Draper Journal | December 2024

CITY REACHES SETTLEMENT

AGREEMENT WITH GENEVA, ENDING LONGSTANDING LEGAL BATTLES

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

Draper Mayor Troy Walker has long said it would likely be better to strike a deal with Geneva Rock rather than letting a judge or jury decide. “It’s always better to make a deal because you get something from it,” Walker said.

After years of back and forth between Geneva Rock and Draper’s Planning Commission and City Council, as well as the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (DOGM) rulings on the matter and legislative rulings favoring Geneva’s ability to expand operations at the Point of the Mountain, Draper City reached a settlement agreement with Geneva Rock. It was approved by the City Council at the Nov. 12 meeting.

According to a statement from Draper City, “State lawmakers directed both parties to reach an agreement, saying they would otherwise enact legislation that would resolve the dispute on the legislature’s terms. This legislative action would override any favorable decision for the City. Approving this agreement enables the City to preserve land that would otherwise be subject to mining given Geneva Rock’s claimed Vested

Mining Use.”

The city’s statement also indicated they recognize this doesn’t resolve all concerns Draper residents may have about environmental impacts, including air quality, but that the city relies on state agencies to enforce standards that Geneva Rock is subject to.

City Manager Mike Barker said, “This settlement agreement is to address Geneva filing a declaration of vested mining use in 2021. Under current state law, upon filing that declaration, Geneva was able to circumvent any of our zoning restrictions. We sought a lawsuit challenging that declaration in 2022. It became apparent we had a couple of challenges right out of the gate, the first being high burden of proof, the second is we could see which way the legislative winds were blowing…reflecting the legislature’s determination that an ample, inexpensive supply of gravel and similar materials was important to the state’s economic growth. Last session, a couple of bills were put on hold…the intent of which was to give Sand & Gravel operators the

This map and legend show what Geneva Rock has agreed to do with the land they own at the Point of the Mountain. After a yearslong legal battle, Draper City and Geneva Rock reached a settlement agreement. “Of all the things I’ve worked on in the city, this was difficult and expensive, but I think it turned out well, all things considered,” Mayor Troy Walker said. (Courtesy Draper City)

After 35 years, J P Lee Fine Jewelry is closing We have loved being a part of the happy occasions of your lives!

THANK YOU!

Storewide inventory clearance sale now thru December 24th.

Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10-5

Unsung heroes: Canyons District celebrates professionals’ impact on students

Passion,

creativity, innovation, dedication.

Those are some of the words used to describe Canyons School District’s 2024 Apex awards recipients, who have devoted their lives to make a positive impact on local school children.

They each accepted a crystal award and the appreciation of the Canyons Board of Education and the school district administration.

Amongst the recipients was former school board vice president Mont Millerberg, who died unexpectedly in February; he was posthumously awarded the Legacy Award.

His wife, who has been serving in his board position since April, accepted the honor with other family members.

“He would’ve been so humbled by this recognition,” Kris Millerberg said in a written statement. “It truly means a lot to our family to see his commitment to education remembered in this way.”

Mont Millerberg was born and raised in Midvale, attending Midvale Elementary, Midvale Middle and Hillcrest High. He worked as a sweeper at the old Union Elementary. His parents owned a floral shop on Main Street and he and his wife raised their six children in the town.

“Midvale meant so much to him, and it always guided his efforts to improve the schools. He wanted to ensure the schools in Midvale had the resources to thrive,” she said. “He truly believed in ‘the magic of the classroom’ and often reminded us that every decision should support what happens there.”

Alta High’s Kevin Clyde was honored as the APEX teacher of the year.

As a math teacher, he purposedly took out desks of his classroom, trading them for wall-to-wall white boards so students would engage with the math problems and wouldn’t be afraid to wipe it out when they make a mistake.

DRAPER TEAM

The Draper Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Draper. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

“When they do ask me questions, some are returned with other questions,” Clyde said.

“I’m trying to get students to think. They’re learning advocacy, asking for what they need.

The students have developed a relationship with somebody who they trust. That’s a big thing in life. You don’t always know what to do, but if you have people around you, you can ask for help.”

In return, many of them have written him notes of thanks.

“I’ve kept every one,” Clyde said. “It reminds me what I do matters. I love what I do.”

Copperview Elementary Principal Colleen Smith and retired Canyons Director of Middle Schools Cindy Hanson were named

APEX administrators of the year. Smith is credited for not only working to bring Copperview out of turnaround status, but for building a culture where everyone has value and believes in their potential to succeed.

Hanson, who continues to work as a school improvement consultant, is credited for providing crucial guidance during the pandemic and helped lead the way to Canyons receiving districtwide accreditation.

This year’s educational support professional Apex winner is Brighton High’s custodial crew chief, Sara Cook, who has served school communities for 29 years; she credits her team with their commitment in wanting to

Connect social media

see the school look its best.

2024 Apex recipient for student support services professional of the year is the District’s school nursing program coordinator Jen Gerrard, who not only helps students with providing vision exams, administering insulin to diabetic students, and rendering first aid, but she has been a vital part in Canyons’ launch of a pilot telehealth program, which connects students with a healthcare provider without having to leave school.

Apex volunteer of the year Jessica Davies is a familiar face at Alta View Elementary, providing positivity and enthusiasm to the school culture, said school principal Scott Jameson.

“She has volunteered, spent hours recruiting other volunteers and has made our school a community, a family and a place where it’s wonderful to teach, a place where it’s wonderful to learn,” he said.

Relationships and community are key facets of the student programs and mission of the South Valley Chamber of Commerce, which was named 2024 Apex Award for Community Partner of the Year.

“It’s important for businesses to support education,” Chamber President and CEO Jay Francis said. “It’s important for students to be able to have opportunities to rub shoulders with businesses and business leaders.”

Former principal of Mt. Jordan and Albion middle schools Molly Hart, who now oversees Summit Academy schools, serves on the state school board and was honored as Apex elected official of the year.

“I wanted to be on the state board so that principals and teachers didn’t have to navigate the issues and manage the paperwork over being with parents and being with students,” she said. “I want, still to this day, to make a difference in the daily work that teachers and principals do in Utah.” l

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Lindsay Andreasen | lindsay.a@thecityjournals.com

Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com

Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022 Rack

PHONE: 801-254-5974

Apex volunteer of the year Jessica Davies, who has been a familiar face at Alta View Elementary from encouraging other parents to help with activities to snapping photos of all the events happening at the school, was congratulated by Supt. Rick Robins at the awards ceremony. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

From classroom to chopper: National Guard inspires students

Corner Canyon High student Ty Davis

was one of about 50 students excused from class to watch as the National Guard landed a helicopter on the school soccer field.

It was part of the Meet the Pro speaker series coordinated by Canyons School District’s work-based learning with the goal to allow students to meet and ask questions of industry professionals to deepen their understanding of careers.

“I was in AP world history, but got excused to come out,” he said. “It was cool to just watch and talk with the National Guard.”

Students were allowed up into the cabin of the aircraft.

“I got a cool picture of the cockpit, and I talked with three of the four National Guard. I asked the Warrant Officer his path, since he’s different from the regular officers. I asked the crew chief how he does things. I asked the recruiter some questions about potential ways to go the route of becoming an aviator,” said Davis, who is considering a military pathway to his long-range goal of flying commercially.

The Corner Canyon sophomore plans to start ground school online soon.

“Once I’m done with that, I’ll go take the written test,” he said. “This summer, I plan to start private lessons for my flight license.”

National Guard Major Daniel Hills told a group of students his path.

“I got my economics degree first and worked for Zions Corporations; being with the National Guard can be a full-time job or a part-time job,” he said. “After I got my degree, I enlisted and learned all the basics and intricacies of taking care of aircraft, like how to repair Apache helicopters. After that,

same rights to expand that Geneva claimed under vested mining status. So, it became apparent that if Draper were to lose at trial, Geneva would have uninhibited ability to mine its whole property.”

According to Barker, negotiations for this settlement agreement began last April.

“This is key-by settling with Geneva, we have taken control of our own future in that both parties have agreed this agreement will control our relationship going forward, irrespective of any legislation that is passed in the future,” Barker said.

Specifics of the agreement include Geneva will preserve roughly 66 acres of land on Steep Mountain’s north and south faces (no mining activity will take place, it will remain in its natural state), 23 acres will be reclaimed, Geneva commits to leaving Steep Mountain intact with contractual restrictions preventing all mining in preserved areas, and Geneva will enhance safety by removing the high wall they resurrected.

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

I submitted an officer candidate selection application and was selected. I went to OCS in Fort Meade in Maryland. Then, I was commissioned as a second lieutenant. One year after that, I started in Alabama for flight school for 19 months. You start on a Lakota helicopter. That’s your initial primary aircraft you’re going to learn how to train on. After that, you go to an advanced aircraft. I was trained on Apaches.”

Hills still had more school, including instrument course and survival school, and

“There’s a very strong argument this the settlement preserves Steep Mountain and the wind patterns…for the flight park in Draper and the state flight park in Lehi. There’s something unique about the way these mountain faces interact with wind currents that create updrafts ideal for hang gliding,” Barker said.

The city has spent more than $400,000 fighting this latest lawsuit with Geneva and Geneva’s DOGM application to amend its mining permit. The back and forth between Geneva and Draper City goes back nearly a decade. “Sometimes you’ve got to spend some money so you get to the point that you can resolve a matter,” Barker said.

Several members of the council praised Geneva’s efforts toward settlement, including councilmember Mike Green. “I think this is a win for our community. I’m very grateful for our partners with Geneva for working with us,” he said.

Walker summed it up with these words: “Nothing makes a partnership like a good lawsuit. We did as good as we could do. We saved Steep Mountain forever.” l

your own, you’re close to $100,000 out of pocket. It’s a big bill, but the army will pay for that, and you’ll be trained with a commercial helicopter instrument license and earn a salary while you’re training.”

His love of aircraft started young. He grew up playing with a remote-controlled aircraft next to an air force base.

“I wanted to serve, but I also wanted to fly helicopters, so this is a great opportunity,” he said. “I hope these students get a desire and a love for aviation, and maybe we’ll see some of them flying for us in the future.”

Sophomore Taelyn Blundell is one of those who has a love of aviation.

“Flying runs in my family,” she said. “My dad has his pilot’s license, and my great-grandpa was a World War B12 bomber. We have a book where he told us all about his experience in the army and his helicopters. He was bombed and was the only survivor in his crew. He was captured by the Germans for a little bit, until he was able to get out. He was found six months later on the border of Germany.”

His service is partially why she’s interested in a career flying a military helicopter.

as a pilot in command, he chose to earn his MBA while stationed along the U.S.-Mexico border.

“The National Guard helped pay for that too,” he said. “To learn to fly helicopters on

“I like the fact you’re able to help our country,” Blundell said. “It means a lot, knowing people who were in the service. It makes me a lot more motivated.” l

A National Guard helicopter and crew landed on Corner Canyon’s campus to talk to students about career opportunities. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Continued from front page

Jeweler in the heart of Draper closing after nearly a quarter century

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

Married and in the jewelry business for 35 years, 24 of those at the intersection of Pioneer and Fort streets. They’ve counted 1,400 cars passing by in one hour and they estimate thousands have stopped in simply because they were driving by. An average of three wedding rings made each day, working with 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit metals most days. Sixty minutes to set up the jewelry displays daily and another 40 minutes to put it all away in the safe each evening. Four kids and four grandchildren. Working six days a week, four of those open for business and the other two working on designing or repairing jewelry in the back.

Behind those statistics is the story of Jon and Susan Lee, owners of J.P. Lee Fine Jewelry. They will close the doors of their longtime Draper business for the final time Dec. 24.

He credits her and she credits him for their success. “She takes care of all the books and keeps the business moving forward. She’s even become a good salesperson in spite of herself. People come because she’s so nice,” Jon said. “It’s been successful only because he’s so knowledgeable and personable. People know they can trust him,” Susan said.

J.P. Lee Fine Jewelry will close for the final time Dec. 24 after 24 years of business in historic Draper. Owners Jon and Susan Lee are retiring, but they say it’s been a difficult decision because they’ll miss all their positive interactions with people the jewelry business has brought them. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

Jon wears an apron to try to stop mol- ten gold from burning holes in his clothes.

East 3300 South Millcreek, Utah 84109

Sat. 11:00-8:30pm

five power magnification. “Setting stones is tedious and intense,” Susan said. His hands are often black as a result of jewelers’ polishing compound. “I used to be embarrassed by that. Now I’m proud of it. It’s who I am,” Jon said. For all these years, in addition to jewelry sales, they’ve done custom designs, repairs and also appraisals.

It all began because Jon worked in a jewelry store as Christmas help after his LDS mission and before he went back to college. “It was just going to be a threemonth job, but I found out I was good at it,” he said. He had gone to Alta High and she to Bingham. Friends arranged for them to meet at a Fred Meyer where Jon was working behind the jewelry counter and Susan was on an errand. He made note of her phone number from the check she paid with. “I can still remember the pink dress she was wearing,” he said. According to Jon, after three weeks “we were an item.”

He worked at three different jewelry stores over a period of years, and once they were married, Susan worked two jobs and moved back in with her parents so they could afford to send Jon to the Gemological Institute of America in Los Angeles for one year. “We were big fans of $39 standby flights in those days,” he said. Jon finished his training, returned to Utah, and apprenticed with a jeweler. Following that, Jon and Susan opened their first J.P. Lee Fine Jewelry in West Jordan. Back then, they took their first-born child to work with them and kept her entertained with toys in the back room.

After 10 years in West Jordan, Jon happened to witness a for sale sign going up at the building they now own and occupy. “I bought it on the spot,” he said.

Jon had grown up here. “We moved here when I was 11, so I’m almost indigenous to Draper,” he said. Both Jon and Susan appreciate the history at the heart of Draper where their business stands and they’re delighted they’ve been a part of that. Today, many think of it as the jewelry building, but in earlier days, it housed doctor and dentist offices as well as a pharmacy. “It was the original medical building for Draper and, when I was a kid, we used to come here and buy penny candies at the pharmacy on our way to the Draper movie house (now the historic theatre),” Jon said.

Jon can be credited with playing a role in saving the Old Park School. Several years ago, it was owned by the city and had historical significance, but it was in desperate need of repairs the city couldn’t afford. City officials planned to demolish it despite public protest. That’s when a local person stopped into the jewelry store and asked if Jon knew of any buildings for sale. Jon suggested they talk to the mayor about the Old Park School. “They made a deal with the city to buy it within days of when it was

supposed to be torn down,” Jon said. “They were masterful with what they did with it,” Susan said of the historic building’s buyers. Through the years, every one of their four children has worked for them at one time or another and Jon’s mom worked the sales floor for 15 years.

One piece of advice Jon has given to potential grooms is be sure to “interview” with the parents of the bride-to-be before proposing. It’s a lesson he had to learn himself some 35 years ago. He’d gotten a ring for Susan and kept it under the seat of his car for about a week before asking her to marry him, but he’d forgotten to talk with her parents first. “Her dad gave me a threehour interview,” Jon said. Nowadays, Jon is sure to ask guys looking at engagement rings one very important question. “How did your interview go with the dad and the mom?”

The Lee’s business reputation is such that people come from Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho and New Mexico to buy from them. And because Draper is growing, they still get people stopping in for the first time. “We’ve been blessed with as much work as we can handle,” Jon said.

Their plans for retirement include visiting grandchildren, travel and church missions. Susan hopes to grow a garden and Jon, a college English major, wants to write a couple books. Something as simple as living in the moment is also a goal for Susan. “To enjoy people without feeling rushed. Now we can really enjoy the moments,” she said.

They frequently get invited to weddings for those they’ve sold rings to, and having been in the business so long, it has become generational. “It’s almost a daily occurrence to make rings for people for whom we made rings for their parents years ago,” he said. Both Lees said the decision to retire has been a difficult one and they both expressed gratitude. “The hardest part of retiring is leaving the people,” he said. They’re thankful to the Draper Police for keeping their business safe and to the city for creating an atmosphere conducive to business. Most especially, it’s the people they’re grateful for.

“We have been supported by this community and we have felt so much love. We’re involved in the happy events of people’s lives. It’s been a privilege for us to be part of thousands of special occasions,” Jon said.

“We have become friends with so many people who’ve been customers. You build this bond,” Susan said.

Reflecting on 35 years of marriage and working together, Jon said, “It’s been my privilege to have the best business partner in the world. I have enjoyed every second of building this business with her.” l

He also wears a visor for eye protection and

Dive into discovery: Channing Hall offers playground for young innovators

Channing Hall fourth-grader Avalynn Cooke was able to make a paper turbine and have it create 1.13 volts. Her second-grade brother, Evander, took his turn as his mother, Stacy, watched.

“The kids love experimenting and learning new things,” Stacy Cooke said. “It’s great having STEM in school because it’s our future. Our kids are going to become builders, creators, innovators.”

Avalynn chimed in: “Plus, it’s fun. You get to learn things like, how to make green fire.”

That was an experiment she did in her elementary STEM class with teacher Takota Pelch. This was a night with multiple stations, each targeted for students to learn skills, many with items found at home.

Down the hall, Pelch, who also is a middle school math lab teacher, was overseeing a couple experiments.

“We want to give students and families a cool way to play with the STEM concepts together,” he said. “For example, here we’re exploring different states of matter, so we have three different stations where they can interact with different objects that have interesting presentations in terms of states of matter.”

Pelch was standing nearby some volunteers making root beer floats.

“Root beer floats are one of the easiest examples of things they have at home that has solids, liquids and gasses all in the same container. Root beer is a liquid, carbonation is a gas, and ice cream is a solid, and it’s fun since they get to eat it,” he said.

Students also liked learning about the dry ice sublimating.

“Dry ice doesn’t turn into a liquid. It goes straight from a solid to a gas. We are creating bubbles with the dry ice, and with their gloves on, they can play with the bubbles. They not only get an idea of how dry ice works, watching it turn into gas, but also they can play around with the gas in a physical way and see how it’s heavier than air, and get a hands-on intuitive understanding of what it is physically,” Pelch said.

Nearby kindergartner River was there with 21-monthold Ashton and parents, Daniel Cope and Gaby Chimal. River had plunged her hands in oobleck, a substance created with cornstarch and water.

“It’s a solid and a liquid at the same time,” River said. “The best part of it is sinking your hands in it.”

Pelch said he explains oobleck as “when it’s put under pressure, it acts like a solid. It doesn’t let you pass through it. But when it’s not under pressure, it acts like a liquid. So, if you touch it slowly and put very small amounts of pressure on it, it will let your hand pass through just like a liquid. But if you hit it super fast, it acts like a solid. It doesn’t splash when I punch it. Trying it different ways is the most powerful way they can learn. What’s neat is by experimenting with each experiment, they understand the difference between the three.”

Pelch is the one who recently taught them about chemical reaction where Avalynn learned how to make green fire during a lab.

“That was a big hit,” he said. “We’ve worked in small groups using the engineering process designing paper airplanes. They learned that maybe their original design didn’t work, so then they create a second design to see if it’s better. Each time, we do it over again to get better.”

The STEM night coincided with the opening of the new STEM lab, which the Draper mayor and city councilmembers were invited for the unveiling.

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Pelch is looking forward to using the lab’s large butcher block square tables for small group projects.

“Small groups is important to channel their vision,” he said. “We got some Edison programmable robots with light and distance sensors; we’re getting new 3D printers so we’ll have six. In my 90-minute math lab class, we’ll work on innovative math for the first 60 minutes, then we’ll spend 30 minutes on STEM projects. Right now, we’re building little dragsters. You put a CO2 canister in the back, so when you puncture it, it rockets down the floor 60 miles an hour. They designed them, next we’re going to 3D print the cars then we’ll race them down the hall.”

Head of School Diane Wirth said the idea of the STEM lab is “to make future innovators today.”

Originally on the ground floor, it was moved to an upstairs classroom and expanded to include more sophisticated supplies and equipment.

“We raised about $35,000 so far toward the STEM lab; our goal is about $55,000,” she said, adding the school also received a STEM Innovation Grant from the Utah Charter Schools Association. “A lot of grant money and a lot of donors helped us bring this vision to life, and we’re not done. It’s just starting. We designed this to make it more hands on and to be more accessible to all students. Then, we put smart panels in the classroom.”

Those are one of her favorite things. The clear projection boards allows a teacher to sit behind it and show images. It then is projected for the kids.

“A lot of schools traditionally teach at the board, like you have the problem written, but the kids are not engaged. With this, you can pull up anything you need. The kids are looking right at this with you, and the teacher can watch the

kids grasp the concept. It’s amazing,” Wirth said. The lab also has mobile STEM lab which was donated.

“That’s great because STEM happens in every classroom; it’s a part of everyday learning,” she said. “I love the hands-on learning. This is a better way versus 20 years ago when you watched or read about an experiment. There is a world of difference. I love the kids are exploring and when something new is coming out, I want our school to be the cutting edge. We’re not afraid to jump into technology and discover what’s out there.”

Amongst the activities in the lab will be a building and programming space for the school’s FIRST robotics LEGO team and a news studio where fifth through eighth graders can broadcast and record school announcements and news. Next door, River and her family moved on to examining chemical reactions by making elephant toothpaste. Wirth joined her.

River’s dad, Daniel, said they appreciated the STEM night.

“We got to spend time together doing some activities we haven’t done before,” he said. “We do STEM at home, so seeing the STEM lab and doing all the science stations is fun.”

Pelch said that was the goal of the evening.

“We wanted a night to give students and families a cool way to explore STEM concepts together and get some good hands-on intuitive understanding. A lot of kids don’t get to play enough with these concepts, and being able to do that can help them form their own intuitive understandings of the way the world works,” he said. “The goal is to give them a big playground where they can get their hands on STEM concepts.” l

Channing Hall students and their families check out bubbles created by mixing soap with dry ice during the school’s STEM night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Channing Hall Head of School Diane Wirth and kindergartner River Cope examine a chemical reaction during the school’s STEM night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Adopt and name your very own storm drain!

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

Doyou have a Rainy Drainy or maybe a Drain in the Neck in need of adoption in your neighborhood? Can you think of a clever name for a storm drain on your street that you pledge to keep clear of leaves and debris? Draper launched its Adopt a Storm Drain program and the city is eager to have as many residents as possible participate.

The Adopt a Storm Drain program originated in Minnesota circa 2014 and spread to cities nationwide. Former city employee Lucas Fowler got wind of it and got the ball rolling locally. It launched in Draper at the end of October, just as temperatures were transitioning sharply from 65-degree days to daytime highs in the 40s followed by cold nights, causing leaves to fall rapidly off trees.

“Our goal is to keep the public aware of pollution and keep them engaged. It’s best for the well-being of the whole city when you have the community and local government working together to ensure storm drains aren’t getting clogged and our local waterways aren’t being polluted,” said Colton Konesky, Draper’s Storm Water specialist.

The program is a year-round effort, not just keeping drains free of an abundance of leaves that can easily clog storm drains in the fall, though the need is great that time of year. Rather, it’s really about preventing the pollu-

tion of storm water from construction projects, litter, plastic and other refuse that is carried by wind or water to storm drains year-round. If not cleared, those pollutants can enter waterways including the lakes, rivers and creeks the storm drains eventually flow into. “Most storm drains connect to those waterways and that’s where it’s going to go. By removing the small or large amount, we’re going to help reduce the amount of pollution going into our waterways, resulting in cleaner and healthier bodies of water,” Konesky said.

Keeping storm drains clear has the added benefit of staving off flooding along with water and ice accumulation on roads, allowing rain and snow melt to flow down the drains as intended. “There are aspects of flood prevention to this program as well,” Konesky said.

Some residents have adopted a single storm drain while others have adopted multiples in honor of family members. Draper resident Linnea Charnholm quickly signed up to participate in the program, something she considers a convenient and easy way to keep the community clean and the drains free flowing. “I look out my window and I see this storm drain across the street. It’s often plugged up with leaves and dirt or debris. I see the water pooling when it rains. We think of drains as this black hole, but it does go somewhere, to a river

or a wastewater treatment plant, so it’s important to keep that clear of things that shouldn’t be there, things that are clogging it up,” she said. Charnholm named hers “Rainy Drainy” and she’s tempted to adopt more. “I’ve seen a lot of drains that need some care,” she said.

Residents can participate by visiting the city’s website where they’ll find a map of all the storm drains in the city. From there, you can find and select a storm drain and begin the adoption process, including the opportunity to name your drain. “We’ve seen fun names like H2Flow, Drain in the Neck and Drainy McDrainface,” Konesky said.

Names must be appropriate because they’re visible on the city’s website and participants pledge to follow safety guidelines while clearing their drains, including being aware of and visible to traffic, not sticking hands or feet in the storm drain, and not attempting to lift the drains. That job falls to the city, as does hazardous waste cleanup. “We don’t want anyone touching hazardous waste. Contact Draper’s Stormwater Division at 801-576-6331 to deal with it,” Konesky said.

More information can be found and residents can apply at the following link: www.draperutah.gov/news/news-post/ adopt-a-storm-drain-program-needs-volunteers/ l

Draper launched its Adopt a Storm drain program in late October and, within 10 days, 120 of the city’s storm drains like this one just off 13800 South had been adopted and named. “I’m very happy with that response. It means the Draper community is engaged with this program,” said Colton Konesky, Draper’s Storm Water specialist. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

Sunny Veterans Day had flags waving in the wind at city ceremony

Draper held its annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11, the first by the new Gold Star Memorial at Draper Park. Unlike recent years with bitter temperatures and even snow, this year was sunny, warm and windy.

“Mother Nature cooperated today. One benefit of today is to see all our flags flapping in the wind at this beautiful memorial,” said City Manager Mike Barker.

Mayor Troy Walker addressed the crowd and thanked the city council for being willing to help pay, along with donors, for the Gold Star memorial which honors relatives who lost an immediate family member while on active-duty military service.

“It always stirs me to think about all the things we have to enjoy in this country… that you have to thank a veteran for,” Walker said.

Draper City welcomed keynote speaker Huan Nguyen, Rear Admiral of the United States Navy. Nguyen retired after 30 years of service and was in Utah at the invitation of Gov. Spencer Cox.

Nguyen is the first Vietnamese American to earn the rank of Admiral for the U.S. Navy. His life is filled with both success and suffering. At the age of 9, while living in Vietnam with his family, his parents and six

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

siblings were murdered by Communist guerillas. Nguyen was shot three times in that attack but survived and went to live with his uncle, a colonel in the South Vietnamese Air Force. They escaped to the United States in 1975 after the fall of Saigon. Because of the kindness he experienced from U.S. sailors and Marines as he traveled to America, Nguyen was inspired to join the U.S. Navy. An electrical engineering graduate of Oklahoma State University, Nguyen also holds three master’s degrees in IT and engineering from Southern Methodist University, Purdue and Carnegie Mellon. He has worked for General Motors, Bank of America and Exelis.

Nguyen’s remarks focused on gratitude for veterans and their families. “Whether you are still wearing the uniform or wore it decades ago, you have given so much… because you care for each other. It is no secret that our greatest weapon is the men and women of our armed services. We have at times fallen short of showing our veterans the gratitude they deserve. Too many of our veterans still struggle, facing homelessness and barriers to mental health support. Seventeen veterans die by suicide each day and that is 17 too many. It is our duty to provide nothing less than the best for our veterans…

Health Deserves Care, No Matter the Season

especially veterans from the Vietnam War. They chose to serve a cause that is greater than themselves,” he said.

Nguyen explained that his most memorable Thanksgiving dinner was not at a table with his own family but while deployed in Baghdad with service members that became his family. “We were out on a mission… out there, on the line…neither sports nor politics mattered. It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black or brown,” he said.

Nguyen concluded his remarks with these words: “No tribute can truly match the magnitude of your service and sacrifice. I did not appreciate this sacrifice until I found myself on the shore of faraway lands, where we have to do what we have to do because we care for each other. In every generation, brave Americans have stepped forward and served honorably. Every one of you deserves the admiration of our entire country.”

Cosette Oaks sang the national anthem and the One Voice Children’s Choir performed several songs including “They’re Coming to America.” The ceremony concluded with Kris Larson playing “Taps” and all veterans in attendance gathered for a photo in front of the Gold Star Memorial. l

Members of Draper City’s Fire Color Guard raised the American flag. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

CCHS girls volleyball fourth at state

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

For the second year in a row, the Corner Canyon High girls volleyball team reached the semifinals at the 6A state tournament. This time, the Chargers finished fourth after losing to Mountain Ridge 2515, 25-21 in the third/fourth place game Nov. 8 at Utah Valley University.

“We had a tough week, battling injuries and sickness,” said CCHS head coach Melinda Ricks. “The girls stepped up and played as a team to fill in the spots of our missing starters.”

Corner Canyon entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed and, after a firstround bye, swept 13th-seeded Weber 2514, 25-15, 25-18 Nov. 7 in the second round. Senior Saryn Kirkham led with 14 kills while junior Halle Bills added eight. Senior Maicyn Allan served up seven aces and recorded 16 assists in running the offense. Defensively, senior Sadie Brown had 12 digs on the back line and freshman Maija Mortensen stuffed two blocks at the net.

In the quarterfinals, the Chargers defeated Syracuse in a tight five-set match 23-25, 25-20, 14-25, 25-20, 15-13.

Bills had a monster night with 24 kills with Kirkham and senior Madelin Newbold adding 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Region 2 MVP Brooke Stauffer had 38 as-

sists while Allan recorded a double-double of 12 assists and 16 digs to go with three aces. Brown led the defense with 23 digs and junior Reagan Williams added 10 with Allan, Mortensen and junior Victoria Page combining for seven blocks.

In the semifinals against top-seeded Pleasant Grove Nov. 8, Corner Canyon lost 25-22, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22. Bills put away 17 kills and Newbold had 12. Brown’s 17 digs led defensively with freshman Torri Hildebrandt adding 11 and Mortensen, Newbold and Page teaming up for seven blocks at the net.

Bills’ 11 kills led the Chargers in a 2515, 25-21 loss to Mountain Ridge in third/ fourth place game Nov. 8 to end the season. Brown had 11 digs in the loss.

“These girls are amazing,” Ricks said. “They played for each other and played as a true team. Most teams would have crumbled under the circumstances but these athletes showed up and gave 100%, leaving it all on the court.”

Ricks particularly noted the leadership of her captains in Stauffer, Kirkham and Bills. “They led by example, showing what Charger volleyball is all about,” Ricks said.

Bills averaged more than 15 kills during the state tournament run, hitting

over .300. “She stepped up as a captain and took charge on the court,” Ricks said, also noting the play of Newbold and Mortensen who also had over .300 hitting efficiency while leading the team in blocks.

Bills recorded 422 kills on the season with Kirkham, Newbold and Mortensen also among the team leaders. Brown, Stauffer and Williams combined for 120 of the team’s 223 aces from the serving line while Stauffer ran the offense with more than 800 assists. On the defensive side,

Brown had nearly 300 digs with Williams recording 205 and Bills 193. Mortensen and Newbold were the leading blocks with 51 and 50, respectively.

Also on the CCHS team that went 23-9 this season were seniors Jules Barber and Kallee Klingler; juniors Kathryn Armendariz, Faith Kittel, Ava Morgan and Libby Taylor; sophomores Shayla Kirkham and Elle Tolley; and freshmen London Burke, Leah Schaub and Maia Schwalger. l

The Corner Canyon High girls volleyball team finished fourth in the 6A state tournament Nov. 8 at Utah Valley University. (Photo courtesy Melinda Ricks)

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.

City resells

recently purchased property, further delaying finding site for new cemetery

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

InApril, Draper City purchased 10.8 acres of property at 12695 S. 1700 East from the Canyons School District (CSD) for $5.8 million. The city and CSD agreed that if any portion was resold in the future, the two entities would split the profits. The city council had rezoned the property for half-acre lots and hoped to potentially put a new cemetery on a portion of it and resell the rest for development. At the time, Mayor Troy Walker explained while many in Draper want a new cemetery and the current one on Fort Street is near capacity, cemeteries are a break-even business at best. The city council changed course in August and put all 10.8 acres up for sale through a request for proposals, hoping

that one proposal might include plans for a privately-owned cemetery on a portion of the property. At the Nov. 12 city council meeting, the council approved sale of the property to Draper Highland LLC for $8.5 million and indicated this developer’s proposal doesn’t include a cemetery. “I know residents will be saddened we didn’t find an appropriate offer including a cemetery. We will continue to look for an option for a cemetery for Draper because that’s a priority for a lot of our residents,” councilmember Tasha Lowery said. Under the terms of the agreement with CSD, Draper City and the school district will each profit approximately $1.325 million. l

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.

Seven months ago, Draper City purchased this property from the Canyons School District with talk of a portion of it being a new cemetery site for the city, but the city council decided that wasn’t financially feasible, so they sold the entire 10.8 acres to a local developer. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

With bright and open amenity spaces and warm and spacious residences, Crescent offers customized, compassionate care for you or a loved one. Whether it’s helping with life’s daily activities, improving mobility, coordinating care with your physicians, or making sure you look your best for one of our exciting events, you can count on us to be there.

JD cross country wraps fall season

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

Juan Diego Catholic High School freshman Ella Kerrigan finished 16th at the 3A state cross country championships at Sugar House Park Oct. 30. She finished the 3-mile race in 20:39.85. Senior Domiona Marine was 52nd. “They both had what can be seen as their best performances of the season for state which is a great accomplishment,” said JDCHS head coach Andrew Zinman, noting that nearly all of Juan Diego’s runners on the girls team, who placed third in Region 14, steadily improved their times throughout the season. On the boys side, senior Mango Madden was in the top 50 with a 48th place showing, running the course in 17:42.43, with senior Sebastian Galindo-Ramirez coming in 68th and sophomore Seamus Arndt 72nd. “They all had strong performances at state, and I am really proud of them,” Zinman said. “We were on the whole improved from last year’s team, [running] faster times than last year’s. I was very pleased with the progress many of our athletes made this season and overall there were many great runs throughout.” Between the two varsity lineups, five will graduate, but Zinman is optimistic for next year’s squad. “There are many returning talented runners with a lot to build upon going forward,” he said. (Photos courtesy Andrew Zinman)

Comcast’s initiatives have a broad impact across Utah

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Comcast has contributed more than $5.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions to nearly 100 nonprofit partners in Utah, over the last three years. Organizations like Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, the Alpine School District Foundation, Neighborhood House and United Way have all benefited from Comcast’s giving initiatives.

Project Up is a $1 billion program dedicated to closing the digital divide while connecting more people to the internet and creating opportunities for the next generation. Project UP supports nonprofit organizations that offer digital skills training, helping learners of all ages and skill levels to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

“With the support of Comcast, youth in our programs were able to get hands-on experience with advanced computers, guided exposure to the internet and new technologies, and about 3D modeling and other lessons that introduce youth to technology uses in many careers,” said Haylee Mathews, Boys & Girls Clubs of Salt Lake STEM Director. “The surprise of the 280 laptop computers to club members has been great for our youth to use as they learn about a variety of technology-related fields. Comcast has helped foster a culture and desire among our youth to learn more and pursue technology-related fields.”

Along with empowering communities, Comcast is helping to build a more equitable workforce by providing tech training and mentorship to underserved communities. Through partnerships with organizations like Per Scholas and CodePath, more people are mastering digital literacy.

Comcast also created more than 1,250 Lift Zones across the country, offering free WiFi access in community centers and recreation facilities. With nearly 40 Lift Zones in Utah, underserved families and neighborhoods can participate in accessing digital opportunities. Additionally, Comcast’s Internet Essentials program provides in-home broadband access for qualifying households.

Lily is an immigrant from Taiwan, assisted by the United Way of Utah County, one of Comcast’s partners. Adjusting to life in America has been challenging particularly when it comes to understanding technology. As an older woman, she said the learning curve was steep and she often felt overwhelmed in class.

“Then, during one of our sessions, I entered an old address from my childhood in Taiwan,” Lily said. “As

the screen displayed the familiar streets and landmarks of my youth, tears welled up in my eyes. It had been so long since I had seen the place where I spent my carefree days playing. It was a deeply moving experience, allowing technology to transport me back in time and mend a piece of my heart.”

Comcast’s corporate giving plays a crucial role in helping local nonprofits fulfill their missions. It also invests in future entrepreneurs through Comcast RISE, supporting the growth of 13,500 small businesses by providing monetary, marketing and technology grants to help entrepreneurs on their road to success.

By collaborating with community partners, Comcast has fostered digital literacy and work readiness skills, giving people across Utah access to the tools they need to navigate a digital world.

“Neighborhood House families live in areas that are digital deserts and many of our families do not have access to computers for their children,” said Neighborhood House Executive Director Jennifer Nuttall. “In this age of technology, that puts our school-age kids at a disadvantage, but Comcast has stepped in to provide laptops and connectivity, ensuring that all kids have the technology they need to succeed in school and beyond. This has been

vide with forward-thinking programs and technology. It aims to continue building Utah’s tech landscape through valuable partnerships, initiatives and digital support.

“Our commitment at Comcast to bridging the digital divide is evident through forward-thinking programs and innovative technology that empower communities across Utah,” said Deneiva Knight, External Affairs Director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “By partnering with nearly 100 nonprofit organizations and contributing over $5.2 million in cash and in-kind support over the past three years, we are dedicated to nurturing Utah’s tech ecosystem.

“Through initiatives like Project UP, a $1 billion program designed to connect more people to the internet and equip them with essential digital skills, we are laying the groundwork for a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.”

For more information, visit Corporate.comcast.com.

Comcast supports nonprofits in the state including Neighborhood House, United Way and the Boys & Girls Clubs. Photo courtesy of Comcast

1X

Memories of Christmas past in Draper

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

WhenSanta and Mrs. Claus arrive at Draper Historic Park for the annual Candy Cane Hunt on Dec. 9, they will be riding in a fire truck. Santa’s unusual mode of transportation hearkens back to a beloved Draper Christmas tradition from years ago. For decades, starting in the early 1950s, Santa Claus rode on the fire truck delivering treats to children all over town.

Lynne Orgill, president of Draper Historical Society recalled, “Santa on the fire truck was the big tradition with the public.”

“I remember Santa traveling around town on the fire engine with bags of candy,” Howard Smith said via text. “Kids lined the streets when they heard the siren.”

Draper’s first Fire Chief, James Rayburn Dow, started the tradition. Members of the fire department pooled their money to purchase a secondhand Santa suit and the Salt Lake County fire chief authorized the use of the fire truck. Dow organized turkey shoots on Thanksgiving and New Years to raise funds for the event. “Santa Rides the Fire truck” was an annual tradition for decades until Draper’s population grew too large.

Linda Richins’ father-in-law, Vern Richins, was among the firefighters who donned the Santa suit. “Santa gave out paper lunch sacks containing an orange, nuts and hard candy,” Richins remembered.

Going out to meet Santa as he came down the street was part of childhood for generations of kids in Draper and the decision not to go out was a sign of growing up. “The first year I didn’t go out, my mom cried,” Jenny Haase said.

That children would get excited to meet Santa on the fire truck and receive a small sack of treats reflects the simplicity of Christmas celebrations decades ago when most of Draper’s residents lived on family farms.

Esther Kinder recalled Christmas at her home in the late 1940s. “Every Christmas was special,” she said. “Two days before, my dad would go up the mountain and bring back a

tree.” Her brother decorated the tree with tinsel icicles and bubble lights. “On Christmas Eve, we would have a little family program. One would read a Christmas story, one would sing a Christmas song,” Kinder explained. “Back in those days Santa didn’t bring much, but we were happy. We were thrilled with what we got.”

Haase’s mother, Jean Hendricksen, also lived in Draper in the 1940s. She recalled that at Christmas time, “A lot of things were homemade. My mother would sew a new dress for me and there were plenty of goodies to eat.”

Orgill remembered frosty Christmas Eves in the 1950s and 60s walking down the lane to her grandmother’s house over sparkling snow. “Aunt Lucille would be in the kitchen frying up spudnuts,” she said. “Best doughnuts in the world.”

As a community, people in Draper celebrated Christmas at church and in school. Richins remembered that she and her husband, Leland Richins, took on the tradition started by her in-laws to donate a Christmas tree to the Second Ward cultural hall. Haase, who grew up in Draper in the 1960s and 70s, recalled buying handmade gifts for her family at the Christmas bazaar that was held there.

Holiday celebrations in Draper’s schools looked very much like those today with children making special art projects and learning Christmas songs. Hendricksen, who taught school for 32 years, explained that the Christmas program for parents was held in the old gym at the Park School. “The children sang for their parents,” she said. “I played the piano one year. It was always fun!”

Some Draper Christmas traditions, like the annual “Messiah” sing-along, have been around for decades and continue to this day. Others, like the lighting of the Tree of Light in Draper Park and the Candy Cane Hunt are more recent. Although traditions have changed over the years, the winter holidays are still a special time in Draper. l

Draper’s Fire Chief, James Rayburn Dow, posed in front of the fire truck while his granddaughter visited with Santa Claus in this photograph from 1971. (Photo courtesy Draper Historical Society)

The Lantern Festival lights up the holiday season at the Aquarium

Featuring hundreds of illuminated animal sculptures and immersive light displays, the Lantern Festival at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium has transformed the Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza into a winter wonderland. The festival, which runs through Jan. 6, 2025 offers visitors the chance to see larger than life, nature-inspired lanterns and to learn a little something about the animals depicted in light.

Layne Pitcher, vice president of marketing and operations at the Aquarium said, “We’re always looking for opportunities to do something for the community and to forward our mission. This Lantern Festival does both.”

Each lantern consists of a heavy wire frame with painted fabric stretched over it. All kinds of sea creatures, mammals, birds and plants are depicted. The lanterns were custom-made for the Aquarium by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. which has created public light displays at zoos, fairs and festivals all over the world.

Many of the animals and habitats represented in lantern form may be seen live inside the Aquarium. In fact, access to the Aquarium is included with the price of admission to the Lantern Festival before 9 p.m. on most evenings. Visitors should check the Aquarium’s website for specific dates and details.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s mission statement is to inspire people to learn about, explore and discover Earth’s ecosystems. The Lantern Festival reflects this mission not only by presenting facts about animals posted at each display, but through the sheer, awe-inspiring scale of the lanterns.

A giant Pacific octopus surrounded by twinkling coral dominates the 9-acre plaza. Visitors will encounter lanterns depicting creatures ranging from polar bears and penguins to a giant-sized chameleon and tree frog. There is a scene of brilliantly colored tropical birds flapping their wings, giant clams emitting bubbles and walk-through tunnels of blue lights adorned with clownfish, stingrays and jellyfish.

Pitcher explained, “There are moving lanterns and some you can touch, feel and interact with.” Photo ops are located throughout the grounds allowing visitors to take a picture with a human-sized river otter or to pose before an enormous set of color-changing wings. There is even a small swing set made of lanterns.

Last month, at a special preview evening for press and Aquarium employees, guests marveled at the displays. Day care manager Ilse Wilson visited with her two young sons. “This is our first festive season outing,” she said, watching a display of animated penguins. “This is just so clever.”

“Spectacularly clever!” her son, seventh-grader Cayden Wilson, added.

Riley Smith, whose wife worked for the education department at the Aquarium, said, “This is one of the best uses of this space that I’ve seen. It’s something that I would consider coming back to.”

“We’re super excited to have this,” Pitcher

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

said, adding that public response to the festival has been very positive. “People can see beautiful lanterns and also learn something about the animals they represent.”

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is located at 12033 Lone Peak Parkway in Draper. The Lantern Festival is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket prices range from $12.95 to $27.95. Students, military and seniors are eligible for discounts. Aquarium members received 15% off. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit livingplanetaquarium.org. l

A huge giant Pacific octopus lantern is on display at the Aquarium’s new Lantern Festival. (Photo courtesy of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

A giant crab lantern is one of the animated pieces at the Aquarium’s new Lantern Festival. (Photo courtesy of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Visitors to the Lantern Festival at the Aquarium can walk under this display of stingray and jellyfish lanterns. (Photo courtesy of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

A family of frisky polar bears welcome visitors to the Aquarium’s new Lantern Festival. (Photo courtesy of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

A giant squid hides in sea grass, all made out of lanterns, at the Aquarium’s Lantern Festival. (Photo courtesy of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Channing Hall administrator explores what’s alive through the eyes of children

Channing Hall Assistant Principal Aaron Webb sat down in front of a group of kindergartners in the school library. Before reading to them, he told the students to look for a big tree, a red car, a cat and other illustrations.

Then, he cracked open to read the children’s book he penned and autographed.

“Is That Alive?” is Webb’s first book.

“There’s different elements in the book, like the cat, the car, playing ball with the dog, and those are good jumping off points for kids to relate to,” he said. “Once they see the dog, they may be able to relate it to a pet they have and make a connection. The younger kids often ask me if I really do have a dog named Toby while the older ones ask if it was hard to write a book. I want them to realize, if I can do this, if I can pull it off, maybe some of them can as well.”

In the children’s book, a boy asks his dog if things around him are alive, tying it into school curriculum.

The book is dedicated to both students at Channing Hall and Parley’s Park Elementary in Park City, the latter where Webb previously taught and got the idea for his book.

“I was walking past a second-grade class who were at the school salad bar. They were talking about what makes something alive. I knew it was a part of the science

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

curriculum and I thought it would be fun to create a story, exploring that,” he said. “I used to write educational children’s musicals; this is just another way to be expres-

sive and creative. In the musicals, I always had a character, Marco, for Marco Polo, so Marco is my main character in the book. I have a beagle named Toby, so he joins him in this story.”

Webb initially wrote the first draft of his book in 2020, then set it aside.

“I decided last school year to bring it back to life. I had my English major friends edit it for me. We talked about the book’s language and making it accessible for young children, so they can read it, or they can read it with their parents or teachers,” he said.

In the book, Webb uses vocabulary, such as the word, nutrients.

“Academic vocabulary is important with younger students, because they are capable of learning and understanding advanced terms; we need to expose them to it,” he said. “I also pose the question at the end of the book because I want to start a conversation between parents and their children, or teachers and their students. Learning what is alive is not necessarily innately understood. There are certain characteristics an object or thing has before considered to be alive so having a story to illustrate those characteristics will help it become more understandable. Then, by coming up with examples from their real life and their environment helps determine A, do they understand the story? and B, how can they apply it to the rest of their world?”

Once Webb was happy with his text, he located an illustrator using fiverr.com.

“I submitted it to a few illustrators and got some samples and settled on this style and this illustrator. That process took several months as he would send drafts, and I

would say, what I liked about this picture, what I thought might change. So, we would go back and forth and that could take a while, but I couldn’t have asked for better illustrations,” he said about Danh Tran Art. Webb decided to self-publish his book.

“I wanted to just get it out there. I think a lot of people wait to be picked up by a publishing company, and sometimes it’s more important to just create,” he said. “But there is a learning curve using all the technical tools to put it together. A lot of books have a graphic designer who puts together all the elements. This was my first project, so I had to learn how to space the margins appropriately, how to make sure that the cover worked correctly and had to make sure that the font and font size was appropriate. All those nitty gritty details, I didn’t foresee so I learned a lot through the process.”

Once published, Webb shared it with his two nephews who are a few years older than his target audience of kindergarten through second grade.

“They read it and told me it was fun,” he said. “I printed 50 copies to give out to people and friends and family. The Channing Hall staff have been supportive, and they have copies and there’s one in the school library.”

When it was released last spring, Webb read it to the Channing Hall kindergarten classes, and the librarian showed a video of it to other elementary school students.

“I talked a little bit about working with the illustrator, and how I’m interested in science. We also have a gifted and talented program, and I want to give a presentation with those children, showing them it is possible to realize your creative dreams,” he said.

Webb’s dream is continuing.

“Now I’ve been bitten and need to do it more,” he said. “The kids always ask, ‘Are you going to write another one, Mr. Webb?’ It would be a fun summer project. I’m thinking of space and solar system, gravity, the moon, something to tie into that science curriculum. Or something related to social studies like Utah’s history and geographical features. I love the idea of under the sea. It’s teeming with life the ocean; that’s a huge area for exploration. In my musicals, it was Marco and a growing cast of characters. He had an older sister named Amelia, named after Amelia Earhart, I’d like to bring her in.”

Webb also said if he is to make the book into a series, he would try to sell them and add a component to give a portion of the profit to a local organization, such as the Humane Society of Utah.

“If it sparks their sense of wonder in their environment and the world around them, then I know I’ve been successful,” he said. l

Channing Hall students are engaged in the story “Is That Alive?” written and read by their assistant principal, Aaron Webb. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Draper Historic Theatre presents ‘Anastasia,’ a winter tale of love and family

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

This month, Draper Historic Theatre will present “Anastasia,” a musical that is not specifically holiday themed, but embodies the spirit of the season. Director Mike Romney said, “It’s an unconventional choice, but it takes place in the winter.” He alluded to one of the show’s most wellknown songs, “Once Upon a December.” “It just has a December feeling,” he said, adding that home, love and family are its basic themes.

“Anastasia,” with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and a book by Terrence McNally, premiered on Broadway in 2017. Adapted from the 1997 animated movie, it has been produced all over the world. The plot is based on the legend that Czar Nicholas II’s daughter, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, survived the execution of her family during the Russian Revolution.

“The musical is different from the movie in that it is more historically accurate,” Romney explained. “They put in more about the Bolshevik revolution.”

While Rasputin, depicted as an evil wizard, is the villain of the animated film, the writers of the musical replaced him with Bolshevik officers.

The story unfolds in Russia years after the Revolution. The Dowager Empress, Anastasia’s grandmother, is living in Paris and offers a reward for the return of her granddaughter. Dmitry, a “street rat” and Vlad, a former nobleman, are determined to claim the reward. They meet Anya, a young street sweeper who suffers from amnesia, and decide to pass her off as the Duchess.

As the trio travel to Paris, Anya and Dmitry fall in love and Anya begins to remember who she is.

Dusti Mulder, one of the actors who plays Anya, describes it as “a beautiful relationship journey.” She said that one of her favorite numbers in the musical is the song “Learn to Do It” in which Dmitry and Vlad teach Anya how to behave like an aristocrat. “She learns to dance with Dmitry, they teach her how to eat properly,” she said. “It’s super fun!”

Self-discovery is a central theme of “Anastasia.” “Through the whole show, Anya wants to know who she is so badly,” Mulder said. When Anya finally meets the Dowager Empress, hoping that the older woman will reveal the truth of her identity, the Empress tells her, “You cannot be anyone unless you first recognize yourself.”

Dmitry is also transformed. As the production is double-cast, actors Benjamin Ash and Tyler Rasmussen have both taken on the role. “Dmitry’s whole world view changes through the show,” Ash said. “He’s been a street rat his whole life and resents those who are wealthy.”

“Those feelings are challenged when as he gets to know a member of the royal family,” Rasmussen said. “He comes to recognize their humanity.”

“Anya is the key to making their hopes and dreams come true,” Ash added. “Eventually Dmitry comes to love and appreciate her.”

Actors Emma Aydelotte, Hannah Stark and Emily Snow play Paulina, Marfa and Dunya, denizens of the streets of St. Petersburg.

“This is a show that has something for everyone,” Aydelotte said. “There are funny, sad and tender moments. It has awesome themes--Anya is lost and then found. It’s also about finding family along

the way.”

The production promises to be visually entertaining, filled with dance numbers and eye-catching costumes. Stark said, “I love the choreography. This show mixes a lot of different styles: Russian, Parisian, the Roaring 20s and waltzes. The dances alone can transport you to different times and places.”

Costumer Katrina DeKarver is building costumes for 60 actors total between the two casts that represent fashions from 1907, 1918 and 1927. “We’re using the Disney film as the inspiration, but it won’t be exact,” she said. “We want the surprise factor. We’re making the iconic blue spar-

kly opera dress and the ballgown at the very end.”

“This is a great production overall,” Snow said. “There is so much happening on stage that the audience will feel like they are there.”

“Anastasia” will be presented at Draper Historic Theatre Dec. 13 through 28. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays. Draper Historic Theatre is located at 12366 S. 900 East. To purchase tickets, visit www.draperhistorictheatre.org. l

From left to right, Vlad (Matthew Davids), Anya (Mira Hulme) and Dmitry (Tyler Rasmussen) share a moment in the Draper Historic Theatre production of “Anastasia.”

(Photo courtesy of Draper Historic Theatre)

Anya (Dusti Mulder) holds the music box that may hold the key to her past as Vlad (Tyler Oliphant) and Dmitry (Benjamin Ash) look on in the Draper Historic Theatre production of “Anastasia.”

(Photo courtesy of Draper Historic Theatre)

CCHS swimming coaches switch places

By Catherine Garrett |

c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

For the past decade, Sheridyn Cook

has been an assistant coach to Patrick Thurman in the Corner Canyon High swimming program and they shared duties last season. This year, Cook takes over as head coach and Thurman will assist her.

“I learned so much from Pat in all the years I was his assistant and appreciate the knowledge he shared with me,” Cook said. “I am grateful for all the coaches I have worked with over the years and I love learning from my assistants this year – Pat, Victoria Blow and Tara Lee.”

Cook began swimming at the age of 6 and swam for Granger High School in the sprint freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and Individual Medley events. She began coaching summer teams and younger children in Utah County before moving to Draper and getting connected to the Chargers program.

Cook focuses on swimming techniques in her coaching, “recognizing that it will impact swimmers more than anything else,” while also giving significant time to her role as a mentor.

“That is my primary focus for my job. I want to make sure that all the swimmers feel cared about, known and given the opportunity to feel included and wanted,” she said. “We have swimmers of all abilities and experiences. I want them all to feel as if they bring something to the team and they will find success if they give the effort and work into it.”

So far this season, the Corner Canyon girls team has defeated Mountain Ridge 158 to 128, Taylorsville 212 to 54, Maeser Prep 212 to 8 and Pleasant Grove 161 to 116 while the boys lost to the Sentinels 185 to 101, beat the Warriors 158 to 85, beat the Lions 158 to 28 and lost to the Vikings 182 to 93.

“We are up and running with a great

team led by some awesome seniors,” Cook said. “We added several freshman that also brought some much needed strength to the team. We look forward to a great season this year.”

The Chargers are also scheduled to compete against Riverton Dec. 3, Bingham Dec. 11, Copper Hills Dec. 12, Herriman Jan. 11, 2025, Alta Jan. 14, 2025, and American Fork and Kearns Jan. 15, 2025. The Region 2 Championships will be held Jan. 25, 2025, at South Davis Recreation Center with the 6A state championships Feb. 14-15, 2025, at Brigham Young University.

On the CCHS team this season are seniors Jake Anderson, Jordan Barlow, Mariam Doucoure, Landon Fitts, Owen Freeman, Bryson Goates, Danny Gonzalez, Sam Lloyd, Bailey Palmer, Becca Rogness, Melissa Stocking, Edin Strait and Halle Walker; juniors Carson Arends, Bryce Armendariz, Kathryn Armendariz, Grace Christensen, Crew Diederich, Grady Ellsworth, Harper Galbreath, Helena Galbreath, Jacob Hamblin, Rilee Howe, Charlie Johansen, Tate Johnson, KaraLee Lemmon, Sam Lillian, Christian Scheidecker, Emmy Schouten, Reagan Smith, Taylor Smithson and Harris Tomaszewski; sophomores Layla Anderson, Brinlee Baxter, Maddie Bjelke, Kaitlyn Ho, Matthew Jeffs, Eliza Mead, James Meadows, Will Petersen, McKenna Pettit, Rae Self, Kyson Smith, Gracyn Stauffer, Adri Tebbs, Nora Walker and Jane Weiler; and freshmen

Trevor Arends, Brookie Delis, Callie Flamm, Maya Halverson, Berkeley Hansen, Isaac Hansen, Griffin Horman, Katelyn Lemmon, Melia Morgan, Jane Muirhead, Wilson Norris, Madison Perry, Miranda Pichardo, Ziva Smith, Anna Stephens, William Strait, Clara Tautkus and Sam Wilcox. l

JDCHS wrestlers back on the mat

By Catherine Garrett

| c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

The Juan Diego Catholic High School girls wrestling team returns two state placers from last year’s 3A tournament in Avie Hernandez, who placed third in the 235-pound division, and Tiffany Nguyen who was sixth at 125 pounds. Nguyen will captain the girls squad for her senior season with both wrestlers aiming to be back on the podium at the end to finish out their high school careers.

Head coach Zac Petereit, a former JDCHS wrestler who is in his fourth season coaching the program, said he expects senior captain Mario Perez to lead the boys squad. “Mario is looking to have a great season and hopefully end up close to the top of the podium in the state,” Petereit said, also noting returning sophomore Lana Chan who could place on the girls side in the 105-pound division. “We’re hoping for at least one girls state champion and at least three podium placements and top 10 finishes for the boys and girls this season.”

Also on the Juan Diego team this season are freshman Jackson Kunz (113 pounds), sophomore Natalia Cardenas (120), freshman Gabriel Huerta (120), freshman Adam Lockingen (126), freshman Koby Burton (130), senior Mario Perez (132), junior Rickey Brown (135), freshman Hudson Houtz (138), freshman Aliana Villareal-Flores (140), senior Alex Modtland (144), sophomore Brian Gutierrez (150), freshman Gabriel Vargas (157),

senior Nico Vargas (157), sophomore Esteban Nunez (165), senior Roman Rossano (165), senior Alec Antonio (175), junior Caden Kerrigan (175), freshman Manuel Trejo (175), senior Toby Hardin (190) and senior Nik Gill-Martin (215).

The Soaring Eagle programs are scheduled to compete at the Turkey Brawl at Jordan High Nov. 26-27 (boys), Brawl at the Hall at Providence Hall Nov. 27 (girls), the Gauntlet at Olympus Dec. 6-7 (boys), the Skyhawk Showdown at Payson Dec. 6-7 (girls), the Dave Smith Memorial at Carbon Dec. 13-14 (boys), the Silverwolf Invitational at Fremont Dec. 14 (girls), the Christmas Classic at RSL Training Center Dec. 20-21 (boys and girls), the Battle Royale at Mountain Ridge Dec. 28 (boys) and the Battle at the Mine at Tintic Jan. 11, 2025 (co-ed).

Dual meets will be held against Providence Hall, Cyprus and St. Joseph’s Dec. 3, 17 and 19, respectively at Juan Diego, at Summit Academy Jan. 9, 2025, at Manti Jan. 15, 2025, at American Leadership Academy Jan. 17, 2025 and at home against Ben Lomond Jan. 23, 2025. Coed Divisionals are scheduled for Jan. 31 through Feb. 1, 2025 at South Summit with the boys 3A state tournament Feb. 12-13, 2025 at Utah Valley University and the girls 3A state tournament Feb. 14-15, 2025, also at UVU. l

Juan Diego Catholic High School senior captain Mario Perez, who competes at 132 pounds, is back to help lead the Soaring Eagle squad this season. (Photo courtesy Zac Petereit)

The Corner Canyon High swimming program has a new head coach this year in Sheridyn Cook but she has been assisting the Chargers program for more than a decade. (Photo courtesy Sheridyn Cook)

Holiday shopping often brings loads of stress as you try to find the perfect gift for that special person. In Salt Lake 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.

Randee & Company, 2036 E. 6200 South, Holladay

This cute little shop is full of whimsical and unique treasures for holiday gift-giving. From adorable kitchen goods to exquisite jewelry, Randee & Company finds distinctive and imaginative options for friends and family of all ages. Walking through the store is always an adventure with new products, kind employees and a fun atmosphere. Visit the retailer in Holladay or shop online at RandeeAndCompany.com.

Marissa’s Books & Gifts, 3302 S. 900 East, Millcreek

Support an independent bookstore for the holiday. Cindy Dumas, owner of Marissa’s Books, opened her bookstore in 2013 in honor of her granddaughter, Marissa. Since then, the bookstore has moved and expand-

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

ed, offering new, used, vintage, best-selling and rare books. Not only can you find the perfect book for the reader in your life, but Marissa’s also supports local schools and educators with books for the classroom. Learn more or shop online at MarissasBooks.com.

The Nut Garden, 13863 S. 2700 West, Bluffdale

With nuts, candy, dried fruit, trail mix and gift baskets, The Nut Garden is a onestop shop for everyone on your holiday list. Best-selling items include cinnamon bears, bulk cashews, butter toffee almonds, French burnt peanuts and banana chips. The shop also carries favorite brands like Built

Bar, Gary’s Gourmet Caramel Corn and OM Power bars. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but customers can also shop online at TheNutGarden.com.

Sacred Energy Empowerment Center, 261 E. 4500 South, Murray

For the crystal lover on your list, Sacred Energy has an outstanding selection of pocket stones, towers, figurines, clusters and spheres in a variety of crystals and stones. The store also sells hand-wrapped crystal pendants, bracelets, earrings, anklets and rings for every occasion. But Sacred Energy is more than just crystals. The shop sells sound bowls, tongue drums, drums, candles, tarot cards and incense. Its apothecary features herbs, teas, tinctures and essential oils. Sacred Energy also has dozens of hapé blends and accessories. Learn more at SacredEnergySLC.com.

The Shops at Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, West Jordan

With its cozy atmosphere and pictur-

esque setting, the locally-owned shops and boutiques at Gardner Village are a fun holiday destination. Lilly & Vera is a shop filled with self-care essentials, unique jewelry items, home decor and artwork. Pine Needles features fabric, cross-stitch and other textile crafts for the seamstress in your life. The Train Shoppe is a mecca for model railroading hobbyists and Boho Chic has hand-selected clothing options including hats, skirts, dresses and tops. More than a dozen stores are on-site for holiday shopping. Visit GardnerVillage.com to learn more.

Fudge Co., 13292 S. Rosecrest Road, Herriman

Using a recipe that’s been passed down and perfected for 50 years, Patience Kunz, the owner of Fudge Co., makes hand-created fudge and candies that will elevate your holidays. Whether it’s toffee pecan, chocolate walnut, Biscoff cheesecake, lemon raspberry or Nutella swirl, the fudge options are creamy and delicious. The Fudge Co. also sells caramels, nut clusters and barks to fill those Christmas stockings. For more information or to order online, visit The-FudgeCo.com l

Make holiday shopping a fun adventure by visiting local shops and boutiques in Salt Lake County.

(Stock photo)

National Christmas Tree stops in Salt Lake County during its 4,000-mile tour

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

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

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,” Sollis 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)

Salvation Army Angel Tree helps thousands of children each year

The Salvation Army and KUTV 2News have partnered for the 32nd year to provide gifts for children and older adults through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Since its inception in Salt Lake in 1992, the Angel Tree has helped hundreds of thousands of Utah residents.

Salvation Army Lt. Kate Combs said the program has been successful thanks to numerous donors and generous people who provide gifts and cash donations so children in the state can have a joyful Christmas.

“We really tailor it to each individual child so the parents get the opportunity to ask for the specifics for that child,” Combs said. “We also try to provide an outfit and shoes and a coat, as well as the toy items.”

To help a child or older adult for the holiday, people can visit Smith’s Marketplace and Cyprus Credit Union locations throughout Salt Lake County and select a tag from the Angel Tree. The tag has a list of items donors can purchase which they then return to the Angel Tree location.

Angel tags represent children from 0-12 years of age and older adults living in residential care facilities. The Salvation Army hopes to help nearly 3,000 children this year and around 1,300 older adults.

“People can pick whichever tag they

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

prefer and it’s a cool thing that sometimes they’re drawn to a particular name because it’s the name of a family member,” Combs

said. “Or maybe they have an 8-year-old girl and they want to let her pick something for someone her age. Maybe a grandparent

Aschooses a child because they have the same interests as their grandchild. Sometimes they choose a senior that’s the same age as their parents.”

People can pick up an Angel Tree tag through Friday, Dec. 13, giving volunteers time to shop and put gifts together for each child. Donated gifts must be new and unwrapped. Monetary donations are also accepted. For more information, visit saltlakecity.salvationarmy.org.

Additionally, the KUTV Holiday Pops Concert scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. will contribute all ticket proceeds to the Salvation Army Angel Tree. The concert, hosted by Sterling Poulson, will be held at Cottonwood High School in Murray (5715 S. 1300 East) and feature the West Valley Symphony of Utah, the Alta High School Madrigals and the Choral Arts Society of Utah. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. com.

“Every time you see a tag, that’s a genuine child,” Combs said. “If you’re still seeing tags in December that means that child doesn’t have items gifted to them. We don’t want any child to go without this Christmas.” l

Granite Credit Union rolls out its mobile branch

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Granite Credit Union’s membership increased, discussions were held to determine how to bring banking services to more customers. Building brick-and-mortar buildings is expensive and they needed a faster, cost-conscious alternative.

First, the credit union partnered with Rancho Markets, Walmart and Harmons Grocery, creating branches within those businesses. Then, credit union leaders came up with the idea to create a mobile branch that could go to customers without investing in property and buildings.

“We wanted to add brick-and-mortar branches, but we also looked at something that could be more cost-effective,” said Granite Credit Union CEO Mark Young. “The idea with the mobile branch was a couple of things. One is that if we’re remodeling a branch, we could have that on-site and use that as the branch. And then the other piece was kind of a bonus, as we were researching it, was that it would work as an after-recovery option, because of satellite communications and the technology that it had, we could serve our members from anywhere.”

GCU leaders spent the summer of 2022 researching the mobile branch option and finding a company that could build what they needed. In September of that year, they ordered the vehicle from MBF Industries, out of Florida.

With a price tag of around $500K, the Granite Credit Union Mobile Branch costs much less than a brick-and-mortar location which can be more than $1.5 million, plus the cost of land.

The mobile branch is built like an armored vehicle, due to security concerns, and is outfitted with nearly a dozen cameras, motion detectors and stabilizer jacks. Customers can walk into the van and talk to employees, open accounts, apply for loans, get a debit card and do anything they could do in a permanent location.

There’s also a walk-up window and an ATM.

Since getting the vehicle in July this year, its testing phase has been a rolling billboard advertising the credit union. It will be used at city events throughout Salt Lake and Utah County and will be placed in specific locations to give credit union members easier access to services.

For instance, the Granite Credit Union Mobile Branch was parked at Rancho Market in Provo to offer incentives to members as they introduced the concept. The credit union also has

plans to bring the mobile branch to high schools in Granite, Salt Lake and Murray School Districts on a rotating schedule, providing credit union resources to students and faculty.

“We’ve used it at a couple of events since we’ve had it, and I think people are really surprised when they see it,” Young said. “We’ve had really good responses and feedback. We haven’t had an official launch but we’re doing a lot of testing and serving those members and working out all the kinks.”

Granite Credit Union was originally formed in 1935 to create an organization for teachers within the Granite School District. Since then, it has expanded its membership and serves patrons in 10 counties throughout Utah. The mobile branch will be an extension of these services as the credit union evolves to reach more people.

“We’re hoping to get into low income areas and we’ll be driving the truck to events, like at Millcreek Common, and park it where they have food truck nights,” Young said. “Essentially we’re trying to go to people to meet their needs, serve them, and hopefully we’ll publish a schedule where it’s going to be on our social media and website.”

For more information, visit Granite.org. l

Thousands of items are donated to the Salvation Army each year to help children and older people have a happy holiday. (Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army)

The Granite Credit Union Mobile Branch is a state-of-the-art banking system on wheels. It will be used to bring credit union services to its customers in a revolutionary way. (Photo courtesy of Granite Credit Union)

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