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Show Volume XIV Issue XIV The Ogden Valley news Page 9 April 15, 2007 Family First—The Bongards ing their bond and family circle even stronger. The Bongards openly discuss potential From an outsider’s point of view, the Bongard family may seem like any normal drug use and hard to handle peer pressure family. But these delightful people are openly with their children. “These are extra special! Their captivating smiles issues that our children come up against and contagious laughter confirmed that I every day,” they comment. Kevin and his had made the right pick for highlighting wife Christi have an open line of comthem as the family of the month for the munication with each other and with their newspaper. The reason for this article is to children, which I find refreshing; it’s an introduce various families from the com- example all parents can follow. During my interview with the Bongards, munity, emphasizing family values and Brielle sits contently on her dad’s lap how important it is to put family first. Like many families, what makes the expressing with a giggle how she does Bongards extra special is the bond I was five push-ups if she wastes electricity by privileged to see and feel as I spoke with leaving the lights on in her bedroom after them. Kevin and his wife Christi began their leaving the room. Branden captivates me path in marriage together in 1989. Three with his heart of gold. Kevin and Christi years later, they brought their son Branden explain, “They are both great kids!” For the Bongards, spending quality time into the picture. Bing only a small baby, five as a family days old, means playBranden ing cards, was life camping, or flighted to just hanging St. Lukes out on the hospital couch watchin Boise, ing movIdaho with ies together. spinal menWhile this ingitis. The family picks Bongards and chooses fought and its battles won this c a r e f u l l y, battle; only you won’t to find out see a whole shortly afterlot of battling wards that going on in Branden this famhad diabeily—except tes. When for some fun he was ten, he was again The Bongard family - Kevin, Branden, Christie, and Brielle. joking with one another, life flighted—this time to Primary Children’s Medical or a few elbow nudging teases. While you’ll often find the family spendCenter because of his diabetes. Branden is now a healthy 15 year old. He enjoys playing ing time together, you’ll also see Christi lacrosse, snowboarding, and listening to his spending some quiet time with a book, ipod. His mom states, “He is the sweetheart Brielle playing with her two dogs Yogi and of the family. He is very caring; always put- Babe, Branden snowboarding or hanging out with Dad, ting others and and Kevin, their needs ahead Bongard Family Favorite Recipe well . . . he just of his own.” Bongard Dump Cake takes the mornFive years ing shift getting later, their beau- 2 boxes of yellow cake mix the kids off to tiful daughter 2 large cans sliced peaches school while Brielle joined Butter Christi takes the clan, and Cinnamon the afternoon. what a cutie 1 can Sprite In the evening, she is. Brielle, Instant vanilla pudding they all wind up now 10, enjoys Whip Cream (optional) home together. math, gymnasWhen Kevin tics, scrapbook- Dump one box of cake mix in the bottom of a Dutch oven. isn’t working ing, hunting and Pour peaches and Sprite in and sprinkle with cinnamon. to support the camping, and Dump the second box of yellow cake mix over peaches. Put family, Christi, hanging out with pats of butter and more cinnamon on the top. Do not stir at her dad. Christi anytime. Cover with lid and bake until bubbly and top is lightly Branden, and Brielle are supsays, “She is browned—about 35 to 40 minutes. Any combination of fruit very talkative, can be used. While cooking, prepare instant pudding with wire porting Kevin and his avid and always has a whisk. After the cake cools about 5 minutes, add the instant passion for arm smile on her face. pudding on top. wrestling. She doesn’t have Serve warm with whipped cream. T h e a shy bone in her Bongards try to body!” The positive feeling that emanates from keep things light—when things are up in the Bongard family is incredible. Bring the air, the family plays it by ear . . . simit on when hard times come—yes, bring ply waiting to see what the weather will it on! Together, this family can weather bring! Thanks to the Bongards for letting us any storm. They told me that it is the hard times that have brought them closer—mak- take a peek into the window of their lives. By Krista Lyons Subscriptions available for out of area residents at $18.00 annually. Send payment with mailing address to: The Ogden Valley news P O BOX 130, EDEN UT 84310 Local Residents Nominated for Athena Award 1982, the ATHENA the children and I respect the great tal- Established in International Foundation is a non profit organization whose mission is to support, develop, and honor women leaders. The award is presented to an individual who is recognized not only for her professional achievement and community service, but also for her ability to empower other women to further their professional and leadership skills. Every year our local Chamber of Commerce asks for nominees from the community. A committee then meets with each nominee and chooses one business women who is then presented with the Athena Award. This year, two women from Ogden Valley were nominated—Amanda Scheuermann of Eden, and Rosemary White of Nordic Valley. Katie Linn of the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce stated, “I observed the final interviews of every nominee. They were all wonderful women deserving of this award. It was a difficult decision for the Chamber committee to make this year.” In the end, Amanda Scheuermann the recipient of this year’s Athena Award went to Lynne Goodwin, Founder of the Children’s Tree House Museum in Ogden. While Amanda and Rosemary were not selected as this year’s recipient, their contributions to the community are many. As the founder of the Ogden Valley Montessori School, Amanda Scheuermann was nominated because of her dedication to the children she educates, their parents, and the students’ teachers—many of whom she has mentored during Montessori training. Since opening the school five years ago, Amanda has spent in excess of 60 hours a week teaching and developing the school’s curriculum and materials. When asked to explain such commitment— unpaid thus far—she stated, “I love the Montessori method of learning. I love ents of the women I work with.” Amanda is the very description of graciousness. Her voice is always mild; and her gentle, calm demeanor has a relaxing affect on those around her. That’s not to say Amanda is not a whirlwind of activity; she can also be described as a woman of action! Rosemary White Rosemary is a licensed professional educator with the Utah State Office of Education. She taught school for nine years, working with many children with severe disabilities, was a VISTA volunteer Rosemary White with AmeriCorp, Chair of the Primary Children’s Hospital Pennies by the Inch fundraising program in Ogden Valley, and has—and continues—to serve in a number of community positions. About 2½ years ago, she organized, with the help of friends, a successful monthly support group for single women in the community. These women, whom she calls her dear friends, still meet and visit together on a monthly basis. Rosemary also has served as both Snowcrest Jr. and Weber High School PTA Presidents. A nomination letter recommending her for the award states, “The act of valuable service is what Rosemary is all about. A gracious and inspiring woman, she is admired for her ability to make everyone, young and old, feel like her best friend.” In response, Rosemary adds, “I just want to be a friend to all; I feel it’s important to find the good in everyone.” Rosemary is the mother of six children, and has been an example of successfully focusing on the needs of her family while continuing her education and career. For more information on the Athena award program, please visit <www.athenainternational.org> |