A NEW SPIN ON CYCLING: BOUNTIFUL’S E-BIKE BOOM
By Gail Newbold | g.newbold@davisjournal.com
WhenBountiful resident Bill Ernest was 68, his longtime cyclist wife Ronda bought him an e-bike as a retirement present, thinking it would be a good way for him to keep up with her. She was used to grueling rides like the 50-mile Little Red and 100-milers in Hawaii riding her non-motorized bike, and had no intention of buying an e-bike.
That is until Bill started passing her up on hills. “He would ring his bell as he passed,” she said. “It felt like he was rubbing it in my face,” she said smiling.
Two years ago, she broke down and bought herself an e-bike. Now at age 70, she wonders how she ever used to ride up Emigration Canyon on her own power. She purchased a bike with low handlebars like she was accustomed to, and because she “didn’t want to look old.” She was surprised to discover she burned almost the same amount of calories on the new bike as long as she used the e-power sparingly.
Brady Edwards, owner of Bountiful Bicycle, is quick to agree that e-bikes can be great exercise and are definitely not for wimps. “I can still ride hard and get a workout by keeping the power low on my e-bike,” he said. “When I started riding my first e-bike in 2016, I lost 40 pounds.”
That was the same year Bountiful Bicycle began selling e-bikes. Sales were fairly slow at first, according to Edwards, but their popularity has skyrocketed at the same time prices have dropped. Now e-bikes account for over 50% of sales in his three Davis County shops. National stats are much lower with reports that e-bike sales account for anywhere from 5% to 20% of total bike sales with predictions the market will continue to climb.
Edwards’ prices range from about $2,000 to $15,000 per e-bike with recreational e-bikes on the lower end and mountain and road-bikes on the higher. The 45 to 65-plus age range of his buyers mirrors national figures.
Bountiful residents Ronda and Bill Ernest set off for a ride on their e-bikes. Courtesy photo
New West Bountiful playground set to open in November
By Simon Mortensen | s.mortensen@davisjournal.com
In a meeting on July 16, West Bountiful’s City Council approved the construction of a new playground at the park on 1600 North. It becomes available to the public in November, according to public works director Steve Maughan.
Over the last several months, the city has worked to make the site ready, starting with the demolition of the 36-year-old playground that once stood in the spot. West Bountiful's public works department then removed the old concrete, expanded the space, reworked the water lines in the area and laid new concrete for the amenity as well as for a sidewalk.
“I think it’s just good to be involved in something that betters the community,” said Steve Maughan, West Bountiful’s public works director. “That’s what our job as a public works team is here for, is to work for the public.”
According to Maughan, construction for the playground began on Oct. 21, with a completion date set 10 to 14 days out. The manufacturer Playworld not only shipped the materials, but took assembly responsibilities as well.
While the playground will be finished this month, and celebrated during a grand opening ceremony held by the Youth City Council, the public works department is still waiting to receive benches and tables – which Maughan says are currently six weeks out.
A 4,744 sq. ft. space, assembly for the new playground has been overseen by Big T Construction – who developed an adjacent playground for the city at the same park. Maughan and city administrator Duane Huffman have noted that the amenity is designed for smaller children and toddlers, and features slides, swings and
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objects to climb on.
According to “West Bountiful – A Pictorial History,” the original playground was built as a memorial in 1988 by the family of Brandon McCulley – a child that was killed in a plane crash that year. The city decided to build a new playground once maintenance difficulties began to occur with the previous amenity.
In addition to the playground, West Bountiful’s City Council is currently discussing the start of projects on 660 West – which will involve installing new water lines, rebuilding the road and making improvements to the sidewalk/curb. l
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An early rendering of the playground was created by Playworld. Photo provided by West Bountiful City.
West Bountiful’s public works department laid the foundation for the new playground in October. Photo by Simon Mortensen
Materials from the playground’s manufacturer, Playworld, are arriving on site, and will be assembled by the company. Photo by Simon Mortensen
Bountiful City Council appoints new council member
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
TheBountiful City Council held a special meeting last week to select a new city council member to fill Jesse Bell’s seat. Bell passed away in August. Thirteen applicants came before the council and gave a short statement on why they would be the best choice. Then council members took the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates. In a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Kendalyn Harris, Beth Child was selected to fill the spot.
Child said she’s always been interested in service in the community. “I’ve made a career of volunteerism. I am serving on the Bountiful Community Service Council, South Davis Communities that Care Coalition and tutoring students writing college entrance essays.”
In 2018 her kids were on the youth council and there was an opening on the city council, she said. “My kids said, ‘you always make us do everything,’ so I applied. I came in second to Kate (Bradshaw). That started my journey to get involved in the city council.”
In 2021, Child ran again. “I came close to Cecilee (Price-Huish),” she said. “It was an amazing experience to knock on doors and learn more about cities in a different way.”
When Jesse passed away, Child said the mayor called and asked her to apply. “I’d done the work and I was excited to serve.”
Child said she has several things she wants to be involved with as a council member. “I want to continue working on the general plan. It will drive Bountiful for the next 20 years. We need good policies to help growth in the city.”
The trail projects are also important, she said. “The city has been doing a lot of good work on that.”
Child believes the younger generation needs to step up and get involved in service. “We need to increase volunteerism in Bountiful,” she said. “We already have great volunteers in the area but we could have more.”
The younger people don’t know the need, said Child. “We should increase visibility, market and use word of mouth.”
There’s a lot of good going on in the community, she said. “We need to link up people to their interests.”
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Child said she likes where the city is headed on revitalizing Main Street. “We need to draw more people downtown. They’re going to Farmington or Salt Lake. I feel there is more we can do to get them to spend money in Bountiful.”
They’re coming in for recreating which is fun to see, she said. “Now we have to find a way to encourage them to spend some more money in Bountiful.”
Child said she would also like to find ways to make the “B” area safer. “I live up that way and things happen up there.”
Writing good policy is key, said Child. “That will guide Bountiful into the future. We have to make the most of zoning for business. We will experience growth and we need to guide that in a good direction.”
Child was sworn in at the council meeting on Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to getting up to speed,” she said. “I want to be a listening ear for people. I’ll be serving in the trenches getting to know their needs and concerns. I want people to know they’ll always be heard.”
Child grew up in Holladay and moved to Bountiful in 2000. “We love Bountiful,” she said. “I want to protect what we have here. It’s so great I want to move forward and improve what I can. My door is always open.” l
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Child is sworn in at the Oct. 22 City Council meeting. Photo by Becky Ginos
Beth Child has lived in Bountiful since 2000. She is looking forward to serving the community she loves. Courtesy photo
Bountiful Shops On Main
Small Business Saturday – Bountiful Main Street’s Black Friday
By Simon Mortensen | s.mortensen@davisjournal.com
For years, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have stood as the most iconic shopping days of the year. Occasions when retailers give customers the opportunity to save before Christmas, several individuals across the country flock to stores and to sites for bargains.
This stretch is known for providing shoppers with specials, and since 2010, it's also included a day for a different community of companies – Small Business Saturday.
“Really, Small Business Saturday is our Black Friday,” said Tami England, owner of the stores Touché and Over the Moon. “I think it’s an event that has heart.”
England’s locations have been celebrating Small Business Saturday since each of their grand openings, along with several other brick-and-mortar operations neighboring hers on Bountiful Main Street. She began her career as an entrepreneur with her first store Touché: a lifestyle boutique. After being prompted to open a retail store with products for babies, she opened Over the Moon just over a year later.
Each Small Business Saturday, England sets up a free hot chocolate stand in front of her stores. Inside, customers have access to a wide range of deals, and those who purchase receive a free gift.
“There’s just always some kind of a special deal,” said England. “We love our customers and our customers come in to show their appreciation for us, and it’s just kind of a win-win for everybody.”
According to England, the shopping event is one of her store’s best selling days
of the year. Other businesses on Bountiful Main Street have experienced an uptick in sales on Small Business Saturday as well –including musical instruments shop Murphy’s Guitars.
“It’s something that really does mean a lot to small businesses like us,” said Aaron Jorgensen, owner of Murphy’s Guitars. “It’s usually our best day of the entire year. It really helps us, you know, get in the kind of fun products that we like to have in stock, and that, in turn, brings people in because they want to check out all the new guitars.”
After taking guitar classes at Viewmont High School from the store’s previous owner and retired teacher Mike Murphy, Jorgensen joined the store during his first semester at the University of Utah. There, he earned a degree in entrepreneurship and has since bought the business.
Jorgensen not only oversees the daily operations of the company, but is the president of the Bountiful Main Street Merchants Association – an organization that meets monthly to find ways to better the area.
Though Jorgensen has not announced the store’s discounts for Small Business Saturday, he has said that they will be made public on social media.
Along with Small Business Saturday, shops such as Touché, Over the Moon and Murphy’s Guitars will celebrate another shopping event: Bountiful Main Street’s open house.
“On that night, it’s just a time to welcome customers and showcase what we
have for the holidays,” said England. Notable locations in the area will offer discounts that day. Both Over the Moon and Touché will also feature refreshments and coupons.
Originally founded by the bank holding company American Express, Small Business Saturday has been a part of the holiday shopping weekend for 15 years. It occurs annually the day after Black Friday, and will be celebrated this year on Nov. 30 on Bountiful Main Street, as well as for other companies across the country.
“Participating in Small Business Saturday means not only do the shops that you love continue to stay there for as long as they possibly can, you know, hopefully forever,” said Jorgensen. “It also means that people might see this spot on Main Street and say ‘you know what would work right there? An awesome little shop or an idea that I’ve had before. It means a lot to a company’s entire year – having a big day like Small Business Saturday.” l
Several shops across Bountiful Main Street celebrate Small Business Saturday each year. Photo by Discover Davis
Tammy England’s shops Touché and Over the Moon offer exclusive deals for both Small Business Saturday as well as Bountiful Main Street’s open house. Photos by Simon Mortensen
Following Mike Murphy’s retirement, Aaron Jorgensen took over the store Murphy’s Guitars as owner.
Bountiful girls soccer caps off big season with run to state semifinals
Though the season ended with a tough loss, it was a memorable 2024 campaign for the Bountiful girls soccer team.
The Redhawks finished the year with a glossy 16-4 record and captured the Region 5 title with a 12-2 mark. In the postseason, the Redhawks won a pair of contests to reach the Class 5A state semifinals at Zions Bank Stadium in Sandy Oct. 22.
With a chance to get to the state championship game, Bountiful ran into an excellent opponent.
The Redhawks faced Region 6 champion Olympus, which entered the matchup with a 17-1 record. Bountiful hadn’t lost since an Aug. 29 setback at Viewmont, having won an impressive 11 games in a row.
But Bountiful hadn’t seen a team like Olympus all season. The Titans led 1-0 at halftime and added two more goals in the second half. Olympus held the prolific Bountiful offense in check, handing the Redhawks just their third shutout of the season.
Bountiful’s other two playoff games went well, however, with the Redhawks winning at home in the second round over Salem Hills 4-1 on Oct. 15 and defeating Springville at home 2-1 on Oct. 17 in the quarterfinals. In the second round, Myka Page had two goals, while teammates Izzy Hill and Sabrina added goals.
By Josh McFadden | joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
Emmy Sorenson, Belle Sorensen and Jane Hellewell had assists. It was the 10th time this season the Redhawks had scored at least four goals in a game.
Two days later in the quarterfinals, Bountiful faced upset-minded Springville, which had already won two playoff games as underdogs. The first half was scoreless, but Bountiful’s Page and Alivia Roberts found the back of the net after halftime to more than offset Springville’s second-half goal. Sorenson and Sorensen once again assisted on goals.
For Bountiful, its 16 victories were an improvement over last season’s strong 15-5 finish. The Redhawks’ four losses were the fewest since the team was 12-4 in 2013. The 16 victories were the most since Bountiful was 16-2 in 2008. Head coach Lou Plank was guiding the team back then too, as he just wrapped up his 19th season with the program. Plank has amassed 172 wins in his career at the school.
Another highlight of the season was Bountiful’s dynamic one-two scoring punch of Sorensen and Page. The duo combined for 44 goals and 23 assists this season, compiling 24 and 20 goals and nine and 14 assists, respectively. Sorensen was second in 5A in goals, despite not scoring in the postseason. Page was fifth in 5A in both goals and assists.
Another key contributor this season was
Hill, who had seven goals this season. Meanwhile, Sophie Winzeler scored four times and dished out seven assists. Sorenson was second on the team with 11 assists and added three goals. Roberts contributed five goals and an assist. Hellewell assisted on six goals. Goalkeeper Eliza Naegle had six shutouts.
Bountiful should be a force next season. The Redhawks bring back both Sorensen and Page, currently a junior and sophomore, respectively. Hill and Roberts are also juniors, while Sorenson is a sophomore. Hellewell is just a freshman. Bountiful will need to replace Naegle, a senior. l
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Liv Roberts scores a header goal during a game against Springville. Photo by Carl Page
He isn’t surprised at the rising popularity of motorized bikes. In fact, once he started riding his e-bike, he never returned to what he calls his analog bike. “I can ride further on my e-bike in the same amount of time as on my analog,” he explained, “and I can hang with the younger crowd we employ here. My e-bike bridges the age gap.”
It helps that Bountiful City has been carving new biking trails for the past few years that are drawing increasing numbers of mountain e-bikes. “Places like Moab and Park City have significant regulations on e-bikes but our local trails do not,” Edwards said.
But there are plenty of nearby paved trails and bike lanes for those who prefer a smoother ride, such as Bountiful Boulevard, Legacy Parkway, Murdock Canal, Parley’s Trail and Jordan River Parkway.
There are e-bikes to fit every type of rider from recreational to commuter to touring and more – bikes designed for comfort and others for style.
Bill happily rides a cruiser e-bike with higher handlebars and doesn’t worry about looking old. He likes being able to sit up and look at the scenery. He and Ronda enjoy riding locally as well as through small Southern Utah towns.
“If you keep your e-bike on low-power mode you get the same amount of exercise as with a regular bike,” Bill said, “but it’s more fun. You feel like you’re 10 again.” l
E-bikes now account for more than half of all bike sales at Jason Edwards’ three Davis County Bountiful Bicycle shops. (Jason Edwards pictured)
Courtesy photos
Duerden’s declares bankruptcy leaving customers high and dry
Duerden’s Appliance and Mattress store
has been a staple in Bountiful since 1957. It began as a general hardware store called Duerden’s Western Auto and was a family owned business until 2013 when it was purchased by Todd Hall. Now it has been shuttered after the store filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy On Oct. 17 leaving customers wondering if they’ll get their money back from the orders they placed.
“We’re doing a small kitchen project and needed a fridge, cook top, etc. It was custom because it’s a littler space,” said Olivia Swalberg, who paid a significant amount upfront to ensure her appliances would come in time. “We always go to Duerden’s. Even though we live in Salt Lake now we always go back there. They have high end, nice appliances. We paid in full because the lead time was insane and we needed to buy them. That was in June and the purchase was finalized in July.”
Swalberg said they don’t typically use a credit card for large purchases but this time they did. “We wanted to put it on the Visa to get the points. They were supposed to store them in their warehouse by Costco until we were ready. That’s another perk to shopping with them.”
When Swalberg didn’t get a receipt emailed out in July she wondered why. “I
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
usually get one. Most people probably don’t but I keep paper receipts and I found it with the reference number. I called on Thursday (the week before the bankruptcy) and the woman I talked to gave zero indication that they were closing. I told her that I had never heard back from them in July and that I hoped they were in stock. She said, ‘Yes, they're in the warehouse ready to be delivered’ with the lead time of two weeks because we were three weeks out getting the appliances put in.”
Swalberg said her mother just happened to go to the store that day. “She was remodeling and wanted to get the same appliances I had in my kitchen. She called and asked me if they take a lunch because nobody was there, the lights were off and the doors were locked.”
Swalberg said she didn’t think twice about it. “I called and I got the option to press 1 and it said they would text me back for delivery. That must have been before they took everything offline. I refreshed the page to get the phone number again and it said ‘permanently closed.’”
She drove straight to will call. “All the trucks were docked and it was closed,” said Swalberg. “I met people there at the showroom and everybody was stunned.”
Visa’s rule is within 60 days to dispute a charge, she said. “But they seem to be working with us. They will repeatedly try to get a hold of them but if they can’t they’ll credit us back after the billing cycle.”
Swalberg said they rarely put that much on a credit card but in this case it might have worked in their favor. “It breaks my heart for those people who paid with a check or cash. I don’t know how the bank works but at least we have some sense of being reimbursed.”
People in the parking lot hadn’t just paid
a down payment they’d paid for the whole thing, she said. “We’re owed the appliances we paid for. They’re in the will call center. We purchased new appliances because we didn’t want to delay. I feel bad for people who put $50,000 into a kitchen. There’s no way to even get a hold of them (Duerden’s).” It’s disheartening, she said. “I feel for the owners. While my mother was standing there some of the employees told her they had to pack up. It’s a pretty big hit. Nobody wins in this situation.” l
Duerden’s Appliance and Mattress store on 500 South was shuttered last Thursday after declaring bankruptcy on Oct. 17. Photo by Becky Ginos
CareNow Urgent Care clinic opens in new location
By Becky Ginos becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Patients who are in need of quality medical care without the long wait can find it at CareNow Urgent Care in Bountiful. The clinic recently moved from its old location in the Renaissance Town Center to its new location at 175 W. 500 South. The facility is part of HCA Healthcare’s Mountain Division, locally known as MountainStar Healthcare.
“This combines a community hospital with urgent care,” said Troy Wood, Lakeview Hospital CEO at a ribbon cutting for the clinic on Wednesday. “It allows us to do what we do well and allows them to do what they do well.”
There are fewer primary care doctors, he said. “Sometimes it takes a long time to get an appointment. The clinic is open in the evenings and Saturdays and Sundays. Patients can get things like labs or X-rays here. It’s a lower cost option with quicker care.”
Woods said he appreciates the partnership. “It’s in an ideal location and I’m excited for the future of the facility. We all need to work together. It takes a village to take care of communities.”
“We went from four rooms to seven patient rooms,” said Center Manager, Mykol Castillo. “We have updated X-ray
equipment, a triage room for stitches, etc. and a nicer waiting area.”
It’s for more urgent needs that aren’t necessarily an emergency, she said. “We see patients in the clinic and if it calls for more speciality care we send them to Lakeview.”
Castillo said their goal is to keep wait times to 15 minutes or less. “There is always one provider on staff with a rotating medical doctor, physician’s assistant and nurse practitioner. They’re amazing.”
Dr. Zimmerman has been with CareNow for two years. “I do occupational medicine,” she said. “That deals with worker’s compensation on injury cases. I love the system of being in one place so that workers get the continuity of care. I work with them until the case is closed.”
“We strive for patient satisfaction,” said Castillo. “I feel our staff actually cares about the patient.”
CareNow Urgent Care is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and all holidays excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. No appointment is necessary. l
Touchless crosswalk buttons provide safety, accessibility
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Crossing an intersection has now become easier and safer for pedestrians with Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) new radar-enabled crosswalk buttons. The accessible pedestrian signal (APS) technology can be activated by nodding or waving without the need for pushing a button. It also triggers an audible function that says “wait” or “walk sign is on.” UDOT is one of the first in the nation to implement widespread use of this technology.
“We call them ‘talkable buttons,’” said Mike Blanchette, UDOT traffic engineer. “There is a speaker built in that gives real time feedback on the status of the walk signal.”
Pedestrians can also activate the button with the PedApp. According to UDOT, the app provides live supplemental information at crosswalks such as the amount of walking time remaining or the street name.
APS also gives cues on pedestrian direction, eastbound, etc., said Blanchette. “It has a pulsing, ticking sound to help them to orient themselves to begin crossing and points them straight toward the sounds.”
It started out to help pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired or have hearing loss or other disabilities, he said. “It could help them know when to cross.
It would take the visual information and transfer that to help them navigate more safely and comfortably and tell them when to walk or not to walk and when the countdown is active.”
Downtown Salt Lake currently has signals that beep when it is time to cross. “That’s older technology,” he said. “It’s essentially the same but it’s been improved upon. The audible signal might say ‘wait to cross.’ It’s got more features.”
The APS has doppler radar which gives the ability to set the distance from the signal, Blanchette said. “There was someone in a Provo rehabilitation center who contacted us in 2023. He doesn’t have movement of his limbs so he couldn’t push the button. We put the doppler out front and extended the range to 20 inches so he could just create motion like nodding his head. We can also dial it back so that it’s not quite as sensitive, it's more intentional.”
“I’m glad UDOT added the touchless crosswalk buttons,” said Kris Johnson, the wheelchair-bound man in Provo. “It’s made crossing the street much safer for me and several other residents at the care center.”
It also has a lock out feature for weather, he said. “It helps disable it if there’s rain or snow so it doesn’t trigger it.”
During COVID people didn’t want to touch the button, said Blanchette. “This benefits both worlds, pedestrians can activate it without touching the button. It gives the option to touch the button or wave with the radar.”
It’s another way to improve safety, he said. “It’s not just for the disabled. Research done at Portland State University shows that the audible cue helps able-body pedestrians start walking four seconds earlier from the curb when it’s time to walk. It wakes up a pedestrian that might not be paying attention.”
UDOT has installed over 1,000 buttons at nearly 250 intersections with plans to install APS technology at every signalized intersection on state routes by 2023, said Blanchette. “A lot of our funding comes from the legislature but we get some federal dollars for the new technology. We have about $800,000 to use a year.”
Blanchette said when UDOT redoes an intersection they will install the new signal. “Currently we aren’t using a targeted approach unless someone has a special request. We’d like the public with an intersection near them that they want to get the APS in to contact us. We want it to start benefiting those who need it.”
For more information on how to get the PedApp go to https://polara.com/pedapp. To make an online request for an APS visit udot.utah.gov. l
Lakeview CEO Troy Wood and CareNow Center Manager Mykol Castillo are cheered on as they cut the ribbon on the new clinic. Photo by Becky Ginos
Kris Johnson, a man who lives in a Provo rehabilitation center, is unable to push the cross walk button so the new APS system will makes crossing the street much safer for him and several other residents at the care center. Photo courtesy of UDOT
County submits four possible Code Blue locations
DAVIS COUNTY—The Davis County Commission has submitted four potential locations for a Code Blue facility to the Office of Homeless Services (OHS), one primary location and three alternative sites. There are three county owned buildings, Clearfield Senior Center, Valley View Golf Course and the Inspection Maintenance Center in Kaysville and one private entity.
“The state is good with all of them,” said Ryan Steinbeigle, Grant Administrator for Davis County. “Davis County and the Office of Homeless Services worked together to develop the plan, now it will go to the Utah Homeless Services Board for voting on funding for Code Blue.”
The legislature passed a bill in 2023 requiring counties the size of Davis County to provide shelter beds for Code Blue and Winter Response. Code Blue and Winter Response mean beds for unhoused people for extremely cold days and also 60+ beds from Oct. 15-April 30.
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
cility and more recently to find a suitable location for a year round homeless shelter.
Last month, Switchpoint, a private company that provides resources for those who are experiencing homelessness, was considering purchasing the Lifeline building at 1130 West Center Street in North Salt Lake that would have met the county’s requirement for a year round shelter.
Residents were in an uproar and fought hard to stop the purchase. Ultimately, Switchpoint pulled the offer killing the deal, leading the county to go back to searching for another building that could be repurposed or finding property to purchase.
The (Homeless Services) board won’t meet until Nov. 14, said Steinbeigle. “It’s from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Capitol, Room 445. The board is a public body that approves funding requests from the Office of Homeless Services. They function together but OHS can’t approve funding. That has to be done by the board.”
“The bus would have pickup spots at a designated time and they would be taken to a (Code Blue) location,” said Steinbeigle. “They would spend the night and then get back on the bus the next day and be taken
After the law was passed, Davis County created a task force made up of voting city mayors from Bountiful, Farmington, Kaysville, Layton, Clearfield, Syracuse and Sunset and one voting county commissioner, Bob Stevenson. The task force worked to submit the required plan that was due Aug. 1, 2024 for this coming winter. The plan was a Dignity Bus with 20 spots.
back to where they were picked up. We’d have volunteers doing intake and giving them resources. The state denied the plan due to insufficient funding. That puts it back to the state to make a decision.”
There has been a great deal of controversy over where to have a Code Blue fa-
In the meantime, the timeline of Oct. 15 has passed. “If it gets 18 or below the state will have to decide what to do but the first one last year was around Thanksgiving.” l
The Clearfield Senior Center is one of four sites the county recommended for Code Blue response. Courtesy photo
Local man makes it his mission to keep Bountiful streets clean – one bag at a time
By Kerry Angelbuer | k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com
Some streets of Bountiful are often packed with people walking, running, biking or just hanging outside. Bountiful Blvd. and Davis Blvd. are pretty flat and so inviting for leisurely walks compared to the rest of Bountiful’s hilly streets. Stretching several miles encompassing two 18-hole golf courses, a cemetery and a temple, Bountiful Blvd. is particularly busy. One area near the cemetery has become a hangout for many cars and trucks loaded with friends and families. A place to play games, socialize and watch the sun sink into the Great Salt Lake over Antelope Island. Though most people are respectful and try to clean up after themselves, it is inevitable that the areas become littered with debris left behind. On windy days, just collecting the trash can result in various items flying sideways as the cans are dumped. One man, Scott Peterson, walks almost daily along the most traveled roads in Bountiful picking up an average of one grocery bag of trash per mile as he goes.
Peterson first started picking up trash when he lived in Texas in a newer suburban neighborhood with a lot of new construction. He picked up a lot of nails and screws and other building debris just to keep it from ruining his tires. When he moved to Arizona, he kept up his habit of throwing away cups and papers that were left around his neighborhood. “It’s been nice to be back in Utah for the last couple of years where we have such beautiful scenery,” said Peterson, “and can stop and watch the sunset.”
He first just picked up a few things with his hands and tossed them, but soon decided to carry a grocery bag to collect the trash. Since, a lot of the trash was cans and plastic bottles that can be recycled, he started carrying around a white grocery bag for trash and brown for recycling. Remembering the old phrase “white trash,” helps him keep them straight. He usually walks across Bountiful Blvd. and down 1800 South past the busy area around Mueller Park Junior High. Davis Blvd. does not have as much litter, and he uses that road to complete his loop.
He usually sticks to the sidewalks, but if the weather is cooperative, he is willing to go off road and clear out some debris in the fields surrounding the sidewalks. Once he fell into a large rosebush, but perseveres. When a couple of sofas were left in a field off the boulevard, he borrowed a family truck and removed them. He finds soda bottles, golf balls and pizza boxes, as well as less savory items like diapers, bags of dog poop, or condoms. He uses a stick for things he does not want to touch.
He tries to get five miles of walking in, but less if he has the time to golf. “Collecting
trash can break the monotony of a long walk,” he said.
Peterson grew up in Logan and graduated from Utah State University. He finished his law degree at Columbia. Peterson believes that people likely view him as a “crazy old man” as he carries bags around Bountiful, although he is actually an ivy-league lawyer working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Peterson has sighted some wild animals around the neighborhood: a four-foot snake, a coyote and of course the Bountiful mule deer. Another reason he believes in keeping the shared neighborhood clean – one bag of trash at a time. l
Amy Castleton enjoys a jog on the wide, well-used sidewalk along Bountiful Blvd. Photo by Kerry Angelbuer
Unique initiative merges technology and soccer for Utah youth
Acollaboration between Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals and Comcast NBCUniversal + Xfinity provided an interactive experience for youth involved in Comcast’s nonprofit partner organizations in the state, including the International Rescue Committee, YMCA of Northern Utah and the PROG Development Center.
RSL Stadium hosted the “Game On: Tech Meets Soccer” event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, to provide youth with an understanding of technology’s impact on professional soccer while inspiring students to envision careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The intention was to create an experience that would raise an interest in technology and sports.
“This unique gathering offers our youth an unparalleled opportunity to witness first-hand how technology is continually revolutionizing the sports industry,” said RSL Club President John Kimball. “This event is not just a glimpse into what the future offers; we hope it serves as a catalyst for inspiration, opening young minds to innovative career paths and sparking the curiosity and ambition of the next generation.”
Youth at the event got a rare, behind-thescenes glimpse into the world of sports technology, exploring how cutting-edge innovations can revolutionize the game. Students toured the facility, listened to a panel discussion, visited
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
the control room and learned how technology controls all lighting and interactive signage during the games, as well as keeping the grass on the field suitable for games.
RSL athletes helped the youth understand how science helps the players manage their health, recover from injury and maintain their diets. Each student had the opportunity to get a photo and autograph with the athletes.
“The ‘Game On: Tech Meets Soccer’ event is a game changer for our young people, giving them a firsthand look at how technology and sports intersect,” said Rhonda Clark, Salt Lake regional director, YMCA of Northern Utah. “It opens up new possibilities for their futures, sparking curiosity in career paths they may not have considered before.”
Comcast is committed to being a forward-thinking corporate partner. By exposing Utah’s youth to tech careers within the sports field, Comcast aims to future-proof the state’s tech landscape, offering a unique value proposition that resonates with participants and partners alike.
“At Comcast, we are dedicated to harnessing the power of technology to create meaningful change in our communities,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “The ‘Game On: Tech Meets Soccer’ event is a testament to our commitment to digital opportunity and innovation,
inspiring the next generation to explore exciting career opportunities in sports technology.”
Jesse Sheets, director of development and strategic initiatives at the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City, said the “Game On: Tech Meets Soccer” event created a gateway for refugee youth to explore the intersection of technology and sports.
“It ignites their imagination and introduces them to potential career paths they may have never thought of, which can fuel their curiosity and drive,” Sheets said.
Comcast is bridging the digital divide
Ewith Project UP, a program offering affordable, high-speed Internet to low-income families, installing Lift Zones for free WiFi access throughout northern Utah, and its Digital Navigators program that trains people to get online and acquire digital skills.
“In over 10 years, we’ve connected more than 10 million people,” said Knight. “Together, we can empower the next generation of tech leaders and sports enthusiasts.”
For more information, visit Corporate. comcast.com. l
Thanksgiving Turkey Drive set for Nov. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.
ach year, the need for donations to help fight hunger is increasing in Davis County. It’s a particularly poignant feeling during the holiday season. This year, the Bountiful Food Pantry has once again teamed up with other organizations for its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive for Hungry Families.
“Last year saw tremendous generosity from the community,” said Rebekah Anderson, executive director of the Pantry. “We had over 1,500 turkeys donated and also received more than $21,000 in cash to help with our efforts. In all, more than 15,000 pounds of food was donated.”
This year, the Pantry will collect turkeys at three locations on the night of the drive, Tuesday, Nov. 12. Locations for the donations are the Open Doors Food Pantry at 578 East. Highway 93 in Layton, the LDS Church located at 500 S. Main Street in Kaysville, and at the Pantry located at 480 East 150 North in Bountiful. Volunteers will be receiving the turkeys and other donations that night between 6 and 8 p.m.
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Those items include frozen turkey breast (frozen or bone-in), boxed stuffing, boxed mashed potatoes, canned yams, canned veggies, canned cranberries and gravy packets. Any and all of those items will be put to good use for needy families.
Anderson said the public can also donate monetarily online at https://givebutter.com/filiTo, or by scanning the code shown with this story.
More than a dozen community organizations received turkeys from the drive last year, and Anderson said that might be expanded this year.
The Bountiful Food Pantry has served more families this year than ever in its history. The Thanksgiving Turkey Drive is just one of the projects the Pantry takes on each year to help address hunger in the community. l
Turkeys are being collected for local food pantries on Nov. 12. Image from Canva
“We decided to offer three donation sites since the need is widespread in Davis County,” Anderson said. “Our volunteers always do such a great job receiving the turkeys and the other items we collect for Thanksgiving dinners.”
Youth from nonprofit organizations enjoy an interactive experience at Real Salt Lake Stadium, learning how technology is used in sports. Photo courtesy of Comcast
West Bountiful Arts Council works to keep concert series alive
By Simon Mortensen | s.mortensen@davisjournal.com
WestBountiful’s Arts Council has been hosting concerts for almost as long as they’ve been meeting. During the second Friday of eight months of the year, the committee sets up amps, sound equipment and chairs in the chambers of City Hall. Each performer has a tie to the area, either as someone who grew up in the community or someone who has a connection to it.
On Nov. 8, the Arts Council will hold their final concert of the year with singer Suzie Carter – and they’’re looking to rejuvenate what was once considered a staple monthly event.
“We have had the place standing room only, well over 100 people, but the last few have not,” said Lucile Eastman, an Arts Council member. “We’re scrambling to figure it out.”
The city’s Arts Council was established in 2005. Under the direction of former member Colleen Maloy, the committee decided that concerts would be an effective way to spread an art culture in West Bountiful. On April 14, 2006, the city held their first concert with Mike Murphy – now a retired business owner and former guitar teacher at Viewmont High School.
Today, the monthly concert order is fairly established. Each year, the Arts Council has Andy Leger, a member of the band Endless Summer, kick off the performance series in January. In February, they stage a Valentine’s Day concert, and in March, young artists from across the community showcase their talents.
Carter then does her first performance of the year, which is followed by one to close
out the series before summer. While concerts don’t happen in June, July or August, the council does organize a performance during West Bountiful’s Independence Day celebration.
The events return in September, and a cowboy poetry performance is held the next month. Each year, the concerts close with Carter singing holiday classics during her November “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” show.
Though the series is 18 years old, the performances were paused in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The following year, the Arts Council began publishing the concerts on YouTube to make the performances more accessible. Once concerts were able to return, however, Eastman noticed a change in West Bountiful.
“One of the reasons that we feel that our attendance has been dropping [is] because there’s not that tremendous community spirit that there was when we were smaller,” said Eastman. “We’re trying to bring that back.”
Eastman says that some of the decline in community spirit is due in part to the city’s growth. One of the ways the Arts Council is looking to re-establish West Bountiful’s strong culture is by bringing back a holiday called Founder’s Day – which celebrates the development and history of the area.
Originally started by the Arts Council, Founder’s Day used to feature presentations of historic homes, musical performances and the reciting of a poem by Eastman’s husband, Eric. The celebration was, however, discontinued 10 years ago due to decisions by the council.
Along with reinstating the holiday, the Arts Council is increasing their awareness efforts. This year, an established member of the committee, Mike Leger, added his nephew, Michael Nielsen – a marketing expert – to the operation. They are also seeking a greater variety of acts, including non-musical performances such as magic shows.
“We had a local magician in town, and whenever he did a concert the place was packed,” said Eastman when referring to former magician Craig Dransfield, who passed away in 2020. “I said to members of the Arts Council ‘do we have a local magician any-
Wmore?’ because I feel like that would be a draw that would bring kids in.”
Carter – the final performer of the year – is known for singing classic songs from artists such as Doris Day and the Carpenters. She is regularly one of the most popular shows each year, and according to Eastman, has the potential to bring attendance back to where the council hopes it will be.
“There isn’t anybody on the council that wants to see it die,” said Eastman about the concert series. “It’s something we’ve got to work on.” l
Wildcats see girls soccer season end with close playoff loss
hat began in the heat of early August ended the second week of October for the Woods Cross girls soccer team. The 2024 season is now in the books for the Wildcats, closing the chapter on a season that saw its share of highs and lows.
Woods Cross ended the year with a 6-12 record. The team placed sixth in the eight-team Region 5 with a 6-8 mark. Despite having a below-.500 league record, the Wildcats outscored their foes collectively by a 27-25 margin. Woods Cross suffered two losses by a single goal and four more by two goals in region action.
The season included some impressive victories for Woods Cross.
Most notably, Woods Cross shut out eventual region champion Bountiful 3-0 on Aug. 15. The Wildcats also won convincingly over rival Viewmont on Sept. 19 by the score of 4-1. In the Class 5A state tournament,
By Josh McFadden | joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
Woods Cross secured the No. 17 seed. It faced No. 16 Timpview on the road in first-round action Oct. 10. The Wildcats fell into an early hole and battled back, nearly making a furious rally to force overtime. Woods Cross was down 3-0 at halftime before getting goals from Nixon Milliron and Bailey Brown in the second
half. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, time ran out in the contest and in the season. It was a season of streaks for Woods Cross.
The Wildcats lost all three non-region games to start the year, giving up three goals in each outing. After a pair of wins to start the Region 5 slate, the Wildcats then dropped four more games to fall to 2-7. However, the team regrouped to win five of its next seven matchups, including an exciting shootout victory over Bonneville on Sept. 26 on the road. In the regular-season finale, Woods Cross fell at home to Northridge 3-1 on Oct. 3.
Woods Cross will miss Brown next season. The senior will graduate this school year after pacing the team with nine goals this past season. She also added a pair of assists. However, two big contributors will be back in 2025 to bolster the team’s chances of improving. Soph -
omore Clara Howes was second on the team with six goals, adding two assists as well. Fellow sophomore Sydney Oakes will be a focal point of the team next year after piling up 10 assists this past season. She added five goals too. Oakes had perhaps her biggest game of the year Sept. 10 at Bountiful when she had three assists. Also back in 2025 will be Milliron, who had three goals and two assists this season. Juniors Lucy Thompson and Halle Tucker will also look to have bigger roles next year. Sophomore goalie Kacey Durtschi had two shutouts this season.
Next year, the Wildcats are aiming to bounce back after suffering their first sub.500 season since 2020. Woods Cross was 9-8 in each of the two previous seasons and 11-6 in 2021. Head coach David Newman just finished his 13th season with the team. He has a record of 199-95. l
Each November, performer Suzie Carter closes out the Arts Council’s concert series with a performance of Christmas songs. Photo from footage posted to YouTube by West Bountiful’s Arts Council.
Viewmont’s girls soccer season ends with heartbreaking playoff loss
By Josh McFadden | joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
It’s always tough to lose a game, but on the soccer field, shootout defeats can be especially painful.
That’s how the Viewmont girls team’s season concluded.
The Vikings, playing at home as the No. 13 seed, faced 20th seed Salem Hills in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament Oct. 10. Viewmont had an up-anddown regular season, going 9-8 overall and 8-6 in league play, placing fourth in Region 5. Meanwhile, Salem Hills, out of Region 7, was 6-10 entering the contest. The SkyHawks placed last in their region.
But as is often the case in tournament action, the unexpected can happen.
Viewmont struck first when Alauna Titensor scored a goal off an assist from Tally Smith in the opening half. Up 1-0 at halftime, Viewmont couldn’t find the back
of the net in the second half. Salem Hills knotted things up before the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime. After two scoreless sessions, penalty kicks would decide the outcome. By the closest of margins, Salem Hills made four penalty kicks to Viewmont’s three, denying the Vikings a chance to advance.
The season ended for Viewmont, as the team finished the year 9-9 overall.
There were some high moments in the season. The Vikings had a big victory on Aug. 29 over Bountiful, winning 1-0 over the eventual region champions. Viewmont ended the regular season with a 3-0 shutout at home over Roy, getting a pair of goals from junior midfielder Annie Layton and a goal from senior Brooklyn Jones. Titensor and senior Mazie Tullis had assists. Goalie Susan Lamb capped a successful season
Bwith a shutout.
This past season, Viewmont also posted six shutouts in league play and allowed just 25 goals in 18 games this season. The Vikings were competitive even in defeat, as the team had three losses by a single goal and lost three games in shootouts.
Viewmont had 10 goal-scorers this season, with Layton leading the team with nine goals. Fellow junior midfielder Lucy Morris had three goals and two assists, while junior Raegan Rast also had three goals. Junior Tally Smith had a team-high five assists and added two goals. Tullis had a pair of goals and three assists.
The strong defense had some standout performers, with Lamb headlining the group. The junior had eight shutouts and now has 11 in her career.
In 2025, the Vikings will have a solid
group of returning starters and contributors, with its top three scorers and leader in assists coming back for their senior years. Other returning players in 2025 with varsity experience will be freshman Avery Tyler, sophomore Savannah Randall and junior Kamree Day.
Many of Viewmont’s players play club ball in the offseason, so there won’t be much time off from the sport. Underclassmen returning to the team in 2025 will begin workouts in July in preparation for the season in August. The Vikings will once again compete in Class 5A’s Region 5 against Davis County rivals Bountiful and Woods Cross, among other foes. l
Breast cancer survivor retreats offer support, resilience and hope
reast cancer survivors often struggle with challenges beyond the physical aspect of the condition and treatment. Anxiety, depression, body-image issues and cognitive changes can cause emotional and psychological challenges.
Image Reborn offers breast cancer survivors the opportunity to gather with other women going through similar issues by holding free renewal retreats. The program is a chance for survivors to talk about their experiences and offer support to other women.
“We’re actually in our 26th year,” said Bobbi Lord, Image Reborn executive director. “We have weekend retreats that are a place for women to focus on their feelings. The best part is to see that connection as these women come together. They instantly know what the other one’s going through without having to vocalize it, which I think is very powerful.”
Retreats are held in private homes with a small number of attendees (usually less than 10 women) who are pampered and nurtured during a two-night stay. A chef provides healthy meals while women can take part in yoga, massage therapy, group counseling sessions and a grief circle. A medical provider attends part of the retreat to talk with women and answer questions.
Several health aspects are included in each retreat including mindfulness, physical activity and tools for handling emotional distress. Because medical bills quickly add up during a cancer diagnosis and treatment, women can attend the renewal retreat at no cost.
“The only requirement to attend is
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
that they have breast cancer,” Lord said. “The retreats themselves are completely free. We do ask for a small $100 deposit to save their space, and then it’s returned after the retreat.”
Cinthya was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. She attended a retreat earlier this year after her radiologist gave her a pamphlet about the program.
“It was a way for us to have a break from everything and celebrate the end of treatment,” she said. “It was a great experience. I met a lot of ladies and I learned
a lot about their experiences. After that, I started volunteering for them because I felt I wanted to give back to the organization.”
Each retreat is facilitated by professionals experienced in addressing the concerns of women with breast cancer. Renewal retreats are held several times a year and have expanded to include events in Florida, Texas and Colorado. Women are invited to attend at any time during their cancer experience but most sign up two or three years post-diagnosis.
Image Reborn also holds events for women with specific needs including young survivors, women with stage 4 cancer and Spanish-speaking women.
The organization provides ongoing wellness activities for survivors including virtual grief-tending, restorative yoga, virtual hypnotherapy and a sex conference. Additionally, adventure retreats during the year focus on mental and emotional health but include a challenging component.
“Last year we partnered with the National Ability Center, and we did canoeing at Flaming Gorge,” Lord said. “We also did one down in Southern Utah that was canyoneering.”
Volunteers are always needed at Image Reborn. They might help at an event, pick up women from the airport or donate their home as a retreat location. Financial support can be provided through monetary donations, fundraising or by linking the Image Reborn Foundation to a Smith’s Rewards Card.
Image Reborn held its annual gala at the beginning of November and was expecting to bring in more than $300,000 in donations. The money is used to provide free retreats, offer travel scholarships for those coming from out-of-town and fund ongoing wellness programs. For more information, visit ImageRebornFoundation. org.
“We are trying to grow across the nation,” Lord said. “We have wait lists and our goal is to make this available for everyone.” l
At Image Reborn renewal retreats, breast cancer survivors can access mental and emotional support while creating new friendships. Photo courtesy of Image Reborn
Applied Medical Engineering Lab pushing the limits to life-saving care
Imagine living in a rural area, hiking in a remote place or taking a family trip away from a city where there are life-saving medical services and needing that help to survive. The University of Utah has just launched a new laboratory called the Applied Medical Engineering (AME) Lab to create cutting-edge medical technology designed to deliver that life-saving care at any location and for any patient with any injury.
“Just being 10 miles from a facility where you don’t have access can make the difference to slow down a heart attack or if you need blood,” said Dr. Jake Jensen, Associate Vice President for Research at the University of Utah. “For example, there are some freezer system treatments that maintain medication that an EMT or field medic doesn’t have access to.”
There is some promising research going on at the U for more portable freezers, he said. “It’s smaller than a mini fridge. It’s more the size of a Rubik’s Cube that is ultra frozen that medics can carry in their pack that can stop hemorrhaging more quickly. Or it can be sidestepped completely with freeze drying to maintain efficiency.”
That is one of the first things being researched through the AME platform is to work on these problems, said Jensen. “Another huge one is lightweight robotics. There are so many applications.”
If an EMT or field medic is triaging patients in the field, there’s usually only one field medic or just one or two EMTs, he said. “If they’re
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
treating multiple patients they have to spread out life saving measures that require more than one medic. The EMT has to make the choice whether to continue applying pressure to stop blood flow or get bandages from his pack. A lightweight robotic arm with controlled voice (AI) command could apply pressure, etc. A single provider then becomes more than one.”
The U of U has been a leader in robotics for a long time, Jensen said. “We have already developed robotic legs, arms, etc. that are high
NeuroHealth
While mental health issues for men have often been underestimated or overlooked in the past, growing awareness is creating space for men to set aside generational stigmas and reach out for help. Initiatives like Movember hope to break down barriers that leave men feeling isolated or reluctant to express their emotions.
Starting in 2003, the Movember campaign encouraged men to grow a mustache or beard during November to challenge them to speak up about men’s physical and mental health issues.
High rates of depression, substance abuse, suicide and suicidal ideation in men underscore the need for a societal shift to support men’s mental health with empathy and understanding. As more athletes and celebrities open up about their own mental health challenges, the conversation potentially allows men to reach out for help.
“The more we talk about it, the less taboo the topic becomes and the easier it becomes to get help,” said NeuroHealth Manager Jason Corbridge. “We need to be present, we need to be available and we need to make men feel valued and respected.”
NeuroHealth is situated to help men navigate their mental health, offering transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine therapy. Corbridge said these methods have had pro-
functioning mostly for prosthetics. It’s amazing technology but we decided to branch out and ask ‘where else could this be useful? What problems can we solve?’”
Who hasn’t been in a situation where they couldn't use three hands? he said. “Take movers. A lightweight robotic arm would allow them to move safer and faster. The functionality for multiple people is incredibly exciting.”
Another area of AME application is mental health. “It’s an issue from many people,” said
Jensen. “But there are noticeable disparities in rural counties. Rural communities have more signs of mental health issues such as suicide than urban areas. This is designed to help mental health. That is huge. People can receive counseling wherever they are and there is a Telehealth component.”
Jensen said the area he’s most excited about is women’s health. “The AME lab is developing technology to assist in maternal and infant survival. There’s been work in this for over 100 years, but there’s been little progress in infant and maternal mortality. You’d think we’d be further along.”
Think about a baby and mom that don’t have access to medical facilities, he said. “They live too far away from treatment that could have saved their life. Ten miles could be the difference between if a mother or infant dies. If treatment is available we need to use it.”
The AME lab showcased its groundbreaking work at the 47G Zero Gravity Summit held on Thursday.
47G promotes and advocates for companies in Utah that are developing the next generation of aerospace, defense and cyber technologies, said Aaron Starks, 47G president and CEO. “Our partnership with the University of Utah’s AME Lab reflects our commitment to collaborate on applied research that will directly benefit Americans serving around the world and right here at home.” l
offers treatment for men’s mental health issues
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
found effects on his clientele, offering a potential lifeline for those struggling with treatment-resistant depressive disorders.
Men with underlying mental health conditions often have symptoms that include the lack of desire to engage with friends and family, low energy, lack of enjoyment, violent behavior, feeling closed off, sleep issues, anger, substance misuse, trouble concentrating, risky behavior and a loss of sex drive.
“We see many patients who have suffered from PTSD in the past, or who are going through a difficult time, and we have had awesome success in alleviating those heavy and dark moods,” Corbridge said. “More than 80% of patients who go through our treatments say their depression has decreased and they feel better and 63% of those who go through our treatments say their depression is just gone. The results speak for themselves, with virtually no side effects like you would typically get from medications.”
Corbridge said TMS is an FDA-approved treatment that is easy and effective and usually covered by health insurance. It’s a non-invasive procedure using magnetic pulses to improve nerve cells in the brain. A TMS study performed in 2022 showed individuals who received TMS treatment had significantly lower levels of suicidal ideation compared to the control group.
NeuroHealth brings attention to the stigmas and possibilities for men’s mental health issues and treatment during November. Stock photo
NeuroHealth is located at 10437 S. Temple Drive in South Jordan and Corbridge said the clinic is dedicated to creating higher levels of mental health for men. Along with TMS treatment, NeuroHealth also administers ketamine therapy in a controlled setting. Considered an emerging treatment for depression, ketamine is a potential lifesaver for those facing
treatment-resistant depression. For more information, visit NeuroHealthUtah.com.
“When it comes to men’s mental health, we need to talk about it,” Corbridge said. “Speak up when you are struggling and don’t try to handle this alone.”l
A concept photo shows how the robotic arm can be used by medics in the field. The arm is just one of many cutting-edge medical technologies being developed by the AME Lab. Courtesy AI image
Six local nonprofits to support this holiday season
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Davis
County residents have long demonstrated a commitment to service, upholding the belief that collective action leads to meaningful change and stronger communities.
With hundreds of nonprofit organizations in the area, there are many options to donate time, money or expertise to a cause close to your heart. Take time this month to show gratitude for all you have by supporting one of these charities doing big things along the Wasatch Front.
Bountiful Food Pantry, 480 E. 150 North, Bountiful
Providing food to any Davis County family in need, the Bountiful Food Pantry offers assistance with no questions asked. In 2023, the pantry distributed more than 1.7 million meals and is on track to exceed that number in 2024. Residents can visit the pantry twice each month for a box of groceries. The nonprofit also provides pantry packs to 80 schools in the county, allowing thousands of children to have food for the weekend. Support this organization through monetary or food donations, host a food drive or volunteer to work at the pantry. More information is available at BountifulFoodPantry.org.
Wasatch Wanderers Animal Rescue
It’s not just cats and dogs being abandoned along the Wasatch Front. Rabbits, domestic ducks, turtles, lizards, chickens, guinea pigs and other animals are often dumped by their owners in the wild, where they don’t survive long. Wasatch Wanderers rescues
Thisthese rejected pets and finds new homes where they can be part of a loving family. Get involved with this organization by adopting or fostering an animal, transporting rescued animals to rescue farms or donating money to their care. Visit WasatchWanderers.org for more information.
Warrior Rising Through strategic partnerships, Warrior Rising helps veterans become thriving business owners. Using a network of professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, the nonprofit created a remote learning platform that uses mentors, coaches, experts and
grant money to provide vets the opportunity to build a successful life after they’ve served the country. Entrepreneurial volunteers are needed to teach skills and help vets through the business start-up process. Find more info at WarriorRising.org.
The Christmas Box International, 3660 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City Open all year, The Christmas Box International is a short-term, emergency shelter helping children suffering from abuse, neglect, trafficking and homelessness. More than 14,000 children were served at the home last year and organizers are always looking
for donations to help support the programs offered including resource rooms and international projects. To honor the children they serve, The Christmas Box International only accepts new donations of clothing, books, toys and toiletries. Monetary donations are also accepted. Learn more at Thechristmasbox.org.
Davis County Library
With seven branches throughout the county, volunteers are always needed at the Davis County Library. Working with library staff, volunteers perform a range of vital services including shelving materials, clerical support, leading story times and helping with library programs. Volunteers 14 and older are invited to work at the library (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Visit daviscountyutah.gov/library/volunteer to sign up.
Fourth Street Clinic, 409 W. 400 South, Salt Lake City
With cold temperatures on the way, people experiencing homelessness will need extra support to stay safe. Fourth Street Clinic provides health care to a population that often doesn’t receive continual medical attention. The clinic accepts donations including travel-size hygiene items, tents, sleeping bags, tarps, gloves and hats, new underwear and warm socks. Monetary donations to Fourth Street Clinic are leveraged to create an additional in-kind donation dollar for every $1 raised. Learn more at FourthStreetClinic.org. l
Bright economic numbers signal a strong holiday shopping season
fall’s better-than-expected economic showing is good news for the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Retail sales rose 0.4% in September, beating analysts’ expectations. Meanwhile, the economy added a remarkable 254,000 jobs in the month – 100,000 more than most forecasters predicted. The national unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% in August to 4.1% in September, while wages accelerated to 4% in September compared to 3.8% the previous month.
Bolstered by a strong job market, winter holiday spending is expected to grow between 2.5% and 3.5% this year, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s in line with historical averages and similar to Deloitte’s 2024 projection of 2.3% to 3.3% sales growth. Most of the growth will be driven by online purchases, which are expected to jump 7% to 9% over 2023.
Holiday shoppers’ dollars will stretch further this year than in 2023 and 2022, thanks to slowing inflation and rising wages.
By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank Senior Economist
The Consumer Price Index slowed to 2.4% in September, down from 2.5% the previous month. And inflation in the mountain region of the U.S. slowed even more, to 1.4% in September.
While wage growth has been outpacing inflation since May 2023, household income has yet to fully recover the purchasing power lost to inflation in recent years. Many people are starting off their holiday shopping season already in debt. Credit card debt hit a record $1.14 trillion in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. And half of credit card holders are carrying a balance from month to month – the highest level in four years, according to Bankrate’s 2024 Credit Card Debt Survey.
Nearly half – 48% – of Utahns say they are worse off financially compared to a year ago, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. The way people feel about the economy often influences their spending decisions. However, easing inflation and lower
interest rates could improve Utahns’ feelings about the economy.
This holiday season may bring price relief in certain categories. Toy prices, for example, dropped 2.9% over the last year. Some electronics, including televisions and computers, are also cheaper overall. Motor fuel prices are down 15.5% nationally and 18.6% regionally. These are all great trends.
Other factors impacting holiday spending include an abbreviated shopping season. With Thanksgiving falling on Nov. 28 this year, there are 26 days from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Additionally, the economic uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presidential election could play a role in how consumers do their holiday shopping.
Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A l
Volunteers and monetary donations are always needed during the holidays. With dozens of nonprofit organizations in the county, there are ample opportunities to provide service. Stock photo
More than a memory – Josie’s Angels provides hope and healing for grieving parents
By Shania Emmett | s.emmett@mycityjournals.com
Whenparents experience the still birth of their child it can be one of the most heartbreaking things they can go through. The devastating loss can be overwhelming. An organization called Josie’s Angels was created to make the grieving process a bit easier.
“Nov. 25, 2021 my second daughter, Josie Lea Ann, passed away during labor, three hours before she was born (on Thanksgiving Day),” said Jennifer Rader, the creator of Josie’s Angels. “A few months passed by in complete grief, but quickly turned into a desire for action and to help others who were experiencing our same type of loss. It came from wanting to ‘pay forward’ the love and compassion and support we were shown during our darkest time.”
In February 2022 the final design for Josie’s Angels was created, she said. “I started making Angels in my home to send to other ‘loss parents’ that we learned of through friends and family. I started making these angels with my mother-in-law, Jina, as a way to clear my head and be able to sit in silence while dealing with my grief. We expanded to making and selling bracelets, and entered craft shows to raise additional funds to be able to make even more angels to donate.”
Rader said they knew that their daughter had a genetic condition and would likely not survive long after birth. “When we shared this news with family and friends, and publicly, we received so much support and love from people that we knew, and even people that we didn’t know. It was so important to us that we repay all those people in a way that ‘paid forward’ their support to us. In the hospital, on the day we lost Josie, the hospital
gave us a bag of items to commemorate our daughter’s life. I knew immediately that we wanted to contribute something to a bag like that. We donate our Josie’s Angels to organizations that work directly with the hospitals including Utah Share and Share Parents of Utah, in addition to sending Josie’s Angels directly to individuals who are experiencing a loss.”
Already Josie’s Angels has helped many parents get through the grieving process or at least it has helped bring a bit of peace and solace to them knowing they can honor the child they lost, Rader said. “We offer things like rings that can have your child’s birthstone, memory bracelets and even charms in the shape of angels that can have your child’s name on it.”
Rader said receiving that bag of items from other families who had dealt with a loss like theirs gave them hope. “It told us that we were not alone. It told us that there will be ways to honor our daughter in the future. I hope that when someone opens a Josie’s Angel from us that they have those feelings as well. I hope that they understand that there is life after the immense amount of grief they are feeling at the moment. The grief never fully goes away, but as much as you feel like you will not be able to go on, it is proof that you can.”
This year they will be hosting their second Angel Making Day Event on Josie’s Third Angel Day. “Last year we invited about 50 friends and family to our house and everyone made Angels and celebrated our girl (we made 337 Angels in a few hours),” she said. “This year we hope to make it even bigger and make even more Angels! We also offer Angel Making Events for youth groups,
churches, teams, and company days of giving. We bring out the supplies and people can spend time making Angels and donating their time to an amazing cause. I know how important the support from others felt for me throughout our journey, and I wanted to be
vocal about it and loudly support others to help them understand that they are not alone, their feelings are valid, and their baby existed and matters. I hope that our mission helps people to feel supported.” l
Suffering from Depression, Anxiety, or OCD?
One of the charms made by Josie’s Angels. Photos courtesy of Jennifer Rader
Jennifer Rader mourns at the funeral of her baby Josie Lea Ann. Rader created Josie’s Angels to help other parents who have lost a child.
Monday
NFL Football
(4) KTVX ESPN 6 p.m.
You can say that Tampa Bay looks battle tested as Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers head into Arrowhead Stadium to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for Monday Night Football. The Chiefs last beat the Bucs 41-31 in 2022 in Tampa, Fla. What We Do in the Shadows FX 11 p.m.
The zany misadventures continue in this latest episode as Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) head out to retrieve Nandor (Kayvan Novak) before his crazed mental state leads to more trouble.
Tuesday
Election Night 2024: Your Voice/ Your Vote (4) KTVX 5 p.m.
ABC News anchor David Muir and the ABC News team get the latest information from various election locations to provide results in the 2024 presidential election. As results continue to stream in, experts will piece together the Electoral College.
American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez FX 11 p.m.
During this new episode, Terri (Tammy Blanchard), Shayanna (Jaylen Barron) and Tanya (Lindsay Mendez) process Aaron’s (Josh Andrés Rivera) conviction. As they come to terms with their new reality, they are forced to make a difficult decision.
Wednesday Treasure
SHOW 3 p.m.
Ruth (Lena Dunham), an American journalist, brings her father (Stephen Fry) to Poland to visit his childhood homeland and help understand her family’s past. But as a Holocaust survivor, he prefers to forget, creating unintentionally funny moments.
Chicago Fire
(5) KSL 8 p.m.
Nature is a challenge and Mouch (Christian Stolte) runs afoul of a bird on the apparatus floor. Then, Severide (Taylor Kinney) finds illegal guns on a call and gets pulled into a police investigation. Carver’s (Jake Lockett) attitude worsens.
TELEVISION GUIDE
Thursday
After the First 48
A&E 6 p.m.
Season 10 premieres tonight, beginning with a gruesome tale. When a violent melee leaves two men dead, Mobile, Ala., detectives work to track down multiple suspects, using all available evidence to piece together what really happened that fateful night.
Doctor Odyssey
(4) KTVX 8 p.m.
Making waves might be par for the course on the open ocean, but aboard The Odyssey, it’s sometimes best to keep your head down. Dr. Max Bankman (Joshua Jackson) is still getting his sea legs, but Capt. Massey (Don Johnson) is not offering Dramamine.
Friday
Cold Case Files: The Grim Sleeper A&E 7 p.m.
This special episode of “Cold Case Files” explores the crimes of infamous serial killer Lonnie Franklin Jr., who preyed on the women of South Central Los Angeles for over 25 years. Various victims share their stories, and hope not to be forgotten.
Joan (30) KUCW 9 p.m.
From a penniless mother struggling to make ends meet to a skilled thief capable of becoming anyone at any time thanks to her talent for disguise, Joan (Sophie Turner) must pull off the heist of a lifetime in this season finale. However, doubts remain.
Saturday
Big RV Remix
Searching for a Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story
LIFE 6 p.m.
Hoping to make the world safer for her young daughter, Regina (Karrueche Tran) joins the Dallas Police Department. She and her partner Eddie (Blair Penner) find crucial evidence of a serial killer targeting female sex workers known as the Eyeball Killer.
48 Hours
(2) KUTV 8 p.m.
No matter the story — be it a shocking criminal case or salacious real-life scandal — viewers turn to the investigative reporting of Erin Moriarty, Peter Van Sant and the rest of the CBS News crew to give them the answers in this latest episode.
Sunday
The Penguin HBO 7 p.m.
Gotham is reshaped and Oz (Colin Farrell) has orchestrated as much of it as possible with the tools he’s been given — or taken — in this season finale. With Sofia (Cristin Milioti) working her angles and Oz mastering brutality, many hope for a Season 2.
Yellowstone (2) KUTV 8:30 p.m.
John (Kevin Costner) thinks he has finally shaken out the chaff, revealing his true alliances. After his run-in with the justice system, Rip (Cole Hauser) is left with more questions than answers. Jamie (Wes Bentley) worries about his political future.
The Penguin HBO 9:50 p.m.
Wednesday
PBS Nature
An all-new episode of “Nature” airs Wednesday, Nov. 6, on PBS, It might be known for its zoo, coastline and stunning weather, but San Diego is also wild. Nowhere in the United States has as many species as this city. From blistering deserts to snow-capped mountains and tidal estuaries, biodiversity calls San Diego home.
Celebrity Profile
By Jay Bobbin TV Media
Kelli
Williams spent several years
focusing on work behind the cameras as a director, but she’s back to being a full-time actress again. Best known previously as attorney Lindsay Dole in ABC’s “The Practice,” Williams is co-starring in the drama series “Found,” now airing its second season Thursdays on NBC and streaming on Peacock. Her character, Margaret Reed, is one of the recovery specialists on a team led by crisis management expert Gabi Mosely (played by Shanola Hampton, “Shameless”). Margaret sadly has personal experience in missing person cases, since her own son disappeared more than a dozen years ago, and she has never given up her search for him. After directing a number of other shows in recent years, Williams also fills that job on a “Found” episode later this season. “I think [producers] like the fact that I am an actor and I know actors,” she reasons of her behindthe-scenes work, “so I can use some of the shortcuts that actors have. In talking about character and story, I can ask them, ‘Are you a person of many words, or do you prefer just a few words?’ I find that’s something a lot of directors don’t ask, so I think that maybe that’s an advantage I have.”
Williams adds about acting, “Sometimes you can be prepared, then you suddenly get in front of the camera and you don’t quite have it in the same way, or your nerves get hold of you. [As a director,] I feel I also can be a mom and a therapist in that moment, as well as a fellow actor.”
In the often-repeated 2004 cable movie “A Boyfriend for Christmas,” Williams worked with her late mother, fellow actress Shannon Wilcox. “That was so much fun to do with her,” Williams recalls. “I had just had my second child, so I was there with my mom and my new baby.”
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner never gets easier. I always start with lofty culinary goals based on recipes from “The Pioneer Woman” that include truffles and capers but end up scraping scorched gravy into a dish and hoping the turkey won’t give anyone food poisoning.
Because of my poor cooking skills, I’m always looking for Thanksgiving hacks to make meal preparation more sunshine and less hurricane. I thought I’d share some tips I found to survive the food frenzy that is Thanksgiving.
Ask for help. Stop being a martyr. Don’t complain about having to do everything and then refuse any help. Give out assignments and not like “Can you bring one can of olives?” or “I need someone to pick up some napkins.” No. Ask someone to bring mashed potatoes or all the desserts or even the turkey. You don’t get a blue ribbon for Thanksgiving suffering.
Don’t make foods no one eats. Stop wasting time preparing “traditional” foods, even if it’s a recipe handed down from your quadruple-great grandmother. Especially if it’s handed down from your quadruple-great grandmother because there weren’t a lot of food options in the 1800s besides lima beans and fried hominy.
Use a mandoline to slice vegetables.
Hacking Thanksgiving
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Not to be confused with a stringed instrument from the 19th century, the mandoline slices onions, celery and carrots quickly and easily. The guest who finds the tip of my index finger in the stuffing wins a prize!
Make only one batch of dinner rolls. Homemade rolls are always a hit but now you can use them as leverage. Your grandson wants a second, hot-buttered roll? He’d better start washing dishes. Bonus hack: Purchase pre-made bakery rolls. You won’t get docked Thanksgiving points. I promise.
Thaw the turkey in water. Not only will this leave you with a bucket full of disgusting waste water but then you can spill it all over the kitchen floor on Thanksgiving morning. Maybe don’t even cook a turkey. There are no Thanksgiving laws. Have chicken wings or spaghetti bolognese.
Spatchcock the turkey. If you insist
on roasted turkey, watch a three-hour video explaining how to spatchcock the bird, which involves removing the turkey’s backbone so it lies flat and cooks quickly. (Sidenote: Who spatchcocked Utah’s governor and legislators?)
One tip said, “Use tongs to stem kale” and none of those words make sense together.
Use a Thermos to keep gravy warm. Gravy is notoriously dreadful when served cold. Trust me, I know. Grab your sisterin-law’s gallon-sized Stanley cup to ensure there’s hot gravy for the mashed potatoes.
Use pre-made pie shells. People think pies need to be made from scratch to get that flakey, buttery crust. Baloney. Unless you’re a professional pie baker, do yourself a favor and buy frozen pie crusts. Right now. Even better, get delicious pies from the grocery store.
Celebrate Thanksgiving dinner on Friday. There’s nothing worse than working three days and trying to fit in Thanksgiving preparation. On Friday, it can be a celebratory meal after everyone’s done shopping online.
Create a fun playlist. Before Uncle Jim can cue up the Jan. 6 prisoners’ chorus singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” have a variety of tunes ready to go. Include ev-
erything from Bach to ZZ Top, to equally irritate every family member.
Give yourself a break. I’ve overcooked turkey, burned gravy, made inedible broccoli-cornbread stuffing, forgot the cranberry sauce, dropped a pumpkin pie and used Tupperware lids when I ran out of dinner plates. No one cares. If you’re being judged for the way Thanksgiving dinner turns out, it’s time to find a new family.
