West Jordan Journal | June 2024

‘YOU MATTER LIKE I MATTER’ WEST JORDAN PD REBUILDS COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

Chief Ken Wallentine of the West Jordan Police Department sees value in meeting people where they’re at.

On this particular day, he was excited to participate in the department’s recurring event, “Cookies with a Cop” that had been gaining traction within the community and getting his officers interacting with kids and residents in the community.

What he didn’t anticipate was the concerned mom finding him at the event and asking for his advice on how to handle her son being vetted by a local gang.

“That woman was not going to walk in the front door of the police department and say, ‘My son's being recruited into a gang,’” Wallentine said. “You've got to find communication portals that will meet people where they're at. We can't just sit here and ask people to come to us.”

In 2020, the West Jordan Police Department had to cut down on staff as the Covid-19 pandemic hurt the city’s finances and took its toll on the police.

“We lost seven full-time positions from the police department, including everyone who had worked in human outreach and crime prevention,” Wallentine said. “You don't know what you've got until it's gone.”

Four years following the pandemic, community outreach efforts from the department are still ramping up with programs like a youth cadet program and citizens’ academy restarting in the beginning months of 2024. The inspiration and focus for these programs comes from a single phrase and outlook cultivated by the department.

“You matter like I matter”—a phrase Wallentine has put every-

Officer Teddy Barney talks with children while in uniform. (Courtesy West Jordan Police Department)

SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK

Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy and is seeing incredible results.

"It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road, casually going over our shopping list, when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them but I couldn't. I couldn't feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn't get my foot on the brake. And CRUNCH! I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me."

This tragic story was shared with us by Bob S., a Salt Lake resident who has peripheral neuropathy. And while no one was hurt in this accident, Bob had suffered almost everyday of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.

“The first stage is pain,” shares Dr. Stephanie Scott of Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic. “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains; or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately the numbness brings with it a whole host of problems.”

This was the case with Bob. "I said I wasn't going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?"

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person's ability to live their life. Bob was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising down Highland Drive or taking her out to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Bob's general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.

That's where Dr. Scott and her staff at Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic come in. "About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Bob," tells Dr. Scott.

"They're in constant pain from neuropathy, and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we're in the business of making your golden years golden."

"I can't lie," confides Bob. "I was skeptical at first. The folks at the U told me there was nothing that could be done and then there's a doctor right here in Sandy who tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments! My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car! It's hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Dr. Scott] gave me my life back."

While Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic specializes in acupuncture and it's definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. "This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery" shares Ariel, a Patient Care Coordinator at the clinic. "It's like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair."

You can learn more about Dr. Scott and Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic by visiting SLCacu.com. If you're ready to schedule a consultation, call 801-477-7966 and do so quickly. Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic is a very intimate clinic, and the staff takes pride in their ability to take their time with each patient, so they are very limited in their ability to take on new patients.

South Valley Services reopens with ‘more elbow room’ in new West Jordan City Hall

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

With the renovation of West Jordan City Hall, the offices of South Valley Services got a major upgrade too, which could help thousands more affected by domestic violence. The center reopened their doors on May 1 with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

While South Valley Services was in city hall before the renovation, Mayor Dirk Burton said the space was “extremely small and tight.”

“You had to go into the main front door and they had these two little-tiny rooms—you had two people in there and it was full,” Burton said.

The renovation was a perfect time to create a new, bigger office space for the nonprofit with a separate entrance and several more rooms, including a dedicated conference space for group meetings and two clinical service rooms.

“They have elbow room,” Burton said. “The services they do for our community is beyond measure.”

Josie White, SVS development director, said the new, bigger center in West Jordan and the community support will make a big difference in the amount of people the organization can help.

“This center is the difference between serving a few hundred survivors in our shelter versus thousands of survivors each year,” White said. “Domestic violence is something that affects us all and it’s also something that will only be resolved with the support of our community.”

Nearly one third of Utah women and one fourth of Utah men have or will experience domestic violence, according to statistics gathered by SVS.

SVS is a nonprofit that specializes in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence—men, women and children

alike—by offering shelter, education and counseling.

“Historically, shelter programs like South Valley Services have been just known as just shelters like a women’s and children's shelter only,” Lindsey Boyer said, SVS executive director. “The beauty of having an office space like this is it allows us to further our reach and still support people after they’ve had a need for a shelter.”

Boyer said with the new space, staff will now be able to provide clinical services and community meetings like support groups and financial classes that they

weren’t able to before.

The partnership with the city and police department are just two that Boyer thanked for the new building. SVS also partners with Rape Recovery Center and Bikers Against Child Abuse, both represented at the reopening.

“I think what’s important is just letting the community know that we exist and that we’re here,” Moana Thompson said, advocacy director of Rape Recovery Center’s Salt Lake and Toole offices. “We can collaborate with one another and contact each other so that nobody gets missed.”

“It takes all of us to make this work,”

JORDAN TEAM

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Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com Greg Tanner | greg.t@valuepagesutah.com

The beauty of having an office space like this is it allows us to further our reach and still support people after they’ve had a need for a shelter.

Lindsey Boyer

Boyer said.

SVS also provides education across the valley and offers classes in their centers and at other locations about financial well-being, teen dating, tech safety for survivors and preventing domestic violence, SVS Programs Director Newton Gborway told the City Journals.

Gborway said most of the organization’s centers are in public buildings such as West Jordan’s city hall, public libraries and community-based centers to make them accessible to a wide range of people seeking help.

“The client is already traumatized— some of them don’t have transportation, they don’t have money—so to book an appointment for them to come to West Jordan from Magna is too far,” Gborway said, “so we get something closer.”

The organization is hosting a community breakfast fundraiser on May 23 from 8 to 9 a.m. with keynote speaker New York Times bestselling author Janine Latus to raise awareness and funds to fight against domestic abuse. More information and tickets can be found at svsutah.org. l

West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton 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 Hall. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)

‘Newsies’ actors prepared to take on world problems

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

In Oakcrest Elementary School’s performance of “Newsies Jr,” student actors told the story of the 1899 strike organized by young newspaper carriers to improve the lives of child laborers in New York City. And now these kids are ready to take on their generation’s problems.

Unfair work conditions aren’t a concern for West Jordan youth, but several of the students identified environmental issues, such as pollution and litter, as problems they feel passionate about solving. (Except for fourth-grader Parker Lyon, who said world peace is his priority.)

Some students already have ideas of how to begin to address these worldwide problems.

Fourth-grader Quinn Dryer sometimes picks up trash in her own neighborhood and suggests, “Kids could go to beaches and pick up trash” to protect ocean life. Sixth-grader Jackson Singer, who played the lead role of Jack Kelly, thinks an incentive program would be effective to encourage students to pick up trash around the school and keep the bathrooms clean.

“When they have a reward, it makes them want to do it,” he said.

Oakcrest Elementary Arts Specialist Scott Knight, who directed “Newsies Jr,” said students involved in theatrical productions gain confidence and learn commitment and a good

Continued from front page

where including his mirror that he shaves in front of every day, his car dashboard and about 20 surfaces within his office—the phrase is intended to refocus each officer on the humanity in each resident and encourages positive interaction.

“You matter like I matter”

“You matter like I matter—that's the driving principle of how we interact with people,” Wallentine said. “Not only the people here at work among one another, but the people that we deal with on traffic stops. People we deal with the domestic violence cases, the people we deal with that don't really know anything about the police department and the people that we deal with in the worst moments of their lives.”

The phrase comes from a training adapted to the PD from leadership development firm Arbinger Institute. West Jordan PD was the first and only PD up to this point to use the training to cultivate what is called the “outward” mindset.

Wallentine said by teaching officers to be curious about others and striving to see the world from others’ perspectives, it leaves less room for conflict and more room for understanding.

Cultivating community between cops and residents

Sgt. Andrew Hercules of the West Jor-

work ethic—skills they can use to execute their world-changing ideas.

“Some of the biggest life skills that they get from being in a musical is confidence in themselves, that they're able to accomplish these great, hard things in the musical, they can know that they can accomplish great things outside of it,” Knight said.

dan PD started in the role of Community Outreach Supervisor in August 2023, three years after the pandemic started.

In his position, Hercules is focused on “developing and implementing programs that are easy for everyone in [the] department to engage with [the] community.” And additionally creating opportunities to disband any misinformation.

“Something that haunts my dreams is the idea that you feel you couldn't trust your police department—that you would rather suffer through whatever awful experience is happening to you than call the police department to … help you because you're more scared of the police than you are of being a victim,” Hercules said.

Hercules said his team consists of eight public information officers in the department that are a part of the community outreach efforts and take turns being on call for emergencies, but it’s definitely a force wide effort.

Each officer—public information officer or not—gives out business cards with a QR code that links residents to a survey which Wallentine said is offered in Spanish and English and only asks one question. “Based on your contact with the West Jordan police officers today, how comfortable do you feel with the police department providing police services for your family member or loved one?”

ent strengths, where, in many cases, they don't show those in other situations. There's nothing better than to help these kids to discover their talents, and then to help them to develop them.”

Fourth-grader Mason Funk, who played the role of Crutchie, sang a solo and had to dance all the choreography while using a crutch. His mother, Roshannah Funk, said being involved in the school play helped Mason and his sister Sydney, a sixth-grader, experience personal growth.

“I think that they were able to realize that they can do hard things,” she said.

The cast of 55 third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students committed to months of daily rehearsals and practicing at home to prepare for four performances in April.

“In order to be able to pull something like this together, they've got to be willing to work hard,” Knight said. “It's several months of time commitment, and that these kids stick with it is wonderful.”

Parents and teachers commented to Knight how impressed they were by the students' performances, particularly those who struggle to focus or participate during the school day.

Knight said the arts provide students different outlets for their abilities.

“I love how in the arts everyone can shine,” he said. “It really brings out their differ-

“Newsies Jr” was Knight’s twelfth school theatrical production. Maddie Lyon, who will be a sixth grader next year, played the role of Medda Larkin in this year’s play, and also had roles in Knight’s past productions of “Wizard of Oz” and “Annie Jr.” She is looking forward to next year’s show, “Lion King Jr.” l

“It's a way to be open, available and reachable for folks who may not want to call us,” he said.

Since starting this procedure more than a year ago, Wallentine said that only 1 to 2% of the feedback has been negative. He said both he and Hercules “welcome” the negative feedback given by residents and let it drive change in the department when they do get it. The survey is also mailed to random residents who may not have direct contact

with an officer through the QR code.

More events such as teaching immigrants and refugees how to get driver's licenses and many more “Cookies with a Cop” events are coming up this summer to increase the force’s community engagement.

“We really are here to help them… to protect them and to serve them,” Hercules said. l

Playing kickball with the community is just one of several community events sponsored by the West Jordan Police Department. (Courtesy West Jordan Police Department)

Cast B named actors in Oakcrest Elementary School’s April performance of “Newsies Jr.” (Photo courtesy Janette Robinson)

Top teachers celebrated as 2024 Outstanding Educators of the Year

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Asanother demanding school year wraps up, teachers receive thoughtful teacher appreciation gifts and messages. But for 68 teachers, one at each Jordan District school, appreciation for their hard work and dedication came with public applause, school assemblies, balloons, pies, congratulatory yard signs and cash prizes as they were recognized as Jordan Education Foundation’s 2024 Outstanding Educators of the Year.

Oakcrest Elementary teacher Michelle Butler was selected because she goes above and beyond her regular teaching duties.

“She’s teaching full day Kindergarten one moment, and then gives up rotation time— when she could be lesson-planning—to provide activities for our ML [multilingual] students,” Assistant Principal Veronica Holyoke said. “That is NOT something you see every day.”

The multilingual students who come to hang out in her classroom each day said they love her fun and engaging activities, such as playing games and making waffles, and have been thrilled at how genuinely excited she is for their English language skills and academic progress.

Colleagues said Butler’s dedication to students is inspiring.

“She pours so much of her time and effort into building relationships with them and making sure they succeed here at school and at home,” one colleague said. “She has given those kids experiences that they have never had, and it has been so fun to watch. These kids have made huge improvements because of her and the hard work they took back to their classrooms.”

Mountain Shadows Elementary’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year, sixth grade teacher Sara Williams, was praised as a team player and great listener.

“She will go out of her way to get things done even if it means more work for her,” Principal Tina Susuico said. “She doesn’t complain about it. She just smiles and goes with the plan.”

Williams is known for having great ideas and for sharing what she learns with other teachers. Assistant Principal Nathan Price said Williams mentored her colleagues after attending a teaching workshop.

“She went above and beyond by helping other teachers in her grade implement the strategies she learned—but it didn't stop there,” Price said. “She also has co-taught in trainings for the entire staff so they could easily apply the strategies. Her efforts have made an impact on student behaviors.”

Williams uses fun activities to engage her students and encourages them by celebrating their successes.

One student said, “She’s nice and kind-hearted. She helps us when things are difficult. She breaks it down for us so we can understand it better.”

Another student said, “She makes learning fun and she’s funny. She lets us play games that help us to improve on what we’re working on.”

As with many of this year’s Outstanding Educators, West Hills Middle’s Heather Reich takes on a lot of extra duties.

“She has her hands in a lot of different things because she’s passionate about the students and their overall experience in middle school,” a school administrator said.

In addition to teaching reading classes, Reich is also on the school coalition team and leads the Reading Task Force. Colleagues said she is willing to try new or creative ideas if it will help students.

When she saw multilingual students struggling academically, she created a peer-topeer tutoring program. When she saw a need for student leadership, she started a National Junior Honors Society club. When she saw an opportunity to improve student reading skills, she developed a more effective teaching method.

Her students recognize that Reich genuinely cares about them.

One student said, “She is an intelligent, smart, very helpful teacher and loves every student in her class. To even have a teacher like her is like being lucky and knowing she is one of the best teachers.”

Another said, “She just makes you feel loved and part of a class family sort of. She is awesome and will remain one of my favorite teachers. She has motivated me to bring my grades up and has helped me socially and with my education.”

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy sixth grade teacher Angus Douglas was selected as one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top 18 2024 Outstanding Educators of the Year in March, just two and half years into his teaching career. Two months later, he was named Jordan District’s 2024 Teacher of the Year and is now in the running for the Utah Teacher of the Year award.

Douglas was nominated by colleagues who said he inspires students to do their best.

“With him as their teacher, students progress with leaps and bounds, because not only does he teach them, but more importantly, they know he believes in them,” Meredith Llewellyn, a colleague, said.

Douglas’ students demonstrate consistent academic growth.

“He maintains the highest growth scores in not only my building, but the entire district,” Principal Marianne Johansen said.

Douglas said his most effective teaching tool is forming personal relationships with each student so that they feel safe and supported.

“Just fostering those positive relationships with the kids is definitely something that I focus on on a daily basis,” he said. “Having that relationship, I feel like, is really the main reason why I see so much success with my students.”

Douglas is just as dedicated to his colleagues who said he is always willing to share his knowledge and support them professionally and personally.

“Angus is kindness personified,” Llewellyn said. “No matter how messy or difficult a task may be, his selflessness knows no bounds.”

Douglas said he just treats others the way he wants to be treated.

“They're my co-workers, but they're also my friends,” he said. “I would not be the teacher who I am today without my teammates. I try

my best to lift them up and I know that they certainly lift me up every single day.”

He said the best part of receiving the awards wasn’t the plaques and cash prizes but the fact that someone appreciated all his early mornings, late nights and sacrifices he makes for his students.

“Just being seen and being noticed, it's very validating and helps me feel like OK, this is what I'm supposed to be doing,” Douglas said. l

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

Copper Canyon Elementary teacher Linda Kennedy receives the 2024 Outstanding Educator of the Year award at a school assembly. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Jordan School District’s 2024 Outstanding Educators of the Year

(the top 18 winners are in bold)

Antelope Canyon Elementary: Emily Loveland

Aspen Elementary: Mikayla Miller

Bastian Elementary: Heather Leister

Bingham High: Travis Lucero

Blackridge Elementary: Lindsey Davis

Bluffdale Elementary: Edson Rabelo

Butterfield Canyon Elementary: Jeridawn Nickle

Columbia Elementary: Abbey Knight

Copper Canyon Elementary: Linda Kennedy

Copper Hills High: Eva Peterson

Copper Mountain Middle: Allison Randall

Daybreak Elementary: Teri Kummer

Eastlake Elementary: Emily Evans

Elk Meadows Elementary: Katie Snow

Elk Ridge Middle: AJ Steele

Falcon Ridge Elementary: Katie Morrell

Foothills Elementary: Dhylan Meyer

Fort Herriman Middle: McKay Probert

Fox Hollow Elementary: Kandis Blair

Golden Fields Elementary: Amber Fairbanks

Hayden Peak Elementary: Nicole Goodwin

Heartland Elementary: Glenna Roundy

Herriman Elementary: Irais Reed

Herriman High: Randall Kammerman

Hidden Valley Middle: Heidi Peterson

JATC North: Mary Carlson

JATC South: Dacia Peterson

Joel P. Jensen Middle: Abby Erickson

Jordan Child Development Center: Rebecca Janis

Jordan Hills Elementary: Belinda Irick

Jordan Ridge Elementary: Corrine Fiso

Kauri Sue Hamilton: Cammie Larsen

Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle: Ashlyn Anderson

King’s Peak Virtual High: Avy Smith

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy: Angus Douglas * also JSD Teacher of the Year

Midas Creek Elementary: Rebecca Blackburn

Monte Vista Elementary: Michael Olsen

Mountain Creek Middle: Kayla Rowberry

Mountain Point Elementary: McKenna Larsen

Mountain Ridge High: Zoey White

Mountain Shadows Elementary: Sara Williams

Oak Leaf Elementary: Kayleen Alencar

Oakcrest Elementary: Michelle Butler

Oquirrh Elementary: Kristen Miles

Oquirrh Hills Middle: Catherine Maxfield

Ridge View Elementary: Kiernon Bowen

River’s Edge School: Ashlyn McBride

Riverside Elementary: Sydney Catmull

Riverton Elementary: Mallory Gorringe

Riverton High School: Chase Englestead

Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary: Allison Tyson

Rosamond Elementary: Holly Keele

Rose Creek Elementary: Stacey Marshall

Silver Crest Elementary: Natalie Aitken

South Hills Middle: Denny Saunders

South Jordan Elementary: Anne Harrison

South Jordan Middle: Kristin Stolle

South Valley: Codee Flores

Southland Elementary: Cindy McDowell

Sunset Ridge Middle: Jennifer Price

Terra Linda Elementary: Gabrielle Jones

Valley High: Rachel Kime

Welby Elementary: Rachel Eldeen

West Hills Middle: Heather Reich

West Jordan High: Christy Baker

West Jordan Middle: Ivie Erickson

Westland Elementary: Shailene McOmie

Westvale Elementary: Tristen Parsons

Post-high school special educator Codee Flores, South Valley School’s 2024 Outstanding Educator of the Year, receives pie from the Jordan Education Foundation and a confetti high-five from Jordan District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey. (Photo courtesy Jordan School District)

Westland Elementary teacher Shailene McOmie receives the 2024 Outstanding Educator of the Year award from members of the Jordan Education Foundation. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Problem solving, observation skills at core of new STEM curriculum

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Hawthorn Academy’s first year as a STEMfocused school culminated in an Explore the World and Observe With Wonder themed STEM Night with 27 activities for students and their families.

At both the West Jordan and South Jordan campus, activities were provided by staff members and community partners from Rocky Mountain Power, Red Wolf Technologies, Spy Hop, Sub Zero, Schmidt's Farms, Women in Mining and local ham radio operators.

Fourth grader Trillian Jensen made a lava lamp, experimented with elephant toothpaste and built a block tower that nearly reached the ceiling. Kindergartener Chloe Nguyen planted seeds and designed a unicorn racing car, giggling with glee as it flew down the racing ramp and lost a wheel.

Chloe’s parents, Maria and Marco Nguyen, said Hawthorn Academy has been a good fit for their daughter’s curious nature.

“A lot of public schools, they put you into a box where it’s ‘this is what you’re going to learn,’” Marco Nguyen said. “Here, they encourage you to learn new things, and that’s something I really always wanted for her.”

The fact that Hawthorn Academy, a K-9 public charter school, followed an International Baccalaureate curriculum was one of the reasons the Nguyens enrolled their daughter. However, after 13 years as an IB school, Hawthorn Academy switched to a STEM skills curriculum at the beginning of the school year.

Hawthorn Academy STEM Coordinator Joy Leavitt said it has not been an extreme change—most parents haven’t even noticed a difference because the philosophy is similar, even if the terminology has changed.

“We're still inquiry-based, we're still trying to problem-solve, we still want our kids to

communicate, and be creative, and be inquirers,” she said. “But instead of calling it ‘inquirer,’ we say ‘curiosity.’ We are working to teach students to notice things, make observations and then question their observations.”

While students work regularly with a STEM specialist and every teacher incorporates STEM skills in their classrooms in every subject, it doesn’t mean everything is all about science and math, Leavitt said. The focus is on teaching STEM skills, such as observation and problem solving.

“When you really dive into what STEM

is, it's problem solving,” Leavitt said. “We problem solve every day and we want our kids to be able to be independent and functioning and be able to critically think and solve the problems that they’re faced with. By focusing on STEM, we’re teaching them skills to problem solve.”

Fourth-grade teacher Nicol Navarrete said transitioning from an IB philosophy to a STEM-based curriculum allows her to provide more hands-on, critical thinking activities for her students.

“Before, we were just trying to incorporate it into the IB parameters,” she said. “Now it's more like getting to explore and really look into it.”

As her students observe fossils, program robots and build roller coaster tracks, they learn the skills for critical thinking, planning and finding solutions, which she said encourages them to think more about what they’re doing and increases their understanding of the world around them.

“When they're on video games, everything is just planned out for them, or when you give them an assignment, everything is just there,” she said. “STEM allows them to step out of those parameters and actually explore and try out things and fail, and try again and succeed.” l

Hawthorn Academy students learn about chemical reactions at family STEM Night. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Fourth-grader Trillian Jensen (left) builds a block tower with a friend at Hawthorn Academy’s STEM Night. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Chloe Nguyen prepares her unicorn car for racing. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Hawthorn Academy students learn about seed planting machines used by Schmidt’s Farms. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

What to know about visiting the E.R.

By Dr. Alex Drake

At CommonSpirit Health, our vision is a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity. This extends to all the care we provide our patients, whether it be in our doctor’s offices, our clinics, or our hospitals.

We want your visit to our care sites to be as comfortable as possible, and we know that visiting the Emergency Department (ER) is difficult for any patient and their loved ones. I would like to share some information about what to expect in the ER, so that you can be as prepared as possible.

Our emergency caregivers are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to serve our community. We accept all patients – regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. A typical visit to the ER can take two-to-three hours, but please know that in the ER we must evaluate and treat our patients based on severity of their condition. This might mean longer wait times in the lobby or even after being placed in an exam room. However, this also means that if you’re having a life-threatening emergency, you will have the undivided attention of our doctors and nurses.

If you have mild-to-moderate symptoms – such as fever below 103 degrees without a rash, flu-like symptoms without shortness of breath, or sprains and strains – you may wish to consider calling your primary care provider or visiting an urgent care center, as these options may be faster and are often less expensive.

Symptoms or health issues that require immediate medical attention may include the following:

• Chest pain

• Sudden weakness or trouble talking

• Difficulty breathing

• Spinal injuries

• Severe head injury

• Major broken bones

• Major burns

• Sudden change in vision

• Heavy bleeding

• Large open wounds

You should never drive yourself to an ER if you are having severe chest pain, severe bleeding, if you feel like you might faint, or if your vision is impaired. When in doubt, please call 911 — what matters most is that you get to the emergency room quickly and safely. If you arrive by

ambulance, you will be triaged and we will determine the level of care required.

All emergency physicians at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are board certified in Emergency Medicine and have trained for many years to help you in your emergency. The doctors also have specially trained midlevel providers who can also help. Your provider may order tests like X-rays, CT Scans, Ultrasounds, bloodwork, urinalysis, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or others, depending on your health problem.

After receiving test results, the doctor will discuss the findings and diagnosis with you. If needed, they will advise admission to the hospital. If your condition does not need admission, they will give you written instructions about treatment to be followed at home. This may include prescriptions, tips for home care, and any referrals needed for following up with either a primary care or specialized doctor.

While we hope for the health and safety of those in our community, know that we are here if you need us. Our excellent doctors and nurses at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are ready to provide high-quality, compassionate, and timely care.

As 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

By Dr. Alex Drake Emergency Physician CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital Jordan Valley West

Story of hope wins National PTA Reflections award

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Hayden Peak Elementary sixth-grad-

er Alivia Millet won a National PTA Reflections Award of Merit for Literature. This year’s theme “I am hopeful because…" inspired her short story about a girl reading her Polish grandmother’s 1940s journal to learn about hope during difficult times.

Alivia said she has entered the Reflections contest every year since kindergarten in a variety of categories, but she especially loves the literature category.

“I've always been an introvert and the way I express myself is through writing, so it’s helped me to kind of show more about myself,” she said.

Fourteen Utah students, including three from Jordan School District, received an award at the national level of the PTA Reflections contest, which invites K-12 students to creatively interpret a theme through six artistic categories. Next year’s theme is “Accepting Imperfection.” l

National PTA Reflections winner Alivia Millet celebrates with Hayden Peak Elementary Assistant Principal Jennifer Smith, her mother Kenda Millet and Region 6 PTA representatives Julie Brunner and Jessica Navarro. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Winning essay brings animal enthusiasts together

Thirteen-year-old Murray resident Lily Peterson presented 90-year-old anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall with a book of pictures of the Onaqui wild mustang herd in Utah’s West Desert along with a birthday card when they met this spring.

The honor of meeting Goodall was the top prize for the Natural History Museum of Utah’s “Inspired by Jane” essay contest which Lily won with her essay detailing her ideas for saving the wild mustangs from unnecessary slaughter. Lily won an all-expense paid trip to Seattle to meet Goodall and attend her lecture, as well as a $1,000 my529 Educational Savings Plan certificate and a basket of Jane Goodall inspired keepsakes.

“We mainly talked about her childhood, because she was involved with horses when she was a child,” Lily said. “We also talked about how we both kind of knew what we wanted to do from a young age. We are actually weirdly similar in a lot of ways.”

Lily said having this connection with such a legendary ambassador of animal conservation further inspires her commitment to helping animals. She plans to become an equine veterinarian to help implement humane solutions to replace the brutal population control methods currently used on the Onaqui herds.

She has visited the herd—from a respectful distance— once or twice a year since she was 7 years old.

“We went out to see them for my birthday one year, and they were really beautiful,” Lily said. “And then I started riding some, and so, as I had more of a connection with them, I looked more into them and found out all about what's hap-

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

pening, and that made me want to do something about it.”

Lily loves animals, especially horses—her entire sixth grade homeschool curriculum was based on horses. She rides horses and competes in dressage, which she describes as “ballet on a horse” and also plays competitive soccer.

Lily entered another writing contest this spring and plans to enter more next school year. At Mountain Heights Academy, an online public charter school where she recently completed seventh grade, Lily is a member of the Writer’s Quest Club in which she learns about writing contest opportunities and receives writing feedback and support from like-minded peers.

Lily’s winning essay can be read on NHMU’s website. l

Thirteen-year-old Lily Peterson meets Dr. Jane Goodall, a privilege earned by winning NHMU’s ‘Inspired by Jane’ essay contest. (Photo courtesy Adrienne Peterson)

11 local farmers markets to visit this summer

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

Summer and fall bring the season of the farmers markets where vendors sell fresh produce, homemade products and more.

Several farmers markets in Utah, including those hosted by the Utah Farm Bureau on this list, are strict about each product being made or grown by local farmers to support farmers in the state— which ensures quality, fresh produce and goods for shoppers at the markets.

This list is in no way comprehensive or in any particular order, but are just some ideas on where to find some local farmers markets.

1. Sandy City farmers market

Starting June 15, Sandy City partnered with Empowered Community Markets will host a weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sandy Amphitheater, 1245 E. 9400 South. With fresh food, shopping, live music, and a splash pad, Sandy’s farmers market will be on the fun to do list all summer long. The farmers market will go on until fall with the last day of the season on Oct. 19.

2. Draper City farmers market

Sunset Farmers Markets, which specializes in evening and weekday markets, runs the show for Draper City’s farmers market. This market is at Smithfields Park every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. from July to September, and then 5 to 8 p.m. in October. More than 80 small local businesses will attend each week, featuring fresh flowers, produce, eggs, honey, milk, meat, baked goods, and art. Food trucks will also be there to offer even more choices for din-

ner and treats.

3. Suncrest farmers market in Draper

The neighborhood Suncrest Hills, located at 2016 East Village Green Circle in Draper hosts a farmers market on the second Wednesday of the summer months starting in June and ending in October from 5 to 9 p.m. In 2023, they had activities like petting zoos, live music and a s'mores station. Goodies such as fresh bread, homegrown vegetables and salsa, jewelry, soap and much more were also sold.

4. “9th West Farmers Market” in Salt Lake City

This is a market that’s been around since 2005 when The People’s Market was first started by Kyle LaMalfa. It’s hosted near the International Peace Gardens at 542 N. 900 West in Salt Lake City. From midJune to mid-October, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday.

5. Downtown Salt Lake City farmers market

The farmers market in Salt Lake City runs nearly year round. The Saturday summer market runs in the summer and fall from June 1 until Oct. 21 at Pioneer Park (350 W. 300 South) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

An art and craft market is also held during the same time, in the same place by Urban Food Connections of Utah.

6. Daybreak Farmers Market

Rain or shine, the Daybreak Farmers Market offers 60 booth spaces every week and is run by Empowered Community Markets. In the heart of the Daybreak neighborhood, the market offers local musical talent, locally-grown produce, homemade jewelry

Fresh produce at Daybreak Farmers Market in years past. (Courtesy of Empowered Community Markets)

and artisanal crafts, and artwork. The market runs every Saturday and starts on June 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and runs until Oct. 12, when hours change from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Four times during the summer youth entrepreneurs are invited to open their own store front and sell goods at the farmers market, on June 22, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 28.

7. South Jordan City farmers market

Every Saturday from Aug. 3 to Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., South Jordan will host a farmers market at 1600 W. Towne Center Drive. Each week is focused around a different community activity, including a variety of crafts, a balloon animal artist and more.

8. Utah Farm Bureau’s South Jordan farmers market

This market is also owned and operated by the Utah Farm Bureau and features Utah farmers selling anything from produce, to salsa, fresh bread, jams and tamales. Unlike the Murray Park market, select Utah artisans who use “Utah-grown and raised agricultural products” will be permitted to sell items other than food.

The market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Aug. 3 and running until Oct. 12.

9. West Jordan food trucks, community market and “First Fridays”

Starting in May, food trucks come to usher in the warmer weather in West Jordan. On every second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ron Wood Park (5900 New Bingham Hwy.) near the splash pad, a variety of food trucks come to the west side

of the city.

In June through September, a community market with vendors will accompany the city’s food truck event.

West Jordan “First Fridays” at the Viridian Events Center, 8030 S. 1825 West, are sponsored by Salt Lake County and West Jordan City, each first Friday of the month until the end of summer and will feature live, local music. Food trucks and a free craft also add to the fun. As the weather gets warmer, summer yard games will also be available to use on the lawn.

10. Utah Farm Bureau’s Murray Park farmers market

The Utah Farm Bureau owns and manages the farmers market every year at Murray Park, located at 296 E. Murray Park Way.

“This makes for a unique shopping experience focused entirely on Utah farmers and the great fresh produce that is available during our growing season,” stated the organization on the event page.

This is a food-only market that begins on July 26. The market will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., with the last day on Oct. 28. Food vendor applications are due April 30.

11. Bountiful farmers market

Starting on June 20 and ending on Oct. 17, the Bountiful farmers market will be at the Bountiful Town Square (75 E. 200 South) every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., excluding July 4. No animals or skateboards are allowed in the square. See which vendors and local musicians will be there on Bountiful City’s website, www.bountifulutah.gov. l

Fresh produce at Daybreak Farmers Market in years past. (Courtesy of Empowered Community Markets)

The Daybreak Farmers Market in years past has been a popular market with a variety of local produce and lots of visitors. (Courtesy of Empowered Community Markets)

Yard & home section

A publication covering local yard and home stories and events in the Salt Lake Valley City Journals presents:

Real estate commission settlement to have minimal impact in Utah

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Spring is a busy time for buying and selling homes in Utah and sales were up by 9% in April and with the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement, Utah realtors do not expect to see many changes in the way homes are bought and sold.

In March, a $418-million settlement was reached with the National Association of Realtors. The deal came after a jury ruled against the NAR in a class-action antitrust lawsuit. The suit was filed alleging that the association had colluded with some large real estate brokerages to keep real estate commissions inflated, benefiting real estate agents and costing sellers more in the commissions they pay to those agents.

Those rates nationally are about 6%. Approval of the settlement by a federal court would do away with set rates and let buyers and sellers negotiate those commissions with real estate brokers and agents.

The Utah Association of Realtors say the ruling won’t have much impact on buyers and sellers in Utah due to decades of proactive, consumer-friendly efforts by Utah realtors.

“We don’t feel that the lawsuit is going to have a big impact here in Utah,” said Adam Kirkham, president of the Utah Association of Realtors (UAR). “Anyone that sold a home could expect to receive a postcard about the class action suit. The lawsuit did not originate here because in Utah we have been using buyer-agent agreements for 20 years. Consumers in Utah have been more informed about what the commissions were.”

The lawsuit’s resulting rules aren’t expected to impact the inventory of available homes or values, which are based more on the supply and demand in the market, according to Kirkham.

“Millcreek has an affordability issue and between 2012-22 the average homes listed were 500 and post COVID the inventory

dropped and we have been hovering around 160 to 177 available homes for the last two years. Prices went up and the median price of a home in Millcreek is around $688,000 and in Salt Lake City the median price is $535,000,” Kirkham said.

Utah realtors have been using written, transparent agency forms with their buyer clients for decades and providing seller disclosures. This will be new for the rest of the country due to the settlement but was already being covered in Utah.

One of the new rules that came out of the lawsuit is that the buyer’s agent commission can no longer be listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) and this will create a lack of knowledge of what will be paid to the buyer’s realtor.

“Buyers will have to determine for each house what the sellers offering for the buyer’s agent’s commission,” Kirkham said. “This is a conversation you want to have before looking at the house and before you make an offer. The seller’s agent can still advertise the commission on social media or

on the realtor’s website but not on the MLS.”

“Commissions can fluctuate due to inventory and competitiveness of the market,” he continued. “It is worth it for the seller to offer a buyer’s agent commission due to it will bring a better educated consumer who still wants to hire a realtor.”

There will be additional training for realtors who are now required to enter into an agreement with a homebuyer before they look at homes. “So that they can agree upon a commission rate which has always been negotiable,” Kirkham said.

He warned buyers who forego representation to save the commission might regret it.

“Not having an agent can come back to hurt you in negotiation or hiring the wrong inspectors plus you want to be informed of the other offers or you could lose the bid,” Kirkham said. “Agents want to bring value to the process of buying and selling a home.”

Jason Eldredge, local realtor of The Eldredge Group with Equity Real EstateSolid said they always had a buyer-broker

agreement and have their customers sign one.

“The commissions have always been negotiable, and the standard was 6% but now we are seeing commission compression that is nationwide. With all of the iBuyers coming in, it compressed commissions and the new standard is about 5%, but it has always been negotiable,” Eldredge said.

“We meet with our clients and find out what is their situation, why you are selling. A good agent will have some flexibility,” Eldredge said.

The national settlement requires listing agents to disclose to sellers any portion of their compensation that will be shared with a cooperating broker. Sellers must also approve in writing the sharing of the listing agent's compensation. Which Eldredge said is the “bummer” part of the lawsuit.

“You cannot post the commission on the MLS anymore,” he said. “It is an additional negotiating step and could make it really tough for a new buyer. The buyer might have to come up with the commission.”

Deanna Devey, director of operations and communications at UAR, said the changes will be more procedural in Utah.

“The buyer has three options to pay the agent,” Devey explained. “The listing agent will offer to share compensation with the buyer’s agent or the buyer might negotiate directly with the seller to have the seller pay the compensation. The third option is the buyer might pay their agent outright.”

Eldredge added, “I think for the next few years sadly we might have more lawsuits due to buyers not having representation when purchasing a home.”

The new rules go into effect after Aug. 17. More information about the NAR lawsuit can be found at realestatecommissionlitigation.com and Utah FAQs can be found on the website Utahrealtors.com.

Additional reporting by Darrell Kirby.

Home for sale in West Valley City. (File photo Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

Salt Lake County breaks ground on ‘Flip the Strip’ project

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In a significant move toward sustainability, Salt Lake County celebrated the groundbreaking of the "Flip the Strip" project, May 16, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. The event, marked by the presence of Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and other local officials, signaled the commencement of a $2.1-million initiative aimed at retrofitting park strips with waterwise landscapes across the county.

“Salt Lake County is committed to water conservation and smart water management. As such, landscape standards for waterwise park strips at county facilities have been identified,” the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office said in a “Flip the Strip” guidebook.

“Water conservation is a critical issue to the well-being of our community as we grow and adapt to the changes our landscape faces,” Wilson said. “‘Flip the Strip’ aims to reduce water use and promote drought-tolerant landscapes.”

According to the guidebook, the project is a testament to the county's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of water conservation amid frequent droughts and changing environmental conditions.

The "Flip the Strip" project targets the

often-overlooked park strips—those narrow stretches of land between sidewalks and roads. These areas will be transformed into drought-tolerant landscapes, a move expected to save the county approximately 4 million gallons of water annually. The pilot program will be implemented at five key locations: the Mountain America Expo Center, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office in South Salt Lake, Meadow Brook Golf Course in Taylorsville, Central City Recreation Center in Salt Lake City and Animal Services in Millcreek.

At the event, Wilson emphasized the critical importance of this initiative. “Salt Lake County is committed to long-term water conservation and smart management strategies in response to frequent emergency droughts and changing environmental landscapes. ‘Flip the Strip’ is just one way we are achieving this,” she stated.

The program, which allocates $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, is set to convert four acres (177,860 square feet) of county-owned landscapes. This transformation not only aims to conserve water but also to enhance the aesthetic, environmental and economic value of these areas.

Involved in these efforts, the Salt Lake

RGS Exteriors & Construction doesn’t skimp on quality

Since its original inception more than 70 years ago, RGS Exteriors & Construction has evolved from being a weatherstripping and caulking service to becoming a toptier installer of quality siding, rain gutters, windows and more.

As a fth-generation business, what sets RGS apart from its competitors is its dedication to quality products, its guaranteed installation and its high-quality workmanship. RGS COO Kurt Fisher said the company has intentionally become experts in the industry by methodically incorporating new products and services.

“Our general philosophy has been to nd the best version of a product or the best material and then gure out how to install it in the most superior way,” he said. “If we’re going to do quality work, we want it to last a long time. So we have a 10-year warranty on anything that we do.”

The products used by RGS must live up to that warranty so they partner with superior suppliers to o er true value for money. Because RGS doesn’t cut corners with inexpensive materials, homeowners can be assured the investment they make in their home will be backed up with exemplary workmanship.

As the state’s premium rain gutter installation company for more than 60 years, RGS has spent decades re ning its products and services to protect homes from roof rot, damaged siding or leaky foundations.

Fisher said they are uncompromising when it comes to quality and their clients are willing to pay the extra expense for materials that are long-lasting, durable and installed correctly.

“We’re asking customers to pay more money to do this job the right way and that’s the only way anybody can justify paying more money for anything. There has to be tangible value,” Fisher said. “Our ideal clients are people who are really invested in their home, people who care about quality and have a high sense of value in their home.”

For siding projects, RGS uses James Hardie ber cement siding for its durability, style and low-maintenance lifespan. As the only Elite Preferred installer for James Hardie in Utah, RGS trains its installation crews to be incredibly knowledgeable about the product before they ever get to work on a home.

RGS also features triple-pane windows, expertly installed for the price of a double-pane window. With the extreme temperatures in Utah, high-quality windows o er less temperature bleed-through, better sound dampening and added security.

With a variety of window options, homeowners can choose a style that re ects their home’s personality. Whether it’s a bay window, a picture window or a garden window, RGS backs its window installation with a lifetime warranty.

Other services o ered by RGS include remodeled entryways, custom metalwork, stucco, doors and chimney covers. Stop by the RGS location at 4235 Farm Road in West Jordan to talk with an expert, or for more information, visit rgsexteriorsutah.com or call 801-997-6616.

“Our whole executive team and our management team have the same paradigm; we would rather do it right,” Fisher said. “It’s so much easier to work with people when you know you’re providing a great product. We also give the reassurance that if we do something wrong, we absolutely, unequivocally will take care of it. That’s just our guarantee.”

Mayors from Salt Lake County, Taylorsville City and Sandy City broke ground on the start of a “Flip the Strip” program to make county-owned landscapes more sustainable for the future. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation)

County Office of Regional Development, released on their website that waterwise landscaping offers numerous advantages, including functional and attractive designs that are easy to maintain. These landscapes are not only visually appealing but also significantly reduce water waste, a crucial benefit in a region often plagued by drought.

Additionally, improved environmental health and economic savings are notable benefits. Less water usage translates to lower bills and simpler irrigation systems, which in turn reduce maintenance costs and enhance curb appeal, making neighborhoods and public spaces more attractive.

Salt Lake County is not stopping at retrofitting public spaces. The county challenges its 1.16 million residents to join the water conservation effort by reducing their own water use by 5%. If 25% of residents take up this challenge, the county could save approximately 2 million gallons of water daily. To help residents achieve this goal, the county offers practical tips. Reducing sprinkler use by 10% can make a significant difference. Watering during the cooler nighttime hours reduces evaporation and conserves water. Using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks saves water and time. Adjusting sprinklers to ensure they water only plants and grass, not sidewalks or driveways, can help conserve water. Opting for drought-resistant plants, such as those native to Utah, can keep gardens beautiful

while conserving water.

The "Flip the Strip" project is just the beginning of a broader effort to promote sustainable landscaping and water conservation in Salt Lake County. By leading through example, the county aims to inspire its residents and neighboring regions to adopt similar practices.

Mayor Wilson said, “We anticipate that Salt Lake County will save around 4 million gallons of water with the conclusion of the five pilot locations. This initiative not only addresses immediate water conservation needs but also sets a precedent for future sustainability efforts.”

The project’s success will serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. Salt Lake County departments have planned to audit outdoor water systems to develop specialized water plans for current and future use. The county parks are relying on current technology to determine minimum watering schedules while continuing to maintain high-quality outdoor facilities.

For information on “Flip the Strip,” including details on rebates and resources from local government agencies, residents can visit the county's website at slcoh20. org.

Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson broke ground on Salt Lake County’s “Flip the Strip” program. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office)

Conservation fair highlights waterwise improvements

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Tip 1: Planning and Design. Using the appropriate plants for sun, shade and wind can help sustain a beautiful garden. Visit Localscapes.com to find free, professional designs to make a Utah-friendly landscape. (City Journals)

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Tip 2: Practical Turf Areas. Getting away from the idea of “big lawns,” JVWCD suggests spicing up your outdoor space with waterwise plants and trees, and a reasonable amount of turf or ground cover. (City Journals)

Tip 3: Waterwise Plants. Drought-tolerant plants can add color, height and interest to your garden, without using a wasteful amount of water. Iris, daisies, catmint, ice plants and decorative grass are all examples of waterwise choices. (City Journals)

Small changes make a big difference. Last year the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District sent more than 1.6 billion gallons of water to the Great Salt Lake as a result of residents implementing waterwise conservation.

JVWCD held a water conservation fair at its Conservation Garden Park (8275 S.1300 West) in West Jordan in May, educating gardeners on how to create the healthiest environment for lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs in the Salt Lake Valley.

Here are seven suggested principles to create waterwise landscapes:

Tip 4: Efficient Irrigation. Learning where and how to plant trees is part of efficient irrigation that allows the trees to take root and bring long-lasting beauty to a landscape. Installing drip systems, maintaining irrigation and fixing leaks keep everything flowing. (City Journals)

Tip 5: Soil Improvements. Overused soil often needs more nutrients to maintain healthy plants. Keep soil healthy by using organic materials and protect topsoil with moisture-retaining mulch. Avoid putting chemicals in the soil, if possible. (City Journals)

Tip 6: Surface Mulches. Mulching with bark, wood chips and other plant materials protects against erosion and retains water. Mulch can also help control weeds and add color to the garden. (City Journals)

Tip 7: Appropriate Maintenance. Even waterwise landscaping needs to be maintained. Weed control, fertilization, healthy pruning and non-chemical integrated pest management will keep the landscape looking good for years. (City Journals)

The Conservation Garden Park is free and open to the public on Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit conservationgardenpark.org.

Challenge Run fundraiser caps school year

Photo by Julie Slama

Several Jordan Education Foundation Challenge Run participants said it was a great way to end the school year while others said it was a great kick-off to summer. Whatever the view, most of the 600 supporters had fun running, tackling the challenges – from wading through foam to breaking bricks –and finishing the course after completing an inflatable obstacle course. The Challenge Run serves as a fundraiser for Jordan School District students and several schools created their own teams; West Jordan High (seen here) and Jordan Ridge Elementary were two teams who proudly smiled at the finish line. Jordan Ridge special education teacher Rachel Hardy said that the Challenge Run was the final optional run for the school’s 70-member running club. “The best thing about it is just to get out and all be together and enjoy having fun together,” she said. Aspen Elementary Principal Suzie Williams and some of her 13 family members finished behind the Jordan Ridge team. “This is a fun event that families of all ages can participate in; I think we all had fun doing some creative challenges,” Williams said. Then, she added, after looking at her young grandson, “Except for maybe the bubbles; running after the bubbles became a little sticky for some of us.”

School-age youth can get a UTA Rider’s License to travel the Wasatch Front

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

UTA’s popular summer youth pass is back, providing unlimited rides on FrontRunner, TRAX, streetcar, UTA On Demand and buses for kids ages 6 to 18. For $49, the UTA Rider’s License can take youth to places from Weber to Utah County.

“UTA is excited to once again be offering kids the chance to get out and explore their community this summer,” said UTA spokesperson Carl Arky. “Our hope is once they start using public transportation, they’ll become more comfortable and familiar with the UTA system and continue using transit as they get older. That will help reduce congestion and air pollution

Fromall while enhancing the quality of life for everyone along the Wasatch Front.”

The pass is valid through Aug. 31 and can be purchased as a mobile ticket on the Ride UTA mobile app. For youth without a smartphone, Tap passes can be purchased online at RideUta.com or UTA customer service locations.

UTA transit goes to Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary, Living Planet Aquarium, Thanksgiving Point, BYU Museum of Art, Scera Theater and Outdoor Amphitheater, Lagoon, Cherry Hill, Kenley Amphitheater, Station Park and more. For information, visit rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Riders-License. l

Utah named 2024 best state in America, per new report

the numerous mountain ranges to

The Mighty 5 national parks to other sites such as The Great Salt Lake, Utah is known for its stunning scenery.

For the second straight year, Utah has been named the best state in America by U.S. News & World Report.

USNWR ranked all 50 states in the union on a range of categories, including healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, crime and corrections and natural environment, among others. Utah topped the rankings in 2023, overtaking Washington State, and has held on for the second year.

Utah consistently ranked among the top in the nation in USNWR’s rankings, earning top 20 results in seven of the eight categories and top 15 in six categories.

On USNWR’s website, Ben Blau, head of the department of Economics and Finance at Utah State University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, said it’s not just the diverse outdoor offerings that make the Beehive State a great place to live. It’s people who also make Utah special.

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

Many Utahns have opportunities to thrive in different aspects of life due to the state’s varied strengths. It’s that consistency and well-rounded nature that allowed Utah to take hold of that No. 1 spot for the second consecutive year.

But USNWR said “best” doesn’t necessarily mean “perfect.” While Utah ranked No. 1 overall across the union, it underperformed in the natural environment category—a low No. 46. USNWR also said many of the top-ranking states are also not very

racially diverse and had several disparities including by gender, race and disability.

“We have been doing reports for 14 years now,” said Susan Madsen, a professor at Utah State University and founding director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project. “And we do rank as the worst state for

women's equality, and I have done so now for nine years on the WalletHub ranking.”

Some in the state are trying to change things for the better. The Utah Women and Leadership project effort “A Bolder Way Forward” aims to “help more Utah women and girls thrive” by focusing on 18 areas where “change needs to occur,” ranging from entrepreneurship and the gender pay gap to domestic violence and sexual harassment. Teams and leaders focused on such areas have set data-centered goals targeting improvement by 2026 and 2030.

“We've been slowly working on these topics for years and we need to kick it into gear because it comes at the rate we're going, it's going to take three to four decades to make notable progress,” Madsen said.

Madsen said the “A Bolder Way Forward” project is a unique model to pull together all of the organizations and individuals and nonprofits and universities to work together and more of a systems thinking model to shift things together instead of just everybody doing their part or piece.

“Let's make Utah a safer place for women in a place where more girls and women can thrive and that that actually means that more families thrive,” Madsen said. l

Ensign Peak overlooking the Salt Lake Valley. (Bailey Chism/City Journals)

Unified basketball more than a game for these students; Copper Hills celebrates national banner for inclusion

They want to be like Mike—dishing, swishing, jamming.

“I want to slam dunk like Michael Jordan,” said Bingham High sophomore Josh McDonald as he was playing in a regional basketball tournament.

Hillcrest High senior Dax Bowen also likes Jordan’s moves as does Corner Canyon High senior Jadon Medina.

The student-athletes all play for their unified high school basketball teams.

In unified co-ed basketball, there are five players on the court — three athletes and two partners. Teams play against other squads of the same ability in two eight-minute halves. Supported by Special Olympics and the Utah High School Activities Association, unified sports has both a competitive and a player development level, the latter of which provides more of a cooperative environment with partners being teammates and mentors.

In the weeks leading up to the state championships, many of the unified basketball players took to the court, practicing skills they learned growing up and playing in regional tournaments.

Murray High started practicing once per week starting a couple months before the state contest. They also did a skills assessment to determine the ability of the players and then divided themselves into two teams.

“We practice shooting and making baskets,” said Murray High junior Parker May, who has a brother who taught him to “dribble, shoot and have my arms up on defense.”

Cottonwood High junior Alizia Sherard said, “We have a lot of practices where we dribble, we try to get the ball from the other team and we make the shots.”

She learned to play from her dad and continues to play with him in the family driveway.

Copper Hills High junior Corbin Roesbery also grew up playing basketball in his driveway. He started at age 12.

Alta High freshman James Miles learned how to play from his dad when he was 4 years old.

“We still play, but now I’m practicing and playing with my friends and peer tutors in class,” he said.

Hillcrest’s Bowen also learned to play from his dad in a church gym.

“We would shoot around. On this team, we all count on each other,” he said.

Brighton High sophomore Tru Fiessinger said during their practices they work on dribbling, defense and shooting.

“It comes easy, but to be good, I have to work hard,” Fiessinger said.

For others, basketball was a new sport they learned with their classmates to be able to exercise and be part of their high school unified team.

Jordan High junior Kaitlyn Uzcaga, who

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

learned to play as a freshman, said her team practiced defense.

“We have practiced our blocking; we’re wanting to move a lot more on the floor,” she said.

Mountain Ridge sophomore Ash Perez said his team also has been practicing.

“Coach (Brock) Whitney, our PE teacher, taught me how to play; I love it,” Perez said.

This year’s unified high school basketball championship was the state’s largest as 80 teams from across the state converged on the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center and HPER courts to not just determine the winners in the divisions, but to have a chance to display skills learned and to forge friendships on the court.

It was kicked off by the Special Olympics’ athlete oath and a welcome from Gov. Spencer and first lady Abby Cox, who then helped with a dunk team doing a trick.

Much like other athletes, these Special Olympians wanted to do their best — and win.

Sophomore Saiah Lono said Herriman High’s team has a routine as they prepare for a game.

“I’m the hype man,” the point guard said. “We do a little dance to warm up and we dance to celebrate.”

Cottonwood’s Sherard said she’s always wanted to play at the U.

“I want to be No. 1 here. I like winning,” she said.

West Jordan sophomore Robert West said they practiced to play their best, “but I’m ex-

cited to win.”

Alta’s Miles is self-proclaimed “overly competitive. I like to win.”

Teams prepared their strategies.

Bingham’s McDonald loves to play defense.

“We need to stop the other team from scoring. I have to make sure they don’t steal the ball from me, but I love to steal the ball myself,” he said.

Skyline High freshman Andrew Bouck said quick decisions are key.

“Whenever someone passes to me, I will get rid of the ball by shooting it,” he said. “If I don’t have a good look, I’ll pass it.”

Hunter High senior Angelly Velasquez sized up the competition.

“There’re lots of tall teams here,” she said. “We’re hoping we’re fast enough to go around them.”

Jordan’s Uzcaga said they started off playing well.

“We’re doing good and having fun. We’re being brave and trying our hardest,” she said.

Copper Hills’ Roesbery said his team works together and helps one another to learn.

“We tell each other to never give up, to listen to our team, to listen to our coach and to have fun,” he said.

The last part, having fun together on and off the court is key, the athletes say.

Herriman’s Lono said they “hang out and have lunch together. We have dance parties.”

West Jordan’s West likes being with friends, seeing movies, playing basketball and

listening to music, “mostly Taylor Swift.”

Similarly, Olympus High senior Bailee O’Conner says her favorite friends are on her team.

“We go to birthday parties, see movies at a movie theater and go to school dances together,” she said. “It makes me happy.”

Corner Canyon’s Medina knows he’s part of the Chargers’ studentbody.

“I like being a part of a team where I belong. I’m a part of it and a part of my school,” he said.

Skyline’s Bouck adds, “It’s fun to play here with my friends and have my family and friends cheering.”

Hunter’s Velasquez says she gives her teammates high fives and cheers for other players when she isn’t on the court.

“We cheer for the other team, especially when they make a basket; it’s fun that everyone can be a winner that way,” she said.

She and other teammates have been part of other unified sports teams; many of the athletes compete in unified soccer. At Hunter, they also perform in their school’s unified musicals.

Murray’s May swims on his school’s unified swim team.

“I like to go fast and win races and be cheered on. I cheer on others, too,” he said.

Copper Hills’ Roesbery placed in the top 10 in the 60 meters at the state track meet last year.

“The best thing on any team is teamwork. It’s good to listen and work together,” he said.

Riverton High seniors Travis Willis and Jason Johnson are the boys’ basketball team managers.

“We hand out towels and we go on the court to wipe the wet spots. If they’re sweaty, we pass the towels,” Johnson said. “We’ve made friends where we hang out, play basketball, listen to music.”

Willis said at unified sporting events, he gets to see middle school friends who go to other high schools.

Hillcrest’s Bowen said his team has gone through a coaching change and several of his teammates graduated last year.

“I’ve made more friends and since I’ve played on the team for a while, I know I need to help them and be one of the leaders on the team,” he said. “State is really big. It’s the main event. But our team is what’s most important.”

Mountain Ridge’s Perez agrees.

“I like helping my team and we love each other,” Perez said. “Unified basketball gives me friends and a good work out so getting a good sweat is worth it.”

Senior Tyler Oldroyd is a partner at Copper Hills High.

“I love to play with them; they’re just so fun to be around,” he said. “I’ve learned patience, but they’re always in a good mood so it’s always fun to help them. I’m able to help

West Jordan High’s co-ed unified basketball team, seen here playing Brighton High at the state tournament, forges friendships through learning teamwork and demonstrating sportsmanship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

them grow as a student so they can gain more so later in life when they get a job, they’ll be able to talk to more people.”

That is something Copper Hills Special Education Teacher Jacqueline Sheppick appreciates.

“Inclusion is working at Copper Hills,” she said. “I love seeing students who are typical functioning individuals put their selves aside and make sure that individuals with disabilities are succeeding. It helps my students with disabilities learn life skills, social skills, it’s preparing them for adult life. More so it helps my peer tutors see how to be compassionate and how to be accommodating and understanding when they grow up. And it’s genuine. They truly want to be their friend. They truly care for them and want to be there for them. It’s creating lasting friendships that I want them to have.”

Soon after the state tournament, Copper Hills High was awarded a national banner for inclusion as a unified champion school for meeting Special Olympics’ 10 standards of excellence for creating an inclusive environment, said Courtnie Worthen, manager of Special Olympics Utah’s Unified Champion Schools.

“The banner being presented today is determined by each and every one of you, and not a single banner here is more important than the banner representing inclusion,” she said. “You’re making Copper Hills a place where everyone feels they belong.”

Principal Rae Garrison congratulated stu-

dents: “This is a national recognition, and it is because of all of you and the values you embody.”

West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton agreed: “You are what makes this community; you bring us together.”

The celebratory rally took place in the school’s gym, with the unfurling of the banner to confetti filling the sky. The efforts by the monthly CH Pals Club activities, a schoolwide inclusion week, unified sports and studentbody, faculty and staff’s inclusionary efforts were recognized. This past year, the students voted unified students as both their prom king and queen.

Abby Cox told students, “We’re here because of what you’ve been able to accomplish. You are making sure that everybody has a place of love and belonging. You are starting an inclusion revolution. Everyone needs a friend and you’re making sure that we’re creating those friendships.”

Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey said Copper Hills students serve as a beacon to other schools.

“At Copper Hills, students look out for each other, and they include students in all their activities,” he said. “We’re proud of what they do.” l

Copper Hills High junior Corbin Roesbery brings up the ball against Riverton High during the regional unified co-ed basketball tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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West Jordan Youth Theatre gives kids taste of professional shows (and

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

West Jordan Youth Theatre allows a lot of opportunities for kids outside of school to participate in theater. This is a safe space meant for kids to feel good about themselves, gain confidence and make friends for a lifetime.

“Gives kids an opportunity to participate in the arts and theater. We work very hard to make it a safe space, a place where they can come and be themselves and figure out who they are,” Chelsea McGee said, president and chairperson of West Jordan Youth Theatre.

Since 2006 the youth productions have been performing two shows a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. The ages of kids that participate in the youth theater is 8-18. If the kids are 18, and they are still seniors in high school they can still be in shows. “It is a fun way to get the younger kids who have never performed and teach them how to perform and be another character on stage,” McGee said.

The theater focuses on performing full length productions rather than junior versions of the story to help kids gain confidence and get out of their comfort zone. “It’s amazing to see the kids perform and gain confidence,” McGee said.

The shows have been performed at the

Midvale Performing Arts Center. Now the Cultural Arts Society will be performing at a new building being built now. Since they have been performing at Midvale Performing Arts they have sold out every show. It is exciting for them to have the new building because there are 230 seats to accommodate more people. The location of the new building will be between the rodeo grounds and the outdoor West Jordan swimming pool. The theater is excited for any sponsors or people that want to help with getting their new building up and running. It will be called West Jordan Community and Arts Center.

They average between 80-100 kids to audition per show. About 45 to 50 kids make it because of the size of the stage.

“Auditions are very hard, because you have to tell some of the kids they didn’t make it, and it is heart-breaking. We rotate the kids to give all the kids an opportunity to perform,” McGee said.

The theater has workshops to help kids learn how to perform and improve on their skills for auditioning.

The theater attracts kids from West Jordan, South Jordan, Herriman, Lehi, Draper, Murray and Taylorsville to audition and perform in the Youth Theatre.

“We are a program that attracts a lot of people, not just from West Jordan,” McGee said.

For more information about the West

Youth Theater and auditions go to wjarts.org/youth-theater l

Jordan

Since 2006 the youth productions have been performing two shows a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. (Photo courtesy Melissa Wamsley)

‘Inclusivity is important at any age,’ unified

basketball now for middle schoolers

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Wearing No. 22 for Mountain Creek Middle, ninth-grader Benjamin Lund was automatic just inside the free throw line.

Time and time again up the court, he would pick up his dribble and sink the shot, scoring points into the double digits and sending his team into overtime against their opponent.

His dad, Philip, took a few photos, but he wasn’t one of those boasting parents bragging about his son’s achievements.

“He told me that unified sports is awesome,” Philip Lund said. “It makes me happy to see him have an opportunity to play and I love seeing him smile. His teacher and coach is Karlee English and she’s an amazing person who advocates for students to have these opportunities.”

English said Lund and other ninth-graders have improved their skills from last year, their first year, to this year.

“It has been really fun to watch to see their improvement,” she said.

Benjamin Lund and other Mountain Creek players were competing in a tournament that featured 16 different schools. While most were from Jordan School District, there also were several from the central part of the state at the Utah Valley University tournament.

In unified co-ed basketball, there are five players on the court, typically three athletes and two partners, and teams play against other squads of similar ability, said Boston Iacobazzi, Unified Champion School’s college-growth coordinator.

“It’s exciting we’re starting to see the younger age get involved in unified sports and Special Olympics,” he said. “We have students at 80 high schools doing it and now, we have two tournaments with 24 middle schools and several schools brought more than one team.”

Many of the students learned and practiced skills in the eight weeks leading up to the tournament. At the tournament, players were awarded ribbons and Utah Valley provided championship T-shirts.

Iacobazzi said through unified sports, students are learning teamwork and sportsmanship, and it helps promote friendship within the schools.

“They’re learning that inclusivity is important at any age; everyone needs a friend and wants to be included,” he said.

English said she had so many peer tutors who wanted to play as partners to the athletes that they had to only select those who have been peer tutors for four school quarters.

“Our peer tutors are the heart and soul of making it inclusive. The peer tutors hang out with my kids before school, after school, during lunch, all through the day. They’re great,” she said.

School speech language pathologist Wendy Berrett agrees: “They sit with them on the bus, keep them entertained the whole bus ride. Our kids get excited because this is their chance to shine and have fun.”

English told her team to play with integrity and character.

“This is the one big moment of the year because they get to be a star,” she said.

In their first year in unified basketball, Elk Ridge Middle brought two teams to the tournament coached by special education teacher Amanda Mair, along with PE teacher Steve Pollock.

“The thing that’s been exciting is that all of my kids have gotten into it,” she said. “When we first started, I was asking for volunteers to play, and three kids are really going to want to do it. Then we started practicing, and now everybody likes it. At the end of the school day, we say our positives for the day, and every day after we practice, we always have someone say their positive is basketball.”

Mair was able to get 14 partners for her 11 athletes mostly by talking to seventh-grade classes and telling them about unified sports.

“After listening to my spiel, they all wanted to sign up to play. So, we’re working on building relationships and team bonding as we go,” she said.

Spencer Darrington is a seventh-grade student-athlete at Elk Ridge.

“I like shooting,” he said. “I make sure to get it in using two hands. I like getting help from my friends on the team. They get me the ball after someone misses so I can shoot and then we try to block the other team from making shots.”

Two of the peer tutors on the team are ninth-graders Haloti Ngata and Isaac Jacobsen.

“It’s fun playing with them,” Ngata said. “I’m a peer tutor and so I know them and I’m able to help them learn how to shoot and dribble. Those are what we mostly work on. I’m happy to help and like seeing how happy they are when they accomplish their goals.”

Jacobsen said as a peer tutor, he helps them in class as well.

“I see them in the hallway, and we say hi,” he said. “Then, when I’m in first period with them, I help. Right now, we’re doing science and we’re learning about photosynthesis, so I help them spell it and help them with some experiments. Being on the basketball court is different; we’re playing together.”

Jordan School District special education teacher specialist Becca Belliston helped coach West Jordan Middle last year.

“They became much more confident and outgoing; in the weeks after the tournament last year, they held their heads high,” she said. “This is great that they have the chance to have a competitive athletic experience; it’s fun for these

guys. They’re learning teamwork, social skills, healthy lifestyles and participating in an activity that fosters inclusivity in the schools.”

In fact, she said most schools held inclusion week the week of the tournament.

“They’ve had assemblies and lunchtime activities to foster the idea of inclusion in all of our schools,” she said.

There was a spontaneous clap out for the unified team at South Jordan Middle by Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, Jordan Education Foundation members and others who were gathered in the school foyer as the players left for the tournament.

Having inclusivity in schools is important, said first lady Abby Cox, who cheered on teams at the tournament.

“I’m proud of the work that Special Olympics Utah has been doing,” she said. “I’m proud of the work of Show Up Utah and the partnerships that we have. I am proud of the school districts and the education foundations supporting this idea of full inclusion and knowing how powerful it is for all of us. This is just a huge unifier for kids and when you think about middle school, how hard it is to find your identity and your place, these kids are making it happen and they’re accepting and welcoming everyone. It’s powerful and we need this from the elementary schools all the way up to adulthood because every person deserves this kind of dignity.” l

Joel P. Jensen Middle brings up the ball in the regional unified co-ed middle school basketball tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Elk Ridge Middle shoots the ball against South Jordan Middle in the regional unified co-ed middle school basketball tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Four tips to making tough decisions

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

There are endless decisions we have to make in life—perhaps you are dealing with some right now: decisions about relationships, moving out of state and relocating, parenting, changing jobs, or even tough financial decisions. Many high school and college graduates can relate right now as to the decision of “what’s next?” It’s not just in our personal life either, but also in our working life we deal with tough calls every day—budgets, changing procedures, customer service decisions, promotions, development, and overall needs of a business.

President Theodore Roosevelt said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

So, what are some things we can consider when having to make tough decisions:

1. Take your time. Many decisions come with a deadline, but not every decision has to be immediate or a knee-jerk response. Sometimes there is growth to be had within the decision making itself—patience, grit, perseverance or even adaptability. Time may be your friend. Caution: don’t mistake procrastination for taking your time.

2. Make sure the wise person shows up not the foolish. We’ve all heard the phrase “do what makes you happy.” Well, sometimes the choice of what we want is not what we need. It’s the head choice over the heart choice perspective. Be cautious of in the moment emotional decisions. In fact, never text, post on social media or even reply to an email when you are tired, emotional or hangry. You could make matters worse, not realize the unintended consequences, or simply regret it. When we are dealing with tough weighty decisions impulsiveness is not the key, it’s being calm, cool and collected so that the wise person can show up.

3. Seek wise counsel. One of the wisest things we can do is to surround ourselves with others who provide strength where we are weak. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we can tap into learning from them in their area of expertise. We can prosper from their wise counsel. Look around you. Who has their life together in the area you want to improve? Who has proven themselves to be raw and real while level headed? Who has had to deal with a situation you are dealing with right now? As leader Ziad Abdelnour said, “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” Seeking help and advice is not a sign of weakness or inability—it’s a sign of strength and determination to do well. It’s often a side of having a growth mindset and caring about the decision that is yours to begin with.

4. Sleep on it. Growing up my mom used to always tell me that if I had a hard decision to make, once I was leaning one way or another— sleep on it. If I woke up full of regret and panic I probably ought to rethink that decision. But if

I woke up with a peace (not to say nerves won’t still be there sometimes), then I’m probably on the right track. So, before you make your next big decision in life sleep on it.

Now with decision making may often come added stress. Whether feeling anxious at the decision to be had, overwhelmed by the process of the decision itself, decision fatigue from having to make too many decisions, or even confusion as to what decision to even make, remember to take care of you in the process. Remove yourself from a situation, take a walk to get fresh air or simply catch your breath, exercise or plan a get together with friends to unwind. Whatever it is don’t let the stress of making tough decisions get the best of you.

If you’re finding decision making nearly impossible to do and it’s effecting your everyday this could be a good indicator to seek professional counseling or a medical adviser. It might even reveal the opportunity to work with a leadership or life coach so you can develop problem solving skills, figure out good coping skills for you, and improve self-awareness.

Whatever decision you are needing to make in life or leadership, may you be reminded to take the time you need in making it, ensure that the wise person shows up and not the foolish, seek wise counsel, and give it a night to sleep on it.

For more in-depth discussion on this topic or for related episodes, check out Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 4 Episode 8 available wherever you listen to podcasts such as Spotify,

Pandora, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, as well as on www.hollycurby.com. l

Buying a car could be a tough life decision. (Photo courtesy Jillian Meyer)

Free recreation pass for youth in Salt Lake County

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Parents in Salt Lake County can register their kids for the My County Rec Pass, allowing them to visit any SLCo recreation center for free. The pilot program was created with support from Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, the Salt Lake County Council and the Tourism, Recreation, Culture, and Convention Program.

“We are thrilled to share this opportunity with the youth of Salt Lake County,” Wilson said. “By offering this program to youth, we are expanding access and fostering a sense of belonging and connection within our community. Together, we can empower our youth to lead healthy, active lives and cultivate lifelong passions.”

Any school-aged youth (ages 5-18) living in Salt Lake County is eligible to enroll in the program, granting them access to open plunge at county swimming pools, public skating at ice sheets, gyms, weight rooms and climbing walls (some age restrictions apply). The pass goes into effect Saturday, June 1.

To enroll, parents or guardians can register their children at any Salt Lake County-operated recreation center with proof of county residency. For those who are 18, an adult does not need to be present for registration but they still need proof of residen-

cy.

Salt Lake County Recreation centers in the City Journals readership area are:

Copperview Recreation Center (8446 S. Harrison Street) in Midvale

Dimple Dell Recreation Center (10670 S. 1000 East) in Sandy

Draper Recreation Center (657 E. Vestry Road)

Gene Fuller Recreation Center (8015 S. 2200 West) in West Jordan

Holladay Lions Recreation Center (1661 E. Murray-Holladay Road)

JL Sorenson Recreation Center (5350 W. Herriman Main St.) in Herriman

Millcreek Recreation Center (2266 E. Evergreen Ave.)

Redwood Recreation Center (3060 S. Lester St.) in West Valley

South Jordan Recreation Center (10866 S. Redwood Road)

Taylorsville Recreation Center (4948 S. 2700 West)

Additional recreation centers are in Salt Lake City and Magna. Visit slco.org/ parks-recreation for a complete list of participating facilities.

“This program underscores our commitment to providing accessible, inclusive and engaging recreational opportunities

for youth across the county,” said Doranne Pittz, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation associate director. “We aim to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that every young person has the chance to experience the benefits of recreation and community involvement.”

While visiting the recreation centers, children 9 years old and younger must be accompanied by someone 14 years of age or older at all times. The pass is good through May 31, 2025.

“Providing children with opportunities

to engage in county recreation activities through the My County Rec Pass is opening a door to a world of discovery, growth and happiness,” said Taylor Abegglen, outreach program manager at Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. “It’s an investment in their well-being and development. It’s not just a pass, but it’s a path to a brighter, healthier future for our children.”

For more information about programs and facilities, visit slco.to/my-county-recpass. l

‘Startup capital of the world’ initiative launched to help support small businesses

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

Utah is home to 324,821 small businesses that collectively employ around 625,571 people.

That means about 45.5% of Utah employees are employed by a small business.

And in a bid to provide further support to startups and small businesses, Gov. Spencer Cox and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity have launched the Startup State Initiative. The initiative includes an all-in-one website to help guide startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs through every step of the business journey.

“Utah has created the perfect ecosystem for startups to thrive,” said Cox in a statement. “The Startup State Initiative highlights what already exists in Utah and elevates it to new heights. It isn’t just about Utah, it’s about setting a new global standard for innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The website holds resources like stepby-step business journey guides, a resource fitter and a business plan generator to connect entrepreneurs with the information necessary to start their business.

Brad Bonham, Utah’s first entrepreneur-in-residence, announced the launch of the website at the One Utah Summit in April.

“Startup.utah.gov and the Startup State Initiative celebrate, inspire and empower

Utah entrepreneurs and those who support them,” said Bonham in a statement. “We want to continue encouraging innovators to start their businesses in Utah and let them know that this resource can assist them while navigating entrepreneurial challenges.”

During Cox’s speech at the One Utah Summit, he declared Utah as the “startup capital of the world,” and his latest move seems to be pushing to solidify that title.

Utah’s low corporate tax rate and high government support for small businesses make Utah a prime startup environment. These have led to Utah being recognized as the No. 1 best state to start a business, the nation's best economy, and the No. 1 best economic outlook for the 17th consecutive year.

In a statement, Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity said: “We are proud to support Gov. Cox in this initiative and are excited to continue championing Utah’s small business community. An entrepreneur’s journey can often be daunting. Whether someone is at the early stages of an idea, needs help creating a business plan, or is considering how to grow or sell a business, startup.utah. gov is a one-stop-shop that truly highlights Utah as the Startup Capital of the World.” l In January, Wallethub

Salt Lake County youth from ages 5-18 can get a free year-long pass to any county recreation center through the My County Rec Pass program. (Stock photo)

named Utah as the best state to start a business and a U.S. News & World Report crowned Utah as home to the nation’s best economy. (Photo from Startup State Initiative)

Sun safety tips for Skin Cancer Awareness Month

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and Utah has one of the highest rates of melanoma, about twice the national average.

It’s estimated that one in five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Due to an outdoor lifestyle and elevation, Utahns are at increased risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Douglas Grossman, a professor at the University of Utah and investigator for the Huntsman Cancer Center, said Utah’s fair-skinned population is at higher risk because of the higher UV rays at Utah’s altitude.

According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, “Melanoma incidence and mortality in Utah is the highest in [the] USA. Melanoma incidence in Utah is 80% higher than the national average and mortality is 31% higher.”

So what can you do? Dr. Grossman said to avoid being outside during peak sun hours. The sun is typically strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If you are going to be outside, wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.

Seeing a dermatologist at least once

a year can help, as well as performing self-exams. Doctors recommend using the acronym “ABCDE” to check for melanoma.

• Asymmetric: Look for asymmetric or unequally sized moles.

• Border: Look for spots with jagged borders.

• Color: Look for spots with varying colors.

• Diameter: Look for large spots. Any moles bigger than the eraser of a pencil should be checked out.

• Evolving: Look for any developing or changing moles.

• Grossman said people should give themselves a self-exam every one or two months and seek attention for new, changing and suspicious lesions.

• Grossman said if you have a strong family or personal history of skin cancer, or have large, irregular moles, it’s best to see a dermatologist at least once a year.

While skin cancer is dangerous, it is also preventable, so instilling good safety habits in the sun can help you in the long run.

Doctors say artificial UV light sources, like tanning beds, can also cause skin damage. l

Medallus Medical Membership is a simple membership program to all of our 8 clinics. Members can receive discounted medical services at $10/visit at fee in exchange for a monthly membership fee:

• $50 / month (1 member)

• $75 / month (party of 2)

• $100 / month (family of 3)

• $120 / month (family of 4 to 6)

*$25 additional per person (family of 7 to 12)

$20 registration fee – 12-month contract

Huntsman Cancer Institute with the University of Utah. (Bailey Chism/City Journals)

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for men beating each other with sticks but the ice-palooza circus we’ve experienced as the National Hockey League moved a team to Utah has been a bit much.

My sports-crazed husband is in hockey high-heaven, and he’s not alone. The former Arizona Coyotes (but currently unnamed Utah team) was welcomed by a multitude of rabid hockey fans as the team arrived in Salt Lake. The Utah Snow Angels (?) will now undergo a terrifying assimilation into the state’s culture.

Ryan Smith, new owner of the Utah Iceholes (?), spent $1.2 billion to bring the NHL team here and he has Big Plans! Plans that include restructuring a mall to create a hockey training center, reconfiguring the Delta Center so fans can see all the bloody hockey fights and gaining extreme control over three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake, although he promised not to blast the beloved Abravanel Hall to rubble. Yet.

In the ultimate power play, Smith asked lawmakers to contribute another $1 billion to the project, which includes a sales tax increase, so everyone can help finance the Utah Snowplows’ (?) salvation of the state’s pro sports scene.

(Sidenote: Sales tax? Really? Have our lawmakers seen the lines outside of

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Utah’s Miracle on Ice

food banks? People can’t afford Cheerios, let alone tickets to a hockey game.)

But it’s not just hockey. Government and business groups are willing to toss billions (BILLIONS) of dollars around to fund baseball stadiums in Daybreak and, potentially, Salt Lake’s west side.

This is a slap-shot to the face for women’s sports in Utah. If we’re going to invest billions, can legislators squeak the wallet open a bit more to give a portion to female teams? A survey showed overwhelming support for a redesign of the current Salt Lake Bees stadium to become a female-focused sports center. Where are the billions of dollars for that project?

Did you know our state has a championship female/non-binary Pro Ultimate Frisbee team, the Utah Wild? We also host the Utah Falconz, part of the Women’s National Football Conference. Where do they

play? On high school football fields. The only reason the Utah Royal’s soccer team has a beautiful venue is because it was built for Real, a men’s team.

Don’t whine and say, “But nobody cares about women’s sports.” For its opening game this year, the Royals set a record for the highest-attended women’s sporting event in Utah history.

Millions of fans watched the women’s college final as Caitlin Clark played her last game before being drafted into the WNBA with a four-year, $338,000 contract. I’m sure she was offered the same amount as her male counterpart, the first overall draft pick in last year’s NBA.

Record scratch! Hold up! Last year, top draft pick Victor Wembanyama signed a four-year contract with the Spurs worth $55.2 million. Sigh.

Acquiring the Utah Frostbite (?) was a great accomplishment, but the state has a chance to pull off a phenomenal hat trick: develop a hockey fan base, build a baseball utopia and create a haven for women’s sports.

How cool would it be, for a state that ranks last in women’s pay equality, to invest in women’s athletics? What message would that send to our daughters and granddaughters?

Agree or Disagree: Take our Poll and we want to hear from you. Follow this QR Code and share your beliefs, opinions or facts. We look forward to hearing from you.

I don’t know much about hockey but its success shouldn’t come with a sales tax increase, carte blanche control over a key center of downtown or at the expense of women’s sports.

With its shiny new logo and sparkly Zambonis, the Utah Windchill (?) could have a great first season as fans get behind them. But don’t be fooled. Hockey isn’t the only game in town.

and