Draper City Journal | July 2020

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By Stephanie Yrungaray | s.yrungaray@mycityjournals.com

D

ressed in a colorful baati and black head covering, Fahmo Abdullhi hacks away at weeds. As she works, few people probably notice the 13 acres of farmland tucked between a park, a community garden and a busy road in Draper. But for Abdullhi and 35 other farmers from Sudan, Burma, Bhutan, Chad, Somalia and Burundi, this field is sprouting crops that signify independence, community and hope for the future.

The field is part of New Roots, a program run by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in cooperation with Wasatch Community Gardens. One of several programs created to help the estimated 60,000 refugees in Utah adjust and thrive to life in the United States, it is a unique way for refugees to add supplementary income and learn about running an agricultural business.

A refugee from Somalia, Abdullhi has lived in Utah for four years with her husband and 7-year-old daughter. She started with a smaller garden plot in the New Roots West Valley location—just northeast of the Redwood Recreation Center—and now has two 200-foot long beds. As the refugee farmers learn more and if they have a desire to grow more crops, they are moved to a larger micro-training farm space in Draper. The Draper micro-training farm is home to the more advanced farmers and provides space from the size of Abdullhi’s plot, to as many as five acres for refugees.

“Before they bring me a little garden, not the big one, for two years. They said if you like it you can come [to the micro-training farm],” Abdullhi said. “Every week I come two days, every time I have time I come.”

In the foreground, Somalian refugee Fahmo Abdullhi tends to her crops at a New Roots micro farm in Draper. (Stephanie Yrungaray/City Journals) Continued page 5

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July 2020 | Page 3

Draper Park Middle band, orchestra take to the state festival stage— just before COVID-19 local outbreak

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

T

hree days before school buildings closed in response of COVID-19 pandemic, Draper Park Middle School orchestra took the stage at the state orchestra festival on the University of Utah campus.

The day before the soft closure, the band performed there as well—just hours before the festival was canceled, leaving the band groups that were to play on Friday out of luck.

“We were very fortunate we got to play,” Draper Park Instrumental Director Zach Giddings said. “As the band was sitting outside the warm-up room, I heard they were closing down Utah and anticipated any second, someone walking on stage and saying they wouldn’t allow Draper Park students to play.

The kids were watching the governor on their phones, so they knew what was going on. It was a very different mindset going in.”

That includes the band receiving a last-minute invitation to perform.

When the two groups submitted their audition tapes over the winter, orchestra received an invitation to perform. It wasn’t until the week before festival when another band couldn’t make it, that Draper Park’s band was invited.

“I was absolutely excited and terrified,” Giddings said. “I had to talk to administration, get a bus, get a driver, check with parents and students asking if we should go. We were so fortunate that everyone was supportive; everything just fell into place. The band worked really hard on Monday. Then, with orchestra performing Tuesday, it meant the band had to practice on their own. I’m really proud of those kids. It was obvious they used their time well on Tuesday and although there were more nerves than usual, we prepared as well as we could.”

So well, that Giddings said their first two pieces on the state stage went “ridiculously good.”

“We are so glad we got to perform, and I got to tell them on the bus that I was so proud of them,” he said.

On stage, the group performed “Fanfare for the Third Planet” by Richard L. Saucedo, “Joy” by Frank Ticheli and “Vikings Victorious Concert March” by Chris Sharp.

Their audition pieces included the provided measures of the “Chester” chorale as well as “Deck the Halls with Chips and Salsa” arranged by Ed Hucke.

He also said that the band’s clinic, which followed their performance, was with a wellknown director in the country and provided feedback to help the student musicians.

“They were getting the best feedback from the best people in music, and I look at ways how I can become a better teacher,” he said. “I picked those pieces to give them something they could work on for a long time, but knew those pieces were obtainable.

They also highlighted some of our strong sections, but they were still challenging for every section. The band is almost entirely made of seventh-graders, so next year, we should have more experience and likely to be more balanced and double in size.”

Along with the lack of opportunity to celebrate their success, the group also didn’t get the chance to participate in the Canyons School District festival, which was slated for March 24.

The orchestra, however, had their district assessment on March 3, and used their superior rating to help prepare for the state festival.

After being invited from their audition tape, which included the provided chorale, Draper Park Middle School’s orchestra received the top mark in its performance at the state orchestra festival “Symphony No. 1” by Johannes Brahms and their selected piece, “Afterburn” by Brian in March. (Photo courtesy of Jaime Amaya)

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Page 4 | July 2020

Balmages, the group looked at pieces that were more challenging.

“We found a ‘Danny Boy’ arrangement and that was a hit with everyone. It gave us a chance to show off what we could do,” Giddings said.

Along with the “Danny Boy” arrangement by Harry Alshin, Draper Park orchestra performed “Arabian Dreams” by Soon Hee Newbold and “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3”

by JS Bach, arranged by Merle J. Isaac in addition to the provided 16 measures of “Chorale Prelude No. 10” by Johannes Brahms.

“It was interesting, the orchestra was more nervous than usual,” Giddings said before they performed at state, three days before the school buildings’ closure. “I purposely gave them a whole speech to help them relax.

I told them they already made state and did all the hard work preparing. I said this is the time to celebrate and have a great time. And the kids were amazing. They performed very, very well. The best performance this group has ever given. I’m really happy for them.”

That performance earned the group a superior rating. It was the second time in recent history they have performed at state.

Their clinician also gave them “awesome feedback and compliments,” Giddings said. The clinician also helped them to understand the baroque style in their technique as well as “how to make it music, not just playing.” They also learned the brush technique, which made their staccato notes less harsh.

“State was a huge step forward for our program,” Giddings said. “I’m proud of their accomplishments. These students are working hard and having a good time while doing it.” l

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Continued from front page Abdullhi, who also does work as a housekeeper, drives an hour each way to tend to her crops. Her rows are planted with kale, serrano peppers, beans and corn, but over 100 different crops are grown in these micro-training farms including tomatoes, carrots, spinach, squash, potatoes, green beans and pumpkins.

Some of Abdullhi’s produce will be used by her own family and the rest will be sold with the help of the IRC. “Essentially we support refugee farmers in starting and maintaining small farm-based businesses,” said James Hunter, New Roots program manager for the IRC. “We provide training, technical assistance, access to seeds and supplies, a lot of training and best practices for growing crops in northern Utah and marketing support to assist refugees in connecting their products to market.”

The IRC runs three farmer’s markets where refugees can sell their crops. They also have contracts to provide produce to wholesalers, restaurants, school districts, cafeterias, restaurants, and even a salsa manufacturer in New York. Additionally, refugees can sell their produce through the New Roots produce subscription box that distributes a box of produce every week during the summer to 150 people.

Abdullhi said she likes growing food.

Hunter said the micro-training farm program has many benefits for refugees.

“There is the revenue component of providing supplementary or primary income for themselves and their family, but it also helps with their connection to the community,” Hunter said. “There are a lot of really incredible social and psycho-emotional benefits of being outside and working on the land.”

The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on the program. Hunter said they are still navigating how to proceed with farmer’s markets but there are other ways people can support the program.

“Typically we would say to support the New Roots program by buying produce, but Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, Grifols has made monetary support is always appreciated,” CC OO VV I DI D - 1its UCU P VOD IV D AI-T 1E 9- S -91C9O P D A D T 1EU 9S PUD COVID-1C 9 OUVPID DA - 1T9E SU P D Hunter said. “We keep a running Amazon expertise in plasma available to the U.S. FDA, BARDAC Oand V I D - 1 9 U P D AT E S wish list for in-kind supplies. (Amazon Wish NIH/NIAID to develop clinical trials to assess the safety and List - New Roots SLC) Most volunteer supefficacy of a potential treatment. At Grifols, we believe this port opportunities are on hold due to COVID to ensure the safety of our farmers and staff, current and extraordinary situation require companies to but hopefully, once the pandemic subsides strive more than ever to serve patients and communities. we will be back to having regular volunteer days. We love group volunteers.”

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(Stephanie Yrungaray/City Journals)

DraperJournal .com

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July 2020 | Page 5

Briscoe remembered as a humble, confident communicator and leader of Canyons School District

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

A

couple years ago, Superintendent Jim Briscoe brought apples to each Canyons School District school in honor of apple appreciation week.

“It was his way of showing appreciation for the hard work of the teachers and administrators, but it was also him sharing his love of apples as he’s an apple connoisseur,” Brighton Principal Tom Sherwood said. “He’s visible, letting people know he cares, but he always puts someone else in the spotlight.”

On Jan. 13, Briscoe may have caught many colleagues off guard when he announced his retirement. He will step down June 30 to be replaced by Juab School District Superintendent Rick L. Robins.

Briscoe, who worked 38 years in public education, served six of his years in Canyons School District’s 11-year history.

“He is a great guy, providing healing when it was sorely needed in the school district,” Board of Education member Mont Millerberg said. “We were a new district, with growing pains, and Jim came from out of state, got out to the schools and met families. He listened to people, valued community opinion and provided real leadership with his calm demeanor.”

Board President Nancy Tingey, who sat on the superintendent search subcommittee, agrees: “He immediately fit in. His experience, his passion, his dedication of education is very evident. He’s an educator in every sense of the word. He’s friendly; he’s approachable. He’s very intuitive about people and issues; he really gets to the heart of an issue.

He visits classrooms and when invited, he’ll come and read to kids.”

She said that early on, Briscoe would go into faculty lunchrooms to join them for lunch.

“He’s such a people person and wanted to get to know them as people. It surprised and impressed them,” she said. “He often talks about his time in the classroom. That is his foundation of experiences and values and helps him so he can relate to not only teachers, but parents and students. He has an ability to connect with the people whether its individually or a large group. He’s able to relate with everyone.”

Sherwood recalls sitting on top of Brighton High’s football press box with Briscoe, watching the Bengals play, talking candidly.

“He loves football (Briscoe was a threeyear letterman at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater), and wrestling (he lettered as a college freshman). He loves sports—skiing, fishing, hunting. He also is very quick with a joke or a funny story, but at the same time, he’s always very gracious and generous with praise. He will recognize a department or

Page 6 | July 2020

people who do exceptional or positive things.

He makes people feel valued and he always is praising the Board,” Sherwood said.

Briscoe said he always wanted to be a teacher, crediting his own teachers as role models.

“I always knew, especially in high school, there was no question in my mind, I was going to college to be a teacher,” he said.

“I enjoy the relationships, getting to know my teachers and felt they were interested in me as a person. I always thought it was a positive thing that these teachers had so much impact on so many kids’ lives.”

After teaching, he served as a principal in Wisconsin and Illinois, before serving as a superintendent for two Chicago school districts.

However, nothing surprised him moving from 6,000 students to Canyons’ 34,000 students.

“From the day I got off the plane and walked into this community, I could feel that the people just love being a part of this community and want to give back and help others, help the students and help the school district,” Briscoe said in his first interview with the City Journals in 2014.

Once he settled in, Briscoe looked at the culture of the schools.

“I needed to better understand how to address that as quickly as I could, to improve the culture in the school system, to make teachers feel valued, to make all the support staff feel valued, to make sure principals felt supported, parents and teachers had opportunities for feedback and in all the issues we deal with, it all boils down to making people feel valued in the organization,” he said. “I think I’m a leader when I need to be. I’m a facilitator when I need to be. I’m a colleague when I need to be and just another resident and patron when I need to be. I think they’re all my kids. I think every time I have a discussion with the administrators and board members, I always remember that every kid in this district is my responsibility. Every student here is important to me.”

Almost immediately, Briscoe addressed and resolved issues that frustrated patrons.

After one year of no early Friday dismissals in elementary school, he restored them so faculty could hold professional development trainings. He added elementary school “Brain Booster” rotations of STEM, art, drama, PE, and library times.

Briscoe also resolved the boundary changes when many Alta High students shifted to Corner Canyon High, leaving a disparity in enrollment, Canyons Chief Financial Officer and Business Administrator Leon Wilcox recalled.

“He always listens; he takes calls,” Wilcox said. “He’s out in the community, talking

Canyons School District Superintendent Jim Briscoe has served 34,000 students for six years; he will retire June 30. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

to people. They all may not always agree with his decision, but he listens and lets them feel valued. He gets along great with students, business partners, bus drivers, lunch workers, principals and teachers, instructional specialists, custodians, parents, our (Canyons Education) Foundation and (Canyons) Board (of Education), legislators, mayors, and even taxpayers who don’t have kids in the system.”

Briscoe used his ability to relate to people when he talked to the community and stakeholders, gaining support for the 2017 $283-million bond which voters approved to rebuild Hillcrest and Brighton high schools, Union Middle School, Midvalley and Peruvian Park elementaries; build a White City as well as a Draper elementary, remodel Alta High and has already added a classroom wing and expanded the cafeteria at Corner Canyon High.

He supports students’ academic achievements as their test scores are “well above state average,” with state year-end testing and as more students are graduating, Wilcox said.

“Canyons School District as a whole… we were at 83, 84% graduation rate…now, we’re almost 90% districtwide, which is a massive, huge increase in graduation rate, which we are all really proud of,” Briscoe said, adding that graduates of Diamond Ridge High, which was started under his tenure, have contributed to that increase.

He also has talked with students individually, getting to know and help them. Sandy Elementary Principal Christie Webb remembers Briscoe visiting at her former school when a student was in the office after making a poor decision.

“He helped the student understand the poor choice that was made and realize a dif-

In July 2019, Canyons School District Superintendent Jim Briscoe helps to cut and serve cake to the community to celebrate Canyons District’s 10-year anniversary. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Draper City Journal

“He’s got a humble confidence,” Tingey said. “He approaches the duties and challenges, drawing on his experience, not only his, but of others and the skills and talents of others. He understands the teamwork. He’s a hard worker. He’s always thinking and analyzing; he’s quick to jump and help wherever help is needed. He’s always calm, and even when, and especially when, things don’t go as planned, he will take the time to work through the issues.”

That calm leadership was apparent especially in his final few months during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilcox said.

“Two weeks before school was closed, he was already thinking about so many issues from lunches to making sure there was a platform for student learning from hot spots to grading, and of course, graduation and yearend events,” Wilcox said. “He was thinking of every possible contingency out there and brought in principals and others, and asked them, ‘what am I missing?’ He wanted to know how else he could support them to keep the education and learning for students going.”

While Briscoe is retiring, he doesn’t want the attention focused on him. The inside joke is that he shut down the schools to avoid having a retirement gala.

“I have received calls and emails from principals, teachers and parents thanking me for my service,” Briscoe said. “I’m a superintendent and one person in the organization, and I appreciate some of the kind words of what people have said, but it’s a result of a lot of hard work from our school board, our parents, our teachers, our principals and our central office administrators. In a district this size you can’t really accomplish anything yourself and you can only do it when everyone feels part of the team.”

That includes Briscoe, himself, who has been known to grab an orange flag to cross

schoolchildren so the Midvale Elementary principal could attend a meeting, Wilcox said.

“Jim’s that kind of guy who steps up and does that kind of thing. He does anything to help out,” he said “He’s out there talking to the coach, the drama adviser, the PTA and SCC. He’s in the schools reading to kids and eating lunch with them, being at their events and cheering them on at the game as he listens to the band. He brings everyone together, working together for the common good. He’s been a great boss, but a better friend, and that’s how everyone sees him, as a friend.” l

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ferent decision should be made,” she said.

“He is great with kids and he likes kids. He’s been wonderful, supportive of teachers and administration, respectful of parents, and communicates well our wants and needs to the Board. He always thinks through his decision process and looks for the impact of what his decisions are and communicates that.”

Another thing Webb and others have appreciated is Briscoe’s leadership in developing a responsive services department that can provide social and emotional wellness resources and curriculum to students and educators.

“He also put a full-time counselor or psychologist in each elementary school and said to let him know if more help is needed,” Webb said.

The past two years, Briscoe has supported the Board’s push to increase teachers’ salaries, which when announced last year at the teacher-of-the-year ceremony, was met with standing applause.

Tingey said she appreciates Briscoe’s weekly district updates he delivers to the Board.

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SHOULD I REPLACE MY AC? Here are some general guidelines when considering upgrading/replacing your central air conditioner. Most manufactures current life expectancy for your HVAC equipment is 18-20 years. If you have had small repairs during the 18-20 years of running your equipment and your central air all of a sudden stops working. It may be time to look at replacing your AC/Furnace system. With that age of equipment repair cost can get expensive and those funds could be better used to replace vs repair. When you consider replacing your HVAC equipment you will likely gain higher efficiency equipment, reduced operating cost and more comfortable living environment. Ask for details on Variable speed, 18-20 Seer and smart phone controls. A new system will be reliable for years to come and keep your family comfortable year round.

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Draper City Journal

Pushed back by the pandemic, the Draper Rec center finally opens

By Stephanie Yrungaray |s.yrungaray@mycityjournals.com

T

he pools were sparkling and ready. Rows of brand new exercise equipment and an enormous fieldhouse were ready for their first patrons. And then...a pandemic.

Initially scheduled for a grand opening on March 30, Salt Lake County’s Draper Recreation Center sat unused for 92 days because of coronavirus restrictions. But finally, on July 1 the doors were officially opened.

First, a small gathering of media and city officials marked the grand opening. An hour later, the doors opened for a limited number of eager residents.

“Things change from moment to moment,” said Clayton Scrivner, Communications and Marketing Manager for Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. “But as of now [the Draper Rec center] will be operating mostly by reservation only. If you call ahead that will guarantee you will have a spot in the rec center. You can also drop in if there is room.”

In accordance with the State’s Utah Together plan and phase guidance from the Salt Lake County Health Department, the Draper Rec center will currently only allow 20 people in the fitness area, and sixteen people for lap swimming (eight in the indoor pool and eight in the outdoor pool). Leisure swimming, the fieldhouse, the group fitness area,

childcare, and party rooms will not be open unless phases and recommendations change.

Draper resident Clara Lee said her family is excited to begin using the center when they are able to.

“I’ve really wanted this for a long time,” said Lee. “We used to live right by Dimple Dell and I love being able to take classes and take my kids swimming.”

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Draper Mayor Troy Walker. “We’ve wanted and needed a rec center for a long time.

It’s going to be one of the great jewels of our community and we are thrilled to have it happen.”

“It was really hard to not have a pool last summer,” said Draper council person Tasha Lowery. “The whole facility is gorgeous and it’s going to be a great addition to our community.”

Scrivener said he wants to thank Draper residents for waiting patiently for the center to open.

“We are navigating this unprecedented time the best we can,” said Scrivner. “It’s a wonderful facility and I would encourage everybody to go to our website and book a tour and come in and check it out.”

Reservations for tours can be made at The Draper Recreation Center lap pools will be open by appointment following their grand opening on July 1.

(Photo by Stephanie Yrungaray, The City Journals) https://slco.org/draper-rec/ l

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Draper City Journal

Herriman and Draper cancel, Riverton and South Jordan continue with front-line salute

H

igh winds, fire danger and downtown protests may have reduced the number of cities participating in a firework show to celebrate front-line workers, but the show still went on.

The Frontline Salute fireworks show was scheduled to take place at 10 p.m. on May 30 and encouraged residents of Riverton, South Jordan, Draper and Herriman to #stayhomelookup. Each city purchased fireworks to shoot off from a city park that coordinated with the other participating cities. iHeartRadio was one of the sponsors for the event and broadcasted a playlist and special messages from town mayors that synced with the fireworks show. However, on the day of the event both officials from Draper and Herriman made the decision to pull out.

The weather was the first hurdle that the nonparticipating cities faced. A day filled with high temperatures and strong, gusty winds meant an increased chance of fire danger.

“Both Herriman and Draper have wildland interfaces,” said Draper Mayor Troy Walker. “We could burn mountains down so we need to err on side of caution.”

The next issue faced by the cities was safety concerns stemming from a decreased

By Stephanie Yrungaray | s.yrungaray@mycityjournals.co police presence. May 30 was the first night of the downtown Salt Lake City protests in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

“Our police chief had to go downtown and our resources were too thin,” said Herriman City Councilmember Sherrie Ohrn. “We never want to jeopardize the safety of residents so we made the decision to pull out. We were disappointed because we really wanted to participate.”

“The entire Draper Park was a fallout zone [for fireworks] and we had to have a police presence to keep people out of it,” said Walker. “We sent officers down to the

protests in Salt Lake which meant we didn’t have enough of a police presence to keep people out of [the park.]”

South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey said their city considered the weather and protests but ultimately decided to continue with the show.

“We spoke with the police chief and fire chief, our city manager and our city council and got their input,” Ramsey said. “There were no concerns in our city for public safety since it wasn’t a gathering event. We didn’t have officers scheduled to be at a specific place.”

Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, who was the originator of the front-line salute idea, also made the decision to continue with the fireworks show, with a last-minute change to his mayor’s message.

“An hour or so before the show started we changed some of the sound bites to include a call for civility,” Staggs said.

Both Staggs and Ramsey said they had overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents of Riverton and South Jordan.

Riverton resident Andy Wade and his Fireworks went off on May 30 as Riverton and South family were able to see both fireworks shows Jordan hold front-line salute. (Photo by Kew Li Wen from their car. He said the unusual events of on Unsplash) the day made it even more meaningful.

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“That was almost exactly why we needed [the fireworks show] even more,” Wade said. “As soon as we close things down in the face of adversity it shows we are giving in.

The front-line salute was a great way to show our strength as a city and community.”

Margaret Cowley has many family members who are front-line responders. She especially loved the recorded messages included with the broadcast music.

“The messages and expressions were exactly what we needed at that time,” Cowley said. “[The mayors] felt it was even more important to continue with the plans in face of what was happening to encourage unity and community. I really appreciated that there are leaders here on a grassroots level that are upholding those really important values in our society.”

Both Draper and Herriman have plans to reschedule the front-line salute for their cities.

“Everybody was disappointed that we had to cancel,” said Draper City councilmember Tasha Lowery. “We are absolutely going to reschedule for the fall once the fire risk goes down. We 100% want to honor all front-line workers.” l

HOTWORK Heating up the Workouts!

191 East 12300 South #M-3, Draper, UT

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To the sauna and beyond! HOTWORX (HWX) was created for individuals looking to heat up their workout routine. In four short words, HOTWORX can be described as MORE WORKOUT, LESS TIME! Combining heat, infrared energy and exercise, HWX sessions follow along with a virtual instructor while working out in a 125 degree HWX infrared sauna. Sessions consist of either a 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session or a 30-minute isometric workout. The 15-minute workouts are more cardio based, including Hot Cycle and Hot Blast. The 30-minute isometric workouts consist of Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Buns, Hot Bands, etc. All workouts are performed in 125 degree infrared saunas designated for these specific workouts. There is also an FX Zone which provides functional weight training equipment to balance out your workout.

“A HWX session provides so much more by way of health benefits than simple exercise,” said Draper HWX Owner, Nicole Harker. Working out in an infrared heated environment (120-125 degrees Fahrenheit) has many benefits, including raising the core body temperature which helps to speed up metabolism. Individuals are less likely to pull a muscle and experience less discomfort after the workout. In addition, warmups take less time.

HWX uses infrared energy to help accelerate workout recovery by strengthening and activating the regenerative processes.

“Infrared is a different kind of heat,” Harker said.

“The infrared heat helps your body to detox,”. It can also help with lowering stress and blood pressure, improving circulation, accelerating healing, all while improving joint mobility. While working out in HWX’s heated environment, “you can hit it pretty hard and not get sore. You can workout every day without having your muscles feel overworked,” Harker said. This is because the infrared energy helps to reduce lactic acid in the muscles at a faster rate. So whether you are just starting a new fitness regime

DraperJournal .com

or you’re a hard core athlete, you are able to workout with less discomfort post workout. Of course, HWX helps with weight loss and to increase metabolism; because of the infrared heat and style of workouts, “you have an afterburn. You’ll burn double the calories,” said Harker. “One of the studies showed that a 15-minute HWX cycle workout burns the same amount of calories as running on a treadmill for an hour.” MORE WORKOUT, LESS TIME! If that wasn’t enough, one of the greatest perks of the HWX studio is that the workout sessions are available twenty-four hours each day of the week. Having the ability to reserve spots in the virtual sessions via the HWX mobile app, HWX members are able to work out on their own schedule and all for a much lower monthly price than traditional fitness studios.

Additionally, because the workouts are all low impact, they are easy on the body and joints creating a strong workout routine whether you are just starting a fitness routine, maintaining your health, or even recovering from an injury.

“I played sports my whole life,” Harker said. But then in her twenties, she became troubled with back issues. For years, Nicole tried many different types of exercise. Each time she would start a new exercise regimen, she would work on strengthening her core to support her back. However, she would always find herself back in physical therapy. It was a vicious cycle that left Nicole cautious to do even the little things, like hiking, housework or playing with her kids.

Harker’s friend from Memphis recommended HWX, a new workout trend originating from the Gulf Coast. “I was really surprised with how my back responded to it,” Harker said.

She and her husband soon opened the first HWX Utah location in Draper. Nicole was able to work out frequently in the HWX sauna and “I couldn’t believe what a difference it made. I have been able to workout consistently, without injury, for the first time in 25 years. That is huge for me.”

HWX was founded by Stephen Smith, a certified personal trainer, former bodybuilder and arena football player. Before HWX, Smith enjoyed the benefits of hot yoga but had a hard time making time in his busy schedule for the 90-minute sessions. Instead, he decided to adapt hot yoga to his schedule…a sentiment that Harker can relate to. “I’m a busy mom with four kids and not enough time to get everything done. I get the same benefits from the 30-minute workouts as I would if I were working out for an hour plus the added benefits from the infrared heat.”

The Draper Peaks HWX location opened last February. Since then, she’s noticed how “people are excited. There’s nothing else like it. We are creating a HOTWORX family here in Draper, Utah.”

Individuals can sign up for a free HWX session by visiting the HWX website at: hotworx.net/studio/draper-peaks.

To learn more visit their website or any of their social media pages including Facebook (facebook.com/HOTWORXDraperPeaks) and Instagram (@hotworxdraperpeaks).

July 2020 | Page 11

Juan Diego daycare teachers welcome back students after teaching them online

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

T

his summer, the Guardian Angel Daycare at Juan Diego Catholic High campus has a different look.

After spending months preparing and delivering lessons, stories and activities families could do together to support their youngsters at home in the spring during the COVID-19 soft closure of school, teachers are welcoming currently enrolled children.

The welcome-back rollout was expected to begin in mid-June with infants to children age 2, each age being separated into small groups and placed in their own rooms. By the end of July, the pre-K 3-year-olds and 4-yearolds are expected to join the daycare.

“We’re bringing back classes slowly, re-evaluating our safety precautions from cleaning to drop off and pick up, making sure we’re meeting all standards and being as careful as we can,” said Juan Diego daycare co-director Jody Kearney who shares the position with Vanessa Morales. “Our staff will be wearing masks, but we’re making it optional for the children.”

To ease the transition back to the classroom, children are being placed with the same instructors as the spring. In August, the students will transition to the next level.

“We felt it was very important to place students with the teachers they have a relationship with and have had support during this time. Many families and community have had a big attachment to our team, and we’ve supported the families with early

During the school’s soft closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guardian Angel Daycare on the Juan Diego Catholic High campus provided support and instruction for their students, but this summer it is slowly reopening for in-student instruction. (Photo courtesy of Juan Diego Catholic High School)

childhood development curriculum and a sense of routine and structure for their children,” she said.

Through online meetings, teachers have read stories with puppets using several voices, searched for ways to reinforce lessons such as driving to videotape a brown horse to tie into a lesson about color and farm animals, and have provided creative, interactive opportunities such as through dance, songs

and crafts to enhance student-engaged learning.

“We have parents thanking us because their older siblings have online homework and their younger children wanted to do something as well,” Kearney said. “It’s a real challenge for this age. We’re so used to faceto-face interaction. Early Childhood Development is not intended to be done over the computer.”

After the lessons were delivered on Monday, the teachers checked in mid-week with students and parents with ideas on how to build upon the themes.

“We encouraged them to do the activities at home and help students become successful. At this age, it’s important that they’re learning socially and emotionally. They learn how to interact, problem-solve, communicate, learn how to be a friend. When they develop these skills, it builds their confidence and that translates into their academic learning. Then, their ABCs and 123s fall right into place,” Kearney said.

All 24 Guardian Angel Daycare teachers have or are in the process of earning their early childhood development degrees. Two of the teachers have taught since the childhood center opened 20 years ago.

“In some ways, this summer will be a great opportunity for these children to explore. It will mostly be us on the campus so we’ll have enough space and can take advantage of having adventures anywhere,” she said.

The staff will continue to follow guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, county and state health departments, including washing hands, sanitizing items and conducting temperature checks. If the agencies allow school to remain open in the fall, there will be some openings for new students at the Guardian Angel Daycare, Kearney said. l

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July 2020 | Page 13

The show must go on at Draper Historic Theatre

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

“

We’ve got magic to do just for you/ We’ve got miracle plays to play/ We’ve got parts to perform, hearts to warm….”

These lyrics from the musical “Pippin” capture the current mood at Draper Historic Theatre. The community theater shut its doors in March with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic but reopened in June with a highly successful benefit concert, “Quarantunes.”

This month, Lamplight Theatre Co. will present Stephen Schwartz’s quirky pop musical “Pippin” July 10-27.

In light of the ongoing pandemic, productions at Draper Historic Theatre are resuming with measures in place to reduce the risk of illness for both cast members and audiences.

“We’re keeping socially distant during rehearsals,” explained “Quarantunes” director Lindsay Simons. The actors are making use of a variety of spaces for rehearsals including the outdoor area behind the theater.

Social distancing measures are in place for audiences as well. The first row of seats closest to the stage will be left vacant and actors will not perform in the aisles as they have in the past. People will be seated in every other row and parties will be separated by two seats. Audience members are encouraged to wear face masks.

To avoid crowding in the lobby during

intermission, the concession stand will be closed. The plan is to offer aisle concessions instead which audience members can purchase using phone apps like Venmo. In this way, theater volunteers will not have to handle cash and food items at the same time.

Like many arts organizations, Draper Historic Theatre suffered a financial blow as a result of being closed for three months. Last month’s musical revue, “Quarantunes,” was envisioned from the start as a fundraiser for the theater. The show also lifted the collective spirit of the theater’s community. “It was so good to be back in rehearsals and having something to work towards again,” Simons said.

Even before the pandemic Simons had an idea to put together a benefit concert. “All funds would go straight to the theater,” she said. “I live about a mile from [Draper Historic Theatre], it’s my theater. I see so much potential there and I wanted to get involved.”

Her children have performed in Draper Historic Theatre productions such as “A Christmas Carol.”

Many in the local theater community were enthusiastic about the production and eager to get back on stage. To Simons’ surprise, 45 people auditioned for the musical revue.

“Quarantunes” was comprised of both

Stephanie Benson, McKenzie Maag, Macy Rhees, Elliott Rodgers, Jillian Smith and Madison Twede strike a pose in the Lamplight Theatre Co. production of “Pippin” at Draper Historic Theatre. (Photo courtesy Casey Dean/Draper Historic Theatre)

solo and ensemble numbers from musicals such as “Hamilton,” “Finding Neverland,” “Les Misérables” and “The Greatest Showman.” Simons explained that they chose the song “From Now On” from “The Greatest

Showman” because of its theme of returning home. “A lot of performers here have said that they’ve missed being home on stage.

This was coming home for them,” Simons said.

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Macy Rhees, Elliott Rodgers and Jillian Smith strike a pose in the Lamplight Theatre Co. production of “Pippin” at Draper Historic Theatre.

(Photo courtesy Casey Dean/Draper Historic Theatre)

Audiences were ready to welcome them back. “Quarantunes” played to sold out houses for the entire run. The opening night of the concert was livestreamed online as well.

This month Lamplight Theatre Co. will stage “Pippin” at Draper Historic Theatre.

“I think that people are longing for theater to come back—people who like to see shows and those who love to perform,” said Casey Dean, director of the Lamplight Theatre Co. production of the classic 1970’s musical “Pippin.”

Lamplight Theatre Co. operates under the umbrella of Draper Historic Theatre.

The plot of “Pippin” involves a troupe of performers, led by a leading player, telling the story of a young prince on a quest to discover the meaning of life. Along the way he is drawn into a war, joins a circus and falls in love.

“Pippin doesn’t want to be ordinary,” Dean said. “So he joins the circus. But then he learns that being extraordinary isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” In the end, the prince has to make a choice about how to live his life.

Composer Stephen Schwartz, who is renowned for penning musicals such as “Godspell” and “Wicked” wrote the music and lyrics. Dean noted that audiences who are familiar with those shows will recognize some of the same musical themes in “Pippin.”

“Pippin” involves elements of circus and stage magic.

The Lamplight Theatre Co. production will feature aerialist performances and illusions as well as stage combat and quick costume changes.

“We’re excited to bring this show to people,” Dean said. “The cast is ready to get back into it. Their dedication is amazing.”

“Pippin” runs July 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 24, 25 and 27 beginning at 7 p.m. A matinee will be held July 18 at 2 p.m.

Draper Historic Theatre is located at 12366 S. 900 East. For performance times and tickets, visit www.drapertheatre.org or call 801-572-4144. l

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Romney sisters top 10 at state golf tournament

D

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

espite the coronavirus shutdown of high school spring sports, the Utah Section PGA gave girls golf a boost with the hosting of the Girls Individual Spring Championship held May 27 at Fox Hollow Golf Course in American Fork. Corner Canyon’s Victoria and Savannah Romney placed third and eighth, respectively, at the one-day tournament.

Savannah, who is a junior, has now been an All-State golfer three times while Victoria, as a freshman, received her first honor.

“I was very happy with how I did,” Victoria said. “I have worked hard all year and doing well in this showed me that hard work pays off. Having my mom and dad there to support me and seeing people from our team before we played were some of the highlights from that day.”

Savannah, who holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the second hole to begin the tournament, said she was thrilled to garner First Team All-State honors for the third consecutive year. “I was also very grateful for the opportunity to play, especially with everything being canceled for the spring,” she said.

“With our spring season being called off, the opportunity to play was incredible. State is the most important event of the high school season and to be able to see everyone for one final time this year was the best.”

“I’m so proud of both of them,” CCHS head coach Lexi Gagon said. “It’s awesome

to see the growth from both of them. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.

With everything going on, I was just happy that we were able to have some sort of ending to our short and crazy season.”

Victoria said she enjoyed playing with her sister on the Chargers squad this season and continuing to improve in the sport she has been playing since she was 7 years old.

It was then that her dad Marty—a former golfer at the University of Utah—introduced her and 9-year-old Savannah to golf and they both developed a passion for the game.

The daughters of Marty and Alicia Romney of Draper plan to keep working hard this summer and play in as many tournaments as possible to prepare for next season as well as qualify for national events. Savannah recently recorded a career low 71 at the Ridge Junior Tournament at West Valley’s The Ridge Golf Club.

They are both grateful for the lessons that golf has continually helped them learn.

“Golf has taught me to stay patient and always keep going,” Victoria said. “It has also given me the confidence to know that anything is possible if you work hard.”

Savannah said, “Golf has taught me patience, dedication, the importance of perseverance and working hard. Integrity and honor are two qualities that a golfer must display Corner Canyon’s Victoria Romney (on right) tied for third at the Utah Section PGA Girls Individual Spring and they are qualities that will help lead me Championship May 27 while her sister also earned First Team All-State honors with an eighth-place finish.

(Photo courtesy Savannah Romney) to success in my future.” l

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Page 16 | July 2020

Draper City Journal

Welcome to Draper City!

Coming out of Covid 19 - Shut Down Working together we will Succeed!

Call us: 801-553-0928 or Email us: wrappleye@integraonline.com

STRONG TOGETHER! Kade Carlson, two-time state champion for Corner Canyon, added an All-American honor to his trophy case.

He signed with West Point to compete for the Mules’ nationally-recognized Division I program in the fall.

(Photo courtesy Dave Carlson)

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wo-time state wrestling champion Kade Carlson, in the 160-pound weight division, was recently named a Wrestling USA Honorable Mention All-American for the 201920 season as part of the Corner Canyon High wrestling squad. He will now take his talents to the next level in wrestling for West Point.

“It feels great to be named an All-American,” Kade said. “It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I first started wrestling.”

Kade’s father, Dave Carlson, said it has been thrilling to see his son receive titles and awards throughout his wrestling career. “But, my real enjoyment has been watching Kade develop into a humble, hardworking and respectful man.”

Kade, who is among just 225 wrestlers nationwide that were recognized as All-Americans this year, recently graduated from CCHS and will be leaving this summer for the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“Kade has definitely left a legacy for Charger wrestling,” CCHS coach Jeff Eure said. “He is our first two-time state champion and four-time state placer. We will miss having Kade in our room.”

Kade’s journey in wrestling began as a second grader in Logan. His dad said that Kade was always bigger than others his age so he had to practice and compete in much older divisions. His athletic pursuits have taken him all over the country where he won a freestyle national championship and was also a runner-up in Greco Roman during junior high. Throughout his high school years, he placed in many top tournaments, including Ohio’s Walsh Jesuit Ironman and California’s Doc B Wrestling Tournament while taking care of business back

DraperJournal .com

home with two state championships and two other top-five finishes as an underclassman.

During all of these years, he attended more than 10 schools and had multiple coaches while being raised by a single parent. “We moved a lot over his childhood,” Dave said.

“If it wasn’t for the diversity of coaching and commitment from many great coaches, I am not sure Kade would be where he is today.”

Ultimately though, according to Kade, the credit goes to his dad. “I couldn’t have accomplished all I have without my dad,” Kade said.

“He has been here every step of the way. There have been so many influential people over the years but he has been here since the beginning.”

Dave has observed Kade succeeding and “finding enjoyment in the preparation, camaraderie and challenge to become the best he can be.” “Wrestling is not the most fun sport because of the daily grind of battling with other people,” Dave said. “If you don’t find a way to enjoy it, you won’t do it because it is just too hard.”

Kade committed to West Point as a sophomore in high school to fulfill a desire to serve the country while also wrestling for a top-15 Division I program. “He knew it felt right and he turned away other recruiting trips because he knew he wanted to serve our country,” Dave said. “That’s something that I think any parent would be proud of.”

“I’m confident in my decision and excited for what the future holds,” Kade said.

“West Point is going to prepare me best for my future as a man.”

Coach Eure said, “Kade has an incredible opportunity at West Point, and I know he will do great things.” l

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www.draperchamber.com July 2020 | Page 17

APA students visit capitol, days before Utah shuts down

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Page 18 | July 2020

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

t was the background that resulted in a crash course of the power and responsibilities of the state government.

As part of the curriculum at American Preparatory Academy, seventh-graders visit the state capitol building for a tour, observe the house and senate from the gallery, learn about the branches of government, participate in a mock committee and if they’re fortunate, have the opportunity to meet their legislative leaders.

“It’s a chance for seventh-graders to get a feel how government works and see it, talk about it and grasp what it means,” said Jenny Stratton, character development director of APA Draper 3 campus.

This year, however, the Draper students may have also observed a little different look as their visit was just three days before Gov. Gary Herbert ordered a soft closure of schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The West Valley APA students visited the capitol two days later and weren’t admitted into the governor’s office. Just 30 minutes after their failed attempt, Herbert addressed the state.

Elisha and McKenna Wong were among the 220 Draper seventh-graders who got a chance to see how government works in person.

“We took a tour and sat in the house where they were discussing the possibility of lowering the price of insulin,” McKenna said. “I saw the governor walk by, talking to people.”

The girls had walked through the capitol in fifth grade and also participated in the school’s legislative day where they learned about voting, who is their senator and representative, learn about bills that are being discussed and what committees are meeting, but being at the capitol in person was impactful.

“It was pretty cool to see the senate and house in session and hear their arguments,” McKenna said.

Her twin sister said that during the visit, they observed different groups advocating for museums.

March 10, the day they visited, was Museums Advocacy Day, the day when museums from around the state descend on Capitol Hill to talk to their legislators about the crucial role museums play in the community, and to give Capitol regulars and visitors a peek at their collections and programs.

“It was cool to see different museums and learn about them,” she said.

Elisha also appreciated learning about the capitol, including the lavish gifts and furnishings in the Gold Room (the state reception room) and that the windows are bulletproof.

“It’s an important room. It’s where guests and delegates from other countries come,” she said.

Their tour also included learning about how recently the capitol added seismic base isolators to improve safety and protect against earthquake damage.

“We learned that the foundation will just

An American Preparatory Academy student holds the gavel on the House floor during the seventh-graders recent visit to the state capitol building. (Photo courtesy of American Preparatory Academy)

sway with the earthquake,” McKenna said, looking back to realize that just eight days after her visit, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake would hit along the Wasatch Front.

Many of the things they saw, they later learned their significance as the days to come unfolded. However, that day, they wrote down what they observed from bills talked about on the house floor to learning the roles lobbyists play.

“It’s good exposure for the students,” Stratton said. “They can actually go see what’s going on, meet people and learn what bills they’re working on. They learn what bills are trying to be pushed this session or what they want to work on next session and realize they’re actually working on things important to them.”

The students also took part in a mock committee where they were given a scenario—should cell phones be allowed in schools—and presented their case for and against the issue.

This helped them to look at both sides of issues such as the clean air bill and vaping in school.

APA ninth-graders also go to the capitol for a more in-depth visit, she said.

The idea of the APA student capitol visits originated 13 years ago with Catherine Findlay, who is the charter school’s district character development director.

According to Stratton, it’s part of an overall picture where each year, students give back to the community through service from clearing weeds from cemeteries to helping with youngsters in Head Start Programs and seniors in care centers.

“They learn it’s their duty to be part of the community, see and know all aspects of how it works, and to give back,” she said.

“It’s a great program and opportunity to visit the capitol. I didn’t realize when I was growing up how much access the average citizen has—to go into committee meetings, sit in the gallery, talk to people who represent us.

Now, they’re more aware, more civic-minded and will understand more when they follow what’s going on with our state.” l

Draper City Journal

Draper couple completes humanitarian projects in honor of brother

By Stephanie Yrungaray | s.yrungaray@mycityjournals.com

M

embers of the Bluffdale Independence Community garden are the recipients of a custom-built gazebo thanks to a final act of goodwill from a Wyoming man and his willing sister and brother-in-law.

Draper residents Carl and Melanie Harris are sprinkling their retirement with humanitarian projects, including the garden gazebo. Utilizing Carl’s handyman skills, Melanie’s special touch, and funds from Melanie’s brother Chris Fox they are completing projects to help others across Utah.

“Chris passed away much younger than he should have,” Melanie Harris said. “In the process, he said he had some money he wanted to leave us. We asked what he wanted us to do with the money and he said, ‘Use it for good works.’”

Carl and Melanie, both retired BYU professors, have taken on Fox’s challenge with beautiful results. Carl grew up with a handy father and wanted to use his building skills to help others. So far they have designed and built a shed at a Habitat for Humanity project in Orem, built a table and a two-story playhouse at a preschool in Moab, and built another gazebo at a Sandy garden that donates produce to people in need.

“I kind of fell in love with their beautiful garden and I asked them if they had any needs because I was looking for a project,” Carl Harris said. “They needed a gazebo so that their volunteers would have a shady spot when they came to sort veggies so we built a gazebo there.”

Carl enjoyed the project so much he contacted Wasatch Community Gardens to look for other garden projects. They connected him with Bluffdale resident Emily Swanson who helped start the city’s Independence Community Garden.

“He came at just the right time,” Swanson said.

The garden, in its second year, was expanding by 20 plots and Swanson had a vision of including a gathering place.

“I set aside a place in the center of the garden and thought maybe one day it could be a scout project,” Swanson said. “Then Carl came in and was willing to build it.”

The Bluffdale gazebo project took place over a three-month time period, with much of it occurring during the pandemic. Carl had to get creative with finding the supplies he needed but didn’t let the coronavirus stop the project.

“I’m grateful it was able to go forward when the whole world seemed to be canceling everything,” Swanson said. “He is a really good guy, and I’m glad he has the energy to do what he does.”

The gazebo was designed and built entirely by Carl.

“For a concept, I look online at gazebos,” Carl said. “Our gazebo in Bluffdale is various dimensions that work for the space.

DraperJournal .com

Canyons School District students will have several locations to pick up a free summer sack lunch and breakfast.

(Julie Slama/City Journals)

Canyons School District sack meals scheduled through July

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

C Carl and Melanie Harris stand in front of a gazebo in Bluffdale they built in honor of Melanie’s late brother Chris Fox. (Photo courtesy Emily Swanson)

I like to use materials and a paint color that make sense. That is the pleasure of these projects for me. Expectations aren’t too rigorous, and I can be creative.”

Melanie helps where she can with the projects.

“I like to have my opinion on everything,” Melanie said. “There is some of the work that I can do. There are little things here and there that make it fun for me.”

The site for the gazebo was prepared by Bluffdale City staff. They joined with Swanson and the Harrises’ at a special ceremony to dedicate the gazebo in honor of Fox on June 5.

“We want to honor him for his generosity,” said Melanie. “Carl has done a plaque on every project with a picture of my brother that states what the purpose of the project is and why my brother wanted it to happen.”

Both Carl and Melanie say that finding and completing humanitarian projects with the money left to them by Chris is fulfilling.

“Without this money we couldn’t have done the things that we’ve done,” Melanie said. “We are really grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the community and at same time honor my brother.”

“There are a lot of people out there that are doing great thing on behalf of their fellow human beings,” Carl said. “We just like to be a part of that group. We appreciate that compared to what some people are doing this is pretty minor, but compared to doing nothing it’s OK.” l

anyons School District recently released its summer meal schedule through July for pick up at seven schools.

All sites will operate from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., weekdays, with the exception of July 6 and July 24 when no service will be provided. Free sack lunches and breakfasts are available for children age 18 and younger.

Adults may purchase meals at the sites for $2 for breakfast and $3.50 for lunch.

URGENT AND PRIMARY CARE:

The grab-and-go meals will be available at Bell View Elementary, 9800 S. 800 East, Sandy; Copperview Elementary, 8449 S. Monroe St., Midvale; East Midvale Elementary, 6990 S. 300 East, Midvale; Midvale Elementary, 7830 Chapel St., Midvale; Sandy Elementary, 8725 S. 280 East, Sandy; Union Middle, 615 E. 8000 South, Sandy; and Jordan High, 95 E. Beetdigger Blvd., Sandy. l

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July 2020 | Page 19

High school students dabble in careers on job shadow day

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

S

hortly before school was put on “soft closure” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brighton High senior Madison Henderson found herself inside a court room, her first time ever.

Lawyers were asking questions, the judge wanted to see the evidence in the case at Matheson Court House and Henderson was soaking it all in as part of Canyons School District’s job shadow day.

“It was really eye opening; I didn’t know I’d be interested in it,” she said. “We learned what everyone was doing in the line of work from the justice and district court up through appeals court. We watched a divorce court in process and someone fighting a parking ticket. We saw the holding cell and heard the stories from officers working there. I asked the most questions that day; it’s a very interesting line of work.”

Asking questions was what Hillcrest Work-Based Learning Facilitator Cher Burbank said they encouraged students to do while observing professionals on job shadow day.

“It was an opportunity for students to pick their brains; ask how they got there in that position, what was beneficial they did to be there, what can be done now to start learning and gaining that real-world experience and knowledge,” she said.

Henderson was one of about 100 juniors and seniors from the five district traditional

high schools who shadowed professionals in their field. Students could request careers in engineering, electrical and mechanical assembly, law, entertainment and sports, car dealerships, medical, architecture, television media, police, chamber of commerce, state legislature and students with special needs.

“We invite students to shadow professionals to get a sense of ‘a day in the life’ of a career they’re interested in,” said Patti Larkin, career and technical education district coordinator. “It’s a highlight experience for students who gain a hands-on look at their field from understanding a blueprint to helping in a chiropractic office.”

Hillcrest High junior Charlie Scriver job shadowed Chiropractor Blaine Awerkamp.

“I was able to follow Dr. Awerkamp around his office, see how he interacts with patients and treats them as well as how he runs a chiropractic clinic,” Scriver said. “It gave me good insight into another medical option.”

During his two-hour observation, Scriver said that he watched Awerkamp treat six or seven patients who were recovering from car accident or an injury or returning to the office in need of a hip or spine adjustment.

“I never have seen behind the scenes in a medical field before, so this gave me more than how he treats them. Between patients he explained the tools and methods he uses, his

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Canyons School District students job shadowed professionals from architecture and electrical work to law and the legislature, as seen here. (Courtesy of Canyons School District)

pathway and schooling into the field and how to run a business,” he said. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity. It opened my eyes to explore more options. I learned so many things and had never considered this before.”

Corner Canyon senior Harli Miller was up at 4:15 a.m. to job shadow the KSL-TV morning team. She met TV personalities and toured the newsroom, broadcast sets, production room, and was introduced to the news radio crew.

“I watched as they broadcast live and talked to the anchors,” Miller said. “I saw the weather person give the forecast in front of a green screen.

I watched from the production room switching announcements during the commercial breaks. It was really cool to see the whole process.”

Miller was currently enrolled in a broadcast class to fill an elective credit and helped with school announcements on Charger TV. “It turned out that I love it,” she said.

“I really am interested in the graphic design part, so I talked to them about the programs they use and the best way to get into the field.

I just put myself out there to learn more. It was cool opportunity.”

Since then, Miller has watched the newscast at home with her family.

“I was surprised how much I knew from being behind the scenes that day,” she said.

“I was explaining to them how everything works and what was happening that wasn’t on the air.”

Larkin said that after the morning job shadow, the event culminates with students and professionals having lunch conversations with others in the industry.

Keynote speaker Mike Terry from Ken Garff Hyundai told students that their slogan “we hear you” is not only about hearing customers, but also doing it the RIGHT (Respect others, Intelligence, Greatness - strive to achieve, Honesty - totally and completely, and Teamwork) way in any career.

“It was great to learn how that can help us stand out as an employee in any field we do,” Henderson said. “I got to hear about all the other job shadows and learn about their opportunities. Everyone should do job shadow day. It’s a fun day where you get a taste of what it’s like.” l

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Draper City Journal

Pantry has plenty for those in need

Draper’s drive-thru ceremony for Mayor’s Youth Council seniors

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

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

Volunteers at the food pantry are following all Utah Food Bank guidelines for the health and safety of their clients. Pictured L-R are volunteers Chris R., Cindy M., Gary E., Brenda P. and Hannah W. Last names not given. (Photo courtesy South Valley Jesus Feeds Food Pantry)

H

annah Weiss knows what it’s like to not have enough food. Years ago, when she was raising children by herself, she depended on public support. “I’ve been where they’re at. I know it’s hard and I just want to give back,” she said.

That’s what led her to be the volunteer director of the South Valley Jesus Feeds Food Pantry, a branch of the Utah Food Bank.

She’s assisted by co-leader Susan Harrell and a team of volunteers.

Wednesdays are spent stocking the pantry’s shelves with donations. Thursdays are when clients come to have their shopping lists fulfilled. Clients are received by appointment only for their privacy, because the pantry is small, and so they don’t have to wait in line.

Prior to the pandemic, clients were invited into the pantry to shop for themselves.

These days they drive up, present their shopping list, and their order is filled curbside by volunteers wearing masks and gloves. “The way we’ve been doing it is so safe. We can absolutely alleviate their fears. All they have to do is show up once and realize. We’ll stay that way until such a time that the Utah Food Bank changes their guidelines,” Weiss said.

The pantry hasn’t seen a huge increase in clients as has happened across the nation with the pandemic and accompanying economic downturn. But Weiss attributes that to several factors. The main reason is that the pantry is small and by appointment only.

“Other pantries are take a number, stand in line, and hope that there’s something at the end of the day,” Weiss said. Secondly, she said there’s often a decrease in need at this time of year because people get their tax returns and don’t come in for a month or two, a trend the Utah Food Bank also sees. “But then they come back, especially when the kids get out of school.”

DraperJournal .com

She gives credit to the Utah Food Bank.

“They’ve done a wonderful job of managing distribution during COVID,” she said, adding that the federal government has been sending more food during the pandemic. Lastly, Weiss said that people in Utah are not greedy, that they’re humble and want their needs met, but they don’t want to take anything from someone else who might be worse off. That means there continues to be plenty available to those in need.

The food pantry would like to give a special “shout out” to the South Jordan Sam’s Club manager Scott Northridge. “They’re always there if we need donations, especially around the holidays when we’re trying to give everyone a good Thanksgiving or Christmas,” Weiss said.

She admitted that sometimes it’s difficult to witness such need. “Especially when some of our clients are ill, it’s hard to watch them struggle physically in addition to their financial hardship.”

But, more often than not, what happens at the food pantry is inspiring.

“We have people that come in with needs, and like clockwork, we have everything on their list and they are literally in tears. That’s what makes us thrive is seeing that happen, and it happens consistently. It’s just here, whatever they need. That’s faith promoting right there,” she said.

If you are in need of assistance or if you’d like to volunteer, call 801-688-7251.

Donations are accepted Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. just inside the front doors of The Adventure Church located at 352 W. 12300 South, Suite 100, in Draper. They are always in need of toilet paper, toothpaste and toothbrushes, canned goods (especially corn), pastas, cereal and baking ingredients such as flour and sugar. l

Draper Mayor Troy Walker hands a gift bag and trophy to youth council seniors and graduates Elle Stoker and Emilee Smith during the city’s drive-thru ceremony behind City Hall that included a police escort, cheers and applause for each graduate. (Photo courtesy Draper City)

I

nstead of the traditional end-of-year banquet for Mayor’s Youth Council seniors, Draper City hosted a drive-thru ceremony June 3 for the dozen graduates to thank them for their service.

Seniors on the council were: Elle Stoker, Eric Tavares, Katia Albayeros, Landon Dance, Nick Waddoups, Olivia Kitterman, Elliott Detjen, Grace Kim, Taylor Gibbons, Ben Jackson, Grace Manning and Emilee Smith. Stoker served as Youth Mayor and Kitterman, Kim and Tavares made up the Executive Board.

Each senior’s vehicle was given a police escort as they drove through the parking lot behind City Hall, stopping to receive a gift bag and a verbal thank you from Mayor Troy

Walker, other youth council members and advisors, City Manager David Dobbins and City Councilmembers Tasha Lowery and Mike Green. Gift bags included a glass trophy, a certificate indicating how many hours they’d volunteered and an Astro Burgers gift card.

“What an impressive group of high school seniors! Our graduates from the youth council diligently served and accomplished so much throughout the year and remained strong during these last few months. They will surely continue to achieve and impress us in the coming years. I look forward to seeing what they all do next. We will miss them,” Walker said. l

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July 2020 | Page 21

Pandemic: How to save money and support the local economy

by

Bryan Dean

The world is a new place, at least for now there is a new normal. Many of us are waiting to see if the new normal will become the normal, or if the old normal will come back. Either way for now we have to live in this pandemic shaped economy.

According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis the personal savings rate hit a historic high of 33%. With the uncertainty of the current situation, and scars from the 2008 recession still fresh, it’s understandable that people would be very hesitant to spend. Not to mention how much toilet paper can one person stockpile?

But there is another side of the story, the economy. If everyone stops spending then everyone would stop earning. So how does one balance the line, spend enough to keep the economy strong but save enough to be responsible.

I propose that the answer to that question is not how much you spend, rather how and where you spend it. Here are five ways to balance the save money vs. build the economy problem.

1. Buy Local has to be a priority now.

Over the last 10 years our economy has been strong. Its been OK, not awesome, but OK if people shifted some of their spending from local. But remember the more local you spend your money the stronger your local economy is.

Now buying local is not as easy at it

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sounds. Sure it is easy to make the choice to buy your products at a local store instead of Amazon or a website. But it goes deeper than that. Every shopping decision has a different factor of localness.

For instance if you need to buy a power tool or some home improvement product, you can buy it from Lowes or you can buy it from a locally owned hardware store. Both Lowes and the hardware store create local jobs, and they both pay local taxes. but more of the profit at the hardware store will stay local.

Look for local products. Harmons grocery stores does a great job at showing you what products are local. I wish all stores did this. Last month I was at a hardware store, OK honestly I was at Lowes, I needed a ladder. As I looked at the assortment I realized that Little Giant ladder systems were a Utah business, so it was an easy decision.

2. Buy Services not Products. If you are trying to help the economy you will likely do more good buying services rather than products.

Let’s consider an example. When you purchase a lawn mower, the majority of the purchase price goes to the manufacturer which is probably not a Utah Company. But when you pay someone to mow your lawn, nearly all of it stays local. The person who is mowing your lawn is much more likely to do business with the business you work for than say Honda.

3. Launch a side hustle or two. I realize

that this is not really saving money, unless you consider the age old advice a dollar saved is a dollar earned, then this is just the flip side of that. In today’s world there are an abundance of ways you can start a side hustle. Sell some of your unneeded stuff on eBay, breed your dog (everyone wants some type of oodle these days), rent out storage on apps like Neighbor, drive for Uber or Lyft, I saw a new App to rent your RV, and there is one to rent your car, or second home, or bedroom in your first home.

4. Get rid of the storage unit. I laugh everytime I pass one of these storage unit businesses. I realize that there are certain legitimate reasons that one would need to rent a storage unit, but I don't think most people are using it for that type of reason.

I remember my dad taking me to a storage unit that he rented. It was full of things, I don't know where it all came from but every few months we would go down and sort through some things, and take some new items to add to the collection.

Even at a young age, I remeber sitting there on the back of his truck thinking, “if you put this stuff here because we don't need it, then why do we own it.”

I implore you stop buying stuff you don't need and for sure stop paying for storage on stuff you don't use, and for most of you if you put it in the storage unit you probably don't need it, clean it out, sell it, and save that monthly storage unit fee. l

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This stupid pandemic has changed our relationship with food. With most restaurants and bars closed, people are looking for new ways to stay nourished and inebriated.

Working from home for several weeks, we prepared three meals a day, plus snacks, for five people and a needy puppy. And by “snacks” I mean we pretty much ate all day long. We wore a groove in the tile from the living room to the pantry.

When the lock-down started, I innocently said, “Think of the money we’ll save by not eating at restaurants. We’re going to lose so much weight not eating fast food!”

Things went downhill fast.

Not only do we spend a dump truck load of money for groceries each week, but we’re stress-eating 24 hours a day. I’ve baked cookies, cakes, muffins and brownies – and that was just this morning.

My daughter and I take turns making meals. We try to find things everyone will enjoy, which is absolutely impossible.

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eating it.

“When I was a little girl, I’d be happy and grateful for lima beans,” she’d say. “I wasn’t spoiled.”

“Were lima beans invented when you were a little girl?” I’d ask, which usually got me another spoonful of the vile stuff.

Stewed tomatoes, tapioca pudding (eyeballs again), my dad’s flour pudding (don’t ask), deviled eggs (obviously) and potato salad (eww) round out my

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For not growing up in the Great Depression, my mom was adept at whipping up meals that could have been served in a Dickensian orphanage. She’d buy things at the grocery store and I’d cry because I knew what was coming.

Jars of dried beef? Creamed chipped beef on toast. Sour cream? “Beef” stroganoff made with noodles, sour cream gravy and textured vegetable protein.

Once I complained about lumpy

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mashed potatoes and my dad said, “Those are just the eyes of the potato” which gave me a potato phobia for several decades as I envisioned eating little potato eyeballs.

My grandma made lima beans to spite me. She’d serve a big bowl of pale-green mushiness mixed with greasy, globular pork fat, then shame me for not

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what my husband calls “sadness foods.”

One vegetarian dinner started the “Things I would never eat, even if I was going to die” conversation. My husband’s list is basically vegetables, but I have a bounty of foods I would never want to eat again. Things I was forced to eat as a child top my list.

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list of things I’ll never eat again.

But back to today, where my food choices are substantially subpar. If I’m going to die from a ridiculous coronavirus, I might as well eat what I want.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. And it’s not some murderous chef with a flamethrower.

Following COVID-19 restrictions, some restaurants are opening again. The hubbie and I donned our face masks, took a swig of hand sanitizer, put on some plastic gloves and hit a Mexican restaurant for the first time in months. The chile verde almost brought me to tears. The margarita definitely did.

It will be an interesting summer as picnics, BBQs, family reunions and vacations are being reimagined. So many of our celebrations revolve around food and sharing it with the people we love. The trick is finding the balance to do it safely.

Our dishwasher runs nonstop. The grandkids (and husband) complain about eating asparagus. But we’re creating new recipes, experimenting with flavors and planting a garden.

We’re finding new ways to stay nourished and inebriated. l

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By Stephanie Yrungaray | s.yrungaray@mycityjournals.com

D

ressed in a colorful baati and black head covering, Fahmo Abdullhi hacks away at weeds. As she works, few people probably notice the 13 acres of farmland tucked between a park, a community garden and a busy road in Draper. But for Abdullhi and 35 other farmers from Sudan, Burma, Bhutan, Chad, Somalia and Burundi, this field is sprouting crops that signify independence, community and hope for the future.

The field is part of New Roots, a program run by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in cooperation with Wasatch Community Gardens. One of several programs created to help the estimated 60,000 refugees in Utah adjust and thrive to life in the United States, it is a unique way for refugees to add supplementary income and learn about running an agricultural business.

A refugee from Somalia, Abdullhi has lived in Utah for four years with her husband and 7-year-old daughter. She started with a smaller garden plot in the New Roots West Valley location—just northeast of the Redwood Recreation Center—and now has two 200-foot long beds. As the refugee farmers learn more and if they have a desire to grow more crops, they are moved to a larger micro-training farm space in Draper. The Draper micro-training farm is home to the more advanced farmers and provides space from the size of Abdullhi’s plot, to as many as five acres for refugees.

“Before they bring me a little garden, not the big one, for two years. They said if you like it you can come [to the micro-training farm],” Abdullhi said. “Every week I come two days, every time I have time I come.”

In the foreground, Somalian refugee Fahmo Abdullhi tends to her crops at a New Roots micro farm in Draper. (Stephanie Yrungaray/City Journals) Continued page 5

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