Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all in our Highlands neighborhood! Thank you for your hellos, smiles, waves, simple acts of kindness, and goodwill that contribute to the beauty of our community.

Top-o-the-Highlands Block Party.  Neighbors from “Block 1” gathered last Saturday at Sue & Craig Brenchley’s home to enjoy friendships and share a meal together. A good time was had by all, and everyone sang “Happy Anniversary” to Sue & Craig for their 50^th wedding anniversary. The Brenchley’s will pass the torch to Michael Allison, Matt Bradford, and John Waycuililis who will serve as the new Block Captains.

 

 

Farewell to Our Dear Friend & Neighbor Jim Seely. Jim Seely passed away on the morning of February 25th, 2026, surrounded by his family singing him his favorite songs. Jimbo was born on July 6th, 1942, in Brigham City, Utah to F. Leeland and Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents and five of his six siblings, Joyce, Glen, Lee, Gwen, and Karen. Jimmer served a two-and-a-half-year mission in Bavaria, Germany, attended university as a Delta Phi member, and earned degrees in electrical engineering and organizational development from USU and BYU. After a celebratory purchase of a ’69, yellow Corvette, he worked at Hill Air Force Base for nearly fifty years as an engineer and then recruiter. Jim married his best friend of fifteen years on April 13th, 1985. Ellie Quist (still a fox) filled his life with laughter and children. Jim devoted his life to his family, his faith, and a good game of tennis. Faith was a verb to Dad; he didn’t have it, he lived it. He is survived by his brother Kent; his beautiful wife, Ellie; his children, Jim, Matt (Allyson), and Katie (Chris); and his grandchildren, Hazel Rue, Harvey, and Riley. “I think our sojourn here on earth is like going on a mission. When I left, it was a teary departure. When I returned home, it was equally hard to leave the German people. I think there will be tears of joy shed in heaven upon the return of any soul from their time on earth.” (My Life Stories, by Jim Seely)

 

 

Welcome to the Michael & Traci Allison Family! The Allisons recently moved from Kaysville after completing construction on their new home. Michael works in commercial construction and fulfilled a long-time dream by serving as the general contractor for their home here in Mountain Green. The family chose the area after many years of exploring Morgan Valley together. Michael, who has a strong interest in geology and the natural landscape, often took family day trips to explore the region, and they quickly fell in love with the beauty of Mountain Green. When the lot for their home became available, they secured it almost immediately and are thrilled to now call the Highlands home. The Allison family includes four children: Spencer (21), who is currently working and preparing to attend flight school; Taylor (17), a senior in high school who works at R&R BBQ in Farmington and has a strong artistic side and love for animals; Logan (12), the family’s resident comedian; and Aiden (9), an energetic and friendly young man who is always ready to make new friends. Michael and Traci met in South Jordan shortly after returning from their missions. Traci describes Michael as deeply kind and full of integrity, while Michael admires Traci’s strong faith, determination, and compassion. As a family they enjoy exploring new places, taking road trips, and spending time together discovering the beauty of the region. They have already felt warmly welcomed by neighbors and are excited to be part of such a friendly and caring community.

 

 

Welcome to Kacen and Maddie Helsten! Maddie grew up in Payson, Utah, where she enjoyed life on a farm surrounded by horses, ATVs, and plenty of outdoor adventure. She attended Payson High School, where she played tennis and basketball and participated in student government. After graduating, she pursued nursing at Utah Valley University and completed her bachelor’s degree in December 2025. Kacen, on the other hand, is a familiar face to Morgan County—he grew up right here in the Highlands and graduated from Morgan High School. After high school, he served a mission in the Philippines, then returned home and began his career in construction. One of their first dates included snowmobiling in Scofield. Just a few months later, Kacen proposed above the Highlands near the water tanks, and the couple was married last August. After a honeymoon in Greece and Italy and a short time living in Orem while Madison finished school, they moved back to the Highlands in November. Madison now works nights as a nurse on the surgical floor at Ogden Regional Medical Center, and Kacen works in construction, running framing crews and helping build homes in Morgan and Farmington. They are currently living with Kacen’s parents while building a home on land he recently purchased in Morgan. Both enjoy hunting, snowmobiling, and the outdoors. They appreciate the kindness of the people and the beauty of the Highlands. We’re delighted to welcome Kacen and Maddie to the neighborhood!

 

Celebrating Their 50th Wedding Anniversary: Craig & Sue Brenchley! Some love stories begin in the most unexpected places. For Craig and Sue Brenchley, it started near a drive-in in Ogden, where a mutual friend played matchmaker and sparked a romance that has now lasted half a century. Their first date was a movie at the Cinemax Citadel theater, and the two eventually married in 1976. Craig still laughs that Sue fell for him partly because of his '67 Mustang, while he was smitten by the fact that she was so beautiful ("and she still is," he's quick to add). Fifty years later, Craig says what he admires most about Sue is her incredible drive and determination, and Sue gives Craig credit for the patience he's developed over a lifetime together. We are so lucky to have this wonderful couple in our neighborhood. Please join us in wishing Craig and Sue a heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable milestone!

 

Serving Up Hope & Feeding Friendships: The Park Family Ministry. For the past 13 years, many people in the Highlands have been serving not only each other but also those who need support in inner-city Ogden. Pastor Jesse started the Park Family Ministry, serving pizza and hope to his little congregation. Thanks to the volunteer spirit of the Highlands community and other groups, religious organizations, teams, and families in Morgan and beyond who have provided hot meals, the ministry has grown and now feeds an average of 150 weekly attendees! To find out how you can help make a positive difference, please contact Bret or Pamela Smith.

Looking Forward to Easter. Easter will soon be here. Several events are scheduled, including the Patterson Place (formerly Hinds) Community Egg Hunt on March 27, the Morgan Valley Church breakfast and worship service on April 5, the Highlands Ward dinner (March 24) and worship service (March 29), and the Interfaith Worship Service on March 28. 

 

 

Some Hometown History. The Morgan Canning Company was founded in 1904 and struggled to turn a profit until 1909. In 1910, nearly thirty thousand cases of peas were packed and sold by Morgan Canning Co. Success came so quickly that by 1918, a second plant was opened in Smithfield, Utah. In 1924, they expanded again, building a bean processing plant in Hyrum, Utah. The factory would eventually be bought by the California Packing Company and could produce peas and sauerkraut for Del Monte. The only two buildings that survive are the Sauerkraut canning building and the warehouse, both made of local sandstone. (Special thanks to Jennifer Pendleton Swilley and the Morgan County Historical Society.)

 

Reminder: Utah Neighborhood Caucus Precinct Meetings for All Parties on Tuesday. The Utah 2026 Caucus Night is Tuesday, March 17. These are events where registered Utah voters from each political party will meet and elect precinct officers who will represent them at their party's state convention. At the state convention this summer, those who are elected on March 17 will help determine their party's nominees for that year's November elections and also elect local leadership for their party.

 

Recipe for St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Cups. Ingredients: This St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Parfaits Recipe has a stack of four simple and yummy layers! First the chocolate pudding, then a layer of green pudding followed by Oreo crumbs, and then finished off with whipped topping. To make each layer you’ll need: Chocolate pudding – For this, you’ll need a box of instant chocolate pudding mix and whole milk. Green Pudding – This layer calls for a box of instant vanilla pudding, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Then you’ll use food coloring to dye the pudding green. Oreo Crumb Layer – I like using double stuff Oreos for this! But feel free to grab your favorite flavor of Oreos to use! Whipped Topping – Take it easy and grab a container of Cool Whip! Or go the extra mile and make your own homemade whipped cream! Decorations/Toppings – Rainbow Airheads Xtremes, chocolate gold coins, sprinkles, and Oreo crumbs. How To Make St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Cups (1) Beat the milk and chocolate pudding mix together on low. Then place it in the refrigerator to set up. (2) Combine the heavy cream and vanilla pudding mix together in a separate bowl. Beat the mixture on low speed and then gradually increase the speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. (3) Beat in the green food coloring and vanilla extract. (4) Crush the Oreos in a Ziploc bag or in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Click here to check out this delicious recipe!

The Highlands Hello – Neighborhood News. March 2026 Issue.