West Jordan City Journal | April 2024

‘PROACTIVE RATHER THAN REACTIVE’ –FORMER AND NEW WEST JORDAN COUNCIL MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS ADVOCATE FOR MORE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Steve Jones has lived in West Jordan since 1984 and he’s fought his own share of battles with the city council.

That’s how he first started getting involved with city government.

For most people it seems that to engage with city government, they have to feel wronged to participate. Boundary changes, high density housing next door or a troubling neighbor are just a few of the reasons people start getting involved.

“Some topics are very emotional to some people — that’s part of our system,” Jones said. “They’re citizens, they should be able to speak their mind, and be able to get their feelings and emotions across.”

But he cautioned, being “proactive rather than reactive” can lead to better outcomes.

For Jones, his passionate topic was a storm drain problem that flooded his neighbors for close to 30 years.

While the change wasn’t immediate — it took persistence and several times of going to city council meetings — Jones was able to see the storm drain fixed.

By going to the meetings, he learned a lot about how the city government works, gained an appreciation for the complexity of issues and the council got to know him.

Through council meetings, former Councilmember Chris McConnehey met Jones and the Bingham Creek Library’s Acting Manager, Ann Marie Barrett. He was on the

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

Former Councilman Chris McConnehey attends Jr. Fire Academy with his five sons and wife. (Photo courtesy Chris McConnehey)

The following is based on real events. The names have been changed to protect identities.

It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye. At 18 years old, Matt had a bright future ahead of him. Rather than attend college, Matt opted to begin a promising career as a skilled tradesman – more specifically a welder who helped construct trailers for semi-trucks.

Matt got along with his coworkers who laughed and joked their long, hot days away. Occasionally, someone would pull a prank on another coworker resulting in everyone laughing except perhaps the one who was pranked. Matt’s bosses knew about the pranks, but figured they were just boys being boys and it was good for them to let off a little steam, so long as it was harmless. One afternoon, one of Matt’s coworkers put a small piece of putty on the end of a compressed air hose and shot it off, much like a paintball gun. Pleased with his discovery, the coworker reloaded his air hose with more putty and took aim at Matt’s back while chuckling at the nasty surprise in store for him.

ing it to burst like a grape. Matt would never see out of that eye again.

Since the injury happened at work, Matt’s company filed a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance company. To Matt’s surprise, the insurance company instantly denied his claim, saying that the loss of his eye was not their responsibility because it was a result of horseplay.

Thousands of Utahns are injured on the job each year. For one reason or another, many choose not to report their injuries.

Utah workers’ compensation law is designed to give almost all employees coverage for injuries that happen on the job. However, there are a few exceptions, and horseplay is one of them.

they could lose their jobs or the respect of their coworkers, or perhaps their immigration status is not legal. While these reasons are understandable, they ultimately hurt the injured worker who now must find a way to pay for expensive medical care and may have to live without wages while they recover.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact Davis & Sanchez for a free consultation. With exclusive attention to workers’ compensation cases, they have the expertise and skill to help you understand your accepted workers’ compensation case or fight a denial from your insurance company.

Call it bad luck or call it fate, Matt turned around just as the putty projectile left the air hose. Rather than hit him in the chest, the small piece of putty struck Matt right in his eye, caus-

Matt contacted Davis & Sanchez for answers and help. They filed a complaint with the Utah Labor Commission, demanding workers’ compensation benefits and argued that the horseplay rule did not apply in Matt’s case since he was not a participant in the horseplay, but rather the victim of it. Additionally, Davis & Sanchez argued that the insurance company’s horseplay defense was untenable because his bosses knew the horseplay occurred, sometimes participated in it, and had never attempted to stop it. Ultimately, Matt decided to settle his case for money.

Thousands of Utahns are injured on the job each year. For one reason or another, many choose not to report their injuries. Some fear

Science is an art form at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy

M any students who have been learning about the sun and moon are excited to watch the solar eclipse on the morning of April 8. While most students will be looking up at the sun during the eclipse (with protective eyewear), Majestic Elementary Arts Academy students will also be looking down to notice the effect of the eclipse on shadows and to capture them in an art project.

“Students will use chalk to trace patterns that appear on the playground,” school STEAM specialist Meredith Llewellyn said. Fourth grade students, whose science core standards include learning to find observable patterns in the

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

sky, will also create oil pastel models of the eclipse.

Science is an art form at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy, an arts integration public school located in West Jordan.

Llewellyn works with students weekly, integrating art concepts with the science standards they are learning.

“Every subject that I teach, I teach with art integration,” Llewellyn said. “Everything is paired with an art standard and with a science or math standard. It just helps the kids understand it better and it helps them engage in it better. And it's really fun.”

When first graders learned about

light and shadows, they created a pop-up character with its shadow drawn in the background. They copied the style of Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ to show the movement of the sun and moon, another grade level science standard.

Second graders used 3D paper art, puppets and seeds to create art projects showing what they’d learned about pollinators, plants and animal habitats.

Third-grade scientists learned about patterns in weather by learning about tree rings and then painting their own.

Fourth-graders had fun playing with the concepts of potential and kinetic energy by designing models of interactive

playground equipment.

Llewellyn said that as students create art projects, the academic concepts are reinforced, such as when she had fourth graders create an art piece based on sound wave patterns.

“They learned about sound waves, and the difference between all the types of amplitudes and frequencies and wavelengths, by repeating it as they draw it,” Llewellyn said. “And then they color it, then they paint it, and that whole process just embeds it in each layer.”

Many of the science and math-based art projects were on display at the school’s annual art show in March. Fourth-grader

Sixth-graders learned that sound wave patterns can become art. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

STEAM class projects are both artistic and educational. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Fourth-grader Joey Machado poses by his dinosaur fossil art piece. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Llewellyn is always looking for new methods and materials to incorporate into her lessons. When developing an activity to teach sixth grade students about the process which formed the planets in our solar system, Llewellyn discovered an old technique of wool needle-felting which uses a similar process.

“We talked about how our planets are made by coming to the center, so when you needle-felt, you push the felt and the wool into the center,” she said. “It was just a way to teach a concept that you don't get when you just watch a movie or you just draw a picture. When you are actually pushing something towards the center, and discussing it with kids at your table, that just adds to the lesson more than I could with 1,000 words. I just stood back and listened to them teach each other.” l

Joey Machado saw his clay dinosaur fossil creation on display and was easily able to recount the steps in the process of the fossilization he learned when he made the project.

Sixth-graders’ solar system artwork was created by needle-felting which mimicked the process of planet formation. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Art projects at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy’s annual art show illustrate science concepts. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Art projects at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy’s annual art show illustrate science concepts. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Playground equipment designs demonstrate what fourth-graders learned about potential and kinetic energy. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy’s annual art show pieces illustrate science concepts. (Jet Burnham/ City Journals)

West Jordan Egg Hunt

Seniors from Copper Hills High School, (from left to right) Rider Wilkins, Leila Mahmutovic, Ashley Monson, and Phoebe Ojo, volunteered at the West Jordan’s annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 31, 2024. (Rebecca Olds/The City Journals)

Two girls collect Easter eggs near each other and away from the crowd shortly after the egg hunt starts. (Rebecca Olds/The City Journals)

The hunt catered to kids of all ages and abilities with a special ADA section, placing eggs on benches and cement for those with wheelchairs and a short distance away from the noisier part of the park. (Rebecca Olds/The City Journals)

Council member Kent Shelton directs Easter hunt attendees aged from 2-years-old to 15-years-old to the correct field based on their age. (Rebecca Olds/ The City Journals)

A family of six sits to open their eggs, looking for any “golden” ones that win them a prize at the city’s booth. (Rebecca Olds/The City Journals)

West Jordan personnel pass out prizes such as kinetic sand, super soakers, chalk and more and toy trucks to kids who found golden eggs. (Rebecca Olds/The City Journals)

At large council member Kelvin Green passes out extra Easter eggs to young children after the hunt concludes. (Rebecca Olds/The City Journals)

A mother and son pose for a picture with a full Easter basket in tow and bunny ears on after the West Jordan Easter egg hunt. (Rebecca Olds/The City Journals)

Kindness set in stone by Westland Elementary

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

The box around the West Jordan Library’s metal L-I-B-R-A-R-Y sign, which has stood empty for the past 12 years, is now a colorful kindness rock garden. The rocks were decorated and donated by Westland Elementary School students and their families as part of their annual service project, with supplies donated by Asphalt Materials and the Lowe’s at Jordan Landing.

“This year has been a little bit different for us, with West Jordan Elementary closing and a lot of their kids coming over to Westland, so our theme all year has been ‘Better Together,’” Westland PTA Executive Board Member Hillary Moser said. “We wanted to do something that would really bring us together and benefit our community, that our kids could see really tangibly, and that would affect them directly.”

The board had the idea for a kindness garden, but without the space to place it on the school grounds, they looked for a good spot in the community.

“We just really loved the idea of the library, because we felt like that was a place that a lot of our student population could go to and see the community coming

Continued from front page

city council for 12 years up until January, when new Councilmember Chad Lamb took his place representing District 1 after previously serving as an At Large representative.

“When people like Steve Jones show up, the council listens and wants to help and respond,” McConnehey said. “Every pair of ears will be on you.”

When he started on the council 12 years ago, he didn’t have any children, now he has five. His family has outgrown their home in District 1, yet they stayed so he could finish his term and help usher in a new strong mayor form of government in the city.

McConnehey is a strong advocate of being involved in the community because of people he looked up to when he was growing up. Now, he is an example for his children and gets them involved in any way he can.

He described the city government like the heart and lungs of the city.

“You shouldn’t have to think about it all the time” for it to work, he said.

McConnehey said that since it’s impossible for council members to be everywhere all the time, they rely on residents to speak up about problems or concerns happening within the city. And the best time to do that is during city council meetings — where his children could be spotted sitting

together and being better together,” Moser said.

When the PTA contacted West Jordan library branch manager Vern Waters about the rock donation, he said he would find a spot for it.

“I thought it was like a couple classes—I didn't really understand—but I thought I could find a spot for a box of rocks,” he said.

Waters was surprised when a truckload of hundreds of rocks in assorted colors, shapes and sizes was unloaded, but he and the library leadership team were pleased with how the rock garden turned out.

“The rocks are beautiful,” Waters said. “We’ve had such a good response.”

Each rock is painted with an uplifting message or picture, which have caught the attention of library patrons as they enter and exit through the library’s south entrance. l

Westland Elementary families donated kindness rocks to create a rock garden at West Jordan Library. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

with him on the stand occasionally.

“The simple problems have already been addressed by the city staff, the things that are going to the city council and the mayor’s office are usually the things that are an issue of prioritization or more nuanced or difficult to solve,” McConnehey said. “The things we’re dealing with are a lot more complicated and nuanced, there’s a lot that needs to be considered and weighed.”

Attendance at the council meetings “could always be better,” McConnehey said. Each meeting only has a few attendants, but it’s crucial for the council to get a better understanding about what’s happening in the community.

“This is their community, they have the ability to determine how it grows,” McConnehey said.

Online options to watch the city council meetings are available, too.

Barrett, even as a Draper city resident, often attends West Jordan council meetings since she works in the city.

“When we’re working in a Democratic situation, there needs to be compromise within the boundaries of the law,” Barrett said. “They’re trying to create a good environment for as many people as possible.”

“We all benefit from being more aware about what’s happening in our community, it’s only going to be to our good.”

Reaching out to council members,

joining committees and just staying up to date on what’s going on in the community, Lamb said, are great ways to stay active.

Kids can even be active through city programs like the Jr. Fire Academy.

“I think a lot of people do want to get involved but they don’t know where to turn to,” Lamb said.

“You don’t just have to sit back and wait for stuff to happen, you can be more proactive.” l

Former Councilman Chris McConnehey attends a council meeting with his son. (Photo courtesy Chris McConnehey)

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West Jordan business owners recognized by the International Franchise Association

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Shae and Barry Sims, owners of Athletic Republic in West Jordan (8860 S. Redwood Road, Suite 106), were named the 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association at its annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

After getting into the Athletic Republic franchise only three years ago, the Sims were recognized for their outstanding contributions as franchisees and for making a difference in the community.

“We’ve tried to get into our communities to get to know our teams, our athletes and the organizations, and learn what their needs are,” Shae Sims said. “It’s nice to be on a personal level to understand the community…I think that’s what’s been beneficial for us.”

The Sims use the Athletic Republic training program to help athletes perform at their highest level in a way that is sustainable, safe and effective. This includes movement skills, like lateral agility, foot speed and explosiveness, plus strength and acceleration training.

Shae’s background is in exercise physiology. She worked at Intermountain Health’s Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in the ‘90s when she met Barry who played football at the University of Utah. He’d suffered a knee dislocation during a bowl game and worked with Shae after his knee repair surgery.

One of Shae’s colleagues recommended a new program out of California that eventually became the basis of Athletic Republic. The training allowed Barry to recover and try out for the NFL. He went on to play with the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers.

“It was that program that propelled Barry to come back from the injury and not only land

a job with the NFL but be able to play for 12 years,” Shae said. “At the time of his injury, the ortho that did his surgery thought he would never play football again.”

After Barry retired from the NFL, the Sims returned to Utah to live in Park City, where they own and operate a second Athletic Republic location. They chose to open the franchise in West Jordan because they said it gives them access to talented athletes in the valley playing basketball, tennis, gymnastics, football, lacrosse and other sports.

They offer free trials for athletes of any age who want to try a training session and assessment to see how they can reach their athletic goals.

“We really saw how the training benefited Barry and his athletic achievements,” Shae said. “It’s great to take that to young athletes in our Utah communities and help them achieve their goals and what they’re looking for in their athletic endeavors.”

They were excited to receive the IFA recognition and pleased to be recognized for bringing value to athletes in Utah. For more information, visit westjordan.athleticrepublic. com.

“This recognition not only reflects our dedication to our business but also underscores the commitment we have to our community and the athletes we serve. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of Athletic Republic and to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients,” Barry said. “This recognition motivates us to continue striving for excellence and innovation in everything we do." l

Shae and Barry Sims were recognized as the 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association for their Athletic Republic franchise in West Jordan. (Photo courtesy Sims)

Twho are learning to speak English or are new to the country. A Family Engagement Center has been placed at Joel P. Jensen Middle School, where 29% of the student body are multilin gual learners.

parent involvement at the school and in the community, said Lisa Jimenez, who teaches at the new center.

schools—a higher level of involvement, where we can engage the families,” Jimenez said. “Because the more that parents and families are involved, there's a higher success rate for our students.”

new to the country or who struggle with En glish skills, no matter their native language, can access resources to ease their transition and help them interact more confidently in their community. The center provides tips for working with the immigration department, the process of getting a Utah driver's license and resources for employment and healthcare.

ing of how those systems work, because a lot of them are here in a brand-new country,” Jimenez said.

vides is morning and evening English classes. The classes, which are open to speakers of any language, focus on practical, conversational and skill-oriented English. Jimenez said these skills help people feel more confident in situ ations such as job interviews, interacting with their bank and talking with their child’s teacher. classes to help him improve his conversational skills so that he can prevent miscommunica tions at work. said.

Spanish-speaking students take advantage of English classes taught at the Family Engagement Center (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Rising to the challenge of becoming a teacher

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Jordan School District’s twelve career pathways provide students with opportunities to learn career skills, build relationships and access real-world job experiences. For students who think they want to be a teacher, the education pathway includes three college courses—taken through their high school or Jordan Academy of Technology and Careers—and practicum hours spent teaching in actual classrooms.

“They get the opportunity to go do practicums and get a feeling for what it's really like to be in a classroom in various types of settings,” Jordan District CTE Director Jason Skidmore said.

Mars Lawson, who has always been interested in becoming a teacher, is taking education classes at Copper Hills High School.

“You learn a lot about how people learn and I think that's really cool because you can use that in your career,” he said.

Lawson also joined CHHS’s Educators Rising club and became an officer.

CHHS sophomore Avery Pitcher is also involved in the club.

“I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember,” she said. “When I got to high school and found out that there was a club for it, I’m like, ‘Obviously, I'm going to join that.’”

She has loved the experience.

“Being around other people who want to be teachers, they help inspire me to keep pushing toward it,” she said.

Educators Rising clubs from around the state participated in a competition in March. Completing projects in a variety of catego-

ries encouraged students to explore different aspects of the teaching profession.

Lawson took third place in the Pre-K Children’s Literature category with a handmade rhyming picture book about self-discovery and self-love. Pitcher placed third in both the Lesson Planning and the Public

Service Announcement categories. They are among the top winners who qualified for the national competition in Washington, D.C. this summer.

For her lesson planning project, Pitcher created and taught a lesson on ancient Greek history to a class of high school students. She said the experience confirmed her decision to pursue a teaching career post-high school.

“This is what I want to do,” she said. “Yeah, it may be hard and stressful, but yeah, I know I want to do this. Teaching is hard, but it’s worth it.”

Kelly McPherson, who teaches the education pathway classes at Copper Hills High School, said the classes, the club and the competitions all help prepare students for teaching careers.

“We’ve got a teacher shortage,” she said. “We need to help kids develop and help get them started.”

Jordan School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey celebrated the future teachers at an awards ceremony held for the competition winners from JATC, Copper Hills and Riverton High School.

“I'm thrilled that this is a growing movement in our district, that more and more students are interested in teacher education programs,” Godfrey said.

The Copper Hills High School Educators Rising State Competition winners. (Photo courtesy of Kelly McPherson.)

He promised students he is doing what he can to increase pay and benefits for teachers.

Utah Legislators are also working to improve benefits for Utah teachers. This year’s legislative session resulted in additional funding for recruitment and retention incentives for teachers such as a mentoring program, performance-based bonuses, funding for classroom supplies and professional development training, and a $6,000 stipend for student teachers. l

EDUCATORS RISING 2024 STATE COMPETITION WINNERS

Copper Hills High School

3rd Educators Rising Moment:

Zoe Rakich

3rd Lesson Planning & Delivery - Humanities: Avery Pitcher

3rd Lesson Planning & Delivery - STEM: Amaya

Bowcutt

3rd Public Service Announce ment: Noah Ludlow and Avery Pitcher

3rd Children's Literature Pre-K: Mars Lawson

JATC South

1st Exploring EducationAdministration: Taylor

Desmarais

1st Educators Rising Moment:

Ruby Sullivan

1st Exploring Education - NonCore: Kambrie Brownlee

1st Inside Our Schools: August Elison and Abby

Mulqueen (CHHS)

2nd place Children's Literature Pre-K: Isabell Rasmussen

2nd Lesson Planning & Delivery - Arts: Alta Southworth (WJHS)

3rd place Children's Literature K-3: Jakelle

Ballard and Kindee Fausett

3rd Lesson Planning & Delivery - Humanities: Jaydon

Conk (WJHS)

3rd Public Speaking: José Reyna

Riverton High School

2nd Exploring EducationAdministration: Josclyn

Turner

2nd Exploring EducationSupport Services:Connor Knox

2nd Interactive Bulletin Board: Amber Leggett and Hailey Olson

The event will provide adults and youth with a unique opportunity to connect with 85+ top employers in various industries and explore job openings in your desired field. You can expect to meet with hiring managers and apply on the spot for some positions.

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Newly renovated city hall interior sports a more modern look, with much needed updates

At the start of March, the West Jordan City Hall reinstated all services after being closed for major renovations, making the building more open and usable to city workers and residents.

“We are delighted to invite residents back to our city building,” said Mayor Dirk Burton. “West Jordan City Hall is now open and here to serve the community.”

Since the building opened 30 years ago on June 25, 1993, it hasn’t undergone any major renovations until now and needed updates to keep up with current safety regulations.

“Standards, as far as code, changes a lot in a couple years let alone 30 years,” said Marie Magers, West Jordan’s Public Information Manager.

After closing on May 2, 2022, the renovation experienced delays pushing back the reopening just shy of two years later.

“Due to the enduring manufacturing challenges caused by COVID-19, numerous aspects, including our project, faced setbacks,” Jamie Davidson, Assistant City Administrator, told The City Journals. A big setback Davidson said was the requirement for “custom-made electric panels.”

Without further delay, the interior is all up to current code and safety regulations, making it more accessible than ever. Improvements to the building’s foyer include a new main staircase design, chandelier, passport office and front reception desk to help with usability for city staff and residents.

The grand staircase’s footprint was changed to open to the left of the door and narrowed to take up less space.

“[The renovation] allowed space in the

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

lobby for someone to welcome visitors to the City and direct them where they need to go,” said Tangee Sloan, the City Recorder.

Above the staircase where the original chandelier was placed in 1993, hangs a new one.

Once described as “sparkling,” the old chandelier no longer fit that description due to the difficulty it was for workers to clean it.

“Sadly, our facility crews faced challenges reaching it, even risking their safety

just to change a lightbulb,” said Magers.

Over the years with the inaccessibility to properly clean the light fixture, it was retired and recycled during renovations.

A new chandelier hangs where the old once was and is equipped with a pulley system to allow workers to safely clean and maintain it.

Also on the main level is a new community room meant to be a “gathering place” for the community “to support elections and other community gathering events,” making the building even more useful to residents, said Sloan.

To the left of the main entrance is a new passport office with a separate entrance that will expand service hours, she said.

The larger space will allow the office

to help multiple people at once and will be the spotlight of a new quarterly event called “Passport Palooza” offered by the city. More information on the event will be available in April.

“Our newly renovated passport office is amazing,” Sloan said.

All services back up and running at city hall include the mayor’s, city council, economic development, planning, building and safety, code enforcement, business licensing, human resources, city attorney and passport offices.

“City Hall belongs to our residents and is a place they should be proud to represent their city,” Sloan said. l

The West Jordan City Council meeting room before the renovation. (Photo courtesy of West Jordan City)

The West Jordan City Council meeting room during the renovation. (Photo courtesy of West Jordan City)

Part of the original building was this huge chandelier that greeted guests when they entered city hall in the heart of the building, most of which has been recycled when it was removed from the building. (Photo courtesy of West Jordan City)

During renovation, the grand staircase’s footprint was reoriented to enter from the left upon entrance to the building to better utilize space. (Photo courtesy of West Jordan City)

High-quality, innovative health care with a heavy dose of compassion

With a focus on health care excellence, community service and faith – the doctors, nurses and care teams at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley and Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley West are committed to compassionate and high-quality care for their neighbors.

It has been nearly a year since CommonSpirit Health took over five Wasatch Front hospitals that now bear the name Holy Cross, a reference to the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who brought Catholic, faith-based health care to the people of Utah nearly 150 years ago. Today, the hospitals are reinvigorating the Sisters’ vision while caring for all with open arms.

“Our care is focused on neighbors helping neighbors, whether they be in West Jordan, West Valley City, or our surrounding communities,” said Christine McSweeney, CEO of both Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley in West Jordan, and Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley West in West Valley City. “Our care providers live in these communities, and we are committed to playing an active role in improving the health of those around us –inside and outside of our hospital walls.”

Besides innovative health care in services that include orthopedics, bariatric programs, a cancer center, heart care, stroke accreditation and a Trauma III ER, the hospital’s teams are actively involved in helping to make the communities better, from leading food drives at local schools to partnering with the American Heart Association to educate our communities on heart health.

Through its Hello Humankindness program, CommonSpirit is actively promoting the health benefits

of kindness and recognizing employees who go above and beyond the call of their jobs to help those in need.

“We believe that simple acts of kindness have a profound impact on the lives of our patients and communities, in addition to the medical expertise that our doctors and nurses provide,” McSweeney said.

The community-focused work also involves close partnerships with local first responders, including fire departments and EMS agencies, who understand the advanced medical care that CommonSpirit provides at its Holy Cross hospitals when patients need an ambulance.

“They know we have some of the most advanced stroke care in our communities and some of the most advanced heart care,” McSweeney added.

CommonSpirit’s mission includes advancing social justice for all, and last fall, it bestowed eight grants from its Health Equity & Advancement Fund to local nonprofits that are working every day to improve lives in ways that include health screenings for Spanishspeaking neighbors and mental health treatment for children and families.

With a long legacy of service and healing, CommonSpirit is just getting started in extending health care excellence for all Utahns at the Holy Cross hospitals.

“Our vision is a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity,” McSweeney said.

Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org

When things go wrong, we provide the right care.

Christine McSweeney, CEO

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Utah Ukrainians rally in support of their native country

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

F

eb. 24 marked the second anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, when Russian soldiers stormed the country in an attempted takeover. Over those two years, more than 10,000 civilians have been killed, in addition to an estimated 31,000 Ukrainian troops and 315,000 Russian military personnel.

Even with those numbers, a sense of apathy has grown among many Americans, and many countries worldwide, about the war. Members of the Utah Ukrainian Association joined with other residents in a rally this year on that date at the Utah State Capitol. The goal—to keep the messages of hope and support flowing to those in the embattled nation.

“Through the work of the association, we have met so many great organizations and community leaders,” said Maryna Detsyura of the UUA. “All of you guys have been extremely supportive and extremely helpful in the work that we do. Thanks to you we have managed to donate over $150,000 of equipment and aid to Ukraine over the last two years. Unfortunately, as the war is entering its third year, the need is still there and it’s growing.”

She said many of the items donated have included tactical gear, drones, drone components, first aid kits, and humanitarian aid for women and children. But she said the “attention from the media is shrinking. The Ukrainians really still need your support. We’re encouraging everyone

adding “some politicians these days are not very supportive of Ukraine. It’s very important now for us more than ever to make our voices heard. We’re encouraging everyone to contact their representatives. It really does make a difference.

I know whether you’re American or Ukrainian, your support really matters and it helps.”

Three women there to support the rally now live in Salt Lake County. Viktoria Holko has lived in Utah since 2002, though she was born and raised in Ukraine and moved here at age 14.

“I have an aunt and some cousins who have been living there,” she said. “I work with a lot of refugees here now, people who have just arrived, so I hear a lot of stories about all the horrible things—cities being bombed and buildings being destroyed. A lot of people like my aunt have had to leave the country.”

to spread the word in your communities, among neighbors, coworkers, friends. We’re a nonprofit organization, so 100% of the donations go directly to Ukraine.”

She said another focus is advocacy,

She understands how apathy has set in for many because “the war has been going on for so long. When war first broke out, it was very inspiring and we were very grateful for all the attention we were getting. But I understand that things move on and the news gets superseded by other news. It makes me very sad because the war keeps going—it hasn't gotten any easier or any better—people keep dying, people keep getting displaced. We hope that with events like this, we can keep Ukraine on people’s minds.”

Holko works with the UUA which got a grant from the state’s Department of Workforce Services to work with refugees “to help them find housing and employment…help them get settled.”

Yuliia Pylypenko moved to Salt Lake City just six months ago after the building she was living in was bombed, and she had nowhere else to go. She has found great support in the Ukrainian community in Utah. “I love it here and I’m grateful to be here, and to see the support from so many at the rally today.”

Alex Fylypovych is an American of Ukrainian descent who lives in Murray. She works for an organization called Welcome.US, a nonprofit organization that coordinates help for refugees, and chose to come to Utah to help with Ukrainian refugees.

“This rally is such a positive event for Ukrainian people living here,” she said. “I have been to Ukraine and it’s so sad to see what devastation the war has caused. I know the nation appreciates all the support it has gotten and will continue to get from Americans.”

The Utah Ukrainian Association hosts a series of events which are open to the public. They are listed on the UUA website and on its Facebook page. l

From left, Viktoria Hulko, Yuliia Pylypenko and Alex Fylypovych, all Salt Lake County residents, joined in the Rally for Ukraine on Feb. 24. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

The woman in charge of Snowbird Ski Patrol

By Genevieve Vahl | g.vahl@mycityjournals.com

WhenTina Biddle started out on Snowbird Ski Patrol in 2001, she was one of four women. In 2024, there are now 18 women. With 80 patrollers total of varying schedule commitments, that makes 22.5% of Snowbird Ski Patrol women. Still only a little over one fifth of the team, more and more women are appearing in the male dominated industry. Biddle, director of Snowbird Ski Patrol since 2017, has been cultivating a culture of care and hard work on her team, guiding the crew by example.

With 23 years now under her belt at Snowbird alone, Biddle never has let the boys' club mentality deter her from doing her job best. She leads by example. Like how her own coach, a five-year patroller at the time named Karen Davis, showed her the ins and outs of the job her rookie year in 1997 patrolling at Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado.

“And how to have fun,” Biddle said. “To be serious when you had to be serious. But don’t take it too seriously. And the detail orientedness of the job.”

There is a tediousness often left as unseen actions of their duty that keep the resort safe and operating. Like last season, when patrol had to raise tower pads and rope lines practically every other day because of the historic snowfall that just never seemed to stop.

“Everyone was like, we have to do this again? But it’s like, you get a powder run to get there,” Biddle said. “Karen really helped me keep that in perspective.”

Even as the highest rank on patrol, Biddle still does work projects with the rank and file, finding it more fulfilling than sitting at a desk inside, which is just as much her job as using explosives to trigger avalanches or making snow safety calls over the radio.

“There are some times where I just want to be a patroller. I will go out and dig out tower pads with the crew and do work projects with everyone,” Biddle said.

An act of someone in leadership who has clearly been a rank and file themself, to know the efforts, struggles, triumphs of such a rigorous job.

“I have had a couple patrollers from different areas say that their patrol director would never have been out there digging tower pads with us,” Biddle said. “I try to lead by example, and I want to go out there because it’s a really good time to get to know people.”

But when asked how being a woman manifests in her practice of leadership, it wasn’t even a factor. “I am just doing my job,” Biddle said. “Put your head down, do your job.” Coming to work, the team supports one another through the inevitable challenges everyone faces out on the mountain. We are like one big dysfunctional family.”

Emphasizing the unproductivity of the age-old hazing and bullying that comes in a field densely packed with having to prove oneself to find your place in the ranks.

“When I first started, it wasn’t even the tough love thing, it was bullying. It is so un-

productive. But I think that has gotten better, slowly. I’m trying to get them to embrace the new people, to show them everything they know because they might be digging you out of an avalanche one day,” Biddle said. “We all rely on each other.”

“I think of it as having a lot of brothers and sisters. ” Biddle said. “We are watching out for each other outside of work as well.”

Though still only about a fifth of the patrollers are women at Snowbird, there has undoubtedly been an increase in interest and career paths taken for women over the past 20 years in patrol.

“I think gals are realizing they do have what it takes. That it is not just a boys’ club. That if you work hard, no one has anything to give you a hard time about,” Biddle said. “The guys muscle the toboggans into place, whereas females have to finesse it. It’s just a little different. But we still get the same end result.”

Biddle’s mother, Susan Becker, was a police officer for the city of Milwaukee for 25 years. She spoke to the City Journals about being a woman in a highly male dominated field during the pre-2000 era.

“There were no uniforms for women. You had to go in and get fitted in a man’s uniform,” she said. “And we had to have our hair short, we couldn’t have long hair.”

With an uncannily similar sentiment to Biddle’s: “You just did your job and had your partner’s back,” she said. She also mentioned the finesse she needed to develop to succeed versus the muscling through things, which the men on her crew relied on.

“I was not a good fighter,” she said.

She couldn’t pick fights, she could not get loud in people’s faces to solve her conflicts. She couldn’t use force or loud aggression the way the men on her squad would because she would get beat up, literally. She couldn’t rely on her strength to muscle her through conflict. She had to find a nuance and finesse with her rapport with people to find resolution. Using a calm, collected voice to gain trust. Using finesse, like Biddle said, to get the same, if not more, optimal results.

Ultimately, for Biddle, it is the community and active lifestyle that has kept her patrolling the slopes for so long.

“The people, I laugh every day,” Biddle said. “The skiing, being outside, being active is why I do it.”

She has a steadfast assuredness that women already have everything it takes to succeed as a patroller.

“Have the confidence in what you do,” Biddle said, “because we are all capable.” l

Tina Biddle, Snowbird Ski Patrol director since 2017. (Photo courtesy Tina Biddle)

State and county leaders prioritize child sexual abuse education

The numbers are startling…one in seven

Utah children are sexually abused before they turn 18 and there is a 91% chance they are abused by someone they know and trust. The chances are high that a child in your social circle is being sexually abused. Children tell an average of three adults that they are being hurt before someone helps them. It is critically important that we believe children if they tell us, and not let our surprise or fears get in the way of protecting them.

I firmly believe that when a society is committed to the healthy development and protection of children, it significantly contributes to the future prosperity and well-being of that society. As a Salt Lake County Councilmember, in my role at the State in the Office of Families, and as a former board member for Prevent Child Abuse Utah, I’ve been committed to supporting policies to protect children.

This past legislative session, I took particular interest in bill SB 205—a bill dedicated to protecting children from the harms of sexual abuse by expanding in-classroom sexual abuse prevention education for all of Utah’s students in kindergarten through sixth grade. I’m thrilled to say that it passed with unanimous support.

This bill was initiated by The Policy Project, Malouf Foundation, Saprea and

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

Prevent Child Abuse Utah. It was included in Gov. Spencer Cox’s budget. Legislators recognized that child sexual abuse is a bigger problem in our state than most people realize and were committed to protecting children.

Currently, in the state of Utah, only 11% of our elementary students receive any type of sexual abuse prevention education. Studies show that early intervention can help children recognize inappropriate behaviors, and learn to understand boundaries which will empower them to speak up if they experience or witness abuse— likely preventing further victimization or long-term psychological harm.

Furthermore, in-classroom prevention education provides parents with the resources they need to engage in conversations about safety and boundaries with their children and gives teachers the tools

to recognize distress signals from children and be able to guide students to proper resources.

Prevention strategies can break the cycle of abuse and protect vulnerable children from revictimization. Calling and reporting abuse is another way you can help break this cycle. Utah law requires any person who has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect to immediately notify Child and Family Ser-

vices or law enforcement. Abuse of a child can be physical, emotional, or sexual and can be reported at 1-855-323-3237.

As Utahns, we should be doing everything we can to protect our children. Childhood trauma impacts both mental and physical health well into adulthood. Healthy children and healthy adults are a top priority!

Grizzlies off to good start in boys soccer

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Early in the season, Copper Hills head coach Sean Terry said his team still had lots to work on. Considering the Grizzlies won four of their first five games, expect the team to be a force late in the year.

“So far, this early in the season, I would have to say our team is still a work in progress a little bit,” Terry said. “We are trying to play a little bit different formation than in past years, and it is going to take several games to get all the boys playing together and understanding how we want them to play. That being said, starting the season with two wins in our first two games and giving up zero goals is never a bad thing.”

Copper Hills won games one and two 2-0 and 3-0 over Stansbury and Springville, respectively. The shutout streak continued on March 15 in game three with a 3-0 victory over Corner Canyon. The Grizzlies gave up their first goal March 20 at Salt Lake Academy but still won 2-1. The first loss came two days later at Riverton in region play, 3-1.

Terry has implemented some new tactical changes this season, and he is hoping it will pay dividends throughout the season. Copper Hills competes in the deep and talented Region 2, so Terry knows his players will have to be focused each week. Still, he believes a region championship isn’t out of reach.

“The goal for this year is to understand our new formation and build on that in every game,” he said. “With the new region alignments that went into effect this year, we have a very strong region, but I expect us to compete for a region title.”

Bringing along the younger Grizzly players will also be vital for the success of the team, Terry said.

“For this season to be a success, we need to develop our young freshman and sophomores and hopefully integrate them into the varsity team and get them some meaningful minutes in varsity games,” he said. “The goal every season is to make yourself better for the next year and obviously win as many games as possible.”

Copper Hills’ strengths lie in the leadership of its two captains, senior Tyler Passey and junior Corbin Reiser. Terry said the duo holds everyone accountable and sets the tone for the team. Plenty of other players contribute on the field in games and in practices for gameday preparation.

“We have exceptional players from both our varsity and junior varsity teams,” he said. “The hope is that your captains will be good leaders and important to the team’s success. I think we have the right captains

for that this year.”

Copper Hills faces each Region 2 foe twice, ending with a May 3 contest at Herriman. The 6A state tournament begins May 10. Copper Hills will aim for a first-round bye and second-round home game. That will depend on how high the team’s RPI ranking is.

It can be difficult taking 11 players on the field and molding them into a team, especially when many of them play on different clubs throughout the season. Terry is grateful that his players are buying into the team concept and working toward unified goals.

“The biggest challenge not only this year but every year in high school soccer is getting your boys all playing the style of soccer you want them to—getting them to see your vision and philosophy on the game,” he said. “We have players coming from approximately a dozen or more different club teams, which means they are coming from a dozen or more different coaching styles and coaching philosophies. Trying to get all these boys coming from all these different coaches and styles to play together is always our biggest challenge. But I think we definitely have the talent to go far into the playoffs this year and contend for a 6A state title.” l

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Transitioning to a new coaching staff can be challenging for any team. The Copper Hills softball team has done well so far.

The Grizzlies welcomed William Yazzie to the program. He is grateful for the welcome he has received and for the effort the girls have given so far this season.

“With a new head coach and all-new coaching staff, the team has responded well to the new program and has competed in tough games early in the season,” Yazzie said. “They are able to make adjustments quickly and will get better as the season progresses.”

Copper Hills started off 5-4 through the first nine games and dropped its first two Region 2 contests. The Grizzlies have been on both ends of lopsided games, though their losses have been to excellent teams. Copper Hills also crushed Page, Arizona, 13-3 and blew out Granger 15-0 and 18-3 two days apart. In between those wins was a 19-1 crushing of Brighton on March 9. Those three victories took place at the March Warm-up Elite tournament. Copper Hills took down American Fork 12-2 on March 22.

In the early going, Yazzie has been impressed with the girls’ attitudes and work ethic.

“Our team has a willingness to compete,

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

they are coachable, and they have showed resilience early in the season,” he said. “They play as a team and want to work hard.”

As a first-year coach, Yazzie wants the team to play hard and develop the program. Reaching the playoffs will be nice, but Yazzie is looking for the Grizzlies to be a factor in the race for the title.

“Our team’s expectations are to grow and develop together, and we have set goals to compete in the Utah 6A state tournament,” he said.

Copper Hills has a trio of four-year starters who lead the team. Shortstop Anslie Yazzie (who was a First-Team All-State player last year), outfielder Emery Bishop and infielder Jordyn Sheridan are great examples to the other girls with their play and how they conduct themselves off the field.

“[Anslie Yazzie] has a great middle infield glove,” he said. “She’s a power hitter and experienced team leader She committed to play softball at the next level after high school at the College of Southern Idaho [Bishop] leads off with speed and is aggressive at the plate. She is the most improved player and will also play softball at the next level after high school. [Sheridan] is a power hitter. She’s a great utility player and has stepped up as a key contributor and makes an

impact every game.”

For the season to be successful for the Grizzlies, Yazzie said the team needs to be consistent. He also said the players need to develop continuity and confidence in themselves and the team. Copper Hills is improving, but Yazzie acknowledges there are plenty of things to polish so the Grizzlies can pick up more wins as the season progresses.

“Speed is essential in softball, and we are working to increase it in all phases of the game,” he said. “We also have young, talented girls who, with more game experience, will learn to increase their knowledge of the game as well.”

Yazzie and his players know nothing will come easy in region play.

Region 2 has two of the top teams in Class 6A in Riverton and Herriman. Bingham, Mountain Ridge and Corner Canyon round out the opponents in the region, and they are no slouches.

“Competing in arguably the toughest region in 6A means we have to be mental-

ly and physically prepared each and every game,” Yazzie said. “However, we see it as an opportunity to get better and get us ready to make a run in the state tournament.”

Copper Hills faces each Region 2 opponent twice, with the final league game on April 30 at Corner Canyon. The Grizzlies finish the regular with three non-region opponents before the Class 6A state tournament begins May 16.

Yazzie is grateful to be in the position of guiding the Copper Hills softball team. He’s looking forward to building the program and watching the girls grow.

“I feel blessed for the opportunity to coach all these young student-athletes, especially my two daughters Anslie Yazzie and Averi Yazzie,” he said. “It is a great group of girls who want to succeed, work hard and get better every day. You can’t ask for much more as a first-year head coach.” l

The Copper Hills softball team has a new head coach, William Yazzie. The Grizzlies started the year 5-4 and play in one of the toughest regions in the state. (Photo courtesy of William Yazzie.)

Timpson reflects on Copper Hills girls basketball team’s fabulous season

Few teams in high school sports will end the season with a victory, meaning most schools experience some heartbreak and disappointment as the year comes to a close.

The Copper Hills girls basketball had a range of emotions in the final weeks of the 2023–24 campaign.

Copper Hills put together a memorable season, going 25-2 and finishing with a 9-1 record in Region 2, claiming the league title by a full three games. The Grizzlies marched through the Class 6A state tournament to the finals where the team ran into an excellent Lone Peak squad, falling 65-47.

It was a tough way to end an otherwise remarkable season.

“Making the state championship was a huge accomplishment,” head coach Jake Timpson said. “I would guess that most teams around the state didn't think we were capable of that. But honestly, we had been talking about making the championship last spring. We knew we had the talent to do it, and we just need to stick together and play our style of basketball. It was a huge deal for our school and community. We had tremendous support from students, faculty and administration.”

The Grizzlies got to the title game with blowout wins over Weber, 69-21, and Mountain Ridge, 49-31 (their third win on the year over the Sentinels). A 52-45 victory over Sky-

GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE

Grief is an individual journey with a path as unique as each one of us. To o er support and hope, we provide various Grief Support Services for those who are mourning a recent or past loss.

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

ridge in the semifinals earned the team a berth in the championship for the second time in six seasons. Copper Hills lost in the 5A championship to Bingham in 2019.

“We got to the championship game by playing really good defense,” Timpson said. “That was our calling card all year. We have some great defenders on our team, and we leaned on our defense during the tournament. We did a really good job this season playing as a team. We had two girls in the top four in assists in 6A.”

For the top prize against Lone Peak, Copper Hills struggled much of the game on both ends of the court. The Grizzles shot just 33% from the floor and made just four three-pointers to 11 for Lone Peak.

“I don't think we played our best basketball in that game, obviously,” Timpson said. “Lone Peak is a great team with great players, but we didn't do enough to contest their threepoint shooting. We also gave up a lot of offensive rebounds. If you don't play great defense and rebound, then it’s going to be really hard to win a championship game.”

Ellie Taylor paced the Grizzlies in scoring with 18 points and hit three shots from behind the three-point line. She also had five steals. Skylie Barker had 15 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

After the game, Timpson didn’t dwell on the loss. Instead, he focused on the positive and expressed his gratitude to his players for everything they gave to the program this season.

“After the game, I just took time to thank the seniors for all their hard work and dedication to the program,” he said. “I told them I was proud of what they had accomplished. We had the most wins in school history, and that is something to be proud of.”

Copper Hills outscored its opponents this season 57-38. The Grizzlies had one of the

top defensive units in the state. Of the team’s 25 wins, 22 were by double digits. Individually, Taylor and Barker were a formidable one-two punch. Taylor led the team with 16.8 points per game, while Barker was right behind with a scoring average of 16.2 an outing. Barker was the leading rebounding with 7.4 a game, and Taylor led the way with 3.2 assists per game and 2.1 three-pointers a contest. Ayla Marston chipped in 8.2 points per contest and had the second-best rebounding average with 7.3 boards a game. Her 3.9 assist per game was tops on the team.

Timpson has a big job next season to replace Taylor.

In addition to Taylor, five other seniors will graduate this year, leaving spots to fill in lineup for the Grizzlies. The good news is, Marston and Barker are just juniors. Also returning will be Aspen Fraser, who scored 5.6 points a game.

“It’s going to be hard replacing our seniors,” Timpson said. “They were a tremendous part of our success this season. Despite the losses, we have four starters returning next season, and they are very eager to continue the success we had this last season. It'll be fun to watch them play and grow into new roles they will play this season.”

Despite coming up just short to bring the school its first-ever girls basketball state championship, there is plenty to be happy about with this season. Timpson will fondly remember this season and this group of girls for years to come. He is grateful, in particular, for his senior class and will miss coaching those hardworking, dedicated girls.

“I will remember all the fun times we had together—all the work we did starting last spring to get to this point,” he said. “I will remember all the fun I had with the seniors that I’ve been coaching the last four years. It’s going to be really sad not having them around anymore.”

The Grizzlies will regroup, and the returning players will be back together in November for the 2024–25 season. Based on who’s coming back, there’s no reason to believe Copper Hills won’t be a contender once again. l

The Copper Hills girls basketball game wrapped up a highly successful season with a loss to Lone Peak in the Class 6A state championship game. (Photo courtesy of Jake Timpson.)

When fifth grade students at Terra Linda Elementary gather for a weekly story time with their teacher Julie Barnson, they know it will be both entertaining and educational.

“When she tells stories, it kind of sticks in my brain, what we need to know,” fifth-grader Seth Coulam said. “When she tells a story, it’s easier to remember.”

The historical stories, tall tales, ghost stories and cultural stories Barnson tells all relate to the fifth grade American history curriculum. But they are told with the flourish of an experienced professional storyteller.

Barnson said the skills she has honed to become a professional storyteller partner well with the skills needed to be a good teacher. Telling stories helps her think creatively and make connections to what she is teaching.

“I use stories in my lessons to build background for a lesson,” Barnson said. “I can use stories about weird facts, or things in history, or scientific discoveries, and I can pull all those things in to make the lessons more exciting. I can make just about anything sound interesting— math, history, science.”

Barnson also teaches her students how to be storytellers to introduce them to the artform and also to improve their confidence, fluency and listening and speaking skills.

Her students read a variety of types of stories before choosing one and developing it into a performance.

Fifth-grader Brooklyn Benedict, who loves telling stories and wants to be a writer, chose to tell a funny story, a twist on a traditional fairytale.

“My class said they liked my story because I used my hands and how I tell the end and how funny I made it,” she said. “I like seeing people laughing and giggling and smiling.”

Brooklyn said having Barnson as a teacher has helped her improve her performance skills.

“She inspired me to be better than before,” Brooklyn said.

Barnson’s top student storytellers, including Brooklyn and Seth, will perform at Jordan School District’s Story Weavers Storytelling Showcase in May.

JSD Gifted and Talented Consultant Rebecca Smith said the youth tellers who participate receive helpful feedback from judges, but the event is not a competition.

“It is mostly a showcase and celebration of their hard work, practice and knack for storytelling,” she said. “It is delightful. Everyone— students, parents, spectators— leaves the event with a smile.”

Youth storytellers also have the opportunity to participate in the 6th Annual

A story about storytelling by a story-teacher

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Story Crossroads Summit and Festival

May 13-16. Story Crossroads Founding Executive Director Rachel Hedman invites youth to participate in and attend the festival— in person or virtually.

“There's so much learning that happens by having youth tellers share the stage with professionals,” she said. “As the youth tellers perform with professionals, they get to see how professionals handle things, and hopefully the youth tellers realize that they already have those skills, and they can keep going. The people in the audience who happen to be youth, or students, see other youth performing, and they now can tell themselves, ‘Hey, I can do this, too.’”

Barnson, who has performed in the festival, always signs up for the virtual field trip that allows her class to watch the storytellers. Teachers also have options to bring students to the live performances at Murray Park or to have storytellers perform at a school assembly. The events are open to the public, too. More information can be found at storycrossroads.org/ festival/.

Hedman said many teachers see the value of storytelling in their classroom, but she is truly impressed by the way Barnson incorporates it into her lessons every day.

“Julie Barnson is the supreme example, and I wish that we had more of that,” she said. “Usually professional storytellers are asked to help and to teach, but Julie Barnson actually teaches by example herself. Not only is she a teacher, but she definitely qualifies as the ultimate story-teacher.”

In addition to telling stories to engage her students, Barnson performs storytelling at schools, churches, community and private events, county fairs and festivals. She loves telling ghost stories, which she did as a tour guide for the Salt Lake City Ghost Tours and the Centerville Cemetery Tours. See her tell a tale at this link: https:// youtu.be/s0C8vSXUxlU or QR Code l

Julie Barnson tells a ghost story for the 2023 Crossroads Storytelling Summit and Festival. (Photo courtesy Rachel Hedman)

Julie Barnson, who is a professional storyteller and a fifth-grade teacher, is the ultimate story-teacher. (Photo courtesy Julie Barnson)

I ’m not sure what Utah legislators think happens in women’s restrooms, based on the ridiculous bathroom bill that was recently passed. Do they imagine we walk into a restroom, disrobe, dance around drinking martinis and chat like teenagers in a TV sitcom?

Otherwise, I can’t imagine why our “leaders” thought banning trans women from public bathrooms would protect my privacy. If there was a creepy man dressed as Mrs. Doubtfire, accosting women in the restroom, yes, that would be terrible. And it’s already illegal.

But I’m letting the legislators in on a little secret. Here’s what happens in a public restroom. I walk to the bathroom and wait in line (because there’s always a line). I make no eye contact with the women around me. When a stall is available, I scurry into it, do my business as quietly as possible and rush to wash my hands. I glance in the mirror to make sure there’s no popcorn stuck to my face, and I leave.

I wouldn’t know if there was a trans woman in the bathroom with me because (and hear me out) trans women are women. Legislators, you continue to create fear and disconnection. Stop it.

This unenforceable law could mean

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Circling the drain

we must carry a small copy of our birth certificate, next to the mini-Bible and a pocket-sized copy of the Constitution we’re already toting around. But…scanning my scriptures…I see one that reads, “Love thy neighbor.” Interesting. I don’t see an asterisk that explains *Unless your neighbor has a lifestyle of which you don’t approve.

Speaking of protecting privacy, as the legislative session wrapped up last month, our “leaders” passed a law that blocks access to the daily calendar of elected officials. (I think they confuse “privacy” with “secrecy.”)

Imagine you hire an employee and tell them you’ll be tracking their work, checking their calendars and watching their emails. You want to see how they spend their time, who they hang with and if they’re misbehaving.

Then imagine that employee said

you had no right to do any of that. That it’s none of your damn business. Well, you’d fire that employee in a heartbeat. Elected officials work for the people and we deserve to know what they do.

The Freedom of Information Act grants access to government records so the media and the public can see how the sausage is made. But Utah legislators continue to pass bills making government less transparent. It’s like painting over a window, one thin coat at a time.

In 2011, Utah’s governor and legislators were presented with the Black Hole Award by the national chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists because of a bill they passed (HB477) limiting access to government records. Five years later, Attorney General Sean Reyes received the same award from the Utah chapter.

Sensing a theme?

Overall, the legislators passed nearly 600 bills this year, including one that eliminates Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs at universities and some government entities. That’s nice. As if Utah wasn’t white, wealthy, male and straight enough already.

And through a law signed by Gov. Spencer Cox, teachers are now encour-

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aged to bring guns to school because how do we address a gun control problem in this country? More guns!

For a state that declares it’s against big government control, a lot of bills passed this year seem glaringly hypocritical.

As the year goes along, I’m sure we’ll hear more from our “leaders” about book bans, school vouchers, revised history curriculum, church-protected abusers and the benefits of coal. Legislators seem just as clueless about those things as they are about women’s bathrooms.