West Jordan Journal | January 2025 by The City Journals

WEST JORDAN NATIVE CAPTURES GOLD AT PARA ICE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

AWest Jordan native who is now goalie for the U.S. Women’s Development Sled Hockey Team returned from Norway a few weeks ago with the gold medal. Hope Bevilhymer was part of the team that clinched the title in the Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Canada, the third straight title for the Americans.

Bevilhymer, who now lives and works in Las Vegas, considers West Jordan her hometown and comes back as often as she can. She felt “inspired to try sled hockey, and now it’s my passion.” A former roommate of hers, a recreational therapist, told her about the new sport that was coming called Sledge Hockey.

“She explained it to me and everything,” Bevilhymer said. “So I went and tried it, played forward for a while, and then the team put me into the net as goalkeeper. That’s the most important part of the team, in my opinion, and I’ve been there ever since.”

She started playing in a rec program through Salt Lake County in 1999 at age 21 and fell in love with the sport.

“It was a very aggressive sport, more aggressive,” she said. “So I went and trained. I got used to training with aggressiveness and playing hockey. And I don't know if you've ever seen it, but the sport is exactly like hockey. We just are in a sled. All the other rules are the same.”

Bevilhymer was born with bi-lateral clubfeet. The right foot was turned in and upside down. The doctors started

courtesy

Bevilhymer)

Hernandez giving it her all in pool for West Jordan

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Swimming is a difficult sport as it is. Throw in some injuries, and being a successful competitive swimmer can be a tall order. West Jordan High School’s Hailey Hernandez is doing big things for the swim team—and she has her sights set on even more as the year goes on.

Hernandez, a sophomore, started swimming at age 7. She may never have gotten into the sport had her grandparents not paid for and signed her up for swimming lessons. As Hernandez got more comfortable in the pool and improved her stroke and love for the activity, she decided to go to the next level and began swimming competitively on a club team. She also worked with a private coach to hone her skills further. She swam on her club team for six years before joining the West Jordan team.

However, a few years ago, Hernandez broke her collarbone. The injury required intense rehabilitation and kept her out of action for some time. While some swimmers might decide to stop swimming altogether, Hernandez used the tough break to fuel her desire to heal and get even better in the pool. It didn’t take her long to be back to her old self as a swimmer—and be even better.

“The injury was a major setback, and I was scared that I was going to be able to swim at a high level again,” Hernandez said. “Although I wasn’t able to swim for a while, I didn’t give up. I never thought about quitting swimming because I knew I didn’t want to throw away all of my hard work. Once I recovered, I worked super hard to get back to where I was before, and during my first meet back after injury I [got personal records] in all of my events. I came back stronger after I hit the bottom; I will never give up.”

A competitive nature and the joy of accomplishing goals keeps Hernandez going. She also loves being with her teammates and

watching them improve.

“I have always loved watching myself improve in the water and learning how just the smallest things can change your whole swim,” she said. “My greatest motivation to help me keep swimming is my competitiveness. If I don’t put in that hard work, I won’t reach my goals. I always strive to strengthen and push myself and my teammates to their goals. My teammates do a great job with keeping up the motivation, and I also try my best to keep them motivated and proud of their own efforts. Seeing my teammates happy and proud helps me to keep on swimming.”

In any sport, competing in a positive environment with supportive coaches and teammates is crucial. Hernandez is grateful that she is in good hands when she hits the

“I adore my coaches,” she said. “They have helped me strengthen and push myself in my day-to-day swims that greatly improve my times. I love the camaraderie, the competition, seeing my teammates reach their goals and cheering for my teammates. Cheering on for them is my favorite part.”

For the Jaguars, Hernandez swims in multiple events. Her best events are the 100yard breaststroke and the 500 freestyle. She also enjoys being a part of the relay events. She said her strengths include having a positive attitude, setting a good example, and never giving up.

“I have always managed to push myself to never stop my grind, and you’ll never see me not at a practice,” she said. “I try to be the best teammate possible, so I’m being

positive for them and myself. I’d like to think I also bring my competitiveness and leadership to the team. I help my teammates with problems they have and give the best support. I also love swimming in the relay events because I get to swim with my teammates.”

There is plenty of time left in her career for Hernandez to continue to improve her times and become a more dynamic swimmer. This season she is working on building her strength and improving her technique in practice. Inevitably, there will be disappointments along the way for her and the Jaguars, but Hernandez is determined to not get down on herself or the team.

She also wants to bounce back when she falls short of a goal.

“My biggest challenge has been focusing on getting a personal record on every time I race,” she said. “I have come to accept that not every race is going to be my best race. I know in my heart that I will learn valuable lessons during these hard times.”

Hernandez and her teammates haven’t necessarily set a goal on the number of meets they want to win or what place the Jaguars will finish in region or state. Her focus is on getting along with the other swimmers and doing the best she can.

“The overall goal for the team this season is to become closer as teammates and support each other in all aspects,” she said. “Our goal is to build upon our successes and learn lessons in every win and loss. I, of course, have many goals as an athlete, but my main goal is to have a good race. Whether I [have gotten a personal record] or not, my goal is to give my race my all, to pass my limits and have myself know that I put in my best work.” l

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WEST JORDAN TEAM

pool.

West Jordan swimmer Hailey Hernandez, a sophomore, have overcome some injuries and emerged as one of the top swimmers for the Jaguars. (Photo courtesy Hailey Hernandez)

Crossing guards and police advocate for pedestrians on busy West Jordan roadways

Brandy Tenney has been a crossing guard in West Jordan for more than 26 years, helping kindergarten-aged kids to seniors in high school get to and from school safely.

She started as a newly expecting mother as a temporary job but ended up staying until all her kids were adults.

Nearly 10 years ago, Tenney’s own then14-year-old son was hit by a car on his way home from a friend’s house. While he survived, she said that’s not always the case.

Sgt. Kendall Holt of the West Jordan Police Department and head of the crossing guards in the city, emphasized the importance of having crossing guards in the high-traffic areas across the city to provide safety for pedestrians and educate drivers who may be distracted or in a hurry.

Holt said that the department employs nearly 100 crossing guards as of November 2024. School zones, he added, are one of the city’s “hot topic areas” where guards are needed the most, especially during the key times when there is a higher volume of pedestrian traffic in the early morning and after school.

“West Jordan is a really busy city—in fact, I think we are the biggest city geographically in the state, and what comes with that is a large population, which is a large volume of traffic,” he said. “I'd say that's probably the

IBy Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

number one thing [crossing guards] struggle with, is when they're making a decision to go out and stop cars, they're taking a risk.”

Crossing guards make “a huge impact on the community” and “on the safety of the kids,” Holt said. “I don’t think [crossing guards] get enough credit.”

While the city hasn’t had a large number of incidents where pedestrians were actually struck, he said, they do have quite a few "close calls" on a daily basis.

“The people we are having contact with during the day are your everyday people that are moms and dads that drop their kids off to school and are in a hurry because they're running late to work,” Holt said. “They don't want to be stopped by the crossing guards, even for just 30 seconds to a minute.”

He said being in a hurry is not worth anyone’s life.

“Slow down, put your distractions down,” he said. “It's not worth it, and you can't win that

argument with me thinking it would be worth it. There isn't a job out there that's worth it. There isn't a destination out there that's worth it.”

These distractions and drivers being in a hurry, Holt said, can lead to very close calls and near-accidents with the children crossing the streets. He said they try to educate these drivers about the importance of slowing down and putting away distractions, as it's just not worth the risk of potentially hitting a child.

During a 30-minute shift, Tenney said it’s “mind-boggling” how many people are distracted on their phones and not looking at the road.

“It’s a scary thing,” she said.

Being a crossing guard is a deeply personal experience, she said, because by doing it, you become more aware of your surroundings and just how big of a difference drivers can make.

Tenney said the kids she helps cross “almost feels like extended family.”

“A lot of the drivers in these school zones are going to pick up their kid from school, and that's the only thing they're thinking about, is their child,” she said. “They're not thinking about other people's children and how quickly something could change.” l

Jazz star Kessler takes kids on Walmart shopping spree

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

t’s safe to say that for 10 local youth, this Christmas got off to a jazzy start. On Dec. 9, 10 young members of the Midvale Boys & Girls Club were treated to a shopping spree with Utah Jazz star Walker Kessler.

He joined with parents and other Jazz teammates (who tagged along in support) at the Walmart store in Jordan Landing. The kids each received $200 gift cards from Kessler and Walmart to use on a shopping spree throughout the store.

Kessler led the kids on a shopping cart run through the store, starting as you might imagine in the toys department. He used his 7-foot height to reach for anything high on the shelves, though most of the toys and other gifts the young people wanted were at eye level.

“This is a tradition for Walker, and we’re honored to be a part of it,” said Amana Rae Gardner, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake. “Events like this not only bring joy but also inspire youth to embrace the spirit of giving. By witnessing the generosity of role models like Walker, our kids see firsthand the power of community and the difference they can make.”

The kids were all smiles as they spoke

to the Jazz star while filling their shopping carts. The gifts they chose ranged from board games and toys to presents for their family members. Kessler was fully engaged with them, signing everything they presented to him, except when they wanted their hands signed.

“No, you don’t want ink on your hands,” he told one young girl with a smile on her face. “We can find something else.” And they did. One Walmart employee even asked Kessler to sign his work vest.

“We treasure this opportunity to support Walker Kessler’s and the Boys & Girls Clubs’ efforts to make the holidays extra bright this year for local children,” said Cody Backman from Walmart in a release. “Our staff looks forward to hosting this meaningful event and witnessing the joy it will bring to these kids.”

Shoppers in the store were drawn to the children and the media members who were following Kessler and the entourage through the store. It wasn’t hard to spot them given Kessler’s height.

“It’s always fun to see their excitement when we come to stores,” Kessler said.

While many of the kids and their families were impressed to be in Kessler’s company, one young boy was also honest in his

athletic aspirations. When Kessler asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, the young man named Marco said, “I want to play soccer.”

Gardner said there are more than 5,000 Utah youth currently involved in the

Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs in Greater Salt Lake. The shopping spree is just one of many programs the clubs implemented this holiday season for youth. l

Brandy Tenney and West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton stand together while Tenney works as a city crossing guard. (Courtesy of West Jordan City)

Utah Jazz star Walker Kessler and Walmart gave the youth $200 gift cards for their holiday spending. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Our favorite West Jordan photos of 2024

(Doug

West Jordan Mayor Dirk

and South Valley Services leaders - Executive Director Lindsey Boyer and Programs Director Newton Gborway - cut the ribbon on May 1 to officially reopen South Valley Services’ location in West Jordan City

(Rebecca

Majestic Arts Academy Elementary sixth grade teacher Angus Douglas is named Jordan School District’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. He received a plaque, candy bouquet and a $1,500 cash prize. (Photo courtesy Jordan School District)

West Jordan PSD Echo participates in the Brad Taylor K9 Memorial Trials, attacking a man in a Demanet bite suit. (Photo courtesy Jossie Gagon)

Copper Hills track standout Zoe Hein, shown here in a relay race, was one of the state’s top performers in the 100-meter run and long jump. (Photo courtesy of Jason T. Strother, @jtsmedia. io)

Army Private First Class Frank Brown received a special honor as the only WWII veteran in attendance at Westland Elementary School’s Veterans Day celebration. (Doug Flagler/JSD)

A West Jordan police officer plays kickball with local children during a community outreach event. The department hopes to dispel fear and misinformation surrounding law enforcement at events like this. (Courtesy West Jordan Police Department)

Jordan School District employees learn self-defense skills as part of Health and Wellness Day Feb. 9. (Doug Flagler/Jordan School District)

Mayor Dirk Burton kicks off the groundbreaking of West Jordan’s new Community and Arts Center with a few words to commemorate the occasion. (Courtesy West Jordan City)

Tayleigh Robertson, a sophomore at Utah Tech and former Copper Hills wrestler, celebrates with her coach after her championship win. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Robertson)

Burton

Hall.

Olds/City Journals)

New teachers are welcomed to Jordan District new teacher training Friday Aug. 9 with an enthusiastic greeting from high school cheerleaders, mascots, drumline percussionists, administrators and local mayors.

Flagler/JSD)

Aspen Elementary boundaries among key issues for new Jordan School Board members

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Before opening in August 2021, 397 stu-

dents registered for Aspen Elementary. Now, with more housing developments in one of the area’s fastest growing areas, the Daybreak school serves more than 800 — and the school population continues to grow.

After receiving feedback from the community and teachers, Jordan Board of Education members are posed to make a boundary decision that would alleviate Aspen’s large enrollment and would be effective for the next school year.

It’s been a learning process of listening and looking at numbers to make the best decision for the two new board members who will take the oath of office in January.

Representing district 4 is Erin Barrow, who was elected to fill the retiring Marilyn Richards’ seat. Richards has served on the board eight years.

“I was able to sit in the back and observe the parents and teachers who came and were talking to the board about their concerns,” Barrow said. “I was very touched by all the people who went and talked and gave their concerns. I did not realize how many boundary changes there had been in that area; there’s been a lot of changes in a short amount of time. I know some of our schools, Aspen in particular, are going to be overcrowded soon, and that's not OK leaving those students and teachers in a crowded situation where it might make learning harder.”

While the boundary decision was expected Dec. 10, as of press deadline, there was talk it could roll over past that date.

“I’d need more information,” Barrow said if the date is extended. “I’ll talk to board members who have been thinking about this for a while. I want to make sure while I'm a board member, I am visiting the schools in my area, communicating with the administration on their needs and hearing the families to make sure their needs are being met. I want to make sure I’m out there and listening to people, not just making decisions in the castle on the hill, disconnected from everyone. It’s going to be

messy, and there's going to be hard decisions that need to be made and that not everyone will be happy with. That's going to be tough, but that's what this job includes.”

Suzanne Wood was appointed by the school board in late November to take Tracy Miller’s seat in district 3 as Miller was elected earlier that month to the Utah state legislature. School board president Miller served nearly eight years.

“If it rolls over to January 14 or later, the feeling I'm getting from the students and parents is they would just like a decision made so they can plan for next year,” she said. “There are a few neighborhoods which have been in three or four different schools for the last few years. I’d be sensitive to change the boundary for them again. I do believe that the administration was providing some more numbers and data to the board to help them make a decision. I've not been privy to that, but I do feel some sensitivity toward (students) crossing busy roads and kids who have had several school boundary changes.”

The two new board members are meeting with school administrators and volunteers. They’re connecting with students and teachers. They’re introducing themselves to the PTA, school community council, city council and others.

They’re learning and understanding guidelines put in place, including the recent cell phone policy limiting students’ phone use, which was rolled out after fall break.

There was division on how and if cell phone use should have limitations. While phones can be a useful tool, the Jordan Board of Education’s decision aimed to keep students from being distracted from learning.

The Board put in place that elementary students can’t use their phones during the school day, while secondary students are limited to lunch and passing periods.

During Barrow’s campaign, she favored a bell-to-bell policy and wants to investigate an education component to teach kids how to use their phone wisely without funding something

extra and burdening teachers to teach one more thing on top of their curriculum.

“I have heard some good things about it, and that it is working so far,” she said. “I am happy they put in a new policy, and we probably can add to it, but we should just kind of let it sit and marinate, see how it goes, and then figure out how and if we need to tweak it.”

Wood, too, supports the policy.

“The parents I've talked to are glad for it. It helps kids focus, not be so distracted. I like they didn't go so far to an extreme to ban it entirely at the (secondary) schools; I feel this is reasonable between classes or after the school day that they still have it in their possession. It'll be a win for the teachers, a win for the students,” she said.

The two come from different backgrounds.

Barrow has been active volunteering and serving on the PTA at Riverside Elementary, where her children attend. She will continue to be a crossing guard, where she gets to know some students.

“As PTA president, I could see more struggles the school was facing. I had been approached about possibly running for the legislature, but that felt too broad, too big for me. Then I found out Marilyn Richards was retiring, and I already knew I was passionate about schools, so I jumped on board. I said, ‘That's something I can get behind.’ Marilyn has been such a strong voice for our area; I wanted to make sure there's someone in there who's doing it for the kids and the teachers and the families and is going to be there listening. I already had a sense of what's going on at the schools, and I knew I had that drive and could jump right,” she said. “I do feel Jordan School District and the board do a good job, but I would like to help change the pace on how slowly they tend to move on things. I think we can move a little bit faster and still be thoughtful and thorough.”

Barrow contacted Richards before being elected and asked questions.

“She's given me a little bit of her wis-

dom and some advice on what it'll be like,” she said. “I've been able to sit at the table for a few meetings next to her, and she's given me some advice and explained things to me while they're discussing topics, which has been very helpful, just getting my feet a little wet before it becomes official in January.”

Wood recently left her position in health care, ready for a new adventure. She didn’t know it would be the school board.

“I had set a goal when I was younger, that one day I would like to be on the school board,” she recalls having written in a journal when she was on the brink of adulthood. “I thought that was more in the future, because I haven’t been in schools much here as I have a preschooler. But when the seat opened, I just felt compelled to apply. I haven’t been president of the PTA. I haven’t been on the school community council. I don't have that resume. What I do have is a breadth of life experience with a master's degree in social work. I did work at an elementary school in Michigan and years later, I worked at a private school for children, primarily with autism, in the Chicago area. I've always thought that the school is a place where you can really make a difference with kids, because you reach so many kids. I hope my experience will help me understand the parents and the students and even the staff and the district.”

While she doesn’t have an agenda to check off, she said with her background, she plans to look into mental health and special needs students to see if there are improvements needed.

She, also, is being mentored by her predecessor and learning what’s happening in schools on Instagram accounts.

“I need to get there and get their calendars and see what they're doing — even the schools that aren't in district 3,” she said. “If I'm going to be voting on things that will influence them, it's important to get a sense of the entirety of the district so we can make knowledgeable decisions and improvements.” l

Seen with South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey at Bingham High’s 2023 graduation, outgoing members Marilyn Richards and Tracy Miller have served on the school board the past eight years. (Photo courtesy Tracy Miller/Jordan Board of Education)

Left to right: incoming board member Erin Barrow, outgoing Marilyn Richards, outgoing Tracy Miller and incoming Suzanne Wood. (Photo courtesy Darrell Robinson/Jordan Board of Education)

Parents call on community to create phone-free schools

Jordan District’s cellphone policy, which prohibits students from having their phones out during class time, has been in place for about two months, but according to a growing group of parents and educators, it’s not enough to address the bigger problem.

“I'm happy with the steps that they are taking and I feel like they are heading in the right direction, but I do feel like those steps are baby steps and I think that there's a lot more that can be done,” Focus Beyond Phones founder Angela Sharp said.

Focus Beyond Phones began as a neighborhood parent group in August, to bring together parents concerned about the impact of cellphones on children’s academic, social and mental health. To promote a phone-free learning environment for all students, group members petitioned the Jordan District Board of Education, held a public town hall meeting and supported a rally at the State Capitol in support of cellphone legislation.

Is the new cellphone policy working?

In response to Gov. Spencer Cox’s January 2024 letter to school leaders and community councils asking schools to “remove cell phones from classrooms,” Jordan District conducted surveys, focus groups and discussions to draft a cellphone policy. It passed by a slight majority, because some who voted “no” were actually in favor of a more aggressive policy.

Jordan District’s cellphone policy banning phones all day in elementary schools and during class time at secondary schools went into effect Oct. 29. Just over two months in, teachers were already reporting improvements in students’ academic focus and social skills.

Herriman High School English teacher Erin Day said her students seem happier and are more engaged now that they are talking to each other in class instead of spending free time on their phones.

“They really are talking more, which is just so fun, and really what they need so much—it's been so lacking,” Day said. “They're more into the lectures as well. They're more willing to answer questions because they're not focused on what's going to beep in their pocket. I think they're realizing it's really not that big of a deal if they don't check Snapchat within 90 minutes, and so I do think it's been beneficial. I do think there's been way more engagement. So I'm a huge, huge fan.”

The call for a phone-free school Educators have seen improvements during instruction time, but when students are between classes or at lunch break, the phones come out and the heads go down. Many parents are even more concerned about the impact access to cellphones during breaks and lunch have on their children's social and men-

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

tal development, citing cyberbullying, social media and interruptions to developing social skills as continuing problems.

“When kids are on their phones, they're not talking to each other, they're not making eye contact, so they're not learning to engage face-to-face,” Sharp said. “And studies have also shown that that face-to-face socialization cannot be substituted by digital communication, or socializing digitally via text or social media, anything like that. It's not the same.”

Sharp said research shows that even the brief time students spend on cellphones between classes can impact their focus once they get to class.

“So between classes, if these kids are trying to catch up on their phones to try to see what they missed during class, and then try to re-engage and pay attention in the next class, it's going to take 20 to 30 minutes of time before they can actually fully engage cognitively,” Sharp said. “So we're still not providing an environment where they are fully engaged, where they can meet their potential.”

Parents with Focus Beyond Phones want the district to implement a bell-to-bell ban, prohibiting phones for the entire school day, which was the policy approved for elementary schools.

Sunset Ridge Middle School teacher Erin Clelland is onboard for a bell-to-bell ban. Because of the improvements she’s seen in her classes’ social behaviors with the new policy, she believes a phone-free middle school would yield even greater benefits.

“An ideal situation would be a complete ban,” she said. “Let's get their noses out of the phone and have them talking in the hallways. Let's have them talking to each other at lunch.”

Jill Myler, a former educator and one of the founders of Focus Beyond Phones,

said removing cellphones from schools is a public health issue. She has seen the effects of uncontrolled cellphone use on the young adult population she works with and has read studies showing that a break from cellphones during school hours reduces risks of bullying, anxiety, suicide and depression for young people.

“I feel like in order to really make a difference now—and especially for those kids who are in high school—it would be very much more beneficial if it were bell to bell,” she said. “And I know that's hard—I get it— but I'm not seeing another solution that is backed up by data that would be as impactful as bell to bell. I really think this is a solution that can be so beneficial across the board that I cannot see why we wouldn't implement it now.”

It requires community support

Sharp could see the problems with cellphones and so in order to protect her kids, she delayed giving them smartphones and then set limits once they had them. However, those decisions had detrimental social consequences.

“We set some parameters within our own family about cellphones,” she said. “The problem with that, with only one or two families in the neighborhood doing that, is that they are completely disconnected because everybody else is only sending invitations or information about things through social media, and so they get left out. And so that's hard.”

Sharp realized the only way for her children to not be left out was for all of the other kids to have the same boundaries around technology.

“That's why I've been more motivated in my community to try to establish some policies within our educational system, and awareness in general of how technology and

smartphones in particular are affecting our youth,” she said.

While studies from around the world have validated her position, she said it has taken a while for other parents to get behind this issue because the research lagged behind what parents were experiencing and many of the studies were difficult to interpret.

Then in March of 2024, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” was published. The book was a hit, securing a longstanding spot on the New York Times bestseller list, named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2024 and it continues to be on Amazon’s Top 10 list.

Sharp said it’s been such a successful book because it presents research in an accessible and digestible way. Readers also appreciate that the book provides solutions for the problems it reveals. The author identifies ‘collective action problems’ and encourages readers to collaborate as a community to normalize cellphone limits during childhood so kids can grow and develop in a consistently phone-free environment. He reasons that setting limits within your own family isn’t effective unless your children’s peers and their parents buy-in to the same limits so that no kid is getting left out.

Getting the Law on their side

Focus Beyond Phones has grown beyond their original 50-member Daybreak charter club. They now partner with The Policy Project, a nonprofit organization with more connections and funding.

The Policy Project collaborated with Sen. Lincoln Fillmore and Rep. Douglas Welton to draft a bill for the upcoming 2025 legislative session which would require all Utah school districts to create a policy restricting the use

Sen. Lincoln Fillmore speaks during a rally for limiting cell phone use in schools at the Utah State Capitol. (Utah Senate)

Crowds gather at a rally for limiting cellphone use in schools at the Utah State Capitol. (Utah Senate)

of cellphones at school.

At a legislative open house held in West Jordan in September, Fillmore explained that the purpose of the bill is to make no cellphones the default in Utah schools. As a former teacher and administrator, Fillmore pointed out that cellphones were not initially a problem because they were just phones. He said students would never have been allowed to bring a TV or gaming system to school but that’s what has happened with the evolution of smartphones.

The bill would allow districts to customize their policy according to their needs and to allow for special exceptions.

If passed, the proposed bill would be effective for the 2025-26 school year, and would include funding for the purchase of equipment to secure phones, such as magnetic locking pouches, which is what Granger High School uses.

Jordan District has explored the use of pouches and similar products that would prevent students accessing their phones during school, but district board member Niki George said they may not be necessary. Based on the positive feedback she’s received, the majority of students have been compliant with the policy and have kept their phones out of sight or stored in classroom lockers.

In secondary schools, the consequence for a student caught with their phone during class is having their device taken away. On the first offense, they can pick it up in the main office at the end of the day. For subsequent offenses, a parent must pick up the phone from the office.

In the first two months of the new cellphone restrictions at Copper Hills High School, George said a little over 300 students had their phones taken away. However, only 24 of them committed a second offense.

“It seems like this has been pretty effective, and without spending millions locking phones up,” George said. “I'm hopeful!”

Resistance to a phone-free learning environment

A rally was held Nov. 20 at the State Capitol to show support for the proposed legislative bill. While Sharp felt the rally was successful, she was disappointed that more people didn’t show up.

“With as much attention as this has gotten, with the studies that have been shown, I'm just surprised that parents are not up in arms about this, and so I was expecting more people to be there,” she said.

As Sharp works to spread her message of the dangers of cellphones to youth, she has encountered many people who are resistant to restrictive policies. Some accuse her group of trying to move backwards.

“We’re not anti-tech,” Sharp said. “We realize our society is evolving, and we have to use this—it's just being aware of how it can benefit us and how it can hurt us. Even as adults, people are struggling with this. This isn't just something that only affects our youth, but it does affect their development.

They have a short span of development in their time, and we're affecting their development in a way that can permanently change the direction of their life, which I don't think is fair to them.”

Others are put-off by the word “ban.”

“I don't even like to call it a ban because people cringe when they hear that, and really, it's not a ban on anything, it's just a phonefree learning environment,” Sharp said. “If you focus on the learning environment, then it makes sense. Why would we even have a phone in that environment for our kids?”

However, Sharp has witnessed many parents—and even teenagers—who attend a public discussion ready to argue the topic but then become more open to the idea of a phone-free school once they see the data and realize the negative impact phones have on young peoples’ lives. Many don’t realize how much cellphones are shaping a child’s personality, development, mental health and symptoms of neurodivergence. Parents hear other parents talk about the same issues with their kids and assume it’s normal.

“But if they realize what could be without that influence of their phone, then I think they'd be more apt to want to make some change,” Sharp said. “Maybe you don't see anything that is glaring or dangerous or hard, but what you don't see is what could have been if your student did not have their phone attached to them all the time. You don't know what they could achieve or what they'd be interested in. You don't know what their social life would be like. You don't know how their personality might change.”

Education is key

Sharp encourages parents to educate themselves about the topic—she likes the data and resources found on anxiousgeneration.com and phonefreemovement.org.

“In talking with people and getting a lot of feedback, one thing that it has really shown to me is that parents don't know what they don't know,” she said. “With phones, there's no other generation of parents that have gone through this to help us navigate how to handle smartphones with our kids. This is brand new and so there's a lot that we don't know.”

Sharp encourages parents to talk with their kids about cellphone limits, showing compassion and framing it as a positive way to learn to manage their devices instead of as punishment.

“I think it's really important that they don't feel like we're blowing up their lives,” Sharp said. “They don't have any idea of what an existence without their phone would be like and it seems daunting and scary, rather than fun and adventurous and exciting and more meaningful. I think they don't know what they don't know.”

A call to action

Myler said the reports of the dangers of cellphones are no longer just anecdotal; hard evidence shows the detrimental nature of cellphones on developing brains. She has

seen how it continues to impact today’s young adults.

“I think we've got data now that proves what has happened to that generation, and I think we can see what has happened, so I think it's just reached that tipping point of saying we've got to do something,” she said.

Myler equates the current attention to cellphones with the turning point in the war on tobacco, when the data on second-hand smoke came out and turned the tide of public opinion.

“They discovered second-hand smoke and were saying not only the people that are smoking but people that are just by smokers are being impacted,” she said. “And that's when it became truly a nationwide push and they said, ‘Okay, we've got to take on the behemoth tobacco companies and get this under control.’” l

• Same/next business day

• Text, email, or call your doctor directly

• See the same doctor every time

taking care of you.

At a Sept. 4 town hall meeting, Focus Beyond Phones chair and cofounder Angela Sharp presents data about the impact cellphones have on student learning. (Photo courtesy Angela Sharp)

stretching her foot at the age of 2 weeks old, followed by weekly castings. Her first surgery was at the age of 3 months. She continued with over 20 surgeries, stretching, casting, braces, gangrene, pain management, etc.

At the age of 18, Bevilhymer had a leg lengthening procedure, called Ilizarov. This included metal rods through her bones which, over a two year period of time, lengthened her leg 2 ½ inches. The pain in her leg continued, despite all of the doctor’s treatments, and all other options. In June 2002, Hope had her 30th surgery, to amputate her leg below the knee.

That sparked an ambition in her. After watching a documentary on landmine victims and the need for helping people with similar disabilities in developing countries, she founded the Limbs of Hope Foundation in 2003 to collect prosthetics in the United States and ship them to other countries. A year later, Bevilhymer and two companions delivered the first 55 prosthetics in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh. She continued that work for several years.

In 2005, she was the youngest recipient of the Volvo for Life Award–actually winning two awards for Quality of Life and Americas’ Greatest Hometown Hero. That same year, she was the youngest recipient of the “Days of ‘47” Pioneer in Progress in Education, Health and Humanitarian Award.

One achievement in the sport that Bevilhymer wants to see is the inclusion of Women’s Para Hockey in a future Olympics.

“So right now, the women are not in the Paralympics,” she said. “The men have been in the Paralympics, but we have not. You have to have eight governing bodies, like eight governing countries, and right now there's five.”

Those countries include Canada, Great Britain, Team Europe (Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden), Team Pacific from a variety of countries such as Australia, and Team Russia.

“So some of my teammates and my assistant coach separate from USA Hockey started a foundation that's called the Women's Para Hockey Foundation, and they're raising funds to be able to send equipment to these different countries. We’re missing European countries like the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and countries like that. Our goal is that by next year of this time when we do another World Cup, we’ll have more teams on board.”

And she is very hopeful that the sport will be in place by the time the 2034 Paralympic Games are held here in Utah.

“I would love to see that happen, and play here in Utah,” she said. “That would be like an epic story. I'll be like 56 years old, and I'm going till the end, until they kick me off the team!” l

Healthcare without the hassle

Blossom Health Direct Primary Care and Dr. Mary Tipton

Blossom Health is the way healthcare should be. A doctor you know and trust. Appointments available when you need them. No surprise bills or co-pays. No deductibles, long waits or annoying barriers between you and your primary care physician. Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a simpli ed alternative to insurance based healthcare.

How does DPC work… without insurance?

90% of your health care needs can be covered by a competent primary care physician. It makes sense to have insurance for rare and expensive needs like hospital stays, but for checkups, labs, sick visits, injuries and medication re lls, insurance just gets in the way. At Blossom Health almost all services are covered by a predictable, a ordable and transparent monthly fee. This model is called direct care because the patient pays the doctor directly.

Most patients still have insurance and if you need outside services like x-rays, medications, referrals to specialists Dr. Tipton can order it all for you and you can use your insurance to pay for those services or choose to pay discounted cash prices that Dr. Tipton has negotiated for her patients.

Kick out the middlemen!

In Direct Care (DPC), the doctor serves the patient directly. No other middlemen tell Dr. Tipton what to do. No insurance companies or government programs can dictate how long the appointment can be or what can be discussed. A direct care practice typically has fewer members and concierge level care (without concierge level fees) Members enjoy unlimited visits, extended appointment times, direct access to their doctor (even after hours), and transparent pricing. When insurance is eliminated your doctor has more time to spend with you.

Sick of waiting months to see your doctor?

Dr. Mary Tipton was sick of it too. Dr. Tipton founded Blossom Health after nearly two decades in traditional, insurance-driven

primary care. She was tired of seeing patients pay more and get less, every single year. She was sick of patients waiting months to see her or get passed o to lesser trained healthcare provider. She aimed to create a practice where patients and doctors could foster meaningful relationships without the constraints of insurance systems. This vision inspired the membership model, where Dr. Tipton o ers personalized, comprehensive care.

Why choose Dr. Mary Tipton?

Dr. Mary Tipton is the founder and primary physician of Blossom Health. She is a board-certi ed pediatrician and internal medicine physician with over 20 years of experience. Her dual expertise allows her to care for patients across all ages, from infants to seniors. Thousands of patients in the Salt Lake Valley love her attention to detail and trust this experienced physician with their family’s health.

As an internist, Dr. Tipton is an expert in chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, hormone therapy and even medically supervised weight loss. As a pediatrician she is also an expert in all newborn issues. With the 4th trimester package she will see the baby and mom at home for the rst six weeks.

Health is conveniently located

Valley Hospital campus, at 90th and Bangerter.

the

3584 W 9000 S, Ste 404, West Jordan, UT 84088

Phone: (801) 890-3837

Email: hello@blossomdpc.com

Website: www.blossomdpc.com

Blossom Health emphasizes the patient-doctor relationship by o ering features like same-day or next-day appointments, in-o ce diagnostic procedures, and accessible communication via text or email. With no long-term contracts and a proactive health approach, Blossom rede nes primary care to prioritize the patient experience.

How much does it cost?

Memberships start at $125 per month and go down from there as you add family members to your group. Discounts available to established patients and families. There is a three month minimum initial contract but no long-term contracts. We are con dent you will not want to give up membership once you experience how convenient it is to text, call or email your physician to get the help you need. Membership bene ts include in house procedures, unlimited in person and telehealth visits, wholesale pricing on medications and labs and direct access to your physician in between visits.

How long has business been Blossoming?

Blossom Health o cially opened in June 2024 and is currently accepting new patients. Visit www.blossomdpc.com for more information.

Blossom Health is committed to providing care that caters to families at every stage. The practice’s membership fees are straightforward, with discounts for established patients and no hidden costs. Dr. Tipton’s extensive experience and patient-focused philosophy make Blossom Health a trusted choice for healthcare.

West Jordan native Hope Bevilhymer and her fellow Team USA mates won the gold medal at the Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Cup in Norway. (Photo courtesy Hope Bevilhymer)

Blossom

Holy Cross Jordan

Most Common Winter Ailments & How to Prevent Them

A Q&A with Dr. Jared Lambert, MD — West Jordan Family Medicine Physician

ith the winter season in full swing, so too are those pesky illnesses and ailments we all seem to catch this time of year. We’re sitting down with Dr. Jared Lambert, MD, at CommonSpirit Health West Jordan Family Medicine Clinic, to discuss what illnesses he treats during the colder months and how you can prevent them!

What are the most common winter ailments you treat year after year?

1. By far the most common illness seen this type of year are viral respiratory tract infections. This could be one of the many types of viruses that cause the common cold, RSV, inﬂuenza or COVID-19. Typical viral symptoms include sinus congestion, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, fever, and cough. These illnesses are best treated with over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms as our bodies ﬁght off the viral infection. Typically, symptoms last 1-2 weeks and some common medications include over-the-counter decongestants, cough suppressants, ibuprofen and Tylenol.

In the case of a COVID-19 infection however, higher risk patients (i.e. having a history of diabetes, asthma, age >50, or having COPD) are recommended to be seen by their provider to strongly consider utilizing the antiviral medication “Paxlovid”. This medication can decrease their risk of progression to a severe form of COVID-19 that could potentially warrant hospitalization.

This is also the time of year to obtain your influenza vaccination, which helps reduce the risk of complications from the flu, including post-influenza bacterial pneumonia.

Viral infections do increase the risk of developing bacterial infections including bacterial sinusitis and otitis

When

media (ear infection and bacterial pneumonia). These forms of infections do require treatment with antibiotics. Risks of untreated bacterial pneumonia can be severe and prompt treatment with oral antibiotics is warranted. If symptoms include a persistent cough, fever or prolonged chest pain, then an in-person visit for evaluation and consideration for a chest Xray would be considered.

2. Strep Pharyngitis (strep throat)

Strep throat can occur at any time of the year but is most prevalent in the winter and spring months, likely due to our increased time indoors – overall, it is more common in children. Symptoms including a sudden sore throat, tender neck, red swollen tonsils and fever are typical. This bacterial infection of the throat can lead to several complications and it is recommended that it is treated promptly with a course of antibiotics.

3. Arthritis-related pain

The cold weather is known to certainly exacerbate aches and pains related to arthritis (wear and tear of joints). The most common joints affected by arthritis are the knees, hands, hips and spine. First line management is staying active or considering structured physical therapy with a physical therapist, in addition to, as needed, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inﬂammatory medications (i.e. ibuprofen). In addition, taking a 3000-4000 mg total daily dose of a turmeric supplement, divided into two doses, has also shown particular promise in being a potent anti-inﬂammatory in reducing arthritis pain; however this supplement (along with others) can interact with prescribed medications. It is recommended that you review this option with your primary care provider before taking it.

When is it time to see a physician?

Those common colds are best managed at home. However, if there are any concerns with prolonged or severe symptoms, evaluation would be recommended.

If a patient suspects they have strep throat, they should be seen by a healthcare provider. At our clinic, we have on-site testing to conﬁrm strep throat to aid with appropriate management.

Should patients have concerns for severe pain secondary to arthritis, more advanced interventions can certainly be considered for management. Those can be best assessed and discussed in-person at our clinic.

What are some tips to stay healthy throughout the winter months?

Hand washing, staying home when ill, staying active and ensuring a balanced diet throughout the winter season.

We are here for you – should you suffer from any of the symptoms outlined above, Dr. Lambert encourages you to seek care! “I love being a Family Medicine Physician, treating all ages, and greatly enjoy getting to know and caring for my patients,” said Dr. Lambert. “Our ofﬁce has some of the most caring providers and amazing staff I have had the privilege to work with.” You may reach Dr. Lambert’s ofﬁce at 801-569-9133.

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

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.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Dr. Jared Lambert, MD West Jordan Family Medicine

Grief is an individual journey with a path as unique as each one of

and hope,

provide various Grief Support Services for those who are mourning a recent or past loss.

Your Mental Health Deserves Care, No Matter the Season

As the days grow shorter and the cold settles in, many of us start to feel the weight of seasonal depression. If your struggle with depression includes low energy, lack of ambition, or a sense of isolation, you’re not alone—and we can help.

TMS is like physical therapy for the brain. It uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to MRI, to reignite dormant connections in the brain and give you control of your depression. With NeuroStar, you can live on your terms Our Psychiatrist is available now, don’t wait to get help.

Outcomes Registry data was published by Sackeim HA, et al. J Affective Disorders, 2020, 277(12):65-74. The outcomes reported represent the subset of study patients for which the CGI-S data was reported before and after an acute course of NeuroStar TMS. Patients were treated under real-world conditions where patients may have been prescribed concomitant depression treatments including medications. “Measurable relief” was deﬁned as a CGI-S score <=3 and “complete remission” was deﬁned as a CGI-S score <=2 at the end of treatment. Take a free HIPAA compliant PHQ9 self assessment test.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL KIDS

West Jordan High School Booster Club invites you to support our local kids in their extracurricular sport or arts activities. Despite our school's and district's best eﬀorts our kids are consistently in need when it comes to equipment, participation fees, competition fees, uniforms, and even transportation to events in regards to our extracurricular activities. Large gaps exist between schools in Utah and the support they are able to give their students based on where people are able to live and where people choose to send their kids to schools. This aﬀects where money is funneled for a high school's extracurriculars.

Please scan the QR code to the left with your phone's camera. Then after you have entered your dollar amount in the donation box, you will be taken to an information page where, in the notes you must indicate: "West Jordan High School Sports Booster" OR "West Jordan High School Arts Booster"

Are you a business and would like to sponsor or advertise with us? Do you know a business that would?

Please email westjordanboosterclub@gmail.com to discuss options.

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

In Person Location: Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092) Event also be held online via Zoom

be held online via Zoom

In Person Location: Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092)

9:00 am - 2:30 pm

5 CEUs (1 Ethics)

This training is free but registration is required.

Continental breakfast and lunch to be provided.

Event will also be held online via Zoom 9:00 am - 2:30 pm

5 CEUs (1 Ethics)

Continental breakfast and lunch to be

https://utahnursing.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4TJzEqlevFHx58G Or

UPCOMING EVENT:

LOCATION: Le Jardin, 1910 Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT 84092

DATE: Tuesday, 1/28/25

TIME: 12:00 PM OR 6:00 PM

RSVP: (801) 829-1772

Space is limited, so please RSVP now!

h ealth & W ellness

6

By Rebecca Olds

Moving and getting in shape doesn’t have to be a chore.

Finding something that you enjoy doing makes exercising and being active feel more like play rather than work, while still giving you the same or better benefits as visiting a normal gym.

Unique fitness experiences exist around Salt Lake County which offers unique excursions and experiences like a new underwater yoga flow, an educational and adventurous late-night snowshoe tour, and so much more.

Here are six fitness adventures including indoor and outdoor fun for all skill levels:

Yoga with the Sharks at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (Draper)

There’s a certain type of Zen to obtain surrounded by shark-infested waters. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium offers an hourlong instructor-led class in front of a tank teeming with sea creatures on select Monday nights.

Allison Barker, director of development and chair of the Conservation Committee at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium said many participants have said the unique atmosphere creates a peaceful environment with many health benefits including “the gentle rhythm of the water and the mesmerizing movements of the sharks, fish and sea turtles” helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

“Ultimately, Yoga with the Sharks offers a transformative experience combining physical and mental benefits,” she said. “By practicing yoga in such an unusual and beautiful setting, participants gain a deeper appreciation for themselves and the natural world.”

The 2025 dates will be released near the end of December.

Included with the event is admission to check out the rest of the aquarium, but you’ll probably want to go earlier than

fitness experiences to try in 2025 near Salt Lake County

the class time from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. because the aquarium closes at 8 p.m. The class is open to 8-year-olds and older.

Registration is online and costs $25. The aquarium recommends bringing your own equipment but has some for new yogis.

Momentum Indoor Climbing (Millcreek, Sandy)

If you’ve never gone rock climbing, no biggie. It’s a new year to try new things and Momentum is a great place to learn. The Sandy location offers a variety of classes including belay instruction, rope climbing and even bouldering for any skill level.

“Our class structure is designed with progression in mind so that there’s always something for you to learn and work toward no matter your current ability,” is the Momentum mission.

If learning to climb isn’t your thing, the gym also offers yoga and group fitness classes.

Sign-up is online.

Intro to aerial class at Aerial Arts of Utah (Salt Lake City)

Think Zendaya in “The Greatest Showman”—that could be you this year. Granted, it’s a beginners class for more than just trapeze, Aerial Arts of Utah is offering quite the deal at $90 for three one-hour classes every Wednesday night.

The class is an introduction to several different types of aerial fitness, including fabric and static trapeze for those aged 13 years or older. Sign-up is online. Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio, hoop, pole, silks and hammock classes (Sandy)

In one studio, there are at least five different aerial fitness classes to choose from. Onyx offers everything from pole workouts to silks and hoops for differing levels of ability. The hammock beginner

class (1.0) is referred to as the “perfect class to not only begin your journey but to keep coming back to build those forever essential movements.”

Most classes range from beginner (1.0) to pro (4.0).

Paddleboard yoga in a natural hot spring (Midway)

The name of the Midway Crater is becoming more well-known as a unique spot to visit in Midway, but did you know that you could not only swim in it but it’s large enough to do paddleboard yoga in?

Midway Crater offers a paddleboard yoga execution that offers a unique opportunity to find your Zen in one of nature’s beautiful (and oldest) yoga studios. Blue 95-degree Fahrenheit mineral water offers an inviting cushion if you fall in.

Booking can include just the paddleboard experience or be bundled with hiking, snowshoeing and more. Park City Yoga Adventures also offers yoga in a backcountry yurt, mountaintop yoga and winter forest meditation. Book online.

Cottonwood Canyons Foundation offers four types of snowshoe guided tours, with three open to the public. For the first time, the foundation is offering tours free of charge to celebrate their 25th anniversary, including a special treat with their moonlit tours.

“It's a wonderful night when you get to hear the great horned owls calling, and you get to see some good dark skies up there,” said Liz Anderson, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation education director.

Anderson said that tours start up again on Jan. 24 and are offered every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in January and February, and 7 to 9 p.m. in March. All you need to do is bring some snow shoes and preferably a red flashlight, poles optional. Come ready to learn more about the native wildlife.

Registration opens one month before the event date on cottonwoodcanyons.org/events.

Guided full moon snowshoe tour by Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (Alta)

(Courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Creating healthy financial habits in the new year

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

As we begin a new year many people set goals of unlocking their financial freedom as they strive to live a purposeful life. Sarah Fernandez, personal financial expert, claims, “The journey to financial freedom begins with acknowledging the importance of having a financial plan.” She emphasizes that a well-structured financial plan not only clarifies your current economic status, but also empowers you to make informed decisions. “Financial success is not just about numbers,” Fernandez said, “it's about mindset and discipline.” She highlights the importance of living within your means while still enjoying life's pleasures and encourages you to take control of your financial future in the new year through the following four ways.

1. A key indicator that money might be dictating your life is often referred to as “the vanishing paycheck phenomenon.” This is where you live paycheck to paycheck which can often produce a feeling of being overwhelmed by expenses. Fernandez suggests in situations such as this to focus on the concept of “having versus experiencing” and how it affects spending habits.

2. Cultivating a mindset for financial success. Fernandez encourages people to

adopt an abundant mindset and likens this to a growth mindset, where the belief that improvement is always possible fuels your financial journey. This mindset shift not only focuses on progress and improvement, but is essential for overcoming financial stress and achieving long-term goals. Fernandez reiterates that this perspective shift allows individuals to live their best life at the moment while working toward a brighter financial future.

3. Understanding how family upbring-

ing can shape financial habits is vital, especially in relationships where partners may have different spending and saving tendencies. By recognizing these differences, couples can work together to align their financial goals, foster a sense of unity and understanding while building a prosperous future. “By having open and honest conversations about spending habits and priorities, couples can create a financial plan that supports their shared dreams and aspirations,” Fernandez said.

4. Credit card usage is a double-edged sword that requires careful management. While the perks of earning miles or cash back are enticing, it's important to use credit responsibly to avoid potential pitfalls. From personal experience Fernandez stresses the necessity of self-awareness in financial decisions. “Setting boundaries and knowing when to steer clear of credit misuse are crucial steps in maintaining financial discipline” Fernandez said. Fernandez dives deeper into practical advice on how to navigate

these challenges effectively in her interview on Holly’s Highlights podcast (season 3 episode 13).

“Financial freedom is attainable for anyone willing to put in the effort and make informed decisions” Fernandez said. “By cultivating a mindset of abundance, setting clear goals, and managing finances responsibly, individuals can transform their financial habits and pave the way for a successful future.”

Tune in to the complete interview with Fernandez on Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 3 Episode 13 for expert tips, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies that will equip you with the tools needed to master your financial journey. Whether you're single or in a relationship, young or old, Fernandez's insights will inspire you to take charge of your financial destiny and live a life full of purpose. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-in and on www.HollyCurby. com.

Children learn healthy financial habits at a young age. (Photo courtesy of Holly Curby)

Full interview with Sarah Fernandez available on Holly’s Highlights podcast. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Fernandez)

How assisted stretching helps relieve pain and improve mobility

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

As we get into the cold months and lose the desire to go outside, we can become stagnant, sitting inside all the time. While some people may have more upbeat jobs, moving around throughout the day, some people are stuck inside, sitting at a desk all day.

We’ve all heard the benefits of regular exercise and the importance of stretching afterward, Dec. 11 was even National Stretching Day. But what about assisted stretching?

It’s not something widely known, but it may have more benefits than regular athome stretching. Stretch Zone is hoping to make it more well-known.

“We want to not be the best kept secret anymore,” said Jennifer Gibbs, general manager at the Draper Stretch Zone.

The company, founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, started with an experience close to his heart. After watching his grandfather’s growing limitations due to diabetes, he decided to start helping his grandfather through assisted stretches. Within a year, his grandfather went from not being able to walk, to walking with a walker, to a cane, to dancing at his cousin’s wedding all through that stretching.

At this point, Gold knew he had to do something more, to help others that may be going through what his grandfather went through or to prevent them from getting to that point.

“The whole reason that I started Stretch Zone was sparked from watching my grandfather becoming immobile because of his diabetes,” Gold said in a statement. “It motivated me to develop a proprietary stretching method that I hoped would prevent others from having to see themselves and the people in their lives suffer in the same way.”

There are now four locations in Utah, one of them being in Draper, another in Cottonwood Heights. The practitioners at Stretch Zone offer a new approach to improving range of motion and flexibility. While traditional stretching methods can make you more flexible, it may take some time. Assisted stretching can get you there faster because you don’t have to think about the stretches you’re doing, or worry about other muscles aside from the one you’re stretching.

“So instead of walking around at 80% or 90%, super tight and stretched all the time, they can just live in a more manageable, normal, relaxed way and these changes become more lasting,” Gibbs said.

Assisted stretching can benefit everyone, even if you don’t feel like you have problem muscles. For those sitting at an office all the time, they are stuck in the same position, cramping muscles that should be able to stretch and move throughout the

day. Stress can also play a large part in muscle tension.

Assisted stretching can help reduce everyday pain and help people move more fluidly for longer periods of time. Gibbs said she’s seen a number of different types of people walk through the Stretch Zone doors. Office workers that need to get away from cramped muscles, gymgoers and marathon runners preparing for races, older adults, even CEOs that may be more stressed than others.

Gibbs said assisted stretching can also help when there’s been trauma involved, like a car accident or surgery.

“The body is so wise,” she said. “It develops all these mechanisms that get all tangled up. And then you have another thing and another thing, then it’s hard to unwind yourself.”

She said developing that range of motion back, assisting and breaking down scar tissue that develops prevents movement. She’s seen people in recovery and also people anticipating a surgery. She said assisted stretching can help loosen muscles before they’re put through surgery to stop it from yanking something around that shouldn’t move.

“The body is so amazing,” Gibbs said. “How it can heal itself with something so holistic, like a stretch.”

Usually, clients at a Stretch Zone start going multiple times a week, maybe two or three times, then as time goes on and they begin to heal, they’ll only need to come twice a month for routine maintenance.

One of Gibbs’ favorite stories to share is a marathoner that started coming in 12

ed up helping the client cut down on their race time.

“It’s keeping them healthy, too,” Gibbs said.

Many of their clients say they’ll stick with assisted stretching their entire lives. Heather Hemingway-Hales shares this point of view. Hemingway-Hales is still as active as ever, doing regular exercise, yoga, cycling, mountain biking and participating in 50-plus races. She comes in regularly to Stretch Zone.

“Just coming in here and getting this deep stress really helps,” Hemingway-Hales said.

Stretch Zones are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and open for half-days on Saturday.

Gibbs said if you’re curious about assisted stretching, to try it out for a complimentary first visit.

weeks before a race to stretch their muscles, mainly the hamstrings and hip flexors. Doing this routinely for those 12 weeks end-

“I just encourage open invitation to anybody to just give the studio a call,” she said. “So I just invite anybody to come in and try it out, because it is such a new concept.” If you want to learn more about Stretch Zone and what they offer, you can visit stretchzone.com to find the location closest to you.

Stretch Zone patented their table with their “championship belt” to stop clients from falling off the table.

(Bailey Chism/City Journals)

Turn New Year’s fitness goal into lasting habits

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Nearly half of the people worldwide set a New Year’s resolution to improve their health.

A 2024 Forbes survey reveals 23% of U.S. participants fail in the first week and 43% drop out by February.

This trend is something Steve Espinosa, a nationally certified personal trainer at VASA's Draper gym, sees firsthand when the gym sees a spike in attendance during January and February, only to taper by March.

“It's their New Year's resolution to start working out and they have a long-term goal, but usually, it’s not specific enough for them to stick with it,” said Espinosa, who serves as the gym’s lead trainer. “Often people’s resolutions are too general, like, ‘I want to lose weight,’ ‘I want to get into the gym to build muscle or do a pull up.”

One of the first things he asks new clients is “Why do you want to come to the gym?”

Many respond with a desire to lose weight, but Espinosa digs deeper.

One of Espinosa’s clients, a 60-yearold woman started training three years ago, fearing she was following the same sedentary path as her mother.

“Her daily life has become easier with improved fitness. She’s stronger, more confident and skiing — and doing activities she never thought she could do, without being worried about being sore or getting hurt,” he said.

Unlike the vague New Year’s resolutions which often lead to early burnout, Espinosa works with clients to set specific, achievable goals. He recommends writing down goals to make them tangible and breaking them into smaller, incremental steps.

“You need to have a specific goal. Ask yourself, ‘What am I trying to achieve every month?’ A goal of going to the gym three times a week is a more realistic and attainable goal,” he said. “Set mini-goals, whether it’s five minutes, or an hour to hit your weekly goal. Then, build toward monthly, sixmonth, and yearly goals.”

Espinosa emphasizes the importance of regularly reassessing goals.

“Check in with yourself: ‘Am I am I doing

“Often, it’s not just about losing weight; it’s about feeling more comfortable in their bodies and gaining confidence — and that’s the why,” he said, adding often the answer is tied to emotional reasons or to prevent health problems they’ve seen in others.

enough?’ If you’re not seeing results, ‘what am I not doing? Is my gym time efficient? Am I pushing myself as hard as I should be?’” he said. “Sometimes your goals may change, and you need to evolve with them.”

Espinosa talks from experience. He spent years strength training before running his first half-marathon.

“After I did one, it changed everything. I'm still working out, but my workouts changed with my goal to run more half-marathons,” he said. “Your training and your resolutions are going to evolve. The result is where you want to get to, but the journey is going to get you there.”

After being a high school athlete, Espinosa fell into unhealthy habits, including fast food and lack of exercise. Eventually he redefined his goals, embraced healthy eating, and became certified in endurance training, weight loss, muscle management and training for older adults.

“Pushing yourself beyond your comfort

zone, being comfortable in the uncomfortableness of working out, makes you mentally stronger,” he said. “When I see that, it makes me happy. I want to help people.”

Other advice Espinosa offers:

• Use the gym as an escape: Espinosa said people join the gym because they need a break from the stresses of work and home. “Being in the gym helps you focus on what you're here for — yourself and your goals.”

• Be accountable: While personal trainers can provide motivation and customized workout plans, Espinosa emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. “You need to be accountable to yourself.”

• Prioritize your fitness: “Make time for it. Don’t say, ‘When I have time, I'll do it,’” Espinosa said. “Schedule an hour twice a week to work out and build from there.”

Steve Espinosa, a nationally certified personal trainer at VASA Draper’s gym, said fitness goals should be manageable so they can be eased into routines and naturally, become habits. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Winter is the perfect season to create lasting family memories. Whether you bundle the kids up for an ice skating party, sled down powdery hills or enjoy a cup of warm cocoa, this season reminds us to embrace togetherness and make the most of these cold months. Here are some thrilling winter activities your family and friends will love.

Snowshoeing in Millcreek Canyon

Visit your favorite trails in the winter for a snowshoeing adventure. Millcreek Canyon has lots of fun trails that take you past waterfalls and rivers as you snowshoe through the area. The Church Fork Trail in Millcreek is highly recommended for winter adventures. Snow-

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

shoes can be purchased or rented for the entire family and dogs can join you on these trails. The Church Fork trailhead is located about 3 miles up the canyon at the north end of the picnic area. Dress appropriately and bring water and snacks. There is a $5 fee to enter canyon.

Herriman Ice Ribbon, 13082 S. Fort Herriman Pkwy.

Celebrate winter with a trip to the Herriman Ice Ribbon for outside skating at J. Lynn Crane Plaza. Take a lap, or two, around the ice ribbon, then warm your hands by the fire pits. Opened in 2017, the skating location has grown in popularity and reservations are required. Skaters of all levels are encouraged to

participate and there are walkers to help beginning ice skaters. The cost for an adult (14+) with skate rental is $10, children (3-14) cost $8 with skate rental and children 2 and under are free. Visit Herriman.gov/ice-ribbon for daily schedules and to reserve skating time for your group.

Sledding at Sugar House Park, 1330 E. 2100 South Sugar House Park is the perfect location for a family sledding experience. The park spans more than 100 acres and popular hills provide a variety of steepness offering the perfect mix of thrill and safety for sledders of all ages. With the Wasatch Mountains towering in the background, the park becomes a winter wonderland. Convenient parking makes it easy to enjoy the fun. Finish the day with a cup of hot chocolate from local vendors in the area.

Fat tire biking in the canyons

Don’t let the snowy roads put your cy-

cling on ice. Jump on your fat tire bike (rentals are available) and head to the hills. Millcreek Canyon (fee), Corner Canyon and Butterfield Canyon offer numerous cycling trails for cyclists of any level, with the bigger, less-inflated tires providing better grip to keep you riding safely in the snow. The best time to ride is after the trails are tramped down, so powder days are not a good option. Be sure to dress in layers, carry water and snacks and watch the weather forecast!

Visit the Homestead Crater

If you’re done with snowy, cold activities, take a trip to Midway and warm up in the Homestead Crater at the Homestead Resort. This geothermal spring is hidden within a beehive-shaped rock and stays at around 95 degrees all year. While in the crater, you can soak in the therapeutic waters, swim, scuba dive or take a paddleboard yoga class. Reservations are required so visit HomesteadResort.com to schedule your adventure. l

In January, Utah becomes a winter playground with activities the whole family can enjoy. (Stock photo)

Motivated by father, Reiser leaving everything on court for Grizzlies

The Copper Hills boys basketball program went through some big changes this season, bringing in a new coach, Brian Allfrey. Though change can be difficult, one constant has been junior guard Isaiah Reiser.

Last season as a sophomore, Reiser paced the Grizzlies with nearly 20 points a game. He earned Honorable Mention All-State honors for his efforts. He also led the team a season ago with nearly five assists a game and pulled down just show of three rebounds a contest. As a freshman, he saw plenty of time too and was third on the team with 9.7 points per game.

Through five games this season, Reiser is once again leading the way in scoring and assists. He is averaging 15 points and 4.6 assists a contest. He had a season-high 20 points in a 62-52 win over Mountain View on Dec. 12. He scored in double figures in every game up to that point. Perhaps his best game was Dec. 6 at Skyline when he scored 18 points and added eight rebounds and eight assists. The latter two categories were season-high efforts, with the eight rebounds being the most he has collected in a single game in his career.

Reiser’s scoring ability is critical to the Grizzlies’ success each night. He’s also a good leader, ball handler and passer.

“My strengths would be that I can get downhill, and when the defense collapses on me, I will find my open teammate,” he said. “I

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

also can score when needed. And as a captain, my responsibilities is making sure that the team is in a good mindset and to keep the boys in check.”

Basketball is in his blood.

Reiser’s father was a standout player at Hunter High School from 1992–95. He went on to play at the next level at the University of Montana. Long before the younger Reiser was at Copper Hills, he was playing Jr. Jazz, with

his father as his coach. He would also spend hours shooting baskets in her front yard. Reiser said he started “playing basketball ever since I could stand up.”

He loves competing with his teammates and enjoys the camaraderie at Copper Hills. He’s grateful for his coaches and their support.

“I love basketball because it is a stress-free zone for me, and I love going to battle with my teammates every day,” he said. “What keeps

me playing is just the drive to be the best player I can possibly be. “The best things for playing for Copper hills would be the amazing coaching staff. I have a personal relationship with every single one of the coaches on the staff and also my teammates. They are my friends on and off the court, and we all get along so well.”

Like any high school athlete, Reiser wants to experience the elation of hoisting a state championship trophy. But, in simple terms, he’s doing his best to improve every day. He also maintains a good perspective and knows how to bounce back from disappointment.

“Obviously, the main goal is to win a state championship,” he said. “Other than that, it would be to just get better every day as a team and learn from our mistakes, because it is a long season. Another goal is to not let one game define what kind of team we are.”

Reiser’s father died in 2016 after a battle with cancer. The loss was unquestionably difficult for him to take, but Reiser’s father’s memory lives on every time he takes the court.

“My dad was a huge role model in my life,” he said. “He played division 1 basketball, and ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to make it there just like he did. My dad motivates me to be the best player I can be, because I know that’s what he would want for me. Basketball will always have a special place in my heart because of him.”

Reiser hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps by playing in college. He still has another year at Copper Hills to improve his game even more.

“From there, see what God has in store for me the rest of the way,” he said.

With Reiser leading the way, Copper Hills could be a factor in the Region 2 race. The Grizzlies will have some big challenges in front of them, with region foes Bingham and Herriman both off to good starts. Corner Canyon is always tough. The Grizzlies will play those three teams, along with Mountain Ridge and Riverton twice each in region play. The first league game is Jan. 10 at home against Corner Canyon. Before Region 2 games start, Copper Hills finished December by playing in the Skyridge Tournament and the KSA Tournament. The final regular-season game is Feb. 14 at Mountain Ridge.

Copper Hills will take part in the Class 6A state tournament after the regular season ends. Last season, the Grizzlies won a first-round state playoff game against Syracuse and then fell in the second round at Layton. In 2023–24, Copper Hills went just 8-16, so the team is headed in the right direction this season and showing improvement.

In the early going this season, Reiser is one of four Grizzly players to average in double figures in points. Jacob Curtis and Wesley Curtis each score 12 points an outing, while Boston Lambourne is scoring 10.4 points a contest. l

Copper Hills basketball player Isaiah Reiser, a junior, is once again leading the team in scoring. (Photo courtesy of Brian Allfrey.)

Person on the Street interviews

We asked people in Salt Lake County what they were looking forward to in 2025. Here’s what they said.

Jane (left) and Siri Thackeray:

“I’m in eighth grade, so next year I’ll go to high school at Brighton and I’m going to try out for the soccer team there.”

Jane Thackeray, Sandy

“I’m looking forward to sports. I play lacrosse for high school and club, and since it’s winter, I have to take a break, but I’m excited to go back.”

Siri Thackeray, Sandy

Makena:

“I’m looking forward to learning more and growing as a person, physically and emotionally.”

Makena Bass, Riverton

Sha:

“I’m looking forward to all the change in diversity and gas prices and being able to live comfortably again. Hopefully, it will be a new beginning and a start to something new.”

Sha Primus, West Valley City

Tasha:

“We’re going to be building a house in 2025 and that’s what our family is looking forward to.”

Tasha Adair, Bluffdale

Drake:

“I’m looking forward to a new home and a new school. I look forward to summer and skating. There’s a new skate park in Hyrum that I want to try. And I’ll be 16 and I’ll get to drive.”

Drake Adair, Bluffdale

Joe:

“My goal is to have a healthy business and a fun, adventurous business. We offer flight training and pilot services and we cater to clients that are looking to buy a Cirrus Aircraft.”

Joe Hoggan, West Valley City

Olivia:

“I’m looking forward to my kids all going to school and being able to get a job. And I want to get organized.”

Olivia Kruse, West Jordan

Rebecca:

“I’m looking forward to fixing our remodeled house.”

Rebecca Hoggan, West Valley City

The power of giving—how giving helps the giver

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

It’snot really a surprise that December is National Giving Month in the United States. With the holidays, part of the merriment and cheer is inherent in the season, or so it feels. But what if the actual giving creates the season and makes us smile?

Research shows that the giver of a gift experiences just as many benefits as the receiver, creating a satisfying experience for both. Here are four ways that giving positively impacts the giver:

1. Boosts happiness and optimism

Spending money on someone else doesn’t seem like it would do much inside the brain, but the simple act has been proven with several studies that buying a gift for someone (without stressing too much about it) promotes happiness by stimulating the pleasure part of the brain, per the American Psychological Association.

Moreover, generosity is contagious; by giving, you inspire others to follow suit, spreading kindness and reinforcing a positive community spirit.

2. Builds relationships

When the pleasure part of the brain is stimulated, it releases oxytocin also known as the “cuddle hormone,” which “signals trust, safety and connection,” per APA.

“Part of the uniqueness of the reward

activation around gift-giving compared to something like receiving an award or winning money is that because it is social it also activates pathways in the brain that release oxytocin,” said Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, who is the science director at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

People you build strong relationships with also create a good support system during difficult times.

3. Reduces stress and depression while fostering gratitude

Feeling stressed out and maybe experiencing some depression can make it hard to

want to give back or serve another but Dr. Charles Brown at Akron Children’s in Ohio, a child and adolescent psychiatrist said it can make all the difference.

“The stress and anxiety of everyday life can affect us all differently,” Brown said. “It’s the way we cope with that stress that dictates its impact on us. One healthy way of coping is through service because it allows us to step outside of our own challenging experience and enrich the experience of others.”

Being able to step outside of yourself and recognize the things you have creates a sense of deeper gratitude and appreciation for life to combat future stress and depression.

4. Creates a sense of purpose and improves self-esteem

Charitable giving can especially make you part of a bigger community and purpose. Every charity has a good cause donors can contribute to which brings fulfillment and satisfaction, per Donor’s Trust.

Having purpose contributes to an improved self-outlook because it empowers the individual to change the lives of others. l

Science has looked at how the giver of a gift gets just as many benefits as the receiver, making it a doubly satisfying experience for both the giver and the receiver. (Adobe Stock)

Remember in the Looney Tunes cartoons when Wile E. Coyote runs off the edge of a cliff and hangs suspended in midair before he realizes there’s no ground beneath his feet? That’s how I feel going into 2025.

The holidays offered a jolly buffer between the U.S. presidential election and the official transfer of power this month, but now I’m looking down at the canyon floor, holding up a sign that reads “Help!” and preparing myself for the plunge where I hit rock bottom. Then, as I’m lying in a coyote-shaped hole, an anvil will land on my head.

Historically, January in Utah is not for the faint-hearted with its frigid temperatures, smoggy inversions and lack of holidays that involve celebrating with pie. Nothing screams January like buying a pound of peppermint chocolate bark on clearance and scarfing it down while binge-watching “Bridgerton” in sweatpants.

But for those of us still reeling from the election, every batty presidential cabinet pick, each mention of mass deportations and every promise to roll back environmental regulations is another anvil to the head.

I’m not a person who gets amped

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

“BEEP BEEP!”

about “A new year!” and “A better me!” but my goal this month is to change my mindset. I need to put down the leftover Christmas candy, change out of my sweatpants and do what I can to bring about positive change.

Maybe I’ll make a vision board or start repeating daily affirmations. Perhaps I’ll exercise more, although the gym will be as crowded as Times Square for the next six weeks. I will definitely not observe Dry January.

I could learn how to use the tech I got for Christmas or take up a new language. Like Russian. I could try to enjoy winter activities and make an effort not to groan when someone suggests a winter hike or a sledding trip at the local park.

One way to change my mindset is to volunteer with organizations that support causes dear to my heart. Getting out of my head and into the idea we can all make a

difference could make this dreary month (or year) bearable.

I should also take a social media break because the algorithm on my feeds stokes the flames of my angst and frustration. Haha! Just kidding. I’m not giving up TikTok until the government rips the phone from my grasping fingers. That platform brings me instances of joy with its mischievous pets, hilarious cooking vids and comic relief.

Maybe taking up a new hobby could put me in an optimistic state of mind, but not crocheting because that’s ridiculously hard. Perhaps I could start ballroom dancing or interpretive cake decorating. It’s conceivable I have a hidden talent for base jumping or parkour. I guess we’ll never know.

Some readers have suggested I take a writing class. I guess I could look into that.

Chasing that elusive Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote faced catastrophes every day. His ACME explosives blew up in his face, he was smashed by boulders over and over, he fell off cliffs and spent thousands of dollars for Road Runner traps that inevitably went wrong. His rocket-powered unicycle experiment didn’t end well.

But every day, he showed up to try

again, creating ingenious ways to catch the Road Runner. He never stopped believing one day he would succeed, that one day he wouldn’t be crushed. That’s where I am. I’m peeling myself off the boulder and starting over, never giving up hope that one person can change this world for the better.

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