Utah Weekly Forum with Rebecca Cressman

Utah breast cancer survivor Cami Kapp has created "Pink Sync", offering free support and events for breast cancer patients dedicated to helping them connect and manage their lives while fighting the disease.  The main event is the free "Pink Sync: Lift & Support" gathering on Saturday, October 12th, from 10am-1:30pm at the Experience Event Center at 1440 Moon River Drive in Provo, Utah. In this episode, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Pink Sync Founder Cami Kapp and Volunteer Board Members Brenda Sanjuan and Toni Allman. All breast cancer survivors, they share the details of the event that provides classes and discussions about every stage of breast cancer with Intermountain Health physicans, nurses, local therapists, and provides local resources, a catered lunch, and time to meet and connect with other survivors experiencing similar treatments. To attend the free event, register at PinkSync.org. 

CEO Allyse Jackson founded Beehive Meals in her northern Utah kitchen in 2019. Now the woman-led business delivers thousands of sets of fully prepped freezer meals throughout the state (and beyond) making Beehive Meals one of America's fastest growing private companies as named by Inc. 5000. The success hinges not just on the recipes, but on how Beehive Meals freezer meals make it quick and easy for families to have dinner together. In this episode, Beehive Meals Founder Allyse Jackson joins FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman and talks about how she and her husband, Adam, have created a business that is not only successful but grounded in giving back to the community. Beehive Meals is FM100.3's Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness partner helping to lighten the load of those whose lives are affected by breast cancer.

Freight, passenger, and Frontrunner trains and light rail crisscross across Utah's roadways and neighborhoods. The trains travel at forceful speeds, yet many drivers and pedestrians underestimate the danger of crossing and trespassing railway tracks.  For Rail Safety Week, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined in this episode by Vern Keesler, Executive Director of Utah Operation Life Saver, who shares why approaching railway crossings with extra caution is vital to saving lives. To learn more about how to avoid tragic collisions at Utah's railways, visit UtahOperationLifeSaver.org.

All across the country, community gardens create a space for people to connect to each other and to enjoy helping each other plant and harvest healthy, locally grown food. Community Action Services and Food Bank in Utah County now has 3 community gardens in Provo City and 1 in Spanish Fork City created with partnerships with local cities and volunteers. In this episode, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by CASFB Community Garden Program Manager Hillary Wittaker and Angie Hatch, the volunteer leader of the Spanish Fork Community Garden. They share how the gardens are just one of the many supportive programs and resources that Community Action Services and Food Bank offers to help individuals and families gain self-reliance, financial stability, and food security. To volunteer or to learn more visit,  https://www.communityactionprovo.org/

Some of Utah's best dancers are now zombies, vampires, and other Halloween villains as Odyssey Dance Theatre reprises it's legacy show 'Thriller' to the stage. In this episode, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by ODT Founder and Executive Director Derryl Yeager who shares what new  surprises have been added to the family-friendly show. Thriller, the Musical is touring in 5 Utah cities but will now have an extended theatrical run from October 14th-26th at the Grand Theater in Salt Lake City. For more information, visit https://odysseydance.com.

September marks the beginning of free classes and neighbor-to-neighbor service projects at West Valley City's My Hometown Community Resource Centers (CRCs) in Northeast Granger, Central Granger, West Granger, & Central Valley View. The centers are staffed by neighborhood volunteers who help coordinate Days of Service to improve local homes in need and who teach everything from English as a second langauge to parenting, and from pathways to citizenship to piano. The goal? To help others, expand opportunities, and to form friendships and connections within WVC communities. The My Hometown Initiative is expanding to other cities along the Wasatch Front. In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by West Valley Mayor Karen Lang, My Hometown Initiative leaders Craig and Linda Burton, and WVC My Hometown Chair Randy Whitehead who share the impact of this partnership between the city's community members, the Interfaith Council, local businesses, local churches, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On Sept 7th at the West Granger CRC and on Sept 14th at the Central Granger CRC there will be free neighborhood Fall Festivals with food, live bands, climbing walls, water slides, and resource booths from 5:30-8:30pm. To learn more about MyHometown or to get involved, send an email to: [email protected] Or call Karin at 801-965-5520. 

Utah's Spanish-speaking population is growing and their financial needs are as diverse as their backgrounds. So, how can an organization or business develop strategies that will better serve, engage, and connect with Hispanic communities?  In this episode of Utah Weekly Forum, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Ileana McDonald, Granite Credit Union's Director of Community Relations, and Juan Londono, Marketing & Communication Specialist, who share how the credit union created initiatives and thoughtful outreach to give Hispanic Utahns greater access and connection to local financial services & resources.

The month of August marks the 85th anniversary of the escape of LDS missionaries from Germany just one day before the Nazi invasion began. In this episode, FM100.3 Host Rebecca Cressman is joined by Utah Filmmaker T.C. Christensen. Christensen shares how his latest movie Escape from Germany draws from the personal diaries of the real missionaries who escaped to Denmark in 1939 and why he believes this film, shot in Utah and in Europe, has had continued success at the box office 4 months after its release in April.

It's common to experience dark times and dark feelings, so common that every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide. And for every death, there are 25 attempts. There's a global movement to change that by encouraging people to make a promise to reach out for help. In this episode, FM100.3's Rebecca Cressman is joined by CEO and Founder Brandy Vega who shares how her experience as a mother inspired her to create Promise2Live and the details on an upcoming Global Live Stream & Gala on September 10th with well-known musicians, actors, and hosts who are coming together to save lives. More details at Promise2Live.org.