NATALIE PINKNEY MAKES HISTORY WITH SALT LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL WIN
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
Salt Lake County has made history with its latest election results, setting two significant milestones in Utah politics. Democrat Natalie Pinkney emerged victorious in the race for the At-Large C seat on the Salt Lake County Council, narrowly defeating Republican Rachelle Morris.
Pinkney is now the first Black person to win a countywide election in Utah and the first Black woman elected to the Salt Lake County Council. Her election to this pivotal role marks a groundbreaking moment in the region’s political landscape.
Pinkney, a current South Salt Lake City Councilmember, officially claimed victory on Nov. 15 after updated ballot counts secured her lead over Morris.
“I am so grateful to all of my supporters who made this victory possible,” Pinkney shared on the social platform X. “Together we have taken our first step towards a bold future — a future where every family, no matter where they live or how they look, will have an opportunity to thrive.”
As of Nov. 12, Pinkney led Morris by nearly 7,000 votes, a margin that widened to 7,871 by that Friday evening. The Salt Lake County clerk reported approximately 7,659 ballots still in process at that time.
In a statement following her win, Pinkney reflected on the grassroots efforts that propelled her campaign to success. Despite facing an opponent with substantial financial backing and large donations, Pinkney’s campaign relied on small-dollar contributions to out-raise her competitor.
Throughout the campaign, Pinkney listened to personal stories from residents about the challenges they face.
“During this campaign, I have heard countless stories from voters about their struggles to afford housing, their love for our county’s amazing services, and their desire to end divisive politics,” she shared.
She said those conversations have shaped her priorities as she prepares to tackle key issues, including making housing more affordable, preserving essential services, and fostering unity in the community.
As Pinkney steps into her new role, her presence on the South Salt Lake City Council will undoubtedly be missed. Mayor Cherie Wood reflected on their collaboration and voiced her full support for Pinkney’s promising journey on the Salt Lake County Council.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Natalie Pinkney on the South Salt Lake City Council for the past five years and have appreciated her dedication to our community,” Wood said. “She’s always tuned in to the needs of our residents and has earned their trust and respect. As Natalie steps into her new role on the Salt Lake County Council, I’m confident she’ll continue being a champion for South Salt Lake and a supportive voice for our residents. We’re truly thankful for her service and wish her future success.”
Reflecting on her journey, Pinkney wrote on X, “This year has been a journey, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. We can do incredible things together, and I can’t wait to start.” l
South
Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood poses with Natalie Pinkney as they celebrate her historic election to the Salt Lake County Council, marking a momentous milestone for the community. (Photo courtesy of Joseph Dane)
Colts basketball is back in
Ladies Take the Lead with Experience, Passion and Purpose at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals
“Ido this work for my father, for families like ours, and ultimately, for the glory of God,” said Martha Boutsikakis Gamble, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Holy Cross Hospital - West Valley and registered nurse for over 20 years.
For many, a career in healthcare is more of a calling - a decision made that was shaped by past experiences with loved ones, or even personal health scares of their own. This type of desire to care for others and passion to pursue a career in healthcare rings especially true for the ladies who are taking the lead at our CommonSpirit Health Holy Cross Hospitals in West Jordan and West Valley City.
Martha was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from Crete, Greece. While her parents spoke conversational English, her role as the eldest child often involved translating for them in settings where language wasn’t necessarily the barrier but rather, cultural understanding wasthis included translating at her dad’s appointments with his dietitian.
“When I was only about 11 or 12 years old, my father was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,” said Martha. “It quickly became clear during his appointments that the meal recommendations we were receiving didn’t align with the food we grew up eating, nor did they consider the cultural context of our meals.”
In an attempt to adapt to the dietitian’s recommendations, the meals Martha and her family ate were repetitive… for nearly a decade.
“These early experiences fostered in me a calling—not only to serve but to advocate for
communities like mine, where language and culture can create unseen barriers to quality healthcare,” said Martha.
For Christine McSweeney, President of Holy Cross Hospitals - Jordan Valley and West Valley, her path to healthcare leadership began as a passion to explore the science behind nutrition and how to properly fuel our bodies.
“I’m a science nerd at heart,” said Christine. “I get excited about seeing people and myself thrive and improve through proper nutrition and care”
Christine’s career began at Banner Health in Arizona where she was a clinical dietitian. Over the course of 20 years, Christine climbed the ranks to eventually serve as Chief Operating Officer of a large academic center in downtown Phoenix before she joined the CommonSpirit Health leadership team five years ago, stepping into her current President role in 2023.
“My experience here in Utah has been like no other. It is full of neighbors helping neighbors, strong family values, amazing outdoor beauty and a true haven for healthy lifestyles. This way of living and thinking really brings me back to my roots as a dietitian” said Christine. “In addition, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the people we have working for CommonSpirit in the Greater Salt Lake market are loyal, dedicated and lean into our mission with their values first!”
Katie Flores, CNO at Holy Cross HospitalMountain Point and Interim CNO at Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley, kicked off her healthcare
career in 2001 as a registered nurse - initially caring for patients at the bedside in Med/Surg and in the Emergency Department.
Over the years, Katie transitioned into leadership roles and has been serving as CNO for the last 10 years. A passionate caregiver, Katie’s background actually started with a dream to work in broadcast media… but that quickly changed.
“I realized early on that broadcast wasn’t the right fit for me - I felt a lack of connection and fulfillment so I pursued a career that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on others,” said Katie. “After going through some personal life experiences that led me to seek healthcare myself, I decided to make a change. I went back to school to pursue a career in healthcare—one that I could feel passionate about every day and truly connect with on a deeper level.”
Though different backgrounds and experiences fuel this leadership team’s passion to do what they do every day, Christine shared that the common thread between them all is, “This team of women lead with strength, confidence, curiosity, determination and heart…. it is present in everything we do and apparent in the quality of care our hospitals provide. I cannot wait to see all we continue to accomplish, together.”
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
Comcast’s initiatives have a broad impact across Utah
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Comcast has contributed more than $5.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions to nearly 100 nonprofit partners in Utah, over the last three years. Organizations like Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, the Alpine School District Foundation, Neighborhood House and United Way have all benefited from Comcast’s giving initiatives.
Project Up is a $1 billion program dedicated to closing the digital divide while connecting more people to the internet and creating opportunities for the next generation. Project UP supports nonprofit organizations that offer digital skills training, helping learners of all ages and skill levels to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
“With the support of Comcast, youth in our programs were able to get hands-on experience with advanced computers, guided exposure to the internet and new technologies, and about 3D modeling and other lessons that introduce youth to technology uses in many careers,” said Haylee Mathews, Boys & Girls Clubs of Salt Lake STEM Director. “The surprise of the 280 laptop computers to club members has been great for our youth to use as they learn about a variety of technology-related fields. Comcast has helped foster a culture and desire among our youth to learn more and pursue technology-related fields.”
Along with empowering communities, Comcast is helping to build a more equitable workforce by providing tech training and mentorship to underserved communities. Through partnerships with organizations like Per Scholas and CodePath, more people are mastering digital literacy.
Comcast also created more than 1,250 Lift Zones across the country, offering free WiFi access in community centers and recreation facilities. With nearly 40 Lift Zones in Utah, underserved families and neighborhoods can participate in accessing digital opportunities. Additionally, Comcast’s Internet Essentials program provides in-home broadband access for qualifying households.
Lily is an immigrant from Taiwan, assisted by the United Way of Utah County, one of Comcast’s partners. Adjusting to life in America has been challenging particularly when it comes to understanding technology. As an older woman, she said the learning curve was steep and she often felt overwhelmed in class.
“Then, during one of our sessions, I entered an old address from my childhood in Taiwan,” Lily said. “As the
screen displayed the familiar streets and landmarks of my youth, tears welled up in my eyes. It had been so long since I had seen the place where I spent my carefree days playing. It was a deeply moving experience, allowing technology to transport me back in time and mend a piece of my heart.”
Comcast’s corporate giving plays a crucial role in helping local nonprofits fulfill their missions. It also invests in future entrepreneurs through Comcast RISE, supporting the growth of 13,500 small businesses by providing monetary, marketing and technology grants to help entrepreneurs on their road to success.
By collaborating with community partners, Comcast has fostered digital literacy and work readiness skills, giving people across Utah access to the tools they need to navigate a digital world.
“Neighborhood House families live in areas that are digital deserts and many of our families do not have access to computers for their children,” said Neighborhood House Executive Director Jennifer Nuttall. “In this age of technology, that puts our school-age kids at a disadvantage, but Comcast has stepped in to provide laptops and connectivity, ensuring that all kids have the technology they need to succeed in school and beyond. This has been enormously impactful.”
Comcast is committed to addressing the digital divide with forward-thinking programs and technology. It aims to continue building Utah’s tech landscape through valuable
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Salt Lake County Councilwoman Ann Granato reflects on her tenure, challenges and legacy
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
As Ann Granato prepares to step down from her role on the Salt Lake County Council, she reflects on a term marked by both personal challenges and public triumphs. Appointed in June 2018, her entry into office followed the unexpected passing of her husband, Sam, a prominent figure in the community and the family business they shared, Granato's Italian Deli.
“The transition was one of coming into public view,” she recalls. “Sam and I had always had a collaborative relationship, both in business and our public and private life. We discussed everything about our respective endeavors.” Indeed, Sam’s extensive involvement in community and state boards left a lasting impression on Granato. “He worked on the Salt Lake Valley Health Department Board, on the Microloan Fund, the Board that oversaw the DABC, and several other boards. We always discussed issues in these areas as they came up,” she notes, crediting this foundation as one that shaped her approach to public service.
For over 60 years, Granato has called District 4 home. District 4 spans much of the county’s east side, encompassing parts of Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and Murray, as well as all of Holladay, Millcreek and Emigration Canyon.
This deep-rooted connection has been both a guiding force and a balancing act during her time on the council. “On the one hand, I would wish to advocate for everything possible for my district,” Granato said. “On the other hand, I had to be fair in allocations of public money across the county.” She points to the recent restructuring of the Unified Police Department (UPD) as an example of this delicate balance. “Individual jurisdictions had issues, and the sheriff’s office had issues,” she said explaining that it required a fair allocation of resources across the county.
Granato’s professional background as a Medicaid specialist has also informed her legislative priorities, particularly in health and social services. “Serving on the Salt Lake Health Department Board and the Behavioral Health Advisory Council offered me the opportunity to express ‘boots on the ground’ observations about the availability of mental health treatment,” she said. According to Granato, she has long championed the importance of mental health services and affordable housing as interlinked issues.
Reflecting on the projects closest to her heart, Granato highlights the recognition of Juneteenth as a county holiday and the Cox-Granato Apprenticeship funding program. “The Juneteenth ordinance was a significant milestone in our history,” she said. In partnership with Councilor Richard Snelgrove, Granato spearheaded the apprenticeship initiative, aimed at addressing a pressing community need. “The apprenticeship funding is vital in
getting young people into trades where they are desperately needed,” she explains.
Granato’s business experience has given her a pragmatic outlook on government spending. “The importance of budgeting is key to running a successful business and a successful government,” she said. Sam’s philosophy on fiscal responsibility left an indelible mark on her. “Sam always said, ‘I am a businessman, not a politician.’ If you spend public money like you’re spending your own money, that’s the correct approach,” she said.
The challenges that lie ahead for District 4 weigh heavily on Granato as she steps down. Affordable housing and public safety emerge as key concerns, particularly with the restructuring of UPD services in her district. “The change in UPD will be a big issue for my district. There will be a lot of expense involved, and much of my district is adjacent to the canyons, which involves the Sheriff’s Canyon Patrol,” she said.
Addressing affordable housing, Granato notes that while there is an urgent need, solutions must also be balanced with the character of existing neighborhoods. “The county supports solutions including allocations into the Housing Trust Fund, collaboration with developers to help fund deeply affordable housing, and funds to make repairs to older homes so people can age in place.”
Granato’s legacy may be defined by her dedication to economic opportunities and infrastructure for the future. “The Cox-Granato Apprenticeship funding is very important to me. It provides a career path that has longevity, benefits and chances for advancement,” she said. She urges her successor to consider the longterm expenses tied to the UPD, maintenance
of county-owned assets, and the restructuring of downtown areas around the Salt Palace and Abravanel Hall.
For incoming council members, Granato has one piece of advice: “Work collaboratively!” she said. Democrat Ross Romero who won county District 4 November’s election, will take her place in January 2025. l
Salt Lake County Councilwoman Ann Granato. (Photo courtesy of Ann Granato)
Salt Lake County Councilwoman Ann Granato address the Salt Lake County government. (Photo courtesy of Ann Granato)
Rilynn Hasan Alexia
South Salt Lake to open applications for vacant council seat
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
Following Natalie Pinkney’s recent election to the Salt Lake County Council, South Salt Lake’s City Council must now address the significant task of filling her vacant seat. Pinkney, widely recognized for her dedication to community engagement and progressive initiatives, earned a spot on the county council, leaving an unexpected opening on South Salt Lake’s seven members governing body. Her departure marks a new chapter for the city council as they seek a candidate to continue her legacy.
Pinkney is set to officially resign on Dec. 31, and city officials have announced that the process to appoint her successor will begin immediately. Applications will be open to all residents of South Salt Lake who meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a registered voter in South Salt Lake. The chosen candidate will fill Pinkney’s position until the special elections in November 2025. With the election, they’ll have to run for the seat like everyone else.
“Since this is an at-large position, it doesn’t matter which district or what area of the city they’re in,” explained Joseph Dane, South Salt Lake communications manager. “As long as they’re a res-
ident of the city, they are able to apply.”
This means the position is open to a broad range of candidates from across the city, creating an opportunity for diverse perspectives to emerge in the application process.
Pinkney’s time on the council was marked by her strong advocacy for affordable housing, diversity, and inclusivity—issues that resonated deeply with many South Salt Lake residents. Her work helped shape the council’s priorities and brought attention to key challenges and opportunities within the community. As the council looks to appoint her successor, there is considerable interest in ensuring that these values continue to be reflected in city leadership.
The selection process will involve multiple steps during a council meeting, beginning with the review of applications by the current councilmembers. This will be followed by candidate interviews. The final decision will be made by a majority vote of the council. City officials have emphasized their commitment to transparency and community involvement throughout the process, encouraging residents to attend the meetings and share their thoughts on prospective candidates.
The city views this vacancy not just as a procedural task but as a chance to engage the community in shaping its future. Interested individuals and those wishing to follow the developments are encouraged to stay updated by visiting the South Salt Lake website (ssl.gov), where information about application deadlines and meeting schedules will be regularly posted. l
SSL accepts holiday donations to spread Christmas cheer
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
SouthSalt Lake makes it easy to offer a helping hand for the holidays. The city is running two programs to help people, families and pets have a merry Christmas and are asking residents to pitch in.
Season of
Sharing
Many people struggle to make ends meet, let alone have enough money to provide Christmas for their families. Season of Sharing is a collaboration between Promise SSL, SSL Youth City Council and SSL Police Athletics and Activities League to supply gifts for more than 50 families in the area.
“We work in a really diverse community and it’s always great to see the community come together to support their neighbors, especially those in high need,” said Promise SSL Deputy Director Edward Lopez. “We have seen families who don’t have as much disposable income to be able to provide their family with an extra special season.”
Organizations, churches, families and neighbors can support Season of Sharing by holding drives for new toys, clothing and other gifts, or through monetary donations. All items must be brought to the Promise SSL office at SSL City Hall (220 E. Morris Ave.) by Tuesday, Dec. 10. This will give volunteers time to shop, organize and deliver gifts to families.
The Season of Sharing wish list includes toys and games, winter clothing, jewelry,
Services has a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments made with pictures of dogs and cats that have stayed in the shelter. On the back is a gift idea from the shelter’s wish list that people can buy and donate to the facility. There’s also a QR code on each ornament that goes to the shelter’s Amazon wish list.
books, earbuds, kitchenware, stocking stuffers, gift cards, diapers, personal hygiene products and toiletries.
“It’s so fun to be able to see the community come together and just help each other,” Lopez said. “It’s good to see those families getting not only just stuff that they need, like laundry detergent, toilet paper and cleaning supplies but in addition to that, also extra items they wouldn’t be able to get for themselves.”
Angel Paw Tree
SSL Animal Services is hosting its Angel Paw Tree, allowing residents to provide toys, treats, cleaning supplies, beds, blankets and food to animals staying at the shelter.
Located at 2274 S. 600 West, SSL Animal
“[The shelter] is city-funded and so we only have the budget for certain things. Donations really help us get through the year,” said Rory Jenkins, kennel technician at the shelter. “I think in the last couple of months, we’ve hit the end of the donations we got last year. We’re reaching the end of our box of toys for the dogs and starting to hit the end of what treats we have. So it does really keep us going throughout the year.”
The Angel Paw Tree program will run through December. Residents can also adopt a dog or cat from the shelter for less than $80. Pets are spayed or neutered (or owners are given a voucher for the procedure) and come with current vaccinations and microchips. Volunteers are also needed to interact with the pets at the shelter.
“If they want to be regular volunteers, they’re welcome to fill out an application, and then they can even take dogs on walks outside the shelter,” Jenkins said.
For more information on both programs, visit SSLC.gov. l
South Salt Lake is seeking to fill a vacant atlarge city council seat after Natalie Pinkney’s election to the Salt Lake County Council, with applications open to eligible residents. (File photo City Journals)
Last year’s Angel Paw Tree brought in enough pet treats and toys to last almost an entire year. This year’s tree is located at South Salt Lake Animal Services (2274 S. 600 West) where people can drop off donations through December. (Photo courtesy of SSL Animal Services)
Members of last year’s South Salt Lake Youth City Council used donations to shop for gifts that were given to families during the SSL Season of Sharing program. (Photo courtesy of SSL)
Blowing the lid off: Facebook whistleblower talks mental health and social media
By Jesse M. Gonzalez | j.gonzalez@mycityjournals.com
Social media has become an omnipresent force in the modern world, with approximately 5.17 billion users worldwide and continuing to grow. One question we may ask ourselves is: how social media effects mental health, especially the mental health of the youth?
On Nov. 7, Frances Haugen, an engineer and data scientist who worked as a lead project manager on Facebook’s Civic Misinformation team, spoke at Salt Lake City Community College’s Speaker Series, Community Conversations. Haugen, along with a panel of experts, discussed the importance of being aware of the harmful effects that social media has on teen mental health and ways to mitigate the continuation of those effects.
“She made the courageous decision to blow the whistle on Facebook,” said Gregory Peterson, Ed.D., president of Salt Lake Community College.
Disenchanted by Facebook’s practices, Haugen left her position in 2021 and went public with insider knowledge, sharing her experience with the Wall Street Journal, 60 Minutes, the New York Times Daily Podcast, and even congress. Haugen has shed light on thousands of internal documents unveiling the damaging algorithms Facebook knew about.
The negative impacts of social media are not only affecting teens, but children as young as 6 years old. “Facebook knew they were harming kids,” Haugen said. “They knew kids were the source of profit.”
“When we look at an 8 year old using Instagram or we’ll get a 10 year old whose body is starting to change and beginning to gain weight and get new shapes, maybe they’re self-conscious about it, maybe they feel awkward. The algorithm picks it up and starts showing them content about the things that they’re most afraid of,” Haugen said.
Owning Instagram and WhatsApp, Facebook is the largest social media platform in the world. Over 66% of internet users have access to at least one of Facebook’s platforms. Many of the algorithms have been shown to contribute to
societal hatred and violence as well as political divide.
“I work with the government to pass regulations and guidelines that help incentivize better behavior, but I work primarily around transparency, national security, and getting context and how we build better products,” Haugen said.
“The state of Utah has done a lot of work to limit the impacts of social media on teens because of the detrimental effects on mental health. The state has done a lot to pass legislation to limit access for kids under a certain age. Some of our school districts are limiting access to phones in the classroom,” said Abby McNulty, vice president for Institutional Advancement at SLCC.
McNulty assisted in determining what might be a relevant conversation for the community and worked hard to bring Haugen on board to discuss her knowledge and experience while working at Facebook.
The panel included Aimee Winder Newton, senior advisor to Gov. Cox and director of the Utah Office of Families; DaSheek Akwenye, director of SLCC’s Center for Health & Counseling; and Dr. Diane Liu, pediatrician and associate professor of pediatrics at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine.
“Some of our school districts, Jordan School District, for example is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against a social media platform to recoup the cost they’ve had to invest around teen and student mental health and well-being,” McNulty said.
“The goal of the conversation was just for better understanding if you’re a parent, if you’re a community member, or if you care about, you know, if you have kids in your life you care about. What are the things to be thinking about when kids are using social media and have access to social media, what to look out for, what to be mindful of and then also to have a conversation about how our communities specifically are doing work to mitigate those impacts.”
Haugen unveiled part of the curtain that has covered how algorithms work and how ev-
ery user’s experience is unique and personalized but there is still much work to be done. “We have a path forward, but that path requires us to work together,” Haugen said. “We are hoping to make a dent in this and see some action on the national level.”
“This community conversation is the first time we have hosted something like this at Salt Lake Community College,”
McNulty said. “Our goal is to convene members of our community and neighbors and to have meaningful conversations…this spring we’ll bring in another speaker yet to be determined.”
The next Speaker Series event will take place in April. l
Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen speaks at Salt Lake Community College’s The Grand Theatre on Nov. 7. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)
The panel of experts included Dr. Diane Liu, Aimee Winder Newton and DaSheek Akwenye. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)
Cottonwood football season-in-review: Colts reload with a third head coach in as many years
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Although the Cottonwood Colts football team was dealt a serious blow after the second head coach resigned in two years, the last of which guided them to two straight victories, they hired Tui Satuala and galloped ahead.
Cottonwood [0-10] had a rough season in terms of wins and losses, but the experience that this team got was invaluable according to Cottonwood Athletic Director Gregg Southwick.
“We’ve put together an excellent coaching staff, one that ticks all the boxes,” said Southwick. Here’s how the season went for Cottonwood.
Ogden 38, Cottonwood 3 [Aug. 16]
At Cottonwood, early turnovers doomed the Colts to defend short fields as the Tigers raced out to a 38-0 start by halftime. The Colts only points of the game came when senior Parker Evans snapped through a field goal, his first points scored in his first-ever football game played. Senior Palmer Johansen paced the Colts with 71 yards rushing on 18 carries.
Salem Hills 48, Cottonwood 10 [Aug. 23]
At Salem, the Skyhawks took an early lead and never looked back. For Cottonwood, senior Parker Evans kicked his second field goal in as many games and Palmer Johansen scored his first rushing TD. Another bright spot for the Colts was senior quarterback Malcolm Mundy, who completed 10 of 20 for 129 yards passing, two of which went to senior Bo Smith for 30 yards receiving.
Mountain View 41, Cottonwood 3 [Aug. 30]
At Cottonwood, the Colts played the entire game without a running clock thanks to a 129-yard passing night from Mundy, who again completed half of his passes. In addition, the Colts got three points from Evans, who ran his kicking streak of field goals made to three games.
Seniors Caleb Loveless-Delamora added four receptions for 31 yards and Korbin Lynch, 44.
Stansbury 62, Cottonwood 0 [Sept. 6]
At Stansbury, the Colts were shut out for the first time all season in a rout. Mundy got picked off three times for the Colts despite throwing for a team-high 116 yards passing in a game that was the Region 10 opener. Junior Canyon Winter entered his name into the record books with a 4-yard reception for Cottonwood while Smith led the way with 82 yards receiving.
Tooele 31, Cottonwood 14 [Sept. 13]
At Cottonwood, the Colts fell in a tight home region opener. Tooele got out to a 17-0 lead, but the Colts struck back with a Mundy-to-Smith 44-yard TD pass
with just 1:29 left before halftime. Mundy was also huge on the ground for the Colts, who gave up two quick third quarter scores before getting a touchdown back in the dying moments from Johansen on a 1-yard rush.
Jordan 40, Cottonwood 17
At Cottonwood, the Beetdiggers stormed out to a 9-3 advantage by the half, and a 31-0 lead after three quarters. In the fourth, after Jordan scored a safety, Smith would cap a short drive with a 1-yard TD reception and then Johansen would score with 1:45 left in the game to make up the difference for Cottonwood, who fell to 0-5 with the loss. The Colts would lose 63-0 the following week at Park City to drop to 0-6 on the year.
Uintah 42, Cottonwood 13 [October 4]
At Cottonwood, the visiting Utes took a 42-0 lead before the Colts were able to answer back with a 42-yard field goal from Evans. The senior, who had never played the sport of football before this season, would blast a 50-yarder late in the fourth quarter. The Colts would then strike big on a 50-yard pass from Mundy to Smith with 1:54 remaining.
Hillcrest 24, Cottonwood 7 [Oct. 9]
At Cottonwood, the crosstown rivalry gave the Colts their tightest game all season. Cottonwood got on the board first with a 15-yard-strike from Mundy to Smith, but the Huskies made the short trip over the I-215 bridge to Murray and scored the game’s final 24 points, avenging Cottonwood’s win last year at Hillcrest.
Murray 58, Cottonwood 20 [Oct. 16]
At Murray, the Colts played arguably their best game of the year when they answered two early Spartans scores with a Mundy-to-Smith connection to trim their deficit to seven, 14-7 with six minutes left before the half. Unfortunately, the Spartans would reel off 21 unanswered points over the final five minutes of the first half to go in with a 35-7 lead. Late in the game, Mundy would find Smith two more times for TDs, giving the two seniors memories that will last a lifetime.
For the season, Mundy completed 59 of 116 for 1,394 yards passing and had seven touchdowns—10 in his two years at Cottonwood. He also ran for 102 yards. On the ground, Johansen finished his three years of varsity action with 592 yards rushing and five TDs. In the air, Smith showed why he’s a two-sport star, gathering 35 receptions for 780 yards and seven touchdowns. l
Four Cottonwood football team captains from l-r: Kayden Cameron, Kes Archuleta, Gabriel Bricio and Caleb Loveless-Delamora. (Photo Cottonwood High Athletics)
National Christmas Tree stops in Salt Lake County during its 4,000-mile tour
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree made a stop at Wheeler Farm (6351 S. 900 East) where visitors could celebrate the 74-foot Sitka spruce, harvested from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Its visit to Murray was one of 11 stops along the 4,000mile journey to the U.S. Capitol.
On Nov. 9, officials from Salt Lake County and the U.S. Forest Service threw a party for the tree’s arrival at Wheeler Farm with crafts, food trucks, educational booths and information about the tree’s journey. It was a chance for people to see the tree up close before it lights up the nation’s capitol.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree [stopped] at Wheeler Historic Farm on its journey to Washington, D.C.,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Our community loves the holidays, and we’re excited to join state, federal and community partners in celebration of this 60-year tradition that helps kick off the holiday season.”
Although the national tree has been through Utah before, visiting Ogden in 2016, it’s the first time the tree has stopped in Salt Lake County. More than 500 people showed up at Wheeler Farm to sign the tarp covering the tree, receive commemorative pins and stickers from the event and visit with the team transporting the tree to Washington, D.C.
U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Office Trampus Barhaug was assigned to guard the tree at Alaska’s Tongass National
Forest while it was still standing and has accompanied it throughout the tour.
“Being the national tree, it’s the most important tree in the nation right now,” Barhaug said. “I love meeting all the people. Everybody’s been wonderful, both adults and kids. We thought it would be more for the kids, but the adults have been amazing. I’ll bet we’ve met 20,000 people already.”
Barhaug said schoolchildren in Alaska made more than 14,000 ornaments to decorate the tree and 41 handmade skirts were sewn by indigenous peoples in the state. The tree was scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 22.
Liz Sollis, communications director for Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said there was lots of excitement around the event which was organized in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, Utah Highway Patrol, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and other local partners. She was pleased with the turnout at Wheeler Farm and excited the county was able to be part of the national tour.
“We were really passionate about getting the word out because we know Salt Lake County is for everybody, so we wanted to make sure everybody knew about this,” Sollis said. “Wheeler Farm always offers events and opportunities for learning and that’s what tonight is all about. It’s just a great opportunity for people to have fun and see the tree that’s going to be at the U.S. Capitol.”l
Hundreds of people visited the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree as it stopped at Wheeler Farm. They could sign the tarp covering the tree in the 100-foot semi-truck trailer. (City Journals)
Visitors at Wheeler Farm talked with representatives from federal and local agencies, made crafts, got free souvenirs and learned about the national tree. (City Journals)
Driving from Alaska to Washington, D.C., the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree made a stop at Wheeler Farm in November. (City Journals)
Cottonwood girls cross country sends one runner to state
Under new head coach Blake Durtschi, the Cottonwood Colts girls cross country team has been going places and placing in big events all season long.
That all culminated in a big way this past October at the 4A state girls cross country championships when senior Nina Haway finished in 98th place overall.
“We like what the new head coach has been doing with this team,” said Cottonwood Athletic Director Gregg Southwick.
For Haway as well as several other Colts, the season started out well when the senior finished a rugged Payson course in a time of 20 minutes and 41 seconds, good for ninth place overall on Aug. 23. Junior Sunny Evans came in just behind Haway in 41st and senior Makena Brooks was 45th.
But, in her first region meet of the year Aug. 28 at the Deseret Peak Complex, Haway would show why she would be one to reckon with. The senior finished in first, defeating the rest of the field by at least a full 30 seconds. In that race, Evans was 12th and Brooks, 15th.
On Murray Park’s hilly course Sept. 6, Haway found the going a bit more difficult, finishing in 56th. Evans was 96th in this nonregion contest that featured more than 300 runners from three states.
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Haway would wrap up the preseason races with a 105th place finish at TwiKnight at American Fork’s Art Dye Park while Evans crossed the tape in 190th.
At the 4A divisionals at Orem’s Lakeside Park, Haway passed the finish line in 51st place while Evans and Brooks finished in 80th and 84th respectively. For the first time all season, junior Zoe Snow finished a varsity race, running across the line in 86th in a time of 28:45.
All season long though, you could find a Cottonwood runner hot on the heels of their opposition, as was the case when Haway finished the Region 10 Championships on her home course in 22nd place.
Also placing at the Cottonwood Complex were Evans and Brooks along with two other runners that hadn’t placed in a varsity competition—junior Victoria Savage and sophomore Ella Darnell.
As a team, the Colts girls finished in seventh place overall and did not qualify for the state championships.
On the boys side, the Colts were paced all season long by senior Ethan Merryweather [20th at Payson, third at Deseret Peak, 45th at Murray Park, 114th at American Fork], who wrapped up his final season at Cottonwood with a 23rd place at the Region
10 Championships and a 111th place at state.
Junior Grant Adams finished in 147th place at the state championships. He got there by finishing ahead of Merryweather at the 4A Divisionals in 41st, seven places ahead of his teammate.
Other Colts that ran season-bests included sophomore Caleb Hill, who finished in 35th place at Payson; junior William Durtschi, 41st at Payson; freshman Maximus Mendenhall, who was 47th at the Payson meet and sophomore Turner Hamel, 48th at the same meet.
Runners who finished outside the top 50 at Payson were sophomore Damien Fernandez in 51st and junior Kaden Brooks in 55th. At Deseret Peak, junior Brian Hsiao was 12th and senior Terrence Kalimasi, 22nd.
Finally, behind Merryweather and Adams at the Region 10 Championships at Cottonwood Complex were Hill, in 37th; Hamel, Durtschi and Fernandez in places 39-41 and Hsiao in 44th. As a team, the Colts boys finished in seventh place and did not qualify for the state championships. l
Your Mental Health Deserves Care, No Matter the Season
As the days grow shorter and the cold settles in, many of us start to feel the weight of seasonal depression. If your struggle with depression includes low energy, lack of ambition, or a sense of isolation, you’re not alone—and we can help.
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Sugar House Park, the site of this year’s 4A state cross-country championships. (Photo courtesy Ken Lund )
ON THE MOVE
DECEMBER 2024
Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757 mayor@sslc.gov
City Offices and Community Centers will be closed on December 24 and 25 in observance of Christmas. Congrats, Natalie! Open At-large
Monday
Building a Safer and More Inclusive South Salt Lake
As a dedicated advocate for our City’s well-being, I am often asked about the needs of our community. I take this question seriously, drawing insights from City events, neighborhood gatherings, and meaningful conversations. At the top of my list, I believe South Salt Lake residents need to know and believe that our City is a safe and welcoming place to call home.
Being a third-generation resident, my roots here run deep. My connection began in childhood, influenced by my mother’s tenure at City Hall and my friendship with the daughter of former Mayor Jim Davis. I fondly remember visiting the Davis’ home. Sometimes, her dad would ask us to join him while he “Put the City to Bed”, which he did every night to ensure that all City offices, parks, and facilities were secure. Throughout my upbringing, by participating in various City events, engaging in volunteer opportunities, and interacting with my neighbors have all significantly deepened my appreciation for civic duty and the importance of community care.
While much has changed since then, as your Mayor, I remain committed to safeguarding our city and nurturing the close-knit community I cherish. Your safety is my top priority. This year, despite its challenges, we made significant strides in infrastructure, public safety, and laying the foundation for new affordable housing. We’re just beginning to bring these improvements to fruition, enhancing life for South Salt Lake residents.
But as your Mayor, I also strive to bring you the little things that enhance your everyday life. If you haven’t heard of our Promise SSL program, I encourage you to take a moment to learn about this afterschool initiative that touches the lives of so many youth and families in South Salt Lake. Soon after taking office in 2009, I recognized the need for safe and inclusive afterschool programs that offer not only security but also a nurturing environment. Through hard work and dedication, we secured funds to provide free afterschool care for our community. These programs offer enrichment activities, evening meals, and positive social interactions in 14 of our schools and community centers. By communicating and listening to your needs, we can make our city better and more inclusive. There’s always room at the table for everyone as we strive to nurture our community and I welcome and appreciate you being here.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!
Mayor Cherie Wood
Public Meetings
For more info: www.sslc.gov
Planning Commission
Thu, Dec 5, 7 p.m.
City Council
Wed, Dec 11, 7 p.m.
City Council Members
Find out more about who your City Council representative is by visiting sslc.gov.
LeAnne Huff, District 1 lhuff@sslc.gov
Corey Thomas, District 2 cthomas@sslc.gov
Sharla Bynum, District 3 sbynum@sslc.gov
Nick Mitchell, District 4 nmitchell@sslc.gov
Paul Sanchez, District 5 psanchez@sslc.gov
Natalie Pinkney, At-Large npinkney@sslc.gov
Clarissa Williams, At-Large cwilliams@sslc.gov
If you missed last month’s City Council meetings, please visit the City Council page at sslc.gov for a full Action Report Summary. You can also watch past meetings, view agenda and minutes, and connect with City Council members. sslc. gov/160/City-Council
Merry & Bright Yard Awards
‘Tis the season to spread some holiday cheer! The South Salt Lake Merry and Bright Award recognizes those who go above and beyond to brighten up the dark winter months–the most “lit” houses in the City, one might say. Winners of this prestigious award can enjoy a festive yard sign and bragging rights that last all year long. Nominate the best-decorated house in your neighborhood (even if it’s your own) by filling out the Merry and Bright nomination form at sslc.gov
Stay Safe on the Road
Avoid parking on the street during or after a snow storm. Give snow plows plenty of space to do their job effectively.
Keep an emergency kit in your car.
Winter driving can be dangerous--keep essential supplies in your car that can keep you safe if you become stranded in the cold.
Give yourself plenty of time to clear snow off your car and fully defrost your windshield.
Visit sslc.gov for more winter driving tips
Snow Shoveling Tips and Tricks
Shovel within 24 hours of a snowstorm. The longer you wait, the harder it will be!
Don’t shovel into the street. Pile snow onto your yard where it won’t interfere with traffic and can melt into the ground.
If you have a fire hydrant in your yard, help firefighters by keeping it clear of ice and snow. Maintain a path from the hydrant to the street, and clear a perimeter three feet around the hydrant.
Public Safety
Fire Department Welcomes New Chaplain to the Team
The SSL Fire Department has a new volunteer chaplain. Mont Roosendaal has a long history with the City of South Salt Lake. He enjoyed a storied 28-year career with the City as a Public Works mechanic, Fleet Manager, and Public Asset & Fleet Director. During that time, he worked closely with the Fire Department to design and maintain their firetrucks and other vehicles. Now, three years after his retirement from the Public Works Department, he is supporting firefighters in a different way as the department’s volunteer chaplain.
Roosendaal is a non-denominational chaplain, which means that he doesn’t work within the confines of one religion. In fact, he says he dislikes the word religion in general. He strives to meet people where they are and offer assistance and comfort in any way he can.
His work as chaplain includes rotating among South Salt Lake’s three fire stations and responding to calls with the department to assist emergency victims and their family members. Roosendaal places great value on family–a term that he defines broadly. He wants to help families in times of crises, support the families of firefighters around the grueling schedule and stress of the job, and strengthen the family bonds of the department itself. In his own words, “I’m dedicated to this city. It’s family to me.”
Protecting Yourself & Your Property During the Holiday Season
Message from SSLPD Chief Danielle Croyle
We all love the holiday season–including criminals. One issue that has become increasingly common during this time of year is holiday package theft. Remember the importance of crime prevention and taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
• Report Theft to the Shipping Carrier. If your package is stolen, make sure to report it immediately to the shipping carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS) to help them investigate and take appropriate action.
• Consider Insurance. It is always a good idea to invest in shipping insurance for valuable items just in case they get lost or stolen.
• Use a Lockbox. If you are expecting a delivery and won’t be home to receive it, consider getting a lockbox to secure your package so the delivery person can drop it off without leaving it unattended.
• Deliver to a Place Where Someone Is Home. If possible, have your packages delivered to a location where someone is present to receive them, such as a friend or family member’s house or your workplace.
• Consider Having Packages Delivered to a Business. Many businesses, such as post offices and shipping stores, offer package receiving services. This can be a good option if you won’t be home to receive a package.
• Call the South Salt Lake Police to Report the Theft. If you do fall victim to package theft, be sure to report it to the police so they can investigate and take appropriate action.
WEDNESDAYS FROM 10:30 AM TO 12 PM
CREATIVE Aging
WITH ROBIN LUKER
2250 S 500 E C0-OP ART ROOM
NEW COURT SURFACE
Check out the new pickleball court surface at Central Park Community Center.
Join us Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm for adult (18+) open play and instruction with other SSL residents.
Learn more at sslc.gov
South Salt Lake Senior Center
EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2024
Live Entertainment
Dieter Wachtel | Wed, 12/11 at 10:30 am
Time Steppers | Wed, 12/18 at 10:30 am
SSL Choir | Fri, 12/20 at 10:30 am (Winter Holiday Meal Day)
Health & Wellness
Monthly Blood Pressure Checks | Wed, 12/11 at 9:15 am
Vital Aging: Beating the Holiday Blues | Fri, 12/06 at 10:30 am
Line Dance | Every Friday at 10:30 am
Workshops
Craft with Vickie: Gnome | Wed, 12/04 at 10:30 am
Make Yule Log with Jill Smith | Thur, 12/12 at 10:30 am
Mon - Fri | 8:30 am - 4 pm 2531 South 400 East (385) 468-3340 slco.org/aging
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Be part of the biggest public art event in Utah.
Applications are now being accepted for Mural Fest 2025. Artists should apply online at themuralfest.com before December 13.
CALL FOR WALLS
Turn your business exterior into a work of art!
Host a mural and become part of Utah’s largest outdoor mural festival. Your business could be the talk of the town.
Email Jody at arts@sslc.gov or visit the website.
themuralfest.com
Grab a Wishlist tag off the Angel Paw Tree at the South Salt Lake Animal Services Shelter, or visit our online Amazon wishlist at sslc.gov.
Purchase the withlist itme(s) to help out our furry friends.
Give our SSL shelter animals some extra love this holiday season! We need everything from beds and toys to food and cleaning supplies.
Community & Economic Development
South Salt Lake is the Busiest It’s Ever Been – Let’s Help Keep Them Busy
Small businesses are the cornerstone of the American economy, and it’s no different here in South Salt Lake. Our local business community is part of what sculpts our identity: small, tenacious, and gritty. They are vital contributors to the tax base and help keep dollars in our local economy. The majority of new jobs come from small businesses, and their local touch provides an elevated customer service experience.
The South Salt Lake Community and Economic Development Department works hard to support the more than 3,000 businesses in our City, and we hope you join us this holiday season…and beyond. Next time you want to dine in or take out, buy a car or get one serviced, shop for the perfect holiday present or house warming gift, or anything else you may need, check South Salt Lake first and support local when possible.
The South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce is working with our business community to offer special deals and perks over the holiday season. See the offerings on the Chamber website at sslchamber.com. When you support our local community, you’re helping build opportunity.
The South Salt Lake Chamber helps South Salt Lake businesses succeed. In partnership with our members, we provide leadership that strengthens our economy, convenes our community, and promotes collaboration so people can live, work, and thrive in our city. Memberships are affordable and tiered for every business level. Learn more and join today at sslchamber.com.
Strategic Networking Opportunities
Enjoy exclusive access to a vibrant network of local businesses and decisionmakers, opening doors to valuable partnerships, collaborations, and new business opportunities.
Business Advocacy and Support
The Chamber is your ally in the local business landscape, offering advocacy, probusiness policy support, and access to resources like expert advice, workshops, and seminars to fuel growth in your business.
Visibility
and Brand Exposure
Boost your brand’s visibility through the Chamber’s directory, sponsored events and social media, expanding your reach and strengthening your presence in the South Salt Lake community.
Educational Resources
Gain an edge with exclusive access to educational resources and development programs. The South Salt Lake Chamber provides industry insights and leadership workshops to help members thrive in the changing business landscape.
Woodrow Wilson Afterschool Takes On City Clean Up
The Woodrow Wilson Afterschool Program has taken on a unique service project to benefit the City of South Salt Lake by adopting local storm drains! Since adopting these drains on Main Street, affectionately named Shrek, Bill and Georgie, youth have learned about the importance of storm drain maintenance and cleaning to protect our local waterways. This hands-on project not only benefits the immediate surroundings of our program participants, where they go to school and live, but it teaches the youth about environmental stewardship and how small actions can make a big difference.
Bimbo Bakeries Helps Freshen Up Hser Ner Moo Afterschool Program
The Hser Ner Moo Afterschool Program got an upgrade thanks to Bimbo Bakeries and their amazing staff! With incredible energy and dedication, they spent a few hours building new furniture, organizing, and helping to update our classroom space at the South Salt Lake Community Center. Their support means our youth can now enjoy a refreshed, welcoming environment that enhances their learning each day. It is now a brighter and more inviting space that the youth have fully embraced. Thank you, Bimbo Bakeries, for helping us make a difference for our youth and families!
Granite Credit Union rolls out its mobile branch
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
As Granite Credit Union’s membership increased, discussions were held to determine how to bring banking services to more customers. Building brick-and-mortar buildings is expensive and they needed a faster, cost-conscious alternative.
First, the credit union partnered with Rancho Markets, Walmart and Harmons Grocery, creating branches within those businesses. Then, credit union leaders came up with the idea to create a mobile branch that could go to customers without investing in property and buildings.
“We wanted to add brick-and-mortar branches, but we also looked at something that could be more cost-effective,” said Granite Credit Union CEO Mark Young. “The idea with the mobile branch was a couple of things. One is that if we’re remodeling a branch, we could have that on-site and use that as the branch. And then the other piece was kind of a bonus, as we were researching it, was that it would work as an after-recovery option, because of satellite communications and the technology that it had, we could serve our members from anywhere.”
GCU leaders spent the summer of 2022 researching the mobile branch option and finding a company that could build what they needed. In September of that year, they ordered the vehicle from MBF Industries, out of Florida.
With a price tag of around $500K, the Granite Credit Union Mobile Branch costs much less than a brick-and-mortar location which can be more than $1.5 million, plus the cost of land.
The mobile branch is built like an armored vehicle, due to security concerns, and is outfitted with nearly a dozen cameras, motion detectors and stabilizer jacks. Customers can walk into the van and talk to employees, open accounts, apply for loans, get a debit card and do anything they could do in a permanent location.
AsThere’s also a walk-up window and an ATM.
Since getting the vehicle in July this year, its testing phase has been a rolling billboard advertising the credit union. It will be used at city events throughout Salt Lake and Utah County and will be placed in specific locations to give credit union members easier access to services.
For instance, the Granite Credit Union Mobile Branch was parked at Rancho Market in Provo to offer incentives to members as they introduced the concept. The credit union also has
plans to bring the mobile branch to high schools in Granite, Salt Lake and Murray School Districts on a rotating schedule, providing credit union resources to students and faculty.
“We’ve used it at a couple of events since we’ve had it, and I think people are really surprised when they see it,” Young said. “We’ve had really good responses and feedback. We haven’t had an official launch but we’re doing a lot of testing and serving those members and working out all the kinks.”
Granite Credit Union was originally formed in 1935 to create an organization for teachers within the Granite School District. Since then, it has expanded its membership and serves patrons in 10 counties throughout Utah. The mobile branch will be an extension of these services as the credit union evolves to reach more people.
“We’re hoping to get into low income areas and we’ll be driving the truck to events, like at Millcreek Common, and park it where they have food truck nights,” Young said. “Essentially we’re trying to go to people to meet their needs, serve them, and hopefully we’ll publish a schedule where it’s going to be on our social media and website.”
For more information, visit Granite.org. l
New treatments can help those struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder
we move into the darker months, it’s important to pay attention to mental health.
Seasonal Affective Disorder impacts many people in Utah and the holidays can be hard for those who already feel unhappy or isolated.
While there are many ways to combat the effects of SAD including going outside during daytime hours, making self-care a priority, eating well, planning events with family or friends and getting regular exercise, sometimes the combination of gloomy weather and long nights makes it hard to bounce back.
For those who struggle with SAD, NeuroHealth Manager Jason Corbridge said there is help available. NeuroHealth is a clinic that specializes in treating depression and mental health issues with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Corbridge said TMS is an easy procedure with minimal side effects
“Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, is very common in states such as Utah that see a huge swing in seasonal temperament and the holiday seasons can be especially hard,” he said. “At NeuroHealth, we specialize in treating major depressive disorder and depressive anxiety and we actively do everything we can to push the discussion of mental health, recognizing potentially harsh times and mitigating the effects of seasonal depression.”
Symptoms of SAD include low energy,
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
social withdrawal, fatigue and oversleeping, an increase in feelings of depression and anxiety, low energy, weight gain, trouble concentrating and even suicidal ideation.
Low serotonin or melatonin levels can contribute to SAD, as well as genetics, less sunlight, grief, loneliness and biological clock shifts. But every person is different and re-
sponds to seasonal change differently.
NeuroHealth’s groundbreaking TMS treatment is a non-invasive process using magnetic pulses to improve nerve cells in the brain. Corbridge said TMS is an FDA-approved treatment that is easy and effective and usually covered by health insurance.
“If you are already suffering from depres-
sion and are anxiously looking at the incoming weather we are bound to get over the next three to four months, give us a call,” he said.
Because each person’s struggle is unique, the professionals at NeuroHealth make sure patients receive the individualized help they need to get through SAD. Along with TMS treatment, NeuroHealth also uses ketamine therapy in a controlled setting. Considered an emerging treatment for depression, ketamine is an option for people dealing with treatment-resistant depression.
Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Rayner, MD, is an advocate for mental health and is one of the foremost TMS providers for the state. He is one of the NeuroHealth professionals and is committed to helping patients find their way back to wellness. NeuroHealth is located at 10437 S. Temple Drive in South Jordan. To learn more about TMS and treatment options, visit NeuroHealthUtah.com.
Corbridge said there is no reason to go through another winter season full of dread, anxiety, stress and depression.
“Come see us and let’s talk about potential treatment options that can get you to a better place before the gloomy weather rolls around,” he said. “If we can’t help you, we will get you to someone who can.” l
Studies show Utahns could be at higher risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder. NeuroHealth offers new treatments to help people regain their footing during winter months. Stock photo
The Granite Credit Union Mobile Branch is a state-of-the-art banking system on wheels. It will be used to bring credit union services to its customers in a revolutionary way. (Photo courtesy of Granite Credit Union)
4X REWARDS AT GAS STATIONS
3X REWARDS ON QUALIFYING TRAVEL EXPENSES
3X REWARDS AT WAREHOUSE STORES
2X REWARDS AT RESTAURANTS & GROCERY STORES
1X POINTS ON ALL OTHER PURCHASES
Navigating Grief and the Holidays
By Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW
The holiday season is nearly upon us. This is the time of year when grieving people often feel dread and sorrow about the very events and traditions that formerly brought happiness.
As every grieving person handles loss in their own way, each one of us observes holidays in our own way in time of bereavement. There simply is no one right way to experience the holidays. Some nd meaning in following cherished traditions, and others bene t from avoiding traditions because their associations are now tinged with loss. Some people nd great comfort in being with other people, others prefer solitude to camaraderie. For all of us, how we gather is as important as gathering at all.
Plan ahead for the holidays: The rst step in planning is to listen to yourself….what will help you most at this time? You may have strong memories and powerful feelings. Accept this as normal, but prepare for it. Anticipate the pleasures and the stresses of events, and select those you want to participate in. If you expect to be lonely, arrange supportive companionship. If you can’t bear the thought of connecting with the entire extended family, let the family know of your needs. Be creative and accept support by using distance technology.
Accommodate your plans to your new limits: Most grieving people have signi cantly lowered physical stamina and emotional reserve. Perhaps you can’t get every decoration out this year. Accept these limits as temporary, and good enough for this year. Choose to put your energy into the things that matter most to you. Accept that the holidays will be di erent this year: The holidays are often lled with unrealistic expectations that may overwhelm you. You may need to revisit your goals and nd a balance between continuity and change. Many people nd a special comfort in establishing a new holiday tradition that honors the memory of the person who died.
Recognize that other family members or friends may have struggles, too: Look for opportunities to discuss your feelings and wishes with others who may also be grieving for your family member. Try to respect their choices, if they are di erent from yours. You all may need to make compromises.
If the holidays have always been hard for you: Use this transition in your life to try something completely new…an untraditional-tradition. Perhaps you have never taken the occasion create a new experience on your own. As challenging as loss can be, it can bring momentum to grow and to try something new.
For all of us, whether the holidays are a time of personal signi cance or not, it can be a season in which we re ect on what we do cherish as we journey through grief.
Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing and the Director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program. Caring Connections is a not-for-pro t program that o ers clinician-facilitated grief support groups in Utah.
6 unique shopping experiences for the holiday season
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Holiday shopping often brings loads of stress as you try to find the perfect gift for that special person. In Salt Lake County, there are many shops, boutiques and specialty stores where you can find unique gifts at affordable prices. Here are just a few fun places to visit during the Christmas season.
Randee & Company, 2036 E. 6200 South, Holladay
This cute little shop is full of whimsical and unique treasures for holiday gift-giving. From adorable kitchen goods to exquisite jewelry, Randee & Company finds distinctive and imaginative options for friends and family of all ages. Walking through the store is always an adventure with new products, kind employees and a fun atmosphere. Visit the retailer in Holladay or shop online at RandeeAndCompany.com.
Marissa’s Books & Gifts, 3302 S. 900 East, Millcreek
Support an independent bookstore for the holiday. Cindy Dumas, owner of Marissa’s Books, opened her bookstore in 2013 in honor of her granddaughter, Marissa. Since then, the bookstore has moved and expand-
ed, offering new, used, vintage, best-selling and rare books. Not only can you find the perfect book for the reader in your life, but Marissa’s also supports local schools and educators with books for the classroom. Learn more or shop online at MarissasBooks.com.
The Nut Garden, 13863 S. 2700 West, Bluffdale
With nuts, candy, dried fruit, trail mix and gift baskets, The Nut Garden is a onestop shop for everyone on your holiday list. Best-selling items include cinnamon bears, bulk cashews, butter toffee almonds, French burnt peanuts and banana chips. The shop also carries favorite brands like Built
Bar, Gary’s Gourmet Caramel Corn and OM Power bars. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but customers can also shop online at TheNutGarden.com.
Sacred Energy Empowerment Center, 261 E. 4500 South, Murray
For the crystal lover on your list, Sacred Energy has an outstanding selection of pocket stones, towers, figurines, clusters and spheres in a variety of crystals and stones. The store also sells hand-wrapped crystal pendants, bracelets, earrings, anklets and rings for every occasion. But Sacred Energy is more than just crystals. The shop sells sound bowls, tongue drums, drums, candles, tarot cards and incense. Its apothecary features herbs, teas, tinctures and essential oils. Sacred Energy also has dozens of hapé blends and accessories. Learn more at SacredEnergySLC.com.
The Shops at Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, West Jordan
With its cozy atmosphere and pictur-
esque setting, the locally-owned shops and boutiques at Gardner Village are a fun holiday destination. Lilly & Vera is a shop filled with self-care essentials, unique jewelry items, home decor and artwork. Pine Needles features fabric, cross-stitch and other textile crafts for the seamstress in your life. The Train Shoppe is a mecca for model railroading hobbyists and Boho Chic has hand-selected clothing options including hats, skirts, dresses and tops. More than a dozen stores are on-site for holiday shopping. Visit GardnerVillage.com to learn more.
Fudge Co., 13292 S. Rosecrest Road, Herriman
Using a recipe that’s been passed down and perfected for 50 years, Patience Kunz, the owner of Fudge Co., makes hand-created fudge and candies that will elevate your holidays. Whether it’s toffee pecan, chocolate walnut, Biscoff cheesecake, lemon raspberry or Nutella swirl, the fudge options are creamy and delicious. The Fudge Co. also sells caramels, nut clusters and barks to fill those Christmas stockings. For more information or to order online, visit The-FudgeCo.com l
Make holiday shopping a fun adventure by visiting local shops and boutiques in Salt Lake County. (Stock photo)
Fresh off a state championship game run, Cottonwood boys basketball still has plenty of pieces
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
The last time you watched the Cottonwood boys basketball team was on TV, when they reached the 4A state championship game.
Although the Colts fell to Layton Christian 58-53 and lost several players to graduation including 4A first-team selection Chris Cox, Cottonwood is bringing plenty of pieces back, said coach Marc Miller.
“This year’s team will feature a good mix of talent from three different levels,” Miller said. “We have three seniors, three juniors and three sophomores that will see varsity time. We return three starters in John Rosevear, Luke Park and Bo Smith.”
In Rosevear, the Colts have a proven senior who was Cottonwood’s second-leading scorer. He averaged 16 points and four rebounds per game as a junior and played in all 27 for the Colts, who featured him in several games last season.
Alongside Rosevear is Park, who will run the offense for the Colts. Over 27 games, the senior guard averaged nine points, seven assists and three rebounds.
Smith is the player that some hope will take the place of Cox, who is currently playing at UC-San Diego of the Big West Conference.
Though it will likely be impossible to replicate the talents Cox had as a three-level player, Smith is a talented three-sport senior at 6-feet-3-inches who showed glimpses last season and was pivotal in the Colts’ state semifinal win over Snow Canyon, posting a stat line of six points, four rebounds and three steals.
With a season that opens on Nov. 20 at home against Lone Peak and hits the road for a game at Richfield two days later, life will come
at Cottonwood fast.
After that, the Colts will take a holiday break for Thanksgiving and then play five games in seven days starting on Dec. 3. That will take them right up to tipoff of their Region 10 campaign that begins on Dec. 10.
“We also return two players in Luka Cecez and Tengis Bayasgalan who played significant minutes last year in our playoff run,” said Miller, who guided the Colts to a 21-6 record and a Region 10 championship last year at 12-0.
Never scoring more than six points in any one game, Cecez is a big body at 6-feet-6inches who registered two blocks in that state semifinal victory over Snow Canyon, while Bayasgalan at 5-feet-10-inches is capable of scoring buckets—the six points he poured in during an early-round state playoff game is proof.
In addition to those five guys, Cottonwood is expected to get contributions from juniors Tommy Yates and Hamilton Leece. Along with sophomore Malei Atem, the Colts have enough firepower to make things very interesting not only in Region 10 play but Class 4A.
Yates and Atem played significant minutes on Cottonwood’s JV team and played in spots on the Colts’ varsity, while Leece is a newcomer to the program.
“We are a well-balanced team and the boys enjoy playing with each other which is important,” said Miller, who has a 72-50 record in five years at the school. “We are looking forward to the season and working towards hopefully another deep run in the state tournament.”
John Rosevear returns for the Colts basketball team. (File photo City Journals)
Our Salt Lake County budget process is wrapping up, and I wanted to share some of the things we’ve done as we look to approve the 2025 budget.
As we look to be fiscal prudent, one of our top priorities is to maintain our AAA bond rating. We are one of only a few dozen counties in the nation with this highest bond rating. That equates to much lower interest rates on bonds/loans.
I want to outline some of the key principles I’ve brought to the budget this year and every year prior.
First and foremost, tax dollars collected don’t “belong” to the county. They are your dollars. Taxpayers entrust the county, or any government for that matter, with a portion of their hard-earned money, and in exchange, expect the government to perform essential, necessary functions for the constituency. There is no amount of tax dollars that is too small to be scrutinized. That is why I push back aggressively anytime I hear someone say, “It’s only x dollars…so we shouldn’t worry about it.”
Any expenditure whether it is $10,000 or $10 million should be reviewed, and if it can’t be fully justified to the taxpayers, it should be cut.
Second, I believe that all government
Doing more with less in a tight budget year
Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3
functions should be viewed in two different categories: “need to have” and “nice to have.”
The “need to have” list obviously includes things that are statutorily required of the county to perform, as mentioned above, including public safety.
The “nice to have” list includes quality of life aspects, as well as any other program or effort that can easily be described as “good” or of benefit to the county, but not absolutely necessary.
These two lists are by no means exhaustive, but this demonstrates the same principle that every family in our county goes through in their annual budgets.
Because of inflation it’s been a hard budget year. As you know, everything from food to gas has increased over the past few
years. This is especially hard on government budgets.
This year, since we’ve been asking our departments to do more with less, I believe the council should have to do the same. I will be proposing that we do an office restructure in the county council office. Currently, each council member gets to hire one full-time policy advisor. We have additional central staff who help us with communication, legislative, fiscal and legal matters.
Because three of our nine council members are leaving office, it’s a good time to make a change for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the council. I hope the majority of my colleagues will join me as I propose that each political caucus gets two policy advisors rather than everyone getting their own. It will cut four full-time positions and almost a half a million dollars of taxpayer funds. We are asking others to do more with less, and we should be willing to do the same.
Lastly, I review each aspect of our budget and ask, “Is this the proper role of county government?” I’ve said many times that government can’t and shouldn’t be all things to all people.
I’m confident that these principles are the essence of good budgeting, and I will
always advocate for this approach any time government is given the trust of the public through their tax dollars. You can rest assured that for 2025, Salt Lake County has a balanced budget with no tax increase. l
Angels from the realms of glory (better have their papers)
Near the twinkling Christmas trees, pine-scented candles and brightly-wrapped packages, most homes in Utah display a Nativity scene. It might be made with Star Wars characters or garden gnomes, but it usually includes wise men, shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and an angel hovering near Baby Jesus. If you have children, the crèche could also include stuffed dinosaurs and a Barbie.
It’s a peaceful tribute to the beginning of Jesus’s mission, right before the dastardly King Herod (threatened by the prophesied birth of a new king) proclaimed that every male child under 2 must be put to death. (I’ll bet he was a blast at holiday parties.)
Being warned by an angel, Mary and Joseph fled with toddler Jesus to Egypt where they lived for several years.
But what if the story had been different? What if the Holy Family arrived on Egypt’s border, where someone had built a big wall? What if the Egyptian border czar said, “Nah. We don’t like refugees. They ruin our economy. Go back where you came from.”?
The New Testament would be a lot shorter.
Utah has more than 300,000 refugees and immigrants living in the state; almost 9% of the population. Maybe we could
Peri Kinder
Life and Laughter
consider this percentage of immigrants a tithe offering where we dedicate ourselves to treating them with love and respect, and not actively try to evict them from the inn.
Refugees are survivors of wars, often fleeing for their lives, leaving everything behind, exactly like Jesus’s family. Immigrants want safety for their families and dream of American opportunities. Didn’t we learn in church we’re all children of God? Maybe I misunderstood.
Utah is a shining example of how to assist these populations. There are programs to help refugees get jobs, learn English, finish school and raise their families. Many immigrants own businesses, pay taxes and contribute to our healthy economy.
But a large faction of the United States agrees mass deportation is a great idea. We can have a country without immigrants or we can have a strong economy. We can’t have both.
Unfortunately, brotherly love doesn’t fit today’s immigration narrative which is that refugees are ruining the country. Words like “diversity” and “inclusion” have become MAGA kryptonite. Have we forgotten Jesus taught that loving each other was one of the greatest commandments? Was there a disclaimer I missed that excluded people who weren’t born in America?
If Jesus was here, he’d be flipping tables and fashioning cords into a whip. He would call us hypocrites for not showing compassion to those who are suffering. Instead, we offer harsh judgment, condemnation and close our communities to shelters. Who are we?
There’s a story of a family who was very hungry. The grandmother took a big cooking pot into the front yard, placed it over a fire, filled it with water and plunked a stone into the pot.
Neighbors asked what she was making. “Stone soup,” she replied. Soon, everyone wanted to add something to the soup. One person brought carrots, another brought chicken. Someone added pasta. Yet another brought spices and salt. In no time at all, they had a big pot of soup to share.
In many ways, society is breaking. Rules and common sense seem arbitrary.
People want to pick ingredients out of this huge melting pot of America, this pot of soup, as it were, and toss them away. Immigrants add flavor to our communities. They add variety and culture and spice. If you take out all the ingredients, you’re left with a pot of hot water and a heart of stone. l
