( July 11 - 12, 2012 )
To contact us Click HERE
As a courtesy notice, we would like to remind you to join us at our Two-Day Grant Development Workshop at the University of Utah. Salt Lake City. July 11 - 12, 2012. Learn from Professional Grant Writers how to prepare, write and secure grants from various funding agencies. We are finalizing the attendee list as we speak, if interested please visit our website or contact us at 1.877.414.8991 to register/ reserve seating.Additional discounts are available for groups that would like to participate in this interactive workshop.
Thanks,
Adam Hicks
Program Coordinator
ISFD
1.877.414.8991
NEWS: SUU's SUMA Art Hikes Journey to the Summit Petroglyphs
To contact us Click HERE
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS: SUMA ART HIKES: SUMMIT PETROGLYPHS WITH TODD PRINCE
WHAT: The final SUMA Art Hike is a remarkable trek in the region’s prehistoric past with artist and archaeologist Todd Prince at the Summit Petroglyphs, exploring classic rock art at the location.
WHO: SUMA, Southern Utah Museum of Art, Community Engagement Committee
WHEN: Saturday, July 14, 2012
TIME: 9:00am
WHERE: Cedar City Main Street Park, east side (near main pavilion), Cedar City, UT
TICKETS: Free and open to the general public. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
INFO: For detailed information and requirements, call (435) 586-5432 or visit www.suu.edu/pva/suma.
SUU’s SUMA Art Hikes Journey
Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah: A journey into the prehistoric aspects of the southern Utah landscape awaits art enthusiasts who attend the final SUMA Art Hike for summer 2012. Join artist and archaeologist Todd Prince for a remarkable trek that allows participants to experience classic rock art in the region at the Summit Petroglyphs. The hike takes place on Saturday, July 14th. The Art Hikes have been created by the Southern Utah Museum of Art’s (SUMA) Community Engagement Committee to build public awareness for the proposed museum. All Art Hikes are free and open to all ages.
SUMA Art Hikes have been created to provide an opportunity for the southern Utah community to discover the special places where local artists gain inspiration for their art. Participants will get to hike to these inspiring locations with the artist as well as a representative from the Public Lands who will educate and enlighten the hikers to learn more about these unique locales. In addition, all participants are encouraged to bring their own art supplies (sketch books, pencils, pastels, watercolors or whatever a hiker’s media) and cameras to capture the natural beauty of the region for themselves.
On Saturday, July 14, 2012, Todd Prince will take participants to the Summit Petroglyphs. Prince promises a very special hike. “Participants on this outing will experience classic prehistoric Fremont rock art. Most everyone is familiar with the rock art at Parowan Gap. Although less known, the Summit site exhibits images just as impressive. Some of the rock art images from this particular site have been incorporated into my art.” For this hike, Prince advises, “the hike is a relatively easy one over a ridge but will require some rock scrambling through volcanic rock with possible sharp edges, foot-grabbing crevices and loose detritus. Sturdy boots are strongly recommended and young children may require assistance in this area. It will be difficult to carry painting supplies, but sketch books and cameras are recommended.”
Todd Prince was born and raised in Utah, and has worked in the Southwest since 1989. Educated and trained as an archaeologist, his work with gourds reflects his interest in the cultural history of the Southwest. An avid organic gardener, Prince began growing gourds some years ago. After drying them, a process of three to six months, his knowledge of prehistoric use of gourds inspired Prince to apply his creativity to this challenging medium. In outlining his art and its relations to the landscape, Prince explains, “I incorporate rock art imagery from all over the state into my gourd work. This location (Summit Petroglyphs) is one of many from which I draw inspiration.” The earth tones, mold patterns, various shapes, and nutty smell of the gourds appeal to him. When working with gourds, Prince prefers to let the natural characteristics of each one determine what he does with it. Rarely does he hide the gourd beneath paint, or try to repair or remove a flaw. Occasionally, Prince will cover the natural surface for a particular affect, but the majority of his designs are simple and unassuming. He currently resides in Cedar City, serving as the manager of the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum.
SUMA Art Hikes are free and open to the entire community. All ages are welcome. Hikers will meet at Cedar City Main Street Park, east side (near main pavilion) at 9 am. Participants are welcome to bring their own art supplies. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Hikers need to provide: Own transportation, an adequate lunch, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, knapsack, a minimum one quart of water per person, rain jacket, personal first aid kit, sun screen protection, and layered, comfortable clothing (for any type of weather). Walking sticks and insect repellant are recommended but not required.
The SUMA Community Engagement Committee thanks those individuals and organizations that have helped make the Art Hikes happen: Anne Smith, SUUInstructor, Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism (ORPT), Coordinator, Outdoor Education Series, the National Parks Service and the Cedar City and St. George offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
Detailed information can be obtained by calling (435) 586-5432 or visiting www.suu.edu/pva/suma. To make a contribution to SUMA, please contact Donna Law, Director of Development: CPVA, at 435-865-8182 or law@suu.edu. Contributions can be made online at www.suu.edu/pva/suma.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS: SUMA ART HIKES: SUMMIT PETROGLYPHS WITH TODD PRINCE
WHAT: The final SUMA Art Hike is a remarkable trek in the region’s prehistoric past with artist and archaeologist Todd Prince at the Summit Petroglyphs, exploring classic rock art at the location.
WHO: SUMA, Southern Utah Museum of Art, Community Engagement Committee
WHEN: Saturday, July 14, 2012
TIME: 9:00am
WHERE: Cedar City Main Street Park, east side (near main pavilion), Cedar City, UT
TICKETS: Free and open to the general public. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
INFO: For detailed information and requirements, call (435) 586-5432 or visit www.suu.edu/pva/suma.
SUU’s SUMA Art Hikes Journey
Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah: A journey into the prehistoric aspects of the southern Utah landscape awaits art enthusiasts who attend the final SUMA Art Hike for summer 2012. Join artist and archaeologist Todd Prince for a remarkable trek that allows participants to experience classic rock art in the region at the Summit Petroglyphs. The hike takes place on Saturday, July 14th. The Art Hikes have been created by the Southern Utah Museum of Art’s (SUMA) Community Engagement Committee to build public awareness for the proposed museum. All Art Hikes are free and open to all ages.
SUMA Art Hikes have been created to provide an opportunity for the southern Utah community to discover the special places where local artists gain inspiration for their art. Participants will get to hike to these inspiring locations with the artist as well as a representative from the Public Lands who will educate and enlighten the hikers to learn more about these unique locales. In addition, all participants are encouraged to bring their own art supplies (sketch books, pencils, pastels, watercolors or whatever a hiker’s media) and cameras to capture the natural beauty of the region for themselves.
On Saturday, July 14, 2012, Todd Prince will take participants to the Summit Petroglyphs. Prince promises a very special hike. “Participants on this outing will experience classic prehistoric Fremont rock art. Most everyone is familiar with the rock art at Parowan Gap. Although less known, the Summit site exhibits images just as impressive. Some of the rock art images from this particular site have been incorporated into my art.” For this hike, Prince advises, “the hike is a relatively easy one over a ridge but will require some rock scrambling through volcanic rock with possible sharp edges, foot-grabbing crevices and loose detritus. Sturdy boots are strongly recommended and young children may require assistance in this area. It will be difficult to carry painting supplies, but sketch books and cameras are recommended.”
Todd Prince was born and raised in Utah, and has worked in the Southwest since 1989. Educated and trained as an archaeologist, his work with gourds reflects his interest in the cultural history of the Southwest. An avid organic gardener, Prince began growing gourds some years ago. After drying them, a process of three to six months, his knowledge of prehistoric use of gourds inspired Prince to apply his creativity to this challenging medium. In outlining his art and its relations to the landscape, Prince explains, “I incorporate rock art imagery from all over the state into my gourd work. This location (Summit Petroglyphs) is one of many from which I draw inspiration.” The earth tones, mold patterns, various shapes, and nutty smell of the gourds appeal to him. When working with gourds, Prince prefers to let the natural characteristics of each one determine what he does with it. Rarely does he hide the gourd beneath paint, or try to repair or remove a flaw. Occasionally, Prince will cover the natural surface for a particular affect, but the majority of his designs are simple and unassuming. He currently resides in Cedar City, serving as the manager of the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum.
SUMA Art Hikes are free and open to the entire community. All ages are welcome. Hikers will meet at Cedar City Main Street Park, east side (near main pavilion) at 9 am. Participants are welcome to bring their own art supplies. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Hikers need to provide: Own transportation, an adequate lunch, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, knapsack, a minimum one quart of water per person, rain jacket, personal first aid kit, sun screen protection, and layered, comfortable clothing (for any type of weather). Walking sticks and insect repellant are recommended but not required.
The SUMA Community Engagement Committee thanks those individuals and organizations that have helped make the Art Hikes happen: Anne Smith, SUUInstructor, Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism (ORPT), Coordinator, Outdoor Education Series, the National Parks Service and the Cedar City and St. George offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
Detailed information can be obtained by calling (435) 586-5432 or visiting www.suu.edu/pva/suma. To make a contribution to SUMA, please contact Donna Law, Director of Development: CPVA, at 435-865-8182 or law@suu.edu. Contributions can be made online at www.suu.edu/pva/suma.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
NEWS: SPY HOP STUDENTS TELL "REEL STORIES" ON JULY 9TH
To contact us Click HERE
UTAH TEENS FIND THEIR VOICE THROUGH SPY HOP’S DOCUMENTARY FILM PROGRAM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (July 2, 2012) — Spy Hop Productions announces the world premiere of six new documentary films from Utah teens, which will premiere on July 9th at the City Library Auditorium in downtown Salt Lake City. Homelessness, amusement parks, refugees, Haiti, long boarding and art therapy are the subjects of this year’s Reel Stories, Spy Hop Productions longest running film class. This free class opens up the world of filmmaking to anyone who is interested and passionate about telling their story. For almost all of the students, this was their first experience making a film, and the final results are a tribute to their months of hard work.
Spy Hop’s classes, whether they are in film, music or design, all emphasize the importance of self-expression and Reel Stories is no exception. For the last three months, Reel Stories students have wrestled with different story ideas and had some help along the way from award winning filmmakers who were in Utah for events at the Utah Film Center. Lee Hirsch, director of the documentaries Bully and Amandla: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony and Academy Award nominee Lucy Walker, director of Waste Land, The Devil’s Playground and The Tsunami and The Cherry Blossom both spent time with the class, helping the students fine tune their ideas.
With their help, these young filmmakers have truly found their voice. Ryann Beeler turns her camera on the plight of homeless people here in Utah. Gilbert Bucanayandi, a refugee from Burundi, gives an intimate and intense portrayal of his father and their family's flight from country to country avoiding war, and Mickey Randle turned a humanitarian trip to Haiti with her family into a film about hope and strength. Closer to home, Nick Markham and David Payne look at the love amusement park employees have for their jobs and the plight of long boarding at the University of Utah pending a controversial campus ruling, and Erin O’Kelley highlights the power of art therapy to help young women in a residential care facility deal with their past traumas.
“Our guest filmmakers are galvanized by the opportunity to work with Spy Hop students in a master class setting. It is a very natural extension of our mission to connect established filmmakers with next generation storytellers. We're looking forward to seeing the work created by this year's group of Reel Stories students," said Patrick Hubley, Artistic Director of the Utah Film Center.
REEL Stories premieres Monday, July 9 at the City Library Auditorium at 6:30pm, 210 East 400 South and is free and open to the public. A reception with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
Participating students:Ryann Beeler (15) West High School, Gilbert Bucanayandi (17) Hunter High, Nick Markham (16) Judge Memorial, Erin O’Kelley (16) Highland High, Mickey Randle (16) Skyline High, David Payne (18) Judge Memorial.
About the Youth Documentary Arts ProgramThe Youth Documentary Arts Program is a unique arts and humanities program comprised of four separate classes that provide the participants opportunities to explore stories and issues pertinent to their lives and communities. Participants in the program are immersed in the practical and theoretical aspects of documentary work while developing a variety of skills and abilities. The program enables students to develop and hone innovative processes and technical skills which include story development, the creative process, nonfiction filmmaking styles, camera operation, cinematography, sound engineering and editing. All of YDAP classes (PitchNic Documentary, Reel Stories, Write-Shoot-Ride, and Watch This!) provide youth with the opportunity to work with experienced documentarians while exploring their creativity and a variety of compelling topics, such as stereotypes, diversity, tolerance, racism, cultural knowledge, tradition, urban development, environmental preservation, and community itself.
Spy Hop's Reel Stories Program is made possible with support from; Zions Bank, Jones Waldo, Broadview Entertainment Arts University, Zoo, Arts, and Parks of Salt Lake County, Salt Lake County Substance Abuse Prevention Program, the National Endowment for the Arts, Zero Divide, The George & Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, Salt Lake City Arts Council, and the Utah Division of Arts and Museums.
About Spy Hop ProductionsSpy Hop Productions is a nonprofit youth media arts and education center whose purpose is to empower youth to express their voice and with it create positive change in their lives, their community, and the world. Our mission is to encourage free expression, self-discovery, critical and inventive thinking, and skilled participation via the big screen, the airwaves, and the web. Recognized by the White House as one of the top arts and humanities based organizations in the country, Spy Hop was chosen as a finalist for the 2010 National Arts and Humanities Youth Award given by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
UTAH TEENS FIND THEIR VOICE THROUGH SPY HOP’S DOCUMENTARY FILM PROGRAM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (July 2, 2012) — Spy Hop Productions announces the world premiere of six new documentary films from Utah teens, which will premiere on July 9th at the City Library Auditorium in downtown Salt Lake City. Homelessness, amusement parks, refugees, Haiti, long boarding and art therapy are the subjects of this year’s Reel Stories, Spy Hop Productions longest running film class. This free class opens up the world of filmmaking to anyone who is interested and passionate about telling their story. For almost all of the students, this was their first experience making a film, and the final results are a tribute to their months of hard work.
Spy Hop’s classes, whether they are in film, music or design, all emphasize the importance of self-expression and Reel Stories is no exception. For the last three months, Reel Stories students have wrestled with different story ideas and had some help along the way from award winning filmmakers who were in Utah for events at the Utah Film Center. Lee Hirsch, director of the documentaries Bully and Amandla: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony and Academy Award nominee Lucy Walker, director of Waste Land, The Devil’s Playground and The Tsunami and The Cherry Blossom both spent time with the class, helping the students fine tune their ideas.
With their help, these young filmmakers have truly found their voice. Ryann Beeler turns her camera on the plight of homeless people here in Utah. Gilbert Bucanayandi, a refugee from Burundi, gives an intimate and intense portrayal of his father and their family's flight from country to country avoiding war, and Mickey Randle turned a humanitarian trip to Haiti with her family into a film about hope and strength. Closer to home, Nick Markham and David Payne look at the love amusement park employees have for their jobs and the plight of long boarding at the University of Utah pending a controversial campus ruling, and Erin O’Kelley highlights the power of art therapy to help young women in a residential care facility deal with their past traumas.
“Our guest filmmakers are galvanized by the opportunity to work with Spy Hop students in a master class setting. It is a very natural extension of our mission to connect established filmmakers with next generation storytellers. We're looking forward to seeing the work created by this year's group of Reel Stories students," said Patrick Hubley, Artistic Director of the Utah Film Center.
REEL Stories premieres Monday, July 9 at the City Library Auditorium at 6:30pm, 210 East 400 South and is free and open to the public. A reception with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
Participating students:Ryann Beeler (15) West High School, Gilbert Bucanayandi (17) Hunter High, Nick Markham (16) Judge Memorial, Erin O’Kelley (16) Highland High, Mickey Randle (16) Skyline High, David Payne (18) Judge Memorial.
About the Youth Documentary Arts ProgramThe Youth Documentary Arts Program is a unique arts and humanities program comprised of four separate classes that provide the participants opportunities to explore stories and issues pertinent to their lives and communities. Participants in the program are immersed in the practical and theoretical aspects of documentary work while developing a variety of skills and abilities. The program enables students to develop and hone innovative processes and technical skills which include story development, the creative process, nonfiction filmmaking styles, camera operation, cinematography, sound engineering and editing. All of YDAP classes (PitchNic Documentary, Reel Stories, Write-Shoot-Ride, and Watch This!) provide youth with the opportunity to work with experienced documentarians while exploring their creativity and a variety of compelling topics, such as stereotypes, diversity, tolerance, racism, cultural knowledge, tradition, urban development, environmental preservation, and community itself.
Spy Hop's Reel Stories Program is made possible with support from; Zions Bank, Jones Waldo, Broadview Entertainment Arts University, Zoo, Arts, and Parks of Salt Lake County, Salt Lake County Substance Abuse Prevention Program, the National Endowment for the Arts, Zero Divide, The George & Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, Salt Lake City Arts Council, and the Utah Division of Arts and Museums.
About Spy Hop ProductionsSpy Hop Productions is a nonprofit youth media arts and education center whose purpose is to empower youth to express their voice and with it create positive change in their lives, their community, and the world. Our mission is to encourage free expression, self-discovery, critical and inventive thinking, and skilled participation via the big screen, the airwaves, and the web. Recognized by the White House as one of the top arts and humanities based organizations in the country, Spy Hop was chosen as a finalist for the 2010 National Arts and Humanities Youth Award given by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
NEWS: Imagination Across America Exhibit
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NEWS: “People. Places. Time” Exhibition Opens in Alice Merrill Horne Gallery
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“People. Places. Time” Exhibition Opens in Alice Merrill Horne Gallery
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Glendinning Mansion Glendinning Mansion is located at 617 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City
The exhibition features photographs from the State Fine Art Collection. The photographs, primarily taken between the 1970s and 1990s, range from documentary to a more formal language of art-making and composition. “A dialogue between images takes shape through visual symbols and cues amongst private moments, anonymous places and familiar sentiments,” said Margaret Hunt, Director of Utah Arts & Museums. “This creates a rich vocabulary for narrative interpretation. Inherent in the works is a strong sense of time, age and the spaces where they occur.”
“People. Places. Time” features works by Barbara Richards, Barclay W. Hastings, Bonnie F. Schenkenberg, Craig Law, Fred Wright, Jerry Fagerlund, John Schaefer, John Telford, Kent Miles, Kip Harris, Kris D. Garlick, Richard Burton, Rock Thompson, Scot Smith, Scott Peterson and Vinnie Fish.
The historicGlendinning Mansion
Images: “Robby” by Rock Thompson, ca. 1977; “American Falls Reservoir on the Snake River,Idaho
AboutUtah Utah
“People. Places. Time” Exhibition Opens in Alice Merrill Horne Gallery
The exhibition features photographs from the State Fine Art Collection. The photographs, primarily taken between the 1970s and 1990s, range from documentary to a more formal language of art-making and composition. “A dialogue between images takes shape through visual symbols and cues amongst private moments, anonymous places and familiar sentiments,” said Margaret Hunt, Director of Utah Arts & Museums. “This creates a rich vocabulary for narrative interpretation. Inherent in the works is a strong sense of time, age and the spaces where they occur.”
“People. Places. Time” features works by Barbara Richards, Barclay W. Hastings, Bonnie F. Schenkenberg, Craig Law, Fred Wright, Jerry Fagerlund, John Schaefer, John Telford, Kent Miles, Kip Harris, Kris D. Garlick, Richard Burton, Rock Thompson, Scot Smith, Scott Peterson and Vinnie Fish.
The historic
Images: “Robby” by Rock Thompson, ca. 1977; “American Falls Reservoir on the Snake River,
About
7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi
Leading by Being
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Only a couple of short weeks ago, I spent four days in my nation's capitol, Washington, D.C., attending a Women's Leadership Conference hosted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The HRC fights to gain Equal Rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Americans, and I have been on Utah's HRC Steering Committee for just over a year. I now have two tri-chairs helping me put on events such as this February 25th's Her HRC Brunch at Squatters, booths at Salt Lake City & Moab Prides, as well as Street Festivals - and possibly the State Fair!
Today, one of the other groups I work for, the Utah Coalition of Reason, is hosting Darwin Day at Utah's Hogle Zoo. This was put together with the most limited resources, marketing, and assistance imaginable, but the families and individuals who are attending seem to be making the most of today's uncannily warm February weather. I am deeply grateful to the Service Learning students at Salt Lake Community College who are tabling for the Coalition this Saturday, so that I can work on homework for my Linguistics courses.
The most eye-opening thing that I learned from the Leadership Conference two weeks ago was not that I try to do too much (I knew that all too well already), but that I have sacrificed my own sense of being for many of the causes I strive to support. It's no longer a question of if I am doing too much. Rather I have learned to ask myself the question of why I do too much? What, exactly, do I sacrifice, and is it worth it? Self-reflection, feedback, constructive criticism . . . reflect, act, evaluate . . .
What I do that I truly adore, that feeds me, is teach, study, and relax.
When I prepare lessons, teach lessons, and/or evaluate my students, whether privately or at the Salt Lake Arts Academy, I feel enriched, enlightened, inspired! By watching how they learn, I learn more about how I teach - more about who, and how, I am. And by evaluating their progress, I am able to track my own.
When I read, study, and/or assist teaching for my Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) courses at the University of Utah, I am further inspired to improve my teaching methodology - to improve who, and how, I am.
And when I relax - I am able to simply be. I find myself writing to try to convey the sense of wonder I experience by seeping my two favorite teas together. I write letters to Oregon Chai and Harney & Sons Fine Teas, sending my thoughts to various states, spreading my words across the inter-webs, weaving something much more related to who, and how, I am. I receive messages back, offering me tea products to sample, review, and promote. I realize that somehow, who I really am is a leader. I'll offer Oregon Chai tea giveaways to all 11 of my blog followers, and I'll continue allowing myself to learn that, as my father so wisely told me at 18, I don't need to be the President of the United States of America to make a difference in this world. I don't have to fight allowing myself to just be, because who I am when I simply am, is enough! Every single human being is a leader - of something, or someone - and I lead best simply by being ~ Elaine.
Today, one of the other groups I work for, the Utah Coalition of Reason, is hosting Darwin Day at Utah's Hogle Zoo. This was put together with the most limited resources, marketing, and assistance imaginable, but the families and individuals who are attending seem to be making the most of today's uncannily warm February weather. I am deeply grateful to the Service Learning students at Salt Lake Community College who are tabling for the Coalition this Saturday, so that I can work on homework for my Linguistics courses.
The most eye-opening thing that I learned from the Leadership Conference two weeks ago was not that I try to do too much (I knew that all too well already), but that I have sacrificed my own sense of being for many of the causes I strive to support. It's no longer a question of if I am doing too much. Rather I have learned to ask myself the question of why I do too much? What, exactly, do I sacrifice, and is it worth it? Self-reflection, feedback, constructive criticism . . . reflect, act, evaluate . . .
What I do that I truly adore, that feeds me, is teach, study, and relax.
When I prepare lessons, teach lessons, and/or evaluate my students, whether privately or at the Salt Lake Arts Academy, I feel enriched, enlightened, inspired! By watching how they learn, I learn more about how I teach - more about who, and how, I am. And by evaluating their progress, I am able to track my own.
When I read, study, and/or assist teaching for my Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) courses at the University of Utah, I am further inspired to improve my teaching methodology - to improve who, and how, I am.
And when I relax - I am able to simply be. I find myself writing to try to convey the sense of wonder I experience by seeping my two favorite teas together. I write letters to Oregon Chai and Harney & Sons Fine Teas, sending my thoughts to various states, spreading my words across the inter-webs, weaving something much more related to who, and how, I am. I receive messages back, offering me tea products to sample, review, and promote. I realize that somehow, who I really am is a leader. I'll offer Oregon Chai tea giveaways to all 11 of my blog followers, and I'll continue allowing myself to learn that, as my father so wisely told me at 18, I don't need to be the President of the United States of America to make a difference in this world. I don't have to fight allowing myself to just be, because who I am when I simply am, is enough! Every single human being is a leader - of something, or someone - and I lead best simply by being ~ Elaine.
Salt Lake VA adds five mental health staffers
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One new psychotherapist began work at the Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System this week and four more employees are being recruited, part of a nationwide surge to better treat veterans with mental health problems.
Nationally, the VA is hiring 1,600 mental health clinicians and 300 support staff to keep up with the demands of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with post traumatic stress, depression, substance abuse and other challenges.
The Salt Lake City VA system’s five new positions are its share of the national expansion, said Scott F. Hill, chief of mental health for the VA, which serves all but two counties in Utah, as well as areas of southeast Idaho and northeast Nevada. Salt Lake Tribune
Nationally, the VA is hiring 1,600 mental health clinicians and 300 support staff to keep up with the demands of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with post traumatic stress, depression, substance abuse and other challenges.
The Salt Lake City VA system’s five new positions are its share of the national expansion, said Scott F. Hill, chief of mental health for the VA, which serves all but two counties in Utah, as well as areas of southeast Idaho and northeast Nevada. Salt Lake Tribune
Natural gas processor to pay $3.54M over tribal land pollution
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A gas processing company will modify or close some operations on historic tribal land, pay a civil penalty of $3.65 million and give a tribal trust fund $350,000 to settle a lawsuit filed four years ago.
The legal action had alleged QEP Field Services Co. failed to control hazardous air pollution at facilities in the Uintah Basin.
The company denied allegations raised in the lawsuit, but agreed to a consent decree entered in federal court Tuesday after "vigorous" settlement negotiations and to "avoid further costs and uncertainty of litigation." Salt Lake Tribune
The legal action had alleged QEP Field Services Co. failed to control hazardous air pollution at facilities in the Uintah Basin.
The company denied allegations raised in the lawsuit, but agreed to a consent decree entered in federal court Tuesday after "vigorous" settlement negotiations and to "avoid further costs and uncertainty of litigation." Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake City seeking applications for energy efficiency funding
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Salt Lake City is accepting applications from local businesses for its Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund.
The loan fund is designed to work with incentive and rebate programs from Rocky Mountain Power and Questar Gas to provide Salt Lake City business owners with low-interest loans between $5,000 and $35,000 to fund energy-efficient equipment upgrades and building retrofits.
Administered by the city’s Community & Economic Development Department and its Division of Sustainability, the loan fund aims to help businesses reduce their energy usage, cut down on their carbon emissions and positively impact their economic bottom lines.
And, according to a statement from the city, the loans are designed to be virtually cash flow neutral for participating businesses. The goal is for loan funds to be paid back with the savings created by the efficiency upgrades. Salt Lake Tribune
The loan fund is designed to work with incentive and rebate programs from Rocky Mountain Power and Questar Gas to provide Salt Lake City business owners with low-interest loans between $5,000 and $35,000 to fund energy-efficient equipment upgrades and building retrofits.
Administered by the city’s Community & Economic Development Department and its Division of Sustainability, the loan fund aims to help businesses reduce their energy usage, cut down on their carbon emissions and positively impact their economic bottom lines.
And, according to a statement from the city, the loans are designed to be virtually cash flow neutral for participating businesses. The goal is for loan funds to be paid back with the savings created by the efficiency upgrades. Salt Lake Tribune
Bank of Utah Celebrates Opening of New South Ogden Branch
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Bank of Utah is celebrating the opening of its new South Ogden branch, 4605 Harrison Blvd., by hosting a ribbon cutting and open house for the public July 13, starting at 11 a.m. A charity yard sale will follow Saturday, July 14, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the bank’s east parking lot. The event will benefit the Have a Heart Foundation, a service arm of the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors (NWAOR) in partnership with the Northern Wasatch Home Builders Association (NWHBA). The two organizations build new homes for special needs families every year in Davis or Weber County.
Generous donations from local businesses such as Bank of Utah, and other community partners, make it possible to sell the Have a Heart homes at a substantial discount to families in need. Bank of Utah also recently donated a $30,000 lot in Pleasant View to Have a Heart. The 16,000 square-foot lot will be the site of the soon-to-be built 2012 Have a Heart home. This is the first time a bank has donated property to Have a Heart in the charity’s 12-year history. Utah Pulse
Generous donations from local businesses such as Bank of Utah, and other community partners, make it possible to sell the Have a Heart homes at a substantial discount to families in need. Bank of Utah also recently donated a $30,000 lot in Pleasant View to Have a Heart. The 16,000 square-foot lot will be the site of the soon-to-be built 2012 Have a Heart home. This is the first time a bank has donated property to Have a Heart in the charity’s 12-year history. Utah Pulse
5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe
Methadone still a killer in Utah
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The powerful drug methadone accounts for one-third of all painkiller deaths in 13 states, including Utah, according to a new report.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday called for doctors to rein in how they prescribe the drug.
In Utah, the number of methadone-related deaths has dropped as efforts to educate physicians and the public have increased.
In 2009, the Utah Department of Health issued guidelines telling doctors to rarely if ever prescribe methadone for acute pain and that it should be prescribed by providers who know the risks and will carefully monitor patients.
While state funding has run out for the health department’s program to reduce painkiller-related deaths, some efforts continue. The state requires physicians take extra classes on prescribing opioids before renewing their license. Salt Lake Tribune
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday called for doctors to rein in how they prescribe the drug.
In Utah, the number of methadone-related deaths has dropped as efforts to educate physicians and the public have increased.
In 2009, the Utah Department of Health issued guidelines telling doctors to rarely if ever prescribe methadone for acute pain and that it should be prescribed by providers who know the risks and will carefully monitor patients.
While state funding has run out for the health department’s program to reduce painkiller-related deaths, some efforts continue. The state requires physicians take extra classes on prescribing opioids before renewing their license. Salt Lake Tribune
New outlet shopping center opens in November in Lehi
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Utah shoppers will have a new place to conduct their "retail therapy" beginning this fall.
A $70 million, state-of-the-art shopping center opens in November that will be near the border of Utah and Salt Lake counties.
The Outlets at Traverse Mountain — a 225,000 square foot shopping center on a 50-acre site 30 miles south of Salt Lake City — is under construction near the Alpine/Highland exit along I-15. The center is a joint venture between Craig Realty Group and Lehi-based Legacy Retail, LLC.
In Utah, similarly designed outlets currently operate in Park City and St. George, along with another discount outlet property in Draper. Deseret News
Utah shoppers will have a new place to conduct their "retail therapy" beginning this fall.A $70 million, state-of-the-art shopping center opens in November that will be near the border of Utah and Salt Lake counties.
The Outlets at Traverse Mountain — a 225,000 square foot shopping center on a 50-acre site 30 miles south of Salt Lake City — is under construction near the Alpine/Highland exit along I-15. The center is a joint venture between Craig Realty Group and Lehi-based Legacy Retail, LLC.
In Utah, similarly designed outlets currently operate in Park City and St. George, along with another discount outlet property in Draper. Deseret News
Among developed countries, United States ranks second worst in childhood poverty
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The United States has the second-highest rate of childhood poverty in the developed world, according to an International Business Times article by Ashley Portero.
This alarming fact comes in the wake of a new report from the United Nations Children's Fund, which found that out of the 35 wealthiest countries analyzed by UNICEF, only one, Romania, had a child poverty rate above the 23 percent rate recorded in the United States, according to the article.
Child poverty in the developed world is more of an issue than many people realize, and the effects can be seen even more starkly when examining minority populations.
Poverty, particularly childhood poverty, is an issue that our country must recognize and face in order to continue on a path of improving the overall health of Americans. Deseret News
This alarming fact comes in the wake of a new report from the United Nations Children's Fund, which found that out of the 35 wealthiest countries analyzed by UNICEF, only one, Romania, had a child poverty rate above the 23 percent rate recorded in the United States, according to the article.
Child poverty in the developed world is more of an issue than many people realize, and the effects can be seen even more starkly when examining minority populations.
Poverty, particularly childhood poverty, is an issue that our country must recognize and face in order to continue on a path of improving the overall health of Americans. Deseret News
Summer tourism big money to east side of Summit County
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When it comes to tourism, it's the bread to Park City's butter. But what about the rest of the county? City officials and business leaders from Kamas to
Coalville agree: it's downright important to their local economies.
"There are all sorts of tourism," said Coalville Mayor Duane Schmidt, "whether that it is fishing, boating, water skiing, snowmobiling or horseback riding. There is definitely tourism here, and it's a benefit to our community."
While Park City reaps the benefits of the winter months with its three resorts and special events such as Sundance, the small towns dotting reservoirs and state parks also rely on incoming visitors, especially during the summer. Whether it's a pit stop at a nearby grocery store or a scenic drive to an out-of-the-way restaurant, visitors are patronizing East Side businesses. Park Record
When it comes to tourism, it's the bread to Park City's butter. But what about the rest of the county? City officials and business leaders from Kamas toCoalville agree: it's downright important to their local economies.
"There are all sorts of tourism," said Coalville Mayor Duane Schmidt, "whether that it is fishing, boating, water skiing, snowmobiling or horseback riding. There is definitely tourism here, and it's a benefit to our community."
While Park City reaps the benefits of the winter months with its three resorts and special events such as Sundance, the small towns dotting reservoirs and state parks also rely on incoming visitors, especially during the summer. Whether it's a pit stop at a nearby grocery store or a scenic drive to an out-of-the-way restaurant, visitors are patronizing East Side businesses. Park Record
Utah's Black Diamond buys Swedish company
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Utah-based outdoor gear maker Black Diamond Inc. is buying a Swedish company known for its helmets, body armor and goggles.
Black Diamond says it acquired Stockholm-based POC Sweden AB for $44.9 million.
It’s Black Diamond’s second major acquisition — it bought Sacramento, Calif.-based Gregory Mountain Products Inc., a manufacturer of specialized backpacks, in in June 2010.
Black Diamond president and chief executive Peter Metcalf says the two companies are fast-growing and innovative and complement the Salt Lake City-based maker of climbing, ski and camping gear. Standard-Examiner
Black Diamond says it acquired Stockholm-based POC Sweden AB for $44.9 million.
It’s Black Diamond’s second major acquisition — it bought Sacramento, Calif.-based Gregory Mountain Products Inc., a manufacturer of specialized backpacks, in in June 2010.
Black Diamond president and chief executive Peter Metcalf says the two companies are fast-growing and innovative and complement the Salt Lake City-based maker of climbing, ski and camping gear. Standard-Examiner
4 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
St. George strikes deal with Family Dollar
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An $80 million facility — and its 450 jobs — are coming to St. George, with city officials expecting to finalize a deal this week with Family Dollar to build an 800,000-square-foot distribution center. Expected to open next summer, the distribution center is anticipated to provide 350 full-time workers when it opens, with another 100 expected to be created over the next 20 years.
Those jobs would come with full benefits and pay between 105 and 125 percent of Washington County’s median income of $15 per hour.As long as the company completes construction and maintains operation of the facility, the deal defers 75 percent of city’s portion of property taxes through 2022, but city officials contend that the combination of high-paying jobs and new revenues should be worth it. The Spectrum
Those jobs would come with full benefits and pay between 105 and 125 percent of Washington County’s median income of $15 per hour.As long as the company completes construction and maintains operation of the facility, the deal defers 75 percent of city’s portion of property taxes through 2022, but city officials contend that the combination of high-paying jobs and new revenues should be worth it. The Spectrum
First Quarter 2012 preliminary jobs data available for southwestern Utah
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From my point of view, the best indicator of a county’s economic well-being is the year-to-year change in nonfarm jobs. With that in mind and new preliminary data for first quarter 2012 in hand . . . here is an update on job growth and loss in the southwestern corner of Utah.
Three of the area’s counties continue to struggle to reach sustained long-term expansion. Iron, Kane and Beaver counties all showed year-to-year declines in nonfarm employment between March 2011 and March 2012. Of course, Beaver County’s current losses stem primarily from the completion of the next phase of wind farm construction. In addition, the year-to-year decreases in both Kane and Iron counties remain relatively small. Each of these counties has experienced some job gains since the end of the national recession, but has struggled to maintain growth.
Garfield County re-entered the job-winner category in first quarter, while Washington County maintained its trend of increasing employment gains. Both registered faster job growth than both the state (3.3 percent) and the nation (1.6 percent). In Washington County, jobs are certainly back. Between March 2011 and March 2012, the county’s employment base grew by a robust 5.4 percent—the fastest of any metropolitan area in Utah. In addition, the only counties showing more rapid expansion are those where the oil boom is skyrocketing employment. Garfield County has experienced some wild employment swings since the end of the national recession and is currently showing moderate expansion.
Here’s a brief description of first-quarter data on a county-to-county basis:
Beaver County’s nonfarm employment has dropped by almost 4 percent since March 2011. Again, the lion’s share of this loss is associated with completion of the most recent phase of wind farm construction. Building-industry jobs dropped by more than 150 positions over the past year. Excluding these construction losses would place Beaver County on the positive side of the ledger. However, most industries did show some marginal job loss. The resurgence of mining employment made the greatest job additions with a little help from its friends manufacturing, retail trade, and government.
Garfield County’s wildly swinging job-growth pendulum has rocked back into positive territory. Between March 2011 and March 2012, the county made a net addition of 65 jobs—up almost 4 percent. Employers in the leisure/hospitality industry contributed the largest share of new employment. Of course, this industry does account for roughly 40 percent of the county’s nonfarm employment. Construction, manufacturing, and retail trade also sweetened the labor force pot. Nevertheless, two industries registered significant losses—wholesale trade and private education/health social services.
Iron County has faced a rocky road climbing out of the economic downturn. It did manage tepid growth through much of 2011. However, as of March 2012, the county is once again experiencing year-over declines in employment. Admittedly, the current decline is small—only 0.3 percent. This slight contraction brings hope for an expanding economy in future months. The county’s industries display a mixed bag of job loss and job gain. On the losing side, private education/health/social services and professional/business services took the principal hits with construction, manufacturing, retail trade, and information joining the minor job-loss league. On the positive side, wholesale trade, financial activities and leisure/hospitality services showed notable gains.
Kane County has also experienced its share of employment ups and downs in recent months. However, after peaking with a 4-percent gain in November 2011, the county now displays a 0.6 percent loss. This loss occurred despite a nice, tidy expansion in leisure/hospitality services employment. Nevertheless, this proved the only job expansion of note. On the job-losing side of the tally, retail trade, private education/health/social services, and other services all experienced employment contraction.
Washington County conveys the best employment news of the southwestern Utah region. Between March 2011 and March 2012, net additions to Washington County’s total employment count measured almost 2,500 jobs—an increase of 5.4 percent. The county’s past participation in the housing boom and bust had given it one of the worst recessions in Utah. However, it now shows the best job performance of Utah’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Moreover, every major industrial sector showed job gains. In fact, leisure/hospitality services, professional/business services, private education/health/social services, retail trade, manufacturing, construction (yes, construction), and wholesale trade each added 200 or more new jobs to the Washington County economy.
You can access more detailed data by selecting your county from the list here, and clicking on the Current Economic Snapshot and Nonfarm Employment links.Be sure to use the interactive visualization below to check out your individual county's employment history.
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Three of the area’s counties continue to struggle to reach sustained long-term expansion. Iron, Kane and Beaver counties all showed year-to-year declines in nonfarm employment between March 2011 and March 2012. Of course, Beaver County’s current losses stem primarily from the completion of the next phase of wind farm construction. In addition, the year-to-year decreases in both Kane and Iron counties remain relatively small. Each of these counties has experienced some job gains since the end of the national recession, but has struggled to maintain growth.
Garfield County re-entered the job-winner category in first quarter, while Washington County maintained its trend of increasing employment gains. Both registered faster job growth than both the state (3.3 percent) and the nation (1.6 percent). In Washington County, jobs are certainly back. Between March 2011 and March 2012, the county’s employment base grew by a robust 5.4 percent—the fastest of any metropolitan area in Utah. In addition, the only counties showing more rapid expansion are those where the oil boom is skyrocketing employment. Garfield County has experienced some wild employment swings since the end of the national recession and is currently showing moderate expansion.
Here’s a brief description of first-quarter data on a county-to-county basis:
Beaver County’s nonfarm employment has dropped by almost 4 percent since March 2011. Again, the lion’s share of this loss is associated with completion of the most recent phase of wind farm construction. Building-industry jobs dropped by more than 150 positions over the past year. Excluding these construction losses would place Beaver County on the positive side of the ledger. However, most industries did show some marginal job loss. The resurgence of mining employment made the greatest job additions with a little help from its friends manufacturing, retail trade, and government.
Garfield County’s wildly swinging job-growth pendulum has rocked back into positive territory. Between March 2011 and March 2012, the county made a net addition of 65 jobs—up almost 4 percent. Employers in the leisure/hospitality industry contributed the largest share of new employment. Of course, this industry does account for roughly 40 percent of the county’s nonfarm employment. Construction, manufacturing, and retail trade also sweetened the labor force pot. Nevertheless, two industries registered significant losses—wholesale trade and private education/health social services.
Iron County has faced a rocky road climbing out of the economic downturn. It did manage tepid growth through much of 2011. However, as of March 2012, the county is once again experiencing year-over declines in employment. Admittedly, the current decline is small—only 0.3 percent. This slight contraction brings hope for an expanding economy in future months. The county’s industries display a mixed bag of job loss and job gain. On the losing side, private education/health/social services and professional/business services took the principal hits with construction, manufacturing, retail trade, and information joining the minor job-loss league. On the positive side, wholesale trade, financial activities and leisure/hospitality services showed notable gains.
Kane County has also experienced its share of employment ups and downs in recent months. However, after peaking with a 4-percent gain in November 2011, the county now displays a 0.6 percent loss. This loss occurred despite a nice, tidy expansion in leisure/hospitality services employment. Nevertheless, this proved the only job expansion of note. On the job-losing side of the tally, retail trade, private education/health/social services, and other services all experienced employment contraction.
Washington County conveys the best employment news of the southwestern Utah region. Between March 2011 and March 2012, net additions to Washington County’s total employment count measured almost 2,500 jobs—an increase of 5.4 percent. The county’s past participation in the housing boom and bust had given it one of the worst recessions in Utah. However, it now shows the best job performance of Utah’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Moreover, every major industrial sector showed job gains. In fact, leisure/hospitality services, professional/business services, private education/health/social services, retail trade, manufacturing, construction (yes, construction), and wholesale trade each added 200 or more new jobs to the Washington County economy.
You can access more detailed data by selecting your county from the list here, and clicking on the Current Economic Snapshot and Nonfarm Employment links.Be sure to use the interactive visualization below to check out your individual county's employment history.
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