Riverton Journals | May 2024

THE JOURNALS INTRODUCES NEW PROCESS TO ENSURE LOCAL NEWS DELIVERY

The City Journals have published newspapers every month for the past 33 years. During which we have mailed a copy of the Journal to nearly everyone in the city. We know from audits that over 70% of the households in the city read the Journal, but that means 30% do not. That is a considerable amount of wasted paper. We also know that some people in the community are not receiving the Journal, although they want it.

Until now there was no way to address these issues. But now, using this QR code, you can select if you want to receive the Journal.

Because staying informed about local happenings is more important than ever, the Journals is proud to announce an innovative process to guarantee community members receive their local news each month.

Recognizing the vital role of local journalism in fostering community engagement and connection, the Journals has developed an approach to ensure timely and reliable news delivery to every doorstep within our coverage areas.

Using cutting-edge logistics technolo-

gy and a dedicated team of delivery professionals, we can create enhanced route planning, tracking systems and distribution methods. The Journal aims to overcome challenges that have hindered timely news delivery in the past.

“It is important to keep readers informed about what’s happening in their neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government,” said Bryan Scott, publisher at The City Journals. “With this new process, we’re not only reaffirming our commitment to high-quality local journalism but also ensuring every member of our community has reliable access.”

We have deep gratitude for the United States Postal Service, whose dedication enables the delivery of more than 200,000 monthly Journals to our readers. This partnership is instrumental in ensuring our local news reaches every household efficiently and consistently. With our new system, readers will still receive their Journal in the mail each month but with more accuracy and control based on our new process.

This underscores the Journals’ unwavering dedication to providing trusted local news and information for our read-

ers. Whether reporting on community events, highlighting local businesses, or investigating important issues affecting our neighborhoods, the Journals remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate and build the community.

The Journals encourages readers to provide feedback on their news delivery experience, allowing for improvement and refinement of the process. With this groundbreaking approach, the Journals reaffirms its position as the leading provider

of local news, delivering stories that matter to our valued readers.

Residents can now choose if they want to receive the Journal at their home by using the QR Code or by visiting Mail.TheCityJournals.com. We ask all residents to complete this form to continue receiving the Journal each month.

Share this message with others in the city who may not be familiar with the newspaper and want to sign up. l

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

to Honor Military Veterans for Their Service to Our Country

Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

At Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy

FEATURED SPEAKER: Congressman Blake Moore

PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE: Hill Air Force Base, Honor Guard, Utah Firefighters Emerald Society Bagpipes, Patriotic Music by Brian Stucki and the Minuteman Brass Quintet OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Bluffdale Fire Department 91, 92

South Jordan Fire Department 61, 62, 63, 64

Thank You

• Unified Fire Authority Station 103 (Herriman)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 115 (Copperton)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 120 (Riverton)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 121 (Riverton)

EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement and First Responders

• Unified Fire Authority Station 123 (Herriman)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 124 (Riverton)

• West Jordan Fire Department 54, 55

• Gold Cross Ambulance

• Bluffdale City Police Department

Join us in celebrating National EMS Week

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your dedication and service to our communities. In celebration of National EMS Week, we invite you to join us for a free BBQ.

Thursday, May 25 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The event will be held at St. Vincent Healthcare on the corner of 12th Avenue N. and North 30th Street (just west of the emergency entrance). Street parking will be available for EMS, Fire and Police Vehicles

• Herriman City Police Department

• Riverton City Police Department

• South Jordan City Police Department

• West Jordan City Police Department

We appreciate all you do to provide emergency care in our community.

Local artist promoted by MakerPlace at Riverton’s Michaels

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

When the creative retailer Michaels launched its MakerPlace platform in March, it opened an avenue for local artists to grow their business by selling their handmade crafts and products on the site.

South Jordan resident Jande Laulu has created unique stickers, cards, bookmarks, art prints and coloring books for 14 years. A lifelong Michaels customer, she was selected to help debut an in-store pilot program with MakerPlace at the Michaels store in Riverton (13282 S. Kestrel Range Road) with her platform page Jande Summer.

“I brought a wide variety of the things I sell online, which I feel the community will love. But the coolest thing I love is the connection to the people,” Laulu said. “I’m meeting people, I’m talking to them. It’s just really cool to be part of in-person selling again.”

When Laulu’s son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, she needed a way to have a career while working from home. She has been selling her products on other craft websites for years but jumped at the chance to create a site on MakerPlace and partner with Michaels.

“I love Michaels and I wanted to be part of it. I just thought that it was amazing,” she said. “The store setup was so easy. Once I started selling things, Michaels immediately started featuring things that were on trend and they started featuring things that were, of course, seasonal, which is great. So they tell you what they’re looking for, what they’re asking for and they give you those opportunities to show up and

to participate in different campaigns.”

The in-store selling program gives local artists the chance to sell directly to Michaels customers and it allows customers to support handmade craft businesses. As a dedicated customer of Michaels, Laula draws inspiration from the store. Her floral-themed products include unframed prints, colorful notecards, Zodiac coloring pages with birth flowers and custom keepsake art prints.

“I just love anything floral because it’s something bright and cheery,” she said.

As she continues to build her brand, Laula is excited about her opportunities through MakerPlace. She hopes to continue the monthly in-person selling but would also love to host classes and get her painting kits out to people so they can host their own art parties. Her goal is to get more people engaged in creative activities so they can feel the satisfaction of making something homemade.

Laula encourages artists to look into creating a site on MakerPlace, noting its ease and competitive fees compared to other platforms. People interested in creating their online store can reach out to Laula through MakerPlace. For more information, visit Michaels.com/makerplace.

“Once you get your stuff in your shop, you start filling your shop, sharing it and promoting yourself,” she said. “When it comes to promoting your stuff, it’s about taking that first step and getting out there and taking that jump. There are endless possibilities once you promote it. I would tell people to just try.” l

The Riverton Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Riverton. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com

Greg Tanner | greg.t@valuepagesutah.com CIRCULATION

Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022

Rack

9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070

PHONE: 801-254-5974

RIVERTON TEAM

Jande Laula displays some of her floral creations at the Michaels store in Riverton. Laula is part of an in-store pilot program that highlights crafters on the store’s MakerPlace platform. (City Journals)

No candy at parades? Council weighing residents’ safety with candy throwing for Town Days

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Could the Riverton Town Days parade see no more candy tossed from passing floats?

It’s a question many municipalities are addressing in the wake of the 2022 Kaysville parade that saw an 8-year-old girl die after she was pulled under the tires of her dance team’s trailer. Kaysville eventually implemented a rule that prohibits exchanging items from floats to walking participants. The Utah Local Governments Trust gave guidance to cities earlier this year that says candy should only come from those walking next to the vehicles.

Now the Riverton City Council is considering its own position.

Riverton Assistant City Attorney Brett Coombs introduced a possible resolution to the council in early April based on the guidelines from ULGT.

“The main point to take from this is these are meant to be guidelines and the purpose is to try to prevent harm and/or injuries,” he said.

Sheryl Garn, events and operations director said this is a hot topic at the moment with her counterparts around the state. Currently the Days of ‘47 parade and Provo’s Freedom Festival don’t allow candy with their larger, professionally made floats. Nearby cities West Jordan,

Murray and Sandy all allow candy, while Orem will be placing large cones connected with chains along the road to prevent spectators from entering the street.

Garn pointed out that walkers passing out candy encourages encroachment from residents, especially young children, so throwing candy from trucks would be safer. She said they require every parade entry to have four spotters around the vehicle with their only job being to keep a watchful eye.

“We don’t have floats like the professionally built ones for the Days of ‘47, we have a truck with the high school football team,” she said. “Ours has a different feel.”

She also highlighted the parade is so well-attended, there aren’t any gaps in spectatorship.

Councilmembers discussed how they could keep the parade safe while also maintaining its community feel. None seemed inclined to remove candy from the parade, but were interested in limiting candy distribution to those just in the floats.

Councilmember Andy Pierucci said the council has “an obligation to weigh the risks and input from professionals and then make a broader policy decision with the community in mind.”

But the feedback he’s heard from the community is to keep the parade as is with the “value and experience of the parade enhanced by allowing candy and other objects to be thrown from floats.”

“This may sound like a small, dumb issue, but I’ve heard from a lot of people how much they like it,” he said.

Pierucci added he understands the risks and potential liabilities. He was more in favor of precautionary focus on speed of the floats and preventing people accessing the street during the parade.

Coombs did not believe they were at risk of losing their insurance by implementing certain guidelines from ULGT.

Councilmember Spencer Haymond preferred continuing the tradition. While he was interested in everyone’s safety, he said there was also an element of personal responsibility.

“The injuries can be horrible, I don’t mean to make light of those in any way, shape or form,” he said. “But we can’t pad every sharp edge, we can’t protect every last little thing. People have to be able to live their life.

“I don’t think we’ve been given authority by citizens to remove their right to throw candy.”

Part of the Trust’s guidance, as given in a webinar by Jason Watterson,

who is a loss prevention consultant with ULGT, is that most accidents happen with people’s interactions with vehicles. Riders step out of the trucks or walkers come up to the vehicle’s window, so they recommended nobody be allowed to leave or enter the float during the parade.

As for candy, Watterson acknowledged it’s a big part of parades.

“The kids love it, they love to have candy thrown out there and they run out and grab it and see who can get the most, well that’s also a situation where we can get dead kids,” he said, adding they aren’t saying no candy, but that it should be limited to the walkers.

Pierucci suggested the city create its own safety mitigation plan to show they are proactively addressing parade safety. While that plan could show the Trust the city prefers its own safety plan even though it’s different, city staff has already tested throwing candy versus handing out candy and found candy throwing to be safer.

No decision was made in the initial discussion with the council and city staff planning to speak further on the subject. l

The annual Riverton parade, seen here in 2018, sees thousands line 2700 West. This year the city is considering how to mitigate risk. (File photo City Journals)

Jordan District Art Show held at the Old Dome Meeting Hall

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Dozensof students from high schools in Jordan District participated in the district’s art show featuring paintings, sculpture, photography and drawings. The pieces were displayed at the Old Dome Meeting Hall in Riverton (1452 W. 12600 South) through May 1.

Best in Show winners were Kaidence Vance (Copper Hills) for her oil painting “A Composition of Yellow, Blue and a

Grapefruit”; Autumn Mead (Herriman) for her Bamboo Breeze teapot set; and Marjorie Cruz (West Jordan) for her photograph “Patchwork”.

The next art display at the Old Dome will be the Utah State PTA Reflections Finalists Art Exhibit from May 13 through June 5. The exhibit will be open Monday through Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 385-237-3421. L

Skye Robbins, Bingham High, used ceramic to create “Majora’s Mask” based on the game The Legend of Zelda. (City Journals)

Chloe Howard from Riverton High School painted “Backyard Recreation” as a tribute to her girl band. This oil painting will be donated to the RHS art gallery. (City Journals)

High school students displayed their artistic talents at the Jordan District Art Show held at the Old Dome Meeting Hall in Riverton. The show featured paintings, drawings, sculpture and photography (City Journals)

“Young Siren” by Erin Grimshaw in Prismacolor pencils is a tribute to her lifelong dedication to drawing. This piece earned and Award of Excellence. (City Journals)

Cruz won Best of Show for her photograph “Patchwork”. The West Jordan High student wrote about the piece, “Each color represents a hand that has shaped and quilted my journey, all the pieces forming together to bring forward my true colors.” (City Journals)

Marjorie

“Butterfield Canyon” by Jade Newbold of Herriman High earned an Award of Excellence for encaustic painting. Jade created the piece by encasing leaves in wax. (City Journals)

“The Greed of Man” done with charcoal on cyanotype by Herriman High student Alex Paladini depicts the destruction of natural habitats. (City Journals)

Copper Hills High student Mars Lawson used oil pastel and acrylic paint to create “The Colors of a Personality”. In the painting description, Mars writes, “People are like colors and colors can feel like people, so these are the colors I see in one of my best friends.” (City Journals)

Natural gas pipeline going in at The Point with water and roads soon to follow

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

“After a few years of listening to the public and creating a vision, developing plans and getting development partners in place, we’re now in a position to start building. Those driving by the site can see that infrastructure work has already begun. When you’re building out a community like this, it’s easy to forget what happens under the ground, but you don’t have a community without well-functioning infrastructure to allow construction and occupancy to move ahead,” said Alan Matheson, executive director of The Point.

Natural gas pipeline is going in now and a request for bids went out in April for the site’s water tank. According to Matheson, that water tank for future residents will contain four million gallons to start and will grow as demand increases. Following natural gas will be piping for wastewater, stormwater and culinary water, roads, and utility infrastructure including telecom fiber. Electrical lines will also be going in and a new substation will be erected at the site.

“Projects needed for future parts of the development are more efficient to put in now when they can be done at the best cost and functionality,” Matheson said.

Matheson indicated speed of work is a consideration when analyzing bids for projects at The Point. “We hope that some bids come in with an aggressive schedule.”

Meanwhile, finishing touches are being put on road alignment plans to improve traffic and to make the site more compatible with transit, and requests for those bids will go out to the construction community in the coming months. “One of the first infrastructure projects will be the extension of Porter Rockwell Boulevard from 14600 South to the 600 West interchange on Bangerter Highway, which will provide construction access and improve regional traffic flow,” Matheson said.

Matheson admitted it’s hard to project, but he hopes roads will be going in, pipes will be laid under rights of way, and grading for the River to Range Trail will be happening as soon as this coming September or October.

He explained that infrastructure will likely take 18 months to two years to complete, but vertical construction will begin before all the infrastructure is finished. “The development partners plan the first vertical buildings within one year. So much depends on the market, but that’s

our goal at this point,” Matheson said.

Vertical construction will begin with The Promenade, a mixed-use shopping district. “That’s going to be the heart of the whole project. As part of that, we’ll put in Convergence Hall, the beginning of the Innovation District. We want some of the first pieces of this development to be focused on innovation for higher learning to be working with industry on developing new technologies and solving Utah problems,” Matheson said.

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity has identified five industry clusters they hope to attract to The Point. They include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, financial services, life sciences and healthcare, and software and IT. The Point’s Innovation District will focus on those areas as well as Utah challenges such as water and energy.

In September 2023, a Community Advisory committee was established to

help shape development of The Point with input from members of the surrounding communities including Draper, Bluffdale, Riverton, area businesses, Silicon Slopes, and the Jordan River Commission. Councilmember Tasha Lowery is Draper’s formal representative on that committee. Matheson said he has weekly calls with Mayor Troy Walker and City Manager David Dobbins.

“We’re committed to making sure this is a real benefit to the people of Draper,” he said. Walker serves on The Point’s 12-member State Land Authority Board which meets monthly.

“People will see steady construction into the foreseeable future. It’s exciting to see that after laying the groundwork, we’re going to have this innovation community that we’ve all been waiting for,” Matheson said. l

Large pipes like these for infrastructure necessities such as natural gas are being installed at The Point. “Our goal is to have The Point ready (for vertical construction) for when interest rates come down,” said Draper Mayor Troy Walker, a member of The Point’s State Land Authority Board. (Courtesy The Point)

In the sport of soccer, a team can never rely solely on any one player. But one player sure can make a big difference.

For the Riverton boys soccer team, senior Peyton Cole is a utility player who brings a lot of skill, talent and tenacity to the field. Head coach Paul Moizer describes Cole as an “attacking fullback,” meaning, while he’s a defensive player, he’s allowed to (and not afraid to) help with the offensive attack.

“He’s a great leader and has grown so much as a player since his freshman year,” Moizer said. “He loves to get forward into the attack. He is really good at delivering set pieces and setting up others.”

Many defensive players in soccer rarely get a chance to score or even get many shots on goal. This season, Cole scored two goals and dished out three asissts in the team’s first 12 games in leading the Silverwoves to a 7-5 mark. He is also a big reason why Riverton held seven opponents to a single goal and had one shutout in the first 12 contests. By the end of April, the Silverwolves were 6-3 in Region 2, just half a game behind first place.

Cole has high expectations for the postseason and for his own game.

“Some of my individual goals this year are to make first team All-Region this year because I fell just short last year getting second team. I also hope I can lead the team to a state championship.”

Cole’s soccer career began at a young age. In fact, he said he’s been “playing soccer for as long as I can remember.” He loves being able to play the game he loves and not worry for a short time about other things going on in life. Cole is also grateful for the people he has met along the way.

“I love how soccer is a distraction from everything else,” he said. “Nothing else matters when we're on the field—not my job, not a test, nothing. I also love the friendships that have been created through soccer; two of my best friends have come from playing soccer.”

The Riverton team enjoys a tight bond where the players trust one another and hold one another accountable. There is a feeling of unselfishness on the squad where everyone contributes. Cole said this attitude carries from the field into other aspects of the day and the players’ lives.

“My favorite thing about being on the team is the friends on the team and being able to be with them all day, every day,” he said. “It's awesome to be able to be with my team in the classroom then go straight to the field and play soccer after class.”

Moizer is fortunate to have a multi-faceted player on his team such as

Cole doing it all for Riverton boys soccer

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Cole. On the field, he’s able to do a lot of things that other players can’t do or can’t do well. Cole said he also has the leadership skills a team needs.

“I think what I’m best at is being able to contribute both on offense and on defense,” he said. “As an outside back, I’m able to not only play defense and help contribute to what I think might be the best defense in state, but I can also get forward and join in and help out with the attack. I also think that I am a leader on the team, and I have an important role to help the team jell and have a good energy every single day.”

He isn’t complacent, however.

Cole is eager to improve his game and become an even more valuable player. The season is coming to a close, but heading into the postseason, he wants to get better at certain aspects of his play.

“I’m really hoping to improve my left foot,” he said. “It's really important to be able to use both feet, and it's something I wish to be great at.”

The Class 6A state tournament will begin May 10 on the home fields of higher-seeded teams. The highest-seeded teams will get first-round byes and second-round home games. As of April 29, Riverton was ninth in the RPI standings.

With his career winding down, Cole has reflected on what he has accomplished and worked so hard to achieve. He acknowledges that he couldn’t have such a meaningful, enjoyable career without so many people in his corner.

“I've been really lucky to have a lot of great mentors and role models in my life,” he said. “Obviously, my parents are a huge influence in my life, and I can't thank them enough. I've had some really great coaches throughout my life. My club coach Matt Speckman also played a big part in shaping me as a player. My success has come from a large collage of people. I think that each and every player and coach I've come across has had a unique role in shaping who I am as a player and person.”

Cole is focused on closing out the season with the deepest run possible at state. But he is also thinking about the future. After graduating, he plans on serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After this two-year commitment, he intends to begin his college studies.

Riverton finishes the regular season May 3 at home against Salt Lake Academy. The Silverwolves will then have a week to prepare for the state tournament. l

GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE

Grief is an individual journey with a path as unique as each one of us. To o er support and hope, we provide various Grief Support Services for those who are mourning a recent or past loss.

Senior Peyton Cole runs onto the field for the Riverton boys soccer team. Cole is a key member of the team and has helped lead Riverton to a strong season. (Photo courtesy of Peyton Cole.)

Through ups and downs, Russell, Rengers leading Riverton boys lacrosse

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Riverton competes in a tough region for sports, and boys lacrosse is no exception.

The Silverwolves are holding their own against the likes of Bingham, Corner Canyon and Herriman. Heading into May, Riverton was 4-4 in league play, tied with Herriman for third place. The Silverwoves were also 5-7 overall.

The season has been a mixed back, but players such as Kyson Russell and Jaxen Rengers have been steady performers and leaders.

Head coach Todd Russell has enjoyed coaching Rengers and witnessing his growth.

“Over the years, coaching [Rengers] has been an absolute pleasure,” Todd Russell said. “His tenacity on defense is unmatched, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field. Not only does he deliver bone-crushing hits, but his understanding of the game is exceptional, showcasing his impressive lacrosse IQ. Witnessing his growth and evolution as a player has been truly rewarding.”

The Riverton coach has had the unique and gratifying experience of coaching his son Kyson.

“Coaching Kyson, my son, since kindergarten has been an incredible journey, and watching him practice hard and grow into a top scorer with fearlessness on the field has been nothing short of amazing,” he said. “His passion for the sport is evident in every game, and I’m proud to see the leadership qualities he’s developed along the way.”

Rengers a senior defensive player, has had a good year for Riverton. He said he has good shooting ability, even far from the net. He also understands the game well and provides good leadership for the team.

“Some of my strengths that I have are my ability to shoot the balls from mostly anywhere in the field, and my lacrosse IQ,” Rengers said. “With all of the field time and practice time, I have acquired lots of knowledge about the sport. For the team, I lead by example and help run the offense and guide the team to score.”

Rengers has played lacrosse for 13 years. He had cousins and an older brother who played, and Rengers got the itch to join them in the sport. He loves the fact you can take the lessons learned in lacrosse and competition and put them into everyday life situations. He also appreciates that win or lose, being a part of the Riverton team is enjoyable.

“I enjoy all of the things I get to learn that translate to the real world: teamwork, leadership, being coachable and many other things,” he said. “I like the team and

brotherhood we all have with each other; we are always together and having fun no matter what.”

As the year began, Rengers had lofty goals, both for himself and for the team. Though the season has had some challenges, and Riverton would be a longshot to win a title, Rengers continues to work hard toward achieving those goals, undeterred.

“My goals to start this season were to get an All-State award,” he said. “For the team, my goal is definitely to win the state championship and go out with a boom.”

After graduating, Rengers will either serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or continue playing lacrosse, this time at the collegiate level. With his high school career coming to an end, Rengers is also reflecting on how grateful he is for everyone who has helped him excel in the sport.

“I think the people I can credit the most of my success to is my parents,” he said. “My dad has been my coach for as long as I can remember. My mom has always been there; she is either keeping stats at my games or running the entire Riverton lacrosse program. She’s been the team mom for my whole lacrosse career. I love my parents, and I am so thankful for all they have done for me in my lacrosse career.”

As for Russell, playing for his father is an experience that not a lot of players get at this level. He began playing lacrosse eight years ago.

“I started playing because I wanted to hit people during football’s offseason,” he said.

Russell is a senior attacker who makes the Silverwolves’ offense go. He has a tireless work ethic and doesn’t back down from the opponents.

“I’m not scared of people and am willing to do what needs to be done,” he said.

Russell loves playing in the family-like atmosphere of the Riverton program. He enjoys lacrosse for its fastpaced action. His biggest goals are to make All-Region and All-State. He, too, is aiming to compete for a Class 6A state championship. As the season winds down, Russell wants to be a better leader.

Riverton concluded its regular season with a May 2 game at home against Mountain Ridge. The state tournament begins May 14, with the finals taking place May 24 at Zions Bank Stadium.

Big things await Russell after graduating. He plans on joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Getting to this point in life, and having the success he has had on the lacrosse field, has been due to his efforts

and hard work. But he also has a lot of appreciation for others in his life.

“My mentors have been my parents and my coaches,” he said. “My parents

sacrificed so much time and money for me to play a game I love. My coaches have taught me a lot and help me be the player I am.” l

yson Russell (in white) works against a defender in a game earlier this season for the Riverton boys lacrosse team. Russell, an attacker, has been a force for the Silverwolves. (Photo courtesy of Todd Russell.)

Riverton’s Jaxen Rengers has been a solid defender for the Silverwolves’ boys lacrosse team this season in leading the team against tough Region 2 competition. (Photo courtesy of Todd Russell.)

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RIVERTON REVIEW

Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

Grand Reopening of Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center and City Hall Plaza

By Mayor Trent Staggs

I am pleased to announce the reopening of the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center and the debut of the newly constructed outdoor plaza behind City Hall. A grand opening event for the public will be held on Monday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m.

The Riverton Jazz Band will be on hand to perform with refreshments provided. We invite you to bring your families to tour the renovated community center, explore the new plaza, and enjoy a refresh of Riverton history.

been made throughout the facility. These include the installation of additional electrical outlets, energy-efficient LED lighting, new flooring, refreshed paintwork, new kitchen amenities, and restored restrooms.

The community center and plaza will be available for public reservation starting June 1, 2024.

City Hall Plaza

The City Hall Plaza project is one that has been in the works for several years.

Through the efforts of Riverton City facilities employees, we have been able to keep the costs within budget. Using in-house resources, Riverton Public Works crews completed the demotion portion of the project and were able to replace old piping at the same time.

“Through the efforts of Riverton City facilities employees, we have been able to keep the costs within budget.”

The Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center has long been a hub for a variety of events, including wedding receptions, dance recitals, and musical productions. In response to the evolving needs of our community, the decision was made, with approval from the city’s elected officials, to undertake renovations while aiming to retain its historic charm.

Since the work began in March 2023, significant upgrades have

What was once a bumpy parking lot, Riverton residents will soon be able to enjoy major enhancements to the pre-existing City Hall Park.

The new plaza features a small outdoor amphitheater with two-tier seating, a brick restroom, additional benches, a large pavilion, new landscaping, and large bronze tigers that were generously donated by the family of longtime Riverton resident, Dollores B. Shelledy.

In 1930, Riverton City Hall served as a school for elementary and

junior high students. A long concrete sign that read ‘Riverton School’ was placed below the flagpole in the front of the building when the construction of the gymnasium, shop, and cafeteria was completed. That 23-and-a-half-foot-long sign will now be used as a place for parents to sit and watch their children play on the playground.

Financing

The total cost of these projects amounts to $2.6 million, with $1.7

million going towards the plaza, and just under $900,000 to the community center. Through collaborative efforts involving the City Council, city staff, and $1.2 million in grants, we have successfully managed to keep expenditures within budget.

Riverton City thanks our Salt Lake County elected officials for the generous grant, and we want to thank all our partners who helped make this project possible.

Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center

The newly constructed outdoor plaza behind City Hall will hold a grand opening event for the public on Monday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Trent Staggs - Mayor

Andy Pierucci - District 1

Troy McDougal - District 2

Tawnee McCay - District 3

Tish Buroker - District 4

Spencer Haymond - District 5

UPCOMING

CITY COUNCIL

MAY, 7 & 21, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION

MAY, 9 & 23, 6:30 p.m.

801-254-0704

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

COUNCILMEMBER MESSAGE

It’s Time for a Celebration!

By Councilmember Tish Buroker

It’s time for a celebration! Final improvements have been completed to the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center, and the adjoining plaza. The community center is located at 12830 S Redwood Road, just west of the historic school building which houses Riverton City Hall.

This two-story brick building was built in 1930. It was originally a gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria, and additional classrooms. The original auditorium remains much as it was when it was built. The space has always been in continual use. It has hosted sporting events, movies, school programs, town meetings, club meetings, funerals, receptions, spook-alleys, school fairs, family parties, and the Riverton Arts Council in its 94-yearold history. It truly is a community center.

The old school playground behind City Hall was home to school field days, a massive slide, and other playground equipment. Most recently, it has been a parking lot for city employees. It was full of potholes, broken pavement, and was collapsing in spots.

I recently toured this site with one of my brothers, and we both remembered exactly where we were standing at recess when we heard the news that President Kennedy had been killed.

Former Mayor Sandra Lloyd was instrumental in ensuring the school and community center were retained by the city when a new elementary school was built in 1994. As former Mayor Lloyd

stated, “There is a sense of community that comes when entering a historic building. A sense of awe as we feel the spirit of the old. These feelings connect us to our past, thus giving us a sense of our identity. This in turn strengthens our future.”

Recently, money was set aside by the City Council to update the Sandra Lloyd Community Center, and to remedy the longstanding concerns with the parking lot on the west side of City Hall. The goal was to transform this area into something special that could continue to be relevant, while respecting its 94-year history.

of sculpture through the generous donation of the Shelledy family, a large, bronze statue, Mother and Cub, honoring Dollores Shelledy, a local, respected artist.

Now, the work is complete. The outside plaza and the Sandra Lloyd Community Center are multi-purpose spaces for showcasing the arts, the history of Riverton, and providing space for recitals, family gatherings, and business meetings. We even have our first piece

To celebrate and showcase these improvements, there will be a grand opening on May 13, at 6:30 p.m., followed by an open house of the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center and outside plaza.

It is the hope of your Council that this building and plaza will continue to be a place of community. Rates for renting space have purposely been kept low so that residents can enjoy this space without extreme costs.

The mayor’s article shares how these improvements were paid for without a bond or increase in taxes.

As always, the mayor and all the City Council are committed to ensuring the best possible use of tax dollars while ensuring the highest quality of life.

Much of the information for this article comes from Langford Lloyd and the History of Riverton, written by Scott Crump and Mel Bashore. I would like to personally thank them for making Riverton history accessible through their many hours of volunteer service.

Dollores Shelledy’s Mother and Cub, sculpture is a welcomed addition to the

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

Emergency Preparedness Resources

When disaster strikes, having a plan and being prepared can make all the difference. Riverton City’s Emergency Preparedness webpage is a valuable resource designed to help you and your family stay safe during emergencies. This comprehensive guide covers four essential sections: Build a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed, and Get Involved.

Build a Kit

Emergency kits are crucial because they provide essential supplies during disasters when access to basic amenities may be limited. These kits can sustain individuals and families until help arrives, increasing their chances of survival. Being prepared with an emergency kit can reduce panic and stress during a crisis, allowing for a more organized and safer response. Having a well-stocked emergency kit in various locations is a proactive way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community in times of need.

Make a Plan

Emergency preparedness plans are vital as they outline clear steps to follow during disasters, ensuring a coordinated response. These plans help allocate resources efficiently and minimize confusion and chaos in emergency situations. By having a plan in place, cities can reduce the impact of disasters on residents and infrastructure. Preparedness plans also promote community resilience, fostering a sense of unity and support among residents. Use the steps provided on the webpage to draft your own emergency preparedness plan.

Be Informed

Being informed during a disaster or emergency is crucial as it allows individuals to make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families. Timely and accurate information can help people understand the risks and take appropriate actions. Being informed also

enables residents to stay updated on emergency response efforts and know when it is safe to return to normal activities. Additionally, being informed promotes community solidarity, encouraging neighbors to help each other during challenging times.

Get Involved

Getting involved in emergency preparedness is essential as it empowers individuals to contribute to the safety and resilience of their community. By actively participating in preparedness activities, individuals can learn valuable skills that can save lives during emergencies. Involvement in preparedness efforts also fosters a sense of responsibility and community spirit, strengthening the overall resilience of the city. Ultimately, being involved in emergency preparedness helps create a community that is better equipped to face and recover from disasters.

Visit Riverton City’s Emergency Preparedness webpage today at rivertonutah.gov/preparedness to access valuable resources and information that can help you and your family stay safe during emergencies. Prepare now and be ready for whatever challenges may come your way.

FREE MY COUNTY REC PASS

Salt Lake County residents 5-18 are eligible for a free pass to access and use Salt Lake County operated recreation centers and amenities including: 18 swimming pools including the Riverton County Pool, 3 ice centers, 2 climbing walls, gyms, weight rooms, fitness areas, and walking tracks. Visit slco.to/my-county-rec-pass for complete details.

* Visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful for details on electronics recycling.

• Riverton residents only - must provide proof of residency.

• No business recycling.

• No hazardous materials.

• Residents are responsible for emptying their own vehicles.

Thursday, May 16 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Riverton City Park 1452 W 12600 S

For more information, visit: rivertonutah.gov/beautiful

UPCOMING EVENTS RIVERTON

Become a Member of the Youth Council

Riverton City is accepting applications from youth age 14-18 years old or in grades 9-12 to serve on the Riverton Youth Council and in executive board positions. • To learn more, or apply, visit rivertonutah.gov/youthcouncil.

Registration is now open for Riverton City’s youth Fall Baseball league. Flag Football league registration opens on May 12. Register online at rivertonutah.gov/youth

Riverton City’s flexible tennis league is for all abilities, with one match played per week on your own schedule.

Join Riverton City’s pickleball league to play in a fun, social and competitive environment. Partners rotate weekly.

• Register at rivertonutah.gov/pickleball Sessions run from May - Sept. Register: Flexible Tennis League Register: Fall Baseball & Flag Football Register: Pickleball League

Register: Town Days Country Races Town Days Parade Entry Applications

Come join us for a Town Days family tradition. General registration is now open for the 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Town Days Races. Register at rivertonutah.gov/countryraces

Get your business or organization signed up for an entry in the Riverton Town Days Parade. Apply online at rivertonutah.gov/parade

• Fall Baseball Begins August 1, Flag Football Begins September 5

• Register at rivertonutah.gov/tennis Offered monthly, May-August

• Race Tuesday, July 4, 7 a.m. (10K), 7:15 a.m. (5K), 8:30 a.m. (1-Mile)

• Application Deadline: Monday, June 14, Parade: Monday, July 3

Special Olympics Utah, Oquirrh Hills Middle School host first middle school bocce ball tournament in the state

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

Bocce ball is something that everyone can get involved with — both students with cognitive disabilities and their peers who don’t have those disabilities alike.

On April 23, 250 students from nine different schools gathered alongside more than 500 parent and student volunteers at Oquirrh Hills Middle School for the Special Olympics Utah’s first middle school bocce ball tournament.

“This is amazing because [those with disabilities] don’t get to be a part of anything,” said Eileen Siavrakas, event organizer and a special education teacher at Oquirrh Hills Middle School. “I like the inclusion and them having their time to be celebrated.”

Tournaments like this have been hosted by Special Olympics Utah for more than 15 years, including in high schools across

the state, but this is the organization’s first time hosting a middle school bocce ball tournament.

The 59 bocce ball teams at the event were each made up of four teammates, two with cognitive disabilities and two without, called unified partners. Each team gets balls to throw and earns points by getting the balls close to the pallino, or the white, smaller target ball.

Oquirrh Hills Middle School was asked to host the first tournament with hopes that more and more middle schools across the state will be able to participate. Most schools that participated were from Jordan School District, but one school from Alpine was also included.

“My goal is to make it amazing so that it can happen again,” Siavrakas said.

Siavrakas organized the event while

working closely with Boston Iacobazzi, from Special Olympics Utah, who won the national title for bocce ball in high school. He went on to study special education in college and found his way back to Special Olympics Utah as an employee.

“I think the tournaments like this are great, but I think the practice season is even better,” Iacobazzi said. “Getting them together once a week for practices, they’re building relationships and they come out to the tournaments and get to show off their friendships they’ve made.”

Carrie Jenkins’ daughter, Brinleigh Jenkins, was a bocce ball player at the event. Brinleigh had won the previous weekend’s bocce ball competition with her team, but her mom said that having something “to be a part of” has been something even more special.

“She’s a very social kid, so this is awesome for her,” Jenkins said.

Justi Lundeberg volunteered at the event alongside her daughter who was a referee at the event and a current student body officer and peer tutor at Oquirrh Hills. Lundeberg said her daughter was up late the night before studying the rules of the game to make sure the matches she refereed were fair.

Even though Lundeberg hadn’t heard of bocce ball before, she said it was “inspiring” to watch the teams compete.

“It’s really fun to watch the teams congratulate each other,” Lundeberg said. “They’re jumping up and down for the other team when they knock their ball out. I think it’s just inspiring.”

There were 15 teams who won their division at the event. l

An Oquirrh Hills Middle School bocce player enters the field giving high fives to the crowd. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)

Brinleigh Jenkins, a student athlete at Oquirrh Hills Middle School, throws the bocce ball for her team. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)

A student volunteer referee lets the bocce ball team throwing know where the target ball is. (Rebecca Olds/ City Journals)

Jordan School District’s Joel P. Jensen Middle School student athletes participated in the tournament. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)

Multiple schools from Jordan School District played in each division at the tournament, each naming their teams anything they wanted from “Skittles” to “McDonalds.” (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)

Knee pain shouldn’t be a part of life. Often, arthritis is the culprit behind the constant ache and sharp pain that limit your mobility. But there’s good news!

Knee replacement surgery has helped millions of individuals find significant relief from arthritis-related knee pain. This advanced procedure replaces the damaged joint surfaces with durable implants, allowing for smoother movement and a significant reduction in discomfort.

education SECTION

publication

With a little PREP in their step, underrepresented students are college-bound

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

“Without PREP, I'd be a loser right now,” West Jordan High School graduate Arlen Villalba Guerrero said. “I wouldn't be very far, just the same old boring stuff, getting ready to do a job that I didn't even enjoy.”

Arlen is one of 15 students graduating from high school with an Engineering Drafting and Manufacturing Technology Certificate of Completion from Salt Lake Community College through Jordan School District’s Pre-freshman Engineering Program (Jordan PREP).

Jordan PREP students, many of whom are typically underrepresented in STEM careers, take four years of science, technology, engineering and math summer courses to prepare to earn 30plus general and engineering college credits by the end of high school.

Arlen joined the program his sophomore year and immediately began to explore his options.

“Being in PREP, you get to think so early about how you're gonna get to what you want to do,” he said. “PREP makes you do so much better and shoot for so much more. I know everything I wanna do right now. I know exactly how to get where I wanna be, and I know exactly what I need to do to get where I wanna be.”

Arlen is now on the pathway to become an Air Force fighter jet pilot, with a head start and higher pay grade due to his college credits.

Natalia Solis said the PREP classes she took as a 12 year old helped her discover her interest in drafting and interior design. She is already on her way to earning a college degree, the first person in her family to do so.

First generation college students, those from economically disadvantaged families or underrepresented minority groups make up the majority of the

students in the Jordan PREP program, which recruits interested students from Title 1 designated schools to motivate and prepare them for STEM careers.

Jordan PREP Coordinator Stacy Pierce has been amazed by the students’ dedication to the program despite difficult life circumstances.

“You've got kids that you had no idea the challenges they had at home— and the challenges got far greater—and they're going to make it,” she said. “They're going to graduate from this program regardless of those challenges.”

She said the rigorous academic enrichment courses students take each summer during their middle school years, prepare them academically, socially and mentally for advanced courses in high school and increase their opportunities to attend college.

“Because it's not a camp—it's a rigorous academic program— I think that's been key to making these kids believe that they could do anything and pursue any career,” Pierce said.

She said the math courses have the biggest impact.

“Math is the gatekeeper that keeps kids out of, say, 80% of the higher paying jobs that help these kids break into a different economic level,” she said. “To help them maintain and build that math confidence—I think it's absolutely huge.”

Anna Fotheringham said staying academically active during the summer with PREP courses gave her an advantage.

“You learned a little bit of math before [school started], so when you did math [in school], you already kind of knew what you're doing,” she said. “So I feel like it gave me a step ahead in regular classes, and then also just in life, because we have a lot of college classes

done that kind of set us up to, if we want, pursue the certain career that they have set up for us to go into.”

When she was younger, Anna wanted to work in a nail salon but is now planning to earn a manufacturing degree.

“Doing programs like this made me realize that doing nails is not really going to give me enough money to live on my own, basically,” she said. “It made me realize I can do harder careers.”

Ayden Bascom said many of his friends don’t have a post-graduation plan yet, but that PREP taught him to think ahead.

“In PREP, especially with Stacy [Pierce], she tells you this earlier, to be prepared for life,” he said.

Natalia said the expectations set in PREP classes, especially during her middle school years, helped her set

higher goals.

“It pushed me into showing myself that I can do harder stuff than I had set myself to, because I had set my standards low for myself,” she said. “You can do much more harder things than you think you can.”

Lai Lai Havili almost dropped out of the program but is glad to be graduating high school with college credits he can use as a fallback plan if his dreams of playing in the NFL don’t work out.

Talon Johnson, who has always known he wants to be a chemical engineer, said the PREP program has not only given him a head start that will save him time and money, but the confidence to be successful in college.

“I have this foundation that a lot of other students may not, and I can push

Continued page 22

Jordan PREP Plus students will graduate high school with 30-plus college credits. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Pierce)

Unique traditions make graduation ceremonies special

By Jet Burnham and Julie Slama

Thousands of students will be graduating at the end of this month and each school will conduct their graduation ceremony with unique traditions, awards, celebrations and themes.

Students will be the main speakers at Providence Hall High School’s graduation ceremony. The student body president, two valedictorians and two other students will share their thoughts and wisdom with their peers.

“We really make it kid focused, so adults don't speak more than three minutes,” Principal Melissa McPhail said. “I feel like if we're waiting ‘til the last day to teach them something, then we have not done our job for four years.”

McPhail said one of the student speakers chosen to speak this year is not a well-known student but will share an impactful message.

“We get these kids who have had a unique journey through high school, and we catch the attention of those kids that weren't the activity type or the academic type,” she said.

Providence Hall’s graduation ceremony is always less than an hour and 40 minutes to ensure the students have time to celebrate with friends, family, and former elementary, middle and high school teachers who attend the ceremony. Of this year’s 155 graduates, 29 have attended Providence Hall since kindergarten.

After the speeches and diplomas, the students will leave the stadium as the ‘song of the year’ plays. McPhail chooses the song that best fits the graduating class. Last year’s song was Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” and in 2020, it was R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World As We Know It.”

“The kids really want to know all year what their song is going to be, but I wait until the day of graduation,” McPhail said.

Providence Hall’s ceremony will be held at the Zion’s Bank Stadium at nearby Salt Lake Academy, which also has a unique graduation tradition. Following the graduation ceremony, each Salt Lake Academy graduate receives five roses to give as a ‘thank you’ to their parents,

Continued from 21

myself to do more, to do better because of this foundation,” he said.

Talon will return to Jordan PREP in June as a tutor for some of the 220 PREP students taking classes this summer.

Many of this year’s program gradu-

teachers, counselors or friends.

“They get to present them to people who have influenced them along their journey,” school office manager Cheryl DeHeck said.

Gifts are also a part of South Valley School’s open house style graduation. Students and their families will also be treated to refreshments and a slide show highlighting each of this year’s 35 graduates.

Here is the pertinent information. ADA accommodations are available at all locations.

Academy of Math, Engineering and Science — An anticipated 118 students will take part in the school’s commencement exercises, which will feature nine student speakers and two musical numbers. The 90-minute ceremony will begin at 2 p.m., May 23 in Cottonwood High’s auditorium.

Alta High — About 545 seniors are to walk through commencement exercises at 10 a.m., May 29 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center with Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amanda Oaks and Board member Holly Neibaur speaking and will be joined by Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood. This year’s theme is “Alta, Let’s Fly!”

American Academy of Innovation — About 60 seniors will take part in their commencement exercises. Graduation will be at 6 p.m., May 29 at Thanksgiving Point’s show barn.

American Preparatory Academy — At APA’s commencement ceremony, 52 students will graduate at 10 a.m., June 1 at the school. The APA Chorum Vita choir will be singing a Latin piece titled "Omnia Sol" by Z. Randall Stroope and "For Good" from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” The valedictorian will be selected in early May. The ceremony is by invitation only.

Beehive Science & Technology

Academy — Twenty-three students will listen to their commencement speaker, Sandy City Council Member Mar-

ates were part of the first cohort of the Jordan PREP program which began the summer of 2018 with 25 seventh graders. It has since served over 300 students.

Nationwide, PREP is only a threeyear program. With grant money, a sponsorship by Merit Medical, and a partnership with Salt Lake Community College,

ci Houseman at 7 p.m., May 23 at Salt Lake Community College’s Miller Free Enterprise Conference Center’s auditorium. This year’s valedictorian is James Nelson and salutatorian Lliam Delahunty.

Bingham High — Commencement exercises will be held at 5:30 p.m., May 30 in the UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University in Orem. The theme is from author T.S. Eliot, “The end is where we start from.” Speakers will include Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, Jordan Board of Education members Marilyn Richards and Bryce Dunford with Board president Tracy Miller and District Administrator of High Schools Brad Sorensen in attendance.

Brighton High — Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson is scheduled to speak to 520 students who are expected to graduate at 2 p.m., May 29 at the Maverik Center. Joining him will be Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill and former Board president Nancy Tingey. This year’s theme is “The future depends on what we do in the present,” by Mahatma Ghandi.

Copper Hills High — May 29, 6 p.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“Be your best self”

Jordan District’s program expanded to a PREP Plus program, continuing through high school to earn a college certificate and set the students up for a promising future.

“It so far exceeded anything I ever dreamed of when I first started the program,” Pierce said. “If they decide not to pursue any more education, they've

Corner Canyon High — “Always One” is the theme for 550 seniors who will graduate at 2 p.m., May 29 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center. Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is scheduled to speak. Joining him is Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amanda Oaks and Board member Holly Neibaur.

Cottonwood High — About 400 seniors will walk through the traditional commencement exercises at 10 a.m., May 24 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center.

Cyprus High — May 23, 1 p.m. Maverik Center

Diamond Ridge — About 60 students will graduate at 6:30 p.m., May 28 at Eastmont Middle School’s auditorium. Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is scheduled to speak. Joining him is Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl, former Board president Nancy Tingey and Board member Karen Pedersen. This year’s theme is by Canadian poet and author Rupi Kaur: “You don’t just wake up to become a butterfly. Growth is a process.”

Entrada — Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood

got a sustainable livelihood, and then they also have the option to continue their education and have the means to pay for it.”

For more information, see prep.jordandistrict.org.

Former Sunrise students who studied at several Salt Lake Valley high schools reunited at their elementary school prior to their 2023 graduation ceremonies. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

is expected to address 135 soon-to-be graduates at 7 p.m., June 26 at Alta High School. Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill and Vice President Amanda Oaks will be present. The theme is “Winners never quit. We choose to win!”

Granger High — May 24, 7 p.m. Maverik Center

Granite Connection High — An open house will be held 4-7 p.m. on May 22 and 23 at Granite Connection High.

Granite Peaks High — June 5, 6:30 p.m.

Granite Peaks

Granite Transition Services — The graduation ceremony will be 10 a.m. on May 23 in the Granite Connection Auditorium.

Hartvigsen School — May 23, 12:30 p.m.

Hartvigsen gym

Herriman High — May 30, 7:30 p.m.

Herriman High Football Stadium “Here and Now”

Hillcrest High — About 480 seniors will turn the tassel at their 9:30 a.m., May 29 graduation at the Maverik Center. The speaker is Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson. Joining him will be Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl and member Kris Millerberg. The theme comes from American businessman and writer, Max Depree: “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.”

Hunter High — May 24, 2 p.m. Maverik Center

Jordan High — Canyons School Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl and Karen Pedersen will address the 430 seniors at the 6:30 p.m., May 29 commencement ceremony at the Maverik Center. For their theme, the seniors selected “And the Beet Goes On,” to tie into their nickname, the Beetdiggers. Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson will be in attendance.

Jordan Prep Plus — May 3, 10 a.m. Maverik Center

Jordan Valley — Canyons School District Special Education Director Nate Edvalson will talk to five students who will graduate at 3:30 p.m., May 24 at the Hillcrest High School’s fieldhouse gallery. Canyons Board of Education former president Nancy Tingey and Board member Kris Millerberg will join him. The

theme is “Adapting to Change.”

Juan Diego Catholic High — The Baccalaureate Mass for 168 students in the Class of 2024 will be held on May 21 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine Catholic Church. The commencement exercises will take place on May 25 at the school. Both events require a ticket to attend.

Kearns High — May 24, 9 a.m. Maverik Center

Kings Peak High — May 30, 6 p.m.

Hidden Valley Middle Auditorium

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”Eleanor Roosevelt

Life Skills Academy — Eight students will graduate at 12:30 p.m., May 28 at the school. The theme is a quote by author J.R.R. Tolkien; he said: “The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. Each day brings new possibilities for exploration and discovery.” Speaking will be Canyons School District Special Education Director Nate Edvalson and he will be joined by Canyons Board of Education President Amber Schill, former president Nancy Tingey and member Karen Pedersen.

Lone Peak High — May 22, 12:30 p.m.

BYU’s Marriott Center

Mountain Ridge High — May 30, 1 p.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“This is the Time”

Murray High — The graduation ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., June 6 at the Lifetime Activities Center on Salt Lake Community College’s Redwood Campus.

Olympus High — May 24, 2 p.m. Huntsman Center

Paradigm High — At 4 p.m., May 30, 55 seniors will graduate at the University of Utah’s Kingsbury Hall. The yet-to-benamed valedictorian will be the student speaker.

Providence Hall — May 24, 10 a.m.

Zions Bank Stadium

River’s Edge — “Level Up” is the theme for this year’s commencement, which will be held at 1 p.m., May 31 in the school’s auditorium. Speaking will be Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller and Jordan School District administrator Lisa Robinson. Joining them will be Board vice president Darrell

Robinson and Board member Lisa Dean.

Riverton High — May 30, 8:30 a.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but it's everything in between that makes it all worth living.” - Bob Marley

Salt Lake Academy — May 30, 10 a.m.

Zions Bank Stadium

Skyline High — May 24, 6 p.m. Huntsman Center

South Valley — May 29, 3 p.m.

South Valley School Cafeteria

“Chart Your Course”

Summit Academy High — May 30, 2 p.m.

Summit Academy High Gymnasium

Taylorsville High — May 23, 6 p.m. Maverik Center

Valley High — Graduation will be held at 10 a.m., May 29 at Zions Bank Stadium at Real Academy in Herriman. This year’s theme is “The People, The Stories, The Experiences.” Speaking will be Jordan Board of Education President

Tracy Miller and Jordan School District

Administrator of High Schools Brad Sorensen with Board vice presidents Darrell Robinson and Niki George and Jordan District administrator Becky Gerber in attendance.

Waterford School — At 10 a.m., June 6, the school will honor its Class of 2024 on the campus’ east soccer field. About 70 students are expected to participate in the commencement exercises, which will feature Waterford’s vocal ensemble, the Troubadours, as well as a musical performance by the Lower School students. ADA access is on the southwest side of the field.

West Jordan High — May 29, 2 p.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“We didn’t know we were making discoveries, we were just having fun.”A.A. Milne in Winnie the Pooh

Funeral arrangements are a deeply personal choice. Preplanning provides you with the time needed to make practical, detailed decisions that reflect your standards, lifestyle, taste and budget. And we assure you and your family that the choices you make will be carried out as planned.

Young women in Jordan and Canyons School Districts are shaping the future of business

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

A celebration was held for the 22 graduates of the South Valley Chamber’s Junior Women in Business Program. This year’s cohort was the biggest so far in the history of the initiative that coaches high school seniors through leadership, business and mentoring opportunities.

Young women from high schools across Jordan and Canyons School Districts spent the year attending women in business events, meeting female entrepreneurs in the area, doing job shadowing, participating in service projects and receiving one-on-one mentoring with prominent business and civic leaders.

Savanna Barlow (Alta High School) said the experience was a valuable way to create connections with female leaders, gain experience with the legislative process and develop relationships with the other young women in the program. She plans to attend the University of Utah to get a degree in business management. Each graduate received a $1,000 scholarship.

“That scholarship was only the tip of the iceberg for what this program gave us,” Savanna said. “It was amazing. First of all, the monthly luncheons and the guest speakers

were incredible. We talked to CEOs, authors and entrepreneurs…Each of these women told us about the challenges they faced in the business world and in their personal lives. Those experiences are priceless.”

Sponsored by America First Credit Union, WCF Insurance, Intermountain Health and Crystal Maggelet, president and CEO of FJ Management, the Junior Women in Business program started 12 years ago.

Along with Savanna, these high school seniors also graduated from the program: Aubrey Campbell (Brighton High School), Ava Pezely (Riverton High School), Brooklyn Woodley (AHS), Chantel Moore (Jordan High School), Daira Camacho (West Jordan High School), Gabriella Martinez (WJHS), Giovanna Grant (BHS), Grace Mahoney (JHS), Grace Palmer (RHS), Hannah Bradshaw (Juan Diego Catholic High School), Healani Hernandez (Bingham High School), Jaci Elzinga (BHS), Kaitlyn Rios (Herriman High School), Kate Taggart (Corner Canyon High School), Kiara Sunil-Singh (Providence Hall), Madison Crowther (Copper Hills High School), Makai Johnson (Mountain Ridge High School), Mya Ruiz (American Preparatory Academy), Samantha Picker-

ing (JDCHS), Sienna Yang (Hillcrest High School) and Zoe Kener (CCHS).

“At the Chamber, we’re trying to do some good, and I think the community is a better place,” said Jay Francis, South Valley Chamber president and CEO. “We have 22 young ladies who have rubbed shoulders with some of the best business women in the community. We’ll just keep multiplying that and we’ll just be better.”

At the graduation ceremony held at the Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers South Campus, Sarah Davies (The Piano Place), Alma Lopez and Diana Lopez (Cakes by Edith), and Sadie Bowler (SadieB) participated in a panel discussion talking about their business journeys as female entrepreneurs.

“From the age of 11, I decided I wanted to go to business school and learn how to manage business, how to hire people, how to manage a group of people and eventually how to become an entrepreneur,” Alma Lopez said. “I feel super happy and blessed that my sister and I are able to take the reins of the business and manage the business and be entrepreneurs.”

Nearly two dozen young women graduated from the South Valley Chamber’s Junior Women in Business Program in April, after receiving leadership and entrepreneurial training. (City Journals)

Over the last few years, more readers are emailing us about the Life and Laughter columns that run in the Journal. Last month, realizing the topic was more controversial, we decided to ask for reader feedback. Our readers left nearly 200 responses.

Over 60 percent of readers agreed with the article. Here is a small sampling of the comments that we received from our readers.

“I always love Peri Kinder's articles. I am on the same page with her politically. However, the length and tone of her articles make clear they are written for people who already agree with her - not for people on the fence or are looking for information on a topic”

“Peri inspired some thoughts that I hadn't paid much attention to.”

“Peri's bigotry is showing. No one should have to apologize for their sex, race, income status, or sexual orientation, unless of course, according to Peri, you’re a straight white male in Utah. Replace white with black and male with female in her piece and maybe you’ll be able to recognize the vitriol for what it is. Women are entitled to safe, private spaces, and I guarantee that if there were a man pretending to be a woman ogling at Peri in the bathroom, she might feel just a wee bit uncomfortable. As a woman, I’m tired of feminists telling me to “just get over it” and that my feelings don’t matter. Must I once again subjugate my desires in deference to a man who wants things his way? Maybe you should ask the girl in Virginia who was sexually assaulted by a transgender girl in the girls’ bathroom at school. Just because Peri doesn’t mind men in her bathroom doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t traumatized by it. The Legislature did absolutely the right thing, carefully balancing the rights of transgender people with women’s right to privacy and safe separate spaces.”

“Biological men do not belong in the same restroom as women. I do not want my children to ever be in a bathroom where a man is present. Just because the author has

Life and Laughter Reader Response

not encountered a “creepy man dressed as Mrs. Doubtfire, accosting women in the restroom,” does not mean this has not occurred. There are numerous cases where women have been assaulted by so called transgender info inside of women’s restrooms, for example, the case in Louden County VA.”

“I really like a lot of her articles but I am very opposed to pretty much everything she said in this one.”

“I agree with most of the comments about the legislature. However, I do not want transgender (born male) in my women's bathroom. They can use the family bathrooms which are becoming much more available.”

“Responding to "the article" as a whole cannot be done here because many different opinions were expressed on many issues. My only reaction to the overall article is "what happened to laughter"? I have often enjoyed your humor but this article had none! That's sad.”

"I agree that Trans women should not be allowed in the female bathrooms. Why? Because they are not women. There are only two genders. There always have been two genders and that cannot change. It is not dependent on what we think we are or are not.

We cannot and should not change the gender given to us by our Creator. I think He knows best.”

“Also, the author makes it sound like not allowing Trans women in a female bathroom is being unloving...love thy neighbor. Since when does disagreeing with someone's lifestyle directly correlate to being unloving? In any relationship we have with others, there are likely times we don't fully agree with someone's opinion or choices. We can still love that person, but not agree with their actions or lifestyle. These days it seems that if you disagree in any way with diversity, equity and inclusion you are labeled a hater. How is it that everyone else is entitled to their opinion but if mine is different in any way, I am wrong. How is that loving? We live in a free country that allows us to have a variety of opinions and express those opinions in a respectful way. But we also have to understand that not everyone is going to agree with each other and that is OK. With the bathroom issue, single stall bathrooms that allow either gender is the best solution in my opinion."

“Agree 100%. Peri is right. Sometimes it is embarrassing to live in this state with the things the legislature worries about and focuses on, and the bills they pass. There are more important problems to deal with than worrying about which bathrooms people are using, fighting DEI, and what books kids should or shouldn’t be reading. Frankly I think some of these things send the wrong message; I fear the kids are only learning that the adults don’t trust them to make good decisions. Or any decisions at all which will only lead to more problems down the road… an even more intolerant society with no critical thinking skills which is never a good thing.”

“This article is right. I couldn't agree more with all of Peri Kinder's articles. This one is my favorite.

I usually read the Peri Kinder column to get a good chuckle but this one hit the nail right on the head.”

“Thanks for printing this. I'm a trans woman who lives here and this was nice to see. I worked at the airport before, now I'm looking for a new job. It's been a rough couple of years for trans people and can seem overwhelming at times. Thanks for reminding me there's allies out there.”

“Peri is so sensible. I appreciate her writing this column.”

"I completely agree. We have a short legislative session and too much time and efforts were made supporting hatred and exclusion, singularity of thought and government being for themselves instead of for the people.

Read the polls: none of this is what the majority of voters are asking for.”

“It is so refreshing to read an opinion driven by common sense and compassion, rather than ignorance and fear. I know people in Utah are more compassionate than those who represent them, based on proposed legislation.”

“I look forward to Peri Kinder's article every month. This article was especially "spot on". Government needs to be more transparent! Not hidden behind so called "privacy" laws that block access to to the daily calendar of elected officials. I also agree with Peri's stance on public restrooms. Nobody goes into a restroom 'looking for" a transgender. They are there to "do their business" and leave asap! I have noticed that airports, some restaurants, and some of the wonderful theaters (Pioneer Theatre's new Meldrum Theatre and The Eccles) have an open doorway. The stalls allow for individual privacy, but the rooms are open and very visible. This is the first time I have used my scanning code. I felt it was important to express my point of view.”

“Acceptance has been slow over the years, but acceptance of the reality is gaining more support as people learn about their families.”

“I question the comments about guns in schools but clearly agree with the rest.” l

Dead on My Feet

and click it on her col-

dog, Jedi, runs to the closet where her leash hangs. She spins in circles as I take it off the

She bites the leash and pulls because I’m just not moving fast enough. She is so happy to walk the neighborhood and terrorize small animals.

Usually, these daily walks cheer me up, but recently, I follow behind her like I’m wearing cement shoes on a muddy beach. Does anyone else feel soul-tired?

I’m the weariest I’ve been since my daughters were newborns when sleeping two hours a night left me moving through life in a haze of dirty Pampers and milk-sour T-shirts.

But what’s my excuse now? I’m a deflated balloon, bouncing along the floor without the helium needed to float. I’m too weary to yawn, too sluggish to nap.

I guess I’m not alone because author and computer science professor Cal Newport said we’re in the throes of “The Great Exhaustion.”

It’s not about getting more sleep, it’s not about eating more fiber or fewer Hostess Twinkies, it’s a complete burnout because rest is a sign of weakness.

Taylor Swift recorded a double album while performing in a sold-out global tour

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

and then flew halfway around the world to catch her boyfriend’s little football game. And here I am, struggling to write a column and make it to my granddaughters’ soccer games.

I sprawl on the couch watching dust accumulate on the end tables, too fatigued to do anything about it. I pray a brisk breeze blows through the house, scattering the dirt back to the floor where it belongs.

I feel a lot of people are in this same engineless boat. It doesn’t help that companies now require employees to return to the office, even though the flexible, at-home schedules have kept thousands of women in the workplace. Even though, for the first time in history, job schedules have helped women feel like work and home are almost manageable.

Our energy is also being drained fast-

er than our bank accounts because we’ve trained ourselves to be 24/7 content creators. We spend a crapload of time making reels about our trip to the Grand Canyon or a TikTok video about how to raise goats and make goat milk ice cream.

But there’s more! Start a tech company during your free time! Renovate your kitchen and use time-lapse videos to share with the world! Become an Instagram influencer by creating beauty masks using pencil shavings! Document all the moments all the time and share on all the platforms!

With nonstop information from streaming shows, music, podcasts, audiobooks and social media going directly into our big noggins, our brains are tired. Every person in your household (and possibly your pets) is processing information at speeds unheard of just a few years ago. There’s probably smoke coming out of our ears.

It’s a firehose of electronic data. Everything is breaking news. Everything is trying to capture our brief attention. Life is one big clickbait link and we doomscroll like we’ve been enchanted by a wizard to sell our souls for just a little more spilled tea.

Are you feeling burnt out? Tell us about it.

Are you feeling fresh, share your secret with us!

The funny thing is, we can turn it off, silence the noise and deactivate the notifications. But our cortisol addiction is out of control.

So what do we do?

Jedi has the right idea. Walking outside, breathing fresh air, maybe even chasing a cat up a tree reminds us the small things matter. Quiet rituals are important. “The Great Exhaustion” is a bone-deep weariness but also a reminder we’re not alone as we stumble through life.

Maybe in sharing our weariness, we can find a listening ear, a comforting shoulder or a Hostess Twinkie.