Sandy Journal | June 2024

CONSTRUCTION FOR FIRE STATION 31 OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY WITH GROUNDBREAKING

Originally built in 1985 and showing its age with its leaking pipes and lack of wiggle room, the current Fire Station 31 (9010 S. 150 East) is not built to withstand the future growth of the area. A new station has been in the works for years as firefighters have worked with local government officials to design the new space. On April 23, the groundbreaking for the station, which will be located at 9295 S. 255 West, was a big milestone that made the plans start to take shape in reality.

“We could have filled the RSL Soccer Stadium to capacity with the amount of enthusiasm that is mounting in our city for this groundbreaking today,” Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski said at the groundbreaking.

With the wait coming to an end, Mayor Zoltanski, Interim Fire Chief Ryan McConaghie, members of the city council and more, put their hovels in the dirt on April 23, and broke ground for the new Fire Station 31 after three distinct rings of the fire bell, installed in every Sandy fire station three years ago.

“That’s going with the tradition of ringing the bell. It reminds us why we do what we do,” Chief McConaghie said, who has

worked with the Sandy Fire Department for 23 years.

Sandy’s Fire District 31 is the busiest of the city’s five fire districts as it houses the heart of the city’s sports, business, commerce and affordable housing in the rapidly

ture proofing” the new fire station. The “people” that McConaghie said the new station would serve were both the firefighters and residents of the city.

developing area known as the Cairns. As the Cairns grow, the fire station is fit to grow with it. Zoltanski called it “future proof.” New upgrades benefit residents McConaghie named “people, product and purpose” as what drove the idea of “fu-

Heber Slabbert, principal partner and architect at AJC on the project, said the new station was designed to drastically reduce the response time for firefighters to respond to calls.

“My life was saved by first responders who did 14 minutes of CPR, saving my life,”

Continued page 9

Sandy District 31 firefighters attend the groundbreaking on April 23 for the new fire station. (Courtesy Sandy City)

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On May 7, Sandy Mayor

Monica Zoltanski and her staff proposed an innovative way to save and secure the future of the beloved community center, Alta Canyon Sports Center from a state of disrepair.

The building, located at 9565 S. Highland Drive, has not undergone any renovations in the 40 years since it was built and has shown up on the city council agenda as a talking point many times for nearly a decade.

The primary problem, Zoltanski said, was the lack of funding.

“That’s what's kept us from making progress. We all have lofty goals, but we just don’t have a way to fund it all at once,” she said. “We’ve looked at options for Alta Canyon from every angle including closing, which none of us want to do.”

So Zoltanski and her staff got creative.

“When I say ‘rebuild’ I’m not talking about an overnight $40 or $50 million rec center,” Zoltanksi said during the city council meeting. “We just can’t afford it, we haven’t been able to create a funding source, there have not been sponsors for naming rights or anyone who has stepped up. And we don’t want to or cannot increase fees enough to invest overnight.”

Instead, Zoltanski proposed rebuilding the facility in several different stages, that would offer

Mayor’s proposed budget shows plan to rebuild Alta Canyon Sports Center in phases

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

a “reasonable and sensible” way for the city to rebuild the center as budgetary restrictions allow.

In her tentative 2025 budget she presented to the council that night, she allocated $8.3 million more to rebuild Alta Canyon Sports Center to get the process started.

If the council approves the budget, the money awarded for the next fiscal year combined with past funds earmarked for the project would equal a total close to $12 million to go toward phase one of the proposed rebuild.

Sandy Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Martin Jensen said the whole team is committed to making the dream of rebuilding the center a reality and this new approach of rebuilding may be the answer the city has been looking for.

A phased or modular approach

“We're committed to building this and building out the design, but we have to do it in a fiscally responsible manner,” Jensen said. “We're going to build what we can afford.”

He said while it’s ideal to have only one phase of reconstruction, it’s currently not doable.

For a while the council discussed simply remodeling the facility, but that plan quickly fell apart as a study found it would be cheaper to rebuild rather than remodel. In 2023, the council voted to rebuild.

“As you start to remodel a

TRCC.

“We're not just asking for the county to fund it all,” Jensen said. “Sandy City wants to be a partner.”

What will stay and what will go?

Public feedback regarding the features to keep has focused around, what Jensen calls, the “beloved outdoor pool” and beautiful views of the Wasatch that the center currently has.

Other amenities high on the list to be included in the new facility are an indoor walking track, a larger multipurpose gymnasium and more individual classrooms for various fitness classes. There might even be a new playground in the center’s future, he said.

building that's 40 years old, you don't know what's going to happen when you get in there and start tearing walls apart,” Jensen said. “The cost may go through the roof significantly.”

The building has only lasted as long as it has because of a passionate staff, Jensen said.

“The staff have done amazing things to try and keep the facility active and to repurpose the existing facility,” he said. “They've turned a couple of the racquetball courts into fitness areas, they have treadmills and various fitness equipment in there because the space just wasn't utilized that

much.”

But, even with choosing the cheaper option, rebuilding would cost a whopping $40 million albeit in increments with the phased approach.

Jensen said the city is still looking at getting the job done in one large remodel if the funding becomes available.

With the city’s built out plans of the center, staff hopes to better their chances of being awarded grants to make up the deficit from programs such as Zoo, Arts & Parks, or ZAP, and Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, Convention and Airport Facilities tax act, or

Zoltanski also noted plans to look at expanding the grounds and making use of the outside space fit for all ages.

“We can rebuild out Alta Canyon, it just won’t be all at once,” Zoltanski said.

The city is still seeking the public’s opinion on the types of things they’d like to see in the new facility and encourages public comment to their council members and mayor.

More details about the phased-rebuild will be available on May 28 as the proposed plan will be discussed in further detail during the city council meeting. l

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The Alta Canyon Sports Center, located at 9565 Highland Drive, celebrates its 40thyear anniversary with hope for a phased approach to rebuilding. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)

SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK

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This tragic story was shared with us by Bob S., a Salt Lake resident who has peripheral neuropathy. And while no one was hurt in this accident, Bob had suffered almost everyday of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.

“The first stage is pain,” shares Dr. Stephanie Scott of Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic. “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains; or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately the numbness brings with it a whole host of problems.”

This was the case with Bob. "I said I wasn't going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?"

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person's ability to live their life. Bob was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising down Highland Drive or taking her out to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Bob's general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.

That's where Dr. Scott and her staff at Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic come in. "About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Bob," tells Dr. Scott.

"They're in constant pain from neuropathy, and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we're in the business of making your golden years golden."

"I can't lie," confides Bob. "I was skeptical at first. The folks at the U told me there was nothing that could be done and then there's a doctor right here in Sandy who tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments! My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car! It's hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Dr. Scott] gave me my life back."

While Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic specializes in acupuncture and it's definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. "This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery" shares Ariel, a Patient Care Coordinator at the clinic. "It's like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair."

You can learn more about Dr. Scott and Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic by visiting SLCacu.com. If you're ready to schedule a consultation, call 801-477-7966 and do so quickly. Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic is a very intimate clinic, and the staff takes pride in their ability to take their time with each patient, so they are very limited in their ability to take on new patients.

On May 6, Sandy City and Smith Entertainment Group announced plans to build a National Hockey League training and practice facility putting The Shops at South Town at 10450 South State Street “under contract,” “where they intend to build a world-class training and practice facility” ready for the 2025-26 season.

In the announcement, Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski said that the facility would be an “important resource” introduced into the community and advocated for SEG’s “proven track record of bringing quality professional sports and entertainment to Sandy.”

Sandy City Council Chair Ryan Mecham is also quoted in the release with a positive opinion on the news.

“This is certainly great news for Sandy, and we welcome the NHL players, coaches, support staff, and hockey fans who will come to know Sandy as the host of a state-of-the art hockey training center and the best ice in the world,” Mecham said. “We are looking forward to working with Smith Entertainment Group on this project.”

But the release seemed to spur more questions than it gave answers among the community as the city continues to work out the details with SEG and declined to comment at this time. Circulating questions include, “What will happen to the Shops at South Town at the site?”, “Will it cost Sandy resident’s more money?” and “Why not use the existing hockey facility in Kearns?”

1. Will the new NHL facility replace the Shops at South Town or add to them?

In response to a Facebook post made by Zoltanski, some Facebook users and Sandy residents expressed both excitement to fill up the sparse Shops at South Town or even add to its parking lot, while others are worried that it will simply be torn down to make room for the facility.

One user under the name Robert Moody suggested that the old space where the store Macy’s was could be large enough to accommodate the NHL facility.

The press release from SEG said the company “is committed to ensuring The Shops at South Town continue to be a vibrant and integral part of the community, and the NHL practice facility is an important step toward this goal.” Hinting at the fact that the mall will make it out just fine.

Facebook user Christie Evans commented giving her two cents.

“As someone that walks that mall daily in the winter, it would be nice to have some of that sad empty space filled,” she wrote. “However, I hope taxpayer's aren't

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

Reader Survey: Tell us what you think about the announcement of NHL practice facility coming to Sandy.

paying for it.”

2. Will the training facility cost anything for Sandy residents?

Zoltanski’s Facebook post was filled with comments from residents and the social media’s platform users asking about what the cost of the new facility would be for residents and more than a few used the word “tax.”

During the Sandy City Council meeting on May 7, Zoltanski did not suggest a raise in property taxes for residents for the 2025 fiscal year as part of the mayor’s tentative budget she presented to the council that night. She made no mention of the NHL facility raising rates for residents.

In response to concern from other commenters and some backlash for the mayor’s previous tax increase of about 30%, Peter Chip Cannon said Zoltanski “has my vote for another term, or three!”

“I like that she gave explanations as to why she believed [the tax increase] was warranted, and they seemed reasonable, like to get our emergency workers a new fire station,” Cannon wrote. “For me, I like that she prioritizes Dimple Dell Park and that she's shown to be economically savvy for Sandy's future. She visits and promotes small Sandy businesses, and can land big deals like this new NHL practice facility. She's turned out to be a fantastic mayor.”

3. Why not use the hockey facility already in Kearns?

“Why aren't they using the facility we have in Kearns? It has the world's fastest ice. They could totally make it into a training facility,” commented Emma Catherine Rademacher on Zoltanski’s post about the new training facility. “Plus it would be great for when we have the Olympics and hockey comes to town. And we in Sandy City as taxpayers wouldn't have to pay for anything.”

Comments about the Kearns facility noted that it was always busy and already couldn’t keep up with demand.

More information is expected to be released by Sandy City and SEG as the de-

tails are ironed out. Want to express your opinion about the newly announced NHL Training and

Practice Facility? Scan the QR code to leave your comments and questions. l

What will happen to the Shops at South Town? As the newly announced site of the future National Hockey League’s Training and Practice Facility, skepticism has entered the community about what will happen to the existing mall and where the training facility’s new home will look like. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)

Inside look into unified basketball: What athletes say about the experience

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

They want to be like Mike—dishing, swishing, jamming.

“I want to slam dunk like Michael Jordan,” said Bingham High sophomore Josh McDonald as he was playing in a regional basketball tournament.

Hillcrest High senior Dax Bowen also likes Jordan’s moves as does Corner Canyon High senior Jadon Medina.

The student-athletes all play for their unified high school basketball teams.

In unified coed basketball, there are five players on the court—three athletes and two partners. Teams play against other squads of the same ability in two eight-minute halves. Supported by Special Olympics and the Utah High School Activities Association, unified sports has both a competitive and a player development level, the latter which provides more of a cooperative environment with partners being teammates and mentors.

In the weeks leading up to the state championships, many of the unified basketball players took to the court, practicing skills they learned growing up and playing in regional tournaments.

Murray High started practicing once per week starting a couple months before the state contest. They also did a skills assessment to determine the ability of the players and then divide themselves into two teams.

“We practice shooting and making baskets,” said Murray High junior Parker May, who has a brother who taught him to “dribble, shoot and have my arms up on defense.”

Cottonwood High junior Alizia Sherard said, “We have a lot of practices where we dribble, we try to get the ball from the other team, and we make the shots.”

She learned to play from her dad and continues to play him in the family driveway.

Copper Hills High junior Corbin Roesbery also grew up playing basketball in his driveway. He started at age 12.

Alta High freshman James Miles learned how to play from his dad when he was 4 years old.

“We still play, but now, I’m practicing and playing with my friends and peer tutors in

class,” he said.

Hillcrest’s Bowen also learned to play from his dad in a church gym.

“We would shoot around. On this team, we all count on each other,” he said.

Brighton High sophomore Tru Fiessinger said during their practices, they work on dribbling, defense and shooting.

“It comes easy, but to be good, I have to work hard,” Fiessinger said.

For others, basketball was a new sport they learned with their classmates to be able to exercise and be part of their high school unified team.

Jordan High junior Kaitlyn Uzcaga, who learned to play as a freshman, said her team practiced defense.

“We have practiced our blocking; we’re wanting to move a lot more on the floor,” she said.

Mountain Ridge sophomore Ash Perez said his team also has been practicing.

“Coach (Brock) Whitney, our PE teacher, taught me how to play; I love it,” Perez said.

This year’s unified high school basketball championship was the state’s largest as 80 teams from across the state converged on the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center and HPER courts to not just determine the winners in the divisions, but to have a chance to display skills learned and to forge friendships on the court.

It was kicked off by the Special Olympics’ athlete oath and a welcome from Gov. Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox, who then helped with a dunk team doing a trick.

Much like other athletes, these Special Olympians wanted to do their best—and win.

Sophomore Saiah Lono said Herriman High’s team has a routine as they prepare for a game.

“I’m the hype man,” the point guard said. “We do a little dance to warm up and we dance to celebrate.”

Cottonwood’s Sherard said she’s always wanted to play at the U.

“I want to be No. 1 here. I like winning,” she said.

West Jordan sophomore Robert West said

they practiced to play their best, “but I’m excited to win.”

Alta’s Miles is self-proclaimed “overly competitive. I like to win.”

Teams prepared their strategies.

Bingham’s McDonald loves to play defense.

“We need to stop the other team from scoring. I have to make sure they don’t steal the ball from me, but I love to steal the ball myself,” he said.

Skyline High freshman Andrew Bouck said quick decisions are key.

“Whenever someone passes to me, I will get rid of the ball by shooting it,” he said. “If I don’t have a good look, I’ll pass it.”

Hunter High senior Angelly Velasquez sized up the competition.

“They’re lots of tall teams here,” she said. “We’re hoping we’re fast enough to go around them.”

Jordan’s Uzcaga said they started off playing well.

“We’re doing good and having fun. We’re being brave and trying our hardest,” she said.

Copper Hills’ Corbin said his team works together and helps one another to learn.

“We tell each other to never give up, to listen to our team, to listen to our coach and to have fun,” he said.

The last part, having fun together on and off the court is key, the athletes say.

Herriman’s Lono said they “hang out and have lunch together. We have dance parties.”

West Jordan’s West likes being with friends, seeing movies, playing basketball and listening to music, “mostly Taylor Swift.”

Similarly, Olympus High senior Bailee O’Conner says her favorite friends are on her team.

“We go to birthday parties, see movies at a movie theater and go to school dances together,” she said. “It makes me happy.”

Corner Canyon’s Medina knows he’s part of the Chargers’ student body.

“I like being a part of a team where I belong. I’m a part of it and a part of my school,” he said.

Skyline’s Bouck adds, “It’s fun to play

Alta High’s coed unified basketball team, seen here playing Mountain Ridge High at the regional tournament, forges friendships through learning teamwork and demonstrating sportsmanship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

friends cheering.”

Hunter’s Velasquez says she gives her teammates high-fives and cheers for other players when she isn’t on the court.

“We cheer for the other team, especially when they make a basket; it’s fun that everyone can be a winner that way,” she said.

She and other teammates have been part of other unified sports teams; many of the athletes compete in unified soccer. At Hunter, they also perform in their school’s unified musicals.

Murray’s May swims on his school’s unified swim team.

“I like to go fast and win races and be cheered on. I cheer on others too,” he said.

Copper Hills’ Roesbery placed in the top 10 in the 60 meters at the state track meet last year.

“The best thing on any team is teamwork. It’s good to listen and work together,” he said.

Riverton High seniors Travis Willis and Jason Johnson are the boys’ basketball team managers.

“We hand out towels and we go on the court to wipe the wet spots. If they’re sweaty, we pass the towels,” Johnson said. “We’ve made friends where we hang out, play basketball, listen to music.”

Willis said at unified sporting events, he gets to see middle school friends who go to other high schools.

Hillcrest’s Bowen said his team has gone through a coaching change and several of his teammates graduated last year.

“I’ve made more friends and since I’ve played on the team for a while, I know I need to help them and be one of the leaders on the team,” he said. “State is really big. It’s the main event. But our team is what’s most important.”

Mountain Ridge’s Perez agrees.

“I like helping my team and we love each other,” Perez said. “Unified basketball gives me friends and a good work out so getting a good sweat is worth it.” l

Slabbert said. “Response times are critical.”

To further serve the community and expand the public fire education program the department already does, the station will include two large spaces for classes and training to be held.

New upgrades benefit firefighters

Safeguards to protect firefighters include a distinct divide between the entry point where firefighters return after responding to a call and where the living space is.

“We respond to fires and with the fires you have the carcinogens,” McConaghie said. “That stuff kind of becomes impregnated into the gear and the uniforms and has a potential of being dragged through the station causing cross contamination.”

Decontamination showers and new heating and air conditioning systems will not flow into the living space, but rather out of it to prevent any contaminants in the bay from entering the living space.

“That's the kind of concept and technology that we're integrating into modern day fire station building,” McConaghie said.

To offer another layer of protection for firefighters’ mental health, the new station’s bedrooms were designed to completely black out to get them quality sleep no matter what time of day, Slabbert said. The rest of the station will feature lots of natural light that studies have found is good for mental health as well as an increased office space for productivity.

Taxpayer dollars at work

Since she became mayor in 2022, Zoltanksi said the city had a long list of needs and a new fire station was at the top. But the city “struggled and struggled with how we were going to afford to pay for such an important facility that’s going to usher in this new era of growth and devel-

opment.”

“To be standing here in just two years and a couple months later…with a fully formed plan, funding and a clear pathway forward. Wow, the pace has been sweeping,” Zoltanski said during the groundbreaking.

A previous tax increase of close to 30% paid for the ability to hire more firefighters since Zoltanski became mayor and “residents paid” to build the new fire station, she said. She highlighted that the increase was supported by 67%, or two-thirds of residents and thanked the public for their contribution to making this needed facility a reality.

Additionally with these funds, three firefighters are going out with every call now rather than two, “no exceptions,” she said.

“This is not just about the firefighters, it’s about all of us working together,” Zoltanski said, referring to residents, the police department, and various businesses and community partnerships attending the groundbreaking.

A permanent home for the history and the future of Sandy

As the extra cherry on top, McConaghie announced that the Sandy Fire Department’s first-ever fire truck, a model A from 1929, will be on permanent display in the front entry way of the new station as an ode to the department’s history and growth in the city.

The new station was built “with the future in mind,” Zoltanski said, referring to the larger space to accommodate future growth within the fire department as the city continues to expand.

“It's not a shell that we can barely fit into as it's finished, it still gives us room to grow into the future,” McConaghie said.

Fire Station 31 is expected to take 14 months to complete, putting the anticipated completion date in late summer 2025. l

Schools’ Tuesday Fresh Produce Market requires support to remain open

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

At Canyons School District’s Title I schools, financial support is needed for the Tuesday Fresh Produce Markets.

“We’ve been able to get them going again after taking a break for the winter months,” said Jenna Landward, Copperview Elementary community school fa-

fruits and vegetables at no cost. Now, it has expanded to Midvalley, Midvale, Sandy and Copperview elementaries and Hillcrest High School.

Landward said while the Utah Food Bank provides monthly mobile pantries and weekend food bags to send home with

Brookwood Elementary’s Art-a-Palooza serves as fundraising event for STEAM education

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Ona large table in Brookwood Elementary’s multipurpose room sat baskets of donated items from businesses ranging from Brighton Ski Resort to Clark Planetarium, from Hires Big H to Rich’s Bagels, from The Smartest Artist Studio to Title Boxing.

Created in themed gift baskets, these items helped raise funds for the school, which will support STEAM learning in the upcoming year, said Megan Olson, Brookwood Elementary School Community Council chairwoman.

“We’re wanting to support our students in a variety of STEAM activities from programs like Math Olympiad to purchasing art supplies,” she said. “We’re wanting to enrich their education with extra curriculum.”

It was part of the school’s traditional Arta-Palooza event, which also allowed families the opportunity to purchase teacher experiences for students, such as “Go camping with the first-grade teachers,” where students would get to sing campfire songs, listen to stories and enjoy s’mores together or they could “Journey to Japan” where fifth-grade teachers taught students to learn origami, try Japanese writing and speaking and learn about the culture of the country.

“Those are always the favorite things,” Olson said. “We always have a line when we open for the teacher experiences.”

Art-a-Palooza began more than a decade ago when Canyons School District asked schools to focus on arts for the month of January. A few years later, Brookwood shifted that time to better align with the school calendar and it became the popular art gallery walk combined with a fundraiser, chaired by former PTA volunteers Channa Vyfinkel and Abby Pohlman.

This year, student art was on display from

brightly painted gardens with 3D critters to gnomes and fairies peering out amongst polka-dotted toadstools.

Since those first years, the event has evolved to include the teacher experiences, a store to purchase goodies and some hands-on art activities, such as clay, stencils and origami.

New this year was a staged area where students could perform for 10 minutes with a donation. Community groups also performed.

Kara Bankhead was there watching her fifth-grade daughter, Emma, perform with her dance group while her second-grader, Elle, was making a bracelet.

“It’s a lot of fun doing this and being creative,” said the youngster.

Parent Erica High was one of about 30 volunteers who helped with the event. Her two children, first-grader Annie and fifth-grader McKay, who attend Brookwood were excited to sign up for a teacher experience.

“The teacher experiences give students a new opportunity to see their teachers outside of class,” she said. “The kids love their teachers and like to do an activity with their teacher, but really, the kids are loving it. It’s just something fun and different and it’s something they look forward to all year. I went to Brookwood and there’s still the green wallpaper, still the same carpet in the kindergarten hall, but it’s the teachers who make this place great. Honestly, this community is generous and supportive of the kids. They help make this event fun and then, through their gifts and our fundraising, we’re able to do some amazing things for the students.”

Olson agrees.

“The best part of this is bringing everyone together,” she said. “The kids remember it, and everyone looks forward to it every year.” l

Students create art masterpieces while gymnasts perform in the background at Brookwood Elementary’s Art-a-Palooza. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Altara Elementary students showcase creativity and knowledge in biography project

Ina main hallway at Altara Elementary, there were likenesses of actress Julie Andrews next to novelist R. L Stine and basketball star Chris Paul sharing the wall with primatologist Jane Goodall. Civil rights activist Rosa Parks shared the space next to her with Edward Teach, better known as the pirate Blackbeard.

These, and many other posters were drawn by third-grade students. On each poster were highlights of the famous people’s achievements.

Third grader Will Thomas chose to spotlight surfer Bethany Hamilton.

“She’s a professional surfer who survived losing 60% of her blood during a shark attack in Hawaii when she was 13,” he said. “I first learned about her from the movie ‘Soul Surfer,’ which my dad really likes so I was excited to read about her.”

Will said that by reading a biography about her life, he learned that it was a tiger shark that attacked her and bit off her left arm.

“She still went back to surfing; she didn’t let it stop her. She talks to people about it and tells them they can do hard things,” he said. “I’m hoping people learned that when I presented my poster about her in class.”

Will, and others, shared what they learned by reading biographies, most commonly books from the “Who Is?” series, in class.

Classmate Grace Sorenson also learned about resilience while reading about author J.K. Rowling.

“She was turned down by 12 publishers before one decided to print her books,” she said. “She never gave up even with all those rejections.”

Grace also learned that the publisher worried about printing the novels under her real name, Joanna.

“They told her that boys likely wouldn’t read it if a female wrote it, so she used her first initial. She didn’t have a middle name, so she added one, so she’d have a middle initial,” she said. “It was fun to present it to my class, but I had to wait a week for my turn.”

Their teacher, Marcy Hadean, said the book report assignment begins with students selecting to read a biography on someone who interests them.

That meant in the 57 reports, there were a couple Taylor Swifts and six Abraham Lincolns.

“Neil Armstrong was another popular pick because we just finished reading an article about him being the first man to step on the moon in our space unit,” she said. “I hope by picking out someone they wanted, students enjoyed reading about people and gained an understanding that this is another form of reading that’s enjoyable. I hope they’re learning to love reading.”

The process began with selecting a book in October and creating a poster about their famous person.

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

“Some of them took a strong interest and went on to learn more about their person by doing more research or watching a television show or movie,” Hadean said.

Each day a couple students presented their posters to the class; they finished the process in February.

The project falls in line with the state core curriculum with speaking and listening. She said they also learned how to make eye contact, project their voice, summarize what they learned, provide accurate information and many, memorized their presentation.

“I want them to learn to be comfortable with presenting to a group to have the knowledge and the confidence to be able to express themselves,” Hadean said.

For Will and Grace, presenting was their favorite part aside from learning about their famous people.

“I love watching the kids’ excitement; mostly they glow. They love who they’ve picked; they fall in love with their person, and they think their person is the best. So, they are really excited about sharing about these people’s lives,” she said.

For others like third-grader Evelyn Rowe, a favorite part was creating the poster.

Hadean gives students time to put them together well so others can enjoy them.

“I want students to explore what the person thought, what they saw, what they felt and believed in, and then what they did,” she said.

For example, Evelyn learned about Helen Keller, an author and advocate for people with disabilities.

“She was happy when she was learned how to communicate,” she said. “She wrote about her life and the first time she could understand ‘water’ by feeling it and realizing it with finger spelling. I learned that once she could communicate, she set her mind that she could do anything.”

Her classmate, Charlotte McFarland, learned about zookeeper and conservationist Steve Irwin.

“He grew up with his parents who owned a zoo and he and his dad had a show, called ‘The Crocodile Hunter,’” she said. “He taught a lot of people about animals and told them they shouldn’t harm any animal. He died when a stingray pierced his heart, but he died doing what he loved.”

The biography reports are a tradition at Altara that began before Hadean, and she’s been teaching at the school for 12 years.

“Everybody’s always excited to see the biography posters go up and older students remember who they did,” she said. “We leave them up for a good solid month, so parents can come and see and enjoy them and other students can learn from them.” l

"The foundational principles contained within the Constitution of the United States are what made this country great, we must return to them."

• All human beings desire and have a right to pure water and fresh clean air. I will always work to ensure these basic needs.

• We must secure our borders against illegal intrusion. Fentanyl, human trafficking and violent crime have increased exponentially with open border policies.

• Publicly funded multi-billion dollar sports and entertainment districts only benefit the few, most of all, the wealthy. We need to be putting money back in the people’s pockets

• Stop Federal Intrusion into states and individuals rights

• Utilize our state and federal energy resources

• Stop the social indoctrination of our children such as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) policies.

• America First and in God we Trust

Together, we can win this race and take this country back!

www.aste4senate15.com

Learn more about Steve's platform:

Altara third-grader Asher Cornia presents his biography poster on Albert Einstein to his class. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Paid for by Steve Aste for Utah

Glacier Hills students raise funds for school, celebrate with hands-on STEM learning

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

River Holfeltz and her kindergarten daughter, Scarlet Veliz, were having a night out—at Scarlet’s school, Glacier Hills Elementary.

“We’re investigating all the STEM projects we can do and supporting the school,” Holfeltz said.

They were turning down the hall where Jackie Oleksak, a Youth Academy teacher, was helping with rockets.

“The kids are loving making rockets and then, launching them down the hallway to see how far they’re able to go,” she said. “They’re listening, following directions and practicing their fine motor skills to be able to build the rockets.”

It was Glacier Hills’ STEM and fundraiser night, which raised $12,000, surpassing the $7,500 goal, which propelled Principal Julie Winfree to kept her promise to students and kissed a pig at an assembly.

To raise the money, the school held penny wars where certain coins added points and others, subtracted. The school also received $4,600 in online donations and community members donated bags and bags of clothing, which contributed $1,340 to the total.

The money will be used to create a game room for rewarding and reinforcing positive behavior, Winfree said.

“The penny wars have been really fun; I’ve had kindergartners say, ‘I’m going to sabotage this,’” she said. “We wanted to come up with a creative fundraiser and a creative

night to celebrate the fundraiser week. This was a perfect opportunity to have a fun STEM night and to bring the community into our new building once again.”

During the night, students could try their hand at solving Tetris puzzles, building contraptions with K’nex, solving the magnetic challenge or one of a number of activities created by Canyons School District’s Digital Teach-

Star Wars-themed fun run reflects Special Olympics support

It didn’t happen long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. It happened this spring when 200 community members supported Special Olympics’ unified sports by participating in Canyons Education Foundation’s “May the 4th Be with You” 5K run and 1-mile walk. In addition, several local high schools’ sports teams, administrators and Canyons Board of Education members took part in the event that was supported by Darth Vader, R2D2 and other Star Wars characters. “This has been great having our community supporting unified sports in our schools,” said Canyons school board president Amber Shill, who also serves on a Special Olympics committee. “We started by offering unified soccer, then unified basketball. Now, we’re expanding to offer more opportunities in unified sports and activities in all our schools.” (Photo by Julie Slama)

cases, try fun learning tools such as coding a robotic dog or exploring snap circuits.

“We included the activities they can do at home, so they learn STEAM is anywhere,” she said. “As long as they’re asking the right questions, STEAM can be implemented into pretty much any activity.”

Some of those questions may be “how can you break down the problem to make it easier to solve” or “what resources can you use to solve the problem,” she said.

In addition, Discovery Gateway and Utah Valley University provided other opportunities, such as making elephant toothpaste and investigating color fireworks.

At the end of the hallway, Corner Canyon High teacher Brian Tracy was teaching students about the air cannon vortex and the Van de Graaff generator.

“I have all these fun activities to inspire the kids,” he said. “So, when I learned they were having a STEM night, I just imposed and said, ‘Can I come and play too?’”

Tracy hoped students would learn from trial and error and iteration.

ing and Learning Specialist Chandra Martz, who created the STEAM kits for schools to use with a portion of a grant she received from the Utah STEM Action Center.

In the kits that come with dozens of challenges, students learn to ask questions, analyze data, investigate and recognize similarities and patterns. They could develop and test solutions and explore learning using tools—or in many

“Often in our society, we are encountering with a problem and often, we’re looking at, ‘What’s the solution?’” he said. “I may give them a template that they can follow to get them started, but then I really want them just to iterate and try new things. I want them to discover what they can invent. That’s way more important than random knowledge.” l

Free breakfast, lunch available for youth this summer

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

FourCanyons School District elementary schools in Sandy and Midvale will serve free breakfast and lunch from June 3 to July 31 to children 18 years and younger as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program.

“This is a program for all children,” said Sebasthian Varas, Canyons School District’s nutrition services director. “You don’t need to be enrolled in Canyons District, or even live within our boundaries, to take advantage of these summer meals.”

The meals will be served Monday through Friday. Breakfast will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The locations are Sandy Elementary, 8725 S. 280 East; Copperview Elementary, 8449 Monroe St., Midvale; East Midvale Elementary, 6990 S. 300 East, Midvale; and Midvale Elementary, 7830 S. Chapel Street, Midvale.

There will be no meal service on June 17,

Free school breakfasts and lunches will be available at four Canyons School District schools this summer. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

July 4 and July 24.

The USDA estimates 21 million kids will benefit from summer meals in 2024. l

At Glacier Hills Elementary’s STEM night, students, with the help of staff, build rockets that they launched down a hallway. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Celebrating the life of a beloved teacher: A legacy remembering students and bettering the community

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

On an April Saturday morning, American flags waved outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Crescent View Stake Center in Sandy, while inside, several former Alta High students and faculty, friends and family shared hugs and swapped stories of days gone by.

They were paying tribute to former high school U.S. history teacher, Don Ward, who had died a few weeks earlier. He first taught students at Jordan High before moving to Alta High; he also was a student body officer adviser at both schools.

Former Alta world history teacher Karl Packer was a SBO adviser with Ward.

“We worked together for quite a few years, eight or nine, until he got sick with cancer, and I took over,” Packer said. “I remember when we went to Dixie (College) in the middle of July for a youth leadership camp for our student officers. We were on our way back, when the charter bus broke down. It was 114 degrees and we had 40 kids on the side of the freeway, waiting for a bus to come from Salt Lake to pick us up.”

Ward, Packer and Rique Ochoa, who team taught Advanced Placement U.S. history with Ward, were called the “three amigos.”

“We were the only three teachers in a little alcove and the three of us were good friends,” said Packer, who taught 33 years at Alta before retiring last year and recalled several trips they went on together to study history.

Ward supported the students from dressing up for Halloween to attending weddings years later.

“One year, Don had balloons all over a clear trash bag; he was dressed as a bag of jellybeans; he always had fun,” Packer said. “What I learned most from him was how to appreciate the

kids and to love them for who they are. He was always kind and understanding—and had the most incredible memory. He could tell you all about the students he taught. He’d know these kids at 16, 17, 18 and now, they’re 30, 40 and 50 and he’d call them by name and remember details about their lives. It was amazing.”

Alta graduate Tyler Perry, who sang, “God Bless America” at Ward’s service, remembers his former teacher’s memory.

“If you were a student of Don’s, he remembered you and he made you feel like a million bucks,” Perry said. “We had some real goofballs in the student body officer class—and Don was patient and accepting of everyone. And everyone wanted to take Don’s AP history class. He wasn’t an easy teacher, but he was

a great teacher. He understood things well and made sure we learned them.”

Ochoa, who retired last year after teaching 45 years at Alta, recalled at one time, teaching more than 300 students with Ward.

“Don knew everything about these kids not only because he was their teacher, but he was also the announcer at the football games, he was there at all the sporting events, all the plays, the concerts, and everything to build those relationships with the kids,” he said. “He was a true asset to the students and to the school.”

It was because of those relationships, students knew they could count on Ward.

“If you ever needed anything, Don was the one who helped,” Perry said. “When Don saw a need, he volunteered.”

When Ward retired after teaching 35 years, he began as a substitute teacher for Granite School District, where “he saw a huge refugee population that was underserved,” Ochoa said. “He began doing clothing and food drives for the refugee families. Now it’s the Ward Foundation, which provides Christmas for 2,000 families.”

Ward’s former students helped him with his mission.

“Don called upon his former students,” Ochoa said. “One former student who runs a group of storage units provided Don storage units to store the collection of resources he received and prep them for delivery. Students who had access to transportation helped deliver the donations. He did all this without bringing attention to himself. He did it because he saw a need—and that was exemplified in his teaching and in his career working with the refugees.” l

Alta High AP history teacher (left) Rob Murphy joins former teachers Rique Ochoa and Don Ward in a photo; Ward recently died. (Photo courtesy of Rique Ochoa)

Music, dance and diversity shine at Alta High’s multicultural assembly

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Alta High sophomore Makya Lameman began Navajo hoop dancing about a year ago.

“I’ve only done a couple of competitions,” he said. “I grew up understanding my culture, but I wanted to learn more by performing dances. My culture is a very vibrant one.”

Lameman performed a healing and storytelling dance with hoops; natives believe that each hoop is like a person and has an important role in the world.

“Basically, it’s about each hoop is a part of this world and when it comes together and it makes sense to our world,” he said. “I wanted to share that with everyone.”

Lameman was one of a dozen performers during Alta’s 60-minute multicultural assembly.

There was a graceful, traditional Tongan dance; a dance from the islands of Samoa to a song that emphasizes putting God first in life; some Latin American dances full of energy and passion; a traditional rhythmic and folk dance from Afghanistan; a vibrant Mexican folk dance and several songs were performed in Spanish and English. Individuals as well as student clubs, including Alta’s ballroom team, performed for their classmates who packed the gymnasium.

Junior Mariam Khan performed with the South Asian Student Association in her colorful traditional Pakistani dress.

“I feel it was important to share our culture of South Asia,” she said. “Obviously, there are multiple parts to South Asia and everybody has their own unique traditions and culture. So we wanted to show how there are different parts of South Asia and how everybody is different while performing together.”

Alta High Idol winner Jolie Heale performed “Cool Down,” with a ukulele in hand.

“I just got a new ukulele this week, so I just barely learned it, but I feel everybody just needs to be more aware of all the diversity in the school,” she said.

Heale, who was born in Utah, said her heritage is Hawaiian, so she’s familiar with all the traditions, history and culture of her family.

“Everybody should feel comfortable being themselves and having their own culture being around and shared,” she said. “This song is meant to be soothing and relaxing like the peaceful lifestyle of the islands. It’s a song that connects Hawaiian values of community and nature.”

The multicultural assembly is part of the school’s Legacy Week, which celebrates its history and diversity, said Shaley Louder,

Alta alumna and student body adviser.

“Legacy week is a chance for us to celebrate our legacy—our high school’s legacy and our individual students legacy and the

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culture of Alta,” she said. “We’re becoming quite diverse than we were say 20 years ago. These kids have amazing cultures and they’re proud of them, and we want them to have the opportunity to share it with their peers. They are excited, and they volunteer to do these awesome performances. Many of them practice for months to come and perform.”

The Legacy Week activities include lunchtime activities to learn Alta High traditions and history.

“We did some trivia such as what year we opened, how many students did we have, what year did the student body split to open Corner Canyon and even, what are our school colors. We have three officially—black, silver with a hint of red. It says that in our constitution,” she said.

At the start of the assembly, the students were greeted with what it means to be a hawk and the symbolism behind the school mascot.

“We wanted to describe some characteristics of like a hawk and how they’re around the world—and make that connection. We’re all unique and we come from all around the world. But right now, we’re Alta Hawks and we fly together. That’s the point of this assembly. We’re individuals, but united in celebrating and honoring our different cultures,” Louder said.

Alta student body president Garrett Jessop and other student leaders announced the performers during the assembly.

“It’s amazing at all the different cultures we have, and it’s cool everyone can show off their culture and be supported by each other,” he said. “This week is an opportunity to celebrate our community.” l

Several Alta High students and groups performed traditional dances at Alta High’s multicultural assembly. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Hello Sandy Friends,

June brings some exciting news for Sandy City. In fact, you may have seen it on the local news and you’ll certainly be seeing it soon as you drive along I-15. Construction is now underway on our new re department headquarters, Fire Station 31. We broke ground April 23rd under beautiful blue skies on the site just west of the soccer stadium that will transform over the next year. We will all witness Sandy City rising as the new re station emerges. is is de nitely an exciting time to live in Sandy and celebrate what the future holds.

Farmers Market

Here’s more great news for Sandy residents. If you’re like me (challenged in the garden), you’ll be happy to hear about the launch of the new Sandy City Farmers Market! at means the freshest fruits and vegetables will be delivered directly from Utah gardens right to the heart of our city. It makes my mouth water to think of sweet peaches, juicy tomatoes, crisp green lettuce and cucumbers, and all the wonderful produce that our local farmers grow. e Sandy City Farmers’ Market will run every Saturday, June 15th through the October 19th, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Amphitheater Park.

Movies in the Park

With summer’s longer days and warm nights, we get the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors at events like food truck nights every Monday at the Sandy Amphitheatre Park,

free shing day on June 8, and a family favorite– Movies in the Park. Be sure and mark your calendar for June 14th when Barbie appears on the big screen at America First Field! It’s always a thrill to watch a hit movie on the soccer eld. I can’t wait to see a eld of pink!

Budget Update

June is also a signi cant time as the city nalizes our budget for the upcoming year. is year I presented a budget to the council that keeps our service levels high and property taxes low. I am committed to nding the most e cient ways to apply city revenues that ensure public safety, economic growth, and civic pride. Sandy has one of the lowest property tax rates in the valley. Responsible scal management has earned our city a AAA bond rating while saving Sandy residents hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. We will continue investing in new law enforcement and re vehicles to replace the aging public safety eet and give our city employees a modest cost of living adjustment as we work to retain our excellent team.

As we are all aware from managing our household nances, there are market factors over which we have little or no control. We see it in the cost of supplies for home improvements, at the gas pump, and at the grocery store. Our city departments must also deal with increasing costs while maintaining e ectiveness and e ciency. Because of the increasing costs of running our popular spring and fall curbside bulk waste program, I’m recommending a new funding method. In keeping with my commitment to transparency, I am proposing the creation of its own funding source with a speci c bulk waste collection

fee instead of subsidizing the program from our general fund. is will cost homeowners $5.65 per month and is the most transparent way to help residents know exactly what they are paying for.

Alta Canyon Sports Center

I am also proposing an additional $100 thousand onetime subsidy for operational costs at Alta Canyon Sports Center. is is a beloved center where families have spent generations enjoying the view of the mountains from the beautiful outdoor pool. e facility is now 40-years old and, because of its age, improvements and maintenance are vital to keep it operational. We will also reallocate more than $8 million from capital projects to refurbish the pool area and, in a phased approach, redesign and build a new modern facility to include a large gymnasium. Our goal is to complete the rst phase in 2026. I am a strong supporter of recreational facilities and programs that promote wellness in our city.

We can all be excited about the many positive improvements coming to our city over the next year. I also looking forward to seeing you out and about at Food Truck Night, concerts at the Sandy City Amphitheater, the Sandy City Farmers Market, and our many other fun city events. Let’s celebrate Sandy together!

Yours in Service,

Mayor Monica Zoltanski

Photo contest winner: Robert Scarborough

Movies in the Park, America First Field, 2023

Alta Canyon Sports Center

Fire Station 31 Groundbreaking, April 23, 2024

Sandy Business Highlight: Athena Beans

111 West 9000 South

Athena Beans is more than just a co ee house. ey have local art for sale and event space for corporate, private, and community events like open mic night on Mondays. When you enjoy their co ee and fresh food, you will be greeted with soft music, an inviting atmosphere and comfortable tables and nooks. eir co ee menu is based o Greek Mythology and the drinks are catered towards the gods they are named after. Don’t forget to get a loyalty punch card started; you’ll de nitely be back for more!

Check out the menu and events calendar, visit: athenavii.com

Crosswalk Safety with Sandy Police Department

As we enter the warmer months, pedestrian tra c in Sandy City sees a notable increase, particularly with the many events held throughout the city. RSL and Royals games take place almost every week, and the concert season at the Sandy Amphitheater is already underway. In light of this, crosswalk safety becomes paramount for both pedestrians and drivers.

Pedestrians should always use designated crosswalks, follow tra c signals, and establish eye contact with drivers before crossing. Drivers, in turn, should stay alert, yield to pedestrians, and adhere to speed limits, particularly near crosswalks. Additionally, enhancing infrastructure with well-marked crossings and pedestrian islands can signi cantly improve safety.

Police enforcement of crosswalk safety plays a critical role in promoting pedestrian wellbeing and adherence to tra c regulations. is enforcement helps prevent violations such as failing to yield to pedestrians, speeding in pedestrian zones, and distracted driving. rough issuing citations and raising awareness, law enforcement helps reduce accidents and injuries and ensures everyone respects crosswalks.

Prepare for Your Summer Travels with Our Passport Services

As the summer travel season approaches, it's the perfect time to ensure your passport is up to date. Adult passports are valid for 10 years, while minor (under 16) passports are valid for ve years. If your passport needs renewal or you need a new one, let us assist you!

Our new Passport O ce o ers a one-stop shop for all your passport needs:

• Passport Photos: Take care of your passport photo during your appointment.

• Convenient Payment Options: We accept cash and have an ATM onsite, making it easy to purchase a money order for your passport fees.

• Processing Times: Routine service takes 6-8 weeks*, while expedited service (an additional $60) takes 2-3 weeks.

Visit Our O ce:

• Location: 10000 S. Centennial Parkway, Suite 321, Sandy, UT 84070

• Contact: 801-568-7135

To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit: sandy.utah.gov/493/Passports.

Don't wait until the last minute—get your passport ready for your summer adventures now!

*Processing times begin the day the U.S. Department of State receives your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you apply or mail your application. Visit travel.state.gov for more information on processing times.

2024 PLEIN AIR ART COMPETITIONS

May 31-June 1: Plein Air Paint Out 2 day painting competition, spotlighting modern day Sandy. Open to professional and amateur artists.

June 29: Plein Air Quick Draw Live painting competition in Sego Lily Gardens from 9:30-11am. Open to all ages 5 and older.

SANDY AMPHITHEATER

2024 SEASON

COMING UP:

June 17: Utah Symphony (FREE!)

June 20: Old Crow Medicine Show

June 29: The Magic of Queen

July 10: Nickel Creek & Andrew Bird

July 11: Direct From Sweden - The Music of ABBA

July 24: The Decemberists

July 25: Norah Jones

August 1: Air Supply

August 3: Demetri Martin

August 9: Koe Wetzel

August 10: Hotel California - A Salute to The Eagles AND MORE!

POOL HOURS: JUNE 1-30

*Hours are

due to Special Events and Holidays. Please check the website for most up to date pool hours.

ACES-PRE-COMP SWIM TEAM (AGES 5-18)

e ACES swim team is designed to give swimmers an opportunity to compete at all skill levels. From beginning swim events to advanced, ACES o ers something for every level. Added bene ts of joining a swim team are improved swim techniques, increased endurance, increased strength, teamwork, goal setting, mental toughness, and overall building of selfcon dence. Visit our website to register.

JUNIOR GUARD (AGES 9-14)

is course is aimed at teaching basic water safety skills, rst aid, CPR, and rescue techniques. Junior Guard is hands-on training, classroom instruction, and includes opportunities for practical experience under the supervision of certi ed lifeguards or instructors. Session 1 June 18-27; Session 2 July 1-12

LEARN

TO SWIM - SWIM LESSONS

Registration June 13- Session 2 June 18-27

Registration June 27- Session 3 July 1-12

Learn to Swim classes o er a wide range of water safety topics, swim instruction, and fun games and activities to make learning fun. Registration begins at 7 p.m. Visit our website for a full list of times and levels.

KINDER CAMP (AGES 3-5)

Session 2 June 18-27 • Session 3 July 1-12

9:15 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.

Laugh, Play, Learn! Perfect summer camp for little ones! Two-week theme sessions include activities, arts, and crafts and 30-minute swim lesson.

SNAPOLOGY (AGES 6-12)

June 10-14; June 9-12; July 1-4

Snapology's themed programs are designed to promote creative play, teamwork, and social skills. Students are engaged in a variety of popular media and character theme-focused activities, like superheroes and tv shows, while using engineering principles and developing creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.

River Oaks Golf Course

9300 S. Riverside Drive, Sandy, Utah (801) 568-4653

Sandy.utah.gov/golf

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Schedule your Golf Tournament at River Oaks. Great for your Company Party, Family Reunion, Fundraisers, or just a get-together for family & friends. For prices and information call: (801)568-4653

CUSTOM CLUB FITTING

Come down to our North Driving Range for a custom club tting session. We have demo and tting clubs from every manufacturer, including Ping, Titleist, TaylorMade, Mizuno, Cobra and more. Our club tting and teaching professional Ryan Holt will analyze your golf swing and using the latest technology, custom t you for a set of golf clubs. Club tting sessions take about 30 to 45 minutes and are free if you purchase the golf clubs from River Oaks.

GOLF MERCHANDISE

River Oaks Golf Course also has the best selection and prices of golf merchandise in the state of Utah. Shirts, shoes, hats, accessories, and more are all available in our Pro Shop. Come to the Pro Shop and see our huge selection of golf products. Many things are as much as 50% o and we will match or beat any of our competitors’ prices. Come down and play golf, eat lunch, and browse our Pro Shop. We look forward to seeing you!

PARKS & RECREATION

JUNE HAPPENINGS (Visit our website for costs and more details)

Spock’s Skate Camp - Learn the fundamentals of skateboarding. This four-day camp is only $85 and for kids 6–14 years old, on Fridays, May 31, June 7, 14, & 21. Register at Spock's Camps. July and August Camps offered. Visit spocksskatecamp. com for more information.

Family Night at the Skate Park - Great fun for the whole family. Family Night is a great opportunity for families to enjoy the skate park. Monday, June 10. Time: 6-8 p.m. at Lone Peak Park-10140 S. 700 E. These events are FREE to the public. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Barry Hecker’s Basketball Camp - The camp is for girls & boys grades 4-9. Participants will be taught the basic fundamentals of foot work, passing, dribbling, and shooting. Campers will be separated by skill and age levels. Each participant receives a T-shirt! Visit our website to register.. Camp Location: Indian Hills Middle School, 1180 E. Sanders Rd.

Camp Dates: June 18, 19, 20.

Challenger Soccer Camps - Challenger Sports is the leading soccer camp company in North America and our International Soccer Camp is where we channel our energy and passion for the game into a fun yet developmental environment. Our industry experts have crafted an approach which uses methodologies from all around the world to truly reflect the global nature of the sport today. We use age-appropriate practices to help players develop at their own pace, learn brand new skills, and become an allround better player...while having an amazing time with our international coaching staff! Register at Challenger Soccer Camps. Camp Dates: June 10-14 or July 8-12. Ages: 3-14.

Utah Elite Soccer Camps - Have your young athlete trained by college soccer players this summer! Whether your child is just starting out, or looking to improve on existing skills, Utah Elite Soccer will help your child achieve their goals while having a blast, making friends, and learning life lessons. Register at Utah Elite Soccer.

Camp Dates: June 3-7, June 24-28, July 15-19, August 12-16. Ages: 4-12.

Skyhawks Multi-Sports Camp - Multi-Sport camps are designed to introduce young athletes to a variety of different sports in one setting. Athletes will learn the rules and essential skills of each sport, along with vital life lessons such as sportsmanship, inclusion, and teamwork. Register at Skyhawks Camps.

• Soccer, Flag Football, & Baseball Camp Dates: June 3-7. Ages: 6-12.

• Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, & Ultimate Frisbee Camp Dates: June 24-28 or July 15-19. Ages: 6-12.

Skyhawks Baseball Camp - Learn the fundamentals of fielding, catching, throwing, hitting and base running - all in a fun, positive environment. Specifically designed for

beginning and intermediate players, this program teaches athletes new baseball skills along with vital life lessons such as respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Register at Skyhawks Camps.

Camp Dates: June 10-14. Ages: 6-12.

Skyhawks Track & Field Camp - The fundamentals of body positioning, stride, proper stretching, and cool-down techniques are taught. Track and field events include javelin, discus, shot put, hurdles, long jump, triple jump and various running and relay events (activities may vary by area). Participants also learn positive life skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship. Register at Skyhawks Camps.

Camp Dates: June 17-21. Ages: 6-12.

Skyhawks Basketball Camp - This fun, skill-intensive program is designed for beginning to intermediate players. Using our progression-based curriculum, we focus on the whole player - teaching sportsmanship and teamwork. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding and defense through skill-based instruction and small-sided scrimmages. Register at Skyhawks Camps.

Camp Dates: July 1-3 or July 22-26. Ages: 6-12.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB

Outdoor Adventure Club is made for kids ages 5-9 to get outside and have fun. Sessions will include crafts, games, and adventures such as painting, nature journals, plant/animal identification, yard games, scavenger hunts, etc. Sessions are 2 hours long, once a week, for three weeks. Each week will have a new theme with new activities. Sessions will be held at either Hidden Valley Park or Falcon Park. Limited number of participants at each site. Sign up early.

Registration Deadline: Week of Session or until full

Session 1 Dates: July 8, 15, 22 Session 3 Dates: July 10, 17, 31 Session 2 Dates: July 9, 16, 23 Session 4 Dates: July 11, 18, 25

THE SANDY– 4TH OF JULY 5K

Thursday, July 4

Location: South of City Hall on Centennial Blvd. (10200 South) Race Time Cost until July 3 (7 a.m.) Cost (July 3–4) 5K 7 a.m. $30/individual $40/individual $25/family member* $35/family member*

Online Registration Deadline: July 3 at 7 a.m.

*Immediate family with three or more members in the same household.

SPIKEBALL TOURNAMENT

Spikeball is a fun for any age or fitness level sport! It combines the teamwork of volleyball, the hand-eye coordination of four square, and the physicality of a cardio workout. The two-on-two game is played with a small rubber ball and an elastic net stretched tight over a plastic rim. Come test your skills at the annual Sandy July 4th Spikeball Tournament.

Day: Thursday, July 4

Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Location: City Promenade - 10000 S. Centennial Parkway

Divisions: Recreational & Competitive Ages: 12 & Up Register: utahroundnet.com/sandy (Must register together)

UPCOMING FALL REGISTRATION BEGINS

Youth Soccer – June 1 Fall Adult Softball – July 1 Flag Football – June 1 Fall Hiking – July 25

Baseball, T-Ball & Coach Pitch – June 1 Fall Pickleball – July 25

PARKS & REC JOB OPENINGS

For more info visit sandy.utah.gov/jobs

Thank you for choosing Sandy City Parks & Recreation

Firework Safety with Sandy Fire

As we eagerly approach the festive seasons ahead, lled with joyous celebrations and dazzling displays, it's crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. With this in mind, Sandy City is dedicated to ensuring that our holiday festivities are not only enjoyable but also safe for all.

SAFETY FIRST:

Fireworks can bring excitement and wonder to any occasion, but they also pose potential hazards if not handled responsibly. Sandy City encourages residents to adhere to legal regulations and exercise caution when using reworks. By being mindful of our surroundings and considering the impact on our neighbors, we can ensure a harmonious celebration for everyone.

KNOW THE LAWS:

Familiarize yourself with Sandy and Utah laws regarding the use of reworks. Prohibited areas are designated to safeguard against potential risks, and adherence to approved days and times for reworks usage is essential. By staying informed, we can contribute to the safety of our community and prevent unnecessary accidents.

MITIGATING FIRE RISKS:

Sandy City is not immune to the threat of wild res, especially during dry summer months and extreme drought conditions. Based on historical re data and re code restrictions, the Sandy Fire Marshal has identi ed areas at a higher risk of potential re, and we urge residents

to exercise extreme caution when using reworks, especially in these areas. e Sandy City Council has implemented re restriction zones to protect vulnerable areas, and your cooperation is vital in minimizing the risk of res spreading.

REPORTING ILLEGAL ACTIVITY:

If you witness or experience a re or suspect illegal reworks usage, please don't hesitate to contact emergency services immediately by dialing 911. For reporting illegal rework use speci cally, you can reach dispatch at (801) 799-3000. Your prompt action could prevent a potential disaster and help keep our community safe.

STAY INFORMED:

For any questions or concerns regarding reworks safety or regulations, please feel free to contact our administration at (801) 568-2930 or visit sandy.utah.gov/1522/Fireworks

We're here to provide guidance and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all residents.

Sandy City extends its gratitude to all residents for their cooperation and commitment to safety. By working together, we can create memorable holiday experiences while safeguarding the well-being of our community.

Let's celebrate responsibly; bring your friends and family to see the amazing rework show at the next 4th of July event and make this fun summer season a time of joy, unity and safety for everyone in Sandy City..

Waterwise Ideas

Are you interested in using water wisely? We have a variety of resources to help you. Check out these tools:

The Weekly Lawn Watering Guide: The Utah Division of Water Resources has created a map to show irrigation recommendations based on weather patterns and evapotranspiration rates. The guide takes extensive data and simplifies it into how many days per week to water based on conditions in your county. To view this map, go to https://conservewater. utah.gov/guide.html. Please explore the Division's Outdoor Watering Guide for more complete information on sprinkler run times and maintenance.

WaterSmart: WaterSmart provides detailed information about your household water use. You can reach the portal on your mobile device or web browser at sandy.utah.gov/watersmart. To register for this free service, enter your billing account number and email address. You can then access all your utility data as soon as it becomes available each billing period, see how your water use compares to similar-sized homes in your neighborhood, catch leaks, and get access to customized recommendations on saving water and money.

Waterwise Rebates: Whether you’re seeking to save water, reduce maintenance, or change up your landscape, we’re here to help! Sandy residents are eligible for waterwise landscape rebates. Eligible projects may receive up to $3 per square foot of turf replaced with waterwise landscaping. Before you pick up the shovel, head to www.utahwatersavers.com to learn about project requirements and fill out an application. We’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible! Once your application is approved, you may

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begin your project. You can also apply for other waterwise rebates, such as a smart irrigation controller and toilet replacement.

Professional Water Check: Sign up for a free Water Check that analyzes the efficiency of your automated sprinkler irrigation system. Trained evaluators will perform the Water Check at your home, business, or institution and will provide you with a customized irrigation schedule. Soil type, grass root depth, sprinkler distribution uniformity, and water pressure will also be evaluated. The entire process will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and you do not have to be present. Water checks are available during the summer months (May-August). To schedule an appointment: https:// extension.usu.edu/cwel/watercheck

Thirsty for more?

• Come learn with us! We’ll be hosting free “Love Your Landscape” classes throughout the season. Check our schedule and register today! sandy.utah.gov/1814/Water-Education

• Come to the Sego Lily Spring Fair! June 1st, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to visit with local experts about water conservation and a Butterfly Release.

• We have tons of information on our Public Utilities website. Here are a few pages you might find helpful in your endeavor to use water wisely: sandy.utah.gov/1922/Landscape-Education sandy.utah.gov/413/Water-wise-Landscapes sandy.utah.gov/2155/Water-Smart-Turf sandy.utah.gov/282/Conservation-Tips sandy.utah.gov/1333/Conservation

SANDY CITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE–JULY 2024

Yard & home section

A publication covering local yard and home stories and events in the Salt Lake Valley City Journals presents:

Real estate commission settlement to have minimal impact in Utah

By Jolene Croasmun

Spring is a busy time for buying and selling homes in Utah and sales were up by 9% in April and with the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement, Utah realtors do not expect to see many changes in the way homes are bought and sold.

In March, a $418-million settlement was reached with the National Association of Realtors. The deal came after a jury ruled against the NAR in a class-action antitrust lawsuit. The suit was filed alleging that the association had colluded with some large real estate brokerages to keep real estate commissions inflated, benefiting real estate agents and costing sellers more in the commissions they pay to those agents.

Those rates nationally are about 6%. Approval of the settlement by a federal court would do away with set rates and let buyers and sellers negotiate those commissions with real estate brokers and agents.

The Utah Association of Realtors say the ruling won’t have much impact on buyers and sellers in Utah due to decades of proactive, consumer-friendly efforts by Utah realtors.

“We don’t feel that the lawsuit is going to have a big impact here in Utah,” said Adam Kirkham, president of the Utah Association of Realtors (UAR). “Anyone that sold a home could expect to receive a postcard about the class action suit. The lawsuit did not originate here because in Utah we have been using buyer-agent agreements for 20 years. Consumers in Utah have been more informed about what the commissions were.”

The lawsuit’s resulting rules aren’t expected to impact the inventory of available homes or values, which are based more on the supply and demand in the market, according to Kirkham.

“Millcreek has an affordability issue and between 2012-22 the average homes listed were 500 and post COVID the inventory

dropped and we have been hovering around 160 to 177 available homes for the last two years. Prices went up and the median price of a home in Millcreek is around $688,000 and in Salt Lake City the median price is $535,000,” Kirkham said.

Utah realtors have been using written, transparent agency forms with their buyer clients for decades and providing seller disclosures. This will be new for the rest of the country due to the settlement but was already being covered in Utah.

One of the new rules that came out of the lawsuit is that the buyer’s agent commission can no longer be listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) and this will create a lack of knowledge of what will be paid to the buyer’s realtor.

“Buyers will have to determine for each house what the sellers offering for the buyer’s agent’s commission,” Kirkham said. “This is a conversation you want to have before looking at the house and before you make an offer. The seller’s agent can still advertise the commission on social media or

on the realtor’s website but not on the MLS.”

“Commissions can fluctuate due to inventory and competitiveness of the market,” he continued. “It is worth it for the seller to offer a buyer’s agent commission due to it will bring a better educated consumer who still wants to hire a realtor.”

There will be additional training for realtors who are now required to enter into an agreement with a homebuyer before they look at homes. “So that they can agree upon a commission rate which has always been negotiable,” Kirkham said.

He warned buyers who forego representation to save the commission might regret it.

“Not having an agent can come back to hurt you in negotiation or hiring the wrong inspectors plus you want to be informed of the other offers or you could lose the bid,” Kirkham said. “Agents want to bring value to the process of buying and selling a home.”

Jason Eldredge, local realtor of The Eldredge Group with Equity Real EstateSolid said they always had a buyer-broker

agreement and have their customers sign one.

“The commissions have always been negotiable, and the standard was 6% but now we are seeing commission compression that is nationwide. With all of the iBuyers coming in, it compressed commissions and the new standard is about 5%, but it has always been negotiable,” Eldredge said.

“We meet with our clients and find out what is their situation, why you are selling. A good agent will have some flexibility,” Eldredge said.

The national settlement requires listing agents to disclose to sellers any portion of their compensation that will be shared with a cooperating broker. Sellers must also approve in writing the sharing of the listing agent's compensation. Which Eldredge said is the “bummer” part of the lawsuit.

“You cannot post the commission on the MLS anymore,” he said. “It is an additional negotiating step and could make it really tough for a new buyer. The buyer might have to come up with the commission.”

Deanna Devey, director of operations and communications at UAR, said the changes will be more procedural in Utah.

“The buyer has three options to pay the agent,” Devey explained. “The listing agent will offer to share compensation with the buyer’s agent or the buyer might negotiate directly with the seller to have the seller pay the compensation. The third option is the buyer might pay their agent outright.”

Eldredge added, “I think for the next few years sadly we might have more lawsuits due to buyers not having representation when purchasing a home.”

The new rules go into effect after Aug. 17. More information about the NAR lawsuit can be found at realestatecommissionlitigation.com and Utah FAQs can be found on the website Utahrealtors.com.

Additional reporting by Darrell Kirby.

Home for sale in West Valley City. (File photo Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

Salt Lake County breaks ground on ‘Flip the Strip’ project

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In a significant move toward sustainability, Salt Lake County celebrated the groundbreaking of the "Flip the Strip" project, May 16, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. The event, marked by the presence of Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and other local officials, signaled the commencement of a $2.1-million initiative aimed at retrofitting park strips with waterwise landscapes across the county.

“Salt Lake County is committed to water conservation and smart water management. As such, landscape standards for waterwise park strips at county facilities have been identified,” the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office said in a “Flip the Strip” guidebook.

“Water conservation is a critical issue to the well-being of our community as we grow and adapt to the changes our landscape faces,” Wilson said. “‘Flip the Strip’ aims to reduce water use and promote drought-tolerant landscapes.”

According to the guidebook, the project is a testament to the county's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of water conservation amid frequent droughts and changing environmental conditions.

The "Flip the Strip" project targets the

often-overlooked park strips—those narrow stretches of land between sidewalks and roads. These areas will be transformed into drought-tolerant landscapes, a move expected to save the county approximately 4 million gallons of water annually. The pilot program will be implemented at five key locations: the Mountain America Expo Center, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office in South Salt Lake, Meadow Brook Golf Course in Taylorsville, Central City Recreation Center in Salt Lake City and Animal Services in Millcreek.

At the event, Wilson emphasized the critical importance of this initiative. “Salt Lake County is committed to long-term water conservation and smart management strategies in response to frequent emergency droughts and changing environmental landscapes. ‘Flip the Strip’ is just one way we are achieving this,” she stated.

The program, which allocates $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, is set to convert four acres (177,860 square feet) of county-owned landscapes. This transformation not only aims to conserve water but also to enhance the aesthetic, environmental and economic value of these areas.

Involved in these efforts, the Salt Lake

RGS Exteriors & Construction doesn’t skimp on quality

Since its original inception more than 70 years ago, RGS Exteriors & Construction has evolved from being a weatherstripping and caulking service to becoming a toptier installer of quality siding, rain gutters, windows and more.

As a fth-generation business, what sets RGS apart from its competitors is its dedication to quality products, its guaranteed installation and its high-quality workmanship. RGS COO Kurt Fisher said the company has intentionally become experts in the industry by methodically incorporating new products and services.

“Our general philosophy has been to nd the best version of a product or the best material and then gure out how to install it in the most superior way,” he said. “If we’re going to do quality work, we want it to last a long time. So we have a 10-year warranty on anything that we do.”

The products used by RGS must live up to that warranty so they partner with superior suppliers to o er true value for money. Because RGS doesn’t cut corners with inexpensive materials, homeowners can be assured the investment they make in their home will be backed up with exemplary workmanship.

As the state’s premium rain gutter installation company for more than 60 years, RGS has spent decades re ning its products and services to protect homes from roof rot, damaged siding or leaky foundations.

Fisher said they are uncompromising when it comes to quality and their clients are willing to pay the extra expense for materials that are long-lasting, durable and installed correctly.

“We’re asking customers to pay more money to do this job the right way and that’s the only way anybody can justify paying more money for anything. There has to be tangible value,” Fisher said. “Our ideal clients are people who are really invested in their home, people who care about quality and have a high sense of value in their home.”

For siding projects, RGS uses James Hardie ber cement siding for its durability, style and low-maintenance lifespan. As the only Elite Preferred installer for James Hardie in Utah, RGS trains its installation crews to be incredibly knowledgeable about the product before they ever get to work on a home.

RGS also features triple-pane windows, expertly installed for the price of a double-pane window. With the extreme

temperatures in Utah, high-quality windows o er less temperature bleed-through, better sound dampening and added security.

With a variety of window options, homeowners can choose a style that re ects their home’s personality. Whether it’s a bay window, a picture window or a garden window, RGS backs its window installation with a lifetime warranty.

Other services o ered by RGS include remodeled entryways, custom metalwork, stucco, doors and chimney covers. Stop by the RGS location at 4235 Farm Road in West Jordan to talk with an expert, or for more information, visit rgsexteriorsutah.com or call 801-997-6616.

“Our whole executive team and our management team have the same paradigm; we would rather do it right,” Fisher said. “It’s so much easier to work with people when you know you’re providing a great product. We also give the reassurance that if we do something wrong, we absolutely, unequivocally will take care of it. That’s just our guarantee.”

Mayors from Salt Lake County, Taylorsville City and Sandy City broke ground on the start of a “Flip the Strip” program to make county-owned landscapes more sustainable for the future. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation)

County Office of Regional Development, released on their website that waterwise landscaping offers numerous advantages, including functional and attractive designs that are easy to maintain. These landscapes are not only visually appealing but also significantly reduce water waste, a crucial benefit in a region often plagued by drought.

Additionally, improved environmental health and economic savings are notable benefits. Less water usage translates to lower bills and simpler irrigation systems, which in turn reduce maintenance costs and enhance curb appeal, making neighborhoods and public spaces more attractive.

Salt Lake County is not stopping at retrofitting public spaces. The county challenges its 1.16 million residents to join the water conservation effort by reducing their own water use by 5%. If 25% of residents take up this challenge, the county could save approximately 2 million gallons of water daily. To help residents achieve this goal, the county offers practical tips. Reducing sprinkler use by 10% can make a significant difference. Watering during the cooler nighttime hours reduces evaporation and conserves water. Using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks saves water and time. Adjusting sprinklers to ensure they water only plants and grass, not sidewalks or driveways, can help conserve water. Opting for drought-resistant plants, such as those native to Utah, can keep gardens beautiful

while conserving water.

The "Flip the Strip" project is just the beginning of a broader effort to promote sustainable landscaping and water conservation in Salt Lake County. By leading through example, the county aims to inspire its residents and neighboring regions to adopt similar practices.

Mayor Wilson said, “We anticipate that Salt Lake County will save around 4 million gallons of water with the conclusion of the five pilot locations. This initiative not only addresses immediate water conservation needs but also sets a precedent for future sustainability efforts.”

The project’s success will serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. Salt Lake County departments have planned to audit outdoor water systems to develop specialized water plans for current and future use. The county parks are relying on current technology to determine minimum watering schedules while continuing to maintain high-quality outdoor facilities.

For information on “Flip the Strip,” including details on rebates and resources from local government agencies, residents can visit the county's website at slcoh20. org.

Conservation fair highlights waterwise improvements

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Small changes make a big difference. Last year the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District sent more than 1.6 billion gallons of water to the Great Salt Lake as a result of residents implementing waterwise conservation.

JVWCD held a water conservation fair at its Conservation Garden Park (8275 S.1300 West) in West Jordan in May, educating gardeners on how to create the healthiest environment for lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs in the Salt Lake Valley.

Here are seven suggested principles to create waterwise landscapes:

Tip 1: Planning and Design. Using the appropriate plants for sun, shade and wind can help sustain a beautiful garden. Visit Localscapes.com to find free, professional designs to make a Utah-friendly landscape. (City Journals)

Tip 2: Practical Turf Areas. Getting away from the idea of “big lawns,” JVWCD suggests spicing up your outdoor space with waterwise plants and trees, and a rea-

sonable amount of turf or ground cover. (City Journals)

Tip 3: Waterwise Plants. Drought-tolerant plants can add color, height and interest to your garden, without using a wasteful amount of water. Iris, daisies, catmint, ice plants and decorative grass are all examples of waterwise choices. (City Journals)

Tip 4: Efficient Irrigation. Learning where and how to plant trees is part of efficient irrigation that allows the trees to take root and bring long-lasting beauty to a landscape. Installing drip systems, maintaining irrigation and fixing leaks keep everything flowing. (City Journals)

Tip 5: Soil Improvements. Overused soil often needs more nutrients to maintain healthy plants. Keep soil healthy by using organic materials and protect topsoil with moisture-retaining mulch. Avoid putting chemicals in the soil, if possible. (City Journals)

with

and

protects against erosion and retains water. Mulch can also help control weeds and add color to the garden. (City Journals)

Tip 7: Appropriate Maintenance. Even waterwise landscaping needs to be maintained. Weed control, fertilization, healthy pruning and non-chemical integrated pest management will keep the landscape looking good for years. (City Journals)

The Conservation Garden Park is free and open to the public on Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit conservationgardenpark.org.

Tip 6: Surface Mulches. Mulching

bark, wood chips

other plant materials

10 winners, One Sandy: Recipients of the 2024 One Sandy Awards each a force for good in the community

By Megan McKellar | m.mckellar@mycityjournals.com

Eachyear, Sandy City recognizes residents, organizations and businesses through The One Sandy Awards, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to the community. Nominations are submitted by community members, with finalists chosen by Sandy’s administration. The selected recipients were honored at a ceremony attended by Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, Sandy City Councilmembers, and local leaders and was hosted at Willow Creek Country Club.

Nicole Wicker, recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, founded a Girl Scout troop for her daughter that quickly grew to include 22 girls. As the group engaged in diverse activities, such as STEM, crafts and community service, Wicker witnessed the girls grow in confidence. “My favorite part of being a troop leader is to watch the girls get excited about learning new things and having new activities and doing adventures,” she explained in a video featured on the Sandy City website.

The best part of being principal at Alta View Elementary is the people, according to Scott Jameson, principal at Alta View Elementary and winner of the Mentor of the Year award. As a Spanish immersion school, Alta

View Elementary embraces cultural diversity and emphasizes kindness and accountability.

“Being nominated for an award is always a little bit of a mixed emotion because the reason is really because of the people I work with and the students that I serve,” he said in the Sandy City website video.

Over two years, Nikyli Scherbel, recipient of the Youth Changemaker Award, dedicated over a 1,000 hours to various initiatives, including the Explorers program, crime lab internship, and youth court. “I’ve loved just giving back to the community I grew up in,” Scherbel said in the Sandy City video. “It instills a lot of confidence and leadership in you.”

Engaged with the Sandy Arts Guild and American West Symphony, Charlotte Jordan’s dedication to music and community earned her the Culture Award.

“Music is so healing. It speaks to the soul, it makes people feel good, and that’s what we need,” she said. She believes that the arts are one of the greatest gifts of our civilization and finds great fulfillment in her work.

Currently in the state of Utah, there are 50,000 single mothers, and one in three of those women live below poverty level.

“I don’t know anyone that needs or de-

serves more help than single moms,” said Beverly Astin, winner of the Empowerment and Belonging award.

MIKE MARKER IS AN EXPERIENCED LEADER. He is a visionary who knows how to lay out the steps necessary to achieve goals and engage others. Mike’s experience includes:

• Transformed leadership practices for Fortune 500 CompanIes including Rockwell, International Paper, and Henkel.

• Launched a successful management consultancy firm improving performance through organizational redesign.

• Co-founded and is President of Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon leading the effort against the unpopular gondola proposal.

• Implement

• Military service included developing the Army’s future leaders.

•

Shaped by her own upbringing with a single mother, Astin has advocated for women for two decades, uplifting struggling mothers by providing scholarships and support through organizations like the Stella H. Oaks Foundation.

Ray Barrett, recipient of the Mayor Trailblazer of the Year Award, believes that life is about “making people’s day, doing a little bit of extra things, making their burden a little lighter.” During his 29-year tenure as a mail carrier, Barrett went beyond delivering mail and worked to make birthdays and Christmas special for those on his route, performing acts of kindness such as playing with children or delivering responses to letters addressed to Santa Claus. “It was a lot of work, but it was a lot of fun seeing the joy on the kids’ faces when they got a Santa letter,” he said.

At the Shops at South Town, the goal is to be a safe, welcoming one-stop shop for the average shopper. Winner of the Corporate Citizenship Award, Bobbi Norton’s favorite part of her job is the people she works with and the tenants she interacts with. “We need both national tenants—your Buckles, your Foot Lockers, your JC Penneys—but also the local small businesses add a community involvement and flare that customers are looking for.”

People might walk in a customer, but they leave a friend—the principle that Salt Cycles lives by. Offering custom or ready-to-ride bikes, Salt Cycles, the winner of Small Business of the Year, are “really happy to get anybody on a bike that wants to be on one.”

Recipient of the Residents’ Choice award, Amber Reid of Amber René Salon believes in supporting women and prioritizes giving back to charitable causes. Women, she says, “need to not only have beautiful hair but they need to feel valued, beautiful, they need to be cared for. It’s important for all of us girls to look after each other and build each other up.”

For 38 years, Chocolate Covered Wagon has delighted community members with its sweet treats. Featured on Food Network and Travel Channel, they continue to spread joy from Sandy to Canada, Great Britain, Ireland and beyond.

“We’ve been here in Sandy over 27 years, and working with candy and chocolate is the dream job,” Cindy Robison, winner of the Smart Sandy award, said.

“I live in Sandy, I love Sandy, and I love our customers.” l

Sandy City Royalty Tasia Alston, Beverly Astin, winner of the Empowerment and Belonging award, and Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski. (Photo credit Sandy Community Events)

Jordan boys soccer finishes up-and-down season with first-round loss

In reviewing the 2024 boys soccer season for Jordan, it’s easy to point out some highs and lows.

Jordan finished the season 5-10 overall and went 5-5 in Region 10, tied for third place with two other teams. At times, the Beetdiggers struggled, while in other games, they looked like a different team. Much of the success happened at the end of the season, while the beginning resulted in some tough moments.

Head coach Justin Jahnke had some frustrating moments and some exciting ones guiding the team from the sidelines this season.

“The season was a tale of two halves,” Jahnke said. “The first half was borderline shambolic. The second half was fantastic. When the boys played our game, it was beautiful to watch. It was fun to see them bond by the end of the season; I just wish it happened earlier.”

Jordan opened the season with four losses, including a heartbreaking shootout loss to Juan Diego on March 9. After seven games, Jordan was 1-6. Eleven games into the campaign, following a 3-2 loss to Hillcrest on April 24, the Beetdiggers were just 2-9.

That’s when the Beetdiggers put together an impressive three-game winning streak to end the regular season. Jordan played well down the stretch, showing improvement and resilience. Jordan’s win streak comprised back-to-back-to-back 2-1 victories. The Beetdiggers, in succession, took down Stansbury, Tooele and Cottonwood April 26, May 1 and May 3. Jordan had the lead at halftime in all three contests.

Even in defeat, Jordan was competitive in multiple losses. The Beetdiggers fell to league runner-up Murray 5-0 and to league champion Layton Christian 4-1 in consecutive games. Jordan also lost to Brighton in a nonregion game March 29 by the score of 4-1. But every other game was decided by no more than two goals. In addition to its shootout loss to Juan Diego, Jordan also lost three games by a single goal and three more by two goals.

The Beetdiggers entered the Class 4A state tournament as the No. 19 seed and faced 14th-seeded Provo in the first round on the road May 10. Jordan fell behind 2-0 at halftime and couldn’t recover. Jason Benitez scored a second-half goal in a 3-1 season-ending defeat.

Overall, Jahnke said the team surpassed some expectations and reached some goals.

“My goal was to prove the writer at DesNews (Deseret News) wrong,” he said. “We’re constantly ranked last in the region and picked to finish low in the standings. The boys finished third in our region behind state finalist Murray and state semifinalist Layton Christian. I try to stay away from a number of wins as a goal. We got to playoffs; that was a big goal from missing out last season.”

Senior forward and midfielder Jessie

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Jahnke says goodbye to 13 seniors who gave it their all to the Jordan program. Next season, six key players will be back who got important time and experience this season. Between now and next March when the 2025 season kicks off, Jordan’s players will participate in club ball. Jahnke will also be looking to fill out the roster with newcomers and younger, up-and-coming players who can contribute to the program right away. l

Lorenzo was arguably the top performer on the team this season. He led the Beetdiggers in both goals and assists with seven and six.

Ivan Canseco had five assists. Lizandi Gaona, a senior midfielder, had a pair of goals to go along with two assists.

“[Lorenzo] and [Canseco] stood out the most,” Jahnke said. “Lorenzo is a four-year program player. I’ve watched him develop into a fantastic player. Canseco came to us as a sophomore, sitting out his first season. He acclimated well from junior to senior year.”

Senior goalkeeper Quinn Johnson also surprised Jahnke with his solid play. He stepped up and filled in for injured goalie Max Munoz, who missed a chunk of season after getting hurt. Freshman Mario Perez and junior David Rodriguez also improved as a defensive tandem toward the end of the season.

“[Johnson] surprised me big time,” Jahnke said. “[Perez] and [Rodriguez] played great together the second half of the season.”

Expectations will be higher next season.

Jordan has struggled the past few years, but Jahnke has high hopes and optimism for 2025, even though he has to replace some key players. Based on how the team finished this past season and who is coming back to the team, Jahnke believes his fifth year at the helm of the program could be one that sees it contend for a region title. He hopes to advance in the postseason too.

“My expectation for next year is to compete with Murray to take the region,” he said. “Yes, we lose a lot of seniors, but most of the guys filling those spots were on varsity this year and have game experience and playoff experience now. I would love to get out of the first round of playoffs.”

Of course, meeting these objectives won’t happen without a lot of hard work. Jahnke wants to see his players come together as a more cohesive unit.

“These guys need to start bonding now,” he said. “I encourage my boys to play club, and that has them travel all over the valley. I need them to remember their ‘home base’ is Jordan, and that bond should be unbreakable. If we had chemistry early in the season, it could have been a different story.”

The Jordan boys soccer team became a tight-knit group by the end of the season. The Beetdiggers finished tied for third in Region 10. (Photo courtesy of Scott Stevens Photography)

Alta boys soccer finishes second in region, reaches state quarterfinals

By narrow margins, the Alta boys soccer team just missed out on a region title and a trip to the Class 5A state semifinals.

The Hawks’ season ended May 17 with a 1-0 loss in the 5A quarterfinals to Region 4’s Hunter. The lone goal came by way of penalty kick early in the second half, and Alta couldn’t score the equalizer. It was just the second time all season the Hawks had suffered a shutout. With the loss, Alta’s season ended with a 12-4 record.

Alta placed second in Region 6, finishing just a game behind East with a 9-3 mark in league play. The Hawks lost to Skyline 4-3 on April 16, to East 4-0 on April 30 and to Brighton 2-1 on May 3. The 2-3 stretch from April 16 to May 3 was a rough one for the Hawks that ultimately cost the team a region championship.

Still, there was plenty to enjoy about the successful season.

Alta tallied 41 goals in its 16 games this season, with plenty of players contributing on the offensive end. Josh Glazier was one of 5A’s top scorers. The junior forward had 12 goals on the year, tied for seventh in 5A. Senior midfielder Justin Roberts was second on the team with six goals and the leader with 11 assists. His assist total was third-best in 5A and 13th in the state. Senior midfielder Ashton VandenBerg had four goals this season, while Dawson Barney, Noah Heil and Logan Kunz each had three goals. VandenBerg and Kunz also added five assists.

Defensively, the Hawks had some trouble late in the season, but the unit was solid overall.

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Alta got 2.5 shutouts from goalkeeper Thiago Moreira, a senior. Backup goalie Chase Radford, who will be back next season as a senior, saw some time in the net and produce 1.5 shutouts. Alta allowed 20 goals this season, including 16 in league play. Eight of those came in losses to Skyline and East. At state, Alta secured a first-round bye by getting the fourth seed. In the second round, the Hawks hosted Olympus, a team it had already faced—and defeated—twice during the regular season.

This matchup proved to be more difficult than the previous two.

Alta beat Olympus 3-1 on March 19 and 2-0 on April 19. However, in this much more important contest, an extra period of play had to decide the outcome. After a scoreless regulation, the game went into overtime. There, JT Orr assisted on a clinching goal from Kunz, sending the Hawks to the quarterfinals.

Having played in the state title game the previous two season—winning it in a shootout over Lehi in 2022 and falling to Wasatch a year ago—this season may not have been the one the Hawks wanted. The quarterfinals loss was the earliest postseason exit for Alta since falling in the second round to Skyline in 2021. But some key pieces are back in 2025 for Alta to make another run at state supremacy.

Head coach Mackenezie Hyer, who has amassed a record of 83-26 in seven season at Alta, will welcome back nine players from this season’s varsity squad. Foremost among the returners will be Glazier, who will look to build on his impressive junior campaign. l

Hawks’ baseball season ends in state tournament super regionals

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Mosthigh school teams will end the season with a loss, but that doesn’t make an early playoff exit any easier.

The Alta baseball team had a solid campaign, placing third in Region 6 with a 14-7 record. Overall, Alta was 17-13 in a season that featured some highs and lows. It was a streaky season too.

The Hawks opened the year with four losses against tough opponents, all by three or fewer runs. Then, they went on a nine-game winning streak, sweeping three-game series with region foes Jordan, West and Highland. A 2-4 stretch followed, leaving Alta with an 11-8 mark on April 19. Alta went 3-1 to end the regular season, as the Hawks secured the No. 12 seed in the Class 5A state tournament.

Alta prolonged its season with a victory in the regionals May 11 and 13.

Hosting No. 21 seed West Jordan, Alta prevailed in the best-of-three series with a pair of close wins. First, the Hawks won 3-2 in a game that saw them outhit West Jordan 11-3. Logan Moeller and Nolan Lohness each hit

doubles, with Moeller adding an RBI. Jose Pereira and McCoy Johnson had RBIs as well. Pitcher Levi Stevensen had five strikeouts and got the victory on the mound.

With a trip to the super regional on the line, Alta prevailed in game two of the series on May 13, winning 4-3. Alta was trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh when it scored the game-tying and game-winning runs. Pereira and Crew Scheel had doubles, while Colton Hall drove in two runs. Pereira and Moeller also had RBIs.

The series started off well for Alta.

Facing No. 5 seed Orem on the road, Alta took game one in exciting fashion, winning 1110 in a high-scoring contest. Six of Alta’s runs came in the final two innings, including four in the decisive seventh inning. The Hawks also got five runs in the third inning. Alta was down 9-5 before making its late comeback. Moeller and Johnson had big days, each hitting a double and driving in three runs. Hall also had a double, and he added an RBI as well. Lohness and Pereira had RBIs too.

But Alta couldn’t pull off another upset.

Games two and three belonged to Orem. Alta lost game two on May 17 by the count of 13-3. Alta scored three runs in the third inning to go up 3-0, but Orem countered with six runs in the inning and seven more in the next two combined. Hall had a home run and three RBI.

The all-important game three would send the winner to the bracket round and the loser to a season-ending defeat. Alta wound up on the wrong end. The Hawks once again got an early lead, this time scoring three runs in the first inning to go up 3-0. From there, however, it was all Orem, though both teams had 11 hits. Johnson hit a double for Alta, and Scheel drove in two runs. Pereira, Hall and Logan Thayne had RBIs, and Scheel had two.

The Hawks got some great individual play this season, including from Stevensen, who had 56 strikeouts and posted a 4-3 record on the mound. Pitcher John Warren had 54 strikeouts and went 1-1. Pereira had two home runs, two triples, nine doubles and 33 RBI. Johnson also had a pair of home runs this season. He

added two triples, six doubles and 24 RBI. Hall and Carson Rex added home runs this season. Hopes are high for the Hawks next season.

Alta will return Pereira to the lineup, as the junior will be back for his senior season. Johnson was just a sophomore, while Scheel and Hall will be back as seniors. Stevensen was just a junior, as was Lohness. l

Goalkeeper Thiago Moreira makes a save in a game earlier this season for the Alta boys soccer team. The Hawks placed second in Region 6 and reached the Class 5A quarterfinals. (Photo courtesy of @jackloinstagram)

Tyson Kelly wrapped up his Alta career with a season where he was a team leader in stolen bases and runs scored. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Unified basketball is more than a sport for Canyons middle school students

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Mt. Jordan seventh-grader Jillian Lundberg was excited for Canyons Middle School’s unified basketball tournament to start.

“I played last year and have been waiting to play again this year,” Jillian said. “I did Sports Day in elementary school until COVID came and stopped it. It’s just fun to be with friends and play together.”

She, and student-athletes from seven other schools, stood solemnly while Mt. Jordan sixth-grader Dash Johnson and eighth-grader Maggie Goodfellow said the Special Olympics athletes’ pledge before the games began.

In unified coed basketball, there are five players on the court, typically three athletes and two partners, and teams play against other squads of similar ability, said Boston Iacobazzi, Unified Champion School’s college-growth coordinator.

“It’s exciting we’re starting to see the younger age get involved in unified sports and Special Olympics,” he said. “We have students at 80 high schools doing it and now, we have two tournaments with 24 middle schools. Several schools brought more than one team.”

Many of the students learned and practiced skills in the eight weeks leading up to the tournament. At the tournament, players were awarded medals and had their names announced.

“Within Special Olympics, we recommend middle schools do a recreational model where they can show their skills and have fun. It’s a little competitive, and we encourage them practicing and building up their skills, but we just want to have fun,” Iacobazzi said.

At the Canyons tournament, Canyons School District’s Special Education Administrator Linda Hall said the play isn’t for first, second and third places.

“We want them to just play,” she said. “It’s not about winning. It’s about enjoying it and the joy of the sport and being part of a team. We want to award each of our players with a medal.”

Iacobazzi said through unified sports, students are learning teamwork and sportsmanship, and it helps promote friendship within the schools.

“They’re learning that inclusivity is important at any age; everyone needs a friend and wants to be included,” he said.

Hall agrees: “This builds mentorship and friendship, leadership skills and long friendships. I’m hoping our peer students know that they can see the capability of that student who may have a disability. These students have a gift, a talent and so much that they can bring to them as a friend. And they can be the leader to them.”

Midvale Middle School athlete Isaac Tenario said he likes getting to have fun, eat lunch and hang out with his teammates when they’re not practicing.

“On the court, we get the most basketballs in the hoop so our team gets lots of points,” the eighth grader said. “We’ve become good friends.”

Eighth-grader Lily Barney’s favorite sport is basketball.

“I like to shoot, and I’ve made three baskets so far,” she said during the tournament. “I practiced a lot for this. Sometimes I practice with my dad in my driveway, but he’s too tall. I mostly practice at school with my friends on the team. We practice passing and rebounding. It’s fun.”

Her dad, Scott, was there to cheer on his daughter and her team.

“She likes to have friends, and this is a good way for her to get to make friends and learn how to play with others,” he said. “It gives her a

feel of accomplishment. That makes her happy.”

Her principal, Stacy Kutrzhals, was cheering on the students as well.

“It makes my heart happy that they get to be included in something that they should be included,” she said, adding that special education students are included in morning announcements, clubs and every aspect of the school. “This is the way it should be.”

At a break, Draper Park Middle student-athletes were discussing their games.

Sixth-grader Jocie Richards had made nearly every shot.

“I made 15 shots to help our team,” she said. “I like playing with the team. It’s cool.”

Teammate Jacob Molina is an eighth-grade peer tutor.

“As a peer tutor in science, I help by writing stuff down; I make sure they’re paying attention to the lecture,” he said. “On the court, we’re working together and that’s fun.”

Draper Park special education teacher Morgann Collins also was a peer tutor and unified basketball partner at her high school.

“I loved that experience so when they wanted to start unified basketball in middle school last year, I jumped to get us involved,” she said. “It’s fun to give the athletes an opportunity to play on a team that they may not normally have the chance to. This gives them the opportunity to be part of a team and represent our school.”

Collins said it helps her peer tutors to sup-

GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE

port their partners outside of academics.

“It’s fun for the peer tutors to see the athletes participate in basketball where they may not know that they have these skills. They’re seeing each other in a different light,” she said. “Sometimes, in school, we have some down time to interact with their partners. We have blocks and magnet tiles and they’ll build something. Or they will pull books from our classroom library and read together, or they will dance; my students love to dance to this YouTube video called ‘Twenty Trucks.’”

Union eighth-grader Henry Montague enjoys having lunch with his teammates.

“Today, I like to dribble and make baskets; I’ve made four,” he said. “My teacher, coach (Jeremy) Wright, taught me how to play basketball. He’s weird and old, but he’s funny. I like him.”

Wright, who coaches along with Zachary Schlesinger, said coaching allows him to engage with the students more personally.

“I enjoy their different characters and personalities on that informal level and we smile and laugh together,” he said. “I like seeing the efforts and determination of these players and then seeing when they succeed, to say how much fun they’re having. Our partners are very amazing. They have so much patience and a desire to help, which allows these students this amazing experience.” l

Mt. Jordan Middle School players celebrate their basket during their game against Union Middle during Canyons School District’s unified coed basketball. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Sandy Amphitheater’s 25th anniversary season to feature artists like The Piano Guys, Norah Jones

By Megan McKellar | m.mckellar@mycityjournals.com

Arecentrecipient of “Best of State”

Best Entertainment Venue and Best Event and Performance Venue, Sandy Amphitheater is gearing up for their 25th anniversary season which will run from May to September.

The amphitheater won the Best of State awards partly due to its extensive range of programming, as noted by the judges.

“Everything from national tours like John Legend, Norah Jones, Jack Black, Kelsea Ballerini… all the way down to local artists like Peter Breinholt and Ryan Shupe,” said Elyse George, Sandy Arts Guild marketing and development specialist. The amphitheater’s programming also includes community events such as the recent Jazz in the Park event and the International Folk Festival.

“We truly want as many different people to walk in the gates as possible and be as inclusive to Salt Lake and to Utah as we can,” George said.

Another contributing factor to the amphitheater’s award was the exceptional patron experience it offers—parking is free for concertgoers, attendees are allowed to

bring in food and sealed drinks, and the amphitheater even accommodates food delivery services.

The amphitheater received $460,000 from the Tourism, Recreation, Culture & Convention Support Program (TRCC) to improve guest services at the end of 2022. The funding has facilitated venue upgrades like seat replacements, bathroom and water station expansions, and additional facilities for the artists and the crew. Currently, construction on the east hillside is near completion that will provide more concessions, guest service amenities, queuing areas, ramps, and space for patrons to simply enjoy the view.

Kicking off the concert season on May 18, the free “Jazz in the Park” event featured top high school jazz bands from Utah, including Lone Peak, Westlake, Lehi, Brighton and Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse. Hot House West, a professional western jazz band from Salt Lake City, headlined the event.

Other concerts this season will feature artists like Norah Jones, Air Supply, the National Parks, and The Piano Guys. More artists and groups will be added to the con-

Sandy Amphitheater patrons enjoy live music and a sunset. (Elyse George/Sandy Arts Guild)

cert schedule as the season progresses, and the updates will be published to the amphitheater’s website and social media pages.

The Sandy Amphitheater is located on the northwest corner of 9400 South and 1300 East and overlooks the Salt Lake Valley. The Amphitheater has a capacity of 2,700: 2,000 reserved theater seats and about 700 spaces on the lawn for blankets or lawn chairs.

More information regarding tickets, seating, parking, accessibility and concessions can be found at www.sandyamp. com. l

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for men beating each other with sticks but the ice-palooza circus we’ve experienced as the National Hockey League moved a team to Utah has been a bit much.

My sports-crazed husband is in hockey high-heaven, and he’s not alone. The former Arizona Coyotes (but currently unnamed Utah team) was welcomed by a multitude of rabid hockey fans as the team arrived in Salt Lake. The Utah Snow Angels (?) will now undergo a terrifying assimilation into the state’s culture.

Ryan Smith, new owner of the Utah Iceholes (?), spent $1.2 billion to bring the NHL team here and he has Big Plans! Plans that include restructuring a mall to create a hockey training center, reconfiguring the Delta Center so fans can see all the bloody hockey fights and gaining extreme control over three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake, although he promised not to blast the beloved Abravanel Hall to rubble. Yet.

In the ultimate power play, Smith asked lawmakers to contribute another $1 billion to the project, which includes a sales tax increase, so everyone can help finance the Utah Snowplows’ (?) salvation of the state’s pro sports scene.

(Sidenote: Sales tax? Really? Have our lawmakers seen the lines outside of

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Utah’s Miracle on Ice

food banks? People can’t afford Cheerios, let alone tickets to a hockey game.)

But it’s not just hockey. Government and business groups are willing to toss billions (BILLIONS) of dollars around to fund baseball stadiums in Daybreak and, potentially, Salt Lake’s west side.

This is a slap-shot to the face for women’s sports in Utah. If we’re going to invest billions, can legislators squeak the wallet open a bit more to give a portion to female teams? A survey showed overwhelming support for a redesign of the current Salt Lake Bees stadium to become a female-focused sports center. Where are the billions of dollars for that project?

Did you know our state has a championship female/non-binary Pro Ultimate Frisbee team, the Utah Wild? We also host the Utah Falconz, part of the Women’s National Football Conference. Where do they play? On high school football fields. The

only reason the Utah Royal’s soccer team has a beautiful venue is because it was built for Real, a men’s team.

Don’t whine and say, “But nobody cares about women’s sports.” For its opening game this year, the Royals set a record for the highest-attended women’s sporting event in Utah history.

Millions of fans watched the women’s college final as Caitlin Clark played her last game before being drafted into the WNBA with a four-year, $338,000 contract. I’m sure she was offered the same amount as her male counterpart, the first overall draft pick in last year’s NBA.

Record scratch! Hold up! Last year, top draft pick Victor Wembanyama signed a four-year contract with the Spurs worth $55.2 million. Sigh.

Acquiring the Utah Frostbite (?) was a great accomplishment, but the state has a chance to pull off a phenomenal hat trick: develop a hockey fan base, build a baseball utopia and create a haven for women’s sports.

How cool would it be, for a state that ranks last in women’s pay equality, to invest in women’s athletics? What message would that send to our daughters and granddaughters?

I don’t know much about hockey but

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its success shouldn’t come with a sales tax increase, carte blanche control over a key center of downtown or at the expense of women’s sports.

With its shiny new logo and sparkly Zambonis, the Utah Windchill (?) could have a great first season as fans get behind them. But don’t be fooled. Hockey isn’t the only game in town.