Cottonwood Journal | March 2023

BRIGHTON HIGH STUDENTS RAISE FUNDS TO GRANT CLASSMATE’S WISH

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Haley is a Brighton High senior who loves movies, videos and doing all the typical teenager activities.

She also has the genetic condition, DiGeorge syndrome, that can have multiple symptoms such as developmental delays and congenital heart problems.

Haley and Brighton High student body president Sydney Ashment are friends.

“I grew up with Haley,” she said. “My sister and her sister are the same age and are friends, so I would just tag along and hang out with Haley. Ever since I was little, I’ve been close with Haley and her family. She’s had over 30 surgeries, including three or four open heart surgeries. She’s really tough.”

The two may play “Just Dance,” eat at McDonald’s for lunch, make cookies or go to the aquarium.

“We always have fun hanging out,” the student leader said.

When Ashment and other student body officers decided their annual fundraiser would be to help Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ashment was delighted when the Foundation matched the school with Haley.

“This has been really special. She said that she’s never had this much fun at school and her mom said it’s the most involved she’s been at school. Besides her wish being granted, this has been life changing for her,” Ashment said.

She said Haley’s family had to convince her friend to accept the match because “she’s pretty shy.”

“When she said yes, I was super excited, but it’s kind of hard seeing a friend in those terms that they need a wish. It’s been great having her more involved and showing Haley her school loves her,” Ashment said.

As of press deadline, Brighton raised more than $35,000, enough to grant Haley her wish—a family trip

Continued page 4

Brighton High student body president Sydney Ashment poses with her classmate and friend, Haley, who Brighton students supported last winter’s fundraiser through Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Sydney Ashment/Brighton High)

“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.”

—Steve M., Army Special Forces

CSCS Chiropractic Physician

Continued from front page

to Disney World. Ashment said they were told wishes typically cost about $5,000, so Make-A-Wish will be able to grant several children wishes from their fundraising.

“It’s super cool to not only help someone with their wish, but really special to help a friend,” she said.

Ashment got involved as a student leader on the advice of her older sister and ran for a freshman class position. Every year, she has been involved in student government.

“I just fell in love with putting in that extra effort to make the high school experience better for everyone and making a difference in students’ lives,” Ashment said.

That includes the fundraiser that had an online and in-person silent auction held on the track above the student-faculty basketball game. The auction featured close to 100 baskets with items from Cuisinart and Minky Couture blankets to tickets to Hale Centre Theatre, Utah Jazz and ski resorts as well as a few nights’ stay in a St. George condominium.

“We asked people we knew who owned businesses as well as went around door-to-door to different businesses to see if they had items that they could donate or contribute a monetary donation. With those, we put together baskets. So, for example, I was getting my hair done and asked the hairdresser. She said she’d love to donate and threw in a cut and color,” she said.

The basketball game drew 20 students who challenged the faculty.

Who won?

“That may be up for interpretation,” said student body officers’ adviser, Jeff Tree. “There was some interesting clock management by the students. Ultimately, I’ll go with Make-A-Wish.”

Tree said the Dec. 12 activities were a good kickoff for the fundraiser that ended Jan. 19.

“We got off to a pretty good start of

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$14,000,” he said.

Another $17,000 was added from the 29 student leaders who were able to get business sponsorships and donations, Tree said.

Several businesses and restaurants also held community spirit nights where proceeds were earmarked for the fundraiser.

The student body was involved in contributing to the fundraiser through participating in various activities such as Stumble

Guys and Super Smash Bros tournaments or buying Brighton Wish shirts, hot chocolate and paper Wish stars, which were mounted on the walls with their names on it. Students also held a school dance; the $10 ticket sales went to Make-A-Wish.

In other recent fundraisers, Brighton has helped nonprofit organizations such as the Tyler Robinson Foundation, Utah Refugee Center and Millie’s Princess Foundation.

“We do this to carry on the tradition of giving to people in the community. One of the goals of student government is to teach the members to be active members of their community,” he said. “There’s not a better way to learn that than by going out and trying to get people to follow you and supporting what they believe in—in a good cause.” l

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Brighton High student government support their classmate, Haley, at their Make-A-Wish stomp. (Photo courtesy of Sydney Ashment/Brighton High)

Love Your Peaks event at Brighton Ski Resort raises funds for breast cancer

OnJan. 28, Brighton Ski Resort turned pink as it hosted a Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) Love Your Peaks event. This was the third stop on this winter series. The B4BC’s Love Your Peaks event is a fundraising campaign to support breast cancer awareness at ski resorts throughout the country. B4BC’s mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent breast cancer and to raise funds to help educate and support the survivorship programs.

This year marked the return of B4BC to Utah at Brighton Ski Resort. Maggie Gonzalez, events and outreach manager for B4BC said, “We are thrilled to be back in Utah for the first time since 2018 and on an amazing powder day no less. We were able to fundraise over $4K for our education, prevention, and survivorship programs.”

A registration fee of $25 was collected to participate in the Love Your Peaks event and each person was given a B4BC beanie. There were fun activities including a Pink Poker Run, tribute ride, raffles, an auction, live music, juice sampling and an award ceremony at the end. The event was full of activities for the entire family.

The Pink Poker Run was a great way for participants to explore the mountain.

The event was set up so that guests would visit five checkpoints around the ski resort. Each contestant picked up pink playing cards. Both skiers and snowboarders decked out in their best pink attire were given extra playing cards at the checkpoints.

The winners were selected by having the best poker hand and were presented with a prize from Yeti at the award ceremony. The poker winners were Megan Lord, Claire Kruger and Michael Nelson.

There was an afternoon tribute run for the person that raised the most donations. “Our top fundraiser was Megan Lord. Lord participated in honor of her mother who recently passed from breast cancer, along with her cousins Claire Kruger and Michael Nelson,” Gonzalez said.

A raffle and auction took place and some cool merchandise was provided by Yeti, Dakine, 686, The North Face, Pura Vida Sun Bum and Burton. Music played while free sampling of Suja Organic juice was given away.

“We are incredibly grateful to Brighton Resort along with Jared Winkler for hosting us and look forward to 2024,” Gonzalez said.

The assistance from volunteers Ashlee Adams, Cameron Hyde and Kristen Cotter was appreciated and was essential with making this event a success.

The next stop for B4BC’s Love Your Peaks is at Waterville Valley Resort and then to Loon Mountain both located in New Hampshire. A total of 13 Love Your

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Peaks fundraising events are planned for the 2023 winter season. They have raised $35K so far and will probably reach and surpass the goal of $50K from these events.

B4BC is an organization that began more than 25 years ago. The organization was inspired by a young snowboarder by the name of Monica Steward. Steward was part of the snowboarding community and was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 26. Steward encouraged her fellow snowboarders to use their platform to raise awareness about breast cancer with young women. Steward lost her battle with cancer two years after her diagnosis.

Steward’s friend Lisa Hudson along with Dawn Kish, Kathleen Gasparini and many more encouraged leaders in the industry from boarding, clothing and media companies to support this cause on behalf of Steward. Together, in April 1996, they created the first B4BC snowboarding and music festival.

The Love Your Peaks fundraising event centers around the passion for boarding, being active and breast cancer education for early detection of the disease.

Events are sponsored by B4BC throughout the year in snowboarding, skating, wakeboarding, surfing and climbing.

Regular breast cancer screening is important since many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. Education about monthly self-exams and what to look for can help with early detection. There is a free B4BC app that can be downloaded to remind a person to do a monthly breast self-exam (BSE).

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and only lung cancer kills more women each year. The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 39.

The ACS stated that breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989. The decrease in death rates is believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments. However, the decline has slowed slightly in recent years.

At this time there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment. Statistics were found on the American Cancer Society’s website at cancer.org. More information about breast cancer awareness and getting involved with B4BC fundraising events can be found on their website at B4BC.org. B4BC is a nonprofit foundation that accepts donations at any time.

Now, you can set a monthly breast selfB4BC App for your iPhone, iPad and Android tod l

B4BC Love Your Peaks at Brighton Ski Resort with Maggie Gonzalez, B4BC events and outreach manager posing at the booth. (Maggie Gonzalez/B4BC)

Winners of the Pink Poker Run Michael Nelson, Megan Lord and Claire Kruger at B4BC Love Your Peaks event at Brighton Ski Resort. (Maggie Gonzalez/B4BC)

Canyons District provides counseling after student hit by school bus

It was a gray late January day with temperatures in the high 30s when Jordan High students were done for the day at 12:45 p.m., with an early dismissal bell schedule. About 15 minutes later, Jordan sophomore Jennifer Flores Diaz was walking across State Street at Princeton Drive (8375 South)—and never made it to the other side.

A Canyons School District school bus taking home 16 Hillcrest High students turned left from the neighborhood west of State Street and struck the 15 year old, who died at the scene.

Once he learned of the accident, Student Services Program Administrator BJ Weller, who is a certified counselor and licensed clinical social worker, rerouted from going to a nearby school to the scene where he was able to provide immediate counseling services and support.

“Everybody there was working extremely well together—the police, our transportation team, risk management, our crisis team,” he said. “Everybody was there with compassion and trying to protect privacy and to let the police officers do their investigation. It was a picture of community partners working together to support a tragic situation.”

In addition, several others from the District’s student services personnel with backgrounds in counseling went to the scene to assist the teenager’s extended family who arrived, the Hillcrest students on the bus and the 70-year-old bus driver.

Hillcrest High administrators went to help get the students to a nearby restaurant to provide police statements and awaited parent or guardian pickup, Canyons District spokesman Jeff Haney said.

Since that day, Jan. 27, Jordan High Principal Bruce Eschler said there has been an outpouring of support for Jordan students in remembrance of the 15 year old. Diaz, who attended Jordan since her freshman year, was an older sister and babysitter, and who liked to play soccer.

“She’s a good kid, with lots of friends,” he said. “She’ll be missed.”

Eschler released an immediate statement to the Jordan community.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the student’s parents and family and to Jordan High teachers, staff and students who are struggling with pain and loss,” it said. “This is a difficult time for all of us. We want to express our appreciation for the support you have shown our school community as we’ve faced a time of intense difficulty.”

That night at the Jordan High boys and girls basketball games, there was a moment of silence in her honor. A community vigil was held, and a makeshift memorial of flowers, balloons, notes and candles stands on the corner near where the accident occurred.

Jordan student body service vice pres-

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ident Franklin Lovell knew Diaz through friends.

“It’s hard to go through when it’s someone in our community and to see the effect on her friends and family is devastating,” he said.

Days later, students rallied together to release balloons from the school soccer field in her memory. Students in several neighboring schools wore her favorite color blue or Jordan High school colors in her honor and high school student leaders in Canyons and Murray school districts delivered banners in support, Eschler said.

“Anytime we have these tragedies, our sister high schools always try to support,” he said. “There’s a big outpouring by the community to ensure everyone’s taken care of.”

Jordan student body president Spencer Jackson said it was appreciated.

“The schools I met with wanted to show they care and understand what we’re going

through,” he said.

While Hillcrest High students are trying to find a way to support their own students who were on the bus and can’t be identified for privacy reasons, their student leaders were one of the first to deliver a banner that said, “We love you, Jordan.”

Hillcrest High Principal Greg Leavitt said that they shared supporting their sister school in the school newsletter.

“It’s really good that our students reach out to each other like that,” he said. “Our student body officers get together quite a bit in the district so they know each other quite well and want to support one another.”

While police are conducting an investigation, Canyons School District is also internally investigating, Haney said.

Canyons’ investigative team is comprised of human resources, transportation and risk management personnel who will look into the accident, Haney said.

“It’s always a challenge to respond to a crisis that is going to be heartbreaking for so many people. Every crisis is different. When we respond to crises, we are here to provide counseling and our support,” he said.

Three student services personnel came to the scene on Friday to provide assistance and grief counseling to the students and the bus driver and then later to the victim’s family when they arrived, Haney said.

“We were able to support folks, to talk with them and make sure that they had what they needed emotionally that day. Obvi-

Brighton High student leaders presented Jordan with a banner in support of losing their classmate in the Canyons School District bus accident. (Photo courtesy of Sydney Ashment/Brighton High)

Investigators review the scene on Jan. 27 after a Jordan High teenager, Jennifer Flores Diaz, was hit and killed by a Canyons School District bus turning north onto State Street. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Jordan High sophomore Jennifer Flores Diaz’s principal said the 15-year-old will be missed by the Jordan High community. (Photo courtesy of Canyons School District)

ously, it was a very traumatic experience. This one in particular because it was in the Canyons District with the Canyons District school bus and Canyons students and a bus driver were involved. I think it hit really hard for many, many people. So, we immediately deployed the resources necessary to support our community,” he said.

Counseling services were available to the community that night at Jordan High as well as Hillcrest High administrators reaching out to its 16 students to make sure they had the needed support, Haney said.

Students were able to talk with counselors when they returned to school on Monday at both schools as well as at the schools where the siblings attended. Weller said that students are encouraged to talk with someone, write or journal about it, get professional help, make a positive difference such as serving others, and take care of themselves with sleep, healthy eating and exercise.

Haney said Jordan faculty and staff were prepared to talk to students and know what to look for with those who were struggling and be able to get them to the counseling center to help, where six counselors and two social workers were available as well as additional support from the district office.

Eschler said it was a collaborative effort. “I’m really proud of our teachers and counselors for looking out, watching and ready to help our students,” he said.

Additional effort was made by Hill-

crest High administration and counseling to provide the support to the students who were on the bus and for anybody else who was affected, at any of the District’s schools, Haney said.

Hillcrest’s Leavitt estimates there was an increase of 50 counseling visits following the accident.

“I feel like the kids know that we care about them—and the Jordan kids know that we care about them. I feel like the community knows that we’re doing our best to care about them,” he said.

Weller said that when he arrived on the scene, one of those he helped was the bus driver. Weller describes him as a “sweet man with a gentle soul who was just in shock.”

While Haney can’t comment on specifics of the bus driver, who has driven for the District for four years and following protocol, was placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. However, he did say, “We are providing counseling services to the bus driver, who is understandably very upset. We want to make sure that the bus driver gets the services and supports necessary because it’s been a tough time for everyone, him included.”

The driver, as well as all 181 drivers in Canyons School District, has a commercial driver’s license and a criminal background check.

“Canyons District provides that training for bus drivers, and then they can get their

license,” Haney said, adding that the course is free. “It’s a substantial amount of training to be a bus driver in the Canyons School District and we do constant training and updating. When accidents happen, there are reminders to our bus drivers on things that they’ve already been trained on to keep in mind as they head out on their routes every day.”

School bus 1279 was able to be driven away from the scene as no damage was done to the vehicle, Haney said. It was taken into custody by police following the accident.

It is one of 185 buses in the Canyons District fleet that the Utah Highway Patrol annually evaluates.

“Every single bus is evaluated for safety elements and to ensure that all of the parts are working correctly. They regularly undergo inspections, and we have a team of mechanics that ensure that all of our buses are working,” he said.

Those evaluations are performed typically in the summer.

Canyons administrative team met that Friday and the Monday following the accident and talked about it, including reviewing the District’s response.

“We’re constantly evaluating how we respond to crises. And then of course, what we can always do because there’s always something we can do to improve our processes moving forward,” Haney said. “Our emergency management team has an inci-

dent command manual with a general guideline of how to respond to emergencies. We use our expertise and experience to help us.”

The emergency management team that meets regularly every eight weeks came in place after a student shooting at Union Middle School in 2016. It was used again in spring 2017 when a shooting occurred after school near Brookwood Elementary, which left a student injured and killed another and the child’s mother.

“Since that time, it’s become even more solidified. While we are often given direct tasks, such as a safety audit of our schools and buildings, we review our emergency response plans and any issues that we need to develop a plan for,” Haney said. “It’s always a challenge to respond to a crisis that is going to be heartbreaking for so many people—and every crisis is different.”

Following the accident, Canyons District Superintendent Rick Robins acknowledged the accident in a statement.

“The loss of any child—at any time—is heartbreaking for a community,” it said. “Today, the entire Canyons District community mourns the tragic passing of one of our beautiful and cherished students who died in an auto-pedestrian accident involving a school bus. Canyons District sends our heartfelt condolences to the family of the student, as well as the student’s friends, teachers, and school staff who will struggle with the pain and loss of a loved one.” l

Cottonwood High student honored for leadership, community service

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

High senior was recently honored for her leadership and service with the University of Utah Equity, Diversity and Inclusion’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Leadership Award.

ACottonwood

Ivette Hernandez was one of 12 students across the state who was selected for the honor.

“I got an email that said I won an award; I was excited,” she said.

After Hernandez was nominated by a Salt Lake Community College employee, she and others wrote essays sharing their experiences, advice and actions they chose to love and support nonviolence when encountering intolerance or hate. It fit with the week’s theme, “Choose Love Over Hate.”

“It was easy to write because I just love serving. I wrote about how I’m serving my community with people who would normally be discriminated,” she said.

Hernandez detailed her service with people with special needs. She has partnered with a woman who has Down syndrome and since September, for a couple hours every week, they’ve spent time painting, dancing, playing bingo and doing other activities.

“I love to do this kind of service because I know this is a group that gets discriminated and bullied, but every week, I choose to show them patience, love, and acceptance,” she wrote in her essay.

She also volunteers monthly with the Utah Food Bank.

Her essay included how her family was discriminated against when they moved from California into their neighborhood.

“When I first moved to the area, we were the only Latino family and my house will always get TPed (toilet papered),” she said, adding that it stopped after they mounted a security camera on their house.

Hernandez also knew she could be discriminated at school.

“At middle school, there was a girl, and she asked the vice principal if he was discriminating against her because she was like Latina, and was told yes,” she said.

Her brother has been called discriminating names and “people have said hurtful things to me, have unfairly treated me, or have physically hit or pushed me,” she wrote in her essay. “Even then I cannot say that I hate them. I guess it is because I choose to feel more love for others over hate. I have been raised to be kind by serving and showing love.”

Hernandez wrote that “these incidents make me feel upset and sometimes at a loss of hope.” Yet, she reminds herself to “to stay positive and hope that a change of heart is always possible.”

Through it all, she has excelled. The National Honor Society member plans to study

pre-med in college with hopes of being a pediatrician.

“I just try to find the good side of people,” she said. “It helps to help other people.”

Hernandez has put herself in others’ shoes. When a new student arrived at Cottonwood, “she knew nothing of English so I offered to help translate for her in that class and we became really good friends.”

Her counselor, Amanda Calton, said Hernandez is inspiring.

“Ivette is bright, driven, and consistently challenged herself throughout high school by taking some of the most rigorous courses Cottonwood High offers,” she said. “AP (advanced placement), CE (concurrent enrollment) and honors classes were constants in her schedule; with a 3.8 GPA, Ivette excelled in these advanced classes and still was able to pursue outside interests beyond school.”

At the awards breakfast at the U’s alumni house, she was honored with a plaque and some swag in front of her parents. A week later, she received an acceptance letter from the U, welcoming her as a student.

This spring, she has a U of U clinic externship with her medical assisting class.

“I’m excited that I get to learn how to help make a difference,” she said. l

Cottonwood High senior Ivette Hernandez recently was honored for her leadership and service with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Leadership Award.

(Photo courtesy of Daysi Hernandez)

Community (and live music) springs to life at Root’d Cafe

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Note: this is the first in a series about places to find live music in Cottonwood Heights. It was a cold snowy Tuesday night in Cottonwood Heights but at Root’d Cafe, the live music and food were keeping the patrons warm.

The café, 2577 Bengal Blvd., has been open for three years and is owned by local residents Sean and Allison Steinman. The building was previously a 7-11 convenience store with the original front doors and the beer coolers proof of that before it morphed into various eateries such as Cottonwood Café.

The Adam Fifield Oregon Trio was the instrumental band playing on the heated porch. Owner Sean Steinman joined in with the group and kept the beat by playing the drums.

Other local music acts perform live on weekdays and weekends including the group Two Old Guys. Root’d is a place that supports local live music.

“We have live music every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights along with Saturday and Sunday mornings at brunch and we are open seven days a week,” Sean Steinman said.

Sean Steinman is a serial entrepreneur and owns a development company. “This is a passion project of ours,” Sean Steinman said. “We like to create a community around the city and the state.”

When the Steinmans started out, their goal was to find a presence in their city and grow with it.

Sean Steinman said, “Restaurants are the best way to impact as many people as possible and live music plus breaking bread is the best way to create community.”

The restaurant had a crowd on this weekday evening. Linda and Dano Johnson, who recently moved to Cottonwood Heights, were here to enjoy live music and dinner with friends. “It has good food, good music and a friendly staff,” Linda Johnson said. “I will definitely be back.”

Dano Johnson was enjoying a sandwich and the live music and added with a smile, “It’s a fun place, and I did not even realize it was here.”

Root’d has a shop inside of the cafe that sells their merchandise. Sean Steinman never intended to sell shirts but the idea evolved after the pandemic.

Sean Steinman did not like using business cards at conferences so he designed a rainbow beehive T-shirt with a map of Salt Lake City in the beehive. He printed “Love Your City” on the front of the shirt and put his name and info in the shirt’s tag. The shirt became his business card.

“Love Your City” became Sean Steinman’s motto and this message is written in bold letters on the walls of the cafe and on the merchandise.

Root’d opened in February 2020 and then the pandemic hit the following month, causing it along with many businesses to shut down.

Steinman said, “When we shut down, we had to furlough our servers and so we gave our merchandise to the servers and told them to sell the items and to please keep the proceeds from the sales.”

Steinman wanted to give back to the community during Covid times, and had the idea to make masks and then donate them to the city. The masks said “Love Your City” and “Protect the Hive.”

The masks and shirts were so popular that the Steinmans decided to create merchandise with the same design and sell them at the restaurant. Sean Steinman said, “We support people across Salt Lake City. The rainbow shirts we sell give 100% of the proceeds to Equality Utah.’’

“We support women-owned farms and that is where we get our coffee from. The coffee is roasted here and sold at the restaurant,” Sean Steinman said. Bags of the coffee, Root’d Roasters, are available for purchase in the merchandise area.

The Steinmans also started a food truck called Root’d Roadie that has been serving meals and traveling to other areas of Salt Lake City.

Root’d Cafe is a popular place with the locals and has a dog friendly patio allowing all members of the family to feel included l

The Adam Fifield Oregon Trio playing some tunes live at Root’d Cafe. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

A look inside of the Root’d Cafe. (Jolene Croasmun/City

Arts council exhibits love letters to the city by elementary students

It was a freezing cold February, but Ridgecrest Elementary School students warmed hearts with love letters sent to Cottonwood Heights.

The Cottonwood Heights Arts Council reached out to Ridgecrest Elementary principal, Sara Allen and the teachers about a creative assignment for Valentine’s Day. They had more than 150 students write and decorate love letters to Cottonwood Heights about why they love their city.

Many letters were posted on the walls of Cottonwood Heights City Hall last month. These notes were from the children’s point of view. A small sampling of the sweet comments from the student’s letters are listed below.

Londyn Freeman’s first grade classmates expressed appreciation for certain businesses in Cottonwood Heights. Alessia Delli Bovi wrote, “I love skating at the rec center.” Bovi’s classmate Corbin Webb agreed by writing, “I love going to the rec center. I love the Arctic Circle. I love going shopping at Smith’s.” Classmate Skylar Roberts wrote, “I love all of you. I want to live here forever. I love everything you built.”

Some of the children looked outward to the natural beauty of the area in their love letters. Rebekah Peterson’s third grade student, Isla Larson wrote, “I love you because we get snow.” Isla also appreciated the amazing landscape and added, “The mountains are close and beautiful.”

First grader Andy Gong wrote in his letter, “One reason I like this city is because of the mountains, so I can snowboard.”

Javier Gamboa Matos of Rebecca Jimas’ fourth grade class wrote, “I like to go sledding at snowy parks.” Matos’ classmate, Davinn Lee wrote, “I like to go to school because I like math and we are close to the mountains. Then we can go hiking or if it’s snowing we can go boarding, make a snowman and go sledding.”

Mckenna Karr, a fifth grader from Yen Ju Chen’s class wrote, “Cottonwood Heights is one of the best cities because it’s home to my school. I have been going to Ridgecrest for 3 years. Although I don’t live in Cottonwood Heights, I spend a lot of time here. I love to see the snow outside my classroom or the bare trees and colorful leaves. The booming sun or the beautiful flowers. It makes me feel a part of nature.” Karr added, “I am so grateful that even though I don’t live here, I go to school here and I feel a part of the community.”

Jason Mumford who is also in Chen’s class said in his letter, “I love the parks in Cottonwood Heights. I like to go sledding at the parks in the winter with my family. My favorite park is Mountview Park since it has the best sledding hill. In the summer I like to play with my dog at Mountview Park.”

There appeared to be a uniformed Valentine’s Day theme of artistic work on cards from each classroom. For example, Freeman’s, Andrea Rowell’s and Peterson’s third grade

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

classes decorated their letters with a variety of Valentine’s Day stickers. Clearly Chen’s fifth graders were encouraged to draw an image of what they loved with their letter to the city while Rebecca Adamson’s fifth grade class used blue and orange construction paper to create a sky and mountain outline that portrays the images of Cottonwood Heights.

The artist of the month for February was the students from Ridgecrest Elementary school. Their creative and decorative love letters to Cottonwood Heights were exhibited on the walls of city hall throughout the month of February. l

Above: Exhibit hanging in city hall of Ridgecrest Elementary student’s love letters to Cottonwood Heights. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Left: Ridgecrest Elementary School’s fifth grade student, Paevin Fatel’s love letter to Cottonwood Heights. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Cottonwood Connect Ski Shuttle opens for local residents

By Annabelle Larsen | a.larsen@mycityjournals.com

The days of being stuck in traffic going to a canyon could be ending sooner than we think for Cottonwood Heights residents and visitors.

An updated, reservation-based public transportation service to the various ski resorts is now possible through the Cottonwood Connect Ski Shuttle.

Reservations for ski shuttle round-trip rides to Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude are accepted on a first come, first served basis. These services are scheduled to run Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through April 16.

The goal of the new ski shuttle is to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and enhance the visitors’ experience, as well as residents’ experience as they journey to and from the canyons’ ski resorts.

As stated on the Visit Salt Lake website: “This public, private partnership was funded in part by Salt Lake County, Visit Salt Lake, Utah Transit Authority (UTA), Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, Solitude Mountain Resort and Brighton Resort. Cottonwood Connect will help supplement the recent reduction in ski bus services provided by UTA. Passengers will pay $10 for a round-trip service and reservations will be required through the online booking portal. A fleet of mini-coaches and

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large passenger vans will ramp up their frequency throughout the program. Beginning with a weekly capacity of 736 passengers and ending with a 1,120 weekly passenger

capacity. Snow Country Limousine was selected as the service provider after a request for proposal process by Visit Salt Lake.”

Areas served by Cottonwood Connect in-

clude Midvale, Cottonwood Heights and Sandy with stops at area hotels and public park and ride lots in partnership with UTA and UDOT. A full list of stops and routes can be found at visitsaltlake.com/cottonwoodconnect.

“I’m proud of everyone who came together to make this a reality. Cottonwood Connect will benefit so many across the valley who want to use our canyons this winter and environmentally it’s another win for our community,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson.

“We felt strongly about helping to create a way for our visitors and locals to enjoy more options to reach our mountain playground,” said Kaitlin Eskelson, president and CEO of Visit Salt Lake. “Salt Lake is the perfect urban basecamp for winter adventures and our goal is to create a seamless experience.”

“We appreciate Salt Lake County leaders for providing the Cottonwood Connect service,” said Sandy City Mayor Monica Zoltanski. “Sandy City is pleased to support the program by including the shuttles with UTA buses who are guided by the Sandy Police Ski Bus Bypass Service as a direct way to promote transit use and ease traffic congestion in our neighborhoods closest to the canyon.” l

Skiers and snowboarders share a bus up to the canyons. (Image courtesy of Ski Utah)

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WHY A LOCALLY OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED MORTUARY REALLY MATTERS

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

Our quality reputation is everything to our business and we have established ourselves in the local community as a qualified and trusted resource. We are not a national franchise and are not controlled by any outside influences. Larkin can meet any need by providing traditional funeral and graveside services, cremation facilities, cemeteries, indoor and outdoor mausoleums, cremation niche and scattering gardens, personalized life memorials and legacy keepsakes.

One of the most important aspects of being locally owned and operated is our firsthand knowledge of the communities we serve. With 138 years of excellence and innovation in providing quality memorial products and compassionate service, Larkin Mortuary provides a full spectrum of end of life services.

Being a qualified resource to you is our core mission. Larkin’s vertically integrated services provide a premier floral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, and beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. These full range of services offer individuals and families the flexibility to design a custom memorial tribute for their loved one. Multilingual staff honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures. Larkin can also assist with legal transactions and documentation for timely and efficient transfers to other countries.

We are community minded and active in our places of worship and donate either monetarily or with our time to many worthwhile causes in the local area. Being community-minded is who we are. It defines our character and provides a solid foundation with the people we serve.

Memorial preplanning services are offered by qualified and compassionate Larkin counselors who will help determine final wishes. Advanced funeral arrangements can provide peace of mind knowing that end of life plans are complete and will be carried out exactly as specified. Preplanning reduces the details and decisions loved ones must confront during a time of grief.

The family and staff at Larkin Mortuary understand that arranging a funeral or memorial service is a deeply personal experience. Realizing the sacred nature of the profession, Larkin is honored to serve the community by providing genuine care at this sensitive time of life.

Our memorial services are available in any of our beautiful buildings amongst our four locations along the Wasatch Front or in a building of your choice. For more information visit www.larkinmortuary.com or call (801) 363-5781 for an appointment with an experienced funeral director.

Hip hop history comes alive through They REM performance at Butler Middle

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

Young dancers from the group They REM performed a history of hip hop complete with music, dancing, a DJ and an emcee. The event was held in February at Butler Middle School for a $10 entrance fee and presented by the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council.

They REM, which is short for They Reminisce, is a group of talented young dancers that are part of the 1520 Arts studio. Hip hop has been around for 50 years and this nonprofit organization strives to promote hip hop dancing as a respected and legitimate art form.

Vice Chair of the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council Ciara Powers was in the lobby before the performance greeting guests and providing information about this event. “The dancers are from the dance studio 1520 Arts and this performance is a condensed version of what 1520 Arts studio did last fall at Rose Wagner,” Powers said.

Powers added, “We have never done this before and wanted to bring in something different into the community, some culture.”

The emcee Tex started the show. “Hip hop culture is turning 50 years old this year. And each new generation faces the difficult task of bringing something new to the table, but the challenge is how do you do this and preserve what has come before.

“In 1973, hip hop was born when a DJ did something that was never done before by playing the same record on two turntables at the same time. This became known as scratching,” Tex said.

Tex continued educating the crowd about the history of hip hop with classic songs that

had the audience moving and grooving in their seats. Dancers began break dancing to demonstrate the early hip hop style of dance.

Next, Tex brought out a group of dancers that performed moves called blocking to an old popular tune, “Boogie Nights.”

“Rap music would remain underground until 1979 when Sugar Hill Gang’s song was released, ‘Rapper’s Delight,’” Tex said. This song started playing and many folks that were kids back when this song was played on the radio were delighted and sang along when they heard this old favorite.

Tex continued to chronologically tell the history of hip hop through culture and used popular music and the talented dancers to demonstrate the evolution of this style of dance.

There were yells from the crowd as the performers started a dance-off competition. One could hear comments like, “Who’s got the moves!”

Chair for the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council Laura Garcia along with Ann Eatchel, the cultural manager of Cottonwood Heights, attended the event and represented the Arts Council in the lobby at Butler Middle School’s auditorium.

“I watched a documentary recently about hip hop culture and found it was very interesting,” Garcia said. Garcia, along with the rest of the Arts Council, try to bring events like They REM to the community. These culturally enriching performances are a way for Cottonwood Heights residents to experience other cultures and to inspire them through art. l

Breakdancing by They REM performing the history of hip hop with an emcee, music and dancers at Butler Middle School. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Community, Butler Elementary give Copperview students stuffed animals to love

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

About500 Copperview Elementary students may have a stuffed animal to cuddle this spring, thanks to the generosity of the community.

“We want every one of our students to have something to cuddle, something to love, a stuffed animal to call their own,” said Lorrie Judd, Copperview PTA secretary. “We’re almost there. We probably have about 400 or 425.”

Judd said the PTA became involved with the stuffed animal drive after learning from the school’s first-grade teacher Pamela Schuller that not all of her students have or have had their own stuffed animal. She said Schuller has been collecting stuffed animals annually to give to first-graders.

“I asked, ‘Why can’t we collect stuffed animals and make sure every child in our school has a stuffed animal of their very own?’ So as a PTA, we voted on it and decided that it was what we wanted to do,” she said. “My kids, my grandkids all have had stuffed animals, but we’re a Title I school and we have a lot of different people from different areas so this is something we just wanted to do for the kids.”

Shortly before the winter school break, Judd posted a request for new or gently used stuffed animals on the Next Door app.

“I was overwhelmed at the response,” she said, adding that the animals are laundered before distribution. “One person who was a college student told me, ‘I’ve never gotten rid of any of my stuffed animals—and it’s time that I did.’ A fire station in Draper brought about 30 new stuffed animals and bears for our students. Another lady whose husband would always play those claw machines and had tons of them, maybe 100; she said he collected them before he passed many years ago and she

brought us those.”

One of those who responded was Butler Elementary PTA President Annalisa Spencer.

“I was just on the Next Door app and saw the post that said, ‘Hey, we’re gathering stuffed animals for the students in our school,’” she said. “When I talked to their PTA secretary, she said that most of the students at the school had never owned their own stuffed animals. So, our students did a drive; they made announcements and things and put out some bins in our front

office for about a week. We gathered about 200 stuffed animals.”

The Cottonwood Heights elementary school’s student leaders sorted the plush animals by size and ensured all of them were in good condition.

“Some of them were giant ones. There were some really nice stuffed animals that were donated,” Spencer said. “Our community is really generous, and I often get requests from parents for more opportunities that our

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Butler Elementary student leaders counted and sorted stuffed animals they were able to gather for nearby Copperview Elementary students. (Photo courtesy of Annalisa Spencer/Butler Elementary PTA President)

students can serve the community and help. Our students were just really excited to share their stuffed animals with kids who had never had one before.”

Spencer’s own kids even went through their own stuffed animals to donate.

“When our students heard the Copperview students had never owned their own stuffed animal, it resonated with a lot of the kids. Stuffed animals are the top of their list, their most prized toys; they love stuffed animals and seem to never have too many stuffed animals. So, for many, the thought there were children at a nearby school who had never had one I think was compelling for them. My own kids picked out ones that they thought nearby boys and girls would want to have.”

Besides donating a stuffed animal or two to love, Spencer hopes Butler students understand the significance of their actions.

“I hope they feel a sense of community when they give and serve especially in their own neighborhoods and communities,” she said. “I hope that they learned that there’s always a need where you are if you look for it, and that giving always feels good.”

Earlier this school year, Butler Elementary helped with a food donation drive.

Donations of new or good condition stuffed animals are still being accepted at Copperview Elementary. Judd said they can be dropped off at the school, 8449 S. 150 West in Midvale. l

Future centenarians predict their world in 2123

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Therewas a bit of gray hair and a few canes on Jan. 27 at Ridgecrest Elementary.

The day marked the 100th day of learning for the school’s first-grade students and many of them dressed as if they were 100 years old.

However, the first-graders not only showed up to class as if they were centenarians, but they were asked to think what their world would be like in the year 2123.

First-grade teacher Londyn Freeman marveled at their responses.

“One of my kids said he thought that all the schools will be gone and that parents will have to teach their kids at home,” she said. “Another replied that she thinks there won’t be any playgrounds or parks left.”

Another said the shelves at school where backpacks are hung will be gone.

Then, some students became worried about the future of sports.

“My basketball fan is really worried the NBA is going to be gone and that led my football fan to speculate that football will be a thing of the past,” Freeman said.

One student predicted a return of the Mesozoic era.

“My future scientist is pretty sure he will have brought back the dinosaurs,” she said.

However, Freeman said “the sweetest comment was when one of my students said they hoped I would still be teaching first grade. I truly have the best job.” l

Cottonwood Heights City Council meets deadline in purchasing Hillside Plaza

The Cottonwood Heights City Council continues to move forward with their plans of purchasing the Hillside Plaza property (approximately 2378 Fort Union Blvd.). Throughout the beginning of this year, they have been undergoing the due diligence process by looking at existing surveys, tenant leases, utility bills and additional important documents. In addition, they have been considering bonding processes backed by sales tax revenue through interlocal agreements.

“I think I witnessed a miracle,” said spokesperson for the Hillside Neighborhood Resident Group Randy Whitehead. “There is a change happening within the city the attitude towards the city council. This city council really cares about their residents.”

The purchase price for the 10-acre property, which does not include the Walgreens’ building or parking lot, was set for $14 million. In January, Cottonwood Heights was required to make a $100,000 deposit in order to begin the process of acquiring the property. At the end of their due diligence process on Jan. 31, they were required to pay an additional $100,000 as part of their down payment.

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

“We will facilitate reinvestment of this property to include a public purpose and private purposes,” said City Manager Tim Tingey.

On Jan. 17, the Cottonwood Heights Community Redevelopment Agency passed two resolutions to continue along the process of due diligence to acquire the Hillside Plaza.

Resolution 2023-01: Approving and Ratifying a “Shopping Center Purchase Agreement” for realty within the Town Center at 2300 East Fort Union Community Reinvestment Area was motioned for approval by Commissioner Shawn Newell and seconded by Commissioner Doug Peterson. It was unanimously approved.

Resolution 2023-02: Authorizing the issuance and sale of not more than $14.5 million aggregate principal amount of sales tax and tax increment revenue bonds was motioned for approval by Commissioner Scott Bracken, seconded by Commissioner Ellen Birrell and received unanimous approval as well.

“We are so excited for Hillside Plaza,” said resident Mickey Harris. “This is what residents want and what the community needs.”

The Cottonwood Heights City Council then passed Resolution 2023-07: Approving the Form of an Interlocal Sales Tax Pledge Agreement and the Issuance of the City Obligation Created Thereunder in the Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount of $14.5 Million, and Related Matters.

“It is in the best interest of the city to move forward with this resolution,”

Tingey said.

Resolution 2023-07 was motioned for approval by Councilmember Doug Peterson, seconded by Councilmember Scott Bracken, and unanimously approved.

“Thank you for listening to us about Hillside Plaza,” said resident Mary Allen Johnson. l

Ridgecrest first-graders, as these two, looked a bit older as they celebrated 100 days of learning. (Sara Allen/Ridgecrest Elementary)

Cottonwood Heights has bonded to purchase the Hillside Plaza property along Fort Union Blvd. (Photo courtesy of Hillside Neighborhood Resident Group/Randy Whitehead)

Melissa Nash, Brighton’s girls lacrosse head coach, has a magnetic personality. In her 10th year with Brighton’s lacrosse she has succeeded in attracting star-quality coaches and All-American student-athlete talent.

If proof is in the pudding, the varsity numbers speak for themselves. The team scored an astounding 250 goals last season in 19 games while allowing only 109 goals against them. Two of that senior-rich team (19 graduating seniors) are playing this season at the collegiate level. Two were knighted USA Lacrosse All-Americans. Three were given the rare honor of representing Brighton as USA Lacrosse All-Academics. And one was chosen as 5A Lacrosse Player of the Year.

The seven coaches have been coaching together unchanged for three years and were named “Best in State” for 2022. Coach Nash’s magnetic power is strong. Among the seven coaches (Melissa Nash, Chelsea Owens Worth, Mary Barton Burns, Annie VanValkenburg Reynolds, Veronica Robinson, Ryann Coombs and McKaye McMullin) are 88 years of playing/coaching experience, seven college degrees and three Brighton alumni.

This year’s draw makes Brighton girls

Brighton girls lacrosse 2023 season preview

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

lacrosse the largest program in the state. Girls compete for a coveted spot in the JV and varsity teams. “The 16 graduating senior spots were quickly filled with young players ready to step up and be a spark for our team,” Nash said. “We have a very strong group of freshmen who were beating varsity teams in our sixes tournament in February. They are

pushing our older girls.”

“We have two players currently committed to play at the next level. Hannah Bangerter at Southern Virginia University and Sarah Hart at Tiffin University,” Nash said.

Seasoned senior leaders and most experienced players Courtnie Wright, Hannah Bangerter, Lauren Ellis, Mary Stubben and

Sarah Hart have earned the right to lead the team on the field this season.

Expectations are high for the new season that begins with home games on the friendly turf of Freestone Field as early as March 15. Entrance is free and the community is welcome to join in following one of the best teams at Brighton High. l

The Brighton High girls lacrosse team returns to action March 15. (Photos courtesy Melissa Nash)

Cottonwood students lend a hand to furry critters

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Cottonwood High student tbody officers and faculty had a rare opportunity earlier this winter.

Joining them at school were their pets— there at the kickoff assembly to support Cottonwood’s fundraising assembly for animal rescue organizations in Salt Lake City.

“We had a puppy walk where people brought their puppies and walked them across stage,” said student body officers’ adviser Tara Battista. “We supported Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of Utah.”

Student body communications officer

Talmage Winward fostered his cat, Violet.

“She’s tiny and precious, but pretty scared; I didn’t bring her in,” he said. “We had a wall where SBOs had pictures with their animals and put them on social media and our website to introduce our fundraiser, so I did that.”

The student leaders decided to support animal organizations because “a lot of us have little friends as pets and we thought it would be a cool way to help out animals. When students heard about it, and there’s a lot of students with strong connections to their animals, they were excited and jumped on board,” he said.

Throughout the weeks of their fundraiser, students held events and activities at lunchtimes and in the evenings or people could donate through Venmo or Apple Pay. Local businesses also earmarked a portion of their proceeds during spirit nights to support the Cottonwood students’ fundraiser.

“One thing that got a lot of people supporting us was our grilled cheese night. We made hundreds of grilled cheese sandwiches and sold meals to students in the span of two hours. We also sold them as a meal (with chips and a drink) to raise even more money. It’s always a favorite night, a huge hit, because everyone says they needed comfort food,” she said, adding that their pancake breakfast was another big seller.

Other favorites were purchasing a Candy Gram, where students could choose a cookie or candy cane to be delivered with a note to a classmate or teacher; a coin war where students donated loose change; and a fun run, that was supported by several sports teams. It was moved inside because of inclement weather.

“It actually was one of my favorite activities,” said Winward, who participated as part of the soccer team. “It was kind of a spur of the moment thing with the weather, but we mapped out a route that was a 5K. We ran around inside the school, in the hallways, and had members of our community running and several brought their dogs. It was just a really fun time running.”

Battista said the fundraiser has been a Cottonwood tradition.

In the past, Cottonwood High students have supported one another through donating to the school’s food pantry. They’ve also helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Christmas Box House and several homeless shelters. This year, they raised about $2,000 for the animal shelters.

“Last year, we collected money for fabric, and students tied about 350 blankets and donated those. That was meaningful because that they got to deliver an item that they could see was directly impacting somebody where with money, there’s sort of this removal of that they don’t physically get to see what happens,” she said. “For us, we have this balance where we encourage donations, but we understand there’s a lot of kids who benefit from the donations themselves. So, everyone can be involved in supporting and participating in activities and service like making the blankets.”

Winward said he got involved in student government because he loves being part of the activities and planning.

“I have a ton of pride for our school through sports and events and it seemed like a win-win for everyone and to me to help people feel the same way. Doing this has been a lot of fun and it’s doing a lot of good,” he said.

Battista said it’s a way students can look beyond the school walls.

“The students really want to give back

to a community that supported them in their events and initiatives. By reaching out to different organizations around the state each year, it gives them a chance to give back to people who have also supported them,” she said. “Part of their education is learning that we are in this together, and

they get a chance to give back to people who have maybe helped them. It builds this sense of empathy in the kids. When they stop to give back to the community, to help each other, to be a positive effect on somebody else, that really does something to the kids as well.” l

Cottonwood High students made and sold grilled cheese sandwiches as part of their winter fundraiser. (Tara Battista/Cottonwood High)

Cottonwood High student leader Carley Stephens and other students helped raise funds for the Best Friends Animal Society and Humane Society of Utah. (Tara Battista/Cottonwood High)

Culture, traditions highlighted during Ridgecrest’s Chinese New Year celebration

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

TheRidgecrest Elementary program began with first-graders singing “Gong Xi,” a popular Mandarin song celebrating the Chinese New Year. Second-graders then demonstrated their kung-fu talent, followed by each grade level of dual immersion students showcasing their talents.

The school’s tradition of celebrating the Chinese New Year with the community included hands-on activities, such as practicing calligraphy, making a paper lantern, coloring a rabbit for the year of the rabbit and making Chinese keychain. A crowd favorite centered around sampling Chinese delicacies.

The Pettit family, including their aunt who recently arrived from Israel, gathered around a backdrop, taking a selfie after their children performed.

“This celebration is new to us since our children are in first- and second-grade and didn’t get to experience it before because it wasn’t held like this during COVID,” mother Bethany Pettit said.

While her first-grade son, Shiloh, hopes to one day be China’s “president,” her second-grader, Judah, said learning the language is “fun.” Pettit is hopeful kindergartner Lucia will take up the language next year, which he nodded, adding that the fortune cookies were his favorite part of the evening. Three-year-old Soni also liked the Chinese treats.

“It’s so amazing they have this opportunity to be a part of this, to learn about inter-

national culture and study a language in their elementary school,” said Pettit, who appreciated learning Japanese while living in Japan.

“I want them to be able to communicate in Mandarin, but I also am grateful they are learning our culture is blended; it’s more than just one.”

In the hallway, where student artwork of rabbits and traditional Chinese art adorned the walls, parent Mindy Whiting said she also appreciated her children, fourth-grader, Andrew, and kindergartner, Claire, learning about another culture that night.

“My son just sang and now, we’re doing all these different activities and crafts,” she said, adding that she tried studying the language on her own to better support her son when he was initially learning it online during the pandemic. “It’s hard to learn, but I had heard from other families who have older kids that it was a good program. Initially, I was on the fence, but I’m really glad our son is in dual immersion. It’s very cool to be able to learn Chinese.”

Whiting hopes her son will continue his Mandarin studies through middle school and take the advanced placement class in high school.

“He already has that goal,” she said. “I hope Claire will follow. Just knowing the language, is going to open doors for them.” l

Families gather to watch dual immersion students demonstrate kung fu at Ridgecrest Elementary’s Chinese New Year festivities. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

From Brighton to the Super Bowl: Catching up with Chiefs coach and Bengals grad

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

Whilemillions of viewers tuned into Super Bowl LVII for the action on the field and for entertaining ads, Brighton High School had another rooting interest—Alex Whittingham.

Whittingham, a class of 2010 Brighton High alumnus, is the defensive quality control coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. This is his fifth season on the staff of Chiefs coach Andy Reid and his second Super Bowl win. If his name sounds familiar, yes, Whittingham is a former University of Utah football player and a son of Ute head coach Kyle Whittingham.

With permission from Jeff Haney, PR at Canyons School District and Canyons District administrator and former Brighton High principal Charisse Hilton, we reprint some of Whittingham’s thoughts on three Super Bowl appearances.

What is your favorite memory of Brighton High?

Whittingham: Nothing can compare to Friday Nights in The Jungle. The broth-

erhood that was built on those football teams is something I’ve carried with me and cherish. Also, the faculty. Of course, I appreciate all my teachers, coaches and counselors (and principal!). Just hanging out in the halls and senior ramp in between classes is when some of the funniest times were had. Have to mention the school dances! Those were always so fun and I loved doing all the activities with everybody. Lastly, my man Knute Rockne. Great coach, even better person.

What would you tell your coaches and teachers now? Is there anyone at Brighton who made an impact on your life you’d like to mention on the District website?

Whittingham: Thank you. Thank you so, so much. Thank you for putting up with me because I know I was probably a handful back then. Thank you for your time and effort you put into educating us students and giving us as great of a high school experience as possible. I may not remember every lesson that was taught or every book that we read, but I do remember how my teachers

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Alex Whittingham, a class of 2010 Brighton High alumnus, is the defensive quality control coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo courtesy Alex Whittingham)

made me feel. I felt respected, heard, and understood by so many teachers, and I will always be grateful for that. It’s impossible for me to name names because I will inevitably forget to mention one that deserves to be mentioned. Just know that if you had me as a student, I appreciate you.

What has made you more nervous: playing high school football in front of friends and hometown fans or being at the Super Bowl?

Whittingham: Now that is a tough one! They both have their own unique kind of nervousness. Playing at Brighton, I wanted to make the fans proud, my parents proud, and my teammates and coaches proud. Coaching in the Super Bowl might have the slight edge here. However, in both cases, once the game starts and the ball is kicked, most nerves and anxiety go out of the window. That’s one of the beautiful things about football. It’s easy to get lost in (it) once the game starts, because it all comes at you so fast.

What advice would you give high school players who dream of playing college football and/or in the NFL?

Whittingham: To make the first step from high school to college, the first thing to do is be a great student. Nothing can get you eliminated from recruiting consideration faster than bad grades. Once you have that, you need to become a complete student of the game. Study it, watch it, devour everything you can about it. Develop your rela-

tionship with your coaches; pick their brains about why you guys are running the plays you are running. Study your defensive or offensive scheme, and know everything there is to know about it. Not just your position but the 10 other positions around you, too. Then, of course, you need to develop your physical attributes. Take your diet seriously, follow your team’s training regimen, and at-

tack everything in the weight room like you would attack it on the field. Get your rest and treat your body the right way. All of these tips would apply to both making the jump to college and also making the jump to the NFL. Know that in the evaluation process, everything you do is being looked at. Not just your ability and your knowledge, but your character, too. l

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Alex Whittingham, a class of 2010 Brighton High alumnus, is the defensive quality control coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo courtesy Alex Whittingham)

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Brighton swim, drill and wrestling athletes qualify for state competitions

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

Brighton’s legendary athletic director from the 1990’s, Dick Ball, suggested “the three most demanding high school sports are wrestling, swimming and drill.”

If this is a correct measure of toughness, Brighton athletics’ rigor is alive well.

Brighton swimming qualified 22 swimmers for the state competition at BYU this month. Brighton’s hall of fame former swim coach Russ Lauber compares the current state team to the state championship teams of the past. “The legacy of Bengal championship swimming is written in the annals of the Utah State Swimming Championships every February…what

we call ‘the Big Dance.’ With 22 paddlin’ Bengals qualified, Brighton will undoubtedly continue to impact the record books as in years past.”

Girls team state swimmers are: Audrey Bradley, Chloe Cline, Valentina David, Stephanie Guzman-Delahoz, Valerie Guzman-Delahoz, Annabel Kim, Lucy Kokeny, Hanna Sasivarevic, Tayler Tho and Andrea Zurias.

Boys team state swimmers are: Ethan Bangerter, Luan Barnard, Drake Doyle, Parker Fillmore, Joseph Martin, Bridger Nielson, Austin Partridge, Benjamin Schiffman, Gavin Smith, Harrison Taylor,

The drill team qualified for state and won the sportsmanship award. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

The drill team qualified for state and won the sportsmanship award. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Aeddan Winter and Dylan Etherington.

Brighton’s acclaimed drill team, the Acadians, performed well this season under new head coach Gracie Jones. They ended the regular season with a strong showing at UVU in the state finals.

“The team did extremely well in difficult region competition and qualified to move to the state competition at UVU. We were more than excited to move through the semifinals into the state final competition. We came away with the sportsmanship award and exceptional experience for our young team,” Jones said.

Drill team state finalists are: Ella Taylor, Kamryn Kasteler, Savannah Despain, Sophia Rosevear, Brynlee Smith, Courtney Edling, Damiana Taukei’aho, Emma Bellessa, Halle Terry, Katie Jane Hudachko, Josie Morgan, Mylee Miner, Sophia Gardner, Alivia Terry, Camry Steed, Lily Kate Wolfenbarger, London Richards, Rylee Dunn, Lilly Noel, Lucy Woodward and Payton Morzelewski.

And finally, from the depths of Brighton’s gym rise the titans of Brighton—the boys wrestling team. The team was edged out of a region title by a mere two points in the final regular season match against Olympus 35-33. A single tech fall for a Olympus meant the difference between first and second place in the hotly contested region. Undaunted, the team placed three wrestlers through to the state tourna-

ment with two alternates. Student-athletes who will represent Brighton at state are: Gavyn Gappmayer, senior; Mana Nonu, senior; Fernando Cortez, freshman; David Scofflaw Eliason, senior; and Landon Hill, freshman.

Coach Burke Gappmayer, Brighton’s first year head coach notes that “in addition to the admirable accomplishments of our state wrestlers, we have a cast of rising

stars who showed promise through the season and at the JV state tournament. Rising stars in Brighton’s burgeoning program include Finn Gundry, Arsha Hashimi, Ben Tillman, Gus Blake and Jarom Gappmayer.”

The girls wrestling program at Brighton is in its third year, since UHSAA sanctioned girls wrestling as a high school sport.

Brighton girls who are wrestling include Mei-Mei Engebretsen at 125, freshman Eleni Nonu at 145, junior Lydia Lewis at 170 and sophomore Adrina Tavita and senior Katelyn Edgell at 235. Eseta Tuileta had to withdraw due to injury.

The girls are coached by Kim Weaver with assistance from Mason Brinkman, Christine Yee and volunteer Steven Thompson. l

The Brighton wrestlers who qualified for state. (Jerry Christensen/City Journals)

6556 S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd Holladay, UT 84121

Picking up the can: Cottonwood Heights draws a new Five-Year Road Plan

The end of fiscal year 2023 will conclude the Cottonwood Heights Five-Year Road Maintenance Plan. The plan was originally enacted in 2018 to stabilize and slow deterioration of road conditions throughout the city. Continuing the sentiment of prioritizing road conditions throughout the city, the new Five-Year Road Maintenance Plan stretching through 2028 has been considered within recent city council meetings.

For roads that need routine maintenance, the Cottonwood Heights Public Works Department most commonly utilize crack sealing, slurry sealing and chip seals. Since 2018, 12,130,574 square feet of slurry seal has been poured throughout the city (about 60% of all roads within the city). Some 2,093,000 square feet of chip seal was utilized for road maintenance as well (approximately 10% of all city roads).

“It did provide a lot of benefit to the city roads,” said Senior Staff Engineer Adam Ginsberg.

When a city road is in disrepair, the Public Works Department turns to mill, overlays or complete reconstruction. In the last five years, there were two main road reconstruction projects within Cottonwood Heights for a total of 902,650 square feet (4.5% of all city roads) of mill, overlay and reconstruction work. These two areas included the reconstruction of Scottish Drive and Alta Hills Drive, along with Racquet Club Drive and the Winesap Road area.

There were 2,017,500 square feet of road improvements completed in addition to what was laid out within the five-year plan. These major projects included road maintenance to Fort Union Boulevard, 2700 East, and 2300 East. These projects were funded by various grants the city received from Salt Lake County, Utah State Transportation Funds and others.

The Public Works Department will finish up work on the last few projects outlined in the initial Five-Year Road Maintenance Plan this spring, including 1300 East.

Eighty-five percent of city roads were maintained (with the last few projects scheduled to be completed before June) under the direction of the previous Five-Year Road Maintenance Plan.

Fifteen percent of the city’s roads were not included in the initial five-year plan as regular maintenance was not appropriate for the road conditions at the time. That last 15% will now be accounted for within the first year (2023-24) of the new Five-Year Road Maintenance Plan with two main areas of the city requiring complete reconstruction of asphalt.

The new Five-Year Road Maintenance Plan will focus on the maintenance of city roads and taking care of the city’s main con-

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

nector roads in addition to providing more focus on neighborhood roads and curbs and gutters. Citywide maintenance will also continue on.

Prospector Drive is scheduled to be reconstructed with a 4-inch mill and overlay, curb and gutter, waterway with ADA, ADA ramps, and drive approaches. In addition, the area surrounding Towne Drive, north of Bengal Boulevard, will need a full roadway reconstruction. Bengal Boulevard will also be due for a chip seal before 2024 as well.

For 2023-24, there are no concrete replacement, schedule sidewalk replacements, waterway changes, or ADA ramps scheduled. The total budget for road reconstruction and maintenance projects will be $2,793,700.

In 2024-25, Pine View Drive will be the main road reconstruction project as the area will need a 4-inch mill and overlay with soft spot repair, curb and gutter and waterway reconstruction, and ADA ramps. Maintenance projects will include laying a chip and crack seal along Fort Union Boulevard from Union Park Avenue to 3000 East. A 2.5-inch mill and overlay with fabric will be constructed on Highland Drive from Bengal Boulevard to Fort Union Boulevard totaling $2,765,600.

Years three to five (2025/20262027/2028) will focus on three main reconstruction projects including Steffensen Drive area, Bridgewater and Brighton Way. These reconstructions projects will be a significant investment for the city with a lot of asphalt for 224,000 square feet of road reconstruction.

Maintenance projects will include: a slurry seal for 3500 East, a crack and chip seal for 2300 East and 2700 East and a mill and overlay for lower Siesta Drive and Fort Union Boulevard. The total for which will be $8,747,254 averaging approximately $2.8 million per year.

Cottonwood Heights will continue to improve roads per ADA standards which each upcoming project as well. The Public Works Department is required to meet those requirements when doing road reconstruction projects as many of the roads within Cottonwood Heights were originally built in the 1980s and 1990s.

“It is possible to have active transportation money to help with some of these things,” Ginsberg said.

The new Five-Year Road Maintenance Plan takes into account the inflation index for construction costs set by the Utah Department of Transportation. Current numbers are estimates as numbers can be drilled down closer to the construction start dates. Cottonwood Heights will continue to put in applications for various grants through Salt Lake County and state active transportation funding. l

The Bengal Blvd. roundabout was one of the most significant road projects for Cottonwood Heights over the last five years. (Matt Shipp/Cottonwood Heights)

The surrounding area of Steffensen Drive is planned for a reconstruction of asphalt during the 20252026 fiscal year. (Matt Shipp/Cottonwood Heights)

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Top priorities for annual city budget include public safety costs, road maintenance

Each year, the Cottonwood Heights City Council spends an entire day hashing out the main priorities for the annual budget. The City Journals attended the 2023 Budget Retreat on Jan. 31 and here is the summary:

The constant primary expenditures for Cottonwood Heights year after year include: public safety costs for police and fire services; expenses for public works operations including road maintenance, snowplowing, and transportation projects; and city employee compensation including COLA, merit, health costs and retirement matchings.

Within the 2023-24 fiscal year’s budget, $2.8 million will be allotted to the Public Works Department with their new Five-Year Road Maintenance Plan.

“This is a core funding element,” said City Manager Tim Tingey.

The United Fire Authority will be increasing their member fees for fire services this year. The increased cost for Cottonwood Heights is estimated to be between $225,000 and $227,000.

Emergency services dispatch for the Salt Lake County cities is routed through Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC). Cottonwood Heights is expecting their annual costs to increase by $5,000 this year.

As the cost of living continues to increase nationwide, many municipalities are increas-

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

ing COLA for their employees. Cottonwood Heights is considering increasing COLA by 6.5% to stay benchmarked with other surrounding communities. In addition, merit will most likely be increased by at least 3%, as conversations for the specific percentage continue.

The Cottonwood Heights City Council discussed the potential of funding a handful of varying projects this upcoming year in addition to their necessary expenditures.

The Parks, Trails and Open Space (PTOS) Committee for Cottonwood Heights narrowed down a list from 20 potential projects to three for the council’s consideration. The PTOS Committee would like to see Bonneville Shoreline Trail connected throughout the city.

“Connecting Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon would be part of that trail,” said Community and Economic Development Director Mike Johnson.

Connectivity seems to be a main priority for the PTOS Committee as they also recommended connecting the Jordan River Trail System at Mountview Park (1651 Fort Union Blvd.) all the way to Highland Drive. Campaigns for trail accessibility was the other main idea recommended from the PTOS committee.

“The key feature of active transportation

is the regionality,” said Councilmember Ellen Birrell.

City Manager Tingey and Public Works Director Matt Shipp sought to add an associate engineer position to the city staff. They noted that the annual workload for Right of Way plans and permits is quite heavy. An inspector and/or associate engineer would help some of the workload for city staff members be more manageable. The expected cost of adding this position would be within the $75,000 range.

A handful of updates to the Cottonwood Heights City Hall building (2277 Bengal Blvd.) were discussed as potential additional expenditures for the 2023-24 fiscal budget.

Currently, Cottonwood Heights hires out for the custodial, snow removal and lawn care work for city hall. Tingey has been considering creating building maintenance and custodial jobs. Creating those positions would offset the cost of canceling the current custodial contracts which range from $50,000 to $76,000 per year depending on the snow removal workload.

“We have to hire for even minimal things sometimes,” Tingey said. “We have looked at hiring custodial positions, which would cost around $70,000 to do most of that in house.”

In addition, an outdoor plaza with a performance platform has been recommended by various city committees. The front plaza at city hall is currently perceived as underutilized because it’s difficult to run electricity from the building to the outdoor area.

“We could do more with the area to create a gathering space,” Tingey said. “That way we wouldn’t have to run cords in and out of the building for electricity for various activities and performances.”

The low estimate for such a feat would start around $50,000. Mayor Mike Weichers recommended holding off another year to consider a plaza for city hall until they know

more about what they are doing with Hillside Plaza (2378 Fort Union Blvd.). Councilmember Shawn Newell suggested having some of the city businesses set up booths in that gathering space of city hall during the summer months to see if they could generate enough interest to warrant a plaza and performance space.

Lastly, Mayor Weichers and the Historic Committee have been considering a Veterans Memorial Project for city hall. The Historic Committee would like to pursue some fundraising opportunities to create a memorial honoring officers, firefighters, first responders and families within the city.

“We have some good direction, and we’ll move forward,” said Tingey toward the end of the Cottonwood Heights annual budget retreat. “We have some good places to go.”

Additional potential expenditures the city council discussed included: increasing funding for ADA projects within roadways, waterways, additional speed radar signs, sustainability projects, recarpeting the community room within city hall, and staffing a fourth firefighter at the two fire stations within the city.

Current city projects that will be ongoing into next year’s annual budget include: Ferguson Park development (7721 Timberline Drive); the Public Works Building construction (6579 S. 3000 East); development of the Cottonwood Heights General Plan with FormBased Code; development of a Public Safety Advisory Committee; processing due diligence for Hillside Plaza; preparing a HAWK signal along Fort Union Boulevard; 2700 East and 1700 East sidewalk improvements; striping for all city roads; crack sealing and repair for Fort Union Boulevard; Big Cottonwood Canyon trail reconstruction and wayfinding; inspecting and raising manholes throughout the city; cleaning and cameraing of the storm water system throughout the city; and participation in the Renewable Energy Program. l

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The Cottonwood Heights City Council may be considering new contracts for custodial work for their city hall building for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Unanticipated fault line angle alters Gravel Pit plans

Developmentplans for the northern side of the Gravel Pit area were approved with the passing of the Planned Development District 2 (Wasatch Rock Development) Zoning Text Amendment on Aug. 3, 2021 under the previous Cottonwood Heights City Council. Since then, various geotechnical studies have been underway in preparation for development. One such study rendered unanticipated results that have since altered development plans.

The northern side of the Gravel Pit Development area (6695 S. Wasatch Blvd.) was originally approved for 325 units, condos, four retail building, two mixed-use commercial buildings, a hotel with 140 rooms and open space with public trails, plazas and courtyards. As part of those original development plans, geotechnical studies were required before construction could occur. Site scoping for hazards including fault lines, slope stability, liquefaction, debris, flow, rockfall, hillside remediation has been ongoing.

After trenching during one such study, it was discovered that one of the fault lines possesses a different angle than originally anticipated. Because of the city’s required setbacks from fault lines, the development plans for this 20-acre parcel were in need of alternation.

“The northwest corners of the building will have a massive cut,” said Cottonwood Heights Community and Economic Development Director Mike Johnson.

Now, there is a proposed building reduction to avoid the fault line with appropriate setbacks. The new plans include a modified building footprint with a reduction in

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

size. The original 325 apartment units will go down to 300 apartment units with a relocated pool amenity.

“Overall, this is a lower density,” said Councilmember Doug Petersen.

As part of the Planned Development District Ordinance (PDD), any requested changes to development changes that impact less than 10% of the overall development (for housing unit counts, building heights, density, and building massing/footprint) can be approved administratively and does not need to go through the full public process over again. If proposed changes were to include an increase, or substantial decrease, in density, then those proposed plans would still require the full PDD process.

“Limiting ‘material change’ to maximum reduction of 10% limits the scope and impact of allowed changes that can be made administratively,” Johnson said. “It allows minor and reasonable flexibility that arises from building design and engineering.”

City staff members concluded that the proposed development changes were deemed within the 10% to be classified as a material change. Still, the Cottonwood Heights Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes and held public comment.

The Planning Commission ultimately recommended approval of the changes to the city council with the following recommendations: any proposed reduction is measured from the originally codified development plan (cannot continually request reductions that exceed 10% from the original plan); the maximum reduction of 10% applies to each building individually (cannot reduce any one building by more

than 10% utilizing comprehensive site measurements); grammatical clarification to the proposed language; and eliminate “building massing” as it is a vague term that is difficult to quantify.

On Feb. 7, the Cottonwood Heights City Council held a public hearing on the proposed development changes. There were no comments. l

Fault lines along the northern side of the Gravel Pit area were discovered at a different angle than originally thought. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

There will be a huge cut to the original apartment building plans for the Gravel Pit Development.

When I was a kid, I worried about four things: my Halloween candy being stolen by siblings, missing a spelling word on a test, accidentally eating mayonnaise and nuclear war. In that order.

While those four things were the main cause of concern, I also worried about rainy days because stupid boys would throw earthworms down my shirt. I worried about wearing dresses to school because stupid boys would look up my skirt.

I worried about running out of books to read because I couldn’t imagine that apocalyptic scenario. I worried about earthquakes because we were constantly told The Big One would happen when we least suspected.

I guess I worried a lot, but I’m pretty sure our state legislators at the time didn’t give a rat’s behind about my mental health. In fact, children in the 1970s weren’t really considered people until they had a job and started paying taxes.

But now, our illustrious leaders say they are really concerned about the mental health of Utah’s youth, but only in select situations. There is talk to ban social media for kids under 16 because of the harmful impact it has on their mental wellness.

However, representatives don’t seem

A Mental Health Day

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

society. Even though teens with access to these treatments have demonstrated better mental health.

This is a “problem” our leaders don’t have to “solve” because, hear me out, it isn’t a “problem.”

On a related note, I found it interesting Utah will still permit cisgender female teens to get breast implants. Because Utah.

Do you know what else affects a child’s mental health? The fear they’ll be shot at school. The fear that climate change will eliminate elephants and polar bears. The fear their overworked teachers will quit because public money has been siphoned off to private and home schools.

I won’t clump all our elected officials into this bunch of wackadoodles because there are many people working to help trans youth, create sensible gun laws and reduce the load of our poor public school teachers who get beat up each year during the legislative session.

milla introduced a bill that would legalize psilocybin in Utah under strict controls. Because this is Utah, this mushroom therapy bill will probably go down in hallucinogenic flames, but hopefully it gets the conversation started.

Another way to help our youth develop better mental health? Stop passing harmful bills. Start passing bills that help our children and grandchildren deal with the everyday pressures of living in this world that feels like it’s gone bananas.

I agree social media causes great harm to our teens through cyberbullying, shaming and creating a comparison mindset. But there are additional issues we could tackle to help our children sleep better at night.

TREE

Tarabetz

concerned about the mental health of transgender youth since our state leaders banned gender-affirming care for minors. Even though suicide rates skyrocket for trans youth who often feel stigmatized in

I vote that each educator be given a 10-day trip to Hawaii, paid for by the record-breaking state liquor sales. Of which they’ve heartily contributed, I’m sure.

Speaking of addressing mental health, Senate Minority Leader Luz Esca -

I never had to worry about cyberbullying as a kid, although actual physical bullying was definitely a thing. I worried about being pushed off the monkey bars onto the hard concrete. I worried about kids laughing at my homemade polyester pantsuits.

What I worry about now is how to create an inclusive and safe environment for our youth. I also still worry about accidentally eating mayonnaise, and nuclear war. In that order. l