Millcreek Journal | January 2025

Jan. 2025 | Vol. 7 Iss. 1

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INSIGHTS INTO WELLNESS: WHAT THE MILLCREEK WELL-BEING SURVEY REVEALED

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

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early 300 Millcreek residents took part in a citywide survey to measure well-being. The Utah Wellbeing Survey Project, run by Courtney Flint, Ph.D., at Utah State University, targeted Millcreek as one of 51 cities in the state to participate in the survey. Millcreek first did the study in 2022 and this was the second time residents voiced their opinions and concerns.

Flint is an environment and society professor at USU. In 2018, she created a survey-based assessment that focused on the well-being of residents in Utah cities to better understand how residents feel about the places they live and give information to local leaders about what people want in their communities.

“We asked questions about personal well-being and community well-being,” Flint said. “We asked about different categories of well-being. We asked about community connections, which is a very important variable, as it turns out. We asked about recreation activities and perceptions of population development. This year, we had a bunch of questions about transportation and projects with UDOT and then we had people rank their level of concern for the future of their city.”

More than 80% of Millcreek respondents rated their personal well-being at 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale, with community well-being coming in at an average of 3.8 on the scale. Those numbers remain relatively stable from the 2022 survey.

Personal well-being was measured based on several factors including family life, mental health, leisure time,

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Showcase

Millcreek residents rated their personal and community well-being during the Utah Wellbeing Survey Project run by Utah State University. (Graphic from the Millcreek Wellbeing Survey Findings 2024 on the USU website)

connection to nature, education and environmental quality.

Residents rated mental and physical health as the biggest contributor to their well-being with transportation, education and cultural opportunities rated last.

“Millcreek is a very active community,” Flint said.

“You look at the percentage of people who are walking,

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biking, gardening, visiting parks, going to community events and using trails and it’s over three-quarters of the respondents….That kind of activity in Millcreek, with people participating in city events and recreating at parks Continued page 8

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Health and wellness

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Young gymnasts show strength and focus during Hotshot Showcase at Gymnastics Training Center

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

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n a Saturday afternoon in December, a packed parking lot outside of the Gymnastics Training Center in Millcreek was the scene as a showcase of young talented gymnasts performed in front of family and friends inside the GTC. Floor routines, balance beam, uneven parallel bars and the vault were all part of the Hotshot’s Showcase.

Aimee Smith, the general manager of GTC said, “We have been in business for over 25 years. A few girls go to the University of Utah, Sarah Crump is on the Red Rocks team now.”

“One gymnast went to SUU and some went out of state,” Smith said. As far as

future Olympians are concerned, she said, “We are working on it.”

“We have new ownership, Mike Hunger, he owned Twin City Twisters in Minnesota for 40 years and now he is here with his family and he just bought the gym in September. He’s made Olympians. He’s coached Grace McCallum and Red Rocks’ Abby Paulson and Abby Brenner. Grace McCallum went to the Olympics.”

Hunger became the assistant gymnastics coach for the University of Utah’s Red Rocks team in May. Marly Knorpp, the recreational manager at GTC said about Hunger, “He was looking for a gym in Utah since his grand-

Aimee Smith, the general manager of the GTC, has worked in many positions for the last 15 years and started out as a coach. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Floor routines, balance beams, the vault and the uneven parallel bars were all part of the showcase at the GTC. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

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children live here and his daughter Bree is coaching at GTC at level 6 to 10 years old.”

“He will also coach at the GTC and hopefully have homegrown Olympians here in Utah. He was looking for a gym already in place and loved the coaching style here at GTC,” Knorpp said.

Hunger has earned an impressive reputation in the gymnastics community with over 50 years of coaching experience to include over 100 athletes who competed at the NCAA level and has served on the USA National team since 2016.

Hunger has said that he loves the mountains and with his family living here,

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it was a logical choice to move to Utah.

“Today’s showcase program starts at ages 3 to 8 years old. This showcase is like a recital. Every six months we have the families come see their gymnasts perform,” Smith said.

“We take children as little as nine months, it’s a parent and tot class. So really demonstrating the basics of body movement and what it feels like to be upside down, how to balance,” Smith said.

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South Jordan business named one of 100 Companies Championing Women

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By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

euroHealth in South Jordan (10437 S. Temple Drive) was recently named as one of 100 Companies Championing Women in Utah. The clinic provides transcranial magnetic stimulation to help those battling depression, OCD or recurring migraines.

Created by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the Cox-Henderson Administration and the Utah Women & Leadership Project in 2022, the 100 Companies Championing Women initiative encourages businesses to provide family-friendly policies and promote women in the organization.

NeuroHealth was named to the 2025 100 Companies Championing Women cohort, recognized for building a family-centered company culture.

“As an employer, we have focused on creating a work environment that is attractive to the modern woman in Utah,” NeuroHealth Manager Jason Corbridge said. “Each employee is empowered to make decisions to positively impact the experience of our patients.”

Pay equality, flexible parental leave and scheduling, and a family-first mentality helped NeuroHealth attain the status of 100 Companies Championing Women. NeuroHealth CEO Bryan Scott said creating a workplace where women feel comfortable was imperative when starting the business.

“Not only is it the right thing to do, but those working in the mental health space must be compassionate and empathetic,” Scott said. “I believe that these skills are more innate in women than in men. By not putting these policies in effect, we would have made it harder for us to find the right caregivers. Our goal is to help people suffering from depression and anxiety, we take that into account in every policy we create.”

Corbridge said the majority of NeuroHealth’s patients are women suffering from postpartum depression, major depressive

disorders, anxiety or OCD tendencies. He believes it’s critical to hire women who can connect with and support other women who are taking steps to improve themselves and their mental health.

Moving forward, NeuroHealth will continue to staff the clinic with women who are in the best situation to help those struggling with mental health issues.

“There are so many voices out there that tear people down,” Corbridge said. “Expectations and pressures that make life seem unbearable. These fantastic women in our clinic help fight that, and when people leave, they leave feeling better. They ensure every experience here is a positive one.”

According to WalletHub’s 2024 Best States for Women results, Utah ranks 36th in women’s economic and social well-being and ranks 35th overall. The state’s Inspire in Utah initiative is designed to support women in business at every level and to offer resources to help them succeed.

Other companies in the 100 Companies Championing Women 2025 cohort include Mortenson, Mountainland Technical College, Squeeze, MAG and What Utah Makes. For more information, visit InUtah.org.

Scott is the publisher of The City Journals, a company that was named in the 2024 cohort of 100 Companies Championing Women. The City Journals implements recruitment strategies to encourage women to apply for positions with the company while creating flexible work schedules and remote work options.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the team we put together at NeuroHealth,” Corbridge said. “These women care and go above and beyond to help everyone who walks in our door. They make sure every patient feels safe, secure and accepted.”

To learn more about NeuroHealth’s treatment options, visit NeuroHealthUtah.com. l

NeuroHealth was recognized as a 100 Companies Championing Women business. Women make up 75% of the company’s employees.

From left, Elizabeth Sweat, Sophia Pitts and Jazlynn Powell work at the office in South Jordan. (Photo courtesy NeuroHealth)

Most Common Winter Ailments & How to Prevent Them A Q&A with Dr. Jared Lambert, MD — West Jordan Family Medicine Physician

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ith the winter season in full swing, so too are those pesky illnesses and ailments we all seem to catch this time of year. We’re sitting down with Dr. Jared Lambert, MD, at CommonSpirit Health West Jordan Family Medicine Clinic, to discuss what illnesses he treats during the colder months and how you can prevent them!

What are the most common winter ailments you treat year after year?

1. By far the most common illness seen this type of year are viral respiratory tract infections. This could be one of the many types of viruses that cause the common cold, RSV, influenza or COVID-19. Typical viral symptoms include sinus congestion, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, fever, and cough. These illnesses are best treated with over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms as our bodies fight off the viral infection.

Typically, symptoms last 1-2 weeks and some common medications include over-the-counter decongestants, cough suppressants, ibuprofen and Tylenol.

In the case of a COVID-19 infection however, higher risk patients (i.e. having a history of diabetes, asthma, age >50, or having COPD) are recommended to be seen by their provider to strongly consider utilizing the antiviral medication “Paxlovid”. This medication can decrease their risk of progression to a severe form of COVID-19 that could potentially warrant hospitalization.

This is also the time of year to obtain your influenza vaccination, which helps reduce the risk of complications from the flu, including post-influenza bacterial pneumonia.

Viral infections do increase the risk of developing bacterial infections including bacterial sinusitis and otitis

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media (ear infection and bacterial pneumonia). These forms of infections do require treatment with antibiotics.

Risks of untreated bacterial pneumonia can be severe and prompt treatment with oral antibiotics is warranted.

If symptoms include a persistent cough, fever or prolonged chest pain, then an in-person visit for evaluation and consideration for a chest Xray would be considered.

2. Strep Pharyngitis (strep throat) Strep throat can occur at any time of the year but is most prevalent in the winter and spring months, likely due to our increased time indoors – overall, it is more common in children. Symptoms including a sudden sore throat, tender neck, red swollen tonsils and fever are typical. This bacterial infection of the throat can lead to several complications and it is recommended that it is treated promptly with a course of antibiotics.

3. Arthritis-related pain The cold weather is known to certainly exacerbate aches and pains related to arthritis (wear and tear of joints). The most common joints affected by arthritis are the knees, hands, hips and spine. First line management is staying active or considering structured physical therapy with a physical therapist, in addition to, as needed, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. ibuprofen). In addition, taking a 3000-4000 mg total daily dose of a turmeric supplement, divided into two doses, has also shown particular promise in being a potent anti-inflammatory in reducing arthritis pain; however this supplement (along with others) can interact with prescribed medications. It is recommended that you review this option with your primary care provider before taking it.

When is it time to see a physician?

Those common colds are best managed at home. However, if there are any concerns with prolonged or severe symptoms, evaluation would be recommended.

If a patient suspects they have strep throat, they should be seen by a healthcare provider. At our clinic, we have on-site testing to confirm strep throat to aid with appropriate management.

Should patients have concerns for severe pain secondary to arthritis, more advanced interventions can certainly be considered for management. Those can be best assessed and discussed in-person at our clinic.

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.

What are some tips to stay healthy throughout the winter months?

Hand washing, staying home when ill, staying active and ensuring a balanced diet throughout the winter season.

We are here for you – should you suffer from any of the symptoms outlined above, Dr. Lambert encourages you to seek care! “I love being a Family Medicine Physician, treating all ages, and greatly enjoy getting to know and caring for my patients,” said Dr. Lambert. “Our office has some of the most caring providers and amazing staff I have had the privilege to work with.” You may reach Dr. Lambert’s office at 801-569-9133.

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

Dr. Jared Lambert, MD West Jordan Family Medicine SPONSORED CONTENT

Jan. 2025 | Page 5

Our favorite Millcreek photos of 2024

The shaving of the head of social studies teacher Benjamin McGowan after the student body raised $15,000 for the Granite Education Foundation’s Souper Bowl of Caring. (Mary Basso/Wasatch Jr. High)

Skyline’s girls lacrosse team won its first seven games in the spring. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

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Skyline High brings the ball up the field in regional unified soccer tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Bystanders watching the dachshunds race down the track at the first annual Millcreek Doxie Derby held at Millcreek Common in March. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Millcreek City Journal

Venture Out! at Evergreen Park in June featured the “Barbie” movie. Pippa, Elsa and Erin live close by and they knew the “Barbie” movie was playing so they came out to see it. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Roller skating during the Juneteenth celebration at Millcreek Common. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Pencil Box Art Studio in Millcreek celebrating their one year anniversary. (Ali Spittler and Brynn Grover/Pencil Box Art Studio)

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Best Practices Practices in in Supporting Supporting Patients Patients & & Families Families Best as they they prepare prepare for for End End of of Life Life and and Grief Grief as Wednesday,January January 29, 29, 2025 2025 Wednesday, January Wednesday, 29, 2025 In Person Person Location: Location: Larkin Larkin Sunset Sunset Gardens Gardens (1950 (1950 EE 10600 10600 S, S, Sandy, Sandy, UT UT 84092) 84092) In In Person Location: Larkin Sunset Gardens Event also also be be held held online online via via Zoom Zoom Event (1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, 9:00 am am 2:30 pm pmUT 84092) 9:00 -- 2:30 CEUs (1 (1 Ethics) Ethics) 55 CEUs Event will also be held online via Zoom This training training is is free free but but registration registration is is required. required.

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7 Brew made a donation to Primary Children’s Hospital during its grand opening in November. The coffee chain is expected to bring 50 jobs to the city. (Photo courtesy of 7 Brew)

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By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

M

illcreek welcomed a new coffee shop to the city in November as 7 Brew opened at 877 E. 4500 South. The drive-thru coffee chain has an ongoing partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout the country and 7 Brew officials presented a check for $2,000 to Primary Children’s Hospital during the grand opening.

“We can’t wait to cultivate kindness in our Millcreek community as we grow our presence in Utah after opening our first stand in the state in Provo earlier this fall,” said Aaron Hall, director of operations, Encore 7 Brew. “7 Brew has an established partnership

with Children’s Miracle Network, and we’re thrilled to build on that partnership by donating to Primary Children’s Hospital to celebrate our Millcreek opening.”

Representatives from Primary Children’s Hospital attended the grand opening of the coffee shop that is expected to add 50 jobs to the Millcreek area. 7 Brew offers thousands of unique drink combinations including the original Blondie (a caramel and vanilla breve) to smoothies, shakes, sodas, teas and 7 Energy. For more information, visit 7Brew.com. l

Continued from front page

the state of the Great Salt Lake.

When asked what they valued most in Millcreek, mountains, neighbors and people were the most popular responses.

Many respondents expressed appreciation for Millcreek’s location. Being close to Salt Lake City with access to canyons and parks and having short commute times were considered important to well-being.

“Communities are unique and have their own sets of needs and interests and personalities and circumstances, and so we like to make sure that we are keeping this at the community level of analysis,” Flint said. “Cities seem to really appreciate the data.”

To see the complete survey results, visit usu.edu/utah-wellbeing-project. l

and using trails, was highly correlated with feelings of community connection.”

When it comes to concerns in the city, more than 90% of participants said air quality was their top issue, followed by water supply, green space and homelessness. On the other end of the scale, only 32% of respondents were concerned about substance misuse, 25% were worried about access to culturally appropriate food and 20% raised concerns about access to substance abuse treatment programs.

Nearly half of the survey takers rated environmental quality in the city as poor, fair or moderate. Traffic congestion was high on the list of concerns along with road cleanliness, limited green space and

Millcreek City Journal

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udrey Tran’s family started Oh Mai more than 10 years ago, using family-owned recipes. As a child, Audrey watched her grandfather and her parents run their restaurants and learned first-hand what it takes to create a successful business. Now, Audrey is CEO of the company and embraces the experience and wisdom of her parents at Oh Mai and her grandfather who started Cafe Trang.

After graduating from high school, Audrey focused on a career in healthcare but has decided to return to her roots by opening Oh Mai Out The Door - Mai’s Mart in Millcreek in October 2024.

over the past 10 years and we are lucky enough to still be able to serve our loyal customers.

Does your business solve a problem for your customers?

Yes. We offer health-conscious dishes throughout the Salt Lake Valley. There are many people with food allergies and we make sure to not include any of the large allergens like MSG, gluten and

nuts so individuals can enjoy a good Vietnamese dish. However, we can never guarantee there has not been any cross-contamination while in production at manufacturing warehouses.

Who is your ideal customer?

Someone who enjoys a healthy meal with really good flavors. We offer everything from appetizers and main dishes to drinks and desserts. You can

have one thing or you can have nine things. But, you will definitely leave satisfied.

How do potential customers choose between you or a competitor?

We are the original shop for Vietnamese Bánh Mis and MSG-free pho. Our dedication to the quality of ingredients and flavor that go into our dishes has been unmatched over the past 10 years. We are proud to be a small, family business and will continue to serve our family recipes to the Salt Lake Valley. Also, we were featured on “Drivers, Dine-In, and Dives.” Guy Fieri always stops by when he is in town. He’s the king of flavor town.

What menu items do you offer?

We are the same concept as Oh Mai, just a remix of new family-owned recipes. We offer new noodle soups, noodle salads and Bánh mi. We also now offer a variety of matchas, fresh lemonades and juices, Asian desserts and handmade spring rolls.

Why should customers visit your restaurant?

Health-conscious individuals can get a meal that is packed with flavor but they won’t leave feeling guilty or feeling worse than before they came in. Or it’s great for someone who just wants a yummy, quick bite.

What sets your company apart from your competitors?

We like to emphasize that healthy eating can taste really good. We focus on providing quality ingredients and make sure to cook our dishes without MSG or gluten, besides our baguettes, that is. Vietnamese cuisine is filled with vegetables and fresh sauces and we aim to make these flavors accessible to all.

Our focus on quality and health proves itself through our dishes. Utah has grown exponentially

Are you currently running any specials or hosting any upcoming events?

During December at Mai’s Mart, mention the Millcreek Journal and receive a complimentary Vietnamese pandan waffle with an in-store purchase. Also, during December at Out the Door, buy one pho and get one at 50% off for online and in-store purchases.

I would love to work more with our communities in different ways, so please reach out at Audrey-ohmai@outlook.com. I will handle everything from there.

MillcreekJournal .com

Jan. 2025 | Page 9

Behind the scenes at Utah’s medical examiner’s office

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

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hen people picture a medical examiner’s office, they often imagine scenes straight out of a CSI show—investigations, crime and death. Dr. Dierdre Amaro understands how her office might be perceived by those unfamiliar with death investigations.

Her workplace features the expected fluorescent lighting, long hallways that connect coolers with the capacity to hold up to 12 to 70 bodies, and a noticeably strong odor. But beyond the clinical atmosphere, there are also some quirky touches: a full-scale X-ray machine affectionately named Larry, adorned with large googly eyes; a model skeleton with its own employee ID; and a spreadsheet to divide the responsibility of watering the office’s many plants placed on high window sills.

As the leader of the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner (OME), a position she’s held since this summer, Amaro oversees the investigation of all sudden, unexpected, violent, suspicious or unattended deaths in the state. The office conducts postmortem exams and autopsies to determine the causes and injuries behind these deaths. Recently, the OME opened its doors to news organizations to help the public understand the important role it plays in Utah.

“In some places, working as a medical examiner means you deal with death investigations, and everything else is secondary,” Amaro said. “In Utah, however, the work we do is for the benefit of the living. We still face death every single day, which some people think desensitizes us to it. In reality, the exact opposite is true; because death is a part of our jobs, we find meaning and purpose in the unique opportunities we get to serve, protect and support the living.”

More than 90% of the office’s work involves collecting data that’s then reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This data helps improve the health and safety of living Utahns.

“Death certificate data becomes a reflection of the health of a community,” Amaro said.

“We are literally seeing the terminal results of public health problems here. Drugs? That’s a problem that’s killing people. We see that here.

And if we can understand what is killing people in our community and why, then maybe we can figure out how to prevent that. And that is what we are about, not just little goblins under the bridge.”

While TV shows like CSI may glamorize the field, Amaro points out they often miss the mark. Most people assume the office’s work is focused mainly on homicides, but in reality, the majority of cases handled by the OME involve natural deaths and accidents.

Natural deaths might include older individuals who haven’t seen a physician in a long time and suddenly pass away, or young athletes who unexpectedly collapse on the field due to undiagnosed heart conditions. Accidents, such as car crashes and drug overdoses, are also frequent.

So how do investigations work? Utah’s system is distinct in comparison to states with

Page 10 | Jan. 2025

elected coroners, who may not be required to have medical or forensic pathology training. In contrast, Utah’s centralized OME is staffed by highly-trained, licensed physicians.

According to the CDC, the leading causes of death in Utah are heart disease, cancer, accidents, Alzheimer’s disease, COVID-19, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, diabetes, suicide and nutritional deficiencies. Amaro said the office’s cases generally follow a similar pattern to national statistics, with natural causes of death being the most common, followed by accidents, suicides and then homicides.

Life at the Office A job at the OME is heavy, both physically and emotionally. Staff are alerted about 15 to 20 times a day via a doorbell that signals the arrival of a new decedent. Despite the regularity, the staff never takes their responsibilities lightly.

“Going to someone’s house on the worst day of their lives, being able to really handle their emotions with care and really have empathy for those people on that worst moment, is really important to me,” said Chief Medical Examiner Investigator Cory Russo. “And then to be able to come back and do the follow-up work, whether that’s positive identification after someone has been missing for years, that is so rewarding, to be able to bring closure to families.”

In addition to 12 forensic pathologists, some with specialties in pediatrics and neuropathology, the OME team includes forensic epidemiologists who focus on suicide, drug overdose and prevention efforts.

Suicide is a particularly prevalent cause of death the office encounters. In 2022, Utah ranked seventh in the country for suicide mortality rates. The team of epidemiologists helps make sense of this data.

“We can tell you this person died by suicide with a gun, but (epidemiologists) can tell you what were the circumstances around that Brandon Callor, morgue operations manager, shows autopsy suite’s equipment at the Utah Office of the death,” Amaro said. “So if we figure out the Medical Examiner. (Bailey Chism/City Journals) why, why are so many people in Utah killing themselves, then maybe we can fix that, and that’s what motivates me, and that’s what motivates most of us in this office.”

The facility also houses a space dedicated to DonorConnect, a nonprofit that connects tissue donors with recipients—such as those needing veins, long bones, skin, or corneas— through family authorization. According to Morgue Operations Manager Brandon Callor, this system ensures that viable tissue is recovered efficiently, without the need for lengthy travel that could diminish donation potential.

“There’s a window of time in which they can still recover those tissues,” Callor explained. “Whereas in other states, those tissues may have to travel hours, losing a lot of potential donors.”

Though the work can be emotionally taxFull-scale X-ray machine at the Office of the Medical Examiner. (Bailey Chism/City Journals) ing, Callor finds purpose in his role. In addition to his duties as a morgue manager, he’s also a dress public health risks and supporting griev- able to be involved in the aid of someone else’s social worker. He interviews families who’ve ing families. suffering just helps me to gain that perspective lost loved ones to suicide or drug overdose, “I think I can’t feel sorry for myself for and think outwardly.” l looking for ways to help beyond the autopsy very long when I realize there’s so much sufsuite, including advocating for policies that ad- fering out there,” Callor said. “And so, being

Millcreek City Journal

h ealth & Wellness City Journals presents:

A publication covering local health and wellness ideas for everyone around the Salt Lake Valley

6 unique fitness experiences to try in 2025 near Salt Lake County

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com Moving and getting in shape doesn’t have to be a chore.

Finding something that you enjoy doing makes exercising and being active feel more like play rather than work, while still giving you the same or better benefits as visiting a normal gym.

Unique fitness experiences exist around Salt Lake County which offers unique excursions and experiences like a new underwater yoga flow, an educational and adventurous late-night snowshoe tour, and so much more.

Here are six fitness adventures including indoor and outdoor fun for all skill levels: Yoga with the Sharks at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (Draper) There’s a certain type of Zen to obtain surrounded by shark-infested waters. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium offers an hourlong instructor-led class in front of a tank teeming with sea creatures on select Monday nights.

Allison Barker, director of development and chair of the Conservation Committee at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium said many participants have said the unique atmosphere creates a peaceful environment with many health benefits including “the gentle rhythm of the water and the mesmerizing movements of the sharks, fish and sea turtles” helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

“Ultimately, Yoga with the Sharks offers a transformative experience combining physical and mental benefits,” she said. “By practicing yoga in such an unusual and beautiful setting, participants gain a deeper appreciation for themselves and the natural world.”

The 2025 dates will be released near the end of December.

Included with the event is admission to check out the rest of the aquarium, but you’ll probably want to go earlier than

MillcreekJournal .com

the class time from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. because the aquarium closes at 8 p.m. The class is open to 8-year-olds and older.

Registration is online and costs $25.

The aquarium recommends bringing your own equipment but has some for new yogis.

Momentum Indoor Climbing (Millcreek, Sandy) If you’ve never gone rock climbing, no biggie. It’s a new year to try new things and Momentum is a great place to learn. The Sandy location offers a variety of classes including belay instruction, rope climbing and even bouldering for any skill level.

“Our class structure is designed with progression in mind so that there’s always something for you to learn and work toward no matter your current ability,” is the Momentum mission.

If learning to climb isn’t your thing, the gym also offers yoga and group fitness classes.

Sign-up is online.

Intro to aerial class at Aerial Arts of Utah (Salt Lake City) Think Zendaya in “The Greatest Showman”—that could be you this year.

Granted, it’s a beginners class for more than just trapeze, Aerial Arts of Utah is offering quite the deal at $90 for three one-hour classes every Wednesday night.

The class is an introduction to several different types of aerial fitness, including fabric and static trapeze for those aged 13 years or older. Sign-up is online.

Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio, hoop, pole, silks and hammock classes (Sandy) In one studio, there are at least five different aerial fitness classes to choose from. Onyx offers everything from pole workouts to silks and hoops for differing levels of ability. The hammock beginner

(Courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

class (1.0) is referred to as the “perfect class to not only begin your journey but to keep coming back to build those forever essential movements.”

Most classes range from beginner (1.0) to pro (4.0).

Paddleboard yoga in a natural hot spring (Midway) The name of the Midway Crater is becoming more well-known as a unique spot to visit in Midway, but did you know that you could not only swim in it but it’s large enough to do paddleboard yoga in?

Midway Crater offers a paddleboard yoga execution that offers a unique opportunity to find your Zen in one of nature’s beautiful (and oldest) yoga studios.

Blue 95-degree Fahrenheit mineral water offers an inviting cushion if you fall in.

Booking can include just the paddleboard experience or be bundled with hiking, snowshoeing and more. Park City Yoga Adventures also offers yoga in a backcountry yurt, mountaintop yoga and winter forest meditation. Book online.

Guided full moon snowshoe tour

by Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (Alta) Cottonwood Canyons Foundation offers four types of snowshoe guided tours, with three open to the public. For the first time, the foundation is offering tours free of charge to celebrate their 25th anniversary, including a special treat with their moonlit tours.

“It's a wonderful night when you get to hear the great horned owls calling, and you get to see some good dark skies up there,” said Liz Anderson, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation education director.

Anderson said that tours start up again on Jan. 24 and are offered every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in January and February, and 7 to 9 p.m. in March. All you need to do is bring some snow shoes and preferably a red flashlight, poles optional. Come ready to learn more about the native wildlife.

Registration opens one month before the event date on cottonwoodcanyons.org/events.

Jan. 2025 | Page 11

Creating healthy financial habits in the new year

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com As we begin a new year many people set goals of unlocking their financial freedom as they strive to live a purposeful life. Sarah Fernandez, personal financial expert, claims, “The journey to financial freedom begins with acknowledging the importance of having a financial plan.” She emphasizes that a well-structured financial plan not only clarifies your current economic status, but also empowers you to make informed decisions.

“Financial success is not just about numbers,” Fernandez said, “it's about mindset and discipline.” She highlights the importance of living within your means while still enjoying life's pleasures and encourages you to take control of your financial future in the new year through the following four ways.

1. A key indicator that money might be dictating your life is often referred to as “the vanishing paycheck phenomenon.” This is where you live paycheck to paycheck which can often produce a feeling of being overwhelmed by expenses. Fernandez suggests in situations such as this to focus on the concept of “having versus experiencing”

Full interview with Sarah Fernandez available on Holly’s Highlights podcast. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Fernandez)

and how it affects spending habits.

2. Cultivating a mindset for financial success. Fernandez encourages people to adopt an abundant mindset and likens this to a growth mindset, where the belief that improvement is always possible fuels your financial journey. This mindset shift not only focuses on progress and improvement, but is essential for over-

Children learn healthy financial habits at a young age. (Photo courtesy of Holly Curby)

coming financial stress and achieving long-term goals. Fernandez reiterates that this perspective shift allows individuals to live their best life at the moment while working toward a brighter financial future.

3. Understanding how family upbringing can shape financial habits is vital, especially in relationships where partners may have different spending and saving tendencies. By recognizing

Your Mental Health Deserves Care, No Matter the Season As the days grow shorter and the cold settles in, many of us start to feel the weight of seasonal depression. If your struggle with depression includes low energy, lack of ambition, or a sense of isolation, you’re not alone—and we can help.

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Page 12 | Jan. 2025

Millcreek City Journal

How assisted stretching helps relieve pain and improve mobility

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com As we get into the cold months and lose the desire to go outside, we can become stagnant, sitting inside all the time. While some people may have more upbeat jobs, moving around throughout the day, some people are stuck inside, sitting at a desk all day.

We’ve all heard the benefits of regular exercise and the importance of stretching afterward, Dec. 11 was even National Stretching Day. But what about assisted stretching?

It’s not something widely known, but it may have more benefits than regular at-home stretching. Stretch Zone is hoping to make it more well-known.

“We want to not be the best kept secret anymore,” said Jennifer Gibbs, general manager at the Draper Stretch Zone.

The company, founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, started with an experience close to his heart. After watching his grandfather’s growing limitations due to diabetes, he decided to start helping his grandfather through assisted stretches.

Within a year, his grandfather went from not being able to walk, to walking with a walker, to a cane, to dancing at his cousin’s wedding all through that stretching.

At this point, Gold knew he had to do something more, to help others that may be going through what his grandfather went through or to prevent them from getting to that point.

“The whole reason that I started Stretch Zone was sparked from watching my grandfather becoming immobile because of his diabetes,” Gold said in a statement. “It motivated me to develop a proprietary stretching method that I hoped would prevent others from having to see themselves and the people in their lives suffer in the same way.”

There are now four locations in Utah, one of them being in Draper, another in Cottonwood Heights. The practitioners at Stretch Zone offer a new approach to improving range of motion and flexibility. While traditional stretching methods

these differences, couples can work together to align their financial goals, foster a sense of unity and understanding while building a prosperous future. “By having open and honest conversations about spending habits and priorities, couples can create a financial plan that supports their shared dreams and aspirations,” Fernandez said.

4. Credit card usage is a double-edged sword that requires careful management. While the perks of earning

Stretch Zone patented their table with their “championship belt” to stop clients from falling off the table.

(Bailey Chism/City Journals)

can make you more flexible, it may take some time. Assisted stretching can get you there faster because you don’t have to think about the stretches you’re doing, or worry about other muscles aside from the one you’re stretching.

“So instead of walking around at 80% or 90%, super tight and stretched all the time, they can just live in a more manageable, normal, relaxed way and these changes become more lasting,” Gibbs said.

Assisted stretching can benefit everyone, even if you don’t feel like you have problem muscles. For those sitting at an office all the time, they are stuck in the same position, cramping muscles that should be able to stretch and move throughout the day. Stress can also play a large part in muscle tension.

Assisted stretching can help reduce everyday pain and help people move

more fluidly for longer periods of time.

Gibbs said she’s seen a number of different types of people walk through the Stretch Zone doors. Office workers that need to get away from cramped muscles, gymgoers and marathon runners preparing for races, older adults, even CEOs that may be more stressed than others.

Gibbs said assisted stretching can also help when there’s been trauma involved, like a car accident or surgery.

“The body is so wise,” she said. “It develops all these mechanisms that get all tangled up. And then you have another thing and another thing, then it’s hard to unwind yourself.”

She said developing that range of motion back, assisting and breaking down scar tissue that develops prevents movement. She’s seen people in recovery and also people anticipating a sur-

miles or cash back are enticing, it's important to use credit responsibly to avoid potential pitfalls. From personal experience Fernandez stresses the necessity of self-awareness in financial decisions.

“Setting boundaries and knowing when to steer clear of credit misuse are crucial steps in maintaining financial discipline” Fernandez said. Fernandez dives deeper into practical advice on how to navigate these challenges effectively in her interview on Holly’s Highlights podcast (season 3 episode 13).

“Financial freedom is attainable for anyone willing to put in the effort and make informed decisions” Fernandez said. “By cultivating a mindset of abundance, setting clear goals, and managing finances responsibly, individuals can transform their financial habits and pave the way for a successful future.”

Tune in to the complete interview with Fernandez on Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 3 Episode 13 for expert tips, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies that will equip you

gery. She said assisted stretching can help loosen muscles before they’re put through surgery to stop it from yanking something around that shouldn’t move.

“The body is so amazing,” Gibbs said. “How it can heal itself with something so holistic, like a stretch.”

Usually, clients at a Stretch Zone start going multiple times a week, maybe two or three times, then as time goes on and they begin to heal, they’ll only need to come twice a month for routine maintenance.

One of Gibbs’ favorite stories to share is a marathoner that started coming in 12 weeks before a race to stretch their muscles, mainly the hamstrings and hip flexors. Doing this routinely for those 12 weeks ended up helping the client cut down on their race time.

“It’s keeping them healthy, too,” Gibbs said.

Many of their clients say they’ll stick with assisted stretching their entire lives.

Heather Hemingway-Hales shares this point of view. Hemingway-Hales is still as active as ever, doing regular exercise, yoga, cycling, mountain biking and participating in 50-plus races. She comes in regularly to Stretch Zone.

“Just coming in here and getting this deep stress really helps,” Hemingway-Hales said.

Stretch Zones are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and open for half-days on Saturday.

Gibbs said if you’re curious about assisted stretching, to try it out for a complimentary first visit.

“I just encourage open invitation to anybody to just give the studio a call,” she said. “So I just invite anybody to come in and try it out, because it is such a new concept.”

If you want to learn more about Stretch Zone and what they offer, you can visit stretchzone.com to find the location closest to you.

with the tools needed to master your financial journey. Whether you're single or in a relationship, young or old, Fernandez's insights will inspire you to take charge of your financial destiny and live a life full of purpose. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-in and on www.

HollyCurby.com.

Turn New Year’s fitness goal into lasting habits

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com Nearly half of the people worldwide set a New Year’s resolution to improve their health.

A 2024 Forbes survey reveals 23% of U.S. participants fail in the first week and 43% drop out by February.

This trend is something Steve Espinosa, a nationally certified personal trainer at VASA's Draper gym, sees firsthand when the gym sees a spike in attendance during January and February, only to taper by March.

“It's their New Year's resolution to start working out and they have a long-term goal, but usually, it’s not specific enough for them to stick with it,” said Espinosa, who serves as the gym’s lead trainer. “Often people’s resolutions are too general, like, ‘I want to lose weight,’ ‘I want to get into the gym to build muscle or do a pull up.”

One of the first things he asks new clients is “Why do you want to come to the gym?”

Many respond with a desire to lose weight, but Espinosa digs deeper.

“Often, it’s not just about losing weight; it’s about feeling more comfortable in their bodies and gaining confidence — and that’s the why,” he said, adding often the answer is tied to emotional reasons or

Page 14 | Jan. 2025

to prevent health problems they’ve seen in others.

One of Espinosa’s clients, a 60-yearold woman started training three years ago, fearing she was following the same sedentary path as her mother.

“Her daily life has become easier with improved fitness. She’s stronger, more confident and skiing — and doing activities she never thought she could do, without being worried about being sore or getting hurt,” he said.

Unlike the vague New Year’s resolutions which often lead to early burnout, Espinosa works with clients to set specific, achievable goals. He recommends writing down goals to make them tangible and breaking them into smaller, incremental steps.

“You need to have a specific goal. Ask yourself, ‘What am I trying to achieve every month?’ A goal of going to the gym three times a week is a more realistic and attainable goal,” he said. “Set mini-goals, whether it’s five minutes, or an hour to hit your weekly goal. Then, build toward monthly, six-month, and yearly goals.”

Espinosa emphasizes the importance of regularly reassessing goals.

“Check in with yourself: ‘Am I am I do-

Steve Espinosa, a nationally certified personal trainer at VASA Draper’s gym, said fitness goals should be manageable so they can be eased into routines and naturally, become habits. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

ing enough?’ If you’re not seeing results, ‘what am I not doing? Is my gym time efficient? Am I pushing myself as hard as I should be?’” he said. “Sometimes your goals may change, and you need to evolve

with them.”

Espinosa talks from experience. He spent years strength training before running his first half-marathon.

“After I did one, it changed everything. I'm still working out, but my workouts changed with my goal to run more half-marathons,” he said. “Your training and your resolutions are going to evolve.

The result is where you want to get to, but the journey is going to get you there.”

After being a high school athlete, Espinosa fell into unhealthy habits, including fast food and lack of exercise. Eventually he redefined his goals, embraced healthy eating, and became certified in endurance training, weight loss, muscle management and training for older adults.

“Pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone, being comfortable in the uncomfortableness of working out, makes you mentally stronger,” he said. “When I see that, it makes me happy. I want to help people.”

Other advice Espinosa offers: • Use the gym as an escape: Espinosa said people join the gym because they need a break from the stresses of work and home. “Being in the gym helps you focus on what you're here for — yourself and your goals.”

• Be accountable: While personal trainers can provide motivation and customized workout plans, Espinosa emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. “You need to be accountable to yourself.”

• Prioritize your fitness: “Make time for it. Don’t say, ‘When I have time, I'll do it,’” Espinosa said. “Schedule an hour twice a week to work out and build from there.”

Millcreek City Journal

Skyline boys round out preseason schedule Photo by Travis Barton

J

ames Bekker drives and passes to the waiting Cameron Wilson (11) for an eventual bucket against Taylorsville. Skyline would dominate the Warriors 72-40 in one of its nonregion wins. At press time the Eagles were 4-3 with wins over Farmington, Taylorsville, Kearns and Roy with losses coming against Cyprus, Copper Hills and Woods Cross. Three players were averaging near double figures in scoring for the Eagles in Wilson (12.4), Andrew Lindquist (11.9) and David Rasmussen (9.7).

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The power of giving—how giving helps the giver

I

t’s not really a surprise that December is National Giving Month in the United States. With the holidays, part of the merriment and cheer is inherent in the season, or so it feels. But what if the actual giving creates the season and makes us smile?

Research shows that the giver of a gift experiences just as many benefits as the receiver, creating a satisfying experience for both. Here are four ways that giving positively impacts the giver: 1. Boosts happiness and optimism Spending money on someone else doesn’t seem like it would do much inside the brain, but the simple act has been proven with several studies that buying a gift for someone (without stressing too much about it) promotes happiness by stimulating the pleasure part of the brain, per the American Psychological Association.

Moreover, generosity is contagious; by giving, you inspire others to follow suit, spreading kindness and reinforcing a positive community spirit.

2. Builds relationships When the pleasure part of the brain is stimulated, it releases oxytocin also known as the “cuddle hormone,” which “signals trust, safety and connection,” per APA. “Part of the uniqueness of the reward

MillcreekJournal .com

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com activation around gift-giving compared to something like receiving an award or winning money is that because it is social it also activates pathways in the brain that release oxytocin,” said Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, who is the science director at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

People you build strong relationships with also create a good support system during difficult times.

3. Reduces stress and depression while fostering gratitude Feeling stressed out and maybe experiencing some depression can make it hard to want to give back or serve another but Dr. Charles Brown at Akron Children’s in Ohio, a child and adolescent psychiatrist said it can make all the difference.

“The stress and anxiety of everyday life can affect us all differently,” Brown said.

“It’s the way we cope with that stress that dictates its impact on us. One healthy way of Science has looked at how the giver of a gift gets just as many benefits as the receiver, making it a doubly satisfying experience for both the giver and the receiver. (Adobe Stock) coping is through service because it allows us to step outside of our own challenging for life to combat future stress and depres- Every charity has a good cause donors can experience and enrich the experience of othsion. contribute to which brings fulfillment and ers.”

4. Creates a sense of purpose and imsatisfaction, per Donor’s Trust.

Being able to step outside of yourself proves self-esteem Having purpose contributes to an imand recognize the things you have creates a Charitable giving can especially make proved self-outlook because it empowers the sense of deeper gratitude and appreciation you part of a bigger community and purpose. individual to change the lives of others. l

Jan. 2025 | Page 15

Person on the Street interviews

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e asked people in Salt Lake County what they were looking forward to in 2025. Here’s what they said.

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Jane (left) and Siri Thackeray: “I’m in eighth grade, so next year I’ll go to high school at Brighton and I’m going to try out for the soccer team there.”

Jane Thackeray, Sandy

Drake: “I’m looking forward to a new home and a new school. I look forward to summer and skating. There’s a new skate park in Hyrum that I want to try. And I’ll be 16 and I’ll get to drive.”

Olivia: “I’m looking forward to my kids all going to school and being able to get a job. And I want to get organized.”

Olivia Kruse, West Jordan

“I’m looking forward to sports. I play lacrosse for high school and club, and since it’s winter, I have to take a break, but I’m excited to go back.”

Siri Thackeray, Sandy Makena: “I’m looking forward to learning more and growing as a person, physically and emotionally.”

Makena Bass, Riverton

Sha: “I’m looking forward to all the change in diversity and gas prices and being able to live comfortably again. Hopefully, it will be a new beginning and a start to something new.”

Sha Primus, West Valley City

Drake Adair, Bluffdale

Joe:

“My goal is to have a healthy business and a fun, adventurous business. We offer flight training and pilot services and we cater to clients that are looking to buy a Cirrus Aircraft.”

Joe Hoggan, West Valley City

Rebecca: “I’m looking forward to fixing our remodeled house.”

Rebecca Hoggan, West Valley City

Tasha: “We’re going to be building a house in 2025 and that’s what our family is looking forward to.”

Tasha Adair, Bluffdale

Page 16 | Jan. 2025

Millcreek City Journal

5 winter activities for the family

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

W

inter is the perfect season to create lasting family memories. Whether you bundle the kids up for an ice skating party, sled down powdery hills or enjoy a cup of warm cocoa, this season reminds us to embrace togetherness and make the most of these cold months. Here are some thrilling winter activities your family and friends will love.

Snowshoeing in Millcreek Canyon Visit your favorite trails in the winter for a snowshoeing adventure. Millcreek Canyon has lots of fun trails that take you past waterfalls and rivers as you snowshoe through the area.

The Church Fork Trail in Millcreek is highly recommended for winter adventures. Snowshoes can be purchased or rented for the entire family and dogs can join you on these trails.

The Church Fork trailhead is located about 3 miles up the canyon at the north end of the picnic area. Dress appropriately and bring water and snacks. There is a $5 fee to enter canyon.

Herriman Ice Ribbon, 13082 S. Fort Herriman Pkwy.

Celebrate winter with a trip to the Herriman Ice Ribbon for outside skating at J. Lynn Crane Plaza. Take a lap, or two, around the ice ribbon, then warm your hands by the fire pits. Opened in 2017, the skating location has

grown in popularity and reservations are required. Skaters of all levels are encouraged to participate and there are walkers to help beginning ice skaters. The cost for an adult (14+) with skate rental is $10, children (3-14) cost $8 with skate rental and children 2 and under are free. Visit Herriman.gov/ice-ribbon for daily schedules and to reserve skating time for your group.

Sledding at Sugar House Park, 1330 E. 2100 South Sugar House Park is the perfect location for a family sledding experience. The park spans more than 100 acres and popular hills provide a variety of steepness offering the perfect mix of thrill and safety for sledders of all ages. With the Wasatch Mountains towering in the background, the park becomes a winter wonderland. Convenient parking makes it easy to enjoy the fun. Finish the day with a cup of hot chocolate from local vendors in the area.

Fat tire biking in the canyons Don’t let the snowy roads put your cycling on ice. Jump on your fat tire bike (rentals are available) and head to the hills. Millcreek Canyon (fee), Corner Canyon and Butterfield Canyon offer numerous cycling trails for cyclists of any level, with the bigger, less-inflated

In January, Utah becomes a winter playground with activities the whole family can enjoy. (Stock photo)

tires providing better grip to keep you riding safely in the snow. The best time to ride is after the trails are tramped down, so powder days are not a good option. Be sure to dress in layers, carry water and snacks and watch the weather forecast!

Visit the Homestead Crater If you’re done with snowy, cold activi-

ties, take a trip to Midway and warm up in the Homestead Crater at the Homestead Resort.

This geothermal spring is hidden within a beehive-shaped rock and stays at around 95 degrees all year. While in the crater, you can soak in the therapeutic waters, swim, scuba dive or take a paddleboard yoga class. Reservations are required so visit HomesteadResort.com to schedule your adventure. l

Utah’s vision for air mobility: hail an air taxi like Uber

I

magine being able to order an air taxi on your phone, just like an Uber, and picking it up at a “vertiport” – an air taxi hub not far from your home.

It may sound like something from “The Jetsons,” but Utah is seriously aiming to make this a reality by the 2034 Winter Olympics. “​​Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) will be an alternative mode of transportation for Utah residents,” said Paul Damron, UDOT’s Advanced Air Mobility manager. “I see that some residents could adopt this mode as its primary option. While I see others use it as a complement to all the other modes Utah and UDOT offers.”

Damron said UDOT is working with its internal legislative liaison group to help Utah legislators understand the work they’ve been doing, and pave the way for additional regulatory items. He said AAM (advanced air mobility) is a new area of aviation, and with all new things, regulatory frameworks need to be established.

“We have facilitated several studies that help us understand the next steps,” Damron said. “Community engagement and education, and public acceptance is one of our next crucial steps.”

When asked about piloting these air

MillcreekJournal .com

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com taxis, Damron said there will be a number of early adopter companies that will be operating the aircraft. He said Utah is in the process of understanding who the initial operators are and what type of operations could benefit from using these aircrafts.

As Utah navigates the early steps in air mobility, these aircrafts will likely operate from Salt Lake City Airport before new infrastructure is built.

Last month, the FAA approved a new “powered lift” category to set standards for air taxi pilots, which is a significant milestone.

“UDOT’s job is to move people around the state safely and efficiently,” Damron said. “We will continue to build safe and viable modes of transportation, including air. Regional Air Mobility (RAM) is also a subject we talk about. Imagine using environmentally friendly, clean energy aircraft to move you from one end of the state to the other, or to neighboring states efficiently.”

Damron said the pricing structure will be set by operators.

“As this mode of transportation becomes more used and adopted, they are telling us that prices will come down,” Damron said. “OEMs and operators know

Imagine being able to order an air taxi like Uber, it may be possible by 2034. (Adobe Stock Photo)

that prices need to be cheap enough for all residents to travel this way. Their goal is to have prices be the same prices as an Uber Black price.”

Damron said we are just at the be-

ginning stages of understanding AAM in Utah, and they are excited to see what we can do with it and where it goes. l

Jan. 2025 | Page 17

Salt Lake County General Election winners (l-r) Sheila Srivastava, Treasurer; Chris Stravos, Assessor; Bradley Park, Surveyor; Rashelle Hobbs, Recorder. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Nail-biting victories and first-time wins define Salt Lake County election results

N

ovember 2024’s General Election delivered significant outcomes for Salt Lake County, where several closely contested races reshaped the local political landscape. Voters elected leaders for key county positions, including Treasurer, Assessor, Surveyor, Recorder and various school board seats. Alongside pivotal leadership changes, residents also delivered decisive verdicts on key county initiatives, reaffirming one and rejecting another.

Historic Win for County Treasurer In a groundbreaking victory, Sheila Srivastava (Democrat) became the first woman elected as Salt Lake County Treasurer. Securing 50.3% of the vote, she narrowly defeated Republican Phil Conder in a race that also flipped the office to Democratic control. Srivastava campaigned on her professional qualifications, emphasizing her role as the only Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the race.

She is replacing outgoing Treasurer Wayne Cushing, who has served in that role for the past 14 years. Conder served as Chief Deputy Treasurer under Cushing.

“I am running for Salt Lake County Treasurer to provide efficient, ethical, and transparent management of county funds and collaborate with other elected officials to best serve Salt Lake County residents,” Srivastava stated on her campaign website.

Her background as a CPA, coupled with her upbringing in rural Utah, became central to her message. Raised by a single mother who worked three jobs to make ends meet, Srivastava often reflected on her personal experience with financial hardship. “This early exposure to the financial struggles in my community fueled a personal determination to forge a better path—not only for myself but for others,” she said.

Srivastava also vowed to approach her role in a nonpartisan manner, declaring, “My approach is centered on process, not politics. I aim to be the professional that every resident, irrespective of political af-

Page 18 | Jan. 2025

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com filiation, can trust.”

"Comeback Campaign" for County Assessor Republican incumbent Chris Stavros clinched re-election as Salt Lake County Assessor in another nail-biter. He defeated Democrat Joel Frost by just 699 votes, or 50.07% to 49.93%. This marks the second consecutive election where Stavros overcame a significant election night deficit to claim victory.

“On election night, we trailed by 13,790 votes, and after all of the votes were tallied, we won by 699 votes,” Stavros shared on social media, adding, “We are the ‘Comeback Campaign.’” He expressed gratitude to the 241,190 voters who supported his re-election bid, stating, “I am truly humbled and touched by your support, kindness, and your willingness to help me in any way that you possibly could during the entire campaign.”

Stavros’s long career in the Assessor’s Office, spanning over 30 years, was a key factor in his victory. As County Assessor, he oversees the appraisal of more than 300,000 properties and ensures the equitable distribution of property taxes. Stavros highlighted his focus on transparency and fairness, saying, “Every vote matters, and every resident deserves to know that property valuations are conducted with the utmost integrity.”

Bradley Park Elected County Surveyor The race for County Surveyor saw another tight contest, with Republican Bradley Park defeating Democrat Kent Setterberg by 50.38% to 49.62%. Park, the current Chief Deputy Surveyor, brings over 17 years of professional experience to the role.

After 18 years, Reid Demman is stepping away from the position of County Surveyor. Both candidates were members of his office.

“The election for County Surveyor was very unique, with all three candidates working in the same office,” Park noted in

a post-election statement. He also acknowledged the contributions of Setterberg, who worked in the Surveyor’s Office for 30 years. “I appreciate Kent Setterberg, who came to congratulate me today. We had a nice conversation about our campaigns, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

Park’s campaign emphasized his technical expertise and leadership skills, developed through roles such as managing Dominion Energy’s Survey Office and completing their Emerging Leaders program. As Surveyor, Park will oversee critical tasks, including maintaining property boundaries and supporting the county’s infrastructure planning.

“I’m excited to get to work and serve the great people of Salt Lake County,” Park declared, expressing gratitude to his family, volunteers and outgoing surveyor Reid Demman for their support.

Rashelle Hobbs Retains County Recorder Seat Amid Scrutiny Incumbent Democrat Rashelle Hobbs secured re-election as County Recorder with 51.76% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Richard Snelgrove. Hobbs campaigned on her track record of modernizing the Recorder’s Office, including initiatives like Property Watch—a fraud prevention program that alerts property owners to unauthorized changes to their records.

Hobb’s challenger, Snelgrove, previously served on the Salt Lake County Council but was defeated for re-election in 2022.

However, her campaign faced controversy after a mailer featuring her name and photo was sent alongside property tax notices. The incident drew bipartisan criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of using official channels for campaign purposes. In response, the county council considered an ordinance to limit such mailers around election time.

Hobbs posted on her Facebook page, “I want to pause and thank everyone who’s

been a part of this journey. To my fellow recorders who endorsed me and make this work so engaging—thank you. To the canvassers and phone bankers, your hard work does not go unnoticed—sincerely, thank you for your dedication. Lastly, to my county colleagues who make Salt Lake County a standout place to work, I’m grateful.”

Voters Favor the Arts but Not a New Jail Voters strongly supported ZAP Proposition 8, reauthorizing the 0.1% Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) sales and using tax for 10 years to fund recreational, zoological, botanical, and cultural facilities and organizations. Nearly 79% of voters backed the measure.

In a narrow vote, county residents rejected the Salt Lake County Jail bond, authorizing the county to issue bonds of up to $507 million to fund the construction of a Justice and Accountability Center, combine two county jails, and improve existing correctional facilities. The request failed 51.62% to 48.38%.

Granite School District: District 1: Julie Jackson Unopposed Julie Jackson ran unopposed in District 1, securing 100% of the vote (24,401 votes).

District 2: Clarke B. Nelson Triumphs Clarke B. Nelson won with 56.27% of the vote (10,759 votes) against Kevin Korous, who garnered 43.73% (8,363 votes).

District 4: Nicole McDermott’s Overwhelming Support Nicole McDermott won a commanding victory in District 4 with 76.15% of the vote (15,073 votes) over Todd William Morrill’s 23.85% (4,722 votes).

Salt Lake County officials will take their oaths of office in January. Comprehensive official vote counts are available at electionresults.utah.gov. l

Millcreek City Journal

Former Skyline student aims to amplify youth voice on school board

S

alt Lake Community College political science student Jackson Lewis is easily Canyons School District’s youngest board of education member in the District’s 15 year history. He may be the state’s youngest elected official ever.

At 19, he was elected to office. Two months later, in January, at age 20, he will be sworn in.

The last time Lewis was elected to office was as a second grader at Canyon Rim Academy in Millcreek, when his class was learning about government.

He has been in meeting after meeting since being elected. Recently, in a meeting with other school board members, state legislators and city officials, he learned about gang behavior in schools from local law enforcement officers.

“There's an issue with our schools now, specifically with THC (vaping) cartridges, and it’s what gangs are doing to recruit in schools along the Wasatch Front,” he said.

As a 2023 graduate, he isn’t far removed from walking into the high school bathroom, smelling weed.

“I’m grateful to be able to sit in on this meeting because I'm elected to serve a constituency, and I was sitting there brainstorming the entire time, ‘how are we going to work to make it better?’” he said. “I live right next to Union Park, so I see kids hanging out at the pavilion often with drugs; they should be in school.”

He realizes he’s more under a microscope as the youngster on the school board unlike Katie Dahle, who also was elected for the first time this term or re-elected member Holly Neibaur. He plans to use his fresh, firsthand experience as a recent student to address issues important to current students and educators.

“During my campaign, I talked about chronic absenteeism because I had firsthand issues with it so I'm bringing that perspective to the board, where we can address these issues,” he said.

It was during high school when he attended Skyline High that he had some family issues which impacted him.

“I struggled a lot with my mental health,” he said, adding it continued when he transferred to Hillcrest his senior year and where his sister now is a senior. “There was a period of my high school time, particularly senior year, where I was absent for a good chunk of it.”

Lewis said by “endlessly” talking to his Hillcrest counselor, Kimberly Walters, they found a way to get him motivated to return to school.

“I started the school day at 9 (a.m.) so I got the sleep I needed. Instead of starting the day in a lecture-based classroom or sitting there doing a worksheet, I started in weight training. As a teenage male, I love going to the gym, and that brought me into the school building; it got me to graduate,” he said.

Now, Lewis wants the school board to focus on the issue.

“We need to meet students where they are, find what makes students excited to go to school, and focus on getting kids to school. A lot of students have a big issue with getting out of bed and going to school every day. It's a post-COVID world. It's not just here; it’s a nationwide issue. We need to find a way to make sure students want to be in school and it will pull a lot of kids out of chronic absenteeism,” he said.

It won’t happen with one big “swoosh,” said former Alta High history and government teacher Rique Ochoa, who has analyzed campaigns and elections with his stu-

MillcreekJournal .com

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

At age 20, Hillcrest High 2023 graduate Jackson Lewis will take the oath of office Jan. 7 and will become the youngest to ever serve on Canyons School’s Board of Education. (Photo courtesy of Jackson Lewis)

dents.

“It’s a good thing he's being more specific, but does he have a plan to solve chronic absenteeism?” Ochoa said. “He's going to have to institute small solutions initially to get people on board. Once he gets that and it’s moderately successful, he needs to look at ‘How will we expand this?’ He can’t expect change to be immediate; it’s going to be small, incremental steps, and then get a broader picture later. At 19, you come in with a lot of inexperience and a lot of great ideas, but practicality also has to come into play.”

As a teenager who prefers riding a scooter to driving, Lewis advocates for the best routes for students and pedestrians, wanting to move the Safe Walking Routes away from busy arterial roads into neighborhood streets with lower speed limits. He wants students to be able to ride UTA transit for free and supports UDOT’s proposed bike freeway.

“I want to create a partnership between the District, Salt Lake County, local city governments and the state department of transportation so when new infrastructure projects go up in this area…we design new pedestrian pathways…in a way students also can use them. I want this to be a conversation over my upcoming term,” he said.

Lewis became curious about the school board during a college and career readiness day in Karla Moosman’s English language arts class. He remembers learning about education bills passed in the legislature and realizing how complicated it was for the school board to put some in place because “they don’t get the resources they need from the state.”

At that point, he looked up who his board member was and the 18 years old age requirement, which then he hadn’t reached. Later in the year, he worked for the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel when the local democratic party offered their support for him

to run.

“I was running for my community. I popped into the race expecting to lose to (then incumbent) Mont (Millerberg). He was an extremely important and major community figure,” Lewis said.

Lewis will serve in District 1, where Millerberg, a longtime member and board vice president, served until his unexpected death in February 2024. Lewis beat out Millerberg’s wife, Kris, who served in the seat following her husband, and ran as a write-in candidate. He also beat candidate Rainer Lilbook.

Lewis thinks he resonated with voters partially because of his age.

“A lot of the conversations I had were about my age.

The perspective I bring to the board is of a former Hillcrest High School student and a lifelong resident of Midvale. I offered a perspective that has direct impact over thousands of very young people. Quite a few times I was told by voters, ‘a 19 year old on a school board makes perfect sense.’ People are just ready for new, young perspective,” he said.

Ochoa believes Lewis won for three reasons.

“First of all, many people don’t know school board elections. It’s like when you get your ballot and see all the judges to retain or not. Some people don’t know anything about them and start alternating yes and no because they don’t know,” he said. “The same thing may be true with school board members’ elections. Many people don’t know the candidates. For those who do, I think he may have resonated because he gave specifics on his campaign. He's going to make a ripple right from the start, because he's talking about specific problems. Others, who just talk generically, can take pretty much any action they want and say it supports teachers, or it supports education. Their campaigns deal with generalities, because who's going to say they're against supporting education, against the teachers, nobody is.”

Having Kris Millerberg as a write-in candidate also likely impacted the vote, and split the vote, he said.

Canyons District Supt. Rick Robins said he welcomes the new board members and anticipates continued focus on students.

“I'm really excited for Jackson and for Kate, and I'm just so grateful to both of them for deciding to run for elected office,” he said. “The board has dynamics like a family as different people join. But our board has been great at assimilating and finding common ground and being able to stay focused on what's most important, students.”

That’s where Lewis is focused.

“My plan right now is to serve this full term; if Jackson Lewis, a year ago, got to look at the world now, he would not have expected anything that had happened this last year to happen,” he said. “I've always had a strong sense of what is right and wrong. I've always been into politics, I love policy. I want to leave the world a better place than when I was born, that's why I know politics is my calling; a great vessel for change is through politics.

As a school board member, I have goals; I have plans.

Obviously, compromise is not the enemy of progress, and I am not going to step on the District’s feet or my own feet for some purity test. That's not the politics. That's not the kind of person I am, but I do want to make a difference.” l

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Millcreek City Journal

Utah launches round-up program to fund homeless services

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

D

uring the final days of the 2024 Utah Legislature, a new provision into the omnibus alcohol bill for the year came together last minute.

The bill, HB548, established a new program at state liquor stores to ask customers whether they’d like to round up their purchases to donate to a state fund that supports homeless service programs across Utah.

Starting Nov. 19, 2024, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services officially launched that program in liquor and wine stores across the state.

Now, at checkout, liquor store cashiers will ask customers if they would like to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar. If they agree, their donation will go directly to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account, a fund named after a prominent homeless advocate.

The state uses the fund to direct donations to a wide variety of homeless programs, according to state officials, including: • Emergency services like temporary shelters, meal services, day centers and outreach programs.

• Supportive services, including case

management to help people move into stable housing.

• Housing services, including rapid rehousing programs, transitional housing, rental assistance, case management and security.

• Domestic violence service providers.

“This program offers Utahns a simple way to make a meaningful impact,” said Senate Budget Chair Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, in a statement. “By rounding up, we can provide essential resources to those who need them most and make significant strides toward addressing homelessness in our state.”

Though the round-up program will be asking Utah customers to donate small amounts – less than a dollar – each transaction can add up. Last year, Utah saw more than $579 million in alcohol sales, according to the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services’ 2023 annual report.

State officials estimate it will bring in roughly $2.5 million a year to the Pamela Atkinson fund.

To spread the word about the new

program, officials from the Utah Office of Homeless Services and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services held a media event at one of the state’s liquor and wine stores in Salt Lake City.

State officials said they were eager to launch the program after the Pamela Atkinson fund’s annual donations has been “pretty stagnant” in recent years.

Utah’s growing homeless system is also seeing more projects come to fruition, including a new 50-bed microshelter community on state-owned land under freeway overpasses in Salt Lake City. State officials are also looking at possibly doing more for youth and family homelessness, as well as generally expanding the state homeless system’s capacity.

Through the round-up program, Utahns can contribute to services that have faced increased pressures as Utah’s homelessness population has grown amid diminished housing affordability, increasing cost of living, and other issues including increased needs for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

In recent years, Utah’s emergency homeless shelters have been operating at essentially mass capacity, people suffering from mental illness have been living in shel-

ters and jails, and “the deficit for deeply affordable housing is at 77,000 units,” according to a January report issued by the Utah Office of Homeless Services.

Meanwhile, state leaders have also dramatically increased the amount of state and federal funds funneled toward homeless services over the past three years as state leaders have taken on a more active role, agreeing that homelessness is a statewide problem, and not just a Salt Lake City problem.

In 2022, Utah appropriated about $35 million in state and federal funds on homeless services, according to the state’s budget website. That amount grew to $70 million in 2023, then to over $167.7 million in 2024 – including $30 million in one-time COVID-19 relief funding, plus about $37.3 million in other federal funds. For fiscal year 2025, state leaders appropriated about $153.7 million in state and federal funds.

Ongoing revenue resources are harder to come by than one-time money during the legislature’s budgeting process, so even though it’s a comparatively small amount to the state’s larger homeless services budget, the round-up program will still help. l

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Millcreek City Journal

“BEEP BEEP!”

R

emember in the Looney Tunes cartoons when Wile E. Coyote runs off the edge of a cliff and hangs suspended in midair before he realizes there’s no ground beneath his feet? That’s how I feel going into 2025.

The holidays offered a jolly buffer between the U.S. presidential election and the official transfer of power this month, but now I’m looking down at the canyon floor, holding up a sign that reads “Help!” and preparing myself for the plunge where I hit rock bottom. Then, as I’m lying in a coyote-shaped hole, an anvil will land on my head.

Historically, January in Utah is not for the faint-hearted with its frigid temperatures, smoggy inversions and lack of holidays that involve celebrating with pie. Nothing screams January like buying a pound of peppermint chocolate bark on clearance and scarfing it down while binge-watching “Bridgerton” in sweatpants.

But for those of us still reeling from the election, every batty presidential cabinet pick, each mention of mass deportations and every promise to roll back environmental regulations is another anvil to the head.

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

I’m not a person who gets amped about “A new year!” and “A better me!” but my goal this month is to change my mindset. I need to put down the leftover Christmas candy, change out of my sweatpants and do what I can to bring about positive change.

Maybe I’ll make a vision board or start repeating daily affirmations. Perhaps I’ll exercise more, although the gym will be as crowded as Times Square for the next six weeks. I will definitely not observe Dry January.

I could learn how to use the tech I got for Christmas or take up a new language.

Like Russian. I could try to enjoy winter activities and make an effort not to groan when someone suggests a winter hike or a sledding trip at the local park.

One way to change my mindset is to volunteer with organizations that support causes dear to my heart. Getting out of my

head and into the idea we can all make a difference could make this dreary month (or year) bearable.

I should also take a social media break because the algorithm on my feeds stokes the flames of my angst and frustration.

Haha! Just kidding. I’m not giving up TikTok until the government rips the phone from my grasping fingers. That platform brings me instances of joy with its mischievous pets, hilarious cooking vids and comic relief.

Maybe taking up a new hobby could put me in an optimistic state of mind, but not crocheting because that’s ridiculously hard. Perhaps I could start ballroom dancing or interpretive cake decorating. It’s conceivable I have a hidden talent for base jumping or parkour. I guess we’ll never know.

Some readers have suggested I take a writing class. I guess I could look into that.

Chasing that elusive Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote faced catastrophes every day. His ACME explosives blew up in his face, he was smashed by boulders over and over, he fell off cliffs and spent thousands of dollars for Road Runner traps that inevitably went wrong. His rocket-powered unicycle experiment didn’t end well.

But every day, he showed up to try again, creating ingenious ways to catch the Road Runner. He never stopped believing one day he would succeed, that one day he wouldn’t be crushed. That’s where I am.

I’m peeling myself off the boulder and starting over, never giving up hope that one person can change this world for the better.

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