South Salt Lake City Journal July 2018 by The City Journals

July 2018 | Vol. 4 Iss. 07

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TWO PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS HUNGER, HELP POVERTY By Jessica Ivins | j.ivins@mycityjournals.com

Students in Granite School District react with surprise when it was announced that summer food vouchers for Burger King would be handed out. Youth adorns the Burger King crown after receiving weekly summer food vouchers. (Courtesy Brooke Porter)

n the last week of school, students heard the words, “Here are some vouchers for a free meal each week at Burger King.” The kids were a little excited to say the least. Facial expressions were the best demonstration of their gratitude. Sixty-five percent of Granite School District children qualify for free or reduced lunch. Summer is an unsure time of year for some of the children when lunch is guaranteed at school. HB Boys, L.C. and Burger King are helping children to enjoy summer by relieving the stress of worrying about going hungry. HB Boys is a management company based in Salt Lake City that has been in business with 64 Burger King restaurants, 11 gas stations/convenience stores, six Costa Vida restaurants, six Beans and Brews and three subways throughout Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming. Students were surprised in their classrooms with vouchers for a free meal each week of the summer at one of six Burger King locations. The locations were chosen based on proximity to the schools with the highest poverty level. Some children gasped in unbelief. They gladly accepted the

vouchers and posed in their Burger King Crowns. Granite Education Foundation serves the students and teachers in the Granite School District by addressing programs and providing basic needs such as food, clothing and school supplies. What do you do if you missed out on those Burger King vouchers, or if you have younger children? A summer dinner program that supports families in Salt Lake is here to help those that need it most, in the hungriest time of the year for children and youth ages 0–18. Utah Community Actions Central Kitchen supports the second program. Its mission statement is, “The primary goal of the Utah Community Action (UCA) Head Start Central Kitchen is to control the quality of food provided to Head Start children. The full initiative consists of a central kitchen that provides affordable, high-quality meals and snacks that are served in an environment that emphasizes modeling of healthy eating and providing positive reinforcement and education about new foods.” The summer program runs at three sites throughout Salt Lake County in West Valley, South Salt Lake and east Salt Lake. Dinnertime is Monday–Friday 4: to 6:30 p.m. and runs through Aug. 10 (excluding the July 4 and 24).

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Cathy Caputo Hoskins Head Start 6447 West 4100 South West Valley City, UT 84128 South Salt Lake Head Start 2825 South 200 East Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Magna Head Start 8275 West 3500 South Magna, UT 84044 The Head Start Central Kitchen started as a pilot program serving 300 meals a day in 2008 and has become a social enterprise serving more than 4,000 meals a day to schools and children in the community. During the summer, workers deliver 1,400 meals to children ages 0–18 each day. There are also enriching family activities at each Head Start location that are provided while children are being fed. Adult meals may be purchases for $3. “The season has just begun and it is going well,” said Mike Varanakis from the UCA Kitchen, “We usually see an uptake in the number of families we serve every year throughout the season as people find out about us.” One does not need to be a part of Head Start to partake of the meals. “Just show up and eat,” Varanakis said, l

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South Salt Lake City Journal

SPOTLIGHT

Grifols

2520 W 4700 S, Taylorsville, UT 84129

Business Spotlights are a service offered to our advertisers to help them inform our readers about their businesses. For information on scheduling a Spotlight, please call us at 801-254-5974 or email us at ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com

rifols donates more than plasma, gives $59,165 to Granite Education Foundation

Steve Raguskus grew up with a single parent. He had three younger sisters, the family was on welfare. They would receive food donated from the local food bank at the end of each month. His family would be sponsored by other families at Christmas where they were given shirts, jackets and shoes. “I’m that kid that (was) among the 65 percent at or below the poverty level,” Raguskus said. “So when I see what the Granite Education Foundation is doing, it’s very real, very personal to me.” Raguskus, the center manager for Grifols Biomat in Taylorsville, is referring to the Foundation’s efforts to address food insecurity in Utah. It’s why Raguskus and the Grifols Biomat Centers in Taylorsville and Sandy raised $59,165 throughout March to donate to the Granite Education Foundation and the nearly 70,000 students it serves in the Salt Lake Valley. The money will go towards providing clothing, coats, shoes, backpacks, underwear, socks, hygiene items, glasses, and additional needs. All for the kids. Brent Severe, CEO of the Foundation, said the almost $60,000 donated “was extremely gen-

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erous.” “Businesses stepping forward helping to meet those needs makes a big difference in the education of these kids,” he said. For every person that donated plasma in March, Grifols donated $5 to the Foundation. Raguskus said it was “an opportunity” for donors “to give back twice.” “It’s going to help (the kids’) quality of life and help these kids’ mental well-being.” Grifols, a global healthcare company that produces essential plasma derived medicines, presented a large check to the Foundation in April. It was a moment not soon to be forgotten by Raguskus. “It was a humbling experience,” he said. “I joined Grifols (in 2015) because of my belief in why Grifols does what it does. It helps save lives on a global scale.” Severe met Raguskus in November 2016 and knows his upbringing. It was Raguskus’ background and passion, Severe said, that drove this campaign. “He was one of those kids that received help, so he understands how important that is and believing and providing for these kids,” he said. This isn’t the only campaign Grifols works

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on. Last year they held their inaugural Cruisin’ for Charity Car Show. Their second car show will be on July 28 in the parking lot of the Grifols center in Taylorsville. It will feature partners from Granite Education Foundation; South Valley Services, a domestic violence shelter in West Jordan; and Rape Recover Center in Salt Lake City. It’s all to “bring awareness to these real things that happen to our community members, regardless of your class in society, how much you make, how much you don’t make,” Raguskus said. Building this cognizance for their donors and the community is part of why Raguskus joined

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Grifols. “I felt they are socially responsible and they were giving a platform for my employees to give back,” he said. Needs are increasing in the Granite School District, according to Severe, and “they’re not going away.” Those interested in assisting the Granite Education Foundation can call 385-646-KIDS. To learn more about donating plasma, please visit www.grifolsplasma.com. Who knows, maybe one of those kids will in turn give back, just like Steve Raguskus.l

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July 2018 | Page 3

Salt Lake Farmers Market transforms downtown By Lana Medina | l.medina@mycityjournals.com The South Salt Lake City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Salt Lake. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals. com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.

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

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he Salt Lake Farmers Market kicked off with its 27th season in June — filling up nearly every square inch of Pioneer Park with vendors and visitors. “It started with 10 vendors right here on 300 South, and now it’s up to 300,” said Salt Lake Farmers Market Manager Alison Einerson. “There’s everything from farms to food vendors to arts and crafts.” Unlike the average farmer’s market, the downtown market wasn’t just organized to sell locally produced food and crafts. Einerson says one of the main goals was to help transform the downtown area surrounding Pioneer Park away from the criminal element and introduce positive change. “Thanks to the Farmers Market, we have a lot of permanent restaurants and more residents; it has made this area a food destination,” Einerson said. Visitors have noticed the change too. Nicole, a mom from Syracuse, said she visits the Farmers Market every year and is excited to find everything from produce, to bath salts, to homemade custom gifts. But what’s amazing is how just for one day a week, Pioneer Park is transformed. “Last night there’s a shooting in this area, but then today, there’s this,” Nicole said, gesturing at the crowds filling Pioneer Park. Nicole watched her son play on the playground — an area that is normally filled with the homeless population during the summer months. It’s a welcome change to visitors and to vendors alike. The downtown market has steadily grown over the last 27 years but is now completely filled with vendors’ stalls. Vendors come from far and wide to the Salt Lake Farmers Market every year. McKenzie Musser, who is assisting one of the vendors, Proof Pawsitive, this year, says she was first introduced to the annual downtown market a few years ago when she moved to Salt Lake City. “I’m from Pleasant Grove. When I first moved here and my friend took me to this (Farmers Market), I was amazed by all the local

Managers at the Orem-based Wilkerson Farm explain the benefits of home grown organic food to visitors at their booth at the annual Farmers Market. (Lana Medina/City Journals)

shops,” she said. “Once I started coming here, I stopped going to the grocery stores.” During one of her trips to the Farmers Market, Musser was introduced to Proof Pawsitive, a local company that creates handmade dog food and treats. Musser became convinced of the benefits to her own dog and is now helping spread the word about Proof Pawsitive to visitors at the Farmer’s Market. The Downtown Farmers Market is spreading the word about some positive changes of its own. Organizers say there are more environmentally friendly features coming to the annual market. Officials have banned plastic bags have been banned, and Select Health sponsored a free Green Bike day at the market in June. For several vendors, the Downtown Farmers Market isn’t just about selling, it’s about

education. Ariana Fuller, a manager at Wilkerson Farm in Orem, says they sell organic produce at the market every year, but one of the most important things is educating people about the value of local, homegrown organic food. “When we grow our own food, we understand the importance of the Earth and what it does for us,” Fuller said. The Downtown Farmers Market will continue every Saturday through the summer until Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In August and September, there will be a special Tuesday night market from 4 p.m. to dusk. For more information, visit SLCFarmersMarket.org. l

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South Salt Lake City Journal

Golden Spoke ride unites bikers, communities of Wasatch Front By Justin Adams | j.adams@mycityjournals.com

Creating environments where moments of Joy, Independence, and Wellness are the focus each and every day!

Bikers from the south head up the Jordan River Parkway Bridge, where they met with another group of riders who came from the north. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

early 150 years ago, railroad workers from the east coast and west coast met at Promontory Point, Utah, where they signified the connection between the two halves of America with a Golden Spike. On June 2, bikers from across the Wasatch Front rode from Ogden in the north and Provo in the south and met one another at the center of the new Jordan River Parkway Bridge in Salt Lake City to celebrate the completion of over 100 miles of continuous multi-use trails. The name of the event (as well as the new trail system itself): the Golden Spoke. “It was a great ride,” said Matt Christensen, who rode from the mouth of Provo Canyon, where riders met as early as 5:15 a.m. Christensen said the various new additions to the trail system make using it much easier for Utah bikers. “I rode, and it wasn’t all connected so you would get lost in neighborhoods,” he said. “Like the Jordan Narrows area, past Thanksgiving Point, is all connected now which is great. Before you had to go up and do a big detour. So yeah, it’s great to be able to stay on trails all the way through and avoid all the traffic.” The trail system is now the longest multiuse trail west of the Mississippi River. After the two groups of riders met on the bridge, they gathered at nearby Fisher Mansion in Salt Lake City for a celebration that included food trucks, a bike course for kids and public speakers. “It was a great ride,” said Scott Barrett, a Sugar House resident who regularly uses the trails system as well as public transportation to commute to his job in Draper every day. “There were all types of riders, all types of bikes, and

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we had great weather.” The trail system’s potential for providing Utah residents with alternative commuting options was noted by both event organizers and guest speakers, including Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who attended the celebration portion of the event at Fisher Mansion. “This helps us with our air quality as we get off of our vehicles and onto bicycles,” said Herbert. Herbert also drew comparisons between the Golden Spoke trail system and the Golden Spike, the place where the Transcontinental Railroad’s east and west ends met in Promontory Point, Utah. “The Golden Spoke’s a little more regional, a little more local, but no less important,” said Herbert. “The Transcontinental Railroad connected the east and west coasts together so America was a little smaller. What we’re doing here with these trails is connecting our communities, making it so we can in fact work together and appreciate each other’s communities.” Herbert was joined by other local leaders, such as Mike Caldwell, the mayor of Ogden, as well as the chair of the Wasatch Front Regional Council, a cooperative alliance of local government leaders tasked with finding and implementing innovative transportation solutions to accommodate Utah’s rapidly growing population. “I think this can only happen in the state of Utah, where communities come together, they work together, they collaborate, they coordinate,” Caldwell said. “I don’t see this kind of work happening in any other state that I’ve had exposure to.” l

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Mural Fest artists make South Salt Lake a more colorful place

By Holly Vasic | h.vasic@mycityjournals.com

he annual Night on Commonwealth event was expanded this year in South Salt Lake to include the new Mural Fest. Thirteen artists were commissioned to create a large-scale piece on businesses around the city, and the work was celebrated on May 19 with food trucks, live music, drinks and, of course, art. Brandon Brumfield and Justin Johnson created the mural on the Art Factory; Chuck Landvatter’s work is on the Commonwealth Room; Roger Whiting’s art is on Mr. Muffler’s south side, and Billy Hensler’s is on the east side; Jorge Arelleno’s mural is on Picasso; Veronica Zak’s piece is displayed on ROSI; Josh Sheuerman’s art can be found on Signed and Numbered; the west side of Counterpoint Studios is done by Jann Haworth, and the south by Daniel Overstreet; and Utah Coffee Roaster’s mural was created by Elaina Court and Elisabeth Bunker. “A committee of jurors with the South Salt Lake Arts Council chose the 10 artists to participate in the mural festival,” Whiting said. “We had to submit examples of our works as well as a resume and bio of our previous experience.” Once selected, the artist had to come up with a proposed design, which was then presented and approved by the SSL Arts Council . “We were all given just over three weeks from the time of approval to paint our designs on the walls, which were donated by local businesses as canvases for the festival,” Whiting said. Whiting had a unique experience, unlike the majority of participants.

“I was invited to collaborate with the Promise South Salt Lake after-school programs to create a mural commemorating the 80th anniversary of South Salt Lake as a city,” he said. As a community artist, Whiting brainstormed with Promise students in after-school programs at Historic Scott School and Lincoln Elementary, allowing the kids to create designs which some became apart of the final piece. “My favorite part of the design process was seeing the excitement in one girl’s eyes, knowing her character, Clyde, the large freckled boy in the mural, would be on the wall for good,” Whiting said. Landvatter said, unlike Whiting, he was a part of the group that was able to propose any idea he wanted. “To have this creative freedom on a public piece of art is encouraging, as it is rare and shows how much trust the organizers placed in the artists,” Landvatter said.” For inspiration, Landvatter drew on the fact that TRAX riders would be passing his art every day, though the piece is currently in a temporary location not facing the light rail its permanent spot will be. “I wanted to be the reason commuters had an upbeat, not too serious piece of art to greet them at the beginning and end of their workdays, just in case their job gets too serious and they need a break,” he said. “I felt like the colors were calming, the shapes were fluid, and the portrait’s facial expressions were weird or nonsensical, hopefully conveying levity and a sense of just loosening the hell up.” Landvatter said

The south wall of Picasso Shutters displays a bright mural of a young Latina girl holding a cactus and pensively watching butterflies. (Samantha Anderson/City Journals)

he enjoyed the experience and hopes to have the opportunity to do it again next year, The South Salt Lake Arts Council is planning on Mural Fest 2019. On the night of Mural Fest, another mural was being added to the mix, “Sprayed With Spray Paint,” by Brumfield, with contributions from Johnson and Wes Peterson. Event attendees watched the magic as the artists did their work, and a panda on a cherry blossom branch came to life before their eyes. Music by the band Pixie and the Partygrass Boys set the tone with their upbeat blue grass style that got the crowd dancing, especially the kids. The May 19 festivities wrapped up the mural extravaganza in a neat little bow and gave everyone a chance to celebrate the work that had been done making South Salt Lake a more colorful place. l

Mural Fest attendees dance to the music of Pixie and the Partygrass Boys. (Holly Vasic/City Journals)

Pictured Mural Fest artists are Veronica Zak, Roger Whiting, Elaina Court, Justin Johnson, Wes Peterson. Brandon Brumfeld, Jann Haworth and Jorge Arellenos (Holly Vasic/ City Journals)

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Pixie and the Partygrass Boys performing during Mural Fest on May 19 (Holly Vasic/City Journals)

South Salt Lake City Journal

SSL Arts Council, Utah Arts Alliance bring historic tradition to new area By Samantha Anderson | samantha@mycityjournals.com

Mural Fest attendees dance to the music of Pixie and the Partygrass Boys. (Holly Vasic/City Journals)

Live mural painting of a panda and cherry blossom during Mural Fest 2018 (Holly Vasic/City Journals)

he evening of May 19 was a beautiful one, not only in the sense of sunshine and few clouds but also in aesthetic, thanks to the efforts of the South Salt Lake Arts Council and the Utah Arts Alliance. Together, they brought local artists into the light with their new celebration of the age-long tradition of mural painting called Mural Fest. According to SSL Arts Council Director Lesly Allen, she and UTAA Executive Director Derek Dyer work together on a lot of things but Dyer, “...had this dream for a couple [of] years to do a Mural Fest.” Thanks to the efforts of Allen, Dyer and Volunteer Coordinator Jai Hamid Bashir over the last year, South Salt Lake City’s downtown area, West Temple between 2100 and 2375 South, has become more enchanting by commissioning 14 local muralists and graffiti artists to display their work on 10 empty business walls down the street. Bashir said there were two main goals to the idea: One, “The beautification of South Salt Lake,” and Two, “[that] muralists and graffiti artists need to be validated as artists because oftentimes people don’t take [into account] how much real talent [goes] into the creation of these street pieces…” Murals featured anything from a realistic wolf in the forest, to a take on the red sandstone desert Utah is known for, to the molecular construction of caffeine on the local coffee house. Thanks to sponsors such as the Union Pacific Foundation and Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, along with the proceeds from the festival, each artist was paid for his or her work, while everyone else at the festival was a volunteer.

Other community members joined in as well. Food trucks and various local creators set up booths to sell their wares to the public as they milled around. There were face painters and a games area for the kids. The local band Pixie and the Partygrass Boys were set up on the stage next to the Commonwealth Room, and two of the artists even did a live performance of their technique. But the fun didn’t stop there. According to Allen, the plan is to do this again and again, adding 10 more murals each year, to eventually cover the “...hundreds of big warehouses with empty walls.” Throughout history, murals have been painted all around the globe. It is through this street art that people understand their predecessors a little better—the problems, the joys, the beauties of those times and watch how they shift as time went on. They adorn the streets of Mexico, Italy, Japan and nearly every other civilization around the world. Many modern murals are not only artistic statements but political ones, showcasing the current turmoils a country may be going through. The murals in SSL, however, were made in an effort to celebrate not only the tradition of the art itself but the various cultures that make up the community. Sometimes they were to help advertise the company whose wall was being painted. Both of these ideas are represented in Veronica Zak’s multi-cultural beauty surrounded by game dice on the south wall of the ROSI building, which is now occupied by a company that manufactures dice sets for tabletop role-playing games. “I’m going to just quote something that I see on the internet often, which is, ‘Artists can’t pay their rent off of exposure. Artists can’t buy groceries off of exposure,’” Bashir said. “So, I think it’s really beautiful for these artists who are oftentimes anonymous are getting both exposure and are getting paid.” Unfortunately, this quote is often the truth of the matter for many artists. Many times, artists are “paid in exposure” and have to work day jobs to make their bills, not always having the time to do what they love. But it’s because of events like this that more and more creative members of the community can find not only an opportunity for themselves but find friends, colleagues and potential employers. “We just really want to encourage the public to come down and, if not tonight, then just anytime [to] walk around the neighborhood,” said Allen. The map and artists for the murals can be found on SSL Arts Council website sslarts.org. l

Local artist Billy Hesler paints a wolf on the east wall of Mister Muffler (Samantha Anderson/City Journals)

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July 2018 | Page 7

Practically perfect nanny graces local theaters By Lana Medina | l.medina@mycityjournals.com

he winds are changing, and Mary Poppins is passing through Utah productions. Decades ago, Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke immortalized the iconic film “Mary Poppins,” and now with the newest Mary Poppins movie due to hit the box office in December, local productions are bringing back their own versions this summer. The Draper City Arts Council showed off its own version at the Draper Amphitheater in June. The practically perfect nanny also landed at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City for several shows in June. And at the Midvale Main Street Theatre, 21 children — from 8 to 18 years old — danced and sang their way through a choreographed production of “Mary Poppins Jr.,” to the delight of packed audiences. Mary and her friend Bert danced and sang on stage to the popular songs “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and much more. “You wake up with the songs in your head,” Tammy Ross, who owns the Midvale Theatre, joked before one of the last performances of “Mary Poppins Jr.” The junior production started training three months before opening night, and Ross said “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” took months to get just right.

Tammy’s daughter Cassidy Ross, who produced the show, said all their regular junior cast members have been begging for a dance show for ages. When “Mary Poppins Jr.” became available to perform this year, she leapt at the chance. “We chose it because it gave them a challenge in choreography,” Cassidy Ross said. “Tap dancing came back, a bit of Broadway choreography.” The live theater production follows the story of the popular 1964 film, and the songs are similar, but there are dozens of changes to the live theater version. And the newest Mary Poppins film is expected to be an even bigger change. The film, “Mary Poppins Returns,” is scheduled to hit the box office on Christmas Day. According to IMDB.com. The film is a sequel to the 1964 film and follows Mary Poppins revisiting Michael and Jane Banks, now grown up, after they experience a family tragedy. Dick Van Dyke is the only returning member of the 1964 cast. The new film stars Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack, a lamplighter and apprentice to Jack from the first film. “It’s good timing,” said Tammy Ross about the Midvale Main Street Theatre’s live production of “Mary Poppins Jr.,” but she says it

wasn’t planned in connection to the upcoming Disney film. “It was just one of those things.” Cassidy Ross picked “Mary Poppins Jr.” for the theater’s junior production this year because it had just been released, and she was looking for a musical for the kids to perform. The teens playing Mary and Bert were excited minutes before their final performance. “It’s inspiring to see all the emotions that come out of people,” said 18-year-old Lilah Straaten, who played Mary. “I work with kids, it’s so fun to see all their smiles.” This was Straaten’s first performance with the Midvale Main Street Theatre, and she said she loves live theater. And for this local production, there’s been something new every night. “Our Mr. Banks broke his foot,” Cassidy Ross said. “Funny enough, (he was) sitting on a side table and the table broke, and he just landed wrong and broke his foot. But he rocks it on crutches.” During another performance, the lights flickered on and off at the beginning of the second act, and the cast had to pretend nothing was happening. For 18-year-old Wyatt Stensrud, who played Bert, this production has helped inspire him to pursue acting when he attends college in fall 2018. “I love seeing the power theater has,” St-

18-year-olds Lilah Straaten and Wyatt Strensrud star as Mary and Bert in the Midvale Main Street Theatre’s “Mary Poppins Jr.” production. (Courtesy Midvale Main Street Theatre)

ensrud said. “(The audience) can come, see a show and relate to someone in the show.” The Mary Poppins character performance inspired one 3-year-old girl so much that she has attended almost every summer performance in full Mary Poppins costume and even posed for a picture with Straaten after the production ended, Cassidy Ross said. The scheduled productions of Mary Poppins ended in June, but there are several other local theater shows planned for the rest of the year in Utah. l

Don’t go chasing waterfalls. Stick to fireflies

hen it comes to Utah insects, a few on the easy-to-spot list would be grasshoppers, ants, wasps and boxelder bugs. Earwigs find a way to make a casual sashay up the walls here. Daddy long-legs seem to have a rockhound club in every valley window well. Mosquitos regularly perform a funky flash mob out on the lakes. Pill bugs hide smart and tight in our suburbia sidewalk cracks. Moths find their place of expiration in that common graveyard of sliding door tracks. We have our predictable Utah creepy-crawlies. But, don’t let the stink bug you accidentally squashed curb your wild creature enthusiasm. It’s a good time to see something new. There are luminous beetle characters showing up on the Utah scene—fireflies. They are a curious thing, flashing their creature rhythm of morse-style code. They are convincing many that there is more biodiversity to our state than we may think. Utah entomologists and insect experts have a proposition for local residents. Researchers can use our assistance for a firefly citizen science project. The Natural History Museum of Utah and BYU specialists have merged efforts to find and observe firefly populations, and they’re looking for help. To badly mis-quote a 1990s hit TLC song… “Don’t go chasing waterfalls.” Please stick to the wetlands and the mud that you’re used to, and help find fireflies. You can visit the citizen project details here: nhmu.utah. edu/fireflies, where you can learn about these interesting beetles, submit sightings and view a firefly map of where people have observed them. The map has a spread-out selection of possible places to find them. The project can help offer clues of where more might be found. For those interested in experiencing creatures behind glass, there is a temporary firefly exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Utah. When asked whether fireflies are native or invasive to Utah,

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By Amy Green | a.green@mycityjournals.com

A large firefly sculpture lights up with the press of a button, at Natural History Museum of Utah (Amy Green/City Journals)

Christy Bills, entomology collections manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah, clarifies that fireflies are in fact, indigenous. “They’ve been here forever,” she said. “They’re not strong flyers. Once they’re in an area, they can’t move away from that area very successfully.” She explained how some people believe anecdotes of how their ancestors must have brought fireflies to Utah in a jar. It’s not common to spot a firefly though. “We don’t know about them, but farmers who go out to their pastures at night—they have known about them,” Bills noted. Just one firefly logged to the map gives a whole lot of data. There’s hope to find more and to involve resident scientists or even just outdoor enthusiasts to take on new purpose in their adventures. It could be a fun outing to search, find, get pictures of and actually log a firefly onto the community map.

It’s likely that more firefly sightings would be in areas with wet reeds, near still waters and around wild corn dogs (cattails). These are the best places to spot them. Head toward muddy areas. “Swaner Preserve (Park City), Spring Lake (near Provo) and Nibley (Cache County) are three places to possibly see them,” Bills said. “But, you never know. I hate to say, ‘Go there, and you’ll see one.’ You can never shop the wild.” Go out during night-time hours, and it seems like one might want a headlamp and sturdy galoshes to go searching. If you go firefly spotting, remember to wear proper bug repellant, full coverage outerwear and choose a safe plan. Let others know where you’re going. These things are always best done in groups and with an adult. If you see fireflies, “Leave them alone,” Bills said. “We have the web farm (website above) for people to report that they’ve seen them. We never harm the population.” The few that are taken by scientists are kept in a specimen collection and used for important nationwide research. “They are not an endangered species,” Bills said. No one is going to have to give up their property for government scrutiny, or areas won’t become restricted if fireflies are spotted. Be careful not to trespass on others’ privacy though. Go firefly searching in public areas. Scientists are calling for those who enjoy a tiny species hunt to help communicate where a firefly has been seen. Even if we can only spot one—playing the fiddle, living inside a giant peach or eating its way through a wild corn dog. Each glowing firefly has loads of valuable information to offer us, with just one more dazzling dot on the map. l

South Salt Lake City Journal

Behind-the-scenes look at major fireworks shows By Lana Medina | l.medina@mycityjournals.com

he telltale BOOM goes off, followed by several more bursts, and then a series of fireworks flash into the sky. Every 4th and 24th of July, crowds come from far and wide to witness one of dozens of fireworks shows that light up the Salt Lake Valley. Behind the scenes, it’s a very different picture. “I think of it as painting a canvas,” said Lantis Fireworks salesman and licensed Utah pyrotechnician Jeffery Ott. “And I have the sky to paint on.” Lantis Fireworks produces some of the major fireworks productions in the Salt Lake Valley, including the popular Salt Lake City and Sandy City fireworks shows. Each of those 15–20 minute fireworks displays take hours of work to organize the performance, set up fireworks connections, coordinate with local fire marshals and ensure safety. Organizing One of the most prominent shows in the Salt Lake Valley is the one where hundreds of fireworks shoot off the roof of the Sandy City Hall every 4th of July. Months beforehand, Lantis Fireworks coordinates with Sandy City officials to decide how long the show will be, how close viewers can get to Sandy City Hall and still be safe and what music will help time out the display. In the background of almost every fireworks show are carefully timed pieces of music stitched together, to which the fireworks are choreographed to match tempo. “When you’re playing the Star Spangled Banner, you’re not shooting pow pow pow, you’re shooting one shell, then another,” Ott explained. “You want your shells in the air to match the music. The music really dictates what you see.” This year, it won’t just be music. Sandy City is partnering with FM radio station Z104 to broadcast the music, along with recordings of service members’ wives talking about them coming home. “We try not to make it just about things exploding. The ending has always been spectacular — we don’t expect anything less this year,” said Mearle Marsh, community events director for Sandy City. Marsh says this is the second year Sandy City will have fireworks discharged from the roof of the Sandy City Hall. “It’s a challenging location but it makes for a really beautiful setting for the fireworks,” he said. Lantis Fireworks and Sandy City officials have big plans for this year’s fireworks display. There’s the “cake” fireworks: multi-shot aerial fireworks that make a rapid staccato burst of noise during the show. Then, in the Sandy City show, there’s the three-inch shells that light up the night sky with a big boom, then two combine to create the overall, bigger fireworks display. By using a mix of colors and matching several different types of shells to music, a pyrotechnician can create an amazing fireworks

S outh SaltLakeJournal .com

Months of work goes into creating a memorable fireworks display. (Courtesy of Lantis Fireworks)

Lantis Fireworks sets off several types of fireworks in a final performance. (Courtesy of Lantis Fireworks)

show for viewers. Pyros This term may sound like a dangerous person with fire, but for fireworks, it’s the exact opposite. “Think about a conductor conducting an orchestra — that’s what a pyro does; they’re part conductor and part magician,” Ott said. Lantis Fireworks’ pyrotechnicians go through extensive training before they can even touch one of the production fireworks. According to the state of Utah regulations, pyrotechnicians — or pyros for short — are required to work on at least three fireworks shows and go through extensive safety training. Once these requirements are met, a potential pyrotechnician can then take a test to get a license that would allow them to legally shoot off production-quality fireworks. “Production is a 1.3G fireworks classification. The stuff that your neighbors are doing, that’s consumer grade, that’s 1.4G. It’s measured on gram weight per item. Consumer is supposed to be safer, less gunpowder,” Ott explained, but cautioned that “all fireworks are explosives.” And all that training is necessary. At every show, there are fire marshals, firefighters and

other emergency experts on hand in case something goes wrong. Safety “We’re attempting to put explosives in the air in a safe manner,” Ott said. Safety is the number one priority for Lantis Fireworks pyrotechnicians, Ott said. “We take every possible safety precaution from the time they’re loaded onto the truck up until the point we shoot them, and even while we’re shooting them,” he said. “Because the truth of it is, if you’re lucky and something bad happens, you’ll lose a finger. If they don’t get lucky, they get dead. You have to think like a fire marshal. Safety is always your first priority.” Ott remembers a few years ago during a Lantis production in the Salt Lake Valley, and there was a wind shift. “When a shell goes off, it doesn’t just go up into the air; there’s often some fiery debris that comes out of the mortar tube along with the shell,” he said. “We had some fiery debris that blew over and two-thirds of the way through the show, it prematurely ignited part of the finale (fireworks). So some of that ‘boom boom boom’ started going off much sooner than it was supposed to.”

There are specific rules governing major production-style fireworks displays. For every one-inch shell used in a fireworks show, viewers have to be kept at a distance of 70 feet in radius from the firework discharge zone. This means at the Sandy City Hall, when Lantis Fireworks uses three-inch shells to light up the night sky, nobody except for the licensed pyrotechnicians and safety personnel can be within 210 feet in any direction from the roof of the Sandy City Hall where the fireworks are set off. Local fire officials will be on hand at these major fireworks displays. Salt Lake City Fire spokeswoman Audra Sorenson said they prefer it when Utahns visit the fireworks shows instead of setting off their own fireworks, because it’s much more safe. “Going to a fireworks display that’s sponsored by a city or company is ideal for us. They work hand-in-hand with the city to make sure the location, the display and conditions are ideal so that they’re discharged properly,” Sorenson said. “We can work hand-in-hand with those shows’ teams to make sure it’s a safe fireworks display.” Set up For a 20-minute show, it can take a team of pyrotechnicians 10–12 hours to set up the fuses, tubes, electronics and fireworks for the display. “You have to wire in every shell by hand. Then if it’s choreographed, every shell has a specific place it has to be wired in,” Ott said. But when it’s done right, you end up creating a lasting and memorable experience for everyone watching. From young children who’ve never seen a fireworks show, to the people who never miss a fireworks show. “Our whole goal is the ooh, ahh, wow,” Ott said. “That two-three seconds of silence between the last shell going off and thunderous applause that often follows a show… is beautiful.” If local residents are planning to set off their own fireworks, there’s a map showing restricted areas: https://slcfire.com/fireworks/ For the month of July, fireworks can legally be discharged July 2–5 and July 22–25. l

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July 2018 | Page 9

July 2018 Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757 mayor@sslc.com

South Salt Lake City Council Members Ben B. Pender, District 1 801- 580-0339 bpender@sslc.com Corey Thomas, District 2 801-755-8015 cthomas@sslc.com Sharla Bynum, District 3 801-803-4127 sbeverly@sslc.com Portia Mila, District 4 801-792-0912 pmila@sslc.com L. Shane Siwik, District 5 801-548-7953 ssiwik@sslc.com Mark C. Kindred, At-Large 801-214-8415 mkindred@sslc.com Ray deWolfe, At-Large 801-347-6939 rdewolfe@sslc.com

City Ofﬁces Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 801-483-6000 220 East Morris Ave SSL, UT 84115 Animal Service 801-483-6024 Building Permits 801-483-6005 Business Licensing 801-483-6063 Code Enforcement 801-464-6712 Fire Administration 801-483-6043 Justice Court 801-483-6072 Police Administration 801-412-3606 Promise 801-483-6057 Public Works 801-483-6045 Recreation 801-412-3217 Utility Billing 801-483-6074 Emergencies 911 Police/Fire Dispatch 801-840-4000

CITY NEWSLETTER Ensuring South Salt Lake is a Great Place for Business

There are lots of great reasons to support and grow our business community in South Salt Lake. Successful businesses provide jobs; bring needed goods and services to our community, and provide a sustainable tax base to help fund City infrastructure and services. That’s why an important element of my 5-point Strategic Plan is to support our existing Mayor Cherie Wood businesses and recruit new businesses to the City. South Salt Lake has always been a good place to do business. It’s hard to beat our location with good freeway access, convenient mass transit and close proximity to Utah’s capital and major universities. We also have a steadily growing employee base because of new residential building and interest from developers. So how do we ensure that South Salt Lake is a great place for business? First, we need to strengthen relationships between the City and existing businesses. Our Community & Economic Development Department is committed to helping our existing businesses succeed and grow in our City. In addition to stellar customer service, our staff offers a variety of resources for businesses of all sizes. We are committed to implementing our Economic Development Strategic Plan and we also work closely with our friends at the South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce to help them promote South Salt Lake as a great place to do business.

Second, it’s essential that we continue to attract new businesses and development – especially in our new Downtown and Creative Industries Zone. 2017 was a great year for South Salt Lake as we saw the completion of projects like WinCo Foods, The Pie Pizzeria, and Rite Aid. This year, we celebrated the opening of the Wasatch Renal Clinic and soon we’ll see other businesses opening like Moochie’s on State and McDonald’s and Carl’s Jr. on 3300 South. But we don’t sit around and wait for businesses to knock on our door. It takes smart master planning and zoning to provide an attractive environment for new business. Our Creative Industries Zone is already taking shape with existing staples like Signed & Numbered, Sugar Post, Wave Products, Western Art Glass and new businesses like The Commonwealth Room, Salt Fire Brewery, Custom Canvas Prints and Beehive Distilling. We’re also working closely with the investor and development community to bring new energy and ideas to South Salt Lake. Last month, our Economic Development department hosted 30 of the State’s most successful developers at an event called “Opportunity South Salt Lake” where the group came up with ideas and strategies for making our business district a more vibrant and active place. As South Salt Lake grows and evolves, my mission is to create a balanced economy that supports and improves quality of life for all of our residents.

South Salt Lake Freedom Festival – JULY 3-4 2018 VETERANS APPRECIATION RECEPTION July 3, 2018 6 – 8 p.m. Veterans and their families are invited. Refreshments. Columbus Center, 2531 S 400 E, South Salt Lake 4TH OF JULY FESTIVITIES 5K, Fun Run/Walk – 7:30 a.m. Registration required PARADE 9 a.m. Flag Ceremony 9:30 a.m. Parade start – Kimball Ward to Fitts Park.

FESTIVAL 8 – 11 a.m. Pancake Breakfast ($3.00) 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Live performances, dance competition, magician, games and food. Fitts Park at 3050 S 500 E Questions: 801-483-6076 or mclark@sslc.com

City News SSL City Council Meetings 220 E. Morris Ave., 2nd Floor Wednesday, July 11, 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 7 p.m.

SSL City Planning Commission Meetings 220 E. Morris Ave., 2nd Floor Thursday, July 5, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 7 p.m.

New Resident CORNER

Notice of Unclaimed Property The South Salt Lake Police Department currently holds various unclaimed properties in the evidence room. They include bicycles, cash, guns, computer equipment, cell phones, jewelry, tools, and other miscellaneous items. If you believe they currently have property belonging to you, Please call 801-412-3665. Ownership must be proven in the form of receipts and/or detailed description.

HAPPY 92ND BIRTHDAY! Don Caddy, lifelong South Salt Lake resident, turns 92 this month. We wish him a Happy Birthday!

City Council Corner Since I began my campaign last year, crosswalk safety has been a major concern of mine. During the budget discussions recently, I proposed $100,000 go towards flashing warning lights on some of our city crosswalks. These are the orange flashing lights with poles on both sides of the street. However, crosswalks on State St. need to be taken care of by UDOT, since State St is a state road. Unfortunately, while on my way to a city event in June, I witnessed a cyclist get hit by a car while crossing in the crosswalk at 3000 South and State St. Luckily, he was not seriously injured. This crosswalk has high amounts of traffic passing through it everyday. With six lanes, State St. can be a very dangerous place to cross. As I have been back to this crosswalk several times in the past month, it amazes me how fast the road is and how easily motorists don’t see those crossing. In this specific case, I had stopped at the crosswalk in the right hand lane. The driver next to me did also. But the driver in the inside

Where’s Horton?

By Corey Thomas – City Council District 2 lane did not see the cyclist once he was approaching. If you see cars stopped in the middle of the road, it is likely they are at a crosswalk stopped for somebody crossing. Soon after attention was made of this accident, UDOT reached out to me. I am hopeful a red ﬂashing light, similar to the one a couple of blocks down the road near Reams can be installed at this intersection before another more serious accident happens. We all need to watch for each other. As drivers, please look for cyclists and pedestrians in these busy crosswalks. And when we are the pedestrians, please make eye contact with all the drivers before and while proceeding through the crosswalks. Hopefully, as summer begins, we can all be more aware of those crossing the streets and have a safe summer. Note: Opinions expressed here may not be representative of all Members of the City Council.

Where’s Horton? Help celebrate 80 years in South Salt Lake, a city founded on the fundamentals of a public water and sewer system. The Horton Tank was built a decade after the city’s founding to create a pressurized water system. Follow Horton around town on a photo scavenger hunt during our 80 day anniversary countdown from July 5 to September 22. Learn fun facts about the history of South Salt Lake and win prizes each week! Join us on Facebook @southsaltlakecity.

South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary Full agendas, minutes, handouts and video recorded meetings available at: sslc.com/city-government/council-meeting Date Agenda Item Subject Action 6/6/18 Council Staff Ordinance City Council Staff Person Moved to Unfinished Business for July 11th Regular Meeting 6/6/18 A Resolution to Change Council Updating the Council Rules in regards Moved to Unfinished Business Rules for Council Staff Person to Council Staff Person for July 11th Regular Meeting 6/6/18 A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor New website roll out for State Approved to Sign the Office of the State Treasurer’s office and enabling Treasurer’s Public Entity Resolution authorized users to access the PTIF site form 6/6/18 Storm Water Ordinance Discussion of establishment of Storm Moved to Unfinished Business Water Utility Fee for June 13th Regular Meeting 6/13/18 2018/2019 Certified Tax Rate Adopting the Certified Tax Rate for Approved 2018/2019 6/13/18 An Ordinance regarding Storm Ordinance Implementing a Storm Moved to Unfinished Business Water Water User Fee and Establishment of for July 11th Regular Meeting the Storm Water User Fund 6/13/18 An Ordinance Approving Amending the Consolidated fee Approved amendments to the Consolidate schedule to Update the Sewer fee Fee Schedule 6/13/18 Public Hearing regarding Discussion of City Budget and adoption Approved 2018/2019 City Budget of each fund budget by ordinance 6/13/18 Public Hearing Regarding Proposed amendments to the Approved Amendment to 2017/2018 fund 2017/2018 fund budgets budgets

Next Step Further Discussion Further Discussion Complete

Further Discussion Complete Further Discussion Complete Complete Complete

Public Safety Community Awareness and Fireworks Safety With our 4th of July and 24th of July celebrations this month, I would like to share a few safety tips and ask that we all be aware and curious to our surrounds and neighbors. The City of South Salt Lake is growing rapidly with new developments and new people moving into our city, which means there is much more to take into consideration while enjoying ﬁreworks this season. One risk posed by setting off ﬁreworks is structural damage to your property and properties around you that may be under construction as well. This could be caused by bad weather conditions, high winds or not enough space. Ideally, you need a large open space, creating distance from structure to keep them safe. If by chance the weather

isn’t in your favor, it is best to call it a night. This will not only keep your audience safe, it could also protect your property and properties around you. As we celebrate, we need to be respectful of the men and women that have spent parts if their lives in service to our nation. The noise and explosions of fireworks can seem like summer fun to many, but they may also trigger serious PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms for some combat veterans. Firework explosions Police Chief Jack Carruth can also often cause anxiety and distress for our elderly, create discomfort for those with asthma and epileptics can experience seizures following a fireworks display. Also, let’s not forget our four legged family members. When frightened by fireworks dogs have been known to injure themselves and others by trying to escape the noise, potentially causing damage to property as well. If you have pets, I encourage you to keep them inside your home to prevent them from running away or getting injured. Please enjoy your July holiday celebrations and stay safe!

2018 Fireworks Discharge Dates & Times Between the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. except as noted: July 2nd – 5th (July 4th extended to midnight) July 22nd – 25th (July 24th extended to midnight)

There will be a Business Watch meeting on Monday, July 30 at 5:00 p.m. SSL Police Department, located at 2835 S. Main.

Nominate a SSL Lake Beautiful Yard Today! Mayor Cherie Wood’s Beautiful Yard Award is her way of thanking SSL residents who have made exceptional efforts that impact their neighborhoods in a positive way. Beautiful yards make neighborhoods more attractive and vibrant. It’s easy to nominate, please take a moment to contact the Urban Livability Department at 801-464-6712 or vlelo@sslc.com to recognize a deserving yard. Congratulations to Judy Mincher! Thank you for your commitment to a Beautiful Yard!

This 3 day safety education course provides kids the skills needed to protect themselves from violence and harm. Next class starting August 13-16. Email agencarella@sslc.com or call 801-412-3646 to signed up. This program is for kids ages 5-12.

Business & Development Columbus Senior Center Highlights 2531 South 400 East South Salt Lake, Utah 84115 • 385-468-3340 ••••• Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays - 9:30 a.m. EnhanceFitness Tuesdays & Thursdays U of U Exercise -10:00 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30 a.m. Pickleball Daily Lunch - Noon $3 suggested donation Monday, July 2 Harmony Blood Pressure Check - 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 4 CLOSED Tuesday, July 10 Birthday Lunch - Noon Monday, July 16 Presentation on Bird Nests - 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 19 Pancake Breakfast 8:45 a.m. Hosted by Advisory Committee Monday, July 23 Live Entertainment 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 24 CLOSED Come check out what the Senior Center has to offer!

Economic Development Strategic Plan Progress Over the past few months Mayor Wood and the South Salt Lake Redevelopment Agency have focused their attention on making economic development a higher priority. In 2016, the Redevelopment Agency commissioned an Economic Development Strategic Plan to examine where and how the City should focus its economic development efforts. Some of the highlights from the plan include identifying target areas of the City for redevelopment, continuing to promote development around mass transit, increase sustainability of the City’s tax base through business attraction and retention, and recapturing lost sales tax leakage to surrounding communities. Downtown South Salt Lake will continue to be a major redevelopment priority for the City but other areas that will be studied are the 3300 South interchange and State Street. Redevelopments of these areas are vital to increasing the City’s tax base and long-term sustainability. Master planning and zoning have been completed for the Downtown area and the City has started to see new private investment with WinCo and other surrounding projects. This year, visioning and master planning will kick off for the 3300 S. Interchange area to look at redevelopment potential and opportunities. The full economic development strategic plan can be viewed on the City website on the economic development webpage.

City Capital Improvement Highlights

400 East and the S-Line Streetcar

The signals have been installed and successfully tested. Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles should be cautious as this new system is now online.

Sunset Avenue Pavement Reconstruction

The project has been awarded to Stapp construction as part of a larger street projects package. Work on Sunset will consist of installing new asphalt pavement, curb and gutter, and sidewalk. The project will be completed later this summer.

2700 South

Roadway improvements and bike lane striping were awarded to Stapp Construction as part of a larger street improvements project. Work will be completed during the 2018 construction season.

Penney Ave

Double Track coming to Sout Salt Lake S-Line The Utah Transit Authority recently began construction on adding a second track for the S-line Streetcar between 300 E. and 500 E. Improvements will also include a new platform at 300 E. The purpose of double track is to reduce the travel times between the Central Pointe Trax Station and the Fairmont Station at 1040 E. With the double track, travel times will be reduced from 20 to 15 minutes. According to UTA, the S-line had 370,500 weekday boardings in 2017. So how is the double track being paid for? According to UTA’s website, the total project cost is $5.9 million for design and construction. Salt Lake City secured $1.9 million from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and Salt Lake County has programmed $4.0 million from the County Infrastructure Fund with another $500,000 for additional operating costs for the ﬁrst three years. The City of South Salt Lake has seen signiﬁcant interest in development along the S-line resulting in over $120 million in new private investment. Construction on the double track is expected to be completed in January 2019.

Stapp Construction has completed roadway excavation and is currently installing storm drain pipe. When storm drain work is completed installation of new curb and gutter will commence. The project will be completed by the end of summer.

Parleys Trail - Main to West Temple

This project has kicked off with UTA and Granite Construction. A one-block segment of trail will be built in the S-Line streetcar corridor, in the style similar to the sections east of State Street. It will include a 12’ wide concrete trail, lighting, landscaping and smooth transitions to street crossings at Main Street and West Temple.

Lions Park

Work has begun to prepare for a playground to be installed on the west end of the park. A grant from KaBOOM! and JetBlue is making the project possible. Public Works and Public Assets have begun by installing a sidewalk around the perimeter and moving irrigation. A community build day will be held on Thursday, August 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All are welcome to volunteer and help build this great feature that SSL kids and parents designed!

Streetcar Double Track

UTA and Stacy Witbeck construction are working in the S-Line Streetcar corridor between 300 East and 500 East to build a second track parallel to the ﬁrst. This allows trains to pass each other more frequently, speeding up times between trains from 20 minute intervals to 15 minute intervals.

Plant a Tree for Free

New trees are popping up around South Salt Lake, thanks to a grant from Rocky Mountain Power and volunteers through the city’s Community Connection program. Trees are being planted in front yards and in wide park strips. Anyone in the city is eligible to receive a free tree by contacting the Urban Livability Department at 801.464.6712 or vlelo@sslc.com.

Community Happenings Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month in July South Salt Lake has one of the most popular and diverse recreation programs in Utah. Credit goes to the people who keep the events, sports leagues, camps and rec centers going. This includes not just city recreation staff and parks staff, but also great volunteer coaches, commitment from Promise SSL staff, and donors such as Dry Creek Charity who sponsor Break Thru Soccer. Aaron Wiet, the SSL Recreation Director points out what makes these programs tick. “We are focused on making programs high-quality, affordable, and tailored to our community. We have a huge diversity of participants and are always updating offering to meet requests and trends.” New offerings for adults include the Hiking Club, 5x5x5 adult softball league and of course, Pickleball. For youth, the Ready to Ride bike program, summer soccer league and new playgrounds across the city are keeping kids busy and ﬁt. “Our mayor has made investing in people a top priority. Personal health and happiness is our mission and it is also rewarding to bring people together and build unity,” says Wiet. Join the city for several celebrations of new and exciting parks and recreation offerings this summer: • Cool Summer Nights at Fitts Park on July 13, July 27 and August 10 at 6 p.m. • Grand opening of Central Park on August 7 at 7 p.m. • Ribbon cutting for Lions Park Playground with KaBOOM! and JetBlue on August 9 at 2:00 p.m.

Utah Home to Longest Continuous Trail Network West of the Mississippi Bikers, hikers and strollers are celebrating the newly joined Golden Spoke Trail, which spans 106 miles through 34 cities from Ogden to Provo. A group ride on June 2 led people through the regional trail systems to all meet in the middle at Salt Lake City’s newly completed bridge at North Temple. The event was modeled on the Golden Spike ceremony when the cross-continental railway was completed at Promontory Point. The Trail network includes the Ogden River Parkway, Denver and Rio Grande Western Rail Trail, Legacy Trail, Jordan River Trail, Murdock Canal Trail and the Provo River Parkway. South Salt Lake has the Jordan River Trail, as well as part of the 8-mile Parley’s Trail connection to the Wasatch Mountains. The Jordan River Parkway Trail was planned in the 1970s and is just now completed. The ceremony included words from Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell, Millcreek City Mayor Jeff Silvistrini and Governor Gary Herbert. They recognized the nearly $500 million spent to date on these trail networks. Governor Herbert also highlighted the state’s goal of creating 1,000 new miles of family friendly trails across Utah in the next 10 years. Leaders point toward federal, state and local active transportation projects planned for the next ﬁve years total over $200 million, many paid for by Proposition 1, which was approved by voters in 2015 along the Wasatch Front in Davis, Weber and Tooele counties, but not in Salt Lake, Utah or Box Elder counties.

Basketball Camp

July 16 – 20 Grades 2-4 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Grades 5-7 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Columbus Center Gym $10.00 – Deadline July 6

First Tee Golf

July 30 – August 10 Ages 7- 17 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Central Valley Golf Course $25 – Deadline July 20

Flag Football

Grades: 4th – 6th Tuesday & Thursday Evenings Columbus Center Field 2531 S. 400 E. $25 – Deadline June 22 Register at the Recreation Ofﬁce 2531 S. 400 E. SSL, UT 84115 Ofﬁce hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information: 801-412-3217

LUNCH on the Move Wednesday, July 18 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. SSL City Hall – 220 East Morris Ave Discover a new food truck each month and stop in to see what’s new at City Hall.

Promise Utah International Charter School Celebrates Graduates Utah International Charter School opened its doors for students in the Fall of 2013. For the ﬁrst few years there wasn’t a senior class, but one youth did graduate the fall of 2015. Over time the graduating class has grown from 7 to 30. This year’s graduating class included one youth who was so committed to graduating from high school that he spent 2 hours every day commuting from Ogden when schools near him said he was too old. The class also included his best friend from a refugee camp they lived in before coming to the United States who he never thought he would see again only to end up in the same small school in Utah. This friend received a near full ride scholarship to Westminster College and will be attending in the fall. Congratulations to the 2018 grads!

Lions Park being redesigned by the kids who play there, volunteers needed By Holly Vasic | h.vasic@mycityjournals.com What is now only a picnic table and swings on the corner of 300 East and Morris Avenue will soon be the newest park in South Salt Lake specially designed by the children who play there. Due to the non-profit organization KaBOOM, JetBlue airlines and community support, Lions Park will be getting a much-needed makeover. South Salt Lake Urban Design Director Sharen Hauri applied for the grant with KaBOOM and received that as well as a big sponsorship from JetBlue. With the additional help of volunteers and other donations, the Lions Park playground will be constructed in one official build day, August 9. South Salt Lake resident Sue Boerke is one of the community volunteers and explained JetBlue will provide half the volunteers if the city provides the other half, they need over 100 people for that day. “It’s just so exciting” Boerke said.

Coming up with the design was a community event at the Columbus Center on June 13. First the kids came in and described their dream playground and then the parents had a session to help hone their ideas, Boerke said. The closest park for many families in the area is Fitts Park. “That’s two miles for some people” Boerke said. And with little kids of her own, Boerke identifies with such a trek. She has two young children and is about a mile and a half from Fitts park. “I am glad it’s only a block and a half away from my house,” she said about the new Lions Park. But for the project to be a success they desperately need volunteers. For anyone interested in volunteering for the August 9 build day, contact Kaylee Milliner at 385-258-6360 or kmilliner@southsaltlakecity. Children with their dream playgrounds at kids planning session in June, 2018 (Sharen Hauri/City of South Salt Lake) com. l

AMES student coordinates empowerment week By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

“W

e need to see the change we can be.” Those are the words of Iman Ibrahim, a junior at the Academy of Math, Engineering and Science. Iman organized an empowerment week at her school that, among other activities, brought in local and state leaders to listen to students express concerns. “Students are passionate about issues, so this gave us a chance to express ourselves and embrace the opportunities we have to address those who represent us,” she said. “AMES prepares us. Our voice is valuable and should be heard.” Iman, along with junior Jasmine Draper, thought of ideas and planned events, including a panel discussion with State Sen. Jim Dabakis, Rep. Carol Spackman Moss and Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Karen Hale. “We had students speak with them and have a one-on-one discussion,” Iman said. “They were impressed and said that it is up to us students to be the ones to shape change.” School safety is among the issues they discussed. “Do I not deserve to live? Or to go to school to get an education without being terrified that an intruder could come into my school and cause mass hysteria?” asked the self-described student activist. “I’ve already felt I’ve

Page 16 | July 2018

been living with a target on my back as a person of color, a Muslim, a woman and as a student — and all I’m trying to do is pursue an education, so I don’t need to worry about being shot in school.” Iman said several students expressed similar concerns for gun control, race and gender treatment and equality, and their safety. “I’ve grown up in an unfair world of America, and we can demand change for equality of all,” she said. “And we can stand up for what is right. Citizens do have the right to protect themselves, but why do we need to have a military grade weapon available? It’s ridiculous that at age 18, someone can buy a gun to hunt someone down or end kids’ lives.” Iman said much of her strength comes from her hero, her mother. “My mother — I admire her,” she said. “She was so generous and helped people who were in need even though we were struggling ourselves. She taught us compassion and how to serve others. She told me that ‘you’re going to change the world.’” Iman already is putting that message to heart. Along with the panel discussion, the empowerment week she organized for her peers included getting students registered to vote and allowing students to express themselves through art.

“I know I made an impact, as more students are expressing themselves, and now many more are able to vote,” she said. “We, as the younger generation, have the power to want change, express change, demand change and take a stand.” Iman’s school principal, Brett Wilson, said he is supportive of students. “They have the right to have their voice,” he said. “They’re learning through their voice, they can change things.” On her own, Iman isn’t forgetting the lessons her mother taught her. She continues to help in the refugee community, as her mother did, and she volunteers at the local hospital and at the YWCA women’s shelter. She is involved in organizing Iman Ibrahim, a junior at the Academy of Math, Engineering and Sciactivities for the homeless youth, is a ence who was a student leader at the national walk-out day, planned a mentor for Real Life and is planning week of empowerment to help her classmates learn to stand up for their to go on a humanitarian trip to Cam- beliefs. (Jennifer Tellez/AMES) bodia to bring health supplies and that I am valuable, I am worthy of love and defeminine products to students. Iman, who is an honor student, plans to serve respect,” she said. “I’ve been discriminatbecome a pediatric surgeon to “change lives in ed against, but I still can express my views and have the right to live and to be safe. I hope my the world.” “I’ve learned I can make an impact and peers realize the same thing.” l

South Salt Lake City Journal

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July 2018 | Page 17

Best businesses in South Salt Lake By Holly Vasic | h.vasic@mycityjournals.com

ayor Cherie Wood gave her State of the City Address back in March of this year, 2018, which included the Best of South Salt Lake Awards. Utah state and South Lake city local businesses were awarded this year during the ceremony for different contributions including community, services, and products. New Stat Auto and Edwards Automotive: Mayor’s Spirit of Community Wood selected New Start Auto, 4050 South Main St., and Edwards Automotive, 61 E Gordon Ave., to be presented with the Mayor’s Spirit of Community award. During the 2017 holiday season the two businesses partnered up to provide a vehicle for two South Salt Lake families who were in dire need, according to Wood. New Start Auto provided the vehicles and Matt Edwards, of Edwards Automotive, made sure they were ready to go in time for Christmas. USA Stars Judo: Community Champion Promise South Salt Lake is a program that gives every child the opportunity to go to college, this is done by providing afterschool, summer, and other programs to South Salt Lake youth giving them the chance to succeed. USA Star Judo’s partnership with Promise is an award worthy match. Owner Adam Blackburn facilitates a Judo Club as an afterschool option at an affordable cost that has held youth in the city to the highest standard. Purrfect Pawprints: Volunteer of the Year The non-profit animal rescue group Purrfect Pawprints has a mission of fixing, fostering, and adopting kittens, cats, and other domestic animals, “our main goal is working ourselves out of a job by spaying and neutering everything we can” organization owner Ann

Marie Schmidt said. Schmidt accepted the Volunteer of the Year award with pride and pleasure, she said, but knows it’s a team effort from hands on volunteers who clean litter boxes and nurse wounds to those behind the scenes, “we have grant writers, social media managers, and fundraising experts in our group too” Schmidt said. The organization has been around for a decade but stays focused on their goals and out of the spotlight, according to Schmidt. Wood praised Purrfect Pawprints for saving 500 animals in 2017 with their work and for fulfilling so many needs at the animal shelter. Savage Services: Best Business Volunteer “The Savage team volunteers annually for the United Way Day of Caring. They bring not just people, but construction equipment, equipment operators, and materials” Wood explained. Savage Services provides an array of different heavy duty industrial needs ranging from truck transportation, oilfields, and construction. United Way Day of Caring works with agencies and volunteers to create support in communities for those who need help the most. Savage has built new patios, excavated, demolished, painted, and landscaped, said Wood. “I am grateful for the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of dollars they have invested in SSL.” Salt Lake Culinary Center: Best Small Business Unlike other culinary schools in Salt Lake, Salt Lake Culinary Center has a focus on the at-home chef. Classes are designed to help regular people hone their kitchen skills who don’t want to pursue a culinary career, with date night and kid classes available to make cooking accessible for everyone in the family. Professional

certifications are also available with Salt Lake Institute of Culinary Education for those who want to take that route. Salt Lake Culinary Center’s website states, “We believe that eating well and breaking bread with others are two of life’s greatest pleasures and are the heart of everyday cooking,” Wood specifically appreciates Salt Lake Culinary Center for their outreach, “Salt Lake Culinary fills their kitchens each Thanksgiving with turkeys, stuffing, potatoes and all the fixings for the annual PAL, Police Athletic Activities League, Service Project. There is literally a turkey in every oven. It is a sight to see” Wood said. PAL works hard to provide healthy role models, encourage good decision-making and positive self-esteem, and of course fun, such as Salt Lake PAL boxing, for youth in the community. Many South Salt Lake firefighters and police officers are involved in PAL and work with other local businesses, such as Salt Lake Culinary. WinCo Foods: Best Employer WinCo opening up a location at 2139 south Main St. in South Salt Lake filled a gap in the local community, the much-needed grocery store also provided invaluable jobs. Considering factors such as WinCo’s employee owned business model and team players like Store Manager Hector Ortega they won the best employer award. Stellar Wings: Best Wings Stellar Wings may not be galactically famous, as they claim, but locally they did receive the award for South Salt Lake Best Wings. Located at 2704 South and State St. in South Salt Lake the 18 different flavors ranging from mild to burning hot are worth a try, according to

Wood, and Yelp users give them a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The children’s play area is also a bonus for families with little ones. The Pie Pizzeria: Best Pizza Utah is familiar with pizza from The Pie considering it has been a local favorite for over 37 years, according to their website thepie. com. This award joins a long list of best of’s including 7 in the nation on Citysearch.com. The South Salt Lake location, 3321 south and 200 east, opened up last year, 2017, and has a lot to offer like an outdoor heated patio. Pie customer, David Low, said “I love the Pie, always have,” he is also a fan of the new location noticing it has a lot more space and it is easier to get to than the original, “but that can be a curse too, like if a kid’s soccer team shows up for lunch” Low laughed. Don’t forget to bring a permanent marker to write your name on the wall and become part of The Pie tradition, South Salt Lake has plenty of empty spots to make a mark before it gets filled like at the university. Fantasy Nail Salon: Best Nail Salon Wood loves taking her son out for pizza and wings but they are open to a good pedicure, which they know they can find at Fantasy Nails at 264 east and 3300 south, “My son Jaxson ranks it as the best pedicure he has ever had, and I agree” Wood said. She appreciates the casual salon and being greeted with a snack and bottle of water. Businesses in South Salt Lake have a lot to offer, not just products and services, but also in how owners, volunteers, and employees care for their community. These businesses have taken an extra step to give just a little more to South Salt Lake. l

Cottonwood softball ends season in state tourney second round By Brian Shaw | brian.shaw@mycityjournals.com

hrough three innings of the Cottonwood Colts softball team’s one-loss bracket matchup versus Murray on May 22, the score was deadlocked at 0-0. The Colts had life in this do-or-die game in the 5A state playoffs. Junior pitcher Carlie Roberts was throwing a shutout. Life was good for Cottonwood, who a day earlier suffered a 10-2 loss to Bountiful to end up in this pivotal game. And then came the fourth inning. Roberts got shellacked for nine runs and Murray tacked on four more in the fifth. The Colts would answer with one run in the fourth and another six runs in the fifth inning—including a tape measure home run from Roberts. Junior Savanna Hoffman and senior slug-

ger Matea Manulelelua also smashed homers for Cottonwood, who fought valiantly in the final two innings of their season, only to lose to Murray 15-6. For the Colts, Roberts was huge, losing just four games in which she pitched in 2018. She only lost one game in region play. Hoffman was the Colts leading hitter, smacking seven doubles on the season to go with several home runs. And Manulelelua—one of just a handful of seniors on this Cottonwood squad—was the Colts leading home run hitter. For Cottonwood, a team that returns several juniors—including Roberts and Hoffman— the goal next year will be to not only eclipse this year’s return to the state tournament; it will likely be to win it. l

Freshman Jocelyn Lujan hits the ball down the left field line against Jordan High in region play. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Page 18 | July 2018

South Salt Lake City Journal

Will Pettit is Utah’s Educator of the Year By Jessica Ivins | j.ivins@mycityjournals.com

ill Pettit, business teacher at Granite Park Junior High, was named Educator of the Year for Utah because of his intentionality and everyday efforts. Pettit grew up in Oregon and had a wonderful choir teacher that he remembers fondly. He may have even treated Pettit like a person. Pettit told his sister that he wanted to be a rich business man and retire. However, he really wanted to teach. His sister told him, “If you want to teach, just go out and be a teacher!” And that is what Pettit did. He teaches. But he doesn’t just teach; he isn’t like any other teacher. Pettit has a simple answer for the question, “What makes a good teacher?” “A good teacher treats their students like a person,” he said. Pettit treats students like people and so much more. His students feel respected, and it pays. At the school’s recent cultural event, he played the drums while a student sang. He was in the background, and the student was the star. This personifies Pettit’s teaching style. He wants the student to know that he or she is important. The student is a person just like him, the principal or another student walking down the hall. He takes time to be kind and understands the student’s time is as important as his. Pettit’s attitude has the ability to change the student’s

Will Pettit works with his students in class at Granite Park Jr. High. He was recently named Teacher of the Year in Utah. (City Journals)

attitude. And then he can teach; then, the student can understand that each lesson he teaches is worth his or her time. He designs his lessons to include fun activities for the students. Pettit’s personality can’t help but change the entire school culture. Aaron Wilson, Granite Park Junior High’s principal, said, “He’s not only an amazing human being, but he’s an educator that has transformed our school and the culture that student’s identify when they walk into our building.” It all goes back to Pettit’s simple belief, “Treat the student like a person.” It sounds sim-

ple and tacit, but it isn’t. It’s a gift and talent to do this each and every day and to make each and every child feel like a person that deserves respect and time. Each student learns from Pettit to respect peers and others. It is a common theme that students and all people alike enjoy being treated with respect. Teachers that build a rapport with their students get more responsive students. This shows through students that remember his lessons. Pettit takes time to apply lessons into their lives. He also builds youth leaders. “He’s intentionally built student lead-

ers and trained them with lifelong skills and film-making and video editing, but he’s also used that as a platform through video announcements and excellent teaching so that students, because of his efforts, feel safe when they come into our building,” Wilson said. Pettit does a lot of things intentionally. He is kind. He builds leaders. All of the intentionality is paying off because one student said they want him to be his teacher for the rest of their life. Another student said, “He is a really good teacher and makes everything sound clear.” The award personifies “All that’s good in Education.” It was recognized at the Partner in Education Banquet where Utah’s Student of the Year, Educator of the Year, Administrator of the Year and Partner in Education were recognized. Granite Park Junior High is a school with a variety of ethnic backgrounds and more than 60 languages spoken. Many students have odds against them due to growing up in low-income homes. Gov. Gary Herbert said, “Will stands as a testament of what miracles can happen when we believe in and give students opportunities to be successful. Without his contributions, our school could not as effectively educate its wonderful students—90 percent of whom live in poverty, coming from over 40 different countries, speaking over 60 different languages, many of whom are refugees.” l

Jewish community celebrates 25 years of education and support By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com

o celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Salt Lake City center of Chabad Lubavitch of Utah, a gala was thrown at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center on May 31. “The Jewish Community has evolved and grown by leaps and bounds, predominantly thanks to Chabad,” said Rabbi Avremi Zippel, whose parents opened the center in 1992. Chabad Lubavitch is the world’s largest Jewish outreach movement that began in the White Russia area (now known as the eastern part of present day Belarus) more than 250 years ago by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. After World War II, global Judaism was down, and Holocaust survivors didn’t know where to go. Chabad was brought to the United States in the 1940’s, and in the 1950’s, leadership began sending out emissary couples around the world to help organize and define Jewish centers of community in places that were struggling or where none previously existed. To celebrate the 90th birthday of Rabbi Menachem, Mendel Schneerson, the one who began the emissary program, a new area would be opened where no one had begun a center before, Salt Lake City. It was Zippel’s parents, Rabbi Benny and Sharonne Zippel, with their baby son, who would leave their home in Brooklyn, New York, and open the Chabad Lubavitch of Utah in Sugar House in 1992. “This is the greatest opportunity they had ever dreamed of, and so not knowing anyone or having any sort of financial support, they pick themselves up and moved here,” said Zippel. “My first birthday party was the first-ever event in an official capacity.”

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Attendees perform a traditional Jewish dance at the 25th anniversary gala honoring Chabad Lubavitch of Utah. (Chabad Lubavitch of Utah)

Chabad, an acronym for the three intellectual faculties of chochmh, meaning wisdom, binah, meaning comprehension and da’at, meaning knowledge, is paired with Lubavitch, the town in which the movement was headquartered for more than century and means “City of Brotherly Love.” The movement operates not only as a Synagogue for worshippers to pray in, but it focuses on the education of Jewish culture and heritage. Though it’s run by observant Rabbis and Jews, the clientele is not necessarily observant but able to come and be part of the Jewish community as a whole because, Zippel said, every Jew is an entire world of culture and history unto themselves. They offer family and young adult programs as well as an

event center for holidays and festivities. They created a program called Project Heart, which helps at-risk Jewish youth, teens and young adults in need at the any of the treatment centers in Utah. “Chabad spent a significant amount of time providing spiritual counseling and guidance to young people and their families who find themselves in Utah,” said Zippel. “Literally from every corner of the globe, they’re here seeking treatment.” In 2014, shortly after he and his wife were married, they were called on to continue the project in Salt Lake, carrying on his parent’s work. They were the guests of honor at the 25th anniversary gala. The night was a focus on friends and music featuring Benny Friedman and food catered by Cuisine Unlimited. The evening also included recognition for Robert and Sue Prottas with the Partner Award, Scott and Jesselie Anderson for the Benefactor Award, and Adam and Dganit Slovik for the Activist Award because of their generous philanthropy and assistance to the community. “The Sloviks have been tremendous activists on behalf of Judaism, the people of Israel and the land of Israel,” said Zippel. Zippel was determined that the evening not be focused on donations or calls to action but merely celebrating and having a great time together. “We want you to be a part of it; we want you to be able to celebrate in our joy and be a part of the celebration,” said Zippel. “It’s about being there in person and watching everything we’ve done and understanding why.” l

July 2018 | Page 19

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Cultural exchange completes circle with a visit to Granite Junior High By Jessica Ivins | j.ivins@mycityjournals.com

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Twenty Eagle View Student Dancers visiting Granite Junior High for the Cultural Exchange. (Courtesy of Jaundelis Cummings)

ranite School District has the transportation means and the funds to visit Eagle View Elementary on the Ute reservation every year. And every year, Eagle View Elementary youth are invited to come visit Granite Park Junior High. It just isn’t that easy for Eagle View Elementary, from Roosevelt, Utah, to make the three-hour trip. School officials need to make transportation arrangements, and funding is a challenge. However, on May 16, 20 students, mentors and facilitators made the trek to share their culture with Granite Park Junior High and be special guests at the Cultural Exchange. Granite Park Junior High and students from the Eagle View Elementary on the Ute Tribe Reservation partook in a cultural exchange. Chris Mockli, Granite Park Junior High’s social worker, has been dreaming of this for years. “The circle is complete,” Mockli said. The Cultural Exchange allowed both schools to experience an array of cultural dances and once again, everyone is not allowed to take for granted the diverse Utah culture. Utah’s unique Granite School District has 60 different languages and 40 different nationalities. Granite Junior High has visited Eagle View Elementary in previous years. The visit was possible for Eagle View Elementary Students because of efforts by Jaundelis Cummings, Ute Tribe tutor mentor, and Dandrea Dora, along with Kameron Murray, Gear Up youth site facilitator, and Tamera Jones, Gear Up homework help. The mentors and facilitators from the Roosevelt area brought 20 Native American youth to participate at Granite Park Junior High Cultural Exchange. “They mostly perform at home in local powwows and at the school. They have never gone somewhere to perform.” This was a new experience for the youth, and they did it with

great deference. Some the of the dances at the cultural exchange were Jingle Dance (accompanied with Sun Water drum group), the Ute Bear Dance, and the Mexican La Bruja candle dance with black lights. The kids felt the excitement when the lights when out. This was followed by a Napalese dance, then traditional Somali Dance and the Grizzly band, accompanied by Granite Junior High teachers Joel Mithell and Will Pettit (The Educator of the Year). The Samoan hip hop routine, Irish dance and Polynesian dance kept the show rolling. The final dances were the Polynesian boys Haka, a youth favorite as they screamed, and lastly, a mesmerizing African hip hop with music from Nigeria. It was an eclectic show for the GPJH students and the Eagle View Elementary visiting youth. The youth and adults were given quite an exciting show for free. The 20 youth from Eagle View Elementary received a welcome from Mockli with Indian tacos from a food truck with help from the Granite Junior High student body assembly. Then received a tour of the school. Students liked the vibe in the school. There was variety of languages of “hello” on the walls. Mockli started the assembly by saying, “This is the highlight of my career. It took our guests three hours to get here. It is an honor to have them.” Drums were beating while students of each school reciprocated their respect for one another’s traditions. Mockli presented Eagle View Elementary with a gift. Mockli is very aware of proper cultural traditions of offering gifts. Granite Park Junior High Principal Aaron Wilson said, “Be proud of your family and who you are and your culture. I hope you remember this day always.” This was Mockli’s last of 38 years at Granite Junior High. l

South Salt Lake City Journal

South Salt Lake graduating senior does it all By Jessica Ivins | j.ivins@mycityjournals.com

aron Dustin, a graduating senior from Serving on the youth Olympus High, served the South Salt city council in 2016 led to Lake community on the South Salt Lake the President’s Volunteer Youth City Council. He served in many Service Award. This is givother ways and was South Salt Lake’s en to volunteers who have Young Leader of the Year in 2017. achieved a required number “My parents love to sign me up for of hours of service hours things,” Dustin said. However, he decided over a 12-month period. to serve. Dustin served on the South Salt Through the youth city Lake Youth City Council. council, council members “Aaron cares about his community get a chance to speak at city and works toward improving it in any way council meetings, shadow he can,” said Edward Lopez, Family Li- city employees, sit on adaison coordinator of Promise South Salt visory boards and work toLake. “He wants to instill the importance gether. Dustin served on the of service into his peers and is a great role committee for four years, model for our city’s youth.” first, as a council member Serving with Lopez was an opportu- and then as the mayor. nity for him to experience government on South Salt Lake a municipal level and help plan activities. Youth City Council is an Dustin was just in seventh grade when he award-winning council. Aaron Dustin, South Salt Lake’s Youth city mayor, senior graduation found out about the City Youth Council. In 2010, 2011 and 2013 school picture. (Courtesy of Jennifer Dustin) He applied as soon as he could and has it earned the first-place Legislative Day at Salt Lake Capitol, atenjoyed the increase in opportunities and Award of Excellence for 20 talents that have come his way. members or fewer from the Association tended an anti-tobacco rally with Utah ToHe has also served on the Salt Lake of Youth Councils. In 2014, the council bacco Free Alliance and attended a youth County Mayor Ben McAdams’ Commis- competed with larger-sized councils and council meeting with guest speakers, Salt sion on Youth. took third place for the Award of Excel- Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera and Salt “Volunteering is a great way to learn lence. The council’s motto is “Youth on Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. Dustin has had support from his parwhat my interests are,” Dustin said. He the Move.” ents. “They push me to do a lot, he said.” has experienced government on a county Dustin received a $2,500 scholarship He is also grateful to Jennifer Allred, Adiand city level, participated in alliances to from the youth city council to a university na Hamik and Lopez. promote beliefs, presented at youth sum- of his choice. He has served as mayor on Through the summer, Dustin will mits, traveled to present a clean water the council for the 2017–2018 year. The proposal in North Carolina, served on the University of Utah will be seeing him in work at J-dawgs to have some fun working Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and lob- 2021 after he serves a two-year mission with his cousins and save some money. He bied representatives to support prevention for the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- will continue his internship at the Univerprograms. ter-day Saints to the Philippines. Dustin sity of Utah School of Medicine. Howev“I learned about government and may be interested in government or poli- er, this doesn’t mean that is all he is doing. found my way about serving in my com- tics to serve the community in the future. He will squeeze in observing a judge for munity,” said Dustin. His favorite activity Presently, however, he is undecided on a a day in the supreme court and see how the justice system works. He hopes to find he helped plan last year was the Hallow- major. een Spooktakular. This a family-friendly As part of working as a member of time for his hobbies of playing basketball event that featured a haunted house, live McAdam’s Commission, he met elect- and mountain biking. Dustin recommends checking out entertainment, games, bingo and food. ed officials and learned more about their “It was a great activity to see the roles and responsibilities. He gained lead- justserve.org or the sslc.com to search community come to and a great one to ership experience through organizing ser- for events to volunteer. Lopez is right: He serve,” Dustin said. vice projects in the community. Dustin continues to instill the importance of serThe youth city council is where delivered food to the homeless, attended vice in his peers. l Dustin served as mayor. The Spooktakular was just one of ATTENTION seasoned community members over 62: many fun activities he helped WE OFFER THESE TWO PROGRAMS: plan with the YCC. Dustin has • SilverSneakers: A free fitness program volunteered at the annual Christfor Seniors on Medicare Advantage and mas Angel Tree project and parMedicare Supplement insurance plans. ticipated in Biztown activities • Silver & Fit: It’s designed specifically with Woodrow Wilson Elemenfor older adults. You may get access to tary School students. He enjoyed Silver & Fit as a Medicare beneficiary through many insurance planning a Night out against companies’ Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans Crime, Breakfast with Santa, Call your insurance company and ask if you are eligible for Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s either of these two programs. Then visit our front desk staff! Dance, Easter Egg Hunt, Huck A Q U AT I C C E N T E R DAILY Finn Days at Fitts Park, Fourth SCHEDULES of July parade activities, Senior www.slco.org/fairmont POSTED ON: Ball and the Mother & Sons 385-468-1540 • 1044 East Sugarmont Drirve (2225 South) Sports Palooza.

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Free events to illuminate your summer fun

CASSIE GOFF

chool’s out for summer! Here’s a list of free events and activities to keep monotony out of the month of July. Festivals! Cities all across the valley host activities and events to celebrate our independence. Draper, Murray, Riverton, Salt Lake, South Salt Lake, and Sandy all hold their own celebrations for the Fourth of July. Bluffdale, Cottonwood Heights, and Holladay celebrate Pioneer Day with multi-day festivals and concerts. For more information on these festivals, refer to the Summer Festival Guide in the latest edition of the City Journals. Sandy will be hosting a balloon festival on August 10-11 at sunrise at Storm Mountain Park. These festivals highlight the magic of hot air balloons. Farmers Markets were quite the rage last year, with over 30 to choose from. On July 11, the Sugar House Farmers Market will be at Fairmont Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On July 14, check out the Sunnyvale Farmers Market in Midvale from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. It will include a food pantry, free lunch and activities for kids, and music. Don’t miss one-night free events like: the Parade of Raptors presented by HawkWatch on July 9, at the Salt Lake Public Library Riverside Branch from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On July 13, Trivia Night will be held at the Leonardo. Up to six people can sign up to be a team, or go solo! On July 10, the Local Author Showcase continues at The King’s English Bookshop. Jared Garret will introduce his new book, “Usurper.” On July 18, Yappy Hour will be at Fairmont Park. There will be an offleash play area for the dogs, and music, beer, and food trucks for the humans. On July 21, the Indian Food Fair will be held at the Gallivan Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by Bollyfood lunch, there will be live entertainment, ethnic shopping, and of course, food! On July 28, Mindy Dillard will lead a songwriting workshop for teens ages 12-18 at the Salt Lake Public Library Sprague Branch, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Many free series-styled events will be held. Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. the Gateway will host Yoga on the Plaza in the Olympic Plaza. Shopping and food options will be available after yoga. July is Pacific Island Heritage Month. On the 28th, their annual KickOff will begin at 5 p.m. at the Sorenson Multicultural Center. This event has entertainment and activities from nine Pacific Island countries.

The Community Writing Center will be hosting FreeFest: a youth workshop series, at the Downtown Salt Lake Public Library, Suite no. 8. This series is intended for young adults ages 15-19. Four different workshops will be offered: on July 25, check out the XYZine, zine-making extravaganza. On July 26, learn basic bookbinding skills during the Book-Making Workshop. On July 27, EnTwined will teach you how to create a twine game. On July 28, check out Poetr?- make a mess of poetry and all things poetic. Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) is offering a Kids Summer Passport. Get a passport (available to download online), earn five stamps by visiting destinations like the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, Salt Lake County Center for the Arts, and the Wasatch Community Gardens, by August 25. Show the fully-stamped passport at the local library to reserve a spot for a final party at the Clark Planetarium. The party

will be held August 30, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with movies, popcorn, exhibits, and prizes. Our canyons also have fabulous options for getting outside. If anyone can do all the following hikes in one summer, let me know so I can be impressed. There’s Buffalo Point, Bloods Lake, Ensign Peak, Bridal Veil Falls, Golden Spike, Cecret Lake and Albion Basin, Willow Lake, Dooley Knob, Hidden Falls, Adams Waterfall, Patsy’s Mine, Grotto Falls, Donut Falls, Timpanogos, Brighton Lakes, Bell Canyon, Stewart Falls, Broads Fork Trail, Silver Lake, Battle Creek Falls, Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Mirror Lake, Fifth Water Hot Springs, Dripping Rock, Mount Olympus, Suicide Rock, Elephant Rock, White Pine Lake, Jordan River, and the Bonneville Shoreline, and Provo River Parkway. In conclusion, none of us have an excuse to be bored this summer! l

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Page 22 | July 2018

South Salt Lake City Journal

Life and Laughter—Girls Camp

Laughter AND

PERI KINDER

SO SALT LAKE

hat do you get when you have 25 teenage girls camping in tents? A motive for murder. I’m convinced every crazed serial killer roaming a summer camp, was once a mild-mannered camp counselor hoping to teach peace, love and kindness to a herd of snarling 15-year-old girls. While men can plan a Scout camp over a 4-hour Call of Duty session, women meet for months to plan an inspirational and life-changing camp that every single girl will whine through. Leaders schedule dozens of meetings to choose the theme (Let’s Get Dirty!), create the menu (Fun With Tofu!) and decide on the camp color (glittery unicorn pink). Once those main decisions are finalized, the real job begins: planning hours of activities to teach young women the importance of a) nature, b) bonding and c) indoor plumbing. An ordinary day at young women’s camp can look something like this: 6 a.m.—Flag ceremony and motivational singing 6:15 a.m.—Breakfast/clean-up/ inspirational stories/singing 9:00—Nature hike/Identify native plants/singing Noon—Lunch/Clean-up/singing 1:30-3:30—Glittery art project to

encourage sisterhood/singing 3:30-5:30—Journaling/free time/ singing 5:30-8:00—Dinner/clean-up/ singing 8:00-10:00—Campfire/uplifting stories/singing 10:30—Lights out/quiet singing An ordinary day at young women’s camp actually looks like this: 6 a.m.—Leaders go from tent to tent, waking up girls who spent the night vaping in the woods. No singing. 7:48—Quick flag ceremony followed by burned oatmeal, cooked in a Dutch oven. Inspirational stories interrupted by young women fighting because someone’s journal is missing and, “I know it’s you, Jessica, because you’re such a $#*$&!” Girls are ordered to get ready for the day. 11:17—Hiking! But everyone’s waiting for Angela to finish curling her hair with her butane curling iron because she will NOT be seen looking like a hillbilly in case she runs into lumberjacks wandering through camp. 2:25—Having been chased by a moose, the hikers are now lost and trying to figure out how to get cell service in the middle of the Wasatch Mountains. Leaders consider making a break for it, leaving the girls to wander the wilderness forever. No singing.

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Repeat for five more days. (Note to CIA: If you decide to torture me by making me camp with teenage girls, please, just waterboard me instead.) At the end of camp, the girls’ matching shirts are covered with mud and glitter. No one is smiling. Even Friday the 13th’s Jason Voorhees wouldn’t approach this scene. No one is singing. But girls’ camp is like childbirth. Once it’s over, you only remember the good parts, and soon leaders are optimistically planning the next camp with even MORE glitter, MORE bonding and MORE singing. The men slowly shake their heads and return to Call of Duty. l

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4:58—Leaders have bagged the art project and journaling, and have moved onto the dinner part of the program. Girls are napping in various locations and refuse to help prepare any meal. Leaders consider a mass poisoning but decide against it because they’re too tired. 8:20—Dinner is finally served. The girls are STARVING and complaining that dinner wasn’t ready hours ago. A few girls half-heartedly sing two camp songs before everyone sits and stares into the campfire. Someone is crying. It’s one of the leaders. 11:45—Girls are told to stop talking because people are trying to sleep. Someone is singing. 1:35 a.m.—The girls are told, for the millionth time to, “Shut the $%&$ up or I’m going to dismantle your tent and you can sleep under a tree!!!” 4:17 a.m.— Everyone is crying. 6:30 a.m.— Someone asks when breakfast will be ready.

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July 2018 | Page 23

Saturday, July 28th 5:00 to 8:00 PM Taylor’s Landing 4700 South & I-215

Join us in supporting these great causes!

2nd ANNUAL Cruisin’ for Charity Car Show SPONSORED BY:

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If interested in registering your car for the event, please contact Steve at stephen. raguskus@ grifols.com. Registered cars receive a meal voucher.