Cottonwood Heights Journal | June 2023

SWORN-IN AS NEW COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS CITY COUNCILMEMBER MATTHEW HOLTON

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Holton was sworn-in as the newest member of the Cottonwood Heights City Council on May 16. Councilmember Holton will serve as the District 1 Representative for the next six months, until votes are tallied from this year’s General Election in November for the same seat.

“There’s only a short six and a half months with the seat being filled by an election. There’s going to be a lot of catch-up,” said Councilmember Scott Bracken.

After the passing of Councilmember Doug Petersen, the Cottonwood Heights City Council was charged with appointing a new councilmember. Per Utah State Code (Section 20A) regarding how midterm vacancies are filled within municipalities, the city council needed to take applications, host interviews, and vote on a new city councilmember. A tie would be determined by a coin toss. The mayor could vote to break the tie per H.B. 73 which went into effect on May 3.

“This struck me as a little bit unusual,” said City Attorney Shane Topham. “The sponsor and drafting attorney of this bill didn’t quite understand the ramifications of lumping in a city manager-run city and a six-person city council.”

City Manager Tim Tingey mentioned how Topham, Human Resources Manager Maria Devereux, and Records, Culture, and Human Resources Director Paula Melgar have all been collaborating with additional city attorneys and the Utah League of Cities and Towns behind the scenes to ensure the voting process is done correctly.

“This is something we’ve had to research quite heavily over the last two weeks,” Tingey said. “We want to make sure the entire process follows the law.”

On May 16, the Cottonwood Heights City Council held their final discussion deliberating over the final 13 candidates who applied for the District 1 council seat. The final vote was held during a Special Business Meeting at 4 p.m. in Cottonwood

Heights City Hall (2277 Bengal Blvd.).

“Narrowing it down to one has been really challenging,” Bracken said.

Bracken mentioned how one specific moment from Holton’s interview stood out in his mind. “What made his community, his community, was being included. It doesn’t matter how different we feel we are if we have neighbors and friends. Where we feel at-home is where we feel included. That’s what we need to do as a city.”

“We must have a different perspectives to understand the importance of including people; especially in a city where we are trying to make sure everyone has a voice,” said Mayor Mike Weichers.

“(Holton’s) understanding of the generational shifts in perspectives shows the open-mindedness this individual has,” said Councilmember Shawn Newell.

Even though Holton was voted into the vacant city council position by majority vote (with three votes), Jennifer Cottam was the runner-up (with one vote).

Councilmember Ellen Birrell shared part of Cottam’s resume, who is currently working at the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center as a fitness instructor. Cottam earned her master’s degree in Hazardous Materials and Waste Management before working as a consultant for the United States and Europe. The State of Utah later hired her to plan and implement strategies related to hazardous materials.

“I have been in awe of her diverse background. She lives and breathes infrastructure. I think she would be an ideal liaison to the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Committee. She has ticked almost all the boxes I am looking for to fill this vacant seat,” Birrell said.

Councilmember Newell shared that he has been thinking about one specific term Cottam introduced him to in her interview. “Relational engagement. A lot of times, we forget that being a councilmember is about relationships. We have to engage our entire community. That was really moving.”

“I can’t see anyone not liking her,” Weichers said. “Being approachable is an important attribute so people can come talk to you about the issues within the city.”

In addition to the two candidates who were voted for, over

Continued page 20

Meet the new Cottonwood Heights Councilmember for District 1 Matthew Holton. (Photo courtesy of Legistorm)

Cottonwood Heights to pass their 2023-24 budget June 20

TheCottonwood Heights City Council passed the city’s 2023-24 fiscal year’s tentative budget on May 2. Cottonwood Heights staff members will continue adjusting the drafted budget from council comments, public comments, and incoming tax data until the end of the month.

“I want to emphasize to our residents how important it is to support local business,” said Mayor Mike Weichers. “When you support a Cottonwood Heights business, you’re helping city revenue, so we don’t have to raise property taxes. We are not going to raise property taxes because our sales tax revenue has continued to grow.”

Cottonwood Heights is anticipating $9,200,000 to be collected from sales tax next year. Even though the certified tax rate will not be verified by the State of Utah until June 10, estimated property taxes collected by the City of Cottonwood Heights during fiscal year 2023-24 is estimated to be $8,234,829.

The bulk of the city’s new property tax revenue creating that over $8 million will primarily stem from taxes collected on new structures, finished basements and other additions to houses.

In addition, Cottonwood Heights is expecting to collect $2,300,000 from Energy Use Tax; $1,400,000 from Class C Road Funds, $800,000 from County Option Highway Sales Tax; $300,000 from Fee in Lieu of Property Tax (vehicles); $300,000 from Franchise Taxes (cable TV); $300,000 from Telecom Franchise Tax; and $175,000 from Transient Room Tax.

In total, $25,352,579 in revenue is budgeted for the city’s 2023-24 annual budget. That’s a 2.3% overall reduction from the previous year.

Cottonwood Heights spends much of that revenue on city staff and employees.

Jou r nals

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS TEAM

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By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Expenses for Cottonwood Heights staff will increase $735,482 from fiscal year 2022-23, with various increases to cost-of-living adjustments (estimated 5.5%), merit (estimated 3.62%), and health costs (estimated 6%).

“Looking at all of that together, it’s a significant increase,” said Councilmember Shawn Newell.

Expenditures for the Cottonwood Heights Police Department (CHPD) are expected to increase by $94,050 this upcoming year. Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC) will be increasing their dispatching fees by $5,050. In addition, one of the new expenditures for the CHPD will include $30,000 for a server to house historical Spillman records.

“We need to bring those records inhouse because it’s a system that VECC (Valley Emergency Communications Center) will no longer maintain,” said Finance Director Scott Jurges.

Radio replacement funds for the CHPD are estimated to be $50,000, but the order is not expected to be filled until early autumn, at the earliest.

“We are having some issues because the whole state is trying to get new radios at the same time. There’s a high demand due to a requirement from the state to get those radios updated,” Jurges said.

Twenty thousand dollars will be spent on a FLOCK Camera System to pay for seven cameras within the city for license plate recognition. Four hundred dollars will be spent on postage for evidence transportation.

Additional expenditures unique to the city’s 2023-24 budget will include: $270,000 for the Unified Fire Authority (UFA); $109,950 toward hiring a new Staff Engineer; $40,000 for biannual city elections; a $15,000 COLA increase for city attorney fees; $4,000 for GIS Licensing upgrades;

and $2,000 for pedestrian crossing maintenance.

Overall, Cottonwood Heights will spend $21,850,168 over the 2023-24 fiscal year. Cottonwood Heights’s 2023-24 General Fund Balance is estimated to have $5,873,354 available for appropriation after holding $2,224,851, which is required by city ordinance and state statute.

Cottonwood Heights will be transferring funds out of their General Fund to cover multiple capital projects this upcoming year. These expenditures will include: $2,750,000 for Public Works projects; $1,569,548 for land and buildings; $560,763 for the Hillside Plaza Debt Service; $487,683 for Police vehicles; $310,218 for Public Works vehicles;

$200,000 for the Storm Water Fund; and $37,592 for Public Works light duty vehicles.

The final annual budget for Cottonwood Heights must be passed during their city council meeting on June 20.

“The budget can be changed as many times as needed up until that last meeting in June. (City Manager Tim) Tingey and I believe this is a good representation of what we have discussed in various times and places,” Jurges said.

To view the tentative 2023-24 budget, visit the city’s website at: www.ch.utah.gov. Then, search for “FY 2024 Tentative Budget Package” found under the “Budget & Financial Reporting” page. l

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A primary residence in Cottonwood Heights with an assessed value of $703,800 would pay $558.18 in property taxes to Cottonwood Heights. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights)

Read, create and connect through county library summer reading program

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

Remember those lazy days of summer? When there was nothing to do but stretch out on the hammock with a good book and read? Well, summer is coming and the Salt Lake County Library System wants to encourage kids to stretch out with a good book, to keep those reading skills fresh throughout the summer. But summer is for more than reading. And this year the summer reading challenge encourages much more than that.

The program runs June 1 to July 31, and it isn’t just for kids. “Everyone can participate and everyone can win,” said Paula Burgon, Youth Services librarian at the West Jordan Library. “Adult, teen or child, everyone loves a reward. And the best reward is a book.”

The theme for this year is All Together Now and focuses on bringing families, friends and community together to read, create, learn, play and connect. It is a library sponsored reading program, so of course there are prizes for reading, but the program also encourages other types of activities which can be logged toward redeeming a reward. Participants can reach out to a new friend (connect), try a new game (play), paint a picture for a neighbor (create), eat a food they’ve never tried before (learn), or even write a nice note to the mail carrier (connect). Ultimately, it’s about creating unity and kindness in the local community.

To get the party started there will be a Summer Reading Kickoff at three different branch libraries: Daybreak, West Jordan and the newest library in the system, the Granite Library. Look for food trucks, live music and crafts varying from branch to branch, such as making kindness rocks, blowing monster bubbles and beading bracelets. The kickoff will be on June 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Often parents will challenge their children to curl up with a good book by logging their own reading time, so the reading program creates connection within the whole family. And everyone who participates gets a prize: a new book of their choosing.

Kids (and parents) can pick up materials at any branch library starting now. Or participants can simply create an account and start recording their activities and reading online. However, the reading and activity log will eventually need to be returned

in person to a branch library to redeem the prize. Finishers will also be entered into a drawing for passes to one of several local fun spots like the aquarium, zoo, fun centers and museums.

Historically, the program has been very popular. According to Laura Renshaw, manager at the Millcreek Library, “Last year, systemwide we had about 17,000 kids who finished

and took home a free book. Plus there were 8,000 adults, 3,000 pre-readers and over 2,000 teens.”

The county library system consists of 18 branch libraries located from as far south as Herriman, west to Magna and east to Millcreek. For more information, visit your local branch or visit online at www.slcolibrary.org/summer-reading/srp. l

The colorful children’s section at the Millcreek Library is ready for early readers. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

The summer reading program starts June 1 at all county libraries. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Local artist displays artwork showcasing techniques she learned in India

Local artist Durga Ekambaram creates stunning images on canvas and teaches art classes in the Salt Lake Valley with mediums that she learned from her mother back in India.

“My mother is an artist in India and she taught in colleges and schools. I learned a lot from her, I worked with coffee grinds, eggshells, clay, and I started at 5 or 6 years of age,” Ekambaram said.

“People who teach art to kids in India use coffee as a medium; it works like watercolors and it is common there to use coffee grinds to create art,” she said. Ekambaram taught a coffee class in Millcreek at the end of April. She said the coffee classes smell amazing.

Some of her coffee paintings are of temples inspired from her childhood.

Besides coffee grinds, some other mediums that Ekambaram uses is clay, mirrors and eggshells to create unique art pieces.

“I work with a lot of mediums to get more challenged and inspired and it keeps me motivated. I like anything with clay and mixed mediums.”

“Quilling is something I learned from my mother, and I use it as a piece of art to keep myself more engaged and focused,” she said. Quilling involves using strips of paper that are rolled, twisted, curled and then glued together to create a shape. Quilling is not a traditional Indian art form but Ekambaram learned it as a child and really enjoys it.

Ekambaram’s work has been displayed around the valley and last April she was the featured artist of the month in Cottonwood Heights.

Ekambaram’s eggshell painting of a snake was one of her pieces on display at Cottonwood Heights City Hall. She used eggshells to create the image. “The eggshells are placed on the canvas, and then I use acrylics on it,” she said.

In the past Ekambaram has also taught a lippan art class at a children’s museum and is teaching one in May at the Taylors-

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

ville Library. Lippan art uses clay and mirrors. “Lippan art was done in rural areas of India. People in India use it on doors and this is very popular,” Ekambaram said.

“I moved to the U.S. with my husband and we lived in the United States for 12 years after we got married. We lived in Nebraska, Atlanta and now we have been in Utah for 6 years.” In India, Ekambaram designed apps as a content creator for schools and she was a software engineer.

Ekambaram does not have a work visa in the United States at this time and donates

all proceeds to charities when she sells her art. She started to create art after her second child was born due to needing a creative outlet. She hopes to get a work permit in the next few months and, in the meantime, she continues to create interesting and beautiful artwork, write literature and poetry and take care of her two children.

“I painted a mural in South Jordan and at the end of the year I have an art show coming up in December at the South Jordan City Hall,” Ekambaram said. l

Cottonwood Heights’ April artist of the month, Durga Ekambaram, with her artwork which was on display at city hall. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Durga Ekambaram’s watercolor painting of Srirangam Temple from south India on display at Cottonwood Heights City Hall last April. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Durga Ekambaram used a technique called quilling to create this image of a peacock, she learned the skill of quilling from her mother back in India. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

The image is of the Shore Temple located in India and was created using coffee powder and water. Durga Ekambaram has taught classes around the valley using this medium. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

My mother is an artist in India and she taught in colleges and schools. I learned a lot from her, I worked with coffee grinds, eggshells, clay, and I started at 5 or 6 years of age.

Durga Ekambaram

Cottonwood Heights girl travels the world with Broadway Asia’s production of ‘The Sound of Music’

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Penny Hodson was 10 years old when she was cast as one of the Matildas in the Cottonwood Heights 2021 summer musical, “Matilda.” This was just the beginning of what would become only a dream for many young drama hopefuls, but for this remarkable young lady, it was the first of many shows. Just two years later, she is traveling the world with the Broadway Asia’s production of “The Sound of Music.”

“So my mom found the audition in the newspaper and she said she could feel it in her bones,” Penny said. This was the first real play that Penny had ever auditioned for and it was during the pandemic. In-person auditions were not occurring. “I wanted to do a video audition but my mom wanted me to do a Zoom audition. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, but it went really well.”

Jin-Xiang Yu, also known as Jx, was the choreographer for the Cottonwood Heights musical, “Matilda” in 2021. “That was Penny’s maiden voyage into musical theatre and she had a great first audition and then we called her back and she blew us away. The way she communicated the songs and expressed what the character was feeling, it just came naturally and there was no question, we wanted her,” Jx said.

“Around dress rehearsals, I noticed she was having some vocal issues with a song and some of the pitch, and I reached out to her mom and got permission to help her. We went through the choreography and Penny felt she could learn a lot of things from me. I wanted her to be excellent, so our teacher-student relationship began,” Jx said.

“After ‘Matilda,’ we started getting her audition book ready,” Jx continued. “She had no prior musical experience so our time was spent on learning how to read music, singing harmony…. Penny has grit, she does not give up and she was getting roles and had to decide which gigs to take and which to turn down.”

While Penny travels with the Broadway tour, Jx is available for Zoom vocal and dance lessons or just to support the young actress. Jx added, “I have been waking up early or staying up late to give her a lesson while Penny is out of the country. We have a big sister, little sister relationship.”

“Penny wanted to audition for Hale Center Theatre and the Shakespeare Festival, and then a national show,” said Kristin Hodson, Penny’s mother. The Hale Center Theatre cast Penny in “The Christmas Carol” in December of 2021 and she was cast as Marta Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” at the Shakespeare Festival in October 2022.

“I just started auditioning more and more. It’s just really fun and with every performance I had, it just got more and more fun,” Penny said.

Then it happened. The traveling Broadway Asia production of “The Sound of Music” went on a nationwide search to fill the role of Marta Von Trapp. They wanted to find a young actor who had recently been cast as Marta. “We got contacted by the New York agent and we had to get a quick passport and then off to the Philip-

EVENING SERIES

Season Tickets: $49 Adult, $45 Senior, $29 Child Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South Ticket Info: 801-264-2614 or www.murray.utah.gov

Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South

Ticket Information: 801-264-2614 or

www.murray.utah.gov/1959/Tickets

JUNE

June 3 Murray Concert Band

June 9-10, Disney’s High School Musical 12, 15-17

June 19 The Bonner Family with special guest David Archuleta

June 24 Murray Symphony Pops

JULY

July 7-8, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella 10, 13-15

July 21 Peter Breinholt

pines,” Kristin said. This was that unbelievable break for Penny with a Broadway production.

The Broadway Asia production of “The Sound of Music” finished in the Philippines and is now in Mumbai and will head to China at the end of the summer. Penny’s contract with them goes until 2024.

Penny’s role as Marta is considered a swing which became very popular during the pandemic and they typically cover multiple roles. “The cast is so supportive when a swing goes on,” Kristin said. Penny is also a swing for Brigitta and Louisa in this production of “The Sound of Music.”

When the call came from Broadway Asia, Penny was working on “Matilda” at the Centerpoint Theatre. She was now in two shows at the same time. “My mind just kind of switches, I focus on ‘The Sound of Music’ and then when I come home I switch back to ‘Matilda,’” Penny said.

There is no surprise that this young lady is an exceptional academic student too. She recently went to state in the science fair and yet Penny said, “Science is not my favorite subject.”

Her school here in Utah is flexible with her schedule and she has some online classes. Kris-

tin said, “There is a private tutor for the kids and they are contracted with the kid’s school so they make sure the child actors in the production are keeping up with their school work.”

“This is new, exciting and fun. We had to say yes to it if Penny wanted to do it, we needed to give it a shot. We have two other children who need attention too, so my husband and I swap out who travels with Penny in order to spend time with all of our kids,” Kristin said. Kristin is balancing all of this with her own work schedule as the founder and CEO of The Healing Group.

Penny just turned 12 and will be entering the seventh grade next fall.

Penny is away from home for long stretches and said, “I really miss Lady (her dog) and the places I like to eat. I miss Presotea and chocolate chip Crave cookies. They are so good and amazing!”

Her face lights up as describes her favorite Presotea. “It’s a tea, you can get milk and cream in it.” Penny’s favorite is a white peach oolong milk tea. She has made friends with all of the employees at Presotea and says, “I want to work there.”

July 28-29, Seussical the Musical 31, Aug 3-5

AUGUST

Aug 12 “Music for the Soul” with Thurl Bailey, Vanessa Joy and Marvin Goldstein

Aug 18-19 A Celtic Summer’s Night

Aug 25 Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband

Aug 26 Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four

SEPTEMBER

Sept 1 4 HIMS

Sept 9 Grupo Folklorico Sapichu & Karlysue y Los Trios Charros

This program has received funding support from residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, Utah Humanities, and National Endowment for the Arts.

With an ear-to-ear smile, Penny Hodson enjoys a break from the show with her family at home in Cottonwood Heights. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Best teen, preteen films showcased at

Eleven of Salt Lake County’s top youth filmmakers watched their films debut on the big screen with friends and family.

At an invitation-only event at the Megaplex at Valley Fair Mall, this year’s Salt Lake County Youth Film Festival student-winners came to the front of the auditorium, invited to speak and accept their prizes.

“Coming out of these heavier years with the pandemic and having to really push the film festival forward in a virtual format, the first thing I wanted to do was make sure that that our event was in-person,” said Abbey Summers, Salt Lake County health educator who oversaw the film festival. “And I thought what’s a better way to show these films for these young filmmakers than on the big screen?”

Sitting back, with provided concessions, the audience watched the short films ranging from breakfast ideas to inclusivity in sports.

All the films focused on the theme, “I advocate.”

County’s Youth Film Festival

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

they could utilize resources in their community or in their schools to teach others. I feel the participants shined this year in showing us their advocacy and what is important to them,” she said about the fifth annual student film contest.

The films were judged by health educators, community health workers, youth services staff and others, they were ranked according to the contest rules in advocacy, originality, filmmaking elements, inclusivity and more, Summers said.

The winner of the Judge’s Choice award went to Sundance Canyon Academy senior Anthony Ashton for his film, “Resources;”

Best Advocate Award to Skyline

High senior Abigail Slama-Catron for her film “Advocasee;” Best Theme Relevance to Corner Canyon freshman Maya Yrungaray for her film “3 Easy Breakfast Ideas;” First Runner-up to Sundance Canyon Academy freshman JD Martin for his film, “Temptations of Peer Pressure;” Group Advocacy Winner to Rowland Hall junior Eric Lu and Waterford School junior Shayan Pandit for their film, “Healthier and More Accessible School Lunches;” and Best Lower Division Winner to Salt Lake Arts Academy seventh-graders Aliya Saunders and Anna Peregrine for their film, “Living Life to the Fullest.”

The evening concluded with

“I wanted to have a strong theme. A big part of public health and what we do is, especially with youth, is trying to teach them about policy change and advocacy be cause these things are hugely in strumental in moving public health forward. Through the film festival,

Secondary students from across the Salt Lake Valley were honored at the fifth annual Salt Lake County health film festival. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Canyons’ high schools, tech center give students boost to employment

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Alta High senior Drake Larsen was heading to check out the school job fair shortly before graduation.

“It’s a good opportunity to explore the different careers available, both for a summertime job and for a position I could have while attending college, maybe one in my intended field,” he said.

Larsen, like many other students at Canyons School Districts’ five comprehensive high schools and Canyons Technical Education Center, could check out the job and further educational opportunities at each school’s job fair, held in April and May before the end of the school year. For some, it may have been their ticket to employment.

“We organize the job fair to benefit our students and local businesses,” said Janet Jefferson, Alta High’s workbased learning facilitator. “Some of our students are needing or wanting a summer or part-time job. At the job fair, they get to see what jobs are available to them, talk to potential employers in an informal setting and explore future career opportunities. The businesses need workers, and they can share their job opportunities with a large number of potential employees at one time.”

She said that it’s been a positive experience not only for students, but for businesses as well.

Booths ranged from Megaplex Theatres to Chick-fil-A, and from Cyprus Credit Union to Salt Lake County. Jobs were available from TKJ, which provides support professionals for people with disabilities; Canyons School District; Sandy City; and others.

At another Alta High job fair booth, Collectiv Academy offered students an option to get an education in hairdressing, barbering and cosmetology. Admissions Director Samy

Rash said the school concentrates on teaching the students skills in cutting, coloring and styling while gaining hands-on practice with local clientele.

“We help them get their licensing and we get them prepared for the industry,” he said. “The thing that makes us a little bit different from most cosmetology schools is while they teach you a little bit about everything, our school prepares students to know the skills, pass the certification and help them be more marketable so hopefully, they can get a job.”

Academy Director Alexys Campbell said that Collectiv

offers students an alternative to a traditional post-secondary experience.

“We want to make sure that people know that you don't have to do a conventional college to be successful,” she said. “Being a cosmetologist is not necessarily something to fall back on, but an option to pursue as a passion and realize it’s a career that is actually feasible.”

Avery Stott graduated from Alta High in 2020 and recently completed the program.

“I enjoy what I’m doing; it’s a passion of mine and what I wanted to do,” she said.

Similar to the high schools, CTEC had booths staffed with job recruits from places such as Salt Lake County Sheriff, Code Ninjas, Dimple Dell Recreation Center, Geneva Rock, Sandy City Fire and more.

Recent Alta High graduate Slater Douglas was talking to CTEC students as a recruiter for Maxim Healthcare Services. He was looking for people who are 18 years old and up who would want to help patients in their own homes, many of those who may have disabilities.

He said CTEC was a perfect opportunity to reach students who were completing the school’s health programs such as EMT or certified nursing assistants. Others who are interested, could enroll in Maxim’s intensive program to be certified, he said.

“We’re looking both for summer help as well as those who want permanent jobs with a competitive pay,” Douglas said. “We’re looking for those candidates who want to help people and be in the field they’re passionate about.” l

Alta High students check out Megaplex Theatres and other booths offering employment at a recent job fair. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Seven business students represent Brighton High at DECA, FBLA international contests

Brighton High students are making a name for themselves in the business world.

Four students will compete at the national FBLA leadership conference June 27-30 in Atlanta as three students, sophomore Elijah Ricks, senior Lily Hughes and senior Eliza Griffiths, recently returned from Orlando where they competed in contests at the DECA international career development conference.

“It’s been exciting to see these students excel in competitions as well as gain leadership skills in business,” said adviser Kevin Elzey, who has coordinated efforts with co-adviser Josiah Price for the past 18 months. “Our two chapters work together to help students; for those competing, some choose one chapter while others compete in both.”

The four students who will compete in FBLA nationals are sophomore Zach Condon, who placed third in intro to business procedures at state, and a team of seniors Jackson Evers, Ezra Park, Wes Christensen, who took ninth place in sports and entertainment management.

Twenty-eight Brighton students com-

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

peted at FBLA state against more than 1,000 students from 78 schools. Other top 10 finishers include senior Daniel Machado Quintana, sixth place in securities and investments; and the team of seniors Clayson Woodward, Caden Beames and Machado Quintana, ninth place in banking and financial systems.

The two organizations have similar goals, hence Brighton encompassed both to form the business club.

DECA, which prepares high school and college students to become leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, had students representing some of the more than 3,600 high school chapters at its international conference.

FBLA, which prepares more than 230,000 members for careers in business, encourages students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through career preparation and leadership experiences.

The school’s business club not only supports them through competitions, but also in service activities, running the school store and hosting guest speakers, Elzey said.

“There's so much crossover, we just felt it best for the students to have the business club,” he said. “We’ve been able to have more students take part in activities.”

This year, the chapters opened the school store, created a plan and ran it as a business, selling lunchtime items and snacks. Proceeds are earmarked to support students who compete internationally in DECA or FBLA, Elzey said.

“It’s beneficial to our school community to have it operate, and at the same time, our business kids are learning the ins and outs of running a business, and we get to help support our student body,” he said, adding that it was modeled after other high school stores in Canyons School District.

Not only did business students get hands-on experience, but about 80 students took a backstage tour of Hale Centre Theatre before getting firsthand insight from the business manager.

“They asked the business manager questions like how they run their business and about the whole process in moving it from West Valley City to Sandy and gained some insight into the field of the entertainment and business,” Elzey said.

Many business club members also attend the Lunch and Learn speakers, which is an opportunity available to any Brighton student to learn from professionals.

More than 100 students listened to Dan Pawlowski, senior product manager-technical for Amazon Prime, who shared his part in getting the NFL broadcasts on Amazon Video, he said.

“He was key on that project, so it was really fun for him to speak to our students and walk them through the process and through the account management and marketing and product development of the NFL. This was the first year that the NFL broadcasts were on Amazon Prime, and he was in the thick of it, so he shared his insights and that inside story,” Elzey said. “The kids are really engaged in learning from these professionals, so we’re wanting to bring in more next year as well as take more field trips to help grow these parts of our program.” l

Some of the Brighton High School FBLA state competitors smile after their competition in March. (Photo courtesy of Brighton High)

Brighton High FCCLA chapter welcomes, serves all students

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Brighton High junior Ansley Phillips was invited to join her school’s chapter of FCCLA last year.

“I’m glad I did,” she said. “We have all sorts of activities and there are competitions. I decided I wanted to become a club leader, so I’ve learned a bunch of skills and involvement there.”

Phillips, who serves as the chapter’s public relations officer in FCCLA, or Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, has learned leadership skills through planning and organizing events.

“I like being in charge and leading events; it’s been super amazing. It’s helped me grow in the way I manage things in my personal life and my relationships with other people,” she said.

Phillips was one of the team members who reintroduced paper recycling to her school, a project that will expand into mixed recycling next year, thanks to two students at nearby Hillcrest High who lobbied Canyons to take the lead in recycling amongst school districts.

“We talked to our administration, got the whole school recycling bins, and we've been managing that as our service project for this year,” she said. “It’s been a lot of fun serving our school.”

She, like some of the 35 other chapter members, takes part in the organization’s competitions.

In the STAR competitive events, or Students Taking Action with Recognition 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.

There are more than 30 STAR events, which help prepare FCCLA students for careers in human services, hospitality and tourism, education and training, and visual arts and design.

Phillips sewed a flip dress with an embroidered pocket, which allowed her to practice her sewing as “a hands-on skill I can use beyond school, in my life.”

She earned a silver medal.

Six other students earned gold at region, nine others received silver and one received bronze.

Of the 16 students who competed at state, two qualified for nationals—senior Jacob Read in “Say Yes to FCS” and freshman Elise Jensen in food inventions contest.

In the “Say Yes to FCS (family and consumer science education)” event, Read had to demonstrate his knowledge and skills needed to explore and experience the career of being a Family and Consum -

er Sciences educator. He prepared a portfolio, conducted classroom observations, planned and executed a lesson, developed an FCCLA integration plan, and delivered an oral presentation. At the state awards ceremony, Read pledged to becoming a FACS educator.

In food innovations, Jensen demonstrated her knowledge of the basic concepts of food product development by creating an original prototype formula, testing the product through focus groups, and developing a marketing strategy. She showed her knowledge of food science, nutrition, food preparation safety, and product marketing as she made a display, suggested product packaging, and gave an oral presentation.

Since Jensen has a conflict, Read will solely represent the school July 2-6 in Denver, said the chapter adviser, Sierra West.

“Jacob also attended last year’s national conference in San Diego as a noncompeting student, so this is exciting for him to compete this year,” she said.

Brighton was honored with the fourstar chapter award, the highest in FCCLA, as they met all the state goals.

The chapter’s officers attended the state leadership conference last fall where they learned leadership skills, set chapter goals and planned activities.

Many of the group’s activities are co-curricular, West said.

“We’ve had activities around child development, sewing and fashion, interior

design and culinary,” she said. The group also had a nacho bar so -

cial, learned about internships, had a mindfulness activity and planned and held the winter formal dance, which served as a fundraiser for the chapter.

Their goal for the year was to reach out to others.

“Inclusivity is our biggest theme for this year,” West said. “We’re reaching out to more of our student body and invited others to eat lunch, play games or do activities each month. We’re wanting everyone to know they’re welcome and have a place that is accepting and kind. We try to implement service into a lot of what we do. We want people to know that FCCLA changes lives, not just the members, but for any student who needs a place. We want our students to learn to be leaders while serving others.”

Phillips agreed: “We welcome anyone to come to our activities. We want people to join us. It's hard to find places in high school where you can feel comfortable to be yourself in and feel like everybody wants you there. FCCLA has that really welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where the friendships I’ve made have gotten stronger. It’s been super fun.” l

Brighton High’s FCCLA chapter posed together at their region competition. (Photo courtesy of Brighton High FCCLA)

‘Once Upon a Prom’ unites Brighton High, Cottonwood Heights community

Brighton High senior Camille Main was tickled when she received a poster asking her to her school’s inclusive prom.

“It was really good because it’s fun to dance with my friends,” she said.

Main, who was crowned prom queen at last year’s first inclusive Brighton High prom, made a poster of her own in reply.

She and her date joined about 60 other special needs students, their families, and their dates, many who are peer tutors at the school, at the prom. They walked in under a “Frozen”-themed balloon arch, receiving a corsage and boutonnière in Brighton High’s foyer before joining others eating a Mexican food dinner set to the theme of “Coco” before the dance began.

The prom’s planning and decorations from a “Toy Story” photo booth to a “Luca” sensory area were set to the theme, “Once Upon a Prom,” were thought of and coordinated by junior Isa McMaster, junior Ella Turgeon and senior Kate Sudbury.

“Everyone knows Disney and loves the songs, so it’s just a fun theme we all can enjoy together,” McMaster said. “This prom has a really big impact on the kids and everybody who is involved. It has a big impact on the school atmosphere; we’ve become much more inclusive.”

Brighton, which introduced unified sports last year, won the first-ever unified state basketball title. Soon after, an inclusive club was initiated, and the first inclusive prom was held. This year, the basketball team scrimmaged and beat the school’s boys’ basketball team in front of First Lady Abby Cox. During the student body elections, Mitchell Burt along and his partner athlete, Jack Peterson, won the election for junior class secretary.

As a result, there is an increased interest in becoming a peer tutor at Brighton and other schools are reaching out to McMaster to learn about holding inclusive dances.

“We’ve had at least six schools reach out and talk to us about doing their own dances and how they could become more inclusive at their schools,” she said. “It's important to include all these kids because they truly deserve it. A lot of times, in my opinion, they're not included just because people don't know how to act around them. But every single peer tutor who's ever met them has loved working with them and has become friends with them. We take them out to lunch, go to their birthday parties, sit together at sporting events and just hang out together. They’re so genuine and while they may be different, it is in the most amazing way that they could be.”

Many local businesses and individuals supported the prom, donating flowers, food, deejay, photography and more.

“It's nice that the word was spread; we've had so many people offering to help and donate items for the prom,” she said. “It's just awesome because we were able to do a lot more this year and give them the high school experience of a

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

special night that most of us get.”

McMaster said that it has a positive impact on those students’ families as well.

“I've seen how much it affects their families and how exciting it is for their parents because some may not have thought that their child would never get these experiences because they're different or they wouldn't be accepted. But here, they are accepted and they're able to have the same experience as everyone else,” she said.

While McMaster enrolled in peer tutoring as a freshman as she had an open slot in her schedule, others like senior Valerie Springer have had a longtime familiarity with people with special needs.

“This is a really amazing connection for everyone to have this opportunity; the love and friendships formed here with our students are genuine,” she said. “This really shows us at our best.”

A break in the dancing came when special education teacher Jared Denslow gave sophomore Callie Deaver the microphone. She sang, “A Million Dreams;” her classmates applauded her shining moment.

“I didn’t expect to bawl so hard,” Springer

said.

Students also voted that evening for the prom royalty, who received sashes and wore them for the evening. This year’s court were all seniors: prom king Jax Fredrickson; prom queen Emily Pack; princes Kadin Drummond, James Fullmer, Kit Welch, Payton Nelson and Mikael Petty; and princesses Trinity Kair, Haley Brown and Madsen.

It was the dancing and being together that excited the students.

“I’m here to have fun with my friends and hang out with my buddies,” Nelson said. “It’s pretty cool.”

Principal Tom Sherwood, Assistant Principal Jodi Roberts and others joined the students on and by the dance floor.

“I am really proud of all of our students involved in this event,” Sherwood said. “The peer tutors that have planned, organized, gathered donations, and done everything to ensure that this is an amazing experience for our special needs students are so wonderful. And the stars of the night, the students who attended this event are truly wonderful. It’s a great night for everyone that participates. Everyone here can’t help but have a smile on their face.” l

Brighton High’s “Once Upon a Prom” unites students on all abilities in the school dance. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

At Brighton High’s second annual inclusive prom, students had fun line dancing together. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Butler Middle students fill sandbags to prepare for potential flooding

To prepare for potential flooding from a record snowmelt this spring, and with water quickly rising, Cottonwood Heights invited community groups to fill sandbags at the public works yard for residents who couldn’t fill their own.

That’s when seventh- and eighth-grade students in Butler Middle School National Junior Honor Society decided to act.

“As we were brainstorming a service project that our whole group could do, the city council was sending out all emails about filling sandbags, so we’re like, ‘Sweet, let's all meet up after school and fill as many sandbags as we can,’” said Anna McNamer, Butler Middle co-NJHS adviser along with Amy Giles, Katherine Cance and Kadyn Woolstenhulme.

Not having filled sandbags before, the students were excited and eager.

“I came to do this with an open mind. I

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

wasn't sure what it would look like, but these kids were serious about getting as many done as they could in the four hours we were there. I repeatedly told them that it would be OK to take a break, get water and there's no need to go full speed and have sore muscles. But a couple of students said we only have one speed, and we need to help,” she said.

Fifteen of the 25 student chapter members came prepared to fill sandbags April 12.

“We were the first group there, so some public works officers showed us how to set up the sandbags, fill them, load them on pallets or even into cars. People came and left, and our kids helped others, showed them what to do. By helping fill these sandbags in a time of need, it really gave our students the opportunity to show how to be leaders in their community,” she said.

There was a sense of gratification in helping their community, she said.

“A lot of people took notice and appreciated what our students were doing. They continue to amaze me. If you're ever feeling like the world is not as good as it used to be, you just come hang out with NJHS kids and they'll blow your mind. They're just phenomenal human beings,” she said. “But I don't think we really realized how sore we were going to be or how much sand there was. And it was super windy so there was sand in our hair for days and we were sore for a long time. But they said it definitely was worth it.”

The students were recognized for their hard work at their school and community through photographs, social media posts and school announcements.

For McNamer, one of the highlights was seeing her students take the initiative.

“The best thing was just really seeing their plans turn into action. In the weeks leading up to it, they identified the time that would work best for everyone. Then, they made sure everyone had water and coordinated so everyone had shovels and gloves. This is really a grassroots effort and organization. One of the things they’ll take away this year, is knowing they can accomplish amazing things when they get organized.

That skill alone is big; it's incredibly difficult for middle schoolers to take from an idea and put it into an action so for this group of kids to move ideas into action is remarkable.”

Students are invited to join National Junior Honor Society based on their academic merit, service, character, leadership and citizenship.

At Butler, they apply to become members with teacher recommendations, but also have “a commitment to wanting to be community leaders and service our community.” Twenty hours of community service is part of the commitment, although McNamer said many exceed that requirement.

“As a National Junior Honor Society, we're responsible at our school for monitoring the recycling and we do a few group projects every year, like sandbags. They also collected hats and gloves and scarves for The Road Home this winter,” she said. “A lot of students do individual community service projects.”

These have ranged from playing musical instruments at a senior care facility to breeding and selling crayfish, then donating money from the sales, she said. l

Butler Middle eighth-grader Ryan Davis and other National Junior Honor Society chapter members helped fill Cottonwood Heights sandbags. (Anna McNamer/Butler Middle)

Go for the vibes!

Kick o your summer with the Utah Arts Festival at Library Square from June 23-25. Enjoy a variety of activities including browsing and purchasing art, watching films, listening to live music, savoring delicious treats, and being inspired by local poets. With new experiences every year, make sure to bring your family and friends and soak in the festival vibes.

Now it’s the easiest it’s ever been to get to the vibes with online ticketing,

Brighton swimming brings home another state trophy

Brighton High School has a strong, successful swimming program and is consistently ranked among the top programs in the state. This year was no exception as the boys team brought home the 5A second-place trophy. The girls team took sixth in state.

This marks the 59th time that Brighton teams have produced a finalist swim team according to UHSAA records. Forty-seven of those finalist teams owned state titles (24 for girls swimming and 23 for boys swimming). This year's boys team added to the cache of 12 second-place trophies. The team was bested only by rival Skyline—a formidable opponent whose program has 29 state titles to its credit (16 girls titles and 15 boys titles).

The standout individual swimmer, however, emerged from the Brighton girls team. Senior Hanna Sasivarevic won the 200 freestyle and took second in the 100 freestyle. Her mother, Subra Sasivarevic said, “Watching my daughter Hanna swim competitively for 11 years and progressively improving, dedicating 18-plus hours every week, facing challenges to reach her goals makes me so proud to be her mom.”

Amy Henderson-Nielson, another “swim mom,” puts it in literary terms. “Fatigue, sore muscles and bottomless snack choices equal familiarity to a swimmer. They own it and know the end result will get them a faster time to participate and accomplish goals in yearly high school state competitions. Parents watch with exhaling relief as their swimmer stretches toward the final stroke of commitment. This is worth the early morning mumbles of good morning, ice packs, expense and tight schedules. On a personal side, the lingering hugs that reassure and offer comfort after a difficult meet or practice, car rides to

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

and from practice where there may be conversation or not, but having time seems priceless in hindsight. These swimmers are bright, they embrace free time together and have an undoubted respect for their coaches.”

Coach Todd Etherington received a familiar individual award, the 5A Swim Coach of the Year. A Brighton swimmer himself, Etherington is a multi-year winner of this distinguished honor. Characteristically, he defers comments about his award in favor of pointing out that Sasivarevic broke long-standing school records in her path to an individual state title—the 50 meter freestyle (last broken in 1988) and the 100 meter freestyle. Sasivarevic has signed to swim at Colorado Mesa University, he said.

The boys team produced heroes of its own including the state champions in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relay events: Drake Doyle, Austin Partridge, Gavin Smith and Bridger Nielson. The lone senior on this exceptional relay team, Nielson, has signed to swim at the University of Missouri St. Louis.

Supporting the Bengal wave at state with placement and points were:

-Hanna Sasivarevic, Lucy Kokeny, Andrea Zurias, Audrey Bradley second in 200 freestyle relay

-Audrey Bradley fourth in 200 freestyle

-Drake Doyle third in 200 freestyle

-Austin Partridge seventh in 200 freestyle

-Benjamin Shiffman sixth in 200 IM

-Bridge Nielson third in 50 freestyle

-Gavin Smith sixth in 50 freestyle

-Gavin Smith seventh in 100 butterfly

-Hannah Sasivarevic second in 100 freestyle

-Drake Doyle third in 100 freestyle

-Bridger Nielson sixth in 100 freestyle

-Austin Partridge eight in 100 freestyle

-Audrey Bradley fourth in 500 freestyle

-Ethan Bangerter eighth 500 freestyle

-Laun Barnard sixth in 100 backstroke

The Brighton swim team has a strong sense of camaraderie and team spirit. Swimmers are encouraged to support and motivate one another, and the team regularly participates in community service and team bonding activities.

“Parents watch 100,000 hours of swimming (meets) to see their kid swim for a total of five hours over the years. It’s awesome to see those seconds count and their hard work pay off,” said Tiffany Smith, swimmer Gavin Smith’s mother. l

A decade of hard work pays off as Hanna Sasivarevic becomes state champion in 200 freestyle. (Photo Amy Henderson-Nielson)

Brighton track and field stars chase down region titles

Brighton is both king and queen of the track this season. On May 10 and 11, Brighton High School track and field teams earned the right to hoist both the boys and the girls region championship trophies.

“These teams led by seniors Lia Belle Selander, Bridger Ballstaedt and Dylan Olsen are the culmination of the last few years building the program. It feels good to finally be at the top of Region 6," head coach Kirk Merhish said.

The Brighton teams battled through a tough spring as the weather kept the track covered in snow until mid-April. Workouts took place indoors for half of the season. Brighton’s indoor tracks and state-of-the-art field house were just what was needed to help qualify teams at the region championship meet and to advance to the state competition. Only the top four athletes in each region event compete in the state competition.

Senior Emma Young said, “I’m so excited to have qualified for state. This season has been tough with the weather and to have won region is a wonderful breakthrough.” The Bengals produced several individual region championships in the distance, throwing and hurdling events.

1600 meter: Senior Lia Belle Selander defended her 2022 1600 meter region title coming in first with a time of 5:14. Senior Emma Young brought home the silver with a time of 5:16, and Analena Jacobs rounded out the state qualifiers with a fourthplace finish and a time of 5:18.

3200 meter: The Brighton girls had three athletes in the top five. Lia Belle Selander first place with a time of 11:26, junior Avery Parry qualified for state in fourth place with a time of 11:36, and junior Mesia Evans scored points for the Bengals in fifth place with a time of 11:37.

800 meter: Emma Young finished third with a time of 2:21.24 and junior Vance Langston made it to state with a fourthplace finish and a time of 2:00.

Langston was also region champion in the 1600 meter with a time of 4:25. And junior Carter Summers was second in the 3200 meter with a time of 9:59 followed closely by senior Brock Norseth in fifth place with a time of 10:04.

The Brighton hurdle team showed well for the Bengals scoring valuable points toward the championship.

110 meter hurdles:

Second place senior Bridger Ballstaedt, 15.70

Third place sophomore Beau LaFleur, 15.77

Fourth place junior Griffin Seal, 16.04

Fifth place sophomore Tanner Robinson 16.15

300 meter hurdles:

First place region champion Bridger Ballstaedt, 39.84

Fourth place Beau LaFleur, 42.76

Fifth place Griffin Seal, 43.40

Girls third place freshman Olivia Stephens, 48.38

More Bengal champions emerged in the field events.

Javelin:

Girls region champion Kate Garrett 90-03

Boys third place senior Dylan Olsen, 137-11

Shot put:

Girls region champion Audrey Kessinger, 32-01

Boys region champion Dylan Olsen, 46-06.50

Discus:

Girls third place Audrey Kessinger, 86-05

Girls fourth place Kate Garrett, 86-00

Boys region champion Dylan Olsen, 133-08

Sprints: Boys 100 meter open fourth place senior Kace Gurr qualified with a time of 11.37.

For the first time in many years, all of the boys and girls relay teams qualified for state.

-Girls 4x100m fourth-place finish Kalli Olsen, Sophie Thorup, Johanna Mapson and Sienna Christensen.

-Boys 4x100 third-place finish Bridger Ballstaedt, Kace Gurr, Dane Mehrish and Mason Haertel.

-Girls 4x200m third-place finish Blair Waldbillig, Olivia Stephens, Kalli Olsen and Ali Marler.

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

-Boys 4x200m third-place finish Kace Gurr, Mason Haertel, Zane Wong and Dane Merhish.

-Girls 4x800m pre-qualified by time.

-Boys 4x800m fourth-place finish Jonathan Fowles, Austin Langston, Zac Ingles, Ethan Bryan, Ethan Ilizialiturri, Cruz Hazen.

-Girls 4x400m fourth-place finish Olivia Stephens, Blair Waldbillig, Emma Young and Analena Jacobs.

-Boys 4x400m fourth-place finish Sena Amevor, Jake Farnsworth, Ethan Bryan, Zac Ingles (a thrilling .04 second win over fifth-place Skyline)

All results can be viewed on Runnercard.com.

Academic All-State athletes include Zane Wong, Alida Marler and Blair Waldbillig. Wong was prequalified for state in 110 meter hurdles and the 4x100 meter relay. He pulled a hamstring running the 300 meter hurdles trial which ended his hopes for state.

Three Brighton Bengals will be continuing their running careers in college. Lia Belle Selander accepted an offer from Southern Utah University and will join the cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams.

“I’m excited to continue running at SUU. I’m grateful for coach Tara and Sarah and my cross country coaches who have trained me and taught me how to run,” Selander said.

Brock Norseth will be running for the University of Redlands in Redlands, California (cross country and track). Dane Merhish signed a football scholarship with Black Hills State University.

The 2023 season was a family affair with several coaches having their children on the team:

head coach Kirk Merhish and his son, senior Dane Merhish; sprints coach Annie Selander and her daughter, senior Lia Belle Selander; distance coach Tara Summers and her son, junior Carter Summers; and throws coach Josh Huber and his son, freshman Marshall Huber (three-sport athlete in football, wrestling and track).

Coach Annie Selander summarized the year. “As coaches we want to see every athlete reach their potential, do better than they did the day before and learn the important lessons that sports can teach: perseverance, endurance, sportsmanship, respect, hard work, teamwork, goal setting and dealing with setbacks and adversity in productive ways. We have learned these lessons together in abundance. This season our team has had injuries, illnesses, and surgeries to recover from. The weather brought chaos to the schedule with canceled competitions and last minute added meets. Winning these region championship is a sweet victory that feels very hard earned over months of hard work and perseverance.”

Brighton girls region championship team. (Photo Kirk Merhish)

Brighton boys region championship team. (Photo Kirk Merhish)

Lia Belle Selander defends her long-distance championship with a repeat. (Photo Annie Selander)

The 4x100 Brighton boys relay team of Bridger Ballstaedt, Kace Gurr, Dane Merhish and Mason Haertel. (Photo Annie Selander)

The 4x200 Brighton girls relay team of Olivia Stephens, Blair Waldbillig, Ali Marler and Kalli Olsen. (Photo Annie Selander)

City approves agreement with Ivory Homes for new Doverhill public park

Developmentplans for a public park within Cottonwood Heights were approved on April 18. When completed, the approximately 1.87-acre Doverhill Drive Public Park will include a playground structure, grass-filled activity areas, and pollinator friendly water-wise landscaping.

The Doverhill Drive Park will be part of a 13 single-family residential housing lot development constructed by Ivory Homes (3625 E. Doverhill Drive). The subdivision will be constructed in two phases. The first phase will include the construction of four lots at the end of Doverhill Drive (on the east side, closest to Wasatch Boulevard) and will begin this summer.

“Ivory Homes is able to install the park for a much better price than what the city would be quoted,” said Community and Economic Development Director Mike Johnson.

In addition to constructing the public park, Ivory Homes will enhance the existing pedestrian trail to connect to multiple points throughout the development, from Hammerhead Roadway and Summer Hill Drive, through to Wasatch Boulevard.

“There is an easement for any pedestrian infrastructure through the further northeast lot, that could be a pedestrian access easement,” Johnson said.

Ivory Homes will be required to preserve the existing hillside and pavilion. Cottonwood Heights Community and Economic Development staff members will visit the pavilion before construction begins to assess the current conditions of the pavilion to set the baseline.

“Any damage that comes to the pavilion must be fixed,” Johnson said.

The property for the proposed development will be acquired from the current owner, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After arson was committed in 2018 causing extensive property damage to the church building, they decided four acres of land would be sold to Ivory Homes with the rest being sold to Cottonwood Heights. The sale is anticipated to close on May 26.

“This project is moving forward in terms of city purchasing and property acquisition,” Johnson said.

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Ivory Homes has been working with the city’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC), Parks, Trails, and Open Space Committee (PTOS), and Planning Commission. ARC Chair Scott Peters lives to the south of the proposed development area. Development plans for the park and subdivision development were approved by the Planning Commission on Jan. 4. The proposed development project received a Certificate of Design Compliance from the ARC on Jan. 26.

Councilmember Ellen Birrell asked if city staff could work with Ivory Homes to offer a lower height and view profile in their housing development offerings. She would ultimately like to see incentives offered for shorter homes to be built on the Doverhill lots.

“The number one thing that people in Cottonwood Heights want is view preservation,” Birrell said. “The folks to the north of these lots will lose a good portion of their view, as these homes were to be built at a higher design option.”

Johnson reassured Birrell that the Planning Commission had already set a few conditions in terms of heights since the same concern arose during the public process. One of those conditions is related to grading. Ivory Homes will be required to keep grading at an absolute minimum for their lots. The ARC has also mandated that Ivory Homes add only minimal fill to their properties.

“The agreement does not grant any development allowances that vary from city ordinances. It does not grant zoning exceptions or code exceptions,” Johnson said.

Johnson also mentioned that there will be no rear setback exceptions. Thirty-five feet is the maximum for a rear setback for single family homes within Cottonwood Heights, so Ivory Homes will need to abide to that as well.

Resolution 2023-24: Approving Entry into a Development Agreement with Ivory Development, LLC was unanimously approved by the Cottonwood Heights City Council on April 18 (after being motioned by Birrell and seconded by Councilmember Scott Bracken).

The main purpose of this agreement is to ensure completion of the public park per the approved park plan and preservation of the existing pa-

vilion.

Before any dirt moves, Ivory Homes will have a meeting with Cottonwood Heights to determine final development plans. They will have to submit storm water calculations along with civil and technical plans. Then, they will be required to finish constructing the public park two years after that preconstruction meet-

ing.

“We have built in a fallback provision of 36 months after the date of the development agreement, but we think two years after the preconstruction meeting will happen much, much, sooner,” Johnson said. l

Aerial view for context of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Preliminary Plat Approval along 3625 E. Doverhill Drive. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights City Council)

GEETA NAGPAL, MD Granger

Pain & Spine

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Continued from front page

11 additional candidates were considered for the District 1 City Council seat.

Cami Hostetler’s career in child care was admired as she manages two different childcare centers between Cottonwood Heights and Holladay. In her interview, she had mentioned her priority of being a voice for the people of the city.

“With me being the elder, and the median age of the city councilmembers pressing up against 60, it would be advantageous to have someone of a different generation on the council,” Birrell said.

Boyd Tuttle’s sincere love for the city was apparent to Mayor Weichers. “He talked about how to bring people together during his interview.”

Councilmember Bracken appreciated that he understood the role of an elected official within the city’s form of government. “There’s a misperception that it’s to micromanage the staff to make sure everything is going in a certain way. The job of a legislature is to set policy. He was the one who aced the question with that understanding, in my opinion.”

The council was impressed by Mark Lentz’s attentiveness, listening abilities and public speaking. During his interview, he was able to answer every part of every question posed by the councilmembers.

“As a fairly new resident, he brings in some critical insights. (Lentz) understands the balance between growth and character,” Newell said.

Catherine Burns was praised for not only preaching but practicing the environmental sustainability lifestyle. Her primary mode of transportation is her bike and she has planted over 100 trees on her property.

“She is someone who is taking air quality and environmental issues seriously. She does all the things that we should be doing to enhance air quality and would be a great advocate for our entire community,” Weichers said.

Susan Ryser was the candidate with the most city experience as she was involved with the incorporation of the city of Cottonwood Heights and has served on the Planning Commission.

“Her institutional knowledge, involve-

ment, and knowledge of the city’s history is an asset,” Bracken said.

The council was appreciative of Jesse Curtis’s background and current role in education, as well as his previous campaign for a Senate seat.

“For an educator to say they will get educated on the issues—that’s big,” Newell said. “That shows an area of focus that means they won’t just let things float by.”

Heather Anderson’s constant engagement and previous experience organizing public support for the Cottonwood Heights Police Department made her an attractive candidate.

“People in District 1 hold (Anderson) in high regard,” Birrell said.

As a scientist, Ira Boyer’s qualities of great thinking and processing stood out to the city councilmembers.

“He’s been coming to our meetings for a long time and is consistently engaged with our community,” Weichers said.

MacKenzie Lipps was praised for having an in-depth analytical knowledge of risk mitigation.

“That’s what we do here before we create anything in the city. I recognize that as an excellent trait,” Newell said.

Mayor Weichers shared some high praise for James Farley. “When I was talking to him, I thought about what a great mayor he would make. I couldn’t be more impressed with (Farley).”

Michael Smith was an attractive candi-

date with an expert knowledge of happenings within the city, as he currently serves on the Planning Commission.

Elisabeth Green, William Smelser, Brian Nordberg, and Barbara Morrell also applied for the District 1 seat but did not make it through to the interviewing stage.

“Congratulations to (Holton),” Weichers said. “And congratulations to every candidate who agreed to be vulnerable. It says something about you, I promise. I appreciate your willingness to serve.” l

“Catherine Burns is a do-er and a problem solver,” said Councilmember Ellen Birrell. (LinkedIn)

“Jesse Curtis has demonstrated his willingness to outreach,” said Councilmember Ellen Birrell. (Facebook)

“I think having another woman on the city council would be very positive, would bring greater balance,” said Councilmember Ellen Birrell. (Photo courtesy of Club Swag/Craig Pickup)

How some high school teams handled a stormy spring season

When the end of February arrived and tryouts started for spring sports, most took place inside with snow still covering the infields, tracks and pitches.

Not really out of the ordinary as winter can occasionally linger.

Then as March plowed on and players looked at their weather app, they continued to see snow in the forecast, postponing games, forcing them inside. And forcing athletic directors to play a scheduling jigsaw puzzle with gym space to ensure soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball and track and field all had practice time inside.

Even when April arrived, spring was put on hold as snow accumulated so much it canceled in-person school, let alone a baseball game.

With teams shuttered indoors, coaches had to find ways to make practice time productive. The first objective: shaping the attitude.

Riverton High softball coach Katelyn Elliott said they focused on how they can use their time in the gym to get better, that part is within their control.

Everyone from Santaquin to Logan was in the same situation, she told the team, so instead of throwing a pity party or complaining about practicing in the gym, how can they develop themselves.

“You can’t control that there’s 4 feet of snow outside,” she said. “Let’s just take what we have. We have two hours in the gym each day, and we’re going to make the best of it.”

Elliott and her team focused on realistic game scenarios they could practice like leadoffs, tags, signs or bunt scenarios.

“If we have our signs down, things like that the controllable things we can work on in a gym, and we don’t have to work on that in April, we can go out and work on ground balls and flyballs,” she said.

While the Olympus softball team still spent hours in the batting cages, it also utilized time by drilling down on the mental side of the sport.

Head coach Jackson White said they brought in a team psychologist to speak about conflict resolution. The team would read articles every Friday as a group about team building or mental toughness. One article was called the Champions Mindset, he said, that focused on giving your best every play, and if your mind is still on a previous mistake, then you can’t give your best on that play.

“We were able to get a lot of growth mentally without having to see it physically inside,” he said. “It was a game changer to just kind of teach them how to be good teammates and do drills that was about talking to each other or listening to each other rather than catching a fly ball inside for the 100th time.”

White said that mental preparation was important when their shortstop broke her foot forcing them to retool their defense.

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Olympus senior catcher Sofia Conlon said the mental work inside unified them in way as they learned how to grow together.

“Being inside is really hard, it’s not the same as being on a field so working together as a team mentally made us tighter,” she said. “It pulls us closer and helps us outside for sure.”

Many baseball and softball teams traveled to St. George in March for tournaments while others traveled to Nevada (Riverton baseball) or California (Brighton boys lacrosse and Jordan baseball) during spring breaks.

Skyline and Olympus baseball teams are located high on the east bench with snow on their fields slower to melt. They chose to relocate their three-game series to Dixie High School in St. George. Skyline didn’t have its first outdoor practice until the second week in April.

Golf’s season was essentially shortened to several weeks from mid-April to May 9. Riverton High golf coach Trish Marshall said they practiced outside when they could—layered up with coats, jackets, hats and gloves—but were often just hitting off mats at Mulligan’s covered driving range. They even practiced in her classroom, putting on the carpet or chipping over boxes and books into garbage bins.

“We had to get creative,” she said.

Scheduling affected the season as well with the Alta High boys soccer team opening its season with a region game against Lehi, a rematch of last year’s 5A state title game before eventually playing its nonregion opponents later. Other regions saw soccer teams play a region opponent in back-to-back games like Brighton had to do with both Olympus and Skyline.

Murray High boys soccer coach Bryan DeMann said at one point they spent a whole week practicing inside playing small-sided games or futsal tournaments focused on getting touches.

“It is hard to simulate soccer on a basketball floor with 30 boys,” he said.

Though Murray had the unique situation of its field being cleared quicker than any other in their region (all are located closer to the mountains, including Park City). They only had one region game rescheduled, but had to reverse some fixtures which meant they

played most of their home games during the first round of region play. Only one home game (senior night) was played in the second round of region.

“We were lucky,” he said. l

Even in mid-April games were still being affected by rain, snow or some mixture such as this Murray Olympus baseball game. (City Journals)

Track meets were also postponed due to the weather. (City Journals)

Skyline and Bingham girls lacrosse play a rescheduled game on Saturday, April 29. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Brighton tennis brings home another state trophy

The5A boys state tennis tournament on May 14 had some cool weather and occasional showers that changed things up a bit.

Because Liberty Park was a rainout, the finals matches were moved to Salt Lake Tennis Club where they have indoor courts. Every set mattered. The pressure mounted. At the end of it all, the Brighton Bengals were the ones who had cause to celebrate their 15th boys state title. They won the 5A state championship by just three points over a surging Skyline squad. The win was secured in large part to Owen Hopkin's state championship in No. 2 singles.

Hopkin was the only Brighton player to win an individual title. His victory earned the team 14 crucial points. And even though he didn't drop a set in his four matches, the team outcome was still in doubt. "We didn’t know until the end of the day if we had the team title,” Hopkin said. "My opponents were phenomenal, but I held it together and made good plays rushing the net.”

Brighton finished on top with 40 points, followed by Skyline with 37, Highland with 29, Woods Cross with 28, Viewmont with 25 and Olympus with 20.

This finish was a bit of revenge for the previous years when Skyline edged Brighton out of high school tennis' highest honor. In 2019, Brighton lost to Skyline 19 points to 20 points. In 2020, events were canceled because of Covid with Brighton boasting a strong senior-rich team. In 2021, Brighton

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

lost to Skyline. In 2022, Brighton lost to Skyline 20 points to 21 points after Brighton won individual championships in three of the five positions.

“My boys were so hungry for this title, they will be feasting on this victory for a long time," said veteran head coach Natalie Meyer. “I am so proud of this team for all of their hard work and accomplishments despite the hurdles. It takes a village to bring home a state title. We are a Brighton family and we hang together through everything."

That village includes a cast of supportive parents and talented coaches: Meyer, Jason Newell, Austin Newell, Brandon Owen and Mike Grass.

Team captains Jared Adams and Brandon Bell led the brigade in shoveling out the tennis facility multiple times so the courts would be playable. They showed supportive leadership of this team and rallied home a region and state trophy.

Each point earned in this championship was earned by players returning to next year’s team:

Ford Owen, a junior who took second in state at first singles and was a doubles state champion as a freshman and Owen Hopkin, a junior and second singles state champion of whom his coach says he is "one of the most poised players at handling pressure that I have ever seen."

There’s Cameron Grass, a junior who made it to the state semifinals at third singles after a grueling three-hour match against

Highland. Redd Owen, a decorated Brighton tennis alumni, said about Grass: “The Earth is covered with 70% water and the rest is covered with Grass.”

Talbot Ballstaedt, a junior, and Henry Owen, a freshman, lost to the team that became state champions at first doubles— Woods Cross.

Max Pohlman and James Covey, both sophomores gave much needed points at second doubles.

Overall, Brighton has won 30 state ten-

nis titles (15 girls and 15 boys). Additionally, they also own 15 second-place finalist trophies.

Canyons District posted on social media: “Brighton might have to get another trophy case” as the state champions were announced. This championship is the 122nd first-place state trophy the school has won. The school has an entire hall—the Hall of Champions—dedicated to state finalists. The 2023 trophy will be in good company. l

The Brighton High 2023 5A state championship tennis team. (Photo Ron Meyer)

Brighton’s elite No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 singles—Ford Owen, Owen Hopkin and Cameron Grass. (Photo Natalie Meyer)

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The 7- and 6-year-old granddaughters team up immediately, take their usual blood oath (“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good”), then disappear for a while.

My 11-year-old grandson tries to teach me his newest Kung Fu moves while the 2-year-old crawls out the doggie door into the backyard.

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Now, the 2yo is missing. I send the girls to look outside and the grandson to hunt downstairs. Earlier, I’d closed my office door so she couldn’t get in, but I find her hiding under my desk, happily listening to us search for her.

While the 11yo beats me at Rack-O, I see the two girls mosey into the garage for Plan B. They look suspicious, so I follow and listen to them figure out how to carry the ladder into the pantry.

“Nope,” I say, as they jump 20 feet into the air.

“We’re just getting Popsicles,” one of them says. They scurry to the freezer and make a big show of picking out the perfect Popsicle before going back inside to resume planning.

The 2yo is missing. After a brief search, I find her sitting behind the recliner, eating Milk-Bones with our dog Jedi.

While the 11-year-old wins Yahtzee for

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The 2yo is missing. I find her in the backyard, throwing Jedi’s balls down the window well. Jedi stares down at her favorite ball and looks at me like, “I guess you’re climbing into that spider-infested hole to get my squeaky ball.”

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“Dozens of doctors told me that there was nothing more that they could do to expect to be in a wheel chair. I went from the top 1% in the army Special Forces to being in so much pain that I could not tie my shoe or hold my new daughter. I did physical therapy and pain killers for years, but nothing worked. Finally, I went to Dr. Smith and I improved exactly as he told me I would. I couldn’t believe it! My wife cried, “I have my husband back.”

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