Herriman Journal | February 2024

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February 2024 | Vol. 34 Iss. 2

CITY FINANCE DEPARTMENT NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE

By Elisa Eames | e.eames@mycityjournals.com

J

an. 10 was an exciting day for Herriman City and its Finance Department.

During the city council meeting that evening, President-elect Nick Hales of the Utah Government Finance Officers Association presented Herriman’s finance department with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Hales acted on behalf of the National Government Finance Officers Association. The award recognized the city’s superior Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

The GFOA, based in Chicago, stated, “The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive ‘spirit of full disclosure’... The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.”

Herriman completes the ACFR at the end of each fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. Hales noted that this is the eighth time that Herriman City has received this award, which represents an entire month of hard work on the part of the city’s financial officers, plus additional time spent by the city’s external auditors.

“Preparing the ACFR is a high priority for the Finance Department and demonstrates to the mayor, city council and residents that high-quality financial reporting and transparenContinued page 15

page 5

AI for mental health

Surrounded by Hales, city officials, Mayor Palmer, and members of the Herriman City Council, Maurer poses with the Certificate awarded to the Herriman City Finance Department. (Herriman City)

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February 2024 | Page 3

Arts Academy students perform a creative reimagining of ‘The Nutcracker’

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

B

asketballs bounced, paper plates flapped and kazoos buzzed in Advantage Arts Academy’s production of “The Nutcracker Suite.” The unique take on the classic show was reimagined and directed by AAA’s Arts Integration Specialist Cindy Jahnsen.

“I don't like to do things that are expected— I want someone to come be like, ‘Oh, I've never seen that before,’” Jahnsen said. “I love bringing things alive for the kids that they think are so much fun and so different and unexpected. And I really do feel like they had a lot of fun with this.”

Each grade performed a unique interpretation of a song from Tchaikovsky’s ballet with unexpected instruments and movement.

Second graders slapped paper plates together, first graders did a routine with ribbon wands and third graders, with full body puppets, danced like birds.

Jahnsen had the fourth graders use boomwhackers and kazoos to perform their version of “The Nutcracker Suite March.”

“I wanted an instrument that was different and not heard very often,” Jahnsen said. “I also wanted the instrument to be a surprise for the audience, something unexpected, easy to teach in a short amount of time and fun to play. The kazoo was the answer.”

Just one scene of the production featured traditional ballet, performed by AAA kindergarten teacher Cassandra Bateman (Miss Cass), a trained ballet dancer.

Fifth graders performed “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” in a rhythmic basketball routine in which they dribbled, passed, caught and tossed colorful basketballs to the beat of the music. Sixth graders performed a complex body percussion routine to “Waltz of the Flowers.”

“I think fifth grade and sixth grade are the most difficult,” Jahnsen said. “They really have to have that hand eye coordination. And they have to be able to hear and feel the musical beat in their bodies in order to keep the rhythms

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together.”

Students learned age-appropriate skills in music, instruments and movement through concepts such as steady beat, melody, body control and visual representation of music.

They also learned the elements of a story including characters, story sequence, theme, details and mood. To introduce each scene, sixth grade students provided narration, adapted from Sally K. Albrecht’s arrangement of “The Nutcracker Suite: A Mini-Musical.”

At AAA, students have many opportunities to learn skills and perform them for others.

They learn about the entire process of a production, from conception, to rehearsals, to timing the entrances and exits, to being quiet backstage, to keeping track of props.

“It really teaches the students what a real production feels like,” Jahnsen said. “As an art school, we really feel like those are really important parts of any production: the whole picture, the background, the backstage, the practices and the effort that goes into every performance.”

Other AAA performances celebrating the holiday season included a choir club concert and a reader’s theater performance of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss.

The reader’s theater, which was performed for each grade and for parents, featured sixth grade students reading the lines of the book and using their facial expressions, emotions and intonation to tell the story. Kelli McBride, AAA’s drama specialist, said a reader’s theater is a fun way for students to practice reading skills.

“Repeated reading is excellent for fluency, so we're teaching as we're having fun,” McBride said. “[Students] enjoy it. The part that's really fun is that they don't necessarily realize that it's a learning strategy—we're just performing and being storytellers.” l

Advantage Arts Academy third graders perform a ribbon dance routine as part of a creative production of “The Nutcracker Suite.” (Photo courtesy of Kelly Simonsen)

A collaborative student art piece serves as the backdrop for a reimagined production of “The Nutcracker Suite” which featured unexpected instruments such as kazoos and boomwhackers. (Photo courtesy of Kelly Simonsen)

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Herriman City Journal

AI gaining traction as a mental health tool

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Editor’s note: this is part of a series of articles about artificial intelligence in schools.

W

hat teacher can determine the mood of each of their students within the first few minutes of class? A teacher who uses AI tools.

Jordan School District has provided their teachers with SchoolAI, a platform which not only helps them address students’ academic needs but also their social, behavioral and mental health needs as well. With SchoolAI’s bell ringer tool, teachers set up a chatbot with specific parameters to engage personally with each student. It asks what they ate for breakfast, how they feel about what they are learning, or what they remember about yesterday’s lesson. On the teacher’s monitor, the students' answers are color-coded according to mood and tone.

“The teacher is sitting there, kind of like in the command and control center on their laptop,” Kevin Morrill of SchoolAI explained. “They can see a kind of heat map and emoji showing how the class is feeling. At a glance, teachers can immediately see their entire class's feelings within the first few minutes of coming to class.”

Jordan School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey said, “SchoolAI helps triage where teachers are needed most in that moment.”

Valley High School teacher Graham Bany said the color-coded visual indicators alert him when a student types something off-base or worrisome.

“So I can go and actually check in one-to-one with that kid and give them the support that they need,” he said.

Jordan Hills Elementary school teacher Jill Firkins said it helps her know when something may be affecting a student’s mood or ability to focus on learning.

“I had a student who mentioned in a science chat with SchoolAI that their dog had died,” Firkins said. “It gave me a heads-up and I was able to check in with that student.”

Godfrey said one of the benefits of the tool is it helps teachers to be aware of how their students feel about their learning.

“If a student feels confident and curious, a lot of learning can take place; if they're frustrated and confused, that will block learning,” Godfrey said. “So understanding a student's disposition toward learning and how they feel about their own progress is an important aspect of what SchoolAI can offer.”

The interface also allows shy or easily embarrassed students to ask a question privately instead of speaking up in front of their peers.

“In the past, you may say to students,

HerrimanJ ournal.com

‘Work on this assignment and raise your hand if you need help,’” Godfrey said.

“Well, what that says is, ‘Raise your hand if you'd like to signal to the whole class that you're struggling.’”

Kimberly Mendenall, a computer science teacher at Fort Herriman Middle School, said the AI tools in Adobe Express have been beneficial for students who struggle with shyness or anxiety. Instead of reading their report in front of their peers, they have the option to use AI tools to easily create an animated character to present their material.

“It allows students to have that freedom of not feeling like they are personally being seen, but their voice is still being heard,” she said.

Bany said it is common for some high school students to feel uncomfortable contributing to class discussions.

“We all know that kids will not speak up in the classroom all the time,” he said.

“Some of the kids— especially the ones that feel wronged or feel hurt or disenfranchised, or not a ‘cool kid’ or ‘popular kid’—are sometimes afraid to actually use their voice because they're afraid of that retaliation—even just verbally or nonverbally—from those people in those spaces.”

Bany and his journalism students used AI tools to create a class mission statement. Each student contributed their ideas privately and AI crafted a statement that incorporated everyone’s ideas.

“Had we not done it that way, some kids may have never actually contributed or tried to say something or really advocated for the thing that they felt,” Bany said.

“So what it does is actually allows them to be a part of the process instead of hoping to not be noticed during the process.”

And because all the students contributed to, edited and personalized the statement, they all feel ownership of it.

“Our classroom culture has taken a dramatic shift because they wrote the rules, it was all of their ideas anyway, and so they're just being held to their own expectations and standards,” Bany said.

AI tools are also being used in school counseling centers to meet students’ mental and social health needs. Kip Webster and Sierra Dickson, both licensed social workers working at Mountain Ridge High School, use a metrics program with AI features to assess student’s levels of anxiety, depression, overall happiness, optimism, grit and their feelings about school. The AI collects the data, provides a general analysis, identifies areas of concern and then suggests videos that would be helpful for the parents of the struggling child.

Dickson said as the metrics program gathers information from students, they can monitor the effectiveness of treat-

AI tools can benefit students who are frustrated or shy. (Image created by Firefly Adobe AI)

ments.

“Eventually, we will be able to see not only how they're doing now, but also be able to measure if meeting with a therapist in school or in a group therapy setting is benefiting them,” she said.

To streamline the assessment method and provide coping strategies for students, both Dickson and Webster have set up a DonorsChoose project to acquire iPads.

They believe the use of iPads, which students are already comfortable with, will help them learn how to utilize technology tools to improve their mental health.

“With a lot of kids, their anxiety is school-based, and so they're still in school when they come in and talk to us, and so they're still pretty amped up,” Webster said. “So there's some apps that we could use through the iPads—like the Calm app, the Headspace app, or paint by numbers, things like that—to help them just slow down and relax.”

As school faculty members utilize AI technology tools to improve their students’ behavior and mental health, they also acknowledge its effect on their own mental well-being.

“I unequivocally credit AI with 100% saving a lot of my sanity as a teacher,” Bany said. “It automates hours of work that I would do a week into minutes that I can then take and work with in the different ways that I need to. So it saves all of my sanity, all of my time. It helps me fill in the gaps of my own ability—not for lack of ability—but lack for availability.”

Amber Saffen, an engineering and robotics teacher at JATC, said AI tools that digitize resources and reduce monotonous

The class mission statement students created with the help of AI is posted in Graham Bany’s classroom at Valley High School. (Photo courtesy of Graham Bany)

work have reduced the workload and the stress of teachers, especially new teachers, who, according to a KSL report, have a 45-50% turnover rate within their first five years.

“Everyone knows starting to become a teacher is a lot of work—it's a hard profession to jump into,” Saffen said. “And so to have them say, ‘Hey, here's some more resources to help you,’ is going to help with teacher burnout a lot.” l

February 2024 | Page 5

Shields reappointed to Mosquito Abatement Board, residents can help control numbers now

O

n Jan. 24, the Herriman City Council approved a resolution reappointing Councilmember Steven Shields as the Herriman Representative for the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District.

He has been the representative for Herriman on the Mosquito Abatement District Board for the last four years.

“I certainly enjoy my service on the [board],” Shields said proudly. “The board [is] very engaged, informed and supportive of the mission of the District.”

Founded in 1952 as an independent local government district, the organization is located in West Jordan and serves most of Salt Lake Valley. Each municipality within the boundaries of the District selects one representative to be on the Board of Trustees.

“There are more than 20 [trustees] representing lots of areas,” Shields explained.

The District also employs a small full-time staff in addition to a few dozen employees who supplement crews during mosquito season.

Property taxes provide direct funding for the District, which uploads financial data quarterly to the website Transparent Utah (transparent.utah.gov) to show the public how money is being spent. Transparent Utah can also be accessed via the District website.

“I… represent the taxpayers of Herriman,” Shields said. “[The District] is a well-run organization, and our residents can feel satisfied that their tax dollars are being used wisely.”

Also serving on the District Audit Committee, Councilmember Shields has the opportunity to periodically examine financial statements for signs of waste, abuse or fraud. As part of his role as the city’s representative, Shields attends District board meetings as well as state and national mosquito abatement conferences. “I… ask questions about our practices for abating mosquitos, the materials we use, their safety and efficacy, and alternatives that we’ve considered,” he noted. “I’ve got a good handle on the operations, finances and mission of the district, and am fully engaged.”

Even this early in the year, Shields supports the District as staff begin their spring preparations, which include completing purchases and evaluating data and statistics.

Recognizing the danger that the mosquito, which is Spanish for “little fly,” poses to the population, the District’s mission statement is “to serve the public by minimizing mosquito nuisance and disease with a priority on safety, ecological stewardship and cost efficiency.” Of the 3,500-plus species of mosquitoes found worldwide, it is

Page 6 | February 2024

By Elisa Eames | e.eames@mycityjournals.com

Councilmember Steven Shields has been reappointed as Herriman’s representative on the Mosquito Abatement District Board. (South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District)

estimated that there are around 50 species in Utah.

The District’s website asserts that mosquitos “claim more lives every year than sharks, snakes, dogs, crocodiles, lions and humans combined.” The bothersome insects have even decided the fates of armies and crowned victors in battle. The Greeks ultimately won the Greco-Persian Wars because their enemies contracted malaria while traveling through swampland, and the Crusades ended in failure partly due to other mosquito-borne diseases. One New York Times best-selling author even called the mosquito “our deadliest predator.”

In Utah, the primary focus is on preventing West Nile virus, and as soon as the weather warms up, the District will send numerous crews around the valley to monitor and curb the mosquito population. Their main objective is to control larvae, and they do this partly by mapping, inspecting, and treating bodies of standing water around the District. Treatments include larvae-eating fish and larvicide briquets, both of which the District also provides to homeowners upon request for residential ponds and other sources of water. Crews also regularly inspect and clean out storm drains.

A common source of mosquitoes is ornamental backyard ponds. All mosquitoes need water to reach adulthood, and when temperatures are high, they only need one week to mature. “We have a dedicated team of technicians to help homeowners enjoy these water features without steady swarms of mosquitoes,” says the District’s website.

Shields added this advice for residents: “If there are ponds that aren’t amenable to drainage, then check in with the District about mosquitofish (one of my favorite things I’ve learned about). The District will come out and place fish into your pond…a

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) eat mosquito larvae. (South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District)

simple, chemical-free and natural way to lower mosquito populations.”

The District also addresses airborne mosquitos if they become excessively bothersome or if they pose a public health risk.

Technicians set surveillance traps weekly to determine if the adult population is large enough to warrant fogging, a treatment where insecticide is sprayed as a mist around the affected area. Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals.

“There are the challenges of forecasting when and where certain species of mosquitoes will breed each year,” clarified Shields. “But the expert management and experienced staff do a great job in managing the resources to address concerns as they come up.”

Educating residents about what they can do to help is another of the District’s aims. Staff members can provide educational presentations for schools, city events, city councils, senior centers, homeowners associations and health fairs.

“Small efforts around your home can significantly reduce mosquitoes! Start by looking around your yard and eliminating any standing water. Even a mere tablespoon of water can produce many mosquitoes,” the website reveals. In addition to maintaining ornamental ponds, the District encourages vigilance in keeping water features and bird baths clean and cautions against letting horse troughs go more than a week without being cleaned or emptied. Even holes within tree trunks can breed mosquitoes.

Last year, mosquito populations in Utah reached 10 times their projected lev-

els. District Director Dan McBride declared that efforts to reduce the 2024 population should begin now. “It seems simple, but go in your backyard right now, and if you have anything collecting water, like buckets or kids’ toys, turn them upside down right now because that water is where [mosquitoes] will go first,” he warned. “They’ll start popping up as early as the middle of March.”

Noting the current prevalence of malaria and dengue fever in some areas of the world, McBride also encouraged travelers to see their doctors before heading overseas.

“And make sure any screens in your home are in good repair after the winter and that there are no holes,” he said. “Please contact us if anyone has any questions or concerns. We’re your number one source of information about mosquitoes, and we’re happy to answer [questions].”

Echoing McBride’s admonishment, Shields agrees that citizens can make a huge difference. “The most important thing that residents can do to help is to not have any standing water sources on their properties,” he said. “If they have ponds, small kid pools, or even watering cans or plant holders, they should check them regularly… And always, please use insect repellant sprays when out in nature that contain approved ingredients to deter disease-carrying species from biting you.”

For more information, visit the District’s website at sslvmad.org or call (801) 255-4651. l

Herriman City Journal

Zions Bank economist pegs 2024 recession chances at 50-50

By Brice Wallace | Salt Lake Business Journal

T

he economic forecasting season has begun, and Robert Spendlove has thrown out the first pitch.

At the recent Zions Bank 2024 economic outlook event, the bank’s senior economist pegged the chances of a national recession this year at 50-50 but added that Utah likely would get through it OK. “I’ll tell you that that has been the thing that has gotten a lot of economists scratching their heads, because we all thought it was going to happen in 2023 and it didn’t happen,” Spendlove said at the event, held at the Zions Technology Center in Midvale.

“I still think there’s about a 50% chance. A few months ago, six months ago, it was at closer to 65, 70%, so I do think that probability of recession has gone down, but there still are some of those factors that could tip the U.S. into a recession nationally. I think locally we are part of the national economy so we are exposed to that risk, but I think we’re well-positioned and if we do go into a recession, I think we’re in a good position.”

Utah has been in a “good position” for several years now. Spendlove cited some U.S. News & World Report rankings showing Utah as the best state overall, topics in fiscal stability and the economy. Its population continues to grow, fueled by in-migration. It’s second among states with positive job growth since before the COVID pandemic, and its unemployment rate of 2.8% remains low.

Utah also has seen its labor participation rate increase.

However, housing affordability remains a bugaboo.

Utah home prices relative to household income sits at 6.2 but should be about 3, he said.

“What this is saying is, housing is too unaffordable in Utah,” Spendlove said. “Housing is very difficult, especially for low-income, especially for young families, people trying to get in. And how do you fix that? You essentially need to dramatically drop house prices, you need to dramatically increase income or you need to start thinking outside the box of what housing looks like. What we’re going to see is more multigenerational households, more multifamily households, and we’re going to have to start talking very seriously about thinking of different ways of what housing looks like in our communities.”

Prefacing Spendlove’s presentation, Scott Anderson, Zions Bank’s president and CEO, likewise had an overall positive outlook for Utah’s economy this year.

“As we head into 2024, our Utah economy remains strong and resilient,” Anderson said. “We continue to benefit from strong population growth and net in-migration, low unemployment and solid job growth. I’m confident that what we’ll see here in Utah will be a strong economy this year and that we’ll continue to thrive, even though other parts of the world and other parts of the U.S. economy may suffer a bit.”

Most of Spendlove’s remarks focused on the national economy, which he said is still being distorted by the effects of the COVID pandemic. That is leading to a lot of economic uncertainty for 2024, just as it affected 2023.

Last year, experts expected the economy to slow or contract, with a drop in GDP and employment demand.

“We saw a little bit of that, but the economy ended up being very resilient and very strong,” he said. “We saw inflation has been coming down, employment has been improving, but people are still grumpy. That is one of the things that I hear all the time, is people say, ‘Well, you know, yes, things may be a little bit better, but they’re not the way they should be and they’re not the way they were

HerrimanJ ournal.com

As we head into 2024, our Utah economy remains strong and resilient. We continue to benefit from strong population growth and net in-migration, low unemployment and solid job growth.

I’m confident that what we’ll see here in Utah will be a strong economy this year and that we’ll continue to thrive, even though other parts of the world and other parts of the U.S. economy may suffer a bit.

Scott Anderson Zions Bank’s president and CEO before.’”

GDP in the third quarter actually jumped, with 4.9% growth, but Spendlove told the audience that that is not an accurate reflection of what is happening in the economy.

“I don’t think any of you think that the economy dramatically accelerated in the third quarter, but it’s some of those distortions from the pandemic that we have to be really careful about,” he said. “However, it’s very clear that we didn’t contract. In the third quarter, we didn’t contract in 2023, and this is a sign that the economy is much more resilient than we had expected in 2023.”

Still, the economy could enter a recession in the second or third quarters this year, but he believes it would be relatively mild “and we’ll move through pretty quickly.”

The big question is whether any “black swan” events— huge, upsetting surprises—would shock the system and amplify volatility.

Nonetheless, consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of the economy, remains strong. Consumers “are all grumpy but you’re still spending,” he said.

“That has been another one of the big surprises, is even with consumers being grumpy— you all went out and bought your Black Friday gifts and you all went out and got holiday presents for everyone and it kept the economy going—but you still are grouchy.”

Spendlove foresees Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year, inflation continuing to slow but remaining “sticky,” the labor market growing, unemployment increasing, the economy slowing but remaining broadly resilient, and international uncertainty and elections pos-

Zions Bank senior economist Robert Spendlove speaks in West Valley City at a recent ChamberWest event. (John Rogers/Salt Lake Business Journal)

sibly adding to volatility.

Anderson likened the past three years to a roller coaster ride but added that the national economy in 2023 transitioned toward pre-pandemic norms. The Fed raised interest rates and tightened monetary policy, but the economy avoided a recession and remained resilient, he said.

The Fed now figures to lower rates, with the first reduction as early as the second quarter.

“And why would they do this? I believe that they looked at inflation and they saw that it had dropped dramatically from mid-2022 and where it fell from a 40-year high of more than 9% in June of 2022 to about 3% in November of 2023. But with food and energy prices coming down, getting to the Fed’s target of a 2% annual inflation rate could take some time. We’re not there yet.”

Higher interest rates and housing inflation colored consumer opinions about the economy in 2023, but recent consumer surveys have found that people are feeling more optimistic about 2024, he said.

“And this is important,” Anderson said, “as consumer sentiments can drive behaviors like spending and investments, often acting as a self-fulfilling prophecy.” l

February 2024 | Page 7

County to provide youth with free rec passes and no library fines

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

S

alt Lake County's 2024 budget, unanimously approved by the council, marks a notable shift toward enriching the lives of its younger residents. Amidst a challenging fiscal environment, the county's leadership has strategically allocated resources to ensure that youth empowerment and education remain a priority. Central to this year's budget are two key initiatives: the My County Rec Pass and the elimination of library late fees for children and young adults.

The My County Rec Pass Initiative A flagship initiative of the 2024 budget is the My County Rec Pass, an ambitious program set to launch in the summer of 2024. This pass will provide all school-age children and teenagers (ages 5-18) residing in Salt Lake County with free, unlimited access to county-operated recreation centers, ice centers, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The program is a direct response to the growing need for accessible recreational spaces for the youth, promoting physical health, social interaction and community engagement. These passes will be available starting this summer.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, in her address, highlighted the significance of this program, stating that it represents a major investment in the county's youth. The program's funding comes from the Tourism, Recreation, Culture & Convention Support Program (TRCC), which is primarily financed through tourism revenue. This strategic funding choice ensures the program's feasibility without adding to the county's fiscal strain.

“I want all kids, regardless of their parents' paychecks, to have the opportunity to access rec centers for free. To that end, I am proposing free rec center passes for all kids ages 5-18,” Mayor Wilson said.

Elimination of Library Late Fees In a parallel effort to enhance educational opportunities, the 2024 budget introduces a one-year pilot program to eliminate late fees on all children's and young adult materials at the Salt Lake County Libraries, starting this summer. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers that often prevent young residents from accessing the library's vast resources. By removing late fees, the county intends to encourage more frequent use of libraries, fostering a culture of reading and learning among its younger residents.

Wilson emphasized the importance of this change, noting that it will make the library's resources more accessible to those who stand to benefit the most. While the waiver of late fees is set for a trial period, it reflects a broader commitment to making education and learning resources more inclusive and accessible to all segments of

Page 8 | February 2024

the community.

Balancing the Budget Amid Fiscal Challenges The introduction of these youth-centric programs comes against a backdrop of considerable fiscal challenges. The county faced a slowdown in tax revenues, inflationary pressures and rising healthcare costs. To accommodate these new initiatives, the budget includes significant cuts in other areas, such as travel expenses and operational budgets of various county departments.

Despite these financial constraints, the council's decision to prioritize programs like the My County Rec Pass and the elimination of library late fees demonstrates a commitment to investing in the county's future—its children and young adults.

Community Impact and Expectations According to the Salt Lake County Mayor’s office, the My County Rec Pass is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the community. By providing free access to recreational facilities, the county aims to offer a constructive outlet for the youth, promoting physical activity and deterring negative behaviors. Additionally, the program is seen as a stepping stone to discovering new interests and talents among the young population.

Similarly, the elimination of library late fees is expected to bolster educational engagement. With easier access to books and learning materials, children and young adults can explore a world of knowledge without the deterrent of financial penalties.

This change is particularly significant in light of the digital age, where promoting traditional reading habits is becoming increasingly challenging.

Salt Lake County Council’s approval did not come without any scrutinization.

The council had to balance other priorities in addition to these requests.

“The top priority of the Salt Lake County Council is public safety,” said Salt Lake County Council Chair Aimee Winder Newton. “While we found cuts in travel and other areas, we made sure there was adequate funding for the jail, prosecution, behavioral health and areas that keep our community safe and healthy.”

Looking Forward As Salt Lake County embarks on this journey of enhancing youth services, the success of these programs will be closely monitored. The efficacy of the My County Rec Pass in increasing physical and social activity among the youth, along with the impact of removing library late fees on literacy and education rates, will be critical indicators of the programs' success.

“At a time when our kids are too often consumed by their cell phones and iPads, our rec centers are places where these

Salt Lake County youth will have free access to county recreational passes. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks & Rec)

Salt Lake County libraries will not assess late fees on children’s and young adult books in a one year pilot program. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Library)

young people can explore new hobbies, discover new passions, and build community,” Wilson said. “This is important, especially at a time when we read report

after report of record numbers of children struggling with their mental health.” l

Herriman City Journal

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14702 S. Marketplace Drive 385.770.6829 | sportsconnectionutah@gmail.com Instagram and Facebook: @sportsconnectionutah TikTok: sports.connection3 sportsconnectionutah.com

T

iffany and Jeremy Isbell have lived in Herriman for 15 years.

That’s why they wanted to open a business that supports the community. With five kids, the Isbells have been through an endless amount of baseball, basketball, soccer, football, tennis, gymnastics, golf and more.

They know how hard it is to find the right equipment, and they’ve seen kids give up sports when their families hit hard times.

With The Sports Connection, they want to help anyone who wants to play a sport to see that dream fulfilled.

How long have you been in business, Tiffany?

We opened during the first part of October, which is a slower sports month. We’re counting on community excitement to keep us going until the sports season gears up around February.

What products and services do you offer?

We have a large selection of new and used sporting goods, equipment, apparel, and accessories. We have access to uniforms and training equipment for a wide variety of teams and coaches, too.

est 2023

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BASEBALL & SOFTBALL GEAR

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NEW & USED

THE SPORTS CONNECTION equipment so fast, especially as they progress long term from Little Leagues to All Star Teams! We all know that mad scramble out the door for the first game, only to find out they lost their batting gloves or mouth guard. We want to provide a convenient place for people to find sports gear in the Southwest Valley, and we think sports should be accessible and not cost prohibitive. We want to be the destination for sports lovers and athletes in the Southwest corner of Salt Lake Valley, and especially Herriman!

How do clients choose between you or a competitor?

While we do carry new equipment, we also work to acquire new equipment that might be the last season or two, models that make “new” reasonably-priced. We know that kids can be passionate about their preference for name-brand sports gear so we focus on

acquiring name-brand, gently-used shoes, apparel and equipment to make sports affordable and keep kids happy.

How do clients choose between you or a competitor?

We have new and gently used items for a wide range of sports – baseball, football, hockey, soccer – as well as gear for sports of growing interest like rugby and 7v7 football equipment that can be a pain to find. We pride ourselves on prices that won’t break the bank, giving families another option for this season and recent seasons’ gear. We are conveniently located right off mountain view by the RSL Training Stadium, right in Herriman’s backyard, saving you valuable commute time. We can also help source team equipment for coaches and niche sports!

What is your best advice for someone considering doing business with you?

If you aren’t sure we have what you’re looking for, call or email us!

We will find out if we have it in stock or if we can source it for you.

What sets your company apart?

Our unique business embraces the mantra “By Locals, For Locals.” We focus on sports that our community is passionate about, providing for team sports as well as unique areas of interest like lacrosse, rugby, disc golf, and motocross. We see sports through a slightly wider lens and also carry ice skates, roller skates, ballroom dance shoes, gymnastic and dance leotards, martial arts gis and equipment!

What is your favorite product?

We’re excited to offer apparel supporting local high schools designed by students themselves! In 2024, we’ll start a Sponsor an Athlete Program where we’ll collect contributions and use the funds to cover the needs for equipment and sports costs for those in our community who might not have the budget to stay engaged in their sport. We’ll work with the city to identify and empower those athletes to keep playing.

Does your business solve a problem for customers?

I’ve spent years driving 30-45 minutes to the nearest sporting goods stores to get equipment and shelling out a lot of money for the revolving door of sports in our house. Kids outgrow their

Are you currently running any specials?

We buy back equipment! You can select between cash back or store credit to fund your next sporting purchase. Keep an eye on our social media platforms for more updates to come!

HerrimanJ ournal.com

February 2024 | Page 9

Professor aims to take the stress out of dating on ‘Dating Made Simple’ podcast

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

A

merica’s current epidemic of social isolation and loneliness has recently made headlines. Statistically speaking, the problem is especially acute for members of Gen Z, young people for whom social media and texting culture has too often replaced in-person social interaction. Members of Gen Z also report more struggles with anxiety and depression.

Draper resident Tom Robinson, a professor of mass communications in the advertising program at Brigham Young University, was surprised to learn that many of the young adults he worked with every day were not going on dates. “They are scared to, they don’t know how,” he said. “People think they have to be looking for a spouse.”

Robinson decided to address the problem first by giving talks about dating on BYU’s fireside circuit but wanted to reach a larger audience. He started a podcast, “It’s Just Dinner” with his colleague, associate teaching professor Robert Walz. The co-hosts later changed the name to “Dating Made Simple” and have created over 80 episodes.

“We asked ourselves, ‘how do we make kids more comfortable with dating?’” Robinson said. “One of my biggest concerns is that

there are people sitting home alone on a Friday or Saturday night. That can result in an increase in depression and anxiety. We need to help people get out and have fun.”

While the podcast’s target audience is 18 to 30 year olds, Robinson feels that older folks could find it useful as well. “People who are divorced are often in the same situation,” he said. “They don’t know how to ask someone out.”

The title “It’s Just Dinner” came out of Robinson’s core piece of advice to take some of the pressure off of getting to know someone. “Forget about dating, just ask someone to go to dinner,” he explained. “The dinner itself isn’t important, it’s an opportunity for you to sit and talk with someone. If you feel a spark, you ask them on a date.”

Robinson relayed the fact that he met his wife by following his own advice. “I was divorced and alone,” he said. “I decided I needed to practice what I preached and set up a couple of profiles on online dating sites and apps. I started meeting people and having fun.

I know it works!”

In each episode of the podcast, Robinson and Walz engage in lively and candid conversations with special guests who have

expertise in different aspects of dating and relationship-building. One recent guest was professional dating coach Tripp Kramer who specializes in helping shy guys approach and engage in conversation with prospective dates. Online dating coach Erika Ettin appeared on the podcast to give helpful tips on building a successful dating profile. Body language expert Blanca Cobb will be a guest on the podcast in February to teach listeners how to read body language and better express themselves.

The producer currently in charge of finding guests for the podcast is BYU junior Macie Thelin, a student in the advertising program. She identified what she believes are roadblocks to dating among her peers. “I’ve seen a lot of people not going out,” Thelin said. “It can feel like a lot of pressure, people are focusing on their careers, it’s too expensive. It hurts my heart to see such great people not going out.”

She belongs to the It’s Just Dinner Club which is an off-shoot of the podcast on the BYU campus. “We come up with events where we meet, learn to improve our communication skills, make new friends and meet dating prospects,” she said.

Thelin said that she has found the club and podcast to be helpful in her own dating life and isn’t afraid to take the first step in asking someone out. “The podcast teaches people how to communicate and date better,” she summed up.

We asked ourselves, ‘how do we make kids more comfortable with dating? One of my biggest concerns is that there are people sitting home alone on a Friday or Saturday night. That can result in an increase in depression and anxiety. We need to help people get out and have fun.

Tom Robinson Robinson emphasized that even though the podcast is produced at BYU, “We are not centered around the Church at all. Seventy-five or 80% of the guests we have on are not LDS. We’re trying to expand our audience.”

“Dating Made Simple” is available on Spotify, Apple and all other major podcast platforms. Follow @datingmadesimple_ on Instagram for more content on dating as well as links to the podcast. l

BYU communications professors Tom Robinson (right) and Robert Walz (left) co-host the “Dating Made Simple” weekly podcast which was formerly titled, “It’s Just Dinner.” (Photo courtesy of Tom Robinson)

Page 10 | February 2024

Herriman City Journal

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February 2024 | Page 11

Pros and cons of AP and concurrent enrollment courses

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

T

aking college-level advanced placement and concurrent enrollment courses is a popular choice for high school students. In 2023, Utah students took 45,308 advanced placement exams and 9,000 Salt Lake area high school students took concurrent enrollment college courses. Jordan District had a total of 3,354 enrollments, with 1,523, the most of any school in the valley, at Copper Hills High School.

Two of the main draws for taking college courses during high school is that students get a head start on a college degree and they can save a lot of money.

According to Collegeboard.org, the average college course at an in-state public university costs $1,100 ($2,700 for out-of-state.) In comparison, the cost of an AP course is $100, and the cost of a CE class is $5 per credit ($15-20 per class).

Mountain Ridge High School Counselor John Blodgett said while it is a cheap price for credits, taking more college level classes isn’t always a good deal.

“Sometimes when I have a parent in my office, they're looking at the dollar sign,” he said. “They say, ‘Okay, we're going to sign up for six concurrent enrollment classes’ and students may not be quite at that level to handle that many credits.”

Some parents and students assume that because they did well in honors classes in middle school, students can handle the rigor of a college course. Blodgett said honors classes can help prepare students for future AP/CE classes, but others struggle with the course content and pace so that they earn a lower grade, lowering their GPA and their chances for academic scholarships.

“I see a lot of incoming sophomores that think AP is just like an honors class, but it’s harder than they think,” Blodgett said. “I'm just straight up honest with them about what they're going to see in this class: It is not going to be easy. You’ll have extra homework. You're held accountable to more things. The teacher can’t just go back and reteach things the same way. They've got a curriculum, they've got to move on. The grade is on your college transcript. It's going to follow you forever.”

Some students realize after one college-level course that it is too difficult, they don’t have the time to keep up with the work or they want to protect their GPA. Others continue to take multiple college courses over the four years of high school.

“They start to learn about themselves and what they can handle and what they can’t,” Blodgett said. “It helps them learn how to time manage—trying to handle a 10hour a week job plus two CE and an AP—that’s a lot to handle. Sometimes you don't know how to do it unless you push yourself.”

Blodgett said students who take challenging classes in high school are better prepared for college.

“I encourage kids to try AP, concurrent enrollment or honors,” he said. “Those are more academically challenging them for a transition into college. They're going to be more successful if they've been pushed, if they've had that experience in high school. It makes that transition so much easier than a kid who hasn't challenged themselves and hasn't tried to see what they're capable of.

I view that as a stronger benefit, more than just earning the college credit.”

Blodgett said there used to be a trend among high-achieving students to take as many college level courses as they could, some attempting to earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma. How-

Page 12 | February 2024

In 2023, Utah students took 45,308 advanced placement exams and 9,000 Salt Lake area high school students took concurrent enrollment college courses. (Photo by Ben Mullins on Unsplash)

ever, this led to the problem of elective baggage, credits students earned taking random college courses which didn't count toward their degree or certificate.

While serving on the Concurrent Enrollment Advisory Committee at SLCC, Blodgett helped revamp the system for credit transfers to eliminate this problem. Now, instead of trying to earn an associate degree, high school students can take fewer college credit hours to earn a General Certificate of Completion, which packages general education credits into a one year certificate that transfers seamlessly to all Utah colleges and universities.

“It just helps them focus their energy on what they need and helps target a path to what they are interested in going into,” Blodgett said. “Sometimes kids are just taking credit to take credit, and this program helps us identify the specific needs for any major that they're going into.”

Less than 2% of MRHS students are working for the general certificate of completion this year, but 36% of students are taking at least one college-level course (not including courses taken through JATC).

Pursuing advanced classes is part of the culture at Copper Hills High School, the school’s CTE Coordinator Kristy Yeschick said. Last year, 70% of CHHS graduating seniors had taken at least one CE or AP course.

“We are known as an academic-minded school,” Yeschick said. “Because of this mentality, we have always had one of the highest enrollments in the area for concurrent enrollment. Parents and students both enjoy taking college general education classes for $5 per credit hour. It helps the students see they can take a college class and be successful.”

SLCC Director of Concurrent Enrollment Brandon

Kowallis said taking college courses while in high school is ideal because students have access to a “robust support system.”

“In the high school, if a student starts to struggle, counselors are going to reach out, teachers are going to reach out, and they're going to support them,” Kowallis said. “On our campus, there is none of that support. The student is considered an adult. They're responsible for how they do in the class, and there's not as much intervention if they start to struggle.”

CE classes also have a later drop-deadline than on-campus courses.

Students typically take CE classes at their high school, but SLCC also offers on-campus concurrent enrollment classes. This provides students with a wider selection of course offerings—ideal for students at smaller schools—as well as a taste of what college is like.

“Concurrent on-campus is a chance for students to get the full 100% authentic college experience,” Kowallis said. “It's great for them to make a connection on campus with adults and students from different backgrounds. And it's nice to help them to feel comfortable on a college campus so that when they graduate from high school, they sort of know what they're in for.”

Blodgett encourages students to be familiar with the pros and cons of AP and CE courses when making class schedule decisions.

“I can’t tell a kid what’s best,” he said. “I just give them the information. I can give them advice. But everyone is unique in their own path and their choices are personal to them.” l

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February 2024 | Page 13

Herrimanology podcast back on track

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

H

erriman residents have a new way to get information from the city with the updated and revamped Herrimanology Podcast.

Hosted by Jonathan LaFollette, Herriman communications manager, new podcasts drop each Thursday covering topics that help residents stay informed. The podcast features conversations with Mayor Lorin Palmer or Herriman City Councilmembers to educate residents on topics like snow plowing, housing and parking ordinances.

“People like podcasts…and people like video podcasts, so we started adding a video element this year,” LaFollette said. “Our podcast episodes are shorter than they used to be. We’re trying to keep it under 15 minutes, closer to 10 if possible. With our renewed focus, we’re trying to hit multiple topics in each episode, simply talking about whatever’s happening.”

The Herrimanology podcast first launched in 2021 but paused last year to refocus and recreate the podcast’s intention. When it started up again in January, the official podcast for Herriman City had a defined purpose and mission: to educate, inform and answer questions from the public.

Listeners can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, the city’s YouTube channel and the Herriman City website.

LaFollette said he wants feedback from residents on what they want to hear on the show, or how the podcast can be improved. Listeners can contact LaFollette at communications@ herriman.org.

“One of our intentions with this new format is to be real with people, talking about the things that they care about and talking about the things that they’re talking about,” he said. “If they have complaints or if they hear rumors, we’ll do what we can to reach them where they are and answer questions that people have. We don’t want to dance around things.”

Although the podcast isn’t scripted, some topics coming up for future episodes include what’s happening in this legislative session and how it affects the city, a recap of important topics covered in city council meetings and any seasonal issue, like snow plowing, water restrictions or upcoming events.

“I think people have reasonable expectations that their government is modern,” LaFollete said. “The government can be complicated but there’s a way we can get information out in a way that’s understandable and on platforms that [residents] are already using. It’s our philosophy to do our job better in getting information from them, getting information to them, answering questions and being accountable.” l

The Herrimanology Podcast, with Mayor Lorin Palmer shown here speaking on a recent episode, helps residents stay up to date with city issues. New episodes are dropped every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, the city’s YouTube channel and the Herriman City website. (Courtesy Herriman City)

Page 14 | February 2024

Herriman City Journal

Continued from front page cy is important to the city,” said a spokesperson for the Herriman Finance Department.

The national ACFR program was first implemented in 1945 to aid and encourage local and state governments to strive to exceed the minimum accounting requirements for full disclosure and transparency in financial reporting. “[The ACFR is] a very long report, hard to read, and very technical. I don’t even like to read mine,” joked Hales, who is also the chief accountant for West Valley City.

The city budget and spending for the year make up a significant portion of the data that goes into the ACFR. Herriman’s website states, “The city council approves the budget prior to the beginning of each fiscal year.

A tentative budget is produced in the spring prior to adoption, which includes a period for residents to review and provide public comment on the budget.”

The Certificate of Achievement bestowed by Hales also recognized Herriman’s first-rate Popular Annual Financial Reporting. The PAFR condenses the ACFR down to 10–20 pages and is not as labor-intensive as the ACFR, though Herriman’s PAFR still required two weeks of work with its Communications Department. The PAFR includes graphics, photos and community information and is a more easily digestible report. This is the fourth time Herriman has received an award for its PAFR, and because of the arduousness in preparing the report, the city is one of only eight in Utah that submitted their PAFR and received an award.

“I assure you that this is a very significant endeavor for your team,” Hales said.

“So congratulations. I wanted to… recognize the Herriman Finance Department for a job well done.”

Receiving the certificate on behalf of the finance department was Herriman’s Director of Finance Kyle Maurer.

“I did want to mention that the ACFR is a tremendous amount of work,” Maurer said with a smile. “… I do want to thank Trevor Coburn, our accountant, and then also Amy Stanger, our senior accountant, because they were integral in preparing the ACFR, and also the PAFR really was Jon [LaFollette] in Communications. It was his diligent work to put that together… That really is his award… on the PAFR.” Herriman’s website remarks that the PAFR is intended “to be friendly to everyday residents who may be unfamiliar with government finance.”

Though Herriman submits its ACFR to the GFOA each year, Maurer has opted not to continue submissions for the PAFR award “for the foreseeable future” due to the cost of the application and the time constraints of the city’s finance officers.

Mayor Lorin Palmer also acknowledged the finance department’s achievement.

“Thank you everybody involved with this award…,” he said. “We’re very fortunate with our staff out here.”

The city’s website asserts, “The Finance Department safeguards Herriman City’s assets and supports operations by maintaining a fiscally sound organization that meets legal requirements and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles… The department keeps a consistently updated record of the city’s funds and debts through monthly audit preparation and account reconciliation.”

Michele Mark Levine, director of technical services for the GFOA, expressed her wish that other cities were like Herriman.

“We hope that your example will encourage other government officials in their efforts to achieve and maintain an appropriate standard of excellence in financial reporting,” she said.

For more information, or to read Herriman’s PAFR, ACFR or budget report, visit herriman.org/finance. l

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LarkinMortuary.com Herriman Director of Finance Kyle Maurer accepts the award on behalf of the City’s Finance Department. (Herriman City)

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S E R V I N G U TA H FA M I L I E S F O R O V E R 1 3 9 Y E A R S

February 2024 | Page 15

Sheldon Stewart: Salt Lake County Councilmember, ‘Star Wars’ fan, extreme fiscal conservative

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

W

hen he describes his role on the Salt Lake County Council, Sheldon Stewart says he’s one of three “extreme fiscal conservatives,” the others being David Alvord (District 2) and Dea Theodore (District 6), who often vote in a similar fashion on budget agenda items.

While he might be an extreme fiscal conservative in council, on his softer side, he’s also a self-proclaimed “big Brené Brown fan,” with his favorite of her books being “Dare to Lead.”

And he’s been a huge “Star Wars” fan ever since he was a kid.

County Councilmember Sheldon Stewart serves District 5, which encompasses parts of Herriman, Riverton and West Jordan. It includes portions of West Valley City, as well as the entirety of Bluffdale. Finally, this District covers the portion of Draper that lies west of I-15 and the portion of South Jordan that lies east of Bangerter Highway.

Prior to his election to Salt Lake County Council in late 2022, he served for over a decade on the Riverton City Council, also serving on the Redevelopment Agency of Riverton City and Riverton Law Enforcement Service Area.

Sources of pride while on the County Council One of the issues he’s worked on in his first year on the Salt Lake County Council, that he’s most proud of, is that he’s helped create an ethics policy for county representatives, in how they communicate with state legislators and other entities.

The new ethics policy should be completed before the 2024 legislative session and will put in writing who can speak on behalf of the county. In the past, he claims, there have been instances where the backing of the county legislative branch (the County Council) was implied in support of a project, when this wasn’t really this case. He aims for more transparency in communication.

He’s also proud that the county did not have to raise taxes this year. In fact, he doesn’t advocate for any tax increases unless it is to fund public safety (police and fire).

This year he, Alvord and Theodore advocated for a $32 million cut from the county budget. They succeeded securing reductions of $10 million by eliminating or shrinking some programs that were started during the pandemic, such as the Workforce Inclusion & Successful Employment (WISE) program and Division of Equity & Inclusion (DEI) staffing.

He’s pleased that the county has a AAA bond rating and believes that council does a good job in maintaining that rating, but he also believes that the “county doesn’t need to continue to spend,” worrying that the county may “duplicate programs and services that might be better covered by city budgets or via private/ public partnerships.” He plans to continue to

Page 16 | February 2024

pursue this shifting of resources and funding by cutting staff and programs that he feels don’t serve all county residents equally.

Focus on the southwest corner of Salt Lake County Stewart was triggered into running for County Council because, as a Riverton City councilmember, he didn’t think the former county councilmember (his opponent) was adequately representing the unique needs of the southwest corner of the county, and that Riverton, in particular, was not receiving their benefit of shared services. Services for which, he says, they were being taxed.

In particular, he has taken issue with UTA and is currently working on a plan to drive costs back to the city who utilizes the service. In other words, to tax in proportion with services received, meaning if fewer bus routes are available in a particular district, residents of the district would pay less tax.

He is pleased, however, that District 5 has recently received more county funds via the Tourism, Recreation, Culture & Convention (TRCC) program. “Tawnee McCay [Riverton County Council] and Lorin Palmer [Mayor of Herriman] have done a good job advocating for this funding,” Stewart said.

TRCC funding is a program where eligible organizations can apply for funding for consulting, capital, or tourism expenses, paid for by county dollars.

Personal life The best thing that happened to Stewart in 2023 was the birth of his first grandchild, a girl. “Receiving the title of grandpa is better than any other title I’ve ever received,” Stewart said, delight evident in his voice. “She brings so much joy.”

Aside from his role on the county council, Stewart recently started a new job with a consulting group that works in banking. And now that he and his wife Heather are empty-nesters (they have three adult married children), he loves to travel. His favorite type of trip: cruising. He also loves to build with his hands. Last year, Stewart designed and built a backyard shed that he’s particularly proud of.

When asked what “one thing” he’d like his constituents and county members to know about him he replied, “That I do things for the right reasons. I’m not making decisions to maintain political office or further a political career.”

He ran for county council because “county budget and governance affects everything from household budgets to standards of living,” and he wasn’t happy with representation at the county level for his community. But the Salt Lake County Council is, “where I stop.”

He’s not looking to run for higher office. l

District 5 Salt Lake County Councilmember Sheldon Stewart with his oldest daughter at the Eccles Theatre (a Salt Lake County Arts & Culture venue) for the Mat and Savanna Shaw Christmas performance.

(Photo Sheldon Stewart)

First day on the job. Salt Lake County Councilmember Sheldon Stewart stands with the mayor of Riverton Trent Staggs at his swearing-in January 2023. (Photo Sheldon Stewart)

Herriman City Journal

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We welcomed PetSuites and Kiddie Academy to Herriman and to the Chamber. At PetSuites, we speak pet.

Our trusted team of Pet Pros deliver personalized service in fun, convenient and modern spaces. They offer boarding, grooming, daycare and training.

Vocal Tapestry Utah, an LGBTQ-friendly choir, will hold auditions for singers and musicians in South Jordan in February. (Photo courtesy Deb Veater)

Vocal Tapestry Utah seeking LGBTQ-friendly singers and musicians

PetSuites

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

D

eborah Veater thought 2024 would be the year she could finally relax and retire.

Veater taught music for decades and stepped down as assistant director at the Seasons Chorale (part of SoJo Choral Arts) in 2023.

But after attending the Gather Conference in Provo, she realized a new career was just beginning.

The Gather Conference is an event for LGBTQ+ members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the people who love them. Its mission is to create an environment of hope and support in a Christbased community.

“I went to the conference, walked in the door and felt a spirit like I’ve never felt before,” Veater said. “It was so strong. It was a spirit of acceptance. We were all there together, whether we were LGBTQ family or friends or church leaders or whatever. And we were all there to talk about how we can nurture each other.”

On her way home from the conference, the idea hit her like a brick: she needed to create an LGBTQ-friendly auditioned choir and call it Vocal Tapestry. It would bring people together with the desire to uplift and create harmony.

She wanted the choir to be a sanctuary where everyone felt included and individuals are celebrated. The concept is dear to her heart as her son is gay. She remembers the heartbreaking conversation with him that started with, “If I am gay, will you still love me?”

His question shattered her. She thought about the Madrigal students she’d worked with at Bingham High School who told her they were LGBTQ+ and afraid to come out to their families. She thought of the young people who died from suicide because of the fear involved with their sexual or gender identity.

She knew she had to be a voice of love and Vocal Tapestry was a way to begin.

“I feel like the purpose in my doing music all these years has been to love the individ-

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Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy is an amazing daycare facility and they are guided by our wellrounded philosophy and curriculum, their highly trained teachers help develop what’s unique in every child—nurturing imagination, fostering creativity and preparing them for school and for life.

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ual,” Veater said. “My goal is to love them and take care of them and make sure they don’t turn suicidal. I want to make sure that they know that someone is going to be there for them and that there is light in this world.”

Veater has scheduled auditions and rehearsals to be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 1244 W. Chavez Drive in South Jordan. She’s looking for singers who can read music and perform a cappella. She’s also auditioning musicians, including guitarists and drummers, to accompany the choir. Introduction meetings will be held on Feb. 8, 15 and 22 at 7 p.m. Rehearsals will be held at the same location on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

She understands members of the LGBTQ+ community might have a difficult time auditioning and rehearsing at an LDS church, but she asks them to put their reservations aside in order to give the group a chance to flourish.

“I am a strong member of the church and yet I have a view of the LGBTQ community that is inclusive,” Veater said. “I want them to see that they can come and know that they’re cared about. It will be a safe place.”

For more information, visit Vocal Tapestry Utah on Facebook. l

February 2024 | Page 17

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Herriman City Journal

Mountain Ridge girls finding region play challenging

Herriman boys hope to repeat strong effort in second half of region play

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

W

ith talented opponents Copper Hills, Bingham, Herriman, Corner Canyon and Riverton, Mountain Ridge has gone up against some stiff competition this season.

The Sentinels have held their own, posting a 2-3 record halfway through the region schedule. Through January, the Sentinels were 12-6 overall and held the No. 8 spot in the Class 6A RPI rankings.

These rankings will determine seeding for the state tournament, which starts Feb. 20.

Mountain Ridge has had some close calls and were not far from being 4-1 at the midpoint of the region portion of the season. After losing to Copper Hills on the road, 52-41, on Jan. 16, Mountain Ridge had a pair of heartbreakingly close defeats. First, the Sentinels lost at home to Bingham, 68-67, on Jan. 18, flowed by a 55-53 loss to Riverton at home on Jan. 25. In between these two narrow defeats was a 59-51 win at Corner Canyon on Jan. 23. Mountain Ridge opened Region 2 play Jan. 11 with a 54-41 win over rival Herriman.

This season, Mountain Ridge has gotten several players onto the court for game experience. Twelve players have scored, led by sophomore sensation Kya Newton, who scores 14.7 points per game. She’s also the leader in assists with 2.6 points per game. Defensively, Newton is one of the top players in 6A, evidenced by her 3.1 steals per game. New began the year with six games of at least 12 points. Her season-high effort in scoring was 23 points through the first 18 contests.

Jessica Maynard is one of the biggest all-around threats in Region 2, if not all of 6A. The sophomore scores 13.8 points per game and pulls down 8.6 rebounds an outing. Through 18 games, she had registered five double-doubles. Her season-high in points was 25 against Bingham, while her best rebounding game was 15 at Highland on Nov. 21. She also had 13 blocked shots through January, with a high of four at Highland. She also had two games in which she dished out four assists.

Kaylee Montgomery has been a key member of the team. Another young player—just a freshman—she scores nearly eight points a game and has an average of 2.4 steals a contest. Arguably her best game came Dec. 15 at Olympus when she totaled 16 points (including four three-pointers), five rebounds, three assists and four steals.

Cailin Kehl, at 6.3 points per game, and Jada Jangard, at 4.9 points per game, are also key players for the Sentinels. Jangard also leads the team in assists with 3.1 a game.

HerrimanJ ournal.com

W

Kaylee Montgomery has been a key member of the team. Another young player—just a freshman— she scores nearly eight points a game and has an average of 2.4 steals a contest. ( Photo by Pat McDonald)

Through January, the Sentinels were 12-6 overall and held the No. 8 spot in the Class 6A RPI rankings. (Photo by Pat McDonald)

With a slate of games against each region foe, Mountain Ridge has a chance to climb the standings and improve its RPI. The final league game is at Riverton on Feb. 15.

A year ago, Mountain Ridge reached the quarterfinals of the 6A state tournament, falling to Fremont in double overtime, 73-65. l

ith talented teams such as Corner Canyon, Bingham and Riverton, Region 2 boys basketball is as competitive as you’ll find in the state. That makes Herriman’s season look even more impressive so far.

The Mustangs were 4-1 halfway through the region portion of the season, after going 10-3 in non-region play. Herriman was averaging 68.7 points per game through 18 contests while giving up 60.7. The team has been good in close games and routed some opponent as well.

In the team’s first five Region 2 games, Herriman defeated Mountain Ridge, 57-51 on Jan. 12; Riverton, 96-93 in a double-overtime thriller on Jan. 19; Bingham, 74-64 on Jan. 23; and Copper Hills, 55-48 on Jan. 26. The Mustangs’ only region loss during that stretch was to Corner Canyon, the No. 1 team in Region 2, 51-46 on Jan. 16.

A quartet of Mustang players score in double figures, leading the way for the offense.

The top scorer is Ike Palmer, a senior who can play both guard and forward. He is scoring 16.1 points per game this season and dishes out 2.7 assists. Palmer’s top game in scoring came in impressive fashion Jan. 5 when he lit up the scoreboard with 39 points against Westlake. He

also had 31 points in the win over Bingham.

Senior forward/center Malcom Johnson has been a force down low. The 6-foot-7-inch player scores 13.7 points a game and pulls down 6.5 rebounds. He has 13 games in which he scored in double figures during the first 18 outings. He also had six double-doubles (in points and rebounds) during that stretch.

Cale Barclay, a junior forward/center has been effective near the basket and on the perimeter. He scores 13 points per game and hit 15 three-pointers in the first 18 games and also averaged almost five rebounds a game. Carlo Mulford, a guard who’s just a sophomore, has chipped in 11.5 points per game and tops the team in assists with 4.1 a contest.

Stockton Blanchard averages 8.9 points a game for the Mustangs, while Luke Brooks, Jayden Newman and Beckham Willes have also seen valuable time on the floor.

At press time, Herriman had the No. 3 spot in RPI rankings, despite losing to Corner Canyon. The state tournament starts Feb. 21.

Herriman concludes the regular season at Copper Hills on Feb. 16.

Last season, Herriman lost in the second round of the state tournament at Corner Canyon 71-55. l

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Government needs your voice! Here’s how you can get involved

L

ast month, I had the pleasure of attending several swearing-in ceremonies for newly elected city officials in my district. I watched individuals of various ages, demographics and backgrounds take an oath of office and assume the role of public servants.

I couldn’t help but think this is exactly what our Founding Fathers envisioned—a government by and for the people, accessible to those willing to serve and citizens who can select leaders representing their interests.

In almost every ceremony, these elected officials thanked supporters who knocked on doors, distributed fliers, hung signs and helped get out the vote. I was humbled thinking about the same support I have received over the years.

As Utahns, our engagement doesn’t need to end at the ballot box. There are countless ways that we can continue to help influence decisions to reflect our interests and values.

What can you do to stay involved and ensure your voice gets heard? Here are five easy things to remember.

1) Remember, local is where it’s at Local government impacts our daily lives much more than at the national level.

Getting involved locally is the most effective way to maintain our quality of life. The good news? Local issues are rarely overly partisan and tend to be less divisive and contentious.

2) Stay informed

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

Take the time to learn about the issues in your area. The more you know, the more empowered you will be to start meaningful discussions, contribute to healthy debate and offer solutions.

3) Connect with your elected officials Easily locate email addresses and phone numbers on your city or county websites.

Don’t know who your state representatives are? Visit le.utah.gov, where user-friendly tools will help you find your representatives' names and contact information.

Connecting with your leaders on social media is also a great way to learn about their priorities and a convenient forum to ask questions and share your concerns.

Just a friendly reminder to keep it civil!

4) Attend city and county meetings City Council, County Council Meetings and Board of Education Meetings are open to the public. Attendance is a great way to learn

AVAI L AB L E NOW!

how local government functions and may give you a chance for your representatives to get to know you.

Are you concerned about what is happening in your schools? Listening in at a school board meeting is a great place to start.

Are you worried about how your tax dollars impact roads or public safety? Your city and county’s websites will post the agendas and schedules for all future meetings.

5) Learn the process and use your voice Did you know that most legislative bills start as an idea from a concerned citizen?

Learning about how the legislative process works will help you feel more connected so that you will know who to contact if you have an idea for improvements. Who knows, your idea might turn into a bill that could eventually become a law.

Utah is an amazing place to live and we have amazing leaders representing us at all levels of government. Stay engaged and remember, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead.

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Herriman City Journal

Coming up for air

F

or a state run by legislators who sneer at tobacco products, I find it confusing they don’t give a flying cigar about our state’s dangerous air quality. GOP legislators balk at green energy initiatives like a vampire facing the sunrise and a head of garlic.

A 2023 American Lung Association report said Salt Lake ranks among the nation’s most polluted cities for ozone and short-term particle pollution. I don’t know what those words mean, but it doesn’t sound good.

Lawmakers say Salt Lake has always dealt with inversions, we just have to work around a valley filled with pollution. That’s like saying the kitchen’s always been filled with rotting banana peels, crushed egg shells, open yogurt containers veiled in mold, and a greasy chicken carcass. We just have to work around it.

Studies show polluted air is a bigger threat to our health than alcohol or tobacco. Maybe not breathing polluted air should be included in the Word of Wisdom next to wine (the devil’s fancy beverage) and tea (the witch’s drink). Then, perhaps, our lawmakers will pay attention.

It’s true the valley’s design creates Utah’s crappy air quality. Temperature inversions trap cold air under a layer of warm air, like putting a lid on a pot of soup. Only this soup is filled with vehicle pollution, smoke from wood burning stoves, industrial emis-

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sions, and glitter from gender reveal parties.

Reducing the number of cars using fossil fuels is a good way to cut down on emissions but “leaders” like illustrious Sen. Mike Lee often fight against renewable fuel programs. And don’t talk about closing coalfired power plants. Republican lawmakers embrace coal energy like it was brought down from Mount Sinai.

While other states are running away from coal as fast as humanly possible, Utah lawmakers delay closing coal power plants that leave behind tons of coal ash, a lovely bouquet of radioactive waste, arsenic and old lace.

Utah has around a dozen coal ash dump sites and you can bet your sooty lungs each site contributes to our bad air quality. Oh, don’t our legislators wish it was still the 1970s, when coal was king, and you could use your wood stove all day (even in the summer) and no one was trying to take your gas-operated vehicle?

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