Like many potentially harebrained ideas, Dylan McDonnell’s idea to brew beer from yeast that’s nearly 3,000 years old started during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, McDonnell, an avid home brewer, heard about someone who had baked a loaf of sourdough bread with a strain of yeast that’s a descendant of a 4,500-year-old Egyptian yeast.
McDonnell, who had never brewed professionally and started home brewing with a kit from The Beer Nut, wondered if he could do the same for beer.
“When I brew beer I’m not necessarily interested in making just an average beer,” he said. “I want to try to push the boundaries of brewing, and I felt using a very old yeast would be a great way to do that for this batch.”
When McDonnell heard about the sourdough experiments—done in 2019 by Seamus Blackley, a physicist, amateur baker, “gastroegyptologist” and inventor of the original Xbox—he started doing his own research, unaware of any yeast that was commercially available that he could use for such a project.
In his research, though, he came across Primer’s Yeast, a German company that wanted a home brewer to test out yeast that microbiologists had isolated from ancient pottery in Israel. Primer’s had previously done experiments using “heritage” yeast (or, yeast that is descended from ancient yeast) and modern ingredients to create ancient beer.
In a video about that project, lab manager Dr. Shunit Coppenhagen-Glazer said microbiologists would take ancient vessels supplied by archaeologists and reanimate yeast molecules that had survived in
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the ceramic material for millennia, then isolate and characterize the yeast.
The strain McDonnell ordered in September is called PTS-900BCE, which, according to Primer’s Yeast’s website, is a brewing strain that dates back to 850 B.C.E. and was extracted from the ancient site of Gath of the Philistines in Israel. Today, the site is not much more than hills covered with white rocks and olive trees.
Expecting his yeast to arrive by December, McDonnell got to work developing a beer recipe and collecting ingredients. But his order became backlogged due to the Israel-Hamas war and did not arrive in December.
Primer’s Yeast reached out to him in January, though, with the offer of a premarket release of the yeast. Now, he could get back to his recipe. And what else could he do to develop an ancient beer recipe besides consult an ancient text. The Ebers Papyrus is from about 1,550 B.C.E., older than McDonnell’s yeast by approximately 700 years.
The Ebers Papyrus outlined numerous recipes for folk medicines for various ailments. McDonnell went through about 800 of them, taking the ones that referenced beer, and specifically, the act of drinking beer, and narrowed it down to 75 recipes.
In those 75 recipes, there were about 120 unique ingredients, and he created his recipe using the ingredients mentioned the most: Egyptian balsam fruit (aka desert dates), figs, golden Israeli raisins, juniper berries, carob fruit, frankincense, Yemeni Sidr honey and black cumin. For the base, he used Emmer wheat and purple Egyptian barley, which is grown in Utah.
“I took the beer recipes from the Ebers Papyrus and used the most common ingredients that could be verified as the same ingredients today that were used back then,” McDonnell said. “I did this by verifying the ingredients names on the papyrus with the items found in King Tut’s tomb. For example, the recipe calls for figs. There are currently thousands of varieties of
figs, but in King Tut’s tomb, the Sycamore fig was specifically present, which is why, to me, it was important to get as authentic ingredients as possible.”
Something that came in handy about the Ebers Papyrus—which had been digitized and translated in English—is that it not only listed the ingredients for beer, it also listed the proportions needed in a recipe.
After years of planning, research, finding ingredients and brewing, McDonnell finally succeeded in brewing a beer with 3,000-year-old yeast. McDonnell says it’s a relief to have been able to successfully brew it.
“I wanted to do this the right way, so there was a lot of fact checking and double checking,” he said. “I also bought a lot more ingredients that I anticipated using that I ended up not using because of the various iterations of the recipe I kept toying with to try to get the right one.”
McDonnell compared the process to making ancient ice cream, saying, “There are a lot of different flavors and a lot of different additions can go in to it, and rocky road is vastly different than vanilla, but at the end of the day, when you taste ice cream, you know it’s ice cream.”
He said that was his goal, to have someone take a sip of the beer and be able to tell what it is. Unfortunately, he said there isn’t really anyone who can do that and say it tastes exactly the same as it did 3,000 years ago. But, he just wanted to “do right by the people who brewed this recipe 3,000 years ago.”
In all, he ended up with 10 gallons, which is a large yield for a home-brewing project. He estimates it cost him about $1,000 to brew the batch. He ended up with a beer he described as a citrusy sour beer, “but rather than having a bitter hops aftertaste it has more of a floral aftertaste.”
This 10-gallon batch won’t be available commercially, but an adaptation of McDonnell’s recipe will be available at Primers-Yeast.com.
To inquire about a private tasting, you can contact Dylan McDonnell at mcdonnelldc@ gmail.com. l
The Millcreek Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Millcreek. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website.
The brewing setup Dylan McDonnell used to brew ancient beer. (Photo by Dylan McDonnell)
Millcreek Library offers Rainbow Club for LGBTQ teens and allies
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Created to celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging, the LGBTQ+ program at the Salt Lake County Library offers a welcoming space for teens of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Providing an array of activities, resources, and support services, the Millcreek Library’s Rainbow Club fosters understanding while creating a supportive environment where participants feel valued and accepted.
The County Library’s marketing and communications manager Sara Neal said the program not only enriches the community but also strengthens the library’s role as a place of inclusivity and social connection.
“Our goal as a library is to offer spaces for anybody in the community and that develops in different ways,” she said. “For some locations, it is having programming that is tied to your specific language. For other branches, it’s tied to being a new parent and having resources there. In the case of the Millcreek Library, especially since it’s close to a junior high school and a high school, it’s having a place where you can be comfortable with your friend.”
The Millcreek Rainbow Club meets the fourth Thursday of every month, from 3:304:30 p.m. at the Millcreek Library (2266 E. Evergreen Ave.) in the meeting room. All tweens, teens and allies are invited to participate, forge friendships, learn a new craft and discuss important issues.
Attendees enjoy creating things together at the club. Crafts include string art, pom pom garlands and decorations for the library to commemorate Pride Month in June.
The Rainbow Club website (found through the Salt Lake County Library’s website at slcls. libnet) lists artists, actors, musicians and others who identify as LGBTQ+. The site also suggests reading material, movies, music and other media that is LGBTQ+ friendly. There is also a listing of LGBTQ+ friendly businesses in Salt Lake County.
“I think the entire point of being human is finding people we can relate to, but it’s also finding differences that help us expand our worldview,” Neal said. “So I think that anytime libraries have a chance to share information it helps you learn something new about the world around you and interact with it in a different way.”
Millcreek city supported the LGBTQ+ community through its recent Pride Festival that featured a Big Gay Car Wash (with proceeds supporting UAF Legacy Health, an organization helping those living with HIV). It also hosted the Matrons of Mayhem drag bingo event, held a Pride market, and Millcreek Pride skate night at Millcreek Common featuring DJ Chu.
“I think the focus is not just our queer kids, it is for anybody,” Neal said. “So it’s for kids who are queer, it’s for kids who are straight, it’s for kids who have friends who are queer and they just might want to know more about how they can support their friends.” l
The Millcreek Library’s Rainbow Club is open to teens of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and their allies. (Stock photo)
Millcreek supported the LGBTQ+ community through its recent Pride Festival that featured a Big Gay Car Wash (with proceeds supporting UAF Legacy Health, an organization helping those living with HIV). (Photo courtesy of Millcreek City)
Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, nationally commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in America. In 2022, Millcreek City organized its first Juneteenth celebration and held its third annual event on Sunday, June 16 at Millcreek Common (1354 E. Chambers Ave.).
Jenessa Jimoh, CEO of D.I.V.A., has co-sponsored the event for three years and is excited to see the celebration’s growth. She said it’s important to bring the community together, not only to recognize the holiday but to educate residents on what it means.
“That’s why we’re all here gathering today, to remember the origin of Juneteenth, which is Freedom Day,” Jimoh said. “It took years of fighting to be able to get this as a federal holiday. I also want people to see the amazing Black culture that we have in this state. We have a thriving Black community and businesses, CEOs and entrepreneurs here. So I want to uplift and empower them and bring them right to the center of the city.”
The celebration featured musical performances, a spoken word contest, a kids’ activity zone, food trucks, public skating, vendors and prizes. Mimi Sully owns espwa Co., a fashion line she hopes will create an inspirational way to deal with mental health issues and cultural awareness.
“We have uplifting things that I try to have fun with at the same time,” Sully said. “We’re Haitian and ‘espwa’ in Haitian means ‘hope.’” l
Amias (4) plays in the splash pad at Millcreek Common during the city’s Juneteenth celebration. (City Journals)
Crowds showed up at Millcreek Common on Sunday, June 16 to celebrate Millcreek’s Juneteenth with live music, local artists, roller skating, food trucks, vendors, a fashion show and a kids zone. (City Journals)
Simone Wrathall attended Millcreek City’s third annual Juneteenth celebration with her daughters India (right) and Nova (left). (City Journals)
Kiki Sully (left) and her twin sister Mimi Sully use their espwa Co. fashion line to foster cultural awareness and understanding. (City Journals)
1Utah Project Director Darlene McDonald (left) and Rep. Carol Spackman Moss attended Millcreek’s Juneteenth festival, encouraging people to register to vote. (City Journals)
Aerialist and hula hooper Sierra Champion entertained the crowds during the Juneteenth celebration at Millcreek Common. (City Journals)
Artist and illustrator Melissa Tshikamba displays her unique paintings that combine traditional African patterns with contemporary elements. (City Journals)
School might be out, but hunger is always in session for children facing food insecurity
By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com
The summer months are notoriously difficult for children who have limited or no access to food. Children who rely on free or reduced lunches are not receiving those benefits as most schools aren’t in session. Many of these children miss meals or go hungry during the hottest time of the year.
With inflation at hand, food prices, especially in the Beehive State, have skyrocketed making it more difficult for families to stretch their dollars, even if they are receiving supplemental benefits, like SNAP EBT. Many families who do receive SNAP benefits are no longer receiving the same monetary amount as they did during the pandemic when relief programs were in place.
According to the Utah Food Bank, one in 10 children in the state is food insecure meaning that these children do not know where their next meal is coming from.
Feeding America, the country’s largest nonprofit dedicated to combating hunger, explains why food insecurity is particularly dangerous for children.
In a statement, they said, “For children, food insecurity is particularly devastating. Not having enough healthy food can have serious implications for a child’s
physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity. Research shows an association between food insecurity and delayed development in young children; risk of chronic illnesses like asthma and anemia; and behavioral problems like hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression in school-age children.”
In the United States, certain children are more likely to be affected by food in-
Steven Connors is President/CEO of Maid Brigade, a professional residential and commercial cleaning company that includes move-in/out cleanings, regular cleanings, and one-time cleanings of homes and offices. The company opened in October 2023 and is dedicated to providing a high level of cleaning services.
What sets your company apart?
We strive to make customers happy from their rst contact with our company, the friendliness of our cleaners, and the level of cleaning we provide. With the most advanced cleaning system available, your home or o ce is cleaned with no harsh residues, fragrances, dyes, or odors and no harm to you, your family and pets, your home, or the environment.
What problem do you solve for your clients?
We provide our customers with a clean space and the gift of time. They can take the time they would have spent cleaning their home or o ce and use that time to enjoy all Salt Lake and Utah has to o er, spend time with friends and family, or engage in their favorite hobby.
Who is your ideal client?
We have customers who are in their rst job after completing school and retired customers. We have customers who live alone and customers who have several kids and multiple generations living together. We have customers with larger homes and customers who live in one-bedroom apartments. We have customers who have eight pets and customers who have none. We have customers who have never used a professional cleaning service before and customers who have
security. For instance, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger compared to their white counterparts. This is in no way an insinuation that white children aren’t also victims of hunger, just a reminder that race discrimination is real and can play an active role in perpetuating food insecurity for minority children and adults. Another common risk factor for childhood food insecurity is growing up in
had their home professionally cleaned for decades.
If you have a home or o ce, we can help provide you with a cleaner space to live and work while providing you with more time to do something you love or spend time with someone you love.
How do clients choose between you or a competitor?
There are several factors customers use to decide. First is trust. Customers welcome us into their private space and that takes a level of trust. All our employees take this trust seriously. The customer, and their satisfaction, is the center of what we do. All our cleaners are W-2 employees who have passed a background check. We are fully bonded and
a single parent household. In 2022, children who lived in a single income household, typically led by single mothers, were 33% more likely to experience hunger. What causes childhood hunger, and food insecurity? Because this issue is complicated and nuanced, there are many answers to this question, and often times, a child experiences hunger due to multiple, intersecting reasons. However, according to Feeding America, the following are major contributors to child hunger:
Low family income: Working hard and long hours does not necessarily lend itself to high wages and returns. This is why many families in dual income households might still struggle to put food on the table. Especially during these times of skyrocketing inflation.
Lack of affordable housing: Many Utahns are feeling the effects of the affordable housing crisis. Unfortunately, this is an issue that is plaguing families nationwide. Even with budgeting attempts, astronomical rent prices have made it difficult to strike the balance between groceries, rent and utilities.
Racism and discrimination: As previously noted, racism can play a significant role in perpetuating childhood hunger.
insured, minimizing risk or concern. People underestimate the importance of these issues until something goes wrong. Many of our customers have come to us after having a bad experience with a di erent company.
Customer service is also important. We make it easy for our customers by explaining the process and setting expectations from the rst conversation.
What is your favorite product?
Our primary cleaning product is electrolyzed water. We make this in the o ce and the active ingredient is hypochlorous acid, the same thing your white blood cells use to attack bacteria and viruses. It’s more e ective than bleach at killing germs and is an e ective cleaner, but it’s safe for customers, their children and pets, and our employees.
Are you running any specials or hosting any upcoming events?
Come see us at Canyon Rim Cares on Saturday July 20th! We will be hosting a table and sponsoring a service project! Anything else you would like our readers to know about your business?
In the eight months we’ve been in business, we’ve given back to the community with our time and e ort. We volunteered at local elementary schools, giving out candy at Trunk-orTreat Events or reading books to students for Read-AcrossAmerica Day. We worked with Millcreek City to sort coats from the winter coat drive and we participated in Cleaning for a Reason, a national program where we donate free home cleanings to cancer patients.
The Utah Food Bank helps provide over 400,000 meals for children in need this summer. In addition, they supply food pantries across the state with supplies for those struggling to keep food on the table during the summer months. (The Utah Food Bank)
The Bazaar at Millcreek Common connects community to unique small businesses
The Bazaar at Millcreek Common is ev -
ery Sunday until Sept. 29 from 11-4 p.m. This is an outdoor market where you can find vintage products, upcycled goods, arts and crafts plus food from a variety of vendors.
“Curiosity brings us to Millcreek Common today,” said Addison and Kit from Holladay. They decided along with so many folks to take a stroll on this sunny Sunday to check out The Bazaar.
“We just moved here a year ago from North Carolina and want to look at all the vendors now that it is open to the public,” added Kit.
Stephanie Hanks owns Bright and Stormy kids. “These are vintage products. We have children’s clothes, shoes, toys, accessories and everything and anything that kids like to play with.”
“I have four kids myself and new clothes are so expensive and with vintage is it less expensive and it can be quirky and fun,” Hanks said.
Hanks’ booth was filled with upcycled secondhand clothing, books and toys. “I have a blast finding this stuff,” added Hanks.
Upcycling uses secondhand goods to create a product that might be better than the original one. It is popular these days and many booths at The Bazaar sell only upcycled products.
“This is my hobby. I express myself through creating art to show and sell to people,” said Diona the owner of Art Journey Shop. “My products are based on good finds from thrift stores and then I recycle them and bring them back to life.”
“It makes my soul happy,” Diona said.
The aroma of the baked Peruvian empanadas along with the free samples being distributed from the booth occupied by Empanadas801 attracted many hungry visitors.
Due to issues like redlining and food deserts in communities where there are high concentrations of Blacks, Native Americans and Latinos, many of the children in these communities have trouble accessing healthy and nutritious food on a regular basis.
Children are particularly vulnerable during the summer months not only because school subsidized food programs aren’t in operation, but also because the volume of donations that pantries and food banks receive decrease during this time. People are more likely to donate during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. To help combat these difficulties, multiple organizations across the county
By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
“Everything is made from scratch like the dough. It is a family business run by me and my wife and our two daughters,” said owner Leo Perez. “It is fun. My wife is from Peru and she got the recipes and the sauce from her friend in Peru who is a really good cook.”
They offer chicken, beef, veggie, ham and cheese and they even have a gluten-free empanadas. They all come with jalapeno cilantro dipping sauce.
“They are baked which makes them better. We go to the commissary kitchen and make everything from scratch including the dough and she cooks it then put the seasonings on them and even my daughters help out in the kitchen. Certain days we make different things. Mondays I cut up the dough and cut up the onions and my wife will assemble them the next day.”
“The ones from Peru are not fried they are baked. Empanada means ‘in bread.’ Different areas of South America will make their own types,” Perez said.
“When the Spanish conquered different regions, they would bring their own cuisine into the area. So different places will put what they ate in the empanadas from that area. This is why it is really cool to try different empanadas in other places,” added Perez.
Perez’s daughter Mari was working the booth and said, “Because they are baked it makes them better. You can reheat them and they won’t get soggy.”
Perez along with his wife, Marisol Pitta-Perez, are trying to expand their business and have added an apple pie empanada with a caramel drizzle to the menu. This new treat is not Peruvian but is becoming a favorite at their booth. l
are hosting summer food drives and programs to help families and children eat, who are otherwise struggling to put food on the table.
For those needing food and meal services, the Utah Food Bank is a good place to begin. For children in particular, the Kids Café program extends its services into summer. With a goal of providing over 400,000 meals, the Kids Café program will be available at over 75 locations in multiple counties. Children are able to eat in locations that are near their home. These locations include parks, libraries and community centers. Children must be physically present at the Kids Café location during serving times. To learn more
about Kids Café, visit their page at www. utahfoodbank.org/2024/05/28/ensuring-utah-kids-have-access-to-nutritiousmeals-when-school-is-out-2/.
To see Kids Café locations visit www. utahfoodbank.org/summermeals/.
For other information, including access to an emergency food pantry, supplemental food programs like SNAP EBT and WIC (Women, Infants & Children) or information on statewide programs, the local nonprofit organization Utahns Against Hunger, has compiled a comprehensive list of resources at their webpage: www.uah. org/get-help/emergency-food.
While many food banks and pantries are subsidized and sponsored by govern-
ment funding, donations remain crucial to their continued success. Here in Utah over 60% of food is sourced from community donations. To learn about donations, food drop-off locations or fundraising for the Utah Food Bank, visit www.utahfoodbank. org/summer/.
The food bank has also partnered with Harmons Grocery stores across the state, allowing shoppers to conveniently donate at check out.
Finally, for those facing food insecurity, but are struggling to justify visiting pantries and/ or participating in programs, a quick and complete list of statewide summer meal sites is available, no questions asked, by texting “FOOD” to 304-304. l
(Above)The Bazaar at Millcreek Common held every Sunday from 11-4 p.m. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
(Left)Stephanie Hanks owner of Bright and Stormy Kids which sells vintage and upcycled children’s clothing and accessories at The Bazaar. (Jolene Croasmun/ City Journals)
Top five splash pads in Salt Lake County
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Splash pads are a summertime staple with water jets, sprays and fountains helping kids of all ages beat the heat. As cities look to create sustainable, family-friendly activities, splash pads continue to grow in popularity, transforming public spaces into vibrant interactive centers.
While Salt Lake County has many splash pads, these five parks stand out for creativity and size.
Wardle Fields Regional Park, 14148 S. 2700 West, Bluffdale
With myriad water features, Wardle Fields splash pad is perfect for warm summer days. A wading river runs through most of the area and the waterfall offers a cool spot from the heat. Sprayers, misters, fountains and shallow pools provide playful options. Bring shade tents to create a sun-free zone. Water at the splash pad is filtered to water the adjacent park. Open Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day.
Magna Regional Park, 4042 S. 7200 West, Magna
This award-winning 62-acre park in Magna features an inclusive splash pad for people of all ages and abilities. The waterfalls are a
popular attraction, as are the misting vents, musical toys and large rocks that spray water. The splash pad covers a wide area and features unique fountains for all-day play. Open Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day.
Heritage Splash Pad, 10828 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan
Incorporating 17 different water spray features, the splash pad at Heritage Park turns 1-year-old this year. Highlighted by an old-fashioned water tower, a wading creek, small waterfalls and numerous interactive spaces, including a shaded area for small children, the splash pad is a destination spot for families this summer. The park utilizes a recirculation system to reduce water consumption. Open Monday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sandy Splash Pad at Amphitheater Park, 1245 E. 9400 South, Sandy
Featuring seven unique waterfalls, the Sandy City splash pad offers an interactive water experience for families seeking relief from the summer heat. Water from the falls flows through the splash pad area to create a fast-moving, shallow river, while sprayers, fountains and misters add fun elements for kids and parents
alike. With large grassy areas, ample shade and beautiful views of the Wasatch Mountains, this splash pad is a great place to spend a day. Open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Smith Fields Splash Pad, 150 E. 13400 South, Draper
Using an interactive river, spray nozzles and fountains, the Smith Fields Splash Pad provides hours of water fun in a shady venue. A
“water weave” design cascades water down the steps at the park with arching, vertical and bubbling sprays to keep everything cool. Dumping buckets, spray cannons and spin soakers create fun opportunities for water play while shade sails provide relief from the sun. The splash pad is operated with limited hours, to reduce water usage. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Aug. 31. l
Several splash pads in the county offer fun, wet, cool summer relief. (Stock photo)
Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley honored for commitment to patient safety
By Christine McSweeney
Each and every day, our incredible physicians and nurses work relentlessly to uphold our values of excellence, innovation and compassion. Central to this effort is our unyielding commitment to the safety of our patients.
That is why we are honored at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley to receive recognition from The Leapfrog Group with an “A” grade for Hospital Safety in Spring 2024. Leapfrog is a national nonprofit watchdog that assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.
Our recognition of an “A” grade at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley belongs to our exceptional physicians and care teams who constantly strive to improve our care and protect patients from preventable harm. We are grateful for the dedication of all our caregivers to the safety of our patients and ensuring they are protected at every stage of their care journey.
“Everyone who works at these Mountain Region hospitals should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication of everyone at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. It is our patients who illuminate not just our common spirit, but our shared mission to improve health, advance social justice, and make known the healing presence of God. We are proud to serve all in our communities, and nothing is more important than the safety of every person who comes through our doors. Together, we will achieve our vision of a healthier future for all.
As 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.
SPONSORED CONTENT
By Christine McSweeney CEO, Holy Cross Hospital Jordan Valley
Mountain States Eye Center
1485 E. 3900 South, Ste 103
801-277-1087
www.slceyes.com
Dr. Corey A. Miller started Mountain States Eye Center in 1984 as a comprehensive ophthalmology practice using state–of-the-art equipment and techniques. Up until he retired in 2022, Dr. Miller offered top-notch care and treatment to all his patients. His son, Dr. Corey J. Miller, joined him in his practice a few months and took over once his father retired.
Corey J. Miller, M.D. graduated magna cum laude from the University of Utah and was awarded the Eli G. Alcorn and John B. Alcorn Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Ophthalmology for his research and dedication to ophthalmology while he attended The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Following his residency at the University of Minnesota, he completed a prestigious fellowship at Minnesota Eye Consultants, receiving training in cornea, cataract, refractive and external disease.
How long have you been with Mountain States Eye Center?
I had the honor and privilege of joining my father, Dr. Corey A. Miller, in his practice where we worked together for five months prior to his well-deserved retirement. I’m excited to be back where I grew up to serve the community. I’m committed to providing excellent eye care and treat everyone like family. I’m also board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. I am committed to teaching, research and helping underserved populations. I’m fluent in Portuguese and love to spend time with my wife and four children. We enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing and biking together.
What services do you offer?
As a comprehensive ophthalmology practice, we do everything
from routine exams, diabetic exams, glasses and contact lenses, to more advanced procedures like LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, corneal transplants and glaucoma surgery.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
I see each patient myself whereas ,at bigger places, you’re often seeing any provider that is available, which could be a different person each visit. We value continuity and provide a high standard of care for our patients. We have strong ties to the community and work to create a family-like environment. Does your business solve a problem for patients?
Our goal is to improve vision and promote good ocular health. We know how critical vision is in life. We screen for, diagnose, treat and/or correct any ocular conditions that could impact the vision of our patients. We’re not satisfied until you are satisfied.
Who is your ideal patient?
We see people from all demographics and walks of life. We value a broad and diverse patient population. We love seeing both new and existing patients.
How do people choose between you or a competitor?
Mostly word of mouth. We hope patients have a great experience and feel comfortable recommending us to family, friends and colleagues. We value the trust people place in us to provide excellent care.
We are known for quality care and experience. We provide the highest level of care so patients feel heard, understood and treated with respect. We want each visit to be a positive experience, something that adds value to your life.
COREY J. MILLER, MD
What’s your advice for someone considering doing business with you?
We want each person to feel like family when they come to see us. We strive to be honest in all that we do. We don’t outsource your care or cut corners for the sake of profit.
What’s your favorite service?
Good quality eye care.
Are you running any specials?
We periodically have specials on laser vision correction such as LASIK or PRK. We provide free screenings for anyone that’s interested in laser vision correction to determine if they’re a good candidate. More information can be found at www.slceyes.com.
What is your service area?
We have patients from all over Utah as well as Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada.
For Dr. Miller, joining Mountain States Eye Center is highly personal. Serving the patients that his father, Dr. Corey A. Miller has cared for and and treated is as an honor and privilege. Dr. Corey J. Miller brings his own set of exceptional skills, experience, and dedication to continuing the legacy of outstanding medical care.
Dr. Miller specializes in cornea, cataract, refractive, and external disease. He is board-certi ed by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Corey J. Miller, M.D.
Chimes Choir is for grades 4-6 and the Asbury Choir is for grades 7-8. Currently, these groups are a combined choir. Ringers serve in church service once a month.
PRACTICE TIME | Sundays 11:15a - 12:15p
apPRAISEation is the adult handbell ministry at Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City. Ages 18+ welcome. Two week tour every June (Different region in the USA each year) and serves in church once per month.
PRACTICE TIME | Thursdays 7:30p - 9p
PRACTICE TIMES Tuesdays 7:30p - 9p Sundays 5p - 7:30p
LOCATION 2375 E 3300 S Salt Lake City, UT 84109
PERFORMANCES
• Holiday concerts in northern Utah during the Christmas season
• Two week tour during June in a region of the United States
• Once church service per month
FIND US ONLINE
Community, alumni say goodbye to Skyline High School with a two-day reunion
By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com
Since Skyline first opened its doors in 1962, thousands of students have spent their formative years here. Many of them wanted to pay their respects to the institution following the announcement that the school would finally be demolished and leveled this summer.
As Skyline’s final chapter came to a close, Granite School District officials decided that the school deserved a grand send-off and planned a weekend of festivities. This would require a massive labor of love, which would see hundreds of volunteers making plans and preparations, in addition to sifting through decades of archival footage, items and photographs.
Granite School District dubbed the multiday event the “Super Reunion,” which was a way for the District to celebrate the “cherished memories and lasting impact of Skyline High School.”
The District further explained that the reunion would serve as a chance for former students, teachers, staff and friends to gather together and “reminisce, reconnect, and pay homage to the institution that has been a cornerstone of the community for decades.”
The two-day reunion boasted a jampacked event schedule that kicked off May 17. On the first day, alumni were invited to let loose with a massive game of laser tag that took place within the school’s “A” building. The day’s festivities ended with a showing of the movie “Unitards.” The fulllength feature hit close to home as it was filmed at Skyline and Churchill Jr. High, featuring an all-Skyline community cast.
On May 18, thousands of individuals descended upon Skyline to partake in a series of festivities. The day kicked off with the 5K Super Soar fun run at 9 a.m. and had participants running through nearby Millcreek Canyon. The fun run was started by Skyline Hall of Fame inductees Joan Burdett, Deb Bennett and Becky Anderson.
An hour later at the school’s new gymnasium, a brunch was held honoring Skyline’s teachers. The brunch spanned two hours and brought together teachers, students, administrators and staff. With brunch well underway, nearby on the football field, alumni participated in the Eagle Bowl, a football game where teams of alumni went head-to-head, in an attempt to win bragging rights and the opportunity to have their team photograph posted in the newly minted Skyline Alumni room.
The day’s main event was the Walk of Ages and took place throughout the halls and corridors of the “A” building. Every Skyline graduating class was given their own table, and on that table sat photographs, sports uniforms, yearbooks, artifacts, and all kinds of archival footage that
represented the corresponding year. In addition, many tables were overseen by a former student who was able to answer questions about what life was like for a senior during that given year and connect fellow alumni with one another.
Everywhere one looked, signatures and messages adorned the walls of the school. The trip down memory lane led some students to tag their old lockers, while others opted to write notes on the doors of beloved staff members.
Teachers like Syd Lott are more than just educators, they’re the very backbone of Skyline High School, and in the case of Lott, his relationship with Skyline is long and fabled. Originally a student himself, Lott would eventually teach in a classroom where he had been taught years prior. According to Lott, the teacher who occupied the room when he was in school was a habitual soda drinker who disposed of his cans by throwing them up and into a hole within the ceiling. On the last day of school, Lott rallied his students to bring down the ceiling, which resulted in a downpour of soda cans.
Unlike some of his colleagues, Lott will be returning to Skyline in the fall. Despite his impressive 20-year tenure, he still has some teaching left in him. However, saying goodbye to Skyline as he’s always known it is an adjustment. “It’s hard to take the place that I’ve called home, felt like it was my home since my teenage years, and it won’t be here when I come back,” Lott said.
The Super Reunion concluded at 7 p.m. with “Skyline Under the Lights,” a big celebration held on the football field.
Things kicked off with performances by the Skyline drumline, pep band and cheer team. Music was played that represented Skyline through its many decades. The stadium was also adorned with class photos ranging from the early 1960s to the early 2020s. The reunion concluded with an end of evening slideshow, and a fireworks send-off, as the sun set for one final time over Skyline High School. l
Generations of students signed their names on this Skyline poster. (Lizzie Walje/City Journals)
During Skyline High’s Super Reunion, the Walk of Ages exhibit allowed visitors to take a (literal) stroll down memory lane. (Lizzie Walje/City Journals)
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Lady Eagles win state 5A golf title for second straight year
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
There’s nothing sweeter than a repeat in sports championships—as long as you’re the winner! The Skyline High girls golf team did exactly that this year, taking the 5A state championship for the second year in a row at Soldier Hollow Golf Course.
Paced by senior Ashley Lam’s four-under score of 140 (also her second straight individual state title), the Eagles held off Timpview to capture gold. Skyline’s boys golf team won five straight 5A golf titles from 2018-22. Now the girls are dominating.
Lam, who will play at Westminster College next year, edged Timpview’s Emma Lillywhite by two shots, both shooting closing round 69s. That individual battle came down to the final two holes of the second round, with Lam prevailing. The Eagles finished with a team score of 637, well ahead of Timpview’s 661. Salem Hills was third at 669.
In addition to Lam’s scores, the Eagles were led to the title by seniors Avery Kraatz
(sixth at 153) and Tegan Halloran (14th at 171). Other members of the winning team were Elizabeth Holbrook, Bailey Sundberg, Elizabeth Chandler and Tristyn Green.
Though the top three Skyline scorers have graduated, coach Kenny James has a pipeline of girls in the system. He had 40 players on this year’s team. l
Skyline’s girls golf team repeated as 5A state champs. (Stock photo)
Titans cap girls lacrosse season with state title
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
Deep, talented and experienced: the Olympus girls lacrosse team had all the ingredients for a state title run this season. And they didn’t disappoint.
The Titans captured the Class 5A crown, defeating Park City 9-6 in the championship game, May 23. Olympus got three goals and an assist from Hannah Nelson and three goals and two assists from Elizabeth Anné. Goalie Sydney Rossi was brilliant, making 12 saves.
The Titans were virtually unstoppable all season, compiling an 18-1 record and going a perfect 10-0 in Region 6 play. Olympus had an unblemished record against in-state foes, with its only loss coming May 18 against Foothill, California, by the count of 10-5.
“Winning a state title was an incredible feeling, one of pure exhilaration and fulfillment,” head coach Zana Spratling said. “We’ve won in state and lost in state, and nothing gives you more of a drive to better you and those around you than losing. Winning a state title is so satisfactory as a coach because it’s magical to watch a group of girls come together and play all out for each other.”
This was the third year in a row that Olympus and Park City had met in the championship game. Park City won last year’s matchup, and the Titans prevailed in 2022.
“[Park City is] a formidable team,” Spratling said. “We are very fortunate to have such high-level players not only in our division but also in our region, pushing us to get better.”
Spratling was pleased with the way her team performed in the finals and throughout the state tournament. The Titans crushed Bonneville 24-2 in the second round, blew past Box Elder 20-3 in the quarterfinals and had a hard-fought 12-11 win over Brighton in the semifinals. Spratling said the girls were effective on both ends of the field. She also said they handled the role of favorite well and played with a target on their backs.
“Throughout the tournament, our team demonstrated exceptional cohesion and skill that propelled us to success,” she said. “One of our greatest strengths was our ability to rely on our teammates. Offensively, we moved the ball with precision, capitalized on scoring opportunities and maintained composure under pressure. Defensively, we communicated well, anticipated plays, and minimized our opponents’ chances to score, holding them for long stretches of time.”
Olympus was clearly the best team in 5A, but that doesn’t mean everything went perfectly all the time. The Titans
faced some big challenges and even found themselves behind at some points of some games. The players were able to come through all the way to the championship game.
“In some games, we encountered teams with different styles of play that tested our adaptability and defensive strategies,” Spratling said. “There were moments of adversity where we trailed or other teams came close in games or faced intense pressure situations, requiring us to dig deep and rely on our resilience. To overcome these challenges, we leaned on our teamwork and trust in each other. We adjusted our tactics as needed, communicated more effectively on the field, and supported each other through every twist and turn of the tournament.”
The Titans got every team’s best shot. But Olympus was happy to embrace the role as the team to beat.
“I told the players to ‘act like you’ve been here before,’” Spratling said. “We embraced the pressure as motivation rather than letting it overwhelm us. We used it as fuel to push ourselves harder in practices, refining our skills and reinforcing our team dynamics. By focusing on our preparation and trusting in our training, we were able to channel the pressure into positive energy on the field.”
Playing well when it mattered most and when the players’ best was required is something Spratling has ingrained in the program.
“Our team culture played a pivotal role in overcoming the pressure,” she said. “Celebrating small victories and staying resilient during setbacks—like
trailing by two in the first half—helped us stay mentally strong and focused on our ultimate goal. In the end, managing the pressure of being favorites involved a combination of mental preparation, team support and a disciplined approach to our game. By staying true to our strengths and embracing the challenge, we were able to overcome the pressure and achieve success in the tournament.”
Spratling highlighted the play of Nelson, Elizabeth Anné, Sarah Anné, Rossi, Hazel Baker and Masami Goodick in the final game and throughout the state tournament.
“[Nelson] has always performed well under pressure and shines in state games, consistently having the best shooting percentage and the most goals or tied for most,” Spratling said. “This girl always gets it done and rallies the team around her. Lizzie stays cool under pressure, and you can see it manifested in high-pressure games. She had the most points in the state game and came in clutch all over the field, earning MVP of the state playoff game. Sarah knows what determines a game: possession. Thanks to her we maintained a 67% draw control, giving us an edge to pace the game on our terms—not to mention her being responsible for three of our nine points.”
Spratling will have to somehow find a way to replace 10 highly talented, accomplished seniors.
Seniors who graduated and contributed to the Titans’ championship were Hannah Nelson, Lily Nelson, Lily Arrowood, Lily Nydegger, Emma Davis, Kate Lowry, Olivia Smart and Addison Wride. Two
other seniors, Baker and Rossi, will play lacrosse next season at the D1 level for University of Oregon and LeMoyne College (New York), respectively. Baker was an All-American this past season and as a junior in 2023. She also achieved All-Academic recognition in 2023.
But don’t expect the Titans to drop out of the championship picture in 2025.
Olympus welcomes back sisters Elizabeth Anné and Sarah Anné for their senior years. Both have already committed to play at the next level at Penn State University. Sarah was a First-Team All-State player this past season, while Elizabeth made the Second Team. Goodick will also return as a senior next season after a stellar First-Team All-State junior year.
“Our primary goal is to defend our state title and establish ourselves as a dominant force in the league once again,” Spratling said. “We aspire to maintain a high level of consistency in our performance, both in terms of individual player development and team dynamics. Off the field, we aim to uphold high standards of sportsmanship and represent our school and community with pride. We understand the responsibility that comes with being defending champions and will strive to inspire and positively impact those around us.”
Not only was Olympus superb on the field this past season, but the girls excelled in the classroom. The team had a cumulative grade point average of 3.911 and had four Academic All-State performers. l
The Olympus girls lacrosse team celebrates its victory over Park City in the Class 5A state championship game. (Photo courtesy of Cbreeze Photography)
Summer Off Socials: Gen Zers encouraged to ditch social media
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
Is
social media really social? That’s the question two students at Brigham Young University asked themselves before coming up with a plan.
Macy Dial had been on social media for a decade—half her life—before she decided she was done with it. Looking back on that decade, she saw how social media “fundamentally altered” her brain.
“Anything beautiful or precious in life became an opportunity for a photo op,” she wrote. “I began to think in Instagram captions.”
Dial said her push from social media came after reading a book called “4,000 Weeks” by Oliver Burkeman, a book about how we use our time. Dial said she realized how much time she was wasting on social media and decided it was time to make a change.
Fellow BYU student Kristen Hansen also felt put-off by the social media she’d grown up with. So, they teamed up to encourage Gen Zers to get off social apps and experience the shock for themselves.
“But the more research we did, the more we realized, like, just what a big piece of the puzzle digital wellness was, and how much social media and excessive technology use was impacting, like the mental health of
Gen Z and just young people in society at large,” Dial said.
They call the movement “Summer Off Socials”—participants will ditch at least one social media app and replace it with in-person connections. To help push participants in the right direction, Summer Off Socials will
send out weekly texts with challenges, like going for a 30-minute phoneless walk, calling a long-distance friend or meeting someone new. The initiative launched June 1 and already has approximately 500 participants. According to reports, the average Gen Zers typically spend up to seven hours on
screens every day. Dozens of efforts have been made to curb screen time through usage tracking apps, time limit settings and even a 3D-printed brick that temporarily removes apps from your phone.
Hansen and Dial aren’t necessarily expecting participants to swear off social media forever, but they do hope people become more thoughtful about their digital choices.
There are obviously some drawbacks to living off social media. You may not stay with current trends or slang, and some small businesses only post updates on social media. Plus, you’ll definitely miss out on some life updates.
“There’s definitely a cost to being out of touch in this way,” Dial wrote. “Without social media, I feel like I’ve lost a certain cultural cachet. I’ve missed life updates from friends. I miss the creative and funny content.”
Dial said the pros to leaving social media far outweighed the cons, including her newfound peace of mind and the amount of time she now has.
Maybe someday there will be a mass exodus off social media, but for now, Dial and Hansen are encouraging people to take a break. l
Gen Zers are challenged to delete one social media app for the summer. (Bailey Chism/City Journals)
Boys volleyball made its eagerly anticipated, long-awaited debut this past spring, and the Olympus Titans made the most of the inaugural season.
Olympus placed fourth in the Class 5A state tournament and went 24-6 overall. Olympus dominated Region 6, going 11-0 and finishing two and a half games in front of second-place Alta.
Despite not having a lot of depth, the Titans had a successful campaign and proved to be one of the top teams in the state.
“Every season has its own identity, and this one is no exception,” head coach Brett Peterson said. “We had an extremely shallow roster going into this season and put a lot of pressure on the guys to stay healthy while also figuring out a unique lineup that let us play to everyone’s strengths. It was a fun challenge that required a lot of flexibility and selflessness from our guys that has been inspiring to me as a coach. This group of boys has been extremely special to coach, and as a coaching staff we’re really going to miss the group of seniors that have helped us lead this 2024 group throughout a really fun season.”
In the 5A tournament, Olympus went in as the No. 2 seed, securing a first-round bye. In the second round, the Titans took care of No. 15 Cedar Valley 25-21, 27-25, 25-21. A quarterfinals win over No. 10 Skyline followed. Olympus had already defeated the Eagles twice during the season, and the Titans prevailed this time around in a tough 3-2 contest. Olympus outlasted Skyline 23-25, 25-18, 20-25, 2519, 16-14.
“Our match against Skyline in the quarterfinals was a highlight for us,” Peterson said. “Skyline was playing the best volleyball we’ve seen them play all season, and we went down 2-1 in sets due to some offensive struggles, serving inconsistencies and extraordinary defense on Skyline’s side of the net. Our boys did a fantastic job going into set four playing with a lot of urgency and doubling down on the offense that got them there in the first place. In the deciding fifth set, we were able to get a few points ahead behind some impressive kills and timely blocks. Skyline made a late run to tie the game at 14-14 before our boys were able to overpower the Skyline defense and pull ahead to win 16-14 to move on to the semifinals.”
The Titans fell to a tough Bountiful team, seeded third, three games to one. The Titans had defeated the Redhawks earlier in the season 3-2. Olympus then lost in the third-fourth matchup to Spanish Fork two games to one, 26-24, 20-25, 25-23.
“The boys came into state with high
Titans place fourth in 5A boys volleyball
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
expectations for themselves as well as a healthy level of respect for some of the other teams out there in the state. Finishing top four out of 28 teams in 5A is a fantastic place to start in our inaugural season of sanctioned volleyball, and we’re excited to try to carry that momentum forward as we retool and start our preparations for the 2024 season.”
Though the Titans came up a little short of winning a state title, Peterson was pleased with the way the boys played.
“I was most excited about how well the boys supported each other through the highs and lows of the tournament,” he said. “I think it’s easy for guys to play a little selfishly in these big tournaments, and every guy on the team was locked in on playing for each other and trying to make the team succeed. We have had one of the most potent offenses in the state this year, and the state tournament was a really fun stage for our boys to show off that offense.”
Peterson appreciated the strong play of middle blocker Reef Smylie, who had 39 kills, 14 blocks, 30 digs and seven aces in the state tournament.
“[Smylie] had a huge tournament,” Peterson said. “He’s been so flexible throughout his time at Olympus, and his
willingness to step up and help the team win in all kinds of ways makes him a dream to coach.”
Middle blocker Soren Jepsen, who has committed to play at the next level at Brigham Young University, was also a big factor in Olympus season and state turn.
The 6-foot-10-inch player was 5A’s Player of the Year. In the tournament, he had 37 kills, 12 blocks and a .318 hitting percentage.
“[Jepsen] was huge for us and helped us get out of a lot of tight spots throughout the tournament,” Peterson said. “He gives our team a lot of confidence knowing that we always have the ability to put away a ball if we are able to make good defensive plays. He consistently drew the attention of the whole defense of the other team, which opened up a lot of options for the rest of our guys.”
Peterson also highlighted the efforts of team captain Miles Burningham. The senior outside hitter had 59 kills, a .195 hitting percentage, 39 digs, eight blocks and 10 aces.
“[Burningham] is a joy to coach, and we’re absolutely going to miss his leadership on the team,” he said. “His example and consistent leadership by example is one of the primary drivers of our success
throughout the season as well as one of the reasons why we were able to fight through a lot of tough spots throughout the state tournament.”
Next season could look different for the Titans.
Olympus will have some new faces in the starting lineup, and Peterson will rely on different leaders. Still, he expects the team to compete, even though the outlook may not be quite as strong. He will welcome back rising outside hitter Yuse Jones, who will be a senior. Peterson said Jones “has been huge” for the team. There’s also incoming junior setter Gabriel Lincoln, who led the state in assists this past season with 1,081.
“2025 is going to represent a bit of a reset in expectations for us,” Peterson said. “We have been a top-five team in the state for a long time, and we have a long way to go if we want to compete at that level going into the next season. While we may not be in a position to compete for a state title, our plan is to treat next year as foundational in resetting our program for success in the coming years. We have a lot of young players with a ton of talent, and we’re excited to help them develop those talents as we continue to grow the Olympus volleyball program.” l
The Olympus boys volleyball team captured the Region 6 title in its inaugural season. The Titans were also fourth in the Class 5A state tournament. (Photo courtesy of Brett Peterson)
Summer reading programs seek to cultivate and encourage literacy in students
By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com
Even though summer is officially underway, that doesn’t mean that students still can’t pledge reading goals through a variety of summer reading programs in Salt Lake County.
Reading programs offer structure for students when they’re not actively in school and learning. This can be crucial for many students as, like with most skills, in order to further develop one’s sense of literacy, reading should become a routine part of one’s schedule. Moreover, many programs are offered by local libraries, and learning about the library can be helpful for students of all ages, as it remains an often-underutilized resource in many communities.
In Salt Lake County, there are different summer reading programs available for students and some of these programs also offer adults the chance to participate. This not only allows for parents to lead by example when it comes to cultivating interest and literacy, but inclusive summer reading programs can help students stay motivated and engaged, knowing their parents are also participating.
One of the most accessible summer reading program is at The City Library, 210 E. 400 South. Even though June has passed, students can still sign up for the Super Summer Challenge, which will be in effect until Aug. 3. The challenge is popular among students because it offers prizes and incentives. The Super Summer Challenge’s webpage even offers free printable coloring pages, a perfect time-consuming activity for kids to embark on.
To sign up for the free Super Summer Reading Challenge, participants can either do so in-person at their local Salt Lake City Public Library branch or at the main downtown branch, or they can sign up online. To learn more visit www.services.slcpl.org/supersummer
The Salt Lake County Library system also features a summer reading program through July. Sign up at your local county library. Children who complete the program can win prizes and receive discounts to local attractions. To learn more, visit slcolibrary.org.
In June, Millcreek’s Marissa’s Bookstore partnered with the Granite Education Foundation to put on a kids’ summer reading event. Kids were invited to pick two books of their choosing for free. In addition, licensed and accredited teachers were allowed to pick up to 10 books that they could then use in their classrooms.
Although the kid’s summer reading event has passed, Marissa’s staff regularly engages in outreach and philanthropic reading and literacy work, hosting events for both children and adults year round. Follow Marissa’s bookstore on social me-
dia, where they regularly update their Instagram and Facebook pages.
National book retailer Barnes & Noble, is also hosting a summer reading program. The program is designed for children in grades first through sixth. Although the program has already begun, those who are still interested will have plenty of time to complete the required reading, as the deadline isn’t until Aug. 31.
Students can choose eight books from a list provided by Barnes & Noble. Once your child has chosen the books, all they need to do is read the books, and then fill out a journal asking them to list the books that they read and write a blurb about their favorite part of the book. The free journal can be found on Barnes & Noble’s website. Once the child has completed their reading and journal, they can exchange their completed journal for a free book of their choosing at your local Barnes & Noble location. To learn more about the Barnes & Noble summer reading program visit them online at www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program l
The City Library is one of several Salt Lake institutions offering a summer reading challenge for students. (The City Library)
Many studies show that children who routinely read fiction books are more likely to have a greater sense of empathy and emotional intelligence. (PBS.org)
With exit doors blowing off, landing gear falling on neighborhoods, wings ripping apart and engine covers shooting into the skies, you’d think airlines would be handing out free puppies and hundred-dollar bills, trying to convince people to support air travel. You’d be wrong.
Instead of lowering ticket prices (in your dreams), dropping baggage fees (you’re bonkers) or making flights more comfortable (ROFL), airlines double down on lazy, expensive service.
Even when Southwest Airlines (whose motto is “Sit Down and Shut Up”) was fined $140 million for leaving thousands of holiday passengers stranded, the industry knows we will travel. And we’ll pay any price.
If airlines have open seats, and the flight takes off in a week, instead of offering reduced prices, ticket costs rise. Once, after we purchased airline tickets, we got an alert that prices had jumped $1,000 per ticket. That’s bananas!
Recently, my husband and I flew Hawaiian Airlines for the first time. With its slogan, “Well, you could just drive to Honolulu,” we didn’t expect great service, and we weren’t disappointed.
We settled into our six-hour flight with its panic-inducing, claustrophobic seating, only to find movie screens weren’t provided. However, we could download the airline’s
Peri Kinder
Life and Laughter
Fight or Flight
app to watch movies on our phones, as long as it was downloaded an hour before boarding. So, as soon as time travel is invented, I can go back, download the app and have access to movies for our flight.
We left early in the morning and breakfast sandwiches were offered to passengers with normal digestive systems. If your body treats gluten like poison, you get to starve or purchase a box of gluten-free crackers and hummus. I’ve learned to pack snacks because, like the United Airlines motto states, “Suck it up. We’re not your mom.”
As we flew through the skies, we played games like, “Is it turbulence or did we just lose the landing gear?” and “Annoy Fellow Passengers.” I think I won that when I reclined my seat from 90 degrees to 95 degrees. The woman behind me sighed like a passive-aggressive parent who was not mad, just extremely disappointed.
On the way home from the Big Island of Hawaii, we ended up running through the
Honolulu airport because our connecting flight was late. We dashed to our terminal, which is not the best way to end a vacation, especially after eating your weight in kalua pork and fish tacos.
Net profits for the airline industry are set to hit more than $30 billion this year. Even Boeing (“Safety is Our 15th Priority”) knows it can install faulty parts, disregard safety inspections and hunt down whistleblowers because people will always want to fly.
Boeing stock is dropping faster than its Max 737s but the company doesn’t seem concerned. Even when people bounce off the ceilings due to cockpit issues or have to make an emergency landing in Denver because a passenger is stuck in the bathroom,
Boeing knows people will fork over handfuls of cash to travel.
Passengers expect delays, cancellations and lackadaisical assistance. Any other industry would hire a fancy PR team to encourage people to use its services but the airline industry doesn’t give a flying fig about its image.
Even with its rock-bottom reputation, the airline industry has us over a barrel. With wheels ricocheting off the runway, engines catching fire and toilet waste flooding the cabin, passengers continue to pay increasing costs for the “luxury” of travel. And, like the Delta slogan states, “We Really Don’t Care.”
