The Fearless Foodie

“They Made It and They Did Come”

By Scott Heiner

A year ago, my column was entitled “If You Make it, They Will Come,” a line from the Kevin Costner movie “Field of Dreams.”  I compared the movie to the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.  They made the festival and the cisco and people surely did come!

It happened again this year; the event was largely based on food, and if there’s food, I’m definitely interested.

Friday night was the “Monster Taste of Bear Lake” with many of the local establishments sharing samples of their popular dishes.  We arrived a little late and many of the offerings were gone, but still I wasn’t disappointed.

The next morning was the Cisco Disco on the east shore of the lake.  Again, they had a cisco, scone and French fry breakfast spearheaded by our famous fish expert, Scott Tolentino.  I believe the cisco tasted even better this year than last year.  I was delighted to read Bryce Nelson’s column last week describing the founding of the event and the origin of the term “Cisco Disco.”  What a terrific tradition. 

I never was any good at catching fish, but I do like to eat them.  Next year, if I can get Scott to coach me, I think I’ll try my hand at catching some of the little critters.

Then, there’s the Monster Chili Cook-off.  I’m a real chili lover and really enjoyed trying the various entries.  There’s something about beans that really warms the cockles of my heart stomach.  Although I’m not much of a cook, I do have a unique chili recipe of my own that has met with some renown.  Maybe I’ll enter it sometime and see how it does.

Yes, festivals and food certainly go hand in hand.  There is always a wonderful variety of foods at every festival.  Some of my favorites are:

• Nihon Matsuri Japan Festival in April

• Highland Games and Scottish Festival in June

• Our own Bear Lake Raspberry Days in August

• Wasatch International Food Festival every August.  

• SLC Greek Festival in September  

Then there are the State or County Fairs; where else can you get deep fried green Jell-O, key lime pie, pickles, insects or Twinkies?  How about bacon-wrapped corndogs, cinnamon buns or Reese’s peanut butter cups?

Long live (and eat at) Festivals!  If you make them, they will come!

Covid Vaccine in Bear Lake

The Covid 19 vaccine is currently being administered in Rich County by the Bear River Health Department. Beginning the week of January 25, individuals 70 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. 

Limited doses of vaccine will be available and individuals must pre-register to receive it. Karen Droesbeke is a volunteer working to help register those who would like to receive the vaccine. If you are 70 or older and wish to receive it, free to contact Karen at 801-791-2180.

If you have friends or neighbors who are 70 or older, feel free to share this information with them.

Winterfest Pictures

 Winterfest was another success  this year, over 260 people  jumped into the Bear Lake through the ice.  The Chili Cookoff kept party goers warm and the vendors were pleased with the turnout.  

Mark and Jolene Chugg pass away together

Obituary for Sylvan Mark and Jolene Purser Leishman Chugg

After more than 65 years of marriage, high school sweethearts, Sylvan Mark Chugg, age 84 and Jolene Purser Leishman Chugg, age 85, quietly passed away with Covid 19. Mark passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 and Jolene passed away on January 19, 2021.

Mark was born on 25 March 1936 in Logan, Utah, the 12th of 13 children born to William Duard Chugg and Lillie Elizabeth Frederick. Jolene was born on 17 January 1936 in Wellsville, Utah. Jolene was the 7th of eight children born to Irvin Cooper Leishman and Edith Deloris Purser.

Growing up, both Mark and Jolene spent many hours working on their family farms thus learning a great work ethic which they carried throughout their lives. They graduated together with the Class of 1954 from South Cache High School. Jolene was a member of the Sparta Pep Club and Band. Mark lived for sports. He participated in football, basketball and track.

They were married and sealed on 29 September 1955 in the Logan Utah Temple.

In 1957, Mark and Jolene made the difficult decision to leave their families and beautiful Cache Valley to move to the Northwest, where Mark secured employment with the Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, Washington. It proved to be a good decision. They were pioneers of the small but growing Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints congregation. They donated funds and helped in the construction of the Kent Ward building, and served faithfully in many callings for the church. Mark’s heart was always focused on the youth as he served in Young Mens’, Bishoprics, Bishop, and Stake Presidencies. Jolene served in the Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society Organizations. Her greatest impact was with the Relief Society where she shared her talents and creativity with the women of her Ward and Stake as well as family and friends.

Mark and Jolene lived in Kent, Washington for 43 years raising their four children. They loved serving their neighbors and made many wonderful friends. They both loved to work in their yard, which was always kept immaculate and beautiful.

After 39 years, Mark retired as Director of Manufacturing Operations - Propulsions Systems Division. A year later in 1997 Mark and Jolene served an 18 month proselyting mission together for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the England Manchester Mission, which included many months in Wales.

After their mission they longed to return to Cache Valley and in 2000, they built a home in Garden City, Utah overlooking beautiful Bear Lake where they enjoyed hosting many gatherings with their children, siblings and friends.

Mark and Jolene later lived in American Fork, Utah where they were appreciated for their teamwork in sharing their homemade candy, ministering to their Families and serving the Single Young Adults They also spent many months in the warmth of Gilbert, Arizona spending time with family.

Mark and Jolene are survived by their four children, Debra Meyers, (Ray), American Fork, UT, Kella Sue Scott, (Mike), Gilbert, AZ, Gina Deloris Nelson, (Daniel), Kuna, ID, and Mark William Chugg, (Tami), Smithfield, UT, their 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, as well as Mark’s Sisters, LuJean Toolson, Alta Burton, Connie Albretsen, Mary Beth Niederhauser and Jolene’s siblings, Wanda Gibbs, Grant Leishman, Gloria Wheatley, and Carolyn Olsen.

A Memorial Service for their family will be held Friday, January 29th, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Providence 4th & 8th Ward Chapel, in Providence, Utah. Following the Service the Interment will take place at the Providence City Cemetery. Masks and social distancing are required.

Services will be livestreamed and may be viewed via the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85701219688?pwd=b1ZweE9DN3oxQUtYSWpxWXZrL0pxQT09

Winter Reflections

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer