Farewell to Queen Jean of Mountain Green. We will miss Jean Bigler who passed away March 7, 2024. She was the heart of the Highlands and an example of fun and joy. We always felt better when we were around you, Jean. You made us feel loved and put a smile on our faces. The Highlands won’t be the same without you, but we’ll remember your funny jokes, the twinkle in your eyes, your fun-loving (and spicy) quips, and the pure love in your heart.

Spotlight on EJ Brooks! Edward James (EJ) Brooks was born in the Philippines at Clark Airbase when his mother, Anita Brooks, was stationed there in the Airforce. He came to America when he was in 1^st grade when Anita was relocated to Hill Airforce Base. EJ lived on base until age 12 when he moved to the Highlands. EJ enjoyed scouts and did St. Joseph Catholic High School, WSU, and USU.  He enjoyed tennis and soccer in both high school and college. EJ learned to telemark ski at Snow Basin and loves the mountains. He volunteered at the Mtn. Green fire department, served in the Coast Guard, and settled into an incredible career as a permanent professional firefighter. He’s worked with the US Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the US Forest Service and has rappelled into fires out of helicopters. He's traveled all over the West, adventuring through some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the world, including Teton National Park. He just got promoted to squadron leader and is heading out to do a few seasons in the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana. His advice is to find something you love and do it. He loves to get out and serve his neighbors. EJ loves his mom who is used to him coming and going depending on the fire season. He also loves living in the Highlands which has been his home base for most of his life. We’re grateful to you EJ for all those you’ve served in our neighborhood and for all those you’ve protected from fires throughout your career.

New Baby: Congrats to Julia & Shawn York!  The York’s have a sweet new little girl named Noelle Christine. She was born March 8 to join her siblings Macie, Arius and Calum.

Block Party at the Roedell’s. The neighborhood good times keep rolling. Last week Rick and Kim Roedell hosted a “Soup & Bread” get-together for their block. It was fun for neighbors to enjoy good food, get to know one another better, and enjoy one another’s company.

Spotlight on Kenia & Lucie. These are Kenia and Lucy who live with Austin and Nicole Larsen and their kids, Brooks and Beth, at 5803 Wasatch. Kenia is a 4 year-old black lab, and  Lucy is a 5-year-old tabby.  They got Lucy as a kitten from a cousin whose cat had kittens.  Kenia was a Christmas puppy.  They got her from  a family in the area when she was 16 weeks old. Lucy and Kenia are close friends and keep an eye on each other when they are outside. Lucy loves to catch mice and other small animals and brings them to Kenia as gifts. She has put their son, Brooks, to bed since she was a kitten and he was 4.  When it's bedtime, she gets into his bed and stays there till he comes, and then snuggles with him until he falls asleep.  Kenia’s favorite thing to do is to go duck hunting with Austin.   Austin trained her, and she is extremely obedient -- always comes when called, never leaves the yard when she's outside,  and accompanies the kids to the bus and stays by their side without a leash.  Once on a snowy icy day when Brooks was 6, he and Kenia were outside, and Brooks slipped and fell down a hill and got trapped in an icy hole.  Nicole was looking for him, but couldn't  hear him calling.  Kenia understood the problem and went to Nicole and led her right to Brooks.

Highlands Helpers. Thanks to great neighbors who help one another here a little and there a little as needs arise, including those who helped with Jean Bigler’s funeral.

Blast from the Past: Guess who?  (Answer: Jerry Malan)

The Highlands Hello: March 19, 2024.