Millcreek entrepreneur wins grant money for his B2B startup
By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
Millcreek resident Jonathan Cohen won a grant from the Get Started: Business Idea Competition to help with early business expenses for his company, Inventorspeak.
Millcreek’s Jonathan Cohen, owner of the startup company Inventorspeak, was named one of the winners in March of the Get Started: Business Idea Competition. The competition is a way for startups like Cohen’s to get funding that can assist with those early expenses.
“I started Inventorspeak in January,” Cohen said. “I am a B2B (business to business) company. I work with an organization or a company that makes physical products or software products. This is for any business that has technical teams that might have mechanical engineers, computer programmers or software engineers in it.”
Cohen’s background is in physical product design. Cohen observed a disconnect between what the technical team worked on and what other teams like sales and marketing needed to improve a business’s bottom line and the needs for the business overall. “There might be changes requested by the executive or sales team to the technical team and that can be very frustrating when the reason behind the changes are not really clear,” Cohen said.
Similar frustrations can arise when the tech team makes changes without a clear explanation to other teams. “These decisions can lead to missed deadlines, product misalignments and inefficiencies,” Cohen added.
Inventorspeak can “help technical teams communicate better with the rest of the or-
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ganization,” Cohen said. He observed that tech-minded people, “tend to spend time with people that think the same way.” Cohen said that can be different from the sales and marketing teams who at times like to tell a story. “Teaching engineers what the rest of the world cares about and how those messages can be shared helps with the company overall.”
“The idea was generated when an engineer tried to express his invention in a business sense and was not able to do so very well. I started coaching this person one-onone to improve their skills. I realized I could have a much bigger impact when working with entire teams. So I shifted that to a B2B model,” Cohen said.
Cohen heard about the competition from a group called 1 Million Cups, a local entrepreneur group.
“The grant money helps me establish my LLC and create my website,” Cohen said. This will help Cohen connect with potential clients. “I understand how mechanical engineers think and speak. This is a critical skill and there is a big gap with this group of people.”
“I think in the age of social media or virtual work that communication skills are more important than ever,” Cohen said. Currently, his new business is out of his home office. He is providing workshops for businesses in person or virtually.
This is the first year for the challenge and it will continue monthly. The deadline is the first Wednesday of each month. The competition is held virtually and the winner is notified around the third week in the month.
The grant money of $500 is an opportunity to get a new business idea off the ground
and running.
The competition is from the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity’s Startup State Initiative and the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. More information can be found about the Get Started: Business Idea Challenge by visiting startup.utah.gov. l
Millcreek resident Johnathan Cohen was one of the winners of the Get Started: Business Idea Competition. (Photo courtesy of Cassie Nelson)
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Stroke from Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Stroke Team
By Dr. Rebecca Reiser
We know how important it is for patients and their families to find a hospital and a care team that you can trust - especially when emergencies, like stroke, happen. That’s why our team at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley is so incredibly proud to be a certified primary stroke center with thrombectomy capability. Recently, our stroke care team was recognized by the American Heart Association and received their Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Award with Stroke Honor Roll and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. This award means our facility met or exceeded the national recommendations for stroke care for our patients and it highlights our hard-working, talented stroke care team for providing excellent patient stroke care! To start, we work closely with our EMS partners to help them recognize patient stroke symptoms while they are out in the field. They are trained to let us know when they are on their way to our hospital so we can be ready for stroke patients before they even arrive. Our team is then able to evaluate each patient quickly and thoroughly to determine the best course of treatment. We have medications to help break up blood clots in the brain and a team of highly
trained vascular neurosurgeons who can remove a blood clot from the brain, also known as a thrombectomy. An important note - Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley is the only hospital on the west side of the valley that has the capability of performing these state-of-the-art thrombectomies!
So, what are the signs and symptoms of stroke that you should be aware of? The easiest way to remember what to look out for is through the acronym, BEFAST:
● Balance changes
● Eye or vision changes
● Facial droop
● Arm weakness
● Speech difficulty
● Time
reduces disability among stroke survivors by 4%! That’s because about 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke until blood flow is restored. It is important that if you see someone showing the signs or symptoms of stroke outlined above, call for help immediately.
When you or your loved ones come to Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley for stroke care, you can expect state-of-theart stroke treatment and compassionate, healing care fueled by humankindness. From the teams in the ER to the stroke care teams to the physical, occupational and speech therapists that help care for patients throughout their rehab journey, and to the neurologists that assist in care decisions from the start, you are in good hands at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan 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.
It is important to recognize the above signs and symptoms because time matters! Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, but it is the leading cause of long-term disability. Studies show that every 15 minutes saved when a patient is experiencing stroke symptoms,
Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven 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.
CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region, 2025. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói
mi
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Dr. Rebecca Reiser Neurologist and Stroke Director CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital
Salt Lake County Health Department's TOP Star program recognizes excellence in childcare
The Teaching Obesity Prevention program or TOP Star program, is from the Salt Lake County Health Department. The program encourages early childcare facilities to create a healthy environment for young children and awards the best each year.
By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
Health educator and TOP Star coordinator Hillary Bryan said, “The purpose for TOP Star is to teach obesity prevention in early childcare settings.”
“The TOP Star program was started by the Utah Department of Health about 10 years ago. The program includes nutrition, physical activity and breastfeeding. We go out to early preschools, daycares, after-school programs and we try to encourage them to participate in the program.”
At-home daycares and any facilities that are involved in early childcare can be part of the program and get a TOP Star endorsement if they qualify. The program's goal is to create healthy behaviors in a child’s life that will last a lifetime.
“The TOP Star program has four steps for facilities to become endorsed. The endorsement is valid for three years. Once endorsed, it shows they are a higher rated facility because they follow these practices in terms of nutrition, physical activity and breastfeeding areas,” Bryan said.
To be endorsed, facilities might update menus. Bryan said a menu at a place might increase from a “one week cycle to a three week cycle and eliminate processed foods. Activity time increases for the children from one hour a day and it might also incorporate
lessons with the kids, so now two hours per day.”
Facilities might include a “breastfeeding room or office that is set aside for moms or staff to breastfeed or express milk,” Bryan added.
“After a three year period we make sure they are still following the goals and policies they implemented and that staff is still trained. If still at that same level, then we can endorse them for three more years. If they have dropped levels, then we work with them to increase policies and make changes to get them back up to that same level they were endorsed at,” Bryan said.
Bryan decided to start issuing awards in 2019. “It is opened up to the public every fall to nominate somebody that they feel like has gone above and beyond for the year in the childcare world.” Awards are for the educator of the year, director and the best facility.
In January, TOP Star gave out the 2024 awards. Laisha Hugie of Buttons ‘n Bows Preschool was the Salt Lake County Childcare Educator of the year.
“All things kind, warm and wonderful and her innovative teaching sparks a love of learning in children particularly in reading, where early literacy is a major success,” Bryan read what someone wrote about Hugie. Hugie was awarded with a $100 gift card and a trophy. Buttons ‘n Bows Preschool received a gift card too.
Johnny Saccomanno of The Winner School was honored as the Salt Lake County 2024 Childcare Director of the Year. Saccomanno along with his school each received a $100 gift card.
Here We Grow Early Learning Center was awarded with books and games as the TOP Star facility for 2024. Director JoAnne Albrecht and Kasi Larsen accepted the award. The center enjoys making healthy
choices fun for children through activities like cooking sessions.
Bryan believes the TOP Star program is making a difference in children’s lives.
“Several childcare directors and teachers have commented on the changes they made at their facility because of this program. They had parents sending children with Pop-Tarts and soda for breakfast but that is not healthy. After implementing TOP Star changes the children eat the healthy breakfast that is served at the school.”
Several schools have also enacted policies that reduced the amount of treats brought in for holidays and birthdays and instead opt for fun activities to celebrate like with bubbles in the center.
To learn more about TOP Star, visit SaltLakeHealth.org. l
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Johnny Saccomanno from The Winner School is holding his award for 2024 Childcare Director of the Year. (Pat Rich/Salt Lake County Health Department)
Laisha Hugie of Buttons ‘n Bows Preschool was awarded the TOP Star Educator of the Year for 2024 and was described as “All things kind, warm and wonderful,” in her nomination. (Pat Rich/Salt Lake County Health Department)
Pictured here is the director JoAnne Albrecht with Kasi Larsen at the 2024 TOP Star facility of the year, Here We Grow Early Learning Center. (Pat Rich/Salt Lake County Health Department)
Millcreek Library features Jen Gilson as April’s Artist of the Month
Local artist shares paintings at the library and uses painting as a way to manage her emotions with the ups and downs of life.
By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
TheMillcreek Arts Council along with Millcreek Library feature a local artist's work each month. Last month artist Jen Gilson displayed paintings to visually delight the community.
Jen Gilson said, “My journey as an artist began before I could speak. My first words didn’t come until I was 3 years old, and during those early years, my mother in-
stinctively placed crayons and paint brushes in my hands. I would express myself through color and form before I did so with words.”
Creating art became a way for Gilson to navigate life during those formative years and continued to guide her throughout adulthood.
“In my late 20s, I faced the emotional turmoil of infertility and years of longing and grief as I tried to grow my family. At that time, painting became my refuge,” Gilson said.
Gilson explained that painting helped her process grief and each brushstroke became a silent language.
“Creating art has always been my safe space, a means of confronting raw emotion and finding a path through difficult times,”
she said.
Many things inspire Gilson to paint including fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, majestic landscapes, green mountaintops and even a recent first-time visit to Kauai.
“I love oil painting. It's my first love. I love how you can mix the perfect color, and it stays wet on your palette for hours. I love how forgiving it is, and that you can add new values into a scene as the light changes on your subject matter,” Gilson said.
"Taking up Space" is a self-portrait that Gilson painted. She says it is one of her favorite paintings. “It shows me, sitting on the floor, leaning back with both arms behind me, and looking right at the viewer.”
It’s the image of a low maintenance daughter and friend which is how Gilson
describes herself. “This piece was a statement that I am allowed to take up as much space as everyone else. I deserve to be seen and heard, and painting this empowered me to speak up more, create boundaries, and to trust myself,” Gilson said.
Gilson enjoys painting part time and is a full-time mom. “I dedicate two days a week to painting and running art errands, and the other five days I am chasing my twin toddlers around, driving my two older kids carpools, cheering on my kids at baseball and soccer games and all the other glamorous things moms do for their families!”
To view more of Gilson’s artwork, visit JenniferGilson.com. All of Gilson’s artwork is available for purchase. l
Painting by Jen Gilson titled “Guacamole.” (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Paintings at Millcreek Library by Jen Gilson delighted the community visually and helped remind all of the natural beauty we have to look forward to in the coming weeks of spring. (Jolene Croasmun/ City Journals)
“Sunshine Strawberry” painted by Jen Gilson displayed at Millcreek Library last month. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Millcreek Arts Council and the Millcreek Library featured paintings by local artist Jen Gilson during April. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
“Princess Poppies” painted by local artist Jen Gilson. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Framed painting hung in the Millcreek Library for all to enjoy last month by local artist, Jen Gilson. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
Skyline High Spirit Bowl crowns senior class as champions
Skyline High students marked the start of the fourth quarter of the school year with a spirited competition between freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Asthe fourth quarter of the school year began for students at Skyline High School, student body leaders invited their classmates to participate in Spirit Bowl 2025. The assembly on March 21 involved teams from all four classes at Skyline–freshman to senior.
“We made sure each SBO and class officer understood the games so they could assist students who were hearing about our competitions for the first time,” said Teresa Kunde, SBO advisor at the school.
Gathered in the gym, students listened as a drum line marched onto the floor, playing the school song. Then competition began in seven categories, not including “noise making,” which challenged each class to out-cheer the others.
Seniors Ollie Currit and Raley Blomquist served as the referees for each event, determining which class placed first through fourth with every game. The first was the timber game, where volunteers from each class met in a circle with a stick to hold on
the ground in front of them. They then had to let go of their stick and move to the one next to them before those sticks fell. Soon just two students remained, having a face off until one of the sticks fell.
Next was table surfing, where nine students laid on the floor with one student sitting on top of a folding table across their backs. The students had to move from the back of the line to the front so the table could continue to be pushed over them and toward a finish line. Lots of laughs, and no one minded being “the ocean.”
Hungry hungry hippo involved a “scooter” from each class armed with a laundry basket, then propelled forward to retrieve hundreds of small balls from the center of the floor. When time expired, teams counted their retrieved balls and points were awarded to each class.
Crab soccer involved 20 students from each grade sitting on the floor and passing with their feet only (no hands) a large beach ball, trying to get it over a competing class to score a goal. They had to walk like a crab— only using their feet to move the ball. The team scored goals if they could push the ball over a competing class.
Musical cones, much like musical chairs, once again pitted volunteers from each class trying to be the last ones standing by a cone when the music stopped. As students were eliminated, each class was
awarded points.
The competition ended with coin flip, where a giant coin about the size of a large truck wheel had a heads and tails. Class reps spun the coin and tried to guess which side would land face up.
There was a lot of laughter and cheer-
ing, and in the end, points were tallied up. So who won? The senior class took the title, saluted as “We Are The Champions” from Queen played over the speakers. The Spirit Bowl for 2025 concluded, and everyone went back to class. l
New multiuse pathway to help connect cities, encourage greener travel
Millcreek’s new multiuse pathway is slated for construction this summer.
By Miguel Chamorro-Leon m.chamorro@mycityjournals.com
If you travel along Wasatch Boulevard this summer you may notice some new construction. Millcreek is slated to begin construction on a new multiuse pathway on Wasatch Boulevard between 4500 South and 3680 South.
The pathway has been in the works since fall 2024 and is now entering the advertisement phase of the plan. Millcreek Public Works Director John Miller attended Millcreek’s city hall meeting at the end of March to give more detail about the project.
Among the many changes, Wasatch Boulevard will see upgrades to pedestrian ramps, shortened pedestrian crossings at minor intersections and an upgrade to the surrounding landscape. Bike lanes will also be added along Wasatch Boulevard to accommodate cyclist.
The pathway itself will be about 10 feet in width according to details provided on Millcreek City’s website. There will also be changes and upgrades to existing infrastruc-
ture and landscape.
Millcreek isn’t alone in its venture to pave a new path along Wasatch Boulevard. Holladay City is also in the middle of constructing a multiuse pathway along Wasatch Boulevard. Design teams for Millcreek and Holladay have been collaborating on their respective projects to ensure continuity in design.
According to Miller, who commented at Millcreek City’s work meeting March 23, Holladay’s portion of the project is currently ahead of schedule and giving Millcreek officials a preview of what’s to come.
Current businesses will not be affected by construction. One new Utah business is even taking part in the new project.
The new Porsche dealership that is currently under construction will soon call Wasatch Boulevard home. In addition to erecting a new building they are also set to undertake construction of the portion of the multiuse pathway directly in front of their property.
Miller said just like with Holladay City the dealership’s design team has been working with Millcreek’s design team to ensure continuity in design.
Project updates can be viewed through the Millcreek City website, at community
council meetings and through the city newsletter.
You can also sign up for project updates via email by sending an email to wasatchtrail@millcreekut.gov. Millcreek residents can also reach out to the project team to request a meeting to review the design and discuss the project in detail.
The new multiuse pathway is part of a growing trend across Utah to upgrade existing infrastructure and create more foot and
cycle friendly pathways for greener travel. Salt Lake City last year broke ground on their own multiuse pathway that runs south along 700 East and before taking a turn east on 2100 South.
New development isn’t falling behind either. The new baseball stadium in Daybreak and Utah City in Vineyard are integrating multiuse pathways into their project designs from the beginning. l
Skyline High students played crab soccer as part of Spirit Bowl 2025 at the school on March 21.(Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
The multiuse pathway project timeline. (Millcreek City website)
Rai Pattison wins Teacher of the Year for transforming lives
She was selected by Granite School District for her work with special education students.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Aston (Rai) Pattison, a special education instructor at Kearns Junior High School, was named Granite School District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. During an assembly at the school on March 17, Pattison was honored by district leaders for her work with special education students.
“We have the privilege of recognizing an educator whose passion, innovation, and unwavering belief in her students have created a ripple effect far beyond the walls of her classroom,” said Anne Reese, GSD director of onboarding and instructional coaching. “Ms. Rai is not just a teacher, she is an advocate, a trailblazer, and a champion for every student, regardless of ability.”
By creating hands-on learning experiences based on real-world situations, Pattison helps students navigate their environment in a safe and inspirational way by building their confidence and self-reliance.
Pattison has worked at KJHS for four years and loves the challenge of finding new ways to engage her students through field trips, activities and programs. She started a weekly coffee and hot chocolate cart where her students practice life and job skills while interacting with other teens at the school.
“The Kearns Coffee Cart isn’t just a school project; it’s a movement of inclusion, skill-building, and empower-
ment,” Reese said. “Through it, she has fostered a culture where all students—no matter their background or ability—are seen, valued, and given the dignity of meaningful work and contribution.”
Pattison was surprised to receive the recognition and loved having her students on stage with her to accept the award. Her family and friends also attended to celebrate the honor with her.
“I was just so grateful and happy. I’ve never felt like something is special about what I do compared to other people,” Pattison said. “I was super grateful and happy that my efforts have been recognized, but also, there are so many amazing teachers out there.”
Her community-based instruction has been called “visionary” by school board officials. Pattison builds partnerships with businesses and local leaders to make the world accessible to her students and takes the kids off campus to interact in real-life experiences. She said working with special needs students is challenging but considers herself lucky to teach her classes in a way the kids feel valued and appreciated.
“She believes in her students before the world does, and because of that, they rise to challenges, conquer fears, and redefine expectations,” Reese said. “[Her]work is nothing short of extraordinary.”
As part of the award, Pattison received a Hyundai Tucson she can use for a year but she said the biggest prize was the opportunity to work with her students and develop the relationship she has with each of them.
She acknowledged the hard work done by educators every day without recognition. Pattison encourages parents to get involved with their child’s education by sup-
porting teachers and building a partnership that helps students reach their full potential.
With or without the award, Pattison plans on showing up every day, doing the hard work and finding new ways to educate her students.
“I’m not doing this for the recognition,” she said. “I’m not doing it for the money or an award or anything like that. If I was offered a job for way more money to not be with the kids, I would definitely turn it down, because I love these guys. They’re the reason I want to come to work.” l
Special education students at Kearns Junior High surround their teacher Rai Pattison who was named Granite School District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of GSD)
A shelter from the storm: Salt Lake’s new mental health crisis center opens
The center will provide emergency mental health services at no cost.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Salt
Lake County recently opened a crucial lifeline for mental health support—a crisis center built to help people when they need it most. The Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center (955 W. 3300 South) is a place where those struggling with mental health issues can find immediate care and safety.
The 80,000-square-foot facility was funded by private donations, state and county funds, and a $5-million donation from the Gardners. It will be open 24/7 for anyone 18 and older facing a mental health emergency.
“I think the importance of this day is that we know where to turn, people know there’s a place where they can go when they have the scourge of our generation, which is mental illness,” Kem Gardner said. “We really were astounded at what is offered here. So all I can do is thank everybody that played a part and tell you that we’re grateful that we played a very small part.”
Instead of taking loved ones to the emergency room for mental health issues, family members have a dedicated place designed to offer real, immediate help. The facility will provide rapid stabilization inpatient treatment, a medication-assisted clinic for individuals with opiate use disorders, intensive outpatient treatment for adults dealing with substance abuse disorders and day treatment for adults who need more support.
Operated by the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, the $60-million facility hosted a ribbon cutting on March 28 to celebrate how the state is addressing its high rate of mental illness.
Local and state officials, business leaders and mental health professionals joined in the celebration including University of Utah President Taylor Randall, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, University of Utah Health CEO Bob Carter and Christena Huntsman Durham and her brother David Huntsman who serve as co-CEOs for the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation.
“As most of you know, we lost our sister almost 15 years ago to a drug overdose. We know what that’s like to go in the back doors of detox, into intake,” Durham said. “As I travel around the country, our story is not alone. We are going to show here in Utah what the national norm is going to be. We are going to show the country that here in Utah, we can do things differently…You don’t need to suffer silently. You don’t need to be in the dark and in the shadows. We want to bring a light to that and give people hope and dignity.”
The building’s design is intended to help visitors feel safe, with every aspect of the construction being intentional. The center will provide a free law clinic to help overcome legal obstacles that can disrupt families dealing
with a mental health crisis. It will also offer primary and dental care. Connections to existing community programs can help patients receive housing, health care and employment assistance.
Salt Lake County donated land for the facility (located near the Salt Lake County Metro Jail) and appropriated more than $6 million to fund the building. Salt Lake County Councilmember Aimee Winder Newton shared an experience about her young son who was contemplating suicide.
“I needed to get him help. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know where to turn…I ended up taking him to an emergency room, but we didn’t get the help we really needed,” Newton said. “I wish we would have had a facility like this and I look forward to moms and dads all over our county being able to know where they can take their sons and daughters if they’re in crisis.”
Newton’s son is now a seventh-grade English teacher and Newton, along with other parents, siblings, children and spouses of people struggling with mental health issues expressed gratitude for the mental health crisis care center and the hope it brings to those in need of help.
“I know the despair of being a parent, fearful in the middle of the night for a teenager, feeling ill-equipped and unprepared, not knowing where to turn, not knowing what to do,” Henderson said. “I know the anguish of being the child of a parent who is shackled with the chains of addiction and substance abuse. I know the agony it is to be the sibling of a brother who has struggled to stay alive. I know what it’s like to be a family member
to people who have both completed and attempted suicide, and I know I’m not alone.
“All of us have felt that. All of us know people who have felt that, and this facility brings hope and peace, and I’m so grateful for the great work that’s been done. We’ve got a lot more to do.”
For more information, visit Healthcare. Utah.Edu. l
Hundreds of people attended the grand opening celebration of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center at 955 W. 3300 South in late March. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
State and local leaders and members of the Huntsman family joined Kem Gardner (center) and his wife Carolyn (center right) for a ribbon cutting that opened the county’s new mental health crisis care facility. (Peri Kinder /City Journals)
State legislation restricts municipalities in addressing short-term rental nuisances
Utah residents are being overrun by short-term rental property owners who risk paying a $650 fee if it means profiting over $1,000 per night.
By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
The popularity of short-term rentals (STR) has been booming throughout Utah. What started as a way for local residents to offset housing costs for some has turned into neighborhood nuisances and own-of-state property management owners profiting off of vacation rentals for others. Local municipalities, cities and counties have been attempting to address these issues but have been restricted by legislation passed by state officials.
In 2023, the “Evolving Landscape of Utah’s Short-Term Rental Market” report released by the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recorded a 39% increase in STR from 2021 (23,428). As the number of STRs rise, so do the recorded complaints from neighboring residents.
Accounts of residents routinely reporting nuisances to their local municipal officers have been reported throughout the state. These range from trash and property maintenance issues to criminal activity, safety concerns, over-occupancy, noise complaints, excessive car crashes and parking violations.
Unfortunately for these residential callers, prosecuting any specific short-term rental property proves difficult for officers because of one very specific piece of state legislation.
Knotwell Rule
Affectionately called the “Knotwell Rule” after its bill sponsor, former Rep. John Knotwell, HB 253 prohibits the use of short-term rental websites. (Sen. Stuart Adams served as the floor sponsor for this Short-term Rental Amendments bill.) This “rule” originally came into effect in May 2017.
“The Knotwell Rule is: (political subdivisions) can’t use website listings as evidence of short-term rentals. That is the sticking point,” said Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion.
Bennion explained how confusing language within the bill of Knotwell’s Rule has ended up landing Salt Lake in litigation.
“Other cities are resistant to enforce (STRs) because no city wants to be in litigation," Bennion said.
Enforcement not able to enforce
Per the Knotwell Rule, local enforcement officers cannot visit the Airbnb, VRBO or HomeAway websites and pull a listing to use as evidence in investigating or prosecuting an illegal short-term rental; even if neighboring residents have called in nuisance complaints. Instead, officers have to rely on gathering other forms of evidence.
Code Enforcement Officer Erica Wendell detailed the process of working through a single STR case. Two officers needed to work in tandem to gather sufficient witness statements, even with multiple nuisance complaints already being called in. This work took between 15 and 25 hours. Part of that investigative work involved getting enough information to start a case.
“We cannot open a case without a specific address,” said Wendell, noting calls regarding parking complaints are not specific to one property as they have to address the whole street. Since website listings cannot be used as evidence (and many do not pinpoint specific addresses publicly anyway), simply opening a case file to address complaint calls can prove daunting.
Officers then work to compile evidence. Retrieving witness statements can be difficult as most renters don’t want to talk to them. (Wendell added many of us wouldn’t want to talk
to officers while on vacation too so she gets it.) Some renters are even encouraged not to open the door to officers by the property owners.
In addition, evidence must be gathered in the same time period as when the incident of complaint is reported. If there isn’t a code enforcement officer on duty at night when a complaint comes in, evidence can’t be gathered. And without sufficient evidence, prosecutors simply dismiss the case.
Fines as business expense
Based on current guidance from the state for fee structures, some STR property owners see incurring a fine from local enforcement as a risk they’re willing to take.
“Some Airbnbs are $1,000 per night versus the $650 fine,” explained Cottonwood Heights Police Chief Robby Russo.
“STRs are going to make the housing crisis worse,” said resident Kylee Birgdee. “This will continue to price residents out of their homes.”
Current state legislation
One of the focuses for the state legislature is to get an accurate understanding of just how many STRs are out there. Two compliance software companies, Granicus and Deckard, have reached out to state leadership to help show them where their STRs are.
“People are laughing…about Utah…and the state regulations throwing cities under the bus,” Bennion said.
Local municipalities have been pleading with state authorities to alter the Knotwell Rule so they can tackle STR regulation and enforcement in their own communities.
“We have constraints on us imposed by state legislation that are being mitigated,” said Cottonwood Heights Councilmember Suzanne Hyland.
Neil Walter and Sen. Evan Vickers sponsored HB 256: Municipal and County Zoning Amendments that would allow a website listing to count as evidence if paired with a supplemental piece of evidence. It would also allow for higher fines, further define time durations and address the Transient Room Tax. (As of publication, HB 256 had been moved to the governor on March 13.)
Tax Revenue Unknown
Currently, the taxing process for STRs requires property owners to pay taxes on their preferred listing platform (like VRBO or Airbnb). Then, those related companies go directly to the state to pay their total taxes. The state then districts out that tax revenue sum to the cities.
“We get a lump sum from the state but that includes the hotels,” said Cottonwood Heights Mayor Mike Weichers.
“Airbnbs are hotels under the tax code,” said resident John Owens. “This is going to hit the housing market for children and immigrants. The solution isn’t legalizing them.”
Bennion explained how those taxes aren’t tied to any identified parcels so local municipalities don’t know if they’re getting enough of that tax revenue (estimated at $5.5 million annually).
Municipality Brainstorms
The general consensus among city and municipal leaders is they do not want to restrict STRs entirely, but they do want to have a better handle on how they are legalized and enforced appropriately throughout their communities.
“Most operators want to do this legally,” said resident Nick Olifont. “Please allow us to do this legally and correctly.”
Local municipal leadership have been considering ideas for regulation and enforcement related to: owner-occupancy, limited-occupancy maximums, inspections, safety licensing,
Overview map shows the average monthly short-term rentals (STR) listings along the Wasatch Front. (Photo courtesy of Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah)
compliance monitoring software enforcement, business permitting, time-restrictions, zoning regulations, local property manager requirements and re-enrollment programs.
Some of the regulations municipalities have been brainstorming and implementing throughout the region are:
• Both Denver and Boise are requiring lodging tax payments. In addition, Denver has implemented requiring safety inspections.
• Colorado Springs differentiates between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied STRs.
• Las Vegas has imposed a $55,000 fine (up to $180,000) for operating an illegal STR.
• In Utah, Washington County (with Moab and St. George) would like to capture their local tax base.
• Both Murray and Millcreek require owner-occupied STRs (with Millcreek putting a cap on a maximum total number).
• While Kanab requires a local property manager.
• Holladay raised their fine to $1,000 for those operating without a permit.
• South Salt Lake has encouraged STRs in small regulated quantities in re-investment areas.
• Brighton’s STR regulations won’t allow property owners to re-apply for licensure if they go against regulations.
• Hurricane has implemented compliance monitoring software.
To see our previous coverage on STRs, visit the City Journals website at: www.valleyjournals.com
And search for the following article titles:
• City Council greenlights hosted STRs (Murray)
• Murray targets short-term rentals (Murray)
• Regulations for short-term rentals in the works (Cottonwood Heights)
• STR Policy to get overhauled by City Council (Cottonwood Heights)
• Holladay showing its teeth at STRs (Holladay) l
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
A publication covering local mental health and wellness around the Salt Lake Valley
Students lead the charge for mental health awareness at Mountain Creek Middle
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Through the Say Something Squad, Mountain Creek Middle students transform mental health conversations.
At Mountain Creek Middle School, three ninth-grade students are leading a movement to raise awareness about mental health and prevent tragedies such as suicide and violence.
They are part of the Say Something Squad, a national initiative created by the families affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy, which trains students to recognize warning signs in others who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others and to alert trusted adults.
“This is teaching students how to tell people when there's a problem,” said Jada Marrott, who along with Madison Searle and Eliza Wootton, help lead their school chapter.
Since the Sandy Hook tragic school shooting in December 2012, more than 11.6 million people across the country have pledged to protect children from gun violence.
At Mountain Creek, about 40 squad members have committed to “say something” to support their peers and to prevent future tragedies.
“It was two years ago when a student, who was struggling with suicidality, came back from a mental health hospital and asked, ‘Why isn't there more suicide prevention stuff around the school?’” said school therapist Nicole Nelson. “Say Something has a free curriculum and is evidence-based. I like that it stems from family members who felt it in school and are directing it for schools nationwide to prevent any school tragedies from happening.”
The three girls decided to join the squad after attending a school assembly two years ago when a classmate shared his personal struggles.
“When (the classmate) shared his story and how he was feeling, I related so much
that I wanted to join this club and be a part of that experience of how he got better and I wanted to get better too,” Jada said.
Madison said everyone listened intently to the classmate.
“It was touching. I've never seen an assembly where it was so quiet; everyone walked out of that assembly more aware,” she said.
This spring, the Say Something Squad contributed to the school’s mental health week and an assembly where students experienced a simulation showing how the loss of a peer affects an entire community.
“It showed how one person committing suicide can affect so many people; it doesn't have to be your best friend for you to be impacted; it was powerful,” Madison said. “A lot of people feel they are lifting others burdens by ridding them of their life, but it’s not.”
Jada said the Say Something Squad can help in those situations.
“We learned you have to say something to a trusted adult. You could tell someone all day long you love them, that you don't want them to die, because it's going to hurt so many people who love them. They might not think they're loved, but they are. In their brain, they think that person who says they love them is just lying to them. That’s when a professional can help,” she said.
The Say Something Squad has been trained to develop empathy, belonging and social awareness and to help people struggling with mental illness find support. Those trainings are held throughout the year, Nelson said.
“We talk about how to prevent social isolation and look for loneliness, because those are the people who have been shown through data that they might bring a gun to school and might be a school shooter,” she said. “We talk openly in our trainings. I intentionally say, ‘suicide prevention,’ because the word ‘suicide’ is a stigma in Utah; we don't want it to be, so we talk about it open-
ly. The curriculum also talks about anti-bullying, empathy and compassion.”
Besides social isolation, the girls said signs such as sleep deprivation, refusal to eat, absenteeism and speaking negatively about oneself prompt them to reach out to classmates in need.
They’ve learned one of the key lessons of the Say Something Squad — reaching out to trusted adults when they notice signs of someone struggling; whether it’s joking about suicide or withdrawing from friends, speaking up could save a life, Madison said.
Eliza said teachers display posters in their classrooms to let students know they’ve been trained to help. The squad also encourages peers to turn to other trusted adults, such as parents or coaches.
The girls encourage students to use
the SafeUT app — a crisis chat and tip line which connects users with real-time crisis intervention for students, parents, educators and others — or call or text the 988 suicide and crisis hotline number.
“The important thing is to find someone,” Madison said. “In Utah, suicides are higher than it should be, especially our age. March, which is why we just had our mental health week, is the month that has the highest suicide attempts. We learned in our assembly that’s when most people are feeling lonely, sad and depressed.”
Eliza said mental health awareness is critical.
“We need to talk about suicide prevention, so people aren't afraid of it, because if
Mountain Creek Middle School ninth-graders Eliza Wootton, Madison Searle and Jada Marrott, standing by a poster made for Hello Week, are leading the Say Something Squad to raise awareness about mental health and prevent tragedies. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Building awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Thousands of Utahns suffer in silence, struggling with anxiety, depression, stress or burnout. Societal or self-imposed barriers often stop them from getting help but by shining a light on mental health challenges, more people might be open to taking the first step toward change.
May’s Mental Health Awareness campaign is meant to inspire crucial conversations, break down stigmas and challenge misconceptions. Psychologist Magenta Silberman, Ph.D., works in Young Adult Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (501 Chipeta Way). She said issues like anxiety and depression are more prevalent than people realize.
“Mental diagnoses and psychiatric conditions don’t discriminate,” she said. “Regardless of your age, gender, socioeconomic class, ethnicity, etc., you can be impacted and some are impacted in disproportionate ways. I think there is this misperception that it only happens to a select few but there’s a spectrum of what psychiatric symptoms can look like.”
Signs vary by individual but withdrawing from friends and family, having no interest in favorite activities, changes in sleep patterns, low energy or thoughts about self-harm are all examples of potential mental health illness.
Silberman said social media has changed the perception of mental health. On the plus side, people on social platforms might relate to someone going through depression and decide to get help themselves. On the other hand, sites that promote the
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anyone is struggling, you don't want them to be too scared to talk about it,” she said.
Jada said they want to break the stigma which comes with talking about mental health.
“In the past, if you had a mental illness, you were considered crazy and that's why they didn’t tell anybody. At the assembly, we let them know it’s normal and they're not crazy. They can talk to somebody,” she said.
Madison agrees, pointing to the need to shift people’s perception.
“Suicide ideation and depression aren't talked about enough because people are afraid if they talk about it, suicide rates will go up. But it really is the opposite. If we never talk about it, it just becomes a bigger problem and we’ll never find a cure; we're never going to get better,” she said.
Jada understands what some of her classmates may be experiencing.
“I was severely depressed during seventh grade. I felt like I had no friends. There
idea that mental health is a matter of will can be detrimental and even dangerous.
“This sort of misunderstanding, at times mischaracterizing it as a lack of willpower, can create a lot of stigma,” she said. “If you had type 1 diabetes, that would be a life-changing piece of information. You have to make lifestyle changes and take medication, and you can live a fulfilling life. The same is true for individuals with more serious, persistent mental illness.”
For those worried about family members or friends, don’t hesitate to ask questions about what they are going through. Open discussions, without judgment, can be a powerful tool. Even when we think we know what’s best for a loved one, they might not be ready to ask for help. Being self-aware can also spur us to notice mental health challenges in our own lives. Silberman listed behaviors that shouldn’t be ignored.
“If you feel like you’re not living the life that you want to live…or things aren’t bringing you joy like they used to. You’re feeling on edge and anxious, you are not feeling in control. Thoughts or feelings are interfering with your friends, your job and just living the life you want to live. That's when I would definitely get support.”
Therapeutic modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, mindfulness-based therapies and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Dr. Thomas Rayner is a psychiatrist at NeuroHealth in South Jordan (10437 S. Temple Drive). He’s dedicated to finding the best treatment for his patients and said TMS has
were people around me, but I felt I was isolated in a crowd. I would go home and not want to do anything. I wouldn't eat. I just wanted to sleep. It was rough, because of my panic attacks. I was worried I wasn't good enough; I felt I had to live up to so many expectations of my parents, my family and my friends. I felt I had to be the perfect person for everyone else, and I realized later I just needed to be good enough for myself, because if you're not good enough for yourself, you can't be good enough for anybody else,” she said.
Talking to professionals and knowing she wasn’t alone helped.
“I'm going to have depression and anxiety. I'm going to have panic attacks. But that's OK because it's something I can use to become more empathetic to others. I don't want anybody to go through what I did, so I'm going to try to help everyone the best I can,” Jada said.
The club began the school year by building connections during Hello Week, fostering inclusivity through lunchtime activities, games and pledging to “say some-
been a game changer in the battle against treatment-resistant depression.
“TMS changes brain function in key areas that are implicated in major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions,” Rayner said. “The ability to effectively treat the symptoms of depression without the barriers and side effects of medication is a giant leap forward for the field of psychiatry.”
Everyday practices like eating well, drinking water, exercising, getting enough sleep and interacting with friends can help keep mental health stable. Most people experience sadness, fear or anger, but if those emotions last too long, it could be time to talk to a professional.
For those struggling with day-to-day challenges, like getting out of bed, clean-
thing.”
Then, the squad held an anti-bullying week. The girls said prior to the week, it had been common to see slap fighting, name calling, vaping and other mean things happening at the school.
Madison said they are combating bullying through small acts of kindness such as saying hi or paying a compliment.
“I feel people can be kinder. Simple things can change somebody’s whole entire perspective on their day,” she said.
Looking back on their leadership roles, Eliza said she’s glad Say Something has made an impact at the school.
“Say Something has raised a lot of awareness; people have a better understanding of what mental health is, what a person with anxiety is dealing with, or what is going through the mind of someone dealing with depression. People have become more empathetic in understanding others,” she said. “Something good did come out of something bad.”
Jada remembers when she once masked her feelings and felt alone.
ing the house or going to work, Silberman suggested taking small steps. Put away two cups, fold one towel or straighten up one corner of the room. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Creating community can also boost mental health
“We’re social beings at our core and even for those of us that are less social, having access to people gives us new ideas,” Silberman said. “We get out of our shell and rhythm of doing the same thing that we're feeling stuck in. Just leaving the house and getting outside is helpful. Natural social opportunities can be a two-forone to be outside and have some connection.”
For more information, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness at NAMI.org. l
“It wasn’t until that spring when we had that assembly about mental illness when I realized I needed help,” she said. “People didn’t know the warning signs and that's why it's important to raise awareness. We need to continue to talk about this.”
With more than 34,000 schools involved nationwide, Madison said students are playing a critical part in saving lives. She said since its inception, more than 700 suicides have been prevented and 18 school shootings have been averted.
Jada said tragedies happen when people who struggle don't know how to cope with it and show up at school.
“It's really a sad thing, but it happens,” she said. “We shouldn't have to grow up with it. It shouldn't be a thing, but it is. It’s our reality. It happens. It’s ours to own, to educate people, to prevent. We’re all part of it and it’s up to all of us to say something.”
Eliza added: “That’s why it’s important to deal with mental health; it might prevent future tragedies. It’s up to all of us to speak up and support each other — because every life matters.”
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has addressed the challenges of living with a mental illness. This month, people are encouraged to share stories, advocate for change and break the stigma around mental health disorders. (Canva stock)
Music hits a special mental note
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
“Even in the 10 years that we've been open, I have seen such a shift, just in the social climate of our students,” said Sarah Davies, The Piano Place founder. “I love that music is making them slow down, unplug and really tap into what's going on inside of them.”
It wasn’t until later in life that Sarah Davies, founder of The Piano Place, realized how much music could do for not only her mood but for her mental health. It’s something that she now incorporates into her teaching philosophy.
Davies grew up like a lot of us in Utah, taking piano lessons that required practice outside of the actual lesson weekly, which some of us grew to resent rather than love.
After taking piano lessons for several years, she decided to quit lessons in the sixth grade, but never actually quit the piano. She said her mom “would often say, ‘Why do you want to quit piano when you're always playing?’”
“During that time, I actually felt like a shift within myself — I felt like I didn't have a creative outlet,” she said. “And so it was really crazy, because I kept turning to music and even though I wasn't in lessons, my mom said I would just still constantly be playing.”
I feel like a lot of times I would play, depending on my mood,” she continued. “If I was frustrated or feeling antsy about something, I would go and I'd play fast songs, and I'd want to get all my energy out that way, and sometimes I'd be feeling more calm and wanting to be inspired.”
Davies restarted lessons in 10th grade and with more enthusiasm than before. Every Saturday morning at 6 a.m. for the next two years, her mother would drive her 30 minutes to visit her piano teacher and play.
Her journey from that point set her in motion on a path of music where she played professionally at The Roof Restaurant in Salt Lake City on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building before teaching lessons out of her house.
“As it was a good outlet for me, I don't think I was aware of what power music could play in someone's mental health, until I actually started teaching piano,” she said. “It was with my very own students that I began to see how important it is, especially for kids, to have an outlet to turn to.”
She noticed that music could be a positive influence on her students’ mental health in a world saturated with “social media and different things like that, that kids are going through a lot when it
comes to friends and socially.”
Music, the invaluable and unlikely tool
“Even in the 10 years that we've been open, I have seen such a shift, just in the social climate of our students,” she said. “I love that music is making them slow down, unplug and really tap into what's going on inside of them.”
“They've got to dig deep. They've got to learn to sit in the heart,” she said. “And I just love that music is the venue that they can explore all of those amazing things.”
With technology on the rise, Davies expressed concern about AI in addition to the tech already flooding the world.
“I don't think we want to find out what happens mentally when we don't have the influence of music in our lives, and instead, just turn it over to technology to fill in the gaps,” she said.
Music therapist of 18 years, Camille Savage, has worked with a range of ages from children to adults. She said that the type of music we choose to listen to usually has a lot to do with our emotions and our memory.
Mostly working with those with dementia, Savage said music uses a part of the brain that can stimulate memories and emotional responses from different periods in one’s life.
“Music hits the memory, the parts of the brain where the memory is,” Savage said. “Dementia patients may not be able to form a whole sentence anymore — that's a different part of the brain — but they can sing a whole song with me.”
It works the same for children, she said. For example, a mother singing to a child that makes them feel safe and secure could help the child later in life feel that same emotion when they hear that same song.
Different instruments can be different outlets depending on the needs of the student, Savage said. For instance, drumming can be a form of stress relief or an outlet for aggression, even for deaf students.
She called music “motivating” for people, even students to learn math.
“Music is definitely powerful,” Savage said. “The more that we're able to express in healthy ways, I think the healthier mentally that we can be and using it as a means of expression.”
At The Piano Place, concerts have always been a big part of building positive attributes such as confidence and resiliency.
“As a parent, there is nothing better than seeing your kid accomplish something hard, or stand up on a stage and
be brave,” she said. “Those moments are just absolutely priceless. And so that's one thing at The Piano Place we really emphasize.”
Davies called the ages before 12 years old as the “critical years” when laying the foundation for children to develop musical skills is the most important, with the ideal length of five years.
She said that important time is for more than just building musical talent, it’s to build resiliency and “a refuge that they can turn to and build confidence.”
In 2016, The Piano Place was built on the “core of the mission is to just figure out a way to make music fun enough and engaging enough that kids will want to stick with it.”
“For us, we are trying to help families recognize the importance of investing in a music education,” she said. “We get that it's not easy, we get that it's hard, but it is so valuable for these kids.”
The Piano Place has 12 locations in Utah and is part of a larger parent company, One Music Schools, with 12 more national locations, that employs 320 music teachers.
“Even if somebody doesn't know how to play an instrument, I think it would be important to be able to spend some time in looking over at the things that we listen to, the concerts that we go to, and really be aware of how that all does affect us,” Savage said.
Sarah Davies plays the piano as a form of keeping balance in her own life. (Photo courtesy of The Piano Place)
Live music, especially performing at concerts, can be especially good for building skills like confidence and improving mental health. (Photo courtesy of The Piano Place)
The Wellness Farm offers compassionate support for those grieving
By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com
In November 2023, The Wellness Farm Foundation officially opened its doors as a nonprofit organization that helps “provide support for grief and trauma...” in Utah.
Much like the reconditioning of the property itself, the 2.5-acre retreat in Bluffdale has paralleled the emotional and mental reconditioning for licensed clinical social worker and founder Camille Hawkins who experienced her own loss and grief five years prior.
Hawkins and her husband currently fund the operations of the farm from their own pocket and rely on a staff of volunteers to help facilitate the monthly retreats and weekly workshops, geared towards adult participants. The retreats and workshops focus on a range of topics that are often associated with grief and trauma including divorce, suicide, substance abuse, infertility, and loss due to death or non-death experiences, in addition to parenting support.
The Wellness Farm, “intentionally create(s) a space where humans, nature and animals come together with the goal of fostering safety, connection, restoration, and empowerment.” Participants therefore are encouraged to look toward the farm’s two- and four-legged creatures as a mode of support. A mini horse, an emu, a mini donkey, bunnies, cats, goats, a pig, and a blind dog named Ray all live on the property and are available to help participants in their healing.
“What we're trying to do here is like... bring the realness,” Hawkins said.
Much, if not all of what happens on the farm is evidence-based as outlined in the volunteer facilitator training handout.
“Like with death grief, we've sort of changed the terminology to not get over your grief, but learn [and] grow with it,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins has had the experience and training to approach grief and trauma in terms of biology, taking into consideration the way certain chemicals and hormones made in the brain can lead to happiness. However, she knows well that connection is another vital means of healing.
“In order for us to go through something hard and then integrate it so that we can be happy and well-adjusted and live life, we need the right kind of support,” Hawkins said.
A time to grieve
Originally from Davis County, Hawkins, who was interested in medicine and psychology, earned her undergraduate degree in social work from Utah State University. She spent time shadowing a medical social worker in the Intermountain Health McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden. Her
first position was on the obstetrics floor, in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“I really enjoyed the populations I worked with,” Hawkins said. “But I did actually struggle with being in the hospital setting.”
During her time at USU, Hawkins met her future husband Palmer, an engineering major, and the two were married in 2009.
Several years into their marriage, the couple began to realize that they were unable to grow their family and struggled with infertility. Despite her personal trauma, Hawkins started a support group for those experiencing the same things as she and her husband were, which subsequently led her to founding the Utah Infertility Resource Center in 2015 where she served as the executive director for three years.
After unsuccessful attempts with in vitro fertilization, the couple turned their attention toward adoption. Present for the births of both of her daughters, currently 9 and 10, life had, at that point, seemed good.
In 2018, the same year her daughters turned 3 and 4, Hawkins found out she was pregnant.
“We were shocked,” Hawkins said. “And you know, sure enough, it was the real deal. There was a baby growing.”
Hawkins’ joy was suddenly overshadowed by loss as she birthed her stillborn daughter Everly in November 2018.
“That was tragic and heartbreaking, and I was in the hospital,” Hawkins said. “And I was like, this is so odd, because I am usually on the helping side.”
In anticipation of being home with her newborn Hawkins had already stepped down from her position with Utah Infertility Resource Center. A blessing and a curse according to Hawkins, not having to go back to work after losing her child allowed her the downtime she needed to navigate that first hard year.
“And so, you know, I just started to think, Ok, well, what do I want to do?” Hawkins said. “I had all this love for my baby, and she's not here, so I needed that energy to go somewhere.”
Still on her own journey to healing, she started her private counseling practice. Her first client was a woman who had lost a baby 20 years prior due to sudden infant death syndrome and subsequently became addicted to substances to deal with the grief.
Looking back on that period of her life, it wasn’t clear how she would help others work through their grief as she still reconciled her own.
“For me, at that time when my baby's heart stopped beating, I was like, how is
my heart continuing to beat? Because I feel dead inside, and I want to be dead,” Hawkins said.
Like a scar from a bad wound, grief never goes away, but it will heal eventually. Voices of trauma
Healing comes at various times for various reasons. Volunteer Jamie Sheranian has worked through her grief and trauma for many years after losing both her parents to drug overdose, her father when she was 3 and her mother when she was 19. As she mourned and grieved the loss of her parents, the notion of why people feel such a heavy emotion was made clear to her.
“We grieve because we love,” Sheranian said.
Formally diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Sheranian found
community at the Wellness Farm and likeminded people dealing with similar trauma.
“Even just like a couple months ago when I first came here, I feel like I've broken out of my shell even a little bit,” Sheranian said.
Both Hawkins and Sheranian invite those who are in doubt to experience what the farm has to offer for themselves.
“Until you experience it yourself, you're not going to understand,” Sheranian said. “Or even if you're not experiencing grief or trauma, these tools are things that we can use throughout our whole entire life, not just when grieving someone.”or those looking to give back and volunteer, donate, or those interested in retreats or workshops, visit the wellnessfarmut.org.
Wellness Farm volunteer Jamie Sheranian (left) and founder Camille Hawkins (right) tend to the baby goats on the 2.5-acre property, which houses several species of animals, all meant to provide support in the healing process. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)
SLC Airport opens first of three Sensory Rooms for all passenger use
By Cassie Goff | cassie.g@thecityjournals.com
All passengers traveling through Salt Lake International Airport will now have the opportunity to step away from the noise, stress and crowds that come along with the hustle and bustle of traveling. The Salt Lake Department of Airports’ (SLCDA) first ever Sensory Room was unveiled March 3.
The Sensory Room is “the first sensory inclusive space at the airport to offer a positive experience for all passengers with a sensory issue,” said Nancy Volmer, director of communication and marketing for Salt Lake City International Airport.
Located in Concourse A (Gate A25; adjacent to White Horse restaurant), the Sensory Room includes ADA seating, bean bags, visual light panels, air walls and activity panels.
“We want our airport to be accessible to everyone,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Even in an airport as beautiful as Salt Lake City's, traveling can be noisy, crowded and stressful.”
SLCDA worked with KultureCity to design the Sensory Room with a team of medical professionals and neurodivergent individuals. As an inclusive space, the Sensory Room is intended to provide a secluded area for all passengers who may feel overwhelmed in the environment.
“One in four of us have a sensory need,” said Uma Srivastava, executive director. “For those individuals, traveling be-
comes stressful and overwhelming.”
Sensory regulation sensitives are common challenges for passengers experiencing autism, dementia and similar conditions. Sound sensitives are especially common for veterans and others who live with PTSD, older folks and young children.
“Sometimes, it may be difficult to regulate external sounds with internal feelings,” said Meg Raby, KultureCity’s sensory trainer.
In addition to the Sensory Room, the SLC Airport staff will be continually training on how to recognize and handle overload situations. They will be stocking items to be made available for passengers who may feel overwhelmed by the environment and/or experience sensory sensitivities or challenges including noise-canceling headphones, sensory bags, fidget toys, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads.
“The new airport has been designed to be adaptable and to accommodate people of all abilities and we continue to make improvements to achieve this goal,” said Bill Wyatt, executive director of SLCDA.
Even though the Sensory Room was designed for passengers with sensory regulation challenges in mind, all passengers are encouraged to utilize the quieter environment when desired. As Salt Lake City International Airport set a new record for passengers on March 2 (37,141), thousands of individuals are expected to visit the Sen-
sory Room.
“We get to experience this moment with millions of people traveling with sensory challenges and needs,” Mendenhall said.
SLCDA plans to have three Sensory Rooms in the airport total as two additional rooms are continuing to be designed and remodeled. This is part of their mission to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for all passengers.
KultureCity’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals with invisible disabilities by creating sensory-inclusive spaces. They have previously helped to develop Sensory Rooms in The Park City Library, Delta Center, Caesars Superdome & Smoothie King Center in New Orleans and Audi Field in D.C. Sensory Rooms have also been constructed in the Atlanta, Portland and San Francisco airports.
Winnie Moore, age 10, is the first visitor to the SLC International Airport’s new Sensory Room. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall)
Activity and visual panels are available in SLC’s Airport Sensory Room to help passengers regulate sensory stress or overstimulation. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
SLC International Airport’s Sensory Room was opened with Salt Lake City and KultureCity representatives on March 5. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall)
From math to meaning: AAI students build birdhouses to support older adults’ mental health
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Ten older adults from South Jordan received handmade birdhouses from 27 students at the American Academy of Innovation, and those adults’ faces lit up with smiles.
It was more than just a gift; it was an hour of conversation and bonding over a shared affection of birds.
In their math classes, the students had learned about various bird species and their symbolic meanings. They then applied their math skills to craft 10 birdhouses that would attract specific types of birds.
Jamie Anderson, the South Jordan Community Center manager for senior programs, explained the project aimed to foster connections across generations and improve mental well-being.
“I love that students researched how birdwatching benefits mental health,” she said. “It’s particularly important for seniors, a group often overlooked in mental health discussions.”
The connection between birdwatching and reduced stress was highlighted by mental health researchers in the United Kingdom in their 2022 study titled “Smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment Reveals Mental Health Benefits of Birdlife,” published in “Scientific Reports.”
The study, which involved nearly 1,300 participants between April 2018 and October 2021, found that “everyday encounters with birdlife were associated with lasting improvements in mental well-being.” Birdwatching offers benefits for both healthy individuals and those with mental health conditions, like depression.
May, recognized as National Mental Health Month since 1949, brings attention to the fact that one in four adults will experience a diagnosable mental disorder each year, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
Birdwatching, a hobby enjoyed by more than 70 million Americans, is believed to help reduce stress by allowing people to spend time in nature and find calm, ultimately lowering anxiety. The study found that the positive effects of birdwatching could last for up to eight hours.
Landon Leak, an AAI math teacher, spoke with his students before they started building the birdhouses.
“This connects you with older people and by partnering with this community center, we’re focusing on mental health; the bird you pick to attract to the birdhouse might help them,” he said.
Before beginning their birdhouses, eighth-grade students reviewed formulas related to triangles, including the angle sum theorem, the Pythagorean theorem and the exterior angle theorem.
Meanwhile, sixth-grade students applied math by calculating the area and volume needed for the birdhouses.
“I try to pick projects with service because I think it not only helps them learn the math, but like it's teaching things that will carry them throughout their life,” Leak said. “Helping others is huge.”
Eighth-grader Lexie Fischer enjoyed the real-life application of math skills.
“I like taking these theorems and applying them to make something,” she said. “I like how our teacher has us do something we can learn it and how we’re going to make the older people happy and help them with their mental health.”
Her classmate Jessica Jensen agreed: “Learning about angles is better when you're getting to apply it to something else, not just doing a worksheet. This is useful and rewarding and it’s going to be helpful paying it forward.”
At another table, Alfred Estrella, already was applying
the theorems.
“I'm excited to make a birdhouse, especially knowing it's going to help the elderly with their mental health,” he said. “I have more motivation, and I like that each bird represents something so maybe seeing it will make them feel loved.”
After proving the theorems, the eighth graders crafted the birdhouses and wrote reflections on how the formulas helped in the design process. A third element of the project had students creatively explain which bird they were aiming to attract and the symbolism behind it.
Leak encouraged students to select a bird to attract with their birdhouses. Using the school’s tools, he cut the wood for the project.
“The idea behind choosing a bird is that many people believe certain birds carry messages from loved ones,” he said. “I love this project because it’s hands-on and meaningful. I focus on social-emotional learning because I struggled in middle school and want these kids to have a better experience. Helping others has helped me, and I hope it does the same for them.”
The project was a hit among the students.
Eighth-grader Ellie Holjeson was creating a poster for her group as they picked hummingbirds for their birdhouse project.
“They’re fun to see in the wild,” she said. “I like helping other people and applying what we learn.”
Her classmate, Ace Korogi, agreed: “It’s rejuvenating to me; it makes me like there’s a purpose.”
Before delivering the birdhouses, the students painted them for the older adults.
At the community center, older adults were nominated
to receive the birdhouses.
“We wanted people to be able to receive it who could really benefit from it,” Anderson said. “We had nominations for seniors, whether it was someone who likes to bird watch, or if it was somebody who was homebound and it was giving them something to look forward to.”
The 10 older adults were matched with their birdhouses, and students shared details about the birds they wanted to attract and the symbolism behind them. For instance, seeing a robin might represent a loved one, Anderson said.
“It was cool to make that connection. There was one for prosperity and one for new beginnings and good luck. It can mean different things to different cultures through folklore,” she said.
Afterward, the students talked with the older adults and enjoyed bird-themed treats made by the community center’s kitchen staff.
Eighth-grader Tim Facente found the experience fulfilling.
“It was cool to explain what we did,” he said. “The lady who picked ours said her birdhouse broke the day before, so she saw ours and smiled. That’s the best part, helping people.”
Anderson said the birdhouse partnership will continue and will benefit both generations. She also said she has collaborated with Brady Swainston and the AAI high school students in his college and career awareness class, who have helped older adults with their cell phones, planted trees for Arbor Day and served lunch at events like Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.
An American Academy of Innovation eighth-grade student assembles a birdhouse which was given to a South Jordan older adult to foster connections across generations and improve mental well-being. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Comcast RISE to award millions in small business grants
Utah is one of five regions to receive 100 Comcast RISE small business grants.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Getting a small business off the ground, or scaling to the next level, takes more than hustle and passion. It takes resources. A small business grant can be the difference between success and failure, and Comcast is investing in success.
The Comcast RISE program will award comprehensive grant packages to 100 small businesses in Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Riverton, Sandy, South Jordan, West Jordan and White City. Through May, Comcast will accept applications from small business owners who are committed to growing their companies, lifting their communities and inspiring the next generation.
“The Comcast RISE program will deliver innovative and impactful resources that will make a lasting impact on small businesses in Utah. Supporting small businesses is crucial for economic development and ensuring that the backbone of our communities can thrive,” said J.D. Keller, senior vice president of Comcast’s Mountain West Region. “Among the many things we all love about Utah is our vibrant small businesses and Comcast’s commitment to supporting them.”
Each grant includes a technology makeover (with digital services for one year), access to online entrepreneurship courses, coaching sessions, a business assessment and $5,000. Grant recipients will also receive a professionally produced TV commercial and media strategy consultation.
Scott Cuthbertson, president/CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, said small businesses are the foundation of the state’s economy. More than 90% of companies in Utah are considered small businesses, run by families, friends and neighbors. He said it’s essential that these businesses succeed.
“Comcast is such a valued partner,” Cuthbertson said. “They make critical investments in our infrastructure and we think they’re exemplary about how they invest back into the community, in particular, through this RISE program that provides needed support to our small business owners.”
Andrea Benitez is the fundraising manager at Suazo Business Center, which offers resources for economically disadvantaged businesses. Through education, workshops, and access to capital, the center has helped launch hundreds of small businesses, generating millions of dollars
in revenue.
Benitez’s clients include minority and underserved populations who need direction for creating a business. They might not qualify for a loan or don’t want to go into debt to fund their dreams, so the Comcast RISE program could be a game changer for these struggling entrepreneurs.
“This Comcast grant is just a great opportunity for them to apply and help their business grow,” Benitez said. “We have lots of clients in that part of the valley and we’re going to help them apply for this grant.”
Diana Lopez owns Cakes by Edith, a popular bakery with two locations in the Salt Lake Valley. As a small business owner, she understands the obstacles faced by entrepreneurs and the many hats they have to wear to keep their businesses running.
As Cakes by Edith grows, Lopez hopes to expand to a third location where she can continue to carry on her family’s legacy. She said if she’s awarded the Comcast RISE grant, she’ll use the funds for marketing and equipment.
“There are so many trends in the baking industry and we’re trying to stay current with everything in the baking world,” Lopez said. “This opportunity with Comcast would provide for businesses in the area. For us, honestly, we would love that opportunity.”
The southern end of Salt Lake County has seen significant growth during the last decade and is geared for more expansion. The South Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Salt Lake Community College, offers a 10-week entrepreneurial program to help small business owners find resources for success.
Jay Francis, president/CEO of the South Valley Chamber of Commerce, said small business owners face myriad challenges as they try to get an idea off the ground and that this Comcast RISE program could give them the momentum they need to create something big.
“If a business is fortunate enough to be able to receive one of these grants, I think that’s huge. It’s a real lift and a real boost,” Francis said. “I appreciate Comcast and I think more opportunities need to be afforded to small businesses. This fits in really well with things that we’re focusing on as a Chamber.”
Utah is one of five regions to receive 100 Comcast RISE small business grants this year. Recipients from Salt Lake, Boston, Grand Rapids, Nashville and Seattle will join the 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been supported through the program since it launched in 2020. For more information, visit www.ComcastRISE.com. l
Small business owners in Salt Lake County can turn possibility into progress with help from a Comcast RISE grant. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)
I was born with the fashion sense of a platypus: lots of assorted parts coming together but nothing cohesive, nothing you could call style.
It’s not that I haven’t tried to dress nice. I even did some fashion research and read an article that said I should find clothing that fits my personality to feel confident about my wardrobe. My personality is a cross between a hibernating bear and a librarian, so I guess I should wear furry blankets and mustard-colored cardigans? Done.
The article also said to implement different colors and patterns, and not to be afraid to get out of my comfort zone. But my comfort zone is so comfy. Hence the name.
For a long time, my fashion palette consisted only of black; or gray, if the occasion called for levity. Walking through the grocery store, I was often mistaken for a murder of crows, but that might have been because of all the flapping and squawking.
So, I banned black from my closet, except for 13 black blouses because you never know when you’ll attend a My Chemical Romance concert. Then I decided any new clothes I purchased couldn’t be black. Now my closet is filled with a rainbow of dark navy, charcoal, espresso and eggplant for when I’m feeling whimsical.
Out of Style
The article suggested trying different styles. Trendy boxy tops look adorable on the pages of fashion magazines but turned me into SpongeBob. Maybe I should stop wearing striped socks with squeaky black shoes and white laces.
I just don’t know how to look effortlessly stylish although Vogue breaks it down into 79 manageable steps. I stopped reading after the one step suggested I wear one thing that scares me. Crocs are the most frightening thing I could think of. Nope.
Once, I was working at an event and was given a T-shirt to wear. I threw on a pair of shorts and called it good. My coworker showed up in her T-shirt matched with cute capris, colorful espadrilles and a rakish beret. I felt like Gollum standing next to her.
If I have to attend any social event, I get fashion paralysis, completely incapable of choosing an outfit. If the event is really fancy, I’ll spend at least 47 days riddled
with anxiety about what to wear. My husband says, “Go buy something new,” but that makes it even worse because trying on clothes is a torture device invented during the Spanish Inquisition.
First, the options are overwhelming. Second, what if I choose something too dressy? I don’t want to look like a wedding cake if the event calls for shortbread. Third, I want my clothes to feel comfy, which is the complete opposite of style. No wonder fashion models always look so angry.
The one area in fashion that I do shine is footwear because Chuck Taylors can be worn with anything. Barefoot is also an option I employ from May through October. (By Halloween, the soles of my feet are as tough as a Kevlar and as grungy as a music festival’s porta-potty.)
Oscar Wilde, my style guru, said, “Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.”
If every fashion trend comes back again, I’ll just stick with what I love: clothes that hide salsa stains and are super soft. Anna Wintour would have some disparaging glances to throw my way but it’s better than my platypus fashion that looks like I just crawled out of a swamp.
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Known for his compassionate care and dedication, he listens intently, prioritizes your well-being, and works to find the best diagnosis and treatment plan. As the owner of Riverstone Medical, Dr. Hararah is committed to helping you achieve your best health.
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