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Show Volume XV Issue XXIV The Ogden Valley news Page December 1, 2008 Editor’s View Thank you Valley Market for a Job Well Done In keeping with the spirit of a community paper, and a commitment to providing an open forum for alternative views and perspectives, we try to allow for a variety of opinions to be expressed in the paper. Unfortunately, the editorial “Pizza Problems” (See November 15 issue) cast a negative light onto the management of our Valley grocers. Since the printing of the letter, we have received many comments regarding this letter’s negative tone. In contrast to the view of this letter’s author, there seems to be a general community consensus that the Valley Market is a positive asset to the community, providing excellent service to its residents and visitors. To the owners and staff of the Valley Market, we commend your efforts to provide quality service over the years—not only as a grocery store, but also as a community player. I’m sure that an overwhelming majority of the residential, business, and recreational community joins me in expressing appreciation for your tireless efforts to support the many worthwhile causes that you consistently support and donate to, in addition to your efforts to run a very successful business that caters to the variety of needs of a diverse community. Thank you Tom and Terry for your outstanding commitment and service to the community. We applaud your many efforts. Selecting a Christmas Tree—Creating family memories and traditions during the holiday season By Karen Bastow An annual tradition enjoyed by many families is the selection and purchase of a Christmas tree. For many, bringing home the tree often signals the start of the holiday season. There is nothing like the fresh, heady scent of an evergreen to fill a home with the fragrance of the out of doors. Choosing a Christmas tree can be a fun-filled and meaningful activity reminiscent of scenes straight from a Currier & Ives photo. When purchasing a Christmas tree, it is well worth the effort and time to create a memory in the process. This can be done by making it an event rather than by simply stopping at a commercial lot at a busy intersection. Adding a wagon or sleigh ride with bells jingling, a hot cup of cocoa, or some Christmas caroling to the process turns purchasing a tree into a tradition. Always check carefully for the freshness of a tree before purchasing because the length of time since the tree was cut can greatly affect how well it will hold its needles and fragrance. The tree should have a green and healthy look without a large number of dead and brown needles. The needles should be flexible and not come off in your hand if you run your fingers along a branch. Another trick is to lift a cut tree off the ground a couple of inches and drop it back on the cut end. A few dried needles from the center may fall, but the outer green needles should not be affected. Keep in mind that a tree looks much smaller outside than it does when brought into a room. Choose the right size of tree in both height and diameter for the space in your home. Once you have returned home with your tree, the continued freshness depends on how well you care for it. Every tree needs a fresh cut taken on the trunk before it is set in a stand that holds water. Many tree lots offer to cut the end of the tree for you (take them up on the service) but if it is more than a half hour before you can get the tree home and into a bucket of water, it will still need another inch or so cut off the trunk. In that much time sap begins to clog the vessels that would have taken up water to keep the tree fresh throughout the season. The tree should be placed in a stand that has a large reservoir of water. Depending on the size of the tree, it may take up to a gallon of water the first day, so it is important to check the stand frequently and add more water as needed. The water level should never drop below the cut end of the trunk or the end needs to be cut again. (Just imagine doing that with a fully decorated tree!) Some people recommend adding substances to the water to help preserve the freshness, but pure tap water works just as well. Think of a tree much the same as you would a vase of cut flowers—cut off the bottom and keep the water level up to prevent wilting. As long as the tree continues to take up water, it is reasonably fire-resistant. However, once a tree dries out, it becomes a dangerous fire hazard. An anti-desiccant (known by some descriptive name such as “Wilt-Pruf” and found at nurseries or garden centers), can help reduce water loss through the evergreen needles inside. Keep the tree outside for the spraying, let it dry, and then decorate as usual. It will look milky when wet but will dry clear. There is an added benefit to this treatment, because it also acts as a fire retardant. In a home, the Christmas tree should be located away from heat sources such as wood stoves, fireplaces, and heating ducts. Light cords and extension cords should not be overloaded and should be in good working order. Lights on a tree should be turned off at bedtime or when leaving the house for long periods of time. Having a living Christmas tree and then CHRISTMAS TREE cont. on page 7 Region One Road Construction Report for Northern Region Through November 27 The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) advises motorists of the following road construction and maintenance activities in the state’s Northern Region, Davis County Farmington - November 25 - 26: From 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 21, to 5:00 a.m. on November 26, the US 89 ramp to southbound I-15 will be closed. Motorists will be directed south on Legacy Parkway to the Parrish Lane off-ramp and then east to I-15. Additionally, I-15 southbound between Park Lane and the State Street ramp will also be reduced to one lane during this period. Crews will be placing the permanent traffic lines on the US 89 ramp and I-15 during this time. November 20 - 27: I-15 remains reduced from four lanes to three lanes between the Glover Lane overpass and north of the Park Lane interchange. During off-peak hours it may be reduced to two lanes during the day and one lane at night. Nearby residents may hear construction related noise and mild vibration at night. Layton - November 20 - 27: I-15 southbound may be reduced to 2 lanes during offpeak hours during the day and 1 lane at night. Nearby residents may hear construction related noise and mild vibration at night. Weather permitting, the I-15 Davis Lane Gain and ExpressLanes project will be substantially complete Thanksgiving Day. After Thanksgiving, “short-intermittent-occasional-non-peak lane drops” will take place for a few weeks as crews work on the punch list items i.e. roadside seeding etc. Motorists are advised to be aware of construction vehicles and personnel working near the pavement. Weber County Ogden - November 20 - 27: Construction crews will be working near the intersection of 12th Street and Wall Avenue, replacing the Mill Creek canal crossing, relocating water works under 12th Street and Wall Avenue, and completing work on a canal crossing near the 1200 West Intersection. From 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24 to 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday November 25, and again from 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 25 to 5:00 a.m. On Wednesday November 26, Wall Avenue will be reduced to one lane with a center turn lane, to facilitate the completion of the Mill Creek crossing. As a reminder, all traffic lanes between the UP railroad tracks and the I-15 interchange have been shifted to the north and narrowed to 11-feet in width, to accommodate utility work in the outside lane of eastbound 12th Street. This change will preclude loads of 12-feet and wider from using 12th Street, in either direction, through at least March 2009. Please use alternate routes to avoid delays and congestion. We encourage motorists to use caution when entering the work zone and reduce speed for safety. This work is part of a reconstruction project that will replace existing asphalt roadway with longer-life concrete. This project also includes upgrades to utilities and safety features along this busy corridor between I-15 and Washington Blvd. For more information call the project hotline at 800676-1284 (800-676-12TH). November 20 - 27: Work is proceeding on a resurfacing project on Washington Boulevard, from 22nd Street to 2nd Street, as crews sealing joints in the roadway in preparation for microsufacing next spring. Lane restrictions may be in effect, and motorists should be alert to their surroundings, and be prepared to stop at any time. Riverdale - November 20 - 27: Work continues on the I-84 interchange with Riverdale Road. Lane restrictions are in effect in this area, and motorists are reminded to slow down and be aware of their surroundings. All seven new concrete traffic lanes will open on Wednesday, November 26. Not all construction projects in the region are noted in this report. A comprehensive list of all UDOT construction projects statewide is available online at www.udot.utah.gov under the “Projects and Studies” tab. Motorists are advised to reduce speeds and use caution when driving through work zones. Construction schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather conditions, equipment or supply problems or emergency situations. Winter storms can strike without warning, temporarily closing or reducing travel visibility on some mountain passes. Basketball Sign-up for Grades 1 - 12 Games begin in January. For more information call 745-2709. CHRISTMAS CAROL “SING IN” Traditional, favorite, familiar carols -SUNG BY THE AUDIENCE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2008 OGDEN TABERNACLE, 21 Street & Washington Blvd. 7:00 p.m. FREE Admission. All are invited. Bailey’s Christmas Trees Have a family Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride, thru the woods to buy a perfect fresh cut Christmas Tree. * Sleigh ride free with purchase of a tree! * Complimentary hot chocolate will warm you. Weekdays by appointment Saturdays Open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Lowell Marriott Harrop Guest Conductor, Karen Brookens Organist, Lowell Marriott Harrop Pianist, Michael Sansone Narrator, Casey Coleman Male Vocal Group, T Minus 5 Follow the signs from Liberty Park in Liberty, Utah 1/2 mile west them 1/2 mile south to the end of the road. 908 N. 00 E. Eugene Bailey Farm For more information call 791-1545 or 745-6639 T-Minus 5 |