Herriman Journal | April 2023

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE CURRICULUM HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Traditional practice time logs aren’t in tune with students’ needs, say two music teachers who have orchestrated a shift in how students practice their instruments.

Meagan Thorup, the orchestra director at Mountain Ridge High School, and Amy Stutznegger, the orchestra director at Fort Herriman Middle School, like many music teachers, were struggling to get their students to practice their instruments at home. When they did assign practice logs, they realized it wasn’t an effective way for students to develop good practicing habits, playing skills or honesty, as many didn’t record minutes accurately.

“My students just weren't learning the practice strategies and the habits and the skills that you need to be able to practice and do well from what we were doing traditionally with the recording minutes,” Thorup said.

Thorup researched practice techniques and read books on how the brain develops habits and skills. She applied what she learned to the concepts music students need to master and created weekly practice assignments for an entire school year. She shared the curriculum with Stutznegger, who adapted it for beginning players.

Instead of just reporting how long they practice, their students focus their practice time on how to practice. One week they focus on setting up a practice space and a practice time, another week they practice with a metronome, or get familiar with scales.

“We go through the skill together as a class and talk about what they need to do,” Stutznegger said. “They try it for a week and then report back

Continued page 5

Fort Herriman Middle School’s advanced orchestra at the 2023 UMEA State Junior High Orchestra Festival. (Amy Stutznegger/Fort Herriman Middle)

judge

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

—Steve M., Army Special Forces

D.C. CSCS Chiropractic Physician

Wacky antics encourage a love of reading

By Jet Burnham | j.burnhams@mycityjournals.com

Astudent

wore socks in her hair and a principal kissed a goat—it was a wacky month at elementary schools celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America Day with themed dress-up days, family literacy activities, reading challenges and read-a-thons.

“There's got to be times where you're picking apart your reading and working and teaching them the skills, and then there's other times you just have to put that all away and just have fun with reading,” Copper Canyon Elementary third grade teacher Christina Corbett said.

For Copper Canyon Elementary’s reada-thon, students came dressed in their PJs, with blankets, pillows and treats.

Third-grader Maelee said it was fun reading with her friends nearby so they could talk about what they were reading. Students earned raffle tickets for reading silently, and at the end of the day, 150 winners received a new book.

Melissa Lowry’s first grade class at Silvercrest Elementary celebrated with Dr. Seuss themed activities including eating green eggs.

As a virtual school, Rocky Peak Elementary staff members got creative to ensure their students had the same fun, unifying experiences as traditional elementary school students.

“We just try to do as much interaction and engagement as we possibly can, since it is virtual,” Rocky Peak Elementary Vice Principal Ami Anderson said. “Our goal is to reach those kids personally and educationally.”

Rocky Peak Elementary teachers made Read Across America Day special for their students with an online read-a-thon, book reviews, a readers’ theater, and a Read Across

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America dance party, which students participated in virtually. Literacy Specialist Ruthanne Ballard created a virtual Dr. Seuss library in which students could access videos of Dr. Seuss stories being read, learn more about the author and try some Seuss-inspired drawing activities.

All Jordan School District elementary schools teach literacy with the Walk to Read literacy program, which teaches specific reading skills through daily intervention groups. Ballard said virtual interventions look different than in-person lessons.

“We were given a great program, but it was a paper program,” Ballard said. “And

so Ami put hours and hours and hours into making this paper version a digital version.” Instead of filling out a printed worksheet, virtual students use their computer mouse to sort words and underline patterns. They watch entertaining videos that reinforce reading skills.

Rocky Peak Elementary’s fun-loving administrators also get involved in the interventions and literacy activities.

“It's a school effort so the kids know how important reading is,” Ballard said.

When they noticed low attendance in the daily 40 minute literacy intervention sessions, the administrators implemented an incentive program for students—improve attendance and you can throw cream pies at

your teachers and administrators.

The incentive was successful—the fifthsixth grade group attendance increased from 68% to 89%—and many students showed up to the pie-throwing activity in March.

“They were so excited to throw a pie in Mr. Menlove’s face,” Ballard said.

Rocky Peak students will continue to earn rewards for participating in literacy interventions. As they collectively reach certain benchmarks, they earn rewards such as watching their teacher eat a bug or having ice water poured on their head. Last month, students earned the reward of seeing Principal Ross Menlove kiss a goat. For the final reward of this challenge, students will watch school administrators get slimed. l

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When eggs are green, Seuss is on the scene: Silvercrest Elementary first-grade teacher Melissa Lowry serves students green eggs to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday. (Photo courtesy of Ann Pessetto)

Cream pies, what a prize! Rocky Peak Elementary students met a school literacy goal and were rewarded with the opportunity to throw pies into teachers’ and administrators’ faces. (Photo courtesy of Ami Anderson)

A Passion to Lift Moms Higher

Robbyn Scribner is a passionate advocate for women’s professional development. Her commitment to empowering women began in 2020 when she co-founded TechMoms to help women raise their game, develop skills, get higher pay and be Mom.

“During my 15-year-long career break, I met many women who found themselves in a panic and had not planned on having a career or hadn’t much work experience,” Robbyn said. “Some found themselves facing a divorce or a partner’s disability, and the financial stability they thought they had was suddenly gone. I wanted to help more women avoid that situation by creating ways for them to support their family.”

Tech-Moms, a non-profit organization that helps women transition into or re-enter a career in tech, empowers moms to create career development opportunities while simultaneously being great mothers and caregivers.

Robbyn's message to students at TechMoms is clear: take a chance on yourself. Of the 300+ students who have completed the program, 40% are single moms who are the primary provider for their family.

“Being a single sole-provider for your kids can be scary,” she said. “When you’re a mom who has been faithfully working to raise your children, suddenly needing to get a job that pays a fair salary is overwhelming, especially if you haven’t developed the skills.”

That’s where Robbyn, Trina Limpert and Mikel Blake combined skills, vision and a firm determination to literally make dreams come true for women who may feel trapped or hopeless.

“I didn't know what else was out there,” said Allison Worthy, a mother of

Continued from front page

at the end of the week.”

“really focuses on improving our playing, not how many hours we practiced,” ninth-grade viola player Ryker Cadigan said. “Miss Stutz really does want us to be better musicians, and I think that's why she does the practice logs like she does.”

Ninth-grade violinist Natalie Heywood said the assignments teach “the little techniques to help you be able to play better.”

Eighth-grader Conner Andersen, a cellist, said, “I thought I had good position, but then after I really reviewed it, I guess I have typical faults and flaws and stuff that I needed to fix.”

In February, Thorup and Stutznegger presented their innovative curriculum at the Utah Music Educators Conference. Many music teachers have asked to use it with their students.

Thorup said part of what makes the curriculum so appealing is that students are

four children and cosmetologist. “I didn't know how I could do something for myself and finally get a job and do something besides being a mom. I had no idea where to turn or what to do.”

Robbyn champions women like Allison to look for new possibilities for themselves and to be successful in both their vital role as mom and caregiver, as well as pursue careers that will support their families financially.

But it doesn’t stop there.

“You have to make company leaders aware,” Robbyn said. “That’s where we actively encourage employers to invest in diversified women by recognizing the unique set of skills and perspectives women bring to tech roles. When they see that, it’s like magic.”

Thanks to tireless work by Robbyn, Trina and Mikel, organizations such as Comcast have partnered with Tech-Moms, providing cash funding and in-kind support for their technical training program.

“The work Tech-Moms is doing is truly making a difference in the lives of hundreds of families in Utah,” said Deneiva Knight, External Affairs Director at Comcast. “We

learning life skills.

“This is what my students need to know to be successful at anything—it's not just about music,” she said. “It's about being successful in life, learning how to build a habit, no matter what that habit is, whether it's practicing every day or exercising or flossing your teeth.”

Cellist Gaige Dupaix, a ninth-grader, said the week that focused on time management and required him to stick to a set practice schedule was an eye-opener.

“It helped me schedule out my day better,” he said. “Things got done instead of me procrastinating.”

Ryker said the sight reading assignment helped him to have reasonable expectations when facing new situations.

“You don't need to beat yourself right off the bat if you're bad, because that's your first go—you're not going to be the greatest you can be on your first try,” he said.

Stutznegger is proud of her students’ progress and their dedication.

wholeheartedly champion that cause.”

Allison and more than 300 Utah women have learned coding, cyber security, and data science from expert tech trainers. What’s more, over 100 companies have jobs for future tech roles, setting the stage for Utah women to make incredible contributions.

“During March’s National Women’s History Month, which honors women who quietly and profoundly influence society, culture, families, and communities, we celebrate Robbyn’s ongoing commitment to help Utah women succeed in tech by increasing access to resources they need for fulfilling careers in this industry,” said Knight.

“More than ever, the opportunities are here in front of us,” said Robbyn. “To every woman, we say, ‘Take a chance on yourself’ because they deserve it, their families deserve it, and companies will benefit greatly.”

#TechMoms #NationalWomensHistoryMonth #RobbynScribner #WomenInTech

#EmpoweringWomen #CareerDevelopment

#Coding #CyberSecurity #DataScience

#UtahWomen #Comcast l

“It's hard to learn an instrument, so they're learning a lot of discipline and grit, like when things get hard to keep going and not quit,” she said. “And they learn a lot about working together—there's no one on the bench in music. They all have a part to play and they're all actively helping and making the ensemble what it is.”

Fort Herriman Middle School’s advanced orchestra was selected as one of 30 middle school orchestras to perform at the 2023 Utah Music Educators Conference State Junior High Orchestra Festival in March. They earned a Superior score, and the following week, earned another high score at the District Orchestra Festival.

Mountain Ridge High School orchestras usually qualify for State High School Festival every year and tend to receive Excellent and Superior scores. They are headed to Region Festival later this month where Thorup expects they will continue their tradition of earning high scores. l

Herriman, Mountain Ridge unified basketball teams focus on skills, inclusion

Herriman High junior Josilyn Lancaster used to play club basketball until an injury sidelined her. Now, the student-athlete is back on the court — with unified basketball.

“Playing unified is seriously one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” she said. “Unified is a safe place where you can go and have fun. Those kids make your world; they always have a smile on their faces. It’s a positive environment.”

While Herriman’s unified team started with basic drills in January, by tournament play, the players had some intense games.

“Our game against Copper Hills was neck-and-neck the whole time, but it was a lot of fun,” Lancaster said. “Our team experienced what a real game was like, with the fans cheering and a lot of our kids made a bunch of shots. One of our players—he made a three at the buzzer to win it. Everyone just freaked out and our students section went crazy. It was just awesome. There was so much joy and sheer happiness; he couldn’t even come to words. It was cool.”

Lancaster, who is a peer tutor, worked alongside her coach, Jill Ames, last year to bring unified sports to Herriman High.

“Playing unified is all about the athletes. This is their moment. We want them to feel loved and included and appreciated at our school,” she said. “It’s important that we have a relationship with the unified athletes so there is trust when you pass them the ball and play together. They know we’re there to help them score and succeed and it’s fun when you know them personally.”

As president of the school’s Make a Difference Club, Lancaster strives to have inclusion in all parts of her school.

“We want everyone to be involved in lunchtime activities, football and basketball games, and dances, as much as they can so they can have a real high school experience and be included and loved at our school,” she said.

Lancaster also helps students at Kauri Sue Hamilton School with arts and crafts and swimming.

“I love playing unified and working with people who have disabilities. They have so much light to share with the world. My brother has a disability. So, it’s close to home,” she said, adding that her brother is looking forward to playing on Herriman’s unified team next year.

In unified basketball, each team has five players on the court—three athletes and two unified partners. Teams play against other squads of the same ability in two eight-minute halves. Supported by Special Olympics and the Utah High School Activities Association, unified

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

sports has both a competitive and a player development level, the latter which provides more of a cooperative environment with partners being teammates and mentors.

UHSAA referee Paul Madsen said he appreciates unified basketball.

“There’s great sportsmanship,” he said. “Everyone is helping each other. It’s wonderful to see.”

Herriman tied for first in its regional tournament division; however, the team placed third after the tie break, said Courtnie Worthen, Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools manager.

Nearby Mountain Ridge participated in the fun, taking part in the skills challenge in the tournament.

In Utah, involvement in unified high school basketball has skyrocketed. This year, there were the most teams in its history competing to play at state — 73 teams competed for 32 state seeds, Worthen said.

At the March 8 state unified basketball tournament, there were fans and professional teams’ mascots cheering for all the teams. Herriman went on to beat Ben Lomond High to finish fifth at state.

In addition, Jordan School District was honored with the District of the Year Award for Unified Sports in Utah.

“I love cheering for our athletes; they make us proud and represent us so well,” said Jordan Education Foundation President Dawn Ramsey, who along with JEF Executive Director Mike Haynes and Jordan District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey accepted the award. “Unified Sports is an incredible program and Jordan District has been a leader in the state as the first to implement a program districtwide. Special Olympics Utah, First Lady Abby Cox with her Show Up initiative, and the Jordan Education Foundation have been wonderful partners in supporting this effort.”

Administrators from several school districts and educational foundations joined the First Lady and Gov. Spencer Cox to support the competition that was held at Weber State University.

Abby Cox said she was proud of everyone in the gym.

“Utah, as a state—we are part of the inclusion revolution,” she told them.

Unified sports engage students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same sports teams, leading to not only sports skills development and competition, but also inclusion and friendship, Worthen said.

“Unified sports provides social inclusion opportunities for all teammates to build friendships on and off the court,” she said. “The teammates challenge each other to improve their skills and fitness and at the same time, increase positive attitudes

and establish friendships and provide a model of inclusion for the entire school community.”

Unified sports, Worthen said, is included in the Unified Champion Schools model, where a unified team is supported by the entire school and there is inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement.

“With schools that embrace the Uni-

fied Champion Schools model, they create communities where all students feel welcome and are included in all school activities and opportunities. Students feel socially and emotionally secure, they’re more engaged in the school and feel supported, and are respected,” she said. “It changes school climates.” l

In unified basketball, partners share the ball with athletes, as seen here with Herriman High at the state tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Mountain Ridge High’s student-athletes march in during the Parade of Athletes at the regional unified basketball tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Utahns demonstrate attention span disruption with cell phone usage

It was 2007 when Apple released the iPhone as the first “smartphone.” Since then, consumers have become increasingly attached to their devices, to the point of distraction. Research shows looking at phones gives users a dopamine boost, creating a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction, but at what cost?

In a study conducted by North Star Inbound, for the gaming platform Solitaire Bliss, smartphone users across 38 states submitted information about their cell phone usage. The study showed 41% of Utah residents frequently use their phones while watching TV, 49% of Utahns admit to looking down at their phones as they cross a street and 59% of Utah residents bring their phones to use while on the toilet.

“This study looked at a few ways being distracted by our phones can impact our lives,” said Melissa Stephenson, North Star Inbound media relations associate. “With 49% of Utah residents admitting to looking down at their phones at least a couple times while crossing a street, a personal safety issue is raised.”

While men are most guilty of looking at their phones while crossing the street, women reach for their phones while watching TV more often than men. Nearly one-third of Utah residents only last a few minutes before their mind wanders and they reach for their phone,

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

and 45% of Utahns talk to others on their phones while working on a separate task.

Habitual cell phone use has been connected with decreased attention spans. According to the study, it’s not surprising that the Gen Z population, who have grown up with smartphones, has the shortest attention span compared to millennials, Gen X and baby boomers.

The Child Mind Institute found an increase in phone use led to a decrease in connection. As attention spans decrease, effective learning is diminished. This includes the ability to retain information, pay attention to details and create cognitive flexibility, which is a brain’s ability to change and adapt.

“As our study points out areas where attention spans aren’t thriving, we can look at research done by George Washington University for recommendations on improving attention spans,” Stephenson said. “They listed meditation, practicing attentive listening, reading, practicing muscle relaxation techniques, mindful walking, reducing distractions and making time for mental breaks.”

Experts recommend putting phones in a different room where it won’t be visible and easily accessible. Sometimes, just the sight of a phone is a trigger to pick it up and use it. Placing a phone in a drawer at work is a

good way to keep from getting distracted on the job. Users can also set time limits on specific platforms or download apps to track cell phone usage.

The North Star Inbound study showed 76% of those surveyed are distracted by their phones at work and 62% give up when trying something new or difficult. For more on the

study, visit Solitairebliss.com/blog.

“Utah residents ranked the fourth worst at being on their phones while talking to loved ones, raising the issue of not being present in those situations,” Stephenson said. “Being present in moments of our lives has been proven to help with stress management and regulating our moods.”l

A study conducted by North Star Inbound showed 49% of Utahns admit to looking down at their phones as they cross a street. (Stock photo)

New beer served in Herriman will support the Great Salt Lake

Salt Flats Brewing wants you to drink beer and help save the Great Salt Lake. To raise awareness to the plight of the dwindling lake, the brewing company created a Save The Lake Pilsner that was released in March.

Known for its award-winning alcoholic beverages, Salt Flats Beer & Spirits will contribute 5% of every case of Save The Lake sold to support organizations fighting to bring attention to the lake.

“As the plight of the lake has finally become important to all residents along the Wasatch Front, our goal is to use our branding and product platform to heighten public awareness of the need to find solutions and contribute financially to assist in these solutions,” said Salt Flats general manager Jeremy Ford, in a press release.

The 5% ABV pilsner was created by brewmaster Eric Buehner and is described as, “A beautiful golden lager, derived from premium malts with Zues and Motueka hops, resulting in a delicately-balanced, full-bodied libation which will please the palate of any beer drinker.”

Recording its lowest level in history, the Great Salt Lake is the largest remaining saline lake in the Western Hemisphere. As the lake shrinks, entire ecosystems are threatened, the dried lake bed impacts air quality as it releases

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

toxic dust, and the water supply for residents along the Wasatch Front is affected. Some experts predict the Great Salt Lake could disappear in as little as five years.

While Utah lawmakers promised to address the lake’s dire situation during the recent legislative session, many proposed policies never made it to the governor’s desk for approval. Some of those failed proposals included a resolution to set a target lake depth, a way to track the use of water at golf courses and cash incentives to encourage homeowners to use drought-resistant or drought-tolerant landscaping.

As lawmakers fail to take action, local businesses and groups are stepping up to lend their voice, products and platforms to bring attention to the lake and its predicament, including the brewing company that originated at the Garage Grill in Draper and has gained popularity in Utah, Idaho and Nevada.

People can purchase Save The Lake Pilsner at the Garage Grills in Draper and Herriman, Salt Flats Club in Herriman, Toscano Italian Bistro in Draper and at the brewery’s tap and tasting room located at 2020 W. Industrial Circle in Salt Lake City. Save The Lake will eventually be distributed to grocery and convenience stores as well as bars and restaurants.

“With our current products being available in over 600 accounts, our goal is to get the product into as many of our accounts and their customers as possible so that they can also join in on our effort by helping us provide financial support to the effort as well as providing heightened awareness through

each can’s QR code enabling each consumer access to a wealth of information regarding the plight of the lake, what will happen if the trend continues and we do nothing and the ongoing efforts to save it,” Ford said.

For more information, visit SaltFlatsBeer.com.l

A portion of sales from Save The Lake Pilsner, released in March by Salt Flats Brewing, will go to support efforts to bring awareness to the plight of the Great Salt Lake. (Photo courtesy of Salt Flats Brewing)

French Fair furnishes facts, food, fun for francophiles

Using the vocabulary she has learned in her level one French class, eighth-grader Ainsley Gorringe said she was able to order “the best creme brulee I have ever tasted” from a native French speaker, Sophie Garaix, owner of My French Delicacies.

The exchange was part of the Jordan School District French Fair organized by middle school French teachers.

“It is for students to have an opportunity to do some real world tasks in the target language, learn a little bit about culture, and just have an opportunity to meet other students who are also learning the language and getting to use that basic language that they've been studying,” Sunset Ridge Middle French teacher Susan Robinson said.

Because most of her friends at Hidden Valley Middle take Spanish, Ainsley said it was nice to meet other French speakers.

“I was able to actually have conversations with people, and other students taught me things that I hadn't learned and I taught them things they hadn’t quite learned,” Ainsley said.

About 150 students from five middle schools learned about French culture and practiced their language skills in a variety of activities at the fair, held March 13.

Hidden Valley Middle School French teacher Arielle Plétain brought her most motivated first year students to spark their curiosity and let them see there are many other students learning French.

“They had to commit to speaking French while they were here—not easy for students who just started French in August,” she said. “But I was just super impressed with the willingness of the students to participate in the activities.”

Eighth-grader Hudson Reid said he made new friends and learned new vocabulary.

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

“It was a ton of fun,” he said. “On the bus ride there we were nervous, but we had a great time.”

Ainsley said it was challenging to say everything in French.

“I liked that they're forcing us to speak in French, but I will say Google Translate has been my friend,” she said. She was relieved that students were allowed to speak English during the lunch break.

Emil Peterson and Avery Pitcher, ninth-graders in the French Dual Language Immersion program at Sunset Ridge Middle, enjoyed the opportunity to use their language skills outside of the classroom. They said the fair was more fun than sitting in a classroom conjugating verbs.

French students used to attend a language fair held at BYU, but when it was discontinued, Jordan District French language teachers organized their own. They plan to hold it every year.

“Kids need good memories, a variety of positive learning opportunities outside of the classroom and opportunities to connect/interact with people,” Oquirrh Hills Middle French teacher Julie LaFranca said.

This kind of gamification is becoming more common in education, said Victor Neves, French teacher at West Hills Middle School. “The kids learn, without feeling like they’re doing a learning activity necessarily,” he said.

The language teachers arranged a French pen pal exchange for their students to keep in touch with the friends they made at the fair, while also practicing their French writing skills. Neves said this will help students from different middle schools who will feed into the same high school because they will already know the kids in their high school French classes.

One of the goals of the French Fair was to encourage stu-

dents to continue their French language studies.

“We're hoping that it really shows them how useful the language is and helps them have a greater desire to continue on in that language, to learn more and get to a higher level of fluency so that they could do a lot more things,” Robinson said. “Learning a language opens up the world to see that there are people that live different ways than we live and for the students to understand that and to expand their world that much. I think that's one of the biggest goals of language classes, and this [fair] helps them see the possibilities.” l

Eighth-grader Ainsley Gorringe uses her level one French language skills to order French treats from local bakery My French Delicacies as part of a district-wide French language and culture fair. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Big-hearted big brother organizes big toy drive

The toy drive that collected 16 large boxes of toys for Primary Children’s Hospital was spearheaded by 12-year-old Jaxson Allen. His 9-year-old brother Evan, who has cystic fibrosis, a terminal chronic lung disease, has spent a lot of time at the hospital.

“Toys for Primary Children’s kids make a difference,” Jaxson said. “They make kids happier and more entertained when they're there. Evan played with toys when he was there, and it really helped him through it.”

When Evan has extended stays at the hospital, he must remain in isolation. Unable to participate in group activities or interact with other patients, he appreciates the toys and games the hospital provides to keep him entertained. A fan of classic board games, Evan thought his brother’s toy drive was a great idea.

“I feel like those kids deserve toys because they've been through a lot,” Evan said.

Evan has daily lung treatments, takes 20+ pills a day, has frequent medical appointments and occasional hospital stays to deal with his disease. The whole Allen family gets involved in his care.

“Jaxson has really embraced that big brother role really well,” Stacy Allen, the boys’ mother, said. “I'm just really proud of Jaxson. It's not always easy to play that

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

role but he plays it really well in our family. He has just this enormous heart that matches this enormous body and he just is always looking for ways to give back.”

The Allens traditionally hold a blanket drive each December to benefit Primary Children’s Hospital. This year, Jaxson had the idea to hold a toy drive, so his parents let him take the lead.

“We've been the recipients of the toys, the blankets, and of all the good that comes from the community, so we, as a family, try to give back where we can,” Stacy Allen said.

Collection boxes were placed at Butterfield Canyon Elementary, where Jaxson is a sixth-grader and Evan is a third-grader, at Oak Leaf Elementary and at some Supercuts locations. Donations were also collected through an Amazon wishlist.

The Allens were surprised by the amount of toys collected in just one month.

“It was well beyond what we ever dreamed we would get for this first year,” Stacy Allen said.

She said the success may be due to the fact that it benefitted local families.

“I think everybody has had—either directly or indirectly—some experience with Primary’s that really pulls at the heart-

strings,” she said.

Jaxson personally delivered the toys to the hospital at the end of the drive. He expressed appreciation for everyone who donated this year, and said he plans to expand the toy drive to even more schools next year,

when he’ll be attending Fort Herriman Middle School.

The boys’ father, McKay Allen, said Jaxson has good leadership and social skills and a desire to help others—especially Evan.

“When his brother's been hospitalized, he's willingly missed things with friends or sports or his activities to just go be with his brother at Primary Children's,” he said.

Despite the challenges of living with cystic fibrosis, the Allens choose to stay positive and to be a support to others within the cystic fibrosis community.

“We all get dealt a certain hand, and sometimes life's not fair on both ends, whether you're the one living with the disease, or in the supportive role, or the supportive brother,” Stacy Allen said. “And so I think finding opportunities to make the best of it, where you are healthy and you're capable—we very much have tried to raise them to be aware and give back.” l

Jax’s Toy Drive collected 16 boxes full of toys. (Photo courtesy Chelsie Carter)

Animal services moving to Herriman

Eversince Herriman launched its animal services unit in 2019 it has leased animal shelter space from South Jordan. But in 2023, those animals could be coming home.

The lease with South Jordan recently expired and the northern neighbors have their own plans for the space, meaning Herriman’s animal shelter needs to find a new place.

“South Jordan has been very good to us and let us overstay our welcome by a long ways and given us another six months leeway, we have to find a place,” Councilmember Jared Henderson said prior to the vote in February.

The police department, which houses the animal services unit, found a location at 15856 South Rockwell Park Cove with tentative possibility for a seven-year lease with options for two further two-year extensions.

While the Herriman City Council approved the lease agreement for the space, the majority were aiming for a lower lease with intentions to negotiate further with the property owner.

Lt. Cody Stromberg told the council in February while housing the shelter in the city at a leased location they can gather information over the next several years on what the shelter might need and look like.

“We really don’t have great data on what our sheltering needs are,” he said.

Having years of data revealing what those needs are, he said, would prove beneficial in the planning

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

process for a future facility.

According to the city’s general plan, 2026 is when officials plan on exploring an animal shelter facility.

In the meantime, officials and councilmembers felt favorable about the location, and the possibility of a resources-sharing agreement with neighbor cities Bluffdale and Riverton. But a few elected officials weren’t sure about the length of the lease, preferring a five-year term.

Henderson preferred five years with the possible extensions along with ensuring it’s interim.

“I’d hate to be locked into something too long,” he said, before later adding “if it’s temporary, let’s make it temporary and get a real plan for a permanent one going.”

Henderson worried if the “temporary” site stayed for too long, it could create a false sense of complacency seeing them divert capital project funding elsewhere.

Councilmember Steven Shields was worried the location, about 6,000 square feet, wouldn’t be maximized leading to dead space.

Stromberg assured him any extra space would be utilized completely such as an evidence overflow storage. “We would try to capture that square footage for other uses.”

The lease option will carry an annual cost of $86,400. The South Jordan location cost was based on the animals sheltered which, according to department officials, came out to about $46,000 yearly. l

Before 2019, Herriman contracted animal services with the county, but has since created its own unit and housed its animals with South Jordan until this year

(Stock photo)

Sentinel swimming: boys take region title, both teams finish eighth at state

Photos by Travis Barton

Accepting New Patients & Same-Day Appointments

ANGELO PULGIANO, MD

Internal Medicine

Dr. Pulgiano joins Granger Internal Medicine – Riverton from the University of Utah. He graduated with a Doctorate of Medicine degree from Saba University School of Medicine in the Caribbean Netherlands in 2002. He then completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in 2005.

Dr. Pulgiano is passionate about being a strong patient advocate and gives his best efforts to educate, support, and encourage each patient throughout all aspects of their care. He is a strong believer in preventative medicine, utilizing annual routine exams and age-appropriate screenings, combined with a healthy lifestyle.

COMMON AREAS OF TREATMENT

• Diabetes control

• Dietary advice/exercise/ weight management

• Hypertension

•

• Joint injections – knees/ burse/tendons/plantar fasciitis

• Wound care

• Drug management

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Lone Peak | Jordan Valley Medical Center | Riverton

ACCEPTED INSURANCES

• Aetna/Altius/First Health

• BCBS

• Cigna/Greatwest

• DMBA

• Educators

• Health Choice Utah

• Health Utah

• Humana

• Medicare

• Medicaid

• Molina

• Multiplan

• PEHP

• Select Health

• Tricare West/ HealthNet

• United

• UUHP

• WISE

Carter Schwebach (right) and Steven Collins compete side by side in the 100 breaststroke at the 6A state championships where The Sentinels finished in eighth place. The two took second and third in the region meet and were part of a boys team that won the Region 3 title with almost 500 points. While the team had no winners in any event, the depth of the team carried it through.

The Mountain Ridge girls swim team finished eighth at the 6A state championships in Provo. Here the 200 freestyle relay team of senior Gennovah Hansen, senior Charlotte Cabiness, freshman Capreis Conradi, senior Chalisse Rich take third at state. The squad took third at the Region 3 meet with Rich and Hansen both winning two individual titles. Rich in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke and Hansen in the 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle.

Accepting

MONICA HINZ, DO, JD Pediatrics

Monica Hinz joins Granger Medical Clinic as a recent graduate of University of Florida, Jacksonville’s pediatric residency. Following residency she served as a chief resident for one year. As a native Floridian, she and her family have loved moving to Utah this past summer and are enjoying all the natural beauty and outdoor activities that Salt Lake City area has to offer. Dr. Hinz is of Columbian descent and is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Hinz is passionate about not only helping her patients grow, but also ensuring the entire family unit is thriving.

COMMON AREAS OF TREATMENT

• History and physical

• Newborn examinations

• Childhood immunizations

• Well child physicals

• Sports participation physicals

• ADHD evaluation and management

• Anxiety and depression evaluation and management

• Adolescent medicine exams

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

ACCEPTED INSURANCES

• Aetna/Altius/First Health

• BCBS

• Cigna/Greatwest

• DMBA

• Educators

• Health Choice Utah

• Health Utah

• Humana

• Medicare

• Medicaid

• Molina

• Multiplan

• PEHP

• Select Health

• Tricare West/ HealthNet

• United

• UUHP

• WISE

Mountain Ridge shares region title, reaches quarterfinals

Addy Horsley finished the year leading the team in points (15) and assists (three) per game. The sophomore is part of a young core that should be good for years to come along with freshman Kya Newton, sophomore Aspen Fraser and juniors Makailyn Horsley and Faith Fairbanks.

The Sentinels finished the year 19-6 (8-2 in region) sharing the region championship with crosstown rival Herriman after the two split region games, each winning on the other’s floor. After dropping two home games to the Mustangs and Copper Hills midway through region, the squad went on a seven-game winning streak featuring close wins over Riverton and Copper Hills. Mountain Ridge earned the No. 4 seed for the 6A state playoffs where it swept away American Fork 56-39 in the second round before a physical, tight loss to perennial contender Fremont 73-65 in double overtime in the quarterfinals. l

Photo by Justin Adams

Cremation Services

You may choose a burial plot, urn garden, scattering gardens, columbarium niche, or memory wall at our on-site crematory. Whether your family would like a direct cremation without a ceremony or would like to enlist the help of our funeral planners for a memorial ceremony, we are here to help. Choose traditional funeral services or life celebrations to honor the life of your loved one.

As you plan the end-of-life services, there are dozens of decisions to make during an emotional time. LET OUR TEAM HELP YOU choose urns, vaults, and memorials. We can also help with flower arrangements, catering, and grief resources.

Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781

Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) • Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 571-2771

Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 582-1582

Larkin Mortuary Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 (801) 254-4850

You can count on a variety of options for cremation services when you choose Larkin Mortuary.

New Herriman judge aims to put the human front and center

Ajudge must consider carefully, form an evaluation (often quickly), and decide authoritatively. Herriman’s new judge Lisa Garner adds compassion to that equation.

Garner, who will serve both Herriman and Draper, is the first female behind the bench in Draper’s Justice Court and it’s her first time holding the gavel as a judge, but she has 25 years accumulated experience in the legal profession. She replaced Daniel Bertch who retired in 2022 after serving the city for 30 years.

Mayor Troy Walker, an attorney himself, has encountered Garner in courtrooms. “She has a broad background. She’s seen and done just about everything in the law. She’s well respected and everyone said tremendous things about her. I’ve worked with her before on cases and have had the pleasure of her being fair and decent,” Walker said.

Garner is a graduate of the University of Utah and BYU Law School. She has worked as a paralegal, a public defender, in the private sector doing criminal defense, and in civil practice doing title insurance, real estate and contract law. Most recently, she served as City Attorney/City Prosecutor for Midvale.

Once a single mom, Garner worked for a period of time in private practice for bet-

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

ter pay, but her varied experience clarified what she ultimately wanted to do. “When I worked at Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association, it was very confirming that I wanted to be a public servant. My heart has always been in public service,” she said.

Through the years, Garner has seen examples of the type of judge she does not want to be and the kind of judge she aspires to be. “I have seen all sides and it makes me realize, in the end, we want the same thing: To be respected, heard and treated impartially when we find ourselves in the justice system,” she said.

Her approach comes from recognizing the humanity in each person who appears before her. “They’re someone’s son or daughter, and I think how would I want someone to treat my husband or my child if they were in this situation?” She strives to balance that respect with a consideration for all parties involved and a need to protect the community she serves. She’s seen defendants leave a courtroom feeling good, even if the outcome was adverse to their interest, knowing they were treated respectfully, impartially and heard.

She shows compassion while donning her judicial robe, even when cases come before her in rapid succession. She greets

each person appearing before her with a “good afternoon” or a “how are you?,” frequently thanking them and wishing them a good day after she’s rendered her decision. “Thank you for being forthcoming and taking responsibility,” she said to a traffic court defendant.

She can also be uncompromising and direct when she feels it’s necessary. “I’m proud of you for getting your GED. That’s excellent. That will help you when you get out. But you will do your children no good if you’re still using when you get back to them,” she told a man who struggles with addiction who appeared before her via video conference from jail.

She shows flexibility when it comes to court fine due dates. Garner asks the defendant how much time they think they need to pay a fine, then frequently gives them a couple months beyond the date they asked for. “If you need more time, I’m happy to give it to you,” she told a young defendant.

Even with 25 years of experience in law, she said there’s a learning curve in her new job. “I really enjoy it. I love interacting with people…but I was surprised at how difficult it is to…play a different role.” She admits it can sometimes be hard to render a decision. “The most difficult are the domestic violence cases…It’s so complicated, there are so many emotions…and they’re higher stakes. You don’t want to put anyone in danger,” she said.

The city council voted March 7 to ap-

prove a contract to share Garner with Herriman City in a 65%, 35% split. Under the agreement, Draper will front the cost and Herriman will pay 35% of Garner’s salary and benefits to Draper. “It’s pretty common among cities to do it. Most of us are not fulltime courts. It’s beneficial to both cities,” explained City Attorney Mike Barker.

She will serve in Herriman Mondays and Wednesdays and in Draper Tuesdays and Thursdays, alternating Fridays. “There’s a provision in the contract to reconcile every year and consider if that split should be adjusted,” Barker said.

Garner is supported by a staff of all women who have nearly 70 years combined experience. “We have a tremendous support staff and that kind of longevity is unheard of. I don’t think anyone else in the state would have those total years of experience. They work well together, complement one another, and all of them have the ability to do whatever is needed,” she said.

Garner draws inspiration from her family and she hopes the people appearing before her also have someone who cares for and about them and their success.

“The gratifying part is when I can treat someone who’s not used to being treated kindly or respectfully…I try to make them feel that they’re not defined in my eyes by the choices they’ve made. I try to figure out how to help that person succeed so they’re not in court again,” she said. “That’s my goal.” l

Lisa Garner was selected as Draper’s new judge after a months-long process that included review by a nominating commission, opportunities for public comment, and approval by the city council. Judge Garner was sworn in Jan. 17. (Courtesy Jonna Crump)

Brinlee

Mustangs earn another region championship

Photos

by Travis Barton

Point guard Kenlee Enger looks to set up a play against Bingham. Herriman shared the region title with Mountain Ridge, both going 8-2 in region. The Mustangs earned the No. 6 seed at state, defeating Riverton in the second round 61-51 before losing a tight one to Davis 48-44.

Head coach Kent Smith and his teams have won the past three region titles, sharing this year ’s with Mountain Ridge. Smith’s gone 91-28 in his five years at the helm.

Kenlee Enger did a little bit of everything for the Mustangs, including winning this loose ball. The senior averaged six points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals per game.

Murdock drops a 3-pointer against Bingham. Murdock was one of three players to average almost 10 points per game.

Mariah Mons led the Mustangs in scoring at 16 per game.

Halli Burbidge averaged 14 points per game for Herriman.

“

—Anna

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VISION STATEMENT: We bridge community & business—together we are stronger.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Join Keystone Chiropractic at its grand opening on April 13 from 4-6, 12447 S. Crossing Dr #109. In conjunction with its grand opening, they will be helping a nonprofit. The nonprofit is Bear-O Care in Riverton. There will be prize drawing and proceeds will support Bear-O Care. All are welcome to attend. If you can donate to the prize drawing or want to purchase a chance to win contact Dr. Jared at (385) 434-0123. Hope to see you there!

When you attend a ribbon cutting you get to meet the movers and shakers otherwise known as the decision makers of each company. What a great way to make a connection. We had ribbon cuttings for Lock 31 Outfitters in Herriman, Bout Time Pub & Grill in Bluffdale, Einstein Bagels in Herriman, and La Fountain, Herriman.

Lock 31 Outfitters

CHAMBER MEMBERS

WELCOME US Bank, Vasa Fitness, Burn Boot Camp, Greater Salt Lake Volleyball as our newest members.

We thank the following businesses for renewing: Hercules Credit Union, Riverton High School, South Jordan View Retirement, Riverton Hospital, Megaplex, ABC Great Beginnings, Kinetic PT, Puro Clean of Bluffdale, Wasatch Lawn Memorial, Bowcutt’s Flooring American, Broomhead Funeral Home, Dentists of South Jordan, Best Western Cottontree Inn, Goldenwest CU— Bluffdale, Intermountain Tire Pros, Jordan Credit Union, Slim Chickens, Robyn’s Realty, Jordan Valley Medical Center, Rio Tinto, REAL Monarchs, St. Andrew Catholic School, and Ultradent Products.

susan@mountainwestchamber.org WWW.MOUNTAINWESTCHAMBER.ORG

Bout Time Pub & Grill

First, robots came for assembly line workers. Then they came for agricultural and warehouse jobs. Then a cyborg assassin time-traveled from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor. What will artificial intelligence target next?

If you ask our publisher, journalism is on the robotic chopping block. He recently sat down with our editorial team and told us we’d better get our act together or AI will certainly replace us within five years.

It’s the plot of every sci-fi movie. “Let’s merge robotic efficiency and human connection to create a utopian workplace.” But then, the robots download a virus and turn into killing machines. It doesn’t end well for humanity.

But let’s back up a bit. When encyclopedias were created in the 1700s, people were astonished to have so much information at their fingertips. What’s an encyclopedia you ask? Thanks for asking, young whippersnapper.

Encyclopedias are books bound in fake leather that weigh the equivalent of a baby hippo. They were like printed versions of Wikipedia that became outdated as soon as they were purchased. They were used for footstools and sometimes for murder weapons.

Peri Kinder

Rage Against the Machine

came chatbots, or virtual assistants, like Siri, who learned to answer our stupid questions with a bit of sass.

Now, journalists are encouraged to use AI to produce copy. ChatGPT launched in November and millions of people have tried it out, creating everything from poetry to fake news. It’s like a Google search on steroids.

In fact, it’s so good at creating fake news, that the CNET media website published stories for months before the articles were discovered to be riddled with errors, misinformation and plagiarized material. Oops.

Following my publisher’s orders, I typed a few questions into ChatGPT and immediately ran into a virtual brick wall.

“How many people are living on Earth?” I asked. ChatGPT replied 7.9 billion but added its data ended in September 2021. I guess anyone born after that date doesn’t count.

by emotionless robots like Tucker Carlson?

Sometimes, the “journalism” churned out by AI is racist, offensive and inappropriate because, and here’s the issue, humans create code for these bots. Fallible, stupid humans who unintentionally create programming that mimics their own limiting beliefs.

In These Times writer Hamilton Nolan said, “Journalism is the product of a human mind. If something did not come from a human mind, it is not journalism.”

He said journalism requires accountability. The writer should be able to explain the origins and sources of any story. Can AI do that? Will robots request interviews from other robots? When questioned, will AI fall to pieces like HAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey after being given contradictory orders: lie to the crew but be completely truthful. Pretty much like anything on Twitter.

They were also used for rampant plagiarism. Teachers often received essays copied straight from Encyclopedia Britannica.

As technology advanced, plagiarism got easier with the ability to copy-andpaste from any website; more efficient and much harder to detect. Then along

I asked it to tell me a joke. ChatGPT explained it didn’t have a sense of humor or emotions and didn’t understand jokes. So it could be a Utah legislator.

So, will AI adapt to create personality, voice, humor and journalistic ethics or will future generations get used to reading pedantic and pretentious articles written

I’m mixing movie metaphors, but if Sarah Connor’s interactions with the Terminator taught us anything, it’s that we control our own destiny. Can we unite robotic efficiency and humanity? The fate of journalism could hang in the balance.

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