Cottonwood Heights Journal | April 2022

April 2022 | Vol. 18 Iss. 04

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GOODBYE REAMS, HELLO NEW TOWN CENTER AT HILLSIDE PLAZA

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

A

fter a long-standing neighborhood grocery store closed its doors during the height of the pandemic, Cottonwood Heights residents have been concerned and curious about what will happen to the mostly deserted 40,000 square feet of commercial space along Fort Union Boulevard. Wright Development Group is currently under contract to purchase the property of Hillside Plaza (approximately 2378 Fort Union Blvd.).

On Feb. 15, Project Manager for Wright Development Group Logan Johnson presented to the Cottonwood Heights City Council their current plans for redeveloping the site. Johnson emphasized that the plan was extremely preliminary and they were looking for feedback from the city council to ensure they were on the right track with their vision. The sellers of the property were in the audience for this presentation.

Initially, the Wright Development Group had intentions of keeping the currently-standing grocery store building. They met with a number of grocers within the area, including Harmons and Associated Foods, to see if they would be interested in occupying the space. However, the proximity to Dan’s makes the market for a grocery store difficult.

“We wanted to see if we could get anyone in there but Hillside Plaza has been a struggle for a while. We are not giving up on a grocer but it’s no longer the big driver for the layout,” Johnson explained.

In December, the Wright Development Group held a neighborhood meeting to discuss potential layouts for development. Attendees were then asked to complete an online survey. Johnson did note that the survey was not representative of all Cottonwood Heights residents, but they wanted to gather feedback tailored to the residents who will be most impacted (residents who share the border within 300 feet).

Continued page 17

A town center, created by mixed-use developers, may be the future for Hillside Plaza. (Photo courtesy of Wright Development Group)

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2:38 PM April 2022 | P3/16/22 age 3

Nonprofit ‘rescues’ food to help feed families in need

By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

A

s much as 600,000 tons of food is thrown away in Utah every year. Meanwhile, 500,000 Utahns struggle to find enough to eat. A new program at the Midvale Boys & Girls Club is working to address both of these issues.

Starting in January, volunteers from Waste Less Solutions began preparing healthy, ready-to-serve meals for youth at the Midvale Boys & Girls Club to take home to their families.

The meals are delivered to the club, located at 7631 Chapel St., every Thursday and feed around 15 people.

“The families love it,” said Presley Austin, the Midvale Club director. “It’s nice for them to not have to go home and cook dinner. They say it saves them so much time that they can now spend with their family.”

The meals arrive at the club warm and ready to eat or can be refrigerated and eaten later. The containers are clearly labeled with all of the ingredients and include instructions for how to prepare them and when to eat or freeze them by.

“Some parents have said they took it to work the next day and ate it there,” Austin said. “It’s a change from the food we usually hand out because it’s fresh and ready to eat, with veggies and fruit. They’re nourishing meals.”

Some of the families are experiencing food insecurity, and others just need a helping hand and a hot meal during a difficult time, according to the press release distributed by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake.

“Food access is an important aspect to our families that are living in a shelter or hotels,” said Jaimie Dunn, director of operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake in the press release. “Many of our families in need do not have access to a full kitchen to prepare healthy meals. The other wonderful part is that the food is high-quality food that would have otherwise gone to waste.”

Waste Less Solutions was launched in 2018 to prevent and divert food waste in Utah. One of the organization’s programs “rescues” food from restaurants, markets and other food distributers that otherwise would have been thrown away.

Some of the rescued food is taken to a commercial kitchen, where a volunteer chef turns the ingredients into the healthy meals that are delivered to pre-identified families and nonprofit partners the next day. Waste Less Solutions reports that it donated and delivered more than $280,000 worth of food in 2020.

Journals T H E

A meal of chicken and rice with lemon cream sauce delivered to the Midvale Boys & Girls Club is shown in January. (Photo courtesy Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake)

The pilot Boys & Girls Club program is being made possible by a $20,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care.

The Salt Lake chapter of this grassroots charitable organization has contributed more than $400,000 to local groups since it formed in 2015.

“This funding is allowing us to take our food rescue to the next level,” said Dana Williamson, founder and president of Waste Less Solutions in the press release. “We realize that sometimes giving someone fresh produce and assuming they have time, resources, and knowledge of how to cook it where it tastes good isn't always realistic.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake hope to grow the meals program to more clubs and families later this year.

One week when there were fewer families stopping by the Midvale Club, the meals were served during club hours to just the youth, who ate them up.

“Some are more adult flavors, like vegetable curry over rice or steak and salad,” Austin said. “There have been pastas

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The first Waste Less Solutions meal delivered to the Midvale Boys & Girls Club is shown in January. (Photo courtesy Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake)

with different sauces I wasn’t familiar with. It’s good for the kids to try different things.”

In 2020, the Midvale Club received two large donations of prepared meals from Pulp Lifestyle Kitchen to help families struggling with food security at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Our club seems to do well with food donations,” Austin said. “They get picked up pretty quickly.”

In fact, they recently acquired a community refrigerator where families can select food to take home.

“The (Waste Less Solutions) meals are first come, first served,” Austin said. “They don’t even make it to the fridge.” l

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Cottonwood Heights City Journal

Meet Ridgecrest’s new principal Sara Allen

N

ine days after the Canyons Board of Education announced the immediate approval to step in as Ridgecrest Elementary’s principal, Sara Allen was still on cloud nine.

“This position was an incredible gift,” she said.

She takes the position from Julie Winfree, who also has been overseeing the construction of a new school, Glacier Hills in White City, and the merging of two student bodies into one next fall where she will be principal.

Allen served as Ridgecrest assistant principal for the past six months.

Before that, she worked as a special education teacher both at Draper Park Middle and the now defunct Crescent View Middle. She also was an instructional coach for four years at Midvale Middle and an assistant principal at Butler Middle for three years.

She began as a paraeducator at Silver Mesa.

“As a para, I had a small groups of kids, but they are kids that really need somebody to believe in them and can break things down into small steps so I could help them feel successful,” Allen said. “Right off the bat, I was a good fit for that. You make a difference in these kiddos’ lives and that’s a powerful thing.”

Then, she was offered a teaching position in special education.

“Two weeks in and I knew this is where I’m supposed to be,” Allen said. “Administration never was my aspiration. I was a special ed teacher and my focus has always been making sure that every kid knows how capable they are. They just might need different help to get there. I think sometimes kids get stuck being told what they can’t do, and my goal is always make sure they know what they can do.”

The shift to leave teaching was hard.

“There’s nothing like having your own classroom full of kids. I think anyone who moves out of the classroom feels that,” Allen said. “At Midvale, I learned a lot of what it takes to help kids who are struggling, do what they need to do. I could see that I would still be making a difference for kids as the coach is there for teachers, which is incredibly important. As a principal, I feel like I have a similar impact. When a kid is really struggling, they’re still going to see a fair amount of me; I’m a good listener and I’m good at figuring out what’s going on so I can support and help the kid do better and move forward. You have that as a special ed teacher, and you have that as a principal.”

At Ridgecrest, Allen was immersed in the culture early on as she and PTA president Carrie Christiansen said they would sleep on the school roof if students met their fundraising goal.

“It was my first bonding moment because you bond when you’re on the roof together in a rainstorm, that’s for sure,” Allen said, who

CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

New Ridgecrest Elementary principal Sara Allen checks in on students during lunchtime. (Kerri Walker/ Ridgecrest Elementary)

adds that normally she camps, backpacks, hikes and goes river rafting with her family away from the city landscape.

Looking ahead, Allen will navigate what many school principals need to face, how to successfully rebuild the school culture as restrictions loosen around the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Coming out of the pandemic, one of our biggest priorities right now is rebuilding community. Our attendance is not great and it’s hard because it’s been a mixed message: ‘Please be here. We can’t teach you if you’re not here.’ But the healthy piece, ‘Please don’t come if you’re sick.’ So, it’s been tricky. We have significantly more kids who have not been here or are in range that we consider a risk for attendance,” she said.

As the school has recently started allowing the return of volunteers, Allen said they are finding ways to rebuild the community which will help with attendance. She hopes there will be opportunities to hold assemblies and intermix students, such as buddy study pals, where older students will review their skills and be positive role models for younger students.

“My first graders don’t know my third and fourth graders. There hasn’t been a whole lot of mixing and if you’re new to our school and you’re a parent who hasn’t been able to volunteer, it’s been difficult,” she said.

Currently, there are plans in May to hold an outside Year of the Tiger celebration,

which supports the Chinese culture and dual immersion program with their own mascot.

“We’re finding ways to rebuild the community. I think it’s a special thing: Ridgecrest takes care of Ridgecrest. We’ve counted on our community to fill in as substitutes. I think that’s an amazing feat in a year like this, that our community has filled in that need, and I don’t know many places that can say that. I think that’s a legacy that Julie left. She was good at building community and people trust her. They want to be here and make a difference. Whenever we’ve needed help this year, our community has been there every step of the way,” Allen said.

With the announcement of the position Feb. 15, Winfree’s seven-year stint at the school came to an end, but not without fist bumps and high-fives from students and an impromptu goodbye from faculty, who spontaneously sang the Ridgecrest school song, bringing Winfree to tears.

“I’m thrilled that I get the opportunity to stay,” Allen said.

While her office walls are adorned with her father’s paintings of local scenery, Allen can’t bear the thought of taking Winfree’s nameplate off the office.

“What a gift, right, who gets to learn from the person that’s been running the job for seven years,” she said. “No one gets to do that in education and I did. I just feel incredibly fortunate.”l

April 2022 | Page 5

Ridgecrest students get insider’s look into Beijing Games, Chinese culture

T

hrough a unique opportunity, Ridgecrest Elementary dual immersion students gained an insider’s look into the workings of the 2022 Olympics in China.

Ridgecrest Elementary instructional coach Jeny Wariner’s husband, Ben, along with her daughter Lily, and her boyfriend, Chase McKnight, all who are audio engineers in Utah, worked on the sound production for slopestyle and snocross at the 2022 Beijing Games.

Wariner’s family worked for the Olympic Broadcasting Service crew who came from all over the world. The seven-member crew had eight native Chinese volunteer interns, who were learning how to set up cables and microphones for the events so for example, viewers could hear the sounds the skis and boards made on the rails.

Learning her family was working with the native speakers spurred the idea of giving students at Ridgecrest, which offers dual immersion in Mandarin, the opportunity to ask them questions about the culture and the Olympics. Because of the time difference, Facetime or Zoom wasn’t feasible so instead they exchanged videos during the Winter Games.

“It seemed like a perfect opportunity for them to be able to connect culturally and be able to increase their language production in a meaningful way,” Wariner said. “It’s been so much fun to watch the interaction between them as video pen pals.

They’ve been so excited in the hallways asking if I have a new video and when I’ll be sharing it.”

Once established, the correspondence began the second week of the Olympics with fifth-grade students sharing what they did for Chinese New Year and asking about the celebration in China.

“They shared some of the art we made, the songs they learned and about our dual language immersion program. The Chinese interns were blown away. They were so impressed with how proficient our students are in the language and surprised that here in the United States, we are learning Chinese. There was a very strong connection culturally with the interns and that was pretty special to watch,” she said.

Fifth-grader Lydia Starzecki told the Chinese interns about Ridgecrest’s dual immersion program.

“I also told them about how the Tiger is our mascot here and it’s pretty cool that China is celebrating the Year of the Tiger this year,” she said. “We learned what they’re doing, how they have to get up really close to the Olympians with the microphones. I didn’t know people set up microphones and held them for the Olympics. I think it would be really cool to go to China and work the Olympics.”

The videos were shared with the whole

Page 6 April 2022

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com school so they could learn from the experience.

“They would address the questions in Chinese first; then, in a separate video, they would address the questions in English so they whole school can participate,” Wariner said.

“I thought it was really cool because we got to ask questions about the Olympics and China and learn a lot that we wouldn’t have gotten to,” fifth-grader Annie Davis said.

Veda Barney, who also is in fifth grade, said at first it was a little nerve-wracking being filmed in front of a camera.

“I was trying to think of everything I was going to say in two minutes and what all I wanted to ask and learn from them,” she said. “We understood most everything, but if we didn’t, our Chinese teacher would translate for us.”

Fifth-grader Talia Chen said students signed up to write questions and then they’d take about 40 minutes to make the videos.

They were filmed in different parts of the school to show the interns what school life was like in Utah.

The students’ questions ranged from how many microphones they used for snocross and where they hid all the microphones to if they had met American snowboarder Shaun White (they saw him twice, once by the halfpipe and again in a restaurant).

“They’re really in the background so their interaction is really limited. They did see him eating at the same place, tables away. Eating was all very contained; everything was in a bubble. There were plexiglass dividers at the tables between every person, so it was like they were in their own cubbies,” Wariner said, referring to the health and safety precautions used in light of COVID-19. “Even getting there was really difficult and challenging. They had to take two COVID tests prior to arriving, the first one was 96 hours and the next 72 hours. If someone tested positive, they isolated until they tested negative, so they were really short staffed while my husband was there his four weeks.”

Students asked about working for the Olympics and if anyone had gotten hurt (yes) in competition.

“My favorite part was getting answers back to all our questions and learning more about their experiences,” fifth-grader Lila Olson said.

Another fifth-grade student, Reese Marino, appreciated practicing language skills.

“Having that experience to talk to people in a different country and a different language before was the best part,” Reese said. “This gave us a real opportunity to learn while talking in Chinese.”

Her classmates also took part in the

Third-grade Ridgecrest students watch videos sent by the Olympic Broadcasting Service crew and interns during the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. (Jeny Wariner/Ridgecrest Elementary)

video exchange. Moya Croft asked which sport in China is the most popular, Nora Jackson asked if athletes had a curfew and Alanna Larsen showed Chinese art they made and asked about Chinese traditions.

Questions also were asked about places the Olympic broadcasters saw. They were able to see the Great Wall of China from a distance, but not visit it up close, Wariner said.

“They could travel in the Genting Snow Park (in Zhangjiakou) and that was the only area they really could travel to outside of Beijing,” she said, adding that often the Chinese interns would make their videos on the 40-minute bus ride they traveled from their lodging to the snow park where they worked from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in “really, really cold temperatures. They did have some warming huts they could go to, but the interns had the handheld microphones, so they were out there for almost the whole time.”

In fact, Wariner said her husband took hand warmers and used extra wool socks he packed to wrap around the microphones, along with some bubble wrap, so the battery packs for the microphones wouldn’t freeze.

“He could only have his hands out of his gloves for like 10 seconds because im-

mediately it would make his skin crack because it was so cold,” she said.

Fifth-grader Asher Sides-Littenberg asked Wariner’s husband and others how many Olympics they had worked. For her husband, who began with the Salt Lake Games in 2002, this was his eighth summer and winter Olympics.

Wariner hopes to bring in some of the Olympic pins and the stuffed Olympic panda mascot, Bing Dwen Dwen, her family brought back to share with the students and possibly invite them in with their Olympic volunteer uniforms to talk to the students in person. She also hopes to possibly continue to the video exchanges with the Chinese interns even though the Olympics are over.

This isn’t the first time Wariner’s husband has helped students learn about his job in another country. He worked at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and while in Russia, he and his interns communicated with Bella Vista students, where Wariner taught third graders at the time.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to be able to interact and learn about another culture and ask questions about the Olympics, especially a part of it they may never think of,” Wariner said. “It’s just a good way to get to know the world together and make it a little bit smaller.” l

Cottonwood Heights City Journal

Officials watch legislative bills that could impact city

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

T

hroughout the 2022 Utah State Legislative General Session, the City of Cottonwood Heights kept a close eye on a handful of bills that could potentially have huge impacts on the city. City lobbyists Greg Curtis, Brian Allen and Chantel Nate provided weekly reports to the Cottonwood Heights City Council throughout the months of January and February.

One of the big pushes Curtis observed was regarding how the state’s budget was organized. “They are really trying to push back listing out individual projects. Instead, they are trying to put monies into buckets to send to committees.”

For example, they would establish “buckets” for things like “Trail Money” and “Sewer and Water Projects.” Then, committees overseeing those monies would establish an application and implementation process. For transportation, “they don’t have a bucket—it’s just UDOT,” Curtis said.

“The session started out kind of slow,” Allen said. “But we were inundated with a lot of bills when the bill filing deadline hit.”

Cottonwood Heights leadership was particularly concerned with the potential impacts of HB 151 Retail Facility Incentive Payment Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Mike Schultz and Sen. Evan Vickers.

Cottonwood Heights Mayor Mike Weichers mentioned his concerns over the potential impacts to moderate income housing. City Manager Tim Tingey’s concern was in regard to “not allowing incentives for environmental impacts for redevelopment projects.”

The second substitute of HB 151 was passed on March 4, and as of publication, was sitting with the governor.

Cottonwood Heights City Councilmember Shawn Newell asked about HB 95 Landscaping Requirements, sponsored by Rep. Raymond Ward. The bill would prohibit government entities from implementing landscaping requirements.

“We need to understand what’s necessary so we don’t have folks just do whatever they want,” Newell said.

Tingey mentioned how much of the landscaping language needed to be clarified especially in relation to “turf.” The bill only defined “lawn” or “turf” as nonagricultural land planted in closely mowed or managed grasses. It did mention that “lawn” or “turf” did not include golf courses, parks, athletic fields, sod farms or stormwater retention basins.

One concern stemming from this bill would be how large housing areas incorporate recreational areas like lawns or plazas. Luckily, the third substitute of the bill mentioned an exclusion of “shared recreational or common area in a multifamily housing development of 5 acres or greater.”

The third substitute of HB 95 was not passed.

A few bills were proposed regarding pub-

CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com

Gov. Spencer Cox has supported many water conservation initiatives. (Photo courtesy of the Utah State Legislature)

Within HB 95, a golf course is not defined as a turf or lawn. (Pixabay)

lic meetings for governmental entities: HB 22 Open and Public Meetings Act Modifications, sponsored by Rep. Douglas Welton and Sen. Daniel Thatcher; HB 285 Open and Public Meetings Act Violations, sponsored by Rep. Phil Lyman; and HB 306 Planning Commission Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Steve Waldrip and Sen. David Buxton.

“Initially, there would be a requirement for public comment to be offered in every meeting,” Allen said. “Of course, there is an exception for legislative meetings.”

Curtis mentioned a conversation he had with several legislators over this bill. “You might be setting yourself up for some really long and scary meetings.”

The Utah League of Cities and Towns worked heavily to make changes throughout the session and requirements for work session meetings, advisory-type meetings, and Planning Commission meetings were pulled out.

HB 285 was not passed. HB 22 was passed and signed by the governor March 15.

City Councilmember Doug Petersen asked if the city lobbyists had seen any bills regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

“There is no legislation on ADUs this year. Short-term rentals are the focus, but there’s not a lot of movement on those,” Allen said.

Tingey shared that Cottonwood Heights does have legal short-term rentals within the city boundaries. “We aren’t opposed to those but we are opposed to the illegal ones that impact housing.”

In addition, it was noted that The Kem

C. Gardner Policy Institute is running a study looking at the potential impacts of overpopulation and housing regulations.

During this year’s session, a few bills reappeared from last year addressing billboards.

The bills initiated discussions but were ultimately dropped.

“They are putting Salt Lake City on notice to let them know they are watching,” Allen said.

In addition, a number of law enforcement bills were proposed this year including HB 260 Law Enforcement Recording Release Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Mark Wheatley and Sen. Todd Weiler and HB 259 Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox and Sen. Curtis Bramble.

“I’ve been working with (Cottonwood Heights Police Chief Robby Russo) on enforcement bills. We are tracking the ones we need to right now,” Tingey said.

Cottonwood Heights City leadership were also invested in watching the updates on HB 282 Water Wise Landscaping Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox and Sen. Michael McKell; HB 305 Natural Resources Revisions, sponsored by Rep. Joel Ferry and Sen. McKell; HB 303 Local Land Use Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson and Sen. Bramble; and SB 227 Consumer Privacy Act, sponsored by Sen. Kirk Cullimore and Rep. Brady Brammer.

The General Legislative Session concluded March 4. l

April 2022 | Page 7

Stenquist and Harrison review legislative accomplishments, talk future plans

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

J

eff Stenquist and Suzanne Harrison represented nearby districts in the 2022 Utah Legislative session and both have been affected by the redistricting that happens as a result of the census every 10 years. Stenquist will run to represent Draper in the newly created District 46 and Harrison announced her campaign for the Salt Lake County Council.

Both will be working on legislative issues in their current districts through the end of 2022 while simultaneously campaigning.

Stenquist has been District 51 representative for four years. He was first elected in 2018 and again in 2020. Prior to that, he spent 12 years on Draper’s city council.

Stenquist explained that District 51 encompasses about 85% of Draper with the exception of the northeast corner (east of the Pioneer Road roundabout) and the Utah County side of SunCrest. Redistricting puts him in District 46 which now includes that northeast corner of Draper and follows the Draper/Sandy boundary from the east up to 300 East, all of South Mountain, the prison property, and now half of Bluffdale’s population. Stenquist said west of 300 East and north of Bangerter, such as the Galena Hills and aquarium areas, are now in the same district as Riverton. Stenquist is a member of the Republican party and works as a director of software engineering.

“I still officially represent District 51 until the end of 2022, but I’m campaigning right now for District 46. We work on a lot of legislation in the summer so it’s ready to go the next legislative session,” Stenquist said.

Harrison was also elected in 2018 and also won re-election in 2020, representing District 32 which encompasses the northeast portion of Draper as well as Sandy and White City. District 32 has been divided into four different districts as a result of redistricting.

She resides in what will be District 46.

“A lot of people have said to me that even though they don’t live in District 32, I’m a person that represents their views and values. In wanting to continue to serve in my community, the next step was really clear in how I could have a bigger impact and focus on issues we’ve been working on such as air quality, healthy communities, increased access to mental health services, and government that’s accountable to the people and transparent. From my perspective, I feel I’ll be able to have more of an impact as one of nine on the county council rather than one of 104 legislators,” said Harrison, a member of the Democratic party and a medical doctor.

Stenquist considers his biggest victory of the 2022 session to be legislation that created a new oversight committee called The State Finance Review Commission. “This is a commission that will be made up of finance experts that will review state debt obligations and other financial transactions to make sure that we are following all reg-

Page 8 April 2022

ulations, but more importantly, making sure we’re looking at it from an affordability standpoint to protect the state’s AAA bond rating. Very significantly, it also has financial oversight of the Point of the Mountain Land Use Authority, the Inland Port Authority, UTA, and Military Infrastructure Development Authority (MIDA) which is building a new resort by Deer Valley. All of those entities could be incurring billions of dollars in debt. My bill would make sure we’re reviewing their financials so there’s nothing that could negatively impact the state’s credit rating. That’s worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the Utah taxpayers,” he said.

Another successful bill from Stenquist made additional changes to a bill he passed last year related to fetal alcohol syndrome. “I also uncovered a lot of other improvements I would like to make, everything having to do with how our alcohol revenue is spent….I see additional improvements I’d like to make for the upcoming year on how that money is managed and spent.”

Stenquist was the House sponsor of Senate Bill 66 having to do with e-bikes. He said the bill had a lot of problems at first, but he offered to help because he knows about e-bikes. “I kind of count that as one of my victories. The final result was a bill that requires any local group that’s planning for building trails to take into account people with disabilities.”

Stenquist’s one disappointment from the session was a bill he’d worked on with Draper resident Mike Schlappi aimed at handicap parking spaces. It passed the House and the Senate, but after a change in the Senate, it had to come back to the House where it failed by just one vote. “Sometimes that happens, sometimes it takes multiple years to get an important piece of legislation through,” he said.

Harrison passed legislation to increase access to a diabetes prevention program for Medicaid patients (for whom the state is responsible for much of their healthcare costs).

“This bill allows patients on Medicaid to have access to a yearlong lifestyle change course that dramatically decreases their risk of developing diabetes. It’s incredibly expensive to care for a patient with diabetes, so it’s in taxpayers’ interest to help them stay healthy. It also helps patients because diabetes increases risk of stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, heart attacks and early death. A lot of bills I passed had to do with helping our community be healthier,” Harrison said.

Another bill Harrison passed related to increasing the number of school nurses.

“Ask any teacher or volunteer parent. They know our kids are coming to school with more issues in terms of physical and mental health. Having more nurses is important for our kids to be able to stay in school and have

Jeff Stenquist (R) worked with Draper resident Mike Schlappi on a bill to improve wheelchair parking.

(Courtesy Jeff Stenquist)

Suzanne Harrison filing her candidacy for Salt Lake County Council just as the 2022 Utah Legislature wrapped up. (Courtesy Suzanne Harrison)

our teachers focus on teaching.”

Harrison passed two other bills; one that helps veterans and other patients experiencing trauma have more success with treatment therapies through ear acupuncture. According to Harrison, it’s already used in Veterans Affairs hospitals throughout the country, but this bill will allow more people to get trained to offer the treatment. “I think it’s very special that more of our veterans will be able to have access to that program,” she said. Harrison’s other successful bill increases safety for patients receiving anesthesia through requirements for monitors and safety equipment.

She co-sponsored legislation to increase mental health services for police and first responders. “I feel it’s important that we take care of those people that are out there taking care of us,” she said. She also co-sponsored legislation to reduce emissions for rail transportation as well as legislation to increase access to optional all-day kindergarten.

Harrison’s air quality bill that would have offered a small incentive for people to purchase electric vehicles didn’t pass. “Too often, great air quality bills don’t pass in the Utah legislature because the super-majority of one-party ideology. This is an area where I feel like we’ll be able to have more impact

Cottonwood Heights City Journal

Council supports 35 mph speed limit along Wasatch Boulevard

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

“C

ity leaders, staff, and residents have expressed their strong belief… to utilize a design speed of 35 mph (along Wasatch Boulevard).”

Early this year when the new Cottonwood Heights City Council discussed their priorities, Wasatch Boulevard was on the top of their list. In thinking through how to better protect and develop the boulevard, the city council brainstormed changes to city documentation. They asked Community and Economic Development Director Mike Johnson to lead a discussion about amending city documents concerning Wasatch Boulevard.

On Feb. 15, Johnson provided an overview of the Wasatch Boulevard Master Plan, outlined the history of its creation, discussed the current function of the documentation, and provided some of his recommendations.

“If Wasatch was our road we could implement this plan 100% the way we would like it. Obviously, there’s limitations on that because it’s not our road,” Johnson said.

Wasatch Boulevard is technically known as State Road (SR) 210 in many government documents. SR 210 is a state-owned road that stretches 13.62 miles from Fort Union Boulevard into Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Recently, UDOT identified two preferred solutions to address vehicle traffic along the corridor with their Environmental Impact Study. Both of which “will result in an expansion that may result in increased vehicle traffic, higher traffic speeds, and significant increases in the attendant vehicle-caused noise, air pollution, and other adverse impacts,” Cottonwood Heights City Council wrote.

However, Johnson mentioned that UDOT does directly reference the city’s Master Plan in their documents, including

the EIS documents plans.

“There is opportunity for more casual pedestrians and cyclists along the corridor,” Johnson said.

The Wasatch Boulevard Master Plan places emphasis on multiuse transit, user safety, and residential quality of life.

Through the plan, Cottonwood Heights envisions Wasatch Boulevard as more of a recreational corridor.

“The 2.6 miles from Fort Union Boulevard to the High T intersection really must be traffic calm,” said City Councilmember Ellen Birrell.

Even though the Master Plan has only been in effect since July 2019, when it was originally adopted, it has already made quite an impact. It has helped to guide city decisions regarding density, parking, and trail use and alignment. It has helped to guide development decisions addressing public parking. The document has also helped to acquire potential funding, such as recent funding regarding the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. In addition, city staff references the document almost daily to answer questions from residents.

“We do feel like the plan has worked very effectively the last few years,” Johnson stated.

Since the Master Plan has been working as such an important guiding document for the city, Johnson advised against changing it. He suggested leaving the current Master Plan in place but restating stronger positions on certain elements instead.

The city council agreed with Johnson and asked city staff to draft a resolution focusing primarily on lowering the speed limit along the corridor.

“I want this resolution to focus on the speed of Wasatch Boulevard,” said Mayor Mike Weichers.

at the county council level with more of a political balance,” she said.

Harrison said she strives for bipartisanship. “Every bill I sponsored has had a Republican Senate sponsor because I believe in collaboration and bipartisanship, and I focus on issues that are common sense, common ground. I think the extremes on either side of the aisle are the ones that make the most noise, but I think most people are in the middle politically and want leaders to work together to solve problems.”

Harrison and Stenquist voted differently when the legislature took time the first week of the session to call for a vote to undo county mask mandates rather than letting the mandates exist for approximately two weeks longer.

Stenquist voted to overturn the mask mandates. He said the session starts slowly and he felt it didn’t take up a lot of time to

tackle that issue. “I personally didn’t agree with mask mandates and the decision the county council had made. I know there were a lot of people in the House that thought ‘let the county council live with that decision’ and not take it up, but I knew if the House was going to take it up, I would vote to overturn it. It was something we’d put in that the legislature had the authority to override those, so I think it was appropriate we did that,” he said.

“I voted no on overturning the decision of the county councils because I believe in the authority of local government. That was an example of when local control and decisions should have been honored. That bill didn’t even have a public hearing or public input. Meanwhile, the local county councils had public input and came to a decision after hearing from local hospitals that were at a breaking point, and local emergency first

CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com

The Cottonwood Heights Wasatch Boulevard Master Plan identifies various ways of implementing more pedestrian and bicycle access. (Mike Johnson/Cottonwood Heights)

On March 3, the council considered a resolution which explicitly expressed written support for lowering the posted speed limit on Wasatch Boulevard to 35 mph.

The resolution, in part, states, “City leaders, staff, and residents have diligently endeavored to influence UDOT to adopt a design for Wasatch Boulevard…that diminishes, rather than increases, the adverse impacts of SR 210 on the city and its residents by utilizing a design emphasizing slower vehicle speeds, traffic calming, and a greater emphasis on active transportation and recreation (running, walking, bicycling, etc.)

The written resolution also mentions “UDOT officials have stated, in one or more city public meetings, that limiting speeds on SR 210 to 35 mph is a worthy goal.” “(City Attorney) Shane Topham did a lot of work on this document,” City Manager

Tim Tingey said.

Birrell mentioned how UDOT has stated preferences for a large commercial parking garage with their gondola preference, which would be within the boundaries of Cottonwood Heights.

“I am hoping we make a loud and clear proclamation that (UDOTs plans are) not appropriate in a residential area. It will induce traffic and further exacerbate the bottlenecking of cars heading toward the Cottonwood Canyons. These are clearly UDOT’s intentions for our city. It is unnecessary and unacceptable,” Birrell said.

Resolution 2022-16 “Concerning UDOT’s Proposed Re-Design of Wasatch Boulevard” was moved by Birrell, seconded by Councilmember Scott Bracken, and unanimously passed on March 3. l

responders who were having trouble staffing emergency services. We’re in a very different point now, but at that time, I felt the decisions local communities made were done after doing the work of listening to the people and experts on the ground. I didn’t feel the legislature should have swooped in and undermined that decision, especially for something that was a short-term decision,” Harrison said.

Harrison and Stenquist agree on the need for conservation efforts for the Great Salt Lake and were pleased with Speaker Brad Wilson’s leadership on the issue. Both representatives got an aerial view of the Great Salt Lake via a helicopter tour provided by the National Guard.

“It’s in crisis levels and now is the time to do that hard work to conserve water for a sustainable future. If the Great Salt Lake continues to decline in water levels, it’s go-

ing to have huge, negative impacts on our health because of toxic dust storms that will result in serious air pollution problems that will impact our health and our economy,” Harrison said.

Stenquist said, “I think there’s still time to save the Great Salt Lake. The changes we made this year aren’t everything, but we made some good steps in the right direction.” He mentioned the metering of secondary water and changing the incentive structure for water rights, particularly for agriculture. “If a farmer or someone with water rights doesn’t use all the water they’re entitled to, they could lose those water rights, so they have an incentive to use all their water.

We need to change that mentality and give them…a credit back for saving water. I think that’s really important.” l

April 2022 | Page 9

Arts Council encourages local participation in the arts

By LJ Occam | l.occam@mycityjournals.com

C

ottonwood Heights Arts Council member Laura Garcia encourages artists of all ages to “participate in musicals if that’s the genre they’re interested in. There are opportunities for all kinds of media and visual artists.”

Art and photo shows in Cottonwood Heights are small yet they leave a lasting impact on the community. Garcia says that the “biggest event of the year” is the summer musical. “That’s the main event we put on for the community every year. We do a lot of other events, but the [summer musical] is the one that takes the most time and manpower.”

Shows like these include a vast number of community members. Not just in Cottonwood Heights but all of Salt Lake County.

The process of producing a play is not an easy task. Garcia mentions that “they start with looking into which musical they want to bring to the community.” After finding a show, the Arts Council starts to seek the behind-the-scenes talent including directors, choreographers and music directors.

“The Arts Council has to have all that in place before auditions start,” Garcia said.

Auditions for the upcoming play “Willy Wonka” took place March 12. After auditions, the process has just begun.

Callbacks and rehearsals are critical

for a successful and entertaining production but the process doesn’t stop there. “There’s a whole other set of people that are building sets, working on lighting, and music preparation,” Garcia said. “The exciting part is that almost half of the volunteers during a production are residents of Cottonwood Heights. They’re all from around here, most of them from Salt Lake County.”

Although Cottonwood Heights isn’t as big in terms of artistic production as some surrounding communities, Garcia says it’s “growing every year.” Garcia admitted that she has limited experience when it comes to theater production specifically. But she did mention her other chair members, Tammy Ross and Katy Mitarai, and how the community is “lucky to have them.”

The opportunity to be a part of the Arts Council and participate in productions and events the Council holds throughout the year is available to everyone. “We love having new members. It’s really great to have all the fresh ideas.”

“There’s so many opportunities to get involved, and I would encourage people to get out there and do it because you have to put yourself out there sometimes.” To settle the nerves and fear in young artists, Garcia put it this way, “It’s mostly a local, welcom-

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Cottonwood Heights Arts Council will perform “Willy Wonka” in early June with auditions held March 11-12. (Courtesy Cottonwood Heights Arts Council)

ing audience. They’re just there to enjoy the arts and it’s not serious.”

Participating in local arts events is a chance to make new friends and share talent with the community. This gives people in the

community the chance to “appreciate [the] art, even though they’re not an artist.”

“Willy Wonka” will be held July 8, 9, 11, 14,15 and 16 at Butler Middle School. l

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Page 10 April 2022

Cottonwood Heights City Journal

Transportation Master Plan to define road categories and recommended speeds

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

A

Transportation Master Plan for Cottonwood Heights is currently being drafted by city staff members, planners and engineers. One of the primary goals for the plan is to classify all of the roads within the city in order to help develop recommended design speeds.

“I know the city is really focused on being traffic calm,” Public Works Director Matt Shipp said.

Shipp has been working to define those road classification categories appropriately for the city. Currently, he has narrowed them down to three main road classification categories: collectors, arterials and local roads. Within those broad categories, three subcategories for each have been identified: suburban, urban and urban core.

“We are really getting into urban when we come into Cottonwood Heights,” Shipp said. “We are not rural, so we have to work within urban classifications.”

Design speeds (the target speed at which drivers are intended to travel on a road) for each of those six road classification categories will be thoroughly articulated within the Master Plan. Current estimates for design speeds are based on research of similarly sized and structured

cities and roads, individual road context, and the layout and grid of Cottonwood Heights. Shipp presented the design speed estimates for each of the six classification categories to the Cottonwood Heights City Council March 2.

The design speed estimates for collectors are: 35 mph to 50 mph for suburban collectors; 30 mph to 40 mph for urban collectors; and 25 mph to 35 mph for urban core collectors.

“There are areas in which it makes sense to have a 30 mph design speed,” Shipp said. “In other similar areas, it makes more sense to have a 25 mph design speed.”

The design speed estimates for arterials are: 30 mph to 55 mph for suburban arterials; 25 mph to 45 mph for urban arterials; and 30 mph or less in urban core arterials.

“If you cross Fort Union with Highland Drive up to 3000 East that’s the urban core area,” Shipp said.

Urban core collectors and arterials will be found within this commercial area of Cottonwood Heights. It is home to many businesses and larger residential developments. Since Cottonwood Heights already has a Master Plan for Fort Union

Boulevard, Shipp and others have incorporated those plans into drafting the Transportation Master Plan as well.

Not only will the Transportation Master Plan articulate design speeds, it will account for varying cross sections and provide different options for rights-ofway, dependent on the context and function for individual roads. Lastly, it will lay out suggestions for lane widths and street dressings such as park strips, sidewalks and trails.

“There will be a lot of bicycle and trail elements,” Shipp said.

City staff members are still in the process of finalizing the draft, as multiple engineers are working to make additional modifications. Once the road classification categories within the Master Plan have been finalized by city staff members, they will be discussed and voted upon by the city council.

Once finalized, the drafted Transportation Master Plan will be discussed by the Cottonwood Heights City Council. Currently, that discussion is scheduled to be the second city council meeting in April (tentatively April 19). The Transportation Master Plan will then go out for initial review and public comment. After which, the

The heart of the urban core area within Cottonwood Heights is where the blue lines cross. (Photo courtesy of Matt Shipp/Cottonwood Heights)

city council will vote on a final adoption, currently scheduled for the end of May. When finalized, it will “go forward to different organizations to show what we are doing within the city,” Shipp said. l

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April 2022 | Page 11

100-year plan envisions greenway networks throughout valley

By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

S

tand in an empty parking lot in Murray, just west of 900 East and north of Van Winkle Expressway. What sounds can you hear? Like many places in the valley, there’s the sound of cars roaring past and the persistent beeping of construction vehicles. But at this particular spot, you can also hear the waters of Big Cottonwood Creek rushing past.

Perhaps one day you’ll also be able to hear children playing, native birds chirping and shouts of laughter as kayakers glide past.

This dream comes from the Seven Greenways Vision Plan, a community-supported, long-range plan that reimagines the seven creeks that flow from the Wasatch Mountains to the Jordan River and eventually to the Great Salt Lake.

Once upon a time, the seven creeks meandered and occasionally flooded their banks, enriching the surrounding soil. The waterways formed corridors for plants and wildlife through the dry valley.

Then the first white settlers arrived and immediately begin diverting the water into canals to water crops. Over the next 175 years, the valley became more and more urbanized. The streams are now mostly straightened, stripped of vegetation, lined with concrete or completely buried underground.

The Seven Canyons Trust hopes to reverse this damage—one foot at a time—by working with public and private landowners to develop greenways.

A greenway is a linear corridor that includes a waterway and adjacent land.

Greenways can improve non-motorized transportation, generate economic activity,

reduce impacts of flooding, improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.

Greenways can also be created when water is “daylighted,” meaning underground pipes are removed. This process helps purify the water, improves conditions for fish and birds, and lets people see the water that sustains life in the valley.

Hundred-year plan In 2019, Seven Canyons Trust set out to create a 100-year greenways vision for the Salt Lake Valley. They partnered with Salt Lake County, the Wasatch Front Regional Council, Design Workshop, an urban design firm, and representatives from the eight stream-side municipalities.

“We asked those cities to provide a letter of support and financially support the plan,” said Brian Tonetti, executive director of the Trust. “That was really exciting to us, having each of the cities buying into this plan.”

“The project started with taking general plans—many city’s plans mentioned creeks—and basically compiling all that into a countywide vision,” Tonetti said. “A lot of the groundwork was laid out by the cities.”

The resulting Existing Conditions Report is rich with data that supports the creation of greenways. The information is examined through five lenses: water, nature, community, recreation and urban areas.

The next step was to learn what the public thinks. Rather than postponing the community engagement phase in 2020, the Trust pivoted.

“The pandemic itself made us realize that we do need spaces and we need spaces close to home,” Tonetti said. “It also made

The Seven Greenways Vision Plan proposes green space replacing an empty parking lot near Big Cottonwood Creek in Murray. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)

engagement very hard.”

Members of the community gave feedback on 26 proposed “opportunity areas” through the Trust’s website and during 15 pop-up workshops that took place in outdoor, public spaces. University students also conducted surveys to capture opinions of people less likely to have internet access.

The Seven Greenways Vision Plan describes the 20 highest-ranking opportunity areas and provides tools to implement them, including design concepts, policies

and management best practices.

The 20 opportunity areas and how they rank Four creeks (City, Red Butte, Emigration and Parleys) flow through Utah’s capital city. Of the nearly 36 miles of water, just over 14 are currently buried. The nine highest ranking areas are in Salt Lake City, with daylighting City Creek along North Temple and the Fulsom Corridor at the top.

Sugar House Daylighting Parleys Creek in this dense neighborhood wouldn’t be easy. But

The Three Creeks Confluence Park in Salt Lake City, shown before and after completion in 2020, was the first daylighting project completed by the Seven Canyons Trust. (Photo courtesy Seven Canyons Trust)

Page 12 April 2022

Cottonwood Heights City Journal

efforts are already underway to “culturally daylight” the waterway through signage and art (No. 7).

Millcreek Eight miles of Mill Creek and Big Cottonwood Creek flow through this city.

Nearly a mile of the water is buried. The only suburban project to make it into the top 10 ideas is a plan to develop a trail connecting the neighborhoods along Mill Creek near Scott Avenue Park (No. 10).

Murray Both Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Creeks flow through Murray. Of the seven total miles of waterway, less than half a mile is buried.

A trail from State Street to the Jordan River Trail along Big Cottonwood Creek would give more people access to nature in the heart of Murray (No. 18).

The underutilized parking lot south of Ivy Place Shopping Village could be transformed into green space, restoring habitat and creating a floodplain as well as constructing a seasonal boat ramp (No. 17).

Cottonwood Heights Cottonwood Heights has stretches of both Big and Little Cottonwood Creeks within its boundaries. Of the 6.1 total miles, 0.2 are buried.

One opportunity area proposes a trail connection from Wasatch Boulevard to Crestwood Park along Little Cottonwood Creek (No. 19). This project also crosses into Sandy.

Holladay Holladay is home to four miles of Big Cottonwood Creek. Just 1/10th of a mile is buried.

One potential project proposes a trail from Holladay Hills to Creekside Park (No. 16). The project would improve pedestrian access, restore the habitat and create opportunities for fishing.

South Salt Lake Less than half a mile of the more than 3 miles of Mill Creek flowing through South Salt Lake is buried. But much of the open water is channelized through a straightened, concrete canal. An exception to this is Fitts Park and the Mill Creek Trail, which connects the park to the Jordan River Trail. While the park is a great amenity, Seven Canyons Trust believes it can be improved by restoring habitats and enhancing recreation along the creek (No. 12).

The greenways plan also proposes daylighting Mill Creek near 3300 South and 700 East during the redevelopment of the nearby shopping center (No. 11), restoring habitat along Mill Creek from 200 East to 200 West (No. 13), and restoring wetlands where Mill Creek flows into the Jordan River to improve water quality (No. 15).

Looking further ahead, a 100-year vision proposes a pedestrian crossing over I-15 to improve recreational access for surrounding communities (No. 14).

CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com

The project started with taking general plans—many city’s plans mentioned creeks—and basically compiling all that into a countywide vision.

A lot of the groundwork was laid out by the cities.

Brian Tonetti Sandy Just under 2 miles of Little Cottonwood Creek flows through Sandy.

Midvale Midvale’s boundaries contain 0.3 miles of Little Cottonwood Creek. This small stretch flows above ground at the eastern edge of the Shops at Fort Union.

One idea envisions daylighting Little Cottonwood Creek between Fort Union in Midvale and Wheeler Farm in Murray (No. 20). This would require a trail over I-215, with the goal to improve water quality and connect the two communities.

What happens next?

Though the community visioning phase is over, individuals can still review and comment on the planning document, which can be found at sevengreenwaysvisionplan.org.

For Tonetti, the work is just beginning. Next, he’ll begin meeting with planners and officials from each of the municipalities to discuss next steps toward implementation.

“The cities will let us know which areas really resonate with them and what they’re really excited about,” Tonetti said.

One way to imagine how the opportunity areas could look is to visit the Three Creeks Confluence Park near 1300 South and 900 West in Salt Lake City. Completed in 2020, the Trusts’s first project daylighted 200 feet of waterway where Red Butte, Emigration and Parleys Creeks meet the Jordan River.

“All of the opportunity areas are relatively low-hanging fruit, as long as we have the support for them,” Tonetti said.

“There will be tons of opportunities to get engaged, so be on the lookout and be in touch with elected officials about your support.” l

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Cottonwood Heights City Journal

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April 2022 | Page 15

Ukrainians living in Utah raise funds for humanitarian shipments to their homeland

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

W

People leave their home and leave everything behind. Often, the only clothes they have is what they’re wearing.

Yulia Holko

Utah Ukrainians, and their supporters, rallied at the Utah State Capitol in March to show solidarity and support to their family members and friends in Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of Tom Haraldsen)

to get refugees resettled in the United States.

The group wants to speed up the process as millions of Ukrainians have been displaced.

“People leave their home and leave everything behind,” Holko said. “Often, the only clothes they have is what they’re

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hen the Russian army invaded Ukraine at the end of February, the Utah Ukrainian Association was inundated with calls from people wanting to help.

Within a few days, the association, in partnership with its sister organization in Idaho, had a plane full of supplies heading to Europe.

Utah Ukrainian Association boardmember Yulia Holko was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States in 2001. Ten years ago, she relocated to Utah where she lives in Salt Lake County.

“Thankfully, my immediate family is here but I have lots of extended family in Western Ukraine,” Holko said. “Even when they’re not being bombed, there are lots of air raid sirens going off and planes flying overhead, because it’s psychological warfare, too. It’s very hard to process. Members of our community have been under shock and stress.”

The Utah Ukrainian Association, and the 1,500 Ukrainians living in Utah, jumped at the chance to help their fellow countrymen and homeland. Members have organized rallies at the Utah State Capitol and are asking people to sign a petition to bring Ukrainian refugees to Utah.

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wearing.”

The association is accepting donations for the next shipment. Nonperishable foods, sleeping bags and solar power banks to charge phones are top items, along with clothes for warmer weather like T-shirts,

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“The support has been amazing. People have been turning out and speaking out,” she said. “It feels like anything we need, there’s a local business willing to donate funds. We were just a small organization before the war and we had to scale up really quickly.”

A benefit concert held at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in late March, brought the community together for prayer, music and solidarity for the Ukrainian people. “Voices for Ukraine” featured artists from the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, University of Utah, Ballet West Academy and The Madeleine Choir School. Ukrainian musicians and multicultural vocalist Alex Boyé also added their talents to the event.

Although the concert was free, the standing room only event raised more than $16,000 from donations and sales to provide life-saving supplies for Ukrainian refugees, and those still trapped in Ukrainian cities.

Kateryna Hansen, a Utah Ukrainian resident, spoke at the “Voices of Ukraine” benefit. She detailed harrowing accounts of friends and family members, escaping into Poland or hiding in bomb shelters and basements.

“In less than one month, the country I know has been turned upside down,” Hansen said. “Children are dying. The dead have been left in the street for days until they can be buried in mass graves.”

Hansen asked benefit attendees to reach out to senators and congressmen, asking for more military and air defense support as the war rages in Ukraine.

The Utah Ukrainian Association will continue to send shipments to eastern Europe. The plane filled with donations flies from Idaho to Germany, then trucks carry the items to Poland and then to Ukraine. Information about donation drop-off locations in Draper, Riverton, South Jordan and Taylorsville can be found at UtahUkrainians. org.

“In this war, where so many lives and values are at stake,” Holko said, “we’re not allowed to fail.”l

Cottonwood Heights City Journal

High schoolers looking for ways to unite communities

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

H

igh school students from across the state will gather April 8 as part of the Special Olympics state youth activation committee.

About 40 high school students who participate in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, which brings youth with and without intellectual disabilities together, will meet to learn how to make a positive impact in their school communities, said Unified Champion School’s college-growth coordinator Boston Iacobazzi, who coordinates Utah’s YAC. At the conference, the Special Olympic athletes and their peers will learn teambuilding, learn how to work together and how to share their stories as inclusive student-leaders.

In addition, there will be a teacher training offered to learn how best to support the program in schools.

“A lot of states are growing the YAC program and learning of its importance,” Iacobazzi said. “I’m super excited where ours is at.”

Utah introduced its youth activation committee this year and currently has 16 on its board. The group works together throughout the year to educate, motivate and activate youth to become agents of change in their communities and advocate for respect, inclusion and acceptance of all people, regardless of abilities.

Iacobazzi said that these youth are leaders by implementing programs that unify schools.

“The youth are driving every event, getting grants and planning what we’re doing,” Iacobazzi said.

Already the group has promoted a statewide spirit week, participated in unified soccer and basketball programs, held a Disney Day at Westlake High and is planning a unified dance sponsored by Hillcrest High.

Continued from front page “There were more attendees than I think we have ever had,” said Johnson, sharing that there were approximately 70 attendees including residents, Cottonwood Heights City councilmembers, and Cottonwood Heights Planning Commission members.

Out of 45 respondents, most did not want any buildings taller than the currently-existing Walgreens and requested that any taller buildings to be closer to that Walgreens (2330 Fort Union Blvd.)

Overall, survey data reported “overwhelming support for a town center,” Johnson said. “Even though survey respondents were split on horizontal or vertical mixed-use.”

The currently drafted development envisioned such a town center. It includes a plaza space with a corridor down the middle of the development site to use as hybrid space. The hope is to have restaurants, retail shopping, and a little office space in addition to some potential upscale apartments. The plaza space is imagined to be a pedestrian-friendly area that can switch into festival mode.

“Our goal was to establish an environment to attract local tenants,” Johnson said. “We wanted to design a space that works well for farmers markets and other types of festivals.

The hybrid space can change the atmosphere.”

Cottonwood Heights Mayor Mike Weichers said, “I think a destination type retail or restaurant could really help to fill those spots as well.”

The town center would be multimodal transportation friendly as auto, pedestrian, and bike traffic have been incor-

CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com

Special Olympics Utah’s youth activation committee’s first-ever conference will bring Special Olympics athletes and their peers together in April to learn how best to support inclusion in schools.

First Lady Abby Cox has been invited to speak at the conference and Colorado YAC is planning on attending and participating in break-out sessions. l

porated together. Sidewalks are currently planned to be between 10 and 15 feet in front of the buildings.

“It’s a more healthy option,” Johnson said.

Currently, there is a bus stop along the neighboring road.

“We would be excited to further incorporate the bus stop with pedestrian access into the plaza space,” Johnson said.

Wright Development Group tried to incorporate as much feedback as possible from the survey data and public meeting.

They moved building mass as far from the surrounding neighborhoods as possible, increased setbacks, and plan to add bike lanes throughout the site.

Johnson said there could be a five-level parking structure, away from the street. Three stories would be underground so “to surrounding neighbors it would feel like one to one and a half stories.”

City Manager Tim Tingey mentioned how “the streetscape will be key—helping residents to understand the height implications, what it will look and feel like.”

“We would commit to the city to address the plaza in another direction if Walgreens can be redeveloped. There will be nothing over four stories or over 50 feet. The highest building will be by Walgreens,” Johnson said.

“This plan for a town center represents a good fit after talking with residents and looking at city code,” Johnson said.

The Wright Development Group began as commercial developers. “In about 2008, we transitioned into some housing and residential development. We are excited to come into this arena as a mixed-use developer,” Johnson said. l

April 2022 | Page 17

Cottonwood High’s Kolt Kids Preschool registration opens

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

R

egistration now is open for Cottonwood High’s preschool.

Class size is limited to 12 preschoolers, who must be potty-trained and three, four and five years old. About 25 high school students, who have taken Child Development and Early Childhood Education classes, work with the young students with preschool aide Earlene Rex. Monthly tuition for Kolt Kids Preschool is $120 for four mornings per week. The preschool year is typically October through April. A $25 non-refundable deposit is needed in the school office to hold a spot. Additional information can be found online: www.schools.graniteschools.org/cottonwoodhigh/kolt-kids-preschool/ The mornings begin just after 9 a.m., typically with students and family and consumer science teacher Terilee Herbon walking with students who are holding onto their “Fruit Loops” rope—a rope with colorful round plastic loops into their dedicated classroom. Once they arrive, the preschoolers will hang up their coats and bags and wash hands.

A high school student also will ask a question to every preschooler that will be included in the lessons of the day.

“The question will reinforce whatever we’re talking about and gives us a counting aspect,” Rex said. “So yesterday, we asked, ‘Have you ever seen a giraffe?’ for the letter G. Then we count how many have and decide if it’s larger or smaller than those who haven’t.”

Herbon said that the class “is constantly doing math.”

“Math is so critical in child development,” she said.

“They have to understand the concept of counting, which is bigger or more and which is smaller or less. They are learning patterns, which is a very basic skill in kindergarten. We are constantly doing a lot, like maybe 15 math standards, that follow the preschool state curriculum.”

A lesson with hands-on activities that are developmentally appropriate is planned by high school students and typi-

Cottonwood’s Kolt Kids preschoolers learned the letter G stands for goat and then they got to learn about taking care of goats. (Terilee Herbon/Cottonwood High)

Page 18 April 2022

During Kolt Kids, a high school student helps a preschooler with a puzzle, one of many stations at the preschool. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

cally include art, science or sensory, literacy and math. There also is music and movement intermixed into the preschoolers’ days.

During their morning circle time on a brightly colored rug, a preschooler may see the day of the month, for example the third, and learn about the number three. Then the preschooler can spin a wheel to see if the class will jump or stomp their feet three times. They also will look at the weather and say and practice writing the letter of the day.

The day will follow a theme, perhaps a nursery rhyme or a letter. Recently, the preschoolers learned all about the letter F and reached into a “mystery box” to pull out items that started with the letter, such as felt, a flower, a plastic fire engine and a flag, said junior Myalisa Romero.

When they learned about the letter G, they also learned goat starts with the letter and had a visit from a real goat and learned about feeding and taking care of it.

A story and an art project usually accompany the lesson.

Students also explore science, from examining how magnets work while reinforcing the letter M to studying the letter V while learning how a papier-mâché volcano erupts with vinegar and baking soda.

Sophomore Alessandro Torres enrolled in the class for the love of children.

“I love how creative they are and how their perspectives are,” Torres said.

Senior Rebecca Walker loves thinking outside the box when teaching the preschoolers.

“I love working with the kids and learning new ways to teach them,” she said. “We work with each one of the preschool students to learn skills as they all learn differently.”

Each day, preschool students have a healthy snack and play on the playground in the courtyard with high school students. Back inside the preschool, there are several stations for the preschoolers, such as an imagination station or one filled with blocks and manipulatives. There are trucks, puz-

zles, books, sticker letters and other learning materials.

“There’s always somebody there to play with them and they clean up as we sing the clean-up song,” Rex said. “At the end of the day, high school students sanitize everything.”

Holidays, birthdays and a few other days bring fun opportunities to the preschoolers. For their birthdays, preschoolers wear a birthday crown and choose a book to keep.

A special day may include the chance to listen to Cottonwood High music students introduce their instruments and listen to them play or attend part of the high school musical.

For holidays, such as Halloween, the preschoolers who are dressed up in their costumes may trick-or-treat through the school’s offices and then try a witch’s brew. They also may drive golf tees into a pumpkin. For St. Patrick’s Day, preschoolers can bring a leprechaun trap to share with the class, but while they’re out of the room, the leprechauns leave footprints and create havoc in the preschool right down to turning the water green in a child-size toilet.

Typically, during the school year, guest speakers such as a firefighter or crossing guard or other community helpers share with students the importance of their jobs.

Parents are welcome to observe the lessons through one-way mirrors. Rex also takes photos and videos to share with parents and a preschool yearbook is given to students.

At the end of the year, high school students plan a preschool graduation ceremony where the youngsters wear their own cardboard mortarboards.

Herbon said high school students are learning many skills in addition to curriculum.

“These kids have learned some incredible positive guidance techniques and they can use them in any situation. They can redirect kids if their having a hard time or to correct behavior and just use a lot of positivity and praise,” she said.

Junior Roxie Templin said she and her peer high school students have learned to be positive.

“We will point out to everybody like if someone is sit-

Cottonwood Heights City Journal

ting quietly and correctly on their pockets and say, ‘Thank you for sitting’ or ‘Thank you for quietly listening,’” she said. “Other kids pick up on that and learn from one another.”

High school students are translating what they’ve learned from interacting with preschoolers to their own peers, such as having more patience, figuring out different approaches to conflicts, working as a team on projects and being positive role models.

They also learned how to problem-solve as in the case when one preschooler didn’t come with a costume, the high school students quickly created one that brought a smile to the little student’s face.

Junior Gabby Stephens said she’d use some of the teaching skills she has learned at home.

“I’m learning how to be a better sister and how to be a better parent for the future and how to use positive reinforcement,” she said.

Sophomore Janel Amaya said she has learned to be more patient, which helps with anxiety.

“I’m talking to them and seeing how they do stuff—and it’s just so calming,” Amaya said.

Some high school students have plans to become teachers so they enroll for multiple years. Sophomore Aisha Sylvester hopes to return as a senior when her niece and nephew may enroll in Kolt Kids so she can return to be their teacher.

For Rex, being a teacher is not a job, but a passion.

“I love seeing them grow and develop—both the preschool students and the high school students,” she said. l During a special experience to the high school band and orchestra room, instrumental director Amber Tuckness lets preschoolers strum the guitar as they count the number of strings, decide which instruments are higher or lower than others and learn string instrument terminology. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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“I grew up in this business, and have been doing it my whole life,” says Diamond Tree Experts’ President Trent VanDam. “My dad was the original owner. The company has been around for 54 years, and I’ve been here for 28 of those years.”

Spring is a time to take inventory of the trees in your yard to see if they need trimming for the upcoming season. Fast-growing trees, like Chinese elms or willows, should be trimmed every three years, while slower-growing trees, like maples and oaks, just need an evaluation every 15 years. “The more you can leave them natural, the better they’ll be,” Trent says.

Some homeowners like to plant trees in the spring, and that’s fine as long as the temperatures are cool, but for best results and tree health, waiting until fall will usually produce the best chance for a tree to establish its roots.

As trees start to bud and bloom, healthy color in the bark and bud is a good indication the tree is healthy. Ensuring trees are proportionate, well-maintained and have room to grow will keep them in your yard for many years. One mistake that’s common in Utah is overwatering trees. People see curled or yellow leaves and panic, thinking they need to water more but it actually drowns the tree. “I tell them to dig down into the soil four inches.

CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com

If it’s moist, the tree is getting enough water,” Trent says.

One way to help your trees stay moist is with mulch, and spring is a perfect time to add mulch to your yard. Mulch improves soil moisture and prevents soil from drying out too quickly. Customers might not know that Diamond Tree has a vibrant green waste-to-mulch program. All tree branches, stumps and trunks are converted into mulch; they have colored mulch in red, dark brown, chocolate brown, black to just a natural color for

decorating your yard. They also have a fine mulch product that’s good for gardens to break up the soil. They will have an organic mulch or soil product to fit any of your needs.

Diamond Tree also excels in tree trimming and removal, so if you have a dead or damaged tree, they can grind the stump and roots so another tree can be planted in the same location. If you have damaged branches, they can come and remove those for you and trim your tree for optimal growth and health.

Damage to trees and shrubbery can come from pests, diseases, or pollution, but the experts at Diamond Tree can identify the problem and create solutions for long-term health. The company provides soil testing, tree spraying and deep-root injections to promote viability.

“We’ll come out and take a look at it and let you know what’s going on with your tree,” says Diamond Tree CFO Elvin Serrano. “If anyone ever calls for tree work, we always send an estimator to provide a free expert evaluation of the tree and estimate for any work needed.”

That personal service is one reason Diamond Tree Experts is a leader in the industry. Building long lasting relationships is a big factor in the success of the company. Hiring professionals who are hardworking and trustworthy is a must for Diamond Tree and has helped establish its legacy of excellent customer service.

“When I’m taking care of customers, I’m making sure I’m treating everybody’s yard like it’s my own backyard,” Trent says.

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April 2022 | Page 19

The Casey Sutera era begins at Brighton football

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

T

he football offseason is not quiet for Brighton after defending its region title and sending three players to D1 football scholarships in 2021. Head coach Justin Hemm accepted the head coaching position at 6A Skyridge High School in Utah County. And Brighton lured Casey Sutera to take the helm as head coach leaving his defensive coordinator position at Corner Canyon High School.

Of his three-year tenure at Brighton, Hemm said, “I have so many memories and relationships that will last a lifetime from Brighton. These memories started from the very first game in 2019 against Fremont when MJ Cirillo caught a 67-yard TD pass from Gabe Curtis with 17 seconds remaining to win 31-28. Since that game, there have been so many learning experiences and positive moments. We have won two region championships, gone undefeated on the road, had a regular season record of 25-4 and hosted a home playoff game each of the three years. I am so grateful

Casey Sutera takes the helm of the Brighton football program. (Photo courtesy Casey Sutera)

for my time at Brighton. This place will always be special to me.”

Brighton’s principal Tom Sherwood said, “The Brighton football program is in a perfect storm with a program peaking, new athletic facilities and a new coach and coaching staff from the proven program of Corner Canyon.” Jeff Cutrer, a longtime CCHS supporter, congratulates the school.

“Brighton is getting a great football coach. Casey Sutera is an even better person,” Cutrer said.

Coach Sutera brings excitement, vision and energy to the new post. “It is almost like coming home given that my wife, Nicole, graduated Brighton in 2007 and I graduated down the road from Murray in 2002. Brighton has always been the powerhouse on the hill.

The Brighton community is renowned for being supportive and expecting excellence,” Sutera said.

Sutera played football for the University of Utah, coached football at Jordan and has had a nationally recognized football program for the last five years at Corner Canyon. Sutera said he has two priorities: “family and football.” l

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Cottonwood Heights City Journal

My year with the City Journals: A reflection and review of the contributions of women

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

S

ince I began as a reporter for the City Journals, I have had the privilege of interviewing some amazing people. The interview process has always been my favorite part of reporting.

I have always enjoyed meeting someone new, learning about what makes them unique and writing their story for others to read.

During March, the stories being shared were about women. March 8, officially known as International Women’s Day, was a day to highlight the unique contributions and achievements of women the world over. To put it more eloquently, “to provide education on how women helped shape the nation [world].”

I’ve come to learn through my first year writing for the City Journals just how much women help shape our community and world.

And how important their stories are to tell.

I got the lead for my first story from Facebook, where I was able to get in touch with Kim Deverall, who specialized in giving haircuts to those living with special needs. We met at the salon she worked at, JCPenney at the District.

Deverall works to meet new clients and make new connections providing one-on-one service for clients who have special needs due to autism or other neurological divergent disorders.

“I am so lucky and honored to be in a position to help a population that is so frequently misunderstood,” Deverall said. “I love working for a company that has given me the ability to give neurodivergent individuals the dignity and socialization they deserve.”

I then had the opportunity to interview another woman who took a big chance only to have it pay off in a delicious way. I met Carol Timmons, a business owner in South Jordan, and reported on her little slice of heaven in Flake Pie Company.

Recently, Flake contributed $11,152 to help those in Ukraine through the CARE Ukraine Crisis Fund. According to an Instagram post, the Flake Pie Company team baked and sold 3,477 flakies, their signature pastry.

Anna Linner was a true gem from the moment I met her at the South Jordan Public Library. I wandered in one day looking for story leads actually, and Linner greeted me at the front desk, behind a large plastic shield (thanks Covid). I knew she had a story to share. And it turns out, I wasn’t wrong. Born in Hungary, she went on to earn a master’s of library sciences degree at age 50, to become a full-on librarian. Linner continues to work at the South Jordan library.

I was enthusiastic to learn that there was a new Girl Scout troop being formed in South Jordan last summer for girls enrolled in kindergarten or first grade, and that Jen Bingman was to be their leader. Twice a month Bingman lets a group of talkative and eager five to seven year olds in her backyard to teach them things about building robots, planting trees and selling cookies.

CottonwoodHeightsJournal .com

After many rounds of selection from Rocky Mountain Power Company, LiveDaybreak and the City of South Jordan, Durga Ekambaram’s painting was featured on a utility box in Daybreak. (Photo courtesy of Durga Ekambaram)

“We’ve had a fun first year with our Daisy troop,” Bingman said. “Our troop has had special challenges regarding meetings with Covid restrictions, cookie delays due to supply chain issues, and losing four troop leaders, but our families rallied around our troop to provide the support we needed to continue with our endeavors.”

Then I met Durga Ekambaram after I saw her mural under the bridge of the Jordan River Trail at 10600 South. I have been able to follow her work on social media. The patience and the persistence it must take to create, to have an idea and to have to slowly nurture it to life is inspiring on many levels.

The trail mural project has given Ekambaram the confidence to explore new mediums and techniques. In February, her mixed media artwork was selected to be displayed at the World of the Wild art show at the Hogle Zoo. Her watercolor paintings were also selected in November 2021 to be featured on a utility box in Daybreak. She is looking forward to several art displays at South Jordan City Hall, Millcreek Library and Utah Cultural Center.

I was once again amazed not only by the physical strength of women, but their mental strength as well. I met Debbie Millet, a former weightlifting champion and now a coach to young women competing in the clean and press and the snatch. I spoke to some of these young women, in particular Malia Levy and Maci Wynn, who talked about their training schedules and their determination, and what it meant to have a female role model like Millet.

According to Millet, Levy took gold at the

Girls from Troop 583 visited the fire station in Taylorsville in February to learn about respecting authority. (Photo taken by Jessica Ballard)

American Open in Ohio late last year, and will represent team USA at the Youth Pan Am and Youth Worlds this upcoming summer of 2022.

Wynn is now one of the top three women in the country, lifting the previous American record in the snatch event. Wynn is now in a position to make the 2024 Summer Olympic team.

Most recently, I met the heartwarming group known as Females in Action Salt Lake Valley or FIA. They welcomed me into their group, challenged me to a little physical exercise routine, gave me a nickname and explained how they as a group look out for one another. It

was heartwarming to see, as we live in a world that can be so divided, that these women will welcome and accept other women regardless of race, religion, economic status and a host of other things that often keep people at bay.

We have women in our communities who are leaders, mentors, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, volunteers, professionals and all-around positive influences. All of these women, and many others like them whose stories I have yet to share, help shape the community, and their stories are relevant.

April 2022 | Page 21

Brighton’s new track attracts record number of participants

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

T

he Canyons School District bond that rebuilt Brighton High School also added two lanes to the stadium track. With a full-sized track, Brighton is able to host multi-school track meets as a destination venue. Throwing events have expanded to the Brighton athletic facility at Butler Park across Bengal Boulevard. Aspiring runners, jumpers and throwers are turning up in droves to hone their skills on Brighton’s boys and girls track teams.

One hundred and ninety-five student-athletes turned up this month to defend Brighton’s 2021 region championships.

Track coach Kirk Merhish said that “while the new facilities are attractive to the athletes, we have a stronger recruiting effort coming from other sports with coaches strongly recommending that students be multi-sport athletes.”

Track and field has such diverse events that football players, wrestlers, basketball players and even volleyball players can augment their skills and endurance. Simi Fehoko, Brighton’s outstanding football receiver (class of 2016) who excelled at Stanford and now plays for the Dallas Cowboys credits much of his speed development to his time on the Brighton track.

At recent track meets at Brighton and at

Page 22 April 2022

Herriman, Brighton’s sheer numbers dominated the events. Brighton junior Lia Belle Selander bested the long-distance runners with a 12:20 2300m time to bring home the first place medal. Boys and girls track teams defend their region championship May 12 at Park City High School with qualifiers going to the state tournament May 21 at BYU. l

Brighton sports schedule Brighton junior Lia Belle Selander bested the long-distance runners with a 12:20 2300m time to bring home the first place medal. (Photo courtesy Annie Selander)

Cottonwood Heights City Journal

Five-star Hardy Owen leads Brighton tennis

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

W

alking the now non-circular halls of Brighton High School, Hardy Owen appears to be dedicated science and math student. He sports an impeccable 3.9 GPA. However, there is a deeper intensity to Owen that manifests itself in full color on the tennis court. He is a nationally ranked fivestar tennis recruit.

Coach Natalie Meyer describes her team captain. “Hardy is an extremely talented young man with a passion for tennis like none other. As a freshman at Brighton, he played No. 1 doubles with Parker Watts and lost a tough three-set match in the semifinals at state. Mind you, he had a broken back. He didn’t get to play the next year because of Covid—canceled season. His junior year he played No. 1 singles and was undefeated without dropping a set the entire season— taking first place in region and state. This year he is a team captain and undefeated so far at the No. 1 singles position. He has great team spirit, and I love his calmness on the court. Hardy’s tennis is an art form and beautiful to watch,” Meyer said.

When not in school, Owen travels the United States where he has been matched up against the best of high school tennis players

handing many of them their first defeats. He has been ranked No. 1 in his age group in Utah since he was 8 years old. He has been ranked No. 1 in the Intermountain region four of the last seven years and as high as No. 3 in the 2021 National Boys 18s USTA rankings.

With his brother Redd Owen, a Brighton three-time state champion (the fourth cut short by the canceled Covid season), Owen spent time on the Navajo Nation teaching tennis, science and rendering service. Owen made the declaration early: “I am pleased to accept an offer to play for the men’s tennis team at BYU.” The Owen family—the current “First Family of Utah Tennis”—has two more talented tennis players who are also killing it on the courts. Ford Owen helped Brighton win the 5A first doubles championship last spring.

Middle-schooler Henry Owen has fared well in tennis and even better in pickleball, winning a silver medal in the Junior Olympics and claiming a U.S. Open gold.

The public can see Owen’s intensity on the Bengal Boulevard tennis courts during any match listed in the accompanying QR code. Also, the public can attend the first round of the state tennis tournament hosted at Hardy Owen travels the United States as one its highest ranked tennis players. (Photos courtesy Natalie Meyer) Brighton May 10-11. l

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Comcast invests in Tech-Moms, a program that encourages women to move into tech

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

C

omcast Corporation is investing in women. The global media and technology company is the Title Sponsor for the Tech-Moms technical training program where Comcast will provide $42,000 in cash and support in 2022, in addition to providing $15,000 in support last year.

Tech-Moms is a nonprofit organization that helps women move into, or return to, technology careers. Students in the program are given opportunities to build skills and knowledge to transition to a profitable tech position.

“I just started my second week of training with a tech company in Springville, [Utah],” said Tech-Moms graduate, Janice Knudsen. “It pays more and has benefits that my old job did not. There are many opportunities for advancement since this company hires first from within.”

More than 200 women have gone through the TechMom program, which partners with five higher-ed institutions, and 80 women are currently participating in the program. Additionally, 300+ applications are waiting for a spot to open.

Students are introduced to a variety of technical careers and given a strong support network as they move forward. As the women transition into the tech industry, they discover hidden abilities that help them build confidence in this ever-growing field.

“After graduating from Tech-Moms, I have had the confidence to apply for new jobs,” said Rosa Griffin.

“Next week, I am going back to college, and I applied for a new job that I dared to apply for, even when I didn’t

meet the college requirement. Two days later they offered me the job. The only condition was that I would go back to school and start working towards my degree. My salary has had a great increase too! I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be part of Tech-Moms.”

“The value of the contributions Utah women make is incredible,” said Deneiva Knight, Director of External Affairs at Comcast. “That's one reason we are partnering with Tech-Moms. We want to help provide women the opportunity to build the skills, knowledge, and professional network they need to transition into or re-enter a career in tech.”

Comcast has a history of community investment bringing digital equity to communities with programs like the $1 billion initiative Project UP. The project provides safe spaces for students to access free WiFi, it supports 13,000 small business owners of color with tech services, and it works with thousands of partners across the country.

With Comcast’s support, Tech-Moms has the opportunity to introduce women to careers that could change their lives. As more jobs open in the tech industry, women are empowered to apply for positions they’d never considered.

“I really am loving my new job so much more than I ever could have imagined,” said Tech-Moms participant Sherrie Hall. “Also, I didn't realize that this was what has been missing from my life. It feels so good to work and has been awesome for my mental health. Wish I would

Hundreds of women have completed Tech-Moms, a program that helps women move into tech jobs.

have found Tech-Moms sooner.”

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“We have chosen Tech-Moms because it helps close the digital divide of haves and have-nots by strengthening women, which influences families and improves our communities,” Knight said.l

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The Brighton lacrosse team is young, but hungry. (All Star Photography)

Young lacrosse team seeks to make its mark at Brighton

A

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

s one of the more recent UHSAA (Utah High School Activities Association) sports, boys lacrosse has become all the rage at Brighton High School. The sport attracts student-athletes with foot speed, agility, hand-eye coordination and just plain physical toughness.

The growing sport also attracts dedicated coaches willing to teach the strategy and finer points of the net game. Coach Chris O’Donnell brings his East Coast talents from Virginia where he played attack for Radford University. O’Donnell has gathered a coaching staff that includes Dave O’Day, who played for Utah State, and two Bengal alumni coming back to serve their alma mater—Cody Chase, who played for Southern Virginia and Cam Folkerson who played for Colorado Mesa.

The boys team was senior rich last year and pushed deep into the playoffs falling only to the state campion Park City Miners. Natalie Harris, a team super fan, noted, “We lost 20 seniors from last year and have

a young, but talented, team with only seven returning varsity players and four seniors.”

O’Donnell added, “The next couple of years will be transformational as the individuals grow, improve and hone their lacrosse skills.”

Ranked third in Region 6, the team has already outperformed that preseason forecast. In a mid- December battle with 6A Pleasant Grove, Brighton fell early to a 3-0 deficit. O’Donnell rallied the troops and the young team proceeded to outscore the mighty Vikings 12-2 over the final 12 minutes of the game to remain unbeaten at home on Freestone Field. The newly appointed team captains are Mitch Dolato, Slader Stonestreet, Isaac Hanson, Porter Boyce and Grayson Harris.

An unnamed Viking coach remarked as he left the media booth that night, “You have a resilient bunch of players here at Brighton. They are something special.” The lacrosse season continues through May 13 when the state tournament begins. l

LarkinMortuary.com Page 26 April 2022

Cottonwood Heights City Journal

Brighton swimmer hits high water mark

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

B

righton swimming has done it again with yet another season of record-setting performances.

Daniel Detjen swam to new lengths in the state finals in February breaking records and garnering an individual back-to-back state championship in two categories: 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle. National Hall of Fame coach Russ Lauber noted Detjen’s accomplishment by stating, “There have been a number of athletes repeat as champions in the annals of Utah high school swimming, but Daniel Detjen is obviously a cut above. His sheer dominance in the long events the past two years is impressive; it takes a special swimmer, and coach, to focus on those long swims for a couple of years to dominate like he has.”

Detjen’s accomplishments place him in the highest level of a storied Brighton swimming program that has produced 23 boys state swimming championships and 24 girls swimming state championships in it 52-year history.

“While this was an awesome year for Bengal swimming with a lot of fast swimming, Danny added a punctuation mark to our performances. His attitude, work ethic, leadership, dedication, commitment will all be missed with him graduating this year. We live by trying to find a way to be better at something every day when we come to the pool,” coach Todd Etherington said.

Daniel credits the insight of his coach for such success “to be recognized among such a great Brighton legacy is a real honor. I’ve always drawn inspiration from Brighton’s coaches and swimmers—coach Etherington, Long Gutierrez (Olympic swimmer), Rachel Butler. Since elementary school I’ve wanted nothing more than to have my name on the Bengal swimming record board.”

The United States Air Force Academy will be the next beneficiary of Detjen’s dedication. While serving his country, he will swim and pursue a degree in computer science. l

Daniel Detjen won back-to-back state titles in the 200 and 500 freestyle. Detjen’s accomplishments put him in the upper echelon of Brighton’s storied swim program. (Roger Tuttle/City Journals)

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April 2022 | Page 27

Female golfers will mix business and fun at the Copper Rock Championships in April

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

F

ormer Utah Senator Pat Jones understands not all business discussions happen in the office. Often, valuable deals are made on a golf course. When she realized many women aren’t usually involved in golf tournaments, she understood how often they are left out of important business decisions.

As the CEO of the Women’s Leadership Insititute, Jones organized a women’s golf clinic and tournament where they could build relationships, learn the basics of game and golf etiquette, participate in a scramble, and put themselves in a better position for inclusion.

“What I’ve learned, and I knew it intuitively, is that golf is the language of business,” Jones said. “That’s just how business has worked for so many years. It’s important for women to learn a sport that can help further their careers.”

The program was so successful that the WLI entered into an exclusive three-year charity partnership with the LPGA Epson Tour at the Copper Rock Golf Course near Hurricane, Utah.

The event is a week-long immersion for female leaders in Utah with the opportunity to play with top golfers and network with other professionals.

This year’s Copper Rock Championship event will run from April 18-23 and feature 220 pro female golfers. Last year’s event was a success, although Jones admitted she was a little intimidated playing with pro golfers. She even took a few lessons.

“I felt I had to play in the Pro-Am,” she said. “Since I was encouraging women, I felt I had to walk the talk. I can’t wait to go again this year. The pro golfers were so generous with their time and advice.”

The event starts on Monday, with the WLI Pro-Am, fol-

lowed by a Meet the Pros Night on Tuesday. Wednesday is the ElevateHER Challenge Luncheon with keynote speaker Sharlene Wells Hawkes. The luncheon will be a time to recognize companies that have accepted the ElevateHER Challenge.

Thursday through Saturday is the Copper Rock Championships where the women can cheer on their Pro-Am teammates as they vie for the title.

“ElevateHER is a corporate challenge with six actions companies can take based on best practices that will elevate women in business,” Jones said.

The program’s goal is to increase the number of women in leadership positions and the retention rate of female workers.

Companies are asked to increase the number of women who serve on community and corporate boards, establish a women’s leadership development program, close wage gaps, and encourage women to run for public office.

WLI started in 2015 to elevate female leaders in Utah.

With the WLI Career Development Series, companies can sponsor female leaders, investing in their future.

“It’s been hugely popular,” Jones said. “Companies who have accepted the challenge can send female leaders, mid to senior level. When women go back and teach their teams, it helps them be seen as the leader they are. It’s really magical.”

WLI also offers a Political Development Series that coaches women who want to run for office. The program started seven years ago and more than 300 women have completed the course. Several women currently serving as mayors in Utah went through the program.

“I couldn’t be happier with how this is shaping up,” Jones

The 2021 Copper Rock Championship was won by Bailey Tardy, who prevailed by three shots. The 2022 championships and WLI Pro-Am run Apr. 18-23 at Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane, Utah.

(Photos courtesy of Copper Rock Championship)

said. “[Men] are our allies and advocates for women. There are some awesome men in our state. They are part of the solution.”l

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Supporting small businesses is good for the economy

By Robert Spendlove | Zions Bank Senior Economist

I

recently visited Weller Book Works in Salt Lake City.

The 93-year-old independent bookstore is among the treasured small businesses in Utah that give our neighborhoods their distinctive flavor and create a feeling of community.

Small businesses like Weller Book Works not only have an important place in our hearts, but they also play a vital role in our economy. In Utah, 99% of companies are considered small businesses and they employ 45% of state’s workforce.

Nationally, small businesses have accounted for two-thirds of net new job creation since 2000, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. They also keep money close to home. If you spend $100 at a local small business, roughly $67 stays in your community.

Small businesses have been a key driver of Utah’s economic rebound from the pandemic, though they still face enormous challenges. With inflation now at a 40-year high, one in four small business owners report that inflation is their biggest concern, according

to the March NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Much of this inflation is caused by struggles in the supply chain, and 92% of small businesses say they have been impacted by supply chain disruptions. Small businesses also continue to grapple with labor shortages.

Almost half of business owners could not fill job openings, the NFIB survey found.

Given these pressures, it’s not surprising that 63% of Utahns have an unfavorable outlook on business conditions nationally over the next 12 months, as measured by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Utah Consumer Sentiment Survey. The survey found less pessimism toward business conditions in the Beehive State, where only 36% of Utahns have an unfavorable outlook.

There may be some relief ahead for small businesses. The Federal Reserve is taking aggressive action to control price increases. The Fed hiked the key short-term interest by a quarter point in March, marking its first rate increase in more than three years. Up to six additional rate hikes are expected this year, which could cause interest rates to increase by as much as two percent. Their hope is to deflate some of the bubbles that have formed because the overheating economy.

Another positive sign for small businesses is Utah’s strong job market. All of Utah’s

10 major private-sector industry groups posted year-over-year job gains, according to Utah’s Department of Workforce Services.

Utah’s annual total employment has increased by 4.2 %, adding 66,000 jobs over the past year.

However, the Russian war with Ukraine is adding more uncertainty to the economy, just as it is turning the corner on the COVID pandemic. The war has pushed already high oil prices to new multi-year highs. The war is also disrupting the supply of wheat, which

will pressure food prices, and nickel, which is an essential ingredient in stainless steel and a component in lithium-iron batteries. This will add yet another element of uncertainty to the small business recovery.

In the meantime, the best way to help ensure the survival of our favorite neighborhood small businesses is to support them as much as possible.

Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.Al

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Taken to the cleaners

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ppliances are like Christmas lights.

When one goes out, they all go out.

We’ve spent the last couple of years replacing appliances, and not easy things like toasters or the electric carving knife. We’re talking a dishwasher, a dryer, a refrigerator, and now our washing machine.

I hated to tell my husband the bad news, not because of the expense but because I had to brace myself for the laundry puns. He has loads of them. But I threw in the towel and waited for his list to unfold.

“Well, sheet,” he started. “I spilled laundry soap and now my hands are Tide. I’d better come clean ‘cause I’m in a lot of hot water. I’m all washed up. Oh, the irony!”

Once that was done, I had to decide the best way to clean our clothes until the new washer was delivered. Options were 1) go to a laundromat, 2) drive to Utah Lake where I could wash my clothes against a rock until developers make Utah Fantasy Island, or 3) say, “Alexa, do the laundry.”

The laundromat won. It’s been years since I’ve visited a laundromat. I bought a chai tea latte to sip, packed a book to read whilst waiting for clothes to dry, and a notebook to write pithy thoughts.

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While inserting 19 quarters (!!) into the machine, I shoved clothes into the washer and noticed my tea had spilled all over the laundry basket. I grabbed my tea, closed the washer door, and sliced my finger open, leaving bloody fingerprints on the handle.

Trying not to think about what types of bacteria live on the handle of a laundromat washing machine, I considered leaving the blood there so the next person would wonder if a serial killer had washed his T-shirts. But I used a damp, tea-soaked towel to wipe it up and looked for a place to sit.

Making my way to a row of stiff, plastic chairs, I sat down to enjoy the lukewarm remains of my tea. I opened my book and looked around the room where people sat staring at cell phones. No one made eye contact.

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I leaned toward the young man next to me. “Do you come here often?” I whispered, like a crazy lady. It sounded like a bad pickup line at a laundry-themed bar. He shifted his body away from me and continued Tik Toking. My finger dripped blood on the floor.

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