Cottonwood Heights Journal | July 2023

The city of Cottonwood Heights has received a Notice of Intent for an annexation petition into the city from the Tavaci area. This area consists of 210 acres toward the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon (9300 S. Wasatch Blvd./4141 E. Canyon Estate Drive) and was previously within the city’s boundaries in 2004. Current plans for the area include 43 lots, 24 of which remain unbuilt with three additional lots in progress for construction.

According to their website, “Tavaci represents an unwavering commitment to luxury. This 43-homesite gated community is truly one-of-a-kind.”

“We received the notice for annexation, but we don’t have any of the details about what their rationale is at this point,” said Mayor Mike Weichers, noting that Salt Lake County has already reviewed the notice.

If the Tavaci area was annexed into Cottonwood Heights, the city would receive an estimated $53,000 in tax revenue with the current development.

“They wanted to do 800 units of mixed-use. We wouldn’t give it to them, so they requested out of the city at that time. They went to ask (Salt Lake) County and their mayor didn’t give it to them either,” said Councilmember Scott Bracken.

City Manager Tim Tingey explained the three main considerations the city council will have to weigh when addressing this potential annexation.

“If we did annex, we would have 24 lots that would need to go through the building permit process for approval,” he said.

That process would involve comparing what would have been previously allowed in the existing Salt Lake

Continued page 11

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Financial reality sets in for Butler eighth graders

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

It was a taste of reality for a day for about 300 Butler Middle eighth graders.

Some students dressed professionally, matching their assigned professions— doctors, dancers, auto mechanics, archeologists, tattoo artists, servers, college administrators. Additionally, some got a salary boost if they were studying a second language or bilingual and if they created a resume.

All were expected to purchase housing for themselves and their assigned families as well as provide transportation and food.

Many wanted a family pet, but that wasn’t a requirement in Reality Town, where the students learned the importance of planning and budgeting, said Eileen Kasteler, work-based learning facilitator.

“A lot of the students discovered what they wanted, they didn’t have enough money for and had to get a second job, cut back on their spending, or they had to make choices,” she said. “They learned a sports car doesn’t work for a family of seven. Some ended up getting a house together or they used public transportation, so they’d have money to pay for child care. They learned to problem-solve to stretch their salaries.”

About 50 volunteers staffed tables labeled with housing, groceries, entertainment, property tax, kids’ corner. They helped students understand how to balance their budget, explain the difference of a debit versus credit card, and review their spending.

“Students learned quickly that they didn’t want a $25 overdraft on a $5 hamburger. They learned if they didn’t have money, they shouldn’t buy it,” she said.

Before the experience at Reality Town, eighth graders received some train-

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“We explained that it was an opportunity to be an adult for a day and although it’s fun, they also needed to be prepared and make wise choices. Those who didn’t, learned financial consequences—and no, they couldn’t give their kids up for adoption to avoid paying for childcare or so they could go on a luxurious vacation,” Kasteler said.

While the careers and salaries were based on the students’ GPAs, their families were randomly assigned by the Utahbased Reality Town company.

“Some had a working spouse, some were single parents; they had to work with what they had, but all had children. That led to the realization of their expense—do I put them in a club sport or dance or a community option? Can I afford a personal trainer, or can I go to the community gym? They learned they have choices, but they had to live within their budget,” she said.

There were a handful of Brighton High students who returned to help staff a booth, lending advice from their Reality Town days.

“It’s a rite of passage,” Kasteler said. “Their siblings have did Reality Town and they can’t wait for their turn; often during the day, they turn to these students for advice from their experiences.”

Cyprus Credit Union volunteers also shared some money-saving tips as well as told them the importance of savings and emergency savings accounts.

“Many students realized the importance of their education and training and made the connection that it often will lead them to a better-paying job and one with benefits, so they don’t have to pay additionally for those,” she said. “It really opened their eyes. What we hope is that they review their Reality Town choices

with their parents and learn maybe what they could do differently.”

Canyons School District Career and Technical Education Coordinator Patti Larkin said that students learn the importance of being financially secure.

“Even though they may really want to donate $400, they learned they can’t if they

don’t have it,” she said. “They discovered they can’t buy a lot of pets if they hadn’t bought groceries yet. We’re hoping they get a taste of being able to plan to pay their monthly expenses without running out of money and at the same time, think about having funds in hand for emergencies and even look ahead to their future.” l

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At Butler Middle’s Reality Town, students were engaged in learning how to balance their budget and make wise financial decisions. (Eileen Kasteler/Brighton High)

Alpha Coffee, community fundraise for the Tillman Foundation at honor run

The Tillman Honor Run took place in Cottonwood Heights the last weekend of April. This was a family-friendly 4.2-mile run, walk or ruck that is held annually to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation.

The morning began at Alpha Coffee, 7260 Racquet Club Drive, with a pipe band playing traditional Scottish bagpipe music as a moving tribute to honor the late Pat Tillman and the veterans, servicemen and women attending the event.

Pat David Tillman Jr. had played college football and graduated from ASU. Tillman then was drafted by the NFL. He played for the Arizona Cardinals and after 911 he made a choice to leave a lucrative football career and enlisted in the Army. Tillman was deployed to Afghanistan and died in 2004 by what eventually was ruled as coming from friendly fire.

His wife Marie Tillman wanted to find a way to honor Pat and his drive and determination to be the best at everything he did. Marie established the Pat Tillman Foundation which inspires others to create positive change through leadership programs, scholarships for veterans and active service members and their families.

“Alpha Coffee in conjunction with ASU Alumni started hosting this event five years ago. My wife Lori and I did Pat’s run about 10 years ago. We talked to a number of Tillman scholars and it really motivated us to further the remembrance of Pat and his service by supporting a great nonprofit,” Carl Churchill said. Churchill and his wife Lori are the founders of Alpha Coffee.

“I started as a 17-year-old private and retired as a lieutenant colonel,” Churchill said about his 21 years of military service.

“The Tillman Honor Run has been amazing, and I see people out here who I remember coming that first year and even in the snow last year. Our goal is to really try to grow this event,” Churchill said.

There were four recipients of the Tillman Scholarship present at the run and each took a moment to express their gratitude. They talked about their service and what they were able to accomplish from this scholarship.

“I’m a 2016 Tillman scholar. I served in the Air Force for nine years. I got my master’s in Forestry Project Management at the University of Oregon and currently live near Logan,” David Parkinson said.

Parkinson addressed the crowd and added, “I am grateful for your support and coming out here and getting to meet other Tillman scholars and hear their stories, it’s a humbling experience and inspiring.”

“I’m Emily Desmeules, a 2022 Tillman scholar. It’s really the community that makes the Tillman Foundation so special, and I appreciate you all being here.”

“I’m a military spouse and currently work as a nurse practitioner in pediatric oncology in Salt Lake City and equally important is that I am a Sun Devil and got my undergraduate

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

degree from ASU,” Katie Newton said to the crowd. Newton was a 2016 Tillman scholar.

The last Tillman scholar to speak was Kent Davis. “I was born and raised in Arizona, but I was a Wildcat, but now I donate every year to help the Scum Devils.” Davis, a 2012 Tillman scholar, got his undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona and hinted at the rivalry between the Arizona schools with the nickname.

“When I was born, my mother became a Quaker and if you are a Quaker, you cannot be drafted.” Davis was a freshman in college when 911 happened. “The summer between my junior and senior year is when Pat Tillman was killed, and I decided to join the military.”

“I am an attorney and the scholarship I got allowed me to clerk for a federal judge,” Davis said. Davis also thanked Churchill for putting this event together every year.

“It was started by ASU alumni, to honor the legacy and memory of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player and Army Ranger that lost his life serving our country,” said Erick Diaz from the ASU alumni.

“The ASU alumni have been doing this for 12 years and we have been getting about two or three runners every year. But five years ago, this one man, Carl, who owns Alpha Coffee told us that next year he wanted to make this race the best and he has made it really something amazing,” Diaz said.

There were 80 people who signed up for the run and the event this year raised $5,000.

There are several Tillman Honor Runs that take place in Utah and in several cities across the country with the largest in Tempe, Arizona.

The color guard came out and performed a military flag routine in front of Alpha Coffee while the national anthem was played before the run.

“All right runners, set, go!” They were off as the bagpipes and drums continued to play. l

Bagpipes and drums playing traditional Scottish music before the start of the Tillman Honor Run in Cottonwood Heights. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Runners, walkers and four Tillman scholar recipients before the Tillman Honor Run in Cottonwood Heights. Recipients holding the sign from left to right are David Parkinson, Emily Desmeules, Katie Newton and Kent Davis. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

ASU alumni Erick Diaz speaking with Alpha Coffee owners Carl and Lori Churchill before the Tillman Honor Run in Cottonwood Heights. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Cottonwood FCCLA students seize opportunities during yearlong learning, competitions

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Seniors Mariana Labrador and Lora Larson learned about leadership as they became the chapter’s president and vice president, respectively. They joined five other Cottonwood officers as they learned about their responsibilities in office at the fall leadership conference.

“It got them really hyped and excited about the school year,” Cottonwood High adviser Zahaia Cuevas said. “They learned different types of leadership and how to promote and incorporate FCCLA into their meetings.”

Guest speaker gold medal skeleton Olympian Noelle Pikus-Pace taught the Cottonwood student-leaders about perseverance.

“She talked about working hard and doing all you can to persevere, no matter all the obstacles that come your way. They really took that to heart,” she said.

As the officers led the meetings, they also focused on a place which was open and inviting, Cuevas said.

“We wanted it to be a space where they could make new friends and have fun doing an activity. It’s a place to come hang out with people who like similar things,” she said. “We wanted any student to be welcome to come for a fun time during lunch. We wanted to reach students who normally wouldn’t be involved in clubs to come to our club so that they could feel like they were a part of something.”

Most activities related to family and consumer science classes, giving club members the opportunity to expand their knowledge.

“Taking from the preschool class, we made a hand turkey and wrote things that we’re thankful for Thanksgiving; we designed different outfits, learning from the fashion class. We had social gatherings, and usually we do service; we helped with the Halloween trunk or treat,” she said.

By February, the chapter was focused on their competitive season. Five members took advantage of that opportunity and learned along the way.

FCCLA students across the state competed in more than 30 STAR competitive events, or Students Taking Action with Recognition events. The events prepare students for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation. FCCLA chapters prepare members for careers through its four career pathways: human services, hospitality and tourism, education and training, and visual arts and design.

In the STAR events, students demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to actively identify an issue concerning families, careers, or communities, research the topic, and develop and implement a project to advocate for positive change.

Sophomore Nina Boskovic competed in the leadership contest which highlighted her leadership roles in different clubs and organizations.

“I also talked about how I’ve learned leadership skills through the book, “Dare to Lead,” and making goals to better my skills,” she said in an Instagram post.

Boskovic earned the bronze recognition at both region and state, and placed third at state.

Larson competed in the event, Focus on Children, using her own Lora’s Drop and Shop summer camp in her presentation. That project “impacted the community by helping children,” Cuevas said. “She basically had a preschool for ages 4 to 10 in her house over the last summer. She planned lessons for them and had activities for them to do every day.

It was a great project.”

She earned the gold distinction at region and at state and placed third overall at state.

Labrador and senior Sara Sandusky competed in fashion design where they each had to create a five-piece collection for a target audience and price the items as if they would be available for purchase. They then each sewed one of the outfits and presented it to the judges.

“Sara’s collection was inspired by the universe,” Cuevas said. “Her line was created with galaxies and stars and that look. It was very cool that she incorporated twinkling lights in the dress that lit up when she would wear it.”

In an Instagram post, Sandusky said that first dress, which is based on a nebula, is part of the life cycle of a star.

She received bronze at region and silver at state.

Labrador’s collection was inspired by Vivienne Westwood, Cuevas said.

“She took that grunge look and modernized it into everyday wear. She made a corset and tailored pants that were very cool,” she said. “The sewing techniques she used were very complicated.”

In an Instagram post, she said that Westwood as well as the end of the Victorian era inspired her fashion line, but she also appreciated the kimchi fried rice workshop: “It was very fun to learn a few kitchen tricks and have a break from the competition stress. I also liked the fashion show because I got to talk to people about their fashion projects.”

She took silver at region and bronze at state.

Junior Annalyse Staker competed in fashion construction with the look, “Pretty in Pink,” inspired by Chanel.

“She made a pretty pink tweed jacket with silk lining and a matching skirt from her own original pattern. Then she made alterations, so it fit perfectly,” Cuevas said. “She did a lot of hard work.”

Staker, who liked seeing other “cool projects that people created,” received silver medals at both competitions. They also were part of the state fashion show, where they got to showcase their creations.

Besides students earning awards, Cuevas said they took that opportunity to learn.

“The sewing students learned a lot of new techniques. Nina and Lora were nervous about presenting, but this helped them feel more confident. They’re such hardworking and impressive students with everything they do academically and in different clubs. They expressed to me how grateful they were that they competed and it’s good that they were able to share what they’re doing to help the community and to help the school. They deserve to be recognized for their hard work,” she said.

Cuevas also was honored for her hard work as she was honored as the FCCLA new adviser of the year.

The award honors an adviser who has served for under five years.

“My students nominated me, and it’s been great. I do this for them, so for them to fill out the paperwork and to think I’ve made such a difference is really sweet. I’ve gotten a lot of support from my school and district, so it was exciting for me,” she said. “I’m really motivated for next year.” l

AtCottonwood High, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter is a pathway for students to have new opportunities and about 20 members took advantage of that.

Cottonwood High FCCLA members Annalyse Staker, Nina Boskovic, Lora Larson, Sara Sandusky and Mariana Labrador participated at region and state with the help of Zahaia Cuevas, who is holding the new adviser of the year plaque. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood High FCCLA)

Freshman leads Brighton Golf to top 10 finish

By Jerry S. Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

TheBrighton golf season started off this spring with a series of tournament cancellations due to inclement weather.

“After my freshman year was canceled due to Covid, the whole team was pretty upset about it,” laments senior Sara England. The 2023 golf season seemed to add to the bad memory from the 2020 team that was senior rich and poised to do well at state. “I think it motivated the younger girls on the team to work harder over the summer to fill their spots so we could have a good season the next year,” continues England.

A mere 12 year old during that Covid year, Catherine Cook would emerge this year as a freshman to infuse the team with state potential. “Freshman Catherine (Cate) Cook consistently turned in scores this season around the mid 70s. She is an amazing addition to the Brighton girls golf team,” coach Ron Meyer said.

Region 6 is a tough region for golf. For example, Skyline’s Ashley Lam shot an

Brighton swimmer wins ‘event 23’ championship in unified swimming

unprecedented score at Murray Parkway to help her team take the Region 6 tournament trophy. It is worth noting that Region 6 produced six of the 16 teams qualified for the 5A state golf tournament hosted by the Utah State PGA at Remuda Golf Course in Farr West on May 8 and 9.

Cook played like a seasoned upperclassmen with poise and confidence throughout the state tournament. She ended the tournament as all-state medalist.

England said that golf season is something she looks forward to every year. “It’s been fun to watch the team grow into what it was this year. Going to state this year and qualifying for the final day was a great way to end my four years on the team. Coaches Meyer and Newell are exactly what the team needed. They were there for us when we needed help and never failed to put a smile on our faces. We wouldn’t have been able to accomplish everything we did this year without them.” l

Brighton’s Dylan Etherington is the first state champion of the newly added Unified Sports swimming event called “event 23.” (Photo credit CHAT Cottonwood Heights Athletic Team)

“If

I only had one day left to live please take me to a swim meet because they seem to last forever,” quips Judd Partridge, father of Brighton swimmer Austin Partridge. Indeed, they do. High school swim meets consist of 22 events that come off without announcements like clockwork over an entire afternoon. Both parents and swimmers are patient waiting for their moment to arrive. This season, Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) added “event23.” This new and highly anticipated event is a mixed 50-yard freestyle race under the banner of Unified Sports for special ed student-athletes.

When the waves subsided, Brighton sophomore Dylan Etherington stood supreme. He is the first ever state champion of “event 23” finishing the 50-yard sprint in under 40 seconds.

Event 23 is definitely worth the wait. l

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Brighton’s Catherine Cook earns all-state medalist honors as a freshman. (Photo Ron Meyer)

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High school outdoors clubs offer students opportunities to recreate

Thissummer, local trails or courts may be busier with teenagers than in previous years.

Area high school teachers say it’s a lasting positive impact from COVID-19 when participation in outdoor recreation increased.

According to Penn State University’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management and Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, outdoor recreation increased to nearly half of Americans taking part monthly, including 20% who are new to it.

As many national parks saw a record number of visitors during the pandemic, the outdoor recreation boom has continued as boating, running outdoors, bicycle riding, and walking in nature can be accessible to people of all ages and ability levels, the report said.

That stretches to students who may be adding adventurous experiences—sailing, mountain biking, kayaking and other non-traditional high school sports.

In fact, many area high schools offer clubs focusing on outdoor activities. Even with school dismissed for the summer, some students even plan to continue to meet through the summer on their own. Here’s a look at some outdoor high school clubs in the southern end of the Salt Lake Valley.

Cottonwood High hiking club

Senior Matthew Gordon, along with his hiking buddies from Cottonwood’s hiking club, plans to hit the nearby canyon trails this summer once they’re clear from snow.

“We haven’t gotten in very many hikes; it snowed a week after our first hike last fall and this spring, there’s the whole flooding situation,” he said. “We’ve been to the lower falls in Bell Canyon, and we’ve done some hikes in Millcreek Canyon. This summer, we’re wanting to hit the trails, starting with Donut Falls.”

During school, the club of about 20 students usually met at lunch to discuss hikes— the length, its difficulty, carpooling. They’ve hiked on days when school wasn’t in session.

“We usually stay together and talk music or other things, usually not school. Some club members are my good friends, but I’ve also gotten to meet new people who I’ve become friends with. It’s a lot different than interacting with people at school. I feel it’s a lot more genuine,” he said. “I love getting into nature and getting away from things. It brings you a lot closer to the people you’re around and I love the physical exercise. It’s a lot different than sports or going to the gym because you’re always walking uphill or downhill, getting lots of fresh air. I like that you get a big reward at the end of the hike when you get to see the sights.”

Gordon, who also is in the Madrigals and orchestra at school, has taken on an in-

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

formal club leadership role—from helping plan to often carrying the first aid kit and extra water on hikes.

“I think it fell on a few of us because we were the first people who were meeting and organizing the year. One of my friends does a good job getting the word out and passing out fliers. I have a van that I can drive, so that helps get our group to a trailhead,” he said. “It’s something I’ll miss after this year.”

The club’s adviser, Audryn Damron, said that the students have been proactive.

“They have a chat bringing up, ‘Who wants to hike?’” she said. “They created a Google photo album for the hiking club and put all the pictures in there. Not everyone has hiked before, so I helped them pick a hike. We use the All Trails app that tells them how hard the hike is and how long the hike is and direction to the trailhead.”

Damron, like some of the students, said she really loves to hike, but didn’t have friends who enjoyed it.

“I grew up close to Glacier National Park, so I love getting out in nature; I love the smell of the outdoors, the freshness, the views,” she said. “Creating this opportunity

was perfect. You have a club with a variety of people of different levels and they learn how to plan and how they can do it. It’s just really fun to see the kids take on leadership roles in a club they care about and in a space they love. I also love to share my love of hiking. We live by the mountains, and I would love to have kids be outside engaged with nature. If I can provide some coaching or guiding, I’m all for that.”

In addition to the student hiking club, she started a faculty hiking club during the COVID-19 pandemic and created a Google form of hikes.

“It has been fun because there are several teachers and counselors who share the love of hiking,” she said. “I had just moved here and started teaching at Cottonwood right before Covid hit. It was a way I could make better friends with Cottonwood faculty, do something I enjoyed and go to places where we could avoid the crowds. Now we continue hiking because we love it.”

Corner Canyon High roller-skating club

Corner Canyon High School’s roller-skating club began last fall when a student

came to teacher RJ Green asking him to be the club’s adviser.

“I said, ‘Sure, let’s make that happen,’” he said. “If kids come to me with a fun opportunity to get other people involved and doing fun stuff, and I can facilitate that, I’ll almost always say yes. I thought it’d be fun. When I was in undergrad, I rollerbladed around everywhere for about two years.”

That first year, the club met a couple times to skate in the evenings. They were hoping to get together as spring turns into summer.

“Covid was a catalyst for the group. Last year was the first year that they had a full year not masked. They wanted a stressfree way for the kids to get together and do something fun. They call it the retro experience, just that high school and arcade pizza socializing thing,” he said about the two dozen students who get together to skate.

While some kids own their own, others rent skates or blades.

“We’re hoping to build the culture and add a couple more events because it’s definitely fun and we have people who are quite interested,” he said.

At Cottonwood High, students in the school’s hiking club take to the trails to see the beauty in the area. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood High hiking club)

Green’s experience with rollerblading began as a mode of transportation across his college campus.

“It looked really cool in the ’90s. That’s why I started—and literally everybody else did it. I also love staying in shape. It’s really fun,” he said. “I like that this roller-skating club isn’t a sedentary activity with a phone. These kids are showing up, getting some exercise and socializing outside of the confines of school with friends their age. It isn’t just limited to school time.”

Brighton High rock climbing club

About 10 Brighton students regularly hit the climbing gym during the school year.

“Some of them start off, learn about climbing and hopefully have a positive experience climbing with their friends in the gym,” Brighton High adviser Ben Hall said.

Hall said students pay their own way as there are no fees associated with the club. Everyone is welcome, no experience is needed.

“Some have experience, others are brand new. If you’re brand new, there’s always somebody in the club who will climb or boulder with them to teach them how to climb,” he said. “If any of the kids are interested in becoming better or stronger, I share some training techniques. The best way to train is to climb more, focus on doing hard individual moves when you boulder. You can shift to longer routes on ropes to work on endurance. You’re always climbing and building technique, getting comfortable and learning how it feels to climb.”

Hall, himself, is a climber.

“This is my first year as a teacher, so I was looking to get involved and the previous adviser was ready to pass the baton for me to take over,” he said. “I got into climbing during college in Michigan; I was just looking for something to do and I figured I’d try. Climbing is awesome. It’s a great way to get outside, do something in nature and see a lot of amazing places. It’s adventurous. It’s thought provoking. It takes some strength, but it’s also about how you can move and work through problems. I like being out in a beautiful place and trying something hard. Climbing is ultimately how I ended up here in Salt Lake City. This is a great place to climb and enjoy the outdoors.”

While he has climbed in the Utah desert to nearby canyons, he said that there are some easier crags in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

“In the future it would be good

to start at just doing maybe more of an after-school climb in the spring when there’s a lot of daylight. Go out for a couple hours. Get the climb around here. When we have an experienced group, we could look into organizing a trip over summer break,” he said. “But for now, we’re building up, getting that experience and keeping it to the gym.”

Jordan High pickleball club

Jordan High pickleball club adviser Sandra Brown became a fan of the sport during the pandemic.

“I started playing pickleball with another teacher during Covid because we were losing our minds when we both had to teach online and felt locked up in our houses,” she said. “As we played, we became best friends. I love having another sport that I can play and be outside. I love that pickleball is free. It’s a way that I can get together with some friends or meet new strangers in the park and exercise and just enjoy the sunshine. I love the community aspect of it. I love it when people bring their speaker and listen to good music and just having a good time in the park.”

When they started playing, the colleague’s son, who now is a junior at Jordan, started playing with them.

“It was so fun that he and I started the club because we fell in love with pickleball and wanted the students at Jordan High to be able to play,” Brown said.

Twenty or more students get together at a nearby park with courts to play weekly, weather permitting.

“Everybody’s welcome to come. If they don’t know how to play, we have extra paddles that students can borrow and other students teach them how to play. That’s the great thing about pickleball, it’s easy to learn,” she said, adding that while the sport has been around since the 1970s, it got a boost during the pandemic. “The kids like that it’s not a sports club where you have to commit. They just show up with a ball and paddle and play with their friends, or with new people.”

Brown is excited about the club.

“It’s a sport for all ages and most abilities, even grandparents can play pickleball with grandkids. The goal of the club is for kids to just make connections so that they can then go play whenever they want. We like the idea to keep it simple,” she said. “I like that students are falling in love with something athletic so that they get some healthy exercise and are having fun.” l

Butler students learn about the world through dance, food, art

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ButlerElementary parent Chelsea Budge’s second-grade daughter told her that she would be performing an African dance with her classmates at the school’s World Night.

While waiting for her dance, the family took in the different parts of the event.

“We like all the different activities here,” Budge said.

Nearby, parent Holly Robbins and her family were awaiting her kindergartner’s grade performance of “It’s a Small World” and her third-grader who, with friends, was to perform a Punjabi dance from India.

“We enjoy the music and performances and the good food,” she said, referring to the food trucks supplying international cuisine.

Other families watched their children in a Mexican, American and Maori dances on the main stage while the Butler alumni and students’ rock band performed on a small stage.

World Night has evolved through the years from an indoor opportunity to immerse in culture and art, which featured traditional world dances performed by Brigham Young University dancers, to more student engagement with Butler students performing worldwide dances.

For second-graders, it meant performing to “Mama Africa” by Kids United featuring artist Angelique Kidjo under guest choreographer Yvonne Nsabimana Baraketse.

Baraketse came weekly for two months to not only teach students the dance, but to help them learn about the culture of the Ivory Coast.

“A lot of the kids knew the song already and really like it because it spreads positivity energy,” she said. “Through this opportunity, the kids got to discover another country and they are able to really connect with others in Africa and learn about their culture and music. Now, they’re being in the shoes of African kids and they’re sharing the joy and light as they perform for their families.”

Baraketse immigrated from her homeland and founded the Utah County-based nonprofit Ngoma Y’Africa Cultural Center to spread awareness of African culture. She also teaches French and dance.

“I came as an international student, then I realized my culture could be a tool to help others learn about Africa,” she said. “I created the nonprofit as a way to support others who are African descent and are navigating the U.S. educational system and we can share the love of our culture with others. That is what we’re doing tonight, embracing the world around us and giving these students an introduction to our culture. That’s how we connect.”

That is another reason why Robbins appreciated World Night.

“It’s a big celebration at the end of the school year,” she said. “The whole community comes out and we have a lot of fun together.” l

As part of World Night, Butler Elementary second-graders learned and performed an African dance under guest choreographer Yvonne Nsabimana Baraketse. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

History of the Butlers and Butlerville Days preview

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Theannual tradition of celebrating Pioneer Day with a multiday festival called Butlerville Days is beloved for many Cottonwood Heights residents. The name may evoke memories of playing bingo, dancing to live entertainers or watching fireworks. But for some residents, the name is reminiscent of the area’s history and namesake.

The area currently known as Cottonwood Heights was home to the Butler Bench, Poverty Flats and Danish Town settlements in 1849. Within those settlements lived the Butler and McGee family. On the day a town meeting was called to organize the community, there was one more Butler brother in attendance than McGee brother, so the community was named after the “Butler” lumbermen.

By 1854, land that had been donated by Jehu Cox to build a 10-acre fort had been developed by 23 homes. The population was 273. By the 1860s, logs were being brought out of the canyon from homebuilders and the railroad.

In 1861, The Deseret Paper Mill (now affectionately called “The Old Mill”) was built along the Big Cottonwood Canyon Creek. Deseret News used the mill to make paper from wood pulp prepared from the canyon’s lumber.

By 1877, Butler Precinct, Union Precinct, Butler School District 57, and Union School District 23 had all been established. The population at this time had almost doubled to 484.

The Unified Jordan School District was created in 1905 to accommodate the rising population, which at that time had reached 757.

During the 1900s, the Butlerville area housed mining and sand/gravel pit industries. Agricultural farming was also booming with farms of hay, wheat, vegetable, fruit, milk, poultry and fur crops.

“Electricity came to Butlerville in 1918 through the efforts of Asa R. Bowthorpe, William C. Wootton, and Edwin Jones. Some of the best fox and mink furs were raised when Alma Farnsworth started the first fox farm in 1929. Mink farming began when Erekson Fur Farms moved to the community in 1931. Fruit farming became an even more important industry in Butlerville as Mr. Kasuga is remembered for developing a new strain of strawberries,” wrote researcher and geocaching specialist Jacob Barlow.

The first subdivisions of Greenfield Village, Cottonwood Ridge (Virginia Hills Drive) and Steffensen Heights were built between 1953 and 1955.

Then in 1974, Rich Whitmore donated land to build the Whitmore Branch Library.

The Cottonwood Heights Community Council was established in 1952 before the city was incorporated in 2005. Since then, the city has paid homage to its history by celebrating Butlerville Days over the Pioneer Day weekend. Beginning as a single-day event, Butlerville Days as grown to span over an entire weekend, drawing visitors to the city from across Salt Lake County.

2023 will be no exception. Butlerville Days will be held from Thursday, July 27 until Saturday, July 29 with varying activities every day. The most anticipated event of Butlerville Days is known to be the firework show, which

will continue this year. Live entertainment will also be reoccurring this year with musical groups Current and Shuffle performing. Various activities like walking tours presented by the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council and Historic Committee, an antique and classic car show, and carnival rides will be returning this year as well.

New this year will be a drone show presented by Open Sky Productions.

To learn more about the 2023 Cottonwood Heights Butlerville Days hosted at Butler Park (7500 S. 2700 East), visit the city’s website at: www.cottonwoodheights.utah.gov/community/ events/butlerville-days l

The original settlement was called Butlerville, named after one of the prominent families who settled the area. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights)

Butlerville grew and progressed until it started to take shape as the Cottonwood Heights City known today. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights)

Continued from front page

County code, along with addressing any concerns in the Cottonwood Heights Sensitive Lands Ordinance.

In addition, there is a major access roadway into the site. The city’s Public Works Department would need to take over maintenance for that roadway, including the costs related to snowplowing the area.

“We went through the annexation process with these folks before and they decided it wasn’t worth it. Now, they’re back again,” said City Attorney Shane Topham. “I would be very worried about that road. Some day it will break down and they’ll be asking the city to take over the roadway.”

Lastly, Cottonwood Heights would need to allot appropriate emergency services from their existing routes for the area.

“This could be a tedious, inordinate, amount of time on our staff,” said Councilmember Ellen Birrell. “The tax revenue is very small. It’s a drop in the bucket if we have to get our Public Works staff involved in the roadways.”

Since the city received the Notice of Intent in June, the applicants still have to gather signatures and

submit their Annexation Petition.

“The annexation process starts with the filing of a Notice of Intent that goes to Salt Lake County who sends out notices,” Topham explained.

Topham continued to explain that once those notices are sent out, the applicant can request a form for the petition from the city. Then, the applicants must gather signatures from the majority of landowners within the area. Once the petition for annexation is submitted to the city, the council has the chance to decide whether or not to process the petition. There are two points within the process where the council can say yes or no. The city is not required to accept the annexation.

“If they’re going to ask for another 200 units of condos up there, it’s going to be no,” Bracken said. “The road is a main concern. We would have to be very, very clear that the road is the developments’ issue.”

“I’m anxious to hear what their plans are,” Councilmember Matthew Holton said.

Birrell suggested looking into a feasibility study and/or a Public Improvement District for the area “and impose fees for the residents who live there for the liabilities.” l

“Nestled seamlessly into the mountains near the mouth of Salt Lake City, Utah’s famous Big Cottonwood Canyon, this exclusive location offers one of the country’s most visually stunning addresses,” states the development’s website. (Photo courtesy of TavaciSLC)

Two-hour time limit for RV parking within Cottonwood Heights

“I’dlike to propose our city revise current policy and prohibit any long-term parking or storage of controlled vehicles within the front setbacks of residential zones,” wrote an anonymous Cottonwood Heights resident for the city councils’ consideration.

In response to the request, the Cottonwood Heights City Council asked Community and Economic Development Director Mike Johnson to review the city’s current codes and policies regarding the storage of RVs within neighborhoods.

“Basically, you can’t park these vehicles on the street for more than two hours,” Johnson said.

The section of the Cottonwood Heights Municipal Code that addresses the parking and storage of RVs is Chapter 11.20: Stopping, Standing and Parking. It also addresses the parking and storage of other controlled vehicles within the city’s boundaries.

Within the Code, controlled vehicles are defined as agricultural vehicles, commercial vehicles with an excess of 1-ton capacity, recreation vehicles (RVs), trailers for towing equipment, travel trailers, and trucks with an excess of 1-ton capacity.

“Controlled vehicles have to be parked on a paved surface. They can be stored in the front, side or rear-yard areas,” Johnson ex-

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

plained on June 20. “If they are stored in the front yard, they must be operable and legally licensed and registered.”

“So…two side-by-sides, four-wheelers, or jet-skis, on one trailer is one controlled vehicle?” Councilmember Scott Bracken asked for clarification.

Johnson’s answer was affirmative. He also clarified that commercial vehicles, like work trucks, are required to be in active use by the owner.

For any lot smaller than 0.5 acres, a maximum of three controlled vehicles are allowed to be stored on the lot. For larger homes, additional parking allocations increase along with the lot size.

Controlled vehicles cannot obscure or block intersections or overhang into any portion of the public right-of-way, which includes sidewalks.

“We have people in compliance with this all over the city,” said Cottonwood Heights Police Department Chief Robby Russo. “The ordinance is sufficient and keeps vehicles off the sidewalk. Lawfully-registered vehicles are parking on solid surfaces, so we don’t have things getting into the soils. It’s only ever an issue when people park over the sidewalk or on the grass.”

“Those standards have worked pret-

ty well at mitigating any potential issues,” Johnson said.

Councilmember Ellen Birrell mentioned how the storage of controlled vehicles is difficult for residents living on corner lots and the increase of residents wanting to incorporate RV pads onto their properties.

“This could be addressed with formbased code,” Birrell said.

“We will move on without direction to change the code yet, but we can continue to talk as we’d like as a council,” Mayor Mike Weichers concluded the conversation. l

GREGORY S. ANDERSON, DPM

Foot & Ankle

Dr. Anderson joins Granger Medical Clinic from Steward Medical Group. He is a native of Salt Lake City and has been involved in the training of residents and fellows for over 25 years. He has devoted time and resources to ‘Amanaki Fo’ou by teaching limb salvage, foot/ankle surgery, and wound care. Dr.

Anderson found this to be incredibly rewarding and was able to mentor young Tongan surgical residents in complicated foot surgeries due to diabetic-related foot infections.

Dr. Anderson’s philosophy is to use conservative treatment plans to help avoid surgery when possible. He performs complicated foot and ankle and revision surgeries. He enjoys teaching, training, and mentoring residents/fellows through the IMC Podiatric Residency Program. He is a fellowship director for the ACFAS and is board certified.

RVs cannot be parked on grass within Cottonwood Heights. They must be parked on a concrete surface. (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

ServingFamiliesSince1885

LARKIN MORTUARY HONORS FAMILY PIONEER HERITAGE

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

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

Save money and water with Salt Lake Public Utilities Water Check Program

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Salt Lake Public Utilities is running their Water Check Program in association with Utah State University’s Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping, all summer (from May until August). The intent of the Water Check Program is to help current residents save money on their water bill by

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reducing water usage by 20% to 30%, on average.

Crew members working with the Water Check Program can conduct tests for current residents to determine how much water is being applied by sprinklers on their property, recommend solutions to any problems that may arise within irrigation landscapes, schedule various water conservation assessments and provide educational materials.

In addition, the Water Check Program can provide current residents with complimentary irrigation system evaluations, landscape irrigation assessments and tailored pressurized sprinkler irrigation schedules for existing landscapes (with the aim of identifying water conservation strategies and improvements).

Current residents serviced by Salt Lake Public Utilities can apply to take part in the Water Check Program, including those who live within Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, parts of Holladay and a small part of Murray. Sandy City and Cache County residents can also apply.

If living outside of the Salt Lake Public Utilities service area, Utah State University’s Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping recommends performing their do-it-yourself water check which can be found through their website at: www.extension.usu.edu/cwel/do-your-own-watercheck.

To learn more about the Water Check Program, visit the website at: www. www. extension.usu.edu/cwel/watercheck.

To be added to the 2023 Water Check scheduling database residents can call 435797-5529 or email watercheckprogram@ usu.edu. l

Catch cups are available for purchase from the USU Extension County offices, or milk cartons or soup cans can work as an alternative when performing a sprinkler performance test. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake City Television )

Brighton names male and female athlete of the year

By Jerry S. Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

The roar of the crowd a fond memory, the mats rolled up for the summer, it is the moment to reflect back on the high school sports seasons and hand out honors for male and female athletes of the year.

Senior Jace Matheson was voted by coaches and administration male athlete of the year at Brighton High School. Matheson was a three-year starter in both football and basketball and is in all aspects one of the best all-around athletes to come through Brighton’s programs in recent years. “He is one of the best competitors and leaders that I have seen in 20 years of high school sports,” said Brighton’s Athletic Director Garrett Wilson. Matheson has helped his teams win four region championships in his time at Brighton.

He will be serving a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission to Lima, Peru this fall.

Hanna Sasivarevic is a swimmer extraordinaire and was voted female athlete of the year at Brighton. In a swimming program that regularly produces swimming state champions and Olympians, Sasivarevic is among the most decorated. As a senior, she capped her high school career atop the podium as the 2023 state champion in the 200m freestyle. She set the team record in 50m freestyle (previous record established in 1988). She also set the team record in 100 freestyle. “Given the rich history of Brighton swimming, setting a team record is not something often done,” said swimming head coach Todd Etherington.

“In addition to being an amazing swimmer, Hanna is also an Academic All-American” said Dubra Sasivarevic, Hanna’s mother and ardent supporter. “Watching my daughter Hanna swim competitively for 11 years, progressively improving, dedicated to 18-plus hours every week, facing challenges

to reach her goals, these are moments that make me so proud to be her mom.”

Sasivarevic will take her swimming skills to the collegiate level at Colorado Mesa University. l

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Hanna Sasivarevic is Brighton’s female athlete of the year. (Photo Brighton High School)

Jace Matheson is Brighton’s male athlete of the year. (Photo Brighton High School)

Comcast provides services for those who serve

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

DeneivaKnight was 18 years old and only three days out of high school when she reported for basic training with the U.S. Army. Having enlisted during her junior year, she described herself as “fresh-faced and scrawny” with no concept of the struggles and difficulties she would face through the experience.

As her eight weeks of training commenced, she found herself without support of family and friends, learning to trust her body, mind and spirit. She created a lifelong credo that has carried her throughout her life.

“Whatever you do, do it with heart,” Knight said. “During trying times, I dig in and rely on my heart working alongside my blood, sweat and tears to reach any finish line.”

Knight served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1996-2001. Now the external affairs director for the Comcast Mountain West Region, doing work in media relations, government affairs and community impact, Knight is proud to work for a company that supports the military.

Comcast’s dedication to the military community started with its founder, Ralph Roberts, who served a four-year tour-of-duty with the U.S. Navy. Now, the global telecommunications company creates a supportive workplace environment for military employees and offers experiences and discounts for its military customers.

In a new partnership with the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center, Comcast will support several initiatives at the center, including the Startup Training Resources Inspiring Veteran Entrepreneurship program, a free entrepreneurship training program run through Syracuse University in Buffalo, New York.

Rick Brown, Utah VBRC program director, said the partnership with Comcast will bring attention to the STRIVE program and hopefully increase the number of veteran entrepreneurs who participate.

“It benefits us to get the word out to the veterans that their

service pays for our services and that we're here to work with them to help start and build their businesses.”

Comcast will also provide essential technology to support hybrid classrooms from St. George to Logan. Working with the Utah VBRC, Comcast will create innovation hubs in central locations so veterans can meet together and learn about building a business. The partnership will also include the creation of a women-only veterans entrepreneurship STRIVE course.

“That's where Comcast’s support is going to come in,” said Becky Guertler, Utah VBRC program manager. “As support for our programs increases, we can reach more veterans and empower them to build lasting economic futures. With Comcast’s support, the Utah VBRC is better positioned to better serve our veterans and the minority groups within our veteran community.”

Shawn Kessler is the Comcast Mountain West Region technical operations director. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp and was hired by Comcast a few years later. During an 18-month-long deployment, Comcast covered the difference between Kessler’s military and Comcast pay, to ease financial stress.

Kessler said he wouldn’t trade his time in the military for anything outside of his family but wouldn’t want to go through boot camp again.

“The military gave me a sense of belonging and proved to myself that I could take on difficult things,” Kessler said. “Comcast’s support of the military is what made Comcast a career for me. While I was deployed, I made less on active duty than I did as a technician, and for over a year, Comcast paid me the difference. I never imagined that a company would do that.”

Since 2015, Comcast has hired more than 19,400 veterans, National Guard and reserve service members, and military spouses. It has donated more than $197 million to military community organizations and, in 2022, “Military Times” recognized Comcast NBCUniversal as the nation’s No. 1 telecommunications company for veterans.

This year, VETS Indexes recognized Comcast Cable as a 5-Star Employer in the 2023 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award is a testament to the company’s strong commitment to hiring, retaining, developing and supporting U.S. military veterans and their families. For more information about how Comcast supports veterans, visit corporate.comcast.com/impact/military.

“I am proud to work for Comcast,” Knight said, “a company that not only honors its veterans and military-serving employees but creates opportunities to support us at every angle through its benefits structure, career pathways and community impact initiatives.” l

Since 2015, Comcast has hired more than 19,400 veterans, including Deneiva Knight (left), external affairs director for the Comcast Mountain West Region, and Shawn Kessler, Comcast Mountain West Region’s technical operations director. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)

Specialty basketball camps offered by former NBA coach

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

High school players looking to improve on guard and post play can receive instruction by a Utah native who has taught the game at the highest level. Barry Hecker, who coached in the NBA for more than two decades, will run a camp Aug. 1-4 at Albion Middle School, located at 2755 Newcastle Drive in Sandy, for boys and girls entering ninth through 12th grades.

A guard-specific session will be held during those days from 9 to 11 a.m. with a forward/center session scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m.

“For those who are serious about improving their skills and knowledge of playing the perimeter, we will cover creating shots, penetration skills and shots, creating for others, pick and roll, turnouts and using screens to get shots, entry passes to the post, pushing the ball on rebounds and the proper way to run the fast break while also emphasizing fundamentals of footwork, dribbling, passing and shooting,” said Hecker, who coached guard play during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“For the forward and center positions in the post and facing the basket, we will teach footwork, fundamentals of getting open in the post areas, creating a target for the passer, locating defense, executing the proper move, the

drop step, jump hook, running hook, jump shot and counters,” he said, bringing his knowledge from his most recent coaching stint at the Memphis Grizzlies where he coached the forwards and centers.

The cost for each session is $160. To register, visit www.sandy.utah.gov/735/Basketball-Youth.

Hecker, who lives in Murray, said the values he has learned from his basketball coaching journey—beginning at Oxon Hill High School in Maryland and spanning through Salt Lake Community College and stints with the Clippers, Grizzlies and the Cleveland Cavaliers—are invaluable. Being able to share those principles of hard work, teamwork, unselfishness and persistence, along with the physical skills of the game itself, with others thrills him.

“I don’t care who I coach or when I coach,” Hecker, who has worked with former Jazz players Mike Conley and Rudy Gay, said. “I simply enjoy teaching the game. It’s great to see a smile on someone’s face as they experience success. If you help somebodHecker has conducted clinics all over the world for more than 40 years, including many since his retirement from coaching in the NBA. He said he particularly enjoys working with the youth.

“If you teach skills, that leads to confidence and that confidence can allow anyone to do anything they want,” he said. “I have more fun with young kids than with the pros. In the

NBA, you have guys who are making millions and they don’t listen. These kids are making nothing and they’ll listen to you.” l

Former NBA coach Barry Hecker has been coaching basketball at all levels for more than 40 years. Most recently in the NBA, he worked with current Jazz player Rudy Gay in the Memphis Grizzlies organization.

(Photo courtesy Barry Hecker)

Primary Children’s Hospital celebrates first-ever two-time living organ donor

Two-year-old Eva has shown her liver transplant scar to many grown-ups, but none were as special as the living donor who made history at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and saved Eva’s life.

Kate is the first person in Utah to become a two-organ living donor. The 37-year-old mother is among the 155 people nationwide who have donated both a kidney and part of their liver to save the lives of others.

After donating a kidney to a woman she met while working in the Washington, D.C., area, Kate then gave part of her liver to Eva, who at the time was a total stranger.

“I’m very happy that I did it,” Kate said after meeting Eva. “She’s super cute and silly, and exactly the way a 2-year-old should be.”

Living-donor liver transplants occur when a portion of a living person’s liver is removed and surgically placed into another person whose liver no longer works properly. After surgery, the donor’s liver regenerates to its regular size within about two months. In the recipient, the transplanted liver grows to fit his or her body and functions as a healthy liver.

“Living-donor liver transplants not only significantly increase the number of available organs for children waiting for a transplant, but they also reduce the waiting time for children who urgently require a liver transplant, saving their lives,” said Cecile Aguayo, pediatric transplant services director at Primary Children’s. “Moreover, the use of living donors also enables

the transplant to be performed before the child’s condition deteriorates, resulting in better outcomes and quality of life post-transplant.”

Primary Children’s has been a national leader in living-donor liver transplants since 1997, when it became the first center in Utah to successfully perform the procedure. At that time, Primary Children’s was among few pediatric hospitals in the country that had saved a child through living-donor liver transplantation.

Since 1997, 42 living-donor liver transplants have taken place at the hospital which also has the largest liver and disease transplantation program in the Intermountain West and serves patients from all over the world. For information on becoming a living organ donor for a child, visit primarychildrens.org.

After donating a kidney in Washington, D.C., Kate moved to Utah where she contacted Primary Children’s and offered to donate part of her liver to help a child in need. Eva was the recipient. She had been treated for biliary atresia since she was two months old.

“It was nine months of waiting [for a matching liver donor],” said Eva’s mom, Alyssa Anderson. “Without intervention, her liver would have failed, and she would have died. Most kids with this disease years ago wouldn’t have even lived to see their first birthday.”

Around the time she turned 1, Eva received part of Kate’s liver. After a year of healing, Eva’s liver transplant team arranged for Eva and her parents to meet Kate at Primary Children’s.

“I was kind of star-struck,” Anderson said of meeting Kate. “I said, ‘You’re a real person, you’re normal, and you’re just like me.’ She’s a mom, just like me.”

“It’s a wonderful experience to help someone, even in general. Like when you open the door for someone, they’re just really happy

about it…and it makes your day to help,” Kate said. “So, imagine the opportunity to donate and save someone’s life.”

Anderson said she hopes to follow Kate’s example someday and pay it forward to another family. “You don’t know how much it means to the people you’re saving.” l

“ Robert and Mark were great! We had pipes burst at night and they were right there to help us get the water shut off and to help us get all the water out and dried. They were both professional, communication was great and they were thorough.I would recommend them to anyone! ”

—Anna D

Around the time of her first birthday, Eva received part of Kate’s liver. After a year of healing, Eva’s liver transplant team arranged for Eva and her parents to meet Kate at Primary Children’s Hospital. (Photos courtesy of Intermountain Health)

Improvements made to ‘amazing’ Antczak Park

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

said Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation Service Area Executive Director Ben Hill on June 6, referring to the complete revamping of Antczak Park (1850 E. 7200 South).

For four years, the Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation District has been working to replace, reconstruct and revamp almost every aspect of the park.

Hill reported to the Cottonwood Heights City Council that since 2019 the pavilion has been painted, the tennis courts have been reconcreted and lighting with timers has been installed, the pickleball courts have been painted with new lines and the baseball field has been sodded and revamped. In addition, Antczak Park received a new playground on June 20 of this year.

“Antczak Park looks amazing,” Hill said.

As with all parks within the service area, the maintenance and upkeep of park amenities require a lot of attention by the staff workers, so they’ll be keeping a close eye on the new and reconstructed elements of the park.

Next year, the Parks and Recreation District plans to turn their attention to other parks within the service area. Bywater Park (3149 Banbury Road) will undergo the same rejuvenating process as Antczak Park has.

The only parks within the Parks and Recreation District’s service area that may be challenging to revamp are Mountview Park (1651 Fort Union Blvd.) as it’s owned

by Canyons School District, and the Old Mill Park (6660 S. Big Cottonwood Canyon Road) as it remains to be a Salt Lake County Park. In addition, Crestwood Park (1673 E. Siesta Drive) is divided by a creek. The area of the park on the south side of the creek is outside of the service area’s jurisdiction. l

“We did it!”

A new playground was installed in Antczak Park on June 20. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Antczak Park was named after beloved community Donald Antczak who passed away in 2022. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Local tennis players have been enjoying the newly reconcreted tennis courts. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Antczak Park has been resodded to the delight of the local baseball players and recreational visitors. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

New lighting fixtures with automatic timers were installed for Antczak Park. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

How would you like to have someone help pay your government taxes each year? We actually have people that do… they are called tourists. Because of the $4.62 billion dollars in spending from tourists in Salt Lake County each year, it equates to $1,238 in tax relief for each household within Salt Lake County. (Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute)

Visitors to our state spend their money here, which benefits local businesses like restaurants, hotels, car rental agencies, and retail establishments. These purchases increase our sales tax revenues which helps us keep property tax low. Did you know visitors account for 33 percent of the overall spend in Salt Lake County? Because the visitor’s stay in Utah is temporary, they don’t require the support of other expensive government programs. We see the benefit from the dollars they spend here, but not the burden to our school system, for instance.

When people hear about tourism in Utah, they assume visitors are here to ski in the winter, or visit the National Parks in the summer. Only about 18 percent of ski visitors to Big Cottonwood Canyon are tourists, and 36 percent in Little Cottonwood Canyon. But Utah is significantly impacted by its visitor economy even beyond those destinations including meetings, conventions, and sports tournaments. Travel and tourism

represent Utah’s eighth largest industry and supports 48,000 jobs. Salt Lake County’s share is about 46 percent of the state’s $10.1 billion total.

Because of the great economic impact of tourism, Salt Lake County is in the tourism business.

We own the Salt Palace Convention Center and the Mountain America Expo Center. These centers can host hundreds of conventions each year. When you consider the economic impact of a single convention, you can understand their importance of attracting big conventions and how that investment benefits us all.

Each convention that is held in Salt Lake County can bring in millions of dollars in economic impact. It is estimated that a small convention attracting 4,000 visitors will generate $7 million dollars in economic revenue through hotel stays, restaurant sales,

shopping, and entertainment venues.

Visitors also pay an extra tax that goes into the Tourism, Recreation, Culture & Convention (TRCC) fund. This fund is used to pay for quality-of-life programs and venues that make Salt Lake County a better place for families to flourish. Some of the recently approved projects from this fund include expanded trail systems, investments in museums and art centers, and improvements

to parks and playgrounds.

Tourism dollars and taxes help pay for everyday services that improve our quality of life, help keep property taxes low, and promote a healthy job market for Salt Lake County. So next time you see a tourist here for a convention or to enjoy the beauty of Utah, give them a friendly smile and thank them for visiting.

“When

AlthoughI don’t like crowds, parades or people, in general, when my husband suggested we attend the Pride Parade last month in Salt Lake, I painted a rainbow on my face, donned my “More Love” shirt and jumped in the car.

After a year of devastating anti-gay and anti-trans legislation across the country, we wanted to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community, even if that meant standing in a crowd of more than 50,000 parade attendees singing at the top of their lungs.

Because how do you fight hate? With a celebration of love.

The theme was “Queer Pride is Unapologetic” and that message rang throughout the parade. When the crowd saw the first rainbow banners a block away, it burst into applause and continued cheering for two hours. I sang out loud to every Lizzo anthem. I chanted until I lost my voice. I clapped until my shoulders hurt. I danced in ways that completely embarrassed my husband. I smiled until my face was sore.

Love was palpable. It brought me to tears more than once as I watched the support, kindness and joy being showered on this parade by thousands of people, of all ages, faiths, races and gender identities.

It was an event of unrestrained joy with enough sequins, bright colors, sky-high wigs, hella high heels and drag queens to

Take pride in love

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

bring a smile to RuPaul’s face. Couples were holding hands, hugging, kissing, smiling, dancing and lifting a big middle finger to oppression and hate.

It was great to see nearly 200 businesses and organizations put on their rainbow best to spread the love. Entries included Delta Airlines, Westminster University, Intermountain Health, the Cougar Pride Center and ABC4 Utah.

The Salt Lake City Public Library had a large group of participants, because librarians are on the front lines, defending free speech every day and fighting book bans with humor and flair.

I’ve never been to a better parade. I’ve never celebrated a better message. With suicide rates rising for LGBTQ+ youth, hate is not acceptable. Intolerance is not acceptable. The only thing that’s acceptable is inclusion, joy, kindness, grace and love.

After the parade, we walked through

the festival, talking with vendors, enjoying live music and eating tasty foods. We learned about drag queen bingo at a local church, chatted with a BYU student who wrote a book about coming out as gay and took pictures for lots of happy couples.

We watched people get tattoos, we bought new T-shirts, we smiled at strangers, we stood in line for lukewarm BBQ. We visited with friends. We saw bravery. We saw community. We saw free mom hugs. We saw compassion. We saw gay Darth Vader. We saw celebration. We saw dogs in tutus. We saw love.

Threats against the LGBTQ+ communi-

ty have quadrupled over the last few years, and organizers spent extra money for heightened security at the parade and festival. State leaders, churches, communities and individuals should be careful about comments, rules and legislation that contribute to these dangers. Be careful who you exclude, it could be someone you love.

For the LGBTQ+ community, continue living unapologetic. The world needs more dancing, more sequins, more hella high heels, more bright colors, more sky-high wigs, more connection, more dogs in tutus, more rainbow T-shirts and more love.

Lauren Casper @ letsreadfunbooks.com

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