Sandy City Journal April 2018

April 2018 | Vol. 18 Iss. 04

SANDY

FREE

801-352-9555 8745 S 700 E #3

10 Shirts For

UNDERSTANDING ELECTED OFFICIAL COMPENSATION in the wake of pay raise controversy

By Justin Adams | j.adams@mycityjournals.com

The salaries of most of the mayors within Salt Lake County. There is a clear distinction in pay between mayors in cities with a council-manager form of government and mayors in cities with a council-mayor form of government.

“A

witch hunt.” “A failure on many levels.” “An unfortunate situation.”

Those are the terms used to describe a controversy that came to a conclusion at a Sandy City Council meeting on Feb. 27. A few weeks prior, KUTV reported that Sandy’s recently-elected mayor, Kurt Bradburn, had given himself a $15,000 raise during his first month in office.

The news resulted in a firestorm of social media backlash—KUTV’s post on Facebook garnered 72 (mostly) angry comments—resulting in an announcement by Bradburn that he would take a pay cut instead.

The city of Sandy appeared ready to move past the controversy at the Feb. 27 council meeting. Most of the residents who spoke as well as the city council expressed continued trust in the mayor. The city council also passed

a resolution that codified mayoral compensation, meaning that the Sandy mayor will no longer be responsible for setting his or her own salary.

The resolution also included an increased commitment to transparency. As suggested by Councilman Zach Robinson, the city will begin disclosing both the mayor’s and the city councilors’ salaries in the city’s budget.

“If we’re going to publish the mayoral ranges, I’d recommend that we publish the council ranges as well. I feel that would be an open and transparent communication from us to our citizens,” said Robinson.

Part of the reason for the public outcry about the mayor’s self-appointed raise is a lack of public understanding about how local elected officials are compensated. In response to a query on social media concerning this subject, respondents who live along the Wasatch Front said by and large that they weren’t quite sure how much their mayor was paid, but guessed anywhere in a range from $10,000 to $50,000.

While some mayors’ paychecks do fall within this range, there are many others who are paid two or three times that amount.

According to the report by KUTV, Bradburn’s initial salary when he took office was $147,000, meaning the raise would have brought him up to $162,000. That would have been more than double the median household income of Sandy ($76,807) as well as the highest salary of any mayor in the valley, including Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski.

The resolution passed by the Sandy City Council set a minimum mayoral salary of $119,000 and a maximum of $144,000. Those figures were recommended to the council

by Mike Applegarth, the council office’s director, who said that the mayor’s compensation should be based on “similarly situated cities” such as Provo or Ogden. In 2017, the mayors of those cities received salaries of $109,500 and $128,699 respectively, according to information from the

$20

(tax included) Expires 4/30/18

mrlecleaners.com

state of Utah’s public finance factory seconds blowout! website, transparent. utah.gov.

W h i l e the mayor’s new salary of only $119,000 is more on par $ with some of the larger 50 count box! or 3 cities along for the Wasatch American Heritage School $ Front, it is 11100 S. Redwood Rd., S. Jordan still near the Saturday, April 14 • 8:30AM -3PM top of what a municipal mayor can make in the state of Utah.

Of the 15 cities considered for this article (13 Salt Lake County municipalities plus Ogden and Provo) there is a wide range in the amount of money that a mayor is paid.

In fact, Salt Lake City Mayor Biskupski made almost 10 times as much money in 2017 ($149,220) as the lowest-paid mayor last year, former Riverton Mayor William Applegarth ($15,521).

Of course, Salt Lake City and Riverton are two completely different cities in a variety of ways. First, Salt Lake City has more than four times the number of residents as Riverton. Secondly, one city’s budget is much larger than the others. Last year, the city of Riverton’s expenses totaled about $30 million, according to the city’s 2017 financial report. Salt Lake City meanwhile, had a budget of over a billion dollars. But the most critical difference between the two cities, at least when it comes to determining mayoral compensation, is form of government.

15 40

Continued to Page 2...

Page 2 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal Continued from Cover...

The Sandy City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Sandy.

For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website.

For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com 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.

The Sandy Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Travis Barton travis@mycityjournals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa@mycityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Tracy Langer Tracy.l@mycityjournals.com 385-557-1021 Corbett Carrel Corbett@mycityjournals.com 385-557-1016 CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Brad Casper circulation@mycityjournals.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN: Ty Gorton

Sandy City Journal 9500 South 500 West Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070 Phone: 801 254 5974

Designed, Published & Distributed by

Utah state code specifies a few different forms of municipal government and the roles and responsibilities of the mayor vary greatly from one to another.

The form of government in which the mayor has the most power and responsibilities is the council-mayor form of government. The cities of Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, Sandy, Murray, South Salt Lake, and Taylorsville fall under this category. Because this form of government places more responsibility on the mayor, the position is well-compensated.

“In our form of government, the mayor position is a full-time position,” said Cherie Wood, the mayor of South Salt Lake. “I’m charged with running the city and we have a multi-million dollar budget and we have 300 plus employees.”

Without an above-average salary, Wood said that the position would not attract candidates who are qualified to manage such a large organization.

Another problem, according to Mike Applegarth, is that an extremely low salary might exclude all but the “independently wealthy” from running for office.

In contrast, there are the fivemember and six-member council forms of government. Under these forms, the mayor’s principal responsibility is to be the chair of and preside over the city council. The responsibility for the daily administration of the city instead lies with a City Manager.

With the decreased responsibility comes a smaller paycheck; in some cities, the mayor even makes less than the city councilors.

Holladay, Draper, Midvale, South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman, and Riverton fall under these forms of government.

“You don’t do it for the money, that’s for sure,” said Rob Dahle who is currently the mayor of Holladay, one of the municipalities with a council-manager form of government.

According to Dahle, his main role is acting as a spokesman for the city.

“We’re a pretty small municipality and it allows for a citizen mayor where their primary function isn’t to be employed by

the city. It’s more of a service,” said Dahle.

“These small cities don’t really justify a full-time mayor so that allows any citizen to be able to throw their hat in the ring to run for mayor.”

Dahle said that transparency is the key to avoiding controversies similar to what happened in Sandy. “Whatever you do, you make sure it’s a public process. The mayor should not have unilateral authority to set his own pay. That’s just bad policy,” he said.

When it comes to the compensation of city council members, there isn’t much of a difference between cities of different forms of government. Instead, the principle determinant seems to be population. The highest-paid city councils belong to the cities with the most people such as Salt Lake City, Sandy and Provo. The average salary

for a city councilor ranges from around $10,000 on the low end (Herriman) to over $40,000 on the high end (Salt Lake City).

Residents who want to know more about how government entities spend taxpayer money, including employee compensation, can access that information through various online resources such as transparent.utah. gov and utahsright.com.

As for Bradburn, he’s working to regain the trust of Sandy residents who felt betrayed by his actions, saying on a Facebook post, “I always said when I was campaigning that I was going to make mistakes, but I would always own up to them and fix them when I did. Hope you can still support me as I try to do the best I can while I have the privilege of serving you.” l

Thank You

to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals

MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media.

free l community l papers

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 3

S andy Journal .com

Caramels in 40+ flavors Specialty Gift Crates PLUS Bag of Bites, Pretzels, Su’mores, Crispy Treats and Caramel Sauce.

PLACE YOUR

AY MOTHER’S DW ORDERS NO

Order online at

julieanncaramels.com or by phone at 385-695-5419

Not Just News... Your Community News...

9493 S 560 W Sandy, UT 84070

Page 4 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

Former Sandy student competes for Disney design competition

By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com

Kaho Horiuchi, Yumi Yamazaki, Kentaro Yajima from Otis College of Art and Design. (Gary Krueger)

K

aho Horiuchi and her teammates, Kentaro Yajima and Yumi Yamazaki, have found themselves living the dream of many when they not only competed in the Walt Disney Imaginations Design Competition, but won third place.

“I didn’t about know this competition until October,” said Horiuchi. “It’s just incredible and amazing.”

For the past 27 years, the Walt Disney Imagineering program has opened the competition to high school students across the United States to encourage students looking to study creative and technical fields including digital arts, engineering and architecture. Twenty teams from hundreds are chosen for an all-expenses-paid trip to

Glendale, California to spend five days at Imagineering presenting their projects.

Horiuchi, who is originally from Nagano, Japan, spent three years of high school in Draper and Sandy before starting her degree in digital media at Otis College of Art and Design.

“Spending three years in Utah was just amazing. I really appreciated the teachers, schools and host families,” said Horiuchi.

She and her teammates found out about the competition in October of 2017 and were in a rush to complete the project, which centered on the theme “ghost towns.” The challenge was to take a real, abandoned ghost town, be it a historical landmark, living museum or themed experience from anywhere in the world, and revitalize it as a piece of themed attraction. The teams were asked to consider the historical and cultural attributes of their choice, as well as technological and environmental impact.

Horiuchi and her team designed a place that they called Oniba, based on a hot spring that sits on a section of the Kinugawa River in Tochigi, Japan, which closed in 1991 after an economic crash. Since every member of the team is from Japan, it was easier to understand the connection to local life by choosing a place they were culturally familiar with.

“The three of us are from Japan and a lot of the imagineering work is about connection with the local area and inspiration with the country or place,” said Horiuchi.

Hot springs are integral to Japanese culture and a popular destination spot, so the idea was already present. And as Horiuchi said, hot springs are more about relaxation than theme parks, so why not make something that’s a fun attraction and also relaxing?

Kinugawa means “mad demon river” and the river is

surrounded by nature, so their story combined the healing aspects of the river with traditional Japanese demons, called Oni. At one point, humans and Oni lived together in relative harmony, until the human population grew so numerous the Oni were kicked out. After wandering in search of a safe place to call their own, the Oni, now called the Mabu, found this spot on the river and built Oniba from the ruins of the Kinugawa hot spring. Eventually, humans and Mabu become friends. Guests to the park can celebrate the story, encounter Mabu spirits and take home souvenirs.

Each member of the team brought her own talents and ideas into the project, with Horiuchi working on 3-D and texture design.

The drawing, 3-D modeling and rendering took about two weeks, and the rest of the time was spent building the story and coming up with ideas.

“Most of the time we were really just brainstorming and how we can bring our ideas to this competition,” said Horiuchi.

Horiuchi began drawing and designing when she was 4 years old when her father brought home a new Macintosh and tablet to work on. Though her family doesn’t speak English, they’ve been very supportive of her dreams to study art and English in the U.S. She is currently working on her senior project at Otis and focusing on photorealistic renderings of humans and animals.

This competition is one of the ways Walt Disney Imagineering hopes to find and help future theme park designers and top entrants not only have the chance to work and visit with Imagineers behind the scenes, but to have the chance to be interviewed for internships.

“I just really appreciate Disney Imagineering,” said Horiuchi.

“It gave us this big opportunity and also the people in Utah that helped me and my family in Japan.” l

Protect Your Investment!

Exclusive Commercial Grade Wood Protector ... Looks Better, Lasts Longer BEFORE

Our proven process works GREAT on: • • • • •

Decks Cedar Roofing Log Homes Privacy Fences Siding & More

FREE

ESTIMATE

CALL TODAY!

S

Protects NEW wood ... Restores OLD wood.

AFTER

Convenient Online Appointment Scheduling at:

info@nu-wood2.com Locally Owned & Operated

® www. NU-WOOD2 .com EXTERIOR WOOD RESTORATION SPECIALISTS

801-300-7516 City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 5

S andy Journal .com

Honoring motherhood through music

By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com

New album, “Tour Guide” by Cheri Magill, offers 10 songs on motherhood.

S

andy singer and songwriter Cheri Magill is releasing her first album recording in over 10 years on May 4, and it’s all for moms.

“I felt so excited about writing on the topic of motherhood because the more I searched I just didn’t see anything out there for moms,” said Magill. She was baffled by the lack of what she saw as music that focused on the love between mother and child, despite the

obvious population size.

Magill began by writing a song for each of her three children, ages 4 to 10, and then focused on some of the various aspects of motherhood, like the loneliness that can happen.

“I wanted to be able to create music that would make people feel that ‘me too’ thing where you just don’t feel so alone, like, okay, someone else feels like they’re going crazy, too, and someone else has these feelings, too,” said Magill. To her, the 10 songs in her album “Tour Guide” sound like a documentary of motherhood.

She began writing the songs in the fall of 2016, starting with the lyrics, topics and concepts, and then by summer 2017 she was ready to record 10 songs. In her past musical life, Magill had recorded in Utah, but this time, she hoped to branch out in order to stretch the limits of the release.

“This music is for every mom in the world and I want to make sure that I get that out there,” said Magill.

Magill screwed up her courage and emailed Cason Cooley, a producer from Nashville she had long admired for his work with other artists, and after discussing details, Magill flew to Nashville in September and November 2017 to record.

With so much time having passed since her last recording, Magill felt that she was a little out of the game. Producing and buying music is so different than it was when she studied media music at Brigham Young University and released albums before, but she’s also grown as a person and no longer feels the need to do everything herself, trusting those who know how to accomplish what needs to be done.

“I honestly feel like I’m a different person than I was then,” said Magill. “I’m trying to stretch myself a little further and ask for help and not make myself an island.”

Biomat USA Plasma Center can New donor s

575 ear n up to $ onth, in their fir st m 75 in and up to $4 nths! following mo

Part of that stretching included hiring a publicist because, she said, she doesn’t like doing self-promotion.

“You have to kind of make yourself more than you are, because if I try to do everything, then I spread myself thin and then I’m cranky mom and not really anyone that the kids want to be around, but if I can make use of their abilities and work together, we can definitely accomplish more and do so in a much happier mood,” said Magill.

Magill is excited about these changes and how easy it is to work through social media to ensure that she can be in everyone’s living room without having to constantly tour and leave her kids, which was the reason she initially gave up music. However, she does have hopes for future performances.

“I feel like kind of a newbie in that way because I’m getting back in to it and I’m not quite as networked as I used to be,” Magill said.

Magill is grateful for the support of her family and glad that her children have enjoyed the part they play in their mom’s new album.

“My husband is fantastic, he’s really supportive,” said Magill, who believes that one of the challenges of motherhood is a loss of one’s own individual identity. “He’s been happy to see something that’s mine, and something that’s brought a lot of joy to me.”

Magill has plans for a CD release concert that combines her love of music and blogging do-it-yourself projects. This allows listeners a chance to create something fun while enjoying the music.

“I’m sure there’s more to come and that will be written, but for now I felt like (‘Tour Guide’) was a good representation of the wide spectrum of motherhood,” said Magill.

For information about the upcoming release of “Tour Guide,” visit http://cherimagillmusic.com/. l

com We offe p care limenta r for o r ur re y child tu don ors! rning

Bring this coupon in for a $20 Bonus for first time donors.

Expires 4/30/18

Pride for Donors. Passion for Patients.

727 E 9400 S, Sandy, UT 84094 | 801-566-2534 Not Just News... Your Community News...

Page 6 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

Canyons District’s approach to keeping students safe

By Joshua Wood | joshw@mycityjournals.com

Alta High School rendering. The new school will have security vestibules like other recently built schools as well as hallways with clear lines of sight to entrances. (Canyons School District)

The Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, has brought school safety and student freedom of expression to the forefront of public debate.

Canyons School District has recently implemented a variety of measures to keep students in the area’s schools safe. The district has also taken measures to afford students ways to express their concerns about school safety.

As students across the country have participated in walkouts to show their concerns about gun violence and safety in schools, Canyons School District has worked to find ways for students to participate in similar events while maintaining order in its schools. The district’s strategy has involved providing safe places and additional police security for walkout events on March 14 and again on April 20.

“We respect students’ first amendment rights to express

themselves,” said Jeff Haney, director of the Canyons School District’s Office of Public Communications. “We also want to preserve instruction time. Safe places are provided for students to participate in short demonstrations, while school goes on as normal for those not participating.”

The District planned for additional police presence at schools on the days of expected demonstrations.

In addition to planning for these events, Canyons School District has developed a strategy for combating and preventing violence in schools. One element of this approach involves how visitors can enter and access schools.

“Any visitor must go through the front doors and check in,” said Haney. “Visitors must have an appointment, and even volunteers who have registered in advance must check in.”

Most schools in the district have been equipped with security vestibules, which require people to go into the office before being buzzed through the doors to enter the school. Schools that are scheduled to be built or remodeled using funds from the recent voter-approved bond will also be equipped with security vestibules.

State law requires all volunteers in schools to go through rigorous background checks. All teachers and support staff must also pass background checks.

In addition to secure entrances, schools in the district are equipped with security cameras. “There isn’t a time when we can’t see what’s happening in our schools,” Haney said. “We have access to real-time and archived footage.”

All police departments with jurisdiction within the district’s boundaries have partnerships with Canyons School District to provide resource officers at all of its schools.

“This is a huge help in sending a message to the community and building relationships with students,” Haney said. “So students feel like they can go up to them and tell them if something is happening.”

Cottonwood Heights Police Department has been actively involved in the city’s schools.

“We have extremely good coverage with our officers and get in there with teachers to solve problems and to foresee any problems,” said Sgt. Ryan Shosted. “I feel lucky because we have such good guys in there.”

In partnership with University of Utah Healthcare, students also have access to the SafeUT app. “The SafeUT Crisis Text and Tip Line is a statewide service that provides real-time crisis intervention to youth through texting and a confidential tip program — right from your smartphone,” according to University of Utah Healthcare.

Through the app over the past year, students have relayed 10–12 tips per day concerning the well-being of friends or of students who could cause harm to another student. “This is a way for students to be the eyes and ears of schools,” Haney said.

As the district works to build its new schools, committees providing input on the projects have insisted on additional security measures in the design of the new facilities. The new Alta, Brighton and Hillcrest High Schools will have security vestibules like other recently built schools as well as hallways with clear lines of sight to entrances.

Concern for student safety continues to grow with each instance of violence. Preventing future incidents will require continued vigilance on a number of levels, from policy, school design, and resource officers to parents and students themselves. l

Opening in Draper April 2018 Luxury Assisted Living

CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SCHEDULE A TOUR: 801-951-1300 BeaconCrestSeniorLiving.com

• Spacious apartments • Exceptional care • Fine dining • Housekeeping • 24/7 Nursing Assistance

Simply the Best Deposits now being accepted.

Ask about our move-in SPECIAL.

591 Pioneer Road • Draper, Utah 84020 | 801-951-1300

BeaconCrestSeniorLiving.com

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 7

S andy Journal .com

Dimple Dell cleanup operation seeking volunteers

By Justin Adams | j.adams@mycityjournals.com

O

Volunteers work to clean up Dimple Dell Park last year during the first ever Earth Day Cleanup organized by the Dimple Dell Preservation Community. (Courtesy of the Dimple Dell Preservation Community)

n April 21, the Dimple Dell Preservation Community (DDPC) is hosting an Earth Day Cleanup at Dimple Dell Park, and they’re looking for volunteers.

“This year with the planning and organizing that we’ve done, we expect a much bigger cleanup event,” said Monica Zoltanski, who founded the Dimple Dell Preservation Community last year. “We’re tackling the whole part from end to end, from 300 East all the way up to Granite Park.”

Last year, the event brought out about a hundred people according to Zoltanski, and this year she said she’s hoping for hundreds more.

Because of the number of volunteers they are planning for, the DDPC is pre-registering groups of eight or more volunteers and assigning them to specific work zones within the park.

Those who don’t register beforehand are still welcome to come help out. Volunteers can go to the Wrangler trailhead between 9 and 9:30 a.m. to register and receive an assignment.

“We won’t turn away anyone, but we’ll ask that people come prepared to work,” said Zoltanski.

The DDPC is encouraging volunteers to wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts, sturdy hiking boots, and to bring their own work gloves. They also ask that each group bring their own shovels and hand trowels.

All the volunteers for the event will also be able to sign up for a special volunteer worker compensation coverage through Salt Lake County by signing a form

at the Wrangler trailhead that morning.

“Hopefully we won’t need it, but if anything should happen and someone gets hurt, it would be covered,” said Zoltanski.

The DDPC was founded last year when a group of neighbors and park users banded together to oppose a plan by Salt Lake County to put a new asphalt trail in the park. The group was successful; Salt Lake County agreed to abandon the asphalt trail and use the funds for other park improvements, such as converting the park’s current restrooms, which are only open seasonally, into year-round restrooms.

“We are probably a great case study for how regular citizens can really get involved and make a difference,” said Zoltanski. “I’m really proud of what we did last year with the asphalt trail, but we’ve really grown as an organization.”

Some of the group’s goals are to continue organizing cleanup events, community education efforts, and historic preservation.

“We’re dedicated to preserving the natural state of Dimple Dell Park, keeping the terrain clean and natural for the native plants and the wildlife that live in the park. We want to keep it a pristine wilderness experience for the park users.”

Those wanting to volunteer as a group can preregister until March 31 by contacting the Dimple Dell Preservation Community through their Facebook page or by emailing them at dimpledellwild@gmail. com. l

11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Salt Lake County Home for Sale Salt Lake County - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home.

If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn

prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-364-7614 and enter 5003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost you the sale of your home.

This report is courtesy of Amy Clark with Century 21 Everest Realty Group. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. © 2016

Not Just News... Your Community News...

Page 8 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

Sandy resident recognized for contributions to public meetings

By Justin Adams | j.adams@mycityjournals.com

V

Steve Van Maren is presented with an Engaged Citizen award by the Sandy City Council and Sandy Mayor Kurt Bradburn. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

isitors to Sandy City Council meetings are bound to hear from a few different people during the evening: the council of course, the mayor and other administration employees, and Mr. Steve Van Maren.

Van Maren has been attending various public meetings in the community for years, an effort for which he recently received a Citizen Engagement Award during the city council meeting.

“Steve Van Maren should receive the award for being the record holder for making the most public comments during city council meetings,” said council chair Linda Martinez-Saville when presenting the award. “If you guys come here you know

he’s always in the audience.”

Martinez-Saville added that Van Maren is well informed on all the city’s issues and that he often greets those who may be attending a public meeting for the first time and helps to make them comfortable.

“My interest in doing this is good governance,” Van Maren said. “Everything from a spelling error to good behavior on the government’s part. I don’t have an agenda other than that.”

Van Maren began attending public meetings about 10 years ago during the creation of the Canyons School District and hasn’t stopped since. He now regularly attends city council meetings, school board meetings and county council meetings.

In one instance, Van Maren remembers attending a county council meeting in which one council person expressed some kind of grievance with the Sandy city government. Van Maren then reported that grievance to the Sandy City Council, which was able to clear up the issue with the county.

Sandy Mayor Kurt Bradburn said it would be great to see more citizens coming out to public meetings. “I’m a big believer in our democracy working best when more people get involved.

I think that deliberating and discussion that creates better ideas. The more citizens we can have like Steve, the better Sandy City is going to be.” l

New restaurant offers free meals to raise funds for Sandy Club

O

By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com

n Thursday, Jan. 25, the CoreLife Eatery celebrated the opening of their second Utah store in Sandy by offering free meals to the public in order to raise funds for the Sandy Club, “A Safe Place for Boys and Girls.”

“We do this with all of our openings — we find an organization and a way to give back to the community specifically,” said Hillary Westover, marketing manager for CoreLife Eatery.

The restaurant held a pre–grand opening for anyone who wanted to get a free lunch and requested donations to go toward the Sandy Club, which got 100 percent of the proceeds from that Thursday. The official grand opening was then held the following day. The other location is in American Fork, and both are owned by a Utah-based group. The Sandy Club was chosen, said Westover, because for 25 years, they’ve been a staple of Sandy City and are a treasured presence. Kids and leaders from the club were present to help answer questions about their activities and amenities offered throughout the day.

“We want all the people to come here and support these guys and we want to make as much as we can for them and give them a really nice, giant check at the end. We think they deserve it,” said Westover. “They were super excited and it all came together really easily.”

The restaurant was able to raise around $6,000 to donate to the Sandy Club, which was accepted by the designated Youth of the Month, 10-year-old Miguel Menjivar, who thanked them for their help.

“When they told me how much they made, I about died,” said Linda Martinez-Saville, the director of the Sandy Club. “A lot of people came out and supported us and CoreLife.”

Martinez-Saville was very excited by the turnout from families and members of the community that came out to support both the club and the new restaurant. She also said she’s grateful to CoreLife Eatery for including them and making such a difference for the kids she works with.

“CoreLife is a great place to eat and the people there are so awesome,” said Martinez-Saville.

The fundraiser came as a last big activity for MartinezSaville before she retired in early March after 25 years of running the Sandy Club, a move she said broke her heart, but she knows she left the best staff possible in her place.

“I love the kids and their families and my staff is probably the greatest ever,” said Martinez-Saville. “I couldn’t ask for better people to be with my children.”

She also said she’s grateful to CoreLife Eatery for including them and making such a difference for the kids she works with.

CoreLife Eatery is a healthy, from-scratch restaurant chain that began in upstate New York and offers assorted bowl and plate options with different flavor profiles. Bowls range from around 500 calories in green, grain and bone broth like the ranch steak or Thai flavors. Some of the shelfstable products are sourced from local Utah manufacturers Kids at the Sandy Club, “A Safe Place for Boys and Girls” are awarded a $6,000 check from CoreLife Eatery. (Linda such as Mama Chai, La Barba, Martinez Saville) Stoneground and Miller’s also surprised at all of the amazing flavors we have.”

Honey.

The Sandy CoreLife Eatery is open seven days a week “We focus on giving people something that’s healthy but right across the street from the Shops at South Town. also flavorful,” said Westover. “People are surprised by the For more information about the Sandy Club and how to amount of food they get and how full the feel and then they’re get involved, visit http://www.thesandyclub.org/. l

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 9

S andy Journal .com

Stitch in time: Blessed Sacrament rekindles students’ interest in sewing

By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com following instructions and knowing the “I’m also taking exploratory (a class that includes coding, filming process, the right order to make something. and editing).”

They’ll be able to think how it goes together Sixth-grader Emma Manross said that after her grandmother — not just cut it out, but understand it,” she sewed her a donkey costume from “Shrek” for Halloween, her said. interest in learning how to sew increased.

Eldred said she can relate those same “She taught me a little, but I thought it would be fun to learn skills to her knowledge of cabinetry and how to sew clothes,” she said. “I enjoy sewing and like being active woodworking, skills she also has shared in what I’m doing more than looking at a computer screen.” when teaching CTE to students.

Her classmate Isabella Pickers said that while she’d also like to “Even though technology is important make her own clothes, she’d also like to sew a blanket. and will continue to be, there still is a need “I’ve made a stuffed penguin, a scarf and a blanket for a Girl for clothes to be mended, adjusted or even Scout movie night, but I’m wanting to learn different stitches and made from scratch. These skills transfer to how to lay out projects,” she said. “Sewing is a good skill to have.” others. If there are no longer classes with Fifth-grader Heidemarie von Hartmann said she’d also like to physical elements, then students will no learn how to make a blanket, after she “fixed holes in all my dad’s longer do as well; they’ll be disconnected sweaters.” if they don’t gain this understanding,” she Her classmate Evie Reilly said she has learned some sewing said. from her grandma.

Seventh-grader Cole Crowther, who “I still need some guidance,” she said. “I want to be good at wants to be a video game designer, doesn’t sewing. My great-grandma and grandma are good at sewing and my see a need to choose. mom knows some, so it’s a tradition. Sewing is fun and it’s inspiring A Blessed Sacrament student makes a scarf while learning how to sew in the sewing and textile program.

“I wanted to join (the after-school to be able to see what I’m able to make.”

(Mariana Pickers/Blessed Sacrament) program) and thought this would be fun,” This year, in addition to introducing the after-school program, hile many area schools have followed a national trend to he said. “It’s satisfying to see what I can do Eldred is teaching eighth-grade students to design costumes that discontinue or reduce their offerings of home econom- with a needle. I love sewing.” they’ll help make for the school musical, “Seussical the Musical Jr.,” ics and shop classes for budgetary reasons or in a shift toward Still, he finds an hour or two to commit to his video games at slated for May 3. technology, Blessed Sacrament opened its sewing program in night.

In the fall, Eldred hopes to introduce a second phase of the January.

“I can see how they both are building things and involve program, one for returning students or those who know the basics, in The sewing and textile program is opened after school for boys mechanics,” he said after he won the first round of thread wars, a fun addition to the beginning sewing and textile program. l and girls in fifth through eighth grade, instructor Laura Eldred said. competition on who could thread their sewing machine the fastest.

“Last year, I taught CTE (career and technical education) as a sampler where students would have lessons in weaving, hand sewing, creating a house plan, crocheting and completing two projects of their choice,” she said. “But I kept getting requests to sew and sew on machines.”

So with donated or loaned sewing machines — some Baby Locks, Brothers, Singers and others — and some students bringing their own from home, as well as other donated supplies, Eldred began by teaching students how to thread their machines and *With approved credit. Additional financing and trade-in allowance offers available on select HVAC systems. Expires 4/30/18. how to follow lines on paper.

“They learned how to sew so when we made rice bags as our first project they could pivot and make nice corners,” she said. The rice bags can be warmed to serve as heating pads. “Right now, we’re working on making pillowcases through the tube method. We’ll learn French seams, and with a treasure pouch they’ll learn how to sew curves and put in a buttonhole.”

Eldred also has plans for the nine students to make a messenger bag that could hold an electronic excluders service/repair device, a zippered pouch for earbuds and even a skirt or pajama pants.

“I want them to be confident in using a sewing machine. Once they know how to sew, it can be transferred to so many other kinds of learning,” she said.

Call Today or Visit Our Showroom: For Eldred, it isn’t a choice of technology versus sewing, but how the two complement one Sandy: 801-590-6442 801-528-9073 8451 S. Sandy Pkwy.

On Heating & A/C Service or Repair Excludes another.

3451 S Sandy Pkwy.

801-758-7921 1470 Wall Avenue Diagnostics Expires 4/30/18 “Through sewing, they can understand how the item goes together and that same process can be used in other ways. They’ll learn math, measuring,

W

CENTRAL AIR Utah’s Home Comfort Experts Cooling | Heating | Fireplaces | Repair & HEATING Spring Savings! 0% APR Financing for 72 months* or Trade-In Allowance of $1,500

FREE

IN-HOME ESTIMATES

SERVICE SPECIAL

SAVE $25

www.COMFORTSOLUTIONSUTAH.com

Not Just News... Your Community News...

Page 10 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

TV crew surprises Bell View teacher; she, class to appear on show ‘Random Acts’

By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com At that point, the man introduced himself: “I’m not a stranger.

You’re probably a little confused. My name is Will and I’m the host of ‘Random Acts,’ a show where we do nice things for nice people. You’ve been nominated by students, teachers, colleagues, the principal — everybody has told us how amazing you are.”

Bingham, who said she still hadn’t comprehended what all was going on, responded with, “I’m not. Wait, I’ve seen you before.”

That’s when Will Rubio explained how they had lined up a film studio and professionals to help her make films she enjoyed doing with her students. But they had to leave immediately and she didn’t have to worry, her class was being covered.

Sort of.

As an added surprise, Bingham discovered, once the initial tears had dried up, that her principal, Chanci Loran, knew Bingham’s thoughts would turn to her students. She arranged for them to go to the studio as well.

Will Rubio, host of BYUtv’s “Random Acts” show, surprised Bell View teach“I kept saying to Will, ‘This is so cool. I’d love to have my er Rachel Bingham when she learned she and her students would get help students see this and have a field trip here.’ That’s when he told me, creating a video at a professional television studio. (Rachel Bingham/Bell ‘I’m going to help you with that,’ and he opened the stage doors and View) all the students were there. I started crying all over again. I was totally hile seated in her early morning third-grade team meeting blindsided,” Bingham said. with other teachers, Rachel Bingham didn’t think it was And blindsided she was, as while teaching class earlier that odd that cameras were filming the meeting. week, the film crew had been at Bell View, shooting footage that may “I assumed they were for our team leader,” Bingham said. “She be added to the film she and her students were making. is amazing — a real role model teacher. I was just told to look nice.”

“They even filmed my classroom when I was called to the office But during the meeting, a man barged in and addressed her. to help as a Spanish translator. They kept me in the office for 15 “He said, ‘I’m ready, if you want to come with me,’” she said. “I minutes expecting a call,” she said, adding that now she realized that had no idea what was going on.” there never was intended to be a phone call.

What was going on will be part of the third season of BYUtv’s Through the years, Bingham, with the support of Loran and “Random Acts” show that will air in April. her former principal, Christine Webb, has taught her students about Bingham, confused, said, “What are you talking about? What is filmmaking, and together they have won several awards at Canyons this? Who are you? I don’t go with strangers.”

School District’s annual film festival.

W

“I didn’t know a whole lot about films, but I learned on YouTube,” she said. “We’ve tried a lot through the years using apps to more crude methods, such as using butcher paper for a green screen.

The kids love it and are excited to learn this way. They come up with amazing ideas outside the classroom and have so much fun, they don’t realize they’re learning at the same time.” She uses filmmaking to improve students’ reading and writing skills as well as to boost their confidence and creativity.

But Bingham’s surprise didn’t end with the arrival of the students. She learned her niece, Hannah Yeo, who graduated in film studies from BYU and now lives in Georgia, flew in to help with the student film project. She had nominated Bingham for the award two years ago and she was selected from thousands of submissions.

“She’s my favorite person in the whole world and she didn’t say a word to me about this,” Bingham said. “I started crying yet again. I was super emotional.”

She already had worked with the students on the outline of their three-minute video on anti-bullying and another teacher helped write a rap for it.

“We shot a lot of the video right then and there that day. They had a choreographer help us, taught the students moves and blocked scenes,” she said. “At first I was nervous, but they just helped me right through it. I learned they even had a drone that shot the kids getting on the bus and filmed them on the way down to Provo.”

Bingham said it was a great opportunity for her and her students to be provided with the technology and support to create a professional film.

“The whole cast and film crew was there and everyone was so nice. I felt guilty I was having this amazing experience. I feel that everyone should have it. It’s something the kids will always remember and I will never forget,” she said. “It was so wonderful.” l

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 11

S andy Journal .com

Sandy students learn to advocate during PTSA day at the Capitol

By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com

Lt. Governor Spencer Cox takes a selfie with 318 students at the recent Parent-Teacher-Student Association day at the capitol. (Spencer Cox/State of Utah)

W

hen Utah Parent-Teacher Association Student (PTSA) Involvement Commissioner Betty Shaw was growing up, she had no idea how her state’s government worked.

So when she recently took on her new post, which included promoting the PTSA day at the Capitol, she put her heart into it.

“These students are our future, so they need to see the process and how it works,” she said. “We want them to start having conversations about current issues.

It would be great to see them get involved in issues they have concerns about, if not at the capitol then locally with their school board or local district agencies and city councils.”

That was the message Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox conveyed as well.

“I want them to meet their legislators and talk to them about big issues and share their ideas,” he said. “Few people actually talk to legislators, especially students, and this is their opportunity to make an impact on their world and future.”

Cox welcomed 318 students Feb. 7 and spoke to them about issues that may concern them — teen suicide, education and air quality among them.

“Teen suicide is a really big issue in Utah,” he said. “Any suicide is one too many as it impacts all of us. Out of about 200 of us, 40 will contemplate it.”

Cox made sure students were aware of the statewide SafeUT electronic device app, which provides real-time crisis intervention with counselors to youth

through texting as well as a confidential tip message to school administrators on bullying, threats, violence and depression.

Alta High’s principal, Brian McGill, knows firsthand about the app as he has personally followed up on tips sent on cells phones. In January, he received an award for his involvement in the program from Cox as well as other representatives at the Utah Suicide Awareness Summit.

Cox continued to address issues, saying that by 2025, Utah will have a significant increase in education funding and a significant reduction in air pollution.

“We’d like to have hydro transit pick you up at your houses by the year 2030 as a way to carpool going to work. We have 25 percent cleaner air than 10 years ago, but the bad news is Salt Lake City is always going to have air quality issues. The Native Americans called it the Valley of Smoke as the inversion can’t escape,” he said.

After Cox’s welcome, where students asked questions and learn that his first career choice was a professional basketball player (“I was too short and too slow”), students divided into groups to participate in a mock debate, a 40-minute tour the capitol and learn about Digital Citizenship Week.

State auditor John Dougall and Rep. Ryan Wilcox led the mock debate session, asking students to voice their opinions over whether cell phones should be allowed in school.

Shaw said that through the debate,

students were learning both sides of the issue.

“We want students to gain a better perspective and be able to see both sides to every issue; they may learn something from the other side instead of just seeing their side,” she said.

Tricia Anderson, who is Alta’s PTSA student club adviser with Deena Denning, said Alta students supported cell phones in school to assist with research for school assignments.

“The mock debate was engaging so they were active in learning the process and they learned that their voices can be heard,” she said.

At the Digital Citizenship Week session, Canyons School District spokesman Jeff Haney reminded students that what they post on social media would be available for people to see, including college recruiters and employers, not only now, but in their future.

“He had students search for their names to see what popped up in connection with it as well as photos posted about them.

Several had baby pictures that they didn’t realize their parents posted and they were laughing and took it in stride. But they also realized the concern that what could be posted now may not be funny when they’re searching for colleges or jobs, so it was a good lesson for them,” Anderson said.

She said that also tied into Alta’s Digital Citizenship Week in February, where students were asked before posting to social media to THINK — is it True? is it Helpful? is it Inspiring? is it Necessary? is it Kind?

Haney said that in addition to Alta and Jordan High, the three other Canyons traditional high schools had students participate at the capitol as well as six of the middle schools, including Sandy’s Indian Hills, Eastmont and Albion. Shaw added that about 180 additional students from across the state attended the event a second day, Feb. 20.

Canyons Education Foundation’s Holly Bishop was one of the tour guides who gave students a look at the Capitol, where they viewed the house and senate, supreme court, Gold Room, the downstairs renovation for earthquake safety and looked for statues during a scavenger hunt, as well.

She hoped students gained an understanding for the capitol and what happens within it.

“I hope they appreciate and become aware of how the capitol works and can get involved,” Bishop said. “It’s exciting when they stand up as a leader and have their voices be heard.” l

Not Just News... Your Community News...

Page 12 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

Sandy high schoolers shadow professionals to learn about careers

By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com

Local students and mentors of the Larry H. Miller companies pose with chief operating officer Gail Miller, who spoke at Canyons School District’s recent annual career and technical education job shadow day. (Kirsten Stewart/Canyons School District)

A

lta High senior Ashlyn Martell spent a recent morning learning from legal experts at eBay. “They showed me how they got there, step by step, and about their responsibilities about being an in-house lawyer,” she said.

Her schoolmate, junior Lindsey Steensma, learned from the human resources division while Jordan High sophomore Fatima Zambrano learned about event planning at eBay. “It was different than I thought,” Zambrano said. “I learned a lot and am glad I got to do this.”

These students were three of about 100 who took part in the event, which had representatives from 40 companies.

Students spent the morning job shadowing professionals in fields such as marketing, architecture, medicine, finance and others before networking with them during lunch.

Canyons Superintendent Jim Briscoe applauded students for getting a jumpstart in researching possible careers.

“This will make a huge difference as you move on after high school; you’ll have this experience to know if these careers are your passion and a field you want to pursue,” he said.

Canyons District CTE Coordinator Patti Larkin said this job shadow opportunity linked students from all five Canyons traditional high schools as well as Canyons Technical Education Center with larger companies, such as eBay, O.C. Tanner, Larry H. Miller companies and Hunt Electronics, which supported the job shadow day and allowed students to explore careers in engineering, IT, medicine and diesel.

Keynote luncheon speaker, Gail Miller, oversees 11,000 people in 80 companies in 46 states as chief operating officer of Larry H. Miller companies.

She was a silent partner in the family business until her husband, Larry, died of complications of diabetes in 2009.

“I certainly didn’t need the headache of running a business that large, and I didn’t need the money,” she told students, but it was the responsibility of continuing the family legacy and values she wanted to continue.

Of the values Miller mentioned, she told students, “Treat employees and customers and those with whom you interact with respect. You’re not better than anyone else so treat them

with kindness you’d want in return. People are our most valuable asset.”

Miller, who keeps money in perspective (“use it wisely so you don’t become a slave to it”), also told students, “don’t forget your roots — where you can from — that’s where your values come from and that is part of you.”

She recalled how they started out with one Toyota dealership in Murray before expanding to more than 60 car dealerships as well as professional sports teams, movie theaters and more. Miller still owns the original dealership today.

“Give back to the community and pay it forward. No one can make it alone; the success belongs to those who also contribute,” she said, adding that they should share the knowledge they’ve learned as well as ask for help along the way. “Don’t be afraid to lead. Be a student always; learn something every day to add richness to your life.”

Canyons Board of Education member Nancy Tingy said the job shadowing career opportunity was beneficial to students.

“These community members support our students and give them the opportunity to receive valuable experience,” she said.

Miller challenged students to not only to think about their paths, but to improve those around them.

“Wherever you go and whatever you do, do something that makes a difference in this world,” she said. “Light your fire and while looking for your success, help others who are doing the same thing.” l

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 13

S andy Journal .com

Union eighth-graders learn to make ends meet at Reality Town

By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com

come here wanting to buy a Mustang, but realize a Honda Civic or even a family car is more realistic.”

That was what eighthgrader Christopher Rodriguez realized.

“I have to pay fees to have a car for transportation,” he said about his mock life situation. “I have to make sure that my family can fit into the car, too, but with four of us, a Honda Civic should work.”

The lesson started before the students entered the gym, which was lined with tables labeled from property tax to donations. Counselors went Union Middle School eighth-graders learn how to balance their income with needs and desires through Reality Town. into classes to help students (Julie Slama/City Journals) learn lessons such as how to write and balance checks and t was a quick lesson in reality for eighth-grader Mason how to write resumes.

Enquist. He was caught speeding 20 miles per hour over the Eighth-grader Emily Haycock learned how to write designated limit and got a $20 ticket. checks at Reality Town.

“I just got here and already I’m in trouble,” said Mason, “I’m writing checks all the time and trying to have money who posed as a news reporter in the mock world of Reality for everything for my family,” she said.

Town, an interactive learning experience aimed to teach Volunteer Tyson Jerman said many students were looking students how to balance careers and family on a set budget. how to earn more money with part-time jobs to pay bills.

Sandy City Police Officer Kaley Erickson said that just like in the real world, tickets are reality.

“As police officers, we issue citations, and here, when they rush instead of walk, that is considered speeding,” she said. “We also issue them for assault, if they push one another.

They have to pay a fine or serve an alternative, such as jumping jacks. We want them to learn all of the reality, in addition to writing checks and paying household bills.”

Work-based learning facilitator Cher Burbank said the goal of Reality Town was so students appreciate and practice real life in terms of earning a salary to pay bills or budget vacations.

“Their job is determined by their grades, so there is an ‘ah-ha’ moment when they realize, the better in school they do, the better chance of getting a better job some day,” she said.

“They also realize they can’t put everything on a credit card, but instead to plan and spend wisely. If they learn now to pay now and play later, they’re learning a good life skill.”

Counselor Lynn Nelson said in Reality Town, students need to determine their transportation, housing, groceries, clothing, day care and more for themselves as well as a family that was assigned to them.

“They’re learning what it may like to be 30 and have a couple children,” she said.

“Some may be single parents and some may be married but supporting a spouse back in school. It’s based on real life. They may

I

Not Just News... Your Community News...

“It’s like life and they have to understand that there are consequences with working more hours,” he said. “So it’s not only the extra hours, it’s also being away from their families.

Some of these kids are hustlers and are figuring out ways they can work three jobs, but others are realizing they could improve their ways to get decent jobs.”

Eighth-grader Kylee Cook also said she was learning how to pay bills with her music production manager salary.

Volunteer Judy Turnbow said budgeting was a valuable lesson for students.

“The students are learning the economics of it all, how to write checks and understand what their balance is,” she said.

“Most of them are becoming more aware of being economical and realizing with kids, they need to budget.”

Eighth-grade English teacher Krista Edwards said her students also have a discussion about their future and how they can do things now to help determine it.

“We talk about the pros and cons on the day and how academic success can help lead them to succeed,” she said, adding that they also will have a reflective writing assignment in their journal.

Nelson said that’s when students learn to appreciate their parents or caretakers.

“It’s like being an adult, learning these skills and making difficult decisions. In the process, so many of them learn empathy for their parents,” she said.

For eighth-grader Jordyn Rosembaum, who had a career as a pediatric dentist and assigned a family, she learned a taste of reality.

“Being an adult is hard,” she said. l

Page 14 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

Alta High students learn from “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” songwriters

Sell Your Home, Get Superior Service, Save Thousands!!

By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com

Local Brokers/Owners Our customers come to us to save money…

They come back for our service!

McOmberTeam@hotmail.com

(801) 792-4837 Mike ( Michele 801) 792-4855

ONLY!

1.5%

JUST SAY NO TO 6%!

FULL SERVICE LISTING COMMISSION $4,500 Savings On $300,000 Home $6,000 Savings On $400,000 Home $7,500 Savings On $500,000 Home $9,000 Savings on $600,000 Home

Including Multiple Listing Service!

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation.

WE HAVE SAVED OUR CUSTOMERS OVER $2,000,000 IN REAL ESTATE COMMISSIONS IN THE LAST 15 YEARS

www.UtahListForLess.com

Alta High School theater IV students had the opportunity to learn from Pasek and Paul, the writers for well-known musicals, including “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.”

(Julie Slama/City Journals)

I

t wasn’t their dream — Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the writers for well-known musicals, including “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman,” said.

But after not making it to the stage, the two teamed up to learn they had a knack for songwriting, the two University of Michigan musical theater graduates told Alta High School theater IV students at a master class offered Feb. 26 at Utah Valley University.

Instead, they pooled their talents to write recent movie lyrics such as “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman,” which earned them “Best Original Song” at the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards and a nomination for “Best Original Song” at the 90th Academy Awards.

Their soundtrack “City of Stars” from “La La Land” hit No. 1 in its fourth week on the Billboard 200 albums chart earlier this year.

“City of Stars” also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and Best Song at the Academy Awards.

They also wrote musicals for the stage including “Dear Evan Hansen,” “James and the Giant Peach,” and “Edges,” as well as NBC’s television series “Smash.”

Even so, success didn’t come to them — they had to seek it, Alta teacher Linze Struiksma said.

“They had to take a chance on themselves.

They weren’t invited to LA to do ‘La La Land,’ but instead, had to buy their own plane ticket, talk producers into dinner and push themselves into the role. They had to show they believed in themselves and were their biggest fans to get their foot in the door,” she said.

Perseverance is one of the lessons Alta

High theater students learned while observing the two songwriters work with five UVU students.

Struiksma said that through this class, her students are learning from top songwriters.

“Pasek and Paul are pretty well established, so it was good to hear how they had to change course and how their hard work led them to their success,” she said. “It’s pretty inspiring.

They said to go after what you want, but in the meantime, enjoy every opportunity that comes your way.”

Alta senior McKenna Armstrong said she learned to be resolute and to not be afraid to hear no.

“Hearing no may be brutal, but you have to be OK with it and pick yourself back up,” she said, remembering she was broken-hearted after not getting the part she wanted in her seventh-grade play. “You may just land yourself in a better part or role for yourself. Everything happens for a reason.”

Classmate Jaren Sierer agreed. “Pasek and Paul’s path changed when they realized their acting dream didn’t work out, but look where it took them,” he said.

Alta senior Heather Bodine said it was an amazing opportunity.

“It was really cool to see them give critiques and suggestions to make their characters be more real, more honest,” she said. “They taught them (UVU students) to start with speaking their song instead of singing. They shouldn’t just show off their voice and belt it, but instead focus on the person they’re singing it to — give the moment to the other person. That way, we (the audience) are drawn into the story and the

relationship.”

Bodine, who at region in late March will compete a monologue from “The Greatest Tuna,” said she also learned to pause naturally while saying her lines. That also would translate to when she’s singing.

“It’s more natural that way and it tells the story as you mean it,” she said.

Sierer said the application makes the song work, so in auditions, the actor will be distinguishable from others.

“Instead of having it be like everyone else’s and mundane, it will stand out,” he said.

“It becomes more motivational instead of monotone.”

Classmate Addie Wray said that Pasek and Paul told students to take liberties with the songs on stage.

“When you perform, you’re the third collaborator (along with the lyricist and composer),” she said. “They told us it’s not about them, but to make the song your own.”

Wray also said they told students to ask: What does the song mean to you? What do you want to get out the song?

Wray has taken that message to heart in her piece from “Trip to the Library,” which she will compete with at region. She said she’s retelling a story about how she can get a boy to like her so she will bring in the audience with the message of the importance of love.

“Musical theater is about telling a story and the story always needs to change or inspire an audience,” she said.

Struiksma has provided other opportunities this year for students to work with professionals.

In October, they worked with choreographer Voltaire Wade-Greene, known for his work with “Hamilton,” and dancer Demetia Hopkins-Greene.

Bodine said she learned about their passion.

“They taught us how to dance to ‘My Shot’ and we asked them about what auditions and rehearsals are like on Broadway,” she said.

“They said to make it your own, with every turn and leap and in our expression. You don’t always have to look your best, but to look for emotion and put your heart and soul in your dance. They look for that more than technique.”

In January, she said Broadway vocal teacher Darin Adams Skyped them and for 90 minutes, Alta students received feedback on their singing.

The students also will have a chance to get additional advice when they travel to New York to take in Broadway and take classes during their April tour.

For now, the lessons of musical theater they took away from Pasek and Paul — from making it their own to persevering — resonates.

“Every part has equal importance,” Sierer said.

Armstrong added: “On and off stage.” l

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 15

S andy Journal .com

Students join nationwide protest, many focus on kindness

By Julie Slama, Justin Adams, Lori Gillespie and Travis Barton “We wanted to do something that will make a difference immediately in kids’ lives,” she said.

Students link arms around the football field at Highland High School on March 14 as part of the nationwide walkout. (Lori Gillespie/City Journals)

A

cross the country students made their voices heard on March 14, one month after the school shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school. They honored the 17 victims with tearful moments of silence, they protested gun laws and pledged kindness to their peers. Salt Lake County was no different as schools around the valley participated with walkouts and “walk ups.”

Murray “I’m scared at school and I hear that from my friends as well,” said Academy of Math, Engineering and Science junior Grace Wason.

“I don’t think fear should be in a place of learning.”

About 150 students, most wearing black in mourning, lined 1300 East near the Murray school. They held signs showing each victim and chanted, “Books not bullets; no more silence. We are change.”

During the walkout, Grace recited names of each victim, then added: “These are only 17 of the 75-plus students we are mourning today. We do this in solidarity not only with lost victims, but also their mourning friends and families. This has gone too far.”

Grace participated in a routine school lockdown earlier in the week. “It was daunting,” she said. “I was working on the posters and saw them on my desk as I hid in the corner and thought, this is the exact thing those Florida students went through only they had someone with a gun come in their door.”

Students, many who planned to take part in the “March for Our Lives” rally at the Capitol March 24, also signed up to vote as leaders organized voting registration as well as planned to hold a letterwriting campaign to Congress.

Murray Board of Education Vice President Kami Anderson said Murray School District allowed students from Murray High, Hillcrest Junior High and Riverview Junior High the opportunity to walkout.

“As a school district, we wanted to facilitate the conversation between students and parents about what the walkout means and why or why not participate and provide a safe place for them,” she said.

“We need to allow students to make the choices for themselves.”

Murray High student body president Kate Spackman said student government ushered the student-organized walkout to the school plaza, which had about 250 students participate.

“Some students stood up and spoke out; we paid our respects to the victims,” Kate said. “I felt the kids who walked out for the right reasons supported the victims and it was awesome. For the kids who walked out to miss school, I hope they realize what this is all about and the importance of it.”

Kate and other student government leaders organized “17 days of kindness of positivity.” Suggestions include to make a new friend, smile at 17 people, post a picture on social media “NeverAgain” in support and write to Gov. Gary Herbert and the legislature.

Cotonwood Heights Brighton student government also will hold a kindness campaign to create a more welcoming environment, said Principal Tom Sherwood after about 500 students participated in the studentled walkout.

“I believe if students want to make a statement about changes to protest future lives, they have a right,” he said. “Students for generations have used civil disobedience in the community or country to stand up for what they believe is not right — and they still do.”

Students, who gathered in the football stand, were silent for 17 minutes as the names of victims were held up and read out loud.

Student leaders also urged students to use their voice — “we can’t let kids our age die in vain,” to vote and to write to their representatives.

Afterward, two juniors — Evelyn Compagno and Lilly Olpin — lingered.

“I’m so glad we raised awareness for such a horrible thing,” said Evelyn, adding that she had friends who survived the Las Vegas shooting. “Those kids were murdered for no reason.”

The future of the country is being impacted as well, Lilly said.

“You never know the potential those children had. They could have been someone great, like the next Isaac Newton,” she said.

Community members and Jim and Bonnie Despain came with their signs supporting the students.

Jim Despain, who once hunted rabbits, said that he has wanted better gun control for years. Bonnie is a retired Ridgecrest Elementary schoolteacher and remembers faculty discussing the best course of action after the Columbine and Sandy Hook shootings.

“It’s taking the kids across the nation to say enough and get the movement going on this,” she said.

Utah State Rep. Marie Poulson, who taught English in the south end of the valley, agreed and supported students who participated.

“I’m so proud of the courage, how they came out and spoke up,” she said. “It’s taking our young people’s activism to come out to remind us to look at it and make changes. Kids should have the right to feel safe at school.”

Poulson said she recalled how the Columbine shooting terrorized both students and teachers and puzzled them about what they could do to make schools safer. Since then, she said phones and panic buttons have been installed in classrooms.

“And we’re still discussing it now, but I’m hoping these students caught the attention of other officials and have embarrassed them to do more,” Poulson said. “We don’t want schools to become an armed camp, but we want our students to be safe. We’ve called a school safety commission and if they can find a way to make a difference, we’ll call a special session (at the legislature) and I hope they do.”

Sugar House Students from Highland High School and the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts congregated on the Highland football field where they linked arms and sang the Highland school song. Highland principal Chris Jenson estimated they had 1,200 students walk out.

“The kids that did walk out, it was really nice to see them make a peaceful statement,” Jenson said.

Ermiya Fanaeian organized the student protest—which also included voter registration booths—at Highland having grown tired of the mass shootings that have transpired over the last decade.

“I am sick and tired of American schools being the new American battleground,” she said, adding the protest serves as a “call to action” for Congress and state legislators to limit access to weapons that put student safety at risk.

“It is important that we express our dissent, it is important that we stay pugnacious to the change that we want to expedite.”

Kearns Kearns Jr. High focused its energies on what principal Scott Bell hoped would be a “positive direction” rather than getting into the political aspect.

Not Just News... Your Community News...

The school’s “walk up” concentrated its attention on supporting school kindness and safety, standing united against school violence and honoring the 17 Parkland shooting victims.

“My hope was there would be a uniting activity for us as a school and I think it exceeded my hopes. It really turned out just awesome,” Bell said.

Before exiting the school, a student-made video was played with students requesting those watching to stand against school violence and pledge to do 17 acts of kindness. On the lawn outside, students and faculty held a moment of silence for two minutes, 14 seconds (the date of the tragedy 2/14).

Once students returned to class they were given a KJH Cares card with 14 suggested acts of kindness and three blank lines for them to come up their own ideas.

“We’re giving a challenge to our students over the next month to do 17 acts of kindness for others and to use the #KJHCares to share their acts of kindness on social media,” Bell said.

Bell was impressed with his students saying they struck the right tone of respect and solemnity.

“One thing I didn’t count on was the level of emotion it had for some students,” he said. “We had some of our students and staff be a little emotional about it. There was a real connection with what we were doing.”

Holladay At Churchill Jr. High, Principal Josh LeRoy estimated that 80 percent of the student body joined the nationwide walkout.

The administration took a hands-off approach to the demonstration, letting student leaders organize it themselves. They did notify the PTSA so that parents were aware of the walkout, many of whom attended to show solidarity for their children.

The students formed a large circle and had a moment of silence to honor the victims of recent school shootings. Afterward, some of the student organizers spoke through a megaphone about the need for more gun control and more kindness between students, noting that many of those who carry out school shootings were previously victims of bullying.

One of those students, Lydia Timms, said that the opinion and activism of students across the country shouldn’t be discounted just because of their age. “Just because we’re young doesn’t mean that we can’t be patriotic,” she said.

Following the demonstration, the majority of students promptly walked back into the building to return to class.

LeRoy said he was impressed with the behavior of the students throughout the demonstration. “For most of these students, this was their first experience in civic engagement so we wanted to make sure that it went well,” he said.

Eric Holley, one of the parents who attended, said that he thought it was a valuable experience for his daughter. “Something like this works for these kids on their level,” he said.

Midvale and South Jordan While several Canyons School District schools had student walkouts, Midvale Middle students not only participated March 14, but also on Feb. 23 when 400 students participated in a spontaneous demonstration, said spokesman Jeff Haney, who added as long as students returned to class after the walkout, they were not marked tardy or absent.

Jordan School District spokeswoman Sandra Riesgraf said that students who walked out were asked to check out, but they were marked truant, according to district policy.

“It doesn’t stay on their record,” she said, adding that they could make it up with an hour of homework time. “Some didn’t check out because they thought it best expressed their civil disobedience. We just want to know where our students are, for their safety.”

At Bingham High, where students also are participating in acts of kindness, Riesgraf said that about 75 students lead a peaceful and respectful walkout by the street.

“We fully support students exercising their free speech and peaceful discussion,” she said. l

Page 16 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

At River Oaks Golf Course

Our programs are taught by PGA Professionals, Todd Tanner & Stacey Jones. 1 and 2 hour programs are held once a week.

Each class has a 5:1 student to instructor ration.

All programs include short game practice, range balls, in depth instruction, video analysis and on course playing time.

Ages 4-7, 5-12, 8-12, 9-13, 12-18 and girls only programs. 5 and 10 week program options available. Spring programs start March 19th and April 30th.

Summer programs start June 4th and July 11th.

Get AdditiOnAl infO And ReGisteR Online At

www.inmotionjuniorgolf.com OR CAll 801-980-0162

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 17

S andy Journal .com

CycleAbility teaches special needs students to ride

Buying or selling a home?

LET ME HELP YOU!

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

• 33 years of Experience • Certified Distressed Property Expert • Accredited Buyer Representative • 5-time Ulrich Realtors Listing Agent of the Year • Ulrich Realtors Sales Agent of the Year 2010 and 2016 Buying or selling a home should be a fun and pleasant experience. With 33 years of working throughout Utah, I can help you enjoy the journey of finding a new place to call home.

CycleAbility riders are congratulated for their accomplishments with awards and smiles. (Rachel Warner/CycleAbility)

E

lijah Palmer had a desire to ride his twowheeled bike with his high school bicycling team. As a special needs student he had never had that opportunity. His parents, Draper residents Steven and Sally Palmer set out and organized the first week-long camp to help other special needs students enjoy the experience of riding a bike.

In its fourth year, CycleAbility has again partnered with iCanShine, a nonprofit with specialized bikes, to host the annual Cyclpoolaza June 25–29 at Summit Academy High School in Bluffdale.

“Elijah wanted to race in the high school league,” CycleAbility director Rachel Warner said. “He has autism and did not know how to ride a bike. With his family and the Utah High School Mountain Bike League (UHSCL) in 2015 they started the Elevate Program with an adapted course in conjunction with the high school races.”

Learning to ride a bike is a life-improving experience, but helping someone can be even more life changing. Teaching a child without a disability can be difficult and working with children with disabilities is a challenge, but CycleAbility has found a way to bridge the gap to adaptive cycling.

“We have kids with coordination challenges, anxiety, autism, Down syndrome and behavioral issues. It is our fourth year and we take 40 kids every year. We need several volunteers to help us,” Warner said.

Each rider is allocated at least two spotters that walk and run alongside as well as offer moral support and help. The bikes are specialized roller bikes that teach balance gradually rather than a normal two-wheeled bike.

Other volunteer positions include registration help, photographers, videographers and people to help with setup and cleanup.

“Each rider works with his spotters during 75-minute sessions each day. They start in the gym and graduate to a tandem bike with a staff member and then hopefully graduate to their own personal twowheel bike outside in the parking lot,” Warner said.

The UHSCL was organized in 2011 and is an affiliate league of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association for riders grades 7–12.

CycleAbility accepts 40 riders ages 8–18 in their week-long camp and the cost is $150.

“It is a seamless next step for our riders when they get old enough to start racing with the league in the Elevate program,” Warner said. “Elijah was team manager and the kids loved working with him. Many of the high school kids come and volunteer during our week camp. The families are very supportive.”

Corner Canyon, Fremont, Summit Academy and Alta high schools have been supporters of the program. They have had riders included in the camp and have worked as volunteers.

Elijah graduated from high school last June.

He partipated in the mountain biking league riding a full course. As he finished his last race the announcers asked him how he had done and he said jubilantly, “I won.”

“This program helps kids overcome challenges that they never thought they would be able to. It is empowering them into the normative world. We have about an 85 percent success rate,” Warner said.

CycleAbility has several donors that help with costs of equipment, sponsor riders and space rental including Coldwell Banker, Bountiful Bicycle, DNA Cycling and the Autism Council of Utah.

“Learning to ride a bike gives these kids a sense of freedom and independence. One of our parents told me their son loves his bike so much, but every once in a while they find him riding to the grocery store down the street,” Warner said.

“The kids ride away with big smiles on their faces and our volunteers come away with lasting memories as well.”

If you are interested in the program or would like more information about volunteering, visit www.cycleability.org l

“Real Estate Joe” Olschewski 801-573-5056

You Deserve

The Best OFFERING: • Botox & Fillers • Laser Treatments • Luxury Skin Care • Hydrafacial • Health Clubs • Massage • CoolSculpting • And More ...

joeolschewski41@gmail.com

URGENT CARE:

Only $10 A Visit!

WITH MEMBERSHIP Medallus Medical Membership is a simple membership program to all of our 9 clinics.

Members can receive discounted medical services at $10/visit flat fee in exchange for a monthly membership fee: • $45/ individual / month • $35/ person/ month (party of 2) • $25/ person/ month (party of 3+) • $100/ month / family (cap up to 8) $20 registration fee – 12-month contract

BEFORE

AFTER 3 TREATMENTS

save 25%

on your treatment

801-810-7058

Call for details: 801-513-FACE 6322 S 3000 E Suite 170 • Salt Lake City, UT

AfterHoursMedical.com

formmedspa.com

arlissf@medallus.com

Not Just News... Your Community News...

Page 18 | April 2018

FREE

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP NO.1:

Medicare Is Not A Free Government Program At this workshop you will learn:

1. What is Medicare Part A, B, C, D? 2. How to you enroll in Medicare Part A & B? 3. Tips for choosing a Medicare Part D Plan.

4. Resources and tools to assist you in the decision making process.

There is no cost for this Workshop and you will not be sold insurance.

WORKSHOP NO. 2:

Does Your Estate Plan And Trust Protect Your Home, Your Assets And Your Family From The Costs Of Long-Term Care!

At this workshop you will learn:

1. Why a revocable living trust does not provide long-term care protection.

2. How to protect your home and assets from the costs of long-term care.

3. How to make sure your spouse is not left financially ruined if you need nursing home care.

4. How to access VA Benefits.

WORKSHOPS HELD: Medicare Not a Free Government Program: April 19, 2018 – 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Does Your Estate Plan Protect Your Home: April 21, 2018 – 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

SEATING IS LIMITED! TO RESERVE A SPOT CALL

(801) 323-2028

Sandy City Journal

Young team takes the field for Alta softball

By Ron Bevan | r.bevan@mycityjournals.com

A

t the high school level of athletics, you sometimes don’t get to choose who plays a particular sport. Yes, a coach gets to select from those who come out for a team, but it sometimes creates a disparity in age.

So it is with Alta’s softball team this season. After graduating the bulk of last year’s squad, Alta’s team looks dramatically different this season. There are only three returning seniors playing for the Hawks, and the bulk of the team are incoming freshmen.

Even the coaching staff looks slightly different. Longtime Alta coach Tiffany Airmet has retired due to off-campus workloads, so former assistants Todd Thompson and Cheyella Myers have stepped into a co–headcoaching system.

“We have been together for three years as Airmet’s assistants,” Thompson said. “When it came time to name a new head coach, it was natural for us to share the responsibilities.

Alta’s three returning starters are Mackenzie McGuire, known as MacMac, Jaden Williams and Maggie Wright. All three play a multitude of positions given their experience.

Williams is a pitcher on the team as well as a utility player, going where she is needed at the time.

“Williams isn’t the fastest pitcher out there,” Thompson said. “But she throws a

lot of off speed pitches that fools a lot of batters.

She also works hard to get better. She has been spending off practice time working on her hitting and it is really coming around.”

Wright is mostly an outfielder, but also plays where she is needed.

“This is the first year Wright has gotten a lot of starts,” Thompson said.

“She is just a consistent player who can handle Alta’s Jaden Williams is one of just three seniors on this year’s softball team. Wildifferent positions.” liams possesses an off-speed pitch with a lot of movement. (Photo/Brady Oliver) McGuire is also a part-time starter who is Alta also leans on some talented juniors, used primarily for her defensive skills. including Carson Snuffer at the shortstop With just three seniors, Alta depends on position. Snuffer was a First Team All-State several underclass players to fill in roster slots. second basemen as a freshman. She has moved The Hawks have a total of nine freshmen on to short this season because Thompson felt her the varsity squad. talents were better utilized at the position.

“We started five freshmen in the St. Although the team is young, Thompson is George tourney at the beginning of the challenging the squad to step up and compete. season,” Thompson said. “It is good to have “It is a good roster we have this year, even that many playing varsity as far as the future though they are young,” Thompson said. “It goes, but it is tough to start out a season with will be exciting to see what these girls can do that many. They are facing players with three this season and on into the future.” l more years’ maturity.”

Jordan juniors jumpstart softball

By Ron Bevan | r.bevan@mycityjournals.com

W

ith just two seniors suiting up for Jordan’s softball team, the Beetdiggers may be using this year as a catalyst to be ready for next year. But don’t count this year’s squad out just yet.

“Our strongest point on the team this season is our hitting,” Jordan coach Shawnee LePrey said. “We have several girls that can hit the ball pretty well.”

Jordan needs to rely on the bat due to a lack of experienced pitchers. Just one girl has stepped up to throw the ball for Jordan, and she is still very new to the position. Sophomore Aspen Jeffries handles almost all of the pitching assignments for the Beetdiggers.

“Jeffries is the only player who showed any interest in the position,” LePrey said.

“She is still learning, but learning fast because she has basically been thrust into our starting pitcher position.”

While Jeffries is still working on her consistency in pitches, her speed on the ball tends to force the opposition to put the ball into the air instead of on the ground.

“When we can get the other team to put the ball into play, we have a strong enough defense to get the out,” LePrey said.

Jordan has only two seniors on this year’s team, and one of them is fairly new to the sport.

Laura Rios had never played softball until her junior season when she decided to try out for the team.

“She came to our open gym practices and showed a lot of potential as an athlete,” LePrey said. “So we gave her a chance as a junior. She continued to work hard and played a couple games in the outfield last year.”

Now Rios has worked herself into a prominent position in the Beetdigger defense, handling the workload at third base. Anika Swensen is one of several juniors getting starting time for Jordan’s softShe has also shown her ball varsity team. (Ron Bevan/City Journals) toughness, as when she was hit pretty hard on a batted ball position,” LePrey said. “But she has such a in March. good bat we needed to find a good place for her.

“Although you could tell it hurt her, she So we worked with her a lot as a sophomore and just kept playing through the pain,” LePrey she has become an excellent at first base.” said.

Jordan also caught a break when a talented The other senior is Jessie Cowburn, a transfer moved into the area from Carbon County. former third base player now handling the other Allie Atwood came to the school and immediately hot corner at first base. found herself planted in the shortstop role. The “When Cowburn joined our team we had junior is also the lead-off hitter for the Beetdiggers several players already slotted for the third base because of her ability to get on base. l

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 19

S andy Journal .com

Beetdiggers soccer stacked with seniors

By Ron Bevan | r.bevan@mycityjournals.com

Zachary Cheney brings the ball toward the goal for Jordan in a recent boys soccer game. (Ron Bevan/City Journals)

I

n a region with at least three major soccer powerhouses, Jordan hopes to set itself apart with continuity and familiarity. The Beetdiggers are a team loaded with players that have been together for years. With nicknames like Shrimp, Ziggy, Chico and Tomo, the players not only know each other, but are comfortable enough to have labels.

“In all my years coaching soccer, this is the one group that has come together more than any other team,” Jordan boys soccer coach Nelson Glassett said. “They are more focused than any group I have been around. They have one goal this year, and that is to make it to the state playoffs.”

As such, the team spent more time conditioning for this season than normal. While there are times and dates when actual practices can begin, players can get together informally prior to those dates. The Beetdiggers were already putting in conditioning time in January.

This has helped Jordan get past one major hurdle that can make or break a high school team. Youth soccer players spend the bulk of each year playing on club teams. They group up in a certain club and then end up being rivals of other clubs.

Once these players reach high school, the players from various local clubs are now asked to become a cohesive unit.

And they usually have only one week to do this prior to the first game of the season.

For Jordan, this has become a non-issue.

“From the moment you pick a team, you have six days to prepare them for the season,” Glassett said. “With the time they put in they were mentally ready when we began.

They have taken the reins and are making this season’s team come together with complete unity. Yes, they have played against each other at the club level. But come school year they really came together as a team.”

Although Jordan’s varsity team has players from all four grades, the bulk of players are in the junior and senior

grades. Of those, Glassett is relying on 11 seniors to steady the helm. Not all nine are starters, but they all see plenty of action.

The senior class includes Oscar Flores, Zachary Cheney, Anthony Colunga, Kenneth Cook, Tomo Crestani, Jonathan Fullmer, Mason Glassett, Talon Hathaway, Peter Ingman, Spencer Jackson and Graden Reber.

“These players have been together for years,” Glassett said. “They are good kids off the field and great players on the field.”

Jordan was placed this season in perhaps the toughest 5A region for boys soccer. The Beetdiggers face Alta, Brighton, Corner Canyon, Cottonwood and Timpview in the region. All five teams have impressive soccer programs, but the cream of the crop year in and year out are Alta and Brighton. Both schools have won numerous state titles, including Alta’s 4A state title last year.

But to the Beetdiggers, these are just teams standing in the way of their own goal.

“Our players are excited to play both Brighton and Alta,” Glassett said. “They feel they can compete with anyone, so their opinion of facing these teams is ‘let’s get this going.’ We are going into every game knowing we have to earn the win, so we don’t overlook anything.”

Although this team’s goal is the state playoffs, Glassett hopes to use the momentum these seniors are bringing to create a longer goal.

“We want to build the club here at Jordan,” Glassett said. “We want to be here and dangerous every year.” l

The more we care ... the more beautiful life becomes.

Senior Living • We help make the transition to assisted living and memory care a little bit easier because we are not an institution, we are a home.

• We do everything we can to encourage lots of visits and a family atmosphere!

• Quality Care • Safety is of Utmost Importance to Us • 24/7 Personal Care • Licensed RN • Caring and trained staff • Medication Reminders • Much More…

CALL TO SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! Or visit our website at www.milestoneretirement.com/communities

6898 So 2300 E • Salt Lake City, UT 84121 801-251-1160

11631 So 700 E •Draper, UT 84020 801-308-8921

1871 E 3300 So • Salt Lake City, UT 84106 801-383-2677

680 E 100 So • Salt Lake City, UT 84102 801-383-2682

Not Just News... Your Community News...

8325 So Highland Drive • Sandy, UT 84093 801-683-1141

Page 20 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.

April 2018 | Page 21

S andy Journal .com

Shot clock or no shot clock? That’s the ongoing question

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

Cottonwood High basketball coach Lance Gummersall walks the sideline underneath the scoreboard. Is it time for Utah to institute a shot clock in high school basketball? (Travis Barton/City Journals)

T

he high school basketball seasons may have ended, but the discussion about whether or not to have a shot clock (a timer designed to increase the game’s pace and scoring) continues.

Eight states – California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Washington – have employed the use of a 30- or 35-second shot clock while other states are moving towards the idea, including Wisconsin, which is slated to have a shot clock for the 2019-2020 season.

Many coaches around Utah seem to be in favor of the shot clock, according to Joe Ogelsby, Utah High School Activities Association assistant director and director of Basketball Operations. One of those coaches is Corner Canyon High girls basketball coach Jeramy Acker who said, “We not only need it, we as coaches are wanting it. Every level of basketball has a shot clock. We are really doing a serious disservice to the student-athlete and really inhibiting the game by not having a shot clock.”

Acker points out that there are more 20-point scorers in the state than ever before, indicative to him of the “different style of basketball that they are wanting.”

“The game is about playing with pace and tempo which typically has you scoring within 15 to 20 seconds,” he said. “It seems that the teams that struggle offensively employ the stall tactics and try to control possessions.”

The coach of the 5A Chargers program in Draper said he was “bitten by stalling” earlier in his coaching career. “What I’ve found since is that wins and losses comes and go, but what is more important to me is, ‘Am I helping my player to develop to the next level?’

Stalling doesn’t help me do that,” he said.

Bryce Valley boys basketball coach Gary Syrett said that speaking for his 1A program, “We would like it,” he said. “It’s a fun type of basketball. Even though stalling can be effective at times – and we’ve taken some minutes off the clock at times – I still like basketball to be played up and down and most of the kids do too.”

Syrett said his staff and school administrators have discussed the shot clock and recognize the cost, but are still in favor of moving that way.

Bruce Bean, principal of 3A Carbon High in Price who was a basketball coach for 13 years, also said he would welcome a shot clock.

“In my coaching style, we better get a good shot off before we turn the ball over. That lends itself to needing to move the ball quickly towards the basket,” he said. “If we are supposed to prepare our kids for the next level, they need to be familiar with what’s going on. I don’t think it’s going to bother the game.”

“Change is inevitable,” Bean said. “I’m old enough to remember when the three-point line came in and we had to adjust to that. I remember when we went from two officials to three and at first

everyone was asking, ‘Why do we need this?’ and now it seems like no one is arguing that point anymore.”

Tom Sherwood, Brighton High’s principal, feels a shot clock would positively impact the game in the state. “We’ve discussed it several times and as basketball evolves, it’s worth revisiting the issue,” he said.

When Brighton’s 5A boys basketball team played in the Under Armour Holiday Classic in California over the Christmas break this past season, they used a shot clock and defeated nationally-ranked teams from Torrey Pines (California) and Oak Christian (California).

“The shot clock was good for us in the tournament and I think we thrived with it,” Sherwood said. “I think it encourages kids to be more aggressive offensively and be less hesitant to take open shots when you’re on a clock.”

Former NBA coach Barry Hecker called the shot clock a “doubleedged sword,” saying that it hurts struggling or average teams while it favors better teams. He said that while he was coaching at Westminster, his squad, who was picked to finish last in the conference, ran “four corners” to spread the ball around offensively and found themselves at the top of the division much of the season. “If we would have had a shot clock, we would have got our butts spanked,” he said.

Hecker also noted that a shot clock would appeal to spectators and would get those on the court ready for the use of the shot clock in college.

So, where does the UHSAA sit on the issue of bringing a shot clock to the state?

Oglesby from UHSAA said the shot clock topic has been brought up over the years and their organization has given – and continues to give – the subject extensive time, research, thought and discussion.

“Our organization is completely membership-driven which drives a rules process and feasibility of things while being risk adverse,” Oglesby said. “We have to do not just what is in the best interest of segments of student-athletes; we have to safeguard to ensure that decisions made are done with the best interest for everyone. We have to be concerned with equity.”

Oglesby said that the UHSAA is “not negligent with knowing” about how coaches and administrators feel about the shot clock issue, but that there are “fundamental issues that we need to answer,” that have received the support of many coaches around the state, while not being able to “get a lot of support from athletic directors and principals,” according to Oglesby.

The two main points, he said, are financing the acquisition and maintenance of shot clocks and staffing the running of the shot clocks during games. Estimations on shot clocks vary depending on the type of scoreboards schools already can range in the thousands of dollars.

A shot clock operator is simply “one more position to pay for,” said Oglesby.

“Several larger classifications want to just do it,” he said.

“Things are always moving and we are not wanting to make any quick changes. It’s going to take a long time to get through the process.”

The National Federation of State High School Associations does not allow for the use of a shot clock, so the states that do have them are not allowed representation on the Rules Committee within the organization. In an article, “Shot Clock in High School Basketball – the Debate Continues” by Mike Dyer from Feb. 5, 2015, the NFHS Director of Sports and Officials Education Theresia Wynns said that the NFHS stance on the shot clock is that the high school game does not need the shot clock. It is in good shape as it is. Their summary: 1) A shot clock takes away strategy from some coaches to slow the ball down to match up to the opponent.

2) Some committee members are opposed to “state adoption” because everyone should be playing the same game.

3) Education-based basketball does not warrant that studentathletes and coaches play to entertain the public.

Carbon High’s Bean said that there are valid points of financing that he would have to consider being a school from a rural area and he understands the equity part of the shot clock discussion.

Brighton High’s Sherwood also said he can see both sides of the shot clock issue and the costs associated with a change, but he suggested a pilot program within the 5A or 6A ranks to see the results.

“The girls may not be ready for the shot clock, but the boys might be,” he said. “Who knows who’s ready if we don’t try it?”

And so, the discussion continues… l

POSTPONE YOUR HEADSTONE

Dont Text & Drive

Nearly 330,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving. 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Helping Families Heal for Over 130 years

LarkinMortuary.com

Page 22 | April 2018

Sandy City Journal

The Value of Choices I recently watched a Netflix Original show called “Ozark,” starring Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner and Peter Mullan. The show opens over a lake, late into an evening sunset. Over the next three minutes, a dimly-lit montage of the main character doing some menial tasks makes the audience question the morality of the character. Bateman’s voice is tracked over this scene.

“Money: that which separates the haves, from the have-nots. It’s everything if you don’t have it, right? Half of all American adults have more credit card debt than savings. Twenty-five percent have no savings at all. And only 15 percent of the population is on track to fund even one year of retirement.

You see, I think most people just have a fundamentally flawed view of money. Is it simply an agreed upon unit of exchange for goods and services? Or is it intangible – security, happiness, or peace of mind? Let me propose a third option; money as a measuring device. You see the hard reality is how much money we accumulate in life is a function of….patience, frugality, and sacrifice. When you boil it down, what do those three things have in common? Those are choices. Money is not peace of mind. Money’s not happiness. Money is, at its essence, that measure of a man’s choices.”

by

CASSIE GOFF

For months, the above quote has stuck with me, challenging my perceptions of money, poorness, richness, currency, and value.

As the season of new beginnings—spring—approaches, it is a time to challenge ourselves to think

more positively, meditate incrementally, comprehend the daily quotes from calendars.

If you aim to change mentality, instead of physicality, as part of your new beginnings, I challenge you to begin questioning the perception of money.

Most of us view money as an agreed upon unit of exchange for goods and services.

You’re reading this newspaper segment with the word “coupon” in the title, hoping to find ways of protecting those units already possessed. Without such coupons, or mentality of frugality, those units diminish.

In viewing money as units of exchange, statistics like the ones mentioned above are frightening.

Half of all American adults need to earn units to replenish the units they’ve already exchanged, instead of inheriting them. Fifteen percent of the population has not obtained enough units to exchange for a oneyear lifestyle free from work and responsibility.

However, if we perceive money as a measure of an individual’s choices, those statistics are less anxiety-ridden. Half of all American adults made choices to live outside of their means. Fifteen percent of the population chose to live a different lifestyle.

As I’ve been challenging my perception of

money, I’ve observed less stress about the number of units in my bank account and wallet. I’ve realized that the choices I make are my own. Some of my choices may not be acceptable, or even viable, for others within my community or country. I may not understand or support others’ choices as well. That’s why we make different choices, the ones that make sense to our individual selves. Our own currencies enrich our lives in different and meaningful ways.

Choices are indefinite. We are provided the opportunity of choice with every moment we are alive.

Our behaviors may be influenced; but we are the ultimate decision maker in what we wear, what we say, what we do, where we sleep, where we live, how we respond, who we fear, who we love, and who we are.

Our money reflects those choices.

And if we were to perceive money as a measure of human choice, I’d be pretty wealthy.

DRAPER

801-984-8954 126 E 12300 S

(Formerly Dry Cleaning Superstore)

10 Shirts For

$20

$5 0ff $25 Or More

(tax included)

Limit 1 per table. Expires 4/30/18.

Expires 4/30/18

mrlecleaners.com

801-446-6644 www.tusharexpress.com 1078 West 10400 South • South Jordan, UT 84095 SANDY 801-352-9555 8745 S 700 E #3

Buy One Get One

ALL SERVICES

15% OFF

Exp. 4/30/18

– GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE –

Jaleen 801.687.3575 • SarahAnn 801.362.6596 9075 S 1300 E #113, Sandy, UT 84094

Serving Utah Families

FREE

for over15 years

ON ANY COMFORTER OR LARGE BLANKET

www.serenityfhs.com 12278 S. Lone Peak Parkway, Suite 103

Expires 4/30/18

mrlecleaners.com

Larry Lee Hansen

Call us 24 hours a day:

801-255-2801

Lehi Rodriguez

April 2018 | Page 23

S andy Journal .com

Out in Left Field

Life

Laughter AND

by

PERI KINDER

Baseball has been America’s favorite pastime for more than 150 years, followed closely by gun control debates, reality TV and overeating.

There’s just something about sitting in a ballpark surrounded by drunk fans that screams ‘Merica!

The hubbie and I spent a weekend in Phoenix for spring training where teams get together for pre-season games and fans hope for a glimpse of a mega baseball star like Mike Trout or one of the racing sausage mascots from Milwaukee.

As San Francisco Giants fans, we sat in a sea of orange and black, surrounded by men who obviously missed their calling as ESPN baseball announcers. Their color commentary got slurrier and slushier with each beer they drank. It made me wish real ESPN announcers would drink on the job.

Whenever we walk into a ballpark, my husband turns into a 14-yearold boy. The crack of the bat, the smell of a leather glove and the roar of the crowd makes him absolutely giddy.

Hubbie: We’re at a ball game!

Me: I know.

Hubbie: Maybe I’ll catch a foul ball!

Me: Maybe.

Hubbie: Do you think they’ll run out of

SANDY

players and call me up to play?

Me: Me: You’ve been in the sun too long.

But it’s not just my husband, nearly every man there is reliving childhood dreams of baseball stardom, talking about games they watched with their dads or reminiscing about baseball legends they revered as teens.

I love baseball, but not in the way my husband does. A lot of my experience revolves around food (as most things do). At ball games, I eat food I’d never eat in real life.

My 74-ounce Coke and foot-long Bratwurst was an appetizer for my shredded pork nachos, drenched in a fluorescent orange “cheese” stored in plastic buckets in the basement of the stadium. I ate French fries so salty, I actually pooped jerky.

Baseball is about tradition: team loyalty, peanuts, Cracker Jack, not caring if you ever get back, and yelling at the umps after every bad call. The drunker the crowd, the more hilarious the insults. “Can I pet your Seeing-Eye dog after the game, Blue?” “That’s why umpires shouldn’t date players!”

“You drop more calls than Verizon!”

And so on.

PROFESSIONALS

Value

Hiring Umpires Adult League Slow-Pitch Softball

Excellent Pay - $20 per game/hour Games throughout Salt Lake County No Experience Necessary. We will train you.

Much have YOUR OWN Car or Transportation For Info or to Apply Email Utahuic@yahoo.com

YARD CARE

Michael Deagle LANDSCAPING

Utah’s Finest in Lawn Care, Spring/Fall Clean-ups, Aeration, Weekly Cuts All Your Landsape Needs

Call Mike 801-597-0143 Tile and Flooring Powell Tile and Laminate Flooring Tile, Back Splashes, and Bathrooms Laminate Flooring, Finish Work, and Handyman Services Call Chris for a free estimate 801.708.1123

PLACE AN AD: Call

801-254-5974 CONCRETE WORK

Then there’s the stats. Baseball statisticians use more abbreviations than texting teens. You have your standard 1B, HR, BB, SB, K, L and ERA. But occasionally, a stat will appear on the scoreboard that leaves everyone confused. “What the hell’s a UZR?” slurs a drunk ESPN announcer. We all scratch our heads until someone Googles it. (Ultimate Zone Rating, if you were wondering.)

Each game holds the opportunity to witness an unassisted triple play, a grand slam, a no-hitter, a perfect game or a squirrel being chased off the field by an octogenarian ball boy. Ballparks

GARAGE DOORS

A PLUS GARAGE DOORS

Service Available 24/7 Certified Experts 100% Warrantied

801-260-2030

PAINTING

Paul Nunley 3rd Generation

Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service

-- PROFESSIONAL PAINTER --

Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc.

Call Paul

Call Dan.:

801.518.7365

TREE SERVICES

INTERMOUNTAIN TREE EXPERTS

Removals . Trimming . Pruning Licensed and Insured / 15 Yrs Experience

801-244-3542 FREE ESTIMATES

LAWN SERVICES

PRO LAWN MAINTENANCE IN BUSINESS 35 YEARS!

Spring Aeration, Weekly Lawn Maintenance

Spring Clean-ups . FREE Estimates

801-550-6813 or 801-347-1238

Licensed & Insured Residential & Commercial.

801-819-9158

FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS

OLYMPUS ROOFING

801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973

ROOFING

801-449-9875

All types of roofs

$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.

FENCING

AJ Fencing

20+ Years Experience Licensed and Insured All types of Fencing Installs and Repairs Free Estimates

801.471.9688

VEHICLES WANTED

Gumby’s Auto Parts We’ll buy your non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van.

(801) 506-6098

“It’s worth your time to call!”

LAWNCARE SERVICES G.S. Lawncare Service

are national treasures, each one unique and representative of their community.

But my main reason for loving the game is this: baseball is a game of patience. There’s no time limit to a ballgame. It could last 3 hours or 5 hours; 9 innings or 13 innings. As our lives get busier, a ballgame is a reminder to sit in the sunshine, to talk to the person next to you and to order a hot dog without guilt as you root for your favorite team.

All you have to do is sit, eat and cheer someone on. Shouldn’t that be America’s favorite pastime?

CONCRETE WORK

Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc.

Call Jr.: 385-775-1112 YARD SERVICES

Yard Clean Up

Shrubs, Tree Trimming and Removal, Sod,Flower Beds, Hauling, Mulching Senior Discounts

Call Jr. for free estimates:

385-775-1112 PHARMACY

Spring Yeard Clean Up Mowing, Trimming, Edging, Aeration, Power Raking, Sprinker Repair Reasonable Prices!

801.916.5463 or 801.758.1475

Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions!

SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-855-977-8477 Promo Code CDC201725

DENTAL INSURANCE

Roofing

DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures.

855-385-6690

30+ Years of Experience

24 Years Experience

or http://www.dental50plus.com/225 Ad# 6118

On Call Roofers All Types of Roofing and Gutters Residential and Commerical www.OnCallRoofingInc.com

Call Now: 801-857-1727

fR

ion at lts alu u Ev Ad tic nd on n a od re th ild Or Ch for

EE

10220 South 1300 East Sandy

801-523-1111

www.DrSkanchy.com

BRACES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS Sandy’s #1 Invisalign Provider

$750

OFF

FULL INVISALIGN TREATMENT Expires April 30, 2018