Holladay Journal | July 2024 by The City Journals

TITANS CAP GIRLS LACROSSE SEASON WITH STATE TITLE

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Deep, talented and experienced: the Olympus girls lacrosse team had all the ingredients for a state title run this season. And they didn’t disappoint.

The Titans captured the Class 5A crown, defeating Park City 9-6 in the championship game, May 23. Olympus got three goals and an assist from Hannah Nelson and three goals and two assists from Elizabeth Anné. Goalie Sydney Rossi was brilliant, making 12 saves.

The Titans were virtually unstoppable all season, compiling an 18-1 record and going a perfect 10-0 in Region 6 play. Olympus had an unblemished record against in-state foes, with its only loss coming May 18 against Foothill, California, by the count of 10-5.

“Winning a state title was an incredible feeling, one of pure exhilaration and fulfillment,” head coach Zana Spratling said. “We’ve won in state and lost in state, and nothing gives you more of a drive to better you and those around you than losing. Winning a state title is so satisfactory as a coach because it’s magical to watch a group of girls come together and play all out for each other.”

This was the third year in a row that Olympus and Park City had met in the championship game. Park City won last year’s matchup, and the Titans prevailed in 2022.

Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley honored for commitment to patient safety

By Christine McSweeney

Each and every day, our incredible physicians and nurses work relentlessly to uphold our values of excellence, innovation and compassion. Central to this effort is our unyielding commitment to the safety of our patients.

That is why we are honored at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley to receive recognition from The Leapfrog Group with an “A” grade for Hospital Safety in Spring 2024. Leapfrog is a national nonproﬁt watchdog that assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

Our recognition of an “A” grade at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley belongs to our exceptional physicians and care teams who constantly strive to improve our care and protect patients from preventable harm. We are grateful for the dedication of all our caregivers to the safety of our patients and ensuring they are protected at every stage of their care journey.

“Everyone who works at these Mountain Region hospitals should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication of everyone at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients ﬁrst. It is our patients who illuminate not just our common spirit, but our shared mission to improve health, advance social justice, and make known the healing presence of God. We are proud to serve all in our communities, and nothing is more important than the safety of every person who comes through our doors. Together, we will achieve our vision of a healthier future for all.

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Cottonwood theater teacher applauded for education excellence

During spring break, Cottonwood High theatre director Adam Wilkins was gearing up not only for his drama team’s ensemble piece, “Triangle,” but also for every individual event and duo and trio scene that qualified at region for the state competition in April.

Wilkins had little time to revel in the team’s region win—the school’s first since 2020—but he did get a surprise celebration as a Granite Education Foundation’s Excel Educator awardee when he reached the auditorium. He was unaware of what he would face, but rushed at the urging of his wife and drama coach, Madison Howell.

“When you see the look in her face, you don’t question it,” he said, admitting her acting skills got him that time.

Wilkins is one of nine classroom teachers and one school administrator who are honored with the distinction. He and the others will be honored at a May 2 dinner that will show videos of their accomplishments and will receive a $1,500 check, a trophy and gifts from community sponsors including tickets to the last home Utah Jazz game.

According to the Granite Education Foundation’s website, the application process begins in the fall, with nominations by community members, students, parents and administrators submitting names of applicants who are making a difference every day.

Throughout the winter, applicants follow a rigorous application, evaluation and observation process by a 30-member selection committee comprised of community members, retired educators, administrators, and business partners to determine the 10 Excel Educator Award winners.

Wilkins and the other winning Excel teachers this and previous years can apply for the Granite School District teacher of the year award; that award winner will then represent

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By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Granite School District as the applicant for the Utah teacher of the year award.

“This is awesome; it’s something I was hoping to achieve,” said the 17-year teaching veteran. “When I reached the room, people were there with my students—admin(instration), counselors, superintendent, the Jazz bear and Jazz dancers—and they were cheering for me. The bear just lifted me up, and I’m a good improviser so I just went for it and had fun celebrating.”

In amongst those applauding was his mother, Denise Wilkins.

“My mom is a huge supporter. She has seen everything I’ve performed, everything I’ve ever directed. She still comes to all our

shows. It was a special to see her and my uncle there,” he said.

He gives his mother credit for introducing him to theater.

“She teaches special ed(ucation) at Murray High, but that wasn’t the case when I was growing up. She went back to school to get her degree and that really inspired me. She’s one of my heroes. When she was in school, she needed an art credit so she took a theater appreciation class and she took me to see ‘Annie.’ I absolutely just fell in love with the show,” he said, adding that while “Into the Woods” is now his favorite musical, he has directed “Annie” twice at Cottonwood High.

His mother supported her son’s passion, taking him to audition for “The King and I” in fifth grade.

“I fell in love with theater. I kept pursuing it. My mom was great to find me different opportunities to audition and perform,” he said.

Wilkins continued to perform while in high school and college.

In addition to directing at Cottonwood High, he still performs and directs in the community.

This summer, he will be directing “Peter and the Starcatcher” at Murray amphitheater as well as overseeing Granite School District’s theater camp, aimed for sixth graders through high school seniors. Registration for the theater summer camp can be found on the school website.

“We’ll provide opportunities for all the students to not just be a part of the shows, but truly shine,” he said.

It was one of his students, sophomore Rory Shover, who nominated Wilkins for the award.

“That was really an honor that she recognized the hard work I put in with my team; I was proud for my department and for the school,” he said. “This is an award I’ve wanted for years, but when I saw the sign with my name on it, I was really taken back.”

Wilkins said that it’s a credit to all theater and arts teachers.

“We put in a lot of time into our craft and it’s such a passion,” he said. “I hope the recognition might encourage other students to take a theater class or a student coming in from a junior high will try it out. I’m certainly not going to change anything we’re doing right now because clearly, it’s working.” l

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

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Cottonwood High’s theater director Adam Wilkins was selected as one of Granite Education Foundation’s Excel recipients. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Kolt Kids, Cottonwood High’s preschool, open for 2024-25 registrants

Ahigh school student read the rhyming lines on a page of a storybook, then invited preschoolers to come up to the book to count the teeth in the hippo’s mouth.

Last week, the youngsters learned about the sun and planets and creatively painted bright replicas before their high student teachers placed them in a scale model of the solar system.

Learning and interconnecting subjects is the basis of Cottonwood Kolt Kids, the preschool for 3, 4 and 5 year olds held as a teaching-learning lab at Cottonwood High School.

“This is a high school student-driven program,” said preschool teacher Natalie Wonnacott. “We guide them to make sure the right things are being taught to the preschoolers and they meet their curriculum standards in science, math, language arts as well as social skills like learning how to take turns.”

Registration for the preschool is now open for 3 and 4 year olds, who are potty-trained for fall 2024.

The young students attend school for 2.5 hours Monday through Thursday mornings, following the high school calendar, mid-September to mid-May. A $25 deposit is required when registration is submitted on their website, www.schools.graniteschools. org/cottonwoodhigh/kolt-kids-preschool/. Tuition is $140 per month.

Currently, there are nine preschoolers to 24 high school students, but that number can grow to 12 youngsters to 45 older students.

“We break the high school students into groups, typically with two being teachers and two being helpers during the lesson so it won’t be overwhelming for the little kids,” she said. “Then, we’ll bring more high school students to help with the art project or free play.”

Senior Sammie Vance wanted to follow her two older sisters’ footsteps so she took the class. She may go into childcare or interior design as a future career.

Her friend, senior Hannah Rowland, heard about the class when a high school counselor came to her junior high.

“The counselor gave it this glowing review and I’ve known people who have had amazing experiences so I thought I’d take the class,” said Rowland, who is considering becoming a pediatric nurse.

This is their second year enrolled in the preschool lab; they, along with senior Ellie Wagstaff, took child development class beforehand.

“We prepare the lessons and the art or science project. We like the projects to be both challenging and fun. Everything is themed around a topic and a letter, then we work together to coordinate it and to teach it,” Vance said.

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

While one high school group was teaching, others were working on lesson plans for their next theme, dinosaurs, and have plans to investigate with the preschoolers where the dinosaurs lived and what they ate.

The topics have ranged from community helpers to springtime. Crossing guards or police officers may come to visit or students will learn about weather, flowers and animals.

Wonnacott appreciates when police and firefighters come to talk to students about being safe and also, dress up in their gear so “they learn these people are their helpers; they aren’t scary.”

Vance said they look for projects and games that tie into their lessons.

“We made little hand-held stop signs or playing red light, green light to tie into community helpers. With our lesson with worms, I learned so many new facts, like apparently, they breathe through their skins. The kids find those fun facts fascinating,” she said.

Rowland remembers teaching a lesson on photosynthesis when the theme was plants.

“I’ve never known more about photosynthesis in my entire life. We do a lot of research and fact-finding and in the process, we learn deeper on subjects we’ve studied,” she said.

Wagstaff, who is considering a career as an astronaut or as a hairdresser, taught a lesson about eggs and incorporated Humpty Dumpty.

“It was so fun,” she said. “We pushed eggs off of a tower. Some were boiled and some were not. They guessed which ones were which and it was cute because they would pick up the raw egg and said, ‘let me do it again.’”

Through their teaching, Rowland said they learn more about kids with their different personalities.

“We learn to adapt to teach the shy kid and be patient with others. We learn to problem-solve, to find a way to get everyone to interact and engage in the lesson,” she said.

Even healthy snacks and playtime, where they could be riding on bikes and trikes on chalk-lined tracks, may tie into a lesson. The preschoolers also have time for free play with one of the several stations around the classroom.

Holidays are a favorite time, especially when the preschoolers go on a leprechaun hunt only to squeal in delight to find their room awry from a leprechaun while they were away.

Wagstaff liked celebrating Groundhog’s Day.

“We went outside—it was a nice day— and traced out shadows with chalk. They learned more about shadows, and it was fun to have that art experience outside. They’re really smart and learn and remember so much,” said the high schooler who is considering a career as an astronaut or as a hairdresser.

Much of the student-learning is done by the guidance of preschool aide Earlene Rex, who is in the classroom alongside the high school students. She said one of her favorite things is when the preschoolers get to explore different classes taught at the high school, such as the performing arts.

Instrumental music teacher Amber Tuckness and her students will explain different instruments and play for the youngsters and then, let them pluck a string.

“It’s wonderful for them to have that exposure to music,” Rex said. “She will let them try out the instruments, those with strings or pounding on the drums, which, of course, they love best. Then, when the students perform the plays, we’ll see a production, like ‘SpongeBob’ or the ‘Little Mer-

maid.’ They love seeing those characters come to life.”

At the end of the year, preschoolers are presented a scrapbook the high schoolers make for them at their graduation, where they receive diplomas. They also sing songs from the year.

When the high school students aren’t preparing or teaching a lesson, they’re learning about children’s education from sudden infant death syndrome to developing an appropriate environment and licensing standards. Their work in the classroom can count toward the 480 required hours for the child development associate certification, Wonnacott said.

“It basically ensures they get a higher pay grade if they go into preschool or into a daycare service,” she said, adding that about 10 students per year may enter the teaching or childcare profession. “Even if they don’t go into the career, many of them have their own kids and they’re learning positive modeling and have invaluable tools to work with kids. Something I like about having this preschool here at Cottonwood is that they’re learning at 3 and 4 years old that high school isn’t a scary place. They’re connecting here; in fact, many of them think it’s their school.”

Rex she started working at the preschool in 2002 because she loved the kids.

“I still do,” she said about her passion. “Many of them are high school students so they return to the preschool to teach and put their own twist on things they enjoyed learning and doing.”

For more information, contact Wonnacott at nwwonnacott@graniteschools.org or Rex at erex@graniteschools.org. l

Cottonwood High’s Kolt Kids preschoolers count the number of teeth the hippo has in a storybook that was being read by a Cottonwood High student teacher. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

A Cottonwood High student teacher practices numbers with preschoolers during circle time. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Olympus High Titan recognized as Holladay Artist of the Month

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

The Holladay Arts Council has selected Daniel Christenson to receive the honor of Holladay Artist of the Month for July, an acknowledgment of his artistic and creative ability in visual art.

An Olympus High School Titan, Christenson studied graphic design and completed three advanced placement classes in his junior year. This fall, he will continue with a full academic schedule of AP classes, working toward the Opportunity Scholarship. This statewide, achievement-based program supports his focus on making either Brigham Young University or Utah State University more accessible. His goal is to use his artistic talent and creative ability to complete a degree in mechanical engineering.

Christenson began studying art at the age of 8 from Holladay resident and master artist Sydney Bowman. Like Bowman, he finds artistic success in visualizing and painting from his unique perspective. He knows he has met with success when the viewer makes a sensory connection with his art through color, technique and composition.

“I find peace in the artistic process,” Christenson said. “After school, one of my favorite things to do is to paint in my sister’s art studio. It’s a great way to relax and unwind from the day.”

The subtle tints and shades of watercolor and the vibrant hues of acrylic are Christenson’s favorite artistic mediums when painting landscapes, portraits or animals. But often, he can be found at his dad’s side, a chemical engineer, restoring an old jeep, building desks and chairs, or learning how to care for and maintain a car.

“One of my favorite things I’ve worked on with my dad is restoring a jeep that had caught on fire,” Christenson said. “My dad and my family are a huge inspiration to me. All my siblings are artists who always support and encourage me.”

Although he can be found competing at the state level on the Olympus High School mountain bike team and track team, wake surfing at Bear Lake with family and friends is Christenson’s favorite pastime.

“I’ve hiked Mount Olympus, Coyote Gulch, the West Rim at Zions, and I’ve completed hikes in several other areas,” Christenson said. “The thing I enjoy most is spending time with my family boating and wake surfing—but also, I like just hanging out with my friends.”

For the last three years, during the summer months, Christenson can be found mowing several lawns in the area. Deciding he was in need of some extra cash, he

I find peace in the artistic process. After school, one of my favorite things to do is to paint in my sister’s art studio. It’s a great way to relax and unwind from the day.

Daniel Christenson

created fliers, went door to door to hand them out, and began to build what is now a successful lawn care business known locally for providing an immaculate cut and trim with every mow.

After high school graduation, Christenson plans to serve a two-year church mission. When he returns home, he looks forward to continuing to pursue his creative goals in engineering.

Christenson’s debut fine arts exhibit will be on display at Holladay City Hall through July.

To nominate a Holladay resident for Artist of the Month, visit www.holladayarts.org/suggest-an-artist. l

The Holladay Arts Council has selected Daniel Christenson to receive the honor of Holladay Artist of the Month for July. (Photo credit Daniel Christenson)

The subtle tints and shades of watercolor and the vibrant hues of acrylic are Holladay Artist of the Month Daniel Christenson’s favorite artistic mediums when painting landscapes, portraits, or animals. (Photo credit Daniel Christenson) “One of my favorite things I’ve worked on with my dad is restoring a jeep that had caught on fire,” Holladay Artist of the Month Daniel Christenson said. (Photo credit Daniel Christenson)

Holladay Children’s Theater is where the magic begins

Holladay Art Council’s Page to Stage annu-

al week-long theatrical program brought the magic of children’s theater to the stage June 17 in the Cottonwood Room at Holladay City Hall. Adapted from the picture book by Dr. Seuss, “The Sneetches,” the 10-minute children’s play captured the theme of diversity and the importance of treating others with kindness and acceptance.

According to Holladay Arts Council Arts and Culture manager Megan Attermann, the 16-member cast was selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for the popular program was filled within one hour, and a waitlist was filled within four hours.

“There’s a special magic in children’s theater,” Attermann said. “It combines a child’s natural tendency toward play and imagination with theater’s form and structure. And when these things are combined, magic can happen quickly! When children get the chance to experience that magic —especially with friends (new and old)—the feeling of accomplishment they get is unmatched. Holladay Arts is grateful to be part of that magic for these kids. We wish it were possible to accommodate everyone who wanted to participate.”

Holladay City Councilmember Paul Fotheringham opened the one-time theatrical performance by welcoming an enthusiastic audience and play cast members to Holladay City Hall. He continued by thanking the volunteer program directors for their time and dedication to serving the Holladay community.

“I’m delighted to serve as the council liaison to the Holladay Arts,” Fotheringham said. “The Holladay Arts mission is to inspire, engage and unify the community through the arts. This wildly successful Stage to Page children’s theater program is the brainchild of pro-

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

can see the benefit of theater participation for all kids. Theater teaches self-confidence, how to work together and how to respect each other.”

In 2019, Bradley introduced the Page to Stage children’s theater program while serving on the Holladay Arts Council. From learning the basics of theatre, auditions, the memorization of lines and the final performance, the entire Page to Stage theatrical play is cast, practiced and presented in a brief one-week timeframe.

“It’s fun to watch kids’ confidence develop from when we begin practice on Monday and then go on stage on Friday,” Bradley said. “We do two-hour classes, and in under 10 hours, kids learn to work together and to help each other succeed. The message of the script this year is no one is better than anyone else; we can all work together and learn from each other.”

gram coordinator Natalie Bradley. We invite all of you to follow the example of all of these Holladay kids and discover yourself in art.”

Attermann expressed her gratitude to this year’s new play director and scriptwriter, Maggie Chamness, and for the valuable life skills taught in public speaking, teamwork, memorization, consistency, hard work, emotional literacy, empathy, creativity, friendship and collaboration.

“I think theater is such a great experience for kids,” Attermann said. “It gives kids a chance to find their voice and to be able to step out of themselves and become someone else. I think that is so important for kids. They have learned a lot this week. I don’t know if you know how hard it is to put even a 10-minute show together in five days. They have worked

so hard. I want to say thank you to our new director this year, Maggie Chamness, who has been a delight. I think the kids have put her through her paces, and I think they have grown to love and respect her and her work with them.”

Chamness grew up in Holladay and began her theatrical career in second grade. She has rehearsed and performed on the same stage and hopes to introduce her love of theatre now to new generations. She plans to graduate from the University of Northern Colorado with a B.F.A. in musical theater.

“I had the wonderful opportunity to direct ‘Frozen Kids’ at the Performing Arts Center at Kapolei, Oahu, which was one of the best experiences of my life,” Chamness said. “It is evident kid’s anxiety levels are rising at a very young age growing up in the world today. I

Last year, Attermann wrote and directed the Page to Stage play, and this year, she remained actively engaged in the production process by attending rehearsals and cheering the performers on during the captivating final performance.

“I had the opportunity to sit in on some of the rehearsals,” Attermann said. “I watched the group painstakingly rehearse the sequence where the Sneetches were getting stars on and off. They practiced over and over and over and over. It was hard work! There was so much coordination, choreography, memorization, and teamwork needed to pull that sequence off. And they totally did it. They nailed it in front of the audience, and I couldn’t be more proud. They had every reason to feel so accomplished when taking their bows.”

For more information about the Holladay Arts Council, visit www.holladayarts.org. l

Adapted from the picture book by Dr. Seuss, “The Sneetches,” the 10-minute theatrical play organized by Holladay Arts captured the theme of diversity and the importance of treating others with kindness and acceptance. (Photo credit Natalie Bradley)

The 16-member cast for the performance was selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for the popular Holladay Arts program, filled within one hour, and a waitlist filled within four hours. (Photo credit Natalie Bradley) “It’s fun to watch kids’ confidence develop from when we begin practice on Monday and then go on stage on Friday,” Holladay Arts program coordinator Natalie Bradley said. (Photo credit Natalie Bradley)

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Dr. Corey A. Miller started Mountain States Eye Center in 1984 as a comprehensive ophthalmology practice using state–of-the-art equipment and techniques. Up until he retired in 2022, Dr. Miller offered top-notch care and treatment to all his patients. His son, Dr. Corey J. Miller, joined him in his practice a few months and took over once his father retired.

Corey J. Miller, M.D. graduated magna cum laude from the University of Utah and was awarded the Eli G. Alcorn and John B. Alcorn Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Ophthalmology for his research and dedication to ophthalmology while he attended The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Following his residency at the University of Minnesota, he completed a prestigious fellowship at Minnesota Eye Consultants, receiving training in cornea, cataract, refractive and external disease.

How long have you been with Mountain States Eye Center?

I had the honor and privilege of joining my father, Dr. Corey A. Miller, in his practice where we worked together for five months prior to his well-deserved retirement. I’m excited to be back where I grew up to serve the community. I’m committed to providing excellent eye care and treat everyone like family. I’m also board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. I am committed to teaching, research and helping underserved populations. I’m fluent in Portuguese and love to spend time with my wife and four children. We enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing and biking together.

What services do you offer?

As a comprehensive ophthalmology practice, we do everything

from routine exams, diabetic exams, glasses and contact lenses, to more advanced procedures like LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, corneal transplants and glaucoma surgery.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

I see each patient myself whereas ,at bigger places, you’re often seeing any provider that is available, which could be a different person each visit. We value continuity and provide a high standard of care for our patients. We have strong ties to the community and work to create a family-like environment. Does your business solve a problem for patients?

Our goal is to improve vision and promote good ocular health. We know how critical vision is in life. We screen for, diagnose, treat and/or correct any ocular conditions that could impact the vision of our patients. We’re not satisfied until you are satisfied.

Who is your ideal patient?

We see people from all demographics and walks of life. We value a broad and diverse patient population. We love seeing both new and existing patients.

How do people choose between you or a competitor?

Mostly word of mouth. We hope patients have a great experience and feel comfortable recommending us to family, friends and colleagues. We value the trust people place in us to provide excellent care.

We are known for quality care and experience. We provide the highest level of care so patients feel heard, understood and treated with respect. We want each visit to be a positive experience, something that adds value to your life.

COREY J. MILLER, MD

What’s your advice for someone considering doing business with you?

We want each person to feel like family when they come to see us. We strive to be honest in all that we do. We don’t outsource your care or cut corners for the sake of profit.

What’s your favorite service?

Good quality eye care.

Are you running any specials?

We periodically have specials on laser vision correction such as LASIK or PRK. We provide free screenings for anyone that’s interested in laser vision correction to determine if they’re a good candidate. More information can be found at www.slceyes.com.

What is your service area?

We have patients from all over Utah as well as Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada.

For Dr. Miller, joining Mountain States Eye Center is highly personal. Serving the patients that his father, Dr. Corey A. Miller has cared for and and treated is as an honor and privilege. Dr. Corey J. Miller brings his own set of exceptional skills, experience, and dedication to continuing the legacy of outstanding medical care.

Dr. Miller specializes in cornea, cataract, refractive, and external disease. He is board-certi ed by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Corey J. Miller, M.D.

Olympus boys complete 2024 lacrosse season with run to state semifinals

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

This past season, Olympus High School proved to have some of the best lacrosse teams in Utah. The girls captured the Class 5A state title, and the boys were close, getting all the way to the semifinals.

The Titan boys tied eventual state champion Brighton and runner-up Park City for the Region 6 title with an 11-1 mark. Playing in one of the toughest regions in the state, Olympus also went 16-3 overall on the season. The Titans’ only losses in the regular season were to Brighton and to outof-state foe Cherry Creek, Colorado.

Olympus secured the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and proceeded to win a pair of home games in the tournament, both in one-sided fashion.

First, in the second round on May 16, the Titans blanked Timpview, 18-0. In the quarterfinals, played on Olympus’ home field just like the second-round game, the Titans breezed by Bountiful on May 18 by the score of 14-5. The combination of a potent offense and strong defense were characteristic of the team’s play all year.

A familiar foe ended the Titans’ season in the semifinals, May 22.

Olympus met region rival Park City, which it had defeated 7-3 on May 1. This time, around, however, it was Park City that

got the better of Olympus. The Titans fell in a close 7-6 matchup to end their season.

The Titans led 5-4 at halftime but could only muster one goal in the second half.

Charlie Droitsch had three goals in a losing effort. Brigham Thompson, Jarom Gilbert and Cole Cummings each had one goal,

while Edison Cutler and Andrew Clayton had assists. Goalie Anton Goodick had two saves.

Olympus may have missed winning a state championship, but the season was a successful one for the teams. Olympus was one of the most dominant teams in 5A, out-

scoring opponents by an average of 12.34.7 every game. The Titans reached double figures in points in 13 of their 19 games.

Individually, Olympus had several contributors this past season.

Droitsch, a senior, paced the team with 44 points. He topped the Titans in goals with 27 goals and was second in assists with 17. Senior Andrew Clayton led the team in assists with 20 and had 22 goals for a total of 42 points, second on the team. Another senior, Cole Cummings, had 28 points—19 goals and 19 assists. Other key players were senior Ben Burbidge (nine goals and five assists), senior Jarom Gilbert (11 goals and four assists) and senior Weston Holtby (13 goals and five assists). Goalie Caleb Johnson had 36 saves on the year.

Next season, the Titans will have several players to replace from this year’s squad. Losing its six scorers will hurt, but others in the program have talent and experience. Younger players—those who were reserves and role players—will need to step up for the Titans to be a factor in the region and state races in 2025.

Olympus has established a winning tradition, having gone 17-2 in 2023, 19-1 in 2022 and 15-2 in 2021. l

Chase Taylor should be back for the perennial contender Olympus Titans. (City Journals)

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have such high-level players not only in our division but also in our region, pushing us to get better.”

Spratling was pleased with the way her team performed in the finals and throughout the state tournament. The Titans crushed Bonneville 24-2 in the second round, blew past Box Elder 20-3 in the quarterfinals and had a hard-fought 12-11 win over Brighton in the semifinals. Spratling said the girls were effective on both ends of the field. She also said they handled the role of favorite well and played with a target on their backs.

“Throughout the tournament, our team demonstrated exceptional cohesion and skill that propelled us to success,” she said. “One of our greatest strengths was our ability to rely on our teammates. Offensively, we moved the ball with precision, capitalized on scoring opportunities and maintained composure under pressure. Defensively, we communicated well, anticipated plays, and minimized our opponents’ chances to score, holding them for long stretches of time.”

Olympus was clearly the best team in 5A, but that doesn’t mean everything went perfectly all the time. The Titans faced some big challenges and even found themselves behind at some points of some games. The players were able to come through all the way to the championship game.

“In some games, we encountered teams with different styles of play that tested our adaptability and defensive strategies,” Spratling said. “There were moments of adversity where we trailed or other teams came close in games or faced intense pressure situations, requiring us to dig deep and rely on our resilience. To overcome these challenges, we leaned on our teamwork and trust in each other. We adjusted our tactics as needed, communicated more effectively on the field, and supported each other through every twist and turn of the tournament.”

The Titans got every team’s best shot. But Olympus was happy to embrace the role as the team to beat.

“I told the players to ‘act like you’ve been here before,’” Spratling said. “We embraced the pressure as motivation rather than letting it overwhelm us. We used it as fuel to push ourselves harder in practices, refining our skills and reinforcing our team dynamics. By focusing on our preparation and trusting in our training, we were able to channel the pressure into positive energy on the field.”

Playing well when it mattered most and when the players’ best was required is something Spratling has ingrained in the program.

“Our team culture played a pivotal role in overcoming the pressure,” she said. “Celebrating small victories and staying resilient during setbacks—like trailing by two in the first half—helped us stay mentally strong and focused on our ultimate goal. In the end, managing the pressure of being favorites involved a combination of mental preparation,

team support and a disciplined approach to our game. By staying true to our strengths and embracing the challenge, we were able to overcome the pressure and achieve success in the tournament.”

Spratling highlighted the play of Nelson, Elizabeth Anné, Sarah Anné, Rossi, Hazel Baker and Masami Goodick in the final game and throughout the state tournament.

“[Nelson] has always performed well under pressure and shines in state games, consistently having the best shooting percentage and the most goals or tied for most,” Spratling said. “This girl always gets it done and rallies the team around her. Lizzie stays cool under pressure, and you can see it manifested in high-pressure games. She had the most points in the state game and came in clutch all over the field, earning MVP of the state playoff game. Sarah knows what determines a game: possession. Thanks to her we maintained a 67% draw control, giving us an edge to pace the game on our terms—not to mention her being responsible for three of our nine points.”

Spratling will have to somehow find a way to replace 10 highly talented, accomplished seniors.

Seniors who graduated and contributed to the Titans’ championship were Hannah Nelson, Lily Nelson, Lily Arrowood, Lily Nydegger, Emma Davis, Kate Lowry, Olivia Smart and Addison Wride. Two other seniors, Baker and Rossi, will play lacrosse next season at the D1 level for University of Oregon and LeMoyne College (New York), respectively. Baker was an All-American this past season and as a junior in 2023. She also achieved All-Academic recognition in 2023.

But don’t expect the Titans to drop out of the championship picture in 2025.

Olympus welcomes back sisters Elizabeth Anné and Sarah Anné for their senior years. Both have already committed to play at the next level at Penn State University. Sarah was a First-Team All-State player this past season, while Elizabeth made the Second Team. Goodick will also return as a senior next season after a stellar First-Team All-State junior year.

“Our primary goal is to defend our state title and establish ourselves as a dominant force in the league once again,” Spratling said. “We aspire to maintain a high level of consistency in our performance, both in terms of individual player development and team dynamics. Off the field, we aim to uphold high standards of sportsmanship and represent our school and community with pride. We understand the responsibility that comes with being defending champions and will strive to inspire and positively impact those around us.”

Not only was Olympus superb on the field this past season, but the girls excelled in the classroom. The team had a cumulative grade point average of 3.911 and had four Academic All-State performers. l

the annual budget to review and approve. Very quickly two significant changes became clear. First, due to restructuring mandated by the State Legislature, the costs to pay our police officers at the Unified Police Department is going to increase significantly. Unfortunately, without the partnership of the county these costs are shared amongst fewer municipalities. The Unified Police Department allows us to share the costs of police services with other cities while giving us access to their exceptional resources provided by a valley-wide network.

Firework Safety

With July here, let’s talk about fireworks safety. This year fireworks are permitted in some parts of the City and you can see that map on the city website. A $1,000 fine will be issued to anyone who discharges a firework outside of the legally determined dates and times or in a restricted area.

Please use extreme caution when using ﬁreworks during the season and follow these safety considerations:

Secondly, the inﬂation we have all felt these last few years has hit the city. At Holladay City we operate on a lean budget and seek to be prudent in our expenditures. Yet as every household can attest, even with good ﬁnancial management, prices are increasing. The last few years Holladay has experienced double-digit sales tax growth fueled by the collection of online sales tax. This revenue has provided a cushion the last few years against this inflationary pressure. Unfortunately, and despite my personal increased spending on Amazon, that growth has stalled, and we cannot rely on this source of revenue to fund the City’s expense changes. The budget the City Council approved this year includes a 15 percent increase in the City’s portion of the property tax rate. For a Holladay home valued at $944,000 this increase would be approximately $97.09 a year or about $8.09 a month. Before this tax rate is adopted, we will go through a Truth in Taxation process to ensure our residents fully understand why the increase is necessary and how it will affect them.

Truth in Taxation is a process created in Utah and modeled throughout the country to protect citizens. It allows residents to learn about and comment when cities propose a property tax increase. It requires that cities provide residents with the amount and percentage of the increase along with the budget increases that necessitate the request. Here in Holladay, we seek to be as transparent as possible throughout this process. We will be providing information through the mail, the City Journal, our website and social media channels. In addition, the county will send out a valuation and tax changes notice providing details of the hearing. We will also provide a formal period in our August city council meeting for citizens to comment and as always, we welcome your comments via email. As a City Council we value your input through this process.

We recognize that even a minor tax increase is never welcome news. However, in order to keep our citizens safe, we need to continue to pay for our police services. We want our police ofﬁcers to have the resources they need to be well-trained and well-equipped. Citizens of Holladay know it is a special place to live. Our recommendations have been made thoughtfully with the sole intent to preserve and protect our unique community for future generations.

• If high winds, precipitation, or other adverse weather conditions prevail, ﬁreworks discharge should be postponed or discontinued until weather conditions improve.

• Secure all ﬁreworks in place using bricks or cinder blocks

• Aerial ﬁ reworks should be placed outdoors on a hard-level surface, in a clear and open area before ignition and be a minimum of 30 feet from any structure or vertical obstruction.

• Always supervise children around ALL ﬁreworks and similar products.

• Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees and account for more than 25% of ER visits associated with ﬁreworks. For children under 5 years of age that jumps to nearly half of all ﬁrework-related injuries.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy

Firework Disposal: Put used ﬁreworks in a bucket of water overnight as they can still be burning on the inside long after the sparks have stopped. Remove them from the water the next day and put them into a bag inside your garbage can.

Emily Gray, Council

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS — JULY

Sun Lit Solar Party with Clark Planetarium

Thursday, July 25th 1:30 to 3:30

All ages. We’ll learn about eclipses and discover the amazing features of the sun as you look (safely) through solar telescopes!

Magic & Mayhem

July 2nd Reptiles at the Library 3pm

July 11th Stained Glass Craft 3pm

July 19th Dragon Craft Take and Make while supplies last

Protect Your Pet from Summer Fun

Salt Lake County Animal Services

More pets go missing in the summer months than any other time of year. Make sure they always have on a collar with an ID tag, with up-to-date info. Microchipping your pet is also important, in the event your pet goes missing. Watch out for these sounds of summer:

Barbecues: If guests are going to be coming in and out of the front door or back gate, keep your pets in a secure area, or put them in their crate. An unsecured gate, or door left open, is the perfect opportunity for your pet to take themselves on an adventure without you.

Thunderstorms: According to the ASPCA, 1 in 5 pets goes missing after being scared by loud noises. Be sure to bring your pet indoors and keep them away from open windows when summer storms roll into your area.

Fireworks: The loud noise of firework displays, big or small, are scary and disorienting to pets. Leave them at home, inside with a loud fan, or calming music. If the fireworks display is in your driveway, be sure to clean up the leftover firework debris, never underestimate what your dog may stick in its mouth. Fireworks are poisonous to pets.

All pets in Salt Lake County can receive a free microchip at Salt Lake County Animal Services. We welcome you to bring in your pet to Animal Services at 511 W 3900 S, Tue – Sat, 10 AM -6 PM to get your pet microchipped. Find a lost pet? Contact your local animal control! The ﬁrst-place pet owners look for a lost pet is the local shelter. How you can help: post a photo of them, where you found them and what shelter they went to on the NextDoor App or Utah Lost & Found Pets Facebook Group. All pets at Salt Lake County Animal Services can be seen online at AdoptUtahPets.org

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 801-272-6526

Emily Gray, District 5 egray@holladayut.gov 801-755-3477

Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@holladayut.gov

PUBLIC MEETINGS: City Council – rst and third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Planning Commission – rst and third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.

New “Business Spotlight” Be Summer Ready

The Holladay Business Advisory Board (HBAB) invites Holladay-based businesses to share their story. A short application is available on the website to allow businesses to describe their unique story. With that in mind, the Holladay Business Advisory Board is seeking applications to spotlight local enterprises. We have an opportunity to build a more resilient local economy through promoting the importance of locally-owned and independent businesses. The Board will review applications at its monthly meeting and will select one business to spotlight each month. Please check the Holladay Business Advisory Board webpage tinyurl.com/ HolladayBAB for the application or use the QR code above. For more information, contact annfgarcia@holladayUT.gov or 385-425-0853.

Keep it Local – Shop Holladay!

By Ann Frances Garcia Economic Development & Housing Manager and Holladay Business Advisory Board Member – Jill Fonte

“Shopping local” means different things to different people. In the next couple of months, the Holladay Business Advisory Board will be surveying the community to ﬁnd out what shopping local means to you. Think about why you shop local or why you don’t shop local. Think about the purchases you make each day. There are many beneﬁts to shopping local. Your dollars are what keeps our businesses in business. Supporting local businesses will recirculate more money in the local economy and preserve local culture. Holladay is home to just under 1,000 businesses and approximately 5,000 employees. There are many studies that show that local businesses recirculate approximately three times as much money within their communities than non-local businesses. Our ongoing awareness campaign that creates a culture of “shop local” is our goal and will align with our new business highlight efforts to support local businesses. Please feel free to share your thoughts on “shop local” with us at annfgarcia@holladayut.gov.

By Allison Jester, Emergency Mgmt Coordinator

With summer festivities and adventures in full swing and temperatures soaring, it’s important to remember that heat can be deadly. This year we have already seen higher than usual temperatures, a trend that may continue.

Extreme heat affects everyone and can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Those who work outdoors, children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions are at particular risk for heat-related illnesses.

While we can’t change the weather, we can take steps to decrease heat-related illness for ourselves and others while still enjoying the fun of the summer. If you don’t have air conditioning, utilize fans to move air in your home, draw your curtains and blinds to block light and heat, stay hydrated, and use cold packs and wet garments around your neck to cool down. When outdoors recreating or working, make sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, wear hats to protect your head and face, and take frequent breaks.

Everyone should know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and how to respond. Whether out and about or at home, check on your family, friends, and neighbors frequently. Heat-related illness and death is preventable with awareness, planning, and some simple steps. For more information, visit www.ready.gov/summer-ready

Boysvolleyball made its eagerly anticipated, long-awaited debut this past spring, and the Olympus Titans made the most of the inaugural season.

Olympus placed fourth in the Class 5A state tournament and went 24-6 overall. Olympus dominated Region 6, going 11-0 and finishing two and a half games in front of second-place Alta.

Despite not having a lot of depth, the Titans had a successful campaign and proved to be one of the top teams in the state.

“Every season has its own identity, and this one is no exception,” head coach Brett Peterson said. “We had an extremely shallow roster going into this season and put a lot of pressure on the guys to stay healthy while also figuring out a unique lineup that let us play to everyone’s strengths. It was a fun challenge that required a lot of flexibility and selflessness from our guys that has been inspiring to me as a coach. This group of boys has been extremely special to coach, and as a coaching staff we’re really going to miss the group of seniors that have helped us lead this 2024 group throughout a really fun season.”

In the 5A tournament, Olympus went in as the No. 2 seed, securing a first-round bye. In the second round, the Titans took care of No. 15 Cedar Valley 25-21, 27-25, 25-21. A quar-

Titans place fourth in 5A boys volleyball

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

terfinals win over No. 10 Skyline followed. Olympus had already defeated the Eagles twice during the season, and the Titans prevailed this time around in a tough 3-2 contest. Olympus outlasted Skyline 23-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 16-14.

“Our match against Skyline in the quarterfinals was a highlight for us,” Peterson said. “Skyline was playing the best volleyball we’ve seen them play all season, and we went down 2-1 in sets due to some offensive struggles, serving inconsistencies and extraordinary defense on Skyline’s side of the net. Our boys did a fantastic job going into set four playing with a lot of urgency and doubling down on the offense that got them there in the first place. In the deciding fifth set, we were able to get a few points ahead behind some impressive kills and timely blocks. Skyline made a late run to tie the game at 14-14 before our boys were able to overpower the Skyline defense and pull ahead to win 16-14 to move on to the semifinals.”

The Titans fell to a tough Bountiful team, seeded third, three games to one. The Titans had defeated the Redhawks earlier in the season 3-2. Olympus then lost in the third-fourth matchup to Spanish Fork two games to one, 2624, 20-25, 25-23.

“The boys came into state with high expectations for themselves as well as a healthy level of respect for some of the other teams out there in the state. Finishing top four out of 28 teams in 5A is a fantastic place to start in our inaugural season of sanctioned volleyball, and we’re excited to try to carry that momentum forward as we retool and start our preparations for the 2024 season.”

Though the Titans came up a little short of winning a state title, Peterson was pleased with the way the boys played.

“I was most excited about how well the boys supported each other through the highs and lows of the tournament,” he said. “I think it’s easy for guys to play a little selfishly in these big tournaments, and every guy on the team was locked in on playing for each other and trying to make the team succeed. We have had one

of the most potent offenses in the state this year, and the state tournament was a really fun stage for our boys to show off that offense.”

Peterson appreciated the strong play of middle blocker Reef Smylie, who had 39 kills, 14 blocks, 30 digs and seven aces in the state tournament.

“[Smylie] had a huge tournament,” Peterson said. “He’s been so flexible throughout his time at Olympus, and his willingness to step up and help the team win in all kinds of ways makes him a dream to coach.”

Middle blocker Soren Jepsen, who has committed to play at the next level at Brigham Young University, was also a big factor in Olympus season and state turn. The 6-foot-10inch player was 5A’s Player of the Year. In the tournament, he had 37 kills, 12 blocks and a .318 hitting percentage.

“[Jepsen] was huge for us and helped us get out of a lot of tight spots throughout the tournament,” Peterson said. “He gives our team a lot of confidence knowing that we always have the ability to put away a ball if we are able to make good defensive plays. He consistently drew the attention of the whole defense of the other team, which opened up a lot of options for the rest of our guys.”

Peterson also highlighted the efforts of team captain Miles Burningham. The senior outside hitter had 59 kills, a .195 hitting percentage, 39 digs, eight blocks and 10 aces.

“[Burningham] is a joy to coach, and we’re absolutely going to miss his leadership on the team,” he said. “His example and consistent leadership by example is one of the primary drivers of our success throughout the season as well as one of the reasons why we were able to fight through a lot of tough spots throughout the state tournament.”

Next season could look different for the Titans.

Olympus will have some new faces in the starting lineup, and Peterson will rely on different leaders. Still, he expects the team to compete, even though the outlook may not be quite as strong. He will welcome back rising outside hitter Yuse Jones, who will be a senior. Peterson said Jones “has been huge” for the team. There’s also incoming junior setter Gabriel Lincoln, who led the state in assists this past season with 1,081.

“2025 is going to represent a bit of a reset in expectations for us,” Peterson said. “We have been a top-five team in the state for a long time, and we have a long way to go if we want to compete at that level going into the next season. While we may not be in a position to compete for a state title, our plan is to treat next year as foundational in resetting our program for success in the coming years. We have a lot of young players with a ton of talent, and we’re excited to help them develop those talents as we continue to grow the Olympus volleyball program.”

The Olympus boys volleyball team captured the Region 6 title in its inaugural season. The Titans were also fourth in the Class 5A state tournament. (Photo courtesy of Brett Peterson)

Fankhauser, Sumtsov win doubles title; Olympus boys tennis places fourth in 5A

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Olympus secured the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and proceeded to win a pair of home games in the tournament, both in onesided fashion.

A familiar foe ended the Titans’ season in the semifinals, May 22.

Olympus met region rival Park City, which it had defeated 7-3 on May 1. This time, around, however, it was Park City that got the better of Olympus. The Titans fell in a close 7-6 matchup to end their season. The Titans led 5-4 at halftime but could only muster one goal in the second half. Charlie Droitsch had three goals in a losing effort. Brigham Thompson, Jarom Gilbert and Cole Cummings each had

one goal, while Edison Cutler and Andrew Clayton had assists. Goalie Anton Goodick had two saves.

Olympus may have missed winning a state championship, but the season was a successful one for the teams. Olympus was one of the most dominant teams in 5A, outscoring opponents by an average of 12.3-4.7 every game. The Titans reached double figures in points in 13 of their 19 games.

Individually, Olympus had several contributors this past season.

Olympus has established a winning tradition, having gone 17-2 in 2023, 19-1 in 2022 and 15-2 in 2021. l

Milo Headden,Stevie Morgan, Owen Linthorst, Jake Fankhauser, Yaroslav Sumtsov, Cristie Briggs, Josh Carter. (Photo courtesy Kelly Fankhauser)

Catch a glimpse of the Milky Way at these 7 parks near Salt Lake City

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

All of Utah’s five National Parks have received certification from the International Dark-Sky Association, which is an indicator of the good stargazing in the state.

In fact, there are 24 places in Utah— national and state parks, communities and one county park—that hold the certification, which is more than anywhere else in the world. Even better, you don’t have to go far to see it. Just keep in mind that state and national parks have a fee to enter.

Here are seven spots within an hour of Salt Lake City for stargazing.

1. TIMPANOGOS CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT (35 MILES FROM SALT LAKE CITY)

In 2020, Timpanogos Cave National Monument became the second location in the world to be certified as an Urban Dark Sky Place by the International Dark-Sky Association, per DarkSky. Uinta-WasatchCache National Forest and local astronomy groups partner with the park to host several night sky programs throughout the summer.

To get to the cave, go through American Fork Canyon. If using recreational facilities, there’s a $6 fee for entrance but

just driving through forgoes the fee, per the Forest Service.

2. EAST CANYON STATE PARK (36 miles)

East Canyon State Park offers boating on the reservoir, camping, hiking trails and in 2020, it became known for its dark skies.

Join the handbell ministry at Christ United Methodist Church. RINGERS WANTED!

•No audition, we will teach anyone to play.

• There are scholarship opportunities available.

• Open to all. No church membership required.

Chimes Choir is for grades 4-6 and the Asbury Choir is for grades 7-8. Currently, these groups are a combined choir. Ringers serve in church service once a month.

PRACTICE TIME | Sundays 11:15a - 12:15p

apPRAISEation is the adult handbell ministry at Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City. Ages 18+ welcome. Two week tour every June (Different region in the USA each year) and serves in church once per month.

PRACTICE TIME | Thursdays 7:30p - 9p

PRACTICE TIMES

Tuesdays 7:30p - 9p Sundays 5p - 7:30p

LOCATION

2375 E 3300 S Salt Lake City, UT 84109

PERFORMANCES

•Holiday concerts in northern Utah during the Christmas season

• One week tour during June in a region of the United States

•Once church service per month

FIND US ONLINE

Events in April and September are hosted by the park for great viewing of those months’ eclipses. In August, the Perseid meteor shower will be the main event for a campout hosted there. There’s a $20 entrance fee.

3. JORDANELLE STATE PARK (37 miles)

Close to Park City and Heber, Jordanelle State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities across three different areas of the park. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

DarkSky recommends checking out the Nature Arbor Area for the best and darkest skies in the park. For walk-ins, there’s a $5 fee from May to October, and $3 the other part of the year.

4. ROCKPORT STATE PARK (41 miles)

The Uinta and Wasatch mountains give Rockport State Park protection from the light pollution around it.

If you enter from Highway 32 park and walk into the park, there’s a $5 entrance fee per person. Otherwise, it's $15.

5. CAMP FLOYD STATE PARK (45 miles)

An old U.S. Army camp with lots of United States’ soldiers grave markers, gives a “unique stargazing experience” as Whitney Childers of Visit Utah wrote.

The park has an entrance fee of $3 per person or $10 per family. A star party will be held with the Utah Valley Astronomy Club in the Camp Floyd Cemetery this

summer on June 1 and July 27 starting at 9 p.m.

6. WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE Park (46 miles)

Wasatch Mountain State Park isn’t a Dark Sky Park and isn’t looking to be one right now, Park Ranger Kathy Donnell said. The park hosts moonlight snowshoe hikes in January and February, and a star gazing party in April, but visitors are welcome to have their own stargazing excursions.

Donnell said that the park’s “high altitude, dry weather, low population, and distance from urban growth” make it a good place to view stars.

“However urban growth is creeping in on us and it is lighting up the sky,” she said. “This is why we continue to educate about the importance of dark skies.”

The park charges a $10 entrance fee for a car up to eight people.

7. ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE Park (51 miles)

The state park partners with the Ogden Astronomical Society to offer telescopes and help identifying constellations. If you’d rather go on your own, the park (and its dark sky) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the price of $15 per vehicle. It’s also known for its herds of wild bison, antelope and proximity to the Great Salt Lake.

Rangers recommend the White Rock Bay and Bridger Bay Beach areas for easy drive-to locations. Ladyfinger Point and Buffalo Point are good options that come with a short hike of a ¼ mile up to ½ mile. The park’s online brochure on stargazing can offer more information. l

Wasatch Mountain State Park’s starry sky at its stargazing event during Dark Sky week in April 2024. (Courtesy Wasatch Mountain State Park)

Summer Off Socials: Gen Zers encouraged to ditch social media

Is social media really social? That’s the question two students at Brigham Young University asked themselves before coming up with a plan.

Macy Dial had been on social media for a decade—half her life—before she decided she was done with it. Looking back on that decade, she saw how social media “fundamentally altered” her brain.

“Anything beautiful or precious in life became an opportunity for a photo op,” she wrote. “I began to think in Instagram captions.”

Dial said her push from social media came after reading a book called “4,000 Weeks” by Oliver Burkeman, a book about how we use our time. Dial said she realized how much time she was wasting on social media and decided it was time to make a change.

Fellow BYU student Kristen Hansen also felt put-off by the social media she’d grown up with. So, they teamed up to encourage Gen Zers to get off social apps and experience the shock for themselves.

“But the more research we did, the more we realized, like, just what a big piece of the puzzle digital wellness was, and how much social media and excessive technology use was impacting, like the mental health of

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

Gen Z and just young people in society at large,” Dial said.

They call the movement “Summer Off Socials”—participants will ditch at least one social media app and replace it with in-person connections. To help push participants in the right direction, Summer Off Socials will

send out weekly texts with challenges, like going for a 30-minute phoneless walk, calling a long-distance friend or meeting someone new. The initiative launched June 1 and already has approximately 500 participants. According to reports, the average Gen Zers typically spend up to seven hours on

screens every day. Dozens of efforts have been made to curb screen time through usage tracking apps, time limit settings and even a 3D-printed brick that temporarily removes apps from your phone.

Hansen and Dial aren’t necessarily expecting participants to swear off social media forever, but they do hope people become more thoughtful about their digital choices. There are obviously some drawbacks to living off social media. You may not stay with current trends or slang, and some small businesses only post updates on social media. Plus, you’ll definitely miss out on some life updates.

“There’s definitely a cost to being out of touch in this way,” Dial wrote. “Without social media, I feel like I’ve lost a certain cultural cachet. I’ve missed life updates from friends. I miss the creative and funny content.”

Dial said the pros to leaving social media far outweighed the cons, including her newfound peace of mind and the amount of time she now has.

Maybe someday there will be a mass exodus off social media, but for now, Dial and Hansen are encouraging people to take a break. l

EMPOWERING OUR HEROES

• NOT medicine • NOT shock therapy

• NOT invasive • IS safe and effective

• IS COVERED by most insurance

for depression in adolescents 15 and older!

TMS is like physical therapy for the brain. It uses magnetic pulses,

Gen Zers are challenged to delete one social media app for the summer. (Bailey Chism/City Journals)

Excess of existing low-rate mortgages lock out new Utah homebuyers

By Robert Spendlove, Senior Economist

Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates have been hovering around 6-7% for nearly two years, but most Utah homeowners have locked in a much lower rate. In fact, 72% of Utah homeowners have a mortgage with an interest rate at 4% or lower – the greatest share of homeowners in any state, according to an analysis by the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

One reason for Utah's high percentage of low-rate mortgages is the state’s strong housing market. Surging home values over the last decade helped existing homeowners build equity, allowing many to refinance their mortgages and take advantage of historically low rates.

While rock-bottom rates benefited those who were able to refinance or get a new mortgage before rates shot up, the surplus of existing low-rate mortgages has created a lock-in effect in the market.

Current homeowners unwilling to give up their lower rates are freezing up housing inventory, making it more difficult for younger and lower-income families to enter the state’s already- tight housing market.

Utah’s average home value was $522,754 in May 2024, well above the national average of $360,681, according to the Zillow Home Values Index. A Zions Bank analysis of U.S. Census Bureau and Zillow data found that

housing costs are taking a much bigger bite of the household budget than they were a decade ago. In 2022, a typical Utah family spent fiveand-a-half times their annual income on a new house, up from just over three times their annual income in 2012. The result is that Utah’s housing market is the most unaffordable in our state’s history.

The Beehive State’s homeownership rate dropped from 71.2% to 70.3% from 2022 to 2023, which isn’t surprising given that more than 90% of renter households can’t afford a median-priced home.

To address housing affordability, Utah needs more housing units, more housing density and a variety of housing options, including more multi-family units and mother-in-law apartments. The Gardner Institute projects 153,000 new housing units will be needed by

2030 to meet growing demand and keep the housing market in balance.

Utah also needs more starter homes, and those starter homes need to be less expensive. This will require a reassessment of what homebuyers demand and what homebuilders provide. For example, I bought my first home in 1999, an 1,100-square-foot house with a carport. Today, a young family would be hardpressed to find a similar cost-effective option along the Wasatch Front.

Housing affordability is a tough issue, but if we don’t address it, it will impact the state’s future workforce. Utah may start losing young families to more affordable parts of the country, or transition away from a home-ownership society to become a rental society like Europe.

Regardless of one’s personal housing situation, affordable housing is foundational to health and well-being, educational outcomes, social stability, and the economic vitality of our communities, state and nation. l

University of Utah breaks ground on new medical innovation center

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

U

niversity of Utah Health officials broke ground on a new building for medical innovation and research at the end of May.

The James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation will be a “beacon of transformative research and medical device innovation,” the university said in a statement. The center will aid in the school’s “unwavering commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient care.”

The $50-million “state-of-the-art facility” will be located on campus at 27 S. Mario Capecchi Drive and is anticipated to open in spring 2026. The university said the construction is made possible by the $22-million gift from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation.

“The Sorenson Legacy Foundation is so pleased that this wonderful building, the James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation, will carry on my father’s incredible spirit of medical device innovation, as well as his compassionate spirit toward those who suffer,” said Ann Sorenson Crocker, family representative of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation.

The building was named after James LeVoy Sorenson, a prolific inventor, en-

trepreneur and philanthropist who “revolutionized the standard of care” through more than 50 patents in his name. Some of his inventions include the disposable surgical face cover, the single-use intravenous catheter and hemodynamic arterial monitoring devices.

"The James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation exemplifies our commitment to entrepreneurialism and accelerating the transfer of the U’s research into practical use," said University of Utah President Taylor Randall. "The center will promote collaboration and drive transformative advancements in medical care and device development. The facility will be a national leader and have influence that reaches well beyond campus, shaping the future of health care for generations to come."

The 60,000-square-foot space will host four levels with advanced prototyping and clean room assembly labs dedicated to creating and refining medical innovations. The center will emphasize the “cross-campus interdisciplinary cooperation” to help fuel transformative innovation and discovery, the university said.

"My father’s passion for innovation and commitment to improving health care

have left an indelible mark on the world,” said Jim Sorenson, chairman of the Sorenson Impact Foundation. “This center not only honors his memory but also carries forward his legacy of innovation and impact, ensuring that his pioneering spirit lives on in the work of future generations."

The facility will have a clinical biotissue surgery discovery suite where physicians can evaluate medical technologies and procedures in a hands-on, real world

environment. There will also be “incubator spaces” designed to nurture student startups that can drive technology licensing opportunities for the university and economic growth for the state.

"This center represents more than just a building; it's a gateway to endless possibilities for future students," said Mark Paul, executive director of the Center for Medical Innovation. l

Construction began for The James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation in May and is expected to be completed spring 2026. (Photo courtesy of the University of Utah Health)

Young spellers showcase talent at national spelling bee

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

InMarch, Sophia Montana and Brooke Powell tied for first place at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee, earning a trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. at the end of May. At the national spelling bee, they tied again, this time for 60th.

Brooke, 13, said being at the national event was one of the best experiences of her life. The Fruit Heights resident, who is homeschooled, made it to the quarterfinals before missing the word “aligreek,” a word considered obsolete by the Oxford Dictionary which states the only known use of the word is in 1867.

“It was really fun meeting all the different spellers and all the different people who helped with the national spelling bee,” Brooke said. “It was a really fun experience in that, if you ever go, make sure you do all the activities.”

The Scripps National Spelling Bee hosted 245 contestants this year, ranging in age from 8 to 15. It also hosted a Bee Week for spellers and their families that included tours of the nation’s capital, educational workshops and special events.

Sophia, 12, represented South Jordan’s Daybreak Elementary at the national spelling bee. She enjoyed the trolley tours

to “We have inspected.”

“I just missed it by one letter,” Sophia said. “Overall, the experience was pretty good, and it was something new that I haven’t done before. It was just nice being there. I was pretty nervous because I thought, wow, I’m here on the stage, and this is actually happening. But when I was at the microphone, I didn’t feel too nervous.”

Justthrough Washington, D.C. and spending time with her cousin. Sophia went through three rounds at the event before getting tripped up on “inspeximus,” a Latin word that translates

Each participant at the national event was given a prize package that included souvenirs, an official certificate of participation and a one-year subscription to Encyclopedia

Britannica, Merriam-Webster.

Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old from Florida, won the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee, after competing in the second-ever spell-off to win the title. Sophia and Brooke were two of four Utah students who represented the state at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee. For more information about the national bee, or a list of contestants, visit SpellingBee.com.

The City Journals has sponsored the regional spelling bee since 2014 and pays for the trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and one parent. Planet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in West Valley sponsored a second speller this year.

Sophia will try next year if her school takes part in the regional spelling bee competition but Brooke hasn’t decided yet if she’s ready for that experience again. They both said that anyone who wants to make it to the national event next year should study, memorize the words and word origins but also make sure to take time to relax and have fun.

“You have to study as much as you can. But don’t study so much you get burned out,” Sophia said. “Just keep learning and keep practicing. Maybe watch some movies about the bee for inspiration.” l

7 outdoor concert venues perfect for summer nights

imagine a warm summer evening, the sun starting to set and sitting on a grassy lawn listening to live music—this is the epitome of summer and community for some. It’s a time to unwind, listen to good music and enjoy the beauty of summer.

Here’s a list of seven outdoor venues in or near the Salt Lake Valley with live music to enjoy this summer, some even offering free shows for the public.

1. SANDY AMPHITHEATER (SANDY)

Cost of tickets: $39+

Summer’s playlist at the Sandy Amphitheater will include the voices of Norah Jones, Air Supply, Koe Wetzel, the Old Crow Medicine Show, the Brothers Osborne and more.

Several free events are offered throughout the summer, including the “Jazz in the Park'' that falls on May 18 this year and the venue’s celebration of its 25th anniversary in August, with more details to be released later this summer.

2. RED BUTTE GARDEN AMPHITHEATER (SALT LAKE CITY)

Cost of tickets: $40+

Featuring artists Kaleo, Mat Kearney, Stray Cats, Slash, The Revivalists and more, there’s plenty of concerts to enjoy at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater. The whole lineup can be found online.

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

3. GALLIVAN CENTER (SALT LAKE CITY)

Cost of tickets: $50+

With events such as the Twilight Concert Series and 2024 Utah Blues Festival hosted at the Gallivan Center, there’s plenty going on this summer. The summer lineup includes local artists like Alli Brown and international musicians like Laufey.

4. UTAH FIRST CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE (WEST VALLEY CITY)

Cost of tickets: $46+

Formerly known as USANA, the Utah First Credit Union hosts live events all throughout the warmer months. Their 2024 lineup includes artists Niall Horan, A Day To Remember, Neil Young, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Sam Hunt.

5. DEER VALLEY SNOW PARK OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER (PARK CITY)

Cost of tickets: $21+

From groovy ’70s music to sophisticated classical by Tchaikovsky, and anything in between, Deer Valley offers a little bit for everyone all summer long at a good price. The “Disney in Concert: Once Upon a Time” event is sure to be a family-wide function.

6. MIDVALE OUTDOOR STAGE IN THE PARK (MIDVALE)

Cost of tickets: free

A free concert series created by the Midvale Arts Council will be playing every

Friday night at 7 p.m., running from June 16 until Aug. 4 and sponsored by Midvale City, Salt Lake County, and Utah Department of Arts and Museums.

“MAC is grateful for [our sponsors’] generous support of our programs which allow us to bring the concert series back year after year at no cost to the community,” MAC treasurer Stephanie Johnson said.

“We encourage people to bring a picnic dinner, blankets, and/or camp chairs and enjoy a great evening of music and community.”

The concert will always be family

friendly and cycle through different genres of music and different artists, with food trucks nearby.

7. THE KENLEY AMPHITHEATER (LAYTON)

Cost of tickets: free

Every Sunday starting on June 2 at 7 p.m., the Kenley Amphitheater will host a weekly outdoor concert free to the public. The lineup includes local musicians such as the Riverton Jazz Band, Clayton Smalley and The Reel Folk.

Sophia Montana poses with Scripps National Spelling Bee pronouncer Jacques Baily at the event in Washington, D.C. Sophia was a co-winner of the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee. Courtesy of Montana

Fruit Heights resident Brooke Powell competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. at the end of May. Brooke was a co-winner of the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee. Courtesy of Julie Powell

Concertgoers listen to a live concert at Kenley Amphitheater. (Courtesy Davis Arts Council)

With exit doors blowing off, landing gear falling on neighborhoods, wings ripping apart and engine covers shooting into the skies, you’d think airlines would be handing out free puppies and hundred-dollar bills, trying to convince people to support air travel. You’d be wrong.

Instead of lowering ticket prices (in your dreams), dropping baggage fees (you’re bonkers) or making flights more comfortable (ROFL), airlines double down on lazy, expensive service.

Even when Southwest Airlines (whose motto is “Sit Down and Shut Up”) was fined $140 million for leaving thousands of holiday passengers stranded, the industry knows we will travel. And we’ll pay any price.

If airlines have open seats, and the flight takes off in a week, instead of offering reduced prices, ticket costs rise. Once, after we purchased airline tickets, we got an alert that prices had jumped $1,000 per ticket. That’s bananas!

Recently, my husband and I flew Hawaiian Airlines for the first time. With its slogan, “Well, you could just drive to Honolulu,” we didn’t expect great service, and we weren’t disappointed.

We settled into our six-hour flight with its panic-inducing, claustrophobic seating, only to find movie screens weren’t provided. However, we could download the airline’s

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

Fight or Flight

app to watch movies on our phones, as long as it was downloaded an hour before boarding. So, as soon as time travel is invented, I can go back, download the app and have access to movies for our flight.

We left early in the morning and breakfast sandwiches were offered to passengers with normal digestive systems. If your body treats gluten like poison, you get to starve or purchase a box of gluten-free crackers and hummus. I’ve learned to pack snacks because, like the United Airlines motto states, “Suck it up. We’re not your mom.”

As we flew through the skies, we played games like, “Is it turbulence or did we just lose the landing gear?” and “Annoy Fellow Passengers.” I think I won that when I reclined my seat from 90 degrees to 95 degrees. The woman behind me sighed like a passive-aggressive parent who was not mad, just extremely disappointed.

On the way home from the Big Island of Hawaii, we ended up running through the

Honolulu airport because our connecting flight was late. We dashed to our terminal, which is not the best way to end a vacation, especially after eating your weight in kalua pork and fish tacos.

Net profits for the airline industry are set to hit more than $30 billion this year. Even Boeing (“Safety is Our 15th Priority”) knows it can install faulty parts, disregard safety inspections and hunt down whistleblowers because people will always want to fly.

Boeing stock is dropping faster than its Max 737s but the company doesn’t seem concerned. Even when people bounce off the ceilings due to cockpit issues or have to make an emergency landing in Denver because a passenger is stuck in the bathroom,

Boeing knows people will fork over handfuls of cash to travel.

Passengers expect delays, cancellations and lackadaisical assistance. Any other industry would hire a fancy PR team to encourage people to use its services but the airline industry doesn’t give a flying fig about its image.

Even with its rock-bottom reputation, the airline industry has us over a barrel. With wheels ricocheting off the runway, engines catching fire and toilet waste flooding the cabin, passengers continue to pay increasing costs for the “luxury” of travel. And, like the Delta slogan states, “We Really Don’t Care.”