GRID CITY MUSIC FEST BRINGS MORE TALENT TO STRENGTHEN SOUTH SALT LAKE’S ART SCENE
By Jesse M. Gonzalez | j.gonzalez@mycityjournals.com
City Music Fest kicked off its third year in the heart of the Creative Industries Zone in celebration of the artistic commitment of South Salt Lake. Drew Reynolds and an apt crew assembled 57 bands, 54 of which were local, to perform over a three-day period, which began on Aug. 23 and ended Aug. 25. With it being the third year of the festival in question, there have been both slight and obvious changes since its inception. However, the message has stayed the same: bringing the community of South Salt Lake together.
“The first one was very different—the first one was, like, touring bands. We were trying to activate the Commonwealth Room, trying to get people to come based on the bands, and then last year the experience became a more holistic whole scene of celebrating South Salt Lake and its art area, which is the Creative Industries Zone, which has 62 murals, five breweries, three distilleries—people don’t really know how much is popping down there. We just wanted to activate all of South Salt Lake,” said Reynolds, who is co-founder of Grid City.
Last year’s festival consisted of only Friday and Saturday with a total of 30 bands playing over seven stages, another facet to show that Grid City Music Fest is continuing to grow year by year and making strides in the process.
“I bought more marketing for it this year. My sponsors were super generous this year and kicked it up a lit-
Local favorite J. Rad Cooley and his band galvanize the festival crowd with a blend of blues, rock n’ roll, country and jazz. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)
habla Español
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Stroke from Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Stroke Team
By Dr. Rebecca Reiser
We know how important it is for patients and their families to find a hospital and a care team that you can trust - especially when emergencies, like stroke, happen. That’s why our team at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley is so incredibly proud to be a certified primary stroke center with thrombectomy capability. Recently, our stroke care team was recognized by the American Heart Association and received their Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Award with Stroke Honor Roll and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. This award means our facility met or exceeded the national recommendations for stroke care for our patients and it highlights our hard-working, talented stroke care team for providing excellent patient stroke care! To start, we work closely with our EMS partners to help them recognize patient stroke symptoms while they are out in the field. They are trained to let us know when they are on their way to our hospital so we can be ready for stroke patients before they even arrive. Our team is then able to evaluate each patient quickly and thoroughly to determine the best course of treatment. We have medications to help break up blood clots in the brain and a team of highly
trained vascular neurosurgeons who can remove a blood clot from the brain, also known as a thrombectomy. An important note - Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley is the only hospital on the west side of the valley that has the capability of performing these state-of-the-art thrombectomies!
So, what are the signs and symptoms of stroke that you should be aware of? The easiest way to remember what to look out for is through the acronym, BEFAST:
● Balance changes
● Eye or vision changes
● Facial droop
● Arm weakness
● Speech difficulty
● Time
reduces disability among stroke survivors by 4%! That’s because about 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke until blood flow is restored. It is important that if you see someone showing the signs or symptoms of stroke outlined above, call for help immediately. When you or your loved ones come to Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley for stroke care, you can expect state-of-theart stroke treatment and compassionate, healing care fueled by humankindness. From the teams in the ER to the stroke care teams to the physical, occupational and speech therapists that help care for patients throughout their rehab journey, and to the neurologists that assist in care decisions from the start, you are in good hands at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley!
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.
It is important to recognize the above signs and symptoms because time matters! Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, but it is the leading cause of long-term disability. Studies show that every 15 minutes saved when a patient is experiencing stroke symptoms,
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Dr. Rebecca Reiser Neurologist and Stroke Director CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital
Former motel may house families facing homelessness
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
ShelterThe Homeless, The Road Home, and the city of South Salt Lake have announced a planning application has been submitted to remodel and open the former Motel 6 at 315 W. 3300 South as a Family Interim Housing Facility.
“We are grateful for the support from South Salt Lake’s mayor and city leadership and are committed to engaging with the community in a collaborative and transparent manner,” said Laurie Hopkins, executive director of Shelter The Homeless. “Working together we can establish the foundation for a successful partnership to provide families with a safe and productive place to help them get back on their feet.”
South Salt Lake held their first-ever joint city council and planning commission meeting Aug. 21 for examining the proposal for the new development. The new facility will provide interim housing for families who are experiencing homelessness with support services to help them find a permanent home or other long-term solution. The project provides an additional program option and capacity to better meet the current need and help avoid turning families away due to lack of space.
“No parent should be faced with the reality of not being able to provide shelter for their family and no child should have to sleep in their car this winter,” said South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood. “Every family deserves a roof over their head and access to the tools that help them achieve self-sufficiency.”
The new family facility, which will be operated by The Road Home, will provide safe, stable interim housing with onsite services for 70 to 80 families staying in private rooms.
"Our team at The Road Home has worked with South Salt Lake to develop a
strong, supportive partnership over the past five years," said Michelle Flynn, executive director of The Road Home. "We know how much this community cares about children and families and look forward to developing a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for families to build the connections they need and move quickly into stable housing."
The program would be "housing focused" and would receive referrals from the coordinated entry system, meaning it would not be a walk-up facility. Prioritization would be given to families with newborns and small infant children, families of five and under, families with children already enrolled in the Granite School District and families with medical needs.
Private rooms, daily meals, K-12 school access, referrals to community services like day care, housing management, weekly visit opportunities with medical providers, case
management, 24-hour staff and security would be among the services offered at the facility.
Since 2020, Utah has seen a 27% increase in families experiencing homelessness. In the past year, The Road Home outreach staff reports serving a total of 86 households—270 people, including 180 children—who were living somewhere not meant for human habitation.
Additionally, The Road Home reported having to turn away approximately 834 families—approximately 3,100 people, twothirds of whom were children—in the past year.
The increasing number of unsheltered children was a topic raised several times during the public comment session Aug. 21.
The new facility would bring the state closer to its goal of expanding the number of shelter beds. The second emergency family shelter was declared a "top priority" by state
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homeless officials last year, with the Utah Homeless Council dedicating $3 million toward a facility.
"We know it's a heavy lift for your city, and it's much appreciated, at least from my point of view," Utah Homeless Coordinator and former lawmaker Wayne Niederhauser told the commission and council. "We appreciate the consideration here tonight. This is a need that we have seen for several years now, the need for additional beds for families because families are being turned away from these necessary, temporary hopefully, housing situations which is called shelter."
The city would receive additional funding in the 2026 fiscal year, from the homeless mitigation fund, if the facility were approved. Additional funding for winter overflow beds would be provided if the facility were to be open by then. However, the growing number of facilities housed by the city and the costs associated were a point of frustration for the mayor and members of the council.
"We have—for a small city—figured some things out, but we are now at a tipping point and cannot take any more. This makes sense, we had to develop the Promise South Salt Lake program to stabilize our community. We will welcome these families and do all that we can to help it be successful. But at some point in time, there has to be a line in the sand and I think we're there. I think we're far past there, and we need some help from larger agencies to help us get the ball across the goal," Wood said.
No formal decision was made by the council or planning commission. The initial proposal aimed to open the facility prior to cold temperatures hitting this year. l
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The Motel 6 at 315 W. 3300 South in South Salt Lake is to be repurposed into an interim housing facility for families facing homelessness. (Photo from Google Maps)
tle bit more, so we didn’t have to [solely] rely on South Salt Lake,” said Reynolds. “We got a fun bus which is a bus that the town paid for. We kind of piggybacked on that…You go from brewery to brewery and get on a bus, eat awesome food, and drink award-winning beers. Every one of these breweries has won an award.”
From the upper—partly sunlit, partly shaded—deck with a view of the mountains, SuperBubble opened the musical gamut of the festival with a funky, bassy, jazzy sound that created a rooftop ballroom. Terence Hansen started his set 30 minutes later at Pat’s Barbecue. The excitement did not wane as the opening musicians finished off their sets so the crowd could eventually migrate to the main event at the Commonwealth Room.
The night had only begun.
Shifting the focus to the Commonwealth Room, where a carnival-like atmosphere of vendors ranging from Platinum Barber Shop to The Salted Roots sold their goods. Food and drink merchants resided on the outdoor patio as J. Rad Cooley and his band readied their set. With a folky, bluesy melody and an amicable stage presence and positive lyricism, singer and songwriter J. Rad Cooley played his guitar and harmonica in front of a gathering crowd. By the end of the band’s set, the congregation was left wanting more.
“I know they kind of had, like, a different vibe. It was different the first year, but yeah, this is the second time that we’ve played [at Grid City Music Fest]. It was great!” said Sarah DeGraw, backing vocalist and musician of J. Rad Cooley’s band. “It definitely has grown a lot, but the music industry just has to catch up a little.”
“I’m looking forward to next year’s Grid City. I love the scene and [that more] bands are involved, and I hope to see it grow and keep progressing. I’d love to see bands coming up in Salt Lake and I’d hope to see them grow bigger and bigger. We’re just trying to be there and help grow the music scene along the way,” said J-Rad Cooley.
As the night progressed and the music continued to grow and build upon itself, the fourth band of the festival and second performers of the night at the Commonwealth Room,
The Plastic Cherries, commandeered the stage as attendees gathered back in from mingling and other festivities on the patio. The group, started by couple Shelby and Joe Maddock, brought a different tune for the audience with an alternative and retro euphony that echoed throughout the venue.
“This is our first time playing this festival. It seems like a really awesome, quaint, like, very homegrown festival,” said Shelby Maddock, singer of The Plastic Trees. “They take great care of the artists here, and it feels very community-driven. I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet a lot of the other musicians playing, and the people who put it on have been very, very sweet. And, yeah, happy to be here.”
Further into the night, SaltFire Brewing, owned and founded by Ryan Miller, hosted a “Punk Rock Show” in which local bands took the stage, blasting through the amps wearing black leather and patch-covered studded jackets and defiantly energetic countenances.
“I love [Ryan]. He’s got that energy. He was like ‘Can we do punk rock bands, please?’ and I was like ‘Yeah, no problem.’ So we actually have five punk bands,” Reynolds said.
The punk rock show gave much intrigue to old punk fans, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike as well as those not completely familiar with the subculture, including Ashley Bohrer who also recently moved to Salt Lake City.
“I grew up in North Dakota, but I lived in South Dakota, town of 22,000 people, so we didn’t have artists or bands really, like, we had a few small-town bands that would perform at the bars, but we did not have a lot of music. So this is, like, exponentially more music than what I’m used to,” said Bohrer, who attended Grid City Music Fest for her first time.
“This whole festival—I think just seeing the different artists, seeing the different breweries, the different bands—just exposes you to different types of genres and people,” said Bohrer.
Throughout the weekend, more bands flooded into Grid City Beer Works, Level Crossing Brewing, Pat’s BBQ, Commonwealth Room, Egg Break, Chappel Brewing, and SaltFire Brewing Co., all with the same message: to unite the community of South Salt Lake by strengthening the art and music scene.
“We’re just trying to do our part. South
Salt Lake has been making a strong effort to do better and be better…We hope that people will see it, love it, and actively support the scene. We’re super excited to do our part in making the local scene that much better,” said Smith.
“Next year we want to grow it even more. We have more ideas for it next year. The only all-ages places are Pat’s Barbecue and the Egg Break on Saturday. Next year we really want to
branch it out and make it more family-friendly and family-oriented and bring even more bands in,” said Reynolds. “We want something the bands can look forward to: a local music fest for the musicians. It’s more for them. Let’s go support them! That’s what it’s really about—celebrating Utah, South Salt Lake, and the musicians, you know? They work their butts off to be professionals.” l
EMPOWERING OUR HEROES
Continued from front page
Salt Lake City band SuperBubble opens up Grid City Music Fest with a rooftop performance. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals) The Plastic Cherries rock the stage, delivering a performance in ambient style. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)
Longtime staff member to lead Granite School District
There are 86,400 seconds in one day. But somehow, Ben Horsley can fit more into a single day than most people.
That was before he was appointed Granite School District superintendent on July 9. He replaced former Supt. Rich Nye who was named senior education adviser in Gov. Spencer Cox’s administration.
Horsley has worked 15 years with Granite District, including becoming the first chief of staff, serving to Nye the past three years. Previously, he worked under two other superintendents as the District’s director of communications and community outreach; he was responsible for media relations, marketing and community engagement.
Horsley was one of the top candidates in the nationwide superintendent search three years ago. The school board decided to forego a new search to name him to the position.
“In all sincerity, I wasn’t expecting this,” he said shortly after the appointment. “I expected Dr. Nye would be around several years more. I was honored to serve as his chief of staff and learn; he is an amazing educator. The (school) board came to me and expressed they felt that one person who could carry forth the vision Dr. Nye outlined and build on the foundation he had laid was me. They (school board members) asked if I would be willing to do that. After some consideration and conversations back and forth, I agreed. This wasn’t what I was looking for when I came to Granite School District, but I’m happy to be here. I love kids and what we do here.”
He plans to carry forth Granite’s strategic plan.
“Until he (Nye) came in, we had no formal plan or direction. We had initiatives and we had state accountability. We had several things we were trying to jump through, but there was no overarching vision that had been outlined since 2012 when the previous strategic plan was put into place. It was overdue,” Horsley said. “Dr. Nye and I built it and now we need feedback from our teachers and our administrators who are implementing this plan to ensure we’re moving in the right direction in providing quality instruction and improving student outcomes. Every child deserves an opportunity to have a quality education. We have a great foundation, and I’d like to keep that going.”
Granger High Principal Tyler Howe is excited about the direction Granite is heading.
“It’s been student-centered, trying to meet the individual needs of students and Ben is able to carry that shared vision forward,” he said. “He knows Granite. A comment he made in the meeting last week was, ‘I was here for that discussion 15 years ago; I remember how that started.’ There’s some power in having a superintendent who knows the district.”
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m going to go out and be in our schools for much of my time each day. I’m going to listen to what people have to say.”
Besides, he said, “As chief of staff, a lot of my time entailed spending it in the classroom and oftentimes reading to kids or doing other activities; that’s the reward of the job so I would not want to miss out on that.”
He believes having those relationships and knowing what is needed in schools, along with his extensive knowledge of the District, will position him to be influential on capitol hill.
“I am the one who has to understand all the intricacies of their responsibilities and the impacts of the decisions we make at the District and at the state level on them so I can go appropriately advocate for them,” he said. “The relationships I have in place up there (in the Utah legislature) and the understanding of the process puts me in a distinct advantage in being able to advocate for our students.”
He said “most legislators are working toward the same goal most educators are and that is improving outcomes for kids.”
Howe remembers when he was a new principal and Horsley, then communications director, helped him set up a Twitter account for the school when the platform was launched.
“Ben has been a support to principals all these years. I’ve been in meetings with him and he’s able to prioritize everything to be in a lot of places at once. He has a lot on his plate yet he’s able to manage everything,” he said.
Howe said not only can Horsley manage to do a 48-hour job in 24 hours, but he’s someone he can trust and feels he’s on his level at the same time.
“Ben comes to this position not just as a communications director or someone in the superintendent’s cabinet, but also as a parent who is present for his five kids and cares for all kids,” Howe said.
In true Horsley fashion, he didn’t wait until his term began to work on his goals. Three days before he officially became superintendent, he had met with most of the District’s 120 administrators and principals, getting to know each of them personally, not just talking “shop.”
“I’ve worked with many of them, but I haven’t always talked about them, their families, their vacations, their dogs’ names,” he said. “I’m about relationships. I love to get to know people and understand how they work. This develops our relationships and bonds us in our common goal in providing quality education for our students.”
The Viewmont High graduate who performed in some school plays and ran cross
country also shares about himself.
Horsley is willing to take a pie in the face or do whatever to motivate students’ learning, but he draws the line at jumping out of a plane as he’s “tremendously afraid of heights.”
He loves barbecue and peaches; Abraham Lincoln is one of his favorite historical figures; and he would love to go see U2 in concert.
“When I was in high school, ‘Joshua Tree’ was my very first cassette tape” that Horsley paid for from mowing lawns. “It’s one of my all-time favorite albums,” and said if there was a superintendent playlist, U2 would be included. He also regularly walks his terrier-pug mix, Pablo.
During Horsley’s first 100 days as superintendent, his aim is to improve the culture Districtwide.
“We’ve been working on a few initiatives in how we support our schools,” he said. “Oftentimes, there’s a top-down mentality and we need to collaborate better with our schools.”
Horsley also is seeking a chief of staff who will serve as a key instructional leader for the District.
“The position will change from what I was doing to fill the needs I have,” he said. “At that point, we will have a strong foundation so the next 90 days are about what kind of house do we want to build and what color is it going to be? A lot of that has to do with improving our professional learning communities, giving adequate supports to our administrators and other small things that
His recent conversations focus on student attendance as some skip school and parents can excuse students from school for any reason.
“Chronic absenteeism has grown since the (COVID-19) pandemic. So, how do we honor and respect parental rights, but at the same time, also address parental responsibilities? Part of that has to do with how we address this huge gap in attendance,” he said, saying lawmakers are working with educators to find an answer.
When retired principal Terri Roylance learned about Horsley’s appointment, she knew, “The District is in good hands. As superintendent, he has the opportunity to influence on an even bigger stage. Ben has been right there alongside several superintendents. He knows people. He knows education. He knows the legislature. He knows the District. He can relate to all levels of employees and all levels of kids.”
She remembers Horsley helping make plans from when her school’s baseball team won the state championship on graduation day to tweaking something she’s wrote since “he’s an amazing wordsmith.”
Through her years being an elementary, junior high and high school principal, Horsley, in his calm demeanor, was “right there, answering questions. I’ve called him late at night when I’ve been concerned about something, and he answers his phone or texts an answer immediately. He must live with his phone under his pillow. He’s always been very responsive.”
Horsley intends to communicate with patrons and taxpayers alike.
“I hope those who pay the bill feel they can reach out and know we’re listening,”
Granite School District’s new superintendent, Ben Horsley, standing near a painting of his hero, Abraham Lincoln, is ready to take on the challenge of providing a quality education for 58,000 students. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
he said. “People know I’m good at listening, and they can share questions, concerns and suggestions. That skill set will serve me well advocating for our board’s vision, but at the same time, building collaboration, not just within our District, but within the entire community.”
He said those strong relationships and partnerships will be key in collaborating to support District families.
“Schools have traditionally been community centers, but with school choice, that has become more disparate and challenging. We need to make sure people know their schools are still the center of their communities and they’re a welcome place to come together and support each other,” he said. “At the same time, schools can’t do it alone. We have the highest amount of diversity and many of our students live in poverty. We need to continue engaging with community partners to provide necessary supports to our students and families. We have strong relationships with our city partners, who are supporting and providing resources to those families who are experiencing change, maybe they’re refugees, in poverty, multi-language learners right here within our communities.”
Granite has about 58,000 students. A report five years ago predicted the school district would level out at 55,000 students large-
ly in part to declining birth rates, so Horsley anticipates another dip of 3,000 students even though about “2,000 new multi-language learners come through our doors every year, with about 200 every year who need intensive support to learn the language.”
Horsley said not everyone is aware of the career and technical programs Granite offers, such as its successful CEO program, now in its third year. Through a partnership between the school and the local business community, about 20 students each year gain real-world experience each week by meeting with business owners, tour local companies, and are paired with industry leaders as mentors to learn entrepreneurial skills.
“High school looks different today than it did when I graduated in 1995,” he said. “We have 55-plus career pathways available to students. That includes certifications, undergrad work in a variety of diverse fields from robotics to biomanufacturing. We need to continue to expand those opportunities for our kids.”
GTI program facilitator Erin Paulsen said Horsley was helpful with the creation of the CEO program.
“Ben is a real go-getter,” she said. “He ensures the best results for students and gives them access to opportunities. He gives the time to help students become successful even
with his other administrative duties. He truly cares about the students and their education.”
Horsley said it’s important to identify students’ passions.
“Some students don’t engage in the same way in a traditional experience. So, we say, ‘Let’s help you meet the state requirements for graduation and at the same time, get you a skill and find you something you are interested in,’” he said.
Horsley knows an ongoing challenge with shrinking population means closing schools within the District. Recently, three elementary schools were closed on the east side and realizes when a study along the 31st South corridor on the west side concludes in December, more school closures likely will be recommended.
“We have lost a lot of students because of a variety of factors including loss to charter schools. It’s time to bring those families back into our schools where they’ll be provided and supported with a myriad of individualized educational options and supports for their families,” he said.
That doesn’t include the agreement between Cottonwood High and AMES, Horsley added.
“That’s a great partnership,” he said. “AMES students use a portion of the facility at Cottonwood and that gives our students
access to some of their coursework and their students benefit from Cottonwood’s elective offerings. It’s a unique hybrid. In the same vein, we created (Neil) Armstrong Academy, and we would look at more opportunities like this that provide students with individualized experiences.”
Parent Bruce Walton first met Horsley who was communicating school activities when his oldest son attended Neil Armstrong Academy.
“Ben is a knowledgeable man, who is a great resource for the entire District,” Walton said. “I was at a District-level meeting about the book selection process required by the state legislature. He was clear and concise and provided an understanding of how the District was implementing the process. He was fully versed about the issue. He knows the law, the issues, the people and our District.”
Cottonwood High teacher Adam Wilkins agrees.
“I don’t know anyone in the District who knows the nuts and bolts of the District better than Ben Horsley,” Wilkins said. “He lives and breathes Granite District and always has its best intention in mind. I’m optimistic about the future of our District with him leading the way.” l
Blurred home on Google Maps may act as burglary prevention
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
Have you ever searched your address on Google Maps? If so, you’re probably familiar with the eerie feeling of knowing that other people can find an up-close photograph of your home so quickly. You’re not alone if you’re uncomfortable with having your house on Google Maps. There are home security and safety concerns associated with having images of your home on the platform.
Luckily, there’s a fix for that. Some residents are now “blurring” out their homes in the street-view function on Google Maps.
“I’m aware of the trend, [I] haven’t seen it much here but it will catch on,” said Marvin Barlow, a sergeant with Murray City Police. “Criminals sometimes use online images of a home to look for valuable items worth stealing and any security barriers the home may have.”
Barlow said the photos can help criminals by giving them the possible layout of your home and the locations of security systems.
Burglars or stalkers can quickly check out your home on Google Maps and plot a way inside. Because it offers a thorough look at your house, it’s easy for people to understand the layout of your home and figure out how they’d breach your privacy and enter your home.
Barlow said blurring your home on Google Maps can also have an
installing a security system.
“Do not post your travel plans or real time vacation photos online,” Croyle said. “Real time posting alerts potential thieves that you are not home. Wait till you return to post those beautiful pictures.”
She said if your home is broken into, call 9-1-1 and do not enter the home.
“Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have collected any available evidence,” Croyle said. “Write down any license plates of suspicious vehicles. Note the descriptions of suspicious persons in the area.”
How does the “blurring” function on Google Maps work?
It’s a relatively easy process to complete.
Users can find their property on Google Maps and click on “report a problem” on the upper left corner of the screen. You’ll then need to answer a few questions and submit your request on Google to make the change.
adverse effect.
“It may raise the suspicions of the criminals, what are they trying to hide,”
Barlow said. “In my experience, most burglaries are crimes of opportunity, they look for a weakness such as a garage door that’s been left open, doors/windows that are not locked, mail/flyers or other deliveries that
pile up giving the appearance that no one is home.”
Danielle Croyle, chief of Police for South Salt Lake, said the best ways to prevent your home from being burglarized are to keep all doors and windows locked when leaving the house or going to bed, leave the lights on when you are home, and consider
It’s also important to have proper signage on your property, indicating the use of cameras or security systems, or even a guard dog at your home.
When you go through the steps to blur your home, make sure you’re absolutely sure you have selected everything you want to blur. Google cautions that once you blur something on street view, it’s blurred permanently. l
Example of a home blurred out on Google Maps. (Photo from Google Maps)
Granite School District held the ninth annual Back-to-School Night Aug. 6 for local refugee families, in partnership with Utah Refugee Connection.
Despite the stifling heat, several hundred refugee families turned out, lining the halls of Granite Park Junior High School to collect school supplies and enjoy food, drinks and games.
Utah Refugee Connection coordinates the event each year, providing dozens of volunteers. The school district supplies the facilities, and Ken Garff Automotive Group sponsors the activities—this was their third year partnering with this initiative as part of their “We’re hear for you” program.
Amy Dott Harmer, executive director of Utah Refugee Connection, was onsite to oversee the event. She greeted many families and seemed to never stop smiling.
She said, “the backpacks hold hope” emphasizing the community love and engagement behind the project. She said each backpack is provided by an individual or family who wants to see these children succeed.
“We want to empower the kids and contribute to the success of students in the state.”
The event has been growing each year.
Backpacks bring hope to refugee children
By Sarah Brown | s.brown@mycityjournals.com
This year the team was prepared to accommodate 2,000 refugees and expected over 900, the number that attended the previous year.
Utah has 65,000 refugees, 70% of which are in the Granite School District. While the District holds the event, all refugee children are welcome.
As families entered the school, volunteers greeted each family and helped them along several stations where the children collected their new backpacks, a bag of school supplies and water bottles. They then made their way outside to pizza, Creamsicles and bounce houses.
Other vendors participated as well, setting up booths to offer valuable services.
Take Care Utah, a nonprofit that helps reduce barriers to health care, attended the event for the second year, aiding families with knowledge and guidance on securing health insurance. Representative Lupe Figueroa said that the organization offers free services and has a multilingual team ready to serve.
Fifteen to 30 countries are represented by the multitude of families, and this event is one of five major events Utah Refugee Connection and partners put on throughout the year.
Despite the oppressive heat, faces were full of delight. New backpacks, cotton candy, bounce slides and community service,
l
Granite Technical Institute teachers win awards, recognized by board
By Sarah Brown | s.brown@mycityjournals.com
TheGranite School District board recently recognized two Granite Technical Institute staff members for their teaching applications in their respective disciplines.
Gracie Williams was awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year by the Utah Association of Agricultural Educators (UAAE), and Allan Erichsen was awarded Utah Technology Student Association Advisor (TSA) of the Year.
Mandy Chapple, principal at GTI, said, “We are especially excited for them and the contributions they make for our students each and every day. They both go above and beyond the expectation and work toward helping our students find their passion.”
Williams teaches agriculture and focuses on animal and equine science. Chapple shared that the Rookie Teacher of the Year Award is given to a first-year teacher that has excelled in classroom and lab teaching in addition to Supervised Agricultural Experiences, while managing their FFA chapter (formerly Future Farmers of America) and contributing to the profession.
Williams teaches six animal classes and serves as the Granite Mountain FFA chapter advisor. FFA is a student-led membership organization which students are automatical-
ly enrolled in as part of the curriculum. The Granite Mountain chapter has over 600 students, qualifying it as one of the largest in the state.
FFA has a summer agricultural program students can participate in and many class applications are conducted in partnership with Wheeler Farm. Williams strives to give her students as much hands-on experience as possible. She sees it as a way to spark interest.
Commenting on the award, she said, “It means a lot. This first semester pushed me. There was so much happening and emotional investment.”
It also built confidence for her. “I can be a teacher. I can do it,” she said.
Erichsen is in his first year at GTI, teaching engineering and robotics and recently received a grant to run an after-school robotics program. He was awarded for his contributions as an advisor to the TSA, which is a student-led organization. Chapple said that the TSA focuses on personal development, leadership and career opportunities in STEM, and members integrate these learning concepts through extracurricular activities, programs and competitive events. l
all signifying hope ahead of a new school year.
A family outfitted with their new backpacks await their turn for face painting. (Sarah Brown/City Journals)
Rookie Teacher of the Year winner Gracie Williams stands in her classroom. (Sarah Brown/City Journals)
ON THE MOVE
Ribbon
Math Pilot Program shows Promising Outcomes
Cherie Wood, Mayor
801-464-6757
Animal Service 801-483-6024
Building Permits 801-483-6063
Business Licensing 801-483-6063
Code Enforcement 801-464-6757
Fire Administration 801-483-6043
Justice Court 801-483-6072
Police Admin 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
Supporting Families in Need: A New Family Interim Housing Facility in South Salt Lake
No matter the time of year, it’s vital to remember the importance of uniting to support those in need. Our families and youth experiencing homelessness face lifethreatening situations and urgently require a safe place to call home. South Salt Lake is committed to assisting these families alongside local nonprofits such as Promise SSL, Shelter the Homeless, and The Road Home.
A former Motel 6 off 3300 South in South Salt Lake is being transformed into a family interim housing facility, set to open this winter. This development is a key component of the Ending Family Homelessness Plan, providing interim housing and support services for families in need. It offers an additional program to help prevent turnaways at the Midvale Family Resource Center, which has been over capacity for more than a year. The new noncongregate shelter will provide a secure living space for families with young children transitioning to permanent housing.
No parent should face the reality of being unable to provide shelter for their family, and no child should have to sleep in a car or an unsafe environment. Children especially need stability and a less stressful, chaotic environment. This non-congregate shelter model gives families the privacy and space needed to protect their children. Operated by The Road Home, the facility will offer safe and stable interim housing with support services for approximately 85 families. All families will be admitted by referral only from homeless resource centers and street outreach teams, ensuring those most in need receive priority. This model also
accommodates families with children who have health issues or are under the age of 5, providing them with their own private space to stay close and safe.
For over a decade, South Salt Lake has built a holistic, citywide support network for youth and families through Promise SSL. With the help of backbone organizations and partners, Promise SSL aims to ensure every resident has a safe, clean home and neighborhood. Their compassionate approach to supporting local families will extend to those at the family interim shelter. In collaboration with the Granite School District, Promise SSL Family Liaisons will assist families with school-aged children in connecting to educational programs, childcare, and other valuable resources.
Together, we can make a difference and create a community that supports every member, especially those facing difficult times. By supporting this new shelter, we can help these families build stability and a brighter future.
Visit homelessutah.org to learn more and find out how you can help.
Mayor Cherie Wood
Public Meetings
For more info: www.sslc.gov
Planning Commission
Thu, Sept 5, 7 p.m.
Thu, Sept 19, 7 p.m.
City Council
Wed, Sept 11, 7 p.m.
Wed, Sept 25, 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
Fall Leaf Bag Program
Starting October 1, residents can get free leaf bags as part of your
Waste
services. Residents can pick up five free leaf bags at the Public Works building located at 195 W Oakland Ave (2475 South). You must show a valid ID with a South Salt Lake address in order to claim your bags. Help us keep leaves out of our storm drains and waterways by raking and bagging your leaves this fall. If you have questions, please call 801-483-6045.
Keeping our City on the MoveMobility Planner Carl Osterberg
South Salt Lake has hired its first-ever Mobility Planner. We are thrilled to welcome Carl Osterberg, who comes to us with experience in planning and active transportation. He sees the most significant mobility challenge facing South Salt Lake as connecting with our neighboring cities and multijurisdictional partners (UTA, UDOT). Multimodal transportation is complicated, and planning with our neighbors matters more than ever. His initial focus will be traffic calming measures and additional pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Mobility improvements are expensive, so we will also apply for grant funds and see where partnering can benefit the City. Carl looks forward to connecting with residents and hearing their needs. Share your feedback! South Salt Lake is updating our Mobility Plan and is currently soliciting resident input. Your feedback will help us prioritize upcoming projects and policies that help residents move around the city. To take the survey and leave feedback for Carl, scan the QR code or visit SSLC.gov.
Puncturevine Free SSLC
Be Ready South Salt Lake
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and we want to help you prepare your household for a disaster. Join us on September 12 for a free Family Disaster Planning program, provided by Be Ready Utah. Get insight on creating an emergency plan, collecting important disaster supplies, learning about likely disasters for our area, and how to safely respond to those disasters. Register online at SSLC.gov.
Puncturevine (aka goathead) is a real pain! It’s an invasive and noxious weed that is voraciously spreading in the Salt Lake Valley. Stems of puncturevine can grow as long as 5 feet, and the seed capsules are hard and sharp, like a tack. They puncture bike tires, hurt puppy paws and bare feet, and stick to the sole of shoes to propagate. We need your help to get rid of goathead in our city. Become familiar with puncturevine and pull it when you see it in your own yard and neighborhood. Be a Goatbuster with us and join our puncturevine pull volunteer days to battle large infestations. Scan the QR code in the Goatbuster image to learn more, or visit our Puncturevine Free SSLC page www. sslc.gov/453/Puncturevine-Free-SSLC.
South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary
Full agendas, minutes, handouts, and video recorded meetings available at: www.sslc.gov/160/City-Council
Public Safety
Thanks to everyone that attended the National Night Out Against Crime and Emergency Preparedness Fair on August 6, 2024.
Fire Safety Alert: Navigating Utah’s Current Fire Restrictions
Message from SSLFD Chief Terry Addison
As summer peaks in Utah, the state’s fire safety officials have enacted stringent fire restrictions to mitigate the risk of wildfires. With the region’s dry conditions and high temperatures, the threat of fires igniting and spreading rapidly has escalated. Utahns are urged to be vigilant and adhere to the new regulations to ensure community safety and protect the state’s natural landscapes.
The current fire restrictions include a ban on open fires in non-designated areas. This means that campfires, bonfires, and the use of fireworks are strictly prohibited outside of established recreational sites and private properties with adequate safety measures. These precautions are critical as even a small spark can lead to devastating wildfires, putting lives, homes, and wildlife at risk.
Residents are also advised to exercise caution with activities that could inadvertently start a fire. This includes properly extinguishing cigarettes, avoiding the use of equipment that can generate sparks, such as chainsaws or welding tools, and refraining from parking vehicles on dry grass. The use of propane and gas stoves is generally permitted, but it is crucial to follow all safety guidelines to prevent accidental fires.
The South Salt Lake Fire Department is hard at work to monitor fire-prone areas and respond swiftly to any incidents. Community cooperation is essential in these efforts. By following the fire restrictions and staying informed about local fire conditions, Utahns can play a vital role in protecting their state from the destructive force of wildfires. For the latest updates on fire restrictions and safety tips, residents should stay connected with local news sources and official fire safety announcements.
New School Resource Officer at Granite Park Junior High
Message from SSLPD Chief Danielle Croyle
We are excited to announce the addition of a new School Resource Officer (SRO) to our Granite Park Junior High. Officer Marco Yovera will be at the school to enhance the safety, well-being, and success of our entire school community. Please join us in welcoming Officer Yovera to Granite Park Jr. High.
• Safety First. The safety of students is our top priority. Officer Yovera will work closely with the staff and students to ensure a secure and welcoming environment. The presence of an SRO on campus enhances our ability to prevent and respond to any safety concerns quickly and effectively.
• Mentorship and Engagement. Officer Yovera is not just a protector, but also a mentor and positive role model for our students. He will be actively involved in school activities, building strong relationships with students, and providing guidance and support. Through their daily interactions, Officer Yovera will help foster a sense of trust and mutual respect, encouraging students to make positive choices.
• Prevention and Community Resource. The school resource officer is a key partner in preventing issues before they arise. By engaging with students and being a visible presence on campus, Officer Yovera will help address concerns early on and connect students with additional resources.
• Supporting Everyday Success. Officer Yovera is more than just a security and safety presence, he is a resource for the entire community. We encourage students, parents, and staff to reach out and get to know our new SRO. Our goal is to help every student at Granite Park Jr. High achieve success, both in and out of the classroom. We are committed to a 100% graduation rate for our students in South Salt Lake.
Coffee with a Cop Sept 4, 9-10 a.m.
In-Person
Délice Bakery & Café 2747 S State Street
Business Watch
Thurs, Sept 5, 5-7:30 p.m.
Business Watch and Neighborhood Watch are combined this month for a special, in-person presentation at the Police Department. Please bring a photo ID.
SSLPD 2835 S Main Street
Neighborhood Watch
Thurs, Sept 5, 5-7:30 p.m.
Business Watch and Neighborhood Watch are combined this month for a special, in-person presentation at the Police Department. Please bring a photo ID.
SSLPD 2835 S Main Street
Civilian Review Board
Mon, Sept 9, 6:30 p.m. Mon, Oct 7, 6:30 p.m.
The public is encouraged to attend in-person at City Hall in the Council Chamber, or through a virtual link at www.sslc.gov.
SSL Community Centers
SUMMER SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS
The South Salt Lake Recreation Summer Softball League wrapped up in August and crowned three champions. Congratulations to Wofford’s European Car for taking the League Champions title, to The Grizzlies for Consolation Champions, and Team Affekt for winning the end-of-year tournament. Softball will open again next May for summer leagues. Check out all the Recreation leagues and programs at SSLC.gov or contact Dustin at dpermann@sslc.gov.
2024 Softball Consolation Champions--The Grizzlies
2024 Softball League Champions--Wo ord’s European Car
2024 Softball Tournament Champions--Team A ekt
Community & Economic Development
Square Kitchen Eatery - Ribbon Cutting
Square Kitchen Eatery opened about two months ago in South Salt Lake and have been honing their operations of running four restaurants in one kitchen. On September 22 at noon, Square Kitchen Eatery will host an official Ribbon Cutting ceremony in partnership with the South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. If you have not yet treated your taste buds to the flavors of Comfort Bowl, Drunken Kitchen, Argentinas Best Empanadas, and Shiba Boba, join us at the ribbon cutting!
Square Kitchen Eatery is a unique style “mini food hall” showcasing the culinary prowess of talented, up-and-coming chefs who bring authentic tastes from across the globe. After the 2435 S State St location (corner of State St and I-80 on-ramp) transitioned through a few restaurants in a short period of time, the City acquired the property to offer stability and opportunity for small, local business. Square Kitchen Eatery is providing a brick and mortar dining experience to four restaurants previously only offered through food trucks. Support local and savor the flavors of Square Kitchen Eatery, open Monday through Saturday from 11am-9pm.
SOUTH SALT
To connect with the SSL Chamber, email: tereza@sslchamber.com
LAKE CHAMBER CORNER
Women in Business Breakfast Series
The South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the South Salt Lake Women in Business (WIB), a program dedicated to empowering local businesswomen and entrepreneurs, both professionally and personally. Last month kicked off a new breakfast series program, featuring networking opportunities, insightful presentations from accomplished local speakers, and thought-provoking discussions.
Join us September 26 for the next Women in Business breakfast with South Salt Lake Police Chief Danielle Croyle. This event is open to everyone and is a space to connect and learn from each other. Come be a part of a supportive and inspiring community where you can learn, grow, and make meaningful connections. A light breakfast is included. Learn more and get tickets at www.sslchamber.com.
Westminster Business Certificate Program Spreadsheets and Financial Calculators
Promise South Salt Lake and Westminster University are continuing to expand the Business Certificate Program to ensure that future entrepreneurs are able to thrive. The newest addition to the Business Certificate Program is the Spreadsheets and Financial Calculators Course. This six week course is designed to teach individuals the fundamentals of working with spreadsheet software. Classes are held at The Co-Op inside the South Salt Lake Community Center, where Promise SSL works to provide entrepreneurs with tools and resources to ensure that their business is successful. A special thanks to all our partners who are committed to helping entrepreneurs thrive: Westminster University, South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Salt Lake Community College, Utah Microloan Fund, Utah Small Business Development Center, and Sofi.
To sign up for the Business Certificate Program, contact The Co-Op at 801-4123294 or email co-op@sslc.gov.
Math Pilot Program shows Promising Outcomes
Promise Partnerships and Granite Park Junior High partnered with Mark Miller to lead a 6-week summer program at Historic Scott School for incoming 7th grade students. The goal was to increase grade level math proficiency using a software program called iReady. Nineteen students participated, collectively testing at a math skill competency increase equivalent to 22 grade levels (a 239% growth). Individually, they gained anywhere from 1-3 grade levels of math competency over the span of 22 days. These gains are normally associated with 2.5 years of schooling, but were accomplished in 6 weeks during this program.
Students and families came together for an open house celebration at the end of the program for youth to share their success with family members. A big thanks to all participating staff and teachers who dedicated time from their summer break to make this possible!
Cottonwood Robotics Team Wins Locally and Nationally
The Cottonwood Robotics Team, which is part of the Promise SSL afterschool program, competed in the Utah Engineering Design Competition and won 1st and 2nd place. The 1st place team had the opportunity to go to San Diego, CA to compete in the National Engineering Design Competition, where they won 2nd place with their presentation of a prosthetic hand.
Cottonwood girls volleyball serves up an emphatic victory in its season opener
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Whenit comes to season openers, the Cottonwood Colts girls volleyball team might have ‘em beat.
Dating back to 2022, the Colts have a 2-0 record the first time they’ve taken the court at Cottonwood’s gymnasium over the past two seasons.
It’s just the other 34 games that have been a bit of a challenge for Cottonwood and head coach Michaela Hatch. But, she thinks times might be changing at the school.
“We've got a really solid set of athletes in the gym for Cottonwood girls volleyball this season,” said Hatch, who held open tryouts on Aug. 5-6.
Ten days later, Cottonwood [1-0] was already picking up a season-opening, eye-opening three sets-to-zero shutout victory over Bear River Aug. 16.
It was also the Colts’ home opener, as senior captains Abby Salisbury and Macenna Rolan led Cottonwood to a 25-21, 25-17, 25-23 win.
“The team showed up with a lot of passion, unity and focus tonight,” said Hatch, who picked up her fifth victory in her third season on Thursday night inside a gym that she noted has had its floor newly renovated.
Rolan meant business on the opening serve of Cottonwood’s win Thursday on that
brand-new surface. The senior captain fired an ace to set the tone for a Colts squad that
returns six players from last year’s four-win team, according to Hatch.
The all-business tone continued through the leadership of the co-captain Salisbury, who not only contributed to the Colts offense with eight kills in the season-opening victory—she got involved on defense, adding four blocks.
Including the senior captains, the Colts also welcomed back upperclassman and junior Hallie Jensen to the team. As a sophomore, the 5-foot-11-inch outside hitter had 11 kills and 15 assists for Cottonwood.
The Colts are also bringing back junior Eimi Vatuvei. A two-sport star, Vatuvei often found herself at or near the top of the scoresheet last season as a sophomore.
In other news, a sophomore has been named as a team co-captain for the Colts.
Libero Anna Cumming got the nod, according to Hatch. In several matches last season, Cumming, then a freshman, led Cottonwood in digs.
The sixth and final player back for the Colts is sophomore Ellie White. As a freshman, she was also instrumental in the Colts’ efforts to turn the program around. Whether it was by her kills, her blocks, or even her digs, White came up big in big moments.
As for those Aug. 5-6 tryouts mentioned at the outset of this article inside of Cottonwood’s refurbished gym, those bore some fruit as well according to Hatch who is now in her third year as Cottonwood’s head coach.
First up? Senior McKenzie Joseph. A transfer from East, she had 12 digs for the Leopards as a junior.
Junior Brynley Anderson will climb aboard the Colts’ stampede as well, and so will freshmen Grace Carpenter and Olivia Nguyen, added Hatch.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing how they work together to unlock their potential this season,” Hatch said.
The preseason game against Bear River was the first of seven the Colts have currently scheduled.
By the time you read this, Cottonwood will have played at West [Aug. 20] and will have hosted the likes of Granger [Aug. 22], South Summit [Aug. 27] and Highland [Aug. 29].
The Colts will then enjoy the Labor Day holiday before hosting Summit Academy on Sept. 4. After that, it’s a short bus ride over to Kearns the next day, on Sept. 5. Then, it’ll be Region 10 action, fast and furious, twice every week from Sept. 10 to Oct. 22.
After that, the Colts will hope they’ve unlocked that potential and played beyond their wildest expectations to receive a top 24 seed to the 4A state tournament, a place Cottonwood girls volleyball hasn’t been since the 2020-21 season. l
Back Left to Right: Coach Michaela Hatch, Hallie Jensen, Brynley Anderson, Eimi Vatuvei, Abby Salisbury (Co-Captain), Grace Carpenter. Front Left to Right: Anna Mae Cumming (Co-Captain), Macenna Rolan (Co-Captain), Ellie White, McKenzie Joseph, Olivia Nguyen. (Photo courtesy Michaela Hatch)
Utah STEM Fest celebrates 10 years of student engagement
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
With its interactive exhibits and fun learning environment, the Utah STEM Fest invites students in grades five-12 to explore how science, technology, engineering and math help shape their world.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the event aims to foster curiosity in STEM careers by providing the next generation of problem solvers the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and collaborative challenges with more than 10,000 students from around the state.
“We’re building a curiosity in STEM that helps to build a comfort level and helps kids gravitate towards being problem solvers,” said Tami Goetz, STEM Action Center Utah executive director. “Also, to be something like failure positive. It’s important for our kids to understand that failure is a learning process, too. So often in STEM, you get the chance to do things and some things work. Some things don’t.”
Hosted by the STEM Action Center Utah, the event will be held Sept. 17-18 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy (9575 S. State Street). Teachers across Utah bring their classes to attend the Utah STEM Fest and the STEM Action Center Utah provides transportation for students from places like San Juan, Sevier, North Summit, Nebo, Emery and Duchesne school districts.
Since the event started in 2013, Utah STEM Fest has grown to include a variety of businesses and organizations that showcase STEM-related activities. The Utah State Highway Patrol brings a vehicle filled with state-of-the-art mobile technology. Utah Valley University’s science department provides dynamic experiential learning. KSL News sets up a green screen for students to practice being on cam-
Students from all over the state will attend the Utah STEM Fest Sept. 17-18 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy (9575 S. State Street). (Photo courtesy of Utah STEM Fest)
era. There’s even a mobile planetarium where students can watch a star show.
“One of our biggest supporters is US Synthetic,” said Shelby Averett, communications manager at STEM Action Center Utah. “They make synthetic diamonds. They have a miniaturized display showing how they do that process in real life.”
A push to get more girls and young women interested in STEM courses and careers is paying off. All-girl robotics teams are more popular than ever and there’s a greater demand for opportunities like SheTech clubs in high schools. College-level engineering programs are also seeing an in-
crease in female students.
“I do think we’re taking the fear out of STEM for a lot of our girls which is good because whether you’re a girl or you’re a boy, the demand for talent in STEM-related careers requires for us to at least provide the opportunity to have the choice to go into a STEM career,” Goetz said. “There’s such a demand for STEM talent and that’s not going away.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 4-8 p.m., Family Night at STEM Fest invites students and their families to explore exhibits and enjoy demonstrations from STEM professionals. Admission is free.
The Utah STEM Action Center, a division of the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, is tasked with advancing STEM education. By providing a two-day event filled with fun experiments and an inspirational focus, Goetz hopes students will leave STEM Fest with a better understanding and appreciation for STEM careers and advancements.
“We’re not in the business of saying STEM is for everyone,” she said. “But we certainly are in the business of saying if it’s something you haven’t thought about, let us help provide some opportunity to explore it. So that if you walk away from it, you’re walking away from it because you know you’ve had a chance to try it, regardless of your gender.”
For volunteering or event information, visit utahstemfest.com.l
New playground at Bickley Park welcomes all kids
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
Utah Community Action and the city of South Salt Lake have partnered up to unveil a kid-designed, community-built playground with DISCOVER and KABOOM! at South Salt Lake Community Center.
This new play space is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end play space inequity. Many children do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child’s life. Their work is to ensure every kid can experience the many physical, social and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live.
“We believe in the power of community to unify, heal and rebuild, and they lie at the heart of our work and mission,” said KABOOM! officials on their website. “By emphasizing trust and collaboration, we aim to ensure that each KABOOM! playground addresses community-defined outcomes and play space inequity on the neighborhood level, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive community in the long term.”
Community members led the creation of the playground on Aug. 1,
from design to installation. In May, kids from the Utah Community Action Head Start Program and Promise South Salt Lake Hser Ner Moo Center shared drawings of their dream play spaces with project organizers. Those ideas were then integrated into the new playground design.
“This project represents progress in ensuring every kid has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for more than 522 children to enjoy each year,” said South Salt Lake officials in a statement.
The new KABOOM! play space is located at Bickley Park, 2508 S. 500 East, next to the South Salt Lake Community Center. It will be used by Head Start students during the week and will be open to the public during evenings and weekends. l
Veteran women’s entrepreneurial conference sparks innovation
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Foralmost 80 years, U.S. military veterans have been more likely to start and own a business than non-veterans. After World War II, nearly half of veterans owned or operated a business. With a strong work ethic and dedication to a cause, veterans often have attributes that make them successful entrepreneurs.
Though there has been a decrease in veteran business ownership over the past couple of decades, veterans are still more likely to own a company with about 1.9 million veteran-owned businesses today. Military spouses often struggle with creating a small business or finding long-term careers. With frequent relocations, the military lifestyle can make entrepreneurial success difficult.
That’s where the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship comes in. Created by the Syracuse University D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, V-WISE is a program that gives women veterans business tools, connections and resources to turn their passion into a successful venture.
“V-WISE created this amazing network for women,” said Misty Fox, IVMF director of entrepreneurship and small business. “They were meeting other women who were encouraging them to get started and how to balance family and entrepreneurship. Now we’re looking at 3,800 graduates from the 27 programs we’ve hosted.”
The V-WISE program begins on Monday, Sept. 16 with a 15-day online intensive that prepares participants for the three-day in-person residency in Salt Lake City on Oct. 11-13. For a registration fee of $75, female veterans and military spouses can learn skills to get their business idea off the ground. Lodging and meals are covered 100%.
Following the in-person event, participants receive one year of support focused on their small business creation and growth.
“It’s a time where they can meet with geniuses, or have meetings with subject matter experts,” Fox said. “They have time where they can meet one-on-one with folks to learn how to pitch their business or learn how to break barriers that might be holding back their business. So it’s a time they can immerse themselves and
really get going on their business.”
Funding for the V-WISE program comes from the support of corporate and foundation partners across the country. Comcast has a history of supporting military causes and brings a wealth of information to the V-WISE program through a series of topics.
Experts from Comcast Business will help entrepreneurs safeguard against cyber threats, navigate the digital landscape, understand data protection and compliance, leverage data for brand identity, conduct risk assessment and secure business operations.
“Comcast has been a great supporter of this community for a long time and they’ve done that in several different ways,” Fox said. “With IVMF, they’ve partnered with us to host not only V-WISE but other entrepreneurship
programming. In reality, it’s not just a conference or a training sponsorship for them. [Comcast] has just been a really, really good partner in the veteran space for a long time.”
Those eligible to participate in the V-WISE program include honorably discharged women veterans or active duty women service members of any military branch, including the National Guard and reservists. Also eligible are women spouses, same-sex life partners or widows of veterans from any branch or era of service.
“Comcast’s commitment to military causes shines through its substantial support for the V-WISE program, bringing invaluable expertise in cybersecurity and digital navigation to empower veteran entrepreneurs,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “By partnering with IVMF, Comcast continues its longstanding tradition of fostering veteran success through entrepreneurship, strengthening the program’s impact on women veterans across the nation.”
For more information on Xfinity’s military deals and offers, visit: military.xfinity.com/#/ welcome. For more information, or to apply for the V-WISE program, visit ivmf.syracuse.edu/ programs/entrepreneurship/start-up/v-wise/.l
Community members volunteer to help build a new playground for children in SSL. (Photo courtesy of Joseph Dane)
The Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship conference is coming to Salt Lake Oct. 11-13. The event helps women veterans and military spouses create a business or find careers. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)
Tracy Aviary holds 30 days of river celebrations
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
South Salt Lake officials have partnered up with the Tracy Aviary to host a couple of events for Get to the River Festival Month.
September is full of river-focused celebrations and conservation activities to bring together communities, businesses and local governments to celebrate, restore and recreate on the Jordan River corridor. Utah's Jordan River, also called Pia Okwai (Shoshone and Goshute language), runs from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake and flows through 16 different cities.
The festival is planned and promoted by the Jordan River Commission and Jordan River Foundation, but has several partnerships with surrounding cities and organizations.
“The festival celebrates this great river and the many ways people can interact with it today,” said Lora Eschtruth, social media and marketing coordinator at Tracy Aviary. “Each event is different and recognizes the wide variety of ways Pia Okwai can be celebrated.”
The Tracy Aviary has a number of events being held at their Nature Center at Pia Okwai, located at 3310 S. 1000 West in South Salt Lake.
Several cities and organizations are hosting events for the festival month, includ-
ing North Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, South Jordan, Midvale and more.
South Salt Lake is hosting “Something’s Brewing” on Sept. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. People can come learn about new community projects to support the river while enjoying various brewed beverages, from kombucha to beer. South Salt Lake will also be hosting a tree planting on Sept. 7 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. to help the aviary habitat along the river.
Also on Sept. 7, South Jordan will be hosting a fishing and mini golf activity from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can enjoy learning about the local wildlife and releasing butterflies. People can join the Plein Air Art Competition, fish for free in the South Jordan ponds, and enjoy a free round of mini golf at Mulligans.
To see what other events cities and organizations are holding, a calendar can be found on the Jordan River Commission website, jordanrivercommission.gov. l
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
These are dire times in football across the board. Youth programs are in decline—in an unprecedented move, several locally have had to join forces, as a matter of fact.
It isn’t down everywhere, though.
More than 40 kids returned from last year's 2-8 Cottonwood Colts varsity team that narrowly missed and arguably should’ve been included in the last 4A state football tournament. A few months later, then-head coach Donovan Malmrose stepped down after one season at the helm.
Cottonwood defensive coordinator AJ Jones, a local businessman who along with the former coach Malmrose were primarily responsible for keeping the school’s football program alive after many in their own community had declared it dead, had created the framework for the program to survive not only several dozen losses to graduation—but another dozen transfers to other schools.
With a new head coach in Tai Satuala, who like Malmrose had never been a head coach, the Colts defense bent but didn't break holding Ogden to a field goal to start the season Aug. 16.
On the sidelines at home in front of a decent crowd, Cottonwood’s players outnumbered Ogden’s 3-to-1 that stretched from their own 35 to the opponent’s 35 though the scoreboard at the Colts’ stadium didn’t show that at the end—that being out on the field in the first place was a win.
The scoreboard showed a 38-3 win for Ogden Friday night in the shadow of nearby Mount Olympus, made whole by the fact that not only did Malmrose leave after his first year in charge—several others had, too.
No matter; Jones had a plan, he stuck to it and soon after that, and well before the 2023-24 school year was out, the Cottonwood alum had replacements times two and the cupboard of players was refilled. Not only had Jones hired everyone the program lost, he created more positions— enough for two dozen slots.
Covering everything from key coaches for new Colts youth football programs, a new frosh-soph team, a JV team and varsity as well as coordinators for all five programs, Jones moved right alongside his new staff in lockstep.
As for the game itself, the Colts played this season as the last with the same quarterback in senior Malcolm Mundy, who threw to familiar targets such as John Rosevear, who of course helped lead the Colts to the 4A championship game in basketball.
To be fair to the Colts football team, however, they’re still getting out all the kinks in their armor. They’re still shining up all the horseshoes for what should be—will be, in the eyes of CHS alumni—a return to the glory days of yore when Cottonwood football was synonymous with winning.
Palmer Johansen is going to be a problem for defenses. Although the Colts no longer release stats—or are having trouble compiling all of them—this writer counted as many false starts on the offense as runs sprung by the wiry, 5-foot-7-inch all-purpose senior into the open field.
A 40-yard punt was returned 30 yards by Ogden. As the PA system rang out asking “What are we gonna be,” it was hard to tell. Mundy rolled to his left, looking for Rosevear—gah.
The chants of "C-O-L-T-S" rang inside the stadium as did "T-D, touchdown, let's go" but neither piece of motivation/ cheerleader exhortation worked on this evening for Cottonwood in their gold helmets and all-black unis as they jogged into the locker room for halftime.
Down by the finite score of 38-0, nobody slumped their heads in the second half. In fact, Bo Smith was aided by a block in the back. As the horse on the PA
whinnied, an Ogden player jumped, handing the Colts a first down. Then a facemask on Mundy begat a “No, you can’t do that” as the white hat ref moved Cottonwood ahead five yards.
Johansen toughened up the Tigers for a few more yards—then Mundy, who was the Colts’ ace pitcher on that 3A state tournament team rolled to his right and with his trademark athleticism, fired all the way back to the left sideline.
Mundy’s throw outran the Ogden defender by two yards and landed in the breadbasket of senior Caleb Loveless for an 18-yard completion.
Later on this drive, Parker Evans got a few shoulder-pad pats as he ran onto the field. Surely he’s heard of Ryan Nielson, he who snapped through that fair-catchfree-kick that the coach-before-the-lastcoach Casey Miller concocted that went viral.
Evans would launch the ball past the never-ending gray-brick apartments with balconies and into the purple mountain majesties for three huge points, a great omen for a team that lost Nielson to graduation.
It was the kind of omen that spelled great things to come perhaps, if the Colts players could create points like their opposition.
Based on what was seen on this glorious night in mid-August at the base of the Wasatch, you got the impression that anything was possible. They’ve already been shown the blueprint. l
Four Cottonwood football team captains strike a pose, from l-r: Kayden Cameron, Kes Archuleta, Gabriel Bricio and Caleb Loveless. (Cottonwood High Athletics)
finding its form as of late
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Forthe Cottonwood girls soccer team, the question was never if it would find its form according to head coach Bryce Harvest, but when.
“We are right on target for our preseason goals at the moment,” said coach Harvest after the Colts took a 3-1 home victory against Cyprus, their first on the season.
Cottonwood [1-2] had a rough start right out of the gates, losing at home 3-0 to Bear River Aug. 7 when the visitors blasted two goals before halftime to stun the home crowd.
At Highland, a day later on Aug. 8, the Colts again got hammered in the first half, this time for three goals and never regained their composure in a 5-0 defeat.
But, on Aug. 13 against Cyprus and at home in front of a good crowd, the Colts scored their first goals of the season and had three goals on the afternoon—their best and only scoring output of the season.
Again, that’s something the Cottonwood head coach said he and the rest of the staff were anticipating having such a young, inexperienced squad that is only dressing three seniors at the moment.
“The girls are having a hard time adjusting to the new style of play we have implemented but the coaching staff has seen bright flashes in our game,” said Harvest, who remains optimistic that the Colts will continue to turn things around.
The team is getting its scoring in a variety of ways from three different players. Senior Lulu Vernon got her first of the year against Cyprus; she bagged 10 goals and had two as-
sists as a junior.
In addition to the goal from Lulu Vernon, two sophomores scored their first goals for the Colts. Sophie Vernon and Taylor Young each tallied for Cottonwood.
For these Colts, they’ll have a few preseason games sprinkled in with their usual Region 10 matchups.
By the time you read this, Cottonwood will have had a game at Jordan on Aug. 19 and hosted Park City Aug. 21 in a Region 10 showdown. That will be followed by a non-league home game against Spring Creek [Nevada] on Aug. 23.
Then on Aug. 26 the Colts will be back on the road for a Region 10 game at Tooele and will play at Taylorsville in a rare night game at
7 p.m. on Aug. 27.
After a short Labor Day break, the Colts will have two Region 10 games every week. Starting with a home game against Murray on Sept. 3 and Sept. 5 at Stansbury, they plan to be halfway to their postseason goal, according to Harvest.
The 2024-25 Cottonwood girls soccer team is Elli Galkin, Ava Halvorsen, Sophie Yates, Taylor Young, Ajamaika Ahmad, Alyssa Julian, Jocelyn Meneses, Piper Wilking, Olivia Pendleton, Sophie Vernon, Lulu Vernon, Lau ren Riddle, Nicole Nelson, Gisel Oxlaj, Janet Cortez, Itzia Lopez, Mia Liljenquist, Alba Ruiz, Kayla Larsen, Leisel Merten, Atonella Diaz, Cindy Mendez and Arya Patel.
Cottonwood girls tennis off to a 1-1 start in preseason play
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
The Colts girls tennis team got off to a great start at Riverton Aug. 13, pulling out a 3-2 win.
In first singles, junior Annie Woodward took the first set with ease, 6-2. But, she had to outlast the hard-charging senior from Riverton in Adeline Holt, who took Woodward to a tiebreaker before the Cottonwood Colt prevailed, 6-2, 7-6 [7-5].
In second singles, things did go as smoothly as first singles, as sophomore Juliet Lewis lost in straight sets, 2-6 and 2-6 to her opponent.
In third singles, freshman Bayla Linscott got past her opponent 6-3 and 7-5 to chalk up the Colts’ second point earned as a team [each match win counts as one team point].
In fourth singles, senior Taryn Finlinson fell by the score of 4-8, and junior Savannah Grey lost, 2-8 in fifth singles.
In first doubles, the senior duo of Emie Linscott and Bella Morris won the first set on a tiebreak, 7-6 [7-1] and then eased into a second
set victory, 6-3 to give Cottonwood its third point and the victory.
The team of senior Sunnie Ivins and junior Nikki Edwards fell in straight sets to their opponents, 1-6 and 1-6 in second doubles.
Meanwhile, in third doubles the duo of freshman Lexie Tripp and junior Carley Caton, one you’ll very likely see on the basketball court this winter, lost 1-8. And, in fourth doubles, that unidentified team lost 4-8 to their opposition.
The Colts then fell later in the week at Provo on Aug. 15 by the score of 1-4. In that series, the only team point was picked up by the first doubles duo of Linscott and Morris, who dispatched their opposition, 6-1 and 6-4.
In other action at Provo, the third doubles team of Ivins and Edwards won their match by the score of 8-5 while the Colts hoopster duo of Tripp and Caton moved up to second doubles and lost, 0-6 and 0-2.
It was also the first varsity action for sophomores Indie Hoggan and Arjeta Avidu, who
lost 1-8 in fourth doubles.
By the time you read this, the Colts girls tennis team will have had one more preseason match [at home against East Aug. 21].
Region 10 play gets underway the follow ing day at Park City [Aug. 22]. After a four-day break the Colts will have two home matches in a span of three days: Tooele [Aug. 27] and Hillcrest [Aug. 29].
After that, there are only three more matches left on the Colts schedule before the Region 10 Tournament: at Murray [Sept. 4], home against Stansbury [Sept. 10] and at Jor dan [Sept. 19].
The Region 10 Tournament will be played at the home of the current region champions Hillcrest, Sept. 23, 25-26.
For this Colts girls tennis program that seems to be growing not only in popularity but overall numbers and that boasts players ranked in the top 24 in Class 4A, this team could serve up one big season.
Budgeting should be considered an art form. It’s part theater (acting like you can afford groceries), part digital interpretation (online shopping for best prices), part graffiti (throwing mustard at the wall when you receive a surprise doctor’s bill) and all illusion (where did the money go?).
My paycheck stretches like it’s on a taffy-pulling machine, folding over and over itself, almost to the point of transparency. When did the basic costs of living become a luxury?
While grocery shopping, my husband can’t stop comparing prices from 60 years ago. “When I was a young boy,” he said. “I could buy a loaf of bread for a nickel.”
“Were you Oliver Twist?” I asked. He ignored me and walked down the dairy aisle, ranting about the cost of eggs.
At the check stand, several items rang up for more than what was labeled on the shelf. I asked the unenthused cashier, “Did you raise prices while I was in line?”
He shrugged and continued packaging my groceries, smashing bananas, eggs and bread with my magnum of wine. Just kidding. You can’t buy wine at grocery stores in Utah.
Driving to work becomes a nail-biting thriller as I gauge how much gas is left and if it will last until the end of the month. I was filling up my car the other day and the
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Show me the money
gas pump showed the person before me had purchased $5 worth of gas. I hope that 1.6 gallons is enough to get him to the bank he needs to rob.
Even my chai tea latte from Starbucks has incrementally increased from $4 to nearly $6. That’s bonkers. I don’t mind paying a bit more so employees make a livable wage, but last year, Starbucks’ net revenue was $30 billion.
Then I learned the new Starbucks CEO was given a $75 million stock award, a $1.6 million salary and a $10 million signing bonus. The only signing bonus I ever received was when I got a free pen for starting a savings account when I was 8.
Corporate profits have hit all-time highs. And those rising prices are never going to drop because then how can the Starbucks CEO afford $1,500 sneakers for his Pomeranian without squeezing the life out of consumers?
My husband said, “Then don’t go to
Starbucks.”
“Shut up,” I replied. Housing costs are outrageous. Going to dinner and a movie requires a home equity line of credit. Tax increases nickel-and-dime us to death. Did you know Utah is one of only a few states that tax social security benefits? Thanks, Utah Legislators!
It’s not like I want to purchase Prada paper clips or Balenciaga bookmarks. I don’t need a Rolls-Royce or a personal library, complete with a rolling ladder and a fireplace. (Okay. I actually need that). I just want to afford a night out, maybe a weekend getaway or an annual massage without sell-
ing blood plasma.
My grandparents grew up during the Depression. Decades later, they still saved drawers full of tin foil and rubber bands in case we ever needed a defense against mind control or had to make emergency bouncy balls. Maybe I can learn from their frugal behaviors.
So, we tighten our belts, pinch pennies, clip coupons and say, “We’re right on budget this month.” The moment those words leave our lips, the garbage disposal explodes, the fence blows over or the basement floods. Budgeting might not be an art form, but it’s definitely a comedy.
