Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

The American Fork High School marching band’s winning ways have made headlines nationwide for decades. The program has blessed thousands of local students. Supporting each of those students are parents dedicated to the band’s success. Much of the band’s strength comes from the students’ fathers. This group of men is known as the “Band Dads”; they are the muscle behind the marching.

The group began during the summer of 1985 when Dan Adam’s daughter, Danette, who was on the drum line, asked her dad for help moving equipment. Within a couple of years, as more dads helped the band, they united and officially became the “Band Dads,” with Adams leading the group.

Band Dads help with numerous responsibilities. They build props and move equipment for the marching band and winter guard programs. They do whatever is needed so the band director and staff can spend more time instructing students, creating a better band experience for all.

On a typical marching band show day, Band Dads usually load the trucks in the early afternoon and drive to the show site. They help unload the semis, set up props and other equipment, and help the band move on and off the field. At the conclusion of the competition, the Band Dads load the semis again and return to AFHS, where they unload the two semis around midnight or later. “It makes for long, hardworking days,” shared band dad Dusty Miller.

Band Dads help the band with their first performance of the year, the annual Memorial Day Program at the Alpine Tabernacle. The dads set up, help host, and tear down the Steel Days Breakfast Fundraiser in the Macey’s parking lot before the annual parade. They also help transport the band to and from summer band camp in Gunnison, UT. While in Gunnison, Band Dads not only help prepare the props, but also feed the students. Kids love the Band Dads’ pancakes and French toast, hot off the grill for breakfast. Band Dads also barbecue hamburgers and smoke delicious pork for students to enjoy.

“Being a band dad is a volunteer responsibility. Nobody gets paid, and we don’t get lower band fees for our students. In fact, we often pay out of our own pockets to help buy supplies for the band program’s projects,” wrote Miller.

Handling the logistics of transporting the band’s instruments and props for shows has helped make the band a leader in the marching world. Starting in the late 1980s, Adams realized the band needed a reliable way to transport its equipment. In 1987, Adam’s wife and daughter saw a trailer for sale on State Street and spoke with the owner about purchasing it for the band. The band reimbursed Adams for the purchase, and they acquired the first band trailer.

“We needed men with construction skills to remodel the trailer. This was the beginning of a new organization within the booster group called ‘Band Dads.’ Enthusiastic Band Dads stepped up to help,” recalled Adams. Since that summer almost 40 years ago, the band has been backed by their Band Dads.

Under Adams’ leadership, he gained support from Luke and Susan Savage, who later donated the band’s first semi-trailer in 1990.

Beyond trailer construction, in 1999 Band Dads also built what is known as the band shed, which sits just south of the high school and houses much of the band’s equipment year-round.

Beloved AFHS band Director John Miller was instrumental in working with Band Dads and meeting students’ needs. After 30 years at AFHS, Miller gave the band program a solid foundation. Under Miller’s direction, the band went to Grand Nationals for the first time in 1995. The band also marched in the 1997 Rose Parade, George W. Bush’s second presidential inaugural parade in 2005 in Washington, DC, and the 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

Since 1987, Band Dads have had four presidents, including Adams, Troy Mace, Dusty Miller, and their current president, Ted Reid.

Dusty Miller began helping the Band Dads in 2016 and was asked to be the band dad president in Jan. of 2018, where he served for over seven years. He is no longer the president but continues to serve the band.

“Long before this, I started being a part of the band community when my dad, John Miller, took over as the band director way back in the 1980s. I remember watching the band and joining them on trips to California when I was around 10 years old,” shared Miller.

From 1995-97, Miller was a student at AFHS and played trumpet in the band. During his time in the marching band, they performed at the BOA Grand Nationals competition. “It was an amazing experience for me, so it’s quite amazing and surreal that I get to take my son to the same competition this year.”

“This band has been a part of my life for a very long time. My wife, Tiffany Miller, was also the color guard director at AFHS for almost 20 years, so I never really left the band family,” added Miller. “When I started raising kids who played instruments or danced and spun equipment with the color guard, I decided to help out as a band dad.”

The Millers have four kids; three have been in the marching band, and one just started seventh grade playing in the band at American Fork Junior High. “I expect he will want to join the marching band in two more years,” shared Miller.

“My favorite part of being a band dad is spending more time with my kids who have been through the program and providing them with a more amazing experience. I love the challenge of figuring out how to build some of these things and making them match the director’s vision,” wrote Miller.

Miller thinks Band Dads “are all special because they are sacrificing time away from their families to help the band program. But the really special dads are the ones who once had kids in the program and have long since left. I know of one dad, Reid Shelley, who had kids in the band back in 1995, when I was a member of the band. Reid continues to help us to this day.”

Shelley now has grandchildren in the band program, but he helped the Band Dads for many years even without having family in the band. “There are also people who help who don’t have kids in the program. I know of aunts, cousins, and friends of students who come to help us in some capacity. It’s quite incredible,” shared Miller.

“Our Band Dads are amazing! The Band Dads have so many talents. It’s incredible to watch a project go from design to engineering to welding and building,” shared Allison Dean, AFHS Band Administrative Assistant. “The season is a very busy time for them, but they come when they can and have a great camaraderie! If we ask for it, they build it!”

Band Dad Nate Benson is the band’s grill master. He cooks 250 pounds of pork throughout the year for different events. “I love supporting my daughter. Being a band dad lets me be part of it in more ways than just sitting in the stands. I get to work alongside the kids.”

Current band president Ted Reid’s family became involved in band when their oldest was in fifth grade and saw the marching band’s elementary tour. “He came home from school one day saying, ‘I want to join the band!’” shared Reid.

Reid met Troy Mace, the head band dad at the time, at a booster meeting. Mace told Reid to volunteer and said, “Just do what you can, when you can.”  Reid chaperoned when the band went to New York and marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He said it was challenging, but “I was hooked, and from then on, I helped as much as I could. I could see the amazing effect this program has on the kids who participate.”

“I love being a part of this band dad community. We truly are friends. We work long hours, do a lot of hard work, but we have fun doing it. The camaraderie is amazing because we are all there for the same goal – to help the students and the band program,” shared Miller.

Band Dads have had a busy couple of weeks traveling with the band to St. George recently and are currently in Indianapolis supporting the band for their Grand National Competition.

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

After 30 years with the Alpine School District, Shauna Smith will pass her baton and retire at the end of the school year. Smith has conducted orchestras at both American Fork Junior High and American Fork High School since 2000.

“I have loved teaching at AF schools. Friends, parents, students, families, teachers, and administrators have always supported me and my students. I will miss them terribly!” shared Smith.

Smith began learning piano from her mother at age five. In fourth grade, she started playing the violin. Smith was influenced by many talented musical educators; the first example she wanted to follow was her elementary music teacher, Mrs. Illene Peterson.

“Because of Mrs. Peterson, I was determined to be a teacher like her,” shared Smith.

In high school, Smith continued her musical journey with Mr. William Englesman. “We played for corporate groups, small companies, community outreach programs, and tours, and because of him. I was able to perform for President Ronald Reagan, his wife, and many local dignitaries as a High School Student,” added Smith.

As a college student, Smith attended Brigham Young University, where she studied under Dr. Tamara Cardon and Dr. Lawrence Sardoni. She performed in the BYU Philharmonic and Young Ambassadors. She played the violin, sang, and danced through the Pacific Northwest, India, and Sri Lanka.

Smith also attended Arizona State University under the direction of Dr. Eugene Lombardi. While at ASU, she performed with its top orchestras and with Victor Borge during his visit. “It was another opportunity that blessed me,” wrote Smith. Smith also studied at Weber State University under Dr. Michael Palumbo.

“Mrs. Smith is stellar—she cares about the music, and she cares about her students. She works so hard to help us grow and have awesome experiences. We will miss you, Mrs. Smith!” wrote violinist Brinton Bishop.

“Working with Shauna has been the best life and musical adventure ever!” shared Orchestra Assistant Nancy Auga. “This is my 15th year working with Shauna, and we are not only co-workers, but we have become best friends.”

For six years, Auga served the orchestra as a parent volunteer with her children being Smith’s former students at AFHS. After they graduated, Smith needed help and asked Auga to consider working for her as her assistant for both AFJH and AFHS. Auga said yes, and “that’s how we became ‘besties’,” Auga added.

The two ‘besties’ are leaving big shoes to fill as Auga is also retiring. Growing up in California’s Bay Area, Auga’s love for music began in elementary school, first on the viola and then the piano. She is currently learning to play the violin.

“Shauna Smith and Nancy Auga have poured a tremendous amount of time and effort over the years to help the orchestra program be successful at AFJH and AFHS. They both care deeply about the program and the students,” shared American Fork Junior High Principal Kirk Johnson.

All four of Annie Funk’s children have been in American Fork orchestras with Mrs. Smith. She is so grateful for the opportunities her kids have had, including performing at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Memorial. “In orchestra, they made friends, learned to work hard, and created beautiful music together. Shauna Smith and Nancy Auga are a fantastic team.”

Outside of teaching, Smith describes her family of six children and 16 grandchildren as “close.”

During her time as a teacher, she loved teaching 4 of her 6 children directly and playing with her other 2 children in concert as band students.

Under Smith’s leadership, students had the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center (Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall) and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. “What a grand blessing it was to perform in the world’s greatest Halls with the students that I care for the most,” shared Smith.

Smith will also miss the students, both the Junior High Beginners and the huge sound of the full Symphony performed by high school students. “I hope they understand that they can create beauty with sound using their voices or their instruments. I hope they understand that they are valuable to me, and I think of them as part of a large musical family. I care deeply for their well-being, and I want them to be lovers of music whether they perform or consume music. I also want them to share what they learned with their own families.”

“I hope our students leave our program knowing they made a difference in the lives of many. I hope they continue their love for playing and take their talents with them wherever their paths may lead. Most of all, I hope they know that Mrs. Smith and I loved each one of them, cared about them and that they made a difference in our lives. As our Orchestra farewell saying goes … “Luv yer guts kiddos!” concluded Auga.

Madelyn Wilson | American Fork Citizen

When military personnel are stationed at a new place, their families are thrown into a new home, new community and new schools. For kids, this can be an especially difficult transition as they look to make friends and adjust to a new school in a well-established community. That’s why the Purple Star program for schools exists.

Pleasant Grove’s Grovecrest Elementary was among the first schools in Alpine School District to seek out the designation, thanks to Vice Principal Ruthie Cheeseman.

“A Purple Star School is a program that the military is trying to coordinate with schools to help children who have families that are in the military when they must move from school to school. Because if they’re going from school to school, sometimes credits don’t transfer, sometimes friendships are difficult, everything that comes with that,” Cheeseman shared.

“So having the Purple Star designation just lets families know that if they’re looking for a Purple Star, that we’re going to have a system where we know how to enroll them even without their documents, if they don’t have everything. We know how to help them transition to the new school.”

The school received the Purple Star designation at the beginning of last school year, but there was one hangup with the program — there’s no way to know which kids have family in the military without asking verbally, or them volunteering the information.

“The hardest part of being a Purple Star school is identifying who are the kids that have military family members. And that was where I grappled with it because when they enroll in the school, there’s nothing on the paperwork, nothing in Skyward,” Cheeseman said. “For me, I was like, ‘Well, what if we just started a club? Because they’ll want to be a part of the club and they’ll come forward out of the works.’ So, it kind of happened naturally.”

Beginning with one student toward the beginning of last year, there are now 11 students in the Purple Star Club, each having a close family member serving in the military. Support for these kids comes mainly in the form of connecting with each other. Having friends in similar situations appears to be a big help to the students, including third-grader Eleanor Monson.

Monson’s dad returned from deployment this past summer. While he was away, she carried around a minifig of him, and he kept a set of minifigs of their family, so they could still be together in a way while they were apart. She shared some of her favorite things about being in the Purple Star Club.

“My favorite thing is helping people when they’re having a rough time with the family member being deployed,” Monson said.

“I’ve written notes and put them in care packages for some soldiers in the military, and that was really fun,” Monson added. “I was in an assembly, and I got a really fun part of speaking.”

Monson looked forward to her assignment at this year’s Veterans Day assembly, which was to pass out gifts to the other kids. The assembly also included a flag ceremony, color guard, a song from the choir and a speech.

Other activities the club has done together include creating a Wall of Honor for all their veterans and active military and assembling care packages for other military families.

“So, they wrote letters to other kids, and then we had a brainstorm about what would be appropriate and went through the process of writing to another person that you don’t know, and think about what it’s like for you,” Cheeseman shared about the care package activity. “Some of them have parents deployed, and some don’t, so their discussions were insightful to each other. As soon as they were done writing the letters, they put the package together.”

The packages included motivational stickers, Grovecrest swag, and more. After this club activity, they reached out to the National Guard to request help distributing the packages, and the Guard was moved by their efforts.

“To show their appreciation, Guard members [visited] our school to spend time with the club, answer their questions about Veterans Day, and even help them perfect their Color Guard protocol,” Cheeseman shared.

Master Sergeant Greg Annis, one of the visiting Guard members, expressed his appreciation for the club and their efforts. “Overall, our main goal is to ensure we show the kids how much we appreciate their efforts by giving them our attention so they have time to get to know us a little, talk, ask questions, and come away feeling recognized for their hard work,” he shared.

Since Grovecrest received its Purple Star designation, many more schools in ASD have joined in. There are now 36 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools in the district with the designation. For more information about the Purple Star program, visit alpineschools.org/page/purple-star-schools.

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

A 15-year-old teen preparing for a kidney transplant created a Thanksgiving-inspired taco at The Smoked Taco in American Fork as part of a fundraiser benefiting Make-A-Wish Utah.

Collin worked with the restaurant team to develop The Gobbler, a featured menu item available through December. During the first week of November, the restaurant will donate 50% of The Gobbler’s sales to Make-A-Wish Utah.

The campaign also includes checkout donation options of $1, $3 or $5. Nathan Bracken, director of operations for The Smoked Taco, said about half of the restaurant’s locations are upgrading their point-of-sale systems, and the company is working to add those options to all registers to make donations easy.

Bracken said the restaurant approached Make-A-Wish Utah about pairing a child who enjoys cooking with its team to create a Thanksgiving-inspired menu item.

“Collin was a perfect fit,” Bracken said.

For Collin, who enjoys baking homemade bread, making cinnamon rolls and preparing meals with his family, the invitation gave him a chance to put his cooking interests to work for other children facing critical illnesses.

The restaurant recognized him as an “Official Smoked Taco Creator” for his role in developing The Gobbler.

Born with kidney disease, Collin spent six weeks in the hospital as a baby without functioning kidneys before one kidney began working. At 15, he has 30% kidney function and is preparing for a transplant.

Collin is also awaiting a wish through Make-A-Wish Utah, which he plans to receive after his transplant. He is still considering what to request, including cooking lessons in Greece or another hands-on learning experience closer to home.

“If there were a word that meant caring, selfless and kind all at once, that’s Collin,” his family said. “He is always thinking about other people, even when he’s facing challenges of his own.”

His experiences with kidney disease have inspired him to become a nephrologist (a doctor who treats kidney disease). During a recent hospital stay for appendicitis and dialysis, Collin contacted one of his favorite blanket companies to help provide blankets for other children receiving treatment.

At home, his cooking ranges from cookies and bread to family meals. Developing The Gobbler allowed him to work in a restaurant kitchen and contribute to a fundraiser supporting wishes for children across Utah.

“The Smoked Taco has been an incredible partner to Make-A-Wish Utah,” said Daniel Dudley, CEO of Make-A-Wish Utah. “Partnerships like this bring communities together in such a meaningful way. Every wish begins with people who choose to make a difference, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to helping grant wishes for local children and families.”

Outside the kitchen, Collin enjoys reading, soccer, volleyball and spending time with friends and family. He also likes river rafting, kayaking, concerts and sharing meals with the people closest to him.

“Kidney disease doesn’t limit him,” his family said. “It’s simply led him down a different path.”

The fundraising campaign continues through December. Restaurant information and locations are available at thesmokedtaco.com. Information about Make-A-Wish Utah and ways to contribute directly is available at wish.org/utah.

Donna Barnes | American Fork Citizen

During Christmas break in 2025, the Paul and Rachelle Beck family gathered to talk about goals for the next year. Eli, their son, said, “Let’s do something epic as a family next year.” With that declaration, the brainstorming started. The idea of competing in a half Ironman surfaced, and the family all voiced a resounding “yes.”

A half Ironman includes a 1.9-kilometer swim, a 90-kilometer bike ride, and a 21.1-kilometer run. The requirements challenge even the most ardent sports enthusiast, but the Becks decided they all wanted to participate. Most European Ironman competitions were already full. The Becks wanted to go somewhere in Europe, and they found a race in Porec, Croatia. They envisioned competing where they could swim in the Adriatic Sea, bike through Porec’s rural coastal streets with its old olive groves and run along the sea wall paths lining the Adriatic. It would be the experience of a lifetime.

The Becks started training in January of 2026. “We started training for the swim at the Lehi Legacy Center and biked along the Murdock Trail. We were happy to be training for 10 months at 4760 feet altitude and so grateful the race was at sea level. This should help us feel good during the race,” said Rachelle Beck.

According to Rachelle, “Gordon Graham, the voice of many Ironman events, couldn’t get over the fact that we were doing this as a family. He kept saying repeatedly on the loudspeakers, ‘How many are doing this, and you are all a family! I can’t believe it. This is amazing.’”

On October 14, Rachelle and Paul Beck, along with their children, Eli, Lars, Kenz Whimpey, Ingram (Beck) Smart and husband Bay, boarded a plane. The group spent the next two weeks preparing and competing. “In this year’s race there were 2,200 participants from over 70 countries and 1698 finishers,” said Rachelle.

“We learned so much about ourselves,” said Rachelle. We discovered we are capable of doing almost anything. We loved racing alongside each other and cheering each other on when the physical challenges were difficult. We found out we can do hard things.”

The only family member unable to attend was daughter, Tennyson, who recently had a baby. Still, Tennyson and her husband, Jake, said they plan to join the family for an Ironman in the not-too-distant future.

Donna Barnes | American Fork Citizen

Lifetime Lehi resident and entrepreneur Darren Jones faced a dilemma: “How do I know who to vote for?” He said, “This summer when I reviewed the candidates, I realized that I did not recognize many of their names, know where to find reliable information, or even know who to contact with questions. I wanted to make an informed decision but needed a starting point.”

After developing multiple online companies, Life Inspire Technologies, Lifeinspire.ai, and Alpineinnovations.com, Jones began developing a tool for prospective voters. He purchased the MyVotingTool.com domain and launched the website during the summer of 2026. He shared the website with a small group who found the information invaluable. Jones said, “My goal was to create a free, nonpartisan civic resource that places voters’ values and priorities at the center of their decisions, rather than relying solely on the campaign messages. I wanted voters to be able to ask, “How closely does this candidate’s record align with the issues that matter to me?”

My Voting Tool lets users create profiles, identify their political preferences and priorities, and assign weight to the issues that matter. It then compares candidates against those preferences using their stated positions and historical records. Each voter sets the comparison criteria. A “chameleon score” concept highlights changes in a candidate’s position over time. According to Jones, “The idea is to help voters consider consistency, context and alignment over a long period of time.”

My Voting Tool is intended for everyone, regardless of political party or viewpoint. It is free to use and designed to provide an unbiased resource for exploring candidates, asking questions, and understanding available information. Jones adds, “It does not promote any particular party, candidate, or ideology; instead, it helps people reach their own conclusions. I created MyVoting Tool.com to make relevant information more accessible and easier to compare. What began as my own uncertainty at the ballot box became an effort to help others find clarity. My goal is simple: to give anyone with similar questions a free, useful starting point for making informed voting decisions.

Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen

Lehi skateboarder Greg Williams officially achieved professional status, signing a contract with a major national board sponsor and cementing his place in the competitive skateboarding world. The achievement marks the culmination of a long journey defined as much by chipped teeth and stitches as it is by flawless vert execution.

For Williams, turning professional means far more than just getting his name printed on the bottom of a skateboard deck. In modern skateboarding, pro status signifies that an athlete has reached the elite tier of design, style, and influence, moving from a regional competitor to a paid ambassador for the sport. It grants him access to major global competitions, dedicated signature product lines, and a platform to inspire the next generation of riders.

“My immediate reaction was pure shock. Turning pro and getting my name on a board has always been a major goal, so having that initial conversation to start the process was surreal,” said Williams.

The road to turning pro was anything but smooth for Williams, marked by heavy slams, injuries, and at times, disappointment. Through it all, his passion for the game was the only medicine that kept him moving forward.

“I’ve definitely had my share of heavy slams and injuries. Most recently, I had a bad fall that fractured two of my teeth and split my chin open, which required surgery and a few tough weeks of recovery,” said Williams. “However, because skating is my passion, it’s easy to stay motivated through the physical recovery—the hardest part is just having to stay off the board.”

The road to turning pro doesn’t just break a skater’s body; it tests their mind. Discouragement and frustration are part of the daily grind. But Williams found his breakthrough by changing how he looked at the struggle. Practice was only half the battle—the rest was mental. Instead of feeling inadequate or defeated, he began to view every failed attempt as a masterclass in patience and positivity.

“There were definitely moments of discouragement over the years. When I first decided to compete in the Pro divisions, I looked at the established pros and felt like they were years ahead of me, which made me wonder if I could ever reach that level,” said Williams. “I pushed through by staying focused on my own progression. Perspective is important as well. I am young, and it’s a journey to get to that elite professional level.”

Reaching the pro ranks has demanded massive sacrifices from Williams and his family, who spent years giving up weekends and planning their entire lives around his schedule. It meant endless hours driving to skateparks, waiting out long film sessions, and scraping together resources to keep him rolling. But that relentless family hustle has finally paid off, and it’s driving him toward even bigger goals on the global stage.

“The biggest sacrifice has been time,” said Williams. “My family and I have spent countless hours at skateparks, ramps, and at home working through tricks, lines, and setbacks. I’m forever grateful for their support, especially my dad, who has put in an insane amount of time filming me over the years.”

Goals for Williams focus on improvement, dropping a definitive video part and competing in the XGames.

“My main goals are to keep improving, film my next video part, and eventually compete in the X Games,” stated Williams.

Other pro skateboarders might change their approach over time, but Williams remains focused on progression and a pure love for the sport.

“Not many changes in terms of my mindset. I’m going to keep pushing myself, skating as much as possible, and making sure I continue to love every bit of the process,” said Williams.

Williams credits the skateboard community in Lehi with sparking his passion for the sport, where he first got his start.

“Being in Lehi had a massive impact on my skating,” said Williams. “Before moving here, I didn’t skate much, but visiting the Lehi skatepark and seeing bowl and vert skating for the first time completely blew my mind—I was hooked immediately.”

“Having such a great bowl so close to home allowed me to really focus on developing my vert skills,” added Williams.

The local skate community provides crucial support, mentorship, and grassroots backing that helps amateur skateboarders turn pro. For Williams, the Lehi community was the driving force behind his growth and motivation.

The local community played a massive role by inspiring me, offering support, and cheering me on throughout my journey,” said Williams.

He continued, “Geoff Geertsen and his local brand, Geertsen Clothing, are a huge part of my story. Meeting Geoff gave me a core group of older skaters who welcomed me, helped me build new skills, and became great friends. Geertsen Clothing was also one of my first sponsors and the first company to give me a signature line.”

Williams is a young pro, but he already wants to give back to the culture that shaped him.

“I want to help the local scene grow, support local events, and always be welcoming and helpful to the next generation of skaters. I want to see the local skate community continue to be positive and inclusive, no matter what,” stated Williams.

Although going pro can be demanding and the process requires immense hard work, Williams emphasizes that aspiring professional skateboarders must always remember to “have fun.”

“Always make sure you’re having fun. Even if you’re chasing goals like turning pro or getting sponsored, enjoying the ride makes everything easier,” said Williams.

He added, “Also, don’t give up when you hit plateaus or feel like your progress has slowed down. It can be frustrating, but if you keep at it, you’ll break through.”

For any skateboarder looking for the best spots, Lehi City is well known for hosting some incredible skateparks. Williams agrees, calling the Lehi skatepark “one of the best.”

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, residents will gather at the Alpine Tabernacle on Main Street in American Fork for a Veterans Day program honoring service, remembrance and gratitude.

The free, hourlong event will bring veterans, families, students and neighbors together to recognize those who have served in the nation’s armed forces. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton will deliver the keynote address, and the Timpanogos Chorale will provide music under the direction of Andrew Wheelwright.

Program committee member Kevin Barnes said the ceremony is intended to honor all veterans, regardless of military branch, era or assignment.

“The whole idea of the program is to honor and salute the veterans,” Barnes said. “We hope and understand that everyone comes away with a little more appreciation and gratitude for all who have served.”

This year’s theme, “Defending Freedom for 250 Years,” connects veterans’ service with the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States and will frame Burton’s keynote address.

Burton retired from the Utah National Guard in 2019 after 37 years of military service. He served his final seven years as Utah’s adjutant general, overseeing the Utah Army and Air National Guard. His military education included the U.S. Army War College and national security programs at Harvard University.

“We want to tie in the 250-year anniversary and their service defending our freedoms,” Barnes said.

Music will carry much of the program’s message. The Timpanogos Chorale will open with the national anthem and later perform “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Following Burton’s address, the chorale will sing the Armed Forces Medley, featuring the official songs of the nation’s military branches.

The medley recognizes each branch in turn and now includes the U.S. Space Force, the country’s newest military branch.

The program will also honor veterans whose service is woven into American Fork’s history. Near the end of the ceremony, organizers will read an honor roll recognizing more than 30 military veterans buried in the American Fork Cemetery. To be included, an individual must have served in the military and be buried in the city cemetery.

That remembrance will take place before an audience that includes some of the community’s youngest residents. Fifth-grade classes from American Fork’s five elementary schools have been invited to attend. Most students will arrive by bus, while classes from nearby schools may walk to the tabernacle.

Organizers have worked with school principals and teachers to coordinate the students’ attendance. Barnes said fifth graders are studying U.S. history, making the program a timely extension of what they are learning in their classrooms.

“This is really U.S. history, in a sense — all these wars and all the service of everybody,” Barnes said.

For Barnes and the committee, the students’ presence is part of the program’s purpose. Organizers hope younger attendees leave with a clearer understanding of the people behind the history and the sacrifices that military service can require.

The date and time carry their own historical meaning. World War I ended when an armistice took effect at 11:00 on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Nov. 11 was initially observed as Armistice Day in honor of World War I veterans.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day commemoration in 1919, and Congress made Nov. 11 a federal holiday in 1938. Congress renamed the holiday Veterans Day in 1954, expanding its purpose to honor American veterans of all wars and periods of service. Veterans Day remains fixed on Nov. 11 regardless of the day of the week.

Although the ceremony focuses on veterans, attendance is not limited to those with military connections. Barnes emphasized that the program belongs to the wider community and welcomes everyone.

“The entire public is invited, whether they’ve served in the military or not,” Barnes said. “It’s for everybody.”

A large parking lot is located next to the Alpine Tabernacle, and there is no charge to attend. The program is scheduled to last about an hour.

Barnes said the committee hopes the morning will give the community a chance to pause together, recognize neighbors who served, and offer a sincere, public expression of gratitude.

Additional information is available at https://www.americanfork.gov/182/Special-Cemetery-Events

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

For the Christensen family, fall is more than a season of changing leaves and Halloween decorations. It’s a time to share the fruits of their labor with the community.

Christensen Farms, a sixth-generation family farm about two miles south of American Fork, is once again offering pumpkins, squash and other fall decorations at a front-yard honor-system stand at 234 E. 200 S. in Lehi.

The Christensens live in Lehi and operate their farm in American Fork. They first sold pumpkins and squash directly from their home last year. After a positive response from the community, they decided to bring the stand back this fall.

“We have always done wholesale with our products, and we thought we could offer the community a better value on locally grown fresh produce if we sold direct,” Shanna Christensen said.

The honor-system stand allows customers to stop by, select produce, and pay without a cashier or employee present. The Christensens said the community’s response exceeded their expectations.

“People in our community have been so honest, polite and giving, and it really encourages us to continue this for many years to come,” Christensen said. “We want to thank everyone for their support.”

The family also enjoys contributing to the community and bringing a little of the fall season to the neighborhood.

“We really enjoy the fall and spooky season, and love to help contribute to our community,” Christensen said. “We like to see the pumpkins on the porches of our neighbors.”

Following last year’s success, the family made a few changes for this season. They doubled the number of pumpkins and squash they planted and added new varieties for customers to discover.

The selection includes large and small pumpkins in orange, green and white, including “warted” varieties. The stand also offers plain white and mini pumpkins. Christensen said the farm grows so many varieties that it can be difficult to keep track of all their names.

For those looking for something other than pumpkins, the stand also features several varieties of squash, including butternut, buttercup, acorn and spaghetti squash.

Corn stalks are also available as fall decorations.

Pumpkins and squash cost $2 to $6, while corn stalks are $5 each.

Keeping the stand stocked is a family effort. Because the farm is only a short distance from home, the Christensens make several trips throughout the day to replenish the selection.

“There’s always more,” Christensen said. “We just go load a truck to get it.”

One of the family’s favorite parts of running the stand is watching customers find the right pumpkin for their homes.

“It is always fun to see the kids pick their pumpkins,” she said.

The stand has also become a curiosity for people passing through the neighborhood. Christensen said the family enjoys watching cars slow as drivers notice the produce and decorations.

“We would encourage them to stop and take a look,” she said.

Although the pumpkins and squash are drawing attention this fall, Christensen Farms is more than a seasonal pumpkin operation. The family also grows corn and hay and sells those products when available. The farm uses Facebook Marketplace to advertise when produce is ready.

The farm has deep roots in the area. Six generations of Christensens have operated Christensen Farms, continuing a tradition of agriculture and service to communities including American Fork, Lehi and surrounding areas.

Looking ahead, the family hopes to keep operating the farm and expand its offerings for residents.

“Since we have been around for so long, we hope to keep going for years,” Christensen said.

The Christensens also hope to offer a wider variety of products to keep customers interested and give them new reasons to return throughout the year.

For now, however, the front-yard stand focuses on the sights, flavors and traditions of fall. With pumpkins in a range of colors, shapes and sizes, fresh squash and corn stalks for decorating, the Christensens hope their small honor-system stand becomes an annual part of the community’s autumn season.

“We want to add a wider variety of products to keep people intrigued and coming back for more,” Christensen said. “We would love to know what varieties the community would like to see in the future.”

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Police found Matt Restelli’s flip-flops neatly set by the front door of his mother-in-law’s American Fork home on July 12, 2024. Restelli lay face down in the hallway, shot seven times within about a minute of pulling up to the house.

He had driven from Temecula, Calif., believing he would be picking up his wife and children. Instead, his death set off an investigation that would send three members of one family to prison.

On Sept. 25, that investigation reached a national prime-time audience as NBC’s two-hour “Dateline” season premiere, “The Family Plot.”

Correspondent Josh Mankiewicz opened the show by describing American Fork as one of many tidy communities dotting the Utah landscape. Then he took viewers inside one of its homes.

Restelli’s brother-in-law, Kevin Ellis, told police he fired in self-defense after Restelli came at him with a knife. Ellis’ mother, Tracey Grist, backed him up. So did his sister, Restelli’s wife, Kathryn “Kate” Restelli, who told detectives she was terrified of her husband.

American Fork Police Detective Joseph Nordin soon began finding problems with their account.

“We’re a relatively small agency, so homicides are kind of few and far between,” Nordin told Mankiewicz. This was only his third.

The knife sat backward in Restelli’s right hand. But Restelli was left-handed, his mother told investigators, and one bullet had gone straight through his right wrist, which Nordin theorized it would have caused him to drop the knife. Nordin also questioned why Ellis was wearing a holster inside his mother’s house at 10 p.m.

“You can ask any gun owner, any cop, if they wear a holster at 10 o’clock at night and they’re home sitting around with the family, and the answer is no,” Nordin said.

Then came the clock.

Security video from a home across the street caught Restelli’s truck pulling up at 10:06 p.m. A neighbor heard the shots and called 911 at 10:09. Grist didn’t call until 10:15. According to KSL, prosecutors later argued she used those minutes to make sure Restelli was dead and to plant the knife.

Investigators also found an Apple AirTag in Restelli’s truck. Several of Kate’s relatives could track it and had exchanged texts about his location for weeks. KSL reported that relatives watched his progress during the roughly 10-hour drive to Utah, with one text placing him in Orem just five minutes before he reached the house.

Kate’s sister, Taralyn Fischer, told Mankiewicz the tracker was her idea, a way to warn Kate if Restelli followed her to Utah. Fischer has never been charged, and “Dateline” reported no evidence that she took part in the plot.

Restelli’s mother, Diane, described a very different picture of her son that night. He called her about two hours from American Fork, happy to be picking up his family.

“I would know,” she said. “I know my son.”

But some of the most revealing evidence came from Kate herself.

She recorded six phone calls with her husband the day he died. Mankiewicz suggested the case might never have been charged without them. Nordin described the recordings while testifying at Kevin Ellis’ preliminary hearing.

Restelli had wanted Kate to rent a car and drive home. Texts showed that Kate’s mother, Grist, told her no and instructed her to claim a sprained ankle instead.

Kate sent her husband the gate code. On the calls, she repeatedly asked whether he would come inside, assuring him that the front door was always unlocked.

Restelli sounded calm. Cheerful, even.

“I mean, you can hear her just eager for him to come inside,” Nordin said.

For Fischer, who had defended her mother and sister, the calls changed everything.

“It wasn’t until I heard those calls that I knew they lied to me,” she said.

Other evidence deepened investigators’ suspicions. Stephanie Slocombe, an online friend of Kate’s, said Kate told her on FaceTime the day after the shooting that Matt was dead, then added, “It’s okay. I’m happy.”

Grist’s phone also showed searches made less than two weeks before the shooting for Donna Adelson, the Florida grandmother convicted in the murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel.

Police arrested Grist and Kate on Oct. 29, 2024. Kate pleaded guilty in 2025 and testified against her brother and mother. She told jurors that she and Grist prepared the house that night by “putting blankets over the couch to avoid blood spatter.”

Fourth District Judge Roger Griffin sentenced Kate to two prison terms of one to 15 years, plus another term of five years to life. “Dateline” reported that she will be eligible for parole in 2036.

The cases against her brother and mother went to trial in 2026.

In January, a jury convicted Ellis of murder and obstruction of justice but acquitted him of conspiracy. In March, he was sentenced to 15 years to life, with additional prison terms to be served one after another.

Grist took the stand in April and denied any plan to kill her son-in-law. She also blamed Fischer for the sprained-ankle idea, which Fischer denies.

“I’ve never heard a mom before try to implicate one of her children,” Mankiewicz said.

The jury deliberated about five hours before convicting Grist, 60, on every count. In June, Griffin called her the “mastermind” and sentenced her to 15 years to life for murder. He ordered the terms on all other counts to be served consecutively and said the court would recommend that she be denied parole.

For the family members left behind, the damage extended far beyond the courtroom.

Kate’s father, Stan Ellis, lost a son-in-law and watched two of his children go to prison.

“He was a son,” he said of Restelli. “He was a son to me.”

Today, Restelli’s brother Mark is raising Matt’s children alongside his own. He had watches engraved in Matt’s memory for each of Matt’s brothers and sons.

The full two-hour “Dateline” episode, “The Family Plot,” is streaming on Peacock.