Holladay Journal | March 2024

HOLLADAY ARTIST BIANCA

CREATES LANDSCAPE SCENES OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL SHIPPING PORTS

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

The industrial abstract art of Bianca Kolonusz-Partee invites the observer to step into a horizon landscape scene of the world's oldest and most beautiful shipping ports. Directly created on the wall of a room, her art gives a glimpse of the seaports that foster economic development and cultural exchange, secure diplomatic ties, and depict the strength of the natural landscape.

“My pieces always end up showing the landscape stronger,” Kolonusz-Partee said. “I visited the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, an area of the spice trade. The cranes were transporting the cargo from shore to ship, but it was nothing compared to what was happening in nature. Visiting the island of Sri Lanka was a transformative experience for me. Getting goods made cheaply in Sri Lanka ignores the rich culture, fresh spices and mind-blowing landscape.”

Selected as Holladay Artist of the Month by the Holladay Arts Council, Kolonusz-Partee captures an art form crafted from product packaging in paper cutting and layering. On the floor of her studio, crates are filled with decorative papers, torn

photo pieces, and heavy paper stock. Once used as cookie and cereal boxes, specialty chocolate wrappers, and even the occasional shampoo bottle packaging are disassembled and filed by color and wait to be artistically repurposed.

“My friends and family send me a lot of the papers that I use in my landscapes,” Kolonusz-Partee said. “Many of my friends are package designers and, in the past, have created patterned papers. Design trends have now changed, and most boxes now are solid colors. If someone gives me a card, occasionally, I will incorporate it into my art.”

Kolonusz-Partee received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Studio Art from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, an academic institution renowned for educating women leaders. After receiving a Claremont Graduate University Art Fellowship, she returned home to California to complete a Master of Fine Arts in painting. By this time, shipping ports had become the

Tiny

High-quality, innovative health care with a heavy dose of compassion

With a focus on health care excellence, community service and faith – the doctors, nurses and care teams at Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake are committed to compassionate and highquality care for their neighbors.

It has been nearly a year since CommonSpirit Health took over five Wasatch Front hospitals that now bear the name Holy Cross, a reference to the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who brought Catholic, faith-based health care to the people of Utah nearly 150 years ago.

Today, the hospitals are reinvigorating the Sisters’ vision while caring for all with open arms, including at the original hospital they opened in 1875 that cares for patients 24/7 on S. Temple Street.

“We have returned to our roots in the way we care for the people of the Salt Lake Valley, and we are so excited to re-emphasize community-focused, faithbased health care for the people of Utah,” said Kevin Jenkins, Market CEO for the Holy Cross hospitals. “Our care is truly focused on neighbors helping neighbors.”

Besides innovative health care in services that include orthopedics, bariatrics, neurosurgery, heart care, and robotic-assisted technology, the hospital’s teams are actively involved in helping to make their communities better outside the walls of the hospital. These efforts range from food pantry donations and first aid sponsorships with local arts festivals to partnering with the American Heart Association to educate our communities about heart health.

Through its Hello Humankindness program, CommonSpirit is actively promoting the health benefits

of kindness and recognizing employees who go above and beyond the call of their jobs to help those in need.

“We believe that simple acts of kindness have a profound impact on the lives of our patients and communities, in addition to the medical expertise that our doctors and nurses provide,” Jenkins said.

The Holy Cross hospitals have also re-started volunteer and chaplaincy programs, which had not been a priority for the previous owner.

“We have a Director of Mission and Ministry who leads our chaplaincy program to provide prayer and other support for our patients – regardless of who they are or faith tradition - and is making sure our healing mission is carried out in our hospitals,” Jenkins added.

CommonSpirit’s mission includes advancing social justice for all, and last fall, it bestowed eight grants from its Health Equity & Advancement Fund to local nonprofits that are working every day to improve lives in ways that include health screenings for Spanishspeaking neighbors and mental health treatment for children and families.

With a long legacy of service and healing, CommonSpirit is just getting started in extending health care excellence for all Utahns at the Holy Cross hospitals.

“Our vision is a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity,” Jenkins said.

Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

When things go wrong, we provide the right care.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Kevin Jenkins, Market CEO

Tiny Art Exhibit showcases the world of miniature art

The Tiny Art Exhibit, sponsored and organized by the Holladay Arts Council, ran from Feb. 5-10. The show featured the artwork of 146 artists of all ages and 402 pieces of art in all medium creation techniques, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, textile and sculpture. The art show guidelines required all pieces to be under 9 inches in length and width.

Amateur and professional artists throughout the Salt Lake Valley were represented in the nonjuried exhibit, with selected art pieces ranging in price from $10 to $700 for collector pieces created by renowned artists.

“What I most enjoy about this art show is seeing a professional artist's work, an artist who has been studying and selling art for years, such as well-known professional artist Erin Barrett, shown right next to a beginning artist like 6-year-old artist Deanna Griffiths,” Holladay Arts and Culture Manager Megan Attermann said. “This is what community arts is all about.”

Former Holladay Arts Council member Beckie Rock managed the show this year and exhibited several pieces of her miniature art. She studied illustration and web design at Salt Lake Community College and continues to volunteer time as the webmaster for the Arts Council website.

According to Rock, a 2- to 3-inch landscape painting complete with all the components and executed with a one-hair brush would require the same amount of time to craft as painting the same scene on a larger canvas.

The art exhibit is an accessible way for many people looking to begin an art collection to adorn the walls in their offices or homes with inspirational art pieces.

“The best thing about this show is that the art is small, so people can come and imagine something in their home in a little spot,” Rock said. “The talent and creativity of the artists is incredible. Also, it’s fun to watch non-artists come to the show and be creative in their minds. They can walk into a scene and imagine themselves there, or the art inspires them to start painting.”

Cheryl Walden, a retired graphic designer, said this was her first time participating in the Tiny Art Exhibit. As a lifelong artist, she enjoys exploring different mediums of art, and recently, she has become interested in tiny book crafting illustrated in vibrant acrylics.

“I enjoy looking at the varied art mediums at the tiny show,” Walden said. “Several of the mediums used in the art this year are new to me. There are several paintings of birds, and I just love looking at the detail in those small pieces.”

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

Holladay Arts Council member Bonnie Nell enjoyed volunteering time, selling art at the exhibit, and talking with community members attending the show. This year, she was particularly interested in seeing the artistic growth of artists who have displayed their art in the show for the last three years.

“There’s a veterinarian in this year's show who had never participated in an art show until she entered one of the tiny art exhibits,” Nell said. “We’ve enjoyed watching her progress as an artist with each show she enters. The Holladay Arts Council is trying to support artists in the community so they can produce art that can be seen, enjoyed, and purchased by the public away from the notoriety of a gallery, juried show, or an expensive art festival.”

For more information about art events in the Holladay community, visit the Holladay Arts Council website at holladayarts.org. l

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The Tiny Art Exhibit featured the artwork of 146 artists of all ages and 402 pieces of art in all medium creation techniques, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, textile, and sculpture. Pictured is “California Quail Couple” linocut art by Tamia Wardle. (Holladay Arts Council) Powder Day,” a watercolor by Bessann Swanson. (Holladay Arts Council)

“Play ball,” an oil by Beckie Rock. (Holladay Arts Council)

Boy Scouts launch 38th annual statewide Scouting for Food Drive

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

Utah State University Assistant Professor and Food Security Council Leader Palak Gupta reports that one in 10 Utah households experience food insecurity, and more than 102,000 Utah families do not have the resources to buy enough food. To address food insecurity in Utah, Crossroads of the West Council, a local council of the Boy Scouts of America, launched its 38th annual statewide Scouting for Food Drive in February.

A kickoff event was held on Feb. 8 in the Teen Center at Cottonwood High School in Murray. The event sponsors, Bank of Utah, Red Hanger Cleaners, Souper Bowl of Caring, Young Automotive, Arctic Circle, Utah National Guard, and Smith’s Food and Drug joined together in launching the annual event and asked the public to help fill the state pantries with nutritious and nonperishable canned and boxed foods. Each of the sponsors actively supported the event by donating bags to customers, publicizing the food drive and acting as a collection site for donors.

“Today, we will mobilize over 400 Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Venture Crews to provide for 16 community food pantries across the state of Utah,” Crossroads of the West Council board member Ben Taylor said. “We will also ask customers for food donations at 53 Smith’s Food and Drug stores statewide on Feb. 10. We are grateful to the Utah National Guard for playing a valuable role on this day by providing the equipment and the workforce to pick up hundreds of pounds of food and deliver it to the food pantries.”

Boy Scout Jaren Roberts opened the event by reading a declaration by Utah’s Gov. Spencer J. Cox declaring Feb. 10 through March 2, 2024, as Utah’s Scouting for Food Drive to actively address food insecurity in Utah. The drive came at a needed time when food supplies at local food banks were beginning to thin, primarily due to the holiday season.

According to Lorna Koci, Scouting for Food chair member, last year, the drive collected over 100,000 pounds of food for Utahns experiencing food insecurity in 2023. This year, the Boy Scouts throughout Utah hoped to gather even more food in an ongoing effort to fight hunger in Utah.

The teen center at Cottonwood High School is a safe space where students struggling with basic needs can do laundry, shower, study, receive food from the adjacent food pantry, and connect with mental health specialists and housing resources. Assistant Superintendent Leslie Bell provided a glimpse of the district's ongoing need.

“Granite School District is the third largest district in the State of Utah, serving over 58,000 students,” Bell said. “About 47% of our population, which is about 2,700 students, qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. Also, we have about 1,600 students who are experiencing some level of homelessness in their communities. The teen center and the student pantry, which exist side by side at Cottonwood High School, are what it takes to support our students in 2024. We are grateful to the Crossroads of the West Council and the Boy Scouts of America and their desire to continue to support our youth and families across the entire state of Utah.”

Brighton High School student and Life Scout Orion Ehrhart, Scout Troop 197, welcomed Smith’s Food and Drug shoppers on Feb. 10 at the store on Bengal Boulevard. As customers entered the store, Ehrhart encouraged them to donate food to the drive and provided information on needed items.

“It’s great being at Smith’s with my friends and helping to provide food for those in need,” Ehrhart said. “Scouting provides a lot of opportunity to grow as a person. My astronomy merit badge so far has been my favorite badge to work on. Personal fitness was the most difficult merit badge for me because I had to provide daily updates tracking my physical fitness progress over three or four months. I think everything I have to accomplish to achieve Eagle rank will definitely help me to achieve my future goals.”

Scouting provides opportunities for youth to build essential life skills, such as long-term friendships, academic skills, citizenship skills, ethics and leadership skills.

“The Boy Scouts of America is a wonderful program for young men and young women to be involved in from Logan to St. George,” Koci said. “Helping to feed

the needy provides character-building opportunities for our young people. There are openings in all 400 scouting units for those interested in joining a local pack or troop.”

If you are interested in receiving more information about the Scouting for Food Drive or the Crossroads of the West Boy Scout Council, visit utahscouts.org. l

“It’s great being at Smith’s with my friends and helping to provide food for those in need,” Life Scout Orion Ehrhart said. “Scouting provides a lot of opportunity to grow as a person.” (Collette Hayes/City Journals)

Leslie Bell: “The teen center and the student pantry, which exist side by side at Cottonwood High School, are what it takes to support our students in 2024,” Assistant Superintendent Leslie Bell said. “We are grateful to the Crossroads of the West Council and the Boy Scouts of America and their desire to continue to support our youth and families across the entire state of Utah.” (Collette Hayes/City Journals)

topic of focus for her art. While completing her degree, she participated in several artist talks and art shows at various colleges and art galleries in the Los Angeles area. Kolonusz-Partee continues to show her art after relocating to Utah.

“We moved our family from California to Utah in 2020,” Kolonusz-Partee said. “We happened to luck out and moved to Holladay. I had a solo show at the Bountiful Art Center in May 2023. I’m so passionate about landscape, and that’s what I love about being in Utah, getting out in the landscape and connecting with it.”

As Vice President of Design at HB Workplaces, Kolonusz-Partee runs a design team of 40 interior designers. One of the team's current design projects is designing the interior social spaces for the 40-story Astra Tower in downtown Salt Lake, which houses an apartment complex and business offices.

The process of creating a shipping port landscape scene is labor intensive, taking several months to complete. Usually, Kolonusz-Partee works from a photo or a video on her laptop. The shape of the landscape is sketched on a horizon line, then colored bits of paper are cut to shape and placed with double stick tape using a wall as a canvas. Map pins are used to anchor the pieces in place. Since an eraser is not an option for making corrections

in this art form, old cardboard box pieces, and papers are cut, trimmed, and repositioned several times before being secured into place.

Although Kolonusz-Partee’s art form is somewhat unique, she admires many artists' works, but it is the old art masters she looks to for artistic inspiration.

“Liberty Blake has a show at Phillips Gallery right now, and I love her art,”

Kolonusz-Partee said. “Her art is more modern and is pretty much the polar opposite of mine, but I enjoy her flat, old, beautiful papers. But I feel like I come from the old art masters. I love going to see and experiencing their art.”

If you would like more information about Bianca Kolonusz-Partee’s artwork, visit www.bkolonuszpartee.com. l

Bianca Kolonusz-Partee works from a photo or a video on her laptop to create shipping port scenes. (Photo credit Bianca Kolonusz-Partee)

The boys lacrosse team went 17-2 a year ago falling in the state finals to Park City but featured a year where in those 17 wins, they never saw a team get within seven goals by the final score. Olympus outscored its opponents 319-90 on the year with an average score of 17-5. This year’s squad should feature a deep senior class with plenty of returning contributors. The first home game is March 15 against Judge Memorial.

The girls lacrosse team finished 17-1 last year with its lone loss coming in the championship game to Park City. Olympus was dominant outscoring its opponents 332-98. Only one of its wins was by less than double digits (a 14-13 win over Park City) as the team averaged 18 goals per game. The Titans return plenty of firepower this year as the season gets underway March 8 at home to Farmington.

Lady Colts capture second region title in a row

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

The Lady Colts basketball team captured the Region 10 title.

Junior Avea van der Beek averaged just a shade under 10 points per game for Cottonwood and is one of the Colts’ main forces inside as the team’s second leading scorer.

With sophomore Carley Caton who averages the same number of points and rebounds as van der Beek and is the Colts’ leading scorer by half of a percentage point, Cottonwood had two formidable presences in the interior when both were available.

The Colts earned the No. 4 seed in 4A receiving a bye to the second round of the state tournament where they fell in a heartbreaker to Desert Hills 49-48. Cottonwood rolled to an 11-game winning streak to end the season. But the key to their success didn’t come as easy as some might think.

There were some fits and starts that the Colts had to go through to find their identity during the preseason, according to head coach Teresa Soracco, but they’ve pulled through those hard times.

According to Athletic Director Greg Southwick, who also serves as one of the team’s assistant coaches, the main reason that Cottonwood is winning is due to an experienced backcourt led by Ciel Budge and Alivia Hutton.

“Our two guards are leading the way, especially Ciel and then Alivia is playing great defensively,” said Southwick of the Colts’ two starting seniors.

For a Cottonwood team that had five players averaging between eight to 10 points per game when you include junior Ashlyn Tripp, it’s uncanny balance to have on any team.

One good reason to keep an eye on this Colts team, according to Southwick?

“We’ve won 11 games in a row,” he said.

In the absence of van der Beek the last two games of the season, the Colts have seen other players step up and carry the load. Hutton poured in 13 points at Stansbury Feb. 13 and then had 14 at Park City on Feb. 16.

Ciel Budge did similarly for Cottonwood, scoring 13 at Stansbury and 11 at Park City. [Caton also filled in admirably at Park City, scoring 14 points for her teammate.] Kya Budge also chipped in five points for Cottonwood, tying a season-high.

The Lady Colts played stingy defense since December, having only allowed one of those 11 past opponents to score more than 50 points in a game. l

Head coach Teresa Soracco, seen here in 2022, led the Colts to its second region title in a row. (File photo City Journals)

Us Holladay

Have you ever stopped to think about who plans our Summer Concerts? Or finds knowledgeable presenters for the Historical Speaker Series? Or inspires people to plant and nurture trees within Holladay’s beautiful tree canopy? Or informs us about safe and healthy living?

Our city is fortunate to have residents who willingly volunteer their time, energy, and talents, benefitting us all. The Arts Council, Historical Commission, and Tree Committee are the most visible. One new organization is the Happy Healthy Holladay Coalition, which plans and supports activities that improve the health of Holladay residents by identifying community needs, highlighting existing programs and resources, and establishing evidence-based initiatives that bolster mental, physical, and social well-being.

In addition to those involved in city organizations, individuals also respond when called upon. For example, many filled sandbags last year when areas of the city were threatened with flooding from melting snowpack. Neighborhoods also work together to address specific needs. Residents living around the Olympus Hills Park join forces to weed, paint stairs, and generally clean up that park in the spring. And I appreciate those who plan, speak and perform at the annual Interfaith Service each November.

Volunteers come in all ages, shapes and sizes, and their reasons for volunteering are as varied as the volunteers themselves. They benefit the city, their neighborhoods, and hopefully themselves, as they strengthen relationships with other volunteers and those they serve. Studies also show that volunteering helps with mental and physical health and increases a sense of community. If you would like to help with a city activity, please visit the city website for more information.

I hope you will support and benefit from the work of our many volunteers by participating in their upcoming programs and activities. During March, there will be a Tree Talk at the Holladay Library on Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 when arborist James Stevens will talk about trees that attract and are a habitat for birds. The next in the Holladay Historical Commission Speaker Series will be March 11, when Holladay resident Doug Wright will talk about the history of radio. The Holladay Arts Council is putting on its annual Fine Arts Show and Sale on March 16-23 at the Holladay City Hall. Happy Healthy Holladay activities will be announced on the Holladay City website when they are scheduled. Or you can find out more about each organization by visiting the City’s new website at www.HolladayUT.gov.

—Drew Quinn, District 4

Coming to City Park!

We are excited to share some of the improvements coming to our beloved City Park. In efforts to better meet residents’ needs, the City will be installing sports lighting at the skate park! We will also be unveiling a Historical Exhibit soon. Furthermore, we will be making minor cosmetic changes to park features in order to protect them and reduce maintenance costs.

The skatepark project is one we have been working towards for some time. This will be primarily grant-funded and will propagate an opportunity to renew efforts to take care of the park. We want to remind users that keeping the park clean, beautiful, and welcoming is a joint effort! The City prides itself in offering this amenity to the community and hopes to continue to strengthen the relationships that make this possible.

SOME SKATEPARK REMINDERS:

• New hours (w/ lighting) will be from sunrise to 10 pm.

• Wear helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.

• Please clean up after yourselves & help us keep the park clean!

• Keep gum, food, and drinks off the skating surfaces.

• Do not add graffiti or artwork.

• We welcome all non-motorized wheel sports.

• Most importantly, be safe & have FUN!

Our Historical Exhibit will be an outdoor museum experience to celebrate our Holladay heritage. The Historical Commission has championed this project for over a decade. Construction will begin in earnest next

year and we are excited to be partnering with Riggs Ward Design on this project.

The aforementioned cosmetic changes will primarily be applied to the trellis on the Southeast corner of the park. The columns in particular continue to be defaced with vandalism which requires consistent maintenance. The changes will allow us to address this issue and lower long-term maintenance costs. Again, we appreciate your help in keeping Holladay’s parks clean and welcoming.

Stay tuned to our social media pages to learn more about these upcoming changes! Find us on Instagram (@cityofholladayutah) and Facebook (City of Holladay – Government).

In Memorium Diane Burandt

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Diane Burandt who was with Holladay from the beginning in 1999. Diane served as the City’s Finance Director and was an integral part of our community. She was hired under Mayor Stillman when Holladay was officially incorporated. The former mayor describes her as having a strong sense of integrity. Tenacious and dedicated to her craft, Diane could be trusted with some of the City’s most important matters. She loved all things Disney and had a hearty sense of humor. Diane had a gift for finding something in common with everyone she met and loved to cook for others. We’ll miss her stories of growing up in the South and living abroad in Japan. We are privileged to have worked alongside her and are grateful for her years of dedication and service. Diane will be in our hearts as we continue her legacy of hard work and integrity.

Adopt a Shelter Pet

Salt Lake County Animal Services

In 2023, Salt Lake County Animal Services welcomed 6,326 animals into the shelter, with 2,277 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 provides them with a second chance and contributes to breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation.

We are in desperate need of 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. The adoption process includes low-cost adoption fees and 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

Learn-to-Play Clinics

Holladay-Lions Rec Center Registration opens April 1

Spring Lane

Granite School District’s decommissioning of Spring Lane Elementary has provided us with a potential opportunity to develop that area into a park! Conceptual design is still in its early stages to provide the Holladay City Council with more details before any final decisions are made with Granite School District. Holladay is partnering with MHTN Architects this spring to explore how the area could be transformed into a new park for our residents. Spring Lane Elementary holds a special place in Holladay’s heart, so we couldn’t be more thrilled (and hopeful) to possibly keep it a place where lasting, happy memories can be made. More information will be forthcoming as the project continues with multiple opportunities for residents to share ideas and provide feedback.

Stormwater Awareness

Good water quality is integral to a healthy environment and essential for maintaining clean groundwater drinking sources! Thanks to the Salt Lake County Stormwater Coalition, we have a few easy ideas each of us can implement to prevent stormwater pollution.

First, please bag and trash pet waste; this common pollutant can spread harmful bacteria. Second, mulch or compost your mowed grass, and consider xeriscaping. Third, please pick up and throw away trash; recycle glass and plastic when possible. Fourth, recycle oil and use a commercial car wash rather than washing your vehicle on your property where pollutants can easily enter stormwater drains. Finally, try to use household chemicals sparingly and safely dispose of them.

You can find more information by visiting stormwatercoalition.org/ residents. Thanks for doing your part to help keep our water sources clean! Remember, we all live downstream

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Rob Dahle, Mayor rdahle@cityofholladay.com 801-580-3056

Ty Brewer, District 1 tbrewer@cityofholladay.com 801-550-8747

Matt Durham, District 2 mdurham@cityofholladay.com 801-999-0781

Paul Fotheringham, District 3 pfotheringham@cityofholladay.com 801-424-3058

Drew Quinn, District 4 dquinn@cityofholladay.com 801-272-6526

Emily Gray, District 5 egray@cityofholladay.com 801-755-3477

Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@cityofholladay.com

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 7 p.m.

CITY OFFICES:

Mon-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • 801-272-9450 4580 South 2300 East • Holladay, UT 84117

Community Development 801-527-3890

Finance 801-527-2455

Justice Court 801-273-9731

Code Enforcement 801-527-3890

NUMBERS TO KNOW:

Emergency 911

UPD Dispatch (Police) 801-840-4000

UFA Dispatch (Fire) 801-840-4000

Animal Control 385-468-7387

Garbage/Sanitation 385-468-6325

Holladay Library 801-944-7627

Holladay Lions Club 385-468-1700

Mt. Olympus Sr. Center 385-468-3130

Holladay Post O ce 801-278-9942

Cottonwood Post O ce 801-453-1991

Holliday Water 801-277-2893

New & Improved City Website LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

www.HolladayUT.gov

The Holladay website is designed to be a one-stop shop for all your questions and needs. We have been working for several months to make the Holladay website more user-friendly and accessibility focused. Our finished product is set to be launched on March 5th! Here are some of the changes we’re most excited about:

ACCESSIBILITY: We took great care to ensure that our site was ADA-compliant. All fonts across the website were updated to be more accessible for those with visual disabilities, and all images contain alt text.

QUICK LINKS: Website analytics and information from City Hall’s front desk staff showed clear frontrunners in our most visited pages and asked questions regarding city services.

MAPS: Our map gallery has a map for just about everything you’re looking for: which utilities service your area, upcoming and completed construction projects, zoning for your property, floodplain zones, school boundaries, and much more.

CALENDAR: This feature will now be separated into three tabs: “Community Events”, “City Events” and “Public Meetings.” The “City Events” tab will feature city-sponsored events hosted by the Holladay Arts Council, Historical Commission, Tree Committee, and Business Advisory Board. The Public Meetings tab will include meeting dates for the City Council, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Committee, and Tree Committee, and will also list federal holidays when City Hall will be closed. The Community Events calendar will include events happening at the library, the Holladay Recreation Center, and more!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Our social media pages will work in tandem with the new website to keep residents informed regarding city events, meetings, and important notices. We want to offer a variety of channels through which you can easily stay in the know. Find us on Instagram (@cityofholladayutah), Facebook (City of Holladay), and Twitter/X (@CityofHolladay).

Along with exciting changes, we will be changing the website URL from cityofholladay.com to HolladayUT.gov. This change is necessary to comply with security-minded regulations passed in the last legislative session. The content of our website will stay the same, only the domain name is changing. We are working diligently to update all city forms and documents to reflect this change, but this will take time. We want to reassure our residents that all links that still contain cityofholladay.com in the title will continue to work and will automatically forward users to HolladayUT.gov. There should be no disruption to our website resources during this transition. You will also see the email addresses for city officials and staff change from @cityofholladay.com to @HolladayUT.gov. As with the website, the cityofholladay.com emails will continue to be forwarded to the new addresses. We appreciate your patience & continued involvement in our community!

Slumber Storytime

Wed., March 13th @ 7pm

Children are encouraged to wear pajamas to this family Storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and other early literacy fun.

After School Crew

Wed., March 20th @ 4pm

Drop in each 3rd Wednesday of the month for active, hands-on discovery, social interaction and fun! Geared towards ages 6-11. The March After School Crew will be about Bees!

UFA Update – Naloxone Counters Opioid Overdose

Every once in a while, I see some statistic that surprises me. I am a member of the Happy Healthy Holladay Coalition, and our goal is to enhance the physical and mental well-being of citizens in Holladay and to help in any way we can. The Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCOHD) presents us with data highlighting areas where Holladay is successful and areas we need improvement.

What shocked me was, according to the SLCOHD, opiate overdose deaths were Holladay’s number one area of opportunity. From 2022 data, the City of Holladay had an almost 50% higher rate of drug/opioid deaths than the Salt Lake County Average. In response to that, we have given over 50 naloxone (Narcan) kits and trained people in how and when to administer them. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist medication that is used to reverse an opioid overdose. The way I look at it, for every kit we get out, and every person trained, is basically like teaching someone the Heimlich maneuver or CPR. It is a tool someone can use to save a life.

Happy Healthy Holladay recently hosted a training session at the Library with over 35 people in attendance. The Holladay Youth Council also received training and a Narcan kit when they visited the fire station. Overdoses are an issue we can all help with. It starts with awareness, education and knowing it can happen to anyone. Watch for more training to come.

By Capt. Dan Brown, Unified Fire Authority

Free, no questions asked naloxone kits are available for pick-up at the Library. Every household first aid kit should include naloxone.

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Morethan 100 schools will be represented at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 23 at 9 a.m. at Wasatch Jr. High in Millcreek (3750 S. 3100 East). Sponsored by the City Journals community newspapers, the winner of the event will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

Each school can send up to two spelling representatives to compete at the Utah bee. Students will complete a written test before the competition and everyone will have the chance to spell one word on the stage. After the first round, the top spellers will be announced and they will compete for the state championship.

“The spelling bee is a foundation of the building blocks of education,” said Elizabeth Sweat, people leader at the City Journals. “It teaches children the importance of hard work, language skills and aiming for the best. It helps them become strong thinkers, ready to create a better tomorrow.”

The City Journals has hosted the regional spelling bee since 2014 and pays for the trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and one parent. This year, Planet Tooth Pe-

diatric Dentistry in West Valley will provide funds to ensure a second speller can also attend the national bee.

Last year’s winner, Surya Kapu, competed at the national event, finishing tied for third place. It was the third time the South Jordan resident had competed at that level. Surya won the regional bee four times but didn’t attend the Scripps event one year because of COVID. This year, he is too old to compete, so there will be a new champion crowned.

City Journals publisher Bryan Scott is adamant about hosting the event each year and giving students the opportunity to shine.

“To me, children are synonymous with our future and our community,” Scott said. “Any time we get to celebrate a child is awesome. For some of these spellers, this may be the only time in their life where they are on a stage. Those few moments make all the difference.”

To support the regional spelling bee and competitors, donate with the QR code. Help send the champion to Washington, D.C. to complete at the national level. l

The City Journals sent South Jordan resident Surya Kapu to Washington, D.C. last year to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year’s regional bee will be held on Saturday, March 23. (Photo courtesy of Udaya Kapu)

WOMeN’S SECTION

A publication covering local influential women in honor of International Women’s Day

Utah-educated doctor chosen to lead National Institutes of Health

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

For the first time, a University of Utah medical school graduate sits at the helm of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in November 2023. She is the second woman to serve as NIH Director since its inception in 1887 and the first surgeon in that role.

The NIH is located in Bethesda, Maryland and is comprised of 27 institutes and centers. The organization has a budget of more than $47 billion and serves as the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world.

President Biden stated: “Dr. Bertagnolli has spent her career pioneering scientific discovery and pushing the boundaries of what is possible to improve cancer prevention and treatment for patients and ensuring that patients in every community have access to quality care. Dr. Bertagnolli is a world-class physician-scientist whose vision and leadership will ensure NIH continues to be an engine of innovation to improve the health of the American people.”

Bertagnolli first earned an engineering degree from Princeton University, then she attended and graduated from the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine in 1985. She was interested in immunology but discovered a different passion. “I signed up for surgery as my very first clinical rotation, just because I wanted to get it out of the way. I still vividly remember my first day in an operating room because I immediately knew that’s where I belonged,” she told the ASCO Post.

In more recent years, she served as chair of the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s External Advisory Board. Bertagnolli was previously a professor of surgery at Har-

vard Medical School and chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She has been president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and leader of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology.

Prior to her current role at the NIH, Dr. Bertagnolli was the first female director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a role she took in October 2022. NCI is a component of NIH. One month into her time at the NCI, a routine mammogram led to Bertagnolli being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Since then, she has called herself a cancer survivor. “Fortunately, my prognosis is excellent. And this is due to NIH-funded research over the last several decades. And the many women who participated in clinical trials before me,” she said.

Her upbringing on a ranch in rural Wyoming as the daughter of first-generation immigrants has shaped her professional approach by providing an understanding of the medical challenges rural communities experience. An NIH press release said, “Equity is a core value that drives all her efforts, which includes ensuring NIH research is equitable and accessible to all people from all walks of life regardless of income or zip code.”

Huntsman Cancer Institute CEO Mary Beckerle, who has known Bertagnolli almost since her Utah med school days, compares her to the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who also grew up on a ranch: A “bundle of wit, resilience, and can-do spirit,” Beckerle said in Science magazine, December 2023 edition.

Beyond being a cancer surgeon for more than 35 years, her research has

DR. MONICA BERTAGNOLLI is a 1985 graduate of the University of Utah medical school. She served on an advisory board for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which is made up of 27 institutes and centers for biomedical research.

focused on the genetic mutations that lead to gastrointestinal cancer and how inflammation stimulates cancer growth. In her current role, she hopes to leverage commonalities such as how inflammation causes cancer but is also a component of Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, Long COVID and other diseases.

In 2023, she was named one of the 100 Influential Women in Oncology by Onco Daily.

Bertagnolli said in a December 2022 NCI statement, “Having been an oncologist my entire career, it was always—and still is—all about the patients and survivors. It’s one thing to know about cancer as a physician, but it is another to experience it firsthand as a patient as well. To anyone with cancer today: I am truly in this together with you.” l

Photo credit: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang/NIH

‘Look Good, Feel Good’ conference focuses on inclusion for Pacific Islander women

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

The inaugural “Look Good, Feel Good” conference, held in February at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, was organized to empower Pacific Islander women in Utah. In partnership with the Creative Pacific Foundation, the Women’s Executive Alliance held the event to celebrate women of the PI community through education and connection.

La Wolfgramm serves as president of the WEA, the women in business arm of the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce, that just celebrated its first anniversary. As the owner of Pasifika Kitchen, Wolfgramm wanted to bring women together and provide a fun environment where they could learn about holistic empowerment, covering physical and mental health, hair and fashion.

“We started WEA because we felt that there was nothing out there for PI women,” she said. “I wanted our PI women to see that there’s someone that looks like them, that talks like them and walks like them. It’s a comfort thing to know they can come in, and if they want to, they can start a business.”

The “Look Good, Feel Good” event marked the first time Utah PI experts in food, health, entertainment and fashion joined together in one place to offer support and information.

Guest speakers included Aveda beauty and hair expert Ben Powell, “Project Runway” designer Afa Ah Loo, mental health expert Celia Moleni (owner of Manaaki Mental Health) and wellness expert Alex Millions, RN, (owner of ModeRN Hydraesthetics). The conference ended with a keynote address from Sui Lang L. Panoke, senior vice president of culture at Zions Bank.

In addition to workshops, the event featured a DJ, a 360-degree photo booth, catered food and mocktails.

Analei Samasei’a serves on the WEA board of directors. She wants PI women to understand that they belong in these spaces and that what they contribute to the community has value.

“A lot of our women are caretakers. They stay home with their families, they take care of their aunties or uncles or mothers or fathers. That’s what we inherently do in our culture,” Samasei’a said. “So they’re not always available to go to these types of events, nor do they have accessibility. But now, we have all these experts here in the room. They were all mingling together and asking questions.”

Partnering with Creative Pacific allowed WEA to host the “Look Good, Feel Good” conference with a focus on inclusion while

strengthening bonds between PI women. Creative Pacific is a nonprofit that celebrates cultural diversity.

For information about WEA and the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce visit

Upichamber.org. To learn about Creative Pacific, visit CreativePacific.org.

“We had a mental health expert who walked us through some exercises to connect back to ourselves and understand the sensations we were feeling and how

our thoughts determine actions. It was like a good therapy session,” Samasei’a said. “And so it unified everybody in that room. We’ve all shared this experience together, and now we can talk about it to our friends.” l

“PROJECT RUNWAY” designer Afa Ah Loo talks to Pacific Islander women about fashion at the “Look Good, Feel Good” conference.

City Journals

MORE THAN 70 WOMEN attended the first “Look Good, Feel Good” conference for Pacific Islander women at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy. The event celebrated women of the PI community.

City Journals

LA WOLFGRAMM is president of the Women’s Executive Alliance, the women in business branch of the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce.

City Journals

Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin leaves behind a legacy of student-centered leadership

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

For more than 30 years Deneece Huftalin has been a student-focused leader at Salt Lake Community College serving in various capacities within administration. What began in September 2014, when she became president of SLCC, will come to a conclusion in June of this year as Huftalin officially retires. She will have been the longest serving female president within the Utah System of Higher Education.

With the most diverse student body in the state, Huftalin said she always aimed to keep true the SLCC mission “[to] engage and support students in educational pathways leading to successful transfer and meaningful employment.”

To “support students” is something that she spent her career being focused on.

A Salt Lake City native, and a University of Utah graduate, Huftalin spent some time outside of Utah on various higher education campuses including Northwestern University, Stanford University and University of California, Los Angeles. But it was a job at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois that helped open her eyes to the community college system.

“I worked in orientation, but they considered their student affairs people faculty, which was a really cool model,” Huftalin said. “I was able to teach a little and serve on the college senate, but also have kind of a staff role.”

That position at Harper, although brief, left an impression. As Huftalin found herself back in Utah, returning so her husband could take a job opportunity, she found herself looking for work again on another college campus.

“There’s something [magical] about campuses,” Huftalin said. “People are thinking, discovering, laughing, having fun and testing waters, and it’s a good place to be.”

As Salt Lake Community College was booming with growth and expansion in the early 1990s, Huftalin realized that her time at Harper’s gave her a bit of competitive edge when it came time to apply for positions at SLCC. She began her tenure as the director of academic and career advising in 1992.

“I always feel fortunate that Harper College gave me a little bit of knowledge and a kind of step into a community college role,” Huftalin said.

That first role led to her eventual “dream job” in the mid-1990s, as the dean

of students. Being involved with students was always where she saw herself.

“I just love being with students,” said Huftalin said.

Over the years, colleagues took notice of that student-centered persona. Alison McFarlane, who became the Vice President of Institutional Advancement in 2012, worked closely with Huftalin, who was the Vice President of Student Services at that time.

“Deneece is the most student-focused leader I could have possibly imaged,” McFarlane said. “You always hear about Deneece being the voice for students.”

Cassidy Behling has been the Administrative Assistant to the President for the last 10 years, and has watched as Huftalin, who often gets pulled in so many different directions, has been able to focus on what truly matters in higher education.

“Her care and concern for her students is always her guiding force,” Behling said.

Huftalin admitted that she worries

about current and future students and how heavy the world is on them, especially when it comes to mental health.

“It takes a lot to break through and come and be courageous and learn and try something new,” Huftalin said.

Despite never seeing herself in the role of president of SLCC, Huftalin said that being in leadership roles has allowed her to model behavior that she has witnessed over the years. Throughout her career, she was able to be a part of women-led communities, allowing for the formation of friendships and connections.

“Younger women are experiencing things differently than I ever have,” Huftalin said. “But I do think there’s some continuity of support…and having lived longer and navigated different things, I can give advice and support or encouragement.”

While in office, Huftalin realized several goals such as, but not limited to, the addition of the Westpointe Workforce Training and Education Center in Salt Lake City and

the Juniper Building in Herriman which has increased geographical access to classes and the Open Education Resources (OER) initiative that allows students access to public domain textbooks for general education courses.

According to McFarlane, who retired in October 2023, one of the many ways that Huftalin has been able to accomplish these goals is because she is a “connector” of people and ideas, fostering collaboration within the college and the surrounding communities.

“When she sees opportunities, she’s very [eager] to give them to other people,” McFarlane said.

Those connections have led to great relationships with students, faculty and staff, and Huftalin said she will miss those the most after retirement.

“…Those relationships are hard to step away from,” Huftalin said. “Because they’ve just meant so much.” l

DENEECE HUFTALIN has been president of Salt Lake Community College since 2014 and when she retires in June, she will have been the longest serving female president within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).

Photo courtesy of Salt Lake Community College

Trails, parks expansions highlighted in County Mayor Wilson's address

"It feels so good," Salt Lake County Mayor

Jenny Wilson said, kicking off her 2024 State of the County address on Jan 23. Speaking to county officials, mayors and city council members at the South Jordan Recreation Center, Wilson touted the county's resilient economic rebound from COVID-19 and its benchmark-setting quality of life investments. Recalling the Height of the Pandemic

Wilson recounted the uncertainty she felt both "personally and as your county mayor" during the height of the pandemic in 2020. "I knew our county had a future," Wilson said, "but at our lowest moments that future seemed very uncertain." The mayor said the anxiety was fueled by isolation and conspicuously empty offices and streets.

"Thankfully, largely due to the resolve of this community, Salt Lake County has bounced back," Wilson continued. She spotlighted its position as home to "one of the most robust economies in the country." Further, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 2.6%, the mayor enthused that "our future is bright."

Bond Rating Signals Fiscal Discipline

In addition to the job market, Wilson pointed to Salt Lake County's AAA bond rating as evidence of sound fiscal health and discipline. She explained the significance: "It actually allows us to keep taxes down while delivering service to our residents and that is so important." With fewer than 50 counties across the over 3,000 nationwide able to claim AAA grades from all major ratings agencies, she argued the rating signals the quality and reliability of Salt Lake County's long-term finances.

Recreational Access: From Courts to Trails

A central point in Wilson's address was the county's focus on quality of life investments beyond economic factors. She positively highlighted Salt Lake County recreational amenities, programming and partnerships. Specifically, the mayor drew attention to existing and expanding county trails, parks, and recreation centers that have developed under her administration.

As one major milestone, the mayor highlighted that this summer kids ages 5 to 18 will gain free access to all county recreation centers. Wilson shared that when she had proposed the idea, approval first had to come from the Salt Lake County Council who control the county's purse strings.

One major highlight Wilson said is the upcoming $9 million expansion of the South Jordan Recreation Center. She shared that construction will begin mid-year on additions including seven new lap lanes for the pool, spectator bleachers and a timing system. Wilson projects finishing construction within about one year. She argued that by alleviating congestion, the upgrades will better accommodate community swim clubs, teams and seniors looking to exercise through swimming laps. The mayor praised the expansion as an evolu-

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

tion that will cement the South Jordan facility's status as a go-to aquatic and recreational hub for Salt Lake County's south side.

Bingham Creek Regional Park Leads Expansions

In addition to programming, Wilson touted park infrastructure expansions during her tenure. She said Salt Lake County had just opened the initial phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park. According to Wilson, it is now the county's largest park spanning 45 acres. Although once home to a gravel pit, the first section already includes playing fields, playgrounds, biking trails, a pavilion and more. She also teased that "several additional exciting projects" are coming, cementing Bingham Creek's status as the county's premier destination park.

Trail Networks Expand Access

Wilson also trumpeted the county's efforts on trails, celebrating the August opening of the "game changing" Butterfield Canyon trail system. Made possible by key partnerships with Rio Tinto and the Bureau of Land Management, she said the first phase introduced 15 miles of trails in previously hard-to-reach southwest Salt Lake County.

Beyond Butterfield Canyon, the mayor said her administration remains "dedicated to enhancing accessible, equitable, sustainable and high-quality trails and open space for all our county residents." She boasted that the county continues to link cities through an urban trail network that community members love to walk, bike and run.

Homelessness and Housing Affordability

Pose Challenges

Shifting focus to issues facing Salt Lake County, Wilson acknowledged "real challenges" like inflation, college affordability and the public safety impact of police department restructuring. However, she spent the most time discussing two intractable problems: homelessness and housing affordability.

Salt Lake County has partnered with Sandy City to open a new supportive housing facility for 165 formerly homeless people with medical vulnerabilities. Wilson stated this fa-

cility moves residents from homeless resource centers into supportive housing with health-related services. The mayor highlighted this project as an example of the county joining forces with cities to expand capacity for housing insecure populations.

Besides shelter space, Wilson called for addressing root causes like housing supply. To that end, she said the county has expanded its Housing Trust Fund by $25 million. According to Wilson, that infusion has facilitated over 1,500 units across 17 affordable housing projects approved in under a year.

Confidence in Overcoming Challenges

While acknowledging various challenges facing the county, Wilson conveyed confidence

in Salt Lake County's capability to adapt and overcome crises based on its track record. She cited the county's ability to pivot and respond during recent years of difficulties like extreme weather events and budget constraints.

To illustrate the county's aspirations, Wilson shared the inspirational story of a local high school basketball player named Jada who persevered through financial limitations to make her school's team. According to the mayor, Jada's determined pursuit of her goals symbolizes what the administration hopes to facilitate for youth through county programs and resources. l

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson gives her State of the County address. (Shaun Delliskave/ City Journals)

Salt Lake County had just opened the initial phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation)

Olympus softball back to claim another region title

Photos by Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Why A Locally Owned, Family Operated Mortuary Really Matters

Larkin Mortuary is the most respected funeral home in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885 and today, with seven generations of history serving Utah families, Larkin Mortuary remains locally family owned and managed.

Our quality reputation is everything to our business and we have established ourselves in the local community as a quali ed and trusted resource. We are not a national franchise and are not controlled by any outside in uences. Larkin can meet any need by providing all varieties of funeral and graveside services, cremation facilities, cemeteries, indoor and outdoor mausoleums, cremation niche and scattering gardens, personalized life memorials and legacy keepsakes.

One of the most important aspects of being locally owned and operated is our rsthand knowledge of the communities we serve. With 139 years of excellence and innovation in providing quality memorial products and compassionate service, Larkin Mortuary provides a full spectrum of end of life services.

Being a quali ed resource to you is our core mission. Larkin’s vertically integrated services provide a premier oral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, and beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. This full range of services o ers individuals and families the exibility to design a custom memorial tribute for their loved one. Multilingual sta honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures. Larkin can also assist with legal transactions and documentation for timely and e cient transfers to other countries.

Serving Utah Families for Over 139 Years

We are community minded and donate either monetarily or with our time to many worthwhile causes in the local area. Being community-minded is who we are. It de nes our character and provides a solid foundation with the people we serve.

Memorial preplanning services are o ered by quali ed and compassionate Larkin counselors who will help determine nal wishes. Advanced funeral arrangements can provide peace of mind knowing that end of life plans are complete and will be carried out exactly as speci ed. Preplanning reduces the details and decisions loved ones must confront during a time of grief.

The family and sta at Larkin Mortuary understand that arranging a funeral or memorial service is a deeply personal experience. Realizing the sacred nature of the profession, Larkin is honored to serve the community by providing genuine care at this sensitive time of life.

Our memorial services are available in any of our beautiful buildings amongst our four locations along the Wasatch Front or in a building of your choice.

For more information, please visit www.larkinmortuary.com or call (801) 363-5781 for an appointment with an experienced funeral director.

Head coach Jackson White and pitcher Charlie Turner do their customary handshake at the end of every inning. Turner should be back as Olympus’ ace on the mound again. Turner went 18-2 with a 2.10 ERA last season.

The outfield celebrates an over-the-shoulder catch by Jaedin Mugleston during its region clinching win over Murray last year when the Titans went undefeated in region play and finished 20-5 overall. Olympus will open its season in St. George in early March.

Olympus volleyball starts first sanctioned season as defending champ

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

A

Larkin

of the most respected funeral homes in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885. Today, with seven generations of history serving Utah families, four mortuaries, cremation facilities and two cemeteries, Larkin Mortuary remains locally family owned and managed.

Larkin’s vertically integrated services also provide a premier floral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, along with beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. Multilingual staff honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures.

As I’ve gotten older (but never wiser), I expected the hot flashes, mood swings and irritability. What I didn’t expect was that my age would turn my hair into a mortal enemy. Each morning, I stare in the mirror and prepare for what feels like a battle to the death.

If the indignity of having my face turn a heat-blasting shade of scarlet at any given moment wasn’t enough, I suddenly developed cowlicks along my hairline, giving my head the appearance of constant swirling, like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” My hair suddenly changed directions and refused to be bullied into lying flat.

In fairness, my hair and I have been through some stuff. We endured the spongy, pink curlers mom twisted onto my head every Saturday night. We survived my feathery Farrah Fawcett era, the spiral perms, the lemon bleaching in the summer, the sky-high bangs of the ’80s and a decade of nothing but ponytails when my daughters were little.

Maybe my hair never forgave me because now there is no amount of styling products or heated irons that make my hair manageable. It usually looks like newlywed hawks nested on my head to raise their young.

After another morning struggling to arrange my hair in some semblance of

Letting my hair down

control, I threw my hair straightener down the hall and burst into tears. My husband walked out of his office and asked what was wrong. I pointed at my head and kept bawling.

“I don’t care if your hair looks like a tornado emoji,” he said. “You’re always beautiful to me.”

“I don’t want to be beautiful to you,” I sobbed. “I want to be beautiful to complete strangers.”

He doesn’t get it. Men can be bald or gray or have a comb-over or just a Van Dyke beard and they’ll still be considered handsome, even distinguished. But if a woman can’t style her hair using a tube sock, a bottle of mousse and a barrette, the TikTok police jump out of nowhere and create harsh videos for public shaming.

But it’s not just the random cowlicks that give my scalp the appearance of a tropical storm weather map, it’s the breakage and the sensitive scalp and the way my

hair just refuses to comply. My hair breaks so often, it looks like my stylist started to give me a bowl cut and then got bored after trimming the first layer.

I’ve invested in expensive shampoos and luxury leave-in conditioners with no effect. My hair just twirls insolently from my head. I purchased soft brushes and vitamin supplements and I paid someone good money to rub my scalp for 45 minutes. The pampering hasn’t paid off.

There’s no such thing as “styling” my hair. I have to distract it, wrestle it into place, staple it down and spray it with a light coat of cement. It doesn’t matter.

Within minutes it’s spinning around my face like it drank too many mimosas for breakfast.

Maybe the lack of compliance is the reason many older women end up cutting their hair into cute pixie styles, easy crops or elegant bobs. But my face is too round for a short haircut. I end up looking like a basketball wearing a toupee.

I hope at some point my hair and I can become friends again. Between my mood swings and hot flashes, I don’t have the patience to be irritated at one more thing.