South Jordan December 2016 by The City Journals

December 2016 | Vol. 3 Iss. 12

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An interview with author Shannon Hale on community princess play adaption By Mylinda LeGrande | mylinda@mycityjournals.com

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Kensington Theatre at Early Light Academy (Toni Butler/ Kensington Theatre)

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LOCAL LIFE

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S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

Pumpkins place at Oquirrh Lake regatta race By Mylinda LeGrande | mylinda@mycityjournals.com The SJ Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Jordan. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals.com or call our ofﬁces. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reﬂect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.

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n the morning of Oct. 22, pumpkins were carefully loaded onto trailers and into the back of trucks all over Utah to be transported to Oquirrh Lake in Daybreak. Once there, they were lifted by a crane onto the dock where they were carved out to be used for boats for the Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta. The sixth annual event was started by Mountain Valley Seeds and Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers Association. Usually, it is held at Sugarhouse Park, but this year the two sponsors contacted Daybreak as they were looking for a new home for the regatta. Participants in the race included Robb Baumann, Cliff Warren, Lance Heaton, Curt and Susan Saxton, Daniel Farr, Mohamed Sadiq, Jim Seasons, Juana Laub, Kyle Fox, Lindsey Bench, Reed Bateman and Clint Nash. Hundreds of spectators attended to watch. There were also other games and activities for kids to enjoy. The regatta included two race heats. One was a junior division for kids and the other heat was for adults. Those with the fastest times competed in a final race for prizes. “This is a five-week process. It starts with a weigh-in at Thanksgiving Point. This is the next event,” said Live Daybreak’s communications manager, Tanner Gooch. “Next, the pumpkins are taken to Hee Haw Farm for a pumpkin drop and finally, the pieces are donated to [Hogle] Zoo for the animals to eat on at the Pumpkin Stomp event held on Thanksgiving Day.” One participant, Clint Nash was prepared to race in someone else’s pumpkin, dressed up in Scottish garb along with Dan Farr who was wearing a Loch Ness Monster suit. “I am using someone else’s pumpkin because mine died. The smallest out here is at least 400 pounds,” said Nash. “There is a lot of work that goes into growing them. We get seeds from other growers. We pollinate the seeds ourselves so we can keep track of the genealogy of the seeds. We share and buy them with each other and even all around the world.” Juana Laub traveled from Vernal to participate in her first Pumpkin Regatta. “I was scared, but not anymore. I’ve been out

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Participants for the regatta dressed up in costumes. (Ryan Welling/ Welling Photography)

practicing, and now that I’ve already been in the water, I’m ready. No way I’m going to win,” Laub said with a laugh, “I might even tip!” Laub holds the record in Utah for growing the largest pumpkin for the women’s division in Utah. It tipped the scales at 1,315 lbs. The ﬁrst place winner of the contest, Robb Bauman, got the rights to the wooden pumpkin trophy. Lindsey Bench, took second place and Kyle Fox took third place. “I’m here as a supporter because my [pumpkin] didn’t get big enough. It was only 350 lbs. The pumpkins need to be around 450-500 lbs. to be able to ride in them. It’s hard when you spend time growing them and they don’t get big enough and you have to watch. This year it was so hot and dry, they didn’t have a chance to pollinate,” said, Brian Bennett. It takes effort, patience and love to grow a gigantic pumpkin. “The ﬁrst step in growing giant pumpkins is to obtain the right kind of seed. One-thousandplus pound pumpkins generally result from highpedigree hybrid seeds, which circulate among the most serious growers and cost $10 to $100

per seed,” reports modernfarmer.com. “But most giant pumpkins are descended from a variety called Dill’s Atlantic Giant. 300–500-pound specimens are routinely grown with this variety.” The current world record for the largest pumpkin is held by Beni Meier, Germany, at 2,323.7 lbs. Local growers say to start growing pumpkins with good soil, amending the soil throughout the season, watering it just the right amount, providing the pumpkin enough sun in the beginning and shading the pumpkin toward the end. Some growers protect their squash from the wind and even build shelters for them. The National Gardening Association says to be sure to reposition the fruit on the vine, so it is perpendicular to the stem to encourage the best growth. They also recommend thinning the fruit so there is just one per vine and pruning it back as needed. Another trick is to add a little sugar to the water and to cover the pumpkins with layers of blankets to protect them from cold air. Sponsors of the regatta were The Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers, MV Seeds, Live Daybreak, Holmes Homes and True Leaf Market, LLC. 

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 3

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GOVERNMENT

PAGE 4 | DECEMBER 2016

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

Smith’s Marketplace set to build following council’s decision By Briana Kelley | briana@mycityjournals.com

valuable redevelopment project is set to move forward following the unanimous approval of South Jordan’s city council on Nov. 1. The Smiths Project will bring a Smith’s Marketplace, retail stores, fast food and housing to the property at 1600 West 11400 South in South Jordan. “I’m still favoring this over all of the other proposals that have come forward to us,” Mayor David Alvord said. “I do have some concerns over the loss of revenues to our other stores. There are some pros and cons to this project, but overall I’m going to recommend this be passed tonight.” The master development agreement outlines the expectations between the developer and the city. Density per acre was a major discussion point of the agreement; council members wanted to keep it low. In the end, the developer agreed not to exceed eight units per acre on the housing portion. “We’ve agreed to eight units per acre. We’d love to have more, but we’ve agreed to that. My suggestion is that we get on with this and see if we can get a project done,” developer Rob Moore said. “The residential will come back for your review. Hopefully you will be fair with whoever the developer is that comes. We need to move forward, and in the interest of moving forward, I’d say leave it at eight that’s what we agreed to, and let’s see if we can get going on this project.” Councilmember Patrick Harris also wanted to guarantee greenspace for future residents, something that was not speciﬁed in the agreement. The speciﬁcs of quality and greenspace will be determined later.

“We don’t lightly give these types of tax breaks to just anyone,” Harris said, “And I think these types of things should be thoroughly discussed and reviewed in what is the best interest of the city and future economic development. I do think, as the land is sold, I do think we should strongly take into consideration that we are giving this type of incentive here and that we need to make sure that it is a quality product. I think that it needs to be livable and to have some green space.” The city will provide performance-based tax incentives for the project. Brian Preece, City Commerce director, reminded the council that redevelopment rarely happens without incentives from the city. The project will incorporate the businesses already located at the site, including Holiday Oil, Canyon Bicycles and Clayton’s Tire Pros. Councilmembers Don Shelton, Tamara Zander and Brad Marlor all voiced their support for the development to move along. All three voiced their concern that further delays and stipulations could cause the project to die and wanted to move the project forward. They also recognized that, though important, the residential portion of the development was only a small part and should not hold the whole project up. “This piece of property is a prime example of what can be done with redevelopment, and I’m excited to see that happen,” Marlor said. “I’m hoping that we will see a developer of the residential area step up and do a quality development. I think that’s what every one of the members of this council want to see. In the end, that [residential] piece of redevelopment should not be wagging this redevelopment’s tail.” 

Smith’s Marketplace and other retailers are set to be developed following the council’s unanimous approval of the master development agreement. (Briana Kelley/City Journals)

“This piece of property is a prime example of what can be done with redevelopment, and I’m excited to see that happen.”

Quotes taken directly from Primo Steamo Facebook reviews

GOVERNMENT

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Mayor appoints new Justice Court judge By Briana Kelley | briana@mycityjournals.com

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 5

YOUR SOUTH JORDAN HOME VALUE! What it is now and what to expect next year! What can your home sell for? What is your home worth? What can you expect for this next year?

Michael Peter Boehm, a Juris Doctor, addresses the city council on Nov. 1. Boehm was recently appointed as the city’s new Justice Court judge. (Briana Kelley/City Journals)

ichael Peter Boehm was appointed as the new South Jordan City Justice Court judge at the Nov. 1 city council meeting. Mayor David Alvord made the appointment, and, after a vigorous question-and-answer session, the city council unanimously ratified the nomination. Boehm was one of four nominees selected by the Salt Lake County Nominating Commission. Alvord interviewed and vetted Boehm and the other candidates as well as others on the nomination commission, including city officials, residents and defense attorneys. Boehm will replace Judge Clinton Balmforth, who will retire effective Jan. 2. Balmforth was appointed in January 1998. Boehm is a resident of South Jordan and has worked at the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office for the past eight years. Prior to that, he received his law degree at a private school in San Diego. “I love what I do,” Boehm said. “I love working with law enforcement. I care about what I do and even care about the people I prosecute. I’m where I’m at because I work hard and I care about what I do. Without the love that I have from my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Boehm has had a range of assignments while working for Salt Lake County. He was lead chair on homicide cases and worked on the domestic violence unit for two and a half years. He dealt with a wide range of felony matters and briefly worked on the special victims unit. He estimates that in the past eight years he has worked on 4,000 cases. “I’ve tried to put a lot of effort into these cases,” Boehm said. “The quality of work and quality of attorney is the reason that the jury comes back with guilty or not guilty.” South Jordan City Justice Court falls under

District 3, one of eight districts in the state. Court responsibilities include adjudicating infractions and violations of class C and class B misdemeanors based on state statute and city ordinances, according to the city’s website. According to City Attorney Ryan Loose, city officials receive a few serious and complex cases during the year; however, these cases have yet to rise high enough in the courts for maximum sentencing. Traffic misdemeanors are the highest number of cases that court handles, followed by theft, domestic violence and DUIs, which all range from one to two per week, according to Loose. The city also handles trespassing, assault and code violations. South Jordan Justice Court heard between 6,000 and 7,000 cases per year for the past few years. Alvord pointed out that these cases are smaller profile cases than some, but it is an impressive work load for any judge and legal team. When asked whether this lower-profile job is what he wants to do, Boehm responded that he does not seek for high-profile cases and that the lower sentencing does not mean the work is less important. He finds working in public service both important and rewarding and enjoys what he does. “I don’t have anything in my background that would bring dishonor to this court or to this council,” Boehm said. “I’m a family man with the three greatest kids. I’m involved in public service, which I find important and rewarding. I’m here for my family. I try to make the best decisions I can make, and there is nothing that I couldn’t share with you about my life that would dishonor this court.” The Utah Judicial Council must certify the appointment. Boehm will have a formal swearing in and take his oath of office in January. 

The Wrong Question is “What is my home worth? Or What will my Home Appraise for?” Why is it wrong to ask those questions? Well lets define the word ‘appraisal.’ It means an estimate of value. In the real estate world an appraisal is ‘an opinion of value.’ Its an opinion not a fact. There isn’t one absolute number your home is worth. I proved this point to a seller once. I sold their home and the buyer’s appraisal came in $70,000 LOW! Ughh. We ended up getting 3 different appraisals on the same house and all 3 of them came back at very different numbers. It took me 2 weeks to convince banks/buyers/REALTORS but I still sold the home for the original higher amount. We got what we negotiated not what the home ‘appraised for.’ The Right Question is “How can I maximize what I sell my home for? or Who is the Right Person that can help me maximize what I sell my home for?” What you sell your house for depends on many different factors. Too many to list here. In the end, if you maximize exposure and execute properly you will get what you negotiate. Ask me to show you some examples of the exact same homes getting very different sales prices and time on market. What is the South Jordan Market doing? Lets take a look at the statistics. Everyone talks about 2006 and 2007 so lets compare. In 2006, 532 homes sold in South Jordan. (From first of the year till Sept 1. We are comparing year to date sales.) What about 2007? 481 homes sold. Those were great years, so lets fast forward to 2013. In 2013, 728 homes sold YTD. In 2014, 735 homes and in 2015, 966 homes sold, And this year for 2016? 1037 homes have sold year to date. Due to this increase of sales there is a lower supply of inventory on the market by almost 20%. (Last year inventory was 20% lower than year before so its REALLY LOW this year! Right now we are on target to see another 3-5% bump in the average sales price for next year. You can look online and see what other homes near you are selling for by jumping on goBEsold.com OR just call Utah Dave, your local expert real estate broker who has listed and sold more South Jordan homes than any other agent. He will give you a list of things that need to happen to maximize selling your home for top dollar for free.

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GOVERNMENT

PAGE 6 | DECEMBER 2016

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S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

Merit Medical plans to expand with rezone

erit Medical is set to expand following the unanimous approval to rezone property near the company’s South Jordan location. Residents, employees and Merit Medical representatives attended a packed city council meeting on Oct. 18 to voice their opinion on the rezone. “I don’t think this was an easy decision for our council— I really don’t,” Mayor David Alvord said. “This is a section of land that has been traditionally zoned residential. I personally took the position that it should remain zoned residential for many weeks, and so this is one of these things that, if you are sitting in our chairs, it’s a tough call because they’re both good uses of the land.” The proposal to rezone the 6.3 acres at 1538 West Shields Lane from low-density residential to office use initially came before the planning commission in August, though plans to do so were discussed years ago according to the applicant. The planning commission recommended it be denied due to concerns about building height, buffering, light pollution, traffic and the surrounding residential zoning. During the public hearing, the applicant listed the changes they had since made to address those concerns. Changes include decreasing the building height from 35 feet to 24 feet, centering the building on the property to provide a buffer for residents, constructing an access tunnel for employees and residents to cross the street and ensuring a LEED-certified building to decrease light pollution. “We’ve done a lot of work, and we’ve made a great effort. It’s not finished. We are willing to have continued conversations about things that can be done to help offset concerns of the neighbors,” Fred Lampropoulos, founder, chairman and CEO of Merit Medical, said. Individuals for and against the rezone stood and addressed the council for three hours, listing pros and cons about the project. Those in favor included the South Jordan Chamber of Commerce, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Utah’s Taxpayer Association, Utah Manufacturer’s Association and others. Those who spoke in favor were largely Merit Medical employees who admire the company and hope to see it expand. The proposed research and development building that would be constructed on the re-zoned property would provide an estimated 200 jobs and internships as well as increase efficiency and centralization for the company. City officials noted that Merit Medical has been a good corporate resident, and the architects of the project have been extremely willing to work with residents to provide a building that is both good for the environment

By Briana Kelley | briana@mycityjournals.com

Residents turn out on Oct.18 to voice their opinions. Merit Medical proposed to rezone property in order to build a research and development facility in South Jordan. (Briana Kelley/City Journals)

and good for the community. “It’s going to provide 200 engineering jobs and other jobs, of course,” Lampropoulos said. “It’s going to help make available jobs for our kids, help our kids to go to school, to have internships. There are lots of pieces to this that help the community in the long run. I think— and hopefully neighbors will see—we’ll prove our good intents. We’ll prove our good works. We want, I want to do things as best as I can, and I am committed to do that.” Those against the rezone were largely residents who own homes on the surrounding property. Residents were primarily concerned with placing a commercial office building in an area surrounded by residential and the effects this could have on their property values. Over 100 residents signed a petition against the rezone, stating: “We strongly oppose rezoning from residential to commercial/professional office buildings. The applicant has a sizeable piece of property on the west side of Redwood Road and Shields Lane that is already zoned commercial. We encourage responsible growth that will maintain the standards that we are accustomed to and value in South Jordan. Building commercial and professional office buildings in the middle of neighborhoods does not accomplish that standard.” Many stressed that changing the zoning deviates from the city’s Master Plan and puts current homeowners in a challenging situation. “I hope this isn’t about rewarding Merit for the wonderful things that they do,” Perry Morris, a resident, said. “This zoning change is not part of the master plan, and there was no plan to do so. Zoning expectations and the city

plan are something that citizens look at, and we don’t wish to be negatively affected by this change in zoning.” The council voted unanimously to approve the rezone despite resident concerns. Council members commented on the positive changes Merit Medical had made since August and voiced their support for the project. They also offered their opinion that they believed property values would not be negatively affected. “I am honestly looking out for your interest here, and this project as it appears now is better than other foreseeable alternatives,” Councilmember Patrick Harris said. “The reality is that they [the property owners] have the right to apply for a rezone, and if you get three council members to agree, you could have something far worse than what you have here today.” Lampropoulos was grateful for the input on both sides and stressed his commitment to continue listening to concerns and working with residents. Though the land is now rezoned, the project is three to ﬁve years out. “I’m heartbroken in some ways because I don’t ever like to disappoint anybody,” Lampropoulos said. “And so I think the real task is for me to make sure that I exceed the expectations of the neighbors. One of the things that I’ve committed to is that I am going to form a council of those neighbors who want to be involved to talk about it and to make sure that we don’t just put up some trees. We’ll talk about what those trees ought to be. We’ll talk about the landscaping. We’ll talk about these things and get them involved if they want to be. That’s critical for me, and I hope that they’ll get involved as well.” 

ON THE COVER

S OUTHJORDANJOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 7

An interview with author Shannon Hale on community princess play adaption By Mylinda LeGrande | mylinda@mycityjournals.com

his December, Kensington Theater will be performing an adaption of Shannon Hale’s book “Princess Academy.” The theater has a partnership with Early Light Academy in Daybreak. The community theater began back in 2007 when Toni Butler, president of Kensington Theatre Company and director for the “Princess approached Shannon Hale, author, with Maggie Scott, Academy,” character Miri, (Toni Butler/Kensington the Daybreak Community Council to put on the Theatre) play “The Wizard of Oz.” They agreed, and due to successfully involving more than 200 community members and selling out all its performances that they formed Daybreak Community Theatre, according to the Kensington Theatre website. South Jordan City encouraged a name change to reflect the entire community the company served. South Jordan Community Theatre was born and opened its first season with “Peter Pan.” “We are very young but very ambitious and driven by our talented community,” Butler said. “Be sure to keep your eye on our theater company; a company that continues to exceed everyone’s expectations of community theater.” After seven seasons, the theater also took on the name of Kensington Theatre Company, as they opened a new theater house at Early Light Academy, but Daybreak Community Theatre is still maintained as their parent company name. “While we are called Kensington Theatre Company, my favorite part of directing a play is the curtain call,” Butler said. “Our casts go away with a new family that they will always be tied to. It truly builds character and community in a way that is seldom matched.” Six years ago, author Shannon Hale and Butler reunited as friends when both moved to the same neighborhood in South Jordan. “Shannon and I were both on the board for the theater,” Butler said. “I asked her permission to adapt ‘Princess Academy’ for the theater. She agreed, and we drew up a contract. I started writing the play, but one of my students from East High School, Kathryn P. Brown, heard about the project and asked if she could give it a try. She read the books and finished writing the script. Once she started, she just ran with it.” Hale was available for an interview about her book “Princess Academy,” her involvement in the play and success as an author. Q: Is this your first book adapted to play? Why did you do the adaption? Are there anymore plans to adapt more books to plays? Hale: “In 2005, I published a book called ‘Princess Academy.’ It was my third novel. It went on to become a New York Times bestseller and win a Newbery Honor. [It] has been adapted into a play a few times. The first time was with a Minneapolis children’s theater company. This production is with the Kensington Theatre Company in South Jordan, which is my hometown. The director, Toni Butler, is an old theater friend of mine, so this production is particularly wonderful for me because it’s being made by friends in my own city. Kensington optioned the rights to produce the

musical. I was not a part of the process. I haven’t read the script or listened to the music. I felt like it was important that I give them space to create their own take on the story without me looking over their shoulders.”

Hale: “There’s no way to separate the two. It’s like asking what makes us who we are—environment or genetics? There is no story without characters, and characters are what they do and say, which creates plot.

Q: Now a little bit about you. How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a speciﬁc reason or reasons for writing each book?

Q: How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in ﬁction writing?

Hale: “I always made up stories but decided to become a writer at age 10. I was first published after 19 years at it and haven’t stopped, publishing at least one book each year since. I have published over 20 books. It is my dream job, and hope to keep doing it for as long as I’m able.” Q: What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing? Hale: “I try to read a little bit of everything. I’ve written chapter books, middle grade, young adult, adult; screenplays, graphic novels and prose novels; fantasy, comedy, contemporary, science fiction, mystery, romance, memoir. I try to read as broadly as I write. It’s part of my job, and it’s also a joy. Q: Could you describe the mundane details of writing: How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard? Hale: “My schedule changes year to year. I’m a mom of four kids and so when I write depends on when I have free time. With kids now in school, I write during school hours. My goals vary from 1,000–2,000 words a day for a first draft, or for revisions editing 10–20 pages a day. I work on a laptop. I can’t imagine any author using a typewriter anymore! There’s so much revision it just isn’t practical. Recently, my husband and I often collaborate so a writing day could include long ‘plot walks’ where we talk through ideas before starting our writing.” Q: Do you write every single day? Hale: “Writing is my job. I stop working when the kids get home from school and take weekends off.” Q: Any writing rituals? Hale: “I’m not a superstitious person. I just sit down and get to work!”

Hale: “Very hard. Much, much harder than I understood when I was starting out. It’s an unstable and constantly shifting business. I’ve had a dozen or so New York Times bestsellers, and I don’t think I’ll ever feel certain. Authors are always treading water, trying to stay afloat. We don’t get into this because it’s easy money. We write because we have to write and nothing else gives us the same joy.” The “Princess Academy” play music was written by Kathryn Brown’s husband Jefferson Brown. Butler said that the play includes crossover music. The play is based on the seasons which starts and ends with fall. The music pieces come from old Scandinavian Folk tunes. “The music is just beautiful,” Butler said. “The cast is so dedicated, and the excitement is almost intangible.” Cast Member Rachel Pugmire, plays Kari, a supporting character in the play. “I love the book, and the play is very true to it,” she said. “Katie and Jeff Brown wrote some awesome and catchy music along with the script. Toni Butler is our arts director and is very talented and is amazing at bringing the show to life. The rehearsals are long but very organized [and] never waste our time. The cast is full of very kind and outgoing people. They are very funny and fun to talk to but also responsible in getting the work we need to do done. The rehearsals fly by, because time flies when you’re having fun!” The cast consists of 120 people ages 8–60. Many of the cast members include entire families. The main character Miri, is played by Maggie Scott. Trenton Conover will play Miri’s love interest, Peder. Other main characters are Prince Stephan played by Jeoff Beckstrand, and Britta will be played by Lydia Butler. The play will be held at the Kensington Theatre at Early Light Academy in Daybreak, Dec. 9–21. Tickets are $8–12 in advanced and $12–15 at the door. They can be purchased online at www.kensingtontheatre.org. 

Q: Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events? Hale: “Yes I’ve done hundreds of book events, speeches, signings, assemblies, festivals, etc. It’s a huge part of this profession.” Q: Tell us some about your upcoming books, events or projects? Hale: “My husband and I write ‘The Princess in Black,’ early chapter book series, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, for kindergarten–third-grade readers. It’s a fun, highly illustrated series about Princess Magnolia who is secretly a monsterfighting superhero.” Q: Are you planning to adapt any of your stories to the screen? Hale: “With director Jerusha Hess, I adapted my novel comedic ‘Austenland’ for the screen. It was a 2013 Sundance film and is now on DVD/Blu-Ray. ‘The Princess in Black’ has been optioned by Universal Pictures for film. Q: What’s more important: characters or plot?

Shannon Hale with Production Team (Toni Butler/Kensington Theatre)

ENTERPRISE

PAGE 8 | DECEMBER 2016

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

Tumult for many for-proﬁt colleges, why students still attend By Mandy Morgan Ditto | m.ditto@mycityjournals.com

any students and graduates of ITT Technical Institutes didn’t expect a college to close so rapidly. However, that’s exactly what happened with ITT Tech on Sept. 6, right as the school year was beginning. ITT Educational Services, which operates ITT Technical Institutes — private colleges that have operated in more 140 locations across the nation for more than 50 years — announced closures after the Department of Education decided “to bar the chain of colleges from using federal financial aid to enroll new students,” according to the New York Times. The only ITT Tech location in Utah was in Murray, Utah, and students that planned to attend the 2016 fall semester on Sept. 12 were surprised to have plans changed a few days before. “It is with profound regret that we must report that ITT Educational Services, Inc. will discontinue academic operations at all of its ITT Technical Institutes permanently after more than 50 years of continuous service,” said ITT Tech’s official news release announcing the closure of the schools. “The actions of and sanctions from the U.S. Department of Education have forced us to cease operations of the ITT Technical Institutes, and we will not be offering our September quarter.” For Kevin Neff, a graduate from ITT Tech in Murray in 1998, the worth of his degree and the education he received is still entirely valid to him, no matter the school closure. Neff, who received an associate of applied science degree in computer-aided drafting and design technology, was looking for a school to help him get a secondary education degree and have time to spend with his family. “In speaking with the school, reviewing the schedules and looking further at the classes offered, I was pretty much sold from day one,” Neff told the City Journals in an email. He had considered the programs for computer-aided drafting and architecture at both Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah, but the programs would take too much time while he was working full time, and he was hoping to get his degree in less than four years. “I feel the education and training I received at ITT Tech was as thorough as I would have received attending any community college,” Neff said. “There was never a time at ITT that I felt the curriculum or my instructors were sub-par when compared to my public community college options. I did feel that the algebra and physics courses at ITT were tailored more towards real-world applications faced in drafting and design scenarios than an overall study of each course.” Neff has worked for over the last 16 years in a position focused on “the utilization of both GIS and computer-aided drafting systems.” He and his family currently resides in Oregon. Though most graduates haven’t felt much impact from the closure of the school, it was jolting for some employees. Tony Rose, who worked at the Phoenix location of ITT Tech, was surprised to see an email several days after it was sent to his work account about the school closure, before the semester started. There was an email sent to all ITT Tech employees’ work accounts at 4:30 a.m. in Arizona, right after Labor Day weekend, he recalled. “Nobody had checked their email unless you worked in the offices,” he said. “I’m driving home from my day job, and I hear on the radio that they closed it.” He believes management was aware before other employees that the institute would close. He also said many people didn’t get their final paychecks due to scattered management of finances overall. Luckily, Rose has another job working as a network administrator in the Creighton School District in Phoenix, but he won’t have a chance at another community college job until potential hiring takes place before the next semester that starts in January. For those students who were hoping to finish their degree at ITT Tech, there is a process some qualify for to get their student loans through

A sign posted on the door of the ITT Tech campus in Murray announces the closure of the school. The national for-proﬁt school closed all its doors in September. (Kimberly Roach/City Journals)

“It is with profound regret that we must report that ITT Educational Services, Inc. will discontinue academic operations at all of its ITT Technical Institutes permanently after more than 50 years of continuous service,” the school forgiven, Rose said, though some are simply going to have to pay off federal loans and ﬁnd another school that may or may not take already earned credits to ﬁnish a degree. The sudden closure of ITT Tech hasn’t impacted Kyle Judson much, as he has security in his current job. Judson, who graduated from one of the previous two ITT locations in Massachusetts in 2007, was top in his class with a degree in computer networking. He is still living in Massachusetts. “I’ve never actually had a job in computer networking, but that’s the same old song and dance for all of us,” Judson said. “I work for a medical device company now, I’m a technical support manager after being in the engineering world for about seven or eight years after I graduated.” Why students choose schools like ITT Tech over four-year colleges is a question that can only be answered by everyone at these schools, who like Judson, have found factors that work best for them. Judson wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to do after he graduated from high school; he attended a few universities before landing on ITT Tech. “I’ve always had an aptitude for math and science,” he said. “I knew computers were kind of a combination of the two, and I needed a degree and I needed one fast, so I said ‘ITT Tech, why not?’” The smaller class sizes and regular interaction with professors who worked in the industry all provided positives for Judson at ITT, which led to more connections and networking. There wasn’t, however, as much hardware to use and learn from at the university, which was something Judson said he saw as a bit of a problem, especially with the amount of tuition being paid. For being a technical college, it was the one thing that didn’t quite make sense — to not have the very equipment there all the time to help students really learn the trade they were studying. When it came to funding at ITT, Judson said “there were always some rumors and some whispers about — for lack of a better term

— some shady financial practice,” Judson said. “But at the time I didn’t really know about it, and I just wanted an education, but I’m lucky it worked for me. I got a great job after I graduated, and I was able to pay my student loans, but I also did really well in school so I got a really good job when I was done.” Judson graduated with $48,000 in student loan debt, after a two-year program, including two private loans that were $20,000 and $18,000, with high interest. His federal government loan was low-interest, and he has paid off every loan since. Though programs may end up costing students a lot at schools like ITT Tech, the quicker nature of getting degrees from them is often what brings students to their doors. As for accreditation, Judson feels ITT Tech never had any problems with that; most concerns came with finances, which is ultimately what led to the closure of the nationwide school. However, other colleges that have remained open in the valley are dealing with accreditation issues, since the Department of Education took away accreditation privileges from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), the largest national accrediting organization of degree-granting institutions. Those like The Art Institute of Salt Lake City, Broadview University, Neumont University and Eagle Gate College are either waiting for the appeal to go through and provide ACICS with authority once again or are making plans to gain accreditation from another source. Though all schools accredited by ACICS will remain so through a transition period of 18 months, all will want to be sure students from their university will leave with valid, accredited degrees. Neumont University President Shaun McAlmont announced shortly after the announcement about ACICS that they were already in the process — months ago, in fact — of changing accreditors. Neumont is located in downtown Salt Lake City. “We’re already through the first two steps of the five-step process for changing accreditors,” McAlmont said. “This change will not affect the quality — or value — of education that has always set Neumont apart. Regardless of our accreditor, Neumont will continue to deliver a hands-on, rigorous, project-based and results-driven computer science education for all of our students.” Neumont expects to have a new accreditor in the next six to nine months. Since finding out about the possible loss of accreditation from ACICS, Broadview University — located in West Jordan — has also started on the process of being re-accredited with a previous accreditor as a backup plan. “The process is already in place as far as taking care of the front-end work, as kind of a preventative measure, just in case, should we need to use that,” said Michelle Knoll, senior marketing and communications manager for Broadview. “And then, should ACICS prevail, we would just stay with ACICS.” If any changes were to occur, Broadview University would inform students of the change, which would only mean they might have a different company accrediting the university by the time many of them graduated, Knoll said. “It’s kind of a tricky situation, but we know that the students are top priority, so we want to make sure that anything that impacts them they are aware of, but now it shouldn’t impact them, until there’s a decision,” Knoll said. If Broadview had believed that ACICS was doing anything they shouldn’t have done as an accreditor, they wouldn’t have stuck with them, Knoll said. The university supports ACICS and will stay with them if they win with the appeal. No one at the ITT Technical Institute, the Art Institute of Salt Lake City or Eagle Gate College responded to the City Journals for comment. 

SPORTS

S OUTHJORDANJOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 9

Dogs jump, catch balls, socialize at Flyball events By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

Zuni, a border collie, jumps over a hurdle during a Thunder Paws practice. (Nikelle Perkins/Thunder Paws)

lyball is a dog sport, and Thunder Paws, a local club, is aiming to take it by storm. The sport sees teams of four dogs compete in a relay race. Dogs jump over four hurdles to a spring-loaded pad where the dog releases a tennis ball for them to catch and return over the hurdles to their handlers. “I just love working with the dogs,” said Jenny Woods, president of Thunder Paws. “You become close to the dogs; you feel their passion.” Thunder Paws holds practices every Sunday at various parks. The location generally rotates between Midvale City Park, Bluffdale Park in Riverton, Browns Meadow Park in West Jordan and at one of the member’s houses in Herriman. During winter, the club utilizes space in the Intermountain Therapy Animals building in Holladay for practice. The team also goes to competitions in places such as Hurricane or Las Vegas. Thunder Paws Vice President Dianne Roberg has been involved with flyball since 1998. She said the group discovered it at a national guard event before the club’s founder, Lori Thomson, eventually started Thunder Paws. “We just started it as something fun for us and our dogs,” said Geri Rich, who also began participating in 1998. The club was officially put together as a nonprofit about five years ago with Woods

Dogs practice running through the ﬂyball course at Bluffdale park on Oct. 23. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

becoming the president. Woods initially got involved in the sport due to a rambunctious blue heeler named Ralph. “[Ralph] was a fruit cake, a nut job and drove us crazy. He wouldn’t settle in the house and I thought, ‘this dog needs a job,’” Woods said. Members said the sport is great for canines with a high drive and boundless energy. “It gives the dogs something to do,” said Rich, who’s had four different dogs participate. “You get these high-bred dogs where they have to have something to do or they get destructive. To them it’s like a job and they thrive doing it.” Woods said the sport can go against typical obedience training, but it is useful for herding breeds. “[Normally with obedience] you’re all about keeping them quiet and mellow and calm. Here we’re building up their energy, then they’re tired at the end of the day,” Woods said. Nicky Perkins is new to flyball with her Australian shepherd, Callie. She said Callie fell in love with the sport the first time she did it. “Running and balls is perfect for her; it’s everything her world revolves around,” Perkins said. A bond is forged through the sport between owner and dog. Woods said flyball helped her develop a stronger relationship with Ralph.

Bandit, a jack Russell terrier, leaps off the springboard during practice. Thunder Paws competes in competitions in Las Vegas and Hurricane. (Nikelle Perkins/Thunder Paws)

“It’s with dogs that will drive you crazy, but it unites you so you learn to really love your dog,” Woods said. “That’s how it was with Ralph, but by getting into this I learned to love him.”. It’s not only herding breeds or dogs with high energy that participate in the sport. One dog, Apache, is deaf and does the sport by seeing hand signals from his handler. Poodles, dachshunds and shar-peis have participated with the Thunder Paws. Perkins said it doesn’t matter if it’s a purebred, rescue, tiny or big dog. Any kind can do it, even breeds typically known as lap dogs. “If I can teach my little Chihuahua to do it, any dog can. It just depends on your dedication,” Woods said. Woods has four of her five dogs playing flyball. Woods said the experience can be a good way to bring rescue dogs out of their shells. It helps them build confidence and getting used to random people. Dogs are kept in kennels when not participating to avoid disruptions. “It’s a good way of getting dogs to socialize with each other without forcing them all to be together,” Woods said. She added that it doesn’t require dogs to be super obedient, but it does help if they have a good recall or if the dog comes when called. Originally invented in the early 1970s in

Southern California, flyball became official when the North American Flyball Association was established in 1984 with its first official rule book written in 1985. Thirty-one years later, there are more than 400 active clubs and 6,500 competing dogs. Thunder Paws has about 15 members with about 30 dogs. It’s that team spirit that Woods appreciates. “I like that it’s a team event rather than just you and your dog,” Woods said. “I like the team comradery with everyone.” Sunday afternoon practices can serve as a dog community with the animals and their owners. “It’s fun to do with my friends and make new friends and seeing all the dogs,” Perkins said. Woods said people are always welcome to come watch, and they’ll even work with anybody’s dog for three free sessions. In order to maintain equipment, which includes hurdles, gates, and springboards, the club has a yearly fee of $75. “Come out and watch, see what your dog loves to do,” Perkins said. “If they love balls or if they love to run or tug, you can come see if you like it.” To learn more, go to thunderpawsflyball. com. 

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EDUCATION

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

South Jordan, Elk Ridge middle schools recognize students

As Eye See It Information on Vision and Eye Health by Dale F. Hardy, O.D. During summer vacation, I spent some time reading several studies related to children and vision and thought I would share some of the high points from them with parents as they prepare their child to go back to school. One of the studies, which is not really very new, and is a repeat of a prior study done by Columbia University, looked at the various tasks performed in a classroom and how much of what is done requires vision. The number was over 85% of classroom tasks required vision, not just vision was nice to have, but was required to do the task. It follows in my mind, then, that not having good vision would handicap a child’s school experience. Hard to get things right when you are not sure if the teacher just wrote a 3 or an 8 on the board. Another study that I found interesting indicated that up to 40% of children with a tentative diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder actually had uncorrected vision and/or hearing problems that made it difficult for them to attend to tasks. It appears that a tentative diagnosis means that it was not confirmed by a positive response to medication. The authors of this study were recommending that a multi-disciplinary approach to these cases would be the best method of assuring proper treatment. The last study I am going to review related to school vision screenings and why they are not adequate as an eye examination. This study was done in Kentucky and all children in the study were given both a standard school screening and then a comprehensive eye examination. 1 out of 4 children who passed the screenings were diagnosed with an eye or vision problem that needed correction in the full examination. The worst part of this report was that only 1 out of every 10 notifications sent home to the parents advising them that they needed to take their child in for a complete examination were ever returned to the school. When they followed up to see how many had been taken to the eye doctor, only 1 out of 8 parents had done that. Many reported never seeing the note so maybe it never got home, but it did show problems in school to parent communication. If you have children in your home, whether you use my office or someone else, please make good vision a part of your back-to-school preparation. You can contact my office at 801253-1374. Dr. Hardy’s office is located at 10372 South Redwood Road, South Jordan.

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By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

Elk Ridge Middle School Students can earn the bronze, silver, gold and platinum Wapiti medals.

outh Jordan and Elk Ridge middle schools are recognizing students who show school spirit, boost in academics and dedicate time to the community. “We’re wanting kids to be recognized for the great things they’re doing, and we’re making it a big deal,” South Jordan Middle School Assistant Principal Tim Heumann said. “Whether they’re being kind, hard working or doing something amazing, we want to cheer them on.” Heumann said there are several recognitions, starting with Student of the Day, which teachers pick. Students receive a school shirt, a pencil and a coupon for a hamburger or candy bar. The names of the students of the day are announced over the intercom, and parents are made aware of the honor. “It is one of the best things I get to do — when I get to call a parent and say, ‘Your child is our student of the day,’” he said. Students also are selected as Students of the Month. Before school, the ParentTeacher-Student Association puts on a light breakfast for the award recipients and their parents. Students receive a stuffed Silver Leopard mascot and a plaque. “It’s really a special ceremony and impactful for families. We talk about how the students and the difference they’re making,” he said. Students are nominated for the award by teachers who may cite examples of academics, citizenship, improvement, hardwork, service or things students are doing, Heumann said. “We also give out high-ﬁves to students who improve their academics by .5 percent, recognizing them with a pencil,” he said. “We have a no-tardy party and one for those who make honor roll. We have a spirit award where students are applauded for going out to give service. We want students to be involved and realize this is their school — a positive place to be, where they are built up and valued.” At Elk Ridge, students are also recognized as Students of the Day. Those recognized students have their name posted on the school marquee and receive a certiﬁcate. “We read their names on the announcements and summarize what

they have done,” Elk Ridge Assistant Principal Michelle Kilcrease said. “It may be someone who has struggled has met the goals they’ve set to something as simple as picking up a binder someone dropped.” Elk Ridge Students of the Month usually are selected for their tie-in to a leadership trait. Students, who are nominated by their teachers, receive a breakfast, plaque and gift bag, and their names are broadcast on the intercom. Another way students are recognized are through the words of their teachers. “Teachers write postcards, ‘Good News from the Ridge,’ where they recognize the great things students are doing,” Kilcrease said. “We have 1,100 great kids, and we want to recognize them.” The Wapiti Award is one students can earn all three years of their middle school career. In seventh grade, students can earn the bronze medallion, named after the school mascot, the Wapiti. Students can earn pointes for 100 percent attendance each quarter, a gradepoint average of 3.8 or higher, not having any tardies, auditioning for the musical, participating in school program such as ballroom dance or Lego robotics, performing a service project outside of school, participating in the Goblin Chase school fun run, being part of the PTSA, playing on a sports team or several other ways, Kilcrease said. “Each criteria is worth a certain number of points,” she said. “Once students have earned this, then we honor them at a catered banquet and ceremony at the end of the year.” In eighth grade, students can receive the silver Wapiti medal and in ninth grade, the gold Wapiti medallion. If the student earns all three, they are awarded a platinum medal. Principal Wyatt Bentley said student recognition programs are well received. “We try to ﬁnd ways to recognize students from earning a 4.0 to giving service,” he said. “We have so many outstanding students to give recognition to, and it’s fun for them to be awarded and acknowledge their peers for their contributions.” 

EDUCATION

S OUTHJORDANJOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 11

Jordan Ridge’s Veterans Day program tears up veterans, seniors By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

dozen Carrington Court assisted living center veterans, some with tears in their eyes, nodded and sang along with about 30 Jordan Ridge fifth-graders who performed patriotic songs that outlined important dates in American history. For years, Jordan Ridge Elementary fifth-graders perform a Veterans Day program at the school, but this year, teacher Carol Whittaker decided to have students walk to the nearby Carrington Court and perform it for the residents. “My husband is a veteran, as was my dad, who died last year,” she said. “They are both very patriotic and love Veterans Day. I knew there were WWII veterans at Carrington Court, like my dad, and I really wanted to sing some of our patriotic songs to them.” Carrington Court Activities Director Diane Kunz said each year the assisted living center holds a Veterans Day program to honor the veterans. “We want to pay tribute to our veterans and show our love and respect for these patriotic citizens,” she said. “With this program, it gives these wonderful children a chance to connect with the ‘greatest generation.’” Teacher Tina Rothe said she has had students be pen pals with the seniors as well as taken students to sing to them at the end of the year. “It is a wonderful moment for my students to mingle with these amazing people— many of them veterans from World War II,” she said. “(It’s) very stirring as they try to sing along with familiar patriotic songs.” The program, which began with the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem, recognized the 240th year of the Declaration of Independence with “The Bill of Rights.” To celebrate the opportunity to elect officials, as well as the values of America, the program included the songs “Vote” and “Young People of the World.” Dressed in red, white and blue, Jordan Ridge students also sang

some familiar songs, such as “Thank You Military” and “God Bless America” and asked veterans to wave when they heard their branch song in the Military Medley. Utah National Guard Staff Sgt. Darrin Higgins, who led a closing prayer, recognized the veterans. “You are the best generation,, and I’m honored to be here with you. I joined because of your generation,” he said, then continued, addressing the students. “Don’t ever take anything for granted. Look to this generation for your example. Their patriotism and sacrifice we can’t repay, but we can continue to uphold, and they deserve our respect.” Keynote speaker Air Force Capt. Russ Whittaker recalled the many men and women before him who served, including those in the audience, and “those in line behind me, who stretch far behind the horizon. I am proud to stand in that line.” He thanked the families of those who served as well as those who are and were in the military. “I am proud to be a veteran like many of you and many of those who have gone before me,” he said. “I ask, ‘how can one honor a veteran best?’and I believe that is in two ways—first, with the flag and second, with song.” At the conclusion of the program, the students gave red, white and blue ribbons of thanks along with homemade cards to the veterans and families. World War II veteran Newel Ward was one of those veterans. “I was drafted for basic training in California and was assigned to an anti-aircraft gun outfit,” he said. “Radar was new then, a secret, and I was trained in North Carolina.” Ward, who left behind his wife and baby girl, said he was shipped to Germany where he supplied annunciation and food to the front lines. “It wasn’t just driving the trucks,” Ward said. “The Germans would stretch pieces of lines across the road so if we didn’t have our

Standing by his World War II photographs, veteran Newel Ward and his daughter Dianne Peck, were among those in the Carrington Court audience of Jordan Ridge’s Veterans Day program. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

windshields up, we’d get decapitated. They’d also plant bombs in the road.” On one trip where he was to lead the convoy to the front line, a bomb exploded in the road and sent him ﬂying “clear out of my jeep. Luckily, I didn’t get too beat up— just my legs, arms and back. They wanted to send me to the hospital, but I wanted to stay with my unit so they wrapped me up, and I went straight back to work,” he said. Ward said he realized there were worse jobs than his, so he didn’t want to get shipped elsewhere and leave his buddies. He served two years in Germany and was supposed to go to the Paciﬁc when the war ended. When he was discharged, he learned he earned battle ribbons, medals and battle stars, but he has yet to be awarded them. “It was hard for me to be gone,” he said. “It was hard to be there, but it was good for our country. This program brought back a lot of memories and tears.” 

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EDUCATION

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

Local teachers honored for hard work, passion of educating school children By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

outh Jordan Chamber of Commerce recently awarded 21 educators with certiﬁcates of appreciation for their efforts and their knowledge and dedication to students. “We ﬁnd we have exceptional teachers who work hard, put a lot of effort and love into teaching students, so we wanted them to know how much they are appreciated,” said Kelsey Anderson, who is the chamber teacher appreciation committee chair. At the Oct. 13 annual luncheon ceremony held at the Sagewood at Daybreak, each of the 21 school principals or administrators from charter, private and public schools spoke about the qualities that made the educator special to his or her school. Elk Ridge Middle School Principal Wyatt Bentley said instead of him selecting the outstanding teacher, he let his faculty nominate their peers. “Overwhelmingly, they nominated Liz Thomas, who is very innovative and communicative, and she is always learning and involved in seeing what works well for the students,” he said. “She is a team player and a mentor to her colleagues.” Bentley said Thomas makes sure her students are not only learning but making progress in their reading levels. Thomas, who worked with her team, had about 60 students last year improve from below reading levels to being on grade level or above. “She was working hard with them so students could take another elective,” he said. Bentley said one of her peers wrote: “She always talks in a

positive light about her students and their abilities, even when they struggle or are behind in their learning. She just takes whomever she is assigned and nurtures and loves them along the way to becoming a better reader and writer.” South Jordan Elementary Principal Ken Westwood spoke highly of his school’s teacher, Jami Oakley, who teaches second grade. “Miss Oakley sets the bar pretty high for second-graders, and they reach for it,” he said. “Perhaps the most rewarding thing I’ve observed is the way she takes on a challenging student. She’s been charged with some unique student and parent challenges since she came to South Jordan, and she’s earned her stripes. It’s heart-warming to see tricky kids gain conﬁdence and become superstars.” Anderson said the honored teachers are inspirational to their peers. “Many principals will pick teachers for the creative ways they do things or have given so much of themselves to their students,” Anderson said. “Many have pointed out how they have been innovative, how they are prepared and how they gone above and beyond. I enjoy seeing principals and teachers working together to make education in our schools better.

Personally, I see teachers being so motivating and wish we could recognize all the teachers.” At the luncheon, Jordan School District Superintendent Patrice Johnson addressed the teachers, giving them praise. Each recipient received the certiﬁcate of appreciation, a pencil holder with his or her name engraved on it and a gift bag with donations from local businesses. In addition, several area businesses also help sponsor the event. The educators who were honored include Katherine LaLonde from the American Academy of Innovations, Noelapoomaikala Loane from Bingham High School, Leigh Hicks of Daybreak Arts Academy, Diane Holland of Daybreak Elementary, Ryan Talty from Early Light Academy, Kerry Hoffmann of Eastlake Elementary, Janice Snow of Elk Meadows Elementary, Elisabeth Thomas of Elk Ridge Middle School, Shannon Zobrist from Hawthorn Academy of South Jordan, Becky Stone from Jordan Applied Tech Center, Patricia Simister of Jordan Ridge Elementary, Tracy McCurdy of Monte Vista Elementary, Alden Thorpe from Mountain West Montessori Academy, Darci Call from Paradigm High School, Kerry Heywood from River’s Edge, Jason Major from Roseman University, Jami Oakley of South Jordan Elementary, Ashley Taylor of South Jordan Middle School, Lisa Clarke from Stillwater Academy, Jean Mikkelson of Valley High School; and Haley McCall of Welby Elementary. In addition to Anderson, the South Jordan Chamber teacher appreciation committee includes Pamela Barnett, Marie Decker and Brooke Smith. 

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DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 13

Bingham High band marches to state title By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

n more than 100 years of Bingham High School traditions and 80 years of marching band, the 2016 marching band made school history. On Oct. 28, Bingham’s marching band won its ﬁrst state title. Yet, with the announcement, the band didn’t immediately yell and cheer. The drum major and color guard captain, who had been presented the trophy, brought the award from centerﬁeld to the band, which stood at attention near the sidelines. “There was an audible gasp, but they had to stand to attention until after the drum major saluted the band, before they could yell and screen and go crazy celebrating,” said Bingham High Director of Bands and Percussion Darin Graber. “It’s been a close, competitive year all year, and it was our music that won it for us.” Parent LeAnn Veltri said the band’s celebration “lasted a good half-hour. It was so cool and they were so excited. I’ve never seen Darin cry. We were all in absolute tears.” Nearby Riverton High School placed third in the 4A competition. The marching band competitions aren’t like those of the traditional performances marching to create geometrical designs but rather a storyline, complete with original composition, choreography and props, Graber said. “It’s more like a play or stage production that has evolved, but still with precision and evaluated on execution. The competitions continue to push the envelope,” he said. This year’s performance included original music composed by Gary Gilroy and choreography by drill writer Tim Mikan.

The Bingham High School marching band recently won its ﬁrst state title. (Bingham High School)

“It was about the afterworld — Inferno, Purgatory and Paradiso, and how good rules over evil,” Graber said. The band prepares all summer, learning the music as well as the choreography under the 11-member staff, including three who work with the color guard and three who help percussion. “We give the students a coordinated dotted book so they know where to move on the ﬁeld,” Graber said. “More than half of this year’s band is new; we only have 14 seniors. Our students not only were they learning music but how to march and move to it.” Veltri’s son, Hunter, is a sophomore and has played with the band’s percussion for two years.

“He used to play football but had to pick between music and sports because it’s a real juggling act to do one of them and maintain being a 4.0 (grade-point average) student,” she said. “The marching band puts in more time than athletes, with four days each week, plus Friday night games and Saturday competitions.” In addition to preparing for football season halftimes, the 110-member band also teamed up with four other Jordan School District marching bands to march in the 24th of July parade before the marching band competition season began. Bingham’s marching band had two preview performances — one at Weber State University and the Annual Salt Lake Valley Preview, they hosted. The competition included a performance at the Western Band Association’s competition in Southern California, where they finished fifth; Utah State University, where they finished third and won the best color guard award; Mt. Timpanogos Invitational, where they finished fourth; Super Regional Bands of America, in which the band finished 12th; Davis High, in which they placed first and won best color guard and best music; and Wasatch Front Invitational, where they took first place in all areas. “We were seeded first going into the state competition, but it was so intense all year. We knew it would be close,” Garber said about the state competition in St. George. The marching band received a police escort and was greeted back at the school with “We are the Champions” playing, balloons flying and banners waved by about 200 classmates and families. 

PAGE 14 | DECEMBER 2016

EDUCATION

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

Bingham Peer Leadership Team provides anti-bully education to elementary students By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

he towering Bingham High senior Seth Webb used to be “small, nerdy, frail and a scarecrow.” “In elementary school, I was introverted, and people bullied me and shattered my self-esteem,” he said. “It was hard.” Seth pulled himself out when he realized he loved theater. Now, he is one of 22 students who comprise Bingham’s Peer Leadership Team that travels around elementary schools in the area, trying to give them anti-drug and anti-bullying prevention education. “I have always loved kids, and I want them to become aware of how to deal with people who have drugs or are trying to bully them, he said. “I joined PLT (Peer Leadership Team) so I can help them lead happier lives.” The PLT members kicked off the elementary tour this fall at Elk Meadows Elementary with several skits, cheers and songs. Each skit had the message the Peer Leadership Team wanted the elementary students to learn — ask what is going on, identify any trouble that could cause harm or be wrong, state the consequences, provide an alternative activity and invite the person suggesting the negative activity to join in another positive choice. Many of the skits broke down so Elk Meadows students could identify each step in the process. In one skit, one character tried to bully another in a baseball game, so students identiﬁed the student’s action wasn’t nice and hurt another player’s feelings. Alternatives such as going elsewhere to play another game, watch a movie or eating wafﬂes could solve the tense situation, PLT members said. In another skit, the idea of smoking pot was brought up during the football game. Students could identify that it was wrong, despite all the “cool” sixth-graders doing it, and if they were to get caught,

Members of Bingham High School’s Peer Leadership Team sing a pop song with words they changed to remind students to be kind and not bully as part of their anti-bullying assembly they put on at Elk Meadows Elementary. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

they wouldn’t be able to play the sport they loved. Whether or not the instigator joined them, the football players moved elsewhere to avoid any confrontation and leave the issue behind. Second-grade teacher Liz Taylor said that she hopes her students gained valuable information that was shared with them. “I hope they get the idea to ask questions, state the consequences and leave the door open to alternatives,” she said. “Knowing there are choices can be a good thing.” Second-grader Tyson Zenger said he liked the interactive presentation.

“I liked when they were doing those things that are good, not bad,” he said. “You don’t need to bully on your phones, but instead go swimming. They don’t need to bully people because there are fun, good things to do.” Bingham PLT adviser Michelle Robbins said that later in the school year, the high school students return to schools to interact with the upper-grade classes. “My kids feel like rock stars when they go into elementary schools and talk to them about what they remember, and the younger students remember the skits and the cheers,” she said. PLT also are peer leaders at their own school, having started Hope Squad at Bingham High last year. “The Hope Squad is our eyes and ears of our school,” said Robbins, who also advises he group. “We’re training students to keep an eye out for students who are depressed or suicidal and look on social media to identify warning signs. These students aren’t trained counselors, but they’re there to listen and to ask students to seek help from a trusted adult or the counseling center.” The peer leaders also perform acts of service from leaving kind, positive notes on car windshields that are parked in the school lot to writing soldiers, thanking them for their service. To be considered for PLT, students must write an essay, “What PLT means to me,” get a teacher recommendation and obtain parent approval. “Many of our students have been there before — having been bullied or contemplated suicide, so they understand what it means to get help and have the opportunity to help someone else,” Robbins said. “Many of them remember PLT coming into their school and want to share it forward.” 

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S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

“Nutcracker: Men In Tights” Is A Holiday Treat

ired of the same old shows every Christmas season? Treat your family to a delightful comedy that will knock your toeshoes off: “Nutcracker: Men in Tights.” This jolly holiday romp opens November 10. It’s Christmastime, and the small Utah town of Slagville is in financial trouble. The town council has come up with a tremendous plan to save them from disaster, they’ll put on a show! And what better show than “The Nutcracker?” Hoping to draw big crowds, they sign up a once-famous dancer, Maurice Money, who is trying to revive his career. But when a crabby town member, Candy Kancor, is overlooked for the show, she sets out to ruin everything. Chaos and hilarity ensue, culminating in the craziest production of “The Nutcracker” you’ve ever seen!

“Nutcracker: Men in Tights” is written and directed by Scott Holman and combines wacky gags and zany characters with Desert Star’s famous brand of screwball comedy. This show will run from November 10 to December 31. The evening also includes one of Desert Star’s signature musical olios following the show. The “Let It Snolio” features many of your favorite, heartwarming Christmas songs, served up with a helping of Desert Star’s holiday comedy. Desert Star audiences can enjoy gourmet pizza, fresh wraps, burgers, scrumptious desserts, and other finger foods as well as a full selection of soft drinks, smoothies and a large array of iced and hot steamers and coffees while they watch the show. Food is available from an á la carte menu and is served right at your table.

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DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 17

PAGE 18 | DECEMBER 2016

SPORTS Stars debut, bring professional basketball to the suburbs

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

By Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com

he Salt Lake City Stars began their debut season mid-November, giving basketball players opportunities for growth and community members additional accessibility to professional ball. In April, the Utah Jazz announced they’d be moving their development league afﬁliate, formerly known as the Idaho Stampede, from Boise to the Salt Lake City area to tighten ties between the D-League team and the Jazz. The team’s new home is the Bruin Arena at the Salt Lake Community College Taylorsville Redwood Campus. “The No. 1 priority of purchasing the team and bringing it to Salt Lake is to help the development of the Utah Jazz basketball organization,” said Bart Sharp, the Stars’ general manager. “While we want to be competitive and we do have the goal to win games, make the playoffs and succeed there, the No. 1 priority is to develop our players and provide them an opportunity to understand the Jazz system, instruction and culture.” The D-League team brings together new players on the Jazz roster who could use more playing time, Jazz draft picks who have been assigned to the Stars and free agent players who could be called up to the Jazz or other National Basketball Association teams upon vacancy. Sharp said Rudy Gobert, a Jazz center who played with the Stampede during his rookie year, is a fantastic example of how the D-League can reinforce a player’s skills. “I bet quite a few people would attribute his rapid development to that ability to get on the court with the D-League, all while staying close to the parent organization—the Jazz,” Sharp said.

Sharp noted that Joel Bolomboy, Jazz forward who formerly played at Weber State University, may have a similar experience. “He is obviously on the Jazz roster, and he is doing very well; however, there are opportunities while we are in town,” Sharp said. “They could send Joel down to a (Stars) game here on Tuesday night, and he could get some more playing time on it, and then on Wednesday he could be on the Jazz bench, building those relationships with those players and making sure that he understands what they are doing at that level, which hopefully expedites his experience as a player.” Because the Jazz already have four point guards contracted, two Jazz second-round draft picks are assigned to the Stars: Tyrone Wallace, a 6-foot-6inch guard coming from University of California and Marcus Paige, a 6-foot-2-inch guard from University of North Carolina. “I think this is an opportunity to get better and work on my craft—you know, put in the hours here and put in the time,” Wallace said about playing for the Stars. “It is a chance for me to get on the ﬂoor every night in order to be in the NBA.” Wallace, who spent part of his senior season at Berkeley on the sidelines after he suffered a wrist fracture during a preseason practice, said he was ready to get back on the court full time. “I am ready for the fans to get here,” Wallace said. “I think it is going to be a good year for us.” The Stars went up against the Santa Cruz Warriors and the Reno Bighorns on Nov. 6 in their preseason tri-game at the Kaiser Permanente in Santa Cruz, Calif., falling short against the Warriors 52–38

and emerging victorious against the Bighorns 60–50. Although three players scored in the doubledigits, the Stars lost their inaugural game against the defending NBA D-League Champions the Sioux Fall Skyforce on Nov. 12 (print deadline). The Stars were behind by up to 31 points in the third quarter, but narrowed the gap to 17 by the end of the game in a 117–100 loss. Season tickets for the Stars are still available and run as low as $78, with single game tickets as low as $5. Sharp said it’s an affordable way for families residing in the suburbs to watch professional basketball with less travel. “We feel like—especially being out here in the Taylorsville area so close to Kearns and West Valley, West Jordan and others—that there’s a lot of folks even in the Salt Lake County that don’t get an opportunity to go to the Jazz games as much as they’d like, so we’re bringing a part of the Jazz here,” Sharp said. The Stars have their own dancers, dunk team and fun zone that includes bounce houses and activities for kids, bringing a unique alternative to going to the movies for family nights out, he said. The Stars will also be more accessible than Jazz, Sharp added. After each game, spectators are invited onto the court for an autograph session with some of the players. In addition, the coaches, staff and team host basketball clinics to help aspiring child basketball players. Their ﬁrst basketball clinic on Sept. 17 served 50 children at the Taylorsville Recreation Center. Giving back to the community will be a focus for the Stars. One of the team’s 24 home games will be a “themed jersey night,” where the Stars will

Eric Dawson pivots with the ball during the Salt Lake City Stars’ inaugural game against the defending NBA D-League Champions the Sioux Fall Skyforce. The Stars lost the away game 117–100 at the Sanford Pentagon. (Dave Eggen/NBAE/Getty Images)

design and sport a jersey featuring a local charitable organization. The jerseys will be auctioned at the end of the game, and the proceeds will go to the charitable organization. For more information about the Stars or to purchase tickets, visit saltlakecity.dleague.nba. com.  12590 South 2200 West Riverton, Utah 84605

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DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 19

Forza soccer club seizes State Cup title By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

he Forza West 98 Boys Team captured the U19 State Cup Championship with a heart stopping 14-round penalty kick affair. “I was impressed with these boys,” said head coach Ahmed Bakrim. “They set goals, and they showed me they were different boys. After a difficult group play I told them, ‘This is not what I expected.’ I wanted more from them. I told them I did not think we deserved to keep playing, that this was not who we are. When we stepped on the field against LaRoca, they were different boys. It was a big fight, and they played phenomenal soccer.” Forza faced LaRoca in the quarterfinals winning 1-0. LaRoca had been unbeaten in pool play “I was impressed with how much effort they gave me,” Bakrim said. “They really stepped up.” The quarterfinals match pitted Forza against Rangers Premier. In the regular season, the teams had traded victories. Forza came through with a 1-0 win. The Rangers had been undefeated in pool play. The State Cup final pitted Forza against the Fire from southern Utah. The Fire had knocked off the No.1 team in the state, USA Premier, 2-1. The Fire were trying to become the first-ever State Cup champion from southern Utah. “I told them to focus for the 90-plus minutes,

and whoever put the concentration first would come out on top,” Bakrim said. “I could see the fatigue coming out in the players.” The game ended in regulation and overtime in a 1-1 tie and then went to penalty kicks. “I have coached for almost 15 years, and I have never seen anything like that,” Bakrim said. “The shootout was crazy. We would miss—they would miss. It went on and on. I packed up my stuff several times. I thought there was no way. I thought this must be a dream. We made our final kick, and they missed. I could see the tears coming down. These boys never thought they would achieve this.” Riverton High School’s Micah Hammond made the final penalty kick. This Forza team is made up of players of 10 different nationalities—the only team in the state with that much diversity. The team will compete at Far West Regionals in Seattle, Washington, June 19–26. “I felt like I needed to prove to my teammates that I could play at this level,” Murray senior Drayden Ricks said. “If you looked at our stats for the season, no one would have expected us to make it, but I felt like we deserved it. The finals were very stressful. I could not picture the other team celebrating.” Ricks was the team’s leading scorer, putting seven goals in the net.

The U19 Forza West AB team is comprised of players from 10 different countries. (Alma Mendoza/ Forza Futbol Club)

“I love this team,” Forza’s CD Mendoza said. “We all get along so well. I knew we had a great team.” Bakrim said goalkeeper Jaxx Goodrich made a big difference this season. “I was overwhelmed with joy,” said West Jordan High School senior Jojea Kwizera. “I could not believe we had made it. No one expected us to make it to the ﬁnals. The PKs were crazy. I felt sick.”

Bakrim played professionally in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Morocco and is a B-licensed coach. He also is the head soccer coach at Bingham High School. Forza recently opened a 20,000 square foot indoor practice facility east of Bangerter Highway in West Jordan. The club’s 65 teams and over 1,700 players, coaches and parents will have access to the facility year-round for training. 

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PAGE 20 | DECEMBER 2016

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

Bingham basketball looks tough for 2016–17 By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com

he Bingham High School boys basketball team is back on the court, ready to defend its 2015–16 state title and make another deep run into the postseason. The Miners only lost two games last season, once to Copper Hills early in the year and another to Overland, an out-of-state team Bingham played in the Tarkanian Classic, a tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada As far as region matches went, Bingham handled all its opponents by a large margin. They were actually able to avenge the loss from earlier in the year to Copper Hills by beating them in the title game to take the crown, 61-44. And, the team has a lot of returning varsity players to make the 2016–17 version every bit as hard to beat. According to Max Preps, Bingham will have seven seniors and ﬁve juniors who logged varsity minutes returning from last season’s team. Senior guard Lleyton Parker had a very productive year last season, averaging 11 points per game and leading the team with 44 steals on the season. Senior point guard Dason Youngblood will also be a heavy contributor. He led the team in assists last season with 73 and added eight points per game as well. Branden Carlson, a 6-foot-11-inch senior, will also play more minutes this season at center

Although almost an entire season away, Bingham will be gearing up for the end of the year. State tournament play begins at the end of February and will wrap up March 5. Bingham hopes to be playing for another state title at Utah State, Utah Valley University and Weber State when March rolls around. They have the talent to get them there, they have the experience to be able to handle the expectations, all they have to do is continue to work together to play well during region games and even better when they are playing in tournament brackets. If the team can do those things and stay healthy, they truly have a shot at contending for a second straight state championship. 

A photo of last season’s state championship team, many of whom are on the varsity squad this season (Kalle Robertson/Bingham High School)

and power forward, after having scoring close to 100 points last year. Tryouts for the year were held the week of Nov. 7, and official practices began the following week. The first official game was on Nov. 30, against a Las Vegas team, Centennial. The team will play preseason games and

tournaments, such as the Utah Elite 8 and the Tarkanian Classic, through December. Region matches begin the ﬁrst part of January. The region will be tough this year, with Copper Hills, Brighton and West Jordan always able to play tough and looking to grab a win or two from the Miners.

SPORTS CORRECTION In “South Jordan Marathon successful in its seventh year” found in Vol. 3 Iss. 11, the South Jordan Journal ran the names of the 2015 SoJo Marathon Winners. The 2016 Winners were: Jason Holt in ﬁrst overall and Jason Howe in second, with Lauren McGee ﬁrst in the women’s division.

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DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 21

Bingham golfers working toward strong showing at state By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com

ingham golfers faced the nasty weather at the state championship golf tournament on Oct. 3 and 4 at Soldier Hollow Golf Course in Midway in order to accomplish their annual goals and ultimately finish sixth in 5A, while junior Ethan Fowlks finished as the highest-placing Miner individually at seventh. Bingham wanted to finish first in its region and make the cut as a team to swing the clubs on the second day of the state tournament. The Miners won the region title handily, beating out a competitive Cottonwood squad by a decent margin. They also shot a combined 305 and finished eighth on day one of the state tournament, high enough to bring all of their team to the second round of the biggest tournament of the year. Having accomplished their goals for the year, Bingham golfers playing together for a chance at a state title on that second day was a highlight for the team and head coach Jim Applegate. “Watching them accomplish their goals and their performance at state was amazing to see and be a part of,” Applegate said. The team was led by seniors, Ashton Robb and Josh Brereton, who were the squad’s No. 1 and No. 2 golfers all season long and added a lot of leadership of the course as well. Robb shot a

77 and a 73 at state, while Brereton contributed a 78 and 71. Junior Nick Anderson added a 79 and 76, while Fowlks shot a tough 71 in icy winds, snow and rain on the first day of the tourney. He followed that with a team low of 69 on day two. “It was so cold on that first day, but he was so dialed in,” said Ethan Fowlks mother, Kristen Fowlks. “I haven’t seen him play that well before.” The Miners spent a significant amount of time during the season sharpening their mental game and working on that aspect of preparation for situations just like the brutal weather conditions they played under at Soldier Hollow. “We were delayed due to the weather,” Ethan Fowlks said. “The wind was really cold; I had to adjust by focusing on my mental game.” Bingham shot a 289 together the second day of the tournament, good enough to tie for sixth in Class 5A. The Miners focused on their goals, both individually and collectively, throughout the season. They bonded as a team and supported one another through slumps and cheered each other during victories. Their practice paid off, particularly the mental aspect. “It was fun to see how they supported each other,” Kristen Fowlks said. “They do a lot of mental training, and we saw it all come together at state.”

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In addition to placing in the top 10 as a team at state, individual accolades were also recently received. Ethan Fowlks was named to the Utah PGA’s 2016–17 All State Second Team. Ashton Robb and Josh Brereton were given 2016–17 All State Honorable Mention nods. “The team made excellent progress. This has been huge for us,” Ethan Fowlks said Bingham had a great season on the links. The team worked hard throughout the fall to enhance their game and to create an atmosphere that encourages success. They met their goals, maybe even exceeded some and had a great time doing it. “Being there with these kids, day in and day out, has been a lot of fun,” Applegate said, “It has been great watching them grow up and really fun to watch them play well.” 

Bingham junior golfer Ethan Fowlks earlier in the season (Kristen Fowlks/Resident)

SPORTS Olympic hopeful elevates status in climbing world

PAGE 22 | DECEMBER 2016

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

veryone aims to climb the ranks of their given passion. Nathaniel Coleman is literally doing it. As a competitive climber, Coleman is enjoying a successful 2016. Earlier this year, he won USA Climbing’s Bouldering Open National Championship and the Youth Bouldering National Championship in Madison, Wis. In October, he took second representing the United States at the inaugural International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World University Championships in Shanghai, China. “I feel honored really to be at a level where I’m able to win these competitions,” Coleman, 19, said. He also won the collegiate national championship in bouldering in May as a member/coach of the University of Utah climbing team. “This year has been a picture-perfect way for him to complete his youth career,” said Jeff Pedersen, CEO and co-founder of Momentum Indoor Climbing—where Coleman began training at age nine. Pedersen was one of Coleman’s first coaches. With the sport of climbing approved by the International Olympic Committee to be included in the 2020 Olympics games, Coleman’s success figures to see him as a prime contender to represent his country. Coleman said he definitely has aspirations for the Olympics. Already getting a taste of it by representing USA at international competitions around the world, Coleman said competing in China gave him a “team feeling.” “It was cool to have that sense of team that you usually don’t get in such an individual sport,” Coleman said. “I was just excited to do well and have my team be proud of me.” Olympic climbing will be a combination of sport climbing, bouldering and speed climbing. As a specialized boulder climber, Coleman said many world cup climbers specialize in one discipline rather than all three. Each discipline requires different types of training. “It’s kind of up in the air whose gonna be best at that time, with four years to train I’m sure I’ll be able to get pretty decent at all three,” Coleman said. Considering his career accomplishments, his parents, coaches and competitors expect him to continue his “incredible journey” because of his talent. “He knows how to move his body, he knows his strength. He can execute moves that a lot of climbers can’t because of his strength and body awareness,” said Rosane Coleman, Nathaniel’s mother and Momentum competitive team manager. This natural talent has led to sponsorships and compensation for doing what he loves. Nathaniel has sponsorship deals with Prana clothing company, Five Ten footwear and Petzl, a climbing gear manufacturer based out of France. Nathaniel doesn’t earn enough money to make a living,

but there remains a level to which he can make a living off of climbing. Something he realized a possibility at age 15 when he won the Youth Bouldering Nationals. Nathaniel said the victory motivated him to train harder and get more comfortable in the competition setting. But it was when he took fifth at the adult nationals at age 18 that he took it seriously. “At that point I knew this was definitely worth considering doing for the rest of my life,” Nathaniel said. “When I was 15 I knew it was a possibility, and at 18 I knew it was happening.” “I see a lot of climbers get on a route,” Rosane said. “And then I see Nathaniel do it and he makes it look so easy that I think I could do that and then I go, ‘no never mind.’” Introduced to climbing at age nine by his friend Palmer Larsen, Nathaniel started on the Momentum youth team. Nathaniel said once he tried it out, he loved it and has been climbing ever since. “It just fit my style of athleticism really well and my body type,” Nathaniel said. The challenge of the sport always gives him something to progress to, which plays a big role in his love for the sport. “There’s seemingly endless rock in the world, you can always find a bouldering rock that’s harder,” Nathaniel said. Rosane said he was a very independent and hyperactive child. “Once he knew what he wanted, he went for it,” Rosane said. His affinity for the sport incorporates the mental aspect as well. Nathaniel said it appeals to him that every time he climbs, he’s faced with a puzzle. “You really do need to be able to work through these puzzles in your mind to be a good competition climber,” Nathaniel said. He said he’s noticed many climbers he competes against attend ivy league schools. Having taken third place in a state chess tournament in third grade, Nathaniel’s aptitude for general problem solving, he said, has developed his ability on the climbing wall. “Climbing will help with my chess, chess will help climbing and it’ll help with my schooling so it all circulates back,” Nathaniel, a computer science major, said. Physicality is just as essential to the sport with Nathaniel noting the importance of finger strength, bicep pulling power and core stability. He trains four days a week for anywhere from three to three and a half hours. Training consists of lifting weights, body weight exercise, climbing different problems back-to-back, rings gymnastics, and hanging onto a ledge with weight hanging off him. He also works mobility exercises to make sure his stretching is being applied well. Nathaniel recently aged out of the Momentum program, but attributes much of his success to his time there. “Wouldn’t be where I am climbing without Momentum. Even if I lived in a different state with a different climbing gym, I might not be climbing as well as I am today,” Nathaniel said. He added that for youth considering climbing, joining a climbing gym provides needed technical knowledge. “The more you get involved with climbing, the more obsessed with it you’ll become,” Nathaniel said. One of Nathaniel’s coaches at Momentum, Kyle O’Meara, said their climbing program helps kids prepare for life.

Nathaniel Coleman, a Murray High School graduate, was The North Face’s 2016 Young Gun Award recognizing up-and-coming climbers. (Vincent Monsaint)

“From problem solving to long-term goal setting, climbing offers young people an opportunity to develop traits that are easily transferrable to college and the workplace,” O’Meara said. Nathaniel’s parents have been an important part of his progress, whether it was coming to his competitions or paying for expensive climbing gear. “[They’ve] been the most supportive people in my life for sure…even when they though it was just going to be a hobby, they were sending me to Wisconsin and Atlanta for nationals so I could pursue what I loved,” Nathaniel said. Rosane said he’s very humble so she’s constantly bragging about him with everything he’s done in his short life. “He just has a very natural ability, it’s been an incredible journey watching him get to where he’s getting,” Rosane said. Climbing has affected every aspect of Nathaniel’s life from the places he’s seen to his own maturation. The Murray native has competed all over the world from France and Italy to Wisconsin and Georgia. “What I eat, how I sleep, the things I do with my free time. Other people might be playing video games, I’m usually watching climbing videos,” Nathaniel said. “When I’m at a public event I try to remain professional instead of making fart jokes with my friends.” Rosane said the sport has helped to focus him from the hyperactive child he was growing up. “When he gets on a climbing wall, it’s like nothing else exists,” Rosane said. “It’s made his life have more purpose, so that he’s able to set goals and reach them.” It’s an inherent connection to it that means Nathaniel will climb until he is too old and “breaking bones when [he] falls.” “I just feel it was what I was meant to do. I think I can achieve a lot in it. So I think it’d be a waste if I didn’t pursue this thing I was born to do,” Nathaniel said. The University of Utah sophomore almost didn’t attend the local university. Rosane said many suggested he take a year off to just let him climb. Nathaniel chose to go to school and get a degree in computer science that not only can he fall back on, but he hopes he can do work while traveling the world. “It would’ve been easy for him to just say, ‘I wanna climb,’ but he’s got goals and he wants a degree,” Rosane said. 

Nathaniel Coleman, 19, stands on the left side of the podium after taking silver at the IFSC World University Championships in China. (Josh Larson)

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 23

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Little Learners Academy

ittle Learners Academy was founded by Launa Christiansen in 2000. She started the school after 14 years of working in preschools and private schools and being the director for two private schools. Christiansen taught children of various ages but was an expert in early childhood education and decided to start a small preschool in her home. She called it Little Learners Academy and it started with one class of eight students. The second year it tripled to three classes; then doubled to six classes. LLA stayed in Christiansen’s home for six years with waiting lists each year. LLA moved into its current building in 2006 where they continue to grow and add more unique features to the school’s curriculum and programs. Christiansen says LLA is now one of the most highly regarded private preschools in Utah. LLA offers a unique curriculum. Christiansen developed this curriculum through years of experience designing different educational curriculum programs. “I have a gift for writing extremely fun yet highly educational lesson plans and curriculum,” Christiansen said.

The curriculum is taught through music. Because of this specialized curriculum, students experience higher academic and social development. Her students have better retention and more skills going into “a big school.” “Social skills are just as important as academic skills,” Christiansen said. “Kindness, cooperation and teamwork are basic fundamentals just as alphabet, phonemic awareness, reading, writing, sciences and math are.” LLA staff are partners with parents and appreciate input and involvement so much so that the building has one-way mirrored windows in every classroom for parents to observe their child’s experience at anytime. They also have an open door policy and “love parents who are involved.” Each teacher receives extensive training in early childhood education. Some have degrees in early childhood education while child development associate credentials are the staff’s most common certification. Additionally, teachers are trained to use music, instilling a love for learning and a strong foundation of confidence. Certified teachers teach Kidding Around Yoga, a fun, interactive way to use music and movement for learning. Christiansen believes a child who is engaged and having fun will be attentive and learn concepts more fully than just by being taught. LLA enrolls for fall classes and summer programs in January and February. Families can enroll anytime in the school

year as long as openings are available. “We welcome parents who are looking for a preschool or private kindergarten to come in and visit us at our school or on our website, take a tour, learn all about what we do, what we offer and become a part of our Little Learners Academy family,” Christiansen said. 

PAGE 24 | DECEMBER 2016

SPORTS

S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

Bingham football plays for title By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com

ingham’s 2016 football team began the year ranked No. 1 in the state and finished the regular season undefeated, almost unchallenged. The Miners’ closest game was against a tough adversary, Jordan, which finished second in the region, their only region loss being to Bingham. Bingham won the Oct 13 game 58–40. No other team scored more than 21 points against Bingham all year. There were many games the Miners held their opponents to a touchdown or less. Bingham started the year with three wins over non-region opponents, including their third game at Lone Peak, the team responsible for ending Bingham’s 2015 title run. Bingham beat Lone Peak on Sept. 2, 42-21. And, the week before that, the Miners clobbered reigning state champions, Herriman 45-0. Expectations climbed higher after such dominating performances against the team who had a lot of success in 2015. Bingham played mostly region matchups for the rest of the season after the Lone Peak victory, holding all but Jordan to limited yardage and a touchdown or less, week after week. The wins racked up, as did the stats and the points. Bingham beat Copper Hills on Sept. 16, 52-6, Cottonwood 49-0 on Sept 30, Taylorsville, on Oct 7, 52-7 and Brighton, in the season finale on Oct 19, 28-7. The offensive side of the team was led throughout the year by senior quarterback Matt Degn, senior running back Jahvontay Smith and junior wide receiver Brayden Cosper. The defense

2016 Bingham Miners varsity football team (Christian Wininger/Prep Action Photography)

was led by seniors Daniel Loua, Tongi Langi and Langi Luifua, as well as sophomores Simote Pepa and Saleeka Ataata. “We are grateful to have had an undefeated season thus far and hope to carry that momentum into our remaining games,” Bingham head coach John Lambourne said at the close of the regular season. All of the preparation and success the Miners saw throughout the regular season carried over to the postseason as well. On Oct. 29, Bingham squared off against Hunter, winning easily 49-9. The following

week, Bingham played Lehi, the second seed in the bracket. The Miners won again, 37-14, earning a spot in 2016’s semiﬁnal game, the same game they lost in 2015, on Nov. 10, against Fremont, who only lost one game all season, against a very tough Roy team. Bingham was victorious again, beating the Silverwolves 35-12, cementing their place in the state championship game on Nov.18, against, none other than, Lone Peak. Bingham has been playing at the top of its game all season. The players and coaches began the season in shape and ready to play, making the year a

smooth one, one filled with progress and goals being achieved. “We as coaches have really enjoyed coaching this group of kids,” Lambourne said. “They are a fun bunch of guys who play really hard with a passion for the game.” There has been a lot of pressure on this Bingham squad. There were a lot of external expectations on the team, due in part to the amount of returning talent and last year’s unexpected semifinal loss. But, the Miners have faced the scrutiny and fared very well, focusing on their duties and the games at hand, not worrying too much about games beyond the next one. “Day by day, drill by drill, etc. The requirements of the postseason are essentially the same as the regular season,” Lambourne said when asked about how his team continues to prepare and stay focused. Bingham beat Lone Peak for the 5A state title on Nov. 18 by a score of 17–10, the closest game the Miners played all year. The game was played at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The miners trailed 10–0 close to the half for the first time this season, but Degn was able to connect with Cosper to come within three before the break. Another touchdown run by Daniel Loua in the third and a fourth quarter field goal by Kade Lever sealed the game and the victory for the Miners. Bingham completed its third 14-win season. No other program has recorded more than one. 

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e all know someone who suffers from headaches and migraines, sometimes for years or decades. Many of us know people with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo issues that make daily life a constant struggle. We watch them visit doctor after doctor trying to find a solution with no results. Dr. Chase Dansie hopes to change that. Dansie Orthodontics specializes in treating these conditions through methods of assessment and treatment that many physicians and most dentists don’t utilize. What does an orthodontist have to do with relieving headaches, migraines, vertigo and tinnitus? Pain can be caused by a number of sources, including the position and function of each muscle, joint and nerve. Add teeth to that mix and the picture is more complete. Dr. Dansie practices “right in between the . . . areas of medicine where sports medicine, occlusion (the way teeth come together), and pain management all meet up with each other.” Dr. Dansie holds a certificate of specialization in Orthodontics and a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) that emphasizes full mouth rehabilitation and focuses on complex dental conditions. The sum of his education and dental and orthodontic training total 11 years of universitylevel study. He made the transition from restorative dentistry to orthodontics after working with elderly patients whose teeth had worn so much that they could no longer viably chew. “I decided to help adults, teens, and children avoid this problem by getting their teeth to fit together better before long-

term damage occurred,” Dansie explained. “What we now know is that much of the damage some people suffer is not visually seen, like in worn teeth, but rather is manifested in headaches, migraines, vertigo and tinnitus. And it actually can be ﬁxed.” Located at 11996 S. Anthem Park Blvd. in Herriman, Dansie Orthodontics offers Trudenta treatment for headaches, migraines, vertigo and tinnitus with or without specialized orthodontics, including Invisalign. Trudenta treatment is a system of evaluation and treatment that assesses one’s head health by examining tooth alignment and the jaw, neck, and head musculature, all of which are

associated with chronic headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness and temporomandibular joint dysfunction disorder (TMJ). The ofﬁce also offers traditional orthodontics such as braces, Invisalign, retainers and early childhood orthodontic treatment. “There are no needles, shots, prescriptions, or other intimidating things,” Dansie said. “People in Herriman, Daybreak, Riverton, and West Jordan are getting their lives back by being free from headaches.” Contact Dansie Orthodontics at (801) 447-1901 for a complimentary ofﬁce tour or to set up an appointment for a comprehensive headache evaluation. 

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S OUTH JORDAN CITY JOURNAL

The Holidays: Time to Start Giving Back…. Or, is it?

ay it Forward, Serve, Give Back, Random Act of Kindness, no matter how you spell it, it’s that time of year where we are all thinking about giving. What a relief! After the troubled times of November, I for one am looking forward to the positivity the holidays bring. But, this leaves me pondering, what is all the excitement about. After all, December is just one month out of an entire calendar year. Studies show that people that help our fellow man are more successful in life, have improved health and happiness. Plus, children who volunteer are more likely to grow up to volunteer and serve as adults. Communities with more volunteers are typically more stable and better places to live (USA Today). So why are we saving all those positive beneﬁts for only 1/12 of an entire year? Lets face it, in today’s world we need to make the effort to put a smile on the faces around us everyday. So, I’m proposing, in addition to the plans you already have to serve this holiday, you add just one more thing, a big cardboard box. For years I’ve had a box that’s plunked right next to my front door. It’s become a bit of joke for friends, as every time they stop by, I make some excuse for the tripping hazard. To the untrained it could look like a pile of unorganized junk waiting to be hauled out to the trash, but my charity box is actually a dropping ground for denotable food and clothing, household items or children’s niceties. I’ve found that having the box right where I enter and leave encourages me to add to it and reminds me to drop it of. To get you started here are a few things that have landed in this years box. January: Hot Cocoa Mix A little treat to enjoy with a neighbor after shoveling their sidewalk

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piling these products on shelves in the basement, I pile any extras in the box and drop them off at the Road Home or a Women’s Shelter. For more about how to get these items with just a little effort and out of pocket expense, make sure you are following the Grocery section of Coupons4Utah.com. September: Craft Supplies Sharing Place is a place where children that have lost a parent can go to learn coping skills, share stories and learn to deal with grief. They are in constant need of arts and craft supplies. (thesharingplace.org) October: Diapers Families all across Utah are need of diapers, diapers and more diapers. Visit utahdiaperbank.org to ﬁnd a list of drop of locations. November: Holiday Wrapping Paper, Tape and Gift Cards Remember all of those donated gifts need to get wrapped. Most charities collecting gifts also have a need for wrapping supplies. One idea would be the Holiday Gift Box. They provide individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families who are in need gifts for Christmas. More info at uaidutah.org/holiday-giftbox While I may trip over my charity box every now and again, it helps me remember to make those important little donations the entire year. And as for my friends that stop by, well… I’ll just let them continue to think I’m a little unorganized. Wishing you the happiest of holidays, all year long. 

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O Tidings of Comfort Annoy

ow that Facebook has become a year-round newsletter, packed with enough posts to make us feel miserable all year long, can we ﬁnally call it quits on those dreadful holiday letters? I understand a family newsletter can be a highlight of the season, recapping all your adventures with witty repartee and candy cane clip art, but to many people, this bragalicious tradition is lemon juice in the paper cuts of life. Reading about how you cured black lung disease or saved an endangered species makes others’ successes look like table scraps. My newsletter would go something like this, “Dear family and friends, I did not get arrested this year. Happy New Year! Love, Peri.” (Disclaimer: The year’s not over yet.) So, ﬁrst of all, don’t write a Christmas letter. However, if you feel you must write an annual message or your life won’t be complete, here are tips to make it bearable for friends and family. Let your children do the writing. I would LOVE getting a Christmas message that read, “Mom cries in the bathroom and tells us to eat Froot Loops for dinner. Dad has a special ‘drinking mug’ in his garage. Aunt Ethel spent Thanksgiving in the county jail for walking streets. Happy Holidays!” Use your letter as a weapon. A Christmas newsletter can encourage friendly competition amongst your offspring. Announce who had the most As, the best-cleaned room or who

peed the bed the least amount of times. Be sure to embarrass the *&%$ out of them so they’ll be on their best behavior next year. Create an acronym. For instance, NOEL can be Notice Our Exceptional Lives or No One Enjoys Letters. Quote Quiz. Choose the funniest quotes said by your family during the year and have your readers guess who said it. January--”Who left the %&@* lights on?!” February—“Is there a reason there are a dozen shoes by the back door?” March—“Who left the %&@* lights on again?” Write from your pet’s perspective. “This is Peri’s dog, Ringo. I was taken to the vet three times this year and had to get shots. She forgot to give me a treat twice last week, even after I sat under her feet for three consecutive episodes of Westworld. She also didn’t pet me long enough after she got home from work, but she gave me a steak bone, so all’s forgiven.” Share a family recipe. If people ask for your sugar

cookie recipe, put it in your Christmas newsletter. But don’t be like my neighbor who leaves out key ingredients so my cookies never taste quite the same as hers. Not cool. Don’t recount Family Disasters 2016. Your water heater broke, your car died in the desert, you have rats in the basement and bats in your belfry. You lost several jobs, were abducted by aliens and SWAT kicked in your door at 3 a.m. Newsletters are not catastrophe competitions. Next! Don’t brag. For every straight-A accomplishment, for every award-winning dance competition and for every highersalary promotion you exclaim over, your letter will be read by a man with kids struggling in school, a daughter with no noticeable rhythm and a woman in a dead-end, mind-numbing job. Take it down a notch, will ya? Even better, since I never receive mail anymore (except for Hickory Farm catalogues and postcards from mortgage companies), maybe save all your glowing updates for Facebook and Instagram where you can gush all you’d like. You can even add clip art. 