Ogden

Imagine riding in a clean-air electric bus – aided by dedicated bus lanes along the way – between Ogden FrontRunner Station, Lindquist Field, the Junction, Downtown Ogden, 25th Street, Weber State University, and McKay Dee Hospital.

Bus Rapid Transit or BRT combines the capacity and speed of light rail with the lower cost construction of an integrated bus system. Once complete, Ogden BRT(formerly route 603) will provide riders a clean-air ride in an electric bus from the Ogden FrontRunner Station, through downtown, along dedicated bus lanes in the center of the road on Harrison Boulevard and through the Weber State University campus, and to McKay-Dee Hospital. When operational, riders will be able to catch the bus every 10-15 minutes on weekdays and 15-30 minutes on weekends. The project will benefit the community by reducing vehicle trips, supporting the economy and providing transportation choices.

Utah Transit Authority, Jacobs Engineering, AECOM, WCEC, and Stacy and Witbeck have partnered to design and construct the Ogden BRT line over the next three years. Project segments will be constructed simultaneously in multiple locations to ensure project completion in a timely manner.

Get Notified

To stay up to date on the latest and greatest news about construction and the Ogden BRT, we suggest you take advantage of these great resources during this project:

Sign-up for construction updates: http://eepurl.com/hqTSD9
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OgdenBRT
Call us: 385-287-6647
Email us: OgdenBRT@rideuta.com

Walter L. Stuart retired from the Air Force in 1994 making Utah his home, and he is one of the kindest individuals you will ever meet. If you have spent much time at Chamber events, you likely have had the opportunity to meet Walter. When he isn’t working, he loves spending time with his wife Gayla and watching his grandchildren play sports.Walter represents LegalShield as an independent associate.

LegalShield provides affordable legal representation to everyone for a small monthly fee, and they have been doing so for 48 years. Their goal is to provide equal access to the liberty, equality, opportunity and justice that every human deserves. Today they protect and empower 4.5 million people and 140,000 businesses. Through collective buying power, LegalShield prepays a network of attorneys nationwide so that there is legal help when it is needed for their clients.

Walter says, “LegalShield has disrupted the legal industry through technology. We have put the legal system in the palm of our hands. Wherever you have access to your phone you have access to your law firm. There is no more stressing, guessing, finger crossing or making Google decisions ever again. When something in your stomach says, ‘this doesn’t feel right,’ something in your head says, ‘this doesn’t sound right,’ you simply tap your app and get your law firm on the phone. They will write a letter, make that phone call or review that document or contract on your behalf and much more at no charge.”

When asked what the biggest win is for his company, he says this, “Engraved on the west wall of the Supreme Court are the words, ‘Equal Justice Under the Law.’ This is not a reality in our country today. You get as much justice that you are able to pay for. LegalShield has changed that. For as little as $0.82 a day they now have nationwide legal access.”

To learn more about Walter and LegalShield, visit https://walterlee.wearelegalshield.com/

Ogden’s First Friday Art Stroll Hybrid edition will continue for March. The opportunity for people to watch from their homes is still available as live videos are posted on the Ogden_Arts Instagram page. For those wanting to get out and see the art can do so as precautions are taken by each open location. The #OgdenSharesArt is another way for artists to have their work featured on social media platforms. During the Hybrid First Friday Art Stroll short videos will be shared throughout the event on Friday, March 5 from 6-9 p.m.

During the month of March there will be an added pop-up event with the HEARTS in Ogden featured throughout the city, thanks to the YCC Family Crisis Center. The hearts are a fundraiser for their organization since their annual gala was canceled due to Covid-19.

Waffle Love in Ogden, The Bonneville Space, and the Local Artisan Collective are a few locations open. They do practice social distancing, require masks as you enter and have sanitizing stations. You can stop by at The Corner, the small white kiosk on Washington and 25^th Street to get your art stroll map.

To be featured during the art stroll continue to use the hashtag #OgdenSharesArt. Show the Ogden Arts Community what you have created. Did you just finish a project, make an amazing masterpiece or sketch something? Share it. During this time of social distancing and change, art is always an outlet to express your thoughts and feelings.

Check out what some community partners are up to either virtually or at their locations (with restrictions) by referencing the list below.

Use #OgdenSharesArt to have your art featured on our page. Your images and video clips will be shared on Friday, March 5 on Ogden City social media outlets between 6-9 p.m.

Social Media:
IG – Ogden_Arts / The_Corner_Ogden
FB – OgdenCityArts / TheCorner / OgdensFirstFridayArtStroll

Website: https://www.ogdencity.com/770/First-Friday-Art-Stroll

About Ogden City Arts
Ogden City Arts supports the belief that the arts are an integral part of a healthy culture, providing both intellectual nourishment and social benefit, and that community arts programs provide significant value both to communities and to artists.Ogden City Arts’ mission is to enrich the lives of Ogden residents and visitors by ensuring access to visual, performing, and literary arts and arts education. In supporting arts organizations and independent artists Ogden City Arts works to connect the arts to daily life, education, and economic development.

Pop-Up Event

If you have not had the opportunity to see the HEARTS in Ogden now is your chance. The YCC Family Crisis Center will continue to have them on display for the Art Stroll.

A little bit about the fundraiser…The YCC Family Crisis Center in Ogden has not only noticed a loss in funds, but it has also seen an uptick in domestic violence cases, spreading funds incredibly thin. For the past two years, during its annual gala, the YCC had record donations allowing them to help hundreds of families throughout the community. Just last year, the nonprofit raised $75,000. The YCC is granting sponsorships that will give sponsors the opportunity to have their logos or names displayed on the hearts along with messages of hope, love, and peace. The proceeds from this campaign will help YCC continue to provide critical services for Weber and Morgan County. To donate or to learn more about the YCC Family Crisis Center and the Heart of Ogden Campaign, visit: https://www.yccogden.org/getinvolved/heart-of-ogden/

Gallery Happenings

Cara Koolmees

You can stop in and see Cara Koolmees at her gallery. She will be there to greet you wearing a mask and showing you her latest work along with calendars, prints and cards. You can call Cara at 801-540-2299 or visit her website if you have something you are looking for.

Cara Koolmees – 256 Historic 25th Street, Ogden

Eccles Community Art Center

During March, the Eccles Art Center celebrates the creativity of Utah’s Women Artists. The Second Annual “Women: The Creative Edge” will open with a reception for the artists and the public on Friday, March 5, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display at the Eccles Art Center, 2580 Jefferson Avenue, Ogden through March 27, 2021. Admission to the center’s exhibits is complimentary.

“Women: The Creative Edge” is a competitive exhibit with 75 Utah women artists registered to participate. The Eccles Art Center staff is pleased that this exhibit will feature Women artists from Providence to Springville, Heber City to Grantsville with a variety of art from paintings to sculpture, textiles to pottery, handmade books to paper collage. It shall be an exhibit that you will not want to miss.

A total of $2500 in prizes will be awarded with a best of show presented in both the two dimensional and three-dimensional categories. Awards will be posted during the reception and may be viewed on the art center’s website: www.ogden4arts.org. The Eccles Art Center’s COVID gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The center is closed Sundays and major holidays. For information, please call 801-392-6935.

Eccles Community Art Center – 2580 Jefferson Ave, Ogden

Gallery 25

Stop in and check out their display of art from numerous local artists. Their featured artist for March is BJ Jensen. They offer three floors of paintings, pottery, and a variety of other pieces. www.gallery25utah.com

Ogden Contemporary Arts

The newly opened Ogden Contemporary Arts Gallery is featuring The Changing Room exhibit by Lauren Lee McCarthy. Read below a little bit about it.

As a society, we have established a general comfort level with the presence of artificial intelligence in our lives and homes. We ask Alexa to call mom, dim the lights and preheat the oven; we accept the targeted ads that influence our shopping habits, and regularly indulge in social media scrolling that undoubtedly influences our mood, energy levels and feelings. But at what point do we draw the line, and where does that comfort level end? In addition to managing external tasks, what if AI could directly access and alter our internal emotions? And what if we could also utilize that technology to manipulate the emotional state of others?

This winter, Los Angeles-based artist Lauren Lee McCarthy raises these questions and more through her immersive installation, “The Changing Room,” at OCA Center. Imagining an environment of smart architecture that controls emotion, McCarthy arranges the entire gallery into various live-work type environments that are conducive to human interaction yet guided by digital presence. On the second level is an accessible control panel where visitors are invited to browse and select one of two hundred emotions, which is then evoked throughout the entire space – and ultimately in everyone within it – through a layered response of lights, sounds, and visuals. “I’m hoping it brings up the question of what’s at stake when we bring AI into public and private spaces, and the ways our emotional experiences are mediated by technology,” says McCarthy of the exhibit.

Ogden Contemporary Arts – 455 25th Street, Ogden

The Argo House

This March, Carper Contemporary presents its pop-up exhibition at The Argo House with I Know Some Nice People, featuring the work of Ogden-based artist Matthew Choberka. Choberka, painter and art professor at Weber State University, releases a body of work for the show that continues to evolve his exploration of figurative elements amidst his typical turbulent abstraction. New paintings as well as works on paper will be exhibited at The Argo House from February 5^thto April 30^th in the downstairs lobby and upstairs common areas.

ARTIST STATEMENT: “When I suggested giving this show the title, “I Know Some Nice People,” I thought it pretty clever; a way to point toward the way these pictures embody a grotesquery that I perceive just about everywhere in our contemporary lives…in our politics, in our culture.”

“But that’s not really it. At least as important, and very likely much more so, is a reckoning going on with aspects of myself. My imagination, my knowledge, such as they are, all I have to guide me in painting. But, until I have this work mirrored back to me, in the responses of friends, colleagues, I find that I cannot even fully “see” what it is I am painting. Art demands a self-acceptance that I am not sure is possible for me.” Learn more about the artist and exhibition at this link.

The Argo House – 529 25th Street, Ogden

The Bonneville

For the month of March, The Bonneville will feature artwork by Steve D. Stones. Be sure to stop in and check it out.

The Bonneville – 221 25th Street, Ogden

The Local Artisan Collective

The Local Artisan Collective welcomes you to their ONLINE Art Stroll on Friday, March 5, 2021! They will be open for the Art Stroll from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

THAT IS RIGHT, YOU CAN FIND THEM IN- PERSON AT THE STORE & ONLINE

They are ready to have some fun!

FEATURED ARTIST: Korrina Robinson from KaelMijoy Polymer Clay and More.

Korrina started “claying” 17 years ago when her 3rd child was just a newborn. (The same year she started homeschooling!) She wanted a way to make unique beads that could not be found anywhere for sale and discovered polymer clay. As she dug deeper into the world of internet tutorials, she discovered all the amazing things that can be done with this fun medium and the rest is history. She seldom makes beads now, opting to create relief sculpture these days which include flowers, journal covers, filigree, Christmas ornaments, unique jewelry, charms and more. She also loves teaching classes and sharing what she has learned with others.

JOIN US ONLINE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/161121481876897/ Artists will be going live, talking with each other in this group, sharing art tips, playing games, doing giveaways and more.

The Local Artisan Collective – 2371 Kiesel Ave, Ogden

The Monarch

Join on Open Studio Night! Doors open at 6 p.m. Meet 40+ artists and makers, purchase original work, and stroll within this amazing historic structure now Ogden’s newest creative community.

Special safety guidelines including masks, social distancing and frequent sanitizing will be practiced. If you may be at RISK; pre-existing conditions, immune-compromised, age-related, we ask that you please stay home and do not attend at this time.

Workshops happening each hour in the workshop space
Giveaways, Contests, and Discounts at various studios
Food Truck in the Alley
Plus, Jessica Greenberg displaying projection art on The Monarch building

Family friendly, socially distanced fun! Masks required. https://themonarchogden.com/local-artists.

WB’s Eatery: Dinner, and Drinks at WB’s
The Art Box in conjunction with The Monarch, they will be featuring local artist Kara Jane Aina. Here is a short bio: Kara Jane Aina was born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada. She attended art school at Mount Allison University in Canada then transferred to Brigham Young University in Utah where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree majoring in Intaglio and Lithography. She also received an Art Education K-12 teaching certification from Utah State University. She currently teaches art to grades 9-12 through a school in West Jordan, Utah. Although she loves teaching, pursuing her own creative instincts is her passion. Kara Jane works primarily in watercolor and oil paints. Her work is inspired by connections and interactions she has with family, friends, and nature. She paints florals, botanicals, abstracts, still life and surface design fabric for licensing. She enjoys having multiple projects on the go and alternating between them allowing the ideas to “percolate.” She has a deep love for a simple and clean aesthetic, dramatic watercolor washes, vintage fabrics, and the interplay of shape, pattern, and color. Kara Jane’s work can be found in local shows and markets, on her website, through minted.com, and on a variety of products featuring her artwork in collaborations with various companies.
Van Sessions: 7:00 pm & 8:00 p.m.: Live Music with Van Sessions by The Banyan Collective
Ogden Contemporary Arts: see listing Ogden Contemporary Arts above for details

The Monarch – 455 25th Street, Ogden

Union Station

March’s exhibit is titled: Myra Powell: A Trailblazer and Artist of the Midcentury. The exhibit focuses on the work of Myra Powell, a local female artist of the 1930s-1940s who pushed the boundaries of modern art in Utah. The body of her work focuses on non-objective art, which is a type of abstract art that is usually, but not always, geometric and aims to convey a sense of simplicity and purity. Myra Powell, is from Ogden, studied at the University of Utah, USAC Art Barn (or known today as USU), with private instructors and at Laguna Beach, Calif. Mrs. Powell had exhibited her work in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Mrs. Powell was a charter member of Ogden’s Palette Club, and VP of Utah Creative Artists. The exhibit will be on display March 5-31, 2021.

Union Station – 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden

Waffle Love

When you stop in to purchase a waffle be sure to check out their gallery upstairs with featured artist, Gavin Hendricksen. Here is a short bio: I have loved to create for as long as I can remember but it wasn’t until after the birth of my oldest daughter in 2012 that I started painting. I enjoy painting with oils and acrylics. I am originally from South Carolina but spent many years in North Carolina as well where I was inspired to create low country landscapes and florals. My art has evolved and grown since our move to Ogden almost 2 years ago where my inspiration has taken a turn because of the gorgeous landscapes here! I’ve truly enjoyed the change and growth it has brought my family and creative process! My pieces are purposefully happy art and I hope you enjoy them!

Waffle Love – 109 E 25th Street, Ogden

The Ogden School District Board of Education has approved a proposal to establish a wireless network that can provide free internet access at home to any Ogden student in need.

Chief Technical Officer Casey Bowden delivered the presentation during the Feb. 18, 2021 Ogden Board of Education meeting. The proposal was unanimously approved by all board members present. LTE is a term used in cellular communications to refer to Long Term Evolution, the current global standard in high-speed cellular technology. “Ogden SD LTE” (Ogden School District Learning & Technology Elevated) will create a mesh network providing coverage throughout all of Ogden City.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Ogden School District had been working towards the goal of 1:1 technology; one personal technology device such as a tablet or Chromebook for every student in the district. With the state directive for all schools to switch to remote learning in March 2020, Ogden School District accelerated the process and achieved 1:1 status during the 2020-2021 school year. Ogden School District also acquired over 1,000 mobile wireless hotspots to provide internet access to every family that indicated they did not have reliable internet access outside of school. These third-party mobile hotspots, while a helpful temporary solution, are not viewed as an ideal long-term solution.

“Right now hotspots with unlimited data… from [a third-party vendor] cost about $20 per month. Looking at this model we’re looking at about $2 per month. Imagine what you could do with unlimited internet to any number of students in the district… it’s so amazing!” Bowden said during his presentation to the board.

This is the culmination of a process which has taken over a year to develop. Now, with board of education approval, the will move from concept to implementation with the first of several radio towers transmitting the wireless signal expected to be functional in approximately eight weeks with the entire network expected to be online in less than 12 months.

The Ogden SD LTE is not a competitor with commercial internet access. The network will be available only through school-issued devices and will provide high-speed CIPAcompliant internet access via the UEN network. This means that students will have unlimited access to educational resources, but will be restricted from commercial and recreational internet access such as game and video streaming services.

“All of our Chromebooks would be preconfigured with our hotspots and our hotspots would be on our LTE back to our network, through our firewalls, our filtering; all of the safety precautions we have at school, they would get instantly at home,” Bowden explained. He added, “this technology has the potential to change Ogden School District forever.”

About Ogden School District:

Ogden School District serves the city of Ogden, educating approximately 11,500 students. The district has a tradition of academic excellence enhanced by the values of a culturally rich and diverse community. Roughly 55% of Ogden students are ethnic minorities and approximately 75% come from low-income homes. For more information visit www.ogdensd.org.

Coldwell Banker Realty unveiled their prestigious “Rookie of the Year” award last week as part of their companywide annual awards gala for the Utah Metro. The gala was in a virtual format this year. The award is presented to an individual agent, in Utah, who has entered into the real estate business in the past 18 months, and produced the most in sales volume.

“This year we are delighted to honor Jenny Scothern, from the Ogden office, for this award. Jenny not only turned in the best performance in terms of sales, but was also recognized by the company and her clients for her outstanding service throughout the year. We are proud to have Jenny on our amazing sales force. Her attention to detail, and the caring way she handles her business, exemplifies the high standards of Coldwell Banker Realty and its colleagues,” said Chris Jensen, President of Coldwell Banker, Utah.

Scothern, most recently, served as the CEO of a local Ogden non-profit, The GOAL Foundation, a dynamic volunteer organization that produces the Ogden Marathon and supports World-Class Athletic events that choose Ogden as their destination. Prior to the GOAL Foundation, Scothern was the COO of a family owned business, Fran Brown College of Beauty, in Layton, Utah.

Scothern has served the Northern Utah community in many capacities, and most recently serves on the Weber State University Alumni Association Executive Committee, and is a “Spiker”, for the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Coldwell Banker Realty for this prestigious award. I would like to thank all of my friends, family, and mentors who have supported me in my real estate career. My business is built on providing extraordinary customer service and client care and I am committed to building a 100% referral-based business, so the support I have been given my ‘rookie year’ has meant the world to me,” said Scothern.

Scothern also qualified for the Coldwell Banker Realty, International President’s Circle and the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors, Top 250 Producers.

For most people, speaking in public is their biggest fear. Stacy Bernal found herself being asked to tell her story of overcoming challenges and believing in herself. Speaking was not only something she enjoyed, but something she was good at. She wondered if she could turn public speaking into a profession and she has.

Offering keynotes, workshops, and coaching, Stacy specializes in topics such as implicit bias training, empowering women to leadership, and authentic communication skills. Stacy presents for companies and organizations but also does one-on-one coaching for individuals interested in a speaking career. She is a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and representation. Her proudest accomplishment so far is speaking at TEDxOgden in 2020.

“As a solopreneur, I wear ALL the hats — CEO, CFO, COO, marketing, design, PR, you name it I do it. It allows me tremendous opportunity for personal growth and discomfort because I have to do a lot of things that would normally be done by team members in a traditional company. I’ve created engaging curriculum around topics that tend to be uncomfortable. I challenge the status quo a little bit in hopes of creating a better future for the generations coming after me,” Stacy explains.

Stacy desires to positively impact as many lives as she can. Her book The Things We Don’t Talk About, her keynotes, and her coaching course are how she will continue to make that impact. “I see the BADASS in you and I help you see it, too,” she promises.

Learn more about Stacy at www.seestacyspeak.com

“Pulling together to help each other grow is so rewarding!” says Chelli Allen of Outsource Receivables Management. Her sincere smile and heartfelt responses say much of her joy in living and working in Ogden.

She has been with Outsource Receivables Management for over 13 years as the Client Relations Specialist. Chelli knows debt collection isn’t usually the fun part of business but it is vital to a company’s financial success. She is dedicated to educating and supporting the businesses she serves.

Chelli drives over 1300 miles each month, from Idaho to Southern Utah to personally meet with clients to evaluate reports and present them with a check for the money collected that month. With kindness, compassion, and honesty as her motto, Chelli strives to help her clients grow their businesses, while helping consumers resolve their concerns realistically, promptly, and with dignity. She strives to make each interaction uplifting and professional.

Chelli volunteers much of her time with the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce as a contributing member of several committees. She is honored to represent Outsource Receivables Management as a Spiker and is a valuable asset to the community.

Born and raised in Utah, Chelli loves the great outdoors. Spending time with her family camping, four wheeling and being in the mountains make the top of her list of favorites.Learn more about Outsource Receivables Management at outsourcerec.com

As he turned 40, Ryan realized that it was time to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. He and his wife, Melissa, decided to start a magazine company to help create more connection in their lives and in the communities they serve.

Melissa had primarily been a stay-at-home mom for about 16 years, while Ryan was a salesperson and sales manager for various companies. One of those companies was a magazine publisher in Las Vegas, where Ryan sold advertising.

That magazine had mostly canned content that often felt impersonal to readers. When Ryan left and moved to Utah, he told Melissa that if he ever worked on a magazine again he would want to control the content and make it local and personal to the area. 12 years later, that opportunity presented itself when Ryan talked to the Mayor of North Ogden about creating a city magazine.

Connection Publishing was born in 2016 and has since expanded to four additional cities. Content in the magazines is by and about each community: city news, history, recipes, event calendar, business spotlights and more. These official city magazines are funded by local business advertisements. Businesses can place display ads intermixed with the content or have custom articles written about them for the magazine. Connection Publishing currently sends magazines to nearly 70,000 homes in Weber and Davis Counties.

Ryan and Melissa and their entire team work to create connection by bringing communities together with local content in beautiful magazines.

Learn more about Connection Publishing and their city magazines at connectionpub.com

Imagine finishing a 12 hour shift and still being energized. That would be a clear signal that you are working your passion, not just a job. That is how Tina Calandra, owner of Soul Beautiful Salon, feels about doing hair.

Tina started doing cosmetics and makeup 25 years ago and quickly realized she wanted more. She enjoys enhancing the whole look and feels very passionately about creating the look and feel her clients want from the inside out. Tina has found over and over again that the media has a profound impact on her clients, giving them unrealistic expectations of what beauty is. So, Tina’s mission is to help people feel beautiful and happy in their own skin.

After moving to the Ogden area four years ago, Tina was searching for work at a Salon. She began to envision her own space: A spa-like, salon atmosphere where her clients could come and spend time in self-care activities and receive beauty treatments. Her vision took shape as she opened Soul Beautiful Salon in Pleasant View and her clients love the relaxing atmosphere she has created.

Business ownership is multifaceted and keeps Tina wearing many hats. She credits the relationships she’s made through the Chamber that make her feel that she is in business for herself, but not by herself. Tina loves connecting with the community and participating in local events.

You can learn more about Tina and Soul Beautiful Salon at soulbeautifulsalon.com

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” -Theodore Roosevelt

That’s the thing about Erik Hatch, CPA with Cook Martin Poulson, PC, you can tell how much he cares just by meeting him.

He is passionate about helping businesses keep the money they earn and maximizing their wealth.

Erik and his team specialize in assisting small and large businesses to operate more effectively by offering multiple financial and accounting services.

Understanding the way business operations affect the numbers, he is committed to creating custom plans for his clients and gets excited seeing the businesses grow and flourish while they do what they do best.

With offices already established in Salt Lake City and Logan, Erik personally enjoys working with businesses here in Ogden. He and his family are residents of the area and he cares deeply about the success of the community. He appreciates the history, charm and uniqueness of Ogden and Weber County.

See what sets Cook Martin Poulson, PC apart at https://cookmartin.com/

Pop-Up Event