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Show Volume XXV Issue VIII The Ogden Valley news Page 11 June 15, 2018 Rattlesnake Safety Tips: Give snakes plenty of space Rattlesnakes often strike fear in the hearts of people. But they shouldn’t. Knowing a little about the animal, and doing a few simple things—like keeping your distance and not harassing a snake—can go a long way to keeping you safe. Kevin Wheeler, biologist with the Division of Wildlife Resources, says rattlesnakes in Utah are on the move right now, looking for water and rodents after emerging from their dens in May. Wheeler says the snakes will likely have to travel more to find food this year. “Drought conditions have reduced Utah’s rodent population,” he says, “so snakes will be roaming more, looking for rodents. Because the snakes will be active, there’s a greater chance you’ll see one in the wild this year.” So, if you see a rattlesnake in the wild, what should you do? “Don’t approach it,” Wheeler says. “Give it plenty of space, and leave it alone. Respect the snake, and it will respect you.” Wheeler says most people who are bit by rattlesnakes are bit while harassing or toying with a snake, or trying to kill it. Like most animals, rattlesnakes fear humans and will do anything they can to avoid us. “That changes if a snake thinks it’s threatened and there’s no way to escape,” he says. “In that case, the snake will often strike to protect itself.” Respecting the snake, and giving it plenty of space, are key to avoiding problems. You can get rattlesnake safety tips at <www. wildawareutah.org/utah-wildlife-information/ snakes> Southwest Partners also provides rattlesnake safety information. A copy of the organization’s free “Living with Venomous Reptiles” brochure is available at <http://bit. ly/1Fd8THh> Hiking Tips - As you’re hiking in Utah LIBRARY cont. from page 1 views of Ben Lomond Peak to the north, and expansive views of wetlands and the lower valley to the south. Dramatic architectural changes designed into the renovation include a massive skylight that showers natural light onto a new grand stairway connecting the first and second floors. The stairway is framed on one side by a twostory, glass exhibit case reflecting images of the natural world into the lower level. This display case is easily the most impressive of any exhibit space in the county library system. During the renovation, the building was completely gutted and the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing infrastructure was replaced, bringing the building up to current codes. New double-pane windows and LED lighting systems will facilitate keeping operational costs down, making more funding available for public services. New and expanded restrooms are now available on both floors, an elevator was installed, and a small café is available for lease to a private sector vendor. Cafés in our county libraries provide an opportunity to partner with the private sector, providing a sales tax stream for cities and ongoing rental income to the library that is used to enhance book collections and other services available to the public. Outdoor seating facilitates the enjoyment of the beautiful landscaping that accentuates the forward-facing design of the building exterior. Available parking was also expanded by adding additional space in the north lot, building a new south lot, and working with North Ogden City to share access to parking that will be constructed on the east side of the Senior Center. Special exhibits are being curated for the open house, and displays of many thousands of new materials purchased for the reopening will also be front and center. Whether it is a good book, DVD, periodical, or other learning material, the new North Branch will have greatly enhanced and expanded collections available. Reopening of the North Branch is the fourth project completed in the Library Board’s Five Year Capital Plan. The capital plan is being completed on time and under budget. The June 23 North Branch open house marks five years to the day that area voters approved the sale of general obligation bonds used to drive the library capital plan forward. Please watch the library’s web site (www. weberpl.org) for additional information about the North Branch Library open house. The new first floor is equipped with a teen center—the largest in the county’s library system—complete with café-style study booths, tabletop computers, a large LCD display monitor with directional sound cones, soft seating, and exhibit walls for teen produced art exhibits. The first floor also includes special seating and computers for pre-teens, a children’s makerspace, shadow activated projected learning programs, interactive flooring, and ample numbers of computers for toddlers and school-age children. New public meeting rooms are also located on the first floor and feature cinema quality projection, surround sound, and a grand piano. The meeting rooms are enhanced by built-in sinks, refrigerators, and serving counters in order to facilitate group gatherings and meetings. An outdoor program space with athletic flooring and fixed perimeter benches can serve as both a children’s program area and a breakout space for seminars. The second floor has vastly expanded computer facilities and shelving to accommodate much larger and more diverse adult collections. A new “High School” collection has been added and the “Young People’s” collection enhanced. The “New Now” popular collections will be augmented by a new “Mind Benders” exhibit featuring recently acquired core collection materials. A “third place gathering space” is served by a large LCD panel, sink, refrigerator, and serving counter. This flexible area can be setup to accommodate a variety of library-sponsored activities from book discussions to quiet study, and from coffee klatches to after school programs. The addition of lounge seating on the second floor, in front of a large expanse of windows, provides plenty of space for casual conversations, relaxing use of the free public Wi-Fi, and for enjoying a good book. Windows rise to the roof in order to capture spectacular RATTLESNAKES cont. on page 13 Construction Crews Have Been Buzzing This Spring at Wolf Creek Golf Course Many of you who have driven by or have played golf this season have seen that the new Wolf Creek Clubhouse has a full team of contractors working to get the final finishes completed. “It’s been challenging, but very rewarding to see it all coming together,” noted Bruce Summerhays, Wolf Creek’s General Manager. “The community and our members have been very supportive and understanding during construction. Everyone is extremely excited to have this beautiful new clubhouse. It’s going to be the new center of activity and events for the resort.” Wolf Creek’s new clubhouse is the new home of the Pro Shop and retail store which will carry a great selection of top brand name golf equipment and apparel, along with Wolf Creek clothing and accessories. Also, in the Clubhouse is a 2,000 square foot wedding and event venue called the “Mountain View Room”. This uniquely designed banquet room features an open air feel with garage-style glass doors overlooking the golf course with unmatched views of our beautiful mountain valley. The Mountain View Room is available to rent for all types of community events, from weddings and golf tournaments to business conferences. The lower floor of the Clubhouse houses member locker rooms and elegant and tranquil treatment rooms operated by Eden’s Free Spirit Mountain Spa. They will be taking appoint- ments for a variety of massage and facial treatments starting mid-July. One of the most anticipated elements of the new building is the addition of the “Links Bistro,” which is a small restaurant and grill serving a variety of freshly prepared, healthy items for lunch and dinner. With their extensive menu, Links Bistro will have something for everyone—from golfers looking for a quick bite at the turn, to locals and visitors out for a delightful dinner “with a view.” To top it all off, (literally on the top floor of the building) is a place set aside exclusively for Wolf Creek Golf Members—“Mick’s Members Lounge.” It has a swanky “Mad Men” style feel with a unique fireplace and fabulous viewing deck with fire pit. This fabulous amenity is sure to be the tipping point for anyone considering being a golf member. Wolf Creek Resort extends an invitation to all to the “Clubhouse Open House” being hosted Saturday, June 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Food and drink from Links Bistro will be offered, along with tours of the clubhouse. And to bring the day to a close, Wolf Creek will host “Movie Under the Stars at the Old Barn” at dusk. The Wolf Creek Clubhouse is located at 3873 N. Wolf Creek Drive in Eden. For more information call Bruce Summerhays at 801-745-3365. SNOWBASIN cont. from page 1 Valley is especially honored by the generosity that Snowbasin has shown. Snowbasin is the largest contributor to the OVerDRIVE period each year, and their gift benefits the over 17 non-profits based in Ogden Valley, but serve the greater Ogden area and beyond. We wish John the best of luck in his retirement. For more information about Snowbasin Resort, please visit Snowbasin.com or call 801620-1000. impact on the guest experience and on those who have had the pleasure of working with him. With 47 years of ski industry experience, John has been an instrumental leader to so many.” From the perspective of the Ogden Valley community, we are so grateful to John for the partnerships he has formed with the community. The Community Foundation of Ogden Weber County Seeks Applicants for Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment Positions Applicants are being sought for the Western Weber County Planning Commission, the Ogden Valley Planning Commission, and the Weber County Board of Adjustment. The Weber County Commission is taking applications for the Boards listed above. The Western Weber County Planning Commission meets on the 2nd Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The Ogden Valley Planning Commission meets on the 1st and 4th Tuesdays, and the Weber County Board of Adjustment meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays as applications are received. Special meetings may be scheduled throughout the year for all boards. Applications can be found at: http://www.co.weber.ut.us/mediawiki/images/7/75/ Weber_County_Board_Application.pdf or picked up at the Weber County Planning Division office located at 2380 Washington Blvd., Suite 240 in Ogden. Applications will be accepted until June 19, 2018 or until positions are filled. For additional information, please call Kary Serrano at 801-3998791. |
