‘Chick Days’ lets residents start backyard flocks, Blue Lemon donates 8,000 food items to hungry kids, Salem construction company owner receives national award
Casey Cloward, owner of Raykon Construction, poses with his "Ones to Watch" award from the National Home Builders' International Builders' Show in Las Vegas.
Two baby chicks pose in front of a Tractor Supply Co. logo to promote "Chick Days," February-April 2019.
”Chick Days” helps people start their flocks
Until the end of April, Utah County residents interested in starting their own backyard flocks of either ducks or chickens can get what they need to begin at Tractor Supply Company stores in Salem or Saratoga Springs.
According to Tiffany Denter, the poultry supplies buyer for Tractor Supply, people who start their own backyard flocks can reap many physical and mental benefits.
“People may be surprised by what they can do at home if they want to cultivate their own gardens or feel connected to where their food comes from,” Denter said. “And when it comes down to it, nothing beats a fresh egg right from your backyard.”
In addition to purchasing live baby chicks and ducklings, Tractor Supply also has the tools, equipment and supplies needed to raise the birds. Tractor Supply even provides guidance on how to raise a healthy flock, such as proper handling and the importance of hygiene.
According to a press release from the company, customers can purchase a minimum of four chicks with the flexibility to mix and match with ducklings. Breeds include Rhode Island Reds, Sapphire Gems, Easter Eggers and Silkie Chickens.
Learn more about Chick Days by visiting tractorsupply.com/chicks. The Salem store is located at 326 North S State Rd, #198, and the Saratoga Springs store is located on 1303 North Exchange Drive. Outside of Chick Days, those interested in learning more about raising and caring for backyard poultry flocks can visit tractorsupply.com/poultry.
Backyard poultry rules and regulations vary by city, so check with local government before purchasing a flock.
Blue Lemon donates 8,000 food items
Utah-based restaurant Blue Lemon celebrated 10 years in business on February 25 by donating 10 percent of sales made that day to the Five.12 Foundation. Food vendor Nicholas and Company matched the Blue Lemon donation, allowing the two businesses to purchase 8,000 food items to help Five.12 fill Utah County school children’s backpacks for weekends.
In total, the two companies donated 1,600 granola bars, 1,600 Nutri Grain bars, 1,600 individual boxes of Frosted Mini Wheats, 1,600 Snack Pack Puddings and 1,600 Ready-to-Serve Chicken Noodle Soups.
“Blue Lemon has really demonstrated how much they care about the communities in which they operate their business and live,” Five.12 founder Nick Greer said. “This week alone our volunteers will bag 1,600 packs of food for hungry children in Utah County. Blue Lemon and Nicholas and Company have made a wonderful difference in these children’s lives.”
The Five.12 Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Alpine. It provides weekend backpacks for students who wouldn’t eat otherwise before coming back to school on Monday.
Blue Lemon operates five fast-casual, gourmet restaurants throughout Utah, including one in Highland.
“We’re so grateful to our customers and friends who purchased breakfast, lunch or dinner in our five restaurants on Feb. 25, so we could provide a significant donation to the Five.12 Foundation. And we’re thrilled that our food vendor, Nicholas and Company, matched our donation for greater effect,” Blue Lemon’s co-founder Aaron Day said.
Raykon construction receives top award
Casey Cloward, owner of Raykon Construction based in Salem, recently received the national “Ones to Watch” award at the National Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. Cloward was honored in the custom builder division for his accomplishments prior to reaching the age of 40.
In the past, Cloward has served as president of the Utah Valley Home Builders Association. He also chairs the Cougar House, a $1.3 million endowed scholarship program from Brigham Young University.
Cloward first began as a finish carpenter/cabinet builder in 2008, and now he works as the general contractor for 10-14,000 square foot homes valued between $2-4 million.
“When approached with this award, I considered it a huge honor to even be considered,” Cloward said. “There are so many who have helped along the way. To be recognized nationally from the industry’s best is humbling. It is very fulfilling to see the fruits of our labor. The support from my wife and family is unmatched.”
Cloward has built several homes in Utah Valley and several have been featured in the annual Utah Valley Parade of Homes. His home in Alpine garnered the most attendees in 2018. with over 19,000 people touring it. Raykon Construction is building two more homes that will feature in the 2019 parade.