Draper Journal | June 2024

By Catherine Garrett

Corner Canyon High School’s Jerome Myles, Jr. a five-star wide receiver for the Chargers football team who has committed to play for Ole Miss, had one objective in running track for the first time this spring: to beat the times set by his dad, Jerome Myles, Sr.

The junior trackster ran the 100 meters at the 6A state championships May 18 at Brigham Young University in a time of 10.36 seconds, three-hundredths of a second ahead of his father’s personal best. That mark isn’t just the best time in his family, it also erased a Utah state record that has stood for nearly 45 years.

“I saw Jerome’s time on the board and I thought, ‘That can’t be right! There’s got to be a mistake!’” said senior Tate Kjar. “That was insane.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” said Myles, Jr. “That was crazy. Once the time was verified, I started celebrating with my teammates [Bryton Brady, Chryshaun Lee and Brayden Eyre who finished second, third and seventh, respectively, in the event].”

In the 200 meters—that he ran just 20 minutes following being part of the win-

ning 4x100 meter relay—he again eclipsed his old man’s best time of 21.5 with a 21.38, although he had already set the state record of 20.84 at the BYU Invitational two weeks before the state meet.

“My dad was really happy for me in seeing me win and beating his times,” Myles, Jr. said, who also noted his dad’s excitement to watch his son play football in 2026 in his home state of Mississippi.

Kjar won the 400 meters, crossing the finish line in 47.79 seconds just ahead of

The Corner Canyon High boys track team won the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays at the 6A state track championships at Brigham Young University May 20, helping the Chargers win the state title for the fifth consecutive year. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK

Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy and is seeing incredible results.

"It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road, casually going over our shopping list, when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them but I couldn't. I couldn't feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn't get my foot on the brake. And CRUNCH! I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me."

This tragic story was shared with us by Bob S., a Salt Lake resident who has peripheral neuropathy. And while no one was hurt in this accident, Bob had suffered almost everyday of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.

“The first stage is pain,” shares Dr. Stephanie Scott of Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic. “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains; or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately the numbness brings with it a whole host of problems.”

This was the case with Bob. "I said I wasn't going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?"

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person's ability to live their life. Bob was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising down Highland Drive or taking her out to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Bob's general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.

That's where Dr. Scott and her staff at Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic come in. "About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Bob," tells Dr. Scott.

"They're in constant pain from neuropathy, and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we're in the business of making your golden years golden."

"I can't lie," confides Bob. "I was skeptical at first. The folks at the U told me there was nothing that could be done and then there's a doctor right here in Sandy who tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments! My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car! It's hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Dr. Scott] gave me my life back."

While Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic specializes in acupuncture and it's definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. "This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery" shares Ariel, a Patient Care Coordinator at the clinic. "It's like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair."

You can learn more about Dr. Scott and Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic by visiting SLCacu.com. If you're ready to schedule a consultation, call 801-477-7966 and do so quickly. Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic is a very intimate clinic, and the staff takes pride in their ability to take their time with each patient, so they are very limited in their ability to take on new patients.

Aye, aye captain! Off Broadway Theatre presents ‘SpongeBob the Musical’

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

OffBroadway Theatre brings the underwater world of Bikini Bottom to life in “SpongeBob the Musical” this month on the stage of Draper Historic Theatre. The hit musical comedy, which landed on Broadway in 2017, is based on the long-running Nickelodeon animated series, “SpongeBob SquarePants.” As the cast members explained, however, this show is much more than a cartoon.

"It's not what you think it's going to be," director Holly Anderson said. "It really is about the characters and the journeys they go on—and the music they sing as they go."

“It’s funny and very heartwarming,” Ever Lord said. Lord, one of the actors who plays Sandy Cheeks, added, “It has more depth to it than people would think.”

The cast of characters includes all of the animated regulars including SpongeBob, the cheerful sea sponge, his not-too-bright but lovable sea star pal Patrick, miserly restaurant-owner Mr. Krabs and his conniving nemesis Plankton, the adventurous underwater-dwelling squirrel Sandy Cheeks, and many more. The plot centers on what happens when a volcano threatens to destroy their town, Bikini Bottom.

Hannah Zumbrunnen, who plays Sandy in alternating performances, observed that each character reacts differently to the impending disaster. “How people respond in an emergency is how they show their true colors,” she said. “Some people try to help and others find someone to blame.”

While SpongeBob and Sandy try to find a solution to save the town, Mr. Krabs and Plankton, come up with ways to exploit the worried sea creatures to make money. A group of sardines decide that the unwitting Patrick is the wise leader who will save them from the volcano while other characters react in unexpected ways.

Shea Potter, who plays SpongeBob’s sarcastic coworker, Squidward, asked rhetorically, “If you had one day left, what would you do? Squidward takes the chance to perform. I think that he’s showing his true self.” As the multi-legged character, Potter performs “a little tap, soft-shoe number” to the song, “I’m Not a Loser,” by They Might Be Giants.

In fact, the SpongeBob score consists of songs written for the show by a number of

well-known rock and pop stars. The show includes songs by John Legend, The Flaming Lips, Sara Bareilles, Plain White Ts, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie and Panic! At the Disco among others.

The cast members spoke of how much they enjoy the music. Brett Andersen, in the role of Patrick Star, said that one of his favorite songs is “BFF” by Plain White Ts. “I get to sing that with SpongeBob,” he said. “It just connects with everyone who has ever

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had a best friend. It gets some laughs and smiles out of everyone.”

Boston Smith is enjoying every minute of playing the lead role. “SpongeBob is a character I have loved since I was a kid,” he said. “I think SpongeBob is a lot deeper than people give him credit for. He has so much love and enthusiasm for others and for everything he does. It’s refreshing to see a character that embodies love and positivity.”

Zumbrunnen explained, “Playing a character who is a cartoon is not any different from playing a regular character.”

Potter expressed a similar sentiment. “I consider acting the study of empathy. It doesn’t matter the character you are. You have an opportunity to put yourself in that character’s position. It’s a process of discovery. I play a bitter squid, I think that’s fun too!”

Off Broadway Theatre shows are known for their freewheeling, improvised comedy. Lord explained that in this production, “the improv is scaled back from what Off Broadway Theatre usually does.”

Director Anderson feels that the show is a good fit for the theater company even without as much of the improvisation. “We’re giving it the Off Broadway Theatre style and flair which makes it so much funnier,” she said.

“While it’s based off a cartoon, it’s not just a children’s show,” cast member Andersen said. “It’s a family show. There’s something for everybody to enjoy.”

Off Broadway Theatre presents "SpongeBob the Musical" on the stage of Draper Historic Theatre May 31 through June 29. Performances are Monday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Draper Historic Theatre is located at 12366 S. 900 East. For tickets visit theobt.org. l

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From left to right, SpongeBob (Boston Smith), Squidward (Shea Potter) and Patrick (Brett Andersen) strike a pose in Off Broadway Theatre’s “SpongeBob the Musical.” (Photo courtesy of Sandy Thuy Ann Jensen/Off Broadway Theatre)

As Father’s Day approaches, not many people can boast that their dad is Santa Claus. But BonnieJean Black and her brother Matt Thomas can. Their dad, Allan Thomas, is Draper’s resident Santa.

You may have seen Allan riding around town in his golf cart with his canine companion, Wookie. Or maybe you’ve spotted him in a car and thought “wait a minute, is that the guy from the North Pole?” Perhaps you’ve had your photo taken with him during the Christmas season at the Sorensen Home while telling him what you hope will be in your stocking.

“My dad is Santa, and I just love that,” BonnieJean said. As she recalls, his stint in the red suit started with his hair. “He started growing it long and my mom and I thought he should be Santa Claus. His hair got whiter and kids started coming up to him…they’d ask if he was Santa and he’d answer by saying ‘Ho ho ho.’ He asked a friend who’d been Santa and that man advised finding a suit. He put it on first thing and we were like, ‘This is your true calling,’” BonnieJean said.

As Allan remembers it, the nod to play the guy from the North Pole started even before his time as the Sorensen Home Santa, back to when Draper first became a city. “A lot of it kicked off with Draper City fire and police departments back then,” he said. He was one of Draper’s first volunteer firemen. In those days, the fire chief and crew would ride around town on a firetruck to pass out candy to residents at Christmas time. Allan remembers being asked to play Santa a few times. After being a volunteer firefighter, Allan was one of Draper’s first police officers. The police chief at the time knew a family that needed a Santa for a party and he approached Allan.

“That’s how I got started. That’s probably been a good 40-45 years,” he said. Allan still proudly displays his fire and police badges in his Draper home.

For Allan, it’s important to be authentic and resemble what he terms an “original Santa” from the WWII era. “Santa Claus to me when I was growing up was a really neat thing. My dad had a great big poster of an original Santa. The picture I use of myself as Santa for the Sorensen Home and just about everything is a great likeness to that,” he said.

Years ago, Allan even went so far as to have his naturally black hair bleached at a local salon to be as authentic as possible. These days, his hair has naturally turned white with age.

“He’s very genuine with his own hair and white beard,” said Helene Terry. She

Draper’s Santa Claus talks shop

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

Allan Thomas is nostalgic about a WWII era poster his dad had of Santa Claus and he wanted to resemble that historic poster in his own photos. “We made the picture as close as it could be and it just happened to work out that I looked like the original Santas,” he said. (Courtesy Allan Thomas)

has volunteered at the Sorensen Home since it opened more than two decades ago. According to Terry, Allan first served as the Sorensen Home’s Santa beginning in 2007 and he’s been doing it every year since.

“It’s fun! We decorate the home with old-fashioned decorations and we have a photographer. People can pay to have a picture taken with Santa. That money helps us to maintain the museum for the rest of the year,” Terry said.

In addition to the Sorensen Home, Allan can also be found every Sunday of the holiday season at La Caille and he does private parties for families several nights a week from Thanksgiving through Christmas. People start calling him in July and he’s generally booked by October.

“People call early…I feel quite honored,” Allan said.

Being Santa has been a learning curve, but he’s honed his skills. “Kids want to be talked with, not just asked what they want,” he said. He chats with each individual he meets, both children and adults, and tries to make them feel special. “I’ve learned that if you really treat the kids with love and kindness, you not only make the kids happy, but you make the parents happy,” he said.

It makes his own kids very happy, too. “On Facebook, I’ll see my friends and their kids in pictures and think ‘that’s my dad!’ And my friends are like ‘Santa’s your dad?’ He has really shone as Santa Claus,” BonnieJean said.

Most memorable to both father and daughter was years ago when the manager of the VF Factory Outlet Mall asked Allan to dress as Santa and ride in on a fire engine for a community event. “All the kids were screaming and everybody was so excited,” BonnieJean said. Allan estimates there were a couple thousand kids. “I’ve never seen such a conglomeration of kids in my life! The kids were going crazy and my wife was sitting on a bench with another lady, taking it all in. They looked at each other and started to cry and they said, ‘He IS the real Santa,’” he said. Another fun experience for Allan was the time a couple rented a FrontRunner train, called it the Polar Express, and invited him to play Santa while kids rode from Draper to Provo.

Allan laughed as he recounted funny experiences he’s had while donning his authentic Santa ensemble. “You get little kids with sticky fingers. One had a candy cane that stuck in my beard and I couldn’t get it out for a while. You get kids that pee or poop on your lap or throw up on you. Oh my gosh, I’ve had it all! Then you get those that bring their pets. You never want to try to get a picture with a cat…a cat will rip you apart,” he said. He doesn’t mind having his photo with equines or canines. “The horses are more fun than anything else. I do a lot of pictures with dogs and horses,” Allan said.

The craziest requests he’s had are when a child asked him for a unicorn and a grown woman asked him for a husband. The typically jolly fellow choked up when

he recalled the most poignant requests. “The hardest ones are when they’re hoping a sibling, a parent, or a pet will recover from an illness,” he said.

How does he handle a child’s resentment when they didn’t get what they asked for? He’s come up with a modern-day remedy: He tells the child their parents are supposed to email Santa their request. “I explain that their parents must not have emailed me. I’m not gonna take the kickin!,” he said.

Allan has even been known to offer words of wisdom or encouragement to some adults who come to see him. “You don’t know what influence you’re going to have with people. You can make a difference in their lives,” he said.

What does Draper’s Santa do in the offseason to recover from the flurry of holiday activity? You’ll find him going to car shows with the hot rod he built, a 1941 blue Chevy two-door sedan painted with flames. That’s his sleigh, that and his golf cart.

Allan said people sometimes bring their baby books to him to show their pictures with him as Santa through the years. BonnieJean said a local family has grown up visiting her dad at the Sorensen Home every year since they were little, and they continue to do so, even in their twenties.

“You’re never too old for Santa,” she said. l

BonnieJean Black is very proud of her dad, Allan, a longtime Draper resident who has spent nearly 20 years posing for Christmas photos with families at the Sorensen Home. “My dad is Santa and I just love that! That’s what I’ll always remember about him,” she said. (Courtesy BonnieJean Black)

Draper Summer Concerts in the Park series spotlights local talent

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

Draper

Summer Concerts in the Park returns this month with a lineup of local musical talent performing on Wednesday evenings at Draper Historic Park. The dance pop-rock band Red Light Challenge kicks off the free concert series on June 5. Made for Midnight brings its mellow yacht-rock sound of the 1970s and ’80s the following week. Students from Draper's own Rock University and local country singer and guitarist Cole Hartley round out the month-long series.

Red Light Challenge

Red Light Challenge is composed of the guitar-strumming and singing duo, Sean and Kyle Luster. The brothers, who grew up in Hawaii, are currently based in Idaho. They performed at Riverton Town Days last summer.

"This is our first time in Draper. We're excited to see the town and perform there," Kyle said.

Sean described their music as pop-rock, "lots of harmonizing, lots of energy and lots of fun." They play original songs as well as covers of old and new favorites from the Beatles and The Monkees to George Michael, Dua Lipa and more. "It's all songs that people know and love and can sing along to," he added.

"We definitely encourage people to get up and dance," Kyle said. "We'll be dancing too— if you can call it dancing!"

"The biggest thing is, we play music that's a lot of fun. You'll be leaving with a big smile on your face," Sean said.

“It’s very family-friendly,” Kyle added. “We love to meet people after the show. We’re looking forward to making some new friends.”

Made for Midnight

On June 12, the audience at Draper Historic Park will be transported back in time when self-described "yacht rock" band Made for Midnight takes the stage. The term “yacht rock” was first used in the early 2000s to describe the smooth “soft rock” sound that was popular in the 1970s and early ’80s. Band founder Dave Smith explained what makes Made for Midnight stand out from the genre. "We call it yacht rock with a twist, it's more pop. What we do is find and perform the most iconic songs from 1975 to 1985 that really move people," he said.

Their set list includes pieces by Earth, Wind & Fire, Ambrosia, Michael McDonald and Player to name just a few. “So many of these songs will bring back memories,” Smith said. He said that his personal favorite song in the set list was “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Audience members are encouraged to get up and dance to the music.

Smith founded Made for Midnight about a year and a half ago. “There are nine of us,” he said. The band members, who are all locally based, have become close friends. The band includes three vocalists as well as saxophone, lead guitar, trumpet, keyboards, bass and

Rock University

Students from Rock University in Draper will perform at the Historic Park on June 19.

Jenny Mather, director of events for Rock University, said, "We have three bands that will be performing." Each plays a different style of music.

drums. Smith himself plays rhythm guitar and provides backing vocals.

“I love to perform and to engage with the audience throughout the evening,” Smith said. He was inspired to put the band together out of a love for music, but also because he enjoys connecting with audiences. “Please bring your dancing shoes and your friends,” he encouraged. “We play music for everyone.”

The first group that will perform is called Past Bedtime. "They're all fifth graders and their band class meets at 9 p.m. so that's how they decided on their name," Mather said. She described their sound as "a little country" and noted that they include a fiddle in some of their songs.

Star Soda, a rock band composed of fifth, sixth and seventh graders, is next in the evening lineup. Mather explained that the group performed at the amphitheater before the

movie during Draper Days last year. "They're known for their rendition of 'Crazy Train,''' she said. "They are so young but so good!"

Lastly, Moon Juice will take the stage. The band, which performed on the main stage in Draper Park during Draper Days last summer, has grown to include seven members. All are juniors at Corner Canyon High School except for one who is a senior.

Mather described their music as "pop-jazz fusion” as the band incorporates brass instruments along with keyboards, guitar, drums and bass. “They have such an original sound,” she said. Most of their set list consists of songs written by the band members. Recently, Moon Juice won the Battle of the Bands at The Boardwalk, a live music venue in Orem. Being in a music group and performing

Sean and Kyle Luster of Red Light Challenge, bring their pop rock sound to Draper Historic Park on June 5. (Photo courtesy of Sean and Kyle Luster/Red Light Challenge)

Made for Midnight play “yacht rock” with a twist at Draper Historic Park on June 12. (Photo courtesy of Dave Smith/Made for Midnight)

Rock University’s Past Bedtime takes the stage in this recent concert photograph. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Mather/Rock University)

Rock University’s Star Soda perform at Draper Historic Park on June 19 with fellow student bands Past Bedtime and Moon Juice. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Mather/Rock University)

Cole Hartley, seen here performing at Draper Days 2023, brings his Texas red dirt style of country music to Draper Historic Park on June 26. (Photo courtesy of Cole Hartley)

Summit Academy students dive into musical theater, craft their own jukebox musicals

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

In Summit Academy’s middle school musical theater class, it’s more than studying about musical theater or performing in a show.

This spring, 16 students got together in small groups to write their own jukebox musicals.

“The best way to fully understand musical theater is to immerse yourself in it,” theater teacher Aimee Rohling said. “These students brainstormed ideas, created characters and a storyline, tested out the script and made edits. They learned that the songs tell the stories. They added movement, costumes and performed them.”

Using already published and well-known songs, the students had three weeks to create their musicals based on their version of those lyrics.

Those jukebox musicals varied. In “Beat It,” a girl tried out for a boys’ high school football team while in “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” a mother had to deal with a group of naughty kids. Another piece, “Insanity” is villainous and has a girl tied up.

“I encouraged them to create their characters, add their voices and not be afraid to sing it out. They’ve developed some incredible skills,” she said.

Sixth-grader Laynie Bell said in the piece, “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” it’s bedlam.

“The scene where the mom is trying to get the kids up and get them ready for school is just crazy,” she said. “It’s complete chaos, but a lot of fun.”

Her classmate, Shelby Reardon is part of the “Beat It” cast.

“She actually makes it on the team and beats them, which casts a roller coaster of emotions,” she said. “It’s kind of cheesy, but it makes some good points and it’s fun.”

The girls said that through the experience, they not only learned more about theater, but they learned teamwork.

“Everybody can contribute and everybody has a part,” Shelby said.

Laynie said that each part contributes to the whole show.

“Someone may have an idea, then another can build upon that and it can just take off, but we can all be a part of it and share in the writing, the acting, the singing and making sure it’s the show we want to share,” she said. “It’s been a good hands-on learning experience.” l

is special to all of the students at Rock University. “It’s really fun for the kids,” Mather said. “They make lifelong friendships.”

Cole Hartley

To conclude the concert series, Cole Hartley will perform his special brand of “Texas red dirt country music” on June 26. He described his style as having “more of a traditional feel to it, a blend of traditional and modern country music.”

He added that the country singer who has influenced his musical style the most is the Texas singer-songwriter Cody Johnson.

Hartley said that he has been playing guitar for 19 years and singing for about five. “I grew up in Alpine,” he said. “My mom grew up in Draper and my parents’ first home was in Draper. I’ve been here most of my life.”

He played at talent shows in high school

and began writing songs as a hobby. Hartley was inspired to pursue music professionally after a camping buddy heard him play a song and encouraged him.

“It’s been a full-time job since Draper Days last year,” he said. Hartley plays gigs primarily in Utah and is usually accompanied by four other musicians. “We do more original music but play some covers to get the audience into it, singing along,” he said. “It will be a little more intimate at Draper Historic Park. Just me and the guitar.”

The Draper Summer Concerts in the Park begin at 7 p.m. at Draper Historic Park, 12625 S. 900 East. Audience members are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and beverages although alcohol and glass bottles are prohibited. The concert series is organized and sponsored by Draper City. l

One of several jukebox musicals, “Insanity” was student-written and performed at Summit Academy. (Aimee Rohling/Summit Academy)

Three Ivory Spear Crabapples planted at Pheasant Meadow Park for Arbor Day

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

“Ihope the trees outlast the buildings in our lives,” said David Cloward, chair of Draper’s Tree Committee, at the annual Arbor Day ceremony. This year’s event took place April 26 at Pheasant Meadow Park, a “hidden gem” tucked away in a neighborhood near Corner Canyon High School.

City officials planted three Ivory Spear Crabapples featuring white blossoms. They are expected to grow to roughly 10 feet wide and 17 feet tall. “The perfect example of the right tree in the right place,” said Taylor Parker, Parks foreman and city forester. Rocky Mountain Power donated funds for the city to purchase the Crabapples as examples of trees that fit well under powerlines. According to Tree Committee vice-chair Michelle Coker, the Ivory Spear Crabapples feature “persistent fruit,” meaning the fruit remains

on them throughout winter to feed birds, unlike other trees that drop their fruit in the fall.

Draper is recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Part of having that designation requires an annual observance of Arbor Day. The city also participates in Tree Utah which offers grants for trees.

The city’s Tree Committee, which Cloward and Coker serve on, is a group of residents who volunteer their time to advise the city’s Parks Department on tree-related projects. Members are appointed by the city council, meet monthly and serve four-year terms. According to the city’s website, “All are very knowledgeable in this area.”

Cloward had recently returned from a trip to England where he marveled at the London Planetrees, a type of Sycamore, some of which date back to 1660-

1680. According to Cloward, few Planetrees die of old age, and they may live indefinitely. Coker said the London Planetrees “are the stately shade trees that you see lining Old English Road and Rosefield Lane in Draper.”

At the ceremony, Mayor Troy Walker said Draper City has planted more than 20,000 trees and has been recognized as a Tree City USA for 20 years.

The rain temporarily held off for this year’s ceremony, only to pour later in the day, likely offering the three newly planted Ivory Spear Crabapples a good start to take root and grow. l

an Ivory Spear Crabapple tree in honor of Arbor Day. (Mimi Darley Dutton/ City Journals)

pain shouldn’t be a part of life. Often, arthritis is the culprit behind the constant ache and sharp pain that limit your mobility. But there’s good news! Knee replacement surgery has helped millions of individuals find significant relief from arthritis-related knee pain. This advanced procedure replaces the damaged joint surfaces with durable implants, allowing for smoother movement and a significant reduction in discomfort.

Councilmember Cal Roberts and his young son, Richie, helped Tree Committee Chair David Cloward (L) and Mayor Troy Walker dig a hole to plant

Show of support for Santaquin colleague killed in the line of duty

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

Onthe morning of May 6, just one day after Sgt. Bill Hooser of Santaquin was killed in the line of duty, police and fire department personnel and everyday people lined I-15 to show gratitude and respect for the sacrifice made by Hooser and his family. Hooser’s body was transported in a large procession for 60 miles from the state medical examiner’s office in Taylorsville to Santaquin.

Members of Draper’s fire and police departments and personnel from other departments in the area stood in solidarity on the Bangerter interchange bridge with a large American flag draped above the interstate. Similar displays of support happened all the way down I-15 including in Sandy, Lehi, Pleasant Grove, American Fork and Payson.

Hooser, age 50, was a Utah native who became a police officer eight years ago in New Mexico. He returned to Utah in 2017 and was recently promoted to sergeant. He was a husband, father and grandfather.

“No matter the uniform or patch we wear, we all understand the dangers that come from protecting our communities. Whenever a first responder is killed in the line of duty, it takes an emotional toll on all of us and our families. When we escort one of our fallen, it is a

tribute to the individual, the community, and our first responder profession that we have all suffered a significant loss. The overwhelming show of support and respect from the commu nity validates for us and our families that what we do is essential. It helps us remember why we continue to serve despite the dangers,” said Draper Chief of Police Rich Ferguson.

“The line of duty death of Sgt. Hooser is a harsh reminder of the dangers that exist ev ery day to our first responder personnel. These brave men and women serve our communi ties each and every day knowing the poten tial risk, but choose to serve regardless. Our police and fire personnel have a deep bond to each other regardless of the community they serve in or the patch on their uniform. We all feel a deep sense of loss when one is tragically taken from us while serving. It is a small act of love and respect for the fallen to stand ready and salute them as they are escorted home. Though we as first responders will always show up for each other, it is humbling to see the love and support from our communities during these challenging events to remind us why we chose our respective profession,” said Draper Fire Chief Clint Smith. l

The Corner Canyon High boys tennis team, who won the 2023 6A state title, finished in fifth place at this year’s tournament at Liberty Park May 16, 18.

The Chargers were led by No. 1 singles player, senior Beau Welker, who reached the semifinal round before losing to Farmington’s Charles Frey 6-3, 6-2. Also reaching the final four were the No. 1 doubles team of Blake Burraston/Boston Snow who lost to eventual winners Ashton Cahoon/Luke Miller of Lone Peak 6-2, 7-5.

“Except for Beau Welker, it was the first time competing at state for the rest of our team,” said head coach Allison Rideout. “We were really pleased with how our boys played. They played really well and handled the pressure like champions. The pressure at state is heavy and it often forces some upsets, which it did again this year as the highly favored Farmington High School did not win. Our boys played great and as coaches we were really proud to be Chargers.”

At state, Welker defeated Syracuse’s Camden Senninger 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles in the second round after a first-round bye. In the quarterfinal round, he pulled out a three-setter against Lone Peak’s Davis Schulties 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 to reach the semis.

At No. 1 doubles, Burraston/Snow also

CCHS boys tennis finishes fifth at state

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

had a bye in the first round before beating Copper Hills’ Jaron Hiller/Brigham Burton 6-1, 6-2 in the second round. The duo then advanced to the semifinals with a win over American Fork’s Bryson White/Justin Thorpe 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Also competing at state for Corner Canyon were senior Ethan Woodward at No. 2 singles, sophomore Dillon Roberts at No. 3 singles and freshman Luke Hale/sophomore Zach Woodward at No. 2 doubles, all of whom had first-round byes.

Ethan Woodward defeated Herriman’s Nathaniel Logan 6-1, 6-1 in Round 2 before losing in the quarterfinals to Weber’s Rafael Olsen 6-2, 6-3.

Roberts beat Herriman’s Bosten Ashby 7-5, 7-6 in the second round and then lost to American Fork’s Matthew Davis in the quarters.

Hale/Zachary Woodward defeated Davis’ Jeffrey Cook/Luke Edgington 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 in Round 2 before losing to Farmington’s Jacob Stone/Blake Geddes in the quarterfinals.

The Chargers won the Region 2 tournament April 29-30 at Corner Canyon High School behind first-place winners Ethan Woodward at No. 2 singles and Burraston/ Snow at No. 1 doubles.

Also placing at region were Welker and Zach Woodward, who were runners up at No. 1 and No. 3 singles, respectively, and Hale/ Roberts at No. 2 doubles who were third. l

Corner Canyon High’s Blake Burraston/Boston Snow, who play No. 1 doubles, reached the 6A state semifinals in helping the Chargers finish in fifth place as a team. The duo won the Region 2 championships April 30 at Corner Canyon High School prior to the state tournament. (Photo courtesy Heather George Photography)

The Corner Canyon High boys tennis team won the Region 2 tournament at Corner Canyon High School April 29-30. (Photo courtesy Heather George Photography)

Raise Your Expectations

Defending champs fall in quarterfinals

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

The defending 3A state champion Juan Diego Catholic High School boys soccer team reached this year’s quarterfinal round before losing to eventual champion Ogden 3-0 May 4. This year ’s squad had to replace a 45-goal scorer from the title team and were led this time around by senior wing Jacob Alvarez with 10 goals along with senior midfielder Danny Gutierrez with five and freshman midfielder Keurik Bare with four. Junior midfielder James Fitzpatrick added four assists. In the 2024 state tournament, Juan Diego had a first-round bye before defeating Ben Lomond 3-2 on May 1 to reach the quarters. Also on the 6-6 team that finished second in Region 14 were seniors Juan Aguirre Alarcon, Gael Almonacid, Denzel Gonzalez, Jesus Granados, Brady Jones, Kai Kelley-Jones, Hunter Poulsen and Indra Sahuara; juniors Cade Krebs and Bryson Newport; sophomores Daniel Keegan, Kamden Main, Aiden McGurk and Kolin Rassmussen; and freshmen Adam Alvord, Eryk Alvord and Naim Rodriguez. (Photo courtesy Bob McClellan, Shooting Star Photography)

JD baseball completes first year in 4A

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

Juan Diego Catholic High School infielder/pitcher Caden Fenger, who was an Honorable Mention All-State player from a year ago, drove in 20 RBIs from the plate this season for the 17-12 team. On the mound, the senior—who will play next season at Colorado Mesa—struck out 70 batters and recorded a 6-3 record.

In its first year competing in the 4A ranks in Region 10, the Juan Diego Catholic High School baseball team finished second with a 12-3 record. At the state tournament, the Soaring Eagle squad won its Regionals matchup with Logan by a combined score of 29-0 May 3-4 before losing in the Super Regional round to No. 7 Crimson Cliffs 10-4 and 7-2 May 9-10 to earn a top-10 finish. “Our program competed very well in moving up to 4A this year,” said head coach Taylor Berg. “The season was a success and we look forward to continuing to challenge ourselves and compete with bigger schools at the 4A level.” Juan Diego was led this season by senior First Team All-State first baseman/pitcher Andrew Lombana who drove in 31 runs, junior third baseman/pitcher Castle Huggard with 29 RBIs, senior First Team All-State outfielder/pitcher Zach Carlson with 23 RBIs and senior Honorable Mention All-State infielder/pitcher Caden Fenger with 20 RBIs. Lombana is moving on to play collegiate baseball at Dartmouth, Carlson at Northwestern and Fenger at Colorado Mesa. Also on the JDCHS team that went 17-12 overall were Honorable Mention All-State outfielder Matt Odell along with fellow seniors Jordan Calata, Kayson Larson and Daniel Nunez; juniors Gavin Brady, Eamonn Dolan, Wyatt Hanna, Hayden Mezenen, Alex Modtland, Richard Rodriguez and Dean Siegel; sophomores Anthony Bonacci, Kael Buck, Nash Crowther, Ima Dominguez, Parker Evans, Brenden Hankins, Maddox Lahue, Lange Livonius and Nick Richardson; and freshmen Anthony Barnard, Cruz Carlson, Logan Child, Noah Davis, Keiran Dolan, Brady Ebner, Ayden Gilane, Ethan Hoshino, Aiden Lucero, Aidan Mack, Jordan Montoya and Cole Williams. (Photos courtesy Bob McLellan, Shooting Star Photography)

Vosti Chiropractic and Acupuncture Celebrates 25 Years

Vosti Chiropractic and Acupuncture is celebrating 25 years serving Draper and the surrounding area, as the region’s premier source for top-notch chiropractic services.

Specializing in Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture, Decompression, and Cold Laser Therapy, Dr. Vosti exhibits a genuine love for his work and a deep passion for tending to the overall well-being of each individual. Practicing what he preaches, he leads an active, healthy lifestyle, spending his free time cycling, running, playing pickleball, and backpacking. Whether you su er from chronic pain or need professional care from a chiropractor after an auto accident injury, we provide the e ective, a ordable, and friendly care that you deserve.

Vosti Chiropractic is thrilled to add massage therapist, Neils Peterson to our team. Neils has worked with chiropractors, naturopathic doctors and M.D.’s and brings knowledge and expertise in pain management, injury rehabilitation, sports massage and quantum massage. He was the o cial massage therapist for the 2010 US Olympic Speedskating Short and Long track teams. His calm demeanor and positive energy make for a comfortable, trusting and healing environment. Call to schedule your appointment directly with Neils at 801- 376-0304.

Star Wars-themed fun run reflects Special Olympics support

It didn’t happen long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. It happened this spring when 200 community members supported Special Olympics’ unified sports by participating in Canyons Education Foundation’s “May the 4th Be with You” 5K run and 1-mile walk. In addition, several local high schools’ sports teams, administrators and Canyons Board of Education members took part in the event that was supported by Darth Vader, R2D2 and other Star Wars characters. “This has been great having our community supporting unified sports in our schools,” said Canyons school board president Amber Shill, who also serves on a Special Olympics committee. “We started by offering unified soccer, then unified basketball. Now, we’re expanding to offer more opportunities in unified sports and activities in all our schools.” (Photo by Julie Slama)

Long jumper takes silver for JD track

Juan Diego Catholic High School’s Maui Richmond placed second in the long jump, recording 21 feet, 8.5 inches, behind Juab’s Jaden Heap who jumped 22 feet, 3.5 inches. The senior also took fourth in the high jump. Also placing at state for the boys and girls Soaring Eagle squads were Maile Mateale (fourth, shot put; fifth, discus), Connor Orges (sixth, 400 meters), the boys 4x400 relay (sixth), Isabella Pickers (seventh, 200 meters), Ila Jacobs (seventh, javelin; eighth, discus), the boys 4x100 relay (seventh) and the boys sprint medley relay (eighth). “The kids had an awesome state meet with multiple school records, tons of PRs and medals,” said head coach Joe Elliott. “It was an incredible send-off for all of our seniors. And we competed—every athlete in every event. I’m phenomenally proud to have been these guys’ coach.”

(Photo courtesy Joe Elliott)

Thousands of local girls engage in SheTech Explorer Day activities

Riverton High senior Gabi Fenn was one of 3,000 girls from 130 of high schools across the state who was immersed for a day of STEM education at the 10th annual SheTech Explorer Day.

“You’re going to have an opportunity today to see so many different technologies and to be able to apply to things that you love,” Cydni Tetro, president and one of the founders of Women Tech Council who oversaw SheTech Explorer Day, told the girls. “Think about if you learn technology, how you can apply that and help us change the world.”

Girls had the opportunity to attend workshops in programming, engineering, aerospace, robotics, biomedicine, esports, web design and more as well as talk to 1,000 professionals in the industry in the hands-on TechZone. There, many of them discovered that science and technology will be part of whatever career they would choose, Tetro said.

There also were opportunities to learn about college and career pathways and programs, which Fenn checked out.

“I want to learn more about the colleges’ engineering programs,” she said. “I’m thinking of studying biological engineering because I like biology and chemistry.”

Her classmate, senior Shreya Goyal, already has been accepted into Vanderbilt Uni-

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

versity’s engineering program.

“I’m figuring out what kind of engineering I’m interested in and what I want to do in the future by talking to these different companies here,” she said. “We just talked to one company’s biological engineering person, and that was pretty cool.”

Both girls have served the past year on SheTech’s student board, where they helped plan this event.

“This has been a great opportunity to meet other girls who are interested in the same things as us and make connections for the future,” Goyal said.

Applications for the one-year SheTech student board positions and summer internships are now open.

Around the corner from them, a large group was huddled around the one of the dozens and dozens of industry and college booths. They were talking with one of the Utah Royals’ owners, Jessica Gelman, who pointed out that they use tech from the heart monitors to taking care of the field.

“We’ve come back with a new ownership group and everything other than the name was recreated; so much of what we’re doing on the team side is analytics because there has been a lack of it in women’s sport,” she said. “A huge focus is leveraging STEM to drive both the

player side, the performance side on field, as well as the business side. We believe strongly how analytics is a differentiator and we want to empower and help young women understand these opportunities that they’re passionate about.”

The interactive SheTech Explorer Day concluded with the opportunity for students to innovate and create in teams. In the TechChallenge, they brainstormed ideas to solve an issue and pitched their solution to industry mentors. l

At the 10th annual SheTech Explorer Day TechZone, students tried out 3D pens as well as explored tech booths and talked to industry professionals. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Yard & home section

A publication covering local yard and home stories and events in the Salt Lake Valley City Journals presents:

Real estate commission settlement to have minimal impact in Utah

By Jolene Croasmun

Spring is a busy time for buying and selling homes in Utah and sales were up by 9% in April and with the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement, Utah realtors do not expect to see many changes in the way homes are bought and sold.

In March, a $418-million settlement was reached with the National Association of Realtors. The deal came after a jury ruled against the NAR in a class-action antitrust lawsuit. The suit was filed alleging that the association had colluded with some large real estate brokerages to keep real estate commissions inflated, benefiting real estate agents and costing sellers more in the commissions they pay to those agents.

Those rates nationally are about 6%. Approval of the settlement by a federal court would do away with set rates and let buyers and sellers negotiate those commissions with real estate brokers and agents.

The Utah Association of Realtors say the ruling won’t have much impact on buyers and sellers in Utah due to decades of proactive, consumer-friendly efforts by Utah realtors.

“We don’t feel that the lawsuit is going to have a big impact here in Utah,” said Adam Kirkham, president of the Utah Association of Realtors (UAR). “Anyone that sold a home could expect to receive a postcard about the class action suit. The lawsuit did not originate here because in Utah we have been using buyer-agent agreements for 20 years. Consumers in Utah have been more informed about what the commissions were.”

The lawsuit’s resulting rules aren’t expected to impact the inventory of available homes or values, which are based more on the supply and demand in the market, according to Kirkham.

“Millcreek has an affordability issue and between 2012-22 the average homes listed were 500 and post COVID the inventory

dropped and we have been hovering around 160 to 177 available homes for the last two years. Prices went up and the median price of a home in Millcreek is around $688,000 and in Salt Lake City the median price is $535,000,” Kirkham said.

Utah realtors have been using written, transparent agency forms with their buyer clients for decades and providing seller disclosures. This will be new for the rest of the country due to the settlement but was already being covered in Utah.

One of the new rules that came out of the lawsuit is that the buyer’s agent commission can no longer be listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) and this will create a lack of knowledge of what will be paid to the buyer’s realtor.

“Buyers will have to determine for each house what the sellers offering for the buyer’s agent’s commission,” Kirkham said. “This is a conversation you want to have before looking at the house and before you make an offer. The seller’s agent can still advertise the commission on social media or

on the realtor’s website but not on the MLS.”

“Commissions can fluctuate due to inventory and competitiveness of the market,” he continued. “It is worth it for the seller to offer a buyer’s agent commission due to it will bring a better educated consumer who still wants to hire a realtor.”

There will be additional training for realtors who are now required to enter into an agreement with a homebuyer before they look at homes. “So that they can agree upon a commission rate which has always been negotiable,” Kirkham said.

He warned buyers who forego representation to save the commission might regret it.

“Not having an agent can come back to hurt you in negotiation or hiring the wrong inspectors plus you want to be informed of the other offers or you could lose the bid,” Kirkham said. “Agents want to bring value to the process of buying and selling a home.”

Jason Eldredge, local realtor of The Eldredge Group with Equity Real EstateSolid said they always had a buyer-broker

agreement and have their customers sign one.

“The commissions have always been negotiable, and the standard was 6% but now we are seeing commission compression that is nationwide. With all of the iBuyers coming in, it compressed commissions and the new standard is about 5%, but it has always been negotiable,” Eldredge said.

“We meet with our clients and find out what is their situation, why you are selling. A good agent will have some flexibility,” Eldredge said.

The national settlement requires listing agents to disclose to sellers any portion of their compensation that will be shared with a cooperating broker. Sellers must also approve in writing the sharing of the listing agent's compensation. Which Eldredge said is the “bummer” part of the lawsuit.

“You cannot post the commission on the MLS anymore,” he said. “It is an additional negotiating step and could make it really tough for a new buyer. The buyer might have to come up with the commission.”

Deanna Devey, director of operations and communications at UAR, said the changes will be more procedural in Utah.

“The buyer has three options to pay the agent,” Devey explained. “The listing agent will offer to share compensation with the buyer’s agent or the buyer might negotiate directly with the seller to have the seller pay the compensation. The third option is the buyer might pay their agent outright.”

Eldredge added, “I think for the next few years sadly we might have more lawsuits due to buyers not having representation when purchasing a home.”

The new rules go into effect after Aug. 17. More information about the NAR lawsuit can be found at realestatecommissionlitigation.com and Utah FAQs can be found on the website Utahrealtors.com.

Additional reporting by Darrell Kirby.

Home for sale in West Valley City. (File photo Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

Salt Lake County breaks ground on ‘Flip the Strip’ project

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In a significant move toward sustainability, Salt Lake County celebrated the groundbreaking of the "Flip the Strip" project, May 16, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. The event, marked by the presence of Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and other local officials, signaled the commencement of a $2.1-million initiative aimed at retrofitting park strips with waterwise landscapes across the county.

“Salt Lake County is committed to water conservation and smart water management. As such, landscape standards for waterwise park strips at county facilities have been identified,” the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office said in a “Flip the Strip” guidebook.

“Water conservation is a critical issue to the well-being of our community as we grow and adapt to the changes our landscape faces,” Wilson said. “‘Flip the Strip’ aims to reduce water use and promote drought-tolerant landscapes.”

According to the guidebook, the project is a testament to the county's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of water conservation amid frequent droughts and changing environmental conditions.

The "Flip the Strip" project targets the

often-overlooked park strips—those narrow stretches of land between sidewalks and roads. These areas will be transformed into drought-tolerant landscapes, a move expected to save the county approximately 4 million gallons of water annually. The pilot program will be implemented at five key locations: the Mountain America Expo Center, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office in South Salt Lake, Meadow Brook Golf Course in Taylorsville, Central City Recreation Center in Salt Lake City and Animal Services in Millcreek.

At the event, Wilson emphasized the critical importance of this initiative. “Salt Lake County is committed to long-term water conservation and smart management strategies in response to frequent emergency droughts and changing environmental landscapes. ‘Flip the Strip’ is just one way we are achieving this,” she stated.

The program, which allocates $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, is set to convert four acres (177,860 square feet) of county-owned landscapes. This transformation not only aims to conserve water but also to enhance the aesthetic, environmental and economic value of these areas.

Involved in these efforts, the Salt Lake

RGS Exteriors & Construction doesn’t skimp on quality

Since its original inception more than 70 years ago, RGS Exteriors & Construction has evolved from being a weatherstripping and caulking service to becoming a toptier installer of quality siding, rain gutters, windows and more.

As a fth-generation business, what sets RGS apart from its competitors is its dedication to quality products, its guaranteed installation and its high-quality workmanship. RGS COO Kurt Fisher said the company has intentionally become experts in the industry by methodically incorporating new products and services.

“Our general philosophy has been to nd the best version of a product or the best material and then gure out how to install it in the most superior way,” he said. “If we’re going to do quality work, we want it to last a long time. So we have a 10-year warranty on anything that we do.”

The products used by RGS must live up to that warranty so they partner with superior suppliers to o er true value for money. Because RGS doesn’t cut corners with inexpensive materials, homeowners can be assured the investment they make in their home will be backed up with exemplary workmanship.

As the state’s premium rain gutter installation company for more than 60 years, RGS has spent decades re ning its products and services to protect homes from roof rot, damaged siding or leaky foundations.

Fisher said they are uncompromising when it comes to quality and their clients are willing to pay the extra expense for materials that are long-lasting, durable and installed correctly.

“We’re asking customers to pay more money to do this job the right way and that’s the only way anybody can justify paying more money for anything. There has to be tangible value,” Fisher said. “Our ideal clients are people who are really invested in their home, people who care about quality and have a high sense of value in their home.”

For siding projects, RGS uses James Hardie ber cement siding for its durability, style and low-maintenance lifespan. As the only Elite Preferred installer for James Hardie in Utah, RGS trains its installation crews to be incredibly knowledgeable about the product before they ever get to work on a home.

RGS also features triple-pane windows, expertly installed for the price of a double-pane window. With the extreme

temperatures in Utah, high-quality windows o er less temperature bleed-through, better sound dampening and added security.

With a variety of window options, homeowners can choose a style that re ects their home’s personality. Whether it’s a bay window, a picture window or a garden window, RGS backs its window installation with a lifetime warranty.

Other services o ered by RGS include remodeled entryways, custom metalwork, stucco, doors and chimney covers. Stop by the RGS location at 4235 Farm Road in West Jordan to talk with an expert, or for more information, visit rgsexteriorsutah.com or call 801-997-6616.

“Our whole executive team and our management team have the same paradigm; we would rather do it right,” Fisher said. “It’s so much easier to work with people when you know you’re providing a great product. We also give the reassurance that if we do something wrong, we absolutely, unequivocally will take care of it. That’s just our guarantee.”

Mayors from Salt Lake County, Taylorsville City and Sandy City broke ground on the start of a “Flip the Strip” program to make county-owned landscapes more sustainable for the future. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation)

County Office of Regional Development, released on their website that waterwise landscaping offers numerous advantages, including functional and attractive designs that are easy to maintain. These landscapes are not only visually appealing but also significantly reduce water waste, a crucial benefit in a region often plagued by drought.

Additionally, improved environmental health and economic savings are notable benefits. Less water usage translates to lower bills and simpler irrigation systems, which in turn reduce maintenance costs and enhance curb appeal, making neighborhoods and public spaces more attractive.

Salt Lake County is not stopping at retrofitting public spaces. The county challenges its 1.16 million residents to join the water conservation effort by reducing their own water use by 5%. If 25% of residents take up this challenge, the county could save approximately 2 million gallons of water daily. To help residents achieve this goal, the county offers practical tips. Reducing sprinkler use by 10% can make a significant difference. Watering during the cooler nighttime hours reduces evaporation and conserves water. Using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks saves water and time. Adjusting sprinklers to ensure they water only plants and grass, not sidewalks or driveways, can help conserve water. Opting for drought-resistant plants, such as those native to Utah, can keep gardens beautiful

while conserving water.

The "Flip the Strip" project is just the beginning of a broader effort to promote sustainable landscaping and water conservation in Salt Lake County. By leading through example, the county aims to inspire its residents and neighboring regions to adopt similar practices.

Mayor Wilson said, “We anticipate that Salt Lake County will save around 4 million gallons of water with the conclusion of the five pilot locations. This initiative not only addresses immediate water conservation needs but also sets a precedent for future sustainability efforts.”

The project’s success will serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. Salt Lake County departments have planned to audit outdoor water systems to develop specialized water plans for current and future use. The county parks are relying on current technology to determine minimum watering schedules while continuing to maintain high-quality outdoor facilities.

For information on “Flip the Strip,” including details on rebates and resources from local government agencies, residents can visit the county's website at slcoh20. org.

Conservation fair highlights waterwise improvements

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Tip 1: Planning and Design. Using the appropriate plants for sun, shade and wind can help sustain a beautiful garden. Visit Localscapes.com to find free, professional designs to make a Utah-friendly landscape. (City Journals)

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Tip 2: Practical Turf Areas. Getting away from the idea of “big lawns,” JVWCD suggests spicing up your outdoor space with waterwise plants and trees, and a reasonable amount of turf or ground cover. (City Journals)

Tip 3: Waterwise Plants. Drought-tolerant plants can add color, height and interest to your garden, without using a wasteful amount of water. Iris, daisies, catmint, ice plants and decorative grass are all examples of waterwise choices. (City Journals)

Small changes make a big difference. Last year the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District sent more than 1.6 billion gallons of water to the Great Salt Lake as a result of residents implementing waterwise conservation.

JVWCD held a water conservation fair at its Conservation Garden Park (8275 S.1300 West) in West Jordan in May, educating gardeners on how to create the healthiest environment for lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs in the Salt Lake Valley.

Here are seven suggested principles to create waterwise landscapes:

Tip 4: Efficient Irrigation. Learning where and how to plant trees is part of efficient irrigation that allows the trees to take root and bring long-lasting beauty to a landscape. Installing drip systems, maintaining irrigation and fixing leaks keep everything flowing. (City Journals)

Tip 5: Soil Improvements. Overused soil often needs more nutrients to maintain healthy plants. Keep soil healthy by using organic materials and protect topsoil with moisture-retaining mulch. Avoid putting chemicals in the soil, if possible. (City Journals)

Tip 6: Surface Mulches. Mulching with bark, wood chips and other plant materials protects against erosion and retains water. Mulch can also help control weeds and add color to the garden. (City Journals)

Tip 7: Appropriate Maintenance. Even waterwise landscaping needs to be maintained. Weed control, fertilization, healthy pruning and non-chemical integrated pest management will keep the landscape looking good for years. (City Journals)

The Conservation Garden Park is free and open to the public on Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit conservationgardenpark.org.

As we launch into Spring of 2024, we are thrilled to be celebrating the 30th Anniversary for Replenish.

The beginnings of Replenish came about as a part of a conversation between Connie Cannon and Peter Lassig. Connie, in questioning Peter, said she was looking for something that would help the plants in her yard thrive and perform better. At the time, Peter, whose name is legendary in the horticulture industry throughout the country, was serving as the Head Gardener for Temple Square. He held this position for well over 30 years.

Following some counsel and suggestions from Mr. Lassig, the Cannons went to work searching for a formula of composted manure. Through great effort, scanning sources in Utah and Idaho, they eventually came up with the basic formula for Replenish. Initially, they would have a dump truck load dropped in their driveway. Their children were hired to bag the compost and deliver it to their neighbors and others in the area. Eventually the demand for their compost outgrew their driveway and their ability to meet the needs of all who wanted it for their yards and gardens. At that point the Cannons created the company known as ‘Replenish the Earth Products’. After building and running Replenish for 9 years, the company was sold to Mike Nitz, an employee of the Cannons, and Greg Bettin-

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

son, a committed customer who fully believed in the value and benefits of Replenish Compost. Wanting to expand the offerings of the Company, they changed the name to ‘Replenish Landscape Garden Products’.

For the past twenty-one years, Mike and Greg have grown the business and built a customer base of over 21,000 loyal customers along the Wasatch Front and beyond. Their business model has been to find the highest quality landscape materials and offer them along with what they believe to be the very best compost available anywhere. Replenish is proud to carry an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Combined with what we hope will always be friendly, and efficient customer service, we enter this fourth decade with a sincere desire to continue to build the business and introduce an ever-expanding customer base to the benefits of Replenish Compost, and all of the other top-qual-

ity products we carry.

To you, our loyal customers, we extend a heartfelt thank you for your business, and your loyalty to us and our products over these many years. May the spring season bring happiness to you and your loved ones and may the beauty of your yard and garden bring added joy and peace in your life.

Any of the Replenish products: barks, colored wood mulches, playground chips, outstanding soil blends, box garden mixes, professional planters mix, decorative rocks, gravels, and sand are available for pickup at our Murray Yard, ei-

ther in bulk or bag. We will load your open truck or trailer, or small bags in your vehicle. We also deliver small bags of bulk products (loose), or in the Super Big Bag (1 cubic yard) to homes and businesses from Brigham City to Price. Make your garden and yard work a successful, rewarding, and enjoyable experience. You can pick up any of the products in bulk or bag at our yard in Murray; 4660 South 200 West. (no appointment needed). Visit our website at Replenishcompost.com; or call Replenish Landscape Garden Products at: (801) 252-5962 for any questions you may have.

JDCHS senior golfer wins state title; team second

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

When Juan Diego Catholic High School senior Grayson Gagnon tapped in her putt on the 18th hole at Meadowbrook Golf Course on Day Two of the 3A state championships May 9, she wasn’t quite sure how the leaderboard looked. So, she hugged her playing partners and then she saw her dad running toward her crying. “That’s when I knew I had won,” she said. “My coach and my dad picked me up and they kept saying, ‘You did it! You won!’”

Gagnon shot a 78 on Day One to hold a two-shot lead over Richfield’s Brielle Jolley and was up by four through the first four holes on Day Two. But, during a “rough stretch,” she fell three strokes off the lead before “continuing to battle and grind it out” on the back nine. Going into the par 5 18th hole, she held a one-shot lead. She reached the green in two and was able to three-putt to take home medalist honors.

“Grayson played her heart out,” head coach Jason Anderson said. “We didn’t say anything to her about how she caught up the last three holes and she had no idea that she had won until her dad and I ran up to her on the green and gave her the news. She was so surprised and in shock—it was fun! Even though she played her worst round of the year [an 81], she battled and pulled it off in the end.”

The first-place individual finish made school history with Grayson becoming the

first female medalist for Juan Diego while the team’s second-place showing is also the best for a Soaring Eagle girls team.

“I am so proud of Grayson and the whole team,” Anderson said. “The team played well after the first day and we were just five shots back of perennial power Richfield. We closed the gap after the first four holes the second day but fell off hard after that. The girls gave it everything they had, so no regrets about anything being left on the course.”

“I was really proud of my team that we took home the second-place trophy,” Gagnon said. “We had the best team we’ve ever had, and we saw the results. It was really cool to the lead the team to that point, and to see all our hard work pay off.”

Freshman Sabrina Macias finished sixth while senior Ashley Cutshall tied for 13th, sophomore Isabella Werner was 16th, freshman Camilla Macias tied for 39th and junior Abby Quercia tied for 41st to round out the scoring for Juan Diego.

Before her win this season, Gagnon had previously placed seventh at the past three 3A state tournaments. During the regular season, the senior earned the individual Region 14 championship with a 77.2 scoring average and by winning medalist honors with a 78 at Mountain View at the end of April.

The team also won the region title, tak-

ing the top eight spots in scoring average— led by Gagnon, Werner (second), Camilla Macias (third), Sabrina Macias (fourth), Quercia (fifth), Cutshall (sixth), Zoe Pappas (seventh) and Lindley Whittaker (eighth).

“I am very proud of the team, not just for state, but the whole year,” Anderson said.

Gagnon, the daughter of Dave and Lori Gagnon of Draper, began playing golf 12 years ago to learn a sport that her dad enjoyed. “I got really serious in middle school, playing because my dad did,” she said. “I grew up at the Cottonwood Country Club with friends doing a junior program which is how I learned.”

Even though she played volleyball as a ninth grader and earned a varsity letter, she decided to put her time and energy on the golf course instead of the gym. “What I love most about golf is being able to play anytime I want and enjoying it with friends and family,” she said. “Being outside and enjoying nature makes the game really special to me.”

Gagnon is also grateful for the life lessons the game has given her. “Golf has taught me that patience and hard work are important, and that good things don’t happen overnight,” she said. “I’ve learned to keep going even when things are tough, and that I often learned more about myself from my failures than my successes, and that if I really love something and put my mind to it, I can achieve anything.”

Gagnon will attend the University of San Diego this fall and, while they don’t have a women’s golf program, she still plans to be on the golf course daily. l

JDCHS senior Grayson Gagnon won the 3A state golf championship by one stroke over Richfield’s Hallie Janes and Shelby Gardner at Meadowbrook Golf Course May 9. (Photo courtesy Grayson Gagnon)

JDCHS senior Grayson Gagnon and head coach Jason Anderson pose with the medalist trophy that Gagnon won after a one-stroke victory at the 3A state golf championship at Meadowbrook Golf Course May 9. (Photo courtesy Grayson Gagnon)

Juan Diego’s Grayson Gagnon and her father Dave share a moment after she made par on the final hole of the 3A state golf championship at Meadowbrook Golf Course May 9 and then was told that she earned medalist honors. (Photo courtesy Grayson Gagnon)

Charger soccer falls in shootout

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

Corner Canyon High senior Anders Osthed led the Chargers boys soccer team this season with five goals and two assists while senior Miles McMullin added four goals and an assist. Eight other CCHS players scored this season in the balanced attack with another five assisting on goals. The squad entered the 6A state tournament with a 5-9 record and, as the 15th-seeded team, defeated No. 18 Copper Hills 1-0 behind a goal from junior Will Bradley—assisted by McMullin—or the game’s only score with just seven minutes left in the game. Senior goalkeeper Talon Sutherland recorded the shutout to advance to second round where Corner Canyon lost to second-ranked American Fork 2-1 in a penalty shootout. Also on the 2024 team this season were seniors Sean Delaney, Joe Hales, Sawyer Jeppson, Nik Olsen, Franco Prasca, Moi Rojas, Noah Smythe, Dylan Stevens and Dawson Zarbock; and juniors Taylor Corpron, Xander Howell, Walter Kilgore, Landon Spangler and Ashton Wheeler. (Photos by All Star Photography)

Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society presents ‘Stand Beside Her,’ an evening of patriotic music

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

DraperPhilharmonic & Choral Society gets into the patriotic spirit with their latest concert, "Stand Beside Her.” The program title, taken from a line in the song “God Bless America,” captures the themes of faith and love of country. The production includes a variety of songs which celebrate the American spirit followed by a performance of "George Washington: Ordained of God," an original choral piece by Draper composers Tyler Teerlink and Jake Lives.

Teerlink and Lives also composed “King of Kings,” a choral work that has become a Christmas tradition for Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society. Founder and director Sherri Jensen, explained that she hopes “George Washington: Ordained of God” will become part of a series. “My dream is really to create a five piece set on American liberty,” Jensen said. “I hope to do one on the Pilgrims.”

The over-arching theme of “George Washington: Ordained of God,” is that the events that lead to the founding of the United States, specifically the life and achievements of George Washington, were guided by a divine hand. “I feel like right now we need to be introspective,” Jensen said. “I want families to come and learn about the history, to appreciate what it took to bring us to this point and look at where we’ve come from.”

Daria Ruesch, who plays second violin in the Philharmonic, described “George Washington: Ordained of God” as “almost

like a musical rather than a concert. The soloists are in costume and acting out the story. It’s really unique and incredibly well-done.”

"George Washington: Ordained of God" will be preceded by a performance of patriotic and inspirational songs. "The first half of our concert gives tribute to our armed forces," Jensen said. "We are giving free tickets to any vet or active military. We really appreciate their dedicated service."

David Topham, first tenor in the Choral Society, said, "Seeing men and women who have served our nation stand up to be honored is a wonderful thing to be a part of."

"This is our way to say thank you to the troops," Ruesch said. "Music has a special way of resonating with people."

"Ragged Old Flag" by Johnny Cash, "The Star Spangled Banner," "Some Gave All," "Country Roads," and "Amazing Grace" are just a few of the songs on the program. “Country Roads” was included, Jensen said, because "everyone knows that feeling of going home. Something in that song just fills you up."

Both Ruesch and Topham spoke of what a moving and meaningful experience it is to perform this particular rendition of "Amazing Grace." Draper Philharmonic clarinetist Emily Higgenbotham created an original arrangement of the popular hymn for this concert with bagpipes which she also plays. "We were all brought to tears when we heard it," Ruesch said. "It's magnificent, the spirit

Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society will present “Stand Beside Her,” a program of patriotic favorites followed by their original choral production, “George Washington: Ordained of God” June 7 and 8 at Corner Canyon High School. (Photo courtesy of Sherri Jensen/Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

that you feel. It strikes a chord in everyone."

Topham feels that this concert will bring people together during this moment in history when people are so politically divided. He described the music as, "uniquely American music. People singing of hope and their faith in God." He added, "I hope everyone I know is at this concert because it's wonderful. It's a

thrill to have that feeling."

Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society presents, "Stand Beside Her," an evening of patriotic songs followed by "George Washington: Ordained of God" at 7 p.m. on June 7 and 8 at Corner Canyon High School, 12943 S. 700 East. For tickets and more information visit draperphilharmonic.org.l

Gold Star Memorial recognizes sacrifice and families who forever grieve

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

On a sunny day in May, Draper City dedicated a somber new monument at Draper Park. Made of black granite, the two-sided tribute honors Gold Star families and recognizes their loss of a loved one who died in active-duty military service.

The front of the monument is etched with the words “A tribute to Gold Star families and relatives.” The back has four panels representing Homeland, Family, Patriot and Sacrifice, the latter panel depicts a casket draped with an American flag. Carved into the monument is a silhouette of a saluting service member. Nearby is a bench etched with the words “Freedom is not free” and flags representing every branch of the Armed Forces surround the memorial.

“I think the word that hits me the most is sacrifice. This is a monument that represents moms, dads, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, grandfathers and grandmothers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom, and these folks endure that ultimate sacrifice for the rest of their lives,” said Draper Mayor Troy Walker.

In his remarks, Walker noted that since the end of the draft, the military has been staffed by volunteers. “Nothing beats the heart of a volunteer,” he said. Walker went on to quote Winston Churchill who said, “You make a living by what you do. You make a life by what you give.”

Tony Galvez, father of Adam Galvez, told his son’s story. Adam survived a suicide bombing near his barracks and heroically tried to save his comrades by digging them out of the sand and debris. He recovered and returned to active duty

only to be killed by an IED.

“We were notified by that famous knock at the door. One of the hardest things that a parent goes through is to be notified that your son or your daughter is not coming home,” Tony said. He and Adam’s mother, Amy, served as members of the committee that helped make the Draper monument happen. “We decided that in Adam’s honor, we would carry on the tradition of serving our community and surrounding communities. We try to do what we can for Adam’s memory and for everybody else that received that fateful knock. This monument will allow us to come and meditate about our children, but more importantly, for the community to come to this beautiful surrounding to think about what cost there was…monetary cost is nothing compared to the lives given. It allows the community to think about and meditate on the families that are still grieving,” Tony said.

Among the donors who contributed to the monument is Steve Rosenvall, son of a Green Beret and a veteran himself. Rosenvall grew up in Draper and he described deciding to join the military at the naïve age of 17.

“Being all wise as a high school junior, I was going to sign a contract to join the military when my father sat me down and asked if I knew what this really means. He said, ‘Son, the chances of you going to war in your lifetime are 100%...are you ready to die for your country?’” Rosenvall first served a two-year Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint mission in Mexico and went on to join the military and serve in Afghanistan. “What a difference between serving a mission versus serving

in combat,” he said. Reality set in when a friend of his was killed. “In that moment was the first time I started to comprehend giving your life for your country and what that means. I will always be grateful to the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom,” Rosenvall said.

The monument is a product of the Woody Williams Foundation in conjunction with Draper City, volunteers and donors. Stephen Whitehead traveled from foundation headquarters in Kentucky for Draper’s dedication ceremony. Whitehead gave the history of the foundation that builds these memorials to honor Gold Star families. Whitehead explained that Williams was a Marine who served in WWII and earned the Medal of Honor. But before his military service, Williams worked for Western Union and one of the things he was tasked with delivering was telegrams from the State Department notifying families that their loved one was killed.

“Woody was hand delivering those letters to families on their front porch and that started to shape how we got here,” Whitehead said. After completing his own military service, Williams was inspired to recognize Gold Star mothers. At a speaking engagement, a father approached Williams and told him “dads cry too.” As a result, Woody wanted to recognize the entire family in their grief. “We commit to remembering your loved ones. I know this is a small token of the loss you have experienced, but know that we recognize and appreciate what you have sacrificed for this great nation and our freedom,” Whitehead said. Draper’s monument is

the 134th Gold Star memorial by the Woody Williams Foundation.

Bagpipes played “Amazing Grace” while Gold Star families were invited to state the name of their loved one and place a yellow rose at the base of the monument in their memory. Pictures of some who died in service to their country sat at the base of the monument. Tears, hugs, handshakes and words of support were shared by members of the grieving families.

In addition to the Gold Star families in attendance were members of Draper’s City Council and staff and Congressman John Curtis along with monument committee members and sponsors. A letter from Gov. Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox was shared at the dedication. “Today we recommit to always honor and remember the life and service of those we have lost. Your service member gave all, and we will forever owe so much….Thank you for your strength and example as Gold Star Families. You have and will forever inspire us and so many others to serve and defend the ideals on which this country was founded,” the Coxes wrote.

The new monument sits east of the all-abilities playground and replaces what once was a sandy area with exercise equipment.

“Now it’s one of the great spots in our community,” Walker said. “We hope this monument will do some small part for what your family members have given the United States.” l

The Gold Star memorial at Draper Park was unveiled in an emotional and patriotic ceremony May 18. Gold Star families were invited to share the name and a photo of their loved who died in active-duty military service and to place a yellow rose at the base of the monument in their memory. (Courtesy Draper City)

Gold Star father Tony Galvez shared stories of his son Adam who was killed by an IED. Galvez and Adam’s mother, Amy, were some of the volunteers who worked to bring the memorial monument to Draper. Behind Galvez (L-R) are project donor Steve Rosenvall and Stephen Whitehead, director of development for the Woody Williams Foundation. (Courtesy Draper City)

For these Canyons middle school students, it’s more than a sport

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Mt. Jordan seventh-grader Jillian Lundberg was excited for Canyons Middle School’s unified basketball tournament to start.

“I played last year and have been waiting to play again this year,” Jillian said. “I did Sports Day in elementary school until COVID came and stopped it. It’s just fun to be with friends and play together.”

She, and student-athletes from seven other schools, stood solemnly while Mt. Jordan sixth-grader Dash Johnson and eighth-grader Maggie Goodfellow said the Special Olympics athletes’ pledge before the games began.

In unified coed basketball, there are five players on the court, typically three athletes and two partners, and teams play against other squads of similar ability, said Boston Iacobazzi, Unified Champion School’s college-growth coordinator.

“It’s exciting we’re starting to see the younger age get involved in unified sports and Special Olympics,” he said. “We have students at 80 high schools doing it and now, we have two tournaments with 24 middle schools. Several schools brought more than one team.”

Many of the students learned and practiced skills in the eight weeks leading up to the tournament. At the tournament, players were awarded medals and had their names announced.

“Within Special Olympics, we recommend middle schools do a recreational model where they can show their skills and have fun. It’s a little competitive, and we encourage them practicing and building up their skills, but we just want to have fun,” Iacobazzi said.

At the Canyons tournament, Canyons School District’s Special Education Administrator Linda Hall said the play isn’t for first, second and third places.

Her dad, Scott, was there to cheer on his daughter and her team.

“She likes to have friends, and this is a good way for her to get to make friends and learn how to play with others,” he said. “It gives her a feel of accomplishment. That makes her happy.”

Her principal, Stacy Kutrzhals, was cheering on the students as well.

“It makes my heart happy that they get to be included in something that they should be included,” she said, adding that special education students are included in morning announcements, clubs and every aspect of the school. “This is the way it should be.”

At a break, Draper Park Middle student-athletes were discussing their games.

Sixth-grader Jocie Richards had made nearly every shot.

“I made 15 shots to help our team,” she said. “I like playing with the team. It’s cool.”

Teammate Jacob Molina is an eighthgrade peer tutor.

“As a peer tutor in science, I help by writing stuff down; I make sure they’re paying attention to the lecture,” he said. “On the court, we’re working together and that’s fun.”

Draper Park special education teacher Morgann Collins also was a peer tutor and unified basketball partner at her high school.

“We want them to just play,” she said. “It’s not about winning. It’s about enjoying it and the joy of the sport and being part of a team. We want to award each of our players with a medal.”

Iacobazzi said that through unified sports, students are learning teamwork and sportsmanship, and it helps promote friendship within the schools.

“They’re learning that inclusivity is important at any age; everyone needs a friend and wants to be included,” he said.

Hall agrees: “This builds mentorship and friendship, leadership skills and long friendships. I’m hoping our peer students know that they can see the capability of that student who may have a disability. These students have a gift, a talent and so much that they can bring to them as a friend. And they can be the leader to them.”

Midvale Middle School athlete Isaac Tenario said he likes getting to have fun, eat lunch and hang out with his teammates when they’re not practicing.

“On the court, we get the most basketballs in the hoop so our team gets lots of points,” the eighth grader said. “We’ve become good friends.”

Eighth-grader Lily Barney’s favorite sport is basketball.

“I loved that experience so when they wanted to start unified basketball in middle school last year, I jumped to get us involved,” she said. “It’s fun to give the athletes an opportunity to play on a team that they may not normally have the chance to. This gives them the opportunity to be part of a team and represent our school.”

Collins said it helps her peer tutors to support their partners outside of academics.

“It’s fun for the peer tutors to see the athletes participate in basketball where they may not know that they have these skills. They’re seeing each other in a different light,” she said. “Sometimes, in school, we have some down time to interact with their partners. We have blocks and magnet tiles and they’ll build something. Or they will pull books from our classroom library and read together, or they will dance; my students love to dance to this YouTube video called ‘Twenty Trucks.’”

A Draper Park Middle School peer tutor mother, who wished to remain anonymous, echoes that sentiment.

“This brings out the best of these kids,” she said. “I’m so thankful for the chance that these peer tutors have given their peers to play.”

Midvale Middle School Assistant Principal Courtney Long ran the tournament.

“I like to shoot, and I’ve made three baskets so far,” she said during the tournament. “I practiced a lot for this. Sometimes I practice with my dad in my driveway, but he’s too tall. I mostly practice at school with my friends on the team. We practice passing and rebounding. It’s fun.”

“I love seeing them smile,” he said. “Sometimes when they’re in class, they may not be outgoing. But here, they’re running up and down as they’re playing. They’re having a great time. It’s just fun to see them coming out of their shell and playing together with their peers.” l

A Draper Park Middle player shoots a basket during Canyons School District’s unified coed basketball. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Inside look into unified basketball: What the athletes are saying

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

They want to be like Mike—dishing, swishing, jamming.

“I want to slam dunk like Michael Jordan,” said Bingham High sophomore Josh McDonald as he was playing in a regional basketball tournament.

Hillcrest High senior Dax Bowen also likes Jordan’s moves as does Corner Canyon High senior Jadon Medina.

The student-athletes all play for their unified high school basketball teams.

In unified coed basketball, there are five players on the court—three athletes and two partners. Teams play against other squads of the same ability in two eight-minute halves. Supported by Special Olympics and the Utah High School Activities Association, unified sports has both a competitive and a player development level, the latter which provides more of a cooperative environment with partners being teammates and mentors.

In the weeks leading up to the state championships, many of the unified basketball players took to the court, practicing skills they learned growing up and playing in regional tournaments.

Murray High started practicing once per week starting a couple months before the state contest. They also did a skills assessment to determine the ability of the players and then divide themselves into two teams.

“We practice shooting and making baskets,” said Murray High junior Parker May, who has a brother who taught him to “dribble, shoot and have my arms up on defense.”

Cottonwood High junior Alizia Sherard said, “We have a lot of practices where we dribble, we try to get the ball from the other team, and we make the shots.”

She learned to play from her dad and continues to play him in the family driveway.

Copper Hills High junior Corbin Roesbery also grew up playing basketball in his driveway. He started at age 12.

Alta High freshman James Miles learned how to play from his dad when he was 4 years old.

“We still play, but now, I’m practicing and playing with my friends and peer tutors in class,” he said.

Hillcrest’s Bowen also learned to play from his dad in a church gym.

“We would shoot around. On this team, we all count on each other,” he said.

Brighton High sophomore Tru Fiessinger said during their practices, they work on dribbling, defense and shooting.

“It comes easy, but to be good, I have to work hard,” Fiessinger said.

For others, basketball was a new sport they learned with their classmates to be able to exercise and be part of their high

and listening to music, “mostly Taylor Swift.”

Similarly, Olympus High senior Bailee O’Conner says her favorite friends are on her team.

“We go to birthday parties, see movies at a movie theater and go to school dances together,” she said. “It makes me happy.”

Corner Canyon’s Medina knows he’s part of the Chargers’ student body.

“I like being a part of a team where I belong. I’m a part of it and a part of my school,” he said.

Skyline’s Bouck adds, “It’s fun to play here with my friends and have my family and friends cheering.”

Hunter’s Velasquez says she gives her teammates high-fives and cheers for other players when she isn’t on the court.

“We cheer for the other team, especially when they make a basket; it’s fun that everyone can be a winner that way,” she said.

school unified team.

Jordan High junior Kaitlyn Uzcaga, who learned to play as a freshman, said her team practiced defense.

“We have practiced our blocking; we’re wanting to move a lot more on the floor,” she said.

Mountain Ridge sophomore Ash Perez said his team also has been practicing.

“Coach (Brock) Whitney, our PE teacher, taught me how to play; I love it,” Perez said.

This year’s unified high school basketball championship was the state’s largest as 80 teams from across the state converged on the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center and HPER courts to not just determine the winners in the divisions, but to have a chance to display skills learned and to forge friendships on the court.

It was kicked off by the Special Olympics’ athlete oath and a welcome from Gov. Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox, who then helped with a dunk team doing a trick.

Much like other athletes, these Special Olympians wanted to do their best— and win.

Sophomore Saiah Lono said Herriman High’s team has a routine as they prepare for a game.

“I’m the hype man,” the point guard said. “We do a little dance to warm up and we dance to celebrate.”

Cottonwood’s Sherard said she’s always wanted to play at the U.

“I want to be No. 1 here. I like winning,” she said.

West Jordan sophomore Robert West

said they practiced to play their best, “but I’m excited to win.”

Alta’s Miles is self-proclaimed “overly competitive. I like to win.”

Teams prepared their strategies.

Bingham’s McDonald loves to play defense.

“We need to stop the other team from scoring. I have to make sure they don’t steal the ball from me, but I love to steal the ball myself,” he said.

Skyline High freshman Andrew Bouck said quick decisions are key.

“Whenever someone passes to me, I will get rid of the ball by shooting it,” he said. “If I don’t have a good look, I’ll pass it.”

Hunter High senior Angelly Velasquez sized up the competition.

“They’re lots of tall teams here,” she said. “We’re hoping we’re fast enough to go around them.”

Jordan’s Uzcaga said they started off playing well.

“We’re doing good and having fun. We’re being brave and trying our hardest,” she said.

Copper Hills’ Corbin said his team works together and helps one another to learn.

“We tell each other to never give up, to listen to our team, to listen to our coach and to have fun,” he said.

The last part, having fun together on and off the court is key, the athletes say.

Herriman’s Lono said they “hang out and have lunch together. We have dance parties.”

West Jordan’s West likes being with friends, seeing movies, playing basketball

She and other teammates have been part of other unified sports teams; many of the athletes compete in unified soccer. At Hunter, they also perform in their school’s unified musicals.

Murray’s May swims on his school’s unified swim team.

“I like to go fast and win races and be cheered on. I cheer on others too,” he said.

Copper Hills’ Roesbery placed in the top 10 in the 60 meters at the state track meet last year.

“The best thing on any team is teamwork. It’s good to listen and work together,” he said.

Riverton High seniors Travis Willis and Jason Johnson are the boys’ basketball team managers.

“We hand out towels and we go on the court to wipe the wet spots. If they’re sweaty, we pass the towels,” Johnson said. “We’ve made friends where we hang out, play basketball, listen to music.”

Willis said at unified sporting events, he gets to see middle school friends who go to other high schools.

Hillcrest’s Bowen said his team has gone through a coaching change and several of his teammates graduated last year.

“I’ve made more friends and since I’ve played on the team for a while, I know I need to help them and be one of the leaders on the team,” he said. “State is really big. It’s the main event. But our team is what’s most important.”

Mountain Ridge’s Perez agrees.

“I like helping my team and we love each other,” Perez said. “Unified basketball gives me friends and a good work out so getting a good sweat is worth it.” l

Corner Canyon High’s coed unified basketball team, seen here playing Hillcrest High at the regional tournament, forges friendships through learning teamwork and demonstrating sportsmanship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Celebrating the life of a beloved Alta teacher: A legacy remembering students and bettering the community

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Onan April Saturday morning, American flags waved outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Crescent View Stake Center in Sandy, while inside, several former Alta High students and faculty, friends and family shared hugs and swapped stories of days gone by.

They were paying tribute to former high school U.S. history teacher, Don Ward, who had died a few weeks earlier. He first taught students at Jordan High before moving to Alta High; he also was a student body officer adviser at both schools.

Former Alta world history teacher Karl Packer was a SBO adviser with Ward.

“We worked together for quite a few years, eight or nine, until he got sick with cancer, and I took over,” Packer said. “I remember when we went to Dixie (College) in the middle of July for a youth leadership camp for our student officers. We were on our way back, when the charter bus broke down. It was 114 degrees and we had 40 kids on the side of the freeway, waiting for a bus to come from Salt Lake to pick us up.”

Ward, Packer and Rique Ochoa, who team taught Advanced Placement U.S. history with Ward, were called the “three amigos.”

“We were the only three teachers in a little alcove and the three of us were good friends,” said Packer, who taught 33 years at Alta before retiring last year and recalled several trips they went on together to study history.

Ward supported the students from dressing up for Halloween to attending weddings years later.

“One year, Don had balloons all over a clear trash bag; he was dressed as a bag of jellybeans; he always had fun,” Packer said. “What I learned most from him was how to appreciate the kids and to love them for who they are. He was always kind and understanding—and had the most incredible memory. He could tell you all about the students he taught. He’d know these kids at 16, 17, 18 and now, they’re 30, 40 and 50 and he’d call them by

name and remember details about their lives.

It was amazing.”

Alta graduate Tyler Perry, who sang, “God Bless America” at Ward’s service, remembers his former teacher’s memory.

“If you were a student of Don’s, he remembered you and he made you feel like a million bucks,” Perry said. “We had some real goofballs in the student body officer class— and Don was patient and accepting of everyone. And everyone wanted to take Don’s AP history class. He wasn’t an easy teacher, but he was a great teacher. He understood things well and made sure we learned them.”

Ochoa, who retired last year after teaching 45 years at Alta, recalled at one time, teaching more than 300 students with Ward.

“Don knew everything about these kids not only because he was their teacher, but he was also the announcer at the football games, he was there at all the sporting events, all the

plays, the concerts, and everything to build those relationships with the kids,” he said.

“He was a true asset to the students and to the school.”

It was because of those relationships, students knew they could count on Ward.

“If you ever needed anything, Don was the one who helped,” Perry said. “When Don saw a need, he volunteered.”

When Ward retired after teaching 35 years, he began as a substitute teacher for Granite School District, where “he saw a huge refugee population that was underserved,” Ochoa said. “He began doing clothing and food drives for the refugee families. Now it’s the Ward Foundation, which provides Christmas for 2,000 families.”

Ward’s former students helped him with his mission.

“Don called upon his former students,” Ochoa said. “One former student who runs a group of storage units provided Don storage units to store the collection of resources he received and prep them for delivery. Students who had access to transportation helped deliver the donations. He did all this without bringing attention to himself. He did it because he saw a need—and that was exemplified in his teaching and in his career working with the refugees.” l

Alta High AP history teacher Rob Murphy joins former teachers Rique Ochoa and Don Ward in a photo; Ward recently died. (Photo courtesy of Rique Ochoa)

Farmington’s Bode Jensen, for his first individual state title although he has raced legs on five other state champion relay squads over the past four seasons.

Those individual wins helped the boys team win the state 6A championship again, making it five consecutive years that the Chargers have been on top of the podium.

“This has been awesome with this team, they’re just different and everyone was amazing,” said Kjar, who will play for Utah State football in the fall. “A lot of us play together in football where we won a state title in the fall and we all had the same end goal of ending the year off right and were able to do that.”

“We’re way close. It felt like a real family,” echoed Myles, Jr. “We all wanted it, especially for the seniors, and it was cool to win some medals.”

Kjar said the winning mentality for the Corner Canyon program has been built in the early morning hours in the weight room. “Coach Kjar has us right in there lifting and gives us really hard workouts, but he is out there with us,” Tate Kjar said. “We may hate him in the moment for how tough it is, but the results speak for themselves.”

Also winning for the Chargers at state were the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relay lineups which included Brady, Lee, Myles, Jr., Jaden Allen, Steven Carlsen, Brayden Eyre, Mason Hamilton, Tate Kjar, Preston Rasmussen, McKay Wells and Brock White.

Other state placers were Lee (second,

200 meters), Brock Hobson (third, 300 meter hurdles; fourth, 110 meter hurdles), Hamilton (third, 400 meters; fourth, 200 meters), Tina’u Fiaui (third, discus; seventh, shot put), the 4x800 relay squad of Wells, Brock Doman, Ryan Etherington, Phin Mayer, Grayson Milne and Erick Yuan (third), Wells (fourth, 800 meters), Tate Kjar (fifth, 200 meters), Rasmussen (seventh, 200 meters), Blake Ames (seventh, 110 meter hurdles; seventh, 300 meter hurdles) and Joseph Covey (eighth, javelin).

Girls

The girls 4x100 relay squad of Layla Valadez, Alice Peterson, Anna Ricks and Liberty Henstrom won the 6A state title, crossing the finish line in a time of 46.83, one hundredth of a second ahead of Bingham’s relay lineup of Ziya Davis, McKenzie Ritter, Angelina Appel and Andrea Amoah.

Also placing for the Chargers’ girls team who took fifth at state were the 4x200 relay team of Peterson, Ricks, Addison Kjar, Henstrom, Valadez and Sophia Milich (second), Hayden Gribble (second, javelin), the 4x400 relay squad of Ricks, Kenna Wong, Tayvee Ash, Addison Kjar, Aubrey Wahlquist and Sydney England (third), Henstrom (fourth, 100 meters; fifth, 200 meters), the 4x800 relay lineup of Kenzie Randall, Wahlquist, Paige Rhoads, Wong, Addison Hoopes and Avery Garcia (fourth), Peterson (fifth, 100 meters; sixth, 200 meters), Makiah Turner (sixth, 400 meters) and Ricks (seventh, 400 meters). l

The Corner Canyon High girls track team won the 4x100 meter relay at the 6A state track championships at Brigham Young University May 20, to help lead the girls squad to a fifth-place finish. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

The Corner Canyon High boys track team won the 6A state championship for the fifth straight year. The girls finished fifth. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

Corner Canyon High senior Tate Kjar won the 400 meters at the 6A state track championship while also running legs on two winning relays. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

Corner Canyon High junior Jerome Myles won the 100 meters in record-breaking fashion at the 6A state championship May 18 at Brigham Young University. He also took first in the 200 meters and ran on the winning 4x100 meter relay squad. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

11 local farmers markets to visit this summer

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

Summer and fall bring the season of the farmers markets where vendors sell fresh produce, homemade products and more.

Several farmers markets in Utah, including those hosted by the Utah Farm Bureau on this list, are strict about each product being made or grown by local farmers to support farmers in the state— which ensures quality, fresh produce and goods for shoppers at the markets.

This list is in no way comprehensive or in any particular order, but are just some ideas on where to find some local farmers markets.

1. Sandy City farmers market

Starting June 15, Sandy City partnered with Empowered Community Markets will host a weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sandy Amphitheater, 1245 E. 9400 South. With fresh food, shopping, live music, and a splash pad, Sandy’s farmers market will be on the fun to do list all summer long. The farmers market will go on until fall with the last day of the season on Oct. 19.

2. Draper City farmers market

Sunset Farmers Markets, which specializes in evening and weekday markets, runs the show for Draper City’s farmers market. This market is at Smithfields Park every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. from July to September, and then 5 to 8 p.m. in October. More than 80 small local businesses will attend each week, featuring fresh flowers, produce, eggs, honey, milk, meat, baked goods, and art. Food trucks will also be there to offer even more choices for dinner and treats.

3. Suncrest farmers market in Draper

The neighborhood Suncrest Hills, located at 2016 East Village Green Circle in Draper hosts a farmers market on the second Wednesday of the summer months starting in June and ending in October from 5 to 9 p.m. In 2023, they had activities like petting zoos, live music and a s'mores station. Goodies such as fresh bread, homegrown vegetables and salsa, jewelry, soap and much more were also sold.

4. “9th West Farmers Market” in Salt Lake City

This is a market that’s been around since 2005 when The People’s Market was first started by Kyle LaMalfa. It’s hosted near the International Peace Gardens at 542 N. 900 West in Salt Lake City. From mid-June to mid-October, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday.

5. Downtown Salt Lake City farmers market

The farmers market in Salt Lake City runs nearly year round. The Saturday summer market runs in the summer and fall from June 1 until Oct. 21 at Pioneer Park (350 W. 300 South) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

An art and craft market is also held during the same time, in the same place by Urban Food Connections of Utah.

6. Daybreak Farmers Market

Rain or shine, the Daybreak Farmers Market offers 60 booth spaces every week and is run by Empowered Community Markets. In the heart of the Daybreak neighborhood, the market offers local musical talent, locally-grown produce, homemade jewelry and artisanal crafts, and artwork. The market runs every Saturday

and starts on June 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and runs until Oct. 12, when hours change from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Four times during the summer youth entrepreneurs are invited to open their own store front and sell goods at the farmers market, on June 22, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 28.

7. South Jordan City farmers market

Every Saturday from Aug. 3 to Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., South Jordan will host a farmers market at 1600 W. Towne Center Drive. Each week is focused around a different community activity, including a variety of crafts, a balloon animal artist and more.

8. Utah Farm Bureau’s South Jordan farmers market

This market is also owned and operated by the Utah Farm Bureau and features Utah farmers selling anything from produce, to salsa, fresh bread, jams and tamales. Unlike the Murray Park market, select Utah artisans who use “Utah-grown and raised agricultural products” will be permitted to sell items other than food.

The market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Aug. 3 and running until Oct. 12.

9. West Jordan food trucks, community market and “First Fridays”

Starting in May, food trucks come to usher in the warmer weather in West Jordan. On every second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ron Wood Park (5900 New Bingham Hwy.) near the splash pad, a variety of food trucks come to the west side of the city.

In June through September, a commu-

nity market with vendors will accompany the city’s food truck event.

West Jordan “First Fridays” at the Viridian Events Center, 8030 S. 1825 West, are sponsored by Salt Lake County and West Jordan City, each first Friday of the month until the end of summer and will feature live, local music. Food trucks and a free craft also add to the fun. As the weather gets warmer, summer yard games will also be available to use on the lawn.

10. Utah Farm Bureau’s Murray Park farmers market

The Utah Farm Bureau owns and manages the farmers market every year at Murray Park, located at 296 E. Murray Park Way.

“This makes for a unique shopping experience focused entirely on Utah farmers and the great fresh produce that is available during our growing season,” stated the organization on the event page. This is a food-only market that begins on July 26. The market will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., with the last day on Oct. 28. Food vendor applications are due April 30. 11. Bountiful farmers market

Starting on June 20 and ending on Oct. 17, the Bountiful farmers market will be at the Bountiful Town Square (75 E. 200 South) every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., excluding July 4. No animals or skateboards are allowed in the square. See which vendors and local musicians will be there on Bountiful City’s website, www. bountifulutah.gov. l

Fresh produce at Daybreak Farmers Market in years past. (Courtesy of Empowered Community Markets)

The Daybreak Farmers Market in years past has been a popular market with a variety of local produce and lots of visitors. (Courtesy of Empowered Community Markets)

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for men beating each other with sticks but the ice-palooza circus we’ve experienced as the National Hockey League moved a team to Utah has been a bit much.

My sports-crazed husband is in hockey high-heaven, and he’s not alone. The former Arizona Coyotes (but currently unnamed Utah team) was welcomed by a multitude of rabid hockey fans as the team arrived in Salt Lake. The Utah Snow Angels (?) will now undergo a terrifying assimilation into the state’s culture.

Ryan Smith, new owner of the Utah Iceholes (?), spent $1.2 billion to bring the NHL team here and he has Big Plans! Plans that include restructuring a mall to create a hockey training center, reconfiguring the Delta Center so fans can see all the bloody hockey fights and gaining extreme control over three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake, although he promised not to blast the beloved Abravanel Hall to rubble. Yet.

In the ultimate power play, Smith asked lawmakers to contribute another $1 billion to the project, which includes a sales tax increase, so everyone can help finance the Utah Snowplows’ (?) salvation of the state’s pro sports scene.

(Sidenote: Sales tax? Really? Have

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Utah’s Miracle on Ice

our lawmakers seen the lines outside of food banks? People can’t afford Cheerios, let alone tickets to a hockey game.)

But it’s not just hockey. Government and business groups are willing to toss billions (BILLIONS) of dollars around to fund baseball stadiums in Daybreak and, potentially, Salt Lake’s west side.

This is a slap-shot to the face for women’s sports in Utah. If we’re going to invest billions, can legislators squeak the wallet open a bit more to give a portion to female teams? A survey showed overwhelming support for a redesign of the current Salt Lake Bees stadium to become a female-focused sports center. Where are the billions of dollars for that project?

Did you know our state has a championship female/non-binary Pro Ultimate Frisbee team, the Utah Wild? We also host the Utah Falconz, part of the Women’s Na-

tional Football Conference. Where do they play? On high school football fields. The only reason the Utah Royal’s soccer team has a beautiful venue is because it was built for Real, a men’s team.

Don’t whine and say, “But nobody cares about women’s sports.” For its opening game this year, the Royals set a record for the highest-attended women’s sporting event in Utah history.

Millions of fans watched the women’s college final as Caitlin Clark played her last game before being drafted into the WNBA with a four-year, $338,000 contract. I’m sure she was offered the same amount as her male counterpart, the first overall draft pick in last year’s NBA.

Record scratch! Hold up! Last year, top draft pick Victor Wembanyama signed a four-year contract with the Spurs worth $55.2 million. Sigh.

Acquiring the Utah Frostbite (?) was a great accomplishment, but the state has a chance to pull off a phenomenal hat trick: develop a hockey fan base, build a baseball utopia and create a haven for women’s sports.

How cool would it be, for a state that ranks last in women’s pay equality, to invest in women’s athletics? What message

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would that send to our daughters and granddaughters?

I don’t know much about hockey but its success shouldn’t come with a sales tax increase, carte blanche control over a key center of downtown or at the expense of women’s sports.

With its shiny new logo and sparkly Zambonis, the Utah Windchill (?) could have a great first season as fans get behind them. But don’t be fooled. Hockey isn’t the only game in town.