Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing all a happy Thanksgiving. I have much to be thankful for, including the opportunity to represent the residents of Orem on the city council. It is an exhilarating, yet very humbling experience. The best thing about serving has been becoming acquainted with so many good people in our community. I am truly blessed.

I created a Facebook group

If you are on Facebook, go join my new group "Councilmember Karen McCandless". I just created it yesterday, so it is in its infant stages. I can get to the page through the link in this post's title, but I don't know if one can if one isn't signed in or signed up for Facebook.

The Lights Are On and the Service Has Started

As you know, there are so many lights along State Street, but I have some favorites that are only lit for about a month each year. My favorite lights are the NE corner of State and Center Streets, the multi-colored ones in the trees. I don't know why I like the multi-colored ones, maybe it is because I don't have to commit to a favorite Christmas light color (a weighty matter, I know).

Last night, Orem held its very first "Lights On" celebration. Children colored a light bulb coloring page and wrote down an act of service each will do this holiday season and gave it to Mayor Pro-tem Carl Hernandez. Mayor Pro-tem Hernandez spoke about holiday traditions and service, Brandie Frampton sang a song about being a "point of light", and two lucky children were chosen to "flip the switch", lighting the Orem City Center's Christmas decorations. The food donation sleigh was full of generous gifts. After reading the children's service commitments, there isn't going to be a leaf left on the ground in Orem, the library's shelves are going to be dust free and there will be a number of less fortunate families receiving gifts from others. It was a fun evening.

Thank you to all who made it possible.

Sam White Bridge Is Coming Down This Weekend

Got this in my email box today:

Scott Thompson
Office: 801.227.8006
Cellular: 801.830.9599
http://www.udot.utah.gov
November 19, 2008


Construction Advisory:
Demolition of Sam White Bridge
Orem – The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will take down one half of the Sam White Bridge over Interstate 15 on Saturday November 22, 2008. Beginning at 10 p.m. north and southbound traffic on I-15 around the structure will be reduced to two lanes with reduced speed limits. By 1 a.m. Sunday morning the two southbound lanes will be reduced to one lane and that lane will be crossed over to the northbound side so demolition can take place. All lanes of I-15 will be open to traffic by 7 a.m. on Sunday November 23rd.
The Sam White Bridge is located in Pleasant Grove between exits 276 and 275. The bridge has been closed to traffic for several months because of damage to the structure from numerous accidents. The bridge is being removed to avoid future incidents. The other half of the bridge will be removed in a similar fashion the first Saturday in December.
UDOT encourages motorists to use caution and travel at the posted speed limits while driving through work zones. Motorists should be aware that Utah Highway Patrol troopers will be on site to slow down traffic in the construction zone. Schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather, equipment problems or emergency situations.
Please Note: Any news media that would like to get footage or pictures of this project please contact Scott Thompson, UDOT Public Information Manager to coordinate your activities.

A Bargain

While paying bills, I realized I pay more per month for my TV, Internet and phone service than I pay Orem City annually in property tax.