Special Section: Education
SheTech and botany classes Page 15
Playwright Amy Banta brings ‘Spartan Moms’ to the Holladay community
By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Holladay Arts Council honors playwright and her debut play.
The Holladay Arts Council is recognizing playwright Amy Banta for her exceptional talent and ability to skillfully craft worlds and characters from the depths of her imagination, masterfully navigating the delicate fine line between tragedy and comedy.
Banta‘s debut play, “Spartan Moms” explores the creative, chaotic life of a struggling artist and mom. Banta says, “It is a play depicting scenes of moms conversing in the wild. A middle-aged mom brings her kids to the park in search of time and space to practice her craft. As other moms crowd her park bench and the kids won’t leave them alone, she wonders if she will ever have time and space to create again. Disruptive children, quirky moms, and one unwieldy stroller stir up creative chaos as the clock ticks down to the next diaper emergency in this zany, heartfelt comedy.”
Performing on the dance team and color guard for the marching band in high school is where Banta fell in love with the use of props. In her current show a stroller is the main character. In fact, in a recent conversation, Banta mentions she is rebranding “Spartan Moms” as the ‘stroller stunt show.’
“Everyone on stage is going to struggle with that stroller!” Banta said. “Growing up, I always wanted to be a part of theater. I learned to sing and to dance. At the time I didn’t realize that dance movement was such a huge part of theater, but now I do.”
Banta majored in economics and math at Brigham Young University. After graduation, she married and moved to Washington D.C., where her husband attended law school at
“In theater, you have maidens, the young ingénue and their love stories, the matrons, grandmothers, and wise old women, but very few plays focus on middle-aged moms with young children,” Banta said. (Photo courtesy Amy Banta)
Georgetown University. Soon, she was hired by the Department of Defense, America’s oldest and largest government agency, to build spreadsheets for nuclear weapons systems. When asked if she discovered any dark secrets of intrigue while working for the defense department, she responded “no, unfortunately not, officially, I know nothing.” Since Banta’s husband was involved, most nights attending law school classes, Banta found a great opportunity to spend time exploring her theater interest.
“As a performer, I didn’t get to be on stage in a theater production until my husband went to law school at Georgetown University,” Banta said. “Georgetown law school has their own little theater company called the Georgetown Gilbert and Sulivan society. I said to myself, ‘I’m going to be part of your school’s theater company.’ This experience allowed me to finally be in a school play and at a school I didn’t even attend. It was a student-run organization and open to anyone who was adjacent to the Georgetown law school community.”
It was this performance opportunity that moved Banta in the direction of becoming a playwright.
“I’m not the consummate performer,” Banta said. “These girls in the “Spartan Moms” cast come to life every single time they perform. I get on stage and never know if I will come alive
Continued page 7
What to know about visiting the E.R.
By Dr. Alex Drake
At CommonSpirit Health, our vision is a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity. This extends to all the care we provide our patients, whether it be in our doctor’s offices, our clinics, or our hospitals.
We want your visit to our care sites to be as comfortable as possible, and we know that visiting the Emergency Department (ER) is difficult for any patient and their loved ones. I would like to share some information about what to expect in the ER, so that you can be as prepared as possible.
Our emergency caregivers are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to serve our community. We accept all patients – regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. A typical visit to the ER can take two-to-three hours, but please know that in the ER we must evaluate and treat our patients based on severity of their condition. This might mean longer wait times in the lobby or even after being placed in an exam room. However, this also means that if you’re having a life-threatening emergency, you will have the undivided attention of our doctors and nurses.
If you have mild-to-moderate symptoms – such as fever below 103 degrees without a rash, flu-like symptoms without shortness of breath, or sprains and strains – you may wish to consider calling your primary care provider or visiting an urgent care center, as these options may be faster and are often less expensive.
Symptoms or health issues that require immediate medical attention may include the following:
• Chest pain
• Sudden weakness or trouble talking
• Difficulty breathing
• Spinal injuries
• Severe head injury
• Major broken bones
• Major burns
• Sudden change in vision
• Heavy bleeding
• Large open wounds
You should never drive yourself to an ER if you are having severe chest pain, severe bleeding, if you feel like you might faint, or if your vision is impaired. When in doubt, please call 911 — what matters most is that you get to the emergency room quickly and safely. If you arrive by
ambulance, you will be triaged and we will determine the level of care required.
All emergency physicians at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are board certified in Emergency Medicine and have trained for many years to help you in your emergency. The doctors also have specially trained midlevel providers who can also help. Your provider may order tests like X-rays, CT Scans, Ultrasounds, bloodwork, urinalysis, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or others, depending on your health problem.
After receiving test results, the doctor will discuss the findings and diagnosis with you. If needed, they will advise admission to the hospital. If your condition does not need admission, they will give you written instructions about treatment to be followed at home. This may include prescriptions, tips for home care, and any referrals needed for following up with either a primary care or specialized doctor. While we hope for the health and safety of those in our community, know that we are here if you need us. Our excellent doctors and nurses at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are ready to provide high-quality, compassionate, and timely care.
As CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site. Find emergency care close to you at
SPONSORED CONTENT
By Dr. Alex Drake Emergency Physician CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital Jordan Valley West
Ross Romero’s journey to the Salt Lake County Council
Former Democratic legislator Ross Romero takes seat for Salt Lake County Council District 4.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
In January, Ross Romero was sworn in as the Salt Lake County Councilmember for District 4, marking a significant milestone as one of the first Latino (Carlos Moreno was also sworn in) to hold the position. District 4 spans much of the county’s east side, encompassing parts of Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and Murray, as well as all of Holladay, Millcreek and Emigration Canyon.
Romero's journey into public service began with his education at the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1993. He later attended the University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1996 with a specialization in environmental and municipal law.
Following law school, Romero worked as a litigator at Jones Waldo, handling cases related to land use and municipal law. He then transitioned to Zions Bank as Vice President of Public Finance, where he played a key role in structuring bonds for infrastructure projects, including water conservation initiatives and public transit expansions. In 2020, he founded Inclusion Strategies, a consulting firm advising organizations such as Intermountain Healthcare and the Salt Lake Chamber on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks and policy compliance.
Romero told a 2024 DEI roundtable discussion hosted by Utah Business, “Progress requires listening to marginalized voices and finding common ground.”
Romero’s political career began in the Utah Legislature, where he served from 2005 to 2012. As a member of the House of Representatives (2005-06), he authored bills to increase funding for ESL programs and
expand Medicaid coverage for low-income families. He later served in the Utah State Senate (2006-12), where he sponsored the 2008 Clean Air Act amendments, tightening emissions standards for industrial polluters. He retired as Senate Democratic Leader.
During President Barack Obama’s second administration, Romero was appointed to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, where he evaluated educational excellence criteria and promoted STEM opportunities for minority students. He also served as a Democratic National Committee representative from 2020 until early 2024.
“Ross Romero is the embodiment of dedication and leadership,” Sindy M. Benavides, president and CEO of Latino Victory Fund said. “His deep understanding of local government and his commitment to environmental sustainability, affordable housing, and economic equity makes him an ideal candidate to serve Salt Lake County. We proudly endorse his campaign and believe he will be an outstanding advocate for his community.”
In 2011, Romero was a candidate for Salt Lake County Mayor.
Beyond elected office, Romero has been deeply involved in community service. He has served on the YWCA Community Advisory Council, advising on policies to support domestic violence survivors and expand child care access. As a board member of Hale Centre Theatre, he championed initiatives to make arts education accessible to underserved youth. His leadership extends to national organizations, including the National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials (NALEO), the Utah Hospital Association, and the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity.
After the Utah legislature passed HB261 dismantling some DEI programs, Romero posted on Instagram, “As your councilmem-
ber in Salt Lake County’s District 4, I will always advocate for practices that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a seat at every table.”
Romero outlined his views on development on the campaign website, “I promise to advocate for development that is both progressive and mindful of its impact on our community. This approach emphasizes responsible land use, environmental stewardship and collaboration with stakeholders to create developments that enhance our quality of life while preserving the unique character of our county.”
Residing in Holladay with his family, Romero volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and mentors first-generation college students at the University of Utah. l
The Holladay Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Holladay. For information about distribution please email hello@ thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
EDITOR
Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com
Lindsay Andreasen | lindsay.a@thecityjournals.com
Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com
Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com
Marc Davis | marc.d@thecityjournals.com
Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022
Anna Pro
Ty Gorton
Stacey LaMont
9500 South 500 West, Suite 205
Sandy, UT 84070
PHONE: 801-254-5974
HOLLADAY TEAM
Ross Romero (far left) was sworn in as councilmember for Salt Lake County District 4. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
Salt Lake County District 4 Councilmember Ross Romero.
Local helps bridge the artistic gap with Four Lemons—Art within Reach
New art market hopes to make original art accessible to everyone.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Forover one hundred years, Pike Place Market has been known by many as the “Soul of Seattle” because of its vibrant art scene. Inspired by the Seattle-based market, in 1994, talented art curator Nanette Amis brought a little piece of the famous marketplace to Salt Lake City.
Amis’ Utah Art Market has popped up in various locations throughout Utah for over 30 years, including in her home and in her backyard. Finally, in October 2024, Amis realized the dream of offering her large, devoted clientele a full-time brick-and-mortar shop. The Four Lemons – Art within Reach is now home to the artwork of over one hundred thirty local and international artists and crafters.
Amis told the Journal she has no plans to throw fish over the counter as they used to do at the well-known seaside market in Seattle, but she definitely plans to provide art that resonates deeply with each customer and at prices accessible to most.
“I’m trying to reach out to the people that love original art and don’t think they can afford it,” Amis said. “A single mom came into the store a few weeks ago and fell in love with an original painting. Financially, it was simply out of her reach. The mission of Four Lemons is to make art accessible to everyone. I told her if you can pay toward it each month, I’ll hang on to the piece for you. I want to do everything I can to help people have an original piece of art in their home. It brings me so much happiness.”
The expansive 7,000-square-foot space showcases pottery, jewelry, woodworking, original paintings and prints, homemade jelly, woodcuts, fiber and wool arts, inviting all to explore pieces starting around $6 and with selections ascending to over $1,000.
Several well-known artists display their pieces at Four Lemons. Clint Whiting’s impressionistic realism art has received numerous awards and also “best of show” at events in New York City, New Jersey, Naples, Milan and Rome.
Oil and acrylic painter Tricia Cook’s simple, clean lines and balanced colors, shapes, and textures bring out the beauty in her simplistic artistic scenes and are easily incorporated into a home setting.
Sarah Winegar’s nod to the Byzantine period is evident in many of her inspirational pieces. Her relief woodcut prints of the Last Supper bring human figures together, flowing in unity, each with his own story to tell. The unseen feelings of the individuals are portrayed in the fine, detailed cuts in the wood.
Primarily, a botanical and landscape artist, Rachel Nelson has a large following of devoted collectors. She strives for an overall painting composition that combines the detailed light and color techniques of realism and the loose brush strokes of impressionism.
Amis began collecting African art about 10 years ago. She wanted to promote emerging artists from developing countries as a humanitarian effort. She ordered handmade baskets from a family in Ghana. Also, she decided to contact Muramuzi John Bosco, a Ugandan contemporary artist based in Kampala in eastern Africa. Amis ordered 15 pieces of his art for the store. He shipped them from Africa. Amis framed and sold half of them.
In January, Amis and her husband visited friends who were living in Nairobi, her first experience visiting Africa.
“When I was in Nairobi, we went out for dinner one night at the restaurant where Muramuzi displays his art,” Amis said. “I had no idea Muramuzi would be there. He only comes to Nairobi twice a year, and I only visit Nairobi once in a lifetime. What an unbelievable coincidence!”
Muramuzi shared in a conversation at dinner that the proceeds from the art sales at Four Lemons has been used to build a Christian school for the children in his community. Now, every piece of his art that is sold, helps a student for one year.
How to become a Four Lemon’s art vendor
Amis shares on her website that if you’d like to join the Four Lemons family, you are encouraged to apply for the Utah Art Market first. If your products are well-received by Utah Art Market customers, an invitation will be extended to showcase your work at Four Lemons.
Finding an art style to become a collector
During a recent appearance on Studio 5 KSL, Amis encouraged viewers to explore, discover, and find their own art style as a collector. She presented some simple ways to begin.
1. 1. Discover what you like by following artists on social media, visiting galleries and paying attention to what draws you in to a piece of art.
2. 2. Identify a preference of style such as traditional, impressionistic, abstract or realism.
3. 3. Find inspiration for identifying a style and beginning an art collection in things you enjoy doing and personal interests.
4. 4. Reflect on colors you are drawn to.
5. 5. You don’t have to pick just one style. It works to mix and match styles, create themed collections or gallery walls.
“We offer many different services at Four Lemons,” Amis said. “We have people
at our store who can help you hang gallery walls if you feel intimidated by creating a gallery or themed collection.”
A place for community to gather and make connections
Art is a powerful catalyst that brings people together, creating meaningful connections. It weaves the shared stories of communities, igniting reflection and encouraging dialogue. In the future, Amis envisions Four Lemons as a gathering place for small communities, including book clubs, art events, and various gatherings. The Utah Art Market will be held four times a year at the store, and art education classes will be offered monthly by Four Lemon artists.
“I love the idea of looking toward this becoming a place of community where people can gather to meet, connect and find common ground,” Amis said. “I think little groups of community could gather at Four Lemons to share interests. I am an inclusive person and I love nothing more than for people to meet artists and artists to meet collectors and artists to meet each other creating a space of community.”
The importance of collecting art
According to Amis, an original piece of art is timeless and something to be kept forever. She suggests not many material things bought in a lifetime last and are special enough to be handed down from generation to generation. Art can be hung on a wall, set out on a table to be enjoyed, or given to someone else to enjoy their entire life, which Amis feels is the true beauty of art.
“When I was newly married, I couldn’t afford to buy original art. One Christmas,
my brother David gave me a still-life painting that he had bought at Dolores Chase Gallery in downtown Salt Lake. The painting was of four lemons on a windowsill created by Rebecca Wagstaff. It was the first piece of original art I had owned. I was really taken aback by his giving me such a treasured gift. Knowing I now owned a piece of original art felt so important. Because this painting holds such sentimental value, I decided to name my store Four Lemons.”
For now, the painting of the four little lemons sitting on the windowsill can be found on the counter right next to the cash register. It extends a warm welcome to each patron who enters the store. Many years from now, when the store lights have dimmed, and the door whispers closed for the last time, the small four lemon painting will move on, finding a cherished place in the home of one of Nanette’s children to love across the generations to come with a piece of art.
Location 4850 South Highland Drive, Holladay, Utah
Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Contact (385) 228-9434
fourlemonsart@gmail.com
To learn more about the Utah Art Market and how to become a vendor, visit www. utahartmarket.com. l
The Four Lemons – Art within Reach is now home to the artwork of over one hundred thirty local and international artists. (Photo courtesy Nanette Amis)
MEET DR. HARARAH, M.D.
Dr. Hararah, a triple board-certified physician, completed his residency in Family Medicine at NYU Langone and a fellowship in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine/Wound Care at SUNY Upstate University Hospital. With additional training in Bariatric Medicine and certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine, he brings expertise in primary care, dive medicine, bariatric medicine, and clinical hyperbarics. A firm believer in the biopsychosocial approach, Dr. Hararah views patients as complex individuals whose lives and experiences shape their healthcare.
Known for his compassionate care and dedication, he listens intently, prioritizes your well-being, and works to find the best diagnosis and treatment plan. As the owner of Riverstone Medical, Dr. Hararah is committed to helping you achieve your best health.
• Chronic, non-healing wounds
• Acute, minor wounds
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Venous ulcers
• Arterial ulcers
• Pressure injuries
• Chronic disease management Specializing in Wound Care:
• ...and more!
• Annual preventative physical exams
• Cancer screening
• Sick visits
• Specialist referrals
• Medication refills
We'd love to see you!
or fall on my face. I absolutely love the character-building process of the acting part of performing. I spend a lot of time in the character analysis in what I think about my character and actually being able to embody it. In part, I think it was this reflection process that moved me toward becoming a playwright.”
“Spartan Moms” is sponsored by the Holladay Arts Council and Josh and Merilee Adams, founders of Courage Theater a nonprofit theater company established in January of 2024. The theater company’s mission is to bring theater to communities for a reduced cost making it more accessible to families. The company highlights local playwrights and provides the opportunity to produce their pieces. “Spartan Moms” is the company’s second production.
“When Amy sent me her “Spartan Moms” script several months ago, I was so impressed I knew we simply had to do this show,” director Josh Adams said. “It is brilliant in the way that it was written. The script contains really intelligent rhetoric. It’s clever, fast, and true to life. Honestly, it’s what we all feel but don’t want to say. We are anxiously waiting for a sequel to ‘Spartan Moms.’ We want to work with Amy on all of her projects.”
“Spartan Moms” was specifically written for Banta’s friends who are middle-aged moms and wanted to be involved in theater.
“In theater, you have maidens, the young ingénue and their love stories, the matrons, grandmothers, and wise old women, but very
few plays focus on middle-aged moms with young children,” Banta said. “In this play, moms are still dealing with their children, but there are no children on stage.”
Community theater provides a great way to come out and connect through communal art.
“I think the performance of “Spartan Moms” is going to be a hoot and a half,” Banta said. “I wrote this thing to be hilarious. The test audience was just dying with laughter. I think isolation and communal crises are going on in the world. We all need to get out of our houses, off our screens, and sit with real humans, a live audience, and watch as real people put on a stunt show with a stroller.”
“Spartan Moms” opens Monday, May 1 at Holladay City Hall. Evening performances will be held Thursday through Saturday with a matinee performance included on Saturdays. Check Courage Theater’s website, couragetheater.org, for ticket availability, showtimes and audience guidelines. Although theater tickets are free, a five-dollar donation is requested. l
Cottonwood football suffers a setback this winter when one of its players has a stroke
Sophomore Christian Gonzalez was partially paralyzed in late February from a stroke at his birthday party, but survived and is on a slow road to recovery.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
ChristianGonzalez was celebrating his birthday party with some of his friends Feb. 22. These included Cottonwood High classmate Conner Beckstead and some members of Gonzalez’ family.
That’s when, according to Conner’s mother Rochelle Beckstead that Gonzalez suffered “a stroke and was LifeFlighted to Primary Children’s Hospital.”
Despite such devastating news, everyone including Christian’s own mother is staying #coltstrong during a difficult time for all members of the Cottonwood High family.
“Christian’s mom has been reaching out to coaches and players giving us updates,” said Cottonwood head football coach Tui Satuala, who just completed his first year leading the program. “I can’t imagine what she is going through. Hoping and praying for him.”
Many have been in this tight-knit community.
In the days following Gonzalez’ hospitalization, his friends, particularly some of his wrestling and football teammates, have kept the Cottonwood sophomore in good spirits.
In many cases, families for better or for worse tend to close ranks fast and only allow their own flesh and blood into a hospital room.
That circumstance often depends on the health of the individual in question, but one person that has kept things together when the Gonzalez family has overextended their own time and resources is Rochelle Beckstead, Conner’s mom.
Rochelle not only arranged some of the visits from fellow teammates and CHS students—she set up a GoFundMe that reached its $2,000 goal within days.
On March 7, Rochelle was able to report some good news on the GoFundMe page she set up.
“Thank you all again!! I will be presenting Christian’s family 1,758.50!! This is after the fees charged though go fund me!!,” she wrote. “I appreciate all of you!! Christian we are so proud of you!”
To have that sort of relief after such a terrible ordeal must be a big help to the Gonzalez family that is doing all it can in an impossible situation.
The stroke suffered by Gonzalez marks the second serious injury suffered by a Utah high school football player over the past 12 months. Bear River student-athlete Cameron West played on both offensive and defensive lines and passed away on July 5, 2024 due to cardiac arrest.
Gonzalez, a 5-foot-7, 235-pound football player and wrestler in the heavyweight division for Cottonwood, played in similar positions to West.
The Cottonwood sophomore Gonzalez was a force according to Coach Satuala, appearing on the offensive line at guard, and played in two positions last year on the Colts’ D-line, getting action at both nose guard and defensive tackle.
One highlight came at the Colts’ game at Stansbury when Gonzalez shed his blocker, burst through the Stallions’ offensive line and brought down the ball carrier for a loss. The big play has already earned Gonzalez dozens of views on his Hudl page while several more plays from other games stand out.
On that note, everyone including Gonzalez himself is crossing their fingers for a return to what will be his junior year at The Wood.
Just recently, his mother offered some words of encouragement on the Colts’ football Instagram page. That could be the sign of more little victories to come for a young man who
Sophomore Christian Gonzalez was partially paralyzed in late February from a stroke at his birthday party, but survived and is on a slow road to recovery. (Photo courtesy Tui Satuala)
could deadlift 345 pounds and squat 315.
“Great news—Christian was able to stand up today, get into a wheelchair, and even use the bathroom on his own. Goal No. 1 accomplished! His strength and determination are incredible,” she wrote. “He’s feeling a little pressure in his head, so he’s resting now, but nothing is slowing him down. While his arm isn’t working yet, standing up is a huge step forward.” l
April 2025
COUNCIL MESSAGE
When
You Need It, You Really Need It: Improving Holladay’s Storm Drain System
An effective storm drain system may not be your go-to topic of conversation, but when you need it, you are glad our storm water system is there! Over the past few years, Holladay has been focused on funding, planning for and upgrading our aging storm drains so that the water from spring snow-melt and August cloudbursts goes where it is supposed to without damaging public or private property or causing safety concerns.
BACKGROUND
Holladay’s storm drain system has developed in a fragmented manner, beginning well before we were even a city. Many sections were built independently, without any comprehensive master plan. This piecemeal approach has resulted in inefficiencies and vulnerabilities. For one thing, approximately half of the system relies on old, corrugated metal pipes. These pipes have a lifespan of about 30 years before they become susceptible to corrosion and eventual failure. In addition, as new roads were constructed through former Holladay farmland, developers were permitted to direct stormwater into existing irrigation ditches. Unfortunately, these ditches were never designed to handle such drainage loads, which increased flooding risks for private properties.
FUNDING
Recognizing the need for a more sustainable and resilient stormwater infrastructure, the city recently secured a $10 million bond to fund crucial storm
drain capital projects, rehabilitate existing storm drains, separate irrigation from stormwater flows, and implement other drainage improvements. For the past three years, city officials have worked diligently to ensure that these funds are used efficiently. Through extensive studies and collaboration with expert engineering consultants, the city has carefully planned projects and competitively bid out construction work to ensure the best value for taxpayers. During this time, the bond fund has also generated approximately $1 million in interest, allowing for additional storm drainage projects beyond the initial scope.
The storm system bond is repaid through a stormwater fee paid by city residents and businesses. To make the fee equitable, it is calculated based on the average amount of impervious surface area— such as concrete driveways and rooftops—on each lot within the city. Impervious surfaces prevent natural absorption of stormwater, leading to increased runoff into public roadways and the storm drain system. The stormwater fee ensures that funding remains available for ongoing maintenance and improvements.
PLANNING AND EXECUTION
The metal pipe storm drains in our city have sometimes been referred to as “old bones”. Excavating and replacing these pipes is a high-cost fix to the solution. Fortunately, modern technology has significantly advanced in the field of trenchless rehabilitation using a fiberglass or PVC liner. The city initially budgeted $2.5 million of the bond (Phase 1)for Storm Drain Lining. Phase 1 of the Storm Drain Lining Project is complete and provided very
Every year, BeReady Utah encourages residents of Utah to learn about, prepare for, and practice for earthquakes during the Great Utah ShakeOut, which takes place on April 17th.
It is estimated that there is a 57% probability of a 6.0 magnitude or greater earthquake occurring along the Wasatch Front in the next 50 years (WGUEP, 2016). In the immediate aftermath of a large earthquake, first responders will likely be overwhelmed with critical life safety response. Looking further out, residents may be without water, sewer, electricity, and other utilities for days, weeks, or even months. Our community needs to be ready to support each other during the sudden event and the long recovery that will follow.
There are many ways individuals, families, and businesses can become more prepared for an earthquake. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
1. Secure your space through a home hazard hunt (beready.utah.gov)
2. Add a few items to an existing 96-hour kit, or start a small emergency kit
3.Put together a family emergency plan
4.Practice Drop, Cover, & Hold On!
5.Take a first aid or CPR course
Additional resources to help you prepare for disaster and learn about earthquakes in Utah can be found at the websites beready.utah.gov and shakeout.org/Utah.
Throughout April, we encourage our community to participate in this effort by evaluating their preparations, updating emergency plans, and connecting with neighbors.
satisfactory results, providing a promising sign of things to some. As city staff continued mapping the storm drain system and conducting video inspections, it has become clear that additional pipe lining efforts are necessary. Many existing pipes have been found to be in poor condition, and proactive maintenance is critical to preventing costly failures.
In response to what we have learned in Phase 1, city staff are requesting an additional $800,000 to continue the storm drain lining process. By investing in preventative measures now, Holladay can save significant costs in the long run while ensuring a more reliable stormwater management system for residents.
MOVING AHEAD
These ongoing efforts reflect the city’s commitment to improving infrastructure, reducing flooding risks, and using financial resources wisely. With careful planning and strategic investments, the city is laying the groundwork for a stormwater system that will serve the community effectively for years to come. Residents can look forward to continued enhancements that protect both public and private properties from the impacts of inadequate drainage.
As these projects move forward, we will provide regular updates to keep the public informed about progress and upcoming improvements. With the community’s support and understanding we will build together a stronger, more resilient stormwater infrastructure.
Thanks to Holladay Public Services Director Jared Bunch for his assistance with this article.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
APRIL
Dark Skies for the Birds! Saturday, April 26: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Learn how to help birds, especially when they are migrating, by turning down your lights. Experts from the Clark Planetarium will be here to teach us. We will also have crafts for kids and adults.
NEW! Additional Storytime on Mondays
Every Monday starting on April 7th at 10:15 am
Children and their adults enjoy an interactive story time. Afterward, stay for an engaging activity.
—Matt Durham, Council Member District 2
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS at Holladay Lions Recreation Center
It’s BASKETBALL every Thursday at Holladay Lions Recreation Center in April from 5:15 pm–6 pm for ages 6–12. Participants will focus on FUNdamentals! Registration is required: holladaylionsrec.activityreg.com. This program is free for all My County Rec pass holders, a pilot program from Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. Find out more about the FREE program for Salt Lake County residents ages 0–18: slco.to/pass.
Teens with the My County Rec Pass can sign up for the Teens ONLY After Hours Event, Friday, April 25, 8 pm–10 pm. They can use the pool, gym or play games! Registration is required.
Glass Recycling
Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling offers free glass drop-off recycling at Megaplex Luxury Theaters at Cottonwood, located at 1945 E Murray Holladay Rd. Additionally, the district offers curbside glass recycling for $22.50 per quarter.
It’s important to note that while glass is recyclable, it must be kept out of the blue single-stream recycling bin. If glass is included in the curbside bin, it will be considered contamination and will be disposed of as garbage.
Recycling glass properly provides the following benefits:
1. Glass is endlessly recyclable. (With shortages in highgrade silica and increasing demand in the construction industry, recycling glass is critical.)
2. Glass recycling creates more jobs per ton of material than simply landfilling.
3. Recycled glass products consume 40% less energy than producing new glass from virgin materials.
4. Recycling 6 tons of glass reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1 ton.
5. Recycling glass helps preserve the life of the landfill, which in turn helps keep waste and transportation costs lower.
Glass recycling, whether through our bulk recycling system or curbside service, is a great resource for residents to reduce their environmental impact.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Rob Dahle, Mayor rdahle@holladayut.gov 801-580-3056
Ty Brewer, District 1 tbrewer@holladayut.gov 801-550-8747
Matt Durham, District 2 mdurham@holladayut.gov 801-999-0781
Paul Fotheringham, District 3 pfotheringham@holladayut.gov 801-424-3058
Drew Quinn, District 4 dquinn@holladayut.gov 801-860-6130
Emily Gray, District 5 egray@holladayut.gov 801-755-3477
Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@holladayut.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS:
by Wendy Frank -City of Holladay Tree Committee
Add some spring to your step by celebrating our Arbor Day Celebration at Cottonwood Elementary on Friday, April 25,from 12:45-1:15 p.m. The school is located at 5205 S. Holladay Blvd.
The Holladay Tree Committee, ISA Certified Arborists from Certified Arborist Solutions, Tree Utah, and Green Pointe Tree Care will be leading the celebratory plantings of two non-fruit-bearing flowering Cherry Trees and a Rocky Mountain Maple tree, all donated by SuperTrees Nursery.
Principal Teri Cooper and the Cottonwood Elementary PTA, led by President Kristin Macey, have been rigorously working to ensure all their students will have a meaningful and memorable environmental experience. Councilman Matt Durham will speak on behalf of Mayor Dahle, students will read original poems and display artwork, and tree-naming contest winners will be announced.
If you are a visitor, please arrive on the playground no earlier than 12:40 P.M., due to students’ recess. If early, you may wait on the front grounds before proceeding to the courtyard. Plant on!
Adopt
a Shelter Pet
Salt Lake County Animal Services
In 2024, Salt Lake County Animal Services welcomed 6,926 animals into the shelter, with 2,449 finding new homes through adoption. If you’re considering adding a pet to your loving family, please consider adoption as your first choice. The most compelling reason to adopt is the opportunity to save a pet’s life. Choosing a shelter pet gives them a second chance and contributes to breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation. We need families and individuals to adopt a pet and help free up some of our kennel space for the stray pets that come in every day.
Visit our website at AdoptUtahPets.org to explore our adoptable pets or come see us Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm to meet your new furry best friend. Our friendly Adoption Team is here to help find the perfect pet match for you! The adoption process includes low-cost adoption fees, all pets available for adoption will already be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and will even go home with a new leash and collar.
Salt Lake County Animal Services provides a diverse range of highly adoptable pets, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, and birds. Our collection includes various cat and dog breeds, covering different ages, genders, and personalities. The diverse selection ensures there’s a perfect match for every potential adopter. Questions about adoptions? Email: Adoptions@slco.org
PLAN YOUR COMMUTE
SALT LAKE CITY MARATHON SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025
The University of Utah Health Salt Lake City Marathon will be held April 26, 2025! It will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 5K, 10K run, 26-mile bike tour, and a 1K kids’ marathon.
The race will come through the City of Holladay starting at 3900 S. The route will follow 2300 E. southbound to Holladay Blvd and then loop back on itself. Major intersections will have a Traffic Officer to facilitate cross-traffic flow whenever there are breaks in runners and it is safe to do so. However, please plan alternate routes of travel around the race as crossing through intersections will be extremely delayed.
2300 E. will be restricted to one direction of travel, northbound only, from Evergreen Ave. to Holladay Blvd. from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For a detailed map of the race course, volunteer information and more, go to saltlakecitymarathon.com
EDUCATION SECTION
SheTech Day sparks creativity and curiosity into next-gen tech leaders
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Ninth-grader Julia Ashby, of Riverview Junior High in Murray, wanted to explore AI and ChatGPT while Hadley Miller, a Draper Park Middle School student, was looking into college chemical engineering programs. Callyn Mortensen, a ninth grader at Sunset Ridge Middle School in West Jordan, was discovering more about coding and freshman Chelsea Baker, from Brighton High in Cottonwood Heights, was investigating various technology-related careers at the event.
These students were among the 3,000 girls from ninth to 12th grade who attended SheTech Explorer Day, an event designed to introduce girls to the world of technology in a fun, engaging atmosphere. During the event, they had the opportunity to meet STEM role models and discover a wide array of opportunities in the field.
Throughout the morning, girls from high schools across the state participated in more than 40 workshops focused on topics such as programming, engineering, aerospace, robotics, product invention, entrepreneurship, biomedicine, digital marketing, web design and gaming.
In addition, they had the chance to experience the interactive TechZone, where local STEM companies and educational institutions provided opportunities to learn about internships, programs and industry experiences.
The day wrapped up with a collaborative small group exercise in which the girls worked together to brainstorm, innovate and pitch solutions in a TechChallenge, all while being guided by industry mentors.
Students learned about the event through fliers posted at schools, emails from counselors or by hearing from teachers in various classes ranging from interior design to computer science to manufacturing technology.
Hailey Derr, a ninth grader at Cottonwood High in Murray, wanted to explore
biomedical engineering careers, so she visited her career center and discovered the event was a good opportunity. She’s already planning to take medical terminology and medical math next year.
Reagan Fairchild, a ninth grader from Sunset Ridge, was learning “how they keep patients safe during surgery and other cool things in the medical field” as she explored the TechZone.
Sydney Birk from Draper Park Middle School had just finished astronaut training.
“I was clicking a button to spawn an object and grab it or flick it to a target; if I hit the target, it gave a score,” she said. “It was fun. I want to be an astronaut and this is better than online simulations.”
Rylee Blackwell from Hidden Valley Middle School in Bluffdale was trying out Alexa glasses.
“I like how you can hear music and nobody else can,” she said. “I was in my own little world while there’s so many people here. It was relaxing.”
Retired electrical engineer Shari Mann demonstrated how to use the Alexa glasses with built-in microphones, offering a hands-free experience.
“I'm really passionate about inspiring girls to go into engineering,” she said. “I like how excited the girls are to try on the Alexa glasses and not just learn how they work, but understand it.”
Mann’s father encouraged her to pursue engineering back when there were “just a handful of females studying engineering” at the University of Texas in the late 1980s. She has since programmed microchips and holds patents in the field.
“I always say, engineers invent the world, and we need all different kinds of people represented in inventing this world; it’s a great career and it’s been fun,” Mann said.
Sydney Birk from Draper Park Middle School took part of virtual reality astronaut training during SheTech Explorer Day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
During SheTech Explorer Day, ninth-graders Julia Ashby, Lexie Nelson and Aubrey Clayton of Riverview Junior High in Murray experimented with InstaSnow. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
From seed to sale: Entrada’s botany program offers hands-on learning
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Every year, just around Mother’s Day, Entrada High School hosts a plant sale, offering a wide variety of plants “dirt cheap.”
Patrons can find packs of Roma, cheery, and large tomatoes, as well as sweet and hot peppers, often selling for just a few dollars. There are also herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and others, along with geraniums and coleus.
These plants, and others sold at the event, provide valuable hands-on training for adult students working toward their high school diploma or GED, while also earning science and elective credits. The proceeds from the sale are reinvested into the program, buying supplies for the next year.
The botany-greenhouse program has been running this way since teacher Anita Leimbach and community education facilitator Cheri Prince took it over in 2014 after the previous instructor retired. While Prince now helps coordinate the sale, David Dau joined as the new instructor four years ago.
“These students learn how to be responsible,” Leimbach said. “One student could screw up hundreds of plants in 20 minutes if they don’t listen to directions. The sale from last year gives us the money to buy the soil and the pots for this year. So, they're all trading on last year's good students.”
In early March, the class was transplanting coleus into larger pots. Three teenage boys worked side by side.
Senior Sajjad Alsarifee, who hopes to grow a lawn in his yard, explained transplanting is important. His friend, junior Mohamed Hameed, said it helps the roots spread out.
Junior Khalid Khudair explained: “The roots are too smashed in together; when they germinate, you have to make sure they have space to live in. Being compact isn’t good.”
The boys came to Entrada for different reasons, none of which involved becoming botanists.
“I came because I wanted to get my credits finished faster and I can test out of classes,” Hameed said. “I’m getting science credit and it’s hands-on, which makes it more fun than some other classes. I like that we give back to the community when they buy the plants. It provides students more opportunities.”
Khudair, who had missed 1.5 months of class while on a vacation, was catching up on credits, while Alsarifee admitted he had skipped class his sophomore year.
“I always had something better
to do, like walk around,” he said. “I’ve made up a lot of credits here.”
Leimbach said her students come from a variety of backgrounds, including those who speak English as a second language, as well as students who are homeless or autistic.
“This is a rewarding class for many of our students. We’ve had students who excel in this who don't academically because it's hands-on; that's the difference. Everybody can do it, and some of these are smart kids. It just does my heart good to see these kids who have struggled to do so well. It’s the beauty of this program. They see progress and get to see projects completed. They come and see the plants remembering they may have transplanted them or made cuttings and now they’re in bloom,” she said, adding, “Some of them never even knew where a tomato came from.”
Typically, about 15 students attend the class twice a week for two hours. The course lasts about a month and counts toward the 24 credits Entrada students need for graduation. Currently, most of the 800 Entrada students are between the ages of 17 and 20.
“We have at least one botany class every session. Dave often will do it in the summer. Then come January, we offer two classes till May, which is more than we’ve had in the past. They always fill up,” she said.
Junior Jade Shafer-Pedersen has taken the class five times.
“I love this class,” she said. “It just gives me an outlet for creativity and it’s a personal connection between me and the plants. It just gives me a sense of peace in my school day, it's a nice safe space. I’m proud of these little guys for growing. I've learned so much from this class. I've only really grown house plants before and now, I’ll probably play with plants for the rest of my life. Anita and Dave are good teachers. They let us do our thing and then help us when we need it.”
When Shafer-Pedersen came to Entrada, she had “zero credits.”
“I never went to high school before. When the whole COVID virus happened, everyone went home from school, and I never went back. I never stepped foot in high school,” she said. “I never thought I would come back until I tried Entrada. I love it here. It’s so different.”
After finishing transplanting, Shafer-Pedersen and the others asked if they should remove the growth from the geraniums, deposit old soil and move the bags of new soil into the greenhouse.
“That's another thing I like,” Leimbach said. “They say, ‘Should I do this? They know what needs to be done and take that initiative. They care about the plants and the program.”
The program has blossomed over the years. It’s no longer just rows of plants in the greenhouse. In a portable classroom under lights, 4,000 plants are growing. By the time the sale comes around, there will be 2,400 tomatoes,
3,400 squash and cucumbers, and 2,000 peppers, in addition to geraniums, coleus, and house plants.
“When Dave was hired, he brought it to another level. He built the grow stations, and they germinate better there than the greenhouse because we could keep them a steady temperature. Then we bring them all over to the greenhouse. He’s also done hydroponics in the winter in the classroom, so the students are learning about that. Every year we learn to make it easier, so students can have a lot of success, and we get better results. He’s taken it to a more scientific level where I come from a gardener perspective,” she said.
Dau not only helps with the 10,000plus plants at Entrada, he has set up a 3,000-plant sale at nearby Jordan Valley, a school for students that have severe multiple disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, communication impairments, genetic disorders and syndromes, deaf–blindness and, for students who are extremely medically fragile.
He also runs a business from home, selling about 1,500 plants.
“Once we set the expectations for the class, everyone realizes the relevancy. They learn how to set up the greenhouse, how to plant with healthy soil, how to water correctly, how to work as a team. Anita helps them understand the importance of the plants and the process; I’m the mad scientist,” said Dau,
Junior Jade Shafer-Pedersen said working in Entrada’s greenhouse gives her an outlet for creativity and connection with the plants. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Entrada students Mohamed Hameed, Khalid Khudair and Sajjad Alsarifee water the plants after transplanting them. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
who has taken Utah State University’s master gardening class three times as “there’s always something new to learn.”
The former school principal said students get dirty in the self-sustaining program.
“They’re learning how to propagate plants, transplant them into pots, grow lettuce and kale in hydroponics using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, they’re learning that a controlled atmosphere and soil temperature has helped growth, so they’re learning the science behind it,” he said. “They’re understanding plants and what they need.”
He explained students gain confidence by realizing they can grow plants without killing them, that asking logical questions will get them answers, and that giving plants attention is key to their success.
“Growing plants is part art and part science. For many, this is outside their comfort zone so they’re learning to work in teams as they learn new skills and vocabulary, to take direction and work with others, to be resilient and to appreciate a job well done,” he said.
Working with some of his immigrant students has led Entrada to grow plants native to their homelands.
“Some of them are really excited they can grow plants in their apartments that are important to the foods of their culture,” Dau said.
This has also expanded the variety of produce grown. The program typically grows 36 varieties of tomatoes, six varieties of hot and sweet peppers, six annual herbs, six perennial herbs, and four types of basil.
Through the plant sale, Dau said the community doesn’t just come for “cheap plants.”
“It’s building a community for students. We aren’t a traditional high school where you rally around a sports game or a performing arts performance. We’re providing goodwill for the community and they’re providing support for our students.”
Continued from front page
Jenny Curtis, Jordan School District’s work-based learning assistant, said the opportunity is incredible for girls.
“It’s cool, just to see all of these industries here, providing support and information and bringing all of these wonderful, mostly ladies, in tech,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity for girls to see what's happening in the field.”
Eileen Kasteler, Brighton High’s workbased learning facilitator, has brought students to the event for years and appreciates the event’s accessibility.
“It’s astonishing that a professional event of this caliber is free to girls year after
Making Lucas smile: Peer efforts to include lovable stuffed animal
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Antelope Canyon Elementary third-grader Lucas Ellis has been dealing with leukemia since 2023, with treatments, hospitalizations and medications, but one of the hardest things about the experience for the happy and social kid has been missing school.
“He has always been a very social kid— he thrives in having those interactions with his friends,” his mom, Marcela Ellis said. “When he first was diagnosed, we did a lot of online classes, which were helpful, but we could see that his emotional well-being wasn't being taken care of as well as we wanted it to be.”
When Lucas’ illness relapsed in January, his teacher Megan Dotson stepped into action to create ways for Lucas to remain connected to her, his classmates and the classroom.
She made T-shirts with Lucas’ signature smile and blue glasses which all her students and those in Lucas’ two siblings’ classes, as well as staff members and parents wear each Friday (which Dotson calls Lucas Friday.)
Through a foundation called Monkey in My Chair, Dotson arranged for a lovable stuffed monkey to sit in Lucas’ seat when he is not able to come to class. Students tote the monkey with them to the library, lunch and PE class, and send Lucas pictures of his adventures to help him feel included.
“We love getting the pictures of George the Monkey playing in the parachutes, or going to recess or at lunch—he loves it,” Ellis said. “What he considers the fun, the ‘not school stuff,’ he doesn't get to be part of that, so getting the pictures of the monkey and the letters describing all those things— he loves it.”
Dotson said the monkey sitting in his chair has helped students not forget about Lucas.
“Putting him in our room, it honestly feels whole again,” she said.
Students also stay in communication with Lucas by sending notes to him through a class mailbox. Dotson said she always emphasizes kindness and inclusion in her class-
year,” she said. “I like how the student ambassadors greet new girls, making it personal and welcoming.”
Gretel Diederich, a junior at Alta High in Sandy, completed her first year on the SheTech student board.
“I like the program and wanted to keep it going, so I thought the best way was to be an ambassador and support it,” she said. “I like exploring the booths and love talking to all the people to learn about all the programs I don’t know about. I also really love the girls. I made friends two years ago, and I still talk to them when I see them here. It says a lot about the SheTech community and the people.”
room but the last few months have given her students opportunities to put those values into practice.
“I've watched the empathy in each of these little kids grow by a million and a half,” Dotson said. “They just talk about it all the time, how excited they are for Lucas Friday, or how they're going to grab an extra this or whatever at home to put in his mailbox, or things like that. And just watching them care for someone else has been really, really cool, and then come up with ideas of how we're going to, or what we're going to say, or what they'd like to do to show him love. I encourage that a lot in this room, but I have watched it grow tremendously in the last little bit.”
Dotson comes to Lucas’ home to work with him regularly. She also visits him when he is in the hospital. Lucas said all the support from his teacher and classmates feels “awesome.”
Ellis said the support has been incredible.
“It makes him feel like people are there,
She was joined by her sister, freshman Leslie, who appreciated the event's schedule of workshops, and Alta High junior Audrey Semler, who was enjoying engaging with industry experts and participants.
“I love the energy here; everyone is having fun and it’s easy to talk to everyone,” she said. “I learned about different organizations for internships and college programs and scholarships.”
even if he can't see them and if he can't hang out with them, people are there for him,” she said. “It's made a huge impact on his well-being emotionally. We noticed that when he is in a good mood or in a good emotional state, he recovers from the chemo or the procedures a lot quicker than when he's sad or feeling a little bit depressed.”
She said it was such a relief when Dotson took the initiative to arrange the zoom calls and the plan for keeping Lucas up with his classwork.
“That was a huge burden that she lifted,” she said. “As a family, we were worrying about all these other things that we had to do—his medication, finding a donor—all of it—and to not have to worry about that was just incredible.”
At the end of February, Lucas received a school-wide superhero’s farewell as he left school to prepare for a bone marrow transplant, which will keep him out of school for at least a year.
Kaitlin White, a freshman from Brighton, was eager to explore the booths at the TechZone, where girls could try several interactive activities as well as sample a new Coca-Cola flavor to checking out a Cybertruck. They could even test angular momentum.
“I find STEM stuff interesting, and I want to learn what I can do in the future in a tech career,” she said. “I also want to be a sci fi author so this definitely helps with that.”
Near the area where robotic cars were being driven, Riverview Junior High ninthgrade students Lexie Nelson and Aubrey Clayton were experimenting with InstaSnow.
“There's so many more careers than I thought there would be here; it’s awesome,” Clayton said. Nelson added: “It’s all fun; I love the women empowerment.”
Megan Dotson leads her student Lucas Ellis through a hero’s farewell given by his classmates as he leaves school to prepare for a bone marrow transplant. (Kraig Williams/JSD)
Granite School District 2025 Boundary Study
Scan to learn more about Population Analysis Studies:
Learn more at:
www.graniteschools.org/planning/
During the February 5, 2025 Granite School District Board of Education meeting, the board approved an elementary boundary and closure study for “Area 5.”
Area 5 includes the following elementary schools, listed in alphabetical order: Cottonwood, Crestview, Driggs, Eastwood, Morningside, Oakridge, Oakwood, Penn, Rosecrest, and Upland Terrace. However, boundary or feeder pattern adjustments to secondary schools could occur as a result of elementary changes.
Two open house meetings about this study were held in March. Recordings are available on the Granite School District website.
Questions to Ask When Considering an Independent School
What are the school’s mission and values?
Understanding the school’s core mission and values is necessary to understanding the community your child will join. It’s best to look for one aligned with your family’s values. At Rowland Hall, we believe education has the power to give students agency and purpose while connecting them to their community.
What is the school’s curriculum?
Independent schools aren’t bound to set curriculums like public schools are. A school’s curriculum should prioritize academic excellence while incorporating global perspectives, innovation, and creativity. It should also focus on nurturing a child’s social and emotional well-being. Rowland Hall’s curriculum prioritizes student centered learning, inquiry-based approaches, and experiential education.
What is the school’s average class size?
Smaller class sizes equate to more personal attention from teachers. With more attention from a teacher, students see improvements in academic performance, self-esteem, and social skills. Rowland Hall features a student-to-teacher ratio of 9: 1 and an average class size of 15.
Does the school provide nancial aid or scholarships?
Cost can vary widely per school and it’s important for families to consider the long-term value of the education schools provide. Rowland Hall o ers nancial aid and scholarships to families from all backgrounds. We believe that quality education should be available to all.
How is the school’s college placement?
Top independent schools successfully match students with premier universities, thanks to the excellence of their college counselors. However, while many families are interested in top colleges, the best schools will emphasize matching each student with the right- t institution. At Rowland Hall, 100% of graduates are admitted to college, with 67% admitted to highly selective institutions. In addition, 75% of students receive college scholarships.
Are you ready to explore Rowland Hall?
We look forward to connecting with you. Please contact us at admission@rowlandhall.org
Population analysis studies are conducted every year in areas where student population numbers have changed significantly. The study process is almost a full calendar year with many opportunities for community input before a decision is made to adjust school boundaries or close schools.
No final decisions about any boundary changes or school closures in this area will be made until December 2025.
Looking for a fresh start?
DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE
Each child deserves to be known and nurtured. At Rowland Hall, students are valued for who they are as individuals. Through meaningful relationships with passionate teachers, students feel heard, valued, and empowered to make a difference in the world.
Last November, Salt Lake County voters considered a $500 million public safety bond on their ballot. The funding was intended to expand the Metro Jail by adding more jail beds, and a smaller portion was for a Justice and Accountability Center – a facility for low-level offenders offering mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and job placement assistance. Despite the need for jail services, voters rejected the bond by roughly 52-48 percent.
For years, the county has anticipated this issue. To help offset the cost, several years ago, I led an effort to set aside $100 million dollars for jail expansion, but this reserve isn’t enough. Although the jail bond didn’t pass, the need for jail expansion remains.
The county council recently implemented a small sales tax--one penny for every $5 spent. One quarter goes to Salt Lake County for public safety, one quarter goes to cities for transportation, and half goes back to the state legislature for transportation projects.
For now, the county’s portion will fund the temporary re-opening of a pod at the Oxbow Jail, adding 248 jail beds over the next six months as well as fund deferred maintenance at Oxbow until we can eventually expand the Metro Jail.
Salt Lake County operates two jails, the
Public Safety is still top priority
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County
Councilwoman|
District 3
Metro Jail and Oxbow. Both house inmates, but one has laundry facilities and the other has the kitchen that prepares meals for both. We are constantly transporting these services back and forth between the two which is costly and inefficient.
The bond was intended to help us permanently shut down Oxbow, an aging facility with significant deferred maintenance issues. For now, expanding Oxbow is a temporary solution with the goal to invest as little as possible until we pass a future jail bond to expand the Metro Jail.
Salt Lake County funds public safety services through our general fund, which totals approximately $600 million. Over 74% of that budget already goes toward public safety, covering jail operations, the sheriff’s office, prosecution, indigent defense, and related services. While we continually
seek ways to be more efficient, our current revenue simply isn’t enough to expand the Metro jail and add jail beds. Something has to change.
I’m sharing this with you for two important reasons. First, I believe in transparency. Second, we should have done a better job educating the public on why the public safety bond was necessary. We’ve asked the mayor and sheriff to bring back a more cost-effective option for expanding the Metro Jai and it will likely be on the ballot in
This future bond, called a "General Obligation Bond," will save taxpayers money. It has much lower interest rates than other types of bonds and is kept separate from the county’s overall budget. While taxes would go up either way, passing this bond will cost taxpayers less in the long run.
When the time comes, I encourage you to take a closer look. Public safety remains our top priority, and we hope you’ll stand with us in addressing this urgent need.
Competitive Region 6 offers big challenges for Olympus boys soccer team
The Olympus boys soccer team knows winning Region 6 will be a tall order but have set a goal to be competitive in the talented league.
By Josh McFadden
It’s
no secret that Region 6 boys soccer is strong. The Olympus Titans hope to be a factor in the league, but finishing near the top will require hard work, dedication and consistent play.
Olympus was 5-7 in region action last season, finishing in a tie for fourth place in the seven-team league. Overall, Olympus went an even 8-8. The Titans defeated West 3-2 in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament before falling in round two at region rival Alta 1-0. Olympus is aiming for a winning record in region games for the first time since 2022 when it went 7-5.
New head coach Isaac James inherits a team with a lot of optimism for 2025. The Titans realize they’ll need to beat some good teams to achieve their goals, but James said everyone is buying into what it takes to be successful.
“The players are excited and looking forward to competing this season,” James said. “They understand how good the competition is and how challenging the tasks ahead, but they’re eager to compete and prove themselves.”
Olympus had a rough start to the season, falling in its first three games, two of which were by a single goal. However, on March 12, the Titans got in the win column with a 2-0 victory over Judge Memorial. They’ll play each region foe twice, beginning with a game at Alta on March 14, after our press deadline.
James has lofty aspirations for his squad in year one of his tenure.
“We want to finish in the top half of a strong 5A Region 6,” he said. “We have a goal to finish with a winning record, and we
want to make a deep playoff run.”
While James is intent on working toward these objectives, wins and losses aren’t the only things he’s looking at. He said he will also measure success in other ways, such as enjoying the game, improving and better understanding the right way to play.
“Results are important and certainly the easiest success metric to track,” James aid. “But ultimately, we want to create an environment of learning, development, personal growth and fun.”
Coming into the program as the new person in charge, James faces some of the same uncertainties as any incoming head coach. Change can be difficult for players, as can getting team members to buy into a new philosophy and system. However, James has been impressed with his players’ response and commitment.
“This team is really unified; they have great respect for each other,” James said. “They give outstanding effort and are very positive. This team has great character.”
James is working on improving the team’s physicality, as the Titans “aren’t the biggest team.” James also wants to see progress on the defensive end of the field.
These aspects of the game, along with the gauntlet that is Region 6, aren’t the only challenges that lie in front of Olympus this season.
“The competitiveness of Region 6 in 5A will be a fun challenge,” James said. “There are many great players and teams we’ll have the opportunity to compete against. Team chemistry and cohesion are always a challenge in the high school environment, and this year is no different for us, with many of our players new to varsity this year. Finally, every high school season is a test of endurance and resilience. Preventing or limiting injury and establishing depth will be a key challenge and critical to our success.”
Olympus’ team captains have done a good job in bringing
the players together, James said. He likes his captains’ leadership and their steady play on the field. The four captains consist of three seniors—center midfielder Asher Gubler, center back Jonathan Dansie and center forward Drew Norton—and junior center midfielder Griffin Stebbing. Gubler led the Titans in assists last season with six, and he tallied three goals as well. He had two assists through the first four games this season. The leading scorer in the first four games was junior Carter Rollins with three goals.
Perhaps the best trait this Olympus team possesses, James said, is its unselfishness.
“We love the selflessness of this group, the willingness to support and lift up their teammates—to put others’ needs above their own,” James said. “Nobody much cares who scores the goal or who makes the mistake; they win and lose together. They embody a great team mentality and work ethic. That makes for a great group to coach.” l
Skyline FBLA members take home high honors at the state competition
The business club at Skyline has demonstrated exponential growth over the past few years.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Anhkhoa Le came for the free pizza but stayed for the community.
He joined Skyline High School’s Future Business Leaders of America program as a freshman four years ago and now serves as the club’s president.
He and members of the Skyline FBLA program spent three days of intense competition at the state FBLA conference. Of the 75 teams that competed for Skyline, 30 placed high enough to compete in California at the national FBLA competition.
“It was definitely exhausting for a lot of people, but it paid off in the end,” Anhkhoa said. “This is the most amount of teams Skyline has ever had that qualified for the national event and placed so highly.”
Skyline received several first-place awards during the state event. Jonathan Chen won for Agribusiness; Anhkhoa, Kyle Linnhan and Daniel Luo took the top spot in Banking amd Financial Systems; Jonah Fearnley and Ivy Zhao topped the Data Analysis category; Kaitlyn Cao, Sophia Cheng and Zibo Wang earned first for Hospitality and Event Management; Melanie Wang won Introduction to Business Communication; Sreeram Patcha took first for Introduction to Financial Math; Daniel won Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure; Mindy Phan topped the Public Speaking category; Monika Cinbis took first for
Skyline High School had 75 teams compete at the FBLA State Conference in March. Thirty of those teams placed high enough to attend the national competition in California this summer.
(Photo courtesy of SHS)
Supply Chain Management and Anhkhoa won Who’s Who in FBLA.
Anhkhoa (17) first joined FBLA because they offered free pizza during the meetings. He stuck around after finding like-minded people who pushed him to go outside his comfort zone and try new things.
“It got me involved and super interested in the club,” he said. “It was a third space for me because in life there’s school and home or work, but FBLA let me stay and find my community.”
Anhkoa served as the president of the state chapter this year. After he graduates this spring, he plans to attend a fouryear university where he can study economic policy.
Sophia (17) serves as vice president for Skyline’s FBLA chapter and also serves as a state officer. She said the club has experienced significant growth over the last few years with previous members starting their own businesses or working with companies like Apple and Meta.
“FBLA is a community and we have a really great community,” Sophia said. “Everyone’s super supportive and it’s super fun to go to competitions together. It definitely gives you a lot of skills you wouldn’t get otherwise. It gives you a lot of confidence in communication and public speaking skills and I think that appeals a lot to students.”
During the state conference, Skyline FBLA members were elected to serve as two of eight statewide officials for the upcoming year. Jonathan Chen and Zibo Wang are both aspiring leaders who are excited to serve the thousands of FBLA students in the state.
“FBLA is an experience all high school students have to try,” Jonathan said. “To me, FBLA has brought me leadership, networking skills and opportunities for success that have shaped me into the character I am today.”
The Skyline FBLA teams will compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 29-July 2. For more information, visit FLBA.org or UtahFLBA.org.
“Every year, with Skyline FBLA, we get bigger and we do better,” Anhkhoa said. “I think we’ve reached the cap and then the next year it proves me wrong and we somehow grow even bigger and do even better.” l
Olympus’ Asher Gubler controls the ball in action earlier this season against Fremont. Gubler is a team captain and leader in assists. (Photos courtesy of Isaac James)
4/2/25
4/3/25
4/10/25
Seshin, Utah’s first Korean body scrub spa, is now open, offering a unique and deeply exfoliating skincare experience.
Founded by Alexandra Panasiuk and Catherine Howard, the spa brings the time-honored Korean tradition of body scrubbing to t community. After experiencing an authentic Korean scrub in Asia, Alexandra was amazed by the results. She shared her excitement with Catherine, whose first-generation Korean background made her familiar with the treatment.
Recognizing its potential, they launched Seshin Spa to help Utahns achieve smooth, refreshed, and glowing skin. The spa welcomes the community to experience the difference. Call today to book your first treatment!
The newspeak and doublethink we endure each day can be
Russia
is our ally. Canadians are the enemy. Tariffs will make us richer but we’re cutting staff at national parks. Measles is back. Gaza is the new Riviera. The economy is crashing and it’s tax season when I pay thousands of dollars to the government so it can purchase Tesla Cybertrucks to send to Jupiter.
The newspeak and doublethink we endure each day can be a bit overwhelming, but I’ve found a way to get through the endless cycle of breaking news: denial.
Denial is a beautiful, hazy way to spend your day. Instead of crying through a CNBC report, denial allows you to drift on a cloud of puff pastry surrounded by cherry trifle and savory scones.
This specific form of denial is “The Great British Bake Off” and it saved me during March when I was knee-deep in tissues, cough syrup and tariff wars. There’s only so much idiocy one can endure while healing from pneumonia.
Unlike American reality shows that foster cruelty and conflict, GBBO features a dozen creative bakers who just want to make
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Let them eat cake
the best Victoria sponge cake or sticky toffee pudding. The contestants are kind, positive and willing to offer a helping hand.
I love British television because everyone looks real. There are no plastic surgery junkies or steroid-addicted chefs, just regular people doing something they love. When the judges, Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith, make a criticism, it’s done with a British accent so it doesn’t sound so awful.
When Prue tuts and says, “This bake is a disaster,” she could easily be tucking a blanket around your shoulders and handing you a steaming cup of Earl Grey.
Instead of watching Elon Musk wield a chainsaw, I tune into GBBO which is filmed on the grounds of an English manor. Bunnies and squirrels scamper through grassy meadows like a Disney movie. There’s even a fanbase dedicated to identifying the different bird songs heard during the show.
The pastel-colored set, with its matching counters, ovens and fridges, distracts me from personnel cuts at federal agencies including
the CDC and FAA. GBBO hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding wander through the competition, amusing bakers with their British humor and offering pep talks to stressed cooks.
Each episode has a specific theme. There’s bread week or pastry week or biscuit week, and each chef creates a signature bake, completes a technical challenge and makes a jaw-dropping showstopper. It’s a heartwarming alternative to the 24/7 chaos of the Trump administration.
Who knew there were so many British bakery items? But I have to admit, there are things they make I would never eat, including black pudding and chorizo buns topped with mustard custard. Nope.
Instead of worrying about the breakdown of our country’s system of checks and balances, I worry about whether my favorite
baker can create a pie crust that doesn’t have a soggy bottom. The judges hate soggy bottoms. I’ve also learned to worry about fallen focaccia, overcooked tarts and croissant dough that’s not properly laminated. Even the mistakes feel cozy.
I’m impressed at how quickly chefs can whip up a batch of pistachio macarons, ginger tarts or spanakopita (a spinach and feta pie my husband would NEVER eat) with minimal tears or tantrums. It’s a reminder things can get done without fits of temper, vengeance or manipulation.
Denial is not a permanent solution but it’s a tool when messages from Big Brother and the Ministry of Truth get to be a bit much. Just turn on the TV and float away in a delicate orange buttercream or raspberry whipped cream. It’s some sweet positivity in a decidedly bitter time.
Market Volatility & Trade Policy Impact
Over the past several weeks, U.S. markets have seen a bumpy ride. Concerns over recent trade policies have sparked fears of slowing economic growth and higher inflation. The S&P 500 has experienced its largest drop since 2023, with a correction officially underway.
Recession Talk
Indicators such as rising consumer debt and declining confidence have sparked talk of a potential recession. While it’s too soon to determine if we’re headed for one, being financially prepared for any possibility is always a prudent step.
Federal Reserve Focus
All of these factors - inflationary pressures, slowing growth fueled by global trade disruptions, and the threat of a coming recession, was front and center when the Federal Reserve met March 19. After starting on a path of lowering interest rates back in September, it’s expected that rates will be held steady in March at 4.25%-4.5%, as they were in January.
Why This Matters for You
Uncertain times like these highlight the importance of a solid financial approach. Here’s how the team at New Millennium Group can help you prepare to handle any of those challenges that come your way.
Review your goals to help ensure your strategy is still aligned with your priorities. Adjust for risk levels based on your comfort and current economic conditions. Look for opportunities to preserve and grow your wealth, even in challenging markets.
