West Valley City Journal | March 2024

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS HONOR WVC STUDENT

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Students at Stansbury Elementary had a couple of special treats delivered to them on Feb. 8, and they got to see a world-renowned group of athletes honor one of their own.

Three members of the Harlem Globetrotters came to Stansbury to present fifth-grader Tallahassee Iongi with “The Great Assist” award. She was nominated by the school leaders for her leadership and service to fellow students.

Globetrotter players Justin “X-Over” Tompkins, Jason “Buckets” Barrera and Max “Hops” Pearce demonstrated their ball-handling skills and expertise at a school assembly, inviting students and faculty members to try out their own skills as dribbling, passing and spinning the basketballs on their fingers (carefully coached by the Trotters). They then presented Tallahassee with a plaque and tickets for her family to the March 13 Globetrotters game at the Delta Center.

This was one of several tops the team is making around the country in conjunction with sponsor Jersey Mike’s Subs to prevent the award to deserving students. The team has two more visits planned later this spring in Orlando and Atlanta.

“The Great Assist Award honors somebody who embodies the qualities of an Ambassador of Goodwill,” Hops said. “That’s what the Globetrotters are known for—because The Great Assist is truly the most selfless play you can make in a game of basketball.”

He said the team had learned about Tallahassee and her contributions to fellow students and her teachers, “and it’s an honor to be here with her today. You can see how wellliked she is by the reaction of her friends and all the students around her when we called her name.”

Buckets said the team, which is now in its 98th year of existence, has been a global force for goodwill. He has visited over 42 states and 13 countries since joining the team six years ago.

“We do feel like global ambassadors,” he said. “In bas-

Continued page 8

Tallahassee Iongi was presented with “The Great Assist” award by the team for her leadership and service to fellow students. (Tom Haraldsen/

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

Travis was a mechanic; and a good one at that. Travis’ skills were in demand in the small Utah town where he lived. He picked up small jobs here and there, but mostly, he worked for a local repairs shop spending 40 hours each week with a wrench in hand. One day while Travis was working under an RV, the RV fell on top of him. By the time the RV was raised again, Travis was dead.

Somehow the jacks used to lift the RV disengaged – whether they failed or someone bumped the release lever is unclear. Regardless of how it happened, Travis’ tragic death was a serious blow to his wife and three young kids –emotionally and financially.

Because Travis had died as a result of a work accident, Amanda, his wife, thought his employers’ worker’s compensation insurance would at least help with funeral expenses. To add insult to injury, Amanda learned that her husband’s employer did not carry worker’s compensation coverage, something almost all Utah employers are required to carry by law. Her last resort was to file a claim with the Utah Uninsured Employers’ Fund, a special fund to help injured workers and their families when their employers don’t have worker’s compensation coverage.

To Amanda’s surprise, the Uninsured Employers’ Fund denied her claim saying that based on information from the repair shop, Travis was not an employee but an independent contractor they paid to help out with extra work when they

needed him. Amanda couldn’t believe it. She knew how much time Travis had spent working at the shop and that the shop had not been honest in describing his work. Angry and upset, Amanda called Davis & Sanchez looking for answers – and help.

Following the hearing, Amanda and her children were awarded outstanding medical expenses, funeral expenses, and years of compensation for the loss of his income.

Davis & Sanchez filed a lawsuit against the repair shop and the Uninsured Employers’ Fund for worker’s compensation benefits for Amanda and her kids. At a hearing in front of a Judge at the Utah Labor Commission, testimony and exhibits showed that Travis worked at least forty hours per week for his employer, used the employer's vehicle, used the employer's tools, used the employer's shop, and only did work on jobs that the shop gave him to do. Travis did not own a repair shop, had no business license, and did not take payment from customers, unless it was an on-site job, in which event he turned

the money over to his employer. Travis had no financial interest, other than his hourly wage, in his employer's business.

Following the hearing, Amanda and her children were awarded outstanding medical expenses, funeral expenses, and years of compensation for the loss of his income. The employer appealed the case, but the Judge's original opinion was upheld. The employer was also fined for not carrying worker’s compensation insurance, as required by law.

This situation is all too common. An employer simply calling an employee an "independent contractor" does not make it so. Many factors, such as those mentioned above, must be considered to determine whether or not an employer has substantial control over an employee and his work.

Whether a case involves a death or a smashed finger, Davis & Sanchez believes in helping injured workers get the benefits they deserve. If you or a loved one have questions or concerns about a worker’s compensation case, call the professionals at 801-746-0290 or visit their website at www.justworkcomplaw.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

Christine McSweeney, CEO

Top speedskaters race to medals, world records at Utah Olympic Oval

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Since Utah hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the state’s legacy sports venues have been sites of many international competitions. The Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns was the host site of the ISU World Cup long track speedskating championships on Jan. 26-28, and it welcomed some local residents who are part of the US Speedskating program.

No one enjoyed the home ice more than Jordan Stolz, the 19-year-old phenom who won four gold medals over the threeday event, including setting a new world record in the men’s 1,000 meters. He sailed across the “Fastest Ice on Earth” in a time of 1:05.37, breaking a record that was set four years ago by a German skater on the Kearns surface. Stolz also won the 500 and 1,500 meter men’s events, plus added another first in the second 1,000 meter race held on Sunday.

“I love skating here in front of the home crowd, and this is the best ice surface in the world,” he said following the record-breaking run on Friday. “It’s nice to hear that support for the U.S. team.”

Overall, the Americans won 10 medals on the weekend, including seven gold, and setting another world record in the men’s Team Pursuit. Skaters Casey Dawson, Emery Lehman and Ethan Cepuran reclaimed the world best time they’d lost to Norwegians three weeks earlier.

Erin Jackson and Kimi Goetz, both of whom live in Kearns, were dominant in their races. Jackson, the defending Olympic champion in the women’s 500, took gold on Saturday, with Goetz taking silver. Goetz also took home silver in the women’s 1,000 meters on Friday, then won gold in the second 1,000 meters race on Sunday. The women’s Team Pursuit team of Brittany Bowe, Mia Mangenello and Giorgia Birkeland won

bronze on Saturday.

“We had great performances that included personal bests, many seasonal bests and promotion of skaters to the A divisions,” USS coach Ryan Shimabukuro said. He and long-distance coach Gabriel Girard were high-fiving each other in celebration after the Team Pursuit world record race. He also congratulated Stolz’ coach, Bob Corby, and Goetz’ coach, Mitch Whitmore.

What was particularly impressive about the Kearns events were the crowds. Over 2,000 were in attendance at the Saturday events (Jan. 27), and good-sized crowds were present the other two days as well as at the Four Continents races held the week before.

“Utah loves its speedskating and it supports our winter athletes,” said one official who was working both weekends of events. “It’s not a surprise that many of these skaters from around the world like coming to compete here. We not only have the fastest ice in the world, but also great support for the sport.”

The speedskating season wrapped up Feb. 1-3 with the World Cup 6 races in Quebec, Canada, followed by the World Single Distances Championships in Calgary Feb. 8-10. Then it’s a short break before these athletes, many of whom live in Utah yearround, begin dryland training for the 2025 season, just one year before the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. l

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Large crowds came to the World Cup speedskating championships at the Utah Olympic Oval. (Tom Haraldsen/ City Journals)

Nineteen-year-old US speedskater Jordan Stolz set a new world record in the men’s 1,000 meters at the World Cup speedskating championships held at the Utah Olympic Oval. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Get to know County Councilmember Laurie Stringham, an eclectic mix of skills, hobbies and experience

By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

An eclectic mix of skills, experience and hobbies are stitched together in Laurie Stringham, Salt Lake County Councilmember since 2021 and newly-reelected council chair.

Uniquely, Stringham is the first ever at-large member of council to be elected from the valley’s west side. Stringham raised her family in Kearns and still lives there with three of her five children.

Of note, there are three at-large members on the county council who serve sixyear terms and represent the entire county. The other two at-large members are Suzanne Harrison and Jim Bradley.

Her election was also unusual in that she unseated an existing member of council, Democrat Shireen Ghorbani, who had outspent Stringham in the campaign seven to one.

“I think people responded to me when I told them that the westside needs a voice,” Stringham answered when questioned about the upset. “Even when I campaigned on the eastside I told people, 'You know you need a voice [on council] from the westside because you’d feel bad if you weren’t represented, and many issues that affect the westside also affect you.’”

Stringham is Republican and a fiscal conservative, indicating, “Both people and the government should save up for what they need and pay for what they have.” She believes that residents were concerned about the 7.8% property tax increase that was implemented by the county the year before her election. “People want county services and consistently vote for the benefits provided by say, the ZAP tax but they also want transparency and frugality.”

However, Stringham is also socially liberal. “I don’t believe that the government should legislate morals. Parents should be able to raise their children in the way that feels right to them.”

She feels this deeply as one of her five children is transgender. “National politics and the messages being broadcast are fueling a lack of civility and kindness,” Stringham said. “This is not Christian behavior.”

Her “cloak of many colors”

Stringham is the oldest of nine children and was raised in Sandy. Growing up, there was never much money and she started working as a babysitter at age 8 to pay for clothes and spending money. Despite the tight budget, her mother (a Scottish dancer and accordion player) encouraged each of her children to play an instrument.

“I play all the string instruments both

single and double bow and all the woodwinds,” Stringham said. “I’m no good at brass because I can’t tulip my lips small enough for the mouthpiece, except on the tuba. I can play the tuba.”

She took this penchant for the arts to college and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Technical Theater from the University of Utah, specializing in wigs, makeup and puppetry. “I think I’ve worked in all performance venues in the county, both private and public,” Stringham said. “And if you can believe it, I’ve costumed ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ 28 times!”

She has also taught theater at Skyline High. “Public teachers in the arts are typically part-time employees, which I was, though they often work full-time hours because of the practice and performance schedules,” Stringham said. “I was a dedicated teacher and loved it, but I couldn’t afford to keep teaching those hours for the money after my divorce.”

So she took her skills to the University of Utah where she worked in services, which led her to working security/services at major events in both Utah and Las Vegas. She even worked security at the most recent Super Bowl.

Track record

At her election, Stringham had served on the board of the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center and Ice Sheet for 22 years. Always an advocate of public health, she is proud of the work that she and the county council have done for public health by providing quality facilities and programing at county rec and senior centers.

She hopes to continue to bring positive changes to the whole county, but especially the west side of the valley. “Did you know that the majority of people who suffer from asthma and are hospitalized are from the west side. Why?” Stringham asks rhetorically. “We’re trying to figure out the causes so we can address the situation.” The county has installed air quality monitors on electric UTA buses to pinpoint the reasons and locations of the poorest air quality in the valley.

Encouraging civility

Currently, Stringham is working toward implementing a “pay for performance” structure for the nearly 5,000 county employees (some are seasonal). “We want to encourage staff to be innovative and invigorated and receive additional pay for taking on new projects or learning new skills, rather than simply receiving time-served raises.” She believes this will increase retention of quality em -

ployees who are willing to go the extra mile, which will save taxpayers money in the long run. “We want to fund services the public really wants.” She also wants to harness new technologies, including AI. “Every county facility is a storefront and constituents should be able to access county services at each...marriage licenses, bill payment, and so on.”

Stringham held the role of council chair in 2022, recapturing it for 2024. Her intent as chair is to encourage and require civility, as she believes that national politics are fueling a lack of civility across the country. “In government you’ll never please all of the people all of the time, but everyone should have a chance to be heard and understood.” l

County Councilmember Laurie Stringham participated in the first urban skijoring event in downtown SLC in February. (Photo courtesy Laurie Stringham)

Trails, parks expansions highlighted in County Mayor Wilson's address

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

"It feels so good," Salt Lake County Mayor

Jenny Wilson said, kicking off her 2024 State of the County address on Jan 23. Speaking to county officials, mayors and city council members at the South Jordan Recreation Center, Wilson touted the county's resilient economic rebound from COVID-19 and its benchmark-setting quality of life investments.

Recalling the Height of the Pandemic

Wilson recounted the uncertainty she felt both "personally and as your county mayor" during the height of the pandemic in 2020. "I knew our county had a future," Wilson said, "but at our lowest moments that future seemed very uncertain." The mayor said the anxiety was fueled by isolation and conspicuously empty offices and streets.

"Thankfully, largely due to the resolve of this community, Salt Lake County has bounced back," Wilson continued. She spotlighted its position as home to "one of the most robust economies in the country." Further, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 2.6%, the mayor enthused that "our future is bright."

Bond Rating Signals Fiscal Discipline

In addition to the job market, Wilson pointed to Salt Lake County's AAA bond rating as evidence of sound fiscal health and discipline. She explained the significance: "It actually allows us to keep taxes down while delivering service to our residents and that is so important." With fewer than 50 counties across the over 3,000 nationwide able to claim AAA grades from all major ratings agencies, she argued the rating signals the quality and reliability of Salt Lake County's long-term finances.

Recreational Access: From Courts to Trails

A central point in Wilson's address was the county's focus on quality of life investments beyond economic factors. She positively highlighted Salt Lake County recreational

amenities, programming and partnerships. Specifically, the mayor drew attention to existing and expanding county trails, parks, and recreation centers that have developed under her administration.

As one major milestone, the mayor highlighted that this summer kids ages 5 to 18 will gain free access to all county recreation centers. Wilson shared that when she had proposed the idea, approval first had to come from the Salt Lake County Council who control the county's purse strings.

One major highlight Wilson said is the upcoming $9 million expansion of the South Jordan Recreation Center. She shared that construction will begin mid-year on additions including seven new lap lanes for the pool, spectator bleachers and a timing system. Wilson projects finishing construction within about one year. She argued that by alleviating congestion, the upgrades will better accommodate community swim clubs, teams and seniors looking to exercise through swimming laps. The mayor praised the expansion as an evolution that will cement the South Jordan facility's status as a go-to aquatic and recreational hub for Salt Lake County's south side.

Bingham Creek Regional Park Leads Expansions

In addition to programming, Wilson touted park infrastructure expansions during her tenure. She said Salt Lake County had just opened the initial phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park. According to Wilson, it is now the county's largest park spanning 45 acres. Although once home to a gravel pit, the first section already includes playing fields, playgrounds, biking trails, a pavilion and more. She also teased that "several additional exciting projects" are coming, cementing Bingham Creek's status as the county's premier destination park.

Trail Networks Expand Access

Wilson also trumpeted the county's efforts on trails, celebrating the August opening of the "game changing" Butterfield Canyon trail system. Made possible by key partnerships with Rio Tinto and the Bureau of Land Management, she said the first phase introduced 15 miles of trails in previously hard-to-reach southwest Salt Lake County.

Beyond Butterfield Canyon, the mayor said her administration remains "dedicated to enhancing accessible, equitable, sustainable and high-quality trails and open space for all our county residents." She boasted that the county continues to link cities through an urban trail network that community members love to walk, bike and run.

Homelessness and Housing Affordability

Pose Challenges

Shifting focus to issues facing Salt Lake County, Wilson acknowledged "real challenges" like inflation, college affordability and the public safety impact of police department restructuring. However, she spent the most time discussing two intractable problems: homelessness and housing affordability.

Salt Lake County has partnered with Sandy City to open a new supportive housing facility for 165 formerly homeless people with medical vulnerabilities. Wilson stated this facility moves residents from homeless resource centers into supportive housing with health-related services. The mayor highlighted this project as an example of the county joining forces with cities to expand capacity for housing insecure populations.

Besides shelter space, Wilson called for addressing root causes like housing supply. To that end, she said the county has expanded its Housing Trust Fund by $25 million. According to Wilson, that infusion has facilitated over 1,500 units across 17 affordable housing proj-

ects approved in under a year.

Confidence in Overcoming Challenges

While acknowledging various challenges facing the county, Wilson conveyed confidence

in Salt Lake County's capability to adapt and overcome crises based on its track record. She cited the county's ability to pivot and respond during recent years of difficulties like extreme weather events and budget constraints.

To illustrate the county's aspirations, Wilson shared the inspirational story of a local high school basketball player named Jada who persevered through financial limitations to make her school's team. According to the mayor, Jada's determined pursuit of her goals symbolizes what the administration hopes to facilitate for youth through county programs and resources. l

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson gives her State of the County address. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Salt Lake County had just opened the initial phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation)

Top spellers to compete at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

More than 100 schools will be represented at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 23 at 9 a.m. at Wasatch Jr. High in Millcreek (3750 S. 3100 East). Sponsored by the City Journals community newspapers, the winner of the event will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

Each school can send up to two spelling representatives to compete at the Utah bee. Students will complete a written test before the competition and everyone will have the chance to spell one word on the stage. After the first round, the top spellers will be announced and they will compete for the state championship.

“The spelling bee is a foundation of the building blocks of education,” said Elizabeth Sweat, people leader at the City Journals. “It teaches children the importance of hard work, language skills and aiming for the best. It helps them become strong thinkers, ready to create a better tomorrow.”

The City Journals has hosted the region-

al spelling bee since 2014 and pays for the trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and one parent. This year, Planet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in West Valley will provide funds to ensure a second speller can also attend the national bee.

Last year’s winner, Surya Kapu, competed at the national event, finishing tied for third place. It was the third time the South Jordan resident had competed at that level. Surya won the regional bee four times but didn’t attend the Scripps event one year because of COVID. This year, he is too old to compete, so there will be a new champion crowned.

City Journals publisher Bryan Scott is adamant about hosting the event each year and giving students the opportunity to shine.

“To me, children are synonymous with our future and our community,” Scott said. “Any time we get to celebrate a child is awesome. For some of these spellers, this may be the only time in their life where they are on a stage. Those few moments make all the difference.”

To support the regional spelling bee and competitors, donate with the QR code. Help send the champion to Washington, D.C. to complete at the national level. l

Four lessons from St. Patrick

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

On March 17, many people look for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and wear green to avoid being pinched. But did you know there are lessons we can learn from the day’s honoree—St. Patrick?

St. Patrick was born into a very wealthy family. However, his luck took a turn when he was kidnapped by Irish raiders. Despite his circumstances, he found the courage to escape and traveled over 200 miles across the rugged Irish terrain where he came across a shipping vessel that happened to be bound for his homeland.

This is where we find four golden nuggets of wisdom and inspiration from St. Patty:

1. Take action. Note that St. Patrick didn’t wait to be rescued from his circumstances. He took action himself. What action do we need to take? Where might we need to step out of our comfort zone? We won’t ever reach those waters heading to where we want to be until we take that first step.

2. Forgive. One of the most surprising aspects of St. Patrick’s life was his decision to return to Ireland as a missionary 15 years after he had escaped. Despite his being held captive there, he was able to muster up the strength to forgive his captors to the point where he willingly returned. Who might we need to forgive in our life? Remember, holding onto resentment only creates bitterness and burden within us.

3. Take the higher road. Not only did St. Patrick return to his captors to share with

them as a missionary, but he also went above and beyond in paying them a full ransom price of a slave as compensation for his escape. Although the eye for an eye revenge approach might be the first thought when a wrong has been done to us, might we try the “killing them with kindness” concept by simply taking the higher road? Yes, often easier said than done.

4. Understand those around us. While in captivity, St. Patrick learned how to speak the Celtic language of his captives. This proved especially beneficial years later when returning as a missionary since he was able to speak the native tongue to the people he was trying to reach. Such a powerful reminder for us to invest in our listening, understanding and communicating skills. Whether it be through resources such as personality tests or the five love languages, meeting those around us where they are fosters healthier, more impacting relationships.

Through these four nuggets of wisdom, St. Patrick not only reached his very enemy who had taken him captive, but he ended up reaching the entire nation of Ireland with his faith. As a leader at work, in the community, in our church or even in our own home, how might the tale of St. Patrick teach us to transform our circumstances into opportunities for growth and impact?

This St. Patrick’s Day, might we remember that it is more than just a tale and opportunity to dress from head to toe in green. May we be encouraged and inspired to intention-

ally live our lives full of purpose, no matter our circumstances, as we make it a great day for a great day.

Want to learn more about personality tests or using the five love languages? Check out Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 2 Epi-

The City Journals sent South Jordan resident Surya Kapu to Washington, D.C. last year to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year’s regional bee will be held on Saturday, March 23. (Photo courtesy of Udaya Kapu)

sode 4 and Season 3

Episode 3. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available on www.hollycurby.com and wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and even “Alexa, play Holly’s Highlights podcast.” l

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Los Angeles, California. (Photo courtesy of Holly Curby)

Continued from front page ketball, there are so many things that can happen on a court that don’t show up on a stats sheet, just like in a community. Sometimes those behind-the-scenes things we do as individuals can make all the difference to others. From what we’ve heard about Tallahassee, she’s that kind of person. Every school needs a role model like her.”

At 4-foot-6, X-Over is the second shortest player to ever be part of the Globetrotters. His brother Hot Shot Swanson is the shortest at 4-foot-5. He said he was bullied as a youth, and it’s gratifying to see how students at Stansbury embrace and support each other. “I wish it was happening more often,” he said.

Kindergarten teacher Dana Dillon, who is in her third full-year at the school, called the assembly with the Globetrotters “super huge. Our population is extremely diverse and we have kids that come from all different backgrounds. It’s cool to have these kids recognized and honored like this. It might be one of the first times in their lives that they get to see something like this and experience something so cool.”

The players stayed at the school for a couple of hours, mingling with them in the cafeteria during lunch when they were served meals provided by Jersey Mike’s. l

OBESITY: This study is for adults over 18 and older who have type 2 diabetes, are obese, are overweight, and are at a high risk of heart or blood vessel disease. You must have a BMI greater than 25kg. This study can last one year or two years, depending on which group you get selected for. There are 20 clinic visits and 7 phone calls. To see if you qualify, call 801-542-8190.

HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA: This study is for adults 18 and older who have hypercholesterolemia, and is 60 weeks long. There are two groups you could get put into for this study. There are 8 visits and one phone call. You must have a history of major ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) which is a build-up of cholesterol plaque in the arteries. If you have no history of a major ASCVD but are intermediate to high risk for the development of a first major event, you may also be eligible to participate. Compensation may be provided if you qualify.

HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA: Statin-naive or statin-stable subjects - Do you have high TG levels (higher than 3-00)? If you are between the ages of 18 and 79, and are currently on a statin or non-statin lipid-altering therapy of more than 200mg/day. You must be stable for more than 28 days prior to the first TG baseline qualifying measurement visit. You should remain stable thereafter for the duration of the study. This study is 28 weeks long and there are 8 visits and 2 phone calls. You must have a BMI no greater than 50, compensation may be provided if you qualify.

COVID BOOSTER: This study is for adults 50 and older who have been previously vaccinated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. You must be medically stable; you must agree to not participate in any other SARS-CoV-2 prevention or treatment trials for the study. You must have previously received 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with the last dose having been given 90 days or longer. This study is 7.5 months long. There are 4 visits and one phone call. Call us today to see if you qualify, compensation may be provided.

Students at Stansbury Elementary got to see the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters at a school assembly. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Buckets Barrera thrilled students when he took his basketball for a “spin.” (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Globetrotters (from left) X-Over Tompkins, Hops Pearce and Buckets Barrera visited the school and helped serve free lunch to students courtesy of Jersey Mike’s Subs. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Many major artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre this year

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

It’s been 20 years since the first musicians played at West Valley City’s popular outdoor concert venue. Now, the newly-named Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre—formerly the USANA Amphitheatre—is about to embark on what could be its biggest season yet.

Starting near Memorial Day weekend and running at least through mid-September, the UFCU Amphitheatre will host performers from almost every genre of music.

“One thing we pride ourselves in is offering something for everyone,” said Trent Falcone, now in his 11th year as Director of Marketing for the venue, owned and operated by Live Nation. “It’s still a little too early to say just how many shows we’ll end up with this season, but it potentially could be our biggest year ever.”

As of Feb. 14, the season’s opening act will be American country music duo Brooks & Dunn. They will be bringing their Reboot Tour in on May 30.

June is packed, starting with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kid Cudi and Irontom on June 5, followed the next night (June 6) by Sarah McLachlan and Feist. And the superstars keep coming, with Janet Jackson set for June 14; the trio of Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard and Arizona on June 25; For-

eigner, Styx and John Waite on June 26, and New Kids on the Block on June 29. A complete season schedule as of this writing is listed below.

Falcone says that like any other concert venue, “things come and go, and sometimes things can change a performer’s schedule or prevent them from confirming. But the amphitheatre has become a favored venue by many musicians who’ve come back to perform several times in recent years.”

“I had a conversation with someone the other day and we both said we can’t remember such a time for Salt Lake City and music,” Falcone said. “This seems like the best time ever for the music community here—so many great acts coming into different venues. You can see bands you like, and they seem to be helping draw in many acts. There was a time when Utah was considered a secondary market because of our size, but it doesn’t feel that way now. We’re a lot more diverse in our population than people realize, and the concert tour managers are recognizing that. I think we might have the most diverse group of acts we’ve ever had coming this year.”

Falcone said the venue’s lawn seating area, near the back of the arena, has proven

UTAH FIRST CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE (SCHEDULE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

May 30 Brooks & Dunn

June 5 Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kid Cudi and Irontom

June 6 Sarah McLachlan and Feist

June 14 Janet Jackson

June 25 Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard and Arizona

June 26 Foreigner, Styx and John Waite

June 29 New Kids on the Block

July 9 Noah Kahan

July 11 Hootie and the Blowfish

July 20 Niall Horan

July 30 Thirty Seconds to Mars and AFI

July 31 Bush, Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox

Aug 1 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts & Morgan Wade

Aug 16 The Australian Pink Floyd Show

Aug 18 Limp Bizkit

Aug 20 Tyler Childers

Aug 21 Santana and Counting Crows

Aug. 22 Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper

Aug. 29 Train and REO Speedwagon

Aug 30 The Doobie Brothers

Aug 31 Hozier

Sept. 6 Creed, 3 Doors Down and Finger Eleven

Sept. 11 Jason Aldean

Sept 13 Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean and Zach Top

so popular for concertgoers that its patrons have their own name—the Lawnies.

“We put those lawn season tickets on sale a few days ago and they sold out,” he said. “It’s like they have their own culture.”

This season’s schedule isn’t complete. Live Nation is still working to confirm

other shows that could be added over the next few weeks.

“I really do think we have something for everybody,” Falcone said, “and I do believe more acts will be booked soon.”

You can check on seating and book tickets at livenation.com. l

Big shows and big stars are coming to the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City this summer. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

This is the first in a series of articles where I will answer specific constituent questions about the issues facing Salt Lake County. A few weeks ago, I invited followers on social media to submit questions, and multiple people asked about homelessness and what the county is doing to address it.

Homelessness is an extremely complex issue without a one-size-fits-all solution. Given that its cause stems from an array of contributing factors, including mental illness, substance abuse, job loss, lack of affordable housing, disabilities, and many more, identifying solutions to meet the needs of Utahns experiencing homelessness is a monumental task.

According to the State’s Annual Report on Homelessness, Utah’s 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) metric for counting homelessness saw an increase in the number of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. In 2022, of the 7,619 people who enrolled in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or a permanent housing project, 53% of them were experiencing homelessness for the very first time in their lives.

Salt Lake County is part of a growing coalition of elected officials, city and state government agencies, business owners, and community organizations working to find lasting solutions and implement the best practices to end homelessness. The result is a robust homeless service system that unites communities

Homelessness

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

and service providers in profoundly new ways. Our shared vision is “to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring so that all people experiencing homelessness can thrive to their fullest potential and that our communities are stable and safe for everyone.”

As a collective effort, Salt Lake County helped establish the plan to provide overflow shelter and resources this winter to add 695 beds for Utahns experiencing homelessness.

Under a 2023 state law, Salt Lake County implemented Code Blue Alerts. The alerts are issued when temperatures are expected to drop to dangerous levels of 15 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill for 2 hours or more during a 24-hour period.

Once an alert is issued, designated shelters across the county expand their services, increase capacity, and expedite intake processes. Additionally, outreach teams increase efforts to transport individuals to resource facilities. This valuable program provides 235 beds in Salt

Lake County.

While the government is responding to the homeless situation by enforcing “no camping” ordinances, there are other things needed upstream to prevent homelessness. Affordable housing is key. The county contributed Federal American Rescue Plan (ARPA) dollars to approve over 200 affordable units over the last two years. There are also needed resources for those with mental health and substance abuse

issues. The county is working closely with the state on a new model to improve our homelessness situation.

Though the homelessness situation is incredibly complicated, we are working hard to find solutions – both in preventing homelessness and helping those struggling to find a path to self-sufficiency.

WOMeN’S SECTION

A publication covering local influential women in honor of International Women’s Day

Utah-educated doctor chosen to lead National Institutes of Health

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

For the first time, a University of Utah medical school graduate sits at the helm of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in November 2023. She is the second woman to serve as NIH Director since its inception in 1887 and the first surgeon in that role.

The NIH is located in Bethesda, Maryland and is comprised of 27 institutes and centers. The organization has a budget of more than $47 billion and serves as the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world.

President Biden stated: “Dr. Bertagnolli has spent her career pioneering scientific discovery and pushing the boundaries of what is possible to improve cancer prevention and treatment for patients and ensuring that patients in every community have access to quality care. Dr. Bertagnolli is a world-class physician-scientist whose vision and leadership will ensure NIH continues to be an engine of innovation to improve the health of the American people.”

Bertagnolli first earned an engineering degree from Princeton University, then she attended and graduated from the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine in 1985. She was interested in immunology but discovered a different passion. “I signed up for surgery as my very first clinical rotation, just because I wanted to get it out of the way. I still vividly remember my first day in an operating room because I immediately knew that’s where I belonged,” she told the ASCO Post.

In more recent years, she served as chair of the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s External Advisory Board. Bertagnolli was previously a professor of surgery at Har-

vard Medical School and chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She has been president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and leader of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology.

Prior to her current role at the NIH, Dr. Bertagnolli was the first female director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a role she took in October 2022. NCI is a component of NIH. One month into her time at the NCI, a routine mammogram led to Bertagnolli being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Since then, she has called herself a cancer survivor. “Fortunately, my prognosis is excellent. And this is due to NIH-funded research over the last several decades. And the many women who participated in clinical trials before me,” she said.

Her upbringing on a ranch in rural Wyoming as the daughter of first-generation immigrants has shaped her professional approach by providing an understanding of the medical challenges rural communities experience. An NIH press release said, “Equity is a core value that drives all her efforts, which includes ensuring NIH research is equitable and accessible to all people from all walks of life regardless of income or zip code.”

Huntsman Cancer Institute CEO Mary Beckerle, who has known Bertagnolli almost since her Utah med school days, compares her to the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who also grew up on a ranch: A “bundle of wit, resilience, and can-do spirit,” Beckerle said in Science magazine, December 2023 edition.

Beyond being a cancer surgeon for more than 35 years, her research has

DR. MONICA BERTAGNOLLI is a 1985 graduate of the University of Utah medical school. She served on an advisory board for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which is made up of 27 institutes and centers for biomedical research.

focused on the genetic mutations that lead to gastrointestinal cancer and how inflammation stimulates cancer growth. In her current role, she hopes to leverage commonalities such as how inflammation causes cancer but is also a component of Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, Long COVID and other diseases.

In 2023, she was named one of the 100 Influential Women in Oncology by Onco Daily.

Bertagnolli said in a December 2022 NCI statement, “Having been an oncologist my entire career, it was always—and still is—all about the patients and survivors. It’s one thing to know about cancer as a physician, but it is another to experience it firsthand as a patient as well. To anyone with cancer today: I am truly in this together with you.” l

Photo credit: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang/NIH

‘Look Good, Feel Good’ conference focuses on inclusion for Pacific Islander women

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

The inaugural “Look Good, Feel Good” conference, held in February at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, was organized to empower Pacific Islander women in Utah. In partnership with the Creative Pacific Foundation, the Women’s Executive Alliance held the event to celebrate women of the PI community through education and connection.

La Wolfgramm serves as president of the WEA, the women in business arm of the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce, that just celebrated its first anniversary. As the owner of Pasifika Kitchen, Wolfgramm wanted to bring women together and provide a fun environment where they could learn about holistic empowerment, covering physical and mental health, hair and fashion.

“We started WEA because we felt that there was nothing out there for PI women,” she said. “I wanted our PI women to see that there’s someone that looks like them, that talks like them and walks like them. It’s a comfort thing to know they can come in, and if they want to, they can start a business.”

The “Look Good, Feel Good” event marked the first time Utah PI experts in food, health, entertainment and fashion joined together in one place to offer support and information.

Guest speakers included Aveda beauty and hair expert Ben Powell, “Project Runway” designer Afa Ah Loo, mental health expert Celia Moleni (owner of Manaaki Mental Health) and wellness expert Alex Millions, RN, (owner of ModeRN Hydraesthetics). The conference ended with a keynote address from Sui Lang L. Panoke, senior vice president of culture at Zions Bank.

In addition to workshops, the event featured a DJ, a 360-degree photo booth, catered food and mocktails.

Analei Samasei’a serves on the WEA board of directors. She wants PI women to understand that they belong in these spaces and that what they contribute to the community has value.

“A lot of our women are caretakers. They stay home with their families, they take care of their aunties or uncles or mothers or fathers. That’s what we inherently do in our culture,” Samasei’a said. “So they’re not always available to go to these types of events, nor do they have accessibility. But now, we have all these experts here in the room. They were all mingling together and asking questions.”

Partnering with Creative Pacific allowed WEA to host the “Look Good, Feel Good” conference with a focus on inclusion while

strengthening bonds between PI women. Creative Pacific is a nonprofit that celebrates cultural diversity.

For information about WEA and the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce visit

Upichamber.org. To learn about Creative Pacific, visit CreativePacific.org.

“We had a mental health expert who walked us through some exercises to connect back to ourselves and understand the sensations we were feeling and how

our thoughts determine actions. It was like a good therapy session,” Samasei’a said. “And so it unified everybody in that room. We’ve all shared this experience together, and now we can talk about it to our friends.”

l

“PROJECT RUNWAY” designer Afa Ah Loo talks to Pacific Islander women about fashion at the “Look Good, Feel Good” conference.

City Journals

MORE THAN 70 WOMEN attended the first “Look Good, Feel Good” conference for Pacific Islander women at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy. The event celebrated women of the PI community.

City Journals

LA WOLFGRAMM is president of the Women’s Executive Alliance, the women in business branch of the Utah Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce.

City Journals

Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin leaves behind a legacy of student-centered leadership

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

For more than 30 years Deneece Huftalin has been a student-focused leader at Salt Lake Community College serving in various capacities within administration. What began in September 2014, when she became president of SLCC, will come to a conclusion in June of this year as Huftalin officially retires. She will have been the longest serving female president within the Utah System of Higher Education.

With the most diverse student body in the state, Huftalin said she always aimed to keep true the SLCC mission “[to] engage and support students in educational pathways leading to successful transfer and meaningful employment.”

To “support students” is something that she spent her career being focused on.

A Salt Lake City native, and a University of Utah graduate, Huftalin spent some time outside of Utah on various higher education campuses including Northwestern University, Stanford University and University of California, Los Angeles. But it was a job at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois that helped open her eyes to the community college system.

“I worked in orientation, but they considered their student affairs people faculty, which was a really cool model,” Huftalin said. “I was able to teach a little and serve on the college senate, but also have kind of a staff role.”

That position at Harper, although brief, left an impression. As Huftalin found herself back in Utah, returning so her husband could take a job opportunity, she found herself looking for work again on another college campus.

“There’s something [magical] about campuses,” Huftalin said. “People are thinking, discovering, laughing, having fun and testing waters, and it’s a good place to be.”

As Salt Lake Community College was booming with growth and expansion in the early 1990s, Huftalin realized that her time at Harper’s gave her a bit of competitive edge when it came time to apply for positions at SLCC. She began her tenure as the director of academic and career advising in 1992.

“I always feel fortunate that Harper College gave me a little bit of knowledge and a kind of step into a community college role,” Huftalin said.

That first role led to her eventual “dream job” in the mid-1990s, as the dean

of students. Being involved with students was always where she saw herself.

“I just love being with students,” said Huftalin said.

Over the years, colleagues took notice of that student-centered persona. Alison McFarlane, who became the Vice President of Institutional Advancement in 2012, worked closely with Huftalin, who was the Vice President of Student Services at that time.

“Deneece is the most student-focused leader I could have possibly imaged,” McFarlane said. “You always hear about Deneece being the voice for students.”

Cassidy Behling has been the Administrative Assistant to the President for the last 10 years, and has watched as Huftalin, who often gets pulled in so many different directions, has been able to focus on what truly matters in higher education.

“Her care and concern for her students is always her guiding force,” Behling said.

Huftalin admitted that she worries

about current and future students and how heavy the world is on them, especially when it comes to mental health.

“It takes a lot to break through and come and be courageous and learn and try something new,” Huftalin said.

Despite never seeing herself in the role of president of SLCC, Huftalin said that being in leadership roles has allowed her to model behavior that she has witnessed over the years. Throughout her career, she was able to be a part of women-led communities, allowing for the formation of friendships and connections.

“Younger women are experiencing things differently than I ever have,” Huftalin said. “But I do think there’s some continuity of support…and having lived longer and navigated different things, I can give advice and support or encouragement.”

While in office, Huftalin realized several goals such as, but not limited to, the addition of the Westpointe Workforce Training and Education Center in Salt Lake City and

the Juniper Building in Herriman which has increased geographical access to classes and the Open Education Resources (OER) initiative that allows students access to public domain textbooks for general education courses.

According to McFarlane, who retired in October 2023, one of the many ways that Huftalin has been able to accomplish these goals is because she is a “connector” of people and ideas, fostering collaboration within the college and the surrounding communities.

“When she sees opportunities, she’s very [eager] to give them to other people,” McFarlane said.

Those connections have led to great relationships with students, faculty and staff, and Huftalin said she will miss those the most after retirement.

“…Those relationships are hard to step away from,” Huftalin said. “Because they’ve just meant so much.” l

DENEECE HUFTALIN has been president of Salt Lake Community College since 2014 and when she retires in June, she will have been the longest serving female president within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).

Photo courtesy of Salt Lake Community College

Glass

Glass

Cremations using water gives pet owners a new choice for burial

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

Glass

Glass

Cost: $8/month, charged via a credit card (plus a one-time $25 activation fee)

The love and attachment people have with their pets can lead to a great void in their lives when their beloved animals die.

But a relatively new—yet old—method of preserving the remains of their beloved ones can offer some solace to their owners.

Aquamation is a means of cremating pets through the use of water rather than traditional flame-based cremation. A new business in West Valley City is providing that service to pet owners who want to keep some tangible remains of their furry (and not so furry) companions.

Merrit Rinard launched Utah Pet Aquamation in July at 2052 W. 2200 South.

Cost: $8/month, charged via a credit card (plus a one-time $25 activation fee)

Cost: $8/month, charged via a credit card (plus a one-time $25 activation fee)

Cost: $8/month, charged via a credit card (plus a one-time $25 activation fee)

Pickup: once per month

Cost: $8/month, charged via a credit card (plus a one-time $25 activation fee)

Pickup: once per month

Pickup: once per month

All colors of glass are accepted, and residents do not need to rinse or remove labels before recycling

Pickup: once per month

All colors of glass are accepted, and residents do

Pickup: once per month

All colors of glass are accepted, and residents do not need to rinse or remove labels before recycling

“The word is still spreading. I’ve had some customers reaching out specifically looking for aquamation. I’ve had other people say, ‘I’ve never heard about this until I was looking for cremation and I found your business,’” Rinard said.

All colors of glass are accepted, and residents do not need to rinse or remove labels before recycling

All colors of glass are accepted, and residents do not need to rinse or

The process involves alkaline hydrolysis to mimic what takes place in natural decomposition in the soil. A gentle water flow with the right alkalinity and heated temperatures in a small steel vessel combine to more naturally break down the pet’s remains.

Similar to cremation, the only solid remains are the bones which are processed into ash and are provided to the pet owners as a keepsake. The owners can get back 20% more of their animals’ remains than they would with traditional fire-based cremation.

Rinard says the journey to what is now her now 8-month-old business began with the death of her dog Trapper from kidney disease at the relatively young age of 6. “It was very, very hard for me,” she recalled.

Rinard became aware of aquamation when she lived in Texas and searched for such a facility in northern Utah when she moved here. Finding none, she decided to start her own business. “I knew it was something that spoke to me because I was looking for a gentler option” than flame-based cremation, she said. “All we’ve ever had was you bury your pet in the yard or flame cremation and that’s it.” The “gentler option” of water cremation can also be easier emotionally on the grieving pet owner than the perceived harshness and finality of flame cremation.

Rinard says there are other benefits to the process as well. Since there is no burning, there are no emissions into the atmosphere and the overall carbon footprint is only one-tenth that of flame-based cremation. The procedure uses very little energy and the wastewater can simply go down the drain and into the sewer system like any other domestic uses of the resource. Some water purveyors treat the used water for reuse in irrigation.

“There are different reasons why people gravitate toward (aquamation),” Rinard

said. “Some people are very much into the ‘eco’ aspect. Other people, it’s just emotionally gentler for them to think of their dog in water.”

“I think some people just like the idea of water over fire.”

Megan Max lost her little Yorkshire Terrier in January at the age of 5. “It was a tragic event,” the Salt Lake City resident said of her beloved Chacco (pronounced Chock-o) while walking her other two existing canines.

Max said she wanted a way to part with Chacco yet keep some part of him at an affordable price. “I didn’t know about aquamation,” she said and felt it was the way to go when she learned more about it from Rinard. “The idea of a water process instead of flames seems more gentle.”

“I have a bag of his teeth,” which Max is thankful were preserved through aquamation rather than incinerated through cremation. “It’s morbid, but it’s a little more comforting.”

Aquamation isn’t limited to just dogs and cats. Rinard says creatures up to 400 pounds can undergo the process, even pets you’d classify as more exotic, like snakes, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, turtles and birds. A guinea pig, for instance, can undergo aquamation for about $120 and it goes up from there based on the size of the animal.

Aquamation was patented in 1888 and has long been used by the medical industry, but more so for animals in the last few years.

that

is in St. George. However, human aquamation has been offered by Tate Mortuary in Tooele since 2018 when Utah became the 16th state to legalize the practice. Now, 27 states allow it. Today, there are about 400 animal aquamation machines around the world.

More information is available at www. utahpetaquamation.com. l

Utah Pet Aquamation is the only such business in northern Utah. The next closest known service of

type

Merritt Rinard, owner of Aquamation. (Courtesy Merritt Rinard)

The death of 6-year-old Trapper from kidney disease spurred his owner Merritt Rinard to open Utah Pet Aquamation in West Valley City to cremate deceased pets by water rather than fire. (Courtesy Merritt Rinard)

Hunter High student business club aids Utah Food Bank

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

As inflation and other economic factors are squeezing many Utah families when it comes to having enough food in the house, a student organization at Hunter High School in West Valley City is trying to help.

The school’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America and DECA conducted a fundraiser from Feb. 8 through early March to raise money for the Utah Food Bank.

FBLA/DECA set a goal of $6,000 in cash donations to enable the Utah Food Bank to purchase some of the staples that are in high demand from people who are finding it hard to get the food they need for their households.

“I’m very optimistic” about hitting the fundraising target, said Hunter High sophomore Austin Watkins, one of the leaders of the FBLA chapter and the food bank money drive. “In years past, we’ve hit our goals.”

“This fundraising opportunity is so cool to be able to raise so much money for the Utah Food Bank,” Watkins said.

If the campaign pulls in $6,000 in contributions, an organization representing Utah Ford dealers’ community efforts, Ford Cares, will match it dollar for dollar. Of that potential match, $4,000 will go to the food bank and $2,000 will help FBLA/DECA cover its expenses and enable the Hunter High food pantry to build up its inventory. The pantry aids needy students and their families.

This is the fourth year the Hunter FBLA has held the food bank fundraiser. “It’s been a

great way to raise money for them and for us,” said Tonya Bryner, a business education teacher at the school and FBLA advisor, emphasizing the importance of donations for the food bank over any financial benefits for the club. “There’s no ‘lose’ here,” she added.

“To see students working so hard to help fellow students who are experiencing hunger is always inspiring,” Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank president and CEO said by email. “Because we can stretch each $1 donated into $8.36 worth of goods and services, every donation truly has an impact on the one in 10 children in Utah who are unsure where their next meal is coming from.”

FBLA/DECA got the word out about the fundraiser mainly through social media and going around to classes at Hunter High School to encourage students to give what they could. Higher-donating classes were to be rewarded with a doughnut or pizza party.

Future Business Leaders of America bills itself as “the largest business career and technical and student organization in the world.”

“We teach students real-world business and leadership concepts and skills that they can apply to all aspects of life,” Watkins said. There are nearly 50 students in the Hunter High School chapter, from freshmen to seniors.

Watkins says the smaller DECA group at Hunter High has a similar mission as FBLA and has largely been combined with the latter club. l

Hunter High sophomore Austin Watkins is optimistic that the food bank fundraiser, conducted by FBLA/DECA, will hit its goal. (Courtesy Austin Watkins)

SGranger High students among winners in Utah clean air marketing contest

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

ix West Valley City high school students are among the winners of the 2024 Utah High School Clean Air Marketing Contest.

Yoselyn Zavala, Pisila Venus Malu, Wybie Gruber, Kylie Skousen, Johnny Lopez Perez and Jennifer Bertho Diaz—all of Granger High School—joined 16 other students from around Utah and southeastern Idaho in being recognized for creating standout clean air public service announcements. They were selected from 1,000 students who submitted entries in the competition sponsored by Utah State University. The Granger students received awards ranging from $100 to $250.

According to a press release from contest sponsor Utah State University, the Utah High School Clean Air Marketing Contest was created in 2015 by professors Roslynn Brain McCann of USU Extension Sustainability and Edwin Stafford of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at USU.

“PSAs designed by teens combine art, science and savvy marketing to encourage Utahns to help keep the air healthy through carpooling,

using alternative transportation, limiting idling and trip chaining (completing multiple errands at a time to limit unnecessary driving). The messaging and artwork are often provocative, funny, edgy and tied to teen pop culture,” the release stated.

“The winning PSAs will be displayed for educational outreach across the state and on social media.”

Organizers say the contest “is intended to raise Utahns’ awareness of air quality issues by helping youth who are learning to drive to understand how their new driving privilege can impact air pollution. It also helps high school students learn ways to preserve air quality, especially during Utah’s polluted winter inversion season, such as refraining from idling and engaging in carpooling.”

“Our research shows that the contest is having an impact beyond the teens in educating Utahns about how to help keep the air healthy,” McCann said.

A panel of 36 judges evaluated the final entries. l

Winning entries of the Utah High School Clean Air Marketing Contest include Granger High School students Yoselyn Zavala, Jennifer Bertho Diaz and Johnny Lopez Perez. (Courtesy Utah State University)

UTOPIA Fiber exceeds 60,000 subscribers

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

It’s been more than 20 years since the Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency introduced the idea to build a fiber optic network with an investment from several cities in the state. Now those cities are considered pioneers for having the foresight to predict the need for high-speed internet connectivity for residents.

UTOPIA Fiber has demonstrated 14 years of consecutive growth, with the company releasing its 2023 numbers that include five new city buildouts and more than 62,000 subscribers. Last year, the fiber-optic company installed 1.5 million linear feet of underground conduit and 2.7 million linear feet of fiber-optic cable, and it connected more than 23,000 new homes and 1,270 businesses.

“This past year has been one of UTOPIA Fiber’s best yet,” said Roger Timmerman, UTOPIA Fiber executive director. “By partnering with communities across Utah and the West, we’ve built vital infrastructure that aims to ensure residents and businesses benefit from fast, reliable, and affordable fiber internet connectivity, while leveraging UTOPIA’s expertise and proven track record in efficient network operation, maintenance, and exceptional customer service.”

As the second largest city in the state, West Valley’s internet infrastructure is imperative for residents and business owners. Additionally, UTOPIA Fiber connects more than 20 parks in the city for reliable internet access.

“With its population, West Valley City is one of the biggest cities in the U.S. that is fully built out with a fiber network,” said Kim McKinley, chief marketing officer of UTOPIA Fiber. “People are trying to mimic what we have done here in Utah…When we

talk about West Valley and how diverse it is economically and culturally, it’s kind of cool that we’re bringing this open-access network to those kinds of communities.”

Since 2009, UTOPIA Fiber has designed, built, and financed nearly half-a-billion dollars worth of community broadband projects in Utah and the Intermountain West. While UTOPIA Fiber doesn’t provide internet services, it builds out the infrastructure with an “open access” model that allows private service providers to tap into the system.

“Utopia wouldn’t be here unless the community stood up and said what they wanted in their community, and I never knew the power of your voice until I’ve been to some of these city council meetings where people want fiber and understand how that really can direct the city’s future,” McKinley said. “So it’s been a great ride. It’s a new UTOPIA and we’re here to see what 2024 brings. We’re always up for a challenge.”

Timmerman said UTOPIA Fiber’s growth has been spurred by residents and city officials who were tired of waiting for fast internet to become available in their communities.

“They took the matter into their own hands, correctly characterizing fiber as vital infrastructure and demanding more choice and affordable pricing,” he said. “We continually build networks that deliver among the fastest speeds in the United States, consistent reliability, and the freedom to choose your own internet service provider, most of which are fantastic local Utah companies themselves.”

For more information, visit UTOPIAFiber.com. l

In 2023, UTOPIA Fiber installed 1.5 million linear feet of underground conduit and 2.7 million linear feet of fiber-optic cable. Plus, it connected more than 23,000

Comcast helps private school implement updated technology for security and connectivity

When high school students and faculty at American Heritage School went back to class last September, they were given a per sonal MacBook Air to use throughout their high school experience. With more people logging onto the internet, the need for connec tivity soared. The school looked for a solution that would increase bandwidth.

Levi Crockett, the school’s education technology director, reached out to Comcast for solutions. Daniel Jasinski was the Comcast sales associate who helped work on the two main problems facing the school: the ability to manage their network and the need for visibil ity of the network.

“We brought in some specialty teams within Comcast business for a managed Wi-Fi solution, like the ability to have visibility and setting up managed firewalls,” Jasinski said. “They definitely valued the kind of innovative approach that Comcast business had. We’re honored to provide the necessary communication equipment and services that will fuel their school’s growth and educational initiatives.”

support those initiatives that will expand their network and their operational execution.”

Internet safety was a big concern for American Heritage. Along with protection against cyberattacks, ensuring students were safe online was imperative. With Comcast’s help, the school’s IT team will be able to set protocols in place to monitor websites students visit and to create safeguards and firewalls to increase online safety.

“That’s something that’s top of mind for them. As a private school in American Fork, they have some pretty significant concerns,” Jasinski said. “We’re actually taking that off their plate so they can focus on the important things, such as educating the kids. Let Comcast business be the security experts when it comes to your Wi-Fi.”

Not only will Comcast provide all the hardware and access points necessary to in-

The updated infrastructure for American Heritage will be completed in June, in time for the next school year. Crockett said working with Comcast was the best choice they could have made.

“The expertise, professionalism and organization demonstrated in our interview and onboarding processes has been seamless,” he said. “Comcast has left no stone unturned. The lesson we learned that could benefit other organizations is that you can really tell the quality of an organization by how efficiently and exactly they implement well-thought-out procedures and operations.”

To learn how Comcast Business Solutions can support your business needs, contact Jasinski at daniel_jasinski@comcast.com, 801946-7415 or business.comcast.com/contact.

American Heritage School looked to Comcast to increase connectivity, internet safety and manageability for its high school students and staff. (Stock photo)

Construction begins on 4700 South Bangerter interchange

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

After months of planning and some late summer demolition of two buildings and a church, construction is now underway on the new interchange at Bangerter Highway and 4700 South. The project will expand over two years, with a planned completion date in late 2025.

It began with a two-phase closure of most east-west travel on 4700 South on Feb. 16. That weekend and the next, UDOT crews were driving piles into the ground that will house utility relocations at the intersection. Traffic could still use off-ramps and on-ramps at Bangerter during those two weekends. There will be more interruptions at that intersection until all east-west traffic will be stopped starting in June.

“There will be a full 12-month closure of east-west on 4700 South to keep people safe during the construction,” said UDOT spokesman John Gleason. “The idea is to make Bangerter Highway more of a freeway. It is one of the most traveled roadways on the westside of the valley, with about 60,000 vehicles a day on the road. If we can take out those traffic signals and make them freeway-style interchanges, we hope to get motorists to their destinations faster and safer by eliminating those con-

flict points at stoplights.”

He said similar interchange construction is underway at three other locations on the highway—at 9800 South, 13400 South and at 2700 West. Over the past few years, interchanges from 5400 South to the south end of the valley have been reconstructed to a freeway-type designation.

“We generally try to keep traffic open as long as possible when we’re doing these interchanges,” he said. “We saw an increase in crashes when we were rebuilding the interchange at 11400 South and all lanes remained open, so we looked at what was happening and said we’re never taking chances with the safety of those traveling on the roads. So starting in June, the eastwest at 47th will be stopped for at least a year.”

Gleason said UDOT has done extensive studies on all of the interchanges along Bangerter, rebuilding them over time. The remaining intersections along the roadway up to I-215 will be reconstructed sometime in the future.

Part and parcel with these changes is UDOT’s emphasis on other modes of transportation, including use of mass transit as well as walking and biking trails that are planned for the future.

“Not everyone can or wants to drive,” he said, “so we’re encouraging people to consider alternatives. It’s important that we make smart decisions for the future.”

Drivers should expect delays in the area and can use 4100 South or 5400 South as alternate routes. The Project Team can

be reached via the project hotline 888766-7623 or the project email bangerter@ utah.gov. Visit udot.utah.gov/bangerter4700south for more information. Updates will be posted regularly on progress of the project. l

Why A Locally Owned, Family Operated Mortuary Really Matters

Larkin Mortuary is the most respected funeral home in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885 and today, with seven generations of history serving Utah families, Larkin Mortuary remains locally family owned and managed.

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Being a quali ed resource to you is our core mission. Larkin’s vertically integrated services provide a premier oral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, and beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. This full range of services o ers individuals and families the exibility to design a custom memorial tribute for their loved one. Multilingual sta honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures. Larkin can also assist with legal transactions and documentation for timely and e cient transfers to other countries.

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Construction is underway at the intersection of`4700 South and Bangerter Highway and will close starting in June. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

The cost to play high school sports may increase next school year

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

The cost to participate in high school athletics in Canyons School District may increase next school year, but District officials say it’s to match inflation and the rising costs associated with sports.

The proposed bump “isn’t unusual; it occurs every couple years,” said Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood.

“The UHSAA (Utah High School Activities Association) has had an increase for the cost of officials the past few years; they’re paying more to attract more officials, so we have to account for that,” Sherwood said. “We don’t raise fees every year. We try to phase them in.”

One of the least expensive sports, cross country is proposed to cost a maximum of $2,560 per student-athlete, up $265 from last year and up $655 from 2021-22 season. While the UHSAA participation fee has increased $40 during the past few years, camp costs have increased $325 and team travel, $250.

Cheer, one of the more expensive sports, has risen from $3,950 in 2021-22 to a proposed $4,240. However, the increased from last year to this year is only $40. During the past couple years, UHSAA participation fees have remained the same, but its camps, clinics and team meals that have fluctuated.

“We tried to equalize the sports in terms of travel and camps and clinics. There’s no reason to have a camp and clinics cap different by sport. It should be the same for all sports and the same can be said for travel,” he said.

Canyons’ proposed camp and clinic maximum within each sport is $400. Travel, at $1,500, matches the current school year’s maximum cost.

“It’s important to realize that the maximum amount per student in athletics and in activities is $5,000. That doesn’t mean every student will reach that amount. Last year, we only had one student who did. It also doesn’t mean every coach will spend $1,500 per student on travel; we’re setting the boundaries and trying to make it fair across the board,” he said. “All this money goes to that program and to kids by rule. We don’t use it to pay for anything outside of that program or for the kids. None of this goes into the coaches’ pockets or to the school. This is just the operational costs for these activities. A few years ago, the (Utah) legislature made it so every activity had to be self-funded. The kids have to pay whatever it costs to play that activity. So, when the activities become more expensive than what we’re collecting, we got to adjust it.”

Canyons School District’s fees also increased for soccer, golf, track and volleyball. The proposed fees for Canyons’ sports and activities can be found at www.feeschedules.

Canyons

canyonsdistrict.org/#/home/700.

The student fee proposal will be reviewed by the Canyons Board of Education through its March 12 meeting, said Canyons spokeswoman Kirsten Stewart. Patrons can address the Board through public comment or by contacting their school’s Board member.

“No child has ever been turned away from an activity,” Stewart said. “We always work with families.”

Families who qualify can apply for fee waivers. Schools, on a case-by-case basis, may grant fee waivers to a student who does not qualify for a waiver, but because of extenuating circumstances, is not capable of paying the fee, she said.

Sherwood added that most teams also provide fundraising opportunities.

The cost of student fees for athletics and activities is reviewed annually by school districts. While each district may break it down differently and can vary per sport, usually it accounts for participation fee, camps and clinics, uniforms and clothing, team activities and meals, travel and miscellaneous costs.

Murray School District’s proposed student fees for the 2024-25 school year can be found at www.murrayschools.org/highschool-fees.

Jordan School District’s proposed student fees for the 2024-25 school year can be found at www.proposedfees.jordandistrict. org/schedule/high.

Granite Board of Education will review their high school student fees at a March meeting, said spokesman Ben Horsley. l

Larkin

is one of the most respected funeral homes in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885. Today, with seven generations of history serving Utah families, four mortuaries, cremation facilities and two cemeteries, Larkin Mortuary remains locally family owned and managed.

Larkin’s vertically integrated services also provide a premier floral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, along with beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. Multilingual staff honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures.

In

School District, cross country and other UHSAA-sanctioned sports may experience a price increase next school year by its school board to cover rising costs. Other school districts’ school boards also will review athletic fees. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

As I’ve gotten older (but never wiser), I expected the hot flashes, mood swings and irritability. What I didn’t expect was that my age would turn my hair into a mortal enemy. Each morning, I stare in the mirror and prepare for what feels like a battle to the death.

If the indignity of having my face turn a heat-blasting shade of scarlet at any given moment wasn’t enough, I suddenly developed cowlicks along my hairline, giving my head the appearance of constant swirling, like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” My hair suddenly changed directions and refused to be bullied into lying flat.

In fairness, my hair and I have been through some stuff. We endured the spongy, pink curlers mom twisted onto my head every Saturday night. We survived my feathery Farrah Fawcett era, the spiral perms, the lemon bleaching in the summer, the sky-high bangs of the ’80s and a decade of nothing but ponytails when my daughters were little.

Maybe my hair never forgave me because now there is no amount of styling products or heated irons that make my hair manageable. It usually looks like newlywed hawks nested on my head to raise their young.

After another morning struggling to arrange my hair in some semblance of

Letting my hair down

control, I threw my hair straightener down the hall and burst into tears. My husband walked out of his office and asked what was wrong. I pointed at my head and kept bawling.

“I don’t care if your hair looks like a tornado emoji,” he said. “You’re always beautiful to me.”

“I don’t want to be beautiful to you,” I sobbed. “I want to be beautiful to complete strangers.”

He doesn’t get it. Men can be bald or gray or have a comb-over or just a Van Dyke beard and they’ll still be considered handsome, even distinguished. But if a woman can’t style her hair using a tube sock, a bottle of mousse and a barrette, the TikTok police jump out of nowhere and create harsh videos for public shaming.

But it’s not just the random cowlicks that give my scalp the appearance of a tropical storm weather map, it’s the breakage and the sensitive scalp and the way my

hair just refuses to comply. My hair breaks so often, it looks like my stylist started to give me a bowl cut and then got bored after trimming the first layer.

I’ve invested in expensive shampoos and luxury leave-in conditioners with no effect. My hair just twirls insolently from my head. I purchased soft brushes and vitamin supplements and I paid someone good money to rub my scalp for 45 minutes. The pampering hasn’t paid off.

There’s no such thing as “styling” my hair. I have to distract it, wrestle it into place, staple it down and spray it with a light coat of cement. It doesn’t matter.

Within minutes it’s spinning around my face like it drank too many mimosas for breakfast.

Maybe the lack of compliance is the reason many older women end up cutting their hair into cute pixie styles, easy crops or elegant bobs. But my face is too round for a short haircut. I end up looking like a basketball wearing a toupee.

I hope at some point my hair and I can become friends again. Between my mood swings and hot flashes, I don’t have the patience to be irritated at one more thing.