Summer Q&A with Draper Mayor Troy Walker
By Mimi Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
A lot has happened this summer, so instead of an in-depth story on one topic, the mayor answered questions on a variety of subjects.
Q:Who does the city’s water rate increase affect and why did it happen?
A: It affects everybody Draper City serves for water, not WaterPro customers. The water infrastructure has to be maintained and reconstructed to deliver water to customers. We don’t have our own water, we’re buying it from Jordan Valley, but we’re in charge of delivery, including the system and maintenance. Water is a commodity and its costs have gone up like everything else. This is likely not the end of the water rate increases. We’re trying to do it in increments. If we don’t pass on the costs of the system to the customers, the General Fund would have to subsidize it, and we’re not going to do that.
Q: The city held an August Truth in Taxation hearing. What’s the purpose of the tax increase?
A: There’s a bond issuance that we’ve now paid off, about $1 million worth of
revenue we were getting. The bond is paid off but we want to keep the revenue stream. It’s going to keep the same level of taxation in place. It goes right into the General Fund for police, fire, roads, etc. We could let the bond expire and stop taxing for it and raise property taxes again, but if we keep this rate everybody’s used to paying, we have a decent chance of balancing our budget going forward without a tax increase. Since it’s a tax we want to keep in place, we’re required to do a hearing.
Q: What happened with the water cross-contamination that led to a 24-hour boil order for 1,300 customers and caused businesses to shut down in June?
A: This was a WaterPro issue, the system they maintain and provide connections for. One of their customers didn’t have their backflow device working correctly and irrigation water got into the culinary system. They know exactly when and how many gallons. Out of an abundance of caution, they shut the system down, flushed it and tested it. This was not the city’s problem or liability, all we did to assist was get the information out.
Continued on page 4
Mayor Troy Walker and his wife Stefani at the Draper Days parade with Councilmember Fred Lowry in the background. (Photo courtesy Draper City)
Special Pet Edition
September 25 | Alta View Hospital
October 2 | Riverton Hospital
October 7 | Intermountain Medical Center
us
• Women’s heart health
• Women’s heart health
• Labor and delivery services
• Labor and delivery services
• Pediatric care
• Pediatric care
• Mental health education
• Mental health education
October 9 | LDS Hospital
September 25 | Alta View Hospital
October 2 | Riverton Hospital
October 7 | Intermountain Medical Center
October 9 | LDS Hospital
• Sports medicine programs
• Sports medicine programs
• Cancer care
• Cancer care
• Nutrition programs and healthy recipes
• Nutrition programs and healthy recipes
• And, many more medical specialities
• And, many more medical specialities
Q: What’s the background on the conservation easement with Salt Lake County on land in SunCrest, and what does it mean for residents?
A: That parcel was part of the SunCrest purchase the city made long ago from Zions Bank. That particular part was an area we always intended to sell. We thought it would be more housing because the road on that property has utilities all the way to the top. It was designed and ready for houses, but when we evaluated the geotechnical situation along that road, we found there were only a few spots safe for development. We decided, rather than selling it, we’d put it all in the conservation easement held by the county. Now it’s all open
I think The Point is still a viable and attractive project. It’s a clean slate... I think The Point can hold its own because we’ve got location, location, location.
Troy Walker
space, probably the only one you can have a dog off-leash while you hike in the mountains. The benefit of a conservation easement is the city keeps ownership of the land and the will of the current city council (for it to be open space) is protected by another entity (the county), otherwise a future council could change its mind and sell it.
Q: This is the first election since the legislature enacted new laws affecting voting by mail. What are your thoughts?
A: I voted by mail. I love vote by mail. I like to sit at the table with my ballot and my
family to talk about it. I like the convenience. The League of Cities and Towns (Walker serves as president) worked hard to keep voteby-mail viable.
Q: It’s been a busy season for Draper’s Fire Department with two fires on the way to SunCrest and structure fires. What do you know about the fires?
A: We had a fire near Potato Hill and one behind the Draper Heights neighborhood. The Draper Heights fire required air support. They got it out quickly, but it could have been serious. Luckily, the wind was in our favor. The cause of the Draper Heights fire is unknown but it was human caused. The fire near Potato Hill was caused by someone shooting fireworks out of a moving car. The structure fire off 300 East near 13800 South destroyed one home and did significant damage to other houses, but no one got hurt.
Q: Do you wish the state would stop selling fireworks or further restrict their use?
A: Yes, if I had my way, they’d be banned city-wide because of the risk.
Q: Speaking of fireworks, tell me about the cancellation of Friday’s Draper Days concert and fireworks and the evacuation of Draper Park because of rain and lightning?
A: We had a pretty decent rain storm, but the lightning caused the cancellation. The strikes were closer than eight miles and less than 30 minutes apart. Plus, it rained so hard a lot of the electrical lines at the park were wet and we thought it would be dangerous to fire things up again. It was out of an abundance of caution. We didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Cancelling gave us the chance to dry it out and make it safe. Saturday, we brought Moon Juice back to finish their set and we took our Friday fireworks and integrated them into our Saturday show. It was two 22-minute shows crammed into one 22-minute show. I thought it was awesome!
Q: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an article indicating The Point tweaked plans to add more housing and two other big, private sector projects in Utah are drawing energy away from the project. As a member of The Point’s board, tell me about the housing change, and do you think other projects could hurt The Point?
A: The planned housing was meant to be rental housing. This shift is the state looking for a way to fund The Point’s development off the sale of land. The legislature funded a $168 million loan to The Point we have to pay back, but we don’t have enough money, so the idea was floated to sell some land for housing. That’s the change. It’s owned housing which also fits with the governor’s push for affordable, owned housing. I support the ownership housing.
I think The Point is still a viable and attractive project. It’s a clean slate. Instead of redeveloping, like in Salt Lake City, it’s a blank page. I wish we had more funding, but we’re working on that. Those other projects get tax revenue streams we don’t have. We have a loan we have to pay back. But I think The Point can hold its own because we’ve got location, location, location.l
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The Draper Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Draper. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
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Mayor Troy Walker greets the crowd before Saturday’s Draper Days concert and fireworks. Friday’s concert and fireworks had to be canceled after rain and lightning led to the evacuation of everyone at Draper Park for safety reasons. (Photo courtesy Draper City)
‘Dancing in the Stars: A Big Band Tribute’ puts audience ‘in the mood’ for dancing
Draper Arts Council’s “Dancing in the Stars: A Big Band Tribute” brings the music of the Great American Songbook to Draper Amphitheater once again.
by Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
Classic songs made popular by singers like Frank Sinatra, the Andrews Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and many others will ring out from the stage of Draper Amphitheater once again in Draper Arts Council’s “Dancing in the Stars: A Big Band Tribute.” The show will be presented Sept. 12, 13 and 15.
“We want to transport the audience for a couple of hours to the 1930s or ‘40s,” Riverton Jazz Band leader Lawrence Price said. “Close your eyes and step into our time machine.”
Director Valaura Arnold said, “It makes people feel like they’re at an old nightclub. They can get up and dance under the stars.”
“Dancing in the Stars” features the Riverton Jazz Band along with costumed singers and dancers performing the music of the Big Band era. “It’s the Great American Songbook,” Arnold said, referring to the jazz standards, popular songs and show tunes of the early to mid-twentieth century that remain wellloved today.
Arnold has been involved with the show since it first began about 13 years ago. “I started out as a singer, then started directing,” she explained. “It was simpler when it began. The show has evolved as we have invested more time in rehearsals and choreography.”
The size of the cast has also grown over the years. “People see the show and decide they want to be a part of it,” Arnold said.
The music of the Big Band era continues to appeal to musicians and audiences of all ages. “People like to listen to it, dance to it,” Price observed. “It gets you moving, makes you happy.”
“This will be my second time doing ‘Dancing in the Stars,’” he said. Price has been the music director of the Riverton Jazz Band for four years. A member of the Air Force for over two decades, he played French horn in the Air Force Band.
He explained that the Riverton Jazz Band often takes a different approach to music than other big bands in the valley. “We always try to add some new arrangements,” Price said, explaining that the band often goes back to the original arrangements of songs or will create their own.
“Back in the day, the big bands played each other’s music but put their own spin on it,” he said. “We try to re-create that distinctive style. We want to sound like Count Basie or Glenn Miller. The musicians have to be
chameleons of sorts.”
Draper Arts Council presents “Dancing in the Stars” every other year. To keep the program fresh, they add new arrangements and songs to each production.
“We always do songs by the Andrews Sisters,” Arnold said. “But this year we’re adding tunes that few people have heard that we’ve never done.”
She mentioned some stand-out pieces like “No Moon At All.” “It has a Latin rhythm that switches to swing,” Arnold noted.
“Deedle’s Blues,” jazz singer Diane Schuur’s signature song, “How About You?” from the show “Babes on Broadway” and Nat King Cole’s “Straighten Up and Fly Right” are other examples of songs that the audience can expect to hear.
“We’re doing a new arrangement of Cole Porter’s ‘Night and Day,’ the Frank Sinatra version,” Arnold said. “It’s just a powerhouse.”
“This music just sticks in your heart and soul. You get hooked,” she said, adding, “The band has never sounded this good.”
Price also complimented the musicians and performers who are all from the local community. “They are regular neighborhood folks,” he said. “I can’t believe the talent.”
“Dancing in the Stars: A Big Band Tribute” will be presented at Draper Amphitheater Sept. 12, 13 and 15. Doors open at 7 p.m., preshow music starts at 7:30 p.m. and the program
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begins at 8 p.m. For more information and the link to purchase tickets, visit www.draperutah. gov/events-programs/draper-amphitheater/ dancing-in-the-stars-a-big-band-tribute.l
Experience the Difference at Cedarwood at Sandy
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Residents enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces, including a beautifully landscaped courtyard and a charming gazebo, ideal for quiet moments or social gatherings. Inside, modern design meets cozy comfort with LED lighting, contemporary architecture and a welcoming
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What do you o er your clients?
The most common thing we hear about our community is that it feels like home. The people who work here and the people who live here truly make the di erence. We have luxury cottages, independent living apartments, assisted living services and a memory care unit to ensure the health and safety of your loved one. We’re also conveniently located, as Cedarwood is just 20 minutes from Salt Lake City.
Does your business solve a problem for your customers?
We help all people in their aging transition. Whether it’s early or late, there’s always a solution we can help with. Our center is also great for people over 55 looking for an all-
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How do potential clients normally choose between you and a competitor?
People usually go with how they feel and we aim for a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Our new independent-living cottages are one-of-a-kind. They feature large oor plans, full kitchens, neighborhood gatherings, singlestory convenience, one meal each day, wellness programs, bi-weekly housekeeping and fun outings. They’re brand new and we’re having a grand opening in October.
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We love our residents! They love it here. Our dining is more than just food; it’s an experience. At Cedarwood of Sandy, our chefs embrace dining trends to create avorful and healthy meals. They switch up the menu on a regular basis and adhere to the highest of dining standards.
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Songs made popular by the World War II era singers, the Andrews Sisters, are always part of Draper Arts Council’s “Dancing in the Stars: A Big Band Tribute.” (Photo courtesy Valaura Arnold/Draper Arts Council)
Draper Police Department promotes five, names Pat Evans captain
The police chief believes in promoting from within, and five of his officers advanced
By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
Longtime Draper police officer Pat Evans was promoted to captain in June and four of his colleagues were also promoted within the Police Department.
“This is the first captain position in Draper Police Department history. It leaves him second in command of the department in my absence,” Chief Rich Ferguson said.
Evans has been a member of the Draper PD for 21 years and an officer for 24. He started as a cadet in Sandy where he became an officer before coming to Draper. Through the years, Evans has served in many roles including patrol leutenant and oversight of detectives and child abduction cases. He’s also served as public information oOfficer for the PD.
Draper Mayor Troy Walker praised Evans’s promotion. “Pat is a fantastic police officer, exactly the kind of person you want to see in that job. To me, Pat embodies the Draper PD. He’s been here so long and has been a part of it all. This promotion couldn’t
have happened to a nicer or more dedicated Draper officer,” Walker said.
As captain, Evans is a division commander overseeing patrol, the biggest division within the department with the most officers. He also oversees special services, the department that handles records and reports for prosecution, GRAMA requests, etc.
“Pat stood out because of his internal knowledge of operations within the department. He knew how we got to where we are today and why we did certain operations the way we do that are unique to Draper. He’s very good at managing systems and projects and instrumental in putting things together. He’s well-respected within the police community and has a strong network within the Utah law enforcement community. He is president of the Utah chapter of COPS, an organization that steps in when an officer is killed in the line of duty to assist the family in navigating everything. That includes getting the family to Washington, D.C. when their loved one’s name is placed on the Law Enforcement National Memorial wall. He has a strong network with the citizens of Draper and a strong commitment to community-based policing efforts,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson, who has been Draper’s police chief for two and a half years, is a proponent of promoting from within when-
Care that Feels Like FAMILY.
ever possible. “It’s critical for any organization that you develop the people within to take on bigger roles and move up,” he said.
Prior to being captain, Evans was a lieutenant. His promotion started a ripple effect of advancements within the police department. After 17 years with Draper PD, Matt Coe was promoted to lieutenant. Hobie Young and Cory Smith were promoted to sergeant. Nate Banry was promoted to a new lieutenant position overseeing training, compliance with state and federal requirements and research and development on equipment and tools necessary to the department. “He can also do internal affairs investigations,” Ferguson said.
The city’s recent tax rate increase for funds toward public safety has helped Ferguson’s police department in many ways.
“Despite all the challenges with recruitment, we’re fully staffed. There’s a strong desire to come to Draper to work as a police officer because of the support of the community, the mayor and the council. As our community continues to grow, we’re laying the foundation for this department to continue to be one of the finest departments in the state. It’s a pleasure to serve in a community that values its police. That’s the thing we value the most, the partnership we share with our community in keeping quality of life high in Draper,” Ferguson said.l
Pat Evans has worked in the Draper Police Department for more than 20 years. He was promoted to captain, second in command to Police Chief Rich Ferguson. “It was a competitive process and he came out on top,” Ferguson said. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Draper Park Mountain Bike Team’s fundraiser for Bailey Mallard’s memorial bench inspired an outpouring of community support
Hundreds of people turned out to support a car wash fundraiser organized by the Draper Park Mountain Bike Team to purchase a park bench in memory of their teammate, 12-year-old Bailey Mallard.
By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
In the wake of the recent passing of their friend and teammate, Bailey Mallard, the Draper Park Mountain Bike Team sought to process their loss and find a way to connect with her memory. The four coaches for the team decided to purchase a memorial bench where Bailey’s friends and family could go to remember her. Students from the mountain biking teams at Draper Park Middle School and Corner Canyon High School took part in a fundraising car wash to purchase the bench. The car wash was met with an outpouring of community support.
“The mountain biking community in this area is more than a community, it’s a family,” Draper Park Mountain Bike Team coach Erin Longacre said. “When family experiences hard times and struggles, people show up and get to work to comfort, console, uplift and show their love in any way they can.”
Bailey, age 12, was entering 7th grade at Draper Park Middle School. She enjoyed swimming, basketball and theater in addition to being an avid cyclist. The news of her untimely passing in June inspired an immediate outreach to her teammates from other local mountain biking teams.
“One morning, before practice, Alta High School’s mountain biking team chalked our parking lot where we meet before we ride,” Longacre said. “They drew hearts, quotes and pictures letting us know that they were thinking of us. It was a sight to see and many of us were in tears.” She added that Chain Lynx, another middle school mountain biking team, surprised the Draper Park team with freezer pops and a poster expressing their love and support.
Approximately 100 Draper Park Middle School students are on the mountain biking team which has four coaches. Coach Ashley Burr explained, “Our collective focus was on the team. They had just lost a teammate and friend.”
Draper Park Middle School’s counselors held special counseling sessions for the students, but the coaches wanted to do something more.
“One day, after visiting the Mallard family, we were thinking of ways to honor Bailey,” Longacre said. “Together we
thought that a bench somewhere in the mountains where we ride as a team would be an appropriate way to remember her.” The bench will provide Bailey’s family and friends with a place to sit and reminisce about her.
Instead of setting up a GoFundMe to raise the $2,300 needed to purchase the bench, the coaches decided to get the team involved. “After a tragedy, everybody wants to do something,” Burr said. “We thought, ‘Let’s take this energy and harness it.’”
The idea for a car wash fundraiser was quickly agreed upon and organized. On July 14, over 75 volunteers, including student athletes from Draper Park Middle School and Corner Canyon High School as well as parents and coaches, washed cars in the hot July sun in the middle school parking lot for over two hours.
“We had over 100 cars,” Burr said. They had to turn cars away towards the end of the event, but people kept coming and making donations. The volunteers quickly exceeded their fundraising goal.
“We never had a price per car, if you will,” Longacre said. “It was up to the driver to decide how much they would donate. I truly believe everyone who came out didn’t care if all the dirt and grime
wasn’t washed away. They enjoyed seeing the kids have fun, think outside of themselves and serve a family we love and care for so much.”
“The kids were so proud of themselves,” Burr added. “It turned out to be fun. Everybody turned up, the whole community turned up.”
Longacre summed up her feelings
about the event. “It was moving and something we will all remember for a long time,” she said. “Through this experience, our mountain biking team discovered that our extended team is made up of many members of the community-- some who ride alongside of us and others who support us even if they’re not on a bike.” l
Members of the mountain biking teams at Draper Park Middle School and Corner Canyon High School posed for a photo at the July 14 car wash fundraiser. (Photo courtesy Erin Longacre)
Rabbits make great pets and many are in need of adoption
Speaking from experience, rabbits make wonderful pets and many are in need of adoption if you’re prepared for the commitment and care.
By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
Our family just said goodbye to our beloved bunny, Lucky, after more than seven years of having him. He passed at age 8 and we are definitely missing him. Rabbits make great pets, and there are many in need of adoption or rescue.
In 2018, I decided our family would benefit from the fun and learning that come from having a pet. We had a couple fish before, a good foray into the responsibility of pet ownership, but this was our big plunge into the commitment and care that come with fuzzy creatures who are completely dependent on you.
We visited the Humane Society once before adoption day to learn, make sure we were ready for the commitment and to think about which of the many bunnies up for adoption we would choose. We also purchased a cage, water bottle, food, hay and other things needed to care for a rabbit so we’d be all set.
The Humane Society names all the animals they have up for adoption. Staff there told us a little about each bunny, its history and personality. It was not an easy decision! But something about a tiny gray bunny with cool markings including white patches on his chest and front paws made it feel like he was the one for us. We later learned he was a lionhead bunny (so named because their facial hair resembles a lion’s mane). His vet said those genes made him a little spirited, too!
“I would never name a pet from the Humane Society ‘Lucky,’” said the woman working there as I paid the fees before bringing him home for the first time. He was nine months old, still growing, and so little. He rode home in a cardboard box.
We don’t know much about the first months of Lucky’s life before we got him, but we do know he had already been adopted and returned to the Humane Society. He also had a notch out of his right ear resulting from a fight with another rabbit when he was very young. Understandably, Lucky was a little hesitant to trust.
We situated his cage between the kitchen and living room. It ended up being the perfect spot. We wanted to see him and he needed the socialization of our company. He was near the fridge for his morning and evening fresh parsley, situated in the center of our home, and within his eyesight of our TV. He seemed to enjoy watching it with us and we’d swear basketball was his favorite!
We kept Lucky in a roomy cage that had a shelf for him to hop up on as well as a place for him to hide, and hide is exactly what he did when something was loud… that included anytime I ran the vacuum. Rabbits are animals of prey and he was keenly aware of that. We bought a small animal run to put him in on the grass in our backyard so he could get some exercise, but he surprised us when he would hunker down in the corner of it, only to run rapidly around in circles and jump, then return to a protected spot in the corner. His vet explained he had the need to feel safe and the ability to both run and hide. He behaved similarly inside. He’d run and hop and then go under the kitchen table for a feeling of protection.
Some people allow their rabbits to run loose in their home or in a small animal run and be litter box trained. The rabbit I had growing up liked to chew electrical cords, so he was only allowed to run in the house with supervision. We followed the same protocol for Lucky. Thankfully, Lucky never did show an interest in electrical cords. But he always found his way to sitting on top of a soft rug or the heat and A/C register on our kitchen floor…a smart way to warm up on a cold day or cool off on a hot one. He’d sit on top of it and his newly brushed hair would blow in the breeze it created.
The Humane Society advises that rabbits should be kept indoors in Utah because the extreme hot and cold temperatures put their lives at risk. Just like cats and dogs, it’s important to have your rabbit spayed or neutered and vaccinated. They should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year and are considered exotic pets, so their veterinary care can be more expensive. They need daily feeding and attention, cage cleaning and fresh water roughly every other day, brushing and monthly nail clipping. They’re pretty tidy in that they clean themselves (watching them wash their face and ears with their front paws is really cute, their version of doing laundry).
Because they’re vegetarian, their poop isn’t smelly, it’s only the urine that stinks after a couple days.
In addition to hard food pellets and fresh water, rabbits need a constant supply of hay to munch on. A vet explained they’re like elephants and horses in that they need to continually eat to keep their digestive system moving. Hay is also a must because it helps keep their teeth, which grow continually throughout their life, from getting too long. They need to be fed fresh greens daily such as lettuce, parsley or cilantro. The Humane Society advises carrots are too sugary for their diet, so they should be an occasional treat, the same for small pieces of fruit like apple or banana.
Rabbits are quiet. The only real noise
they create is the occasional thump of a hind foot when they sense danger. Since it’s intended to warn other animals in the wild, it’s pretty loud! Through the years, Lucky thumped occasionally in the day and sometimes in the middle of the night. I assume he sensed or saw an animal or person outside and was reacting. I’d get up to pet and reassure him everything was okay so we could all go back to sleep. Once, he thumped several times early one morning when we were all awake and getting ready for my son’s graduation, and we couldn’t figure out why. A little later, I realized a friend had quietly left a gift at our front door. In other words, he was a guard bunny!
Domestic rabbits live roughly ten
years, so be sure you’re ready for that longterm commitment.
Rabbits aren’t as independent as cats. They need daily care. Be prepared to ask a friend or neighbor or hire someone to check on them a couple times each day if you’re traveling or away for the weekend. Last year, our family went on a vacation and I arranged for Lucky’s care. As soon as we got home, he literally was spinning in circles and doing little jumps in his cage to show he was happy. He knew his family was back!
I can honestly say I’m so glad we rescued a rabbit. He was a fun and wonderful member of our family and he is missed. We were the lucky ones!l
Adopted from the Humane Society, lionhead rabbit Lucky was our family pet and he brought us all a lot of joy. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
A rescue rabbit, Lucky was a lionhead rabbit with hair around his face resembling a lion’s mane and neat white patches on his chest and paws. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Lucky enjoyed stretching his legs in our house and he especially loved sitting on the soft rug at our back door. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Pets
A publication covering local pets, their humans and their care around the Salt Lake Valley
What’s
your pet thinking? This animal psychic knows
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is happy, your lizard is upset or your bird is mad at you, Jennafer Martin could help you find the answer. Martin is a pet psychic with years of experience communicating with animals, getting to the root of what’s bothering your furry, feathery or scaly pet.
By tapping into an animal’s emotions, Martin offers insight into their behaviors, fears and level of contentment. She first realized she could communicate with pets when she received a Teddy Bear Hamster for her 14th birthday.
“For three days, she was happy, playful and delightful, but on the fourth day, I felt she was sad,” Martin said. “She wasn’t sighing heavily, or anything like that, I just felt like she wasn’t happy…Two days later, she had 13 babies. I would think if you’re gestating 13 of anything, you wouldn’t be very happy.”
It was the first time she realized she could pick up on things other people couldn’t. It was easy for her to read the emotions of the animals and share that insight as a way to create better understanding between humans and pets.
Martin had been a tarot reader and energy worker for several years before she decided to become a professional pet psychic in 2013.
“Even if I’m reading for animals, I’m still reading for people, so they understand how interesting their animals are,” she said. “I’ve read for reptiles, rodents, fish and large animals like ostriches and horses.”
Whether it’s decoding a bird’s persistent squawking or helping a rescue dog settle into a new home, Martin said her work bridges the gap between human and animal hearts.
Most animals have the mental capacity of a 2- to 5-year-old and she doesn’t receive fully-formed guidance from the
pets. Instead, she feels their emotions, sees images or has an intuitive sense about what’s going on in the pet’s mind.
While reading for a French Bulldog, Martin said the dog kept sending her an image of something orange and puffy, and the dog didn’t like it. The owners couldn’t think of any blanket or clothing item that would cause her such annoyance until they remembered a Halloween costume from the previous year. They’d dressed her as Nemo, from “Finding Nemo,” made with orange, puffy fabric. Martin had picked up on the dog’s irritation with the costume, which the owners promised never to use again.
Holly Esch regularly reaches out to Martin for help with her six lizards and she believes it’s kept them healthy and happy. After her lizard’s partner died, Esch asked Martin how her lizard was coping with the loss and if he was open to meeting another lizard. When Esch was trying to hatch lizard eggs, she asked Martin to do Reiki energy work to keep them from dying off.
“I ask relationship questions about them because they’re kind of like humans,” Esch said. “They bicker, they fall in love, they have their own little dramas and they have their own little different personalities. [Martin] just knows a lot of things and offers another perspective.”
When a family’s rescue tortoise kept trying to escape, Martin let them know he was looking for a mate. She discovered why an anxious cat had stopped using its litter box and why a puppy wouldn’t use the bathroom outside if he was alone. When Martin’s sister had a cat dying from cancer, Martin let her know when it was time to relieve its suffering.
Martin is often met with skepticism and is sometimes “tested” by pet owners when she’s asked to work with an animal, but she’s fine with that. She said it’s not her job to convince anyone that what
she’s doing is real.
“It’s fine to come with a sense of curiosity or a sense of skepticism,” she said. “At the end of the day, hopefully you know a little bit more about why your pet thinks or feels or behaves the way they do. You don’t have to buy in on what I do, as long as you resonate with the message that I give.”
Animals don’t always see the world the way humans do. Martin hopes her ability to communicate with pets helps owners become more patient and un-
derstanding with “naughty” behavior, especially when the animal is trying to be heard.
“I’d say 90% of the time, they’re not trying to be difficult. They’re just trying to get their needs met,” Martin said. “Sometimes, they’re just a little misguided or misunderstood…If you understand your animal better, then you feel like you can take care of them better, and then everybody’s happy.”
To schedule an appointment with Martin, visit readingsmorebyjennafer.com.
Jennafer Martin is a pet psychic in Salt Lake County who works with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish and reptiles. She’s shown here with Rosey. (Photo courtesy of Martin)
Pet Photo Contest!
WINNER
Pet Name: Sam
Description: Sam’s the kind of cute that makes your heart melt—fluffy, soft, and effortlessly photogenic, with a blissful little smile that says he knows exactly how adorable he is. His luxurious coat and regal posture make him the definition of majestic charm.
Human: Submitted by Dani Williams
2ND PLACE
Pet Name: Finn
Description: Finn loves all things snuggles and is as sassy as can be!
Human: Submitted by Mindy Martin Tamburrion
3RD PLACE
Pet Name: Dax a Doo
Description: Dax is our baby boy. We call him our BGB. Big Giant Boy. He’s a snuggle boy and best little brother to Xico.
Human: Submitted by Kristi Dancer
No more bribing: Mobile Veterinary Options brings the vet to the pet
By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
Do you know where the closest veterinarian is to you right now? Or how you’d get your pet there? Sometimes, getting our non-human family members in to see the doctor can seem like a daunting task. That’s where Dr. Kate Swain has Salt Lake County residents covered. Swain is the owner and operator of Mobile Veterinary Options: a mobile veterinary service. Yes, you read that right – a vet van.
After working in two clinics for over 12 years, Dr. Swain noticed how the animals that had bad experiences in the vet’s office wouldn’t come back. When dogs and cats would get panicked on the way into the vet’s office, they’d react based on their fear instincts.
“It’s also a lot of stress on the owners,” said Swain. “It’s stressful when you know taking your pet in isn’t going to go smoothly. It makes people just stop taking their pets in.”
Dr. Swain wanted to provide better options for pet-owners as, just like with us humans, yearly exams are important for animal health.
“We are trying to get ahead of diseases,” Swain said. “If animals can get in once per year, same as with people and our yearly exams, we can catch things early with bloodwork.”
Mobile Veterinary Options travels throughout Salt Lake County to visit dogs, cats and horses outside of an office environment. During an appointment, Dr. Swain can either come into the animal’s environment or walk the animal out to the van.
“Some dogs are protective of their own space; some do better when we come to them. It’s really variable,” she said.
Swain shared how visiting the animal’s environment can help to provide some insight into what problems may exist. For example, one of the top three issues she visits clients for is allergies. Peaking into the animal’s environment who is experiencing allergy symptoms can help her deduce if they’re suffering from food or environmental allergies.
Together with Veterinary Technician Stacie Moseley, Dr. Swain offers a variety of
services for dogs, cats and horses throughout the valley. They can conduct wellness, emergency, and quality of life exams as well as mobile surgeries including dental surgeries, general surgeries and spay and neuter. They’re also equipped and prepared for home hospice and end-of-life care services including qualify of life examples, pain management and euthanasia.
“It’s just the two of us and we love it,” Swain said. “We get to go on beautiful drives. It’s, overall, so much better for my personal wellbeing to be out.”
Moseley grew up in upstate New York and has been in the veterinary field for over 18 years. Her areas of interest include animal behavior and training, feline diseases, surgery and pain management. She is a certified dog trainer, pet sitter and gardener.
“Stacie is one of the best techs I’ve ever worked with,” Swain said. “I don’t know what I’d do if she quit. She’s irreplaceable.”
Dr. Swain studied veterinary medicine at Glasgow University for five years before returning to Utah to continue her education and career and be close to her family. Her areas of interest include surgery, dentistry, acupuncture and rescue medicine.
Mobile Veterinary Options also offers their four-legged clients options for acupuncture and laser therapy services. Acupuncture benefits include relaxation, endorphin release and response from tight
muscles (especially in the backs of horses).
“Laser therapy is an option for animals who can’t have more pain medication,” Swain said. “It’s really easy to do without touching them.”
Mobile Veterinary Options has a class 4 laser that can penetrate to the bone—which can help with things like bone fractures, ear infections, and bladder stones.
Swain mentioned that chronic pain in animals is more common than many pet-owners realize. Chronic arthritis in older animals, as well as soft injury tissue in horses, is a common occurrence in their day-to-day.
“When they see their dog or cat everyday, they just don’t see that their animal is in pain,” said Swain. “A lot of animals are living with chronic pain.”
Dr. Swain highly recommends for all residents with pets to invest in pet insurance.
“It’s super helpful for people to have pet insurance because we can do more for the animals,” she said.
In addition, Swain thinks we’re still catching up on spay and neutering, even in
2025. She would like to see more education throughout the County on spay and neuter.
Mobile Veterinary Options celebrated their two-year anniversary on Aug. 14. Dr. Swain’s and Moseley’s next big step in their business is to acquire a full body x-ray machine—which costs roughly $80,000.
Besides equipment, Dr. Swain has noticed a huge need for large animal vets in the area. About once per week, she gets a call about a goat, pig or cow and has to decline. She’s also noticing an increasing call volume for chickens.
Mobile Veterinary Options is currently traveling to take appointments throughout Salt Lake County: between West Valley and the Pointe of the Mountain. Routine checkups and exams can be booked out for about two weeks as Swain and Mosesly plan to leave room in their daily schedules for emergency calls.
Find information and news about petcare through their socials on Facebook and Instagram at @mobileveterinaryoptions or visit their website at: www.mobileveterinaryoptions.com.
This gentle giant (155 lbs.), Tootsie Bear, did amazing for his exam with Dr. Swain! Any guesses on his weight? (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
Cheeto, the chihuahua, gives Dr. Swain and Mobile Veterinary Options two paws up. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
Dr. Kate Swain is dedicated to your pet’s pain management, and offers “at your home” acupuncture and laser therapy! These services are especially helpful for horses and their back muscles. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
Hundreds of students face off in friendly book battles
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
The excitement was unmistakable as Eastmont Middle’s Team Peeta finished each other’s sentences and laughed over their favorite reads. Their enthusiasm matched their success: they had just won Canyons School District’s Book Blitz, beating Butler Middle’s We Love Dictionaries and Indian Hills Middle’s All About Books.
Book Blitz challenges middle school teams to read a curated list of books across genres, then compete by answering questions using book titles—and, when possible, authors. A similar competition, Book Blitz Jr., is held for elementary students
The book lists are available during the summer and students are already reading for the 202526 competition.
Eastmont eighth-grader Tawny McEntire started early, reading through the list last summer. Her teammates split the remaining titles in the fall.
Eighth-grader Mary Halladay credited their friendship to a love of reading—ranging from historical fiction to fantasy—for their win.
“We’re all best friends and we did it to have fun since we like to read books,” she said. “We work well together, and we all just trust each other enough to go with what other people decide what the answer is.”
Eighth-grader Caraline Herzog added: “We talked things out and listened to each other, that’s important.”
Preparation was key. Tawny created 30 pag-
es of study questions and attended every practice.
“Our team chemistry was a lot better and supportive because we practiced,” she said.
Naming the team was easy, said teammate Millie Rich.
“We were watching the Hunger Games and said as a joke, we all are on Team Peta so that’s what we called ourselves,” she said, pointing to their team shirts with a Studio C parody quote on the back. “We laughed a lot, but we learned too. ‘Fallout’ was a phenomenal book. I didn’t think I would like it because it’s nonfiction, but I learned more than I think a lot of Americans know about our history.”
Each middle school brought two teams to the district competition. At the elementary level, 19 schools participated with more than 700 students.
District Library Media Specialist Gretchen Zaitzeff, who organizes the program, praised the teamwork.
“The sportsmanship amongst the teams has been stellar,” she said. “And cheers should go out to the parent volunteers, who along with the school facilitators and coaches, have been working all year with our students to be successful at all the levels.”
Sandy Rotary has supported Book Blitz Jr. for two years.
“Locally, we help our community’s youth and focus on education so Book Blitz fits perfectly,” Sandy Rotary President Brenda Suta said. “We know these kids are the future and education uplifts them to learn and solve things in the world.”
This year, a four-way tie in the early rounds led to a playoff. Peruvian Park, Ridgecrest and Willow Canyon shared the win, with Alta View as runner-up. All four teams received books and book bags.
Ridgecrest fifth-grader Safron Schneider recalled the tense tiebreaker.
“It was nerve wracking when we got called up there,” she said. “We told each other ‘We got this’ and we joked about one of the boys at our school who wore his lucky socks for us, so we thought about that and were able to focus.”
Safron, who read all 12 books, began last summer.
“’Select’ is about a girl who is a good soccer player, and I also play it, so I could relate a lot.
‘The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary’ had a lot of fifth-grade experiences I feel a lot of fifth-graders can relate to,” she said.
Aiming to become a writer, Safron values reading.
“Reading always helps me improve my knowledge of words, and I always get lost in a good plot line,” she said.
Granite fifth-grader Brent Fillerup of the “Book Bears” also read all 12 books.
“This was my first time competing and it was really good,” he said. “I wanted to read ‘Cookies and Milk’ as I wasn’t familiar with it and heard it was based on a true story.”
Willow Springs fourth-grader Kate Simons of the “Sugar Readers” was eager to participate.
“I really like books and read every day,” she said. “’A Wolf Called Wonder’ was a fun book.
It was from the point of view of a wolf, which I never have thought about before.”
Her classmate, Rebekah Sutton, enjoyed both the books and the friendships.
“I liked ‘Saucy;’ it’s about a pig and I love pigs,” she said. “A lot of the competitions were close, but that’s part of the fun. I’m planning to read all the books this summer.” l
Huntington Learning Center Helps Students Succeed
Huntington Learning Center has helped students with academic success since 1977, with the Draper location opening in 2008. Mandilyn Johansen, franchisee and director of the Huntington Learning Center in Draper, said many parents see a decline in public education and aren’t sure where to get their students help. With an increase in ADHD and ASD, parents need an expert to help their students succeed.
What is your background, Mandilyn?
I worked at Huntington as a teacher in 2019, then as Assistant Director, and then as Center Director. I bought the business in January of 2023. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Linguistics, and a certi cate for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
What services do you o er?
What sets your company apart from competitors?
With our K-12 skill-building tutoring program, we start with a comprehensive evaluation to gauge where each student needs support. We then tailor tutoring to each student to help them reach the appropriate grade level in math, reading, writing and study skills. We ensure students have foundational skills to set them up for academic success and meet with parents regularly, so everything is transparent. We provide tutoring for most subjects, including math through college level, science, history, ELA, AP classes, etc.
Do you o er test prep?
Yes, we have a program for the ACT, SAT, preACT or PSAT. We start with an evaluation using a full-length ACT or SAT to give us a breakdown of what concepts are missing. Then we create a program to help students reach their goals.
Our individualized approach is based on an original assessment and we are committed to our students. We connect with schools and teachers, so what we do with students is seen in the classroom as well. We are accredited through the Middle States Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. We undergo the same accreditation process as other schools and universities, meaning we meet or exceed established standards of educational quality.
Does your business solve a problem? If homework time is a dreaded part of the day or your child is bored in school and wants to get ahead, we take some of the burden o parents. Often, students hate school and lose motivation because it’s too di cult and they aren’t sure how they’ll catch up. We start students at a comfortable place to build con dence in their abilities. Parents worry their student will refuse tutoring, but the majority of students notice the changes in their skills and learn to value tutoring.
How do potential clients normally choose between you and a competitor?
We often have students enroll after working with one of our competitors. We don’t waste time on concepts students have already mastered, which is a common complaint I’ve heard about some competitors. Our accreditation sets us apart from private tutors and other smaller tutoring companies.
What factors should potential customers take into account?
Our average ACT score increase is six points. Our SAT score average increase is 229 points. That can make the di erence in getting into a dream college or earning a scholarship. The K-12 students enrolled in
our skill-building program move up an average of two grade levels in reading and math in three months. It’s good to get students in for tutoring as soon as you see the signs. They start to lose con dence in their ability as school continues to get harder.
Are you running any specials or events?
Currently, $100 from the Assessment Fee will go toward enrollment. Come visit us at the Chill Act event at the Mountain America Expo Center on Sept. 27. We also have free webinars with education experts throughout the year. We accept the Utah Fits All Scholarship.
What is your service area?
We service the Salt Lake Valley and o er online tutoring for students anywhere they live. We can do 100% virtual for any student, or create hybrid programs for students who are nearby, with online tutoring and in-person tutoring.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
I am a success story of Huntington Learning Center. My siblings and I attended Huntington for ACT or SAT prep throughout our high school careers. I was able to raise my score and get into my dream college, the University of California San Diego, studying marine biology. My brothers got into the colleges they wanted or received scholarships. I wanted to help others reach their goals, so I came back to work here and now own it.
Huntington Learning Center 684 E 11400 South, Ste. C | 801-810-2759 huntingtonhelps.com/locations/draper-ut FB @HLCDraperUT
Canyons School District middle school student teams reveal their answers in the final round of Book Blitz, where they answered questions by naming book titles and authors. (Juile Slama/City Journals)
Thinking about getting a pet? Here’s what you should know first
By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com
Bringing a pet into your life is more than just welcoming a furry companion—it’s a commitment that can enrich your home and heart in ways you may not expect. Whether you’re considering a playful pup, a curious cat, or even a serene fish, pet ownership is a journey of responsibility, patience and deep connection.
Before you adopt or purchase a pet, it’s important to think beyond the cuddles and cute photos. Pets rely on us for their care, safety and happiness—and that takes preparation.
Deanne Shepherd, former director of Marketing and Communications at the Humane Society of Utah, outlines three essential things to consider before bringing a new animal into your home:
1. Do Your Homework
Choosing the right pet starts with understanding your lifestyle. Ask yourself:
• What type of animal fits your living space and daily routine?
• What’s the animal’s lifespan, and are you ready for that long-term commitment?
• Can you afford the time and money required for food, veterinary care, and other needs?
• Are there pet restrictions where you live?
Don’t choose a pet based on appearance or breed trends. Instead, research the animal’s temperament, care requirements, and compatibility with your lifestyle. The more you know, the more likely you’ll find a pet who thrives in your care—and vice versa.
2. Explore Your Adoption and Purchase Options
If you’re buying from a breeder, make sure they’re reputable:
• Visit their facility.
• Meet the animal’s parents.
• Confirm that veterinary care is part of the breeder’s practices. However, adoption is another meaningful route. Shelters are full of animals looking for a second chance. Many are already vaccinated, spayed/ neutered and microchipped – making the transition easier for you and safer for them. Avoid buying pets from parking lots or unverified online sources, as these often come with health or behavioral risks due to poor breeding practices. Pet scams are common, so always verify the legitimacy of the seller or organization.
3. Be Ready for the Commitment
Routine is vital for pets. From feeding schedules to exercise and bathroom
breaks, animals feel safest and behave best when they know what to expect.
Think through:
• Who will be the main caretaker?
• How will children participate in pet care?
• How will your current pets adjust to a new addition?
Initial and ongoing costs include:
• Essentials: food, toys, collar, crate, litter box, grooming supplies.
• Medical: vaccinations, annual checkups, spay/neuter procedures.
• Extras: pet insurance, boarding, training, or emergency care.
A pet is a long-term investment—both financially and emotionally—but one that often pays off in joy and love. It’s not just about responsibilities—pets give back in powerful ways. According to Forbes, pet ownership can:
• Increase physical activity and outdoor time.
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.
The companionship pets offer is often irreplaceable, especially during life’s more challenging moments. Sometimes, despite best efforts, a pet may not be the right fit. If challenges arise that you can’t manage, it’s okay to reach out to a shelter or rescue group for help rehoming the animal. It’s far more compassionate than letting the situation worsen—for either of you.
Looking for more tips? Check out Season 2, Episode 10 of Holly’s High-
lights podcast for expert advice on pet nutrition, toxic human foods, lifespan expectations, the truth about pet insurance, training techniques, managing pet allergies and more.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,
Pandora, Google Podcasts, or at www. hollycurby.com. Bringing a pet home is a beautiful decision—but only when done thoughtfully. With the right preparation, you and your new friend can enjoy a rewarding bond that lasts a lifetime.
Adopted dog finds comfort in forever home.
Canyons School District weighs school closures, new boundaries amid declining enrollment
Eight elementary schools are under evaluation, mostly in Sandy, with enrollment, building condition and programming guiding decisions; changes could begin as early as the 2026-27 school year.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
As student enrollment drops across the nation, school closures have already occurred in Utah districts such as Granite, Salt Lake, Alpine and Ogden. Now, Canyons School District is evaluating its own schools through a boundary and enrollment study.
The study aims to respond to shifting populations from new housing developments and declining birth rates. Its goal: better serve students while managing resources efficiently. Options under consideration include redrawing boundaries, consolidating schools or closing them. The last boundary change was in 2017.
Currently in a fact-finding phase, the study is being led by a subcommittee of the Long-Range Planning Committee. The subcommittee is expected to give options this fall to the Canyons Board of Education, who will make the final decision, with possible implementation as early as the 2026-27 school year.
The subcommittee, which began meeting in May, initially reviewed 10 elementary schools. Two — Copperview and Sprucewood — were quickly ruled out, according to board member Karen Pedersen, who serves on the subcommittee alongside board members Katie Dahle and Amber Shill.
The remaining eight schools under review are: Bella Vista (Cottonwood Heights), Brookwood, East Sandy, Granite, Oakdale, Park Lane, Quail Hollow and Willow Canyon (all in Sandy). No middle or high schools are included in this study.
Factors being evaluated include enrollment trends, building age and condition and capacity, as well as the current programs or special units such as dual language immersion, accelerated studies or special education.
“We notified every school on the list and on their boundaries because if we do change a boundary, it may affect them,” Pedersen said. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to do that — it just means all options are open. We’re wanting to straighten up all the little pockets we have so boundaries are more logical, and people will know if you go to this elementary, then you’re supposed to go to that middle school and
high school. That doesn’t mean the parents won’t have choice, because we are firm believers that parents have choice, they will be able to permit (petition to enroll at a non-boundary school, if space is available), no matter what this process does to whatever school they live near.”
Pedersen said if new boundaries are made, they will be thoughtful, considering natural boundaries and major streets are easy dividing places. She also said the subcommittee doesn’t want to split neighborhoods.
“We don’t want to pull students from one elementary to another and it then result in pulling students from a high school or middle school feeder,” she said. “We don’t want to have a domino effect. This is hard; we get that. We’re being transparent through this process and listening to what people say.”
The district wants schools to operate efficiently, aiming for around 550 students per school, with four classes per grade.
However, that’s not the current reality: Bella Vista had 219 students last year and is projected to shrink further. Still, it ranks highest in facility condition. Quail Hollow has the most students (366), while East Sandy and Oakdale are in greatest need of facility upgrades.
“Almost every building we’re looking at right now are 50 years old, and some have had some remodel work or updating. But around 50 plus years old, they take a lot of money to maintain,” Pedersen said.
“I’ve been here at least 10 years. Park Lane now has more students than Granite and Willow Canyon because they both shrunk faster than my school has shrunk,” Jeffery said. “My students walk; they’re neighborhood kids, with the only exception being a bus for our special ed students.”
That’s not the same for every school. But new state rules now require elementary students to live at least two miles from school to receive bus service, which also factors into decisions.
Nearby Ridgecrest Elementary was alerted about possible boundary changes.
“The writing has been on the wall for a while with declining enrollment at schools around us,” Sara Allen said, principal of Ridgecrest which neighbors Bella Vista and Oakdale. “We know it could impact us in some way. The Ridgecrest community trusts the decisions being made to take care of people and being smart with the money we have to serve students the best we can.”
Pedersen said the state legislature audits districts for financial efficiency.
According to the Canyons School District website, it costs roughly $1.2 million annually to run an elementary school, depending on staffing.
“To run the building for 200 kids costs the same as it does to run it for 400,” Pedersen said, who taught elementary school for 41 years. “If we keep it open, we’re stretching resources. In some schools we’re down to only one teacher per grade. That’s hard on kids and parents. It’s easier when you have a team; it’s betterquality teaching.”
Many of the schools under review are clustered in established Sandy neighborhoods where high housing costs and aging populations contribute to low enrollment.
“We need to take that in consideration. At some point, some older people who are staying in their homes and don’t have children in schools will move and families will come and it will turn over. We know this will change the look of the neighborhood,” Pedersen said.
According to “Education Week,” declining enrollment nationwide has been anticipated since 2012 and the pandemic — along with the end of COVID-19 relief funds — has forced districts to confront difficult decisions sooner than expected.
Park Lane Elementary, one of the schools being studied, is part of a cluster of six schools with falling enrollment. Principal Justin Jeffery said the school once had fewer students than nearby schools, but now it has more.
“We don’t know when they’re coming, but we want to use our money efficiently and the best for our students,” she said.
The impact of charter and private schools is also part of the analysis. Park Lane is near Beehive Academy, Waterford School and Grace Lutheran.
“At one point, eight of our students went to Beehive, but all eight of them came back,” Jeffery said. “I think a few opted to go there for middle school.”
Pedersen said student outcomes are central to any decision.
“When we combined (two lower-enrolled elementary schools) Bell View and Edgemont (into Glacier Hills in fall 2022), the result has been greater student progress and better test scores,” she said.
Pedersen said, according to district policy, if schools are combined or closed, affected teachers and principals will be placed elsewhere within the district and the district will work with other personnel who are displaced.
Parents and community members can provide input at canyonsdistrict.org/ boundary-proposal/feedback/ and are invited to attend Canyons Board of Education meetings and public hearings, once scheduled.
“I know nobody wants their schools closed down, never,” said Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox, who sits on the committee. “I get it, and we get it. Every time I presented this (to the Board), we really wished we weren’t in this position.” l
Oakdale Elementary, seen here in 2020, is one of eight elementary schools that is being studied as part of a feasibility review. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Hilltop Gospel Choir Fourth Annual Gospel Music Workshop
Gospel Music Workshop with Guest Clinician Isaac Cates
Sandy, Utah—July 2025 — Hilltop Gospel Choir announced that registration is open for the Fourth Annual Gospel Music Workshop to be held Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy, UT. This year’s workshop will feature esteemed guest clinician Isaac Cates—an internationally recognized singer-songwriter, composer, and director of gospel ensembles Isaac Cates & Ordained and Affirmations. With a powerful reputation for musical excellence and ministry, Cates brings a wealth of experience as a conductor, vocal music educator, and international choral clinician, having worked in countries including Sweden, Norway, Italy, Spain, Australia, Kenya, Ireland, London, and Germany. Cates also serves as the Director of Music Outreach at the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City and is a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammys).
This workshop is an amazing opportunity for community members of all backgrounds to experience the joy, power, and beauty of Gospel and African American sacred music. Participants will not only develop their musical skills but also find connection, healing, and peace through singing and shared purpose. The theme for this year is inspired by Psalm 133:1 — “One Love! One Heart!”, reminding us of the unity and strength that come from lifting our voices together.
What: Gospel Music Workshop
Hosted by Hilltop Gospel Choir
WHEN:
Friday, September 19, 2025 - 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 9:00 am-4:00 pm (lunch provided)
Sunday worship, September 21, 2025 10:30 am
Sunday concert, September 22, 2025 5:00 pm
WHERE: Hilltop United Methodist Church 985 E. 10600 S., Sandy, UT 84094
REGISTER: hilltopgospelchoir.org/gospel-music-workshop/ For more information: info@hilltopgospelchoir.org 801.571.5777
Retirement Living Made Simple.
A new era at Juan Diego: construction projects transform 25-year-old school
Renovations touch nearly every corner of the campus — classrooms, outdoor spaces, tech center, theater and even the school store.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
When students return to Juan Diego Catholic High School this fall, they’ll find a transformed campus — the latest in a series of significant improvements.
At the heart of the current construction is a 400-seat black box theater, designed for flexible configurations from lecture-style to theater-in-the-round. The theater and accompanying green room are slated for completion by the end of 2025.
Adjacent to it are three new classrooms, a collaborative learning space and a courtyard — all expected to open this fall. The upgrades, including enclosed maintenance facilities, a redesigned parking lot and new sidewalks, are funded by a $14 million ALSAM Foundation grant, named in honor of Sam and Aline Skaggs. Construction is being led by Ekman Construction, owned by 2015 JDCHS graduate Cooper Ekman.
These additions follow recent renovations including science labs, a new tech center, library testing stations, upgraded tennis courts, an expanded lunchroom and a remodeled school store.
Student leaders are actively involved in planning the use of a second courtyard near the lunchroom, said JDCHS assistant principal Nate Tack.
“They’ll be deciding how to make it functional for students, a patio with tables or some other idea. They’re conceptualizing what they want,” he said. “I’m excited to see how kids are going to make this place flourish. The school already looks different from when I was here, and I got to admit, I’m a bit envious. I graduated in 2011 and the school still looked the same up until five years ago.”
Black box theater and classrooms
Located near the south entrance, the new 1,400-squarefoot black box theater will feature floor-to-ceiling glass and oversized doors for moving props and sets.
“It’s going to be wrapped in glass all the way around; you’ll get a big glass look similar to the existing style so it ties in,” Tack said.
Next door are three new classrooms — still unassigned as of mid-summer — and a collaboration room with views of the Wasatch Mountains, multiple whiteboards and TVs.
“This corner room is my new favorite spot in the whole building,” he said. “It’s a flexible space for students to do projects and collaboration.”
The new hallway includes large windows which overlook a courtyard.
“As the assistant principal, I refer to it as a secure zone. The kids will be able to freely go in here during the school day,” he said.
Science and Technology Center
The Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center opened in August 2023 with eight science lab-classrooms.
“It’s the new model in science education where the classroom is the lab,” Tack said. “We used to have eight classrooms and four labs, we subbed them all out for our classes — chemistry, biology, environmental science, anatomy and physiology.”
The $5 million project was followed by a $1.5 million ALSAM Foundation grant to create a tech center featuring a VR programming suite, collaboration spaces and a computer lab.
“Originally this space was envisioned for elementary classrooms as above here is the elementary school, but we left it as flex space, and it was never utilized. Last year, we renovated it,” he said.
The lab is part of a partnership with Dreamscape and Arizona State University — and a favorite of Principal Galey Colosimo.
“When we commissioned it, it was the only virtual reality lab for a high school in the United States,” Colosimo said. “Now there’s two, there’s one in Arizona, and then there’s ours. It goes way beyond the goggles. I went on an underwater activity called ‘Alien Zoo’ that the kids do in the biology curriculum. It’s a mythical zoo, but they learn about all sorts of biology components. It’s amazing.”
Tack added: “They learn about things which tie into a biology lesson. They analyze and discuss what they found. For example, in biology they may talk about cell development and they can see what it looks like and learn how it applies.”
The lab includes external access so students from other schools can visit.
Lunchroom, store and library
The lunchroom now seats 900 students, thanks to an expansion completed in August 2024 using internal funds.
“We redo one area, then another like dominoes. We needed more space in the lunchroom, but before we could do that, we had to move the school store,” Tack said.
The new store now has an outside entrance and loading dock.
“It allows easier access for parents and guests; they don’t have to go around the maze of the building,” he said.
The library’s computer lab was transformed into a dedicated testing center with a dozen individual stations. The rest remains a center for reading.
“We have resisted the urge to shrink our library like so many schools are because we push reading. Our whole school stops everything for a portion of time every day to read. Having tangible books is the best way to deliver that to high school and middle school students. Students can take a class period in the library and putting them in this academic environment raises expectations, and they do better. They’re
engaged with books; there’s kids in here every period, every day,” Tack said.
Elementary and middle school changes
The upgrades began with the St. John the Baptist Elementary School, where shade structures were added over the playground and turf replaced muddy areas. As elementary and St. John the Baptist Middle School students expanded to use high school classroom space, the need for additional high school facilities increased.
“Middle school science still needs a little bit of a makeover,” he said, noting upcoming improvements include a new single-use restroom and an office remodel.
Athletics and outdoor spaces
Five new blue tennis courts were built using 18 inches of concrete and post-tension cables.
“It was fun to see as I’ve never seen tennis courts be built; they are designed to last 50 years,” Tack said.
The parking lot was reconfigured, and a new sidewalk now encircles the buildings.
“We have a ton of people enjoy walking through here all the time,” he said.
Ongoing impact and future plans
“We’ve been doing construction since 2020, it will change the game for us,” Tack said. “We’ve added space that allows us to grow larger. You build a building, and 25 years ago, there were a lot of things we thought were helpful, like the seven computer labs. We’ve since eliminated them all but two because our needs have changed and kids nowadays bring their own computers to school. We now use most of those computer labs for classrooms, which held us off on this project for a couple years.”
Juan Diego opened in 1999 with 140 students and peaked at 850 in 2014–15. Current enrollment is 750, with the elementary school steady at 600 and middle school growing from 250 to 350 students.
In the next five years, the school plans to build an indoor fieldhouse with a track, weight room and practice facilities behind the baseball field.
“From a growth perspective, we would like to be 650 students in the elementary, 400 in the middle school and 800 in high school,” he said. “We have a lot to offer; I like seeing the potential of our campus.”l
In late June, Juan Diego Catholic High Principal Galey Colosimo looks at the construction progress of the school’s new black box theater. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
One of the completed projects at Juan Diego Catholic High includes the virtual reality lab, a partnership with Dreamscape and Arizona State University. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
On Aug. 1, some Eastmont Middle School families were caught off guard after learning students would begin the school year with remote learning, a plan expected to remain in place at least through Labor Day.
The message explained the reason for the delay: “Due to construction delays, Eastmont Middle won’t be ready in time for the start of school. Some key safety and instructional items – such as ceiling tiles, beams, working restrooms, drinking fountains, schoolwide Wi-Fi, projectors and cafeteria access — are not yet in place. Simply put, the renovation project is not completed to the point that it would be safe for our students to return to the building.”
A follow-up notification provided more details which arose the previous week: “Two walls that the structural engineers deemed were not load bearing actually were. The walls are currently being supported by 4x4 beams until the metal beams arrive. Without these in place, the ceiling grid cannot attach, and those are the two
Back to school with big changes
things we need in place for the fire marshall (sic) to allow occupancy.”
The email from the school’s administrative team also included information on Chromebook pickup and available tech support during remote learning. In addition, a follow-up announcement from the Canyons School District noted grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches would be provided for students, and portions of the school’s lower level would be opened to those without internet access at home.
Eastmont, which is undergoing a $13 million renovation, is one of several projects receiving upgrades throughout Canyons School District. More than $45 million in upgrades are currently being carried out, with about $21 million allocated specifically for renovation projects at Eastmont Middle and Corner Canyon and Hillcrest high schools.
The funding comes from a lease-revenue bond authorized by the Canyons Board of Education. About $24 million is earmarked for upgrades at Jordan High (see separate article).
“We borrowed the money back in April of ’24, about 15 months ago, and we’ve been doing improvements since,” Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox said.
Eastmont Middle School
Eastmont’s renovation began last year with the installation of a new roof and a retention pond designed to prevent future flooding on the campus. The project includes updated restrooms, and refreshed classrooms featuring new carpet, paint and lighting.
Ongoing plans for the library include a redesign which incorporates space from the old computer lab, with walls being removed to create a larger area. It also includes new shelving, replacing outdated bubble glass with clear panes.
Hallways, the cafeteria, locker rooms and the gym are receiving new flooring, and an elevator is being installed in the decades-old building.
“It’s going to look like a whole new school on the inside,” Wilcox said.
Principal Stacy Kurtzhals said the renovation uncovered some quirky surprises; when some lockers were removed, “treasures” of dated candy and snack bags were revealed behind them.
“I’m looking forward to the building looking as good as the teaching and education that happens there,” she said.
Corner Canyon High
At Corner Canyon High School, about $13 million is being invested in upgrades. The work began with the installation of a secure entry vestibule and new artificial turf for
the baseball and softball fields.
A new turf soccer field is expected to be completed in time for the fall season, and a new practice field for soccer and lacrosse is currently under construction. By the end of the year, the school’s new field house is slated to open, complete with an indoor practice football field and a weight room.
Hillcrest High
Hillcrest High’s $5.5 million in enhancements includes an expansion of the track from six to eight lanes. The school’s football and lacrosse field is being upgraded with new artificial turf and a new scoreboard is in place for the start of the school year.
Additional facility improvements across the district
• Brighton High: A new teen center featuring washers, dryers, showers and a food pantry is set to open this fall. A new employee daycare facility is also on the way.
• Indian Hills Middle: Construction is underway on a new choir room and an expanded band room.
• Albion Middle: The school’s kiva area is scheduled for updates this fall.
• Sandy Elementary: New carpeting will be installed. l
Four Draper players compete in AAU Volleyball Nationals
Students from Corner Canyon High were among players representing Utah at the AAU national volleyball tournament in Orlando in July.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Agroup of volleyball players from Corner Canyon High enjoyed great success at the AAU Nationals in Orlando, Florida earlier this summer. Nicholas Heilig, Archer Burke, Phillip Mayer and
Cooper Young all experienced success during the national tournaments. Heilig was part of the ninth-place finishers with the Salt City Boys 16. Burke was in the open division with the Salt City Boys 18. Both Mayer and Young made it to nationals with the Club GSL 16. All had to prequalify for participation in the tournament. Heilig’s team won the battle in the silver bracket, thus earning the ninth-place finish. The other players earned honors individually by qualifying for nationals. The tournament was held June 30-July 3.
(Photo courtesy Anna Heilig) l
Real jobs, real talk: Career days connect kids to future professions
Hundreds of students get a taste of future careers through hands-on lessons, advice and real-world insights from community professionals
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Some Lone Peak Elementary students might find themselves rubbing the quarter Drew Pearson handed out, remembering how he once counted 4,000 of them from his car wash change machine before switching to mobile phone tap payments.
Or perhaps they’re thinking about how he keeps hot water flowing through the tubes yearround to stop it from freezing when the temperature drops to 32 degrees.
“It’s important to provide quality service people expect and to expect to meet challenges in any job,” said the Classy Chassy car wash owner in Cottonwood Heights to the students during their career day. “There may always be rude people and malfunctions in a job, but it’s how you approach it and respond to it that counts.”
Pearson was one of hundreds of professionals who visited local elementary schools this past year for career day presentations. Speakers shared details about their educational paths, how school subjects apply to their work,
the pros and cons of their careers and some of the exciting parts of their jobs. Career fields ranged from water quality and veterinary science to law enforcement, public transit, music and fitness.
Entrepreneur Cody Coonradt, who develops healthcare software, encouraged students to examine the products they use and ask themselves what’s missing, and how they might fill that gap.
“When looking at product management, we need to determine what we’re going to build and how we’re going to build it and what we’re going to charge, not just what it will look like,” he said. “While developing it, we also need to look at ‘are we going the right direction? Do we have the right people? Do we have enough money?’ Do not follow your passion, but rather, follow your curiosity. Passion comes from experience, but curiosity is infinite. Be patient.”
Third-grader Enzo Van Wangower said he learned the importance of staying curious.
“If I’m curious and it’s fun, I should try to do it,” he said.
His classmate Duyen Huynh added: “You’ll never know what you can do to help people, like he is with doctors and health care.”
At Glacier Hills Elementary, around 25 professionals participated. Among them was BMW sales manager Ben Beer, who motivated students to aim high now so they’re ready later.
“Try to be the best at everything you do
got to learn how cool the body is and how it works,” she told them. “Nurses are needed in operating rooms to helicopters on emergencies. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s rewarding to help someone in need.”
In a nearby classroom, Mac McCann of Wildworks explained how it takes 30 images to make just one minute of animation. He said how he often records himself moving to use as a reference for character motion.
“To be an animator, you have to make things look believable,” he told students. “We can always get better. If you like to draw a lot, this could be a good career for you – taking the things you draw and bringing them to life.”
right now and you’ll be ready to do it when you have a job,” he said.
He also answered students’ questions about car manufacturing — how one factory may produce engines and transmissions while another focuses on dashboards. He said white has long been the most popular car color, however, new designs inspired by the aurora borealis are growing in popularity.
At Midvale Elementary, school nurse Tara Aka showed students how to take their blood pressure, wrap their arms with ace bandages and listen to their heartbeats.
“As a nurse, I earned my bachelor’s degree, learned a lot of math and science and
Teacher Jill Oaks emphasized career days are important for expanding students’ understanding of the working world.
“They’re learning about the community, whether it’s a chef at Outback Steakhouse or a Coke distributor; they’re learning that people in IT not only help set up a computer, but they solve problems,” she said. “We want our students to actively listen, learn the importance of reading, writing, math and things they’re learning and how it applies to their futures. They can also learn why they need to be responsible and on time, skills that will help them the rest of their lives. We’ll be writing thank-you notes about the impact these people have made to have our students think big and start developing skills now to reach their dreams.” l
Midvale Elementary students learned how to splint an arm and tried it out on a classmate after listening to a career talk about nursing. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
It’sbarely September and social media pages are already flooded with autumn recipes, pumpkin hacks and tips on how to dress for sweater weather. For Utah, sweater weather in September is just dumb because it’s still 90 degrees in the shade. Wear a cute, fall pullover at your own risk.
Instagram influencers suffer from September insanity, bizarrely excited to roam through corn mazes (nature’s escape room), decorate porches with scratchy hay bales and crooked scarecrows, and stage family photo shoots at apple orchards with everyone grumpily dressed in red and black flannel.
In September, you’re legally required to wear a wool scarf when ordering at Starbucks, where each drink has a dash of cinnamon. Pumpkin spice is everywhere, from pancakes to deodorant, popping up out of nowhere like political yard signs and herpes.
These aren’t necessarily bad things. I love me a plaid shirt and fresh-baked apple crisp, but until Monday, Sept. 22, at 12:19 p.m. (MDT), it’s still summer and I will behave accordingly.
Here’s what shouldn’t happen before Sept 22: high school sports, pumpkin patches, hay rides, the NFL. None of those are summer activities. Nada.
Even if the temperature drops to 45 degrees by mid-September (which it won’t), I’ll still wear flip-flops and gym shorts as
Stop Pretending it’s Autumn
my casual work outfit. Well, flip-flops only if I’m going somewhere fancy, like Dollar Tree. I might as well not own shoes during the summer.
After going barefoot since April, my feet have reached the hardened leather stage where I could safely walk across a lava flow. My granddaughter recently poked my heel and asked, “What happened to you?” I tried to explain the development of callouses due to traversing 110-degree asphalt with no shoes, but she’d already turned her attention back to Roblox.
Even Mother Nature betrays me as the Wasatch Mountains start to turn a brilliant red, orange and gold. Sunset gets earlier each night, disappearing a little bit at a time, like when I’m trying to sneak out of a networking event. The air takes on a distinctly “autumn” glow, but that might be arsenic floating over from the Great Salt Lake. Living in Utah is exciting.
Farmers’ markets are still open, but
the options quickly turn from juicy, sweet peaches to…umm…squash? Who eats squash? Raccoons? Hardened criminals? I use pumpkin for cookies, bread and carving, but no one actually EATS pumpkin. That’s like saying someone actually eats rhubarb. I don’t have time for your nonsense.
One good thing about September is that Michaels no longer sells Halloween items (which they started promoting in May) but is now decked out for Christmas.
Believe it or not, I love fall, but only when seasonally appropriate. Summer flies by, so I must savor every sunny moment before Salt Lake sinks into six months of cold,
gray darkness, like Persephone descending to the Underworld.
On the first day of autumn (Sept. 22, not Sept. 1), I’ll drape fall garlands around the kitchen, light apple-scented candles, put on cozy socks (an easy transition from being barefoot) and make a big pot of stew that no one will eat because it has onions.
Within a few weeks, my social media pages will display photos of squirrels gathering nuts, my grandkids bickering at a harvest festival, Tom refusing to eat apple cider donuts and my fire-orange pedicure hidden inside a cute pair of fall boots. But only in appropriate autumnal timing.
