In May of this year, I attended the Mayor’s Breakfast as part of the Freedom Festival. Scott O’Neil, the CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (a global sports and entertainment company that includes the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and the New Jersey Devils (NHL)), was the keynote speaker at the breakfast event. He is also the author of “Be Where Your Feet Are.” 

One of the chapters in his book was about assuming positive intent. He said, “Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different.”  

He illustrated this point with a story of a police chief in a major US city that had high crime neighborhoods. The chief decided to throw an ice cream party for one of his most problematic neighborhoods. He ordered an ice cream machine and had a community party, building relationships with the police and neighbors. It worked – crime was reduced! 

It has been a very contentious few years, especially on the national political scene. I believe if we can assume positive intent and give people the benefit of the doubt, this will help us build better relationships and a better community. With the upcoming school district vote, I hope we can assume positive intent on all sides of the issue.

Debby Lauret

Orem City Council

The Orem Harvest Festival is back this year with all the things you loved about the original event plus some fun new activities, attractions, and performances. Our friends at Orem Community Hospital and Intermountain Healthcare do such a good job of hosting this FREE family-friendly event and it is the perfect way to celebrate Autumn in Orem. 

We are just a few days away from the start of the Annual Orem Fall Clean-Up. We've got two weeks of FREE dumpsters to help you get your property cleaned up and ready for winter. More information, including the schedule and hours, can be found online at orem.org/cleanup.

The Orem Community will be holding a citywide food drive for Community Action Services and Food Bank on September 10, 2022 as part of the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.

Food donations can be placed on your front porch or step early that Saturday morning and neighborhood volunteers will gather and take it to the food bank collection site.

Fall has to be the best season in Utah and there's no better way to celebrate it than a trip down to Wilkerson Farm. We're giving away free tickets to families to go and enjoy this awesome Orem attraction. Just click here to enter.

Even if you don't win the drawing you are still a winner because Wilkerson Farm is offering a special discount for Orem residents. When you buy tickets online, just use promo code "familycityusa" at checkout to get 10% off any day in September. This includes general admission, season passes, and groups of 10-59 people. Limit one use per email address.

September 11th has been designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. 

Several service projects are being planned on Saturday, September 10, throughout Orem and surrounding areas.

To find out about what volunteer opportunities are available locally, please look onlineat JustServe.org or watch for flyers on your door. 

The Neighborhood Improvement Team recently awarded its first Property All Star Award of the summer season. 

The McGee family transformed their southwest Orem home and property with updated siding, a new door, and beautiful xeriscaping.

To find out more about the program, look online here.

City Drill Date Change

Due to conflicts with a county-wide exercise, the City of Orem Drill has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 20th. 

Thank you for your help with the City Drill. For more information please visit drill.orem.org.

SCERA Pool & Palisade Park Splash Pad End of Season

Thanks everyone for the amazing summer season at the SCERA Pool! The final day for the outdoor pool and Palisade Park Splash Pad will be September 5th. 

The indoor pool at the Orem Family Fitness Center will continue to be open throughout the year.

Back by popular demand is our annual Truck-or-Treat event at University Place. We'll roll out all the vehicles that keep the city moving so that you can see them up close. We'll also have some goodie bags for the kids. Be sure to wear your Halloween costumes and prepare for fun on Saturday, October 22nd from 10:30 am to 2 pm.

Please Note: There will be an hour set aside from 9:30 - 10:30 am for those with special needs to come and see the vehicles. 

This year's annual fall community reading event, Orem Reads, will explore the romance genre!

Join us for an all-day Romance Con kickoff event at the Library Hall on September 24, as well as film screenings of romantic classics such as The Princess Bride and Casablanca, Grassroots Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, author readings by Sarah Eden and Christina Lauren, and more.

Pick up a flier with more information at any desk in the library and get a free copy of one of our favorite romance novels at any Orem Reads program. 

The library will be closed all day September 5 for Labor Day.

Many organizations offer services and assistance to residents in Orem. Our Resident Resources page highlights several names, services, and other information for organizations and programs. Check it out here.