West Valley Journal - August 2017

August 2017 | Vol. 3 Iss. 08

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HUNDREDS ATTEND FUNDRAISER for sergeant’s family

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

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Police Chief Lee Russo falls into the dunk tank during a fundraiser for Sergeant Todd Gray and his family. People could pay to try and dunk the chief. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

With the help of sponsors—such as Franklin Covey donating their cafeteria and kitchen and Big Johnson’s BBQ lending an industrial-sized smoker—McCarthy said they were able to keep costs down.

“Because of those partnerships we can give 100 percent of everything to Todd,” McCarthy said.

Sponsors also helped them collect the raffle and auction items that included a custom Rock River Arms AR-15, a smoker from Traeger Grills, an Invicta watch, USANA concert tickets and Utah Grizzly tickets.

McCarthy said that’s the purpose behind the FOP, to take care of each other, which in this case were mounting medical bills.

“I hope (this) shows people that we’re just here to help. We would do this for a firefighter, we’d do this for a family if they asked us,” he said. “That’s the whole premise behind the FOP organization is just to help those within the city, agency and the community.”

Todd’s daughter, Madison, said the event

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left her speechless.

“I’m just surprised that all the officers are here…that the FOP gathered together and made this fundraiser for our family so I’m really grateful,” she said.

Some people came who Todd hadn’t seen for several years. With the reputation Todd has developed during his career, it may came as no surprise.

Known for his Rolodex-like mind and youthful energy, Todd has worked with various agencies over the years, whether in the gang unit or tracking down fugitives.

His passion for law enforcement started at a young age when he would listen to a police scanner and get to the scene before the police.

Wally said Todd has “a talent” where he remembers everything from plate numbers and stolen vehicles to the addresses of known criminals and their associates.

“It’s just a gift he’s got…It’s really paid off for him, he’s very successful at his job,” he said.

One Unified Police Chief described Todd’s

INSIDE

or over 25 years, Sergeant Todd Gray has been involved with law enforcement, using his remarkable memory to connect clues to catch criminals. He helps solve cases providing intelligence not only to his agency, West Valley City Police, but to others around the valley.

But on Saturday, July 8, those agencies returned the favor.

Organized by the West Valley City Fraternal Order of Police, a fundraiser was held for Todd and his family with 100 percent of proceeds going to the family. Todd’s wife has battled severe medical issues for the last year and a half.

“I never imagined anything like this, I am just overwhelmed,” Todd said of the event. “I don’t even know what to say, I’ll be forever grateful.”

Hundreds showed up to a fundraiser that included a barbecue, bounce house, a raffle, silent auction and a dunk tank where senior WVCPD staff, including Chief Lee Russo, were dropped into the water.

“Who doesn’t want dunk their boss at some point?” Russo laughed before later adding, “We want to show our troops that we do care about them as individuals and any little thing we can do to support that, we’ll do.”

Law enforcement, firefighters, city councilmembers and community members came to support Todd and his family. And they weren’t only from West Valley City. Unified Police from Taylorsville and Midvale were on hand along with retirees and officers from various agencies.

“This is a family we care about and when one of us is in trouble we do what we can to support one another,” Russo said.

Todd’s father, Wally Gray—a retired lieutenant from the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s office and UPD—said he was proud to see how well respected his son is across the valley.

“The show of support has just been fantastic.

I thought there might be a bit of a crowd but this is huge,” Wally said.

About two months ago, an officer who works for Todd approached the WVC FOP about putting a fundraiser together. Sean McCarthy, a sergeant with WVCPD and president of the WVC FOP lodge, said it was a no-brainer.

“We just decided absolutely, we can do this,” he said.

mind as an “encyclopedia” and that Todd was one of maybe five or six officers he knows with that kind of ability. The chief added if “you’re a fugitive and you have Todd tracking you, you better already be out of the country because he’ll catch you.”

With Todd’s enthusiasm for the job, Russo said it’s a difficult situation for Todd when something like this is slowing him down.

“It’s a great reminder for everybody what really is important,” he said.

Jim Crowley, Utah National trustee for the FOP, said everyone is hoping for the best. “We want him to know that we love him and support him.”

Todd said he was grateful to all.

“I am so humbled, I’m just speechless. I never dreamed driving here that this would be like this at all, and I just don’t know what to say,” he said. “I’ve helped some other officers and their families over the years, it’s difficult to be on the other end and I’ve never seen it to this degree.

I cannot believe this.” l

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Lowering risk: WVCPD emphasizes safety with new rescue vehicle

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

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he West Valley City Council unanimously approved a resolution for the police department to purchase a fortified rescue vehicle to use when dealing with high-liability encounters such as active shooter situations and high-risk search warrants.

Police Chief Lee Russo, in his presentation to the city council, said there’s been a shift in tactics towards police both locally and nationally that makes officers active targets.

“To have this kind of rescue equipment to support operations, to facilitate rescues, we think will remove human assets and protect lives,” he said.

The vehicle approved for purchase, a BATT X armored rescue vehicle, will be operated from the inside with the outside armor capable of withstanding a .50 caliber round. It has wider door frames to allow quick entry and exit by the officers. It could also be used in natural disasters.

Currently, officers engage in what Russo described as a dynamic approach into houses or buildings where they enter clearing the place room by room. The department’s SWAT team parks its van a few houses away and then approaches on foot.

With this vehicle, Russo said they’ll engage in a “surround and call out” tactic. The National Tactical Officers Association has advocated for this approach the last 10 years.

“This allows us to not put [an officer] in a high-risk situation and initiate from a protective position,” Russo said.

A multi-angle hydraulic ram, the largest selling point for Russo, is attached to the front of the vehicle and operated from within. This is meant to allow for engagement on higher level buildings whether with radio or video contact or if an explosive charge is needed.

“So we don’t have to place an officer inside, we don’t have to throw a phone inside and we can stay within the safety of the vehicle,” Russo said.

Russo said it could be ordered with a water gun, or fire hose, on the front to have alternate strategies of disarming suspects. Russo gave one example of the fire hose pushing people out from

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WVCPD was authorized by a unanimous vote from the city council to purchase an armored rescue vehicle for its SWAT unit. The vehicle is designed to keep officers in safe positions while engaging in high-risk situations.

(Courtesy of WVCPD)

under porch decks.

The concern was raised from councilmembers about this vehicle edging them towards militarization of the police department, that a vehicle like this could invite a war zone.

But Russo emphasized the vehicle’s use as a de-escalation tactic and that it is modified for police use in a civilian marketplace.

“It’s not going to look like the Batmobile,” Russo explained. The arm, in particular, he said, minimizes risk and is less militaristic.

In November 2016, the police department lost its first ever police officer in the line of duty, Cody Brotherson. Councilman Steve Buhler said prior to passing the resolution, that though this

vehicle would not have saved Brotherson’s life, it can help officers in the future.

“Given the current climate, I think we need to take whatever action is recommended and encouraged by those on the front lines,” Buhler said.

Russo said the county and the state both have a vehicle, though it would probably take a few hours to reach a situation in West Valley City.

He also estimated the $240,000 vehicle— money coming from the police department’s budget—will be used around two dozen times a year.

“If it saves one life, this will certainly pay for itself,” Russo said. l

August 2017 | Page 3

M yWestV alley Journal.Com

WV kindergartners recite Gettysburg Address to city council audience

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By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

braham Lincoln just perked up in his grave. when she challenged a few students to study the meaning behind the and takes them until around March to fully memorize it.

Around 20 kindergartners from the American Preparatory words. They shared what they learned at a performance using “100 Pratt said they work on a sentence or a few words at a time with Academy’s West Valley 1 Campus recited the Gettysburg Address percent their words.” an emphasis on pronunciation to better speak the trickier words like during a West Valley City Council meeting in June.

“It was really inspirational,” Pratt said. “proposition” or “consecrate.”

“I really like to show them off and give them that What nails down the group’s ability to recite the 271opportunity to show themselves off and be proud of word address, Pratt said, are the actions they do along with themselves,” said Ayla Pratt, an APA kindergarten teacher. it.

The students performed the famous presidential poem “With actions you build muscle memory, it’s kind of about the civil war battle during the school’s Memorial like playing the piano or an instrument. You are able to learn Day assembly in May. Then School Director Laura Leavitt it much easier if you put actions to something,” she said. arranged for the city council performance.

As West Valley City Photographer Kevin Conde Part of the school curriculum at APA, the Gettysburg organized the kids for a photo after their performance, Address is taught a few lines at a time each year as the he told them they did an amazing job. To which the kids students go more in depth each year. Fifth grade is typically responded with a coordinated repetition of the word, when they learn it in its entirety. “amazing.”

But Pratt said three years ago they challenged their Pratt said they conduct their classes to be responsive. kindergartners to learn the complete address and they’ve When students are told they’ve done a good job, they done each year since. respond accordingly.

“By the time they get into fifth grade, they’ll already “We have a bunch of fun cheers like that to encourage have four repetitions…and they will be able to more easily American Preparatory Academy kindergartners pose for a photo with the West Valley City Council their positive reinforcement,” Pratt said. identify with the Gettysburg Address and what it truly after reciting its memorized performance of the Gettysburg Address. (Kevin Conde/West Valley City) As their teacher, Pratt said it’s a rewarding experience means,” Pratt said. helping the students wade into the shallow end of the While some may wonder why such a speech is shared with She said though the students may not understand their American history pool. children who may not comprehend what it means, Pratt said it all achievement right now, they do recognize the sense of amazement “To know that they are learning a major part of their history at depends on its explanation. in a person’s face when they see the kindergartners’ performance. such a young age is really great to me,” she said.

“If you put it into their own level of language and relate it to “They don’t quite know what’s so awesome about it yet, but She later added, “I know that looking back on it when [the something that they could know, then they do understand a little they can see that people around them are amazed by what they can students are] older, they will be able to see better of how much more about it and as they build upon each year, it gets easier and do,” Pratt said, “and at 5-years-old, that’s what you’re looking for is they’ve achieved and what an awesome achievement it is to be able easier for them to know,” she said. everyone else’s approval of you.” to memorize that.” l Pratt gave the example in her first year memorizing the address, Students begin learning the address right after Christmas break

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WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

History repeats itself: nine students make Washington, D.C. competition

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

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love our country.” year ago, Kennedy Jr. High One highlight was the group qualified three students for the seeing a plaque during their tour of National History Day Competition in the Capitol in honor of the people on Washington, D.C. This year, they triUnited flight 93, exactly who they did pled that number. their project on.

Nine students (three groups of “That was really cool,” said three) finished in the top two places of Krystalina Myler, Azlynne’s mother. their category at the Utah History Day “We got to take a picture of the three Competition qualifying them for the girls with a mural of the project that trip to the District of Columbia. they did, which was really awesome.”

“I was really excited to see all of As for the competition, though that hard work paid off for them,” said the girls didn’t qualify for the second Stasha Wheeler, social studies teacher round, Stevens got to see one of the at Kennedy Jr. High. website presentations and said it was a Two of the groups created webvery positive experience. sites while the third wrote their own “They were extremely well spoplay. ken, extremely professional. They Alai Finau, Charity Ralphs and were enthusiastic about their subject, I Lema Save took first in the group was really impressed with their whole website category on Odette Sansom, a presentation,” Stevens said. spy who was caught during World War But simply getting everyone to II passing information on the Nazi reWashington, D.C. for the competition gime to the British government. was another matter.

Tessa Condie, Abigayle GoodLast year, USANA paid for the fellow and Azlynne Myler finished girls to attend the competition. This second in the group website categoyear they donated almost $6,000, the ry (meaning both qualifying spots same amount as last year, but it only for this category went to Kennedy Jr. covered half. Wheeler approached High) for their project on United flight Stevens to see if there was anything 93 and the people who kept the plane the school could do. from crashing into the Pentagon on Kennedy Jr. High had nine students finish first or second at the What did Stevens say when she 9/11.

“It’s pretty incredible that we Utah History Day Competition that qualified them for nationals learned what needed to be done? in Washington, D.C. (Mary Anne Stevens/Kennedy Jr. High) “I will do whatever I can to try placed both first and second at state to get them to have that opportunity,” and sent both of our websites to nationals when there were lots of other schools that were competing Stevens said of her thoughts at the time. “They worked hard on their projects, their projects were exceptional.” in that same category,” Wheeler said.

The school was able to provide the necessary funds, gained Jayna Grossaint, Kaitlyn Shamo and Rachel Shamo took second in the group performance category for their 10-minute play on from other school fundraisers, for the girls to head east.

“It was a huge relief to these families that both USANA and “The White Rose” about a group of college students who wrote leaflets protesting the Nazi regime. Students wrote the script, built the school were able to step forward and make it happen,” Wheeler their own set and the Taylorsville High drama teacher let them use said.

With the number of girls qualifying for nationals tripling from pieces for their costumes.

Students present their projects at the competitions and answer year one to year two, the burgeoning program might need to find even more funds for next year. But educators said it’s completely questions from two or three judges who interview them.

“It’s a huge accomplishment to get to nationals,” said Wheeler, dependent on the students.

“I had an incredible group of students this year. Don’t know if who introduces the project at the beginning of the year and advises them throughout. “Because out of the thousands and thousands of I’ll have 15 go next year, it’s really up to the individual student and students who begin the project all over the country, when you make how passionate they are and how willing they are to put in the hard it to nationals you’re in the top one percent of everybody who start- work to do it,” Wheeler said.

There were several students from Kennedy who placed at the ed the project.”

Principal Mary Anne Stevens and some parents accompanied state competition, just not high enough to qualify for nationals. Stethe girls to Washington, D.C. where they visited such iconic lo- vens said she expects the project to continue regardless, they just cations as the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, United might need to create a fundraiser for it going forward.

“I don’t see it going away. I think Stasha (Wheeler) does an States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Lincoln Memorial.

They also saw important documents like the Declaration of Inde- amazing job supporting them through all of their efforts,” Stevens said. “I think as long as we have kids who want to participate and pendence and the Constitution as well as touring the Capitol.

Azlynne said her group always thought it would be cool to see will work hard and take advantage of the support they have, I think the nation’s capital “because we all really like history and really we’ll continue to at least compete.” l

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Magical Harry Potter camp brings Hogwarts to life

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By Kelly Cannon | kelly@mycityjournals.com

or the week of July 10-15, the Viridian Events Center in West Jordan was transformed into the magical world of witches, wizards and all things Harry Potter. Called OWL Camp, the five day summer camp combined kids’ love of the Harry Potter books/ movies with science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) based learning.

Each day of the camp was based off a book in the Harry Potter series with the first day being “The Sorcerer’s Stone” and the second day being “Chamber of Secrets.” The final day was a combination of both “Order of the Phoenix” and “Half-Blood Prince.” The camp did not include “Deathly Hallows” because of the serious and tragic subject matter in the book. The campers attended classes throughout the day that corresponded to the book of the day.

“So this is second year, which is based off of ‘Chamber of Secrets.’ We have a potions class today where they’re learning how to make slime,” said Nyssa Fleig, the library program manager for the Salt Lake County Library Services. “We also have a defense against the dark arts class where they are learning self-defense moves. We have herbology where they are learning how to make mandrakes.”

Various classes were taught by volunteers in the community.

These included Utah State University Extension 4-H teaching herbology, Hogle Zoo teaching care of magical creatures, University of Utah graduate poetry students teaching charms and Family Tae Kwon Do teaching defense against the dark arts.

“There are two components to OWL Camp. One is the STEAM classes that goes from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. They have four classes each day,” Fleig said. “The other part is the immersive experience.

We really want them to feel like they are going to Hogwarts.”

In addition to the classes, the “Chamber of Secrets” day also included a guest appearance by Gilderoy Lockhart and a basilisk on display. Kids could also download an interactive version of the Marauder’s Map. At the end of each day, family and friends of the campers could come and take a trip to Hogsmeade where local businesses set up shops full of fun treats and trinkets.

The idea for OWL Camp stemmed from other successful Harry Potter programs put on by the library services.

“We’ve done movie release launches and book release launches and midnight parties. We’ve done an annual Yule Ball for the past five years. It happens in January and it’s just for the teens,” Fleig said. “We’ve always had a lot of success with Harry Potter themed programs. It’s a great combination of literacy and fandom and we get to add a little STEAM education so it was a great fit. We wanted to build on the success of the programs.”

Fleig said the library services wanted to try their hand at summer camp, explaining there are a lot of kids in the community who can’t attend traditional summer camp for a number of reasons.

“We wanted to meet that need in an environment that is free and accepting, that is flexible so they can feel welcome and they already have a connection with the fandom,” Fleig said.

Leading up to the camp, several library locations held special Diagon Alley shops where anyone, not just campers, could come in and make Harry Potter themed crafts. These included Pottage’s Cauldron Shop in Herriman, Magical Menagerie at Bingham Creek, Ollivander’s Wand Making in Holladay, Weasly’s Wizard Wheezes in Hunter, Jokes and Pranks in Sandy, Sock Puppet Pets in Tyler and U-No-Poo Craft and Scramble in West Jordan.

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Gilderoy Lockhart entertains campers during OWL Camp, presented by Salt Lake County Library Services. (Kelly Cannon/City Journals)

Fleig hoped the campers built confidence and learned a new skill they didn’t have before attending the camp. She also hoped it made an impact on the summer slide.

“We already known that when they get out in the spring and when they go back in the fall, a lot of kids end up behind,” Fleig said.

“We’re hoping this is just one more opportunity where they can learn and keep those skills strong.” l

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WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Local students win entrepreneur awards at state contest

By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com

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n a competition that attracted nearly 150 student business idea submissions from high school students throughout the state, Kearns High School student Emily Guertler came out on top.

The high school sophomore won the $5,000 grand prize at the 2017 Utah High School Entrepreneur Challenge in midApril for her project, “StraightShot,” a line of adaptive apparel to provide ease in accessing areas to administer medications by injection, port or feeding tubes.

“I was really surprised that my idea was selected as there were so many technical ideas,” Emily said. “I plan to put the money to use to get more supplies for my business.”

Emily said she’s been working on her business after first getting it off the ground with Sandy Area Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy.

“I got my idea when my family was out shopping at the mall right before Christmas. It was crowded, but my brother has diabetes and we had to wait to use the bathroom to give him his shot in his leg.

I got to thinking, why not add a zipper or Velcro or something to his pants to have a spot to give him his injection?” she said.

So, using her sewing skills she learned from her grandmother, Emily went to work and created a pair of pants for her brother.

“The nurse at school and the diabetes team at the hospital thought it was a great idea,” she said.

Knowing her grandmother and uncle also have diabetes, she realized this idea could become a line of apparel that is much needed for those who need medical assistance during the day.

After placing third at Young Entrepreneurs Academy’s national competition, she turned her attention to the Utah challenge. After learning she was one of 24 finalists, she made more clothing items to present to judges at the April 15 contest.

Then, Emily and others got the chance to pitch their ideas to judges, made up of many influential community leaders.

Teams’ ideas and business presentations ranged from a portable solar panel to air scare devices to frighten birds from nesting close to airports.

“I’ve grown to be more social and be able to improve my public speaking.

Kearns High School sophomore Emily Guertler won the $5,000 grand prize at the 2017 Utah High School Entrepreneur Challenge in mid-April for her project, “StraightShot.” (Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute)

My first public speaking presentation I was shaking so bad. I dropped all my note cards on the floor. Now, I’m able to memorize what I need to say and am organized with my financial presentation,” she said.

The goal of the Utah High School Entrepreneur Challenge is to help high school students explore innovation and early stage business.

“It was an incredible experience to see up-and-coming entrepreneurs showcase their hard work and pitch their idea to the judges,” said Stephanie Gladwin, a University of Utah senior and chair of the High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge.

In nearby West Jordan, Copper Hills’ Andrew Rich was a $1,000 Lassonde Studio Scholarship winner for his project, The Curb Climber. The project is a base that will be built into the bottom of motorized chairs that will use motors and wheels to lift the chair over the curb and onto the sidewalk.

The scholarship is earmarked for the recipient to live in the University of Utah’s Lassonde accommodations if they chose

to attend the U after high school graduation. The Institute provides students an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation.

Another area winner, Herriman High’s Lauren Burlow, was a double winner, having received the Impact Hub In-Kind Award as well as the Lassonde Studio Scholarship. Her project, “My Lunch,” allows parents and students to pre-order lunches from the My Lunch application to select a nutritious meal with fruits and vegetables.

Finalists include a second Kearns High School team, “One Heart, One Home,” who presented to judges and was awarded a $100 finalist award. The project gives the homeless a place to call home, and a community to help maintain. The primary goal is to design and construct tiny homes for those who need housing.

Finalist Riverton High students created “GovGush,” which is a unified technology platform via mobile and web engagement application for the public, political representatives and governments. This team also received a $100 award. l

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New director puts energy, passion into WVC parks and recreation department

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

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or only the second time in the history of West Valley City there is a new parks and recreation director.

Nancy Day was sworn in as the city’s second parks and recreation director on June 27 taking over from the retiring Kevin Astill, who started the department 32 years ago.

“I kind of knew (I was the second director in the department’s history), but it didn’t really hit until they said that. I’m proud that the city has thought enough of me to give me this opportunity. It is crazy,” Day said.

Day, who was serving as the city’s assistant parks and recreation director and as facility director for the Family Fitness Center, has worked in the field for over 30 years.

“I was thrilled to be able to serve my community at even more capacity than what I was able to do as assistant director,” she said.

City Manager Wayne Pyle highlighted numerous reasons for appointing Day to the position having seen her work first hand over the past 18 years as facility director of the 100,000-square- foot Family Fitness Center. Day was named to that position six months before its construction was completed.

Pyle said it’s not an easy task running a municipal fitness center making sure they’re well attended while also sustaining maintenance standards.

“It’s a huge balancing act to make that happen such that you can keep the thing operating, keep it popular and keep it looking good to maintain its popularity, and Nancy has done a superb job at that,” he said.

Her balancing ability appealed to Pyle as he was naming a new leader of an entire department.

Pyle said she not only has a “great rapport and working relationship with her staff” but she also understands financial matters, budgets, staffing, operations and knowing how to begin chipping away at issues that need fixing without throwing off the budget’s equilibrium.

“She balances all those balls she’s juggling very well, superbly,” Pyle said.

Day was born in Burbank, California spending most of her childhood bouncing around the western United States due to her father’s work (he was a chief medical administrator for Veteran Affairs hospitals).

She arrived in Utah as a teenager and has lived in West Valley City for over 30 years having raised her five kids here with four of them attending Granger High.

“I love West Valley City as a community, it’s why I’ve stayed here. I think I’ve lived in four different homes in West Valley City,” Day said.

It’s another box that Day checked when being considered for the position.

“She has a real passion for the city,” Pyle said.

Well-known in the veteran community, Day organizes the annual Veterans Day event as well as orchestrating the Veterans Memorial Wall that came to the city in June 2016.

Day was named to the position shortly before WVC’s annual WestFest, its massive yearly celebration that takes place over four days at Centennial Park.

While it’s been busy, Day said she has a great staff that will help going forward. She’s met with them individually discussing needs, desires and the long-term goals for each division in the department.

“They’re very supportive,” she said. “They have ideas and they’re excited about things and

Nancy Day worked at the University of Utah, Cottonwood Heights and Salt Lake County prior to coming to West Valley City 18 years ago. Day was named the city’s second ever parks and recreation director. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

they’re passionate about what they do. To me that’s critical that it’s not just a job with a paycheck.

You’re doing it ‘cause you want to do it and make a difference.”

She continued, “When you have a group like that you’re working with, it makes it a lot of fun.”

The city has 27 parks, and in recent years, the city has started employing trail systems that run around a park or a neighborhood. Pyle said he’d like to see those trails start connecting to the park system and into the community.

“How do you integrate that into the infrastructure that we have, that’s a challenge for us that I think we can get better at and explore and Nancy’s kind of the perfect person for that ‘cause she’s got the passion. She greets new ideas with an examination,” he said.

For Pyle, parks and recreation is a vital city service. Maybe not as dramatic as police and fire, “but just as important for different reasons.”

“It’s one of the first most visible things that you think of when you think of what a city service is,” Pyle said. “And it certainly contributes, even if it’s indirectly to all those other factors—property values, safety of neighborhoods, quality of life, how I perceive my community—all those sorts of things. All of that makes it, in my mind, an essential service.”

Day expressed her excitement for the future of the department. She has been putting together an advisory board to analyze needs in various parts of the city.

“We’re such a large community, we have a lot of stuff going on by Centennial (Park) but that’s one small area in comparison so I’d like to reach out and see what the needs are in some of these other smaller neighborhoods around the city and see what we can do,” she said.

Communities across the country, Day said, have embraced farmers markets and community gardens. It’s something she’d like to see implemented here to build upon the enduring parks legacy left

by Astill.

“I really think there’s a lot we can do for the community. There’s a lot that has been done, but I think there’s even more that we can continue to progress and do, and I’m excited for that challenge.

I’m nervous too,” Day said.

Pyle said the department’s future is bright when asked what he hopes to see going forward.

“That’s another thing that I believe Nancy will be able to bring to us. She’s very high energy and she’s thought a lot about where do we go from here,” he said. l

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Page 8 | August 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Slowpitch softball helping people one Friday at a time

By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com

A member of the Unmanageables up to bat in a game this season. (Billy Swartzfager/City Journals)

F

or 18 years the Clean and Sober Softball Association of Utah has been putting together teams of coed softball players for friendly competition while the players find comradery, support and some fun. The league is one of the largest in the state with 67 teams and seven divisions. Four fields in Sandy are home to many of the divisions. Games are played every Friday night from late March all the way in to November some years.

The league is something powerful for many who are looking for a reason to stay

away from drugs and alcohol. There is a rule that in order to play, one has to have been sober for at least 14 days. That may not seem like much, but to someone going through the struggles of addiction, two weeks can seem like a very long amount of time. Some players even attribute the league to their long term sobriety.

According to Nick Daniels, league secretary and captain of the Unmanageables, he stayed sober in order to be on the diamond.

“For the first sixty days or so, I stayed sober just so I could play ball,” Daniels said.

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He’s come a long ways from there, and has found others who have done the same.

There are close to 15 people on his roster and most have stories similar to his and being together on the field every week gives them all something to look forward to as well as a sense of community .

“We are more like a family out here,” Daniels said, “We know each other and are here to support each other.”

The support and care for one another extends past game time as well. Many of

the players are close due to the nature of their struggles and share time over the BBQ or at the bowling alley when not in uniform or during the off-season.

“This is a place where people can meet others with similar experiences, whether it’s someone in recovery for 20 years or someone who is just starting out,” Daniels said.

Daniels’ story is similar to many of the people he faces every Friday night. He sought treatment for his struggles and heard about the league from others who had found it to be helpful. Many of the teams in the league are sponsored by treatment centers, made up of players who are participating in the center’s programs, or who have been through the center previously.

Other teams, like the Unmanageables, are put together through various channels and pay their own way with help from sponsors. Daniels’ team gets a share of their league fees and money for jerseys from Lone Pine Cabinet.

Most players discover the league through friends and support networks, or the league’s Facebook page. They generally reach out to a team captain, an old timer from meetings or one of the league’s numerous officials and board members hoping to get placed on a team. With 67 of them, it usually doesn’t take long to get someone a team to call their own, so they can begin the process of recovery, surrounded by a group of people who have been there and are willing to help.

The league requires that participants be a part of a recovery program, though one could argue that being part of one of the many teams on a Friday night serves every bit as good as a meeting. Watching the teams play games shows just how close these folks are. They know each other’s first names, each other’s history. They share respect for the work they are doing off the field and it shows on it. The upper divisions in the league are competitive, but never at the expense of what really matters, which is the fact that the league helps people change their lives, and has been doing so for a long time. l

M yWestV alley Journal.Com

Chadwick’s dance studio celebrates 50 years

By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com

M

yrna Chadwick loves to dance. She also loves to teach, and in May 2017 “Miss Myrna” as her students call her celebrated the 50th anniversary of Chadwick’s Dance Studio.

“I had a stage full of alumni,” said Chadwick. “Some of my first students came. It was so fantastic.”

Chadwick, who turns 80 this year, said she was thrilled to see so many of her former students take the opportunity to get back onstage and perform, some coming from out of state Students at Chadwick’s Dance Studio show off their tap dancing style. where they have their (Tiffany Hawke) own dance studios. Othclear they’re interested in helping and doing ers have become teachers more. and choreographers for theater groups.

“In part, it was because she saw something Chadwick began dancing at age 4, dancing every day until she became an assistant and in me and she knew that I would love to do that finally began teaching classes by herself at 16. and it was something that I wanted to do,” HerShe taught in Kearns for a few years before fi- ren said. “There are also those students and you nally settling in what would become West Val- see that spark in their eyes that you just know that they would do a fabulous job and it’s someley City in 1967.

“She taught combination classes but most- thing they want to.”

Chadwick’s Dance Studio specializes in ly, she’s really well known for her tap. It was one of the only studios, for a really long time, tap, jazz, and ballet technique from age 3 to that taught classical tap,” said Shellie Herren, teens and includes a tap class for adults. Chadowner of Shellie’s Dance Studio in Grantsville wick especially loves to create dances that incorporate props such as stairs, canes and chairs. and former student of Chadwick’s.

Herren continues to help with teaching stu- She believes that since dance helps work both dents since Chadwick’s two bouts of breast can- the left and right side of the body, it’s a good cer and failing eyesight forced her to quit teach- idea to get children to begin working those ing six years ago, but Herren’s oldest daughter muscles before they turn 5 and raised her five children in dance, though, she says, her boys got the chance to study under “Miss Myrna.”

“I still run the studio, my teachers help participated under duress.

Students at the studio can expect to have me,” said Chadwick, whose dance teachers are all former students. “I have such good teach- fun away from the stress of competitions because Chadwick believes they get enough opers.”

Herren started taking combination tap and portunities to do that through school and instead jazz classes from Chadwick’s Dance Studio at focuses on teaching confidence and new skills.

“I want them to learn to love to dance, I the age of 8 after bouncing around from studio to studio since she was 3 and found that it was want them to feel confident about what they can place she loved right away. At 12, Herren began do,” Chadwick said. She never believed she assisting in teaching the classes herself, trading the teaching assistance for class tuition for her would still be teaching into her 80s, and was younger sisters, a tradition at Chadwick’s that thrilled when not only did she start teaching her second generation students but then the third continues today.

“Not only does it help us to have a T.A. generation came along.

“I feel very fortunate that I have done in the class to help with 10-12 little kids, but it helps the families out that have multiple stu- something all my life that I love and there’s dents in class because it can get expensive,” something about it and that when you do it, you get a charge,” said Chadwick. “I’ve loved it evsaid Herren.

There are also times when a student will ery minute. I had to get both knees replaced but be offered the opportunity to teach because it’s I earned it, and I enjoyed it.”l

August 2017 | Page 9

Page 10 | August 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

One Voice Children’s Choir empowers youth, sows hope throughout world

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By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com

Wasatch Front, Heber, Ogden, Manti, and Wyoming. The group averages 60 performances at a variety of venues throughout their season.

After a collaboration music video of the choir singing “Let It Go” with Alex Boye in 2014 went viral, they were contacted with the idea to audition for that season of “America’s Got Talent” where they would travel first to perform at the live show in Hollywood and then go on to the quarterfinals at Radio City Music Hall with the top 48 contestants.

The impact on the group was significant and expanded their reach so far that they were later invited to sing at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama in 2015 and involved with Operation Underground Railroad.

“I never thought that I would be meeting the people that we’ve met or we would be involved in the causes that we’ve been involved in,” said Cecala who studied choral education and vocal performance. She never realized how much she would be involved when her daughter auditioned and began performing with the choir six years ago. She believes the scope of the program has expanded exponentially. “Maybe we can carry out our mission and expand our influence on a global scale instead of just a loThe One Voice Children’s Choir performs patriotic and pop songs at the Salt cal one.”

Thanks to the increased media Lake County Hunter Library. (Jeanette Liddell) exposure, the One Voice Children’s The choir later went on to perform at the Choir was requested by the US Department of 21st annual Survivors at the Summit at Snowbird Defense to travel to France in June 2017 to perResort to support cancer survivors from the Can- form at the D-Day Commemoration ceremonies cer Wellness House. They performed at Follow in line with the “Families in the Military” theme. the Flag closing ceremonies in Pleasant Grove 102 kids and parent volunteers traveled to France celebrating the flying of the largest American to participate and film a music video on Omaha flag ever flown among what Cecala called a “sea Beach singing the song “When You Believe.”

“That was just an amazing opportunity, a of people” paying tribute to the military and seronce-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Cecala, who vicemen and women.

The One Voice Children’s Choir originated felt that the kids were absorbing the significance when Masa Fukuda, who had recently graduat- of the event. “The kids were able to learn so much ed from BYU in media music composition with about World War II and D-Day that they never Golden Key International Honor Society Certifi- could have gained from their history books.”

Cecala believes that the choir is there to cation, was asked to direct a children’s choir for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The help dreams come true while inspiring and enchildren had so much fun that many asked to stay riching both the Utah and global community and giving the kids the chance to learn leadership, on and keep singing with Fukuda.

“Masa has a gift working with children and new talents and confidence.

“When there’s so much negativity in the they love working with him, he really does a great job of pulling potential out of kids and en- world, I just think the only thing to combat that couraging them and seeing their potential to start is positivity and encouragement and hope and that’s the music that we sing,” said Cecala. with,” said Cecala.

The One Voice Children’s Choir is a The choir consists of 150 children, ages 4-18 singing uplifting and inspiring music that non-profit organization funded through grants, Fukuda composes or arranges and records in his private donations and money raised from songs home studio. Two rehearsals are scheduled ev- bought on iTunes. For more information about ery week in Lehi and Salt Lake City in order to the choir for upcoming events and booking, visit: accommodate children coming from all over the http://onevoicechildrenschoir.com/. l n Saturday, July 8 the One Voice Children’s Choir partnered with Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks to perform a free outdoor concert at Hunter Library in West Valley City.

“I knew that we wanted to serve the community out in West Valley and that was a really neat performance,” said assistant director and accompanist Anne Cecala. “I felt like it really made a impact on those kids in the audience.”

Attendees were treated to patriotic and pop songs pulled from their inspiring repertoire designed to enrich the lives of their audience including “America the Beautiful” and theme songs from the Vancouver Olympics.

August 2017 | Page 11

M yWestV alley Journal.Com

Hanging Around the World concert brings cultural awareness and collaboration

By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com

U

tah is home to many international students here to study to increase their knowledge and training so that when they return home they can apply those skills to create better futures for themselves and their families. LudoNation is an organization dedicated to assist in the process of acclimating international students and refugees to United States culture and how best to navigate what can sometimes be a complicated system.

“It’s a platform for international students and refugees to come together and be involved and get accustomed to culture in the US,” said Ludovica Giusti, the founder of LudoNation.

music and dance including groups like Bless4, who flew in from Japan and Keilana Mokulehua, from Honolulu, Hawaii.

“I’m super happy that Ludo asked me to come up here,” said Mokulehua. “This is an amazing opportunity.”

Mokulehua has been singing and playing guitar for five years and began making Facebook Live videos of some of her originals songs when, she said, Giusti saw one and got in touch with her to come be a part of the festival. She loves music because, despite her shyness, performing has brought her out of her shell and allowed Mokulehua to express herself.

Participants from around the world learn more about the Kombat with Kindness movement that began at Utah Valley University.(Keyra Kristoffersen)

Giusti is the current title holder for Miss United Nations USA and founded LudoNation over a year ago as the service platform for the pageant because it was something she cared deeply about and finally had a loud enough voice to make people listen.

“I ran for this pageant, and I promoted my foundation, and now I’m Miss Nations of the World. I own LudoNation and this is our very first big event called Hanging around the World,” said Giusti.

Over 23 performers came out on July 1 to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center to celebrate various cultures and people through

“My dream is to build a following around the world to just promote positivity and being able to express yourself,” said Mokulehua, who is currently working on releasing her first album later in 2017 and is travelling to other countries, like New Zealand, to perform.

Giusti hoped that the music festival has an impact on how different communities interact and share with each other because it’s important to her that everyone has the opportunity to share themselves but also break down walls that keep them from great

experiences.

“It pushes people from other cultures and other walks of life to come together and share their talents, especially in a community that is not your own,” Giusti said.

One group in attendance was Days for Girls, an organization with over 850 chapters in 100 countries throughout the world that began in 2008 as a way to make feminine hygiene kits along with educational materials to give to adolescent girls who wouldn’t have access otherwise.

“A lot of the girls stop going to school, drop out after they start their periods, so giving them these kits, hopefully they can go to school, get an education, get a better position in life,” said Amy Cannon, who has been interning with Days for Girls for six months after volunteering on and off for several years before that.

The kits are sewn by individuals and supplies are donated by communities and the goal is to donate kits to one million women and girls before the end of 2017.

Joseph Robinson was there to represent Kombat with Kindness, a movement that started at Utah Valley University in 2016 after the Department of Homeland Security began contacting schools to help combat violent extremism and sow harmony on social media.

“Basically,” said Robinson, “there’s a lot of bad out there in the world that’s broadcast through social media, so instead of hearing all the bad that’s on social media, we think people are a lot better than that, we just want to flood the media and just combat all that darkness.”

Allies of Kombat with Kindness are asked to share positive stories and images as a way to break up the negativity that has been circulating the nation at a near constant rate and believe that as Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

The Hanging Around the World event, which Giusti says she plans on having every year, was a big effort designed by herself and interns from BYU and UVU, where LudoNation is an official internship program.

“We put a lot of work into this and we’re really excited it’s actually happening. We got pretty awesome performers,” said intern Caroline Serreira from UVU. Giusti said she is hoping to grow the internship program to other schools in Utah because it helps the students and the people that they work with have a purpose and feel needed in society.

“People are one word away from knowing what you think, so put yourself out there and pursue your dreams,” said Giusti.

To learn more about the LudoNation foundation, go to: https:// www.ludonation.org/ For information about getting involved with Days for Girls, visit: https://www.daysforgirls.org/ l

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Page 12 | August 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Gerald Wright Classic draws top teams to West Valley

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Teams in the 18 and under bracket congratulate each other in the double elimination bracket of the Gerald Wright Classic. (Greg James/City Journals)

W

est Valley has become the home of one of the premier recreational girls fast pitch softball tournaments. Several teams from around the Wasatch Front converged to participate this season.

“These are all recreational teams that come from organized rec centers or beginner leagues. We had teams from Vernal, Duchesne and Rock Springs this year. The teams are preparing for the recreational state tournament by playing as many games as they can. We accept as many teams as we can get,” tournament director Scott Carrell said. “It is fun to see the girls get excited for how they have done.”

In five age groups, 54 teams and approximately 650 players entered the Gerald Wright Classic this summer. The teams began three-game pool play June 30, and were then seeded into a double elimination tournament that ended July 1.

The tournament was originally named the West Valley Bonnet Ball tournament and began nearly 20 years ago. They changed the name in 2011 to honor the late West Valley Mayor Gerald Wright.

The classic has become one of the largest summer recreation tournaments held along the Wasatch Front. Other tournaments include the Dash ‘n Splash in Grantsville and the Oquirrh Mountain Invitational in South Jordan.

The money raised from the

tournament covers the cost of running the tournament and teams from the West Valley Fastpitch girls league enter other tournaments and pay their costs. Volunteers run concessions and help with field maintenance.

“We have done this long enough that it all comes together.

West Valley City and the Parks Department are really able to help us put it together. It has been a great tournament. It has been around for a long time. All of the volunteers

that help are great. It is fun for the girls,” Carrell said.

West Valley Fastpitch Softball is a recreational girls softball league. The league’s goal is to create an environment that girls can learn softball skills, sportsmanship and have a positive experience.

After the regular spring recreation season, WVFP selects coaches and players to participate in all-star competition during the summer.

All-star selection means an intense softball experience. They

will play in at least two tournaments and practice several times a week. It culminates with recreation state tournament Aug. 10-12 in Orem.

The 8 and under West Valley team placed fourth in the Gerald Wright Classic, the 10 and under team fifth.

The tournament champions were; 8u- Heat’08, 10u-Storm, 12u- American Made, 14u- Fireballs and 18u- Anarchy.

“The West Valley teams are pretty young. I know the league had a successful season this year. I volunteer to help organize the tournament even though I do not have any girls playing,” Carrell said.

Carrell coaches at Hillcrest High School and said participation in girls softball is a good thing for girls.

Participation in girls high school sports increased nationally for the 27th consecutive year, according to National Federation of State High School Sports. More than three million girls played high school sports in the 2015-16 season. Softball is the fourth most popular sport behind basketball, track and field and volleyball.

“The confidence that the players get in all aspects of softball translates into life. The benefits are numerous, the relationships and things you can learn for the future. I think softball is nothing but a positive thing for girls,” Carrell said. l

The Earthquakes’ pitcher fires a strike in the 10 and under division of the Gerald Wright Classic. (Greg James/City Journals)

August 2017 | Page 13

M yWestV alley Journal.Com

Wolverines wrestlers receive grant for new equipment, uniforms

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

T

he Hunter High School wrestling team recently received a grant designed to financially help student athletes.

“California Casualty has been supporting educators for more than 65 years and we understand the correlation between participation in sports and higher performance in the classroom,” said California Casualty senior vice president Doug Goldberg in a press release.

The Wolverines head coach Terry Allen accepted the award May 19 at a special school assembly celebrating all of Hunter High School student achievements. The wrestlers plan to use the money to improve their program.

“Terry is great at all of that. He focuses on the viability of the program,” assistant coach Derrick Jensen said.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant will help athletes in 79 public schools in 33 states gain a competitive advan-

tage. A total of $83,000 was given to help middle and high school programs across the country purchase equipment, improve player safety and offset participation fees.

The program is named after California Casualty Chairman Emeritus Thomas R. Brown, an avid sportsman himself. Since its inception in 2011, more than 500 schools have received over $580,000. A selection committee reviews all applications to determine award recipients.

Hunter received $1,000 they can use for equipment and new uniforms. Allen applied for the grant in January.

It is designed to help educators in economically challenged areas. Many school districts around the country are experiencing financial reductions to their sports programs. CNBC estimates that by 2020 nearly 20 percent of high schools will not offer sports.

The goal of California Casualty and oth-

er big businesses is to get kids playing sports again. They believe it can change students’ lives and lead to opportunities off the playing field. Many athletes find that the only way they can afford college is by playing sports. The business sector support of interscholastic athletics hopes to increase college graduates in the long run.

The Wolverines experienced an increase in the number of wrestlers this season according to Jensen. In 2015, the number of wrestlers increased to 45, a 300 percent increase from the year prior.

Antonio “Rat” Ruiz won an individual state championship for the Wolverines in 2016.

The growth of the program contributed to his individual success, Allen said, and he hopes it continues.

The grant money is needed to buy new headgear and uniforms for the team. The Utah

High School Activities Association has adopted a rule change for the upcoming season, allowing for an alternate two-piece uniform.

An alternate uniform can now be worn in high school matches, replacing the traditional one-piece singlet. The new uniform consists of compression shorts and form-fitted compression shirt designed for wrestling. The committee approved the use of the new uniform in hopes of increasing the number of boys and girls participating in the sport after getting favorable comments from schools, students, coaches and officials.

“I hope this will reduce barriers to entry for interested participants. Anything to grow the sport of wrestling is a good thing in my opinion.

It teaches kids great life skills and gives them a model for succeeding in life,” local wrestling assistant coach Gardner Wheeler said. l

Hunter wrestling head coach Terry Allen and his team receive a check from California Casualty as part of a grant program. (Hunter High School)

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Page 14 | August 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

Hunter, Granger and Cyprus football return in new region

Toymaker, volunteer assistants construct, give away 85,000 wooden cars

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

J

uly’s hot weather means high school football season is right around the corner. Three West Valley schools’ teams have been busy preparing all summer.

Hunter The Wolverines qualified for the state playoffs again last season, a streak of 26 years.

They lost in the first round to the eventual state champion Bingham 49-9. They have only missed the playoffs in the school’s inaugural football season. It is a streak they want to con-

that carried the ball more than 10 times. Junior Mosese Sonasi had 77 yards and a touchdown.

Defense will be a key for the Lancers.

They were 5-1 when they held their opponents to less than 25 points last season. Morgan said playing as a unit is important.

“We have the talent, but I feel playing as a team is most important for our success,” Morgan said after the team started 4-1 last season.

Cyprus The Pirates are a program that continues

The Pirates return several key players at skill positions this season as they prepare to play 6A in Region 2.

(Jed Smith/Cyprus football)

tinue.

Running the ball will continue to be a big part of the Wolverines’ offense. Last season’s leading rusher Pailate Makakona is a returning senior. He ran for 1,098 yards on 168 carries.

The rushing attack generated 79 percent of the team’s offensive production last year.

“Hunter tradition is smashmouth football, that is what we do. We run the ball just like Hunter always has,” Wolverines head coach Scott Henderson said at the end of last season.

Other key returners include last season’s quarterback Gordon Nai and returning lineman Lisiate Tauteoli, Sione Tauteoli and Pani Brown.

Granger The Lancers season ended disappointingly—they lost in a three-way play in game 6-0 to rival Hunter. It was the first time since 2012 the Lancers had participated in postseason games.

They finished the regular season with a 6-4 record, breaking a string of three consecutive losing seasons.

The Lancers run the ball behind the powerful Wing-T offense created by its head coach Mike Morgan. The offensive package is designed to confuse the defense by running similar formations in different directions with some misdirection mixed in.

Graduation has decimated the Lancers skill position. They do not have a tailback returning

to improve. Head coach Jed Smith was excited last season about the number of young players participating. This season will be the test for them as they all become upperclassmen.

A big hole for the Pirates to fill will be at quarterback since Brooks Marshall graduated.

Their offense is much more predicated on the passing game than their region counterparts.

The Pirates threw the ball 234 times last season, double what Hunter did and almost tripling the Granger attempts.

Key returners for the Pirates include Taylor Peterson and Soujah Gasu in the backfield, Asher Pollock at receiver, Josh Amasio on defense and junior lineman Clayton Johnson.

“Winning solves a lot of problems. I think that would be big for our program,” Smith said.

The Utah High School Activities Association realigned its region beginning this fall.

Cyprus, Hunter and Granger will join Hillcrest and Kearns in Region 2. The West Valley schools are now more than neighbors, they are direct competitors.

The City Journal’s sports staff prediction for Region 2 football: Hunter, Granger and Kearns will battle for the top seeds with Hunter coming out on top; second place is attainable for the Lancers if their returners rise to fill the holes they have on offense; Kearns will be third and Cyprus will surprise the experts and finish fourth and Hillcrest fifth. l

W

est Jordan philanthropist and toymaker Alton Thacker is a man of big numbers.

For starters, he’s 81 years old. He’s been married 64 years. He was a barber 47 years.

“Oh, and when my grandson marries this summer, his new bride will be the 100th member of our family,” Thacker adds.

That includes seven kids, 27 grandchildren, 38 great grandkids, and nearly 30 who joined the small army through marriage.

But those “big numbers” are peanuts compared to the others in Thacker’s life.

“The LDS Humanitarian Center told me years ago, 500 million children across the world do not receive any new toys in a given year,” Thacker said. “When I heard that, I decided to do what I could to put a dent in that number.”

After starting modestly—and working at it for 15 years—Thacker and his volunteer staff with the “Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids” build 85,000 small toy cars each year to give away.

“When we started, we were lucky to build a thousand cars a month,” Thacker added. “But we kept at it. And we have increased our count every year, to the 85,000 we did in 2016.”

Thacker became aware of the need to brighten kids’ lives while making a series of humanitarian trips to Mexico with one of his barbering customers.

“I made a few trips to help distribute donated eyeglasses,” he said. “On some of the trips I played Santa Claus. When I saw how much the children loved and appreciated new toys, I got the idea to start making them.”

About two dozen volunteers assist Thacker at his modest West Jordan toy “factory” each week. The oldest, John, is age 92. The youngest are some pre-teen grandkids, who may not have the woodworking experience but move a whole lot quicker.

“We donate hundreds of wooden cars to hospitals and various charitable organizations every month,” Thacker added. “We also have an agreement with the Utah Department of Corrections which allows inmates—at their Gunnison prison—to paint 3,000 cars per month.

It’s an honor they have to earn through good behavior.”

Thacker’s foundation has been running smoothly for several years now—until another big number came along.

“The rent on our shop recently went up to $1,150 a month, from $1,000,” Thacker said. “But more importantly, we lost a major benefactor.”

For the past several years, a Utah County businessman has donated $15,000 a year to Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids to cover rent and electricity costs. But he recently had to discontinue that support. Since Thacker’s woodshop doesn’t have any income, the lost revenue is squeezing his charitable operation.

This summer, the nearby Taylorsville Chick-fil-A restaurant (5580 South Redwood

Alton and Cheryl Thacker (left) join Chick-fil-A owner Matt Griffith and Community Relations Director Jeanaea Lorton for a fundraiser. (Carl Fauver)

Road) jumped in to offer assistance.

“I saw Alton’s story on television,” Chickfil-A Community Relations Director Jeanaea Lorton said. “We often hold fundraising events at the restaurant, so I suggested we host one to help his toy-making foundation.”

New Chick-fil-A owner Matt Griffith loved the idea.

“I would like to hold fundraisers every night, if Jeanaea continues to find worthwhile causes,” he said. “This one is particularly special, because (Thacker and his volunteers) are doing so much, for so many people.”

“They keep seniors active, provide Eagle Scout projects, give prison inmates a valuable activity and create thousands of toys for kids who wouldn’t otherwise get them. It’s just a good, wholesome, neat thing.”

Because Thacker first got his toy-making idea while playing Santa Claus, the Chick-fil-A store was decked out with a Christmas tree and decorations, in the summer heat, for the fundraiser. The restaurant donated 20 percent of its revenues for three prime dinnertime hours.

“We raised a few hundred dollars, not a huge amount,” Lorton said. “But hopefully the fundraiser also created more awareness about Alton and his volunteers. I know at least two television news teams covered it, so hopefully that will help him generate more donations.”

When Thacker began his toy-making venture in 2002, three people helped him get started. Two have since passed away; but the third, Gene Wilson (who’s the same 81 years young as Alton) still spends about 15 hours a week at the toy shop.

“It’s very satisfying,” Wilson said. “My wife and I have taken several trips, giving toys to kids in places like China, Peru, Greece and Turkey. Our cars produce the same smiles, worldwide. “(Alton) is a very generous, giving man. He is doing so much, for so many people. I’m proud to be a part of it. I hope he finds the necessary donations to keep it going forever.”

More details on Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids—and information about how to contribute—are at www.tinytimstoys.org. l

August 2017 | Page 15

M yWestV alley Journal.Com

Kids get down to business

A

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

re your kids bored this summer?

Do they want to make some extra cash?

They might be interested in joining hundreds of kids, aged 4 to 16, who are selling their handmade products to the public at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market. Exclusively for young entrepreneurs, these Markets are held each month at various locations.

“The idea was born out of boredom,” said the market founder’s mother.

At age 8, Kayden started selling lemonade as a way to entertain himself.

“I thought it’d be cool to get a bunch of kids selling their stuff,” said Kayden. His idea became the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, started last fall.

Kayden’s mom said the Market introduces kids to the aspects of running a business in a safe environment. It also provides a lot of traffic for the young entrepreneurs to reach a large number of customers in just one day.

At the market on July 8, held in the parking lot of Noah’s Event Venue, kids were selling lemonade, popsicles, homemade treats, jewelry, 3-D printed toys, bath bombs, yoga classes, hair bows, stress balls, herb plants, cinnamon rolls, original artwork, sewing projects, solar-viewing glasses and more.

Lydian Crowther, age 10, created her own dog treats and came from Ogden to sell at the market.

“I took a recipe online, but then I tweaked some of the ingredients and amounts,” said Lydian, whose own dog is her taste-tester.

She created her own sign and colorful packaging to market her creations.

Alyssa, Justin and Mallory Wadsworth, from West Jordan, made 110 wizarding

wands to sell at the three-hour-long market.

Justin had taken a wand to school and had a lot of kids ask to buy one. His mom, Lynette, suggested the Market as a great place to sell them. She thought it would be a good experience for her children to learn about marketing and give them an opportunity to reach more customers than just in their neighborhood. Keeping with the wizarding theme, the Wadsworths also sold popsicles, which they advertised as “cold wizard wands.”

“It’s a great experience to get the kids out talking to people, building confidence,” said Amy James, from Sandy. This was her son’s first face-to-face experience selling his products.

“He’s actually kinda shy by nature, so it’s a little hard for him to engage,” said James. Her son, Logan, age 13, has been a creative entrepreneur from a young age.

“He’s got it in his soul,” his mother said.

Logan often makes things and bakes things to sell to friends and family. At his booth, he sold items such as wooden flower presses, string whirly-gigs (which he advertised as “the original fidget”) and knotted survival bracelets. James said this was a test run to see how products sold before they looked into selling online.

The Market encourages parents to allow their kids to run the booth, conduct the sales, count the change and haggle the price.

The Johnson family’s five children participated in the market as a way to earn money for a family vacation.

“This is our first selling experience as a family,” said Charlene Johnson. “They’ve been working together and it’s been a good experience. They had considered the 10:30– 1:30 timeframe of the market and chose to sell hot dogs and drinks to hungry shoppers.

Salt Lake County Council’s

ME SSAGE From difficult budget decisions, to jail beds, to homelessness, there’s never any shortage of important and complex challenges facing the Salt Lake County Council. Whenever the countless issues seem particularly daunting, I think back to why it’s so important to try and make progress on behalf of the taxpayers of Salt Lake County.

At the end of June, I took my family to the annual Taylorsville Dayzz festivities. The day started with a ride on the top of my minivan in the Taylorsville Parade. Though I’d prefer to sit down with fellow residents of my hometown and hear about what’s important to them, I still enjoyed riding through the heart of our

The Picketts sold solar glasses for viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse. They hoped to earn enough money for a trip to see the eclipse later this month.

(Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Equipped with a toy cash register, the Johnson children also sold their handmade creations — from elastic-woven pencil grips to popsicle-stick crossbows. The family made snickerdoodles together and lured in customers with free samples.

“As parents, we’ve been able to talk to them about cost and capital — explaining when you have money you can buy things; once you buy it, you can sell it for more and make money,” said Jason Johnson. The family had coordinated coupons with sales to purchase products and raw materials to increase their profits.

The Johnsons encouraged their kids to solicit sales by calling out what they were selling to shoppers walking by. Jason added incentive for his kids to sell more when

he told them, “Whatever you don’t sell, you have to carry back to the car.”

There are plans to expand the market.

Next spring, guest speakers will teach marketing classes about branding, packaging, etc. There will be a Shark Tank-type of competition for teens.

Kayden said often kids come to the market to shop and end up hosting a booth the next month. The next market will be Aug. 12 in Lehi. On Sept. 2, the market will be at Noah’s Event Venue. Registration and information can be found at childrensentrepreneurmarket.com.

Events have between 70 and 160 booths, which cost a mere $10. Entrepreneurs receive a T-shirt to identify them to buyers and a swag bag of snacks, water and a book

Why we fight so hard for a better Salt Lake County

city along with other community leaders in the parade and seeing so many of you there celebrating our freedom.

By the end of the day my boys and neighbors were singing “Sweet Caroline” at the top of their lungs during the concert and fireworks show. I absolutely love my city and my family.

This is just one community event, in just one city in our great county. There are countless carnivals, parades, and other cultural events that are taking place all across the valley all summer long. For me, these are much more than just a welcome respite from the day to day work of representing my constituents or raising a family. They are brief moments where we cel-

ebrate what matters most: working hard to raise our families in a community full of neighbors and friends—in a place where we are free and safe to do so.

Our commitment to family, our sense of community, and our shared vision of a county that is safe, clean, and prosperous is what makes Salt Lake County such a wonderful place.

Whenever I’m working on tough topics with my colleagues at the Council, interacting with our state legislators, or hearing from city mayors, the best motivation is the image our Salt Lake County residents enjoying their community together.

We want streets and trails that are safe

and clean. We want ecoWinder Newton nomic opportunity and Aimee County Council District 3 valuable education. We want a platform to build something lasting in our homes and neighborhoods. I love the opportunity to serve on the County Council representing the voters of District 3 as we work together to make all these a reality.

So whenever any of us get a little discouraged with the negativity we see on social media, the partisan divides that seem to afflict so many regions of our country, or the daunting challenges right here in Salt Lake County, just remember what we are fighting for. l

Page 16 | August 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

“To Strengthen and Promote the Shared Interests of the Business Community” Representing Businesses in West Valley City, Taylorsville, Kearns and Millcreek Contact Information: Barbara S. Riddle, CMP

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uPcoMing evenTS PiNG (Professionals Networking Group) Meets weekly on Wednesdays Aug. 3 – Legislative Affairs Aug. 8 – Women In Business Luncheon Aug. 11 – New Member Orientation Aug. 23 – ChamberWest Presents Luncheon

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Ribbon Cutting at Fresenius Kidney Care 4101 Pioneer Parkway, West Valley City

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Keep Our Community Safe Remember August is Back to School Traffic Nearly 70% of Car Accidents Occur Within 10 Miles of Home! Sooner or later it’s going to happens to most of us – getting into a car accident. The vehicle insurance industry estimates all motorists are likely to be involved in at least four auto accidents in his or her lifetime.

Additionally, very young or novice drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident, as opposed to more experienced drivers.

More revealing are interesting survey facts that of all collisions that occur, 52% occur within a 5-mile radius of home while an astounding 70% occur within 10 miles.

Although the vast majority of accidents occur close to home, most of them tend to be relatively minor. Perhaps you’re leaving your neighborhood and a neighbor pulls out of their driveway and hits your car in the side. Or maybe you’re at the neighborhood grocery store and you have a small fender bender in the parking lot. But serious injuries can occur especially when we add to our neighborhood roads increased pedestrians, loose pets, playing children and recreational runners and bikers. Local traffic safety issues for our communities is always an ongoing concern.

Data from surveys also show that the farther from home the accident occurs, the more severe it tends to be. This is especially true for accidents that occur on busy highways and interstates where vehicles are traveling at much faster speeds over longer distances.

Why do so many accidents occur so close to home? The surveys shed some light on this important question. Broadly speaking, drivers tend to have a false sense of security when driving close to home. For example, drivers are less likely to wear their seatbelts when driving to the neighborhood convenience store.

Another big factor is distractions. Whether it’s talking on a cell phone, texting, scanning the radio or eating while driving, any little thing that diverts your attention from the road can open the door for a collision.

When on a busy highway, drivers are more likely to maintain their focus on the primary task at hand and save the cell phone call, texting or radio scanning for later.

Most Law enforcement, safety experts and personal injury attorneys, are pretty vocal about distracted driving.

Local personal injury attorney - Ned Siegfried of Siegfried & Jensen sees cases of this type everyday and reminds us: “Just because you’re close to home doesn’t mean the danger of a car accident is lowered. In fact, you should be even more cautious when driving in your neighborhood or down to the corner mini-mart. Driving

the speed limit and simply being aware dramatically reduces the chance of you being in a car accident, regardless of whether you’re just cruising down the street or traveling in another state.”

Stay safe - Avoid these dangers! These three major factors can also significantly increase the risk of being involved in a car accident: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI / DWI) Speeding - Nearly one-third of all car accidents are caused by someone driving over the speed limit or driving too fast for the current weather and/or road conditions Driving while distracted - which includes texting, eating, applying make-up or any other behavior that takes a driver’s attention away from the road While not all of these accidents result in a fatality, the overwhelming majority of them result in some type of injury, property damage or litigation.

Also, important to note that data from the Annual U.S. Road Crash Statistics journal suggests more serious car accidents are more likely to occur during specific days of the week, as well as during specific times of each day. The following is a breakdown of the days of the week and times of day when a fatal car accident is most likely to occur: Monday — 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6:00 pm Tuesday —7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm Wednesday — 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6 pm Thursday — 7am to 9am and 3pm to 9pm Friday — 9pm to midnight Saturday — midnight to 3am Take note that weekday mornings and late afternoons with its increase traffic dangers are also times school children are on the move. With schools back in session this month it’s a good reminder to watch out, slow down and avoid distracted driving.

Protect your family – Before an accident!

Mr. Siegfried advises: “The only thing you can do to protect your family before an accident is to have enough insurance. With uninsured drivers, more expensive vehicles on the road and the high cost of medical care for any injury - it’s vital to make sure your family is adequately covered.

In many cases - you can increase your insurance limits up to ten times for just a few additional pennies a day. This greater coverage will adequately protect yourself and your family. Review with your insurance company the benefits of increasing your liability, uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and under-insured motorist coverage(UIM). It’s one of the best values out there.

“- Ned Siegfried

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Page 18 | August 2017

WEST VALLEY JOURNAL

7 tips to saving money on Back to School items

by

JOANI TAYLOR

Back to school supply shopping can be a big chore. Trying to plan where the money comes from can be like computing for an extra Christmas each year.

With careful planning, not only can you take care of your child’s needs, it’s also a great way to get home office supplies for the home too. Here are 7 tips to make your shopping easier on the wallet. #1 – Take stock You might be surprised at how much you have on hand. Back to School sales typically last all the way through October. Using what you have on hand can allow you the time needed to take real advantage of sales as they progress.

You might try tuning this into a fun game, where the kids search through their stuff from a scavenger hunt style list looking for last year’s scissors, pencil sharpener and protractor. #2 – Stick to a list Wait for the teacher to release the list of supplies needed then make your list of required supplies with your child. Your list will also help teach the kids responsible shopping. It’s easy to get distracted with that super cute light up My Little Pony backpack with matching lunchbox and water bottle, but is it really needed? #3 - Set Limits As your kids grow older, they will want more and more of the hottest and most “trendy” items. Even though your kids crave these items, these “character-focused” products will quickly destroy your back to school budget. In addition, these items often aren’t made with much quality. #4 - Buy in Bulk Buy in bulk to save money on back to school shopping. When pens, crayons, and glue go on sale in the late summer, buy enough to get you through the rest of the year. This is also a great time to stock-up on office supplies for yourself. And, don’t forget the tape for Christmas. It’s usually at it’s cheapest this time of year.

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#5 – Buy Used Good quality clothing doesn’t have to be purchased new. You might take a look at Kid-to-Kid stores that sell gently used kids clothing. There are several along the Wasatch Front. Pack up any kids clothing you have when you go, Kid-to-Kid will also accept kids clothing that meets their guidelines and give you credit to use in the store. Just Between Friends Consignment sale is another great way to buy used. This bi-annual sale is held at the United Soccer Center, 9100 S. 500 W. (9/22-9/23). Arrive early as the best things go quickly. www.jbfsale.com/home.jsp #6 – Shop the Loss Leaders Almost all stores advertise “loss leaders” in their weekly flyers. Loss leaders are the items that are marked down so much, that the store doesn’t make a profit on them, in hopes that you’ll purchase other items while shopping. They are usually on the front page of the ads. Eventually everything you need will be a loss leader. Staples, Target, Walgreens, Shopko and Smith’s Marketplace all have fabulous loss leaders each week. #7 - Use coupons Combining coupons with the sales is the best way to maximize your savings and often you’ll get your free items or pennies on the dollar. Find coupons on mobile apps like Ibotta.com (enter code Coupons4Utah when registering for additional perks), Target Cartwheel, and Smith’s mobile app. You can also find coupons for school and office supplies in your Sunday Newspaper inserts and on Coupons.com.

This year how about turning the back to school thought process around and make back to school shopping a, fun and traditional savings spree.

Joani Taylor is the founder of Coupons4Utah.com. A website devoted to helping Utah families save time and money on restaurants, things to do and everyday needs. l

August 2017 | Page 19

M yWestV alley Journal.Com

Laughter AND

by

PERI KINDER

WEST VALLEY

Parental Guidance Not Suggested

delicious stew. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t even boil an egg, I wanted to live with my sisters and brother in an abandoned train car. Still do.

Pippi Longstocking had a big house in a Swedish village and a pet monkey named Mr. Nilsson. With her mother dead and her father lost at sea, Pippi’s outlandish behavior never got her grounded from the TV. In fact, she had a horse, a suitcase full of gold, and no one telling her to go to bed before midnight.

Left at a boarding school, motherless Sara Crewe learns her father is missing in the war, and probably dead.

She enters a life of servitude at the school and uses her imagination to stay upbeat by telling stories. I could tell stories for food. That’s basically what I do now.

Scout Finch, the crusading heroine in “To Kill a Mockingbird” got along just fine without a mother. She wasn’t afraid to fight for what she knew was right. Scout inspired me to think about what justice really means, and to be outraged when justice isn’t served.

And the queen of them all, Nancy Drew, shaped my entire life. With her wealthy father, Carson Drew, and her

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I finally realized that her influence is what taught me to be a kind, independent, free-thinking, literate, crusader for justice. Being motherless is not what it’s cracked up to be. But my mom was right about one thing, I did start drinking Coca-Cola and swearing. l

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Being orphaned was the best option, but being motherless would work, too. My mom was aware of my wish for a motherless future and seemed to take it personally. She’d tell me to stop lying around the house like a depressed sloth because she had no intention of leaving me motherless. She assumed once I was permanently without maternal supervision I’d start drinking Coca-Cola and swear.

I blame literature for my orphanic life goals. Most of the books I read featured young women who endured their motherless lives with flair.

Jessie Alden, the 12-year-old heroine from “The Boxcar Children,” was one of my role models. After her parents’ death, Jessie lived with her siblings in an abandoned boxcar, keeping it tidy and preparing tasty meals by picking berries and gathering random kitchen scraps that she turned into

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