31 minute read
Davis County’s ‘Princess’
By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com
When South Jordan’s Cindy Chia, who is Malaysian Chinese, took her then 2-year-old daughter, Maya, to Disney On Ice last year, Maya was so upset that the show did not include Mulan, the Chinese heroine who saves her country. “So I lodged a complaint to Disney and I was still not hopeful,” Chia said. “But surprisingly this year there was a whole segment for Mulan! Maya was so thrilled! My mom and I were in tears because it’s very rare that we get represented in such a big production like that.”
Although heroines of color have been rare in the early decades of Disney, recently more and more productions feature strong women of various ethnicities. As more of these princesses of color have become popular, the demand for character actors to play them has also increased which is why Davis County’s Allegra-Bree Moreno stays quite busy appearing at various events and parties as Princess Jasmine, Raya, and Moana among other characters.
With an extensive background in musical theater, acting, and modeling, Moreno began her “princess” career in March of 2021 when she answered a casting call for the role of Jasmine. While Jasmine was rarely booked at the time, once Moreno took over the role, Jasmine bookings increased significantly, attributing to her talent of not only playing the role well but also her gift of connecting with children. From there, her roles expanded to Moana, Elena of Avalor, and Raya.
In addition to Disney characters, Moreno also plays villains, super heroes, and science fiction characters. Most of her bookings come from word-of-mouth and recommendations. Chia, who recently moved from Herriman to Daybreak, celebrated her daughter Maya’s third birthday by inviting Moreno to play Moana. Moreno, as Moana, paddle-boarded across Oquirrh Lake to greet an excited group of tots in front of Chia’s new home. Chia said Moreno “was patient, caring, and engaging to make sure my daughter had the best third birthday.”
“It makes me feel good that they had a great experience with how we have been trained, the costuming we use, the wig quality, how we handle ourselves at a party and how we interact with children,” Moreno said. “A lot of people think it’s just dress up and cosplay. But when you have to be fully immersed in the role, it’s an entirely different skill because you have to create magic for the kids.”
As a person of mixed race including Cuban, West African/Haitian, Chinese, Portuguese, Ashkenazi Jewish, British, Scandinavian, and Filipino, Moreno and the three character companies she works for are passionate and proactive about representation and transcendent casting, the practice of casting people of color in traditionally whitecast roles. Moreno has had opportunities to play Belle and Cinderella, giving children the experience of interacting with favorite princesses who look like them.
“In this industry, there are a lot of problems with colorism and racism and I have been fortunate to have found a community of people who do really care about these issues and strive to understand and become educated,” she said. When Moreno first started playing Jasmine she experienced the previous “white-washing” of Jasmine at a birthday party when one of the little girls showed her a Jasmine doll. Moreno said, She held her doll next to me and she said, ‘I didn’t know you really were brown. You are so pretty.’”
Moreno’s personal experience as a minority and a child who was bullied growing up has given her the dedication to empower children who feel “othered” and seek belonging. When she first arrives at an event, she seeks the outliers and shy kids who feel like they don’t fit in.
“I recognize them because that was me,” Moreno said. “I approach them first before I interact with the other kids and I try to talk to them, relate to them, and personally invite them to join in. The child thinks, ‘Wow, Jasmine thought I was cool enough to talk to and be her friend.’ When it’s a kid that talks to you, well cool, you have made a new friend. When it’s another adult, you think they have to do that. But when it’s your HERO right in front of you, it gives you confidence for the rest of your life. I want to give them at least one memory that builds them up to draw on – especially when they need it the most.”
And indeed, there is power in that. In a time when the Department of Justice recently delivered a scathing report about racism in the Davis School District followed by a 10-year-old North Salt Lake child taking her own life due to bullying because of her autism and skin color, teaching simple kindness and acceptance is more important than ever before. Perhaps what we truly need are more princesses and more super heroes to literally save lives.
Moreno said, “I always tell kids when they’re down on themselves...I’ll ask, ‘Are you royal too?’ Of course they will first answer ‘No.’ But then I ask, ‘Are you loyal to your friends and family? Are you kind? Are you brave?’ Are you a good friend? Do you stand up for those who need help?’ And when they can answer ‘yes,’ they realize, ‘I AM royal. I can make a difference.’” But Moreno said we don’t have to be dressed up in tiaras and capes to lift children up. We just need to accept and love them exactly as they are.
If you would like to hire Moreno at your next party or event, visit www.charactersandcrowns.com, www.characterbooking. com, or www.yourfairygodmotherutah.com. Moreno also volunteers as Wonder Woman with the Legacy Initiative Cosplay organization which sends super heroes to children’s hospitals and other events for hope and healing. l
Moreno's Raya, the Southeast Asian warrior from “Raya and the Last Dragon,” appeals to her Filipino heritage. Photo by Ashley’s Flashy Photos.
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Winter Break—Happy Holidays See you in January
By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com
“How can we have Christmas without a Christmas tree, Mom?” — Kevin McCallister, Home Alone.
Kevin asked this question as his family was packing for their holiday trip to Florida. Taking a vacation during the holidays was unheard of for the 1990 movie audience but introducing this concept in the movie added to the storyline, character development, and message of Home Alone. We all remember the rained-out Florida trip, a mother’s determination to be with her son for Christmas, and the message of forgiveness between parent and child. Yet nowadays, more and more families are opting to follow the McCallister tradition to teach their children another message: that memories last longer than objects.
Instead of clicking on Amazon links, families are clicking on hotel and cruise line links to enjoy a vacation getaway during the Christmas holiday in lieu of physical presents.
“We opted to start doing vacations instead of gifts several years ago because our kids already had too much stuff,” Kaysville’s Amy Herrin Inette said. “They will all agree that vacations are the best and make the best memories! We haven’t always been able to actually have the vacation be during Christmas, but they’re still so excited to see if we might go somewhere that year. I highly recommend it. We’ve done a couple of cruises, New Orleans, Disney, Thailand, China, Mexico.”
The Rosqvist family of Kaysville regularly enjoy holiday vacations and have celebrated Christmas in Florida, Dubai, Turks and Caicos, and Cancun. They have even made arrangements for a turkey dinner to be brought to their hotel room on Christmas Day where possible.
Barker-Loumis said the most popular holiday destination is Mexico as it is easy on restrictions and close to Utah.
However, not everyone is sold on the idea of a Christmas getaway. In a poll of Kaysville residents on the Kaysville Utah Facebook page, of the nearly 200 responses, 14 said they will never take a vacation away for the holidays as they believe that Christmas is to be celebrated at home. For families with young children, trips can be too daunting and the magic of Christmas is still alive and well with little ones. Santa Claus visiting children on a cruise ship or a hotel room just does not have the same magic as visiting your own home. When Kaysville’s Christine Deppe planned a trip to New York for Christmas many years ago, her kids threw a fit and they did not go. However, Deppe said, “They regret it now.”
“My vote is home for the holidays, but a family gift would be a trip,” Herriman’s Denise Fritz said. “The holiday season of putting up the tree, great smells of cookie baking, gingerbread house decorating, and relatives coming together. That’s what great memories are. Trips are fine but at another time.”
Another option to have the best of both worlds is to give a vacation as the major family gift for Christmas but take the trip after Christmas. This strategy avoids the rush of holiday travel. Sherry Thompson of Kaysville shared a time when they went to Cancun as a way to heal from their Autumn miscarriage after five years of infertility. “I just could not face Christmas,” she said. “It was a needed break from heartbreak and frustration. Once we had kids, I never replaced holidays with trips. I guess we all arrive at these decisions from different places.” l
The Ratliff family from Herriman donning their festive apparel during their 2018 cruise to Cabo. Photo courtesy of Cassidy Ratliff.
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The general-season pheasant and quail hunts open Nov. 6. If you are planning to target either of these birds this fall, here is what you should know.
Utah’s general pheasant hunting season runs from Nov. 6 to Dec. 5. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources releases thousands of pheasants on various wildlife management areas around the state each week during the general-season hunt.
The number of pheasants and where they can be found will depend on where you are hunting in Utah. In northern Utah, there was an average brood production and no major population declines – despite the drought conditions – since the birds were still able to access water in rivers and irrigation canals. Hunting success should be about the same as last year. The majority of pheasants in this region can be located on private land in the eastern portion of Box Elder County. Hunters should remember that written permission from landowners is required to hunt on any private lands.
In general, pheasants like areas with nearby fields of wheat or corn that provide feed for them. Pheasants also prefer habitat with stemmed grass that provides nesting cover, as well as areas with dense woods or wetlands with thick cattails that provide shelter during the snowy winter months. These birds are good at hiding in brush, so hunting with a well-trained dog will increase your chances of success.
“If you don’t have a dog, you can still be successful by walking slowly to flush out the pheasants,” DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley said. “Many times, they will flush if you stand near them for a few minutes because they think that they’ve been spotted.”
Walking along ditch banks or fence lines is also a good hunting strategy. Pheasants typically prefer to run rather than fly away, so if you walk along these areas, you are more likely to drive them out into the open, where they will flush.
Visit the Division of Wildlife Resources website to see where pheasants will be released throughout the season. (Many of the locations include Wildlife Management Areas and walk-in access areas – which is an area of private land on which the DWR has leased certain hunting, trapping or fishing privileges.) To locate a walk-in access area near you, visit the DWR website.
Hunters should also remember that several of the WMAs require non-toxic shot (for example, steel shot) when hunting. Lead shot may not be used. For more information about the pheasant hunts, visit the DWR website.
Utah’s general quail hunting season runs from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31.
Hunting quail also differs in each area of the state. In northern Utah, the drought didn’t have major impacts to the populations, since they primarily stayed in agricultural fields that were irrigated. Hunters should also be able to locate quail near the Great Salt Lake wetlands.
In northeastern Utah, much of the quail habitat is on private land, so make sure to obtain written permission from the landowner prior to hunting. Quail populations in this area weren’t impacted by drought since they are mostly located on the irrigated agricultural fields that still had water.
In central Utah, the highest concentrations of California quail are in urban areas, which limits most hunting opportunities. The highest populations of quail are found in and around Tooele City.
California and Gambel’s quail are hunted using similar methods – just in different habitats. When hunting Gambel’s quail, look for Joshua trees, dry washes and draws with black brush or desert almond. California quail will occupy washes containing water and brushy cover, and will eat flowers from grasses, trees and shrubs, as well as seeds and leaves.
The statewide youth pheasant hunt will take place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, and pheasants will be released just before the hunt. The statewide youth quail hunt will take place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. If you were 17 years of age or younger on July 31, and you’ve completed Hunter Education, you can participate in the hunt. If you haven’t yet finished Hunter Education – and you’re at least 12 years old – you still might be able to participate through Utah’s Trial Hunting program. You must also have a hunting license and follow all of the state’s upland game hunting rules.
To add an extra challenge to your hunts this fall, consider participating in the Upland Game Slam. Similar to the Utah Cutthroat Slam, it encourages hunters to harvest a variety of upland game species, while generating money to help fund a variety of habitat and upland game-related projects.
Hunters complete a slam by harvesting the required amount of the target species. Each slam is designed to give you an extra challenge while you’re hunting, as well as the opportunity to earn a commemorative, collectible coin. The entry fee is $20 for hunters 18 years of age or older, or $10 for hunters 17 years of age or younger. The “Appetizer Slam” includes some of Utah’s smaller game birds, including California quail, Gambel’s quail and mourning dove. To complete the slam, hunters must harvest one of each of the three species within a single hunting season. Learn more about how to participate in the various Upland Game Slams on the DWR website.
– Tom Haraldsen
Beloved ballet returns to Capitol Theatre for the holidays
Ballet West’s most popular show and annual tradition, The Nutcracker, returns to the Capitol Theatre for live performances Dec. 4-26. It’s been two years since the holiday ballet was performed for a live audience, since COVID-19 shuttered entertainment venues in 2020.
Audiences are eager to get back to live ballet as more than 13,000 tickets have already been sold and this year’s performance of The Nutcracker is expected to bring in the highest level of sales in 25 years.
“Following the successful production of Dracula, where many performances were sold out, demand for The Nutcracker is expected to be high,” said Adam Sklute, Ballet West artistic director, in a media release. “We encourage all Nutcracker fans to purchase tickets early so they have a seat and don’t miss out.”
Made possible through support from The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the $3 million production is a classic ballet in two acts based on the fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The iconic score by Tchaikovsky will be performed live, featuring the Ballet West Orchestra.
Choreographed by Ballet West Founder Willam Christensen, The Nutcracker has evening performances at 7 p.m., matinees at 2 p.m., and a special holiday matinee on Christmas Eve at noon.
Immediately following each matinee (except Dec. 24), Ballet West hosts a Sugar Plum Party where young audience members can join the Sugar Plum Fairy and other favorite characters from the ballet for a special treat.
“Each year, hundreds of Utah children from across the Wasatch Front audition for the opportunity to perform in Ballet West’s The Nutcracker, with just over 100 children being selected for the coveted roles,” Sklute said. “The story tells of a Christmas party at which little Clara, daughter of the house, receives the gift of a nutcracker from her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer. After the party, she falls asleep and dreams of snow castles, sugarplums, and her nutcracker, which has turned into a handsome prince.”
Ticket prices range from $25 to $104 and are available at BalletWest.org or 801869-6900. l
Ballet West Principal Artists Emily Adams and Adrian Fry in The Nutcracker. Photos courtesy of Beau Pearson
CENTERVILLE—It was the mid 1930s, and three Centerville residents were getting together regularly “for the sheer pleasure of discussing books and exchanging our own ideas and opinions of the things of greatest interest that we read from time to time.” That was the recollection of Nora B. Miles who, along with friends Vera L. Smith and Lucille Reading, started what would become the Centerville Literature, Music and Art Club.
Last month, the group of current members met to celebrate its nearly 84 years of existence. What a history the club has enjoyed.
Long-time journalist Twila Van Leer, who serves as historian for the club, recounted a lot of its legacy. She said that in 1938, Centerville was “essentially a farming community. But the notion that every family needed at least one automobile was taking hold (and people) moving to the suburbs held an unprecedented promise of growth in Davis County. Conditions were prime for the birth of progressive ideas,” she said.
So Smith, Reading and Miles felt there might be other women in the community who would like joining a literary club. As Reading later recalled, such gatherings would offer “a feast for the mind, instead of the body. Such things are even finer and more enjoyable when shared with others.” They visited with five other women, and on March 2, 1938, the club was essentially born.
“I have great admiration and appreciation for the founding members of (the club),” said Dian Olsen, current club president. “They were women who loved books and derived great joy from meeting together to share what they learned and exchange ideas. This describes what we still are doing 83 years later.” Besides Olsen, other officers now are Pam White, vice president and president-elect; Judy Cella, secretary; Debbie Randall, treasurer; and Twila Van Leer, historian.
Olsen recalled that when she joined the club in 2000, one of the original members, Sylvia Tingey, was still an active member, and Olsen has also been acquainted with others of the early group. “They were amazing women and it is astounding that what they started is still going. I feel blessed to be a part of it,” Olsen said.
The formal name of “Literature, Music and Art Club of Centerville” was adopted at a later meeting. The only requirement for membership was “an interest in the objectives of the organization.” Membership was capped at 24 so the group could be accommodated in a member’s home. Dues were set at $10 a year and for a time, a 10cent fine was imposed on those who turned up to meetings late. As general inflation took its toll, the dues increased, standing currently at $20 annually. Today, those dues cover the costs of a spring social event and a $25 donation to the Whitaker Museum in memoriam for deceased members. For a time, the Centerville group affiliated with the national Federation of Womens’ Clubs, but that involved additional fees and the association was dropped. Meetings have historically been on the second Tuesday of each month.
What has kept the club thriving for more than 80 years? Van Leer said it’s the same interests that brought three women together in the 1930s – a love for the arts, literature, history and music. The list of topics that have claimed attention is long and varied. The members have focused on many elements of literature, from classic English and American poetry to folk and modern writing. A topic is chosen for a two-year period and each month (except for a summer and winter hiatus) one of the members is assigned to add something to the theme.
Currently, the club is focused on women who have accomplished exceptional things or who have been instrumental in furthering the accomplishments of their husbands. Just a few of those whose life stories have been
By Tom Haraldsen | tom.h@davisjournal.com
Club officers are, from left, Dian Olsen, club president; Pam White, Vice President/president-elect; Twila Van Leer, historian; Debbie Randall, program coordinator; and Judy Cella, secretary.
presented are Queen Victoria, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Curie, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Golda Meier. Club members put great effort into research and presentation and present uniformly excellent programs, Olsen said.
In the meeting held Oct. 13 at the home of Bonnie McCauley, the hostess shared insights from the life of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, whose husband, Charles Lindbergh, gained lasting fame in aeronautics history as the first pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean in one flight. That flight in 1927, did as much to promote the growth of air travel as any other event since the invention of the airplane. Anne Lindbergh’s contributions as a pilot in her own right, and as a writer and successful mother paralleled those of her husband.
Over the years, many friendships have been forged among club members. A sense of shared interests and sociability makes a special bond among them. “There are lots of hugs and laughter,” Olsen said.
The club has always been integrally involved in the larger community and during World War II and other critical times in its history has made significant contributions to joint efforts. During the height of the war, the club auctioned a pair of nylon hose for $70! The ladies contributed to the national drive to restore Independence Hall in Philadelphia and donated shirts to the Utah State Hospital, among dozens of philanthropic efforts they supported.
But the Centerville Club members have always held to the mandate made in the beginning. Keep things simple. The effort has been focused on feeding the finer sensibilities. l
District hopes pay increase will encourage more substitutes to apply
By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com
FARMINGTON—The Davis School District has had a large number of open positions, including substitute teachers. The district announced that it will increase pay to encourage individuals already on the list to apply for those jobs.
Currently, the district has nearly 2,000 people in the substitute pool. When they don’t apply for open jobs it creates a shortage, said Anjel Hislop, District SubSystems Specialist.
The district has never had a problem with recruitment of substitute teachers but the difficulty lately has been filling open positions. Usually the district has had about a 94 to 95 percent fill rate for substitute teachers. Since COVID the number has dropped to about 75 percent. The full day amount has been increased to $85 for non-degreed substitutes, $105 a day for degreed substitutes and $113 a day for certified or licensed substitutes. For degreed and licensed substitutes, the long-term daily pay increases to $140 a day. Long-term substitutes include those who spend 20 consecutive days in a classroom. Applicants must have a high school diploma and be at least 20 years old.
The increase puts the district near the top of the pay scale in comparison to neighboring districts, said Assistant Superintendent John Zurbuchen. It keeps the district competitive which helps to attract temporary employees.
Substitutes are vital to the district team, he said. The district hopes this increase will show how much substitutes are valued.
“Substitute teachers, especially those who work consistently in the district are invaluable to student learning,” said Zurbuchen. “They provide continuity in both curriculum delivery as well as promoting our Davis Culture. When we get the best subs, we get the best learning.” l
Life AND Laughter
by PERI KINDER
Kaysville/Fruit Heights
The holidays have arrived. Snow is falling, candles are aglow, the smell of cinnamon wafts through the air, and somewhere in Utah a middle-aged woman is screaming at a Walmart cashier because the store is out of the candied cherries she puts in her fruit cake.
Blame the supply chain, but it’s not just dried fruit running low; it’s patience, compassion and the ability to be a nice human being. If you’re on TikTok, along with videos of flying reindeer and holiday proposals, you’ll see flight attendants being punched, teachers yelling at students, customers throwing coffee at baristas and whales capsizing kayaks. Even whales have had enough.
You’d think being isolated last year would make us happier to interact with fellow humans this holiday season, but it seems to be the opposite. Social distancing and isolation has taken our stress levels to nuclear proportions. We’re reacting like the Tasmanian Devil, whirling ourselves off a cartoon cliff.
News programs broadcast warnings about packages stolen from porches and backseats, felons posing as Salvation Army bell-ringers and spiteful elves spying on children and reporting back to Santa.
Poor Kris Kringle will deliver a lot of coal this year . . . well, not coal because it’s destroying the planet. Maybe since wind power is a sustainable coal alternative, Santa can bring naughty people a stiff, gusty breeze.
We’re living in a heightened state of fear, and fear is the opposite of what we should feel this time of year. This season of love and light and joy has been co-opted by those who would divide us. The farther apart we get, the less we are able to see each other.
Here’s an idea. What if we put all talk of politics on hold for December? That would be one month of no talking heads and finger-pointing and dire social media memes. What if we vowed to share only positive stories and heartwarming videos, and ban all holiday music featuring Alvin and the Chipmunks?
Let’s use this time to digest more than nine pounds of mashed potatoes and three types of pie. Let’s digest how we’ve treated each other during the last year, and try to do better. Even I, a freakin’ humor columnist, have received more angry emails and phone calls in 2021 than the previous 17 years combined.
Whether it’s Democrats, Republicans, Big Bird, mask mandates, cancel culture or fruitcake, our division is growing. Any day, I’m expecting leaflets to be flung out of helicopters explaining how the COVID vaccine is turning us into carnivorous, zombie dinosaurs. Aren’t you tired of it all?
Remember when Christmas meant acts of service and goodwill to all mankind? What can you do to return to love this holiday season? Maybe less judgement and more connection. Maybe less yelling and more listening. Maybe it’s taking a plate of homemade cookies to a neighbor. Maybe it’s building a bridge instead of a wall. Maybe it's apologizing and swallowing our inflated egos.
This holiday season, it’s your job to love your neighbor, even the one you don’t agree with. Even the ones yelling at the Walmart cashier. They might need the most love of all.
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Dec. 2021 | Vol. 01 Iss. 10
KAYSVILLE CITY COMES TOGETHER TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED
Every year hundreds of families around the globe request assistance in getting clothes, books, bedding, and toys for Christmas. For five years now Kaysville city has run a non-profit organization called Kaysville GIVES to do just that. A project that according to Director Mindi Edstrom, has helped every family that has signed up.
Kaysville GIVES was created to help give back to the community and it started with just 10 families, Mountain High School, Safe Harbor, and Bountiful Food Pantry. Five years later it now reaches 45 families and counting and its vision remains the same as it was in the beginning.
“The vision and goal of Kaysville GIVES has always been to give back to those who are in need in our own community,” said Edstrom. From church groups, to soccer teams, everyone seems to come together to make this vision remain true.
So what makes Kaysville GIVES different? Unlike some organizations that have an age cut off, or certain items that can be donated and received, Kaysville GIVES helps everyone and accepts any donation. Starting the first of October the organization begins by “collecting the needs of local organizations,” Edstrom said. Then they begin assigning Christmas tree tags the week of Thanksgiving, with financial donations including gift cards handed out the first Saturday of December. This is done at Kaysville Fire Station during their “Fill the Fire Truck” event.
“We were so nervous to do Kaysville GIVES last year,” she said. “It was even bigger than years before.”
With a nationwide pandemic that either sent parents home, or laid them off, it’s not a big surprise that the number of families requesting help grew in number. Donning masks and with hand sanitizer at the ready, everyone came together to make 2020 another successful year.
Due to the pandemic a few changes were made to include an Amazon Wishlist, and the option of choosing Christmas tree tags online. With the exception of the many service groups that come together each year, Edstrom has a few people that help her make every year a successful one. Tami Tran, Crista Crane, Malia Roundy, Karen dent, and Shanna Barker are just a few of the super heroes that help to make Christmas for every family that signs up. To donate or request help this holiday season families can go to www. kaysvillegives.com or they can contact Edstrom herself at medstrom@kaysville.gov.
“There is something amazing that is created when you have people wanting to reach out and serve those in their community.” — Director Mindi Edstroml
Montana Rose Divine | The City Journals
A few Kaysville city volunteers hold signs for the Fill the Fire Truck event. Kaysville GIVES program fills the need for local families. Courtesy photo
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