Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” CenterPoint Theatre’s last musical production to finish out 2024.
“A Christmas Carol,” is the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, an ornery old man who doesn’t like people or the holiday. Wealth is all he seems to care about until one magical Christmas Eve when he gets a glimpse of his life that has been impacted by the choices he’s made and what he can do differently before it’s too late.
Set in the Victorian era, Charles Dickens’ beloved characters such as Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-ToBe are artfully brought to life by a stellar cast, all against the backdrop of beautiful sets.
The first scene opens on the streets of London as Scrooge grumbles at anyone who tries to wish him a good day or a Merry Christmas. He pushes away a man and his small child who is asking for an extension on his debt so that he can pay for his wife’s impending funeral. Scrooge ignores beggars, saying things like “are there no workhouses?” and “if they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”
Scrooge turns down an invitation to dinner from his nephew Fred and begrudgingly gives his underpaid, overworked clerk Bob Cratchit Christmas Day off. That night in his bedchamber, he pulls on his nightshirt, puts on his slippers and nightcap and settles in by the fire. When he retires to bed he is startled awake by the voice of his old partner Jacob Marley who died seven years earlier.
Marley stands before him wrapped in tattered death clothes, draped in chains. He tells Scrooge they are chains forged in life by his greed and selfishness and warns him of the same fate if he doesn’t change. Marley tells
Scrooge grabs his night cap in fear as his old partner Jacob Marley comes back draped in chains as the ghost of Christmas Past. Photo by Micah Young
Light the World Giving Machines – gift by gift we can be angels in the lives of others
The holiday season is in full swing and shoppers are rushing to find presents for family and friends. Generally those gifts don’t include goats, health care or education but those things are crucial to people in other countries. Bringing light and hope to others this Christmas season is as easy as pushing a button at a Light of the World Giving Machine and making a donation.
Giving Machines are a unique way to give much-needed goods and services directly to people around the world. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors the vending machines as a way to share the love of Jesus Christ.
A global launch of the Giving Machines initiative took place at the Conference Center on Temple Square Nov. 13.
“Eight years ago, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints extended the invitation to light the world,” said Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “It is an example of He who we call The Light of the World, Jesus Christ who taught us to love and serve others and find a way to feel His love as we approach the holiday season.”
It started out small, he said. “We had a few machines. Today there are machines all over the world giving people the opportunity to celebrate Christmas, to celebrate the birth of the Savior by doing what he would have us do.”
The machines will now be available in 106 cities in 13 countries on five continents – including the first in Africa and Asia, a news release said. A digital version was also introduced and is located in Orem.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all program operational expenses, ensuring that 100% of every donation is used to provide those in need with the item a donor has purchased for them, the release said.
Since 2017, millions of items have been donated through the Giving Machines valued at more than US$32 million.
“Over the years it has evolved from a holiday message,” said Stevenson. “It’s an invitation, it’s a call to action worldwide to follow Jesus Christ, sharing light, love, kindness and service.”
There’s a magic about it, he said. “We’ve seen case
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after case where the small amount each person gives allows a gift that changes people’s lives. Recipients of a goat that allows them to do something they couldn’t do otherwise. At the push of a button you’re giving something meaningful in remarkable ways.”
It’s universal, Stevenson said. “It’s for Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and those of the Jewish faith. It has no boundaries. It’s an expression of human kindness for anyone and anywhere.”
Light of the World is a message of glad tidings, he said. “Which we’re assured will bring joy to all people because of Jesus Christ – because of His birth, because of His ministry and because of His resurrection. Just as angels declared words of great joy at His birth, we too in our own small way, gift by gift, can be angels in the lives of others as we extend the love of Jesus Christ to people near and far, and as we proclaim a witness of the Savior of the world.” l
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Keona Ojelade steps up to make her choice at Canada’s first Light the World Giving Machines in Calgary, Alberta, on Nov. 29, 2022.
Centerville officials, residents and business owners hashed out the issue of a tattoo parlor/body art studio, or a beauty salon doing fine line tattooing, being located in the community. The room was packed with people anxious to have their say.
All of this was in response to resident Nicole Hutchins asking to have a new addition added to the definitions section of the Centerville zoning code which would allow fine line tattooing and also allow that use in any commercial zone.
Hutchins already offers permanent cosmetics at the New Trend Salon owned by Delle and Karen George at 66 North Main Street, Centerville.
“Currently I am legally able to tattoo permanent makeup on a client's face – eyebrows, lips, eyeliner, beauty marks, freckles – but I am not allowed to tattoo an initial on someone’s arm even though I am using the exact same needle size, the exact same tattoo machine to perform both forms of art,” Hutchins said.
The planning commission and city staff both recommended denying Hutchins’ application because mixing the
two definitions of certain permanent cosmetics uses and tattoo establishments into a new category identified as “Body Art Studio” “could lead to zoning application confusion and uncertainty as more potential businesses might explore doing business within Centerville and have scattered questions regarding variations of this category of use,” the staff report said.
Also, this proposed zoning policy change “is not good planning practice or policy and creates too significant of a chaotic, non- directional impact to the commercial interests of each of the commercial districts in the city,” it said.
Hutchins’ request is not consistent with the general plan or the city’s core applicable zoning codes, Community Development Director Michael Eggett told the city council that evening. It is “overly broad and logistically difficult to administer.”
Twenty-six people spoke at the public hearing; of those 12 were supportive of Hutchins’ request, 12 were opposed and two said they could see both sides of the argument.
Of those who spoke in favor, several said that Hutchins had a small operation
within an existing salon providing permanent cosmetics for her clients and only wanted to expand her business within that framework. They also spoke to the constitutionality of allowing free expression.
“Let us be a city that celebrates diversity, supports local entrepreneurs and recognizes the importance of personal expression,” Karen George said. “I urge you to consider the positive impact of this change and to move forward with amending our regulations to allow fine line tattooing in Centerville under the personal services code.”
On the other side, some said they liked tattoos, other said they didn’t, but they all said they feared granting Hutchins’ request would open the door to full-scale tattoo parlors in multiple zones in the city. They were particularly opposed to them being located on Main Street where New Trend already has its premises.
“It's not even a question about whether this is a tattoo parlor or something else,” Larry Wright said. “It's the fact that we have someone making a request to change an ordinance that's going to have an impact across the community … What this request is doing is asking for the ap -
plication of possible tattoo establishments across multiple commercial zones so we can’t control what’s going to come in later.”
After the public hearing, Hutchins spoke briefly.
“I probably should have just asked for it to be put in a medium zone which would have been easier and probably not caused so much trouble,” she said. “I’m not asking for you guys to just change it for me. … I also don’t necessarily want a tattoo parlor, but I think it’s kind of discriminatory for people to assume that because there’s a tattoo parlor or because someone’s performing tattoos that we’re going to get a vape shop and an adult novelty store because those things all go together.”
In the end, the city council said they would take the information and opinions presented under advisement and utilize it to help them make an informed decision when the issue comes before them for a vote.
Another public hearing will be held on this issue in four to six weeks. It is likely it will be voted on that evening. l
Single mom invents BootyStrap to improve glute workouts
By Gail Newbold | g.newbold@davisjournal.com
WhenKeya Jenkins couldn’t find a decent glute-building exercise device, she decided to invent her own.
“The tricep dipping belt I was using to build my glutes caused painful bruising,” she said. “I started searching for a belt with padding but couldn’t find one. So I went to Home Depot, bought a foam mattress pad, cut it up, and covered it with old gym leggings. A seamstress friend sewed it all together with polypropylene webbing and I loved it!”
Jenkins began inventing new exercises for the device and using it at her gym. Fellow gym-goers started asking questions. That got Jenkins wondering about the feasibility of marketing her invention. She had smarts and drive, but lacked business acumen. Her BS degree from Weber State University was in radiology, earned while on a full-ride tennis scholarship and being married at 19.
Extra time was scarce since by then, she was a single mother of three with almost full-time care of the kids. She was also teaching tennis and working as an as-needed MRI tech. Driven by a desire for financial stability, she ignored the obstacles and moved ahead. She decided to capitalize on the current crave for bigger bottoms and named her device a BootyStrap (www.bootystrapfitness.com and thebootystrap on Instagram).
“It works by targeting and isolating your glutes using a cable tower as leverage,” Jenkins said. “There’s no spine loading. I have two herniated discs in my back, so I have to be careful about that. Since the BootyStrap is connected to a tower, you stand at an angle, which forces you to push up with your heels and in turn activates the glutes. The angle also puts less stress on your knees.”
She contracted with a small local business, Brian’s Can-
vas Boat Cover Repair and Manufacturing in Clearfield to manufacture 1,000 BootyStraps in 2021.
“It took two years to sell them,” she said. “I thought it would take three months.” But without a social media platform, marketing budget and almost no tech savvy on her part, the product wasn’t flying off the shelves. She built her own website by studying YouTube videos.
Sales finally surged when an influencer (@iamnunzi) fell in love with her product. He began traveling with her to trade shows on his own dime, and within months, Jenkins sold 500 devices. It was a blessing with a problem. Her small manufacturer couldn’t keep up with demand so the product is consistently sold out. She’s looking into moving manufacturing to China.
“I always cry when I tell people this, but the only reason I’ve been able to grow the business at all is because God put the right people in the right places at the right times,” she said. “It started with a man I met at my job as an MRI tech who helped me with an LLC and connected me with my current manufacturer. God has continued to help me all along the way.”
She dreams of the day when she can provide for her family and even help her parents, Pati and Scott Adamson, pay off debts incurred with their own business endeavor –Ace Academy.
“It’s been really hard being a single parent,” she said. “I bought an old farmhouse with my parents on 1.5 acres in Farmington that’s off-grid, with a propane tank, septic tank and a well. It’s pretty, but remote and there are a lot of mice. My parents help me a lot, and I teach tennis for them at Ace Academy Monday through Saturday.”
Jenkins currently sells her product online for $89 through her website ($70 with the code “new”) and offers in-person classes for locals. She has a personal training certification through NASM.
“I’m super excited to see where my business goes,” she said. “It’s been a crazy ride so far.” l
Keya Jenkins and her three children. Photo courtesy of Keya Jenkins
him that he will be visited by three ghosts that night, the ghost of Christmas past, the ghost of Christmas present and the ghost of Christmas yet to be.
He then whisks Scrooge back to when he was a child watching as his father is taken off to jail but as he’s being dragged away, he tells Scrooge to always hold on to his money no matter what.
Scrooge takes that to heart and Marley shows him a scene when he is a young man with his sweetheart Emily at a party given by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig. His preoccupation with wealth drives a wedge between the couple and he ends up alone.
The ghost of Christmas Present visits next, arriving with a flourish. Scrooge is taken to Fred’s house where a party is going on and he listens as they make fun of him. Then he watches as the Cratchit family celebrates Christmas and he sees for the first time that Bob’s son, Tim is crippled. Scrooge asks the ghost if Tiny Tim will survive. The ghost says he will die unless the course of events change, then waves him on.
After that unsettling visit, Scrooge is awakened one more time by the ghost of Christmas Yet-To-Be that remains silent as it shows him the funeral of a disliked man where everyone seems happy that he is gone. He takes Scrooge to the streets of London where the man he refused money and his
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daughter walk in the funeral procession for their mother. Then he takes Scrooge to the home of Bob Cratchit and his family as they mourn the death of Tiny Tim. Before returning him to his home, the ghost takes Scrooge to an unkept tombstone, bearing his name. Scrooge pleads with the ghost not to allow these things to happen and promises to change his ways.
When Scrooge awakens in the morning and steps out onto his porch, he is elated to find out that it is still Christmas Day. He hasn’t missed it.
Nick Cash (M,Th, F) is great as the miserly old Scrooge and Nathan Sachs (M,W,F) portrays the tenderness of a father who cares deeply about his son Tiny Tim. Ross Clemens (M,W,F) plays sweet Tiny Tim as he says the famous line “God bless us, everyone.” They are all backed by a terrific cast that together teach what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.
“A Christmas Carol,” runs now through Dec. 19, Monday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday Matinees at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $21.50-$39.50 and are available at CPTUtah.org or by calling the box office at 801298-1302. Centerpoint Theatre is located at 525 N. 400 West, Centerville.
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Bob Cratchit tells Tiny Tim how much he loves him. Photo by Micah Young
Navigating Grief and the Holidays
By Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW
The holiday season is nearly upon us. This is the time of year when grieving people often feel dread and sorrow about the very events and traditions that formerly brought happiness.
As every grieving person handles loss in their own way, each one of us observes holidays in our own way in time of bereavement. There simply is no one right way to experience the holidays. Some nd meaning in following cherished traditions, and others bene t from avoiding traditions because their associations are now tinged with loss. Some people nd great comfort in being with other people, others prefer solitude to camaraderie. For all of us, how we gather is as important as gathering at all.
Plan ahead for the holidays: The rst step in planning is to listen to yourself….what will help you most at this time? You may have strong memories and powerful feelings. Accept this as normal, but prepare for it. Anticipate the pleasures and the stresses of events, and select those you want to participate in. If you expect to be lonely, arrange supportive companionship. If you can’t bear the thought of connecting with the entire extended family, let the family know of your needs. Be creative and accept support by using distance technology.
Accommodate your plans to your new limits: Most grieving people have signi cantly lowered physical stamina and emotional reserve. Perhaps you can’t get every decoration out this year. Accept these limits as temporary, and good enough for this year. Choose to put your energy into the things that matter most to you.
Accept that the holidays will be di erent this year: The holidays are often lled with unrealistic expectations that may overwhelm you. You may need to revisit your goals and nd a balance between continuity and change. Many people nd a special comfort in establishing a new holiday tradition that honors the memory of the person who died.
Recognize that other family members or friends may have struggles, too: Look for opportunities to discuss your feelings and wishes with others who may also be grieving for your family member. Try to respect their choices, if they are di erent from yours. You all may need to make compromises.
If the holidays have always been hard for you: Use this transition in your life to try something completely new…an untraditional-tradition. Perhaps you have never taken the occasion create a new experience on your own. As challenging as loss can be, it can bring momentum to grow and to try something new.
For all of us, whether the holidays are a time of personal signi cance or not, it can be a season in which we re ect on what we do cherish as we journey through grief.
Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing and the Director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program. Caring Connections is a not-for-pro t program that o ers clinician-facilitated grief support groups in Utah.
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Frontage road, Community Park in Centerville impacted by I-15 expansion
Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals
The I-15 expansion that is scheduled to begin construction in 2026 is going to significantly affect the east side frontage road, Community Park, particularly its parking, and some nearby homes, City Engineer Kevin Campbell told the city council at a Nov. 6 work session.
“In essence, that west shoulder will go away,” he said. “Our park strip in the park along the west side of the parking lot will go away. You'll basically have a sidewalk right up against the west end of the parking lot without a planter strip. That's the current alignment.”
With the realignment of the frontage road on the west side of the park, parking along that road will be eliminated, he said. “It’ll be very tight along that west side. Our frontage road will front right up against that future widening.”
“A good alignment is to think of the park parking lot and the west line of that park parking lot and extend it north, that’s a pretty good visualization of where that new sidewalk will be. And again, they might have to take more property so they can get some slope through the basin, but it probably won’t be bringing the road any closer to the people’s homes,” Campbell said.
Although UDOT has released its Environmental Impact Statement for the area, it has only outlined its plans in broad strokes, he said. It’s possible that the project will take three to six homes north of McDonald’s on the east side of the street.
“When I asked pretty specifically about those five or six homes, they were pretty direct that they did not know because they had not done any surveying or right of way analysis yet,” he said. “I think there was a plan that looked like maybe they wouldn't take them, but they never did promise anything.”
Some homes in the Fox Bridge sub-
division may also lose part of their backyards. Also, since Community Park was developed with federal funds UDOT must replace the property it takes.
“There's been some talks of UDOT acquiring that [Fox Bridge property adjacent to the park] in some of that wetland to the north and mitigating some of that wetland and converting some of that to parking, and maybe the knuckle [in the parking lot] goes away then,” Campbell said. “We kind of said, ‘Hey, why don't you look at the wetlands to the north, the back of these people’s yards? It’s, for the most part, fairly unused.’ If they could mitigate that landfill that would be a nice area for some parking expansion.”
“So that’s an area that we’ve kind of pointed them towards that is attached to the park or adjacent to the park,” he said. “That’s an area that they’re taking a look at, but they wouldn’t come in and say, ‘Oh, let’s build you something within your existing park property.’ They have to look, and they have to find other property to replace that that they’re taking.”
Current plans call for a parking lot expansion of 60 to 65 stalls at the heavily used Community Park.
“One of the concerns is that we’d be losing the overflow parking along the west,” Campbell said. “The thought was we want to try to construct additional parking during the construction of the pickleball courts and so that’s a concept plan that we’ve put together.”
Campbell would like to have the new parking stalls go out to bid this winter with construction to take place in the spring. The engineering estimate says the project should cost in the neighborhood of $365,000. l
This map from the I-15 expansion Environmental Impact Statement shows how it will impact Centerville’s frontage road and Community Park Blue indicates partial acquisition, pink an area of potential impact.
Farmington breaks ground on new Ivy Acres Park
By Camille Bassett | c.bassett@mycityjournals.com
Representatives of SIRQ Construction company, members of the Farmington City Council, and residents of the Farmington community gathered at 1397 West Cook Lane on Thursday, Nov. 7, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Farmington Ivy Acres Park. Community members cheered as the representatives of the city dug their shovels into the earth, signifying the commencement of the eagerly-anticipated community space.
The 10-acre park will include a wide variety of state-of-the-art recreation areas, including a splash pad, basketball and pickleball courts, and an obstacle course. A pavilion and lounge area will provide excellent space for walking and relaxation and the unique City Tree sculpture will add an aesthetically pleasing touch to the natural landscape. Additionally, the park’s impressive playground area will be home to the largest slide in Davis County. With its many exciting features, the Ivy Acres Park is sure to be a place of exercise and enjoyment for all.
Farmington City received eight proposals from companies interested in constructing the park and ultimately selected SIRQ Construction for the project. During the Oct. 15 City Council meeting, the first item of business was for the council to con-
sider the approval of SIRQ Construction to be the Construction Manager and General Contractor for the park, which the council unanimously agreed to.
In their discussion, the council members in attendance, along with Mayor Brett Anderson, emphasized SIRQ Construction’s decisiveness in planning for the Ivy Acres Park as well as its outstanding qualifications.
“It sounds like a really good contractor, and very assertive instead of holding back,” said
Likewise, the references for the company, which were made available to Farmington residents on the City Council website in the documents packet from the Oct. 15 meeting, spoke of SIRQ Construction’s dedication to completing past projects with the highest quality.
“Working with SIRQ Construction was a pleasure,” Stephen Marchbanks, Fa-
cilities Director for Lehi City, wrote in his review. “Their dedication, problem-solving skills, and professionalism were evident throughout the project.”
Expressing a similar opinion, Doug Lund, President and CEO of Utah’s Hogle Zoo, wrote, “I especially appreciate SIRQ’s commitment to challenging work, to excellence and to successful outcomes. Our team can always count on SIRQ to deliver even during tough times.”
Farmington City’s partnership with one of the top commercial construction companies in Utah lays the foundation for the project, with work on the park to begin this winter.
Because Farmington City has elected for a construction manager/general contractor method for building the park, SIRQ Construction will work with the City to design and engineer sections of the park and partner with subcontractors to complete specific sections. This collaborative process will ensure that the project draws upon the expertise of each subcontractor, remains within budget, and benefits from the contributions of local project experience.
Ivy Acres Park is anticipated to be completed in September of 2025. l
Representatives for the city turn dirt at the groundbreaking for Ivy Acres Park. Photo courtesy of Jody Peeters, Farmington City Communications Specialist
Centerville City Council gets education on tree encroachment management
Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
Recenttree spraying by a Rocky Mountain Power contractor in the community has had the Centerville City Council concerned. On Nov. 6 in a work session, they met with RMP representatives to discuss the issue.
In recent weeks Growth Solutions, a RMP contractor, has been spraying trees growing under or near power lines with a growth regulator, paclobutrazol (PBZ), to mitigate future power outages caused by trees. Growth Solutions sprayed trees on both city and private property. Although trees on city property were being sprayed, neither RMP nor the contractor notified the city.
When Councilmember Robyn Mecham noticed a technician spraying trees on 100 East on city property she asked him to stop because she was concerned about the proximity to a city well and past tree health issues in this area, she said. Following the encounter, city officials reached out to RMP, provided them with a map of all city water resources and asked them not to treat within 250 feet of any city water source. They also asked that they be notified in the future when Growth Solutions was doing the treatment in the city, something which should have been done this time but was overlooked, RMP senior utility forester Daniel Bridenstone said.
This growth regulator is “actually a beneficial treatment to trees,” Parks and Cemetery Director Bruce Cox told the city council he had since learned. “It does reduce the outer growth, but it improves the health of the root system and of the tree.” Also, according to the literature, PBZ is less toxic than toothpaste, caffeine and Windex, City Manager Brant Hanson said.
Although primarily RMP and its representatives are only allowed to treat trees that are in the public utility easement, they can go onto private property if branches from trees located there could impact the utility lines, Bridenstone said.
“Nothing contained in this section shall prevent Rocky Mountain Power when necessary, and with the approval of the owner of the property on which they may be located, from cutting down and removing any trees which overhang streets. Rocky Mountain Power shall make a reasonable good faith effort, including written notice to notify home owners of property with trees to be trimmed or adjacent to the trees to be trimmed at least 72 hours prior to doing the work,” the franchise agreement between Centerville and RMP says.
So, if a tree has an encroaching branch, then “the clearance for our lines is an av-
erage of 14 feet of clearance,” Bridenstone clarified.
Use of the growth regulator is preferred over pruning because “anytime a tree is trimmed, it has a hormonal response and the growth explodes afterwards,” he said.” I’m sure you’ve seen that, as you trim any tree, branches that just go on everywhere, and that growth can be 1,000 percent what the regular growth is.”
Treatment is generally done every three years. The amount of PMZ used depends on the species and age of the specific tree, Bridenstone said. Technicians undergo an extensive training program and must be certified by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
Much of the discussion that evening centered on how affected residents are notified of the spraying. Months ahead of the scheduled spraying, residents receive a mailer informing them, Bridenstone said. They also notify residents a few weeks ahead of the spraying by knocking on doors or by leaving a door hanger if no one is home. The door hangers have information about the PBZ treatment and a number residents can call if they do not want their trees sprayed.
Although city council members made a case for the program to be opt out rather than
opt in, to do that is actually quite difficult and costly, Bridenstone said, but was enthusiastic when Mecham suggested that with notification from RMP the city could put notices of upcoming treatments in its utility bills and on social media.
“I think that’s absolutely something that we would love to do as a partnership,” he said. “We know where we’re going to be and what we’re going to be trimming and the areas we’re going to be in a year in advance – several years in advance. And so, we can absolutely set that up. We can have educational meetings. We can even meet with the citizens, whatever is needed to help the constituents feel more comfortable. We’re very open to doing that.”
RMP and its contractors want to work with the city and its residents, he said. “We do definitely want to make sure that the constituents understand what it is that they’re getting, and if they don’t want it, then by no means, we don’t want to force them to do that, because it, of course, costs us money to do that and, if we can just educate them and help them feel at ease, I’m happy to do that.” l
American girl connects with Ukrainian teen from across the globe
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Farmington High senior Kayleah Kirkwood is having an experience not many high school kids get – a front row seat to the effects of the war in Ukraine. Kirkwood isn’t actually there, she is practicing English online with 15-year-old Melaniia, from Kharkiv and sees what she sees.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is about the culture of Ukraine,” said Kirkwood. “The culture is kind of the same as the U.S. but also wildly different. It’s surprising to me what has changed since the war.”
Because parks and other places are closed, they have to do other things, she said. “She has her whole family with her in an apartment. She’s been doing home school for two to three years. They experience bombing every day but they’re mostly safe.”
Kirkwood got started with the program ENGin, a nonprofit that connects English speakers to people in Ukraine for weekly one-on-one video chat conversations, when she was looking for a volunteer opportunity. “I wanted to do some volunteer work so I went on the JustServe.org website and found it,” she said. “I was learning Ukrainian so it was amazing to volunteer with someone who speaks the language. The great thing about the organization is they allowed her to be in the program if she had some basic knowledge of the language.”
Melaniia has been in an English class so it’s awesome she knows some English, said Kirkwood. “This will help her learn more deeply and make it easier for her to talk to someone. She can ask me specific questions that she can’t really ask other people.”
Kirkwood said she has a lot in common with Melaniia. “When you sign up to volunteer you can put preferences down. Things like age, grade level and hobbies. If they also do that, they match you. We’re both interested in learning languages and trying new things. They matched us because we had some of the same interests.”
One of Kirkwood’s hobbies is Irish dancing. “My cousins were doing it so I started,” she said. “You can connect with a lot of people. Then I got introduced to even more people.”
When Kirkwood graduates she wants to work with AmeriCorps, she said. “I want to study business in college and work in a nonprofit.”
ENGin started in 2020, said Kirkwood. “It’s cool. It allows Ukrainians to connect with people across the globe. It’s awesome to talk once a week with someone who has never been to the U.S. before. People should get involved in volunteering – it takes hardly any time.”
Melaniia has become so much more confident, said Kirkwood. “I can see her progressing every month. Melaniia and I have become so much closer and I feel I benefit from our relationship almost as much as she does.” l
New treatments can help those struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Aswe move into the darker months, it’s important to pay attention to mental health.
Seasonal Affective Disorder impacts many people in Utah and the holidays can be hard for those who already feel unhappy or isolated.
While there are many ways to combat the effects of SAD including going outside during daytime hours, making self-care a priority, eating well, planning events with family or friends and getting regular exercise, sometimes the combination of gloomy weather and long nights makes it hard to bounce back.
For those who struggle with SAD, NeuroHealth Manager Jason Corbridge said there is help available. NeuroHealth is a clinic that specializes in treating depression and mental health issues with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Corbridge said TMS is an easy procedure with minimal side effects
“Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, is very common in states such as Utah that see a huge swing in seasonal temperament and the holiday seasons can be especially hard,” he said. “At NeuroHealth, we specialize in treating major depressive disorder and depressive anxiety and we actively do everything we can to push the discussion of mental health, recognizing potentially harsh times and mitigating the effects of seasonal depression.”
Symptoms of SAD include low energy,
social withdrawal, fatigue and oversleeping, an increase in feelings of depression and anxiety, low energy, weight gain, trouble concentrating and even suicidal ideation.
Low serotonin or melatonin levels can contribute to SAD, as well as genetics, less sunlight, grief, loneliness and biological clock shifts. But every person is different and re-
sponds to seasonal change differently.
NeuroHealth’s groundbreaking TMS treatment is a non-invasive process using magnetic pulses to improve nerve cells in the brain. Corbridge said TMS is an FDA-approved treatment that is easy and effective and usually covered by health insurance.
“If you are already suffering from depres-
sion and are anxiously looking at the incoming weather we are bound to get over the next three to four months, give us a call,” he said.
Because each person’s struggle is unique, the professionals at NeuroHealth make sure patients receive the individualized help they need to get through SAD. Along with TMS treatment, NeuroHealth also uses ketamine therapy in a controlled setting. Considered an emerging treatment for depression, ketamine is an option for people dealing with treatment-resistant depression.
Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Rayner, MD, is an advocate for mental health and is one of the foremost TMS providers for the state. He is one of the NeuroHealth professionals and is committed to helping patients find their way back to wellness. NeuroHealth is located at 10437 S. Temple Drive in South Jordan. To learn more about TMS and treatment options, visit NeuroHealthUtah.com.
Corbridge said there is no reason to go through another winter season full of dread, anxiety, stress and depression.
“Come see us and let’s talk about potential treatment options that can get you to a better place before the gloomy weather rolls around,” he said. “If we can’t help you, we will get you to someone who can.” l
One of Kirkwood’s hobbies is Irish dancing. She is a senior at Farmington High. Photo courtesy of Kirkwood
Studies show Utahns could be at higher risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder. NeuroHealth offers new treatments to help people regain their footing during winter months. Stock photo
There’s lots to do this holiday season in Centerville
Centerville City has put together several events and activities to ring in some holiday cheer and keep it going all month long.
Pioneer Christmas at The Whitaker
The Whitaker Museum at 168 N. Main St. will again share a Pioneer Christmas with the community. Santa Claus will be a special visitor on Dec. 3, 5, 10 and 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. Since so many will want to visit Santa, reservations are a must. (Those who don’t reserve a spot will not be able to greet him). They are open now via the city’s online catalog at https://secure.rec1.com/UT/centerville-ut/catalog . That evening everyone will be able to put together a special Christmas craft and write a letter to Santa.
Letters to Santa
Centerville children can write a letter
By Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycity journals.com
to Santa Claus and receive a response before Christmas. Letters need to be dropped off at Centerville City Hall, 250 N. Main St, or emailed to info@centervilleutah.gov by Dec. 12 for Santa’s elves to have time to respond. A letter template may be found on the city’s website at https://bit.ly/3OHYEZL.
A Christmas Carol
Also in Centerville, the CenterPoint Theater at 525 N. 400 W., the Broadway musical version of “A Christmas Carol” directed by Maurie Tarbox is ongoing through Dec. 21. Matinees are on Dec. 7 at noon and Dec.14 at 3:30 p.m.
In this community production of “A Christmas Carol,” Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy old man whose life is forever changed one fateful Christmas Eve, is played by Nick Cash (MThF) and John Phil-
Epott (TWS), with Ross Clemens (MThF) and Danny Gallagher (TWS) as Bob Cratchit and Nathan Sachs (MThF) and Cory Dahl (TWS) as the beloved Tiny Tim.
Tickets range from $21.50 to $39.50 and may be purchased at https://www.tix.com/ ticket-sales/centerpointtheatre/3197?productionidlist=204427
Christmas Tree Pick Up
After Christmas is done, the city has provided a Christmas tree pick up on Saturday, Jan. 4. Since the trees will be recycled, they cannot accept trees with any tinsel or ornaments or artificial trees. Have your trees out to the curb by Sunday night. The city asks that if it snows, residents uncover the trees so drivers can see them.
Looking Ahead: Ski & Snowboard School
Centerville City is again offering a Ski and Snowboard School for fifth to 12th graders on Fridays Jan.10,17, 24, 31 and Feb.7 at 3:15 p.m. This five-week program gives kids an opportunity to learn how to ski/snowboard or extend their current knowledge in ski/snowboard activities. The program, which costs $425 per skier ($450 nonresidents) includes transportation, lift ticket and a two-hour lesson with a professional instructor. Equipment rental is extra. Space is limited and spots are filling up fast, so sign ups are recommended right away. For more information and to sign up visit https://secure.rec1.com/UT/centerville-ut/catalog l
Davis School District studies enrollment and class size
lementary class sizes are an ongoing concern for parents and teachers. Davis School District administrators addressed that when they gave a report to the school board on Oct. 15 about enrollment, FTE Ratio (Full Time Equivalent) and class sizes.
“It has a huge impact on our teachers and our staff and our schools,” said Board President Liz Mumford. “But it also affects our student achievement and the overall culture in our school district.”
This is something that comes up in the fall, she said. “As you know people check their kids into school and have different class sizes sometimes than they anticipate.”
“We look at staffing and that begins in the January through December time frame,” said Budget and Planning Director, Steve Snow. “So in that time frame we’re meeting with cities talking about their new developments. In the makeup of those developments we also look at what type of developments. Is it a single family dwelling? Is it apartments or condos?”
Snow said they look at that because it’s a different percentage of students that will come from that depending on which type of housing there is. “In the range of October through January we start gathering the October enrollment information. We look at the births because those are the best predictor for who’s coming five years from now.”
The next one is February through April, said Snow. “Now we're talking about projection time. We have what has happened and we’re trying to predict who’s coming in the fall. So this is, get out your crystal ball and make your best guess and don’t mess it up and we meet several times.”
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Snow said in elementaries they look at every single classroom. “When we’re doing this we need to look at how much staffing we’ll need for a whole school, not per classroom. We’ll give it to the principal to make a decision after they’ve looked at their areas and then when we’re done we look at the areas of concern at each school then we’ll send letters to the principals saying ‘here's your total staffing.’”
“How do we consider splits?” said Elementary Director, Ruthanne Keller. “Well if a grade level has large numbers we look at the one before and the one after to see if they’re smaller and so we can combine those from each class of students into one class. So that takes away one teacher and gives a smaller grade level.”
Keller said there are pros and cons to a
combination or split class. “In a split class, we’d like to take kids that are independent learners in each grade level. Sometimes they’re just kids that are better academically and that hurts the other classes because you look at those kids a lot as examples.”
Then there are those that have a calming influence in the class, she said. “You can’t teach two curriculums if you’ve got kids that are not behaved or can’t work independently. Unfortunately sometimes the split classes don’t have that advantage.”
One of the benefits of a non-split classroom is students are with their same aged peers, she said. “Teachers also have the ease of teaching only one curriculum. But when they’re in a combination it’s nice I think to make friends with other grade levels.”
“I’m hoping to tee up a little bit of the
National Research,” said Superintendent Dan Linford. “I want to hit on this, the Star Study is kind of the ultimate class size study. It did find that there was a significant difference in student achievement as it relates to class size. Students in smaller classes outperform students in larger classes by an increase that’s equivalent to about three months of extra schooling four years later. So they maintained that extra knowledge longer.”
The constant variable in all of research is one teacher, he said. “The research tells us the reason why this class outperforms this class is almost always that teacher in the front of the classroom. This is where reducing class size lands. This is where it lands on the scale of how it affects student learning.”
Linford said that to meet the district’s primary mission, teachers have to feel like they’re effective. “The number one thing was teacher efficacy, right? At the end of the day teachers and teams of teachers have to believe that the work they do, their preparation, their skills all of those things matter for student learning. That they believe that all students can learn. That’s the piece that we spend a ton of energy on, because we’re going to get huge returns on that.” l
The Salvation Army in Ogden prepares to help the community this holiday season
MarkKing comes from a long line of Salvation Army officers. His great-grandparents served with the organization during the Depression, followed by his grandparents and his parents served as dedicated employees. King felt a calling to serve in 1990 and became a commissioned officer in the Salvation Army in June 1997.
King and his wife Monica, also a major with the organization, moved to Ogden a few months ago to take over operations at the Salvation Army Ogden Corps at 2635 Grant Avenue.
“I felt God leading me to serve full time with the Salvation Army in both a clergy and administrative role,” King said. “We’re responsible to help facilitate and organize our social services and outreach programs. I foster and strengthen community relationships with other organizations, corporate partners and retail partners.”
The Kings operate the Salvation Army’s food bank three days a week, providing food boxes, hygiene kits, household supplies, diapers and baby formula for families in need. A clothing closet is also available for those looking for winter clothing or clothes for work.
Last year, the Ogden location helped nearly 4,000 individuals and more than 3,200 families, distributing 6,683 food boxes, 131 packages of diapers, 623 hygiene items and more than 1,000 household items like dish
soap and laundry detergent.
King appreciates community support for these donated items but asked that people be thoughtful about what they bring to the facility.
“We will not distribute or give away food items that are expired,” he said. “If we wouldn’t use them in our homes, we’re certainly not going to give them out to our clients. If you’re not eating it, you shouldn’t expect other people to.”
Known for its red kettles and bell ringers during the holiday season, the Salvation Army’s mission is rooted in service and compassion. As Christmas gets closer, the Kings want to provide toys and gifts for families who might be struggling to make ends meet this year. The Angel Tree program gives community members the opportunity to provide toys and gifts to 700 families in the area, which includes more than 2,000 children.
Angel Trees can be found at several locations throughout Weber and Davis County including Smith’s Marketplace (2434 N. 400 East in North Ogden and 1370 W. 200 North in Kaysville), TL Floor & Design (1604 W. Hill Field Road in Layton), Hilton Garden Inn (2271 S. Washington in Ogden), Walmart (221 W. Parrish Lane in Centerville) and Manheim Utah (1650 W. 500 South in Woods Cross).
Volunteers are always needed to raise money for Salvation Army programs by serv-
ing as bell ringers during the season. King said it’s a great way for organizations, individuals and families to provide a much-needed service.
“I’m really excited that this year Ogden High School and their student government are partnering with us with bell ringing,” he said. “They’re having an in-school competition where the classes will ring against each other. I had a floating trophy made that I will present at a student government meeting to the class who raises the most money to celebrate their hard work. The winning class gets bragging rights.”
Although the Kings are new to Utah, they are impressed with the welcome they’ve received from the community.
“We’re excited to serve in Ogden,” King said. “We’ve met some really kind people. Other agencies have been very welcoming and supportive and quick to partner with us. We’re networking so we can fill the gaps and serve all of our friends and neighbors.”
For more information about the Salvation Army Ogden Corps, visit Ogden.Salvationarmy.org. l
6 unique shopping experiences for the holiday season
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Holiday shopping often brings loads of stress as you try to find the perfect gift for that special person. In Davis County, there are many shops, boutiques and specialty stores where you can find unique gifts at affordable prices. Here are just a few fun places to visit during the Christmas season.
Whisperwood Boutique, 82 S. Main Street, Bountiful
This whimsical, unique shop on Bountiful’s Main Street has something for everyone on your list. Beauty and body care, fashion accessories, books and journals, fun treats and kitchen items are just a few of the items available in the shop. If you’re hosting a party, Whisperwood Boutique offers tasty dip mixes, a variety of salsas and Ariston olive oils and balsamic vinegars in dozens of flavors. You’ll also find cute pajama sets, seasonal decor and lotions, soaps and car diffusers from Taylor’s Provisions. Browse products at Whisperwood. Shop.
The Hive Winery, 1220 W. 450 North, Layton
This small boutique winery offers locally-made non-grape fruit wines (meads and melomels), hard apple ciders, specialty spirits
and brandies. With the state’s smallest commercial still (25 gallons), The Hive Winery considers itself a “nano” distillery, producing less than 30 barrels annually. Its award-winning items include limited-time seasonal products like cranberry wine, blackberry stinger cider, peach cobbler wine and Sunny’s Pear Licker. The Hive Winery offers tastings, tours, classes and recipes at TheHiveWinery.com.
Fadel’s Fine Jewelry, 451 S. Main Street, Bountiful
If you’re looking for something truly beautiful for the ones you love, Fadel’s Fine Jewelry is a must-stop shop. Founded by Dave Fadel in 1986, the jeweler’s mission is to offer competitively priced, stunning and unique jew-
elry pieces. The store features bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, pearls and estate jewelry in a range of designs. Wearing statement jewelry is a way to reflect the wearer’s individuality and style. Dave can help you find the perfect piece or help you create a custom-designed item. Jewelry repair is also available. Discover more at FadelsFineJewelry.com.
Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Chocolates & Ice Cream, 835 Northpointe Circle, North Salt Lake
Locally owned and operated, Mrs. Cavanaugh’s hand-crafted chocolates have been a holiday staple for more than 50 years. With several stores along the Wasatch Front, you can easily find family favorites like toffee, caramels, clusters, crèmes, truffles and fudge. Seasonal products like sandwich mints, chocolate truffle reindeer and white chocolate caramel snowmen are fun to have available for neighbors and friends. The North Salt Lake factory offers tours Monday through Saturday, by appointment only. For more information, or to shop online, visit Mrscavanaughs.com.
Locals, 1201 N. Hill Field Rd., Layton
With a commitment to supporting local
talent, Locals is a popular stop for people looking for handcrafted products from crafters, creators and artisans in the area. Locals has unique seasonal decor and holiday items, plus greeting cards and gift bags. There’s also a fun selection of jewelry, lotions, clothing, candles, soaps and accessories. The store carries favorite brands like Utah Roots caps, Klani bracelets and Delectable Additions gourmet food mixes. Learn more at LocalsGifts.com.
Sweet Cake Bake Shop, 96 S. Main Street, Bountiful
If your loved one has a gluten intolerance or allergy, Sweet Cake Bake Shop is a dedicated gluten-free bakery offering amazingly delicious items. After Allison Regan was diagnosed with celiac disease, she was determined to create gluten-free favorites that weren’t dry and crumbly. Her recipes include fluffy cinnamon rolls, soft cookies and bars, flavorful cupcakes and mouthwatering pies. She also creates cakes for any occasion and seasonal favorites. Many of her products are also dairyand nut-free. Visit SweetCakeBakeShop.com for more information.
Make holiday shopping a fun adventure by visiting local shops and boutiques in Salt Lake County. (Stock photo)
Brooklyn Joseph’s doing what she loves as a Conservation Officer in Davis County
By Bridger Park | b.park@mycityjournals.com
In a community like Davis County, which is dominated by the imposing Wasatch Front, wildlife are held in high regard. The peace officers responsible for protecting these resources are the Division of Natural Resources’ Conservation Officers, a job held in high regard in outdoor communities. One such officer, assigned to Davis County, is Officer Brooklyn Joseph. Her territory covers the entirety of the county, ranging from mountains to marshes.
Joseph knew very early on that she wanted a career in law enforcement, and her path to that role had been clear from the start.
“I grew up wanting to be a cop, I had an uncle that was a cop and I [really] looked up to him,” Brooklyn said. “I really got into hunting with my dad, and then when I realized there’s a job that combines wildlife with being a cop [I thought] ‘oh this is perfect.’”
Much of Joseph’s career has been driven by a strong desire to serve her country. She began on this path her freshman year of college, when she joined the military, enlisting in the Army National guard as an Aviation Operation Specialist, before deploying to Iraq in 2018 as a door gunner.
“I’ve always had the desire to serve,” Joseph said. “So the guard was a good fit for me.”
She completed her schooling at Utah State University, with an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s in Wildlife Ecology and Management, and just recently finished her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, doing her capstone on the role of emotional intelligence with law enforcement leadership.
Originally from Salt Lake County, Davis County was her first choice for as -
signment and in a stroke of luck she was assigned here out of college. She was drawn to the diversity of the county, ranging from the mountains of the Wasatch, to the Marshlands of the Great Salt Lake.
“I think when some people think of Davis county, they think ‘Oh what’s out there?’” Joseph said. “I have a mix of everything – I’ve got the waterfowl, and the big game cases.”
The biggest thing Joseph has come to love during her time as a Conservation Officer, is the people, which is her strongest trait.
“It’s the people I meet, it’s the people I work with, they’re awesome,” she said.
T“It’s also members of the public. Checking licenses I can go from a mom with her kids, to an older gentleman who just wants to talk about life and his experiences – everyone has a story.”
You can tell she has a genuine love for the people she’s interacting with, which is an especially important trait for a law enforcement officer. She stays very active in community outreach, and public events. She displays this with the highlights of her career, moments such as taking a veteran on a hunt, and speaking with kids.
“That’s the stuff that means something to me,” Joseph said. “Because that means I’m making a difference.”
The law enforcement side of her job also plays a huge role. In her most memorable case, Joseph was involved in the first illegal baiting. The state outlawed the practice in 2021, and the perpetrator was caught illegally luring deer with bait.
“It was really important to see that case all the way through,” Joseph said. “To help the court process. It was a new law, and they had nothing to reference. So it sets the standard for how we’re going to handle things across the state.”
At her heart, and one of the reasons she got into the career, Joseph is still a true hunter. Despite working the busy weekends, and openers, she still finds plenty of time to balance her work life with her passion, and spend her falls in the marsh, honoring the tradition she protects.
It’s a challenging, yet rewarding, job that demands a unique blend of skills, but for officers like Joseph, it’s a calling she is proud to answer. l
Habitat for Humanity expands to Davis County
he Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity and Northern Utah Habitat for Humanity are expanding their reach to serve new communities.
When the Habitat for Humanity chapter serving Weber and Davis counties closed approximately 18 months ago, it left a significant gap in affordable housing support for these areas. In response, the Salt Lake Valley Habitat and Northern Utah Habitat stepped in to divide the region, incorporating Weber and Davis counties into their respective programs.
Under this arrangement, the Northern Utah Habitat chapter will assist Weber County residents, while families in Davis County will be served by the Salt Lake Valley chapter.
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
“We are excited to serve a broader region and partner with more communities in the greater Salt Lake area. This expansion is a pivotal step toward providing more families with the stability that comes with homeownership,” said Salt Lake chapter CEO Carin Crowe. “We are grateful for the ongoing support from our community, partners, and donors who make this important work possible. With this growth, we will be able to reach even more low- to moderate-income households in need of safe, affordable housing solutions.”
Currently, the Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity provides assistance to families in Salt Lake, Tooele, and Davis counties, but this expansion has not slowed the organization’s momentum. Over the next year, it
plans to begin construction in Magna, where it owns property for approximately 30 new homes. Additionally, the chapter aims to open more ReStores – Habitat’s nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers – and continue its Critical Home Repairs program, which helps both Habitat partners and other community residents make essential repairs to their homes.
Building homes remains at the heart of Habitat’s mission. To date, 115 homes have been completed in Salt Lake and Tooele counties, and the organization is on track to build between 10 and 20 homes annually in the coming years. This year alone, 16 homes have been built. Over the next five years, the goal is to maintain a consistent pace of constructing 10 homes annually, addressing the
growing demand for affordable housing. Families in Davis County will follow the same process as other Habitat participants. They will complete 225 hours of sweat equity – working on building their own homes – and participate in financial literacy classes. Once completed, they’ll receive a 30year, 0% interest mortgage, allowing them to move into spacious homes designed with room for their children to grow and thrive.
The new homeowners gain more than just shelter. They find stability, build generational wealth, and become part of communities where their children can make friends and families can flourish.l
Conservation Officer Brooklyn Joseph releases a pheasant in the Davis County marsh. Photo courtesy of Bridger Park
Officer Joseph: Brooklyn Joseph beside her DWR truck. Courtesy photo
Taking flight: Teens find community and passion in aviation photography along the Wasatch Front
Aviation photography is a growing hobby along the Wasatch Front.
In the last few years Audrey Lee, who recently got into the hobby herself, said the interest has spiked following the movie release of Top Gun Maverick.
“It's a pretty big community,” Lee said. “I didn't realize that at first, and when I got here, you know, for me, it was just the way that I could connect with the mission and that I could connect with the aircraft that I was supporting at my day job.”
Lee moved from Connecticut four years ago and works on Hill Air Force Base as a non-uniformed general service member who writes procurement documents for the base.
She considers herself a mentor or “fly on the wall” for kids who come to the base, interested in aviation photography.
“Plane spotting is a pretty big hobby, and we’re really lucky to be at a base that’s more accessible than others,” she said. “But there are definitely still rules to keep in mind.”
She noted that she instructs other spotters that photographing any structures on the base is strictly prohibited as it can leak sensitive information.
Lee’s philosophy is that once the plane passes the fence line, spotters can snap pictures. And they do.
Jackson Wilson dreams of becoming a pilot for the United States Air Force, but if that goal doesn’t take off, he’s ready to pursue his growing passion for aviation photography.
Two years ago Wilson bought his first professional camera, a Canon EOS R10 and fell in love with aviation photography at an airshow since he “liked planes quite a bit.”
But until that point he had only looked at pictures and “scrolled Instagram looking at photos of planes.”
It was the speed aspect that caught his attention.
“I used to really be into cars because they go really fast, I’m a fan of going fast,” Wilson said. “The first time I really went to the airport, I saw a lot of really rare planes there, and I saw a bunch of F-16s taking off, and I thought it was really cool. And then from there… I guess it’s just something about it that I can’t explain.”
At 14 years old he’s building quite the aviation photograph portfolio by waking up early and spending up to six days a week capturing the rarest planes with his camera. He frequents Salt Lake International Airport and various facilities across the state known to have planes nearby.
Wilson said that the appeal of spotting is the excitement and adrenaline of capturing the perfect photo of a speeding aircraft and feeling the sense of accomplishment that comes with it..
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
“I can’t wait to get home and really look at it because usually the screen on these cameras isn’t too great,” he said. “Maybe it’s something you’ve wanted, been wanting to see for a while now, and you just did, and you got a really good photo of it.”
Since Wilson attends online school in Canyon School District and both of his parents work from home, even though he doesn’t have a license he has a ride and the time and flexibility to cultivate his photography skills.
“We’re very free to do stuff most of the time, especially throughout the middle of the week, where they’re most active flying,” he said.
His dream is to take pictures of European and Asian planes and to visit the Royal International Air Tattoo in the United Kingdom usually in June or July.
A new group known as the Wasatch Wingmen was started. It currently has 12 or 13 members – mostly kids Wilson’s age –including his new friend 15-year-old Amden Olsen. Together, they go spotting to capture sought-after aircraft and exchange photography tips and techniques.
Olsen, a Riverton resident, in addition to his time with the Wasatch Wingmen, is part of a non-government military program through the U.S. Air Force for high school students at the South Valley Regional Airport.
He has been into aviation photography for about two years, the same amount of time as Wilson, and recently started his own photography business.
Olsen participates in the Civil Air Patrol to expand his aviation knowledge and plans to become a commercial pilot.
“I just recently decided that I wanted to start preparing myself to get my private pilot’s license, so I joined [the program] to help gain a little more knowledge on aviation,” he said. “I want to go be a commercial pilot for Delta.”
He said the hardest part of spotting and getting the perfect shot is tracking.
“I’ve gotten a lot of practice in tracking the aircraft with my camera and keeping it in frame,” Olsen said. “In my viewfinder on my camera has little focal points, which I use to help. I either try to keep it on the middle one or keep it in between the circle of them.”
At the end of the day, when the spotting is all said and done, it’s really only one good shot that you need.
"Honestly, it feels great,” Olsen said. “It's probably one of the reasons I continue to do it because when you get it… it’s all about getting the good shot, right? So when you get a good shot, most people have physical excitement expressed on their bodies in some way, shape or form.”
But the beauty of photography, he said,
is that you don’t have to have a nice camera to take pictures. He started out with his phone before he upgraded to his professional camera.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about photography in general, especially aviation photography, is that you need a camera,” he said. “Even if you have a phone, you can still edit your photos and they can come out almost as good as a cheaper quality camera.”
While it’s true a phone can snap a picture or video, Lee said the best pictures require specialized equipment.
Lee said that camera gear doesn’t exist specifically for the hobby.
“In the photography world, aviation photography is not really recognized as a type of photography – there's transportation, like cars, and then there’s sports photography, which is very fast,” she said. “But, aviation photography just isn’t something that’s on a lot of camera companies’ radar.”
But she hopes that changes.
“As the community gets bigger, I feel like, they can’t ignore us forever,” Lee said. l
A400M “Atlas” on final into KSLC. Courtesy of Amden Olsen
A USAF T-38C aircraft landing. Courtesy of Jackson Wilson
National Christmas Tree stops in Salt Lake County during its 4,000-mile tour
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree made a stop at Wheeler Farm (6351 S. 900 East) where visitors could celebrate the 74-foot Sitka spruce, harvested from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Its visit to Murray was one of 11 stops along the 4,000mile journey to the U.S. Capitol.
On Nov. 9, officials from Salt Lake County and the U.S. Forest Service threw a party for the tree’s arrival at Wheeler Farm with crafts, food trucks, educational booths and information about the tree’s journey. It was a chance for people to see the tree up close before it lights up the nation’s capitol.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree [stopped] at Wheeler Historic Farm on its journey to Washington, D.C.,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Our community loves the holidays, and we’re excited to join state, federal and community partners in celebration of this 60-year tradition that helps kick off the holiday season.”
Although the national tree has been through Utah before, visiting Ogden in 2016, it’s the first time the tree has stopped in Salt Lake County. More than 500 people showed up at Wheeler Farm to sign the tarp covering the tree, receive commemorative pins and stickers from the event and visit with the team transporting the tree to Washington, D.C.
U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Office Trampus Barhaug was assigned to guard the tree at Alaska’s Tongass National
Forest while it was still standing and has accompanied it throughout the tour.
“Being the national tree, it’s the most important tree in the nation right now,” Barhaug said. “I love meeting all the people. Everybody’s been wonderful, both adults and kids. We thought it would be more for the kids, but the adults have been amazing. I’ll bet we’ve met 20,000 people already.”
Barhaug said schoolchildren in Alaska made more than 14,000 ornaments to decorate the tree and 41 handmade skirts were sewn by indigenous peoples in the state. The tree was scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 22.
Liz Sollis, communications director for Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said there was lots of excitement around the event which was organized in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, Utah Highway Patrol, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and other local partners. She was pleased with the turnout at Wheeler Farm and excited the county was able to be part of the national tour.
“We were really passionate about getting the word out because we know Salt Lake County is for everybody, so we wanted to make sure everybody knew about this,” Solis said. “Wheeler Farm always offers events and opportunities for learning and that’s what tonight is all about. It’s just a great opportunity for people to have fun and see the tree that’s going to be at the U.S. Capitol.”l
Hundreds of people visited the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree as it stopped at Wheeler Farm. They could sign the tarp covering the tree in the 100-foot semi-truck trailer. City Journals
Visitors at Wheeler Farm talked with representatives from federal and local agencies, made crafts, got free souvenirs and learned about the national tree. City Journals
Driving from Alaska to Washington, D.C., the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree made a stop at Wheeler Farm in November. City Journals
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints releases ‘Saints, Volume 4’
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Incelebration of the 200th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church History Department recently announced the release of “Saints, Volume 4: Sounded in Every Ear, 1955 – 2020.” The series is available in 14 languages and spans 200 years of church history, with each volume ending with the dedication of a temple.
“We are so excited with the completion of the four volume series,” said Matt Grow, Managing Director of the Church History Department at a press conference. “In 2010 the First Presidency approved the creation of a publication of a third multi volume official history of the church.”
This four volume work, which is now available in its entirety in 14 languages, tells the history of the Lord’s work in the latter days, through the eyes of the Latter Day Saints who lived it, he said. “Taken together, these four volumes, we believe, create a vast perspective of the 200 years of history of the church.”
For the past decade and a half, a talented team of historians, writers and editors, has worked on the saints project, said Grow. “They’ve used the vast archives in this building, collected over many generations as well as records held elsewhere to tell the story of Latter Day Saints around the globe.”
“It’s exciting to see the way the volumes one through three have been received,” said Elder Hugo E. Martinez. “Millions have read them, heard them, gathered with them. It is filled with individual stories, faith promoting stories, inspiring stories and the narrative is written in such a way that it draws us into the story. I can’t help myself. I think ‘wow, what would I do if I was in such conditions?’”
Martinez said he is glad that the Lord came and taught
him the gospel with the help of two missionaries. “When he did so, I didn’t have to cross the planes, you know because Puerto Ricans don’t do well in cold weather or snow. It makes me wonder and ponder on what really drove them and my personal insight is that It was being in the presence of a prophet, leading them through the planes and thinking that families indeed could be together forever.”
“We have three cases right in the center of the main room (of the library) that have six stories sent from around the world,” said Jed Woodward, Editor, Saints Vol 4. “So all
Tof these stories are in Saints Four. We happen to have one of the characters in the book whose story is there in the cabinet here today, Isabella Santana. She hails from Mexico, but now she lives locally.”
“I was born in a small town in Mexico,” said Santana. “When I went to Mexico City we started going to seminary every day so that was very important to anchor me into the church.”
Santana said her family doesn’t know that she was in the book. “They won’t know until the Spanish version comes out, then they’ll know.”
“I started work on it in 2015,” said Scott Hales, Editor, Saints Vol 4. “I’ve watched it grow up. It was the brainchild of Rick Turley. In the mid 1990s he asked the First Presidency to approve a new history of the church. He tried for several years and it was approved in the early 2000s.”
By 2008 it was well underway, he said. “When I came on they needed someone who understood how to tell a story. Historians can sometimes be a little dry. I needed to make history more entertaining.”
It was designed to be both entertaining and instructive, said Hales. “I’m happy to see it all come together. I have immense pride in the work we’ve done. I’m a bit sad to be done with it. It’s been an exciting and inspiring process.”
“One way that we find unity is through shared history,” said Grow. “A common spiritual heritage, a legacy of faith, devotion and perseverance. It’s our deepest hope that Latter Day Saints around the world will be able to see themselves in the story and ponder how they can carry on the legacy of faith and service exemplified in our history.” l
Holiday housing woes: Creative solutions for accommodating visiting family
he kids are flying in for the holidays and excited to be together, but the family home no longer fits your growing brood. Each child now has a spouse and kids of their own. Your challenge is finding a place for everyone to sleep.
Options abound if you happen to be one of those lucky people with an unlimited budget. Why not buy a McMansion? Rent a massive Airbnb in the mountains. Add a wing onto the back of the house for $100,000 that will only get used once a year.
For those with big hearts but modest means, here are some inventive solutions to make room without breaking the bank.
• Food storage rooms and walk-in closets can be the perfect spot for a baby to sleep.
• Couches are great for kids already sleeping in beds who won’t roll off. Or put pads on the floor by the couch in case they do fall off.
• Buy an inexpensive bunkbed or two and double your bed space without needing additional square footage.
• Purchase a kiddie tent for the family room. Smaller children will be thrilled.
By Gail Newbold | g.newbold@davisjournal.com
• Air mattresses can be made more comfortable by placing a foam pad on top. So can sofa beds.
• Scope out your camping gear with a new eye. Do you have a camp cot? Sleeping pads? Perhaps even a small pup tent for older children to sleep in?
• Maybe some parts of your basement are unfinished but could be utilized with
some inexpensive purchases. One family with a large unheated storage room bought thermal room dividers from Amazon and hung them from the ceiling to make a small, warmer space for a toddler. They used a safe temperature-stabilizing space heater, carbon monoxide alarm, baby
monitor and even a portable air filter.
• Consider renting a small Airbnb in your own neighborhood to house just some of the overflow.
• An inexpensive option is booking a nearby hotel, but Christmas is a busy time, so book early. In mid-November, the Best Western Plus Cottontree Inn just off the 2600 South freeway exit in Bountiful was offering a room with two queen beds for $124 per night over the holidays. An extra bonus is its heated indoor pool.
• Perhaps a friend or neighbor is leaving town for the holidays and would appreciate having one of your adult children housesit, water plants, and feed their pets.
• If visiting children have in laws in the area, suggest splitting the time with them and rotate your kids in and out.
• Offer to help with transportation.
• Pay for any additional lodging since your children are most likely already paying high airfares for holiday travel.
• One last and probably not very popular option is to sacrifice your primary bedroom to your adult children and sleep on a couch or even a nearby hotel, which allows you to escape the noise and chaos for a while. l
Left to Right: Matt Grow, Managing Director of the Church History Department, Elder Hugo E. Martinez, Scott Hales, Editor, Saints Vol 4, Lisa Tait, Historian and Jed Woodward, Editor, Saints Vol 4 talk about the release of “Saints, Volume 4: Sounded in Every Ear, 1955 – 2020.” Photo by Becky Ginos
This special Kid Scoop Thanksgiving page is designed for you to do with a friend or family member. So find someone to share the fun!
Have your partner use a RED crayon and you use a BLUE one. Which turkey will reach the finish line first? On your mark, get set … GOBBLE!
Who can nd the most turkey feathers on this page in 60 seconds?
Find the turkey that is different.
All of these words start with the letters P-I. Read the clues and work together to fill in the missing letters.
A heavy musical instrument with keys. A small cucumber preserved in brine.
A meal packed to eat outdoors. A person who robs ships at sea. A platform over water that starts at the shore.
You circle every other third letter to reveal the punch line to your riddle. Your partner circles every third letter to reveal his or her punch line.
You use a BLUE crayon and your opponent uses a RED crayon. Take turns connecting two dots each time. The person who completes a square gets one point. A square with a football helmet in it is worth three points!
Standards Links: Vocabulary: Identify rhyming patterns and words. Browse the newspaper for 10 words that would make good halves of a rhyming pair. Then have your partner scour the newspaper for words that rhyme with each of the ones you chose. Switch roles and try it again.
Thank
Tak (tak)
Gracias (gra-see-us)
Merci (mehr-see)
Kiitos (kee-toas)
Danke (dahn-kah)
Arigato (ahree-gah-tow)
Dziekuje (dsyne-koo-yeh)
TOGETHER CUCUMBER PUMPKIN PARTNER MUSICAL FAMILY TURKEY BRINE SHORE WATER SHARE HOUSE CLUES PIE
Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.
After Dinner Bingo
After dinner, take a stroll around your neighborhood with friends or family members. On this walk, each of you take one of the cards below and cross out items as you see them. First one to black out the card wins!
Black Friday Standards
The day after Thanksgiving is usually the busiest U.S. shopping day of the year. Imagine you have $100 to spend. Look through today’s newspaper and list what you’d buy. Did your partner choose any of the same items?
am thankful for …
What people, places and things are you thankful for?
With hundreds of topics, every Kid Scoop printable activity pack features six-to-seven pages of high-interest extra learning activities for home and school! Get your free sample today at:
Dave Johnson (Max Greenfield) and his family find their new community in Los Angeles to be a significant departure from what they were used to in their small Michigan town. However, their neighbor (Cedric the Entertainer) has some concerns of his own.
Superman & Lois
(30) KUCW 8 p.m.
The past four seasons have given viewers a gritty look into the lives of Clark (Tyler Hoechlin), Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) and twins Jonathan (Michael Bishop) and Jordan (Alex Garfin). However, this series finale may just be our kryptonite.
Tuesday
CMA Country Christmas (4) KTVX 7 p.m.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving as hosts Trisha Yearwood and Amy Grant welcome performers, including Jordan Davis, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, Lindsey Stirling, The War and Treaty, Zach Williams and Lainey Wilson, to Nashville for Christmas.
Accused (13) KSTU 7 p.m.
The season finale of this thrilling anthology series follows defendants as they go through criminal trials, examining how one small mistake can snowball into a horrid series of events from which there is no return. Can the ends justify the means?
Wednesday
92nd Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center (5) KSL 7 p.m.
If a tree can make it here, it can make it anywhere. The 92nd annual tree lighting in Rockefeller Center jumpstarts the holiday season with spectacular lights, musical performances, star-studded surprises and more. Kelly Clarkson hosts the festivities.
The Summit
(2) KUTV 8:30 p.m.
This season finale answers once and for all which of the 16 strangers finish their 14-day struggle to cross New Zealand’s treacherous Alps in hopes of sharing an equal part of the $1 million split across their backpacks. Manu Bennett hosts.
Thursday
After the First 48
A&E 6 p.m.
A rookie homicide detective in Atlanta uses her own tragic life experiences to help crack the case of a young father who was shot to death. When the case heads to trial, the prosecution depends on a witness struggling with survivor’s guilt.
Matlock
(2) KUTV 8 p.m.
Julian (Jason Ritter) brings Matty (Kathy Bates) onto the case of a young woman who is suing due to severe symptoms brought on by a clinical trial. Then, at the firm’s annual holiday party, Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) learns something about Julian’s past.
Friday
WNBA Expansion Draft: Golden State Valkyries
ESPN 4:30 p.m.
New WNBA expansion team the Golden State Valkyries will select one player from each of the 12 existing teams to build their new club during this expansion draft. As part of the proceedings, each team names six protected players who are off limits.
S.W.A.T.
(2) KUTV 7 p.m.
With two episodes left until the show’s 150th episode, can Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Shemar Moore), leader of the LAPD’s S.W.A.T. unit, keep his loyalties in check? With lives at stake, Hondo needs to properly balance these some times-opposed loyalties.
Lopez vs Lopez (5) KSL 8:45 p.m.
George (George Lopez) puts aside his feuding with daughter Mayan (Mayan Lopez) to settle a feud with Jolly Old St. Nick that stretches all the way back to George’s childhood. Meanwhile, Mayan tries to find the perfect gift for Chance (Brice Gonzalez).
Monday
(4) KTVX 8 p.m.
Press Your Luck
Saturday
2024 MLS Cup (13) KSTU 2 p.m.
After a grueling playoff bracket, it comes down to the remaining two teams to compete for the top prize in Major League Soccer, the MLS Cup. With defending champion Columbus eliminated in the first round, a new champion is guaranteed.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
AMC 6 p.m.
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have the perfect family Christmas. From decorating the house to getting the right tree, everything looks great until Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his family show up unplanned and his holiday bonus gets downsized.
Sunday
Rachael Ray’s Rebuild
A&E 9 a.m.
Rachael Ray and Anthony Carrino team up to help families rebuild their homes following disaster in this heartwarming reality show. This time, Ray and Carrino help the Thomas family rebuild their two-story house after it was levelled by a F3 tornado.
2024 World Champions Cup (4) KTVX 11 a.m.
The final event of this PGA Tour sanctioned event airs tonight, broadcast live from The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla. All three of last year’s captains return, including Jim Furyk, who led Team USA to a win at last year’s inaugural tournament.
7 p.m.
Christmas cheer is nowhere near the top of mind when Robyn (Queen Latifah), Marcus (Tory Kittles) and Miles (Stephen Bishop) find themselves in the middle of a hostage situation after the local hospital gets taken over by a
Celebrity Profile
By Jay Bobbin TV Media
If you’re a Primetime Emmy winner whose fellow-winner wife has the title role in a hit series, it’s probably just a matter of time until you appear in that show.
So it is for Michael Emerson, who joins spouse Carrie Preston (“True Blood”) in a recurring role in CBS and Paramount+’s “Elsbeth,” starting Thursday, Dec. 12. He plays Milton Crawford, a judge from a storied family who takes his place in the legal community — and, from his view, in society in general — extremely seriously. Inevitably, that makes for some interesting encounters when he crosses paths with attorney Elsbeth Tascioni (Preston), who can seem flighty while harboring her own keen mind for the law as she works with the New York City Police Department.
Working on “Elsbeth” reunites Emerson with executive producers Robert King and Michelle King, for whom he acted in the series “Evil,” which started its run on CBS and concluded on Paramount+. It’s a professional reunion for Emerson with his wife as well; he met Preston when they were in an Alabama production of “Hamlet” — they also did a staging of “Love Letters” later — then she played his mother in flashbacks in ABC’s “Lost” and his ex-fiancée in CBS’s “Person of Interest.” He was also in an episode of her TNT show “Claws,” and they made the movies “Straight-Jacket” (2004) and “Ready? OK!” (2008) together.
Imagine if WHAMMYs could show up during the holiday season, waiting for just the perfect time before striking after players receive the best gift ever. No need to imagine as a brand-new holiday-themed episode of “Press Your Luck” brings three contestants to the verge of tears Monday, Dec. 2, on ABC.
Emerson earned the second of his two (to date) Primetime Emmys for “Lost,” in which he played Ben Linus, the leader of a group on the island where plane-crash survivors were stranded. Eight years before that, he won his first Primetime Emmy for another ABC show: “The Practice,” in which he guest-starred as a serial killer.
Angels from the realms of glory (better have their papers)
Near the twinkling Christmas trees, pine-scented candles and brightly-wrapped packages, most homes in Utah display a Nativity scene. It might be made with Star Wars characters or garden gnomes, but it usually includes wise men, shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and an angel hovering near Baby Jesus. If you have children, the crèche could also include stuffed dinosaurs and a Barbie.
It’s a peaceful tribute to the beginning of Jesus’s mission, right before the dastardly King Herod (threatened by the prophesied birth of a new king) proclaimed that every male child under 2 must be put to death. (I’ll bet he was a blast at holiday parties.)
Being warned by an angel, Mary and Joseph fled with toddler Jesus to Egypt where they lived for several years.
But what if the story had been different? What if the Holy Family arrived on Egypt’s border, where someone had built a big wall? What if the Egyptian border czar said, “Nah. We don’t like refugees. They ruin our economy. Go back where you came from.”?
The New Testament would be a lot shorter.
Utah has more than 300,000 refugees and immigrants living in the state; almost 9% of the population. Maybe we could
Peri Kinder
Life and Laughter
consider this percentage of immigrants a tithe offering where we dedicate ourselves to treating them with love and respect, and not actively try to evict them from the inn.
Refugees are survivors of wars, often fleeing for their lives, leaving everything behind, exactly like Jesus’s family. Immigrants want safety for their families and dream of American opportunities. Didn’t we learn in church we’re all children of God? Maybe I misunderstood.
Utah is a shining example of how to assist these populations. There are programs to help refugees get jobs, learn English, finish school and raise their families. Many immigrants own businesses, pay taxes and contribute to our healthy economy.
But a large faction of the United States agrees mass deportation is a great idea. We can have a country without immigrants or we can have a strong economy. We can’t have both.
Unfortunately, brotherly love doesn’t fit today’s immigration narrative which is that refugees are ruining the country. Words like “diversity” and “inclusion” have become MAGA kryptonite. Have we forgotten Jesus taught that loving each other was one of the greatest commandments? Was there a disclaimer I missed that excluded people who weren’t born in America?
If Jesus was here, he’d be flipping tables and fashioning cords into a whip. He would call us hypocrites for not showing compassion to those who are suffering. Instead, we offer harsh judgment, condemnation and close our communities to shelters. Who are we?
There’s a story of a family who was very hungry. The grandmother took a big cooking pot into the front yard, placed it over a fire, filled it with water and plunked a stone into the pot.
Neighbors asked what she was making. “Stone soup,” she replied. Soon, everyone wanted to add something to the soup. One person brought carrots, another brought chicken. Someone added pasta. Yet another brought spices and salt. In no time at all, they had a big pot of soup to share.
In many ways, society is breaking. Rules and common sense seem arbitrary.
People want to pick ingredients out of this huge melting pot of America, this pot of soup, as it were, and toss them away. Immigrants add flavor to our communities. They add variety and culture and spice. If you take out all the ingredients, you’re left with a pot of hot water and a heart of stone. l
