40^th Anniversary: Remembering How Tracy Chapman Brought the World Together.  Forty years ago, on April 5, 1985 (Good Friday), radio stations worldwide united to broadcast We Are the World, the charity anthem supporting African famine relief. Thousands stopped simultaneously and came together in a moment of unity—all because of an idea that came from the heart and mind of our own neighbor, Tracy Chapman. 5,000 stations around the world participated in the event. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the song raised $8 million for USA for Africa and featured 46 artists, including Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen. President Reagan commented on hearing the song for the first time aboard Air Force One. The broadcast became a global phenomenon, with people gathering to sing along—hundreds at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and outside Richmond’s City Hall. Radio networks from New York to Salt Lake City to Detroit joined in. This was an example of how one person can make a difference. Thanks for this, Tracy, and so many other contributions you’ve made over the years. Check out these videos: https://youtu.be/uobAVTHjRFE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AjkUyX0rVw.

Welcome Ty and Tracy!  Ty Turnquist and Tracy Montgomery moved into the Pat Stephen home in the upper Highlands just in time for the neighborhood block party. Actually, they came to their block party just before they moved in, and enjoyed getting to know their new neighbors.  Before they moved to Utah, they both lived in Minnesota. Tracy works at the Hill AFB, and Ty works for Summit County. Ty says Tracy is his best friend, and he enjoys experiencing life with her and doing everything together. Tracy says Ty is loyal, hard-working, and can fix anything. “He’s definitely a keeper!” They were first attracted to Mountain Green because it is off the beaten path. They both enjoy the smaller community. “We love the neighborhood, the good neighbors, and the beauty of the outdoors surrounding us.” Welcome to the Highlands!

Welcome to the Wilkerson Family!  Katie was born and raised in Huntington, Pennsylvania, and Chatlen was born and raised here in Mountain Green. They met in Rexburg, Idaho, when they ended up in line next to each other at a haunted house. Chatlen is an engineer for Hill AFB, and Katie works for Intermountain as a social worker. Their brand-new baby, Mara, was born on February 23rd and enjoys eating and sleeping. They live near the top of Highland Drive. Their family enjoys camping and nature, which is why they love Mountain Green because they get to enjoy the outdoors right outside of their back door.

Welcome to the Whedon Family! We are thrilled to welcome the Whedon family to our neighborhood! They moved into the Weitzeil's former house. Taylor, Brinlee, and their adorable son Duke are moving into the Weitzeil's house, and we couldn't be happier to have them join our community. Taylor was raised in Sacramento and served a mission in Georgia. He studied manufacturing engineering at BYU, has worked with Northrup Grummen, and now works at Workday software. Taylor enjoys playing basketball, working on car projects, and cooking up delicious meals. In his new role in Corporate Sales Development, Taylor brings his passion for engaging with people and making meaningful connections. Brinlee was born in Ogden and raised in California. She attended BYUI and served a mission in Pennsylvania. After her mission, Brinlee earned her bachelor's degree in graphic design with a minor in Family Studies from UVU. Brinlee is known for her friendliness and outgoing nature, with hobbies that include painting, singing, and lacrosse. She brings warmth and creativity to everything she does. Taylor and Brinlee met in high school. They kept in touch during their missions and got married in 2017. Duke, their energetic and curious son, was born in 2023. Duke is currently learning to walk and loves playing with basketballs and baseballs. The Whedons value kindness, trustworthiness, and making the most of every moment. Taylor admires Brinlee for her hard work, loyalty, and friendliness, while Brinlee appreciates Taylor's hardworking, friendly, and funny nature. We’re excited to welcome the Whedon family into the neighborhood.

Welcome to the Boyle Family!  Joe is originally from Dallas, but has been a pilot with the Air Force since 2012 and has moved every couple of years since then. He has lived in Oklahoma, Texas, South Korea (twice), Japan, South Carolina and Las Vegas through the Air Force.  Emily is from Virginia, but her dad was in the Navy for 30 years so she is very familiar with frequent moves and the military lifestyle. They met while Emily was completing her graduate degree at Auburn University and Joe was at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery Alabama for training. They dated long distance while Joe finished his last year in Japan. They married in December of 2020 and then moved to South Korea for a year and then Las Vegas until 2024. Last March they welcomed their son, Gavin, who is their first child. They moved to Utah so that Joe could take a job flying F-35s at Hill Air Base. They live on Highland Drive. “We're fortunate to have landed here in Utah for the long-term, and are particularly grateful to have found our home in the Highlands. We love that the neighborhood is friendly and peaceful, with beautiful views! In our free time we like to cook, hike, travel, and ski. We've already enjoyed living so close to such wonderful skiing.” We’re so glad to welcome the Boyle’s to the neighborhood.

In Memoriam: David Child. See obituary here: February 20, 1945 - March 5, 2025.  Viewing was last Thursday, March 13th at Myers Mortuary- 845 Washington Blvd 6-8pm. The funeral was held last Friday, March 14th at Highlands Church, 5378 Old Hwy Road, Mountain Green, at 11:30am. There was a viewing held from 10:30-11:30 prior to the funeral.

In Memoriam: Tony Hassell. See obituary here: September 28, 1942 — March 6, 2025. A visitation will be held on March 22, 2025 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the Highlands Ward building, 5378 W Old Hwy Rd, with the funeral service following at 11:30 a.m.

Congratulations, Tavish Wilkerson! The Navy has Navy Seals; the Army has Army Rangers, and the Airforce has the Airforce Special Warfare. After a nine-week intensive special selection course, Tavish Wilkerson recently learned he was selected for Special Warfare in the Airforce! Tavish is grateful for the prayers and support he’s felt from family and friends to help him through the difficulties of the last nine weeks of intense physical and mental challenges. Next is a pre-dive school in Florida for the summer, and then airborne school in the fall to learn how to jump out of airplanes. Tavish then hopes he’ll be selected for the parachute rescue mission, where he would serve in "Search and Rescue" behind enemy lines.

Meet Breck the Dog & Mango the Cat (Pets of the Witchey Family). So Breck’s real name is Breckenridge. Our friends had his brother Tahoe and we feel in love so when we found out they had another litter we were the first in line. Breck was born on a farm in Ohio his dad was full husky and his mom was a golden lab / shepherd mix and forever our best buddy.  Mango is our rescue bud. We actually never intended to keep Mango as my husband was allergic to cats however Mango had other ideas and with us he stayed. He’s a typically naughty orange cat who answers to no one. His favorite past time activity is swiping breck when he least expects it. 

Blast from the Past: Guess Who? (Answer: Chad Cameron, Jacki Cameron, Nick Ordyna, Dave Loughton)

The Highlands Hello: A Neighborhood Newsletter, March 2025.