DENECE MIKOLASH APPOINTED TO MIDVALE CITY COUNCIL
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Denece
Mikolash was appointed as the new city council representative for District 5 during a special meeting of the Midvale City Council on Jan. 7. Mikolash was one of eight candidates who submitted applications and letters of interest for the position that was vacated when the former District 5 representative Dustin Gettel was appointed as Midvale’s mayor in December.
Mikolash was sworn in following the council’s 3-2 vote between her and former Midvale councilmember Wayne Sharp. She immediately took her place on the stand to conduct business as a district representative.
“I’ve been flirting on the peripheral of getting involved more directly in civics and government and knew that I wanted to be involved in helping to make decisions for the community. This was the time to do it,” Mikolash said. “I just want to be involved in decisions and what’s going on and there’s so much exciting growth going on in Midvale right now.”
With a master’s degree in strategic communication from Westminster University and a marketing degree from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business, Mikolash said her 20 years of professional experience in marketing will help her as she gets to know the constituents and the community she serves.
“I need to listen and understand what their
needs are, what their struggle is,” she said. “We need to take what we hear and align that with what we do as a city to help them.”
During her statement to the council, Mikolash said her policy initiatives include enhancing public safety and supporting economic development at Midvale’s Historic Main Street, Bingham Junction and the Jordan Bluffs project. She said two of her first goals as a councilmember will be to enhance communication opportunities to engage the community with events on Main Street and to work with Salt Lake County to build the new recreation center and library.
Mikolash’s public service experience includes serving as a House District Chair and the secretary of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party. She has also served as the Home Owners Association president in her area and volunteers with nonprofits.
“I had some time in my life where I wanted to start volunteering and contributing back to the community. So I did research on where I could volunteer with charities or local charitable orga-
Denece Mikolash (right) is the new District 5 council member in Midvale. She was appointed on Jan. 7 after the seat was vacated by Dustin Gettel (left). Gettel was appointed as Midvale’s mayor in December after the former mayor resigned. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
“A”chieving excellence: CommonSpirit hospitals recognized for steadfast commitment to patient safety
At CommonSpirit Health, the safety of our patients is our most important priority. We are honored to share that three of our hospitals along the Wasatch Front received an “A” grade for our commitment to patient safety in Fall 2024.
This recognition comes from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.
CommonSpirit hospitals receiving an “A” for Fall 2024 include:
• CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley
• CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point
• CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – West Valley
We are proud of our physicians, nurses and all our caregivers for living our values of excellence, collaboration and compassion to ensure the safety of the patients in our care.
But our work isn’t done. Our vision of a healthier future for all calls us to continue to improve our delivery of compassionate, safe care to every patient, every time, in every care site across our CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region. Achieving that vision is our commitment to you.
CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – West Valley
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital Mountain Point
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
The right ER. Right around the corner.
When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site. Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.
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Career ready: Young Professionals Summit preps Canyons students for the workforce
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hillcrest High junior Allisson Guerrero knows the importance of preparing for a job interview.
At the recent Canyons School District’s Young Professionals Summit, she learned essential tips from industry professionals: “what to do, what not to do, what to wear, how to ask questions to the employer, to always make sure to email them after your interview, and it’s OK to include high school activities on the resume that relate to the job and highlight them during the interview.”
More than 100 students from Canyons’ five comprehensive high schools attended the summit, featuring keynote speaker entrepreneur Bryce Smith from Beacon Medical Products. Students participated in workshops on professionalism with Sarah Simpson from the Utah Transit Authority, communication skills with Alyssa Olsen from Cyprus Credit Union, and interview techniques with Shaylee Pulham and Shari Laney from Prestige Financial Services.
Guerrero found the experience valuable.
“It was a good experience and very hands-on,” she said. “It was good being able to mix in with students for the other schools and learn to ask questions and network. I found the interview tips to be the helpful. I learned how to talk professionally with someone older than me and questions I need to be prepared for.”
The summit originated from a spring breakfast with Canyons’ work-based learning department’s
Canyons School District high school students interact with one another while learning how to network and communicate with others through a bingo game at the recent Young Professionals Summit. (Cher Burbank/Hillcrest High)
business partners, said Janet Jefferson, Alta High’s work-based learning coordinator.
“We asked them, as educators, ‘What are some skills you feel students need more of as they move into the workforce?’” she said. “They came up with being able to interview well and present themselves professionally, having communication skills, working as a team and networking.”
These skills formed the foundation of the summit, with professionals leading breakout sessions to help students build confidence for their future careers.
The keynote speaker is an Alta alumnus and former aerospace en-
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gineer; he shared insights from his transition into the medical device industry.
“Bryce talked about the root of inspire, which comes from the Latin words ‘to breathe into’ to motivate students to be successful,” Jefferson said.
Smith shared the acronym of CPR — creativity, perception and reliability — as qualities essential for success.
“He said the C is to be creative and innovative, to look for ways to solve problems in a creative way,”
Jefferson said. “Then, the P to be perceptive, to notice details, to pay attention to what's going on, to perceive what needs to be done and do
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it. The R is to be reliable, to be somebody people can count on, and to do what needs to be done and what you've been assigned to do.”
Hillcrest junior Prajeet Verma appreciated the message.
“His speech was essentially telling us to trust in ourselves and to be curious,” he said. “Don't let other people tell you what is a good or isn't a good idea.”
Guerrero appreciated hearing how Smith was able to “switch careers and still love what he’s doing.”
Verma said many of the workshops focused on effective communication and presenting themselves with confidence and competence, while also demonstrating a willingness to learn.
“We learned communication techniques, both verbal and nonverbal, such as specific hand gestures. We learned how to introduce ourselves, how to give an elevator pitch, how to find the most important person in the room. We practiced networking through a bingo game where we had to introduce ourselves and ask each other questions so we couldn’t be shy. We went over how to dress to impress and interview questions like, ‘tell me about yourself’ and ‘how do you deal with conflict in your team’ and some commonly asked questions which are difficult to answer, but they led us in simple responses,” he said.
Cher Burbank, Hillcrest’s work-based learning coordinator, noted the skills the students learned could be applied immediately.
“I noticed a lot of students who
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were going to be in FBLA competition the next week asked questions which they could apply when they communicate or present,” she said. “Some of the questions they were asking fell in line with that. They said, ‘OK, I’m presenting. How should I stand? Should I do this or that? How much is too many hand motions?’ They got in-depth answers and skills for them to apply. They learned how to emphasize a point when they're presenting, and some students said they were going to practice it for when they give presentations.”
Burbank believes students now will have more effective communication and professionalism.
“This was a good opportunity for them to hear from our community business partners what they need to know and to practice it. I hope they gained insight from these industry partners that may give them a different edge, a skill, professionalism, something that might stand out, that they learned, something they could apply when they communicate or network,” she said.
Canyons Career and Technical Education Director Janet Goble, who hopes to offer the summit again next year, can see the benefit to the high school students.
“I hope our students took to heart the presenters’ messages, whether it was your elevator speech, how to network, how to talk to people, how to communicate better,” she said. “All are ways to help them become more successful.” l
From struggles to success: Entrada helps adults achieve their dreams
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
MattJungert once felt embarrassed to admit to his church priest, Father Anthony Savas, he had not graduated high school.
“It was a sore spot, and I was ashamed I hadn’t earned it, but I learned to face it and, not let it hold me back,” he said. “It got brought up when Father Anthony asked if I would consider becoming a deacon and to become a deacon I needed to have a bachelor's degree.”
Jungert had attended West Jordan High and later Valley High, but his time in school was marked by frequent absences.
“I was just a hard-headed teenager and hung out with some kids I shouldn't have,” he said.
After turning 18, Jungert stayed in Salt Lake City while his parents moved, working various jobs from Pizza Hut to working in warehouses living paycheck to paycheck. For the past 15 years, he has driven trucks, hauling oil to refineries, which offered more stability, but the thought of returning to school lingered.
Father Anthony’s encouragement led Jungert to pursue his GED through Entrada Adult High School.
“I was helping him light the candles for the service that night when he asked me, ‘Is becoming a deacon something you'd want to pursue?’ I said, ‘Yes,’” Jungert said. “I remember how beautiful the candles were around the altar. That’s when I started taking a computer science class at Entrada. Soon after, Mark (Mataya, Entrada’s adult education director) called me into his office. He took the time to talk with me about my plan, and I learned that getting my GED would be a better path than trying for a diploma. So, I completed packets in math, history and social studies and took the tests.”
Six months later, at the age of 39 and 21 years after his classmates graduated, Jungert spoke at Entrada’s commencement about his journey.
“There’s an energy at Entrada; the teachers want people to succeed. One teacher, David Dau, gave me some tips for the first test. When I passed, I went back and told him; he was so excited for me. Having the support of David and Mark really helps. They love their jobs, and it shows,” Jungert said.
Now, he is pursuing a computer science degree at Western Governors University with his next step, enter the diaconate program.
Jungert is just one student who found success at Entrada. The high school’s enrollment has surged in recent years, upward of 800 students, and graduates about 180 each year, driven by high demand for both Entrada and its sister school, Diamond Ridge High. The two schools moved to the former Bell View Elementary School more than two years ago to accommodate their growing student body.
This school year, Entrada was recognized as the state’s “Best All-Around Adult Education Program” by the Utah State Board of Education.
Mataya credits the school’s success to several factors, including the establishment of a mental health wellness program, apprenticeship partnerships and the implementation of personalized competency-based learning. This teaching strategy allows students to learn at their own pace while still participating in a traditional classroom environment.
Teachers Rachael Coleman and Lynn Gutzwiller team teach the course and emphasize students can start at their current skill level and focus on gaps in their knowledge, rather than repeating what they already know.
“Our students come from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and knowledge, so we don’t start from scratch with every student,” Coleman explained. “We tailor our teaching to meet students where they are so it’s an efficient way to help them progress.”
Mataya says Entrada's hybrid approach, blending traditional and personalized learning, has been highly effective.
“When you walk into their classroom, it’s activity central. Students have the freedom to focus on what they need to learn, and they understand the expectations. They know how to push themselves to reach their goals. When they see working hard allows them to finish faster and move on with life, it becomes more rewarding,” he said. “They’re in control of their learning pace, not looking for ways to avoid work, but looking for what helps them in life—whether it’s getting a job or advancing their education. There’s a real energy in the room, an authentic, hopeful kind of learning.”
Mataya said not all of Entrada’s 200 classes use the same approach, but personalized competency-based learning has shown impressive results. While about two-thirds of students are enrolled in traditional classes, the remaining students in the competency-based classes tend to achieve “probably four times as much, in terms of credit they earn.”
“Last year, five of our classes adopted this model; this year, it’s up to 15,” he said. “It’s intensive, and not every student is ready for that level of challenge, but for those who are, it makes a big difference.”
Gutzwiller said the goal is to create a hybrid class with both teacher-directed and hands-on elements.
“The course is designed to let students move from one skill to the next, and as instructors, we need to support them along the way. We work one-on-one or in small groups, meeting each student and it shifts the teacher-student relationship to more of an advocacy role,” she said. “Many of our students come in feeling beaten down. To see them believe in themselves is powerful.”
Mataya emphasized the goal is to guide students in their own learning journeys.
“We want to empower them, whether they’re in a competency-based or traditional class,” he said.
That philosophy resonates with Steve Wrigley, a former Canyons school board member who has been teaching at Entrada for three years. In his U.S. Government and Citizenship class, he encourages students to advocate for their own learning.
“We discuss issues around a topic, and at the end of class,
I ask them, ‘What did you learn, and how can you apply it to your life? What’s important to you? Give me three things in your community that need to be addressed, and how would you do it?’” he said.
While the questions may seem simple, Wrigley admits they can be tough for students.
“Sometimes, the students don’t grasp the full magnitude of these issues. I have students tell me they’ve learned they need to pay more attention to their community,” he said. “Often, they’ve felt unheard in high school, so when I invite a school administrator or even the mayor of Sandy to speak, they’re surprised. They realize they have a voice, a vote, and the ability to make a difference.”
Last spring, Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski visited his class, along with Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood. Wrigley also has hosted city councilmembers and the district’s superintendent.
“The mayor told them she was no different than they are,” Wrigley said. “She was advocating for Dimple Dell, and realized she could make a difference in government. The students were impressed she came, shook their hands and answered their questions.”
During a discussion with Sherwood on topics ranging from transportation to mental health, the students were invited to email their suggestions and concerns.
“He promised to take their feedback back to share with others,” Wrigley said. “It showed the students that their voices matter.”
His class covers diverse issues such as naturalization, voting, homelessness and the environment, but he’s aware many students don’t learn in a traditional way.
“I always ask, ‘Here’s the subject—how does it relate to you?’” Wrigley said. “Our goal is for students to believe in themselves, so they see they can succeed. Every teacher here wants these students to succeed. Our future depends on them.” l
Entrada graduate Matt Jungert, seen here with his wife, Gretchen, and his daughter, Isabel, spoke about educational journey during his school’s commencement address. (Photo courtesy of Matt Jungert)
Teacher’s heartfelt gifts blanket Midvale students with warmth and comfort
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Auri Dallon snuggled into a soft, baby pink fleece blanket, wrapping herself up in its warmth.
The Midvale Elementary fourth-grade student, along with her classmates, was taken by surprise when their teacher handed them gifts, several of which were donated.
“It’s really warm and so soft,” she said. “It’s a pretty color. I don’t have one like this. It’s such a surprise; I feel so fortunate.”
The 32 students received blankets, gloves, hot chocolate, travel mugs, a Magic Tree House book and candy on the day before winter break. As they paused their learning for an hour, some students cuddled up in their fun, printed blankets to enjoy their books, while others built forts with their solid or plaid blankets.
This tradition marks the fifth consecutive year Midvale Elementary teacher Amanda Kraft has ensured her students receive blankets during the winter season.
“I give them warm things because when I’ve done home visits, I’ve seen our kids don't have a lot of money at home, and so it's cold in their houses,” she said. “Many parents are deciding between putting food on the table and heat in the house, and we need to help them. Ever since I learned that, I’ve done this. I need to help our students, to let them know I care, so they can be warm and ready to learn.”
Kraft is quick to acknowledge her efforts are supported by others. Community volunteers and her aunt’s neighborhood contribute to the cause, and Heidi Sanger, the Midvale Elementary Community School Facilitator, helps coordinate the process by identifying additional students
in need of blankets and gloves.
“The students didn’t know they were getting them, but they knew I’ve been gathering and hiding things. I love when they open their packages and to see the surprise and joy on their faces. For some, this may be the only gifts they receive this season,” she said. “They love to snuggle up with their blankets, drink their hot chocolate and know somebody in our community loves them. That's all that matters.”
Kraft goes the extra mile by including multiple packets of hot chocolate for each student.
“I know they're going to want to go home that day and have it, and I wanted to have it on Christmas Eve too, so they can know Midvale Elementary is loving them,” she said.
Despite the personal challenges she faces—caring for her husband, who is undergoing chemotherapy—Kraft remains focused on her students.
“It's been hard, but I knew my students are in need and my husband does too. I knew we had to gather blankets and gloves. So many of them come and don’t have a pair of gloves and ask me for them during the year. Everything is pricey, but I don't care. I know kids need these things, and they're good kids and appreciative. What’s amazing is when people reached out to me to help, some every year, some just hear of it and want to contribute to making their lives better,” she said.
Kraft’s commitment extends beyond just her classroom. She plans to expand her efforts to provide blankets for all 800 students at Midvale next year.
After opening up blankets and gifts from their teacher Amanda Kraft, Midvale Elementary fourth graders snuggled up in blankets under forts they made. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
“Starting right at the first of the year, I’ll be looking for blankets and accepting donations. We want all the students to have the gift of warmth and love.”
To donate blankets, gloves or other items, reach out to Amanda Kraft at Midvale Elementary by emailing Amanda.Kraft@canyonsdistrict.org. l
10 National Days to observe in February
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
If you’re not a fan of Valentine’s Day and President’s Day doesn’t seem like a celebration, there are still many ways to bring some fun to February. You can create your own holiday this month or use these National Days to build new traditions with friends, family or coworkers.
Feb. 7: Send a Card to a Friend Day
When was the last time you sent someone a letter, oldschool-mail-style? Well, today’s the day. Find (or make) a card that reflects your friend’s or loved one’s personality then write a heartfelt note that expresses appreciation, love or humor. Stick a stamp on it, drop it in the mailbox and pat yourself on the back for making someone’s day a little brighter.
Feb. 8: Kite Flying Day
You’d think Kite Flying Day would be observed in April because it’s hard to fly a kite during a blizzard, but here we are. If it’s too cold and wet outside to fly a kite, this is a good day to build a kite or research kite-flying celebrations around Utah. It’s a time to dream about warm weather and sunny days.
Feb. 9: National Pizza Day
Sure you can stop by The Pie Pizzeria and bring home a tasty Mountain of Meat pizza, but to really honor this day, spend time making homemade pizza. Invite family or friends over to create individual pizzas and have a variety of toppings to choose from. Give a prize for the most
creative pie.
Feb. 11: Inventor’s Day
This day is a tribute to all the people who’ve made our lives better. Watch a documentary about your favor ite scientist, dress up like Thomas Edison, host a family science fair or create your own invention. Bonus points if you share your invention on social media.
Feb. 12: Plum Pudding Day
If this Dickens-esque dessert is a favorite, today is your day. Knock yourself out.
Don’t let the February blues get you down. Observe some of the fun National Days this month, including Retro Day on Feb. 27. (Stock photo)
Feb. 15: Wisconsin Day
Revisit your eighth-grade U.S. history class by learning some things about the 30th state. Take a virtual tour of Milwaukee, read about the Wisconsin residents who started Harley-Davidson, learn the history of Lambeau Field and don’t forget the cheese plate. Did you know Wisconsinites eat more than 20 million gallons of ice cream each year? Challenge accepted, Wisconsin.
Feb. 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day
Every year, this national day grows in popularity. Spreading positivity through small acts of kindness is a
way to bring more love to this world. Call a friend, take groceries to the local pantry, buy a stranger’s lunch, take cookies to the fire department or share a poem with a loved one. The options are endless.
Feb. 20: Love Your Pet Day
You should love your pet every day, but make today a little more special for your furry friend by lavishing them with praise, healthy snacks and an extra walk. Homemade dog treats, a catnip toy, playing catch in the backyard or a snuggle session on the couch will help your pet feel loved.
Feb. 26: Tell A Fairy Tale Day
Fairy tales date back hundreds of years and we’re still enthralled by the stories of princesses, knights, fairies and wolves. Find your favorite fairy tales at the library and spend an evening retelling the stories. You could also write your own fairy tales and have a family fairy tale night.
Feb. 27: Retro Day
Unpack the roller skates, slap a cassette in the player and spend the day reliving a bygone era. Choose your favorite decade and honor its fashion, hairstyles, music, food and lingo. Show up at work in a zoot suit and dance the Charleston during lunch. Dust off your disco attire and impress family members with your Electric Slide. Have fun. That’s the point. l
Vivint spreads joy and gift to East Midvale students
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
AtEast Midvale Elementary, fourth-grad-
er Avayha Sanchez was filled with excitement, not just for the slime and drawing supplies she received, but also for the beanie and coat that will keep her warm this winter.
“I’m so happy and thankful,” she said. “It’s the best.”
These gifts were made possible by Vivint, which provided 550 students at East Midvale with gift-wrapped bags containing a total of 3,300 items — a mix of wants and needs.
Avayha’s teacher, Amelia VanderVelde, was equally appreciative of the thoughtful gifts for her students.
“It is definitely the best day,” she said. “It is cool to see members of the community come in to support our East Midvale community. Look at our kids, they’re just glowing and so appreciative.”
Many students wrote thank-you notes to the 150 Vivint employees who donated their time and resources to ensure everyone received gifts.
“A lot of our students don't celebrate Christmas, but they get the opportunity to feel special and to have some of these experiences that they don't always get. They’re appreciative of their gifts and learn to appreciate different holidays and different cultures,” VanderVelde said. “I watched one student pull off his shoe to try on boots and he didn’t have socks. I had no idea he didn’t have socks, but the Vivint volunteer said, ‘let’s go get you some socks to go with the boots.’”
Another student was picking between boots, one with animal prints and a sec-
ond, simple black pair. She chose the black boots and told the Vivint volunteer, “They’re warmer.”
Shelley McCall, East Midvale community schools facilitator, is familiar with these types of stories. She said the generosity of Vivint helps to make the winter season not only warmer for students, but also, the students realize they’re loved by the community.
McCall explained the Sub-for-Santa process began in November to make sure each student received the right sizes. Each student receives about $100 worth of presents as Vivint employees donated $350,000 to purchase gifts for program. Once purchased, the gifts were sorted by student, grade and classroom, and arrived in two U-Haul trucks.
The unwrapping took place in the cafeteria, with classes arriving every 15 minutes. Volunteers were on hand to make sure everything fit, and if it didn’t, a “swap shop” in the library ensured the right sizes were available.
Fourth-grader Leo Farnsworth was thrilled to receive a new set of LEGOs, but he was also excited to see Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks, who was there to help students unwrap their gifts.
“A lot of volunteers came to help us and that’s pretty awesome,” he said. “So is seeing Taylor.”
Hendricks was glad to participate in the event.
“I love giving back and I’m in a position where I can impact a lot of kids’ lives,” he said. “That's what this is all about, just
making a kid's day.”
Vivint’s annual Sub-for-Santa program is aimed to help to low-income children and families nationwide, said Rachel Reid, Vivint’s public relations manager. Employees can nominate deserving families or schools, make monetary donations, shop, wrap and deliver presents.
In Utah, Vivint partners with Utah Foster Care, United Way of Utah County, Dual Immersion Academy, The Refuge Utah and local schools. This is the sixth year Vivint has worked with East Midvale, a partnership initiated by former fourth-grade teacherturned-Vivint employee Sadie Bauserman.
Holly Mero, Vivint’s senior director of strategy and philanthropy, explained the program is an easy way to make a lasting effect on children in need.
“It’s a way we can make an impact that's pretty lasting,” she said. “We love seeing our employees interact with the kids. As much as the kids look forward to it, our employees look forward to it. This just makes such an impact on everybody. The best part is the sheer number of people who come together to take care of kids.”
Mero recalled a moment years ago when a kindergartner’s excitement over simple gifts left a lasting impression on her.
“When the kids get a toothbrush, a pillow, mac and cheese, they get excited,” she said. “About 15 years ago, a kindergarten boy called me over and I thought I’d know what he would be looking for — the monster truck — but the first thing he pulled out was a bag of pretzels and he was so excited. Then, he pulled out applesauce and he got
even more excited. Next thing he pulls out was fruit snacks and smiles. At this point, I'm humbled. He was so grateful for those simple things.”
Vivint Sales Manager Jonathan Bardalez, who has been volunteering to spread joy at the school for six years, emphasized the eye-opening nature of the experience.
“We take a lot of things for granted, but these kids are getting excited for pairs of pants, gloves and a jacket,” he said. “Many of them are like ‘Oh my gosh, I needed socks. This is the best.’ We don't expect that or realize that's what kids are wanting as a gift. These kids are excited for everything, and it's really humbling. So many of these kids I’ve met are from different countries — I’ve met native Spanish and Arabic speakers — so this might be their first Christmas in the U.S. It’s heartwarming to see them feel welcome and see their reaction when they open up these presents. Then, they write us thank-you letters with messages like ‘Thank you for keeping us warm’ and it just melts my heart.”
Principal Matt Nelson expressed his gratitude for the Vivint volunteers’ generosity.
“I’ve seen several Vivint volunteers get emotional and feel that spirit of giving,” he said. “Our kids’ families are grateful when their kids receive a new coat or new pair of shoes or boots. It also takes the pressure off the families during this season to provide warm items or gifts they want if it’s not something they can afford. This is such a positive thing for everyone and brings smiles on everyone’s faces.”l
Utah Jazz player Taylor Hendricks came with 150 Vivint employees, bringing gifts to 550 students at East Midvale Elementary to make their holiday season a little brighter. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
An East Midvale student was excited to receive a new pair of pink and purple boots from Vivint employees. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Hillcrest Huskies take on 5A: What’s behind the move?
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hillcrest High School’s athletic teams will now compete in 5A Region 4, following a recent realignment of classifications and regions.
This change comes after the school spent the 2023-24 school year in 4A Region 10. Before that, the Huskies had competed in both 5A and 6A classifications.
Canyons School District’s Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood, who is a Utah High School Activities Association’s Board of Trustees member, explained the classification process follows specific bylaws, with student populations being the most important factor in determining a school’s classification.
“The first thing they look at is student populations,” he said. “For 4A, 5A and 6A schools, they only look at the schools’ enrollment in 11th and 12th grade. For smaller schools, they look at the whole school enrollment.”
Sherwood noted the UHSAA receives enrollment data from the state’s office of education, which is provided to the Board without identifying the schools.
“It’s a blind determination; they only see the enrollment. Then, they decide where the natural break is. Maybe they see 100 students’ difference between this school and that school, so they draw a line. That could be between 6A and 5A. Then, they calculate any school which has less than 10% fewer students than the schools in 5A to put them on a bubble; the same with the schools at the top of 5A, if they’re less than 10% from the 6A schools, they put them on the top of the bubble. That’s intentional to allow schools and the committee to be able to move schools back and forth depending on where they fit,” he said.
This results in two categories of schools: those firmly within a classification and those on the bubble, Sherwood explained.
Hillcrest’s frequent movement between classifications can be attributed to this system.
“Hillcrest was able to go 4A last realignment because their enrollment put them on the bottom of the 5A bubble,” he said. “Nobody was against Hillcrest staying in 4A now. The problem was, there isn’t any rule in place to allow it. They are now on the top of 5A because of the enrollment line, which means, the only two classifications they could be in were 5A or 6A. Overall, their enrollment didn’t change that much. When you’re dealing with 4A, 5A and the bottom of 6A, it’s only a couple 100 kids difference between all those.”
After enrollment, the only factor which could lower a school’s classification is if the school has more than 50% of students on free or reduced lunch. Hillcrest does not qualify, with about 40% of its students meeting that criteria, Sherwood said.
“Outside of free and reduced lunch, there are secondary determining factors they use for schools on the bubble to determine whether they go up or down (in classifications),” he said.
These factors include athletic success, particularly in football, as football teams have separate alignments, Sherwood said.
“Based on all those criteria, there’s no way Hillcrest was going to be forced to go up, even though their enrollment was comparable to other 6A schools. But because Hillcrest was on the bubble, they were able to keep them in 5A because of those other criteria. If Hillcrest gets to where they have more than 50% on free or reduced lunch, they can go down without taking other criteria into consideration,” he said.
Another consideration for schools on the bubble is transient populations, which can influence student participation
in sports, Sherwood said.
“They may look to participation rates so if you have 2,400 students in your school and only 400 of them play sports, that’s different than a school with 2,400 students and half of them play sports, which can correlate with reduced lunch, but not always,” he said. “Look at Brighton and Hillcrest, both have similar enrollments, but the teams aren’t. Brighton may have 150 kids on the football team while maybe there’s 40 on Hillcrest’s team. If somebody gets hurt on Brighton, there’s a higher likelihood of somebody else being able to take that place. There are a lot of differences between schools and their participation rates, and that’s something they currently don’t consider when aligning schools, but it can be something they look into for a bubble school.”
Hillcrest boys basketball coach and math teacher Brandon Sluga recognizes many students at Hillcrest come from transient families.
“A lot of those families are not necessarily in a position where they’re worried about playing sports,” he said before the realignment was finalized. “(If the UHSAA were to count only those) who play sports, Hillcrest is closer to 4A levels, but, wherever they place us, I’m fine with it.”
During realignment, school administrators, athletic directors and the public can offer input.
“Once the school is on a bubble, the school administrators get to present to the committee and plead their case with the reasons they think they should be in 4A versus 5A, or 5A versus 6A. By communicating what they want and why they think that’s best for their school, it helps the committee to decide where to place them,” Sherwood said. “A lot of times, a principal will say, ‘I would like to be in a region with these schools or schools that are similar to our school in demographics and mobility, and free and reduced lunch and participation rates.’”
For Hillcrest, factors like its international baccalaureate program also come into play.
“IB is something we always talked during the bubble conversation,” Sherwood said. “It’s another thing to consider, because IB is so demanding, so very few of those kids participate in sports. There are exceptions, but that number would be included and considered in the participation rate.”
Once classifications are finalized, the committee works to place teams in regions. Hillcrest will now compete in a region that includes Cyprus, Granger, Hunter, Kearns, Taylorsville, West and West Jordan.
“There are a lot of big schools in Granite (school) District, and they all have more than 50% free reduced lunch. Even though they’re 6A schools, their free and reduced lunches can move to 5A in with Hillcrest. It’s a good region for Hillcrest. We expect more competitive play for Hillcrest; all those schools are within the metro area, so it will reduce travel significantly and they’ll get more fans and better attendance at the events,” he said.
Sherwood also sees the matchups as beneficial for the Huskies.
“If you have a team that’s highly skilled and a team that’s not, the chances of injury to the less skilled team are high. By matching them as well as they can, the impact will be a more competitive region at the same level,” he said.
Hillcrest swim coach Elizabeth Drake is optimistic about the shift to 5A.
“I’m hoping it will raise the bar for some of our swimmers,” she said. “I hope they’ll get to swim against some better swimmers in 5A, even if they don’t place as high as 4A. It will push them to get better, swim faster.”
Sherwood said the Board strives to ensure the realignment process is just and impartial as possible.
“They really do try to create environments where programs can thrive, and they look to put schools with similar demographics, participation rate, athletic success, historical success together,” he said. “They make the process as fair and equitable as possible.” l
Hillcrest High swim coach Elizabeth Drake, seen here coaching her swimmers at a recent meet, hopes the 2025-27 5A region 4 competition will help swimmers improve their times. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Hillcrest expected to make a splash at 4A state swim meet
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hillcrest High School swim coach
Elizabeth Drake is setting her sights on the 4A state swim meet, scheduled for Feb. 16 and 17 in Provo.
As the season hits its midpoint, she's already analyzing the times to see which of her swimmers might qualify for the state competition at Brigham Young University.
“I've got some really great new swimmers on the team this year,” Drake said about her 38-member squad. “In the boys’ relays, we're ranked ninth in the medley, 15th in the 200 free relay, and 14th in the 400 free relay. So our medley seems like a pretty sure shot. The other, we're still qualifying right now, but we need to drop some time to keep that edge on it.”
The boys’ medley relay team includes junior Alex Skorut leading off with the backstroke, junior Benny Bridge swimming the breaststroke, freshman Paulo Salbanha on the butterfly leg, and junior Joe Curtis anchoring the freestyle.
The Hillcrest girls’ medley relay is currently ranked 17th, with both the 200 free and 400 free relays sitting at 15th.
“They're on the cusp of making it in those so we’ve got to move forward a few spots,” she said, adding both a qualifying time and high ranking are needed to be able to swim at state.
For individual events, the top 32 swimmers in each race can qualify, but athletes are limited to competing in just two events. This leaves room for other swimmers to make the cut.
Drake expects several of her athletes to race individually. She’s counting on Skorut to compete in the 50 free and backstroke, Bridge in breaststroke, and Salbanha in butterfly. She also expects Curtis to swim in the 200 free and either the 100 free or breaststroke.
Drake also has high hopes for senior Jose Avila in the 200 free.
“I don't think he's a guaranteed on that one as he's not already in the top 32, but I think he's close enough there's a good chance he'll go,” she said. “More often than not, they do swim it if they're top 50.”
Sophomore Andrew Shupe’s best shot at state is in the 200 individual medley, while junior Daniel Emett is likely to compete in the 500 free or the 200, Drake said.
“Andrew is a fast IMer. I bet he could qualify in multiple events, but I don't know which ones he'll want to swim and Daniel has grown a lot between last year and this year and he has put on a lot of muscle,” she said.
On the girls team, senior Maddie Peterson and sophomore Cora McIllece are expected to compete.
“Cora is ranked highest in her 100 freestyle (in 23rd place),” Drake said. “There’s a good chance Maddie should make it in the 200 IM and fly.”
Freshman Chelsea Xu is also in the mix for individual events.
“She's pretty close to being top 32 in the 200 free and in the 200 IM, but she’s No. 18 right now in the 100 fly so she will, for sure, compete in that event at state,” Drake said.
Last year, the boys team finished 11th while the girls placed 17th at the state meet.
In addition to training in the pool, the team has been strengthening outside of it. Athletes have the option to hit the weight room twice a week, with workouts designed by Hillcrest's weightlifting teacher, Antonio Meikel.
“I can tell it's making a difference,” Drake said. “For example, Cora does not miss weight training, and she is the most improved swimmer of our team. She was good last year, but it's amazing how much progress she's made and how she's been dropping time.”
To mentally prepare her swimmers, Drake enlisted the help of a sports psychologist.
“He used a lot of imagery. He talked about, ‘our minds are like a funnel, and whatever we put into it is what the result will get the other end.’ He told the kids, ‘If you want x, y and z to be the result on race day, then you can only put things into your funnel which make you compete that way. That visualization was a great tool, because now, as we go throughout the year, it's easy for me to say to the kids, ‘What are you putting in your funnel? Is that going to make you go fast or feel confident and be a winner before you get off on the block?’” she said.
Hillcrest swimmers are also happy to be back at their "home pool" at Gene Fulmer Recreation Center after recent upgrades displaced them to Dimple Dell Recreation Center, Drake said.
“It’s nice being back. We use the same pool as West Jordan (High), but they usually swim in the morning and we have the afternoon, so we don’t have to ever share lanes,” she said.
Helping with coaching duties are assistants Andrew Hermanson and Laura Roth.
“I like the direction my team is going,” Drake said. “I am excited to see how well they’ll do this year.” l
Hillcrest junior Eliza Hanson pulls ahead in the fly leg of the 200-yard medley relay in the meet against Bear River High. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
SL County Mayor Jenny Wilson discusses goals for second term in office
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
It is not an easy task leading the nation's 37th most populous county with over one million residents. Yet Salt Lake County voters have decided to let County Mayor Jenny Wilson have a second term as mayor. Wilson reaffirmed her oath of office on Jan. 6 at the Midvalley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville.
“I’ve had a great working relationship with the current council and am looking forward to working cohesively with new and existing members in the coming years,” Wilson said. “I’m confident we’ll work constructively moving forward.”
Planning for Growth
With Salt Lake County’s population projected to reach nearly two million by 2060, Wilson acknowledges the importance of regional planning. “Salt Lake County advocates for and leads regional planning efforts to maintain and improve quality of life for our growing population,” she explained. This includes initiatives like the newly announced Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Arts Center in South Jordan and the development of 13 miles of multiuse trails at Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park in partnership with Kennecott Rio Tinto and the Bureau of Land Management.
“Trail connectivity is important to us,” Wilson said. She highlighted the county’s commitment to recreation through its 10-year Recreational Facilities plan, which identifies countywide needs and opportunities. “Informed by national best practices and public input, the next plan will be published in 2025,” she added.
Homelessness and Housing
Affordable housing remains a cornerstone of Wilson’s administration. Under her leadership, the county has implemented a comprehensive action plan addressing homelessness, behavioral health and criminal justice reform. “Our shared vision is that homelessness is brief, rare and non-recurring,” Wilson said.
The plan prioritizes affordable and supportive housing, along with new initiatives like the HOME Court program and the upcoming Kem & Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center. Scheduled to open in 2025, the center will provide critical mental health resources. “It is essential that systems—criminal justice, behavioral health treatment, workforce, housing and temporary shelter—are functional and intersect for efficiency and effectiveness,” Wilson said.
Salt Lake County’s Housing Trust Fund, which has invested over $25 million, is another example of her administration’s commitment. “We’ve set a goal to build 1,000 affordable and supportive housing units in five years,” she said. Recent changes to the accessory dwelling unit ordinance also aim to increase housing density and affordability.
Public Safety Challenges
Although a proposed $507-million public safety bond failed to pass, Wilson remains focused on addressing the county’s jail capacity issues. “The jail is at capacity, and there are a lot of residents who would benefit from the resources that the Justice and Accountability Center would have provided,” she said. With the county’s population having grown by 300,000 since 2001, she stressed the need for expanded facilities and services. “We are moving toward efficiently operating only one expanded county jail…ensuring it has the mental health and medical resources that many people with justice involvement so desperately need,” Wilson said.
Preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics
Looking ahead to the 2034 Winter Olympics, Wilson’s administration is working closely with public and private agencies to ensure success. “Venues are definitely a priority, as is lodging, volunteers, and ensuring that everyone involved in the Olympics has an incredible and memorable time,” she said.
According to Wilson, the county’s efforts aim to capitalize on the opportunities the games will bring while enhancing infrastructure and community engagement.
Balancing Budgets and Fiscal Responsibility
“I am proud to tout that Salt Lake County is one of the best-run counties in the nation,” Wilson said.
Salt Lake County’s financial stewardship is a point of pride for Wilson. “Salt Lake County has a triple AAA bond rating, effectively placing us in the top 1% of all counties in terms of creditworthiness,” she said. Despite the fiscal pressures from inflation and reduced tax revenue, her administration has maintained balanced budgets. “Annually, we go through a months-long budget process
where each budget request is analyzed and weighed against competing needs and priorities,” she said.
Environmental Leadership
Water conservation is a key focus for Wilson as the county grapples with the ongoing drought and the plight of the Great Salt Lake. “We allocated $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to support efforts to flip park strips to waterwise landscaping and replace outdated irrigation systems with smart water management tools,” she said.
“At Salt Lake County, we are doing our part to conserve water. From monitoring our snowpack to implementing water-wise initiatives, we are committed to long-term water conservation amid frequent emergency droughts and changing environmental landscapes,” Wilson said.
Preserving Quality of Life
Programs like the My County Rec Pass, which offers free access to recreational amenities for youth, reflect Wilson’s dedication to enhancing residents’ quality of life. “Since the My County Rec Pass program launched, more than 66,000 youth have become pass holders,” she said.
Other priorities include conserving open spaces, improving air quality, and supporting
arts and culture through initiatives like the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) tax. “The ZAP program enhances Salt Lake County resident and visitor experiences through arts, cultural, historical, zoological and recreational offerings,” Wilson said.
Collaborative Governance
Despite the county council’s partisan divisions, Wilson has fostered a spirit of cooperation. “Every budget I’ve proposed as mayor has been balanced and approved with bipartisan support,” she said, adding that the 2024 budget passed unanimously.
Wilson also notes that although there was one dissenting vote against the 2025 budget, the reason provided was related to a council proposal intended to actualize cost savings.
A Vision for the Future
As she begins her second term, Wilson identifies affordable housing, homelessness and economic stability as the county’s biggest challenges. “Working with my incredible team of employees, county partners, and other elected officials, I remain committed to finding common-sense solutions that are fiscally responsible and meet the most basic of all human needs for everyone,” she said. l
Jenny Wilson was sworn in for her second term as county mayor on Jan. 6. (Photo contributed)
New Hillcrest High coach’s vision focuses on heart and hustle in girls’ basketball program
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
There might be a little more spring in the step, more bounce in the ball, more determination in the shot.
Hillcrest girls’ hoops has a new coach who has long-term plans, which may revitalize a program that has had three head coaches in the past eight years. It’s been a rough last two years as the Huskies only won one game.
“From day one, from my first parent meeting, the players who have been coming out have been super positive, super engaged; they want to get better,” said head coach Marcus Onofrietti, who previously was an assistant boys’ basketball coach at Providence Hall in Herriman. “It’s been so rewarding even from the first open games we had this summer when I didn’t know anybody’s name. The players were hard working, making it fun, staying positive and wanting to get better despite having a couple of rocky years here.”
Before team tryouts, Onofrietti anticipated several starters, some who play fall sports, to mix with players who are returning to the game along with some new faces on his sophomore, JV and varsity teams.
“The last two or three weeks, we’ve been playing in a fall league and holding some open gyms; we’ve had a strong turnout, which has been awesome to see. Once fall season comes to a close, we’ll get a few more girls from those sports and add them to the mix,” he said. “We have about 10 freshmen, who have been committed. Having that youth injection is awesome, in addition to the girls who have been putting in the work the last three or four years.”
While Onofrietti is new to coaching girls’ basketball, he isn’t new to the game. As a fan of the WNBA and women’s college basketball, he was part of a coaching staff that implemented some of their style of play below the hoops into the boys’ high school game the past five years.
“I found myself watching more of the women’s game in college than the men’s because the schemes are more intricate. We were the underdogs at Providence Hall, so we were able to find schemes that helped us be successful. At Hillcrest, we’re also a bit of the underdog this year, so we get to come up with schemes that level the playing field a bit and that’s one of the most exciting parts about it, other than just getting to know the girls and helping them improve,” he said.
Onofrietti anticipates a fast-moving pace for the Huskies.
“Everything we want to do this year is aggressive. We want to play fast; we want to press a lot and get out on the transition. They go hand-in-hand; good defense leads to the quick offense. Teaching transition is going to be an important thing along with skill de-
velopment. When we’re in the half court, we want to be aggressive and attack both sides of the ball. We have good coaching staff I’m excited about who will help with the younger players develop very specific things,” he said.
Onofrietti’s staff includes Erika Muñoz, Tawsi Rohner, Zach Schlesinger and Jared Williams.
He anticipated Cottonwood, Jordan and Murray high schools to give Hillcrest the most competition with region this season.
“Our biggest goal is to be competitive in every game we play. We can’t really control the weird bounces or the crazy fouls, but if you’re in a position to win a basketball game then, I feel like we’ll be pretty successful this year. When we get to a point where we’re confident in our play, then we can match up with anyone,” he said.
Onofrietti also wants them to be proud of the program.
“We want to build a positive culture. We want girls to buy into it and that starts internally. It’s having the girls building each other up and wanting each other to get better, wanting to be better together, and that translates to the court,” he said. “We want this to go beyond basketball. We want them to be good ambassadors for the school. We want them to be good in the classroom.”
Onofrietti, who worked as an academic adviser for the University of Utah’s athletic department, has the knowledge to work with student-athletes’ study halls, helping them build their schedules, and finding a balance in academics and sports.
“I teach a basketball class here, but we’ll also do some homework or offer ways to help if we know someone’s struggling or has a big assignment; we can help them with the resources they need,” he said.
Onofrietti said he has goals of building the youth program as well. In early June, the Huskies hosted a youth camp for players, age 8 to 13. He’s reaching out to middle school girls to bring back the Bantam developmental team.
For now he wants this season to be fun.
“The thing I’ve been preaching a lot to these girls is joy,” Onofrietti said. “(NBA head coach and former player) Steve Kerr talks about this a lot, but basketball is a fun game. It’s a game to be played with a lot of energy, joy and passion. I don’t want basketball to be work. I want this to be something that, yes, we’re competitive, yes, we’re working hard, but that it’s something we’re truly enjoying and that we’re playing with a sense of joy and positivity. I want us to carry that into practice, carry that into school, carry that outside of the program. I want us to love playing together and bring that joy to everything we do.” l
Hillcrest High’s new girls’ basketball coach Marcus Onofrietti draws up a play during a fall league game. (Photo courtesy of Jill Onofrietti)
Cremation Services
Winter Market is back at Wheeler Historic Farm
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Thanks to the Winter Market at Wheeler Historic Farm’s Outdoor Education Center, local produce and artisan goods don’t have to hibernate for the season.
The market is open each Sunday through April 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of Wheeler Farm (6351 S. 900 East) in Murray.
It features products, food, treats and crafts to stave off the winter chill including local eggs and meat, pure honey, fresh produce, breads, pastries, homemade desserts and unique gifts.
For more information, visit saltlakecounty.gov/wheeler-farm. l
Continued from front page
UPCOMING EVENTS:
2/12/25 Wednesday - 12 PM
Chuck-A-Rama Buffet: 744 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
2/20/25 Thursday - 12 PM
Chubby’s Cafe: 1276 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT 84065
2/25/25 Tuesday - 12 PM
Le Jardin: 1910 Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT 84092
nizations, but then I realized, it’s the policymakers that make a difference,” she said. “I can volunteer as much time as I want with those charitable organizations but until policies are in place to help our communities, that’s where the difference is made.”
Mikolash has lived in Midvale for eight years and has encouraged family members to relocate to the city. She enjoys golf, hiking, biking and walking the Jordan River Parkway. A big supporter of U of U sports, Mikolash attends football, basketball and volleyball games at the school.
She will complete the remainder of Gettel’s term, which expires on Jan. 5, 2025, but she plans to run for reelection in the fall.
“I’ve talked to my neighbors, friends and residents who are supporting me but this will be my formal platform to really get to know the residents, hear what they need and have them be part of the solution,” Mikolash said. “I don’t think the council or the city has all the answers and would love to hear more from residents if they’ve got good ideas or ways to be part of the growth happening here.”l
MIDVALE CITY DIRECTORY
City Hall
801-567-7200
Finance/Utilities 801-567-7200
Court 801-567-7265
City Attorney’s O ce ......................... 801-567-7250
City Recorder/Human Resources ... 801-567-7228
Community Development ............... 801-567-7211
Public Works 801-567-7235
Ace Disposal/Recycling 801-363-9995
Midvale Historical Museum 801-567-7285
Midvale Senior Center 385-468-3350
SL County Animal Services 385-468-7387 Communications 801-567-7230
MIDVALE CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor - Dustin Gettel
Email: dgettel@midvaleut.gov
CITY COUNCIL
District 1 - Bonnie Billings
Email: bbillings@midvaleut.gov
District 2 - Paul Glover
Email: pglover@midvaleut.gov
District 3 - Heidi Robinson
Email: Hrobinson@midvaleut.gov
District 4 - Bryant Brown
Email: bbrown@midvaleut.gov
District 5 - Denece Mikolash
Email: Dmikolash@midvaleut.gov
WHO TO CALL FOR…
Water Bills
801-567-7200
Ordering A New Trash Can 801-567-7202
Permits 801-567-7213
Court 801-567-7265
Paying For Tra c School 801-567-7202
Business Licensing 801-567-7214
Cemetery 801-567-7235
Planning and Zoning 801-567-7231
Code Enforcement .............................. 801-567-7208
Building inspections ........................... 801-567-7213
Graffiti 385-468-9769
PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY CONTACTS
EMERGENCY 911
UFA Fire/UPD Police
> Non-emergency .............................. 801-840-4000
Uni ed Police Department
> Midvale Precinct 385-468-9350
Public Works 801-567-7235
Rocky Mountain Power 877-508-5088
In The Middle of Everything
City Hall – 7505 South Holden Street • Midvale, UT 84047
Mayor’s Message
Message from Mayor Dustin Gettel: Shining a Spotlight on Our Public Works Team
As we kick o this new year, I’d like to shine a well-deserved spotlight on an incredible group of individuals who keep our city running smoothly, often behind the scenes — our Public Works team. From maintaining our roads and sidewalks to ensuring we have access to clean, safe water, their work is the foundation of so many services we rely on every single day.
This month, I had the opportunity to spend time with our Public Works crew and tour some of the critical infrastructure they manage. I visited the Hancock Well Site and Fluoridation Station, as well as our water storage facilities. Let me tell you, these sites aren’t just impressive — they’re the unsung heroes of infrastructure. Seeing the expertise and care our team pours into these systems was nothing short of inspiring. It’s like watching a master class in keeping a city running.
And talk about tough! Our Public Works employees don’t have the luxury of staying warm indoors when the weather turns cold. Whether they’re out there xing water main breaks, plowing snow, or responding to emergencies, they’re braving the elements to keep
Midvale safe and functional. They’re basically superheroes in re ective vests — and they’ve certainly earned our gratitude.
To the members of our Public Works team: thank you. Thank you for braving the cold, for your expertise, and for your unwavering dedication to our community. Midvale wouldn’t thrive without you, and we’re all better for it.
By Mayor Dustin Gettel
As we continue through the winter months, let’s all take a moment to recognize and thank the people who make it possible for us to enjoy clean water, drivable streets, and so much more. If you see a Public Works crew out in the eld, give them a wave or a shout-out — or maybe even a hot cup of co ee if you’re feeling extra generous. They’ve more than earned it.
Denece Mikolash Appointed to Midvale City Council District 5
Denece Mikolash is stepping into Midvale’s City Council for District 5. The seat was held by Dustin Gettel, who was elected by Council in December to ll the vacant mayoral seat until Jan 2026. Mikolash was appointed on Jan 7, 2025 by the City Council and will serve for the next year, until the results of the next District 5 election.
“Denece was the right choice to represent District 5. She brings dedication, experience, and a true commitment to serving the community. Our residents are in very capable hands with her leadership, and I have no doubt she’ll make a positive di erence.” said Mayor Dustin Gettel
This is Mikolash’s rst time serving on a city council, but it is not the beginning of her public service. She’s been a tutor, teammate, marketing director, professor, and community advocate. Mikolash has always been engaged with the people around her. “In middle school, I tutored kids who were struggling. I was always getting involved, I wanted to help out.”
She continued her community engagement when she purchased a house in Midvale eight years ago. “When I moved to my new home, I wanted to get involved in my neighborhood,” she said. ”I ran for HOA President to transition the HOA from the builder to the resident.” As president, she played a key role in improving and maintaining the beauty around the homes for the enjoyment of the residents.
In recent years, she served as a House District Chair for the Salt Lake County Democratic Party and is currently the Secretary. She also volunteers during the holidays, delivering basic supplies and gifts to children in need.
“I love connecting, talking and meeting with new people,” she said. “I want to learn how people got to a certain point in their life.”
But, she’s more than an empathetic ear.
“I want everyone to be successful,” she said. “I’m probably too optimistic about that – but they should have the opportunities and services to strive for that success. I want to know how I can support them or connect them with someone that can help them.”
As a part-time council member, Mikolash will balance her civic duties with her career as a marketing professional. With over 25 years of expertise in marketing, she’s shared her knowledge with the future business leaders, teaching as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University. “It’s inspiring to engage with the next generation,” she says, highlighting her passion for connecting with others. Moving from resident to decision maker for the city, she wants to continue the city’s healthy growth. “There’s a lot of excitement around Main Street, Bingham Junction, and Jordan Blu s. I want it to be a welcoming, accessible community and a pleasant place at the same time.”
For her, that means a balance of open space and living space. “Investment in landscaping is important, as well as open space for people to go out and take advantage of the outdoors,” she said. “We want to o er affordable housing options, with access to trailways and open space, and represent Midvale’s unique and welcoming culture.”
In the coming months, she hopes to hear from residents to build connections and communication. “I’m here to work hard for them and here to listen,” she said. “I want them to be part of the solution, and I want their feedback.”
If she’s not at work or City Hall, you will nd her on the Jordan River Trail, in a local restaurant, or at her favorite Harvest Days event - Bingo.
In The Middle of Everything
Midvale Bids Farewell to Tony Flores: A Legacy of Dedication and Service
Midvale bids farewell to one of its most dedicated and steadfast employees, Tony Flores. Starting on September 28, 1980, he rst walked the streets reading water meters, before transitioning to the Streets Department, and ultimately to the Water Department, where he worked until his retirement on December 31, 2024. Re ecting on that nal day, he said, “It was the hardest day of my life.”
“The city has been good to me,” he said. “All the guys I’ve worked with, many of them helped me along the way. City Hall, the mayor, everybody.”
In an era where job-hopping is not only common but encouraged, what kept Tony committed to the same employer for over four decades?
“I liked the whole thing – the work, the challenge,” Flores said. “You get your hands dirty and your feet wet. It was a di erent thing every day.”
But more than the work, the people kept Flores coming to work every day. He is especially proud of his small but hardworking Water Department team.
“The water guys – they’re smart guys – only six of us. I’d put my small water guys against any other big water department. They’re out there in the winter xing the wa-
ter lines in the cold. They work as fast as they can. Sometimes we’d have four breaks in a day. As soon as we get one xed and bury it, another one would break. That’s the way it was.”
Above all, Flores sends gratitude to the people of Midvale for making his career possible. “The residents pay our salaries,” he says. “We do what we can for them. I want to thank everyone in Midvale. They’ve been so good to us. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have been here.”
We return the gratitude to Tony and celebrate his work ethic, dedication, and loyalty to the residents of Midvale City. His sense of humor and hard work have made all of our lives better. We can’t live without water. Because of Flores, Midvale has enjoyed a reliable and consistent supply. We send our wishes for a ful lling retirement lled with golf, time with children, and grandchildren.
Glen Kennedy, Midvale City Public Works Director, said, “Tony’s commitment and dedication have been an inspiration to all of us. His work ethic, passion, and leadership in the Water Department have left a lasting legacy. We are grateful for his 44 years of service and wish him all the best in retirement.”
Midvale Honors UPD O cers for Bravery and Professionalism
Midvale City proudly recognized the exceptional bravery and professionalism of the Unied Police Department (UPD) o cers during tonight’s City Council meeting, where UPD Midvale Precinct Chief Apri Morse presented the December 2024 Division Commander Award. The award was given in recognition of the outstanding e orts by UPD o cers*, particularly O cer Leo Lopez, in a high-risk incident involving an armed robbery and a dangerous pursuit. The sequence of events began on October 15, 2024, when a robbery was reported at the Maverick gas station located on the Midvale City border with Cottonwood Heights. The suspect, armed with a ri e and driving a green Kia Soul, ed the scene, and UPD o cers responded immediately to assist in the investigation. As o cers gathered information, they identi ed the suspect vehicle and began their search for the individual responsible.
O cer Leo Lopez was the rst to locate the suspect vehicle, initiating a pursuit that ultimately led to a dramatic high-risk stop. When the suspects attempted to ee, a dangerous pur-
FEBRUARY 2025 CITY NEWSLETTER
MIDVALE. UTAH. GOV
Upli and Move Forward: Midvale City Launches Communities that Care Programs for Healthy Youth
‘Give a man a sh, and you feed him for a day; teach him to sh, and you feed him for a lifetime.’ But knowing how to sh isn’t enough—you also need to know where to get a pole, how to make bait, and what kind of sh are best to catch.
Likewise, getting kids to school and preventing them from engaging in harmful behaviors is crucial, but how that happens is just as important as the lessons taught. If a child is failing a class, are they lazy? Or are they just hungry?
Uplift Midvale is a coalition of service providers working together to address issues affecting our youth. Midvale City’s Uplift Midvale Coordinator, Vanessa Guevara, is bringing the Communities that Care (CTC) program to Midvale, a research-based youth program that equips kids with the resources and tools they need to thrive.
CTC is a long-standing organization with proven blueprints for lifting underprivileged kids from atrisk situations and boosting them toward a successful adulthood.
The program includes ve phases. Uplift Midvale is currently in phase 3, where most of the work is data collection, partnership creation, and assessing needs.
UPD OFFICERS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
suit ensued. The chase ended when the suspects crashed their stolen vehicle and abandoned it on foot. A containment perimeter was quickly established, and UPD o cers deployed critical resources, including the K9 Unit and Drone Unit, to assist in locating the suspects.
With the help of police service dogs PSD Nitro and PSD Tanto, along with the Drone Unit, o cers were able to track down the armed suspects. One of the individuals was carrying an AR-15 ri e, which was later connected to the robbery in Millcreek that occurred earlier the same day.
Despite sta ng challenges that placed the sergeant in charge of overseeing the incident alone, the leadership demonstrated by the UPD was awless. The sergeant coordinated a swift and organized response, ensuring all tasks were carried out e ectively and safely. The collaboration among o cers and specialized units played a key role in safely apprehending the suspects.
Chief Apri Morse presented the Division Commander Award to O cer Leo Lopez and his fellow o cers for their courage, sel essness, and professionalism throughout this high-stakes situation. The award recognizes the o cers’ quick decision-making, teamwork, and ability to protect the public while apprehending dangerous criminals.
Midvale City extends its deepest gratitude to Chief Morse and the entire UPD team for their unwavering commitment to public safety. The City Council and community are proud to honor the o cers who, through their dedication and tireless e orts, keep Midvale safe. Their courage is an inspiration to all, and we are thankful for their service.
Call for Artists: 2025 Los Muros on MainMidvale City Mural Festival
“We look at the data from the surveys and see the biggest items, look at real-time data, what o cers and schools say they need, and we talk about what the most urgent, most changeable, most in uential solutions are,” Guevara said.
In the next two years, the next steps will be to create an action plan based on the particular needs of Midvale’s youth, implement the programs, and then evaluate their success. It will be an ongoing, progressive process that will grow and change based on the community’s needs.
Kids in Midvale struggle in the same ways many others do across the country, but excessive cell phone use, lack of sleep (often tied to cell phone use), depression and anxiety, violence, and substance abuse are the biggest hurdles.
“One item is a little di erent from the state and national average, and that youth are at a higher risk of falling witness to or are partaking in gang-related behavior. This was noted while assessing the need for a community youth violence prevention coalition. We looked at city crime data, school data, and considered live input from gang prevention organizations and Midvale City schools,” Guevara said.
“Secondly, growing children/youth are struggling to access fresh food. I have had local partners with food pantries, and members of the community, that have re ected the need and struggle to keep up. As many folks know, and studies have supported, nutrition plays a key element in brain development and a result impacts academic performance, mental and physical health.”
Though there are numerous problems, and a lot of work to do, there is a bright side.
“The positives of nding such data are that they are interrelated, according to public health strategies,” Guevara said. “Which means if we strategize to prevent one, we are very likely to help prevent another.”
The coalition can approach all the issues by “looking upstream,” Guevara said. “Programs that build self-esteem, engage families or the community, are ways that can help protect all Midvale City youth from suicide, depression, academic failure, and violence.”
Among the partners are the United Police Department (UPD), United Fire Authority (UFA), Connie Crosby Family Resource Center (CCFRC), Midvale Community Building Community (CBC), Copperview Rec Center, Tyler Library, Midvale Interfaith, Choose Gang Free, Canyons School District, University of Utah, and Utah Health and Human Services (UHHS).
Together, we are equipping Midvale youth not only with help today, but with skills and resources to sh for themselves and make their own brighter futures.
The Redevelopment Agency (RDA) of Midvale City is thrilled to announce the Call for Artists for the 2025 Los Muros on Main: Midvale City Mural Festival. This exciting event invites artists to contribute to Midvale Main Street, a thriving hub of art and culture, already home to more than 40 murals.
The festival celebrates Midvale’s rich culture, history, and community spirit by bringing together artists, makers, local breweries, musicians, and visitors to create stunning works of art that capture the area’s unique identity. The 2025 Los Muros on Main Mural Festival will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
As part of the growing Midvale Main Arts & Culture District, the mural festival complements events such LetterWest, the Tattoo Showdown, Main Street Car Show and Food Truck Tuesdays. The district also includes the Midvale Performing Arts Center, The Pearl on Main, and the Art House, which provides a ordable studio space for artists in the historic Midvale City Museum building.
Artist Stipends and Reimbursements
The RDA o ers:
• Stipends: U.S., Mexico, and Canadian artists can receive up to $4,500, depending on mural size.
• Reimbursements: International artists outside these countries may qualify for up to $4,500 to cover fees, supplies, insurance, and equipment rentals.
Deadline
to Apply
Submit your application by Friday, March 5, 2025, to be a part of this transformative event. For more information and to apply, visit EngageMidvale.com/Call-for-Artists. Help shape the artistic legacy of Midvale’s Historic Main Street and leave your creative mark on this vibrant community!
Salt Lake County Library exceeds 12.5 million books checked out in 2024
By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com
Residents visiting branches of the Salt Lake County Library checked out more than 12.5 million books in 2024. This made the system one of the top 10 highest circulating libraries in North America. This checkout of books highlights the importance to residents of Salt Lake County’s library services. The community has a deep appreciation of education and entertainment.
There are about 9,000 libraries in North America between the US and Canada. There are about 15 or 20 that circulate more than 10 million items a year. This entails all of Salt Lake County’s 18 branches.
“I’m hopeful we will meet 13 million in 2025, but it will probably be more than 12.5, because people in Salt Lake definitely love all of their library services, and it points to how valuable libraries are to the county,” Marketing and Communications Manager Sara Neal said.
“We serve a county that is passionate about reading and learning, and fulfilling those needs for our residents is very rewarding,” Senior Manager of Collections at the County Library Christa Warren said.
There is a group of people in the Salt Lake County community who are interested in helping to educate themselves and their family. “It is fun for the residents to share the cultural experiences in entertainment. The residents put a high value on knowledge, spending time together and sharing experiences,” Neal said.
Residents can access everything the library has, popular title books, musical productions, bands, dancing, theatrical experiences and fun seasonal parties. The library offers help with homework and lan-
guage learning with a free library card. The most popular book in 2024 was “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, checked out by 12,000 people.
“This book definitely took the world by a storm last year,” Neal said.
There is a high check out for children’s materials. It is a good experience for children to learn about words, colors and about their world. Every branch has checkouts for all ages to help them explore the world. You can create spaces where you can use a sewing machine, 3D print items and get homework help if you need. The library has many resources for any age or stage of your life. The First Friday Concerts are a fun way to listen to music and have fun dancing.
With the change of technology in the
past five years people have moved to digital checkouts. “Probably 25% of our checkouts are digital, people who are reading e-books on their phone or listening to e-audio books, and it is all digital platforms,” Neal said.
Neal did some research and found out “Gen Z generation prefers physical books, because they have a digital experience for so many things, and having a physical book is preferable for them,” she said.
About two-thirds of county households have library cards. “So those who don’t have a library card should go to their local branch and see what they are missing out on,” Neal said.
The County Library can spark your interest to read, learn, play and create. You will always be supported by the li-
brary employees in the programs, online resources, a collection of many activities, learning experiences for all ages and equal access. The library is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of all people and the community. There are movies for kids, teens and adults. Digital printing is available. You can reserve a room for your events. You can attend fun events and do your homework at the library.
“We serve a county that is passionate about reading, learning, and fulfilling those needs for our residents is very rewarding,” Warren said. “We are proud of the way we’ve delivered great materials to our patrons and thrilled to be one of the top circulating libraries in the country.” l
Residents visiting branches of the Salt Lake County Library checked out more than 12.5 million books in 2024. (Courtesy County Library)
UFSA board approves 23% tax increase in 2025
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
Unified Fire Service Area board members voted in a public meeting in December to approve a proposed tax increase for 2025. The 23% tax increase would yield $11,473,218 in revenue, according to officials.
The increase will be implemented in two parts, with the first part of the increase – referred to as the second phase of the 2024 increase – costing an estimated $5,088,123, according to the Unified Fire Service Area.
The second part of the proposed increase would address additional staffing in Kearns and Eagle Mountain, and is estimated to cost $6,385,095, according to UFSA.
“Most of the increase we’re talking about here is going to the firefighters,” Board member and Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said at the meeting. “If we don’t pay competitive wages, they’ll go somewhere else and we’ll be even more short-staffed than we already are.”
With the 2025 tax increase being approved, the annual tax would increase from $405.35 to $498.58 for residential properties, and from $737.00 to $906.50 for commercial properties. Before 2024, the last UFSA tax increases were in 2008 and 2018.
done frivolously.”
The proposed tax increase would be used to address the cost of service, upgrade fire stations, add staff members and maintain a minimum fund balance, UFSA said.
The UFSA serves 12 jurisdictions: Alta, Brighton, Eagle Mountain, Emigration Canyon, Kearns, Magna, Millcreek, Taylorsville, White City and unincorporated Salt Lake County.
“UFSA’s primary source of income is property taxes which are collected from property owners located within UFSA boundaries,” UFSA explained.
UFSA is a “taxing entity that uses collected taxes to go directly toward fire service costs,” according to the Unified Fire Service Area. UFSA said it uses property taxes to pay its member fee to Unified Fire Authority, and that fee “is what pays for the actual service that UFSA residents benefit from.”
The 2025 tax increase would make a monthly difference of $7.77 (for an annual difference of $93.23) and a monthly difference of $14.13 for commercial properties (or an annual difference of $169.51), according to the UFSA.
of the increase, but they said property taxes are the only revenue for the UFSA.
Many board members acknowledged that their own families would feel the effects
“This is not an organization that is abusing the system,” Board member Kathleen Bailey of Copperton told residents after the public comment period. “This is not being
The taxes are also used to purchase and maintain property within UFSA boundaries (for example, building and maintaining fire stations). UFSA said taxes are also used to pay for administrative costs.
Full financial statements and annual budgets are available on the UFSA website. The tentative budget for 2025 is also available online. l
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Fire Station 124 is one of three stations in Riverton City. (City Journals)
Busting winter driving myths: what really keeps you safe on icy roads
Driving in the winter is a different kind of beast, especially when some of the most common advice for driving in the snow and cold isn’t always accurate.
With much of the country set to deal with snow, ice and bitter-cold temperatures, here are some of the most common winter driving myths.
Pump your brakes on ice
The age-old advice of pumping your brakes while on ice isn’t always true for drivers nowadays.
Pumping the brakes, when the driver steps on the brake pedal multiple times in a row to stop the wheels from locking up, is an old-fashioned way to prevent skidding on ice that can be counterproductive for many cars.
According to AAA, anti-lock braking systems, which pump the brakes for you, have become a standard since the 1990s. These days, most cars have anti-locking brakes, but it’s best to check the manual to make sure.
So, when cars with anti-lock brakes are on ice, the best practice is to apply steady pressure.
Gas freezes if you don’t have enough in the tank
This myth is close, but not necessarily true.
AAA said the gas in the tank won’t freeze until temperatures hit 50 degrees below zero, which means drivers will most likely not be finding a block of gas in the tank anytime soon.
However, your gas tank can freeze, so drivers should keep more gas in the tank in the winter. According to AAA, this can help minimize the space in the tank for water condensation to form. That condensation could enter your fuel line and freeze, preventing your vehicle from starting and damaging the fuel line.
o, the more gas you have in your tank, there’s less of a chance that condensation will have a place to form.
Let your car warm up before you drive
Cars used to need to idle for the carburetors to work and for oils to warm up, but with new technology, as long as your vehicle isn’t older than the early 1990s, you probably don’t need to let your car thaw before you hit the road.
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
When driving on slippery roads, be sure to keep double the normal amount of space between you and the driver in front of you. (Photo AI generated)
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that guidance from most car manufacturers says your vehicle is ready to drive after 30 seconds of warming up.
However, it can take your engine between five and 15 minutes to completely warm up, according to Business Insider. If it’s an extremely cold day, it may not be a bad idea to let your car run for more than 30 seconds before driving off.
Now, while we’re getting into the deep end of winter and finally starting to see some snow, there are some things you want to keep in mind as you hit the icy roads.
Slow down
This one might seem obvious, but given the number of people speeding down the freeway in both lanes during
Utahnsa snowstorm, the idea of reducing speed during increment weather appears to be a foreign concept to some Utah drivers.
The slippier it gets, the more you need to reduce your speed. Stopping on slippery roads can take more than triple the usual distance. Anticipate your moves and turns in advance and keep your steering and throttle input as smooth as possible.
Clear ice and snow from your vehicle before driving
Again, it may seem like this one is obvious, but there are more cars on the road with snow piled up and ice frosting the windshield than you may think.
As we’re taught in driver’s education, if you can’t see, you can’t drive safely. If you park your car outside, you’re bound to deal with ice, frost and fresh snow on some mornings. As much as it hurts to stand in the cold for that long, it’s much safer to clear your entire car of snow, frost and ice before leaving.
Give extra space to the vehicle ahead
When conditions are wet there’s no telling what it will take to avoid an accident, especially if you need to stop. In winter conditions, it’s best to give at least double the amount of space you’re used to for the vehicle ahead.
Having good tires will help you stop and keep control, but even with new tires it’s best to keep a healthy distance between you and the next car.
Read the road
During a drive on snowy surfaces, your traction will ebb and flow from moment to moment. Newer cars have a wide array of helpful safety technologies, but they shouldn’t replace your driver instincts and awareness – especially in adverse weather conditions.
Keep both hands on the wheel, turn down your music, avoid using cruise control and constantly assess how the vehicle and road feel. If you sense a loss of grip on the road, don’t panic. Slow down, take a deep breath and make slow, gradual movements as you keep driving. l
Salt Lake Volleyball brings professional game back to Utah
have always been fans of volleyball, whether it’s through recreational play or their local church leagues. And boys’ volleyball became an officially sanctioned high school sport just last year.
Now professional women's volleyball returns to Salt Lake City as part of the League One Volleyball (LOVB, pronounced “Love”). The city has one of six franchises for the first-year league that kicked off on Jan. 8 in Atlanta. It was founded in 2020 as a “holistic volleyball ecosystem” that covered players from the beginner level through clubs and the pros. The plan was to start a pro league after the Paris Olympics, and now play is set to begin.
The teams don’t have names, other than the cities they play in. The six teams this year are in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Madison, Omaha and Salt Lake. Utah’s team includes two-time Olympic medalists and 2020 gold medal winners Haleigh Washington and Jordyn Poulter, who lead a ros-
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
ter with 21 collective All-American honors. Several come from local colleges like former Brighton High and University of Utah player Dani Drews, and former BYU teammates
Roni Jones-Perry and Mary Lake. Reigning VNL Best Libero Manami Kojima of the Japanese National Team will patrol the backcourt. U.S. National Team assistant Tama Miyashiro will instruct the squad, and she’ll be assisted by Bruno Chateau, who’s found success coaching internationally and in his native France.
Salt Lake played its first home match against Houston on Jan. 22 at Salt Lake Community College, where all of its home matches are scheduled except for the “Weekend with LOVB" on Feb. 7-8 at the Maverik Center in West Valley City. The team will play matches on both days that weekend.
Other home matches are set for March 20 against Madison, April 4 against Madison, April 5 against Austin. League finals will be held in mid-April in Louisville, Kentucky.
Members of the 15 player roster for Salt Lake Volleyball are as follows:
• Jordyn Poulter, S, Illinois
• Tamaki Matsui, S, Japan Women's College of Physical Education
• Morgan Miller, OH, Cal
• Maddie Haynes, OH, Cal
• Skylar Fields, OH, USC
• Tori Dixon, MB, Minnesota
• Sophie Fischer, MB, Georgia
• Serena Gray, MB, Pittsburgh
• Roni Jones-Perry, OH, BYU
• Haleigh Washington, MB, Penn State
• Manami Kojima, LIB, Aoyama Gakuin University
• Dani Drews, OH, Utah
• Mary Lake, LIB, BYU
• Claire Hoffman, OH, Washington
• Heidy Casanova, OPP
Every game will be broadcast through the ESPN family of networks, streamed on ESPN+ or broadcast through the league's website at LOVB Live. Ticket information available on line at www.lovb.com. l
The new logo for Salt Lake Volleyball, which has begun play in the LOVB league and will host home matches at the Maverik Center and Salt Lake Community College. (Logo courtesy of LOVB)
Dungeons & Dragons offers play and connection for adults
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
G athered around a table strewn with colorful dice, a map, notebooks and snacks, a group of adults at Whitmore Library (2197 Fort Union Blvd.) dive into the immersive and imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons.
For two years, the group has met to battle bipedal hyenas, capture magic relics and enjoy the realms of fantasy and friendship. Jackson Myrick is a customer service specialist for The County Library and also serves as the dungeon master for the group’s monthly adventures.
“The basics of Dungeons & Dragons is that it’s a cooperative storytelling tabletop war game,” Myrick said. “There’s one player who’s performing the role of the world and the characters within the world and then everyone else is a main character in the fantasy story. They’re all interacting with each other and that interaction forms the story that people come back for.”
D&D celebrated its 50th birthday last year and it’s estimated that 50 million people play the game worldwide. The Whitmore group is currently full but it’s only one of several D&D in the county’s library system.
West Valley resident Leah Sanford started playing a game similar to D&D 35 years ago, meeting with her group every Saturday. After COVID, she got interested in D&D and found the Whitmore players in 2023.
Golden Corral, 665 East 7200 South, Midvale
“Hasbro bought Wizards of the Coast and things have been getting very controversial ever since as they’re trying to gear it more to the younger player who is used to video game dynamics,” Sanford said. “There are those of us who like the pure tabletop type games…Adults don’t
engage in imagination. This is cooperative storytelling in a venue where we can totally invest ourselves in imaginative, cooperative play. And it’s delightful.”
Each person keeps track of their character in a notebook so they have a record of its adventures and changes and details of their character’s history. While the Whitmore group has an ongoing storyline that has taken them through surprising challenges, unexpected twists and interesting character development, other groups might have a one-off storyline that lasts for a couple of hours. These
shorter stories allow people to drop in and join the fun without having to learn the history of the group.
Myrick said in our current world, people only interact with each other in specific ways. Playing D&D creates an open-ended collaboration and exploration into something that isn’t finite.
“It’s exploring that space in a more organic way and it’s nice for developing dynamics that you’re not normally going to see in a particular kind of evening’s conversation,” he said. “A question or puzzle can affect the other members of the group and how their characters interact. You have interesting conversations that put yourself into situations that are dynamic but aren’t high risk.”
The six members of the Whitmore D&D group come from all over the valley. Two even live in American Fork but travel to Cottonwood Heights for the story and camaraderie. Capping the group at six allows each member to have a chance to feel part of the adventure and fully invest in their character’s development.
“I just love watching other people play. I just think it’s great,” Sanford said. “You can end up with some high-tension moments. We had an adventure where one of our characters died and another character got upset and was desperately trying to revive him. My character got in on it and the next thing you know, between the two of us, we managed to revive him. That was fun.”
For information about joining a D&D group through The County Library, visit slcolibrary.org/dungeons-and-dragons. l
Jackson Myrick (left) leads the Whitmore Library Dungeons & Dragons group that’s been meeting for two years. Players include (clockwise from Myrick), Leah Sanford, Brandon Drown, Parker Bone and Lorna Payne. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
A fighter, a writer, an avid skier and an optimist—nothing stops Harriet
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
Harriet Wallis is a fighter, a writer, an avid skier, an optimist and so much more.
She’d tell you she’s led an “average” life as the girl who was the last to get picked to do any team sport in school.
You would have never guessed her life would be what it is now given where she started in school—but she has been an active adventurer with a life full of outdoor activities and skiing the slopes.
Despite having two artificial hips and knees at the age of 84, Sandy resident Wallis continues to ski and maintain an active lifestyle, including walking daily, swimming weekly, participating in local bike club activities and working in her yard.
Skier
Her passion for skiing is really what started it all for her in her 30s when she first learned how to ski with her then-husband and two young children.
“My husband said, ‘I'm going to learn to ski,’” Wallis said. “Now, I thought that was something crazy people on the other side of the planet did. So I'm processing that thought and then he said, ‘And you can babysit the kids.’ And I said, ‘Over my dead body, we're all going to learn to ski,’ and so we did."
Learning to ski was a game-changer for how she saw herself for the rest of her life.
“I didn't think of myself as being athletic with volleyball and team sports,” she said. “When I learned to ski, I realized, ‘Hey, I can do this.’”
She has been skiing recreationally ever since and so have her kids.
Eventually, Wallis worked as a ski instructor for two different ski resorts on the East Coast before moving westward.
In Utah, even in her off years she still finds time to ski at least 40 days out of the season. Metal hips and all.
Outdoorswoman
Not too long after learning to ski, in 1974 Wallis and her family completed a challenge they’d accepted as members of the Appalachian Mountain Club to climb the 100 tallest mountains in New England.
“By world standards, they are not that high,” she admitted. But “the highest is 6,000feet Mount Washington, but it gets some of the worst weather in the whole world.”
For three years, she and her family would drive every weekend, hike 25 miles on Saturday and head home on Sunday, just to do it all over again the next weekend.
She added mountaineering to her growing list of hobbies, including fishing, camping and biking.
She also describes herself as an avid fisherman and goes camping and biking regularly with her housemate Laurie when the weather is warm.
“I am not macho,” Wallis said. “I'm an average person who enjoys doing things outdoors and being active.”
This past year, the housemates volunteered to be a part of the safety team for the annual Bonneville Bike Club's 3,000 all-women fundraiser for Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Writer
Writing was a pastime that stemmed from her love of pottery and shaping nearly five tons of clay into homemade goods each year while she lived in New England as her kids were growing up.
She lived in Connecticut and began writing for a local newspaper on different topics from the art she made and to how to cut costs on an expensive energy bill. Wallis worked her way up from a freelancer to a full-time paid writer for the paper. During her time there, she wrote on a “checkerboard” of topics including weddings, gardening and eventually skiing.
Wallis started writing for the City Journals when it was still the Valley Journals and still contributes to the online Cottonwood Heights Journal regularly.
Every year, she writes a year recap for friends and family.
Optimist
What’s driven her to keep going even when many people she knows have long given up on the active lifestyle she enjoys, is her optimism and willingness to adapt and change to her circumstances.
“It's thinking outside the box, finding ways to do things, and having a positive attitude,” she said. “It's much more fun to have a positive attitude than it is to be a downer. I think those are three things that make me tick.”
The health challenges that come with living a long life can’t stop her; she refuses to let them.
In recent years, despite a cancer diagnosis and difficult treatment, Wallis has continued to walk as she is able and adapt her activity to how she is feeling. But she doesn’t stop. She continued to ride her bike through the “agonizing side effects” of her chemo treatment.
Overall, Wallis strongly advocates for an optimistic, adaptable mindset as a key to overcoming challenges and continuing to live an active, fulfilling life.
“I think it's come about kind of as a lifelong thing,” Wallis said. “It's nothing that just popped up. But it's crucial to me now.”
Every year for the past few years, Wallis has chosen a new mantra she writes in her yearly Christmas letter which she plans to live by for the year to come.
Her 2025 mantra will be similar to those of years past—a positive one. She shares with family and friends a yearly letter stating 2025 will be a year in which she "expects the best— and works hard to achieve it.”
Her mantra for the year is “Quit looking back. You're not going that way.”
Wallis’s 85th birthday was on Jan. 7, and who knows what adventure she’ll be on next.
Despite having two artificial hips and knees at the age of 84, Sandy resident Harriet Wallis continues to ski and maintain an active lifestyle. (Courtesy of Peak Photo Alta)
Among her many outdoor hobbies, Harriet Wallis is an avid fisherman in the summer months and often uses her inflatable canoe. (Courtesy of Harriet Wallis)
Testing and prevention are key to reducing lead poisoning in children
By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
High risk areas for lead are in many zip codes around the Salt Lake Valley that have homes built before 1978. These homes more than likely have been painted with lead paints. The soils around these older homes could contain lead. The Salt Lake County Health Department offers help with testing and ways of preventing lead poisoning in families.
Lead particles can be found in older homes and buildings. “Prevention is the educational portion and how to live within your environment,” said Candice Briese, health educator with the Salt Lake County Health Department.
“Our focus is children under 6 since they have a faster breathing rate and they are exposed to lead dust. They put everything into their mouths and touch the ground more often,” Briese said. This makes children more at risk for lead poisoning.
No level of lead is safe for a child. If a child has 3.5 µg/dL then this needs to be addressed right away. Lead poisoning can cause learning and behavioral problems, lowered intelligence, digestive issues, hearing and speech concerns and has been linked to incarceration later in life.
Have your child tested. “Testing can be done at the doctor’s office,” Briese said.
“We will do a home visit if a child test results are at 3.5 µg/dL. We will bring the XRF analyzer to the home so we can test and discuss the dietary needs of the kiddos and we really encourage reading. Reading is a good way to build those neurons and compensate for that loss from lead poisoning,” Briese said.
There is a real concern with nutritional aspects for children with lead exposure. “Lead can mimic calcium and iron in our bodies. What it does is cause things like anemia because it replaces the iron in their bodies. What we like to do is encourage the dietary approach in that the kids have the required amount of iron and vitamin C, which can help with the absorption of iron,” Briese said.
“Lead can store in the bones for 10 to 20 years. We encourage women that want to get pregnant to get tested,” Briese added. Lead poisoning can cause miscarriages and developmental effects on the growing fetus like low birth weight or hurt the baby's nervous system, kidneys and brain.
“We do testing events in the community and we have an XRF analyzer that we have when we are out and about,” Briese said. People can bring Ziplock bags full of paint chips from their homes or bags of soil along with spices to be tested at the events to see if there is lead there. “We are always happy to test the products if people want to check for lead.”
“With older homes painted with lead paint, you can encapsulate it, but if you get a ding on the wall, you want to cover it up,” Briese said. “It is important to find ways to make your old home safe. There is a program in the county that is called Lead Safe Housing that can come to your home and test for lead. There are requirements for this service like if you have a child in your home or a pregnant woman is visiting.”
Homeowners may want to get connected to lead safe certified contractors by visiting www.saltlakecounty.gov/ and search for the Lead Safe Housing program.
“Our primary objective is to find it and get it out of the environment. We see it with mugs and the paint on the product,” Briese said. “We want to get it out of there and get the nutrients into the child’s body and then let’s read.”
“We encourage wet cleaning to dust since lead does not break down quickly. It has a very long life. We need to be aware if it is there and wash our hands more often.”
Growing a garden in the yard of an older home could be concerning since lead could be present in the soil. “Certain vegetables will be better than others for growing in the yard of an old house. We might encourage a raised bed in those areas,” Briese said.
Spices can be a concern. “If buying them online or if from other countries those are the ones we worry about having lead in them. We see it in turmeric, lead is heavy and it is added to a spice they get more bang for the buck. It makes the color more vibrant and lead is sweet. This is why kids eat paint chips. It has a sweet taste and that is why they add it to the spice,” Briese added.
Some makeup from certain communities might use kohl liner or surma around their eyes, which has lead in it. This makeup is typically bought online or from other countries. Check the ingredients in the products you purchase to be sure no lead is in it.
A person can be exposed to lead when visiting a gun range. "Every time you fire the gun you get lead dust back splashed onto you. So it is important to wash your hands, face and your clothes afterwards,” Briese said.
Fishing exposes a person to lead. If you use lead fishing sinkers you will want to wash your hands along with any children who are fishing with you before eating food due to the lead exposure. There is the Safe Kids Fare on Feb. 22 at the Mountain America Expo that residents can get things tested at and if more information is needed, email leadprovention@saltlakecounty.gov. l
Water pipes in homes built before 1978 are places where you might find lead. (Wikimedia)
With visions of Jack White, Prince and Sophie Lloyd strumming in my head, I started taking guitar lessons last year to prove that old dogs can still be tricky. After months of lessons, I confidently state Jack White can rest easy. I won’t be coming for his job.
Guitar lessons have challenged my patience but expanded my capacity for playing incorrect chords on a slightly outof-tune instrument. I pluck through terrible-sounding riffs and know practice time is over when I drop the guitar pick in the sound hole for the hundredth time.
Each week, I meet with the ever-patient Emily at Guitar Center so I can go over my lesson. I spend most of the time trying to convince her I really did practice while ignoring the eye twitch she develops whenever I play an F chord.
She’ll give me advice like, “Press the strings harder” or “Change the position of your thumb” or “Maybe take up baking.” I go home and practice chords and strums and fingerpicking until even the dog leaves the room. But after practicing “Blowin’ in the Wind” for six weeks, my husband finally recognized the chorus.
I’ve gained an appreciation for guitar players, and I get enraged by people who say they taught themselves to play the guitar because that can’t possibly be a thing. Like every child in Utah, I took piano lessons, and that background has helped with counting and timing but that’s the extent of its helpfulness when it comes to the guitar.
The hubby and I visited Nashville in October, where even toddlers can play the intro to “Stairway to Heaven,” and it highlighted how much I still have to learn. Every dive bar had an exceptional guitarist strumming chords while holding a beer bottle. I ate chicken wings and sipped margaritas, mesmerized by their talent.
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Not only were they exceptional, but they could play any song by heart. My brain has no storage capacity. My hard drive is full. I can’t memorize songs, and I can barely remember chord progressions. I’m still looking at chord charts like they’re hieroglyphics.
Learning guitar is mostly about finding new ways to use your nondominant hand. In theory, a plucked string should create a musical vibration. In reality, a plucked string provides a muffled thud because I’m not on my fingertips or I’m too far from the fret or I can’t stretch my hand into a barre chord or I’m just inept. All of those things can be true.
After I played “If I Had a Hammer” for several weeks, my husband said if he had a hammer he’d smash my guitar. Not nice. But fair.
I grew up listening to singers like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Mom and my aunt would visit assisted living centers (they were called rest homes in the ’70s) to sing and play the guitar, entertaining the captive audience. Sometimes I’d sing along and screw up their “Leaving on a Jet Plane” harmonies with my squeaky 8-year-old voice.
Learning to play the guitar is a connection to my late mom. I can’t say my guitar music honors my mom because no one deserves that kind of honor, but I can imagine her
smiling (and probably grimacing) whenever I pick up the guitar. Maybe there are earplugs in heaven.
Watching Prince perform at the Super Bowl, seeing Jack White in concert and hearing Sophie Lloyd shred has become an act of reverence. I stand in awe at their talent as I slowly pick through “Five Hundred Miles” for what feels like the 500th time.
