If you needed more than one reason to celebrate the 5th of May, you will be happy to know that it is the City of Orem's 95th birthday. Founded in 1919, Orem has grown and changed a lot over the years, but one thing has remained the same since the beginning: Orem is a great place to live.

As citizens we are well aware of this fact, but now the rest of the world knows what we know. Over the past few years, various national news and research agencies have given us hard evidence to justify the pride we take in our city. 

To highlight just a few of Orem's recent accolades:

• Gallup reported that Orem is the #1 city for community optimism - meaning citizens believe the city is continually becoming a better place to live. 
• The Milken Institute named Orem as the #1 city in the US for citizens ages 65 to 79. 
• Forbes called Orem/Provo the #2 best city in America for businesses and careers. In 2012, the city had the country's top job growth at 5% and this year is projected to increase gross metro product by 2.9%. 
• Forbes also named Orem/Provo the #3 best city for raising a family. With low overall costs of living, good schools, and one of the lowest crime rates in the country, there's a reason they call Orem "Family City, USA."

Roll with the Mayor: Bike to Work Day

On May 13, kick-off a season of fun outdoor events by joining Mayor Brunst for Roll with the Mayor: Bike to Work Day, sponsored by UTA. 

The event will start at 7:30 a.m. at Canyon Park Technology Center (1501 N. Technology Way) with a free pancake breakfast provided by Ridley's Family Markets. UTA is giving away free bike swag, free bicycle helmets for the first 50 participants, and free bike safety check-ups. 

 

The 2.5 mile bike ride with the mayor will begin at 8:15 a.m and proceed along the Murdock Canal Trail. Participating children must be at least 8 years old to ride and must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

For more information, call 801-227-8958.   

Annual Memorial Day Program 

 

Mayor Brunst and the Orem City Council invite you to the annual Memorial Day program on May 26 at 9 a.m. The program will be held at the Orem City Cemetery, 1500 North 800 East. 

 

Veteran George Vandewater will be the keynote speaker, and the Mountain View High School Band will provide the musical accompaniment. 

 

The City will also honor all veterans with a flag ceremony and exchange, a 21-gun salute, and a memorial flag display.

 

Please join the City as we honor all those who have served our country.   

 

 

Summer Reading Programs at the Orem Library

 

Summer reading is one of the best ways to fight summer learning loss in children and youth. Children who read during the summer retain more of what they have learned during the school year and see improvements in scholastic achievement. 

 

This year's programs will include visits and workshops from talented educators, writers, illustrators, and performers. Generous local vendors are partnering with the library to provide gift certificates and other prizes to encourage young readers to read all summer.  

 

Registration for both the Children and Teen Summer Reading programs opens June 2. The complete schedule of summer library events can be found at www.oremlibrary.org.