RIVERTON GYMNASTS APPROACH MOMENTOUS COLLEGIATE SIGNING DAY
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
Both Riverton residents, Ava Jackson and Sage Curtis have trained at Olympus Gymnastics in South Jordan since they were around 5 years old, making Nov. 13 a momentous day 13 years in the making.
It’s signing day where they’ll officially commit to their chosen university for the upcoming year.
Jackson and Curtis’ graduating class from Olympus Gymnastics is the largest under owner and head coach Ryan Kirkham who coaches bars and coach Jessica Duke McDonough who coaches beam and floor.
Seven seniors from across the valley including the cities of Riverton, South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights and Draper and one from Park City will sign to attend universities with nationally acclaimed gymnastics programs. Six of them have earned full-ride scholarships as 5-, 4- and 3-star recruits to their respective schools.
“It's very rare to have as much talent as we do on our team, all at the same time, they're all really, really, really talented, driven and accomplished athletes,”
Kirkham said. “We have a lot of fun, but we also are very driven by producing high-level athletes and trying to help them reach their full potential as athletes.”
This year's recruits include Jackson who will be attending Ohio State University and Curtis who will be attending University of Utah, as well as Sophie Stuart, Sophie Schriever, Hayli Westerlind, Zoe Hale and Finley Weldon who will be attending the University of California Berkeley, University of Washington, the University of Missouri, Brigham Young University and
Ava Jackson (left) and Sage Curtis (right) practice at Olympus Gymnastics. (Courtesy of Rebecca Waldock)
Early Detection is Key: Breast Cancer Signs, Symptoms and Next Steps
By Cara Guilfoyle, MD
t likely isn’t a stretch to say that you know someone who has had to battle breast cancer within their lifetime, or maybe you have even been diagnosed with it yourself. With the new age of social media, stories of survival and those walking through their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment journey may be inundating your feeds. These stories of hope can certainly be inspiring but may also feel a bit unsettling. So, what do you need to know about breast cancer and how can you be sure that you’re on top of your health? Let’s start with what breast cancer is and how it occurs - breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. These cancer cells can spread to nearby tissues and form a mass called a tumor. The cells can spread within the breast, to nearby lymph nodes and other tissues, and to other parts of the body.*
“We are lucky that breast cancer is, for the most part, very treatable,” said Cara Guilfoyle, MD, FACS, Breast Surgeon and Medical Director for CommonSpirit Medical Group –Specialty Care in Utah.
Dr. Guilfoyle stresses the importance of getting yearly 3D mammograms beginning at 40 years old, “mammograms can find breast cancer on an average about five years earlier than you can feel it.” You do not need your physician to write you a prescription or complete
an order form for you to have a screening mammogram - you can self-request to make an appointment for your annual mammogram.
“It is important to stay current with your breast cancer screening because finding breast cancer at an early stage allows more treatment options and a better opportunity for long-term survival,” said Dr. Guilfoyle. “Early detection allows for much less aggressive treatment (for example, omitting chemo and/or radiation).”
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about genetic testing and risk assessments as some high-risk women can start breast imaging earlier.
While it is important to know your family history and risk… Dr. Guilfoyle shares that family history doesn’t tell us everything. “About 75-85% of women (three out of four) diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history or known risk factors.”
So, what should you look out for when doing self-assessments? Dr. Guilfoyle says that you should “never ignore a new lump!” Other possible indicators for cancers can include:
•New skin dimpling
•Skin changes
•Nipple retraction
•Nipple rash
•Nipple discharge
•Lump under the armpit
Care with a mother’s touch.
“At Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley, we have state of the art equipment, including breast MRI, 3D mammogram, SAVI scout for localizations and a soon-to-come Trident for intraoperative specimen imaging,” said Dr. Guilfoyle. “Our multidisciplinary team presents each breast cancer patient to a tumor board and allows for a collaborative academic discussion to formulate the most appropriate personalized treatment plan.”
We strive to exemplify all five of CommonSpirit’s core values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence and collaboration when treating each and every one of our patients.
If you are interested in seeing Dr. Guilfoyle at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley or Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point, you may call 385-345-3555 to make an appointment.
“I love being in a field that allows me to make a huge impact on patients’ lives,” said Dr. Guilfoyle. “I try to exude optimism and empower women to tap into the strength they need to face their challenge, and to reinforce that they are not alone!”
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Cara Guilfoyle, MD
CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley
Continued from front page Iowa State University, which are some of the top in the country for gymnastics per the National Collegiate Scouting Association.
Olympus Gymnastics has been recognized nationally. In 2021, it was officially announced as the top club in the country and scored as one of the best clubs in the country since then. In 2023, the top recruit of the country came from Olympus.
Kirkham said that the cohesive coaching style from the lower levels to higher levels at Olympus makes it so athletes can feel comfortable progressing and reach new heights.
“It's an environment where kids can thrive and make mistakes, and it's OK,” he said.
What made all the difference for Jackson was the team and camaraderie she felt during her time at Olympus.
“I've never met a group of girls or seen another team that truly wants and roots for
each other's successes as much as their own,” Jackson said. “We as a team come together to push each other and ourselves.”
“The team and the environment that our coaches, Jess and Ryan, have created for us has changed my life for the better,” she said. “I'm just really excited to be part of a program that's building a legacy.”
As signing day approaches, the excitement rises.
Curtis is one of two of the graduating class members to stay in the state, along with Zoe Hale who will attend BYU in the fall. Curtis will be one of the newest Red Rocks at the University of Utah, which has been her dream since before she started at Olympus.
“That was my No. 1 starting and, I mean, even after all the visits, it was still my No. 1,” Curtis said. “This is where I was meant to be—this is the coaching staff and the team that I want to be a part of, and this is where I fit in over the other schools.” l
‘Hadestown’: straight from Broadway to Riverton High School
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Riverton
High Theatre presents “Hadestown” Teen Edition
Book and music by Anaȉs Mitchell
Directed by Erin McGuire
Choreography by Jaymie Lambson
Nov. 14, 15, 16 and 18 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students/senior citizens and are available at the door and online.
Just a few months ago, Riverton High theater students were watching “Hadestown” on Broadway as part of their New York theater trip. Now they are some of the few actors (the only ones in Jordan School District) with permission to perform it. Only six high schools in Utah were awarded the rights to perform the teen version of “Hadestown,” which is still playing on Broadway.
“It was available just for schools and teen groups,” RHS drama teacher Erin McGuire said. “So community theater can’t do it unless it’s just teens. Hale can’t do it. Nobody else. It’s Broadway and high schools.”
McGuire had already chosen a fall musical but quickly pivoted when “Hadestown” rights became available.
“It’s an amazing show,” she said. “The music is so beautiful and innovative.”
The show, which has won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, is based on two Greek Myths. Hermes acts as narrator, telling the love story of Orpheus and Eurydice intertwined with the love story of Hades and Persephone.
The show, which debuted on Broadway in 2016, is a sung-through show, like “Les Mis,” with no spoken lines, only singing. The folk-rock score is performed by onstage musicians who interact with the actors. Those
roles will be played by adults, professional musicians, including RHS’s percussion teacher, Christopher Jessee.
Students said those unfamiliar with the mythology will still understand what’s happening in the show. They say its messages include “love is worth sacrifice, but not without patience” and “even if you know something might not turn out the way you want it to, it’s still worth trying.”
RHS students are thrilled to be among the first outside of Broadway to perform the show.
“There’s been so few productions of ‘Hadestown,’ so it’s so cool to be able to take these characters and do pretty much whatever,” Ethan Hall, who plays the role of Hades, said. “Obviously, you have to stick to the source material, but there’s so much that you can do to change the chemistry between the characters. That’s just surreal, how much freedom we have and how cool it is.”
The show has only a handful of main characters, but because so many people wanted to be involved in the show, McGuire cast for two ensemble groups, bringing the cast total to 80.
Because no other local theaters have performed the show, the RHS production teams had to create their own set, props and costumes instead of borrowing pieces. McGuire hopes to eventually see a return on that investment when other schools finally get a chance to do the show and want to rent RHS’s costumes.
Students are excited to set a precedent for schools who perform the show in the future, and they are also keeping the Broadway cast updated on their show by tagging them on social media. l
TEAM
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.
PUBLISHER
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
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PHONE: 801-254-5974
The next graduating class (left) of Olympus Gymnastics competing at a national competition. (Courtesy of Sage Curtis)
Students delve deep into Shakespeare
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Riverton High School students performed scenes, monologues and dance interpretations of some of Shakespeare’s greatest works at the 48th annual high school Shakespeare Competition in Cedar City the first weekend of October.
Through the experience of learning, interpreting and performing Shakespeare, they learned that the stories are still relatable and beautiful.
“Shakespeare just really still applies to how we act today—it’s people, it’s human, it’s emotion, and it’s all stuff we still have today—they just had a little bit of different wording to it,” Cade Snarr, a senior, said. “And so when you go in deep, and try to understand what Shakespeare is trying to say, it really is a beautiful art, and there’s a reason we keep it around.”
Students said because the language is difficult to understand, performing Shakespeare requires a lot of expression and emotion to help the audience understand what’s going on. RHS drama teacher Clin Eaton tells students that if audiences don’t understand Shakespeare, it’s the actor’s fault.
“Shakespeare’s a different kind of acting,” junior Carter Reid said. “It’s less about the lines you get out and more the meaning behind them, because it’s very interpretive.”
Ethan Hall, a senior, was unfamiliar with Shakespeare when he first attended the competition as a sophomore. He ended up loving it and making lots of friends.
placements, they sincerely cheer one another on, Hall said.
“It’s such a cool culmination of so many people’s dozens of hours of working so hard with each other and I just love to see it all come together,” Hall said. “And talking to people from other schools is really fun. If you purely do it for competitive reasons, you won’t have a good time.”
RHS drama teacher Erin McGuire said they never go down to the competition only focused on winning.
“Is it nice to get a trophy? Absolutely. Is it nice to have the recognition? That is nice. But that’s not our main focus,” she said. “Our focus is the kids learning and growing, having a good time, and being exposed to some amazing performances by other students and by the professional performances down there. That’s why we do it—the education. The competition is second to the education.”
“It’s just a lovely time to spend the weekend with all your best friends, competing in something you love,” he said. “You get to just work close with just amazing people.”
The competition provided students an opportunity to increase their Shakespeare skills through adjudicator feedback, skills workshops and watching performances by professionals and students from some of the 99 participating schools.
“Students learned that performing Shakespeare is a skill, that if you can master it, you can act anything,” Eaton said. “It’s also really fun to watch all of the other students’ performances and make friends with performers from other schools.”
Even though students are competing against students from other schools within their region and for overall
In addition to performance competitions, a Tech Olympics event tested the skills of stage tech students in eight categories.
Everett Johnson, who competed in the Tech Olympics for his second time, said students don’t know the task they’ll be asked to perform until they are in the room with the judges.
“You can’t prepare,” he said. “You show up, you just do the thing and hope you do the best you can.”
RHS’s team has finished in the top three of the Tech Olympics for the past 15 years. This year they placed third overall and earned two individual awards: Tyler Bodell placed first in Sound and Lucy Rowley placed first in Costuming. l
Riverton High School students perform an angsty twist on “Julius Caesar” at the 2024 Shakespeare Competition in Cedar City. (Photo courtesy Clin Eaton)
Silverwolves place fifth in state boys golf tournament
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
In Utah high school sports, Class 6A boasts some excellent boys golf teams. The field is deep and talented, with multiple players shooting below par. Though Riverton couldn’t match the scores of the top two teams, Corner Canyon and Lone Peak, at the Class 6A state tournament on Oct. 14 and 15, the Silverwolves made a strong showing, placing fifth overall.
Riverton shot a 10-over par, five shots in back of American Fork, which placed fourth. Third-place Herriman was 6-under par. Corner Canyon and Lone Peak blew away the field with a minus-38 and minus-31, respectively.
The Silverwolves were 10 shots ahead of the sixthplace team, Farmington. Junior Jaxon Erickson, senior Hayden Stewart, sophomore Lincoln Judd, senior Austin Bennion, senior Andrew Huff and junior Warren Fisher teamed up to shoot a two-day total of 586, 294 on day one and 292 on day two.
Erickson was Riverton’s top performer on the day. He tied with three other players for 10th place, shooting a minus-4. Erickson was consistent, shooting a 70 on both days. He made three birdies on day one and six on day two’s second round. Erickson never had a hole where he was more than one under par. On 31 of the 36 holes, he shot even par or better.
Bennion had the next-best showing at the tournament for Riverton. He placed 23rd overall with a plus-4, shooting 148. He shot a 75 in the first round and improved to a 73 on day two. He had a birdie on day one and shot two birdies the following day to finish strong.
Not far down the leader board were Stewart and Judd,
who tied for 28th and 33rd, respectively. Stewart shot a 149 plus-5, while Judd was just one shot behind at a 150 plus-6. Stewart had two first-round birdies, one on hole 11 and one on hole 17. He followed that up with four birdies on day two, including one on the last hole that solidified his No. 28 spot. Judd had two birdies in each round.
Meanwhile, Huff was at plus-9, shooting a 76 and a 77 for a two-day total of 153. He placed 50th overall. He had a strong first round with five birdies, and he added two more birdies in the second round.
Fisher made the cut too, shooting 168 plus-24 to contribute to his team’s success. He shot an 86 in the first round and improved to an 82 the next day.
Riverton could be a factor in the 6A race in 2025.
Erickson will be back next season. Considering that seven of the nine players above him (and two of the three players tied with him) graduate this school year, Erickson will be one to watch in 2025. Judd and Fisher will also be back to bolster the varsity team’s lineup and Riverton chances of repeating in the top five of the state tournament. Head coach Kelly Pehrson will be looking for some junior varsity players and newcomers to take the next step and assume more responsibility next year. l
Jaxon Erickson led the Riverton boys golf team to a fifth-place finish at the Class 6A state tournament Oct. 14 and 15. Erickson placed 10th individually. (Tristen Hartfiel/THart Productions)
Bingham High School SOJO Choral Arts Presents
Saturday, December 7
2: 00 & 7: 00 p.m.
BENEFITING
featuring Seasons Chorale and Orchestra with Ben Chapman, conducting
The Make a Wish Foundation and Family Shelters Your donation gratefully accepted. Suggested
the 18th Annual Holiday Concert For more information: sojochoralarts.org
GRAND OPENING!
Holiday Oil is celebrating 60 wonderful years of serving Utah and is thrilled upon the grand opening of the new Bluffdale location! Known for their friendly staff, clean facilities, and high-quality fuel, the Bluffdale location also features a freshly branded “Hot Stuff” food section, serving up calzones, burritos, and breadsticks.
For added convenience, customers can use the Sip Shop Drive Thru at the back of the store, perfect for those on the go. The drive-thru menu includes specialty sodas with pebble ice, salty pretzel bites, and mini chocolate chip cookies, catering to every craving. Come check out the new location and enjoy the delicious offerings that make Holiday Oil a beloved part of the community at 15235 Porter Rockwell Blvd, Bluffdale.
Silverwolves make progress on football field, triple win output from previous year
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
After five consecutive winning seasons from 2018 through 2022, the Riverton football team suffered through a tough campaign a year ago. This season, the Silverwolves made some progress.
Riverton went 1-9 last season but improved to 3-8 in the regular season this time around. The Silverwolves earned the No. 15 seed in the Class 6A state tournament and hosted Pleasant Grove in the first round Oct. 25, after our press deadline.
In a challenging Region 2, Riverton went 1-4. Its lone win was a big one, a 42-19 blowout of Copper Hills in the regular-season finale on Oct. 18. Playing on the road, Riverton secured its first league victory with steady play on both sides of the ball. Andrew Nielson scored on touchdown runs of 46 yards and 1 yard in the first half. The do-itall quarterback also tossed three touchdown passes—31 yards to Seth Glover, 10 yards to Caleb Christian and 20 yards to Glover.
Riverton’s other two wins this season were earlier in the year in non-region action. The Silverwolves conquered Syracuse 13-7 in the season opener on Aug. 16 and then toppled Pleasant Grove on Sept. 13 by the count of 21-7. The Silverwolves were hoping for a repeat performance when they faced Pleasant Grove in the playoffs.
To some, a 3-7 record might not look like much, but the Silverwolves weren’t far from having a better record.
Riverton had three losses by seven points or less, falling to Ridgeline 28-21 on Aug. 23, to American Fork 27-20 on Sept. 6 and to Bingham 21-16 on Oct. 4. There was also a 26-17 setback to Herriman on Sept. 20 and a 24-11 defeat at home against Mountain Ridge on Oct. 11. Only two of the team’s seven losses were by more than 13 points—and those were to eventual Region 6 champion Brighton (42-14) and Region 2 champion Corner Canyon (49-21).
Nielson had a solid year leading the Riverton offense. The senior signal caller threw 15 touchdowns this season and rushed for four more. His favorite target was Dane Slack, who had eight touchdown catches.
Defensively, Riverton showed promise this season. Outside of the Brighton and Corner Canyon losses, no team managed more than 28 points on the Silverwolves.
Riverton loses some key players on both sides of the ball, leaving head coach James Freeland with some big shoes to fill for 2025. He’s looking for younger players to step up and take on bigger roles. Freeland is excited about the future of the program and is optimistic that the team can get back to its win-
ning ways. Two years ago, the Silverwolves were 7-5. Freeland will head into his third season in 2025 and will guide the squad once again in a difficult Region 2 with state power Corner Canyon, always-tough Bingham and other foes Herriman, Mountain Ridge and
Copper Hills.
In this year’s state tournament, a win over Pleasant Grove in round one would have vaulted the Silverwolves to the second round to face No. 2 seed Skyridge on Nov. 1.l
Riverton quarterback Andrew Nielson (in purple) drops back to pass in a game earlier this season. Nielson guided the Silverwolves to an improved season. (Photo courtesy Rick Meyer)
Sounds of the Season concert: A family tradition lives on
The Nielson and Shaw families have a deep and meaningful connection to the Seasons Orchestra and Choir, where music has been shared across generations. For Kendra Nielson, participating in “Sounds of the Season” holds memories close to her heart. “To be able to perform with the same group, on the same stage, that my grandparents, my siblings, and my mom did for so many years before me is like a dream come true,” she says.
Kendra is joined by her brother Kyle in the orchestra, with their grandparents, Roy and Dianne Shaw, lending their voices
to the choir. Mindie Nielson, who is part of the family’s musical journey, sings alongside Roy and Dianne, strengthening their shared tradition.
We celebrate the Nielson and Shaw families for their dedication to carrying forward this legacy and for bringing generations together through the joy of music.
Sounds of the Season concert will be Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 and 7 p.m. at Bingham High School.
Suggested donation: $7-10 per person or $30 per family. The concerts will benefit Make-a-Wish and local family shelters.
Choice in Home Care®
Stephanie and her children, Kyle and Emily, perform in the concert. (Contributed)
The white bow on a chair was done for the concert just after she passed to honor her. (Contributed)
RIVERTON REVIEW
Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government
New Retail on Redwood Road
By Mayor Trent Staggs
Riverton City continues to grow and improve in ways that will benefit generations. A few weeks ago, I was pleased to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Paige Retail Plaza that will be built on Redwood Road across from city hall.
I led an initiative to designate this land as a Community Development Area, which allowed the city to guide the improvement and aesthetic of this land. The CDA enabled me to find and work with an entrepreneur who will transform this property into a magnet of opportunity.
While new construction is largely stalled across the valley, business owners are still finding opportunities in Riverton. The plaza will consist of 20 nearly 2,000 square-foot retail spaces in 4 buildings. The Paige Retail Plaza is poised to bring in new jobs and contribute to a thriving local economy. It will also provide residents with greater access to a variety of retail and dining options, making Riverton a more convenient and attractive place to live, work, and play.
This project is the culmination of hard work from city staff, elected officials, and enterprising entrepreneurs. Our Strategic Priorities has enabled Riverton to provide essential services as a local government and help facilitate the enhancement of the quality of life and sense of community for our citizens. We are accomplishing our goal laid out in
The new Paige Retail Plaza located directly East of City Hall will consist of 20 nearly 2,000 square-foot retail spaces in 4 buildings.
this document to retain more small businesses, attract additional sitdown restaurants, assist potential businesses with site sections, and more.
The city is actively exploring more ways to support existing businesses and support the creation of new businesses. Our business-friendly environment provides the businesses with an ecosystem to thrive, and in return the sales tax revenue is supporting our municipality. This teamwork of sustainable development over the last 10 years has laid a financial foundation for a bright future in Riverton.
The city’s focus on economic sustainability is reflected in its dedication to maintaining a balanced growth strategy. By promoting new developments like the Paige Retail Plaza while preserving the charm and
character of our community, we are creating a future that honors both innovation and tradition. Riverton’s growth is not just about expanding its infrastructure, but about creating spaces that enhance the quality of life for its residents and support the businesses that choose to call this city home.
Looking ahead, we continue to prioritize strategic partnerships that benefit the city as a whole. With each new development, we carefully consider how it will impact not only the current population but future generations as well.
The Paige Retail Plaza, like many projects before it, is a testament to what can be achieved when city leaders, businesses, and residents work together with a shared vision of progress. As we move forward, Riverton will remain committed to smart, sustainable development that keeps our community vibrant and thriving for years to come.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,600 locations nationwide, including Riverton City Cemetery. We invite you to sponsor a $17 wreath to be placed at a veteran’s grave at Riverton City Cemetery in December.
Special Offer Through November 27, 2024
Buy 2, Get 1 Free!
Learn more or purchase your wreaths by visiting rivertonutah.gov/wreaths
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 MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL
November 12, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
November 14, 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov 801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
COUNCILMEMBER MESSAGE
It’s November and I am Thankful
By Councilmember Tish Buroker
I am thankful to live in Riverton where there are such great residents who care about each other and their city. I am thankful for great city employees who are passionate about their jobs and Riverton. I am thankful for our great Senior Center which is always busy with seniors finding a place for social connections and activities. I am appreciative of the volunteers who lead and organize volunteer sports in our city. I am thankful for our well trained, and well-staffed Police and Fire departments. I am also appreciative of the American Legion. They are a value add in our community as are our volunteer committees.
On November 8th at 7 pm we can show up for our veterans at the annual veteran Day program held in the community center. The Riverton Jazz Band always has an entertaining program, and I love hearing the songs of the different branches of service and seeing the Veterans stand. I have had the opportunity to tour WWI and WWII sites in Europe. These tours have elevated my respect and appreciation of veterans. Traveling past Flanders Field completely stunned me. It could have been a farmer’s field in Riverton. Instead, it had been the
scene of unbelievable carnage. I was emotionally shaken thinking of men living and fighting in muddy trenches day after day. Word War 1 was no longer just a piece of history from a history book. A portion of the poem, In Flanders Field captures the scene and emotion:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
At Ayers, a small village next to Flanders field there is a bridge crossing a small river which the soldiers crossed on their way to the battlefield. Most of them knew there would be no return. On this bridge there is a ceremony every night, and I mean EVERY night since WWI, (except during WWII), and wreaths are placed in respect and remembrance of the soldiers, crossing to fight. Thousands come from all around the world each night to pay their respects to the men that fought on this battlefield.
Another impactful moment was visiting Normandy and imagining D Day with the men and weapons pouring onto land from the sea and immediately going into battle. You can still see the craters where bombs detonated. I would also like to acknowledge veterans that fought in Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm.
Flanders Fields is a common English name of the World War I battlefields in an area straddling the Belgian provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders. Today, poppies cover large areas as a rememberance to the fallen soldiers.
These experiences have profoundly changed me, making Veteran’s Day a significant and important event. The Department of Veteran Affairs indicates that 41,892,128 have served in the US Military during wartime. Over 651,031 have died in battle. Today there are 19,210,000 Living Veterans. Let us remember these men and women and show our appreciation whether by wearing a red poppy, cleaning a veterans cemetery marker or attending the veteran day program. It is a time when we can actively participate in thanking veterans. And our veterans appreciate it. I look forward to seeing you there.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Veterans Day Program
Join us in honoring all who serve and have served in our nation’s military at Riverton City’s annual Veterans Day Program which includes a flag ceremony by the American Legion - Post 140.
Thursday, November 8, 2024, 7 p.m.
Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center 12830 S Redwood Road, Riverton, Utah
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Building a Winter Emergency Kit for Home and Car
As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare for the unexpected. Snowstorms, ice, and freezing temperatures can create hazardous conditions, making it crucial to have an emergency kit ready for both your home and car. Here’s how to build comprehensive kits that will keep you and your family safe during winter emergencies.
HOME EMERGENCY KIT
1. Basic Supplies
Start with the essentials: water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days), non-perishable food items (canned goods, dried fruit, nuts), and a manual can opener. Include medications and a first-aid kit to address common injuries.
2. Power Outage Preparedness
Have flashlights with extra batteries and a battery-powered or handcrank radio to stay informed during outages. Consider a portable generator for backup power, and keep it stored safely outside to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
By preparing a winter emergency kit for your car, you can ensure your safety and well-being during unexpected winter weather.
3. Heating and Warmth
Include extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing such as hats, gloves, and thermal socks. A small, portable heater can be beneficial, but ensure it’s safe for indoor use and always follow safety guidelines.
4. Tools and Safety Items
Keep a fire extinguisher handy, along with tools like a wrench, pliers, and a multi-tool. Additionally, a whistle can help signal for help if needed. Make sure to have a shovel and ice melt on hand for snow removal around your home.
5. Communication Essentials
In addition to your radio, keep a list of emergency contacts and local emergency numbers. A charged power bank for your cell phone will also be invaluable during power outages.
CAR EMERGENCY KIT
1. Basic Supplies
Start with a flashlight, blankets, and non-perishable snacks. Include bottled water and a first-aid kit tailored to your family’s needs.
2. Tools for Winter Conditions
Pack an ice scraper, shovel, and a set of jumper cables. A tire inflator and repair kit can also be useful if you experience a flat tire. Don’t forget a spare tire and the tools needed to change it.
3. Safety Items
Keep road flares or reflective triangles to alert other drivers if you’re stranded. Consider including a whistle and a pair of gloves to help keep you warm while you wait for assistance.
4. Navigation and Communication
Include a map of your area, as GPS may not always be reliable in winter storms. Make sure to have a fully charged portable phone charger and an emergency phone number list.
By preparing these winter emergency kits for your home and car, you can ensure your safety and well-being during unexpected winter weather. Taking the time to gather these supplies can make all the difference when facing winter’s challenges.
Social Media
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Report a problem, see the city calendar, get directions to parks and city facilities, and find city information right from your mobile device.
Text Alerts
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UPCOMING EVENTS RIVERTON REVIEW
Santa’s Arrival Christmas Card Contest
Bring the kids to see Santa Claus arrive in Riverton! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the park on a bright red fire engine. Children can greet Santa to make their Christmas requests and also write their letter to Santa that evening. There will be free scones, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, crafts, and entertainment.
Monday, December 2, 6:30 p.m.
Riverton City Park
For more information visit: rivertonutah.gov/santa
Christmas Night of Music Concert
Join the community choir to sing at this year’s Christmas Night of Music Concert on Monday, December 9, 2024. Practices held weekly in November.
• Sign up online today at: rivertonutah.gov/night-of-music
Holiday Donation Drive
Riverton City is collecting holiday donations for The Christmas Box House & Toys for Tots. Donations will be accepted from November 12 to December 9 at City Hall. Donated items must be new and unwrapped.
What to Donate:
• Children’s Clothes
• Children’s Sneakers
• Educational Toys
• Hair Brushes
• Body Lotion
• Teen Clothing
• Teen Shoes
• Healthy Snacks
For a list of more items to donate, visit: rivertonutah.gov/holiday-donations
Join Riverton City’s Mission Slim Possible weight loss challenge to lose weight and start next year off right. Begins Wednesday January 8, 2024. Register: Mission Slim Possible
• Register online at rivertonutah.gov/possible
Riverton Tour of Lights
Show off your awesome Christmas light display by entering your home in the Riverton Tour of Lights. Your home will be placed on a tour map. Free to enter.
• Enter online at rivertonutah.gov/tour-of-lights
Riverton City is again holding a design contest to select the city’s official Christmas card! Children enrolled in an elementary school in Riverton OR who are of elementary school age who live in Riverton are invited to submit a card design in the contest. The creator of the winning Christmas card will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.
Entry Deadline: Wednesday, November 13
For more information visit: rivertonutah.gov/christmascard
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Attend a free QPR suicide prevention class to learn how to respond to someone in crises. Classes occur monthly, excluding July and December. Registration required.
• Thursday, November 14, 7 p.m., rivertonutah.gov/qpr
Couch to 5K Training Program
Come participate in the Couch to 5K program to gradually build up your running ability from January 29 to March 22 in a positive, stress-free environment.
• Register online at rivertonutah.gov/couch-to-5k
Students see up-close action at football field— in the field of sports marketing
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Sophomore football player Thiago Texeiram had no idea what went on behind the scenes to coordinate the marketing for a college football game until he saw the schedule of the sports marketing team at the University of Utah.
“They had a schedule, done by the minute—and seconds, too—and it was just like when they’ll put up the ads [on the screen], and what ads to put up, and what type of music they’ll put on—it was just these instructions,” he said.
Texeiram and his classmates took an eye-opening field trip to Rice-Eccles Stadium to see the real-world applications of what they’re learning in their Sports and Recreation Marketing class at Riverton High School.
Their teacher, Joe Gorman, wanted his students to experience the day-to-day details working in the world of sports management. Students met the people responsible for marketing the University of Utah football team, managing their sponsorships, handling the logistics of visiting teams and creating the visuals and sounds audiences experience during games.
“Going to the Rice-Eccles Field, I was able to understand that there are way more jobs in sports marketing than I thought, and really interesting and something I might want to do,” senior Caysen Harward said.
Bodey Blake, a senior said, “I learned just how much work they put into the games, and how much behind the scenes work they had to do to just get all the times set up for their events at the game, and the screen, the sound—they have to have perfect timing or else the game will feel off and won’t be as pleasing to the fans, so I thought that was pretty cool.”
Gorman said he knew his students were interested and engaged because they were asking good questions.
“As a teacher, I love when kids ask questions,” he said. “They asked so many really, really good questions.”
As the professionals talked about how they got into their careers, it helped the high school students begin to think about how to gain skills and develop connections to get to where they want to be.
“Pretty much every single professional we met with got their start as an intern in college,” Gorman said. “So the kids now know that the path to get into a career with sports marketing is going to college and finding an unpaid internship and just kind of going to the trenches and then working their way up from there.”
Students were invited to return individually to job shadow for one of the university’s other sports teams’ game days.
his thoughts about his career options.
“They could watch someone that runs the camera, watch someone that hands out T-shirts or takes tickets or stuff like that, so definitely a good foot-in-the-door opportunity for some of them,” Gorman said.
On the field trip, students went in the press box, onto the field and into the locker room. They were excited to snap pictures of each other on the field and take selfies in front of players’ lockers, because the majority of them are athletes.
Christian Kuf, a senior, said the class and the field trip have definitely influenced
“I am always looking forward to what we’re doing in class, what we’re learning about next in sports marketing,” he said. “I had no idea what sports marketing would be like and it actually sounds like a really fun job to be at a college or a professional sports team. It’d be really cool to market online and get people to be interested.”
“I took the class because I’m really interested in sports,” sophomore Caden Herrscher said. “I wasn’t really aware of the different jobs that you could do to get involved with sports instead of, like, playing. So if playing football in college doesn’t
work out, I could rely on maybe doing a job in the field of sports marketing.”
Harward said it’s a good alternative career plan for an athlete.
“It’s, like, really hard to be a pro athlete,” he said. “Everybody wants to be one but not everybody makes it, so being able to market a pro team still sounds fun.”
Gorman’s class next semester will take a field trip to the Huntsman Center to see the behind-the-scenes of marketing the U of U basketball team. l
Riverton High School students explore the behindthe-scenes of sports marketing at Rice Eccles Stadium. (Photo courtesy Joe Gorman)
A sports marketing field trip takes students onto the football field at Rice Eccles Stadium. (Photo courtesy Joe Gorman)
The view from the press box at Rice Eccles Stadium for Riverton High School students on a field trip. (Photo courtesy Joe Gorman)
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Utah’s first All-Wheels Park open to the public
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
Alltypes of man-powered wheels are welcome at Utah’s “ultimate destination for non-motorized wheeled recreation,” including skateboards, bikes, wheelchairs, roller blades and more.
The first of its kind in Utah, the West Jordan Wheels Park and hundreds of people celebrated the grand opening of its first phase on Saturday, Oct. 12 with free snow cones, food trucks, prizes and more.
As part of the wheeled portion of the larger park, the roughly 153,000-square-foot park portion features grindable I-beams, a large street plaza and more.
The all-wheels park is part of the larger Ron Wood Park located at 8600 S. and Ron Wood Park Road, east of the pickleball fields. Different park features will expand across 95 acres including new soccer fields just to the west of the wheels park that will start construction next year, followed by a recreation center and multiple bike trails.
“This larger area will become a regional recreation complex that will draw people from all over Salt Lake County,” Korban Lee said, West Jordan’s chief administrative officer. “We're very, very excited about that.”
West Jordan resident Bruce Johnson and his family live about half a mile from Ron Wood Park and are frequent visitors to the pickleball courts and bike trails through the park.
“We’re really waiting for the overpass to open,” Johnson said, “so we don’t have to worry about Bangerter Highway—crossing Bangerter with a bike is treacherous.”
The park received funding primarily from West Jordan City in partnership with Rio Tinto Kennecott and from the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, but is expected to draw in crowds from across Salt Lake County.
Lee said it was a community-wide effort to get the park to what it is today and what it will be.
Local skaters and skater groups, such as the Utah Skate Park Advocacy Group, Northwest Skater and West Jordan residents, helped design and contributed to the park’s unique features.
“The reason we have a wheels park is because a young man came…to several meetings and said [it] was needed in our area,” Councilmember Kayleen Whitelock said at the Oct. 9 city council meeting.
Lee made sure to point out to the crowd of hundreds the similarities between the park’s slopes and Kennecott Mine’s slopes that can be seen to the southwest.
“The skate park has a lot of unique elements,” he said. “That rainbow rail, that's the only one I know of in the entire world has a feature like that… and we put a skate bowl in the back of a dump truck bed, how cool is that?”
Additionally, the park features the only beginner pump track in Utah where “you can practice and learn on the beginner pump tracks to the intermediate-advanced pump track.” This allows for wheelers of all skill levels to use the park.
Riverton residents Kaysem Johnson and Erica Harris both attended the grand opening with two children under 5-years-old, who they’re excited to introduce to the beginner-level part of the skatepark. Johnson called it “another opportunity for them to get out of the house and have fun outside on their bikes and push their skills.”
“It’s another type of community that we don’t really have where we live,” Harris said. “They have a small bike park over there but nothing this big that will allow them to advance levels.” l
Kids, teens and adults alike celebrate the grand opening of the first phase of the new All Wheels Park at Ron Wood Park in West Jordan by riding scooters, bikes, skateboards and more through the inaugural banner. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
Signed by attendees of the grand opening, these skateboards will be gifted to sponsors, designers and other personnel who worked on the park. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
A large feature of the park includes a dump truck skating bowl, in homage to one of the park’s sponsors, Rio Tinto Kennecott. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton, well-known for his affinity for bike riding, celebrated at the grand opening by giving out stickers, talking with people and of course, riding his bike. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
Familiar foe ends Riverton’s season in girls soccer
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
The Riverton girls soccer team was probably tired of seeing Mountain Ridge by the end of the season.
The Silverwolves faced the Sentinels in the second round of the Class 6A state tournament on Oct. 15, making it the third meeting of the year between the two teams. Just like the previous two contests, this one went Mountain Ridge’s way—only this one sent Riverton packing.
A 4-0 loss to Mountain Ridge ended the Silverwolves’ season.
Riverton finished the 2024 campaign with a 7-12 record. The team was fifth in Region 2 with a 5-7 record. In the competitive region, Riverton had some ups and downs against some talented foes.
In the state tournament, the Silverwolves opened at home in the first round on Oct. 10 against Salt Lake Academy, another squad they had seen two times before. Riverton won games one and two against the Griffins 7-0 (Sept. 16) and 2-0 (Oct. 10). At state, the 15th-seeded Silverwolves prevailed 2-0, getting a goal in each half. Senior Ava Escobedo scored both Riverton goals, her first two of the season. Xoie Warner and Marley Johnson got assists, with sophomore goalie Daisy Johnson posting the shutout. It was Riverton’s fifth shutout of the year, the third
GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE
against Salt Lake Academy.
Mountain Ridge once again proved to be too much for Riverton when the two teams matched up in the second round. After playing close in the first half and trailing just 1-0 at the break, Riverton couldn’t keep up in the second. Mountain Ridge added three goals after halftime to win convincingly. Riverton was held scoreless for the sixth time of the season.
Statistically, Riverton enjoyed balanced scoring and had contributions from several players.
Two Silverwolves—juniors Ellie Anderson and Warner—led the way with five goals. Warner also paced the team in assists with six. A quartet of players were next in scoring with freshman Bella Clark, junior Katie Cole, senior Brindee Jones and junior Leah Larson adding three goals each. Cole contributed three assists as well.
In the net, Johnson had 3.5 shutouts while goalie Ashlyn Oman, just a freshman, saw some time and recorded 1.5 shutouts.
This past season, Riverton had some challenging outings, but the team was competitive most of the time, even in defeat. The Silverwolves lost a trio of games by a single goal and another—at Corner Canyon on Aug. 27—in a shootout. Three more losses were by two goals. Aside from its three wins over
Salt Lake Academy, Riverton also enjoyed a 3-1 triumph over Bingham on Sept. 5, a 2-1 win over Herriman on Sept. 17 and a 2-0 shutout of Bingham on Oct. 1.
There is some optimism for next season, with experience and talent coming back to the team. Riverton will welcome back five of its top six scorers in 2025 as well as two goalkeep-
We are excited to announce that our community has welcomed several new businesses in the past month! These businesses bring diverse services and products that will enrich our local economy and enhance our community’s vibrancy. We had the pleasure of hosting ribboncutting ceremonies for the following establishments:
• Serendipity
o 5236 W Herriman Main Street, Herriman
• Woodspring Suites
o 1478 W 14000 S, Bluffdale
• Mind, Body, Soul Chiropractic
o 14241 S Redwood Road
Ste A130 (basement of North bldg)
ers. Juniors Sara Briganti and Escobedo will also return to the Silverwolves, bolstering the team’s lineup and prospects for next season.
Players will not get much of a rest, as most team members will play club ball between now and August when the 2025 campaign gets underway. Riverton will remain in Class 6A’s Region 2.l
WE HELP BUSINESSES MAKE
CONNECTIONS
FOR SUCCESS
We are the bridge between businesses and the community in Bluffdale, Herriman, and Riverton.
Woodspring Suites is the first hotel in Bluffdale. They offer low hotel rates that become even more affordable the longer you stay.
You’ll find their extended stay hotel conveniently located just 4 miles from I-15, close to the cities of Herriman, Riverton, Draper and Lehi.
The guest suite layouts are spacious and modestly furnished, giving government contractors, military personnel, business travelers, students, traveling nurses and vacationers a nice place to rest and relax. Their thoughtfully designed apartment-style suites include queen- and king-bed options, a bathroom, living room and kitchen.
At Mind, Body, Soul Chiropractic Dr. Allen believes that the mind, body, and soul are very interconnected. If there is an imbalance in any one of the three, it will affect the others and cause a lack in your performance. For this reason, they look at you as a whole person and not as a bunch of symptoms to fix. Dr. Allen has two locations and is waiting to help unlock your body’s healing potential with their expert chiropractic care using neurology based techniques to find your peak performance.
Riverton’s Sienna Jenson (in purple) controls the ball by the sideline in action earlier this season. Riverton’s girls soccer team finished the year with a 7-12 record after a second-round playoff loss. (Photo courtesy Paul Moizer)
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner never gets easier. I always start with lofty culinary goals based on recipes from “The Pioneer Woman” that include truffles and capers but end up scraping scorched gravy into a dish and hoping the turkey won’t give anyone food poisoning.
Because of my poor cooking skills, I’m always looking for Thanksgiving hacks to make meal preparation more sunshine and less hurricane. I thought I’d share some tips I found to survive the food frenzy that is Thanksgiving.
Ask for help. Stop being a martyr. Don’t complain about having to do everything and then refuse any help. Give out assignments and not like “Can you bring one can of olives?” or “I need someone to pick up some napkins.” No. Ask someone to bring mashed potatoes or all the desserts or even the turkey. You don’t get a blue ribbon for Thanksgiving suffering.
Don’t make foods no one eats. Stop wasting time preparing “traditional” foods, even if it’s a recipe handed down from your quadruple-great grandmother. Especially if it’s handed down from your quadruple-great grandmother because there weren’t a lot of food options in the 1800s besides lima beans and fried hominy.
Use a mandoline to slice vegetables.
Hacking Thanksgiving
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Not to be confused with a stringed instrument from the 19th century, the mandoline slices onions, celery and carrots quickly and easily. The guest who finds the tip of my index finger in the stuffing wins a prize!
Make only one batch of dinner rolls. Homemade rolls are always a hit but now you can use them as leverage. Your grandson wants a second, hot-buttered roll? He’d better start washing dishes. Bonus hack: Purchase pre-made bakery rolls. You won’t get docked Thanksgiving points. I promise.
Thaw the turkey in water. Not only will this leave you with a bucket full of disgusting waste water but then you can spill it all over the kitchen floor on Thanksgiving morning. Maybe don’t even cook a turkey. There are no Thanksgiving laws. Have chicken wings or spaghetti bolognese.
Spatchcock the turkey. If you insist
on roasted turkey, watch a three-hour video explaining how to spatchcock the bird, which involves removing the turkey’s backbone so it lies flat and cooks quickly. (Sidenote: Who spatchcocked Utah’s governor and legislators?)
One tip said, “Use tongs to stem kale” and none of those words make sense together.
Use a Thermos to keep gravy warm. Gravy is notoriously dreadful when served cold. Trust me, I know. Grab your sisterin-law’s gallon-sized Stanley cup to ensure there’s hot gravy for the mashed potatoes.
Use pre-made pie shells. People think pies need to be made from scratch to get that flakey, buttery crust. Baloney. Unless you’re a professional pie baker, do yourself a favor and buy frozen pie crusts. Right now. Even better, get delicious pies from the grocery store.
Celebrate Thanksgiving dinner on Friday. There’s nothing worse than working three days and trying to fit in Thanksgiving preparation. On Friday, it can be a celebratory meal after everyone’s done shopping online.
Create a fun playlist. Before Uncle Jim can cue up the Jan. 6 prisoners’ chorus singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” have a variety of tunes ready to go. Include ev-
erything from Bach to ZZ Top, to equally irritate every family member.
Give yourself a break. I’ve overcooked turkey, burned gravy, made inedible broccoli-cornbread stuffing, forgot the cranberry sauce, dropped a pumpkin pie and used Tupperware lids when I ran out of dinner plates. No one cares. If you’re being judged for the way Thanksgiving dinner turns out, it’s time to find a new family.
BACK PAIN STOPS HERE
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