Dear Editor:
Please consider this thoughtful helpful piece by Dr. Wim Laven on peace with honesty at the family Thanksgiving table. For PeaceVoice, thank you,
Tom Hastings
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A meaningful Thanksgiving
by Wim Laven
939 words
The impeachment proceedings to investigate allegations of impropriety in the Donald Trump presidency will impact many American households this Thanksgiving. Families will be confronted by political tensions of a profound nature this year. There is no sugar coating it, there is a base of people who believe Trump’s lies and the absurd defenses offered for his corrupt acts.
Unanimous consensus, among intelligence agencies and the Republican-led US Senate Intelligence Committee, that Russia was responsible for election interference in the 2016 presidential election has not been able to convince some people of the criminal reality; do not let arguing with those inoculated from the truth spoil or interrupt the gathering.
I use Thanksgiving dinner as a classic example for dealing with conflict in the classes I teach. Each year my students describe fears about family get-togethers escalating into heated disputes. I have offered the coursework as an excuse for students needing to avoid the event, “if you need to, just tell your families that your mean instructor assigned extra work for the break…”
It turns out that families can disagree on a great many things. Sometimes they can agree to disagree, sometimes not--when bigoted aunts and uncles offer to “pray the gay away,” or insist “you’re disowned until you start dating your own race” go too far.
Sometimes students returning home for the holiday present to their families the first evidence of “brainwashing” and an “exposure to a liberal education.” In some cases the antipathy goes both ways. Since the 2016 election some students report avoiding festivities because, “their fears about the consequences of a Trump presidency, as well as a general disdain for family members who voted for him, are still very real.”
In the week before Thanksgiving I lead discussion on morals and values in America. “Ignorance is bliss” provides an entry into political narratives and the role of truth. Sadly, it also presents an ugly introduction to politics, because the current criminal in the White House seems to show that lying and denying are part of a code that earns millions of votes.
Trump is a symptom of a deeper gap between Americans and the truth. Avoiding the lessons of genocide and the role it played in “discovering” the Americas is indeed a key part of selling Thanksgiving itself. Most of the Founding Fathers were slave owners, all were white men, and no women were full citizens until August 18, 1920, with the passage of the 19th Amendment (still waiting for equal pay for equal work).
Gentle humor can make a point at a family table ("I guess this turkey wished it were a convicted war criminal like the three US military members Trump just pardoned"), though backing off at signs of a big defensive reaction is best. "Sure," you might note, "plenty of debate about this even in the militaryitself."
It is a shame we’ve reached this point; I cannot believe that people should feel fear over talking with loved ones about what matters to them.
There is opportunity, if we can listen, discuss, problem solve, make efforts to find mutually satisfying solutions, and demonstrate shared respect; coming together can be a source of unity and an embrace of division. There are lessons from my fields of peace studies and conflict transformation that can help divided societies and divided families and affirm difference can provide strength.
One great first step is making and enforcing ground rules. Clearly defined expectations and enforcement can outline respectful communication and promote shared values. Another option is to be strategic, are you most interested in emotional satisfaction (feeling good), process satisfaction (participating in a way that feels good), or substantive satisfaction (obtaining the desired outcome)? Keeping priorities in mind is a good way to make sure that actions are aligned to goals, if “no politics allowed” makes that possible—do it.
If emotional or process comfort is most important, then reflect these motivations in your statements and actions, even if you need to let some egregious statements stand ("Trump is a great guy and victim of fake news"). Avoidance is the most commonly used method for managing conflicts in the U.S. and it serves a strategic purpose, but it does have an opportunity cost.
If substantive satisfaction is most important, you should still focus your aims. Keep in mind that your goal may not match with the goals of others. If you’re trying to convince your family, then reflect on what is most likely to work. Respectful communication and active listening are your greatest assets, because you’re unlikely to change their minds with superior evidence or insults; changing minds is achieved by addressing underlying values and interests. Remember that initial lesson that ignorance is bliss; many people are convinced they are right when they’ve been misled.
Few of us are ever changed by someone "calling us out," but rather by calling in, making connection. "Uncle Al," you might say, "you served in Gulf War I and I want to respect your sacrifice. Do you think Donald Trump, born rich and who skipped out on Vietnam from fake bone spurs, deserves the support of honorable veterans like you? I gotta say, I respect you and not him, to be blunt." Then listen respectfully to Uncle Al. You made your point and do not make it again.
In the long run the deep wounds and scars will need to be treated. It will require a return to basic values and trust. Your Thanksgiving is meaningful if you spend it with loved ones and find things to appreciate, Trump wins when his terrorism takes that away from you—don’t let that happen.
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Wim Laven, Ph.D., syndicated by PeaceVoice, teaches courses in political science and conflict resolution.
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USDA and Georgia Sign Shared Stewardship Agreement Highlighting Cooperative Approach to Land Management
(Athens, GA, November 23, 2019) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue joined Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to sign a Shared Stewardship agreement (PDF, 262 KB) between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the State of Georgia. The agreement was signed at a ceremony at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.
"Shared Stewardship offers a great opportunity to coordinate and prioritize land management activities in tandem," said Secretary Perdue. "The USDA and its agencies have a long and strong history of collaboration with the State of Georgia and this agreement will make that working relationship even stronger. I thank Governor Kemp for being a great partner in ensuring Georgia’s forests are properly managed."
“I am grateful to Secretary Perdue and the U.S Department of Agriculture for their partnership in the Shared Stewardship agreement, and I look forward to working with our federal partners to prepare for future land management challenges,” said Governor Kemp. “Together, we will ensure Georgia’s natural resources are preserved and protected for generations to come.”
Background:
The Shared Stewardship agreement strengthens the commitment between federal and state agencies to work together to accomplish mutual natural resource management goals, further common interests, and effectively respond to the increasing ecological challenges and natural resource concerns in Georgia. Specifically, the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between USDA's Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Forestry Commission.
In addition to providing a framework for how the federal and state agencies will work together, the agreement also outlines the importance of ensuring meaningful participation from state and local partners such as Georgia's State Parks, Georgia Department of Transportation, Conservation Districts, and non-governmental conservation organizations.
Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Vicki Christiansen, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams, Georgia Forestry Commission State Forester Chuck Williams, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Director Rusty Garrison joined Secretary Perdue and Governor Kemp at the ceremony.
The agreement can be found at www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/Shared_Stewardship_GA.pdf (PDF, 262 KB).
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Inside Home Depot’s efforts to stop a growing theft problem at its stores
Courtney Reagan | Jennifer Schlesinger
All references must be sourced to CNBC.
Imagine loading up a cart full of merchandise at a store, and just walking out the door in broad daylight as store employees watch you do it.
It’s known as organized retail crime, and it’s a growing trouble for the nation’s retailers. Instead of stealing for personal use, these criminals are part of a larger crime ring. The goods are taken to someone else in exchange for cash, then resold at a pawnshop, online or directly to a buyer.
“I personally believe this is driven by the opioid crisis,” Carol Tome, Home Depot’s then-chief financial officer, said in a phone interview with CNBC in May.
Many of those who steal are addicted to opioids. They turn the stolen goods quickly, often the same day, into money to buy drugs, according to the Utah Attorney General’s Office. The crime rings vary in size and complexity and can include as many as 100 people across multiple states, according to Home Depot.
“We watch them leave our store with product,” said Tome, who retired in August. “Often, they are armed and we don’t want to put our customers or associates in harm’s way.”
In surveillance video from Home Depot stores that CNBC obtained, a suspect is seen punching a store employee when the worker tries to stop her from stealing. In another video, a suspect appears to squirt pepper spray into the eyes of an employee. Home Depot said it has seen suspects flash guns or knives in other surveillance videos.
Home Depot is far from the only retailer seeing the spike in this activity.
Organized retail crime costs retailers nearly $778,000 per $1 billion in sales in 2018, an all-time high, according to a National Retail Federation survey. Nearly 3 in 4 retailers reported an increase over the previous 12 months. The 2018 survey included information from 66 retailers.
Theft contributes to what is known in the industry as “shrinkage.” The cateogry includes inventory loss due to defective or damaged merchandise, vendor fraud, administrative errors, employee theft or shoplifting — and organized retail crime.
During the first three quarters of 2019, Home Depot reported that an increase in “shrink” hurt its financial results.
“There’s been pressure to our margin from shrink, which was the highest contributor to the decrease year over year,” Home Depot CFO Richard McPhail said in the third-quarter earnings call Tuesday.
Theft pressures profits
Home Depot began seeing an increase in theft of high-value items in May, Tome said. The company will not comment on how much organized retail crime has cost it.
“In the departments that we are seeing increased pressure, they’re more what we consider kind of malicious,” Ann-Marie Campbell, Home Depot’s executive vice president of U.S. stores, said on the earnings call. “And we’ve had initiatives on the way, and have implemented in our high-risk stores, some of the things we’ve done in the past to make sure that we secure our product.”
Rival home improvement retailer Lowe’s is also experiencing higher shrink.
“Inventory shrink exerted approximately 20 basis points of negative pressure on gross margin for the quarter,” David Denton, Lowe’s chief financial and accounting officer, said on the company’s earnings call Wednesday.
While retailers account for a certain level of shrinkage as part of the normal course of business, once it surpasses a threshold, it starts to hurt profits. Not only is that bad for shareholders, but it can be bad for consumers.
Home Depot shares, which have a market value of $239.3 billion, have climbed 27% this year. Disappointing third-quarter results have put pressure on the stock in recent days. Lowe’s shares, which have a market value of $90.3 billion, are also up about 27% in 2019.
“We have been very good about not raising prices as a result of our shrink equation,” said Scott Glenn, Home Depot vice president of asset protection. “But if [shrink] gets to a point where we cannot continue to do business this way, ultimately, we will have to pass it along.”
In other words, higher prices for honest shoppers.
Glenn said he has seen a correlation between higher rates of organized retail crime and areas of the country where the dollar amount for felony thresholds have been raised. The felony threshold is the dollar value of goods stolen that determines if charges are a felony or a misdemeanor. It varies widely by state.
At least 40 states have raised their felony thresholds since 2000, according to Pew Charitable Trust. The thresholds range from $200 in New Jersey to $2,500 in Texas. States have raised their felony threshold to keep up with inflation and to focus on more serious offenses and make punishments proportionate to crimes, according to Pew.
Glenn said the opioid epidemic fuels organized retail crime in many cases, and e-commerce amplifies its reach.
With the rise of e-commerce, it is easier to sell items quickly online than in person at pawnshops or other methods.
Going after organized retail crime
Home Depot may not stop the theft as it happens, but it’s not ignoring the problem.
“We know that we’re not going to get everybody. But if we can get those folks that are really hurting us, we can actually drive our shrink numbers down and make the store safer,” Glenn said.
The retailer is building case files that not only help law enforcement go after suspects, but help change laws.
“We have broken up some pretty big rings,” Tome said.
Utah is one state where Home Depot, eBay and law enforcement have been working together to identify and prosecute organized retail crime rings. In Salt Lake City, the retailer worked with the state’s attorney general’s office over several years to close down a $1.5 million fraud case that involved seven pawnshops and a crime ring that was stealing and reselling the stolen goods.
Chris Walden, a special agent with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, said eBay identified 34 Utah pawnshops where suspected stolen merchandise was being sold, both out of the shop itself and on eBay.
Ultimately, Walden’s team served seven simultaneous search warrants.
“During the course of a year-long investigation with the [Utah] attorney general’s office and the unified police department, we ended up seizing 53 pallets worth of merchandise in one day from seven [pawnshop] locations,” said Jamie Bourne, who manages four teams strategically located in different parts of the U.S. as an organized retail crime manager for Home Depot.
He said the retail value of product recovered from those seven pawnshops was estimated at more than $1 million, from Home Depot and many other retailers.
EBay declined CNBC’s request for interviews but provided a statement, that said in part, “The recent pawn bust in Utah is an excellent example of eBay working closely with law enforcement and retailers to identify a large organized retail crime ring. We’re pleased to have assisted authorities in their investigation and prosecution of their case and look forward to the suspects being brought to justice.”
While retailers may be competitors when it comes to selling product, when it comes to identifying criminals stealing merchandise, it’s a group effort, Bourne said. Beyond eBay, he said, “We work with Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, CVS.”
Earlier this year, Utah enacted a law that prohibits pawnshops and other secondhand merchants from accepting unopened merchandise in original packaging without a receipt or items where serial or identifying numbers have been removed. It was passed in an effort to curb the selling of stolen merchandise. Pawnshop laws vary by state, but Utah’s laws make it easier for law enforcement to crack down on organized retail crime.
CNBC rode along with undercover law enforcement officers in Utah attempting to sell stolen, unopened merchandise to two separate pawnshops after the law was passed in September. Neither pawnshop accepted the items, though one pawnshop employee coached the undercover officer to open the item, use it once and bring it back the next day. An employee at the other pawnshop said he was better off selling it online, citing the new law.
While the law may be deterring some of the crime, it’s not a panacea.
A search warrant is served
“Since we passed the new law, it seems like it’s getting a little bit better,” Walden said. Unfortunately, he said, law enforcement is now seeing more of the stolen goods being sold on e-commerce sites instead of at pawnshops.
The Utah Attorney General’s Office had been tracking one suspect who appeared to be selling stolen tools out of his home, attracting business by posting photos on Facebook. CNBC was there when a search warrant was served at the residence of the suspect.
Tools were taken out of the home, and Home Depot employees were on site to identify and scan products to determine whether or not they came from the retailer. Each item was then cataloged and taken into evidence. The value totaled around $12,000.
The suspect told the law enforcement officers questioning him that he had never stolen anything himself but acknowledged that he knows that the items others have sold to him are stolen.
Walden said some of the items removed from this suspect’s home may be legitimate purchases as a box of receipts was also recovered. Still, Walden estimated a little more than half of the recovered merchandise is likely stolen.
The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of stolen property. The AG’s office plans to press charges.
The suspected stolen products were moved to a location where the items will be held as evidence while the case is prosecuted.
CNBC got a look inside an undisclosed location that looks more like the back room of a retailer than a police evidence facility. Most of the items were recovered from the raid on seven pawn shops.
“We believe that we’re around $1.2 million on this case alone,” Walden said, when valuing the merchandise in evidence.
Or at least, that was the value when it was stolen. Law enforcement will return the goods to the retailers after the origins are determined, though it can’t be done until the case is closed. At that point, the products are often unsellable because they become obsolete.
Walden showed CNBC how it’s organized by retailer, and pointed out many items with original price tags or even anti-theft devices still attached. There was an $800 air compressor still screwed to the wooden pallet it was originally on when delivered to the store.
It’s hard for Walden to calculate the investment of time, money and resources on the part of law enforcement and retailers, but he says the payoff is worthwhile.
“We know after visiting with Home Depot and partnering with them that their shrink numbers are already down in Utah,” he said. ”[Home Depot has] saved a significant amount of money in the Utah market where they only have 21 stores.”
Home Depot didn’t independently confirm this.
The retailer has instituted a number of deterrent tactics to make it harder for criminals to steal, including the addition of more visible camera surveillance and alarmed spider wraps on certain high-value products. At the same time, however, it works to ensure the anti-theft strategy doesn’t impede the shopping experience for paying customers.
Organized retail crime is a higher priority on Home Depot’s list than in the past — not just because it hurts the bottom line but also because it hurts the community, Glenn said.
“This has tentacles,” he said. “Organized retail crime drives other crimes. It drives drugs. It drives guns. It drives human trafficking.”
Further, Glenn said, “it doesn’t just hit Home Depot. It hits every retailer. No matter where you shop, this is impacting you.”
Please email tips to investigations@cnbc.com.
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Press Release for First Friday Art Stroll Showings – December 6, 2019
Items of interest:
Gallery Happenings -
Cara Koolmees – Stop in during the art stroll to see what Cara Koolmees has on display for the holidays.
Cara Koolmees – 256 Historic 25th Street, Ogden
CBD Bros. – No info given
CBD Bros. - 135 Historic 25th Street, Ogden
Cuppa – Cuppa will be featuring the work of Rachel Bush for December’s First Friday Art Stroll.
Cuppa - 552 East 25th Street, Ogden
Eccles Community Art Center – The center’s main gallery will feature an exhibit works by Adrian Van Suchtelen and Shanna Kunz entitled “Paysage & Nature Morte. The Carriage House Gallery will display the accepted works from the Eccles Art Center’s Petite Impressions Competition. A reception for the artists is scheduled in association with Ogden’s Art Stroll on Friday, December 7, 2019 from 5 to 8 p.m. Exhibits continue through December 28, 2019.
Each of the Main Gallery featured artists will exhibit works in their specialties. Shannna Kunz in Paysage, rural scenes and Adrian Van Suchtelen in Nature Morte, still life.
Kunz explain “As a contemporary painter, my work is a conscious play of mood, light and color, but as a naturalist raised in the diverse landscapes of the western United States, a painting means more to me. Each location is an encounter with the land, the trees, and the waters that have always given me a sense of connection and order…. I push color and value into new compositions and continue a lifelong effort to communicate the emotional connection I feel with my environment.”
Ms. Kunz studied with Adrian Van Suchtelen, artist, and Professor Emeritus at Utah State University.
Van Suchelen comments, “Perhaps the one aspect that distinguishes humans from other animal life is that humans have developed a consciousness. We have a sense of place, an awareness of the decisions that we make and their resulting consequences. That’s what we express and celebrate with the Fine Arts. We express ideas about who we are, the world we live in and how we feel about our humanity.”
Mr. Van Suchtelen holds a BFA and MFA degrees. He joined the faculty at USU in 1967 where he was the graduate director and oversaw drawing courses. He also taught courses in painting, printmaking, and sculpture. He has been a visiting professor conducting workshops at universities and art centers throughout the intermountain west. As a producing artist he has exhibited and won recognition in competitive shows, regionally and nationally.
The Carriage House Gallery will feature works accepted from Utah artists participating in the Eccles Art Center’s Petite Impressions Competition. Works from this annual competition have become a favorite for holiday shopping. The works are small under eight inches in any dimension and if framed the framing is under fifteen inches. The competition is supported by new artists, those that are up and coming as well as professional artists in both two- and three-dimensional art. Always a fun variety of works to view.
The art center director Patrick Poce and his staff will decorate the center with holiday lights and décor, design art to view and enjoy. Decorations will be at their peak for the art center’s Family Traditions event on Saturday, December 14th from 3 to 6 p.m. Funds from this event: $20/ family or $10/ individual are used for many of the art center’s programs such as the center’s educational outreach hands-on art classes that visit Elementary schools in Ogden City and Weber County.
The Eccles Art Center staff and directors have begun a fundraising event this holiday season to “Raise the Roof”. Our historic 126 – year- old home needs a new roof! Your donation may purchase one or many holiday tree lights to light the way to the much-needed replacement of the Art Center’s historic Victorian home’s roof. A tree lighting event will be held on December 20th, after the “Raise the Roof” tree(s) will be on display in front of the mansion through the remainder of the holiday season. Any donation is appreciated. For those wishing to learn more about this fundraising event and the tree lights your donation may purchase, please visit: www.ogden4arts.org.
The Eccles Art Center staff invites you to join us during December. The Eccles Art Center’s regular gallery hours are Weekday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The art center will be closed December 24th, 25th and 26th. For more information about the center and its programs, please visit our website at www.ogden4arts.org.
Eccles Community Art Center - 2580 Jefferson Ave, Ogden
Gallery 25 – No info given
Gallery 25 - 268 25th Street, Ogden
Grounds for Coffee - 25th Street – During the December Art Stroll, Grounds for Coffee on 25th Street will feature work from Alexis Furlong. Stop by and see her artwork.
Grounds for Coffee - 111 Historic 25th Street, Ogden
Grounds for Coffee on Harrison & 30th – For the First Friday Art Stroll they will feature Susan Snyder and friends. Stop by and check out their display.
Grounds for Coffee - 3005 Harrison Blvd, Ogden
Hippie Skin – Hippie Skin will feature art by Rayven Rizer. She is a local bartender who also has a passion for the outdoors and photography. She was born and (mostly) raised here in Ogden, where she spent most of her high school years in the dark room of Ogden High where she practiced the classic techniques of developing film and prints.
After taking second place in the statewide Sterling Scholar competition in 2009 she took a ten-year hiatus and decided to finally step out of the dark ages (or room if you will) and into digital photography in April of this year. She was frequently told by her teacher in school, Bruce Burningham, that he thought she would excel in portraiture. So naturally she went a completely different route and spends her time shooting the local landscape and wildlife.
Her passion for wildlife photos began on one of the many drives that her and her family take out to Ogden Bay when she snapped a picture of a pelican landing completely by chance and was very upset when she learned it was completely blurry and unusable. She now utilizes walks, hikes, and scenic drives with her husband and three daughters as opportunities to capture all the amazing land and animals that Utah has to offer.
Hippie Skin - 2424 Wall Avenue, Ogden
Kaffe Mercantile (Downtown location) – No info given
Kaffe Mercantile downtown - 2276 Washington Blvd. Suite 101, Ogden
Lucky Slice – No info given
Lucky Slice – 200 25th Street, Ogden
Rainy Day Emporium – During the Art Stroll their featured artist is Keith Benson. Carpenter during the day and maker of mushroom magick at night, he proudly presents his wood and root artwork. Whether hiking, biking, or road-tripping Keith always finds unique pieces of wood, root, or driftwood to clean up and let the resulting inner glow shine through. The mushrooms are created from natural materials such as pinecones, thistles, or chola wood and lovingly turned on the lathe. Keith says, “God makes the pieces, I just make them shiny.”
Rainy Day Emporium - 155 Historic 25th Street, Ogden
Shaw Gallery at Weber State University – The Shaw Gallery will feature the Fall 2019 BFA Thesis Exhibition. It will be open until Friday, December 13, 2019. Students pursing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the Weber State University Department of Visual Art & Design exhibit their capstone work in a thesis exhibition prior to graduation. The exhibition provides a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their best art and design work. The gallery is free and open to the public.
Gallery hours are M-F, 11-5 p.m. and Sat. 12-5 p.m.
Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery - 3964 West Campus Drive, Department 2001, Ogden
The Argo House – The Argo House with Carper Contemporary,
Opening of new exhibition - Lydia Gravis: Touching the Void
Carper Contemporary presents Touching the Void, a solo exhibition for Ogden artist Lydia Gravis at The Argo House. "Instead of taking something specific, and abstracting its essence, my work attempts to take something abstract, like the idea of liminal psychological space, and suggest its specificity through visual language," says the artist.
Lydia Gravis lives and works in Ogden, Utah. She earned her B.A. in painting and drawing from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, N.C. in 2003 and her MFA in visual art from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University in 2013. She's worked as Gallery Director of the Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery within the Department of Visual Art and Design at Weber State University since 2014.
https://www.carpercontemporary.com/
The Argo House - 529 25th Street, Ogden
The Bonneville Space – No info given
The Bonneville Space – 221 25th Street, Ogden
The Cupcake Shoppe and Bakery – The Moore Family from Farmington will be offering handmade applesauce/cinnamon Christmas tree ornaments & gift tags for the holiday season.
In exchange for the ornaments & gift tags they will be asking for a monetary donation to the organization National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
A donation box will be provided. Stop by The Cupcake Shoppe and Bakery and try their delicious products.
The Cupcake Shoppe and Bakery – 2352 Kiesel Road, Ogden
The Diamond Room – During the First Friday Art Stroll The Diamond Room will feature Rick Odell’s fabulous tunes.
Diamond Room - 131 Historic 25th Street, Ogden
The Front Climbing Club – The Front Climbing Club in Ogden will feature art by Ryan Glasmann and Cole Lewis. Along with live music from Como Toast.
The Front Climbing Club - 225 20th Street, Ogden
The Local Artisan Collective – The art stroll for December we have the following awesome Featured Artist this Month: Korrina Reynolds Robinson from KaelMijoy will be doing a Clay Ornament Demo. She can be found in Classroom B.
Stephanie Howerton from Our Children's Earth will be making recycled sweater mittens. You can come and pick out your own designs! She can be found in Classroom B.
Rene Venegas from Galleon's Gold Jewelry will be holding a copper ornament class 6:00-7:00, $8 in classroom A.
Cori Erickson will be show casing her Upcycled Jean Purses. She will be by the south front doors.
Yvonne Harvey from Imagination Chalk Station will be creating Wood, and ChalkBoard Ornaments and tags. This amazing class is only $5. You can find her in Classroom A from 7:30 to 9:00.
Carol from Crescents bath and body will have their new Christmas soaps out. Come and meet them and learn about their soaps, lotions and more. She will be in Classroom B.
Jayme Dawson from Sew Sassy will be showing her new stockings. Come and make a custom order with her for your name or design on your fun Christmas items! She will also be demoing ornaments also! Find her in Classroom B.
Debra Carey will be doing a wire weave demo. Come see her beautiful jewelry and learn how she creates it. Find her in Classroom B.
You will also get to see our stunning handmade Ornament Showcase with over 15 artist creating their own unique ornaments. Find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1504820129642864/
Come and get delicious goodies with us to celebrate the Art Stroll.
The Local Artisan Collective - 2371 Kiesel Ave, Ogden.
The Monarch – Join Open Studio Night at The Monarch with over 40 artists and makers as they open their doors for visitors. Come meet the artists, watch their creative process and purchase original work. Our studio members include painters, sculptors, letterpress printers, woodworkers, musicians, photographers, glass artists and more. View their artist directory here: https://themonarchogden.com/local-artists.
· WBs Eatery features local artists while offering bites and beverages. Art lovers to our core, WB’s is proud to feature the work of local artists through a collaboration with independent curator and art writer Kelly Carper of Carper Contemporary. Current featured artists: Matthew Choberka, Jared Steffenson, Alexis Furlong, Justin Watson
https://www.carpercontemporary.com/projects-folder/current-projects
7pm Mark Dee
8pm Dave Quackenbush
9pm Seeking Tragedy – Female fronted metal band from SLC
Art Box – Art Box is thrilled to feature Cathy Cartwright for December’s First Friday Art Stroll in its new location at The Monarch! Cathy is a self-taught artist who works in fiber and glass, all in various forms. She began fusing glass in 1997 and has been exploring all the facets of this medium ever since!
Artist’s Statement: “I am endlessly fascinated by texture and surface design; exploring ways to create complex, textural surfaces on glass is my current focus. For me, layers of glass, textured by various processes, communicate my need to experience the rich complexities of ordinary life. Glass can be explored and reconsidered, bringing to the surface that which is not visible, appreciated, or understood at first glance.”
In Cathy’s fused glass roll ups, which combine kiln worked glass and glass blowing, she examines interior and exterior surfaces, and well as the space between them. In this exhibit, both sculptural and functional fused glass work will be featured, including pate de verre, roll-ups, jewelry, and airbrushed pieces.
Check out their new location in The Monarch building at 455 25th Street on Friday, December 6th from 6-9 p.m.!
Union Station – Locations at the Union Station
Union Station - 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden
Union Station - 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden
Nurture the Creative Mind - 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden – (South end of the Union Station)
Waffle Love Ogden – Kathryn Dickerson’s Art made up of whimsical, impressionistic oil paintings as well as some mixed media work. They showcase beautiful aspects of nature as well as thoughts and things from my imagination. Mostly about over choosing to love over fear.
Waffle Love Ogden – 109 25th Street, Ogden
Wasatch Roasting Company – Wasatch Roasting Company is excited to feature the works of December's artist, Avery Franklin!
Outside, in Origin-Alley Art Gallery, they will display new artwork from Rich Ramos, Nezak, Jaroh and other local artists. They will provide outdoor seating in the alley as well as live music during the stroll.
Wasatch Roasting Company - 2436 Grant Ave., Ogden
Regina Esparza
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
P 801-629-8703
2549 Washington Blvd
St. 915
Ogden, Utah 84401
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USDA Invests $5.2 Million in
Rural Broadband for Kansas Families
PARSONS, Kansas, Nov. 25, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Matthew Lohr today announced USDA has invested $5.2 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve rural e-Connectivity for rural households and farms in Kansas. This is one of many funding announcements in the first round of USDA’s Reconnect Pilot Program investments.
“I’m excited about the tremendous benefits broadband will have for farmers here in rural Kansas,” Lohr said. “Our core mission at USDA is to increase rural prosperity through boosting economic opportunity in rural America. We know that rural communities need robust, modern infrastructure to thrive, and that includes having access to broadband e-Connectivity.”
Wave Wireless, LLC will use ReConnect Program funding to deploy a Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) broadband network capable of simultaneous transmission rates of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) or greater. The funded service areas include 1,390 households, 16 businesses, and 23 farms. The project will facilitate more access to services and information for local residents, and it will improve the overall quality of life for people in the community.
Background:
In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. On Dec. 13, 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the rules of the program, called “ReConnect,” including how the loans and grants will be awarded to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. USDA received 146 applications between May 31, 2019, and July 12, 2019, requesting $1.4 billion in funding across all three ReConnect Program funding products: 100 percent loan, 100 percent grant, and loan-grant combinations. USDA is reviewing applications and announcing approved projects on a rolling basis. Additional investments in all three categories will be made in the coming weeks.
These grants, loans and combination funds enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient Internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory, and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump, which included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local, and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please see the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed Internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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Sasse and Lee Urge Sanctions Against Mexican Drug Cartels
Sasse and Lee to Treasury, State, and FBI: "The cartels and the Mexican government must unequivocally understand the United States will respond strongly to the violence and corruption of the cartels which directly impact the American people. We will not tolerate attacks on U.S. citizens and we will protect the American people."
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Mike Lee (R-UT) wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of State, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seeking an aggressive sanctions response against the cartels that massacred an American family in northern Mexico on November 4.
"Mexican cartels slaughtered nine Americans, including babies," said Senator Sasse. "The Administration ought to use every legal avenue to bring these butchers to justice. Sanctions ought to be the first step in a coordinated effort to wage a smart, full-scale offensive against the cartels and gangs that are terrorizing our southern border."
"What happened on November 4 was a savage act of cruelty. The nine U.S. citizens killed were defenseless women and children,” Senator Lee said. “This attack has removed any pretense that the violence south of the U.S. border is contained. Mexico is leaning dangerously toward becoming a failed state. The cartels and gangs must know that the United States will respond to ensure they do not continue to threaten the American people."
The Senators' letter is available here and found below.
Dear Secretary Mnuchin, Secretary Pompeo, and Director Wray,
We write to you regarding the horrific massacre of nine American women and children in northern Mexico on November 4. We mourn with the families who lost loved ones and demand justice. While we wait for these butchers to be identified and brought to justice, we ask that your departments proactively consider the full and creative use of existing sanction authority in response to this tragedy to be implemented upon public attribution of the massacre.
We are encouraged to hear that the Mexican government has requested the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to bring those responsible to justice and arrests have been made, but we remain concerned about Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s security policy. López Obrador’s stated policy of “hugs, not bullets” is clearly insufficient to address this drug-fueled crisis of violence and lawlessness. What is required is the imposition of physical and financial costs on the cartels to deny them both territory and economic resources. We trust the United States Government is unified in its efforts to encourage the Mexican government to change the current security strategy and is advocating for an active response to the tragedy on November 4.
As more details emerge regarding which cartels or gangs are responsible for this heinous violence committed against American citizens, we ask your departments to consider the full and creative use of existing sanctions authorities against those responsible. Among the sanction authorities available for possible use are sanctions authorized by the Kingpin Act and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. This crime cannot go unpunished. The cartels and the Mexican government must unequivocally understand the United States will respond strongly to the violence and corruption of the cartels which directly impact the American people. We will not tolerate attacks on U.S. citizens and we will protect the American people.
We respectfully request that within 60 days after the FBI concludes its assistance to the Mexican government, we receive a briefing on the Administration’s formal efforts, including the implementation and effect on sanctions, and informal pressure of the Mexican government to act in a matter that better aligns with the safety and security of the American people.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to working together to ensure justice for these Americans and secure our southern border.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse
U.S. Senator Mike Lee
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USDA Statement on U.S. Sugar Market
(Washington, D.C., November 25, 2019) – Consistent with the Commerce Department’s Agreement Suspending the Countervailing Duty Investigation on Sugar From Mexico (the Agreement), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today notified the Department of Commerce (Commerce) of an additional need for sugar in the U.S. market of 100,000 short tons of refined sugar.* Consequently, Commerce has increased the quantity of Mexican refined sugar permitted to be exported by 100,000 short tons. This increase in Mexico’s refined sugar export limit will not change the total amount of total sugar imports from Mexico, just the mix between refined and other sugar.
In recent weeks, prospects for U.S. sugar production have declined significantly due to adverse weather in both sugar beet and sugarcane regions. In the November 2019 World Agricultural Supply & Demand Estimates Report, the U.S. sugar production projection declined by 572,000 short tons raw value from the previous month, while ongoing weather concerns threaten further reductions.
USDA will continue to monitor the market to assess whether supplies are adequate.
*Refined sugar of a polarity of 99.2 and above, as produced and measured on a dry basis.
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USDA Invests $5.1 Million in Rural Broadband
for Utah and Western Colorado
LAKE POINT, Utah, Nov. 25, 2019 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe announced USDA has invested $5.13 million in two separate high-speed broadband infrastructure projects that will create or improve rural e-Connectivity for more than 675 rural households in Utah and western Colorado. This is one of many funding announcements in the first round of USDA’s ReConnect Pilot Program investments.
“Both of these projects are providing critical communications investments in some truly rural areas of Utah and Colorado,” Rupe said. “Through USDA’s ReConnect program, these counties will get access to the latest broadband technology, and that will have a positive economic impact for the farms and ranches, small businesses and families that live in these communities. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to this strong partnership with rural communities in deploying this critical infrastructure, because we know when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”
Beehive Telephone Company, Inc. based in Lake Point, Utah, is receiving $2.4 million to develop a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network in Garfield, Wayne and Box Elder counties. This investment is anticipated to impact 141 households, eight farms and ranches, seven small businesses, and both the school and fire department in Snowville, Utah.
Emery Telecommunications & Video, Inc., based in Orangeville, Utah, is receiving $2.7 million to develop an FTTP network in San Juan County in Utah and Dolores County, Colorado. This investment is anticipated to impact 528 households, 20 farms and ranches, 15 small businesses, as well as the fire department, Sheriff’s office and schools in Dove Creek, Colo.
Background:
In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. On Dec. 13, 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the rules of the program, called “ReConnect,” including how the loans and grants will be awarded to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. USDA received 146 applications between May 31, 2019, and July 12, 2019, requesting $1.4 billion in funding across all three ReConnect Program funding products: 100 percent loan, 100 percent grant, and loan-grant combinations. USDA is reviewing applications and announcing approved projects on a rolling basis. Additional investments in all three categories will be made in the coming weeks.
These grants, loans and combination funds enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 1 Mbps upload.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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Utah Division of Water Resources Announces Regional Water Conservation Goals
SALT LAKE CITY – After reviewing and incorporating over 330 public comments, the Utah Division of Water Resources has finalized regional water conservation goals. Goals were established for nine regions around the state for municipal and industrial (M&I) water conservation. M&I includes residential, commercial, institutional (for example, schools and parks), and industrial water use, and excludes agriculture, mining and power generation.
“We appreciate all those who took the time to review the goals and share their opinions,” said Division of Water Resources Director Eric Millis. “There were some insightful comments, which were incorporated into the report. There is always value in soliciting public input.”
Although the numbers did not change, the comments improved the readability of the report including text clarifications that make the report better. All 334 comments and the division’s response to them are included in Appendix J of the report. The comments were collected during a 30-day comment period that ran from Aug. 27-Sept. 25.
The goals vary by region. When every region reaches its goal, a 16% water use reduction will be realized by 2030. This approach allows the goals to be tailored to each region’s characteristics.
(View the regions and the goals RWCG Regions.jpg RWCG Map With Percents.jpg.)
“When you look at the amazing variety we have in our great state – from southern Utah’s red rocks to the Alpine mountains in the north – targeting goals for a specific region allows the goals to account for things like climate, elevation, growing season and specific needs,” said Millis. “It’s a more local and customized approach.”
This is the first time Utah’s water conservation goals have been established on a regional level, an approach which was recommended by the 2015 Legislative Audit, 2017 Follow-up Audit, Third-Party Review and 2017 Recommended State Water Strategy.
“The regional goals replace the ‘25% by 2025’ goal. They also build on the previous statewide goal and will require everyone to do their part to conserve this precious resource,” said River Basin Planning Manager Rachel Shilton. “Every step counts and water conservation needs to become a way of life for all Utahns.”
Utah's previous statewide conservation goal of reducing per-capita use 25% by 2025 was introduced by Gov. Gary Herbert during his 2013 State of the State address. (Gov. Mike Leavitt first set a target to use 25% less water by the year 2050 back in 2000.) Utahns were making great progress on the water conservation front, so Herbert challenged Utahns to cut the time in half. The regional goals are designed to continue to improve the state’s conservation efforts.
To formulate the regional water conservation goals, the Division of Water Resources first gathered public input. During fall 2018, over 1,650 people participated in a water conservation survey, and eight open houses across the state were held. After public input was tallied, a team consisting of water providers, members from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, and Water Resources staff worked with a third-party consultant to provide input on the region-specific goals. Public input was gathered during a 30-day comment period, reviewed and incorporated.
“These goals will help guide the state’s water managers in planning future infrastructure, policies and programs consistent with Utah’s semiarid climate and growing demand for water,” said Millis. “They will also be used to plan conservation programs.”
View the regional water conservation goals at Water.Utah.Gov/goals.
For more information, contact Kim Wells, public information officer, at 801.803.0336 or email kimwells@utah.gov.
