Utah Weekly Forum With Rebecca Cressman

March is Teen Literacy Month in Utah and the 2024 Teen Author Boot Camp Conference gathered creative teens together in Provo to learn from the country’s bestselling authors. Yet, as important as literacy is, there are many children in Utah who have never had a book of their own at home. TABC’s non-profit Operation Literacy is changing that and changing lives. In this episode, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by TABC Founder & Author Jo Shaffer Layton and Jennifer Jenkins, Executive Director of Operation Literacy, who share more about their mission to help foster literacy, creativity and a love of reading in every child.

The number of Utahns at risk of missing a meal has skyrocketed in recent years leaving 1 in 10 Utah children unsure where their next meal will come from. To help replenish local food pantries, Utah residents are encouraged to fill any bag or box with non-perishable food donations and leave it outside their front door on Saturday, March 16th by 9:00am for pick-up. You can also drop food donations off at Macey’s or Lin’s grocery stores, any of Utah Food Bank’s warehouses or food pantry partners. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Utah Food Bank CEO Ginnette Bott who explains why the statewide Feed Utah food drive is critical to meet the record amounts of need. To learn more about donating food, time, or money, visit utahfoodbank.org/feedutah/

The Stolen Valley is an independent western action film shot in Southern Utah with two female leads who fight together to help the Navajo people reclaim their ancestral land. Jesse Edwards is the Director, Writer, and Producer who cast Briza Covarrubias as Lupe, a Mexican-Navajo mechanic, and Alle Sutton Hethcoat as Maddy, a runaway cowgirl. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Jesse, Briza, and Alle who talk about what it was like to film this Western in Utah’s beautiful, rugged landscape while learning more about its ancestral and cultural history.

Since February is cardiovascular health awareness month, it's an important time to correct the record on just who is at risk of heart disease. It's not just a male health issue. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men in Utah and across the country. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, Guest Host Rusty Keys is joined by Dr. Blake Gardner, Senior Medical Director for Cardiovascular Medicine with Intermountain Health. Dr. Gardner explains what men and women need to know about their individual heart health risk factors and how Primary Care Physicians can help  identify ways to create an enjoyable and heart healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit "Heart Health" on Intermountainhealth.org

Mental health and substance abuse struggles are so common that nearly every family experiences trying to help a loved one through it. Yet, stigmas and barriers exist and are preventing those in need of care from accessing life-changing treatments. The Huntsman Family is on a mission to change that in Utah and beyond. In this week's edition of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Christena Huntsman Durham. Huntsman Durham explains how her own family's story influenced the Huntsman Family Foundation to break down barriers, build mental health resources and support, and to spread the hopeful message that "You Are Not the Only One". If you need help today, please text or call 988 to reach someone who is available to help 24 hours a day at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. To learn more about #YouAreNottheOnlyOne or to find ways to get involved, visit www.HuntsmanFamilyFoundation.org.

Women living in Utah are at much greater risk of domestic violence, sexual assault, and discrimination than most people believe. The insight comes from new research released by  the Utah Women & Leadership Project. It reveals how much men and women currently know about  the safety of girls and women in Utah and where the state needs to focus to increase awareness and understanding. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project and Leader of A Bolder Way Forward, a statewide movement working to ensure girls and women have better lives and safer futures. To see the research in detail or to learn more, visit www.aBolderWayForward.org

Hundreds of refugees from Ukraine now call Utah home. Though building a new life in a new culture and language is challenging, refugees can integrate successfully with resources and local community support and there are ways you can help. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Oksana Oomel, Ukrainian Community Specialist at the Refugee Services Office within the Utah Department of Workforce Services, and Keanan Beatty, an Ukrainian Community Coordinator AmericCorps Vista at the Refugee Services Office. 

Filmmakers, actors, and movie lovers will now have a week to connect and explore cinematic stories at this year's Zions Indie Film Festival at the Scera Center in Orem, Utah, Feb 26 - Mar 2, 2024.  The festival has expanded to Mon-Saturday with movie premieres, panel discussions, meet and greets, and script readings from independent filmmakers from around the world. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman talks with ZIFF Co-Directors Marshall and Michelle Moore who give us a sneak peak into the films that will be showcased and some surprises for fans of professional baseball and the Touched by an Angel series. To see the schedule of free events and screenings of films like "The Faith of Angels", "Cabrini", "Emmett Till" and more, visit www.zionsindiefilmfest.com and click "Get Tickets."

Filmmakers, actors, and movie lovers will now have a week to connect and explore cinematic stories at this year's Zions Indie Film Festival at the Scera Center in Orem, Utah, Feb 26 - Mar 2, 2024.  The festival has expanded to Mon-Saturday with movie premieres, panel discussions, meet and greets, and script readings from independent filmmakers from around the world. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman talks with ZIFF Co-Directors Marshall and Michelle Moore who give us a sneak peak into the films that will be showcased and some surprises for fans of professional baseball and the Touched by an Angel series. To see the schedule of free events and screenings of films like "The Faith of Angels", "Cabrini", "Emmett Till" and more, visit www.zionsindiefilmfest.com and click "Get Tickets."

Northern Utah has a rich tradition of embracing the arts and that deep community connection is experienced on and off stage at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre in Centerville, Utah. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Centerpoint's Executive Director and Actor Danny Inkley who shares how the theatre's academy, outreach, and frequent sold-out shows reflect Davis County's passion for the arts and human connection. The 2024 season begins this month with A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and includes theatre fan favorites like Seussical, School of Rock, Into the Woods, and A Christmas Carol. For more information on tickets, classes, and volunteer opportunities visit Centerpointtheatre.org. 

The CDC reports about 38% of adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol and yet, it’s one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Dr. Christopher B Valentine, Optum Utah & Idaho Medical Director, who explains why it’s important to have your cholesterol tested and the role medications and lifestyle changes can make in improving your overall heart health. For more ways to take control of your heart and stroke risk and overall well-being from the American Heart Association, visit https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/live-fierce

Citizen diplomacy enlists individuals to help shape diplomatic relations with foreign countries. In Utah, there is an organization helping to promote international diplomacy by creating exchanges and experiences that build understanding, respect, and friendships between Utah citizens and other nations. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Utah Global Diplomacy President & CEO Felecia Maxfield-Barrett who explains the importance of soft diplomacy and how Utahns can volunteer and get involved in the upcoming professional and cultural international exchanges planned for 2024.

During Native American Heritage Month, UVU announced it is offering scholarships to indigenous students from all eight of Utah's federally recognized tribes. The scholarships are key because currently Native American students enroll in college at half the rate of other groups across the country. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, UVU Native American Initiative Director Justin Allison joins FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman to explain how the campus is utilizing 2 million sollars appropriated by the Utah legislature to create new support programs and Learning Communities to help support indigienous students succeed and obtain their college degree

The Road Home operates multiple shelters throughout the Salt Lake Valley and works each day to help families and individuals move back into a home of their own. In this week's episode of Utah Weekly Forum, The Road Home Executive Director Michelle Flynn and Communications Specialist Alicia Gleed join FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman to give the big picture of the multiple resources,  programs, and community support that makes it possible to provide a hopeful and safer future for those experiencing homelessness.

Grammy Nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker and Family Four, the musical group of her accomplished children, are performing across the country during the Christmas holidays. Utahns can see "Joy to the World! A Sacred Celebration" when the show tours through Salt Lake City, Logan, and Richfield, Utah. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, Jenny Oaks Baker joins FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman and explains how this year's tour incorporates live musical performances from her family, special guest vocalist Alex Sharpe & Jason F Wright, local dancers, and a multi-media Christ-centered experience. Tickets at JennyOaksBaker.com  

Knowing whether to go to the Emergency Room, InstaCare, or to use the telehealth app Connect Care can get you the care you need while saving you time and money. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Dr. Nate Miller, Medical Director of Intermountain Health's new Saratoga Springs Emergency Department. Dr. Miller explains how the new ER can help the communities west of Utah Lake and he shares how to know where to go for medical care no matter where you live. Learn more at Intermountainhealthcare.org/get-care-now

Internationally acclaimed composer Kurt Bestor performed his first Christmas concert in Utah 36 years ago. Since then, attending A Kurt Bestor Christmas each year has become a beloved, local tradition. This season, Kurt Bestor brings another Utah star to the stage, singer David Archuleta and a special arrangement of Kurt's famous "Prayers of the Children" dedicated to children who are currently experiencing war and turmoil around the world. A Kurt Bestor Christmas will run Decemeber 14th-16th at Salt Lake's Eccles Theater. Performance details and tickets are at Live-at-the-Eccles.com.

On Friday, October 27th, Utah Valley University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences will host its annual UVU Conference on Mental Health. The hybrid on-line and in-person event offers the mental health community the opportunity to connect to each other, find resources, and to learn more about Suicide Prevention, Addiction, Interpersonal Violence, and Depression. In this episode, Extraordinary Options Board Member and Summit Counseling Solutions CEO, Kate Plato joins FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman to share why the day-long conference is important for mental healthcare and how it will also pay tribute to community members involved in this life-changing work. For more information, visit www.uvu.edu/chss/

Year after year, Utah earns national attention as an economic leader and because of it's business-friendly environment. Now a conference has been created to help the local business community learn from Utah's most successful executives and entrepreneurs. Utah Business Forward is on November 16th, 2023 at the Grand America. In this edition of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Utah Business Editor-in-chief Melanie Jones, Brandthropology Agency CEO Dr. Chelsea Shields CEO, and Lovesac CEO Shawn Nelson. They explain how this conference filled with breakout sessions featuring dozens of Utah's top business minds can help the local business community improve strategy, marketing, entreprenurship, international business, and gain insights about people and culture in the business world. Registration details at forward.utahbusiness.com

Many women in Utah are so busy taking care of work, families, and other responsibilities that they don't take time to care for their own personal physical and mental health. On October 12th, Spanish Fork Hospital will hold their 2nd annual Girls Night Out to make it easier for women to know what support, resources and screenings are available in their community at a festive event with giveaways, pampering, and swag bags full of gifts. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Hospital Nurse Administrator Megan Johnson and Lots of Love CEO Grace Ehinger who share how Girls Night Out can help women prioritize their health and wellness, learn more about breast cancer, and even schedule their mammograms during the event.