CAPITOL HILL IS A BUZZ AS LEGISLATORS ARE WELL INTO THE SESSION
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
The Utah State Capitol was packed on Jan. 21 as the 2025 Legislative Session began. From now until March 7, hundreds of bills will be discussed – some passed, others defeated – as lawmakers do their best to represent the state.
“It’s exciting to start over,” said Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross. “You never quite know what the session will bring.”
Energy, education and transportation will probably be the top three biggest topics, he said. “There will be a lot of discussion on election reform too. There are about 30 bills (on that) in the House. Some I think are OK and some are unnecessary in my opinion.”
Weiler said he hopes the session isn’t a repeat of last year’s, with controversial bills like transgender bathrooms, etc. “It can be divisive and hurtful to some segments of the community.”
However, some lawmakers have already proposed legislation surrounding transgender rights, with a rally taking place on the Capitol steps the first day.
He’s also excited to see a change in the policy on cell phones in the classroom. “It would default to not allow them in schools. Districts could override it but the default would be for them to be banned. Evidence shows they are a disruption and that they impede learning.”
Education is always at the top of the list during the session.
“Across Utah, students fill college classrooms, preparing for careers that will shape their lives and livelihoods,” said House Speaker, Mike Shultz in his opening remarks. “But, for many, that dream is delayed. A traditional fouryear degree increasingly stretches into five years or more, and the cost of that extended education can weigh heavily on students and their families.”
Senate President J. Stuart Adams welcomes back the senators. Adams said the future is bright for the state. Photo by Alex Jenkins
Utahns often fall into two distinct groups when winter rolls in, marked by their reactions to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. One group dreams of fresh powder and days spent carving down ski slopes. The other group’s minds go to ice huts and the excitement of reeling in trout from frozen lakes. If you’re in the latter group there are some key things to keep in mind when you roll up your frozen lakes this winter.
Safety is the paramount concern when you are standing over deep water, with only four inches of ice between you. Ice depth is the most important factor to study when looking for the dangers of a spot. You need to be sure ice is at least four inches thick, before you let it bear your weight. It is important to know that ice does not develop uniformly, and the thickness will not be the same throughout the lake.
“As a basic precaution, you should also purchase and always wear ice safety picks, which can help you get out of the water if you fall through the ice,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said. “I’d also recommend taking a throw rope with you, and having someone else with you when ice fishing.”
Before you go out, it’s important to be sure of the weather forecast. On colder days, make sure to have high quality snow gear. You can find reputable brands, such as striker or eskimo, at most local outdoor retailers. It is a good idea to pack hand warmers and warm foods and soups on cold days.
Getting to the lake is only half the battle. In order to catch fish you have to know where the fish are and the geography of the water you're fishing. In Utah, trout are the most targeted fish, and while you can usually find them anywhere, to have consistent
Ice fishing tips for Utah’s winter season
By Bridger Park | b.park@mycityjournals.com
success you need to know their behaviors. Rainbow and cutthroat trout generally prefer shallow waters, largely due to higher oxygen levels, and they hunt for insects, mainly, and smaller baitfish. During the later parts of the year, when the ice is thickest, they may move slightly deeper around 15-30 feet, where they’ll begin to congregate around structures. Lake trout prefer deeper depths, around 30-60 feet.
Tiger muskie, a prized fish in the state, often rest in deeper waters, and hunt the shallows. This can make an exciting catch as they tend to be very aggressive when they
prowl their hunting grounds. When fishing for muskie, try and place yourself around drop offs, weed edges, or rock piles.
Walleye are another fish that patrol much of the lake, and they are more active in water around 40 degrees, making them an exciting catch through the ice. They roam between medium and shallow waters. They are fished best from drop off’s – like muskie – underwater structure, or inlets and outlets. Weed beds are the best starting points for bass.
If you want to release the fish that you catch while ice fishing, there are a few things
you can do to help decrease stress to the fish and increase survival.
“If an angler is fishing on a particularly cold day, pulling a fish up through a hole and exposing them to freezing conditions can be stressful to the fish,” Hedrick said. “The water that remains on sensitive areas – such as the gills or eyes – can begin to freeze and this can cause damage to a fish. So, it is best to minimize exposure time and to release the fish as quickly as possible after catching it.”
Make sure you have access to your tools on hand and can get the fish back in the water quickly. Another important tip is to remove your gloves before handling the fish. Gloves often carry absorbent material, and can remove the coating covering fish scales.
“That can leave fish more susceptible to various skin issues, such as fungal diseases,” Hedrick said. “I know that it is tough to take gloves off while ice fishing because it’s cold, but handling fish with your bare hands is best – and when the fishing is hot, your hands just don’t seem to get as cold! Once the fish have been safely released, then you can put your gloves back on. This also keeps your gloves drier throughout the day, which will help keep your hands warmer in the long run.”
Ice fishing is one of the most exciting ways to experience Utah’s lakes during the winter. However, safety should always be your top priority. Make sure to check ice thickness before venturing out, wear the proper gear, and always let someone know where you’ll be. And, of course, be sure to follow all DWR regs to protect the environment and preserve the quality of fishing for future generations. l
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A village of ice huts in northeast Utah. Courtesy of Utah DWR
Centerville City has a new logo and tagline as part of a two-year-long effort to update the city’s image. City officials have been meeting with representatives from Jibe Media, a marketing and advertising agency based in Salt Lake City, for several months to make this a reality. The consultants conducted several focus groups with local stakeholders and residents to gather their input. The city is also updating its general plan.
In December the city council approved the new logo, tagline and their rollout. On Dec. 11 Administrative Services Director Bryce King unveiled them to the planning commission.
“We felt like it [the rebranding] was very significant to do during the same time we were doing the general plan so that we can identify who we are and all the different components of what the citizens want,” King said at that time.
The new logo features an orange sun enclosed in a blue half circle with the words “Centerville Utah 1847” in a darker blue.
“The sun was really representative in a lot of the discussions we had to bring joy and brightness and light and outdoors,” King told the planning commission.
The new tagline – “meet us in the middle” – is representative of Centerville’s name and also “emphasizes collaboration amongst citizens, amongst the community, friends, family – things like that,” King said.
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At the same time, there is a need for more engineers, nurses, teachers, mental health professionals, and more, he said. “We have the tools to change this. By partnering with our universities, we can streamline operations and refocus resources where they matter most.”
Shultz said in addition to preparing students for the workforce, the state must ensure that those kids can build a life here in Utah. “Homeownership is one of the top concerns for Utahns. It’s the topic of conversations around kitchen tables, the subject of endless budgeting, and a barrier for too many young families striving for stability.”
Long seen as the cornerstone of the American dream, owning a home feels increasingly out of reach, he said. “The Legislature has taken significant steps to turn the tide, like introducing programs that provide a foothold for first-time buyers. But our work is far from over. If we don’t get housing right, Utah’s number one export will not be its products. It will be our kids and grandkids. The American dream will be exported from Utah.”
Tax bills are sure to come up as well. “Just as those before us secured for us a prosperous future, we must do the same for future generations,” said Senate President J. Stuart Adams in his opening remarks. “This means strengthening the Utah Dream and the American Dream, which have always been centered around families being able to afford and secure,
Centerville gets a new logo
By Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
Variations in the new logo, which will be rolled out over the next couple of years, will be used throughout the city. In the past some Centerville City departments such as public works and the police department have had their own logos but now they will have variations of the new logo.
“We wanted to centralize all the content and the culture in the city into one logo, one idea, one concept, and this is why it came to fruition,” King said.
This spring and summer the logo will be incorporated into the city letterheads, envelopes, employee uniforms, signage and on city vehicles and equipment. A large logo will
prosperous lives.”
Reducing tax burdens helps Utah families keep more of what they have earned, enables them to stretch and strengthen their budgets and fortifies the economy today and for many, many more tomorrows, said Adams. “Year after year, we’ve delivered tax cuts. And this year, we’re set to reduce the income tax for the fifth consecutive time. We are ready to do it, again and again and again and again and again. And this year, we can cut taxes again.”
These cuts are about making sure that every family can access the security and opportunities that lie at the heart of the Utah Dream, he said. “Together, we are building a future where families can do
be added to a wall in the foyer of City Hall while smaller versions will be used at other city buildings. The budget for the first year is $27,000.
“This is a component that we're working on for City Hall so that when you come in the building this will be something that would be on a wall space to kind of welcome you into the building trying to create more of an inviting atmosphere,” King said.
The city website is undergoing an update over the next six to seven months and will sport the new logo and tagline when it is rolled out.
Following these changes. the logo will be incorporated into the city’s welcome signs and at the business park. City officials also plan to work with UDOT on possible overpass signs. Eventually the new logo will be added to city street signs.
“The branding effort was a wonderful opportunity for us to explore and articulate who Centerville truly is and what we represent as a community,” City Manager Brant Hanson said. “This process isn’t about rebranding, but rather a discovery – an enlightening journey of understanding the values, perspectives and priorities that make our city unique. The collaboration with Council, staff, and our residents has been inspiring and reaffirms what makes Centerville special.” l
more than just live or survive; they can thrive.”
The Rotunda was also packed with Charter school students. “I think it’s quite interesting to see how the laws are made,” said David Odea, a student at Spanish Fork Junior High. “It’s also interesting to see how many legislators there are for just one state. There’s like 100 in the legislature.”
Odea said he’s interested in politics or possibly the military. “I want to help support people.”
“Our future is bright,” said Adams. “And the Utah Dream is alive and well. We know America is the hope of the world. I believe Utah, the Utah Dream and our republic, is the hope of America, and thus, we are the hope of the world.” l
House Speaker, Mike Shultz gives his opening address. Shultz highlighted higher ed and affordable housing. Photos by Alex Jenkins
Legislators listen as bills are read in the Senate chambers.
County approves CDBG for home stabilization project in Farm Meadows subdivision
For the past 10 years, Woods Cross City officials have been working to assist residents in the Farm Meadows subdivision whose homes are sinking due to soil subsidence. The city became aware of the issue in 2015 and launched an investigation to identify the cause and the extent of the structural distress.
“The water table goes down and the soil collapses,” said City Administrator Bryce Haderlie. “It’s like a sponge under the weight and stays collapsed.”
It happens in soil in other places, he said. “They condemned a subdivision in Enoch that was sinking. It’s kind of an act of God.”
The subdivision sat there for 15 years with no problem, said Haderlie. “The water table went down and we started seeing the problem. It’s a challenging situation.”
The city established a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) to help support the repairs of homes in the area.
“We have roughly $200,000 in RDA money a year to help with homes,” Haderlie said. “We’ll use the money to hire a contractor to raise the home up using an approved method.”
The county recently approved a 20242025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) contract with the city for a Soil
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@thecityjournals.com
Subsidence Home Stabilization Project in the subdivision.
“The homeowner has to qualify at below 80% of median income,” said Haderlie. “The county pays $115,000 and the city pays the rest. The homeowner doesn’t have to pay if they qualify under HUD standards.”
Stopping the loss of water in the aquifer is critical to prevent more homes from being damaged, he said. “We have to slow down pumping from a number of wells. There have been wells drilled by Weber Basin, North Salt Lake and there are industrial wells. A lot of water is being consumed. ”
Haderlie said if the state approves water reuse, it would allow the cities to capture the clean water coming out of the South Davis Sewer District treatment facilities and treat it again to be for industrial use instead of going to the Great Salt Lake.
“The health of the lake is important but if we’re further depleting (lowering) our aquifer it could cause salt or other minerals below ground to contaminate our drinking water,” he said. “We have to be careful that we don’t allow it. We want to try and slow that draw down of the aquifer.”
A homeowner for the CDBG contract has already been selected, said Haderlie. “We’ll have an updated 2025 application in the next few months. We had about 24 appli-
cations for 2024.”
The process isn’t going as quickly as some hoped, he said. “There were some homeowners who said ‘I’ll just get it done myself.’ We don’t know how long the money will last because funding doesn’t last forever.”
The money can only be used in the CRA
area, said Haderlie. “It could expand in the future if it needed to. We’ll continue as long as the money is available.”
Haderlie said the city will continue to make aggressive efforts to stabilize the aquifer. “The big thing that’s important to us is that we want to save those homes.” l
NSL to extend sidewalk along Center Street near 350 East
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
North Salt Lake officials have adopted a budget amendment to expedite a sidewalk extension project along Center Street.
As part of budget adjustments approved on Jan. 7, the city has made three amendments to its current fiscal year budget, including $410,000 for adding sidewalk along the south side of Center Street to help with student and pedestrian safety. A traffic signal will be placed earlier this year and the sidewalk should be constructed this summer.
City officials have been looking into the sidewalk extension for some time, but a pedestrian accident occurred last Sept. 10 when 11-year-old Rylie Ward was hit by a car while trying to walk to Orchard Elementary School. She was crossing the street near 350 East when a truck struck her, causing severe injuries that had her hospitalized for several weeks.
North Salt Lake City Engineer Karyn Baxter said the intersection has been an ongoing concern for years, with the sidewalk ending on the south side and forcing pedestrians to cross the roadway. She said NSL applied for a grant more than a year ago before and one was approved for 2027, but the city has asked the Wasatch Front Regional
Council to speed up that timeline for funding, which it has done.
Rylie’s mother Jessica Ward told FOX 13 that her daughter still struggles a bit with soreness in one of her legs and still has some head trauma.
Baxter said the city’s plan is to install sidewalk along the south side leading to a crosswalk with a crossing guard at the intersection where students cross to go to the school.
Statewide, student pedestrian accidents have increased 26 percent over the past 10 years, according to a state report. Every school district in Utah combats a shortage of crossing guards each school year, adding even more reason for painted crosswalks and signalized intersections or walkways when possible.
As part of the budget adjustments, council also approved a $12,500 appropriation to the Trail Master Plan, and additional funds of $130,000 for the 1100 North RR sidewalk and quiet zone work for widening to address sidewalk and quiet zone compliance.
In other council action, resident Yemi Arunsi was appointed to be a member of the Health and Wellness Committee. l
The arrow on the map shows the area of Farm Meadows subdivision that is sinking due to soil subsidence. Map courtesy of Woods Cross City
Impacts of light pollution on health and wellness
By Kerry Angelbuer | k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com
Light pollution is the artificial illumination of the sky caused by streetlights and other man-made sources. Scientists have tracked the increasing light pollution with data from NASA photos compiled in the New World Atlas. Several decades ago, one could go out and see the Milky Way and countless stars in Davis County. With light pollution burgeoning and light readings along the Wasatch Front at midnight rivaling large cities along the coasts, some residents would be lucky to see the Big Dipper. According to researchers at James Madison University, exposure to light during sleeping hours can disrupt natural sleep/wake cycles and reduce production of melatonin – the sleep hormone. In fact, light pollution has been linked to heart disease and cancer, as well as other health challenges like sleep disorders, obesity, anxiety, depression, and diabetes.
Many people enjoy the artificial light available all night. Barbara Bryner of Bountiful feels the light deters burglars and gives her enough light to move around carefully through the house at night without turning on any lights.
Her neighbor, Carol Kerr, however, feels too much light keeps her from sleeping well and may contribute to her heart racing at night. “That could be why my heart is going wacky,” said Kerr. “Turn off the light!”
Some research out of JMU does show that exposure to even dim light during sleep can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Kerr lived in Alaska for many years and is familiar with the difficulty associated with having light all night long and its obvious effect on sleep quality.
Bryant Dresher, who lives in a very bright area of Bountiful, thinks reducing the light pollution may help their daughter improve her sleep. “Your body is naturally going to produce the melatonin when it gets darker,” said Dresher. “If it doesn’t get darker then it doesn’t naturally turn that on.”
High levels of melatonin have been shown to stop the growth of cancerous cells. In a several studies out of the University of Haifa in Israel on Light At Night (LAN), a neighborhood where you could read a book at midnight because of the high light pollution, showed marked increases in both the occurrence of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Additionally, Dark Sky advocates of a healthful dark
night noting that those who fall asleep in front of a screen emitting blue light are more likely to be obese and to continue to gain weight. Closely related, exposure to light during sleeping hours can increase insulin resistance and the development of diabetes. Light pollution also affects wildlife. Mating and foraging practices can be influenced and stress in various animal populations has been documented.
It is not necessary to stumble around in the dark, Dark Sky notes, if light is needed at night, warmer tones with an amber look are better than the bright blue light. Light that faces downward has a much lower impact on LAN than lights that emit light sideways, or even worse, upward.
IChristmas lights have morphed into permanent security lights on many new homes with a barrage of a color and light show year round. In 2008, National Geographic wrote an article on “Our Vanishing Night,” which included a two-page photo of the Bountiful Temple bathed in an aurora of light. The upside of light pollution is that it can be easily and completely stopped simply by turning off the lights. Security lights can be motion-activated. Amber lights can replace the sleep depriving blues. Shading windows can be helpful, but be mindful that part of the healthy sleep/wake cycle is exposure to sunlight in the morning. Light needs to be balanced with darkness. Every day needs a night. l
Now accepting applications for the 2025 RAMP Tax
n November 2021, Kaysville residents approved a Recreation, Arts, Museum & Parks (RAMP) Tax Initiative. The RAMP tax equals $0.01 per $10 spent on non-essential purchases (not grocery, food items or gas) within Kaysville City. All RAMP funds collected are devoted to fund recreation, arts, museum, and parks improvements, facilities, and organizations for the city.
The Mayor and City Council formed a RAMP Tax Advisory Board to administer the program. The board collects, reviews, and prioritizes all requests received and makes a yearly recommendation to the City Council on how to spend the funds received. The council has the ultimate authority in the allocation of funds. This board is made up of residents, with the support of the City Staff and Council members.
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
2025 Grant Applications are now available and can be completed and submitted to the Kaysville RAMP Advisory Committee. The application deadline is March 1, 2025. In March 2025, the RAMP Committee will forward award recommendations to the City Manager and City Council. These will be adopted by the City Council and grant award letters will be sent to successful applicants in June 2025. RAMP funding will be available to successful applicants as of July 2025.
As used in the RAMP Grant application process, and in RAMP funding, a program is defined as an activity or experience that is offered to the public by a nonprofit organization or institution. It must have a defined time frame, an agenda, and be financially accounted for as a separate cost center or line item by the governing non-profit organization or in -
stitution.
The RAMP grant categories are outlined as follows:
Major Project Grants are for requests of $100,000 and above. These funds are for city owned recreational, arts, museum, and parks facilities, and improvements to existing city owned facilities.
Tier I Grants are for requests for $10,000 to $99,999. These funds are for city owned recreational, arts, museum, and park facilities and improvements to existing city owned facilities or funds for recreation, art, museum, and park programs that benefit Kaysville City residents. Tier I Grants that fund programs cannot exceed one-fourth of the applying entity’s annual yearly operating budget as averaged over the prior three (3) years, excluding any past RAMP grant funds.
Tier II Grants are for requests for
$500 to $9,999. These funds are for city owned recreational, arts, museum, and park facilities and improvements to existing city owned facilities or funds for recreation, art, museum, and park programs that benefit Kaysville City residents. Tier II Grants that fund programs cannot exceed one-fourth of the applying entity’s annual yearly operating budget from the prior year. The majority of non-profit board members must reside in Utah. RAMP funds are not available for the general ongoing operating expense or overhead of any organization. For any questions about the application, please contact the Kaysville City Parks and Recreation office at 801-5441788. Digital applications are available on the city website at https://www.kaysville. gov/912/Kaysville-City-RAMP-Grant2025-Applicati. l
Ambient light at night in this Bountiful Neighborhood is bright enough to impact health and sleep of residents. Photo by Andrew Vance
Bountiful Local Deals
‘Epic’ playground comes to Centerville’s Community Park
Centerville’s Community Park at 1350
North 400 West is getting a new playground. On Jan. 7 the city council approved Garrett Parks & Play’s $349,999.50 bid. The other bidder on the project was Big T Recreation with a bid of $349,795.80.
The city’s park and recreation committee has been studying this issue and gathering community feedback since last August, committee member Sean Hall told the city council at a work session that evening. Looking at the issue, the committee decided their priorities were a playground that targets users ages 5-12 and that includes swings, multi levels for play, climbing options, an obstacle course, benches with shade, slides of differing sizes and areas where free play is encouraged. They also wanted an organic look for the playground and favored using earth tone colors. What they really hoped for was something that would set the Centerville community apart, Hall said.
“This is our community park,” he said. “We want to make sure that it’s epic, that it’s a wonderful experience.”
By Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
The committee originally considered eight different designs but whittled that down to two options – one each from Garrett and Big T – which Hall presented to the city council in a work session that evening. Both checked off most of the committee’s boxes, Hall said. In the end the majority of committee members favored the Garrett design for its
unique climbing structure. The Garrett design is “very feature rich. What we mean by that there’s a lot of different activities and
Garage Doors
things for the kids to play on,” Hall said.
In the formal meeting the city council voted to approve the Garrett option because it includes more features and resonated well with children who viewed the drawings.
“It means a lot to me that the kids get most excited about that one,” Councilmember Gina Hirst said.
The Garrett option includes four swings (two of them for toddlers), a megatower play structure with bongo stumps and a half-moon type of climbing structure. For freestanding play there’s a 10 spin, a jumping bean, two saddle seat spinners, what’s called a “Miracle Museum Momentum Corridor” and interactive play panels with tongue drum inserts and a little kids play structure. The area will be lined with “play turf” – a type of synthetic grass specifically designed for playgrounds, with a cushioned surface for children to play on. A 6-foot bench will also be provided for parents. The bid did not include any shaded structures. Instead, shade for the playground will be provided by adjacent trees. The city plans to plant several new trees on the north side of the park to help with shade.
City officials are hopeful construction can begin in the spring and be completed in time for Centerville’s July 4 celebration. The playground is expected to last 15 to 20 years. l
Rendition of the playground that will be installed at Community Park this spring. Courtesy image/Centerville City
Honoring our heroes: The Davis High School Military Memorial Wall Project
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
Davis High School has a rich history of pride and patriotism, serving our community since 1914. Over the years, countless Davis High graduates have answered the call to serve our country in the armed forces, some making the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms.
In the spirit of honoring these heroes, the Davis High student body is embarking on an important project: the creation of a permanent Military Memorial Wall within the school’s halls. This wall will serve as a solemn tribute to the alumni who have valiantly served in the armed forces, ensuring their names and stories echo through the generations. The memorial will be built by the students, fostering a deep appreciation for the legacy of service within our school community.
Students Bronco Maxfield, Addi Matthews, and Luke Hill presented this initiative to the Kaysville City Council, sharing the vision for a memorial that spans from World War I to the present day. The wall will not only display the names and photographs of Davis High alumni who have served but will also feature personal stories that celebrate their sacrifices and contributions. This living tribute will evolve as new graduates enlist, ensuring that fu-
ture heroes are also honored.
The student body is seeking donations to help make this vision a reality and allow them to create a lasting tribute to these heroes while inspiring future generations. Their goal is to raise $50,000 to build the wall and additional funds would support related projects such as the American Heroes Project. The project was initially envisioned as an outdoor memorial requiring a larger budget of $15,000–$20,000; the project plans were adjusted based on the $17,000 raised so far. The goal is to complete the memorial project by spring 2025, pending further fundraising and research to gather names for the wall.
The student body is reaching out to the community, seeking support in spreading awareness, conducting research to gather names, and helping in fundraising efforts. Donations can be made through a school-managed fund, and every contribution will help ensure that the memory of our heroes is preserved and celebrated.
Mayor Tamera Tran and the City Council expressed their enthusiasm for this meaningful project, commending the students for their dedication and commitment. Tran concluded the presentation by
reflecting on the importance of such initiatives, stating, “What an exciting project! It’s incredible to share people’s stories and
honor them.” To contribute, please visit: DHS Military Wall Fundraiser –DSD Give. l
New recycling pickup calendar now available
By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com
EffectiveJan. 1, 2025, all new residential utility accounts are required to include a blue recycling can. While Kaysville already has a strong participation rate in recycling, this requirement aims to further support public health and welfare by preserving landfill space and reducing overall solid waste.
The new recycling pickup calendar is now available. Visit Kaysville’s Garbage/ Recycling page on the website at https:// www.kaysville.gov/199/Garbage-Recycling to view or download your copy today and stay on top of collection dates for the year. Pickup for blue recycling cans is every other week. Pickup for green waste cans is weekly on the same day as your black can is picked up. From the website, you can zoom into your house or type in your address in the search bar to find your house. You will then be able to see which recycling color week (blue or red) and which garbage day you have. To see the current recycle week, check the Recycling Pick Up Schedule for your color zone.
The recycling container must be used for acceptable recyclable materials. Recyclables can be co-mingled or mixed in one container. Examples of proper recyclables include paper, plastics, cardboard, and metals. Unacceptable items would include items such as aerosol cans, asbestos, car batteries,
carpet, dinnerware and ceramics, clothing, cookware, disposable diapers, food and liquid waste, glass of any kind, household hazardous waste, insecticides, light bulbs and tubes, paint cans, plastic grocery bags, pizza boxes, small appliances, Styrofoam packing, trash and yard waste, used paper plates and cups, wax paper, wood scraps, or items too large to fit in the can.
Garbage cans are provided to residential customers by the city; a serial number on each can connect it to a specific address (if you move, please do not take your garbage can with you). If you need additional or replaced garbage can, recycling can, or green waste can, please call the billing department at 801546-1235. Additional recycling containers are available for an added $5 per month per container and must be kept at least 12 months. Any calls about garbage collection should go directly to Robinson Waste Service at 801825-3800.
Please do not place furniture, boxes, or other large household items into park dumpsters. This has become a big problem, especially at Pioneer Park and Ponds Park. If you see unauthorized dumping, please call 801544-1788.
Make 2025 a great year for recycling in Kaysville City. l
Student Body Officers (left to right) Luke Hill, Bronco Maxfield and Addi Matthews present an initiative for a permanent Military Memorial Wall to the Kaysville City Council. The memorial will span from World War I to present day. Video screen shot
10 National Days to observe in February
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
f you’re not a fan of Valentine’s Day and President’s Day doesn’t seem like a celebration, there are still many ways to bring some fun to February. You can create your own holiday this month or use these National Days to build new traditions with friends, family or coworkers.
Feb. 7: Send a Card to a Friend Day
When was the last time you sent someone a letter, oldschool-mail-style? Well, today’s the day. Find (or make) a card that reflects your friend’s or loved one’s personality then write a heartfelt note that expresses appreciation, love or humor. Stick a stamp on it, drop it in the mailbox and pat yourself on the back for making someone’s day a little brighter.
Feb. 8: Kite Flying Day
You’d think Kite Flying Day would be observed in April because it’s hard to fly a kite during a blizzard, but here we are. If it’s too cold and wet outside to fly a kite, this is a good day to build a kite or research kite-flying celebrations around Utah. It’s a time to dream about warm weather and sunny days.
Feb. 9: National Pizza Day
Sure you can stop by The Pie Pizzeria and bring home a tasty Mountain of Meat pizza, but to really honor this day, spend time making homemade pizza. Invite family or friends over to create individual pizzas and have a variety of toppings to choose from. Give a prize for the most
creative pie.
Feb. 11: Inventor’s Day
This day is a tribute to all the people who’ve made our lives better. Watch a documentary about your favor ite scientist, dress up like Thomas Edison, host a family science fair or create your own invention. Bonus points if you share your invention on social media.
Feb. 12: Plum Pudding Day
If this Dickens-esque dessert is a favorite, today is your day. Knock yourself out.
Feb. 15: Wisconsin Day
Revisit your eighth-grade U.S. history class by learning some things about the 30th state. Take a virtual tour of Milwaukee, read about the Wisconsin residents who started Harley-Davidson, learn the history of Lambeau Field and don’t forget the cheese plate. Did you know Wisconsinites eat more than 20 million gallons of ice cream each year? Challenge accepted, Wisconsin.
Feb. 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day
Every year, this national day grows in popularity. Spreading positivity through small acts of kindness is a
way to bring more love to this world. Call a friend, take groceries to the local pantry, buy a stranger’s lunch, take cookies to the fire department or share a poem with a loved one. The options are endless.
Feb. 20: Love Your Pet Day
You should love your pet every day, but make today a little more special for your furry friend by lavishing them with praise, healthy snacks and an extra walk. Homemade dog treats, a catnip toy, playing catch in the backyard or a snuggle session on the couch will help your pet feel loved.
Feb. 26: Tell A Fairy Tale Day
Fairy tales date back hundreds of years and we’re still enthralled by the stories of princesses, knights, fairies and wolves. Find your favorite fairy tales at the library and spend an evening retelling the stories. You could also write your own fairy tales and have a family fairy tale night.
Feb. 27: Retro Day
Unpack the roller skates, slap a cassette in the player and spend the day reliving a bygone era. Choose your favorite decade and honor its fashion, hairstyles, music, food and lingo. Show up at work in a zoot suit and dance the Charleston during lunch. Dust off your disco attire and impress family members with your Electric Slide. Have fun. That’s the point. l
Don’t let the February blues get you down. Observe some of the fun National Days this month, including Retro Day on Feb. 27. (Stock photo)
Fire spinning performers wow audiences with ‘Just Another Thrill Entertainment’
By Kerry Angelbuer | k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com
Just last January, Justin Conrad started his fire spinning performance company called, “Just Another Thrill Entertainment.” He made a goal to achieve $5,000 profit in the first year and blew that goal out of the park with $17,000 in sales. His performers, more than a dozen, have performed at birthday parties, corporate gigs out of state, and luaus. “The flame effects are interactive and awe-inspiring,” said Conrad, “being able to feel, see and hear the fire they use. The faster you spin the fire, the louder it becomes.”
Conrad started his journey five years ago when he began learning the flow Poi which has mental health benefits associated with activating both sides of the brain. He had certain challenges in his life at the time, and practicing this flow 20 hours a week for two years was very helpful. He also became proficient in other flow movements including dragon staff and fans. He introduced fire six months into his training. “Flow is where abundance
meets discipline,” said Conrad.
Currently, his staff meets once a week at the Vaudeville Underground location to practice their routines. They are preparing to participate with 50 other fire tribes from around the world at “Burning Man,” a central fire surrounded by clock wedges where performances take place. About 80,000 people come to “Burning Man,” so being part of such a thrilling performance is “what I live for,” said Conrad.
Conrad also has a job as a surgical technologist a couple of times a week and has a ceramic business where he does custom mugs and sculptures, but spends a great deal of time working to line up performances for his fire tribe. The performance can also be indoors if the space is sturdy, and enough room is available to keep it safe. Indoor performances with lights rather than fire are also an option. Interested parties should contact Justin Conrad at 801-664-4690. l
Dancing at the “Burning Man” fire conclave is a highlight for Justin Conrad. Courtesy Photo
Centerville City gets new city well and water storage tank
By Linda Petersen | l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
Water seemed to be the name of the game for Centerville City officials, who, in December, approved the final site plan for the Oakdale Drive water storage tank and a replacement for the City Hall well.
The water storage tank and electrical building will be located on 3.29 acres at 1470 North Oak Drive in an existing public facility district located on the hillside. There will be a detention basin at the bottom of the hill to manage run off, City Engineer Kevin Campbell said.
“The subject property is surrounded by mostly single-family homes and rural community land or county land,” City Planner Sydney DeWees told the planning commission Dec. 11. “The proposed project would not change the low-density character of the area.”
The conceptual site plan for this project was approved by the planning commission on Nov. 13, 2024.
“With input from multiple city departments this location has been selected as the most suitable for the project considering both land conservation and functional spa space utilization within the city limits,” DeWees said at that time. “The presence of this water tank will be a vital asset for emergency services contributing to the overall Public Safety and supporting the area’s resilience to get against fire related hazards.”
Building the new water storage tank will bring several benefits to the city, Public Works Director Mike Carlson said.
I“I think it’s a great project for the city. It’s going to enhance our water system, so I think it’s a good deal,” Carlson said. “We get an extra half million gallons of storage for firefighting and things like that and I think all in all it’s
going to be a great project especially when we relandscape we’ll get more native plants on there than we have.”
The city will spend around $4,000 planting more native plants in the area that will not require external watering after they’re established so the site will require only minimal maintenance, he added.
The planning commission voted unanimously to approve the final site plan for the storage tank and electrical building on Dec. 11.
On Dec. 3 the city council voted to award a $45,543 contract for a new City Hall well pump, column and all related components to the Nickerson Company. Initially Carlson had hoped that the well just needed its pump repaired, but in the end the well needed to be completely overhauled, he said.
Through this process, the city staff “has taken all necessary steps to ensure the longevity of the system,” the staff report said. The well’s flow may need to be reduced from 900 GPM gallons per minute to 850 GMP to minimize the amount of fine sand that has been damaging the bowls, it said.
Carlson did not get any response from two other local contractors to bid on the project but that may have been because Nickerson had already been on site and had removed the pump and column to determine what was wrong with the well, he said. l
Vikings making a run at region title in boys basketball
t has been 13 years since the Viewmont boys basketball team tasted a region title. At the rate they’re going, the Vikings could break that streak this season.
Viewmont’s last league crown came during the 2011–12 campaign when it went a perfect 10-0 in Class 5A’s Region 2. At that time, Viewmont competed against five foes from Salt Lake County. Fast-forward to this season, and Viewmont was tied atop the Region 5 standings with Davis County rival Bountiful at 6-1 as the teams hit the halfway point of the league schedule.
If the second half of region play goes as well as the first half, the Vikings could claim a league championship. But plenty of critical games awaited the team.
Viewmont’s only Region 5 loss during the first six league contests was a 66-55 setback to Bountiful at home on Jan. 3. The two teams had a rematch on Jan. 29. Half of the six victories during the first-half stretch were by double-digits, including a dominant 68-48 victory at Clearfield on Jan. 22.
Senior guard Drez Jensen has been the top offensive player for Viewmont.
Jensen paces the team in scoring, having averaged 18.7 points through 17 total games, helping to lead his squad to a 10-7 overall mark. Jensen is also second in rebounding with a 5.3 per-game average and is tops in assists per game with 2.4. Jensen scored in double figures in all
By Josh McFadden | joshdmcfadden@hotmail.com
but one game in the first 17 matchups. His season-high output through Jan. 22 was a 26-point outburst at home against Roy in the Region 5 opener on New Year’s Eve. He also had a pair of 25-point games, both on the road – Dec. 6 at Weber and Dec. 12 at Fremont. He also hauled down a season-best 10 rebounds at Mountain Ridge on Dec. 3 and recorded five steals at Woods Cross on Jan. 10.
He has gotten some big help this season too.
Junior guard/forward Carson Tovey scored 8.3 points per game through the first three weeks of January. He was also the leading rebounder for the Vikings, pulling down 5.4 boards a contest. Tovey’s best game of the season was arguably on Jan. 8 at home against Box Elder when he had a season-high 16 points to go along with seven rebounds and a pair of assists.
Senior guard Lloyd Williamson has contributed more than six points a game, while senior Jacob Jeppesen and junior Adam Henderson each scored just under six points a night.
Viewmont has enjoyed well-balanced scoring and has a deep bench. Head coach Travis Frey’s squad has seen more than 20 players record a statistic in varsity play this season.
At press time, the Vikings held the No. 11 spot in the Class 5A RPI rankings. Viewmont will work to improve that ranking, which determines the seeding for the
state playoffs. The 5A tournament gets underway Feb. 19 with first-round games on the home courts of higher-seeded teams. The second round, which starts Feb. 21, is also at home sites. The quarterfinals,
semifinals and finals are at the University of Utah.
Viewmont finishes the regular season at home against Clearfield on Feb. 14. l
This map shows the location of the new Centerville Oakdale Drive water storage tank. Courtesy image/Centerville City
Viewmont’s Drez Jensen (in red) rises up for a shot in a game earlier this season. Jensen is leading the team in scoring and has helped the Vikings get off to a league-leading start. Photo courtesy of Josh Wood
Utah Veteran Business Resource Center launches the ‘Year of the Veteran Entrepreneur’
The Utah Veteran Business Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College has declared 2025 the Year of the Veteran Entrepreneur. To launch the statewide initiative, the VBRC hosted a networking event, bringing dozens of veterans to The Mill Entrepreneurship Center at SLCC’s Miller Campus in Sandy to share their success stories.
Several veteran-owned business entrepreneurs gave presentations about their companies at the event and explained how the VBRC helps them find resources, partnerships and support as they navigate their business journey.
“Bringing veterans together who are in all different stages of owning or starting a business provides them with the camaraderie that they experienced while in the military. They really connect and want to see each other succeed,” said Becky Guertler, VBRC manager. “Utah’s veteran business community is poised for unprecedented growth, and we’re excited to support them and recognize their contribution.”
The VBRC has worked with about 2,300 vet entrepreneurs since its founding in 2017. With nearly 19,000 veteran-owned businesses in Utah, the center offers assistance during every stage of business, from
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
idea creation to getting financial assistance.
Navy veteran Donyale West, owner of 21West Productions, provides video production and digital marketing to businesses to build brand awareness and recognition.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for our veterans to network, share experiences, and support one another on our business
journeys,” West said. “The VBRC provides support and space to celebrate our successes, navigate challenges, gain insight into resources, and camaraderie around balancing military service, family, and entrepreneurship. We discover we are not alone on our entrepreneurial paths.”
Other presenters included Katie Fry
(Warrior Revival), Michael Donnell (Measure Once Cut Once), Bear Bangs ($99 Weddings), Joshua Benson (Salt Lake Dumpster) and Brian Herbstritt (Fidelitech).
“Some of the things that I’ve learned over the years is collaboration over competition,” Benson said. “When I learned about this program, I realized this is an opportunity to actually come meet with other businesses. A lot of people get in the mindset of ‘we're in this for ourselves’…But as I’ve gone through this business process, I’ve realized that working together, we can do so much more than we can alone.”
These VRBC networking events usually sell out but it’s just one component of services offered to veteran entrepreneurs. The Strive program is a deep dive into business start-ups and the Minnow Tank Pitch Competition offers a platform for entrepreneurs to win prize money for their ideas.
Fry started her nonprofit, Warrior Revival, about 18 months ago. Its purpose is to empower veterans as they transition to civilian life through wellness retreats, recreation adventures and community building.
“I noticed that there was this big gap of services on weekends and at night for military and veterans,” Fry said. “At first, we were offering one event a month, and now we’re up to about eight events a month, just getting veterans out doing recreational activities.
“We’re trying to really work with service members while they’re in service, as well as when they get out of service. We believe it’s a life-long process. The first year tends to be the hardest.”
The VBRC is a non-profit that partners with SLCC and the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. With workshops, conferences, training, mentorship opportunities, counseling, financial advising and business critiques, veteran business owners get the best chance to succeed. For more information, visit utahvbrc.org. l
Veteran entrepreneurs Bear Bangs, Nick Reithel, Donayle West, Michael Donnell, Joshua Benson, Brian Herbstritt and Zachary Wellman gave presentations about their businesses during a networking event with the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center at Salt Lake Community College. Peri Kinder/City Journals
West Bountiful Police Department recruits for new officer
By Simon Mortensen | s.mortensen@davisjournal.com
Bringing a new individual onto their force, West Bountiful Police Department is recruiting an officer for their 12 position lineup in 2025 – a job search that is ongoing as of Jan. 22.
“We are looking for somebody that has a desire to serve their community,” said Brandon Erekson, West Bountiful Chief of Police. “We look for somebody that is going to overall enhance our culture here at our police department and generally just have a good desire to serve.”
A department that consists of Erekson, an assistant chief, two sergeants, two detectives and six patrol officers, West Bountiful filled a police position during the latter half of 2024 as well. According to Erekson, they are looking for a candidate who is either enrolled in or certified by the police academy.
Erekson said that an officer takes about 12 to 16 weeks to become acclimated to a city. For those in West Bountiful, that period consists of becoming acquainted with a tight community and a smaller agency.
“It’s taking what they’ve learned in the academy and from a classroom setting and actually applying it into real life, you
FAMILY PROTECTION
• Special Needs Trusts
• Guardianships
• Pre & Post-nuptial Agreements
• Adoptions
• Domestic Partner Trusts
• Name Changes
• Pet Trusts
• Asset Protection
PROBATE & ESTATES
• Letters Testamentary
• Formal & Informal Probate
• Intestate Succession (No Will)
• Small Estate A davits
• Survivorship A davits
• Spousal Claims
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
• Mediation
• Elder Care Disputes
• Estate & Trust Disputes
• Elder Exploitation & Abuse
• Estate & Trust Litigation
know, experiences,” Erekson said about the 12 to 16 week starting period.
In addition to beginning the recruiting process, the department recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to engage in policing efforts for the presidential inauguration. An effort Erekson received a request to join from a personal connection at the city’s metropolitan police department, the unit sent himself, his assistant chief, one detective and two patrol officers.
According to Erekson, the primary responsibilities consisted of crowd control along the parade line.
During a city council meeting on Jan. 7, Erekson reported that his department had also received an $18,000 grant for DUI enforcement from the state. The police department plans to invest these funds in items such as vehicle cameras, body cameras and portable breath tests.
Erekson said that there are currently no plans to expand West Bountiful’s unit past 12 positions. The individual joining the police department will become a part of an agency that’s been accredited by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association. An accolade provided to a force that meets a series of standards, Erekson was recognized
by the association during a City Council meeting last spring.
“Some look at a smaller agency, it’s a little bit tighter-knit group,” said Erekson. “You get to know each other. We really like to have kind of a family feel for our department. Everybody’s accepted,
and you know the type of community, the smaller community, they really have the opportunities to actually get out within the community and have positive interactions rather than, you know, straight enforcement actions.” l
TRUSTS & WILLS
• Living & Family Trusts
• Simple & Complex Wills
• Trust Administration
• Irrevocable Trusts
• Assist Trustees, Executors & Heirs
• Trust Review Service
BUSINESS PROTECTION
• Corporations
• Partnerships
• Limited Liability Companies
• Non-pro t Organizations
• Buy-Sell Agreements
• Quiet Title Actions
ELDER LAW
• Powers of Attorney
• Guardianships
Conservatorships
Living Wills
Competency Issues
Medicaid Planning
VA Aid & Attendance Planning
Robyn Rowe Walton Attorney at Law
Britten J. Hepworth Attorney at Law
West Bountiful’s police department currently has an open position. Photo courtesy of West Bountiful
Customer loyalty and dedication can be displayed in a variety of ways. Some may try to rack up reward points with a business, while others may get on a first name basis with staff members. For West Bountiful’s Lakeside golf course, patrons showcased their love of the destination by golfing in January.
“There is something in the atmosphere there that makes it very, very special,” said Dallas Green, director of golf at Lakeside. “I joke that it’s the people’s country club, or the Cheers of golf, that everyone knows everyone’s name. There’s a pretty cool camaraderie there.”
During a city council meeting on Jan. 7, Green and superintendent Josh Virostko delivered a report on the state of the golf course – which discussed growth, improvements and changes for 2025.
According to Green, Lakeside set a record for the amount of rounds played this year, almost reaching 58,000 9-hole rounds. While the golf course regularly sets new annual records for 9-hole rounds, it wasn’t until the turn of the decade that they began passing the 50,000 threshold. Green says that this growth was caused by a rise in the sport’s popularity during the pandemic.
“COVID has been a God-send to golf
What’s ahead for Lakeside Golf Course
By Simon Mortensen | s.mortensen@davisjournal.com
because it was one of the few sports, one of the outdoors activities you could do,” said Green. “It’s boomed since then, and so before that I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of having that many rounds.”
In addition to setting rounds-played records, Lakeside also increased their men, women and junior league sizes as well as their gross revenue, according to Green.
With the course experiencing success, both Green and Virostko addressed some of the improvements being made to Lakeside during their report – with a high amount of focus dedicated to their tee boxes. According to Green, who’s been with the course since 2012, complaints have been made about tee boxes for as long as he’s known the destination.
“We’ve really invested a lot of time and energy and resources into trying to level them,” said Green. “When [Virostko] got there, we didn’t have a lot of flat surfaces on our tee boxes. We’ve definitely made it an emphasis to grow some of our tee boxes and make them bigger.”
According to Green, the goal when improving a tee box is to make the surface as flat as possible. For Lakeside, this is done by stripping the area to its soil, improving irrigation, putting sand in to level the box and
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growing grass. A long process, Green says that the course typically fixes two holes per year – a total of four boxes per hole.
Along with tee box repairs, Lakeside also plans to invest in their driving range. During 2025, the course will explore purchasing a new safety net, and will be adding artificial hitting surfaces to their range. The switch from grass to the new surfaces, according to Green, is being implemented due to changes in demand, especially during the winter months.
“It is not easy on the golf course to have play, especially busy playing in January, December, November,” said Green about maintaining grass during winter. “Really, there’s not a lot we can do other than what we do.”
Outside of the needs on the course, Lakeside will be searching for a new assistant professional to work alongside Green as well as a new individual to run their cafe –job searches that are ongoing as of Jan. 22.
According to Green, Virostko’s team, which primarily oversees course maintenance, has roughly 15-20 seasonal employees while Green has about 30-40. The ages of staff members range from young students to older retirees.
A par 71 course that opened in 1966, West Bountiful owns Lakeside. According to Green, this dynamic has led to the creation of a helpful and beneficial relationship between course leaders and city council members.
“They trust what we do and we’ve shown that we can do good things here,” said Green about the differences between running a public and private course. “They let us do what we are hired to do, and I don’t think that happens very often.”
As growth occurs at the course, Green says Lakeside will look to expand its demographic, and put a larger emphasis on ladies and junior league programs. A course “devoted to being the best value in golf” according to its mission statement, Green hopes that it will leave a lasting impact on patrons.
“I think that’s the key, 10 years down the road that you get a 13-year-old kid hooked on it, they can go to college and come back, and they come back and live in Davis County, they’re like ‘oh man, I remember all those good times at Lakeside golf course. Let’s go play there,’” said Green. “We’re seeing the benefits of that from when we were focusing on that 15 years ago.” l
Lakeside set a course record in 2024 for most rounds played. Photo by Simon Mortensen
Black Inventors and Science Pioneers
Touching Lives Every Day
Cut and paste these sentences in the correct order to discover the beginnings of Black History Month.
Are you an eagle-eyed reader? Read the story below and circle the seven errors you find. Then rewrite the story correctly.
Peanut Professor
Have you ever ridden in an elevator, worn shoes, played with a Super Soaker or used a microphone? Then your life has been touched by an African-American scientist.
Early elevators had doors that had to be opened and closed by hand. Elevator doors that open and closemadeautomatically riding an elevator safer.
This NASA engineer is best known for inventing the Super Soaker water blaster. The success of his invention has funded his own research and he now has more than 100 inventions to his name. Use the code to discover this inventor’s name.
If you love to pick up a microphone and sing out a song, you will be glad this scientist loved electricity and physics. He invented a small microphone. His technology is used in 90 percent of microphones today and in cell phones, laptops, baby monitors and hearing aids.
He invented a machine that could quickly attach the top of a shoe to the sole. The machine made shoes ten times faster than by hand, making shoes more affordable.
In 1914, this inventor created a “safety hood” which made polluted air safer to breathe. This was an early version of the gas mask.
Replace the missing words.
Mae Jemison has always had big ________. Her big dreams took her into space! She is the first African-American female _______________ . In 1992, she flew aboard the space shuttle Endeavor.
Mae loved ___________ and dancing as a child. In college she decided to ___________ medicine. After becoming a doctor, she went to Africa with the Peace Corps. When she returned _____, she decided to follow another dream—to be an astronaut.
Look through the newspaper for ten words that describe inventors. Use these words to write a poem or a paragraph about inventors.
MICROPHONE AMERICAN AFRICAN COLLEGE SCIENCE HISTORY INVENT DREAMS FEMALE PEACE HONOR BLACK HAND SONG AIR
Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.
George Washington Carver was born into slavery, but he grew up to be one of America’s greatest scientist. He invented more than 300 products made from peanuts!
it was hard for a Black child to get into school when Carver was young but. He never gave up. He eventually finished skool and got a job as a teacher at a school in Alabama.
Carver wanted to help poor farmers. He told them to grew peanuts. The farmers thought peanuts were weeds.
Carver invited some farm to lunch. They had soup, mock chicken, creamed vegetables, bread, salad, ice cream, cookies and coffee.
Imagines their surprise when Carver told them that everything was made with peanuts!
STEM Newsmakers
Watch the newspaper for articles and pictures about important men and women in the world of science. Write a short paragraph about each. Keep all of your clippings and paragraphs in a notebook or folder called STEM Newsmakers
Determination and Perseverance
Determination and perseverance have helped people accomplish great things. Tell about a time determination or perseverance helped you.
INVENTOR CODE
Follow the maze to match each inventor with their invention.
Find the two identical shoes.
Withvisions of Jack White, Prince and Sophie Lloyd strumming in my head, I started taking guitar lessons last year to prove that old dogs can still be tricky. After months of lessons, I confidently state Jack White can rest easy. I won’t be coming for his job.
Guitar lessons have challenged my patience but expanded my capacity for playing incorrect chords on a slightly outof-tune instrument. I pluck through terrible-sounding riffs and know practice time is over when I drop the guitar pick in the sound hole for the hundredth time.
Each week, I meet with the ever-patient Emily at Guitar Center so I can go over my lesson. I spend most of the time trying to convince her I really did practice while ignoring the eye twitch she develops whenever I play an F chord.
She’ll give me advice like, “Press the strings harder” or “Change the position of your thumb” or “Maybe take up baking.” I go home and practice chords and strums and fingerpicking until even the dog leaves the room. But after practicing “Blowin’ in the Wind” for six weeks, my husband finally recognized the chorus.
I’ve gained an appreciation for guitar players, and I get enraged by people who say they taught themselves to play the guitar because that can’t possibly be a thing. Like every child in Utah, I took piano lessons, and that background has helped with counting and timing but that’s the extent of its helpfulness when it comes to the guitar.
The hubby and I visited Nashville in October, where even toddlers can play the intro to “Stairway to Heaven,” and it highlighted how much I still have to learn. Every dive bar had an exceptional guitarist strumming chords while holding a beer bottle. I ate chicken wings and sipped margaritas, mesmerized by their talent.
Time to face the music
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Not only were they exceptional, but they could play any song by heart. My brain has no storage capacity. My hard drive is full. I can’t memorize songs, and I can barely remember chord progressions. I’m still looking at chord charts like they’re hieroglyphics.
Learning guitar is mostly about finding new ways to use your nondominant hand. In theory, a plucked string should create a musical vibration. In reality, a plucked string provides a muffled thud because I’m not on my fingertips or I’m too far from the fret or I can’t stretch my hand into a barre chord or I’m just inept. All of those things can be true.
After I played “If I Had a Hammer” for several weeks, my husband said if he had a hammer he’d smash my guitar. Not nice. But fair.
I grew up listening to singers like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Mom and my aunt would visit assisted living centers (they were called rest homes in the ’70s) to sing and play the guitar, entertaining the captive audience. Sometimes I’d sing along and screw up their “Leaving on a Jet Plane” harmonies with my squeaky 8-year-old voice.
Learning to play the guitar is a connection to my late mom. I can’t say my guitar music honors my mom because no one deserves that kind of honor, but I can imagine her
smiling (and probably grimacing) whenever I pick up the guitar. Maybe there are earplugs in heaven.
Watching Prince perform at the Super Bowl, seeing Jack White in concert and hearing Sophie Lloyd shred has become an act of reverence. I stand in awe at their talent as I slowly pick through “Five Hundred Miles” for what feels like the 500th time.
the
How to Retire the Way You Want With Less Fear & Stress
Do you have a written income plan that details
Do you know how your assets and income will be taxed when you receive, sell or take withdrawals?
Are you confident your savings will last for your (and/or spouse’s) lifetime ensuring financial stability?
How much do you need to save to retire comfortably?
What would you need to put away today to retire on $100k a year without touching your principal?
Navigating the maze of retirement planning can feel daunting. Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. It’s not too late to get your retirement goals on track, and the key isn’t necessarily a complex strategy; it’s about having a clear understanding of the numbers and what they mean.
With the right knowledge and planning, you can build a retirement plan that will allow you to live out your dreams.
Everyone’s journey looks di erent.
Maybe you started saving earlier or later, or perhaps your nest egg is growing at a di erent pace.
e Golden Rule? e Sooner you start planning, the better. Not only do you unlock the magic of compound interest but you also gain more room to pivot and adapt.
Life’s curveballs can knock us o track - that’s a given. Yet, falling o doesn’t mean staying down and being prepared can o en so en the impact. We can always recalibrate and aim again, especially with professional advice on our side. Let’s crunch those numbers, set or reset our course, and turn those retirement dreams into real plans.
