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February 2014 Newsletter

Staying Connected with the Citizens of Orem

A Time to Be Kind

February is a time for us as citizens of Orem to be kind to our neighbors. Many years ago when my wife and I were first married, we lived in a house with no garage. We each parked our cars under some large trees. During February when the snow would pile up, our cars would be covered and our walkways as well.

But an amazing thing happened that I have never forgotten. Our neighbor across the street, a 76-year-old retired Geneva Steel worker, would get up early each morning, shovel our walks, and clean the area around our cars of snow before we left for work.

I was so appreciative of his consideration and willingness to help out his neighbors. We were able to do this work, but he wanted to show his kindness to us. Even though he was the same age as my wife's grandfather, he was out there clearing our walks, when really we should have been clearing his walks for him.

I have come to appreciate the fact that we are here to help and serve each other. Are there ways that each of us can find to help our neighbors at this time of year? It is cold and snowy for all of us in February. Can we be more mindful of our neighbors needs? Can we be more careful driving and giving people the right-of-way on slick and snowy roads? Can we help scrape a neighbor's car for them or clear off their driveway? Can we watch to see whatever it takes to make our neighbor's day a brighter one? Can we see a need and fill it for those around us?

Many times I have had good people in this wonderful city help my family in various ways. I hope that we all can look for ways to lighten each other's burdens and meet each other's needs. We can make so many good things happen in simple small ways that will brighten others' lives.

I hope that we can all appreciate the moisture and snow that we get at this time of year, but also that we can help others in ways that will make them smile and feel appreciated.

Sincerely,

Mayor Richard Brunst

Give Kids a Smile Day

Saturday, March 1st, will be Give Kids a Smile Day, a national event that provides free dental service to children. This event is sponsored by the American Dental Association, and it will take place at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in Orem (1176 South 1480 West).

This annual event is growing in community support. Last year 22 local dentists, 60 dental hygienists, and 46 dental assistants volunteered their time and expertise to help children in need of dental care. Nationwide, over 9,000 dentists in 1,500 locations nationwide will hold events for Give Kids a Smile Day this year. Mayor Brunst and the Orem City Council congratulate all who are helping with this fine project.

In Utah County, 24 percent of children do not have dental insurance. This causes many children to suffer pain and sleepless nights due to abscessed or infected teeth that need dental attention. Dental disease is the most common chronic childhood disease. We encourage Orem residents who cannot afford dental insurance to participate in Give Kids a Smile Day on March 1st.

The Provo District Dental Society would also appreciate resident volunteers that can help at the event. No dental training is necessary. If you would like to help, please contact Adam, Gemma, or Jake with the Provo District Dental Society at 801-434-5437.

Fitness Center Construction Update

Construction crews are making progress on the new leisure pool expansion and renovation of the Orem Fitness Center. Exterior walls are now fully constructed and the equipment rooms and surge tank, which is used to hold water displaced when swimmers enter the pool, are under construction.

From February 15th to March 2nd, the Fitness Center will be closed for its annual maintenance shutdown. During this time, staff and construction crews will complete renovations to the locker rooms and clean the facility.

From March 3rd until the beginning of May, the pool area will remain closed while the Fitness Center makes additional improvements, including a repainted ceiling and walls, installation of new high efficiency LED lighting, replacement of the pool deck, replacement of windows and doors, and repairs to the HVAC system to help with air quality and humidity.

The existing pool should be open to the public again at the beginning of May, while the grand opening of the new leisure pool will take place in June. The improved fitness center comes as a result of Orem's CARE Program, which uses voter-approved tax revenues to fund recreation facilities and cultural arts programs in the city.

You can see weekly construction updates on the Orem Recreation website. If you have any questions, you can contact the Fitness Center at 801-229-7154.

Upcoming Fitness Center Classes

Although it's the middle of February, now is the time to register for spring and summer classes with Orem Recreation! Registration is open for youth wrestling, spring tennis lessons, adult summer softball, and youth fishing. Classes are available for all different skills levels.

Youth Wrestling