Spring Lane project moves forward with lease agreement
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Holladay and Granite School District enter into a 30-year lease for the property.
WhenSpring Lane Elementary closed in 2023, nearby communities lost a vibrant gathering place full of history and pride. Now that the Holladay City Council has approved a lease agreement with Granite School District for the school property, a plan can move forward to transform the land into a multi-use space that honors the school’s past.
Under the 30-year lease agreement, which starts on Jan. 1, 2026, Holladay will secure 12 acres at 5315 Woodcrest Drive for a total of about $1.5 million over the course of the term. A proposed plan for the site creates a community hub with walking paths, playing fields, pickleball courts, a playground, a pavilion and more.
“It was a sad day when Spring Lane Elementary closed, but I commend our council for being willing to take a long-term vision of this,” said Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle. “This
Holladay City and Granite School District signed a 30-year lease for the property at the
The Guy’s Guide to Prostate Health: What You Need to Know
Prostate health may not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s a crucial one for men’s overall well-being. As men navigate their 40s, 50s, and beyond, understanding and prioritizing prostate health becomes increasingly important. This guide covers the essential things every guy needs to know about this small but vital gland’s role in male reproductive health.
As men age, the prostate can undergo changes, leading to various health concerns, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, and Prostate Cancer.
Recognize the Symptoms – Don’t Ignore the Signs
Being aware of potential symptoms is crucial for early detection and management of prostate issues. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak urine stream
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
“If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with your doctor. Regular prostate exams are vital, especially as you get older. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting screened for prostate cancer. Screening typically involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-
specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment for prostate cancer,” said Dr. Blake Johnson, a urologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake.
BPH Treatment Options
The goal of BPH treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Treatment strategies vary based on the severity of symptoms.
For mild symptoms, lifestyle adjustments can be effective, including reducing fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, following a healthy diet, and exercising, especially pelvic floor exercise.
Moderate symptoms often require medications that either relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck or shrink the prostate gland.
For more severe or persistent symptoms, minimally invasive procedures offer alternatives to traditional surgery.
• Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): This procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the enlarged areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink over time.
• Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift): Small implants are placed in the prostate to lift and hold the enlarged tissue away from the urethra.
• Water-induced thermotherapy: Uses heated water to remove the extra prostate tissue.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the prostate.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, the patient’s age, overall health, and personal preferences.
“For low-risk prostate cancer that is slowgrowing and hasn’t spread, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring with PSA tests, digital rectal exams, imaging (for example MRIs) and possibly biopsies, without immediate treatment,” said Dr. Leland Rogers, radiation oncologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Cancer Center. “If the cancer is more aggressive, we have several treatment options, including surgery, radiation treatment or hormone therapy.”
Surgery – Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This can be done through an abdominal incision or laparoscopically, using smaller incisions and a camera.
Radiation Therapy:
• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), uses high-energy beams that are targeted at the prostate gland to destroy cancer cells.
• Brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are placed directly into the prostate gland to deliver radiation internally.
Hormone Therapy reduces the levels of male hormones like testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.
“Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your prostate health is an investment in your overall well-being,” Dr. Johnson said.
If you have concerns about your prostate health, schedule an appointment with a urologist by visiting www.mountain. commonspirit.org/care-and-health/urology. For all healthcare needs, schedule a consultation with a primary care physician or a specialist at mountain.commonspirit.org.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
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For 150 years, Holy Cross Hospitals have cared for Utah families in their most tender, powerful, and vulnerable moments. From newborn checkups to post-op recoveries, we’ve seen generations through their highest highs and hardest days.
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is going to be a burden to our taxpayers to improve the facility and also the ongoing maintenance for it. But an opportunity to preserve around 12 acres of open space inside our city is unique. I think our residents will benefit tremendously from preserving this space. I think it’s a great use of taxpayer dollars.”
GSD demolished the old elementary school earlier this summer but elements of the building were preserved to use in the new park concept. The school’s geometric facade could be incorporated into a new pla za area, while the iconic glulam beams will be repurposed as a pergola or bridge along
the walking path.
With nearly 4,500 residents within a 15-minute walking distance to Spring Lane, a survey was conducted to see what people want in the park. A water feature was high on the list but since the city doesn’t own the land, city leaders decided the cost was too high to invest in this type of activity.
Other resident suggestions include playground equipment for all ages, a fenced off-leash dog park, gardens and a memorial area. There was a big emphasis on connection, sustainability and innovative legacy placemaking.
“Residents really want to recognize what has come before and so the architect has tried
to emphasize that in both the pavilion area and in that initial plaza space, tipping a hat to the elementary that was there,” said Holladay City Manager Gina Chamness. “We have some themes that were integral to the school that we have preserved, also some bridges that were part of the atrium area in the original elementary that we’ll integrate into our final design for the park.”
MHTN Architects presented a conceptual plan to the city council in July 2024. The Holladay Spring Lane Adaptive Re-Use Plan incorporates many elements requested by residents and serves as a guide as city leaders move forward on creating and adopting a master plan. Cost for the project is estimated
at approximately $6 million.
The Spring Lane park will double the amount of open space currently found in Holladay. Knudsen Park is 6.1 acres and Holladay City Park utilizes 6.5 acres. With 12.2 acres, the Spring Lane project will address a need for green space not currently available in that area.
“Our next step is to figure out how to pay for it,” Chamness said. “So that’s the conversation we’ll be having over the next couple of months. Once we have that problem solved, then I think we can come up with a timeline for further design and then construction. My hope is that this could be well underway in the next 18 months.” l
Holladay adds its voice to Wasatch Mountain collaboration
The city steps into a leadership role in shaping the future of Utah’s canyons.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
With the Wasatch Mountains in its backyard, Holladay is taking a bigger role in protecting the canyons. By approving an interlocal agreement, the city now has a voice in the Central Wasatch Commission. Holladay will work to preserve and protect the canyons and address issues that directly affect city residents by joining with neighboring communities to plan for the future of Utah’s iconic mountains. Recent CWC projects include invasive weed control, a visitor-use study, maintenance of bathrooms located at trailheads and the formation of a youth council for people from 16-30 years old.
Since the CWC was formed in 2017, entities like Salt Lake City, Cottonwood
Heights, Sandy, Millcreek, Salt Lake County and the Utah Department of Transportation have focused their efforts on sustainability, recreation, economic viability and traffic control in the canyons.
“Representatives from the Central Wasatch Commission presented to the council, asking us if we’d like to be part of that coalition of different government entities that are engaged with what’s going on with the canyons,” said Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle. “There’s a lot of pressure on these canyons. They’re dealing with issues that revolve around winter activities and these canyons are becoming so crowded in the summer months as well.”
The CWC’s mission is to implement the Mountain Accord charter, which proposes plans to address issues in the Wasatch Mountains. To preserve natural resources, along with sustainable recreation and traffic control, the CWC works with stakeholders to create effective, longand short-term solutions.
The Holladay City Council unanimously approved the agreement and Coun-
cilmember Emily Gray was appointed to serve on the CWC board, giving Holladay a seat at the table to represent the city’s interests.
Gray said the CWC’s mission is aligned with issues that affect Holladay, especially the traffic impact along Wasatch Boulevard and dealing with water resources like Big Cottonwood Creek that runs through the city.
“I think in looking at all of the factors, both economic and environmental, I think [the CWC has] a really good, holistic and collaborative approach that I think is very beneficial to protect this resource and also allow it to be used responsibly,” Gray said. “I’m very excited to be Holladay’s voice on this commission.”
The City Council approved $25,000 for the interlocal agreement, which covers membership fees to join the CWC. Contribution tiers in the CWC range from $15,000 to $200,000.
“We did have a budget impact, and just for the record, the council wanted to make sure we just weren’t throwing mon-
ey away,” Dahle said. “We wanted somebody who’s willing to serve and Emily indicated her passion to serve on this commission. That’s what drove the approval of that budget line item.”
Learn more about CWC projects, meetings and volunteer opportunities at cwc.utah.gov. l
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New challenges, opportunities await Olympus cross country
By Josh McFadden
Thoughsome of the opponents may be different this season, the objectives remain the same for the Olympus cross country team: train hard and aim for the top.
Olympus won the region title on the girls’ side last season. Head coach Chris Humbert is hoping the girls can duplicate this performance. Region 6 will look a lot different this season, as newcomers Viewmont, Woods Cross and Bountiful arrive from Region 5.
“I am really hopeful that our girls team can repeat as Region 6 champions,” Humbert said. “Last year was pretty great, seeing our girls put it together at region and win (by one point). I’m pretty sure this was the first region championship for our girls team ever here at Olympus High School. We have a new alignment this year, with some new tough schools, so it’s a bit of an unknown, but we’re feeling positive and hopeful. We’re also very hopeful that the boys team can continue improving, and I’m feeling confident that they will do so. Our top runners hope to shine later this season, as individuals at region, then divisional, then state.”
The Titans got an early start preparing for the season and had a strong showing in their first meet of the season, placing third on the girls’ side and fourth for the boys. The athletes put in the time this summer, and Humbert is optimistic that their efforts will pay off.
“The team has, for the most part, been very consistently training since early June,” he said. “Quite a few (most of the team) achieved personal best performances at our first meet. We generally all feel very positive that the hard work—both on the trails and the roads, and in the weight room—is paying off. The team is excited to have a consistent summer of training to build on, with comments after the race alluding to how much of a difference it really makes to have the entire team training together all summer and also how much weightlifting has helped.”
The season is long and can be grueling, both physical and mentally. The competition can be daunting and the training and meets can be grueling. Humbert said for the team to reach its goals, every athlete needs to commit to train hard. Staying healthy is also critical.
“The team needs to keep consistently showing up at practice and doing what they can to stay injury-free: fueling well, sleeping well, training smart,” he said. “Cross country, like all endurance sports, rewards the athletes who put in the consistent training.
Having athletes start as freshmen allows them to improve year by year. We are already seeing that with some of last year’s freshmen now advancing to the varsity team.”
Humbert is pleased that the athletes get along well with one another and have established a cohesive group. This team unity is a strength that the Spartans enjoy. The athletes also have a positive attitude of doing things the right way.
“Our team strengths are consistency, accountability and positivity,” Humbert said. “That’s what the team identified last year at their training camp as their ‘guiding-light’ words. I’d add that team camaraderie, in which they help each other and encourage each other, is a strength.”
One thing Humbert is emphasizing this season is continuing to improve throughout the season. He said this will only happen as each team member comes to training sessions, spends time with weights and maintains the right frame of mind, no matter what happens during a race.
“We want to get better at being consistent at practice, including strength training in the weight room,” Humbert said. “The more consistent each athlete is, the better that athlete will do. Building a whole team expectation and culture of consistently showing up at practice and doing your best, putting your best effort out each day at practice and at every meet will pay off in the long term. I also hope to be able to improve in the area of sports psychology, or building a real competition mindset. Cross country is a hard sport, and athletes need to be willing to push themselves in competition in order to do their best. I hope to improve on that.”
Leading the way for the girls team is junior Adria Favero, who has been at the forefront of the squad since she arrived in the program. Humbert is eager to see her compete this season. He believes Favero is one of the top cross country runners in the state.
“Adria is our top girl and has been one of our standout athletes over the past two
years,” he said. “She has won the biggest meets we compete in and has placed in the top three at the state championships the last two years. Adria hopes to continue improving and has worked hard through injuries to be consistently one of the very best in Utah.”
For the boys, expect plenty of top finishes from junior Will Towers, who joined the program last season after moving from Texas. He had a good year as a Titan last season and is aiming for an even more productive 2025.
“He hopes to improve from last year and has already improved significantly based on the first meet of the season,” Humbert said. “Will is our top boy and really hopes to be in that top group of athletes here in Utah this year.”
Other Olympus athletes who should be in the mix for high finishes at meets and tournaments include senior Casey Kellogg, sophomore Anna Pugh, senior August Bigler, senior Carter Adams and senior Parker Epperson.
Some challenging meets and opponents await Olympus as the season kicks into high gear. Humbert also knows how important it is for the athletes to stay healthy and avoid the injury bug. He is grateful for the group he is working with this season and appreciates their work ethic and dedication.
“The athletes are just a great group of kids,” he said. “They are academically motivated, they work hard, they encourage each other and are just so welcoming and inclusive. I love working with them, building a training plan and watching the results as they put in the hours and the miles. I personally used to compete, not as a runner but as a road cyclist and a Nordic skier. As a result, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m a very competitive person, so of course I love watching the athletes succeed, improve and win, either as individuals or as a team.” l
The 2025 season is underway for the Olympus cross country team. The Titans return some accomplished athletes and hope to once again compete for the region crown. (Photo courtesy of Chris Humbert.)
The Carmelite Fair: A tradition locals await all year
This year’s fair will be held Sunday, Sept. 21, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary monastery in Holladay.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
This is a place of seclusion, contemplation, and prayer. A place where nuns rarely step into the outside world, only speak when necessary, and devote six hours each day to praying for the needs of the world. The Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary monastery, located in the city of Holladay, is home to 11 cloistered nuns who live financially independent of the Catholic diocese and rely primarily on charitable alms to cover their food and expenses. For this reason, the monastery opens its gates in September for the Carmelite Fair, a daylong event that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
According to Mother Therese, Prioress of the Holy Family, Carmelite Fair donations provide 80% of the monastery’s yearly income. More than 150 volunteers serve on fair committees to support the event.
Many professionals, including engineers, attorneys, and business owners, dedicate their time to chairing various committees. Chris Bertram, the chairperson for the fair, served as the Chief of Police in Holladay until his
Hundreds of the nuns’ famous silent auction baskets will go to the highest bidder, and unique items such as a Yellowstone script signed by legendary actor Kevin Costner will be available for purchase during the live auction. (Photo courtesy Erika Solak)
retirement in 2015. After retiring, he took on a more active role as chairperson. Volunteer Mary Solak served as the silent auction chairperson for over 16 years. Solak and her committee assembled more than 250 gift baskets to be auctioned off each year. This year, she will be creating and running the many games that
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will be offered, including the popular ‘Rubber Duck River.”
“No one will ever know how hard our volunteers work,” Mother Therese said. “Every day we look out our windows and see either Mary’s car or another volunteer’s car parked in front of the monastery. It is really unbelievable how many hours our volunteers donate to the fair each year all for the love of the nuns.”
The sisters lead cloistered lives, leaving the monastery only for medical reasons, which eliminates visits to the grocery store. Their limited contact with the outside world requires the cloistered nuns to rely heavily on donations of food and goods, to be provided in part by community members. Often these supporters press the bell to the monastery to deliver fresh produce, which the sisters then prepare for storage, either on the shelf or in the freezer. Additionally, members of the Holladay community provide support to the nuns by tending the monastery grounds with meticulous care and love.
“I would like to give thanks to God. We are so grateful to be in the state of Utah. It really is home to us,” Mother Superior Therese said. “We love Utah and we love the people. We wouldn’t be able to survive without the generous support everyone provides for us. It’s not us the community is serving. It is God.”
The holy family receives prayer requests from all over the world, usually asking for a prayer for a sick family member or a
world crisis.
Seven times a day, when the monastery bell rings, the sisters step away from their work to pray and to meditate. Dressed in full habit, the sisters gather for prayer each morning at 5:25 am. Mother Therese says, “It’s is a holy vocation and honor to offer daily prayers for all of God’s children. We want everyone to know that we will continue to be faithful in our vocation and offer love and support to you through our unceasing prayers.”
In between the calls to prayer, the sisters participate in a balanced life including meal preparation, work, recreation, and fair preparation, which is a tremendous and a yearlong process. Each evening, after the supper dishes are dried and put away, the sisters spend time embroidering the highly sought-after linens and crocheting and knitting craft items.
This year’s fair will include an outdoor cafeteria with a selection of Mexican, Asian and Bosque foods as well as hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day featuring Bosque and Greek Dancers and The Utah Scottish Pipe Band.
One of the most exciting features at the fair this year will be the Grand-Give-Away Vehicle, a black, automatic AWD, SUV, 2025 Kia Sportage, donated by Jerry Seiner Kia. Hundreds of the nuns’ famous silent auction baskets will go to the highest bidder, and unique items such as a Yellowstone script signed by legendary actor Kevin Costner will be available for purchase during the live auction.
A Holladay cultural tradition, The Carmelite Fair is a bit of heavenly happiness, offering something for the entire family and a charitable daylong event to be sure to attend.
The line-up for Carmelite events:
Sunday, Sept. 21, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm The Carmelite Fair, Carmelite Monastery (5714 Holladay Boulevard). There will be limited parking near the monastery. Shuttle service will be available in the community at four different locations. For shuttle information, visit: www.carmelslc.org/carmelite-fair/. Shuttle pick-up starts at 10:30 am.
Friday, August 29, 8:00 am to 9:00 am, 13th Annual Golf for the Nuns Tournament, Old Mill Golf Course. For tournament information, visit: www.dvgarcia8@gmail.com or call the monastery (801) 277-6075
Sunday, Sept. 21, 8:00 am to 9:00 am 12th Annual 5K “Run for the Nuns” - Race for Grace: Walk/Run. The start and finish line will be at the Carmelite Monastery. The race is open to all age levels and fitness abilities. For race information, visit: www. run4thenuns@ gmail.com
For more information about the Carmelite Fair visit: www.carmelslc.org/carmelite-fair/
For questions about how to become a volunteer visit: volunteer4thenuns@gmail.com
To make a donation to the Carmelite Monastery of Salt Lake visit their website at: carmelsl@xmission.com l
Thomas Kolonusz-Partee a master artist in various capacities and mediums
A versatile artist, Thomas Kolonusz-Partee is a member of the Holladay Arts Council and brings his expertise and dedication to promoting arts and culture within the city of Holladay.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Selected as Holladay Artist of the Month by the Holladay Arts Council, Thomas Kolonusz-Partee has continually produced art in many different capacities and mediums. For over 30 years, he has designed and manufactured metal lighting fixtures, furniture, hardware, and sculpture for residential and commercial venues. His current art interest is in the area of drypoint an intaglio printmaking process.
According to the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, New York, the drypoint intaglio printmaking technique creates sharp lines with fuzzy, velvety edges, in contrast to engraving, which produces a cleaner, more precise line. For two decades, Kolonusz-Partee created in volume
before deciding to explore the artistic world of printmaking.
“Currently, I am changing from sculptural media, brass/copper metalsmith, to a printmaker, specifically drypoint, intaglio,” Kolounsz-Partee said. “When it was more popular in the 1990s to 2010, I restored 19th-century lighting fixtures from France, Germany, England, and the US. A lot of the work was electrifying fixtures and restoring one-of-a-kind crystals to their brilliance. As an architect, I have designed homes, garages, Americans with Disabilities facilities, and additions for clients.
Kolonusz-Partee was born in Budapest, Hungary, and has lived coast to coast in the United States.
“Since I left Budapest when I was about 12 years old, I have called home Akron, Ohio, Oakland, California, San Francisco, California, New York, New York, and now happily, Holladay, Utah,” said Kolonusz-Partee. “The change of scenery made me appreciate the different cultures and values we all hold.”
From a young age, Kolonusz-Partee felt a natural call to art. After high school, he attended the California College of the
Arts in Oakland, California, where he studied sculpture and metal arts. He then started his fabrication shop, specializing in lighting/furniture engineering, design, and restoration for 18th and 19th century lighting. As he progressed in his college art studies, he attended classes from various colleges as needed for his trade and academic requirements.
In 2003, Kolonusz-Partee earned a degree in Architecture from the College of Arts in San Francisco. He worked with many respected architects on projects that included residential renovations, public art, and experimental architecture. In 2012, he opened a new custom metal fabrication shop/studio with an emphasis on sculpture that he started in California and then moved to Holladay.
Kolonusz-Partee has created notable projects for museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco and the Café Lights at the de Young Museum of Fine Art. He has worked for wellknown individuals such as the late actor Robin Williams and also Michael McEwen, whose Berkeley studio is in high demand among the architectural and interior design communities.
Whether in sculpture media or printmaking, Kolonusz-Partee brings his artistic talent and skill in bridging the gap between abstract beauty and functionality. He points out that in many of his creative pieces, his work is often utilitarian. “There is art in design, even in art that is considered utilitarian.” l
Thomas Kolonusz-Partee has been selected as September’s Holladay Artist of the Month. (Photo courtesy Thomas Kolonusz-Partee)
Officer Whitmore recognized for outstanding duty as bailiff
New to the role, Whitmore has already made a lasting impression.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
It’s only been a few months since Unified Police Department Detective Cordell Whitmore transferred to the Holladay Justice Court to serve as bailiff, but his dedication to the job earned him an incentive award from UPD Holladay Precinct Chief Justin Hoyal. While attending a Holladay City Council meeting, Whitmore was recognized for his commitment to the job, as well as for handling code enforcement complaints.
“Ultimately, he was able to assist in resolving over 200 code enforcement cases in just a couple of short months, which drastically helped our new code enforcement officer to hit the ground running,” Hoyal said. “He’s also assisted our precinct detectives whenever possible with their cases. He’s filled vacant patrol shifts to ensure we have sufficient staffing and he’s always among the first to volunteer whenever we have special events here in the city.”
Whitmore began the position in May and, according to Hoyal, quickly became a valued member of the court staff. In addition to the recognition, Whitmore received a pay incentive and appreciation from his colleagues.
“I think this bailiff position was built and made for Cordell,” Hoyal said. “He’s just flourished in it and done a phenomenal job. We’re really honored to have him in that role.” l
More Than Just Glam: Why Dog Spa Services Matter for Your Pup’s
After a summer full of hiking trails, splash pads, and sunsoaked adventures, it’s the perfect time to give your pup a little TLC. While Spa services help your pup to look their best, they’re also an essential part of their wellness routine.
With back to school on everyone’s mind, it’s also a great time to refresh your pup after all of your summer fun. Here’s how:
• Nail Trims: Keeps nails at a healthy length after summer adventures, reducing joint stress and posture issues.
• Teeth Brushing: Removes summer treat buildup (drinking from lakes, eating unusual finds) and freshens breath to prevent gum and dental issues.
• Baths: Washes away dirt, allergens, and bacteria from parks, lakes, and outdoor play.
• Blowouts: Removes loose fur and moisture from undercoats to prevent shedding mess and skin irritation.
• Brushing: Detangles mats, distributes healthy oils, and checks for burrs or pests hiding in fur.
• Facials: Clears tear stains and grime from summer fun, especially around snouts and folds.
From left, Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle, Unified Police Department Chief Jason Mazuran, UPD Detective Cordell Whitmore and UPD Holladay Precinct Chief Justin Hoyal attend a Holladay City Council meeting where Whitmore was presented with an award for his service as a Holladay Justice Court bailiff. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
NEW AREA
Taekwondo Martial Arts champions return home from world competition with 12 medals
Taekwondo practitioners from every corner of the world competed in various events at the Annual World Taekwondo Hanmadang.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Athletes from Holladay World Martial Arts (WMA) achieved remarkable success at the 30th Annual World Taekwondo Hanmadang, held in July at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. This event was historic because it was only the second time it had taken place outside of Korea. Organized by Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, the festival attracted over 2,500 competitors from 30 countries and 30 states in the United States. Participants celebrated the essence of Taekwondo through various events, including poomsae (forms), board breaking, and self-defense demonstrations, bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Under the leadership of Grandmaster Jin Yong Kwon, Vice President of the Kukkiwon U.S. Branch, and Coach, Master Susan Kwon, a 5th Dan Black Belt, their WMA’s Panther Poomsae Team achieved remarkable success at their first international tournament, earning a total of 12 medals in various divisions.
Master Susan Kwon reported that six athletes, ranging in ages from 10 to 46, competed in individual, team, and family poomsae events, as well as board breaking. Their
Grand Master Jin Yong Kwon is a 13-time Korean national champion with a 9th-degree black belt and 50-plus years of teaching experience. He is the founder of the World Martial Arts schools located in
performance showcased high-level skill, unity, and spirit embodying the values of Taekwondo both on and off the mat.
“I have a team of 11 athletes, but for this competition, I had a team of 5, Susan Kwon said. “We competed in three sections or team forms. All of my athletes received gold medals, including myself. I want to thank my father, Grandmaster Kwon, for supporting my ambition and starting my Taekwondo journey,” said Master Susan Kwon. To my athletes, “Thank you for your hard work and dedication. And to all the parents — your belief in me means everything.”
Grand Master Jin Yong Kwon is a 13-time Korean national champion with a 9th-degree black belt and over 50 years of teaching experience. With locations in Holladay, Riverton, and South Jordan, Jin Yong Kwon says, “Our Taekwondo school is the largest in Utah, having served over 4,000 students in the last 15 years. This historic event not only brought global recognition to our athletes but also showcased the strength and discipline of Utah’s Taekwondo community.”
Master Susan Kwon shared with The City Journal, “World Taekwondo Hanmadang, founded in 1992 in Seoul, South Korea, is not a typical competition. Unlike sparring-focused events, it emphasizes the foundations of martial arts, such as precision, power, and discipline. The event is open to participants ranging from ages 4 to 90, including yellow belt to 9th Dan black belts. The success of the WMA Panthers at this year’s World Hanmadang represents a major milestone for Utah and American Taekwondo, inspiring the next generation of martial artists to pursue excellence and cultural unity through martial arts.”
As a traditional Taekwondo school, Korean values such as respect and humility are incorporated into the teaching and instilled in the students. The pillars of Taekwondo, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit, guide the behavior of Taekwondo practitioners both inside and outside of the dojang (studio).
“A lot of school counselors recommend martial arts as a tool for managing ADHD and anger management,” Master Susan Kwon said. “Taekwondo is a great emotional outlet to help young students find their center.”
The success of the WMA Panthers at this year’s World Hanmadang represents a significant milestone for Utah and American Taekwondo, inspiring the next generation of martial artists to pursue excellence and cultural unity through martial arts.
“As a sport, we are growing in popularity, said Master Susan Kwon. “It’s awesome to see the amount of growth that happens with each of our students. It’s so rewarding.” l
Holladay, Riverton, and South Jordan. (Photo courtesy World Martial Arts)
While fueling a boat at 7-11 recently, I watched six youth cruise by, piled on a golf cart with four others on two electric dirt bikes—all without helmets. They recklessly crossed Holladay Boulevard and sped up Kentucky Avenue on the wrong side of the road as an oncoming vehicle approached. Nobody was hurt, but I could imagine the driver’s concern and thought … it’s only a matter of time.
As your city council representative, I’m seeing this scenario play out across Holladay with increasing frequency. The explosion in youth micromobility adoption from Onewheels to electric scooters, bikes and motorcycles brings both opportunity and serious safety concerns. We need a balanced approach that preserves freedom but helps avoid tragedy.
The statistics are sobering – the US Consumer Product Safety Commission documented over 360,000 micromobility-related ER visits from 2021 to 2023. That’s about 400 injuries daily nationwide. Children under 14 accounted for 36% of all e-scooter and e-bike injuries during that time period.
The week after my 7-11 experience while heading to a council meeting, I saw a young rider on a Onewheel—helmeted, controlled, and strikingly responsible. It turned out to be my 11-year-old neighbor, JoJo Hansen! I rounded the corner and saw another helmeted youth about his age, riding his electric scooter responsibly near Harmon’s.
The contrast was striking.
A two-pronged solution: Education and enforcement
Safety starts at home. Parents (and I’m speaking to myself!) must teach children that any mobility device—even human-powered ones—carries real consequences. Key lessons include always yielding to pedestrians, announcing yourself when approaching from behind, slowing down or dismounting near groups, and using constant situational awareness.
The Unified Police Department has developed an educational campaign, and I’m advocating for school assemblies to reach every child with this message.
Police resources are limited, but enforcement extends beyond citations. Parents must watch their children’s behavior and revoke privileges when necessary.
Our community can also adopt respectful accountability. I wrote previously how in Switzerland, I’ve observed a cultural norm where citizens respectfully confront inconsiderate behavior. This is the community engagement I think we need – that cares enough about safety to politely speak up. I’ve spoken directly with young riders at Crown Burger and outside our church, explaining that reckless riding undermines their access to these devices. So far, it has always gone well!
Some Utah cities are impounding devices after violations. West Jordan has implemented a three-strike impounding policy for repeat offenders.
What You Could Do This Week
Parents: Have a specific conversation with your children about micromobility safety. Establish clear rules and consequences.
All residents: Respectfully approach unsafe riders you encounter. A simple “Hey, I’m worried about your safety!” often works better than calling the police.
Or contact me! Let me know of problem areas or I’d welcome ideas on educational partnerships. As the end of my term approaches, I may be a lame duck, but I’m anxious to still help where I can! I’ve really appreciated this opportunity to serve you all!
We can preserve and even expand the joy these devices bring our youth while preventing the tragedies that current trends make inevitable. It requires all of us, though— parents, riders, and community members to do our part.
The choice between JoJo’s responsible riding and that dangerous 7-11 scene isn’t just about individual behavior—it’s about the community culture we choose to create. Thank you, for making Holladay the great place to live that it is!
—Council Member Ty Brewer, District 1
Lanes: What is the New Law?
The Unified Police Department and the City of Holladay are working together to help bring awareness to the community about new state laws regarding bike lane use.
According to the State of Utah law, 41-6a-1401, vehicles are prohibited from stopping, standing, or parking in a designated bicycle lane. The following streets in the City of Holladay are designated bicycle lanes where parking is prohibited:
• Holladay Blvd - Arbor Ln. to 6200 South
◦ The Holladay Blvd bike lane briefly transitions into a signed bike route segment without parking restrictions around Cottonwood Elementary School and then returns to a bike lane with parking restrictions.
• 3900 S. - 2300 East to I-215
• 2300 E. - 6200 S. to I-215
• Wasatch Blvd. - 5050 S. (Holladay’s border just north of the Mt. Olympus Trailhead) to 6200 S./Wasatch Blvd
These laws are intended to improve safety and ensure clear access for bicyclists and other authorized users.
Please take a moment to review this information and make sure your property and vehicles follow the new laws.
Our officers will be enforcing the new law in the designated areas as it is our goal to improve safety for everyone. We appreciate your support by not parking in the designated bike lanes. Working together we can continue to make Holladay a great community to live, work and recreate.
For questions or more info about this new law, visit www.unifiedpoliceut.gov or call the Unified Police Holladay Precinct, 385-468-9920, during business hours.
Holladay Arts Council HIGHLIGHT
The Holladay Arts Council was established in 2004 and has been at the heart of our community ever since. Through their tireless service, they bring connection, culture, and joy to Holladay. From the Fine Art Show each spring to free summer concerts and the Blue Moon Festival, the Arts Council has created some of our most cherished local traditions.
Today, the Council is made up of Richard Engar, Kimberly England, Linda Etherington, Sandra Fullmer Williams, Joy Hartmann, Illa Johnson, Thomas Kolonusz-Partee, Fred Kraut, Susan McFarlane, Bonnie Nell, Alene Schwei, Carol Spackman Moss, and Ilene Stowe.
We are fortunate to have Paul Fotheringham serving as the City Council liaison, and Megan Attermann (Manager of Arts & Culture) as the City staff liaison, both of whom guide and support the Council’s work.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of these remarkable people, Holladay continues to be a place where the arts are celebrated and community spirit thrives.
Teens After Hours at Holladay Lions Recreation Center!
Mark your calendars for Friday, September 26, from 8–10 pm and join Holladay Lions Recreation Center for an exclusive Teens After Hours event! Teens ages 12–18 are invited to enjoy the center after it closes to the public — featuring pool time, gym games, and more.
A My County Rec Pass is required to participate — it’s FREE for Salt Lake County residents! Learn more and sign up here: slco.to/pass.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Rob Dahle, Mayor rdahle@holladayut.gov
801-580-3056
Ty Brewer, District 1 tbrewer@holladayut.gov 801-550-8747
Matt Durham, District 2 mdurham@holladayut.gov 801-999-0781
Paul Fotheringham, District 3 pfotheringham@holladayut.gov 801-424-3058
Drew Quinn, District 4 dquinn@holladayut.gov 801-860-6130
Emily Gray, District 5 egray@holladayut.gov 801-755-3477
Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@holladayut.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS:
Smart Stewardship in Our Parks
by Lina Costa, Communications Mgr
It’s no secret that we pride ourselves on our city’s natural beauty. Our beloved tree canopy, ample open space, and neighborhood parks are cherished elements of our community. Here at City Hall, we strive to be good stewards of both our natural resources and the public funds we use to maintain them. That commitment is reflected in recent efforts from our diligent Parks Department in making operations more environmentally and economically sustainable.
Over the past year, the parks crew has focused on three major improvements: energy-efficient lighting, cleaner landscaping equipment, and smarter irrigation systems. Each step brings meaningful benefits for both the community and the environment.
Lighting & Equipment Improvements
Under the leadership of Parks Supervisor Thomas Norbutt, Holladay has converted much of its lighting in public facilities to LEDs, saving 21,532.5 kilowatt-hours each year. That translates to $2,584 in annual savings, or the equivalent of taking two cars off the road. In addition, the department replaced traditional two-stroke equipment such as trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws with battery-powered versions. These tools, now charged using solar power, cut down on harmful emissions while also reducing noise in our parks.
An invaluable staff member, Thomas joined the City in 2022 after a long career managing behavioral health facilities. Originally from North Carolina and New York and educated in Research Psychology, he describes his career shift as a chance to serve the community in a new way. What he finds most rewarding about working in the Parks Department is the opportunity to be a steward of the city, its community, and environment. His projects not only improve efficiency but also create healthier, quieter spaces for residents to enjoy.
Smarter Irrigation Practices
Another area of focus has been water conservation. At Knudsen Park, the Stratton Drive area, and City Park, irrigation systems were redesigned under the direction of Parks and Maintenance Worker Riley Hansen. By switching from single nozzles to a full-half-quarter method, the department reduced water waste and improved coverage. Upgraded controllers and weather sensors also help optimize watering schedules, reducing unnecessary cycles.
The results are significant. Knudsen Park cut its cool-season water use per cycle from 14,400 gallons to 9,990, Stratton Drive from 8,960 to 5,130, and City Park from 63,700 to 38,700. These improvements reflect careful observation and research, which Hansen completed as part of his senior project at the University of Utah, where he earned a degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. He noted that working with a municipality gives him the chance to make bigger changes than he could on his own, and he highlighted Holladay’s enthusiasm about sustainability as a factor in joining us.
Looking ahead, the City will continue refining irrigation through a partnership with Utah State University Extension, which offers free analysis programs to help maximize water use efficiency.
A Community Investment
These efforts reflect Holladay’s values: caring for our natural resources while using tax dollars wisely. While there is always room for improvement, we’re proud of the steps our incredible City employees have taken. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of our Parks team, our community can continue enjoying vibrant, healthy, and beautiful parks.
Animal Bites: Prevention & Reporting in Our City
by Salt Lake County Animal Services
Animal bites can happen quickly and unexpectedly — whether from a familiar pet or a stray animal. Knowing how to prevent bites and what to do if one occurs helps keep everyone safe.
Preventing Animal Bites
• Ask First: Always ask the owner’s permission before approaching or petting a dog.
• Stay Calm: Use a quiet voice and slow movements when interacting with animals.
• Give Space: Never approach a dog that is off leash and not in full control by its owner.
• Avoid Teasing: Do not pull ears or tails, climb on, or chase animals.
• Read Body Language: Watch for warning signs like growling, stiff posture, or a tucked tail.
• Educate Early: Salt Lake County Animal Services offers free humane education presentations for children, teaching respectful animal interaction and bite prevention in a fun, age-appropriate way.
Reporting Animal Bites
If you are bitten by an animal:
1. Seek medical attention, even for minor bites.
2. Report the bite to Animal Services by calling dispatch at 801-840-4000 or the local health department immediately.
3. Provide as much information as possible, including the type of animal, location, and owner (if known).
Prompt reporting helps ensure the health and safety of both people and animals in our community. It also helps track rabies exposure and ensures biting animals are monitored appropriately.
Let’s work together to prevent bites and protect our neighbors — two-legged and four-legged alike. For more information or to request a humane education presentation, visit AdoptUtahPets.org.
National Preparedness Month
by Allison Jester, Emergency Mgmt Coordinator
September marks National Preparedness month, an annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep you, your family, and your community safer. Talking about the possibility of a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy or fun. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are an important step towards being ready and staying safe in adverse circumstances. Starting a conversation today, making plans, and taking simple steps can help you build your preparedness and be ready to assist your community.
In some disasters, it may take hours or even days for emergency crews to reach you. In these cases, “you are the help until help arrives” and we must all work together to help one another. If we can foster a culture of community and increase personal and neighborhood preparedness, we will be able to more effectively respond to and recover from disaster.
Here are some ways you can get involved and promote emergency preparedness in your neighborhood:
• Work on your own personal and family preparedness.
• Build connections with your neighbors – pay attention to those who may need additional help in a disaster and check on them.
• Encourage your neighborhood or friends to participate in planning, compiling supplies, or running a drill together.
• Take safety courses to learn CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and other skills.
• Take a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course and learn new skills that will help you prepare for and respond to emergencies – these are offered every Spring and Fall. In the face of disaster, each and every person matters. Together, we can build a resilient community that is ready to deal with anything.
HOLLADAY GENERAL
public hearing before the Planning Commision September 30th 6:00pm
City Hall 4580 S 2300 E
Holla-ween is just around the corner and we want you to save the NEW date and time for this years Holla-ween event! SATURDAY OCTOBER 25th 2:30pm-4:30pm located at the back of Holladay City Hall 4580 S 2300 E. The festivities will include a pet costume contest, Pumpkin Bowling, face painting, Trail of Treats and much more. Costumes HIGHLY encouraged! A Prize will be given to the best dressed pet! Come enjoy a Spooktacular evening!
If you are a Holladay business that would like to participate in the Trail of Treats during this event, please contact Ann Frances Garcia at annfgarcia@HolladayUT.gov or call (385) 425-0853. Dress in costume, decorate your table in Halloween theme and join the fun. Registration Required to participate. No Fee. Register by: October 10th.
Pets
What’s your pet thinking? This animal psychic knows
By Peri Kinder |
If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is happy, your lizard is upset or your bird is mad at you, Jennafer Martin could help you find the answer. Martin is a pet psychic with years of experience communicating with animals, getting to the root of what’s bothering your furry, feathery or scaly pet.
By tapping into an animal’s emotions, Martin offers insight into their behaviors, fears and level of contentment. She first realized she could communicate with pets when she received a Teddy Bear Hamster for her 14th birthday.
“For three days, she was happy, playful and delightful, but on the fourth day, I felt she was sad,” Martin said. “She wasn’t sighing heavily, or anything like that, I just felt like she wasn’t happy…Two days later, she had 13 babies. I would think if you’re gestating 13 of anything, you wouldn’t be very happy.”
It was the first time she realized she could pick up on things other people couldn’t. It was easy for her to read the emotions of the animals and share that insight as a way to create better understanding between humans and pets.
Martin had been a tarot reader and energy worker for several years before she decided to become a professional pet psychic in 2013.
“Even if I’m reading for animals, I’m still reading for people, so they understand how interesting their animals are,” she said. “I’ve read for reptiles, rodents, fish and large animals like ostriches and horses.”
Whether it’s decoding a bird’s persistent squawking or helping a rescue dog settle into a new home, Martin said her work bridges the gap between human and animal hearts.
Most animals have the mental capacity of a 2- to 5-year-old and she doesn’t receive fully-formed guidance from the
pets. Instead, she feels their emotions, sees images or has an intuitive sense about what’s going on in the pet’s mind.
While reading for a French Bulldog, Martin said the dog kept sending her an image of something orange and puffy, and the dog didn’t like it. The owners couldn’t think of any blanket or clothing item that would cause her such annoyance until they remembered a Halloween costume from the previous year. They’d dressed her as Nemo, from “Finding Nemo,” made with orange, puffy fabric. Martin had picked up on the dog’s irritation with the costume, which the owners promised never to use again.
Holly Esch regularly reaches out to Martin for help with her six lizards and she believes it’s kept them healthy and happy. After her lizard’s partner died, Esch asked Martin how her lizard was coping with the loss and if he was open to meeting another lizard. When Esch was trying to hatch lizard eggs, she asked Martin to do Reiki energy work to keep them from dying off.
“I ask relationship questions about them because they’re kind of like humans,” Esch said. “They bicker, they fall in love, they have their own little dramas and they have their own little different personalities. [Martin] just knows a lot of things and offers another perspective.”
When a family’s rescue tortoise kept trying to escape, Martin let them know he was looking for a mate. She discovered why an anxious cat had stopped using its litter box and why a puppy wouldn’t use the bathroom outside if he was alone. When Martin’s sister had a cat dying from cancer, Martin let her know when it was time to relieve its suffering.
Martin is often met with skepticism and is sometimes “tested” by pet owners when she’s asked to work with an animal, but she’s fine with that. She said it’s not her job to convince anyone that what
she’s doing is real.
“It’s fine to come with a sense of curiosity or a sense of skepticism,” she said. “At the end of the day, hopefully you know a little bit more about why your pet thinks or feels or behaves the way they do. You don’t have to buy in on what I do, as long as you resonate with the message that I give.”
Animals don’t always see the world the way humans do. Martin hopes her ability to communicate with pets helps owners become more patient and un-
derstanding with “naughty” behavior, especially when the animal is trying to be heard.
“I’d say 90% of the time, they’re not trying to be difficult. They’re just trying to get their needs met,” Martin said. “Sometimes, they’re just a little misguided or misunderstood…If you understand your animal better, then you feel like you can take care of them better, and then everybody’s happy.”
To schedule an appointment with Martin, visit readingsmorebyjennafer.com. A publication covering local pets, their humans and their care around the Salt Lake Valley
Jennafer Martin is a pet psychic in Salt Lake County who works with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish and reptiles. She’s shown here with Rosey. (Photo courtesy of Martin)
A Paw-sitive Legacy: Humane Society of Utah Marks 65th Anniversary
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Sixty-five years after opening its first shelter in a modest West Valley City facility, the Humane Society of Utah marked its journey from humble beginnings to becoming the state’s largest open-admission animal resource center. The nonprofit celebrated its anniversary with a free community birthday party at its Murray location on Saturday, July 12.
“We are throwing a fun-filled all ages welcome birthday party!” the organization stated in a press release prior to the event. “Enjoy activities such as a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, balloon art, and more.”
Founded in 1960, HSU has operated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely through donations, without government or state support. Its mission has remained consistent for more than six decades: to protect and improve the lives of animals across Utah.
“This summer, the Humane Society of Utah is thrilled to celebrate 65 years of saving pets and supporting families in Utah,” the release stated. “As we celebrate this special birthday, we reflect on how far we have come, and the generous community support that made this milestone possible.”
HSU opened its first facility in West Valley City before relocating in 1992 to its
current Murray site, the Janice R. Johnson Center for Animals, funded by a request from Utah schoolteacher Janice Johnson. The larger building allowed the organization to expand its services and later add specialized adoption areas, including Kitty City, Bunny Bungalows, Dawgville, Tiny Town, and Critter Country.
“In 1972, HSU opened the first lowcost spay/neuter clinic in the Intermountain West,” the release noted. “This essential milestone helped to prevent overpopulation in the area, and gave countless pets the chance for a healthier, happier life.”
The Murray facility also continued to offer a range of services through its integrated clinic, including low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, wellness exams, and heartworm testing. Specialized programs such as CATNIP, a community cat spay/neuter and trap initiative, and SNIP, a spay/neuter incentive program for pet owners experiencing financial hardship, were developed to address specific needs.
In 2020, HSU opened a second clinic in St. George to expand access to affordable veterinary care in southern Utah. In 2024, wellness exams were added to its Murray clinic offerings. “These preventative care services are vital to protecting pet health
and wellness,” HSU stated. “They allow pets and families to enjoy longer, healthier years together.”
In 2023 alone, HSU reported placing 5,529 homeless animals into new homes and assisting approximately 1,189 community-owned pets through its retention and diversion programs. The organization emphasized an education-focused adoption process and a policy of no time limits for healthy or treatable pets awaiting adoption.
Staffing included 53 full-time employees and numerous volunteers. Community engagement extended through adoption events, humane education, foster programs, rescue and transfer initiatives, and legislative advocacy efforts aimed at preventing animal cruelty and addressing the root causes of pet homelessness.
“Donations from our caring community have been the backbone of every expansion, every new program, and every life-saving effort over the years,” the release stated. “It is inspiring to see how our community has stepped up to the plate, generously giving love and hope to local pets in their time of need.”
As part of its anniversary message, cilities and expand collaboration with other ist in a vacuum. Protecting vulnerable pets
While reflecting on its past, HSU also plished so much together in 65 years,” the organization stated. “We cannot wait to see what the next 65 years will bring for pets and
For more information on the Humane
A dog comes in for a veterinary check-up at the Humane Society of Utah in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)
The Humane Society of Utah celebrated 65 years of caring for animals. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)
After years in animal services, advocate opens her own Nonprofit spay/neuter clinic
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Temma Martin’s personalized license plate reads “PETLADY.” As it should. For nearly 30 years, she has been the voice for pet protection in Utah, both before and after they’re born. Her latest efforts are part of the new nonprofit she has founded and created, “Operation Pawpulation” in Millcreek.
The clinic focuses on spay/neuter services, coming at a time when the numbers of dogs and cats in animal shelters have been increasing. She has championed adoption for decades, but has turned her efforts into prevention of unplanned litters for dogs and cats. Martin first became involved in this world while she was in college, concerned about animal welfare but not really thinking it would become her career.
“I didn’t start in any other area or direction,” she said. “When I was finishing my senior year of high school in Colorado, I got a little bit involved with animal rights stuff, like protesting research labs and more like actual animal rights than animal welfare. So I was sort of interested then, but when I moved back here, I worked at several businesses. When I worked at Golden Swirl’s corporate office, I saw an ad in the paper for a job posted at the Humane Society of Utah in 1993 for an education director.”
She worked for them for four years but felt she wanted to do more public relations, so after a short stint with the American Heart Association, she became media specialist for Salt Lake County Animal Services.
In that role, Martin appeared on every local TV morning program — news or lifestyle shows — bringing dogs or cats on
air who were waiting for adoption from the shelter. She brought on an estimated 5,000 animals over her career, and her name and face became synonymous with pet adoption in the Salt Lake market. It often meant going to the shelter in very early morning hours, waking up a pet to take them to a station, and all four local TV stations had segments with her regularly.
A countywide reduction of force led to her leaving the post in 2008. She was quickly approached by the Utah Animal Adoption Center, where she worked for one year, then joined Best Friends Animal Society.
Her messages about pet adoption helped. When the No More Homeless Pets coalition started in 1999, Utah shelters were alarmingly still killing almost 40,000 pets a year. But by 2020, with more and more no-kill shelters coming online, that number had fallen to 829.
Good news, with numbers headed in the right direction toward making Utah a no-kill state. Then COVID arrived, and things changed. Today, an average of 2,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in Utah.
“The numbers of animals killed has steadily increased, not just in Utah, but across the country,” she said. “People are watching what feels like a pretty major backsliding of progress, and some of the reasons for that are there’s a shortage of veterinarians. A lot of veterinary clinics are being bought out by corporations and private equity firms, and prices of all veterinary care have risen at a rate much higher than the rate of inflation.”
Two years ago, she left Best Friends to start her own nonprofit using her own money. She bought a storefront in Millcreek that was once a boat repair shop to create a clinic offering spay/neuter services to pet owners at very reduced costs, a service that she says has “gotten outrageously expensive in a lot of places.” She said the universe had something else in mind for her.
“I made some phone calls to clinics in Salt Lake County, and some of them are places I either am or have been a client,” Martin said. “A cat neuter is the lowest. They’re the least expensive and quickest surgery. And so on the low end, I believe it was just less than $300 for a cat, but on the high end, for a large dog spay, one clinic said that it could be more than $2,000. Most people can’t afford that — it’s a mortgage payment, a rent payment. So for a lot of people it’s out of reach. And for some reason, even nationally, a lot of animal welfare organizations have shifted their focus away from spay/neuter, which is largely why I felt like I needed to go off on my own.”
Shelter Animals Count, a trusted source for animal sheltering data, has reported that 28% of the 2.9 million dogs entering shelters in the U.S. were puppies under 5 months old. That was an increase
of more than 31,000 from the year before. More than half of the felines entering shelters were under five months old as well — 1.7 million. Those are signs of unwanted or unplanned litters of young animals given up to shelters.
“We can’t solve this problem after all the pets are born,” she said. “There will always be people who choose to buy pets, but there are so many pets in need outside of shelters. The only way we can get back on track is getting pets spayed or neutered
and prevent the downstream that creates animals in need.”
Martin is proud of the 5,000-plus animals she took on TV for adoption, but “we can help a much larger number of animals by preventing them from being born. Coupled with the shortage of veterinarians, we need to refocus on spay/neuter as a normal part of pet ownership.”
Operation Pawpulation is open on Thursdays. Call 801-509-8334 to set up an appointment or get more information.
Dr. Emily Kirkpatrick offers her veterinary services to Operation Pawpulation on Thursdays each week. (Photo courtesy of Operation Pawpulation)
Operation Pawpulation offers low cost spay/neuter services to pet owners. (Photo courtesy of Operation Pawpulation)
Your fall guide to dog-friendly activities
By Sienna Chubak | s.chubak@thecityjournals.com
With summer coming to a close, many people are trying to find all the possible ways that they can spend their final warm nights before winter hits its full peak. If you have a dog, or a few of them, you also might be wondering how you can utilize the next couple of months to include your pets in your plans.
That’s why we’ve created a list of some local spots that you can bring your dogs to. Whether you’re looking for your dog to join you on a solo outing, you’re hoping to bring them along with you and some of your friends, or if you’re looking to have them third-wheel one of your dates, here are some great restaurants, parks, and even some bookstores that you’re welcome to bring your best pals to.
Stopping for coffee first? Bjorns Brew is a well-known pet-loving business that has a small front patio for you and your pup to enjoy the morning. While you sip your coffee, the Bjorn’s barista crew has got your dog covered with a small treat or pup cup to enjoy right along with you. So not only can they enjoy your morning coffee with you, but they will also get plenty of smiles and waves from every dog-lover in town. They even have a Pet of the Week highlight, so your pet can get some Instagram likes from their page and a special
gift from them.
If you want to head a little bit up the street, you can then stop by Corner Brew Pub, which is equipped with a dog-friendly patio. Whether you’re looking for a short stop to enjoy a beer or for a nice, relaxing lunch, feel free to bring along your pups.
On your way back to South Salt Lake, take a stop at Fairmont Dog Park. They have a large open space for your dogs to run off-leash. Afterwards, you can lead them around the pond, play some pickleball, or join in at the skate park (although I wouldn’t let your dogs run in there).
For an afternoon drink or late-night dinner spot, Level Crossing Brewing has a large patio that welcomes dogs. Although you can’t take your dog into the bar, the patio doors are often open so you can hear the live music on Sunday nights or open mic night on Wednesdays. They also have board game night on Tuesday, so feel free to bring your crew (with your dogs!) and choose from their board games, and let your pets join in on the fun.
If you’re ready for another early morning stroll, the Jordan River Trail offers tons for you and your doggo to look at. While they have to be leashed most of the time, if you walk, bike, or run up to Jordan Park, they’ve got another large
off-leash area for your dog to get some free run time, while you can cool down from yours.
Finally, if you’re looking for something more relaxed to do and are ready to take your dog on a short drive (or long walk), head over to Lovebound Library or King’s English Bookshop, both bookstores let you and your dog browse the books. That way, you can both get out of the house, and then you can both cozy up later that night while you read your best book find.
Experience Counts. Leadership You Can Trust
Paul Fotheringham has deep roots in Holladay and a proven track record of leadership. He grew up in the area and has lived in his current Holladay home since 1997. He is a two-term City Councilmember and a retired banking executive who has dedicated his career to financial stewardship and his personal life to public service. Now, he’s ready to step up and serve as your next Mayor with a clear vision, proven experience, and a full-time commitment to Holladay’s future.
King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City.
Corner Brew Pub’s dog-friendly patio in Sugar House.
Bjorn’s dog-friendly patio in South Salt Lake.
Thinking about getting a pet? Here’s what you should know first
By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com
Bringing a pet into your life is more than just welcoming a furry companion—it’s a commitment that can enrich your home and heart in ways you may not expect. Whether you’re considering a playful pup, a curious cat, or even a serene fish, pet ownership is a journey of responsibility, patience and deep connection.
Before you adopt or purchase a pet, it’s important to think beyond the cuddles and cute photos. Pets rely on us for their care, safety and happiness—and that takes preparation.
Deanne Shepherd, former director of Marketing and Communications at the Humane Society of Utah, outlines three essential things to consider before bringing a new animal into your home:
1. Do Your Homework
Choosing the right pet starts with understanding your lifestyle. Ask yourself:
• What type of animal fits your living space and daily routine?
• What’s the animal’s lifespan, and are you ready for that long-term commitment?
• Can you afford the time and money required for food, veterinary care, and other needs?
• Are there pet restrictions where you live?
Don’t choose a pet based on appearance or breed trends. Instead, research the animal’s temperament, care requirements, and compatibility with your lifestyle. The more you know, the more likely you’ll find a pet who thrives in your care—and vice versa.
2. Explore Your Adoption and Purchase Options
If you’re buying from a breeder, make sure they’re reputable:
• Visit their facility.
• Meet the animal’s parents.
• Confirm that veterinary care is part of the breeder’s practices. However, adoption is another meaningful route. Shelters are full of animals looking for a second chance. Many are already vaccinated, spayed/ neutered and microchipped – making the transition easier for you and safer for them. Avoid buying pets from parking lots or unverified online sources, as these often come with health or behavioral risks due to poor breeding practices. Pet scams are common, so always verify the legitimacy of the seller or organization.
3. Be Ready for the Commitment Routine is vital for pets. From feeding schedules to exercise and bathroom
breaks, animals feel safest and behave best when they know what to expect.
Think through:
• Who will be the main caretaker?
• How will children participate in pet care?
• How will your current pets adjust to a new addition?
Initial and ongoing costs include:
• Essentials: food, toys, collar, crate, litter box, grooming supplies.
• Medical: vaccinations, annual checkups, spay/neuter procedures.
• Extras: pet insurance, boarding, training, or emergency care.
A pet is a long-term investment—both financially and emotionally—but one that often pays off in joy and love. It’s not just about responsibilities—pets give back in powerful ways. According to Forbes, pet ownership can:
• Increase physical activity and outdoor time.
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.
The companionship pets offer is often irreplaceable, especially during life’s more challenging moments. Sometimes, despite best efforts, a pet may not be the right fit. If challenges arise that you can’t manage, it’s okay to reach out to a shelter or rescue group for help rehoming the animal. It’s far more compassionate than letting the situation worsen—for either of you.
Looking for more tips? Check out Season 2, Episode 10 of Holly’s Highlights podcast for expert advice on pet
nutrition, toxic human foods, lifespan expectations, the truth about pet insurance, training techniques, managing pet allergies and more.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Google Podcasts, or at www. hollycurby.com. Bringing a pet home is a beautiful decision—but only when done thoughtfully. With the right preparation, you and your new friend can enjoy a rewarding bond that lasts a lifetime.
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Pet Photo Contest!
WINNER
Pet Name: Sam
Description: Sam’s the kind of cute that makes your heart melt—fluffy, soft, and effortlessly photogenic, with a blissful little smile that says he knows exactly how adorable he is. His luxurious coat and regal posture make him the definition of majestic charm.
Human: Submitted by Dani Williams
Pet Name: Nikki
Description: Nikki is a spunky lady. Always following around wherever we go, yowling for attention.
Human: Kelly Dam | Graphic Designer
2ND PLACE
Pet Name: Finn
Description: Finn loves all things snuggles and is as sassy as can be!
Human: Submitted by Mindy Martin Tamburrion
3RD PLACE
Pet Name: Dax a Doo
Description: Dax is our baby boy. We call him our BGB. Big Giant Boy. He’s a snuggle boy and best little brother to Xico.
Human: Submitted by Kristi Dancer
STAFF PET PHOTOS
Pet Name: Zoya
Description: Too smart for her own good, Zoya knows a handful of tricks. Her favorites are fetch and dance – and her least favorite is stay. If she could do anything for a day, it would be chasing squirrels and birds with no idea what she would do if she caught either. Zoya is a 7 year old Weimaraner who loves cuddles and barking at anything.
Human: Cassie Goff | Editorial Staff
Pet Name: Bentley
Description: Now pushing 15 years young, “Crazy Boy” has long been the affectionate nickname for this four-legged whirlwind, rescued from the humane society. Named after Snowflake Bentley, the famous snowflake photographer, he clearly took his name to heart by becoming a full-time snow sprinter and part-time icicle connoisseur. He is a devout enthusiast of both the trail and the beach, never tiring of either. His superpower includes turning complete strangers into lifelong friends in less than 10 seconds. Basically, if joy had a fur coat and four paws, it’s Bentley.
Human: Julie Slama | Writer
Pet Name: Binx Katherine Wallet Crayon People Sink Andreasen
Description: Meet Binx, our very first kitty and the queen of our hearts! With her fluffy coat, tufted ears, and Maine Coon charm, she’s a mix of elegance and playfulness. She’s endlessly curious—especially about water—and never turns down a good cuddle.
Humans: Lindsay | Advertising Specialist and Emmie & Gracie
Pet Name: Luna
Description: Luna is a princess and always sits upright and proper. She loves to talk and is very loud! She is shy with strangers but cuddly with those she knows. She has opinions and will let you know!
Human: Stacey LaMont | Graphic Designer
Pet Name: Cash
Description: Cash is so loving and has a playful nature, often acting as my best friend and companion. Cash thrives on interaction with me but also loves my kids and their families.
Human: Yvette Newton | Marketing Strategist
Redemption completes historic acquisition of Salt Lake City’s Holladay Bank & Trust
Deal establishes the nation’s 24th Black-owned financial institution — the first of its kind in the Mountain West and only one between Houston and Los Angeles.
By John Rogers Salt Lake Business Journal
In a groundbreaking milestone for both Utah and the nation, Redemption Holding Co. completed its acquisition of Holladay Bank and Trust, a family-owned institution in Holladay. The June 9 transaction marks the first Blackled acquisition of a non-minority-owned bank in U.S. history, making the bank — which will be renamed Redemption Bank — the only Black-owned bank headquartered in the Mountain West.
The transaction is expected to establish the nation’s first Black-owned financial institution located outside an economically vulnerable community, the first of its kind in the Rockies and Mountain West, and the only Black-owned bank between Houston and Los Angeles.
In March 2023, less than a month after Redemption Holding Co. first announced it was purchasing a Utah community bank, Silicon Valley Bank failed. That led Redemption to do “a hard reset” with its acquisition of Holladay Bank & Trust, said Ashley Bell, the holding company’s CEO.
Bank valuations tumbled and “there was a lot of uncertainty at that time, from a regulatory posture, about what was going to be the new benchmark of scrutiny,” Bell told Caitlin Mullen, a senior reporter for banking news website Banking Drive.
Bell said Redemption moved to reprice the acquisition and it took more than two years for negotiations to reach the point that the deal could finally close last month. Bell did not disclose the financial details of the buyout but did say it was close to the cost of starting a bank from scratch.
“This milestone reflects the power of partnership, vision and a shared belief that access to capital can transform lives,” said Gov. Spencer Cox. “We’re grateful for the leaders who saw the potential and made it happen.”
Katharine Garff, board chair of Ken Garff Enterprises, an early investor in the new bank, told EIN Newswire she was eager for her family’s foundation to be part of the trailblazing venture as soon as she learned in 2022 that Dr. Bernice King — the youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — was involved. She will serve on Redemption’s advisory board and as senior vice president for corporate strategy and alliances.
“Dr. Bernice King is an absolutely captivating presence whose contributions to building a more equitable society have furthered her parents’ legacy,” said Garff. “I … know that her integrity and genuine compassion for the communities she uplifts reflect her commitment to community improvement and reinvestment.”
“I know deeply what it means for a nation to respond in times of crisis and how communities come together to realize that what’s needed, sometimes, has never been done,” King said. “Redemption will help deliver on my father’s dream of economic equality, and we are honored to be ushering in needed change at such a pivotal time.”
Lisa Eccles, president and chief operating officer of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, another investor, said Redemption’s model will uplift customers and expand opportunity in the spirit of the Eccles family legacy.
“For nearly two centuries, Utah has been a place of opportunity for those who sought it out — that is our family’s story, and now it will also be the Redemption Bank story. We are delighted to be a part of it,” Eccles said.
Other notable Utah investors include the Sorenson Impact Foundation; Patel Family Investments; Central Bancorporation; the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation; Ally Financial; the Huntsman Foundation; and Utah Jazz point guard Collin Sexton, who was backed by TribeAngels and Coinlete.
Bell praised Utah’s business and civic leaders for supporting the ambitious undertaking.
“Redemption Bank will create an unparalleled hub for Black investment in the Rockies, reinforcing our commitment to providing pathways to economic prosperity and the pursuit of the American Dream,” said Bell. “We are excited that the Utah business community has embraced Redemption’s vision of ensuring that financial access to capital and economic opportunity will expand, not contract.”
About 65 percent of voting shareholders in Redemption are African American small-business owners, said Bell, who’s also founder and CEO of Black-owned fintech Ready Life.
Holladay, founded in 1974, is a onebranch community bank serving the Salt Lake City area. The bank, which had about $65.7 million in assets as of March 31, has a clean balance sheet, has management willing to stay after the deal closed and is consistently profitable — an “extraordinarily rare starting point for a Black-owned bank in America,” Bell said.
Bruce Jensen, former CEO of Town & Country Bank in Utah and a longtime banker in the state, has been named Redemption’s CEO. Katie Spratling, daughter of Holladay Bank’s founder, will remain the bank’s president. l
Bernice King (left), daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and senior vice president for impact banking for Redemption Holding Co., poses with Ashley D. Bell, executive chairman and CEO of the company that has acquired Holladay Bank & Trust, making it the only Black-owned bank between Houston and Los Angeles. (Photo courtesy Redemption Holding Co.)
‘So lucky to live in this city’ Holladay Interfaith Council service project unites community
Holladay City Interfaith Council filled the shelves of the Granite School District’s Cottonwood High School Pantry with essential school supplies.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
In August, eight religious faith organizations came together as part of the Holladay City Interfaith Council to fill the shelves of the Granite School District’s Cottonwood High School Pantry with essential school supplies.
The various faiths’ collaborative effort demonstrated the power of serving the community in meeting the urgent needs of students, nearly half of whom rely on free and reduced lunch programs to support their well-being. Out of a total of 1,500 students at Cottonwood, 46 are facing challenges related to homelessness in their communities.
The Interfaith School Supply Service Project serves as a beacon of hope in a world often weighed down by sadness and concern for the challenges faced by children living in poverty. Robyn Ivins,
a volunteer at the Cottonwood High School Teen Center and Pantry, emphasizes that most donations to the pantry come from the local community.
“Cottonwood is so grateful to everyone who keeps us well-stocked,” she said. “Without community support, we couldn’t help our students and their families. We’ve even had students return after graduation to share how important the pantry and teen center was to their academic success.”
The pantry opened in 2017 and is available for anyone on Tuesdays and Fridays. It provides needed food, hygiene products, and school supplies for 90 to 120 students per week. According to Ivins, to help provide further needed student resources, Cottonwood High School Teen Center opened in October 2023, providing a quiet place to study, do laundry, shower and have access to the social worker.
Interfaith Council member Kimberly Brubaker helped collect school supplies and helped deliver the supplies. With seven congregations in the Cottonwood Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, each was provided with a project point person. The school supply list was divided among the congregations to ensure that all
reality of the need hit me hard. The unity of our different faith communities coming together to gather supplies truly made a difference for students in need. Seeing the impact of our collective efforts has inspired our Interfaith Council to keep finding new ways to work together for good. It is so meaningful to see the good that can come when we are united in purpose despite our differences.”
school supply items were collected, and Cottonwood High students would be ready to begin classes.
“Learning is a basic need—It’s the pathway to a better future—and school supplies open that door,” Brubaker said. “The generosity of the community in donating needed school supplies was overwhelming! When we arrived at the school, the shelves were bare. With classes just days away, the
The Holladay Interfaith Council’s mission is to promote supportive cooperation, recognition, tolerance, respect and understanding among various faiths. United by a common purpose, the following Council faith communities joined together to ensure that Cottonwood High School students had the necessary supplies to start the school year: The Baha’i community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Congregation Koi Ami, Holladay United Church of Christ, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and the Utah Islamic Center.
“As an Interfaith Council, we love to show up and support the events hosted by each other’s faith communities, especially service projects,” said Interfaith Chair Rachel Matthews. “This year, we wanted to build on that enthusiasm by planning a giving opportunity that wasn’t organized or sponsored by any single church. We are so grateful to Holladay City for spreading the word about this service project and for providing a central location for our generous neighbors to drop off donations.”
According to Mayor Rob Dahle, volunteers loaded three trucks at Holladay City Hall and then delivered and unloaded the items at the school.
“Pantry volunteers were not prepared for the number of items that were delivered,” Dahle said. “The Interfaith School Supply Service Project was a huge success, and so appreciated by the Cottonwood High Community. I’m so lucky to live in this city!” l
Dennis Bayes, Holladay United Church of Christ; Mike Smith, Salt Lake Communication Council, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Michael Goleniewski, St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church; Mayor Rob Dahle; and Ruth Smith, Salt Lake Communication Council, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Photo contributed)
It’sbarely September and social media pages are already flooded with autumn recipes, pumpkin hacks and tips on how to dress for sweater weather. For Utah, sweater weather in September is just dumb because it’s still 90 degrees in the shade. Wear a cute, fall pullover at your own risk.
Instagram influencers suffer from September insanity, bizarrely excited to roam through corn mazes (nature’s escape room), decorate porches with scratchy hay bales and crooked scarecrows, and stage family photo shoots at apple orchards with everyone grumpily dressed in red and black flannel.
In September, you’re legally required to wear a wool scarf when ordering at Starbucks, where each drink has a dash of cinnamon. Pumpkin spice is everywhere, from pancakes to deodorant, popping up out of nowhere like political yard signs and herpes.
These aren’t necessarily bad things. I love me a plaid shirt and fresh-baked apple crisp, but until Monday, Sept. 22, at 12:19 p.m. (MDT), it’s still summer and I will behave accordingly.
Here’s what shouldn’t happen before Sept 22: high school sports, pumpkin patches, hay rides, the NFL. None of those are summer activities. Nada.
Even if the temperature drops to 45 degrees by mid-September (which it won’t), I’ll still wear flip-flops and gym shorts as
Stop Pretending it’s Autumn
my casual work outfit. Well, flip-flops only if I’m going somewhere fancy, like Dollar Tree. I might as well not own shoes during the summer.
After going barefoot since April, my feet have reached the hardened leather stage where I could safely walk across a lava flow. My granddaughter recently poked my heel and asked, “What happened to you?” I tried to explain the development of callouses due to traversing 110-degree asphalt with no shoes, but she’d already turned her attention back to Roblox.
Even Mother Nature betrays me as the Wasatch Mountains start to turn a brilliant red, orange and gold. Sunset gets earlier each night, disappearing a little bit at a time, like when I’m trying to sneak out of a networking event. The air takes on a distinctly “autumn” glow, but that might be arsenic floating over from the Great Salt Lake. Living in Utah is exciting.
Farmers’ markets are still open, but
the options quickly turn from juicy, sweet peaches to…umm…squash? Who eats squash? Raccoons? Hardened criminals? I use pumpkin for cookies, bread and carving, but no one actually EATS pumpkin. That’s like saying someone actually eats rhubarb. I don’t have time for your nonsense.
One good thing about September is that Michaels no longer sells Halloween items (which they started promoting in May) but is now decked out for Christmas.
Believe it or not, I love fall, but only when seasonally appropriate. Summer flies by, so I must savor every sunny moment before Salt Lake sinks into six months of cold,
gray darkness, like Persephone descending to the Underworld.
On the first day of autumn (Sept. 22, not Sept. 1), I’ll drape fall garlands around the kitchen, light apple-scented candles, put on cozy socks (an easy transition from being barefoot) and make a big pot of stew that no one will eat because it has onions.
Within a few weeks, my social media pages will display photos of squirrels gathering nuts, my grandkids bickering at a harvest festival, Tom refusing to eat apple cider donuts and my fire-orange pedicure hidden inside a cute pair of fall boots. But only in appropriate autumnal timing.
