The Beauty of Mountain Green in All Seasons. Welcome to the October "Highlands Hello": A Legacy of Neighborhood Friendships.

Trunk or Treat 2025. Beware of ghosts, goblins and ghouls! Put on your costume or come as you are. You are also welcome to bring a canned food donation for the Morgan Food Bank.

 

Neighborhood Fun: Enjoying Friendships

Block Party at the Lane’s (Mountain View Drive)

 

Block Party at the Porter's (Cascade Drive)

Block Party at the Whicker’s (Wasatch & Highland Drive)

 

Welcome to Jamie and Codi Dufek. We're thrilled to welcome Jamie and Codi Dufek to the Highlands! This adventurous couple recently made the move from Hunterdon County, New Jersey, bringing their two beloved dogs—Fifi the Frenchie and Billy the Cairn Terrier. Jamie has relatives here in Utah and visited them during high school enjoying learning to ski at Alta. After working two ski seasons here and returning annually to visit, he and Codi finally decided to make Mountain Green their permanent home. Codi, originally from Northern Virginia, moved to New Jersey pursuing her passion for professional horse riding in the hunter-jumper circuit. It was through riding that she met Jamie's family—and eventually Jamie himself—and the rest is history. The Dufeks are already falling in love with their new community. They wake up each morning to stunning mountain views and have been touched by how friendly and welcoming everyone has been. They both love the outdoors and are looking forward to many new adventures in nature. Codi works as a marketing professional, while Jamie—a skilled plumber—is working in the Salt Lake area. Jamie has generously offered to help neighbors with any plumbing needs and already has parts on hand for quick fixes. With Jamie's calm, positive attitude and handyman skills, and Codi's outgoing personality and love of cooking, they are a terrific couple to get to know. Welcome to the neighborhood, Jamie and Codi—we're so glad you're here!

 

Welcome to Connor and Morgan Ordyna. We're delighted to welcome Connor and Morgan Ordyna to the Highlands! This young couple recently relocated from Rexburg, Idaho. Connor, originally from Portland, Oregon, graduated this past July from BYU-I with a degree in graphic design with an emphasis in UX user experience design. Morgan hails from Idaho and comes from a volleyball-loving family; her sister even played at Weber State. After high school, Morgan earned her cosmetology license and then worked at Melaleuca as an HR Assistant after the couple was married. The Ordynas are already making their mark in the community. Connor is working as a UX and graphic designer for a local company, while Morgan works in the bakery at Lee's Marketplace, where she's up at 3 AM making those delicious donuts you see in the case (especially good when they're warm!). Connor is known for his extroverted, easy-going nature and his genuine desire to see everyone around him happy—traits that run deep in the Ordyna family, which have strong roots in this area. Morgan, though quieter and more observant, is incredibly sweet and a talented cook who brings warmth and support to every situation. Together, they complement each other perfectly. We're thrilled to have this wonderful young couple as part of our neighborhood!

Emergency Preparedness – Winterize Your Home & Property.     Heating safety: Have an alternate heating source, such as a wood-burning stove, if possible, and ensure it's professionally serviced—place space heaters on a flat, solid surface at least 3 feet away from flammable materials. Never use an outdoor grill to heat your home. Safety equipment: Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and close your sprinkler system shut-off valve. Check and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it. Water and food: Stock up on at least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food, along with a manual can opener. Vehicle maintenance: Get your car winterized, including checking the battery, ignition, brakes, tires, and antifreeze. Keep your gas tank at least half full. Winter car kit: Keep a kit in your car with essentials like a first-aid kit, blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a shovel, and high-calorie, non-perishable snacks. Clothing: Have extra warm clothing on hand, including hats, gloves, and waterproof boots for everyone in the household. Practice safety: Dress in layers to stay warm and be cautious of slippery surfaces when walking or driving. Plan how to help elderly family members or neighbors who may need assistance. 

 

A Must-Try Recipe for Fall: Air-Fryer Pita. Click here to check out this delicious Air-Fryer Pita Recipe from Serious Eats! A note from the foodie editor: “October is one of the best months of the year. There's a slight chill in the air—brisk but not blustery—and the trees quickly go from verdant green to scarlet red and golden yellow. It's one of my favorite times to get outside, catch the remaining days of warm weather, (and cook up some wonderful recipes).” These pitas are “pillowing soft but sturdy enough for stuffing and scooping!”

 

Some Hometown History. Mountain Green was one of the settlements in the county to have a school built before the County incorporated. The first building was constructed in 1860 at 5525 Old Highway Road at the bottom of the Highlands, west of Kent Smith Park, and across the road from the Phoenix House. This building served for twelve years before a larger school was needed. Mountain Green, Peterson, and Enterprise were often merged and split. In 1909, Superintendent Annie S. Dickson found that only six students were attending school in Mountain Green and decided to consolidate Mountain Green with Peterson and Enterprise until the whole County became one district in 1936. (Thanks to Jennifer Pendleton Swilley for this information.)

Fun Facts: The Art of Neighborhood Association. The average number of adults participating in neighborhood projects in the U.S. is 21%. In Utah, it is 44%.

The Highlands Hello – Neighborhood News. October 2025 Issue.