Mayor Jeff Silvestrini and the Millcreek City Council officially broke ground on Phase 2 of Millcreek Common City Project.
On a chilly Tuesday morning in May, a cadre of Millcreek employees, project partners and elected officials from county, state and federal government offices gathered at Millcreek Common City Center for an official and innovative groundbreaking ceremony putter style. Elected officials and city employees lined up at nine mini golf holes and, in unison, yelled “fore” as a safety measure and an official nod to golf etiquette, then teed off to mark the official start of Phase 2 of the Millcreek Common City Center Project.
City Manager and Economic Development Director Mike Winder welcomed those in attendance and thanked a number of key partners in the project. Terracon Consulting Engineers were recognized as the landscape
By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
tifunctional environment. WPA Architecture and Hogan & Associates Construction were acknowledged for their contribution in making the City Center a unique and vibrant regional destination for families, recreation and culture.
The Millcreek Commons project site is located on the edge of the Wasatch Fault, a major seismic fault line. The Wasatch Fault runs directly through the project area, influencing both design and construction of Millcreek Common.
According to Hogan & Associates Construction vertical buildings cannot be placed directly on the seismically volatile fault line, so the master planning team instead shifted the site of Millcreek’s future city hall west of the Common, while leaving additional open space to expand north.
“City Hall required additional bracing and earthquake protection due to the fault line,” Millcreek City Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said. “Otherwise, you can’t build on it, so we decided to build a public plaza.”
The planning process involved the community and the No. 1 amenity requested was an ice-skating facility. In the final development
of the plan, residents began to express concern that the area would be too hardscape and not green enough. To honor Millcreek’s connected by nature theme, Millcreek Common Phase 2 will have a significant tree canopy providing
plenty of shade and a fun park for Millcreek residents.
“We will have the only 19-hole mini
Millcreek employees, project partners and elected officials from county, state and federal government offices gathered at Millcreek Common City Center for an official and innovative, groundbreaking ceremony putter style. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)
Summer Surge: When Fun Turns into Ankle Injuries
By Ryan Callahan, DO
As temperatures rise, so does outdoor activity—from weekend hikes and pickup basketball games to long days on the pickleball court. But with the thrill of movement comes a sharp uptick in lower extremity injuries, particularly to the ankle and Achilles tendon.
Every summer, emergency rooms and orthopedic clinics report a surge in ankle sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries. The most common culprits? Uneven terrain, sudden pivots, overuse, and inadequate warm-ups. While a minor sprain might only need rest and bracing, more severe injuries can sideline someone for months—or require surgery.
Three of the most common issues to be aware of:
ANKLE SPRAINS
Ankle sprains, often underestimated, can lead to chronic instability if not properly treated. Recurrent sprains may
eventually necessitate lateral ligament reconstruction, a procedure to restore stability to a weakened ankle.
ANKLE FRACTURES
Ankle fractures—whether from a misstep while running or an awkward landing during sports—may require an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), where the bones are realigned and stabilized with plates and screws.
ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES
Achilles tendon injuries, particularly ruptures, are also on the rise in active adults. These injuries often occur during explosive movements, like jumping or sprinting. While some partial tears can be treated without surgery, a full rupture often requires Achilles tendon repair to restore function and strength.
Injury prevention is just as critical as treatment. Proper footwear, cross-training, structured warm-ups, and balance exercises can go a long
way in keeping you active and injury-free during the summer.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or instability in your ankle or Achilles, don’t “walk it off”—get evaluated by a physician. Timely diagnosis and tailored care can make all the difference between a season on the sidelines and a full recovery.
As you get out and enjoy all the amazing summer activities available here in Utah, be sure to take the proper precautions to protect your function and future.
Ryan Callahan is a board-certified foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at CommonSpirit Orthopedics & Sports Medicine West Jordan.
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.
When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.
CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake has been awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria for evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.
2025. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).
i số 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).
Nếu bạn nói
SPONSORED CONTENT
Ryan Callahan, DO
CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley
“Millcreek
golf course in the northern half of Salt Lake County,” Silvestrini said, “and we’ll have a Splash Creek, a water feature that our kids can play in, a Milo the Moose play area, and the Skate Canyon skate park. We’re hoping to have the project completed and open by the end of 2026.”
According to Silvestrini, the project is an incredible example of collaboration among federal, state, county and private-sector partners.
“Of this $13-million project about $9 million of that is grant funding that the city has worked for and achieved,” Silvestrini said. “$2.5 million was received from the National Park Service, $2.5 million in state COVID open
space funds, $1.5 million in Salt Lake County TRCC funds, nearly $900K in developer park impact fees and prior grants were received for elements like the skate loop and climbing wall.”
If you’re a Millcreek resident or soon to be a Millcreek resident, to have an amenity like Millcreek Common is incredible
Jenny Wilson
A few years before Millcreek Elementary, a school in the Granite School District, closed its doors for the last time, sixth-grade students were asked to write about their most memorable summer vacation after returning from summer break. The majority of students submitted essays expressing that they had never taken a family vacation, noting family vacations were too expensive. Although a few students had traveled out of state, a small handful considered their oncein-a-lifetime trip to Lagoon their most memorable family vacation. Most of the completed essays focused on local activities the students had participated in with family and friends during their summer break. During the Phase 2 groundbreaking ceremony for the Millcreek City Center project, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson acknowledged the need to find safer, budget friendly and enjoyable local recreational activities for residents due to the challenging cost of living. “Millcreek hit this out of the park—or I think a better analogy is, they hit a hole-in-one,” Wilson said.
“If you’re a Millcreek resident or soon to be a Millcreek resident, to have an amenity like Millcreek Common is incredible,” Wilson continued. “Because I’m a mom, I know, that living costs have gone up and are continuing to do so. Just taking your kids on a family vacation or even a trip to the local grocery store has become harder and harder and increasingly more expensive. Finding affordable, safe gathering places, whether they be public or private, is never easy. To have this public space project in the heart of Millcreek is really exceptional, and I’ve been excited to see it to fruition.”
MILLCREEK TEAM
The Millcreek Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Millcreek.
For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website.
State elected officials in attendance were Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, Rep. Sahara Hayes, Sen. Stephanie Pitcher, Rep. Doug Owens and Sen. Nate Blouin.
“It’s an honor to have Millcreek Common, City Hall and everything else here in our backyard,” Blouin said. “This is such a fantastic space that has come up over the last couple of years with the partnership of the county, the city and the state. There is vision at play here in creating space that provides opportunities for the community to come together. This is going to be a great spot, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens here in the future.”
Millcreek is the only city in Utah represented by all six members of Congress. This means Millcreek has representatives from the House of Representatives (four members) and both Senators. This is a unique situation for a city in Utah. Jenney Rees, senior outreach adviser for U.S. Sen. John Curtis, acknowledged what can be achieved when local state and federal partners come together with a shared commitment to community.
It’s an honor to have Millcreek Common, City Hall and everything else here in our backyard
Nate Blouin
“I commend all of those that have contributed to this project, city leaders, county officials, state leaders and our federal team for making this vision a reality,” Rees said. “I’m here on behalf of U.S. Sen. John Curtis and Utah’s entire federal delegation. We want to express our enthusiastic support for this effort. Each member of the delegation has personally visited Millcreek Common, and we’ve seen firsthand how Phase 1 has become a cherished open space and recreational asset not just for Millcreek but for communities across the Wasatch Front. Phase 2 will build on that success in extraordinary ways. This place will offer something truly unique—a space that blends recreation with community gathering. Congratulations to everyone involved. We look forward to seeing this next phase come to light.” l
hit this out of the park—or I think a better analogy is, they hit a hole-in-one,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. (Photo courtesy Millcreek City)
Millcreek innovator creates energy supplement with a wild cause
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
HaydenEarl hopes to join the ranks of Walt Disney, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos: entrepreneurs who achieved great success after starting in a garage.
The Millcreek native and Olympus High grad is on a mission to revolutionize energy drink powders by creating effervescent tablets that eliminate the mess and inconvenience of other products. He calls it “Third Life Health Effervescent, On-TheGo, Self-Mixing, Productivity Drink Tablets.” He’s working on the name.
“I had just started exercising more consistently. I had also gotten sick and I took those Airborne tablets,” Earl said. “In my head, I bridged the gap. I thought it would be nice, instead of taking a scoop of pre-workout powder, which makes me go absolutely crazy, I get super giddy, I can just have these tablets and it can be a little bit more convenient.”
He created a fizzy tablet that includes caffeine, L-Theanine and choline for focus, mixed with agmatine sulfate and electrolytes for performance and recovery. By tinkering with ingredients and tools in his parents’ garage, Earl finally found a process to create the tablets that is easy and scalable.
Earl launched a Kickstarter campaign as a pre-sale platform where people can get in on the ground floor of his new product. The campaign runs through July 13, with the products being rolled out in early fall. Those interested can go to Kickstarter and search for Third Life Health to find the campaign.
“My demographic is the consistent type of person who’s going to the gym every day. It’s not easy to get to the gym every day, so that’s where this comes in,” Earl said. “I gave it to my girlfriend and she said it’s like waking up on the right side of the bed in a tablet. I think that is perfect.”
Looking for a way to benefit conser-
vation efforts, Earl turned to his childhood passion: watching “Animal Planet” and worshiping David Attenborough. In order to pay it forward, 10% of each Third Life Health product sold goes to help specific endangered species.
Each flavor of tablet supports a different animal. The current five flavors are dedicated to elephants, mountain gorillas, rhinos, polar bears and pandas. As his company grows, he hopes to expand flavor options that will fund efforts to save other species like sharks, sea turtles and blue whales.
“I wanted to find purpose and build that into my life’s work. I want to leave a legacy that helped the world and helped these animals,” Earl said. “That’s where the name Third Life comes in. These animals are on their last life, and this is the most important one, because we can’t mess up now.”
While Earl was earning his marketing degree from Utah State University, he minored in entrepreneurship and always had the idea for Third Life Health in the back of his mind. He also developed a love for roller skating during his time in Logan, where he met his girlfriend, Jadee Merayo. They can often be found skating at Millcreek Common.
Earl remembers a professor telling him that if he created a solution to a problem, he’d find an audience. Earl’s problem was a caffeine sensitivity that made him avoid energy products with high levels of caffeine, which made him jittery and itchy. He believes his tablets will help anyone who needs a boost of energy, without the side effects of highly caffeinated products. For more information, visit ThirdLifeHealth.com.
“I think people should buy it if they want a little tablet of motivation,” he said. “I think there’s such a strong community here. I just love being a part of it, and I hope I can bring some value to it.” l
Millcreek native Hayden Earl has developed an energy tablet that also benefits animal conservation efforts. (Photo courtesy of Jadee Merayo)
Movement grows as parents ask to form a new school district
Seeking local control and representation, parents in Millcreek, Holladay and South Salt Lake want to split from Granite School District.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Frustratedby what they consider a lack of representation and alarmed by the potential closing of local elementary schools, a group of parents wants to split from Granite School District to form a district that would represent students in Millcreek, Holladay and South Salt Lake.
Millcreek resident Taylor Davis has helped spearhead the effort. His children attend Rosecrest Elementary, which has been targeted for potential closure. Davis likes the idea of a smaller district, similar to the Murray School District, where board members live in the area and parents have more impact on decision-making.
“I started digging in and looking at all the districts in the state and the way things are done,” Davis said. “I came to realize pretty quickly that we have one representative, Julie Jackson. She’s great. I’ve met with her before, but she covers 16 schools, which is more than the entire Murray School District. So when a decision is being made, there’s not a board member who lives in Millcreek or South Salt Lake.”
Parents are asking elected officials from the three cities to conduct a feasibility study to determine if creating a new school district is realistic. They want to know if the district could be self-sustaining, how it would affect taxes and how funding would be redistributed.
During a Millcreek City Council meeting this spring, parents said the new district could cater programs to the direct needs of students on the east side of Granite School District and felt the current district was too big to effectively oversee the nearly 60,000 students enrolled. The proposed new district would include 25 schools and about 15,000 students.
Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said he can’t imagine the three city councils would agree to hold an election for the study by November 2025, as more information, public feedback and data are still being gathered.
Silvestrini recalled the difficult experience of having Millcreek Elementary close in 2022. He said the Title 1 school was loved by the community and provided services for lower-income families, and it was tough to see that school shuttered.
“I, and the rest of our city councilmembers, recognize the value to a neighborhood of a local public school,” Silvestrini said. “As the mayor of this whole city, I want to know that the people on the west side of our community support this movement as well…The feasibility study would be spending everybody’s tax dollars.”
Granite School District Superintendent Ben Horsley has met with concerned parents and is conscious of the worry that comes with school closure discussions. While the district is doing a boundary study on enrollment and population growth for 10 elementary schools, he said no decision has been made and won’t be made until more information is received and reviewed.
The 10 elementary schools being studied are Cottonwood, Crestview, Driggs, Morningside and Oakwood in Holladay, and Eastwood, Rosecrest, Oakridge, William Penn and Upland Terrace in Millcreek. Some South Salt Lake students also attend Millcreek elementaries.
“One of the reasons I was appointed to be the superintendent was to ensure that we engage with our communities continually and work to enhance those processes to make sure that we’re meeting our community’s needs,” Horsley said. “I take any parent concern seriously, whether it’s regarding a district split or any other questions regarding educational outcomes. I will continue to engage with parents directly, as appropriate, to make sure that we’re meeting their needs.”
Horsley mentioned a 2000 legislative report that studied the cost of splitting school districts. The study showed a cost of $3 million to $45 million (based on 2000 dollars) to split a district, depending on its size and location. That estimate does not include the proportional tax increases in both districts to maintain or
enhance services.
If Granite splits, Horsley said the amount of funding the new district would receive would be significantly less. To keep services at the current level would require a revenue increase, because the districts would lose the economies of scale.
“There would be potential pros, in terms of more local representation,” he said. “You would certainly see an increase in board representation in that particular area. But if that’s the concern, why don’t we just fix that problem?”
Davis believes public schools are a tent pole in the community, especially at the elementary level, and he’s witnessed charter, private schools and homeschooling take students out of public education. He said as parents pull kids out of local schools, the students most atrisk are the ones whose families don’t have the resources to pay for private schools.
Cities spend millions of dollars on projects, like skate parks and green space, and Davis thinks allocating $50,000 for a feasibility study (shared between the three cities) is a good investment.
“If the feasibility study shows it doesn’t make sense for our area, we’ll crumple it up, throw out the garbage and I’ll have more time with my family, because I won’t have to run this campaign anymore,” Davis said. “If it comes out good for our area and we have the means to run our own district, which would mean a jump in representation…I think that’s a win.” l
Facing school closures, a group of parents wants a feasibility study done to see if Millcreek, Holladay and South Salt Lake could support a new school district. (Adobe stock)
Zions Bank employees paint the town in annual beautification service
More than three decades ago, Zions Bank hosted their first ever Paint-aThon event, a statewide effort to provide local businesses and institutions with free beautification services like painting and landscaping.
By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com
Whatbegan as a simple effort to give back has blossomed into a decades-long tradition—Zions Bank’s annual Paint-a-Thon returned in early June to celebrate its 33rd year of community transformation.
The event took place over the course of three days, beginning June 2 and concluding June 4. This year saw over 1,100 volunteers engaging in 15 projects statewide, designed to bring fresh coats of paint to various institutions and affordable housing sites. Among the targeted properties were classrooms in a local Northern Utah Boys & Girls Club, exam rooms at Bicknell’s Wayne Community Health Center, and The Monaco, an affordable housing apartment complex located in Millcreek.
“Paint-a-Thon is a chance to give back to the nonprofits and individuals who give so much to our communities,” said Zions Bank project leader Mike Forsgren. “It’s one of many ways Zions Bank is focused on investing in the communities we serve.”
The Paint-a-Thon is a beloved tradition that the bank has championed since 1991. Back then, it was a much smaller operation, but the heart of the event has always been rooted in providing painting and other beautification services to buildings in need. The first Paint-aThon’s scope included a dozen homes across the Wasatch Front.
Today, its grown to be a multistate opera-
tion, with projects routinely expanding as far as Wyoming and Idaho. Thanks to Zions and its dedicated team of volunteers, over the course of three decades, over 1,316 homes and nonprofit facilities throughout the aforementioned states have received assistance.
Per the bank’s media release for the event, “Not counting the dollar value of volunteer hours through the years, the bank has donated more than $1.5 million toward beautifying communities in the three states.”
Community has always been a focal point of Zions’ message and marketing. Spanning an impressive 150 years in business, Zions has long established itself as Utah’s oldest financial institution priding itself on being an integral leader in funding small businesses in Utah through their lending programs.
Zions believes that small, local businesses are the lifeblood of Utah, which is why small businesses are often prioritized on the Paint-aThon’s agenda. This year, in particular, Zions wanted to focus on affordable housing projects, like Millcreek’s Monaco Apartments, in the face of rising concerns regarding housing costs in Utah.
The Monaco has been serving low-to-moderate income families for over a decade, establishing itself as a pillar of hope in the community of Millcreek. Its residents, on average, are at 55% area median income. Operating under Bridge Investment Group in their workforce housing portfolio, The Monaco has also benefited from services provided onsite by Project Access, a nonprofit organization providing childcare, food stabilization and other critical services.
For many in the community, preserving the integrity of The Monaco is a top priority. Following a shift in ownership, the apartments are now overseen by the Utah Housing Pres-
ervation Fund, a banking organization that partners with various government and business entities across the state, providing Utahns with affordable housing opportunities.
“The Utah Housing Preservation Fund is one of the most unique public, private partnerships anywhere in the country to help address this issue,” said Gov. Spencer Cox. “We’re seeing homelessness on the rise, money spent on prevention is going to save much more money on the back end, and that was very compelling.”
The Utah Preservation Fund intends to fully uphold the legacy of The Monaco Apartments, by continuing efforts to provide crucial services to those who need them the most.
Chiefly among them, will be the pursuit to maintain The Monaco’s legacy as a safe and affordable apartment building, benefiting Millcreek residents directly.
As the Paint-a-Thon concluded, many volunteers reflected on the experience, including CEO Paul Burdiss, who was on site at the James. R Russell Head Start Center, a preschool operated by nonprofit Utah Community Action. Burdiss stressed the importance of community and giving back to those who have kept Zions Bank in business for decades on end.
“Zions Bank is invested in our communities because our communities are invested in Zions Bank.” l
Zions Bank CEO and president Paul Burdiss was on site at the James R. Russell Head Start Center, providing painting services for the preschool. (Zions Bank)
Volunteers provide painting services in addition to landscaping and general spring cleaning to help revitalize local businesses and institutions in need. (Zions Bank)
Playing for a cure: Young athletes hit away as they raised funds to battle breast cancer
Utah high school softball teams swing their bats to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Center’s breast cancer research during the 22nd Swing For Life tournament.
By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
The 22nd year of the Swing For Life softball tournament was held at the end of April. This year’s tournament raised $18,000 for breast cancer research at the Huntsman Cancer Center.
Eleven high schools participated this year: Rowland Hall, North Summit, San Juan, Taylorsville, East, Skyline, Providence Hall, Judge Memorial, Murray High School, Bingham and Altamont. Each school’s softball team played in three games each day on the last weekend of April.
Swing For Life started in 2002 by Rowland Hall. “I was diagnosed with stage II invasive carcinoma, with a small lump and I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. While I was going through that, my kids and the athletic director rallied and started a hit-a-thon and raised money,”
Kathy Howa, the softball coach of Rowland Hall softball, said.
“It turned out to be really successful and they raised $12,000 the first year. Then a couple other teams joined us. We thought it was so much fun that we decided to do another one and ended up with like $53,000 and then $74,000,” Howa said. “It was a lot of work to get all of the equipment for the hitting competition and it evolved into a big softball tournament and became very popular.”
“North Summit has been with us every single year we have done it, they come from Coalville and it’s a small area and they are the team that raised the most money,” Howa said.
The individual student that raised the most was Rowland Hall’s Jane Borst.
“Huntsman comes out and speaks to the teams. They get to see the goodness of what the money they helped raise goes to and some of the kids have ended up with internships at Huntsman. So it turns into an educational event,” Howa said.
“It is community service and the kids play for a cure. They have huge hearts. The event shows so much kindness and empathy and knowing they might be helping their parents, grandparents, mothers or even
themselves one day not come down with this ugly disease.
“When they know they are doing something that is better than themselves, they play for a different reason, they play with a different outlook. They win when they step onto the field because of all of the donations they gathered and the work they did behind the scenes. We all become one team at the end of this,” Howa said.
“Swing for Life, became a foundation in 2008 incorporated by the state of Utah, it is a 501(c) (3). We have teams from all over the United States send us money to give to
Huntsman,” added Howa.
Howa explained that Swing For Life has really grown where college teams along with the Utah Jazz have raised money for the foundation.
“We had a very fun tournament this year,” Howa added. “These kids do a fantastic job and a big thanks to all of the coaches that allowed the kids to step up to do this. They have such a good time and the kids want to come back every year.” l
Softball high school teams, Skyline, Taylorsville and Altamont line up during the Swing for Life tournament. (Kathy Howa/Rowland Hall)
Utah Soapbox Race featured racers from all over, including Millcreek
Over 40,000 people showed up to watch the Soapbox Races sponsored by Red Bull in Salt Lake City.
Photos by Cassie Goff cassie.g@thecityjournals.com
New name same mission as Millcreek mayor cuts ribbon for Uplift Community Alliance
There’s even more good stuff for the community at the same location with the same programs under a new name.
By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
Aribbon-cutting ceremony was held in June for the Uplift Community Alliance and Uplift Thrift, previously called the Assistance League of Salt Lake to mark this newly independent organization. Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini cut the ribbon to make it official.
“Uplift Community Alliance is a newly independent organization that fosters goodwill in the community through our 10 philanthropic programs for adults, children and families in the community,” said Carrie Drown, acting president.
“Uplift School Kids is the new name for The School Bell Program,” Drown said. The School Bell Program provides children in need with new clothes and other essential supplies. Improving a child’s self-esteem can help a child improve their overall academic experience.
“The mission statement is the same. The work that we provide to the community, the vouchers, and the school programs are all the same,” Paula Veenstra, a 10-year vol-
unteer said. “We do the same things for the community that we have always done.”
For the Uplift School Kids program, “We get a list from the schools throughout the valley of kids that are in need as far as clothing and we go out and get the supplies. The child gets a bag with their name and age on it. Each child gets a full coat, underwear, socks, shoes and a dental hygiene kit. We deliver it to all of these schools,” Veenstra said.
Drown said that for middle school aged students, “They are given a gift card for Old Navy and they are able to pick their own clothes. Sometimes this is the first time these kids have been allowed to pick out clothes by themselves.”
“The second largest program is Operation Healthy Teeth. We provide emergency dental care for children who have no other way of getting the dental care they need,” Drown said.
Uplift Community Alliance also assists children that have aged out of foster care. They are given vouchers to buy clothing, shoes and toiletries to help them be better prepared for job interviews.
Adults can find assistance through the Brighter Tomorrows program. “Men and women trying to get back into the workforce are referred to us by different agencies and can get new clothing and vouchers to shop in the store,” Drown said.
The Uplift Thrift shop is located at 2090 E .3300 South in Millcreek and has been there for over 50 years. “We are known as the Nordstroms of thrift shops. We sell only the very best here. This shop funds 70% of the funds needed for our programs. This is our powerhouse,” Drown said.
“The community has been very good to us and so wonderful about donating to us. They shop here and we are a total volunteer organization and so the volunteers staff the
store. They are dedicated and amazing,” Drown added.
“We love donations and if we can’t use them in the store we have resources to pass them along to someone who can and we welcome anybody who is interested in volunteering,” Drown said.
Uplift Thrift is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon until 4 p.m. and Thursdays open until 7 p.m. More information can be found at ULCAUtah.org. l
Millcreek residents were inspired by Uncle Rico’s 1975 Dodge Tradesman Santana camper van. So inspired, in fact, they registered to compete with their soapbox van in the Red Bull sponsored races. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Uplift Thrift cut the ribbon on their new independent chapter in June. (Photo courtesy Uplift Community Alliance)
Busytown Boyz from Salt Lake City pose with their racer the “Core-vette.” Their inspiration came from the popular children’s book. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Salt Lake City residents found a good way to spend their days of summer vacation by building the Platybus. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Competitors Tate Swaheln, Isaac Dushku and Gideon Dushku from Centerville themed their entire soapbox race and outfits around Utah’s Delicate Arch license plate and monument. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Over 40,000 people showed up to watch the Soapbox Races sponsored by Red Bull. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Millcreek native Avery Doezie helps lead SLCC Bruins to a national title
Doezie’s two home runs kept SLCC alive in Games 4, 5 after losing the second game.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
The path to a title is not always paved smoothly.
For Cottonwood High graduate Avery Doezie and his Salt Lake Community College teammates, it was they who found this out the hard way after winning the first game at the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Doezie and the Bruins lost Game 2 11-9 to Lake Land College out of Florida, dropping SLCC into the loser’s bracket. From that point on, the Millcreek resident and his teammates started clicking, and SLCC won Game 3 over Shelton State May 27 to advance to the next day’s action.
Doezie, who had only played sparingly and had last taken the field for the Bruins 10 days ago on May 17, went 1-for-4 at the plate and was walked twice, scoring once in a wild 15-13 win.
Would Doezie and the boys improve the next day in Game 4?
The answer in this double-elimination JUCO World Series was yes. Doezie belted a
game-winning home run in the eighth inning, completing a 10-run comeback that started in the bottom of the first for a 17-16 win over Florence-Darlington out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama May 28. Doezie himself had a day, going 3-for-6 along with the two-run homer.
How could Doezie top that in Game 5, the national semifinal, on May 29?
The Cottonwood Colt then nuked another home run against a familiar foe May 29, the same team that defeated the Bruins, in Lake Land by the score of 12-2 to move on to the national championship game. Doezie again stepped up to the plate and delivered, going 1-for-4 but making that one hit felt around the ballpark in Grand Junction as it cleared the wall in left center.
It was Doezie’s second homer in two days, marking the 6-foot-5, 210-pound sophomore’s third dinger of the year for the Bruins.
In the national championship game, No. 8-seeded SLCC put together a total of five runs in the tops of the sixth, seventh and eighth innings and captured the title 9-6 over Walters State, the No. 1-ranked team in the nation.
It marked a storybook ending for a Bruins team that added several key D1 bouncebacks in the offseason, a squad that also captured the Region 17 championship, the title that gained SLCC entry to this JUCO World Series.
As soon as Copper Hills alum Austin Taylor threw the last out, the Bruins dogpiled in the middle of the diamond to celebrate one of the most unlikely national titles in school history, SLCC’s first in the sport of baseball.
Doezie played in 29 games for SLCC this season, hitting .283 with three home runs and 26 RBI. At the JUCO World Series though, he played some of his best ball all season as the Bruins’ designated hitter, going 6-for-17 from the plate in Grand Junction.
Over his two year career at SLCC, Doezie averaged .284, appearing in 79 games and starting 61. The Cottonwood alum hit six home runs and had 44 RBI, hitting eight doubles and stealing six bases for the Bruins.
For his efforts, SLCC head baseball coach David “DG” Nelson was later honored with JUCO Coach of the Year Honors. In addition, former Colts coaches Chris Shelton and Jason Crawford were on the Bruins staff as assistants this past season. l
Cottonwood alum Avery Doezie (sliding) helped lead SLCC Bruins back from loser’s bracket at JUCO World Series to a national title. (File photo City Journals)
The journey to joy: LGBTQ+ mental health and the power of a tribe
Local therapist offers advice for the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
LGBTQ+
teens are navigating a world that often misunderstands or excludes them. But with support, safe spaces and resilience, many find ways to thrive.
For teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community, the journey to mental wellness is layered. Many have difficulty learning to live an authentic life, often facing depression and discrimination.
JoAnn Cook, a Teenscope therapist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, works with teens ages 12 through 18 as they navigate sexual and gender identity. She said the key to addressing these matters starts with providing a safe place where people have the time and space to figure things out, without the fear of judgment.
“We have to build rapport and trust so that they can do that inner work and then we guide them in identifying their own values, their own boundaries,” she said. “A kid has their own coming out process. They have a lot to explore. They say, ‘Whatever the world told me is wrong, so I have to trust myself over the world, and then I have to tell people.’ It’s a lot.”
As teens question their identity, they of ten face both acceptance and rejection. Com ing out to friends and loved ones can be terri fying. Letting go of shame and finding places where they’re truly accepted takes time.
Research shows that if a queer teen has one person in their life supporting their choices, the risk of suicide, substance abuse and self-harm drops significantly. Cook said parents shouldn’t be hung up on asking teens what pronouns they prefer or how they want to identify, since these young people are still trying to figure it all out. What matters is en couragement along the way.
Cook said the rise in anti-trans bills across the country has substantially impacted the community, making it even more diffi cult for youth to navigate their mental health. Teens need to understand a world that con tinues to exclude them while trying to find acceptance.
“The political climate is pretty rough for the community, giving permission to people who are pretty cruel, so the harassment in creases and the bullying increases,” Cook said. “That makes it harder for them, which increases anxiety, and then they feel isolated, so that oppression increases. Suicidal rates go up, self-harm rates go up and substance use rates go up.”
In 2023, Senate Bill 16 banned gen der-affirming medical care for transgender youth in Utah. The ban was intended to give lawmakers time to study the treatment. The
recently released, state-ordered study found positive results for gender-affirming care.
The Utah House Minority Caucus Leadership released a statement in May that read, “More than two years after the Utah Legislature banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth, we are encouraged that Utah healthcare experts have found strong evidence of positive mental health and psychosocial outcomes resulting from this care…Now that the Legislature-commissioned study has found overwhelmingly positive health outcomes, we must act to lift the ban.”
Cook said anti-trans legislation is intended to create fatigue and overwhelm in LGBTQ+ circles, especially as the number of bills targets a small percentage of the population. To combat unease and anxiety, she encourages youth to find like-minded, supportive people and trained therapists in the Salt Lake Valley.
For those looking for community, places like Under the Umbrella bookstore (511 W. 200 South) sells books written by queer authors, hosts events and supports local artists. The Encircle organization provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth and family members. To learn more about Encircle, visit Encircletogether.org.
As an advocate and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Cook said she’s faced
many obstacles and built a network of support throughout her life. She said the antidote to fear and discouragement is joy.
“Trans people, queer people, we have been around forever and we’ve had joy and we’ve lived our lives and there is love,” she said. “We figured it out before. Every generation is stronger and louder and healthier, and we’re going to push back.
“Our responsibility is to get healthy. Have joy, dance, have music and then go to the protest, talk to the people you know. Be safe, but stand up. When our neighbor is tired, we stand up next to them and keep marching forward. We’ve done it before. I’ve done it all my life. We will do it again. We’re not going away.” l
LGBTQ+ therapist JoAnn Cook said finding joy is one of the best ways for queer youth and young adults to combat the fear and exclusion that hampers mental health. (Canva stock)
Olympus High grad summits Mount Olympus four times in 18 hours
Preston VanDam took up a climbing challenge put forth by his uncle.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Whilemost people across the Wasatch Front were fast asleep in their beds at 1 a.m. on May 30, 18-year-old Preston VanDam was making his way to the 9,026-foot summit of Mount Olympus for the third time in just eight hours.
For Preston VanDam, it was a challenge he had been given by his Uncle Scott, who had reached the summit three times within 24 hours between his junior and senior years in high school. He offered a $1,000 prize for any niece or nephew who could beat his record. Preston VanDam took him seriously and began training about seven months ago to attempt to break the record.
According to Preston VanDam, Uncle Scott and his friends considered making a fourth attempt to reach the summit in the span of those 24 hours. However, they were lured away by a group of girls to a pool party instead. In a recent conversation with the City Journals, Preston VanDam’s dad, Chris VanDam, said, “Once Preston sets his sights on a goal, it’s hard to imagine anything being capable of diverting his focus.”
“Anything Preston does, he will do it well and stick with it,” Chris VanDam continued. “He was on the mountain biking team for five years, and he skis, but it isn’t really being an athlete that defines him. It’s his tenacity. He isn’t fazed at all by effort. He creates a lot of opportunities for himself through hard work and perseverance. To earn spending money, he mows lawns and, in the spring, aerates people’s yards. He doesn’t require much parental supervision.”
In case you’re wondering how difficult of a climb Mount Olympus is, it’s among the most challenging day hikes in the Wasatch Front. It isn’t the longest hike or the hike with the most elevation. But it stands out from other mountains due to its relentless steepness, exposure and difficult ascent from the saddle.
Over the course of 3.5 miles of ascent, hikers gain over 4,000 feet on a highly rocky and exposed trail. The hike is generally estimated to be four to six hours for a physically fit individual. Some sources suggest it can take around seven hours or possibly even longer for those with less experience and a slower pace. A portion of the trail involves a Class 3 rock scramble, meaning you’ll be using both hands and feet to navigate, adding to the challenge and increasing the time.
According to Preston VanDam, the average grade of the hike is 25%, as indicated by the Trailforks app. This means that for each step you take, 25% of that step is dedicated to moving up and 75% to moving forward. It is challenging both physically and mentally.
“Talking to people on the mountain as I climbed, I ran into a wide variety of locals and tourists,” Preston VanDam said. “The general consensus from those I’ve encountered is that Olympus is among the most challenging day hikes in the Wasatch Front.”
Yet, few other peaks in Utah offer the view or the feeling of accomplishment upon completion that Olympus does. The difficulty of the climb gives it the intrigue that draws climbers from far and near. “In total, I’ve hiked Mount Olympus 16 times. Since my first training hike on April 16, I’ve hiked it 13 times, nine times before the actual four-times climb.”
Preston VanDam reached the summit four times in 18 hours. His first ascent was with friends Isaac and Jace. During the night climb, his dad joined him. On the third hike, Jace joined him once again. For the fourth ascent, a friend had to bail on him, so he started at 8 a.m. on his own.
“Preston was supposed to have a friend with him on the last climb, but it didn’t work out. I had a prior commitment that morning, so he ended up doing the final ascent on his own,” Chris VanDam said. “While we preferred that he have someone with him, we felt it was acceptable for him to go up alone this once. Fortunately, during the last ascent at eight in the morning, he had plenty of company since several other people were also climbing.”
A violist and Olympus High School Sterling Scholar in music, Preston VanDam plans to continue playing the viola, but probably not as a serious focus in college. He’ll leave to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris, France in July. When he returns home, he will have a full-tuition Heritage Scholarship to Brigham Young University waiting for him where he plans to study bioengineering.
He enjoys the challenge of mountain climbing. The idea that people have the strength to overcome a mountain fascinates him in both a physical and metaphorical way.
“Seeking out a difficult path that grants you a perspective vastly broader than if you took that same path without the extra work of climbing upwards is a mentality that I try to pattern my life after,” Preston VanDam said. “Mountain climbing is a way for me to put that idea into practice by keeping myself fit, in touch with nature, and spending valuable time doing something hard with those I love. I know it sounds sappy and overly philosophical, but I love finding metaphors like that in my life that give me a piece of the map for a successful and fulfilling life.”
Preston VanDam emailed Uncle Scott on May 31 with his climbing results.
“Holy Oly! That is so fun to see the data,” Uncle Scott said. “I’m sure you’re feeling it tonight. Congratulations! You truly own the mountain and the bragging rights, and you earned every penny of your prize.” l
“Seeking out a difficult path that grants you a perspective vastly broader than if you took that same path without the extra work of climbing upwards is a mentality that I try to pattern my life after.”
Preston VanDam’s Uncle Scott reached the summit of Mount Olympus in 1989 three times in 24 hours between his junior and senior year in high school. He offered a $1,000 prize for any niece or nephew who could break his record. (Photo courtesy Chris VanDam)
Preston VanDam
“Few other peaks in Utah offer the view or the feeling of accomplishment upon completion that Olympus does,” said Preston VanDam. “The difficulty of the climb gives it the intrigue that draws climbers from far and near.” (Photo courtesy Jordan Yazzie)
Motor vehicles prohibited on mountain, park trails after council approval
New ordinance allows pedal assisted bikes, but restricts dirt bikes to prevent trail damage.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
The Ebikes with pedal assistance are allowed on Millcreek trails like Grandeur Peak Shoreline Trail, but nothing with an engine is.
The Millcreek City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would prohibit motorized vehicles but allow regular mountain bikes and pedal-assisted ebikes on park or mountain trails.
“Reason we did that is that those vehicles generally have more torque and horsepower, and they tear up the trail more,” Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said.
Violators would receive a ticket of $300 on first infraction and could impound the vehicle on second infraction. The ordinance gives police the ability to provide enforcement.
City officials deliberated on the language ordinance for some time before land-
ing on the iteration that passed.
The ordinance defines which motor vehicles are prohibited specifically off-highway vehicle, mini motorcycle, motorcycle, moped, motor assisted scooter or golf cart. Electronic assisted bikes up to 750 watts are allowed. Each of those vehicles have specific definitions in the ordinance.
“The council has been informed that motor vehicles are using trails that are designed, constructed, and intended for hikers and human-powered bicycles, not motorized vehicles, and that such usage creates a safety hazard to other trail users and threatens to degrade the physical condition of the trail, leading to erosion,” reads the ordinance.
It also states those motor vehicles are not allowed within a park other than areas specifically posted for that purpose. City officials noted this ordinance is specifically meant for heavier vehicles.
It’s an issue that can be found elsewhere around the state, with Heber City also working on an ordinance this past spring to determine what types of ebikes are allowed on their trail systems. l
Family owned and managed for seven generations, Larkin provides a full spectrum of end-of-life services from funeral and graveside amenities, cremation facilities, two cemeteries, indoor and outdoor mausoleums, cremation niches and scattering gardens.
Larkin’s vertically integrated services also offers a premier floral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, along with beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. Multilingual staff honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures.
The Millcreek City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would prohibit motorized vehicles but allow regular mountain bikes and pedal-assisted Ebikes on trails. (Adobe Stock)
QPR Suicide Prevention Training Course helps people help those in crisis
Change only happens when everyone is committed to a culture of care. Take the free training online or from your local municipality, school or library.
By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
ContentWarning: The following article contains discussions about suicide and mental health issues. If you’re not feeling great right now or if these topics may be triggering, it’s OK to proceed with caution, skip or talk to someone you trust. You are not alone.
Utah has been one of the leading states for deaths by suicide for the past decade, especially within teen populations. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 22.1% of all deaths in Utah were suicide related. (These are the most recent health statistics from the CDC.) In 2024, The Trevor Project’s National Survey on Mental Health reported 42% of LGBTQ+ young people (ages 13-24) in Utah seriously considered suicide in the past year with 11% attempted.
These consistently high statistics have led to a push for suicide prevention trainings like NAMI’s QPR Suicide Prevention Education and Live On Utah’s Suicide Prevention Playbook. QPR trainings have been reoccurring in many organizations, municipalities and communities this spring/summer 2025 season.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer: the three steps at the core of their suicide prevention training. QPR training asks participants to challenge the myths around deaths by suicide that they may have internalized.
The first myth participants must face is the “no one can stop a suicide” myth. Legally, Good Samaritan and bystander laws protect against negative outcomes of intervening. Over 3 million people have gone through QPR training with no reports of lawsuits.
Another important myth that must be debunked during suicide prevention training is “once a person decides to commit suicide…there’s no stopping them.”
“Suicide is the most preventable kind of death. Almost any positive action may save a life,” said DaSheek Akwenye, senior director for Salt Lake Community College’s Center for Health & Counseling.
The first step outlined in QPR training is question. Suicide prevention research warns that people considering suicide will communicate intent within the week before an attempt. That intent is often subtle through verbal, situational and behavioral clues. Question those subtle clues.
Some examples of indirect verbal clues may be: “I’m tired of life,” “Pretty soon you
To get started knowing how to help friends who are struggling, visit www.LiveOnUtah.org. (Photo courtesy Salt Lake County)
won’t have to worry about me,” and “I just want out.”
QPR training recommends responding quickly to such verbal clues by asking what was meant by the statement and talking about the stigma and/or feeling around it. These conversations are more impactful in private settings with plenty of time.
“It takes some courage to be able to have this type of conversation,” said José Rodríguez Hernández, support case manager.
Some examples of behavioral clues include: sleep deprivation or inability to stay asleep; unexplained anger, aggression and irritability; sudden interest or disinterest in religion; putting personal affairs in order; giving away prized possessions; acquiring a gun; and stockpiling pills.
Situational clues may include: being fired or expelled; a recent unwanted move; loss of any major relations; sudden unexpected loss of freedom; fear of punishment; and fear of becoming a burden to others.
QPR training recommends asking thought-providing questions about these behaviors and situations to engage in conversations about them—which may challenge another myth around suicide-related death: “asking about suicide will make the person angry and increase risk.”
Instead, QPR training has found that asking direct questions lowers anxiety and opens up an opportunity for communication which can help lower the risk of suicide. That may look more direct like “Are you feeling suicidal now or lately?” or less direct like “Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?”
After questioning warning sign clues, the next step is to persuade. QPR training seeks to answer the question “but how do I persuade someone to stay alive?”
Their answer? Utilizing active listening as a skillset.
Don’t worry, QPR training breaks down active listening skills for those who may not feel confident in their abilities quite yet. Mainly: listen to the problem with full attention, stop and ask clarifying questions, and do not rush to judgement.
“Giving advice is not listening,” Hernández said.
QPR training offers reassurance to ask the direct questions of “Will you go with me
Since Utah has been leading in suicide-related deaths for over a decade, more and more suicide prevention courses are being developed and encouraged. (Photo courtesy Salt Lake County)
to get help?” and “What can we do to keep you safe for now?”
Now, it’s time to move to the third step of refer. QPR training recommends taking a moment to figure out where and how referral will make the most impact, even if that’s getting a commitment from the person to accept help and move toward making those arrangements.
This leads to the final myth participants must challenge when learning about suicide prevention: that “only experts can prevent suicide.” Instead, QPR training asks participants to think about offering support, hearing someone out, and steering them in the right direction to get professional help.
“In every culture, village and social system there are people who are called upon for times of severe distress,” Hernández said.
Referral may look like setting up conversations with clergy, religious leaders, school nurses, therapists and/or counselors. Hernández encourages that there’s no shame in noticing your own limitations and finding someone who can have these conversations.
“Suicidal people often believe they cannot be helped,” Akwenye said. “Any willingness to accept help at some time in the future is a good outcome.”
Some additional pro-tips include:
● Think about the use of language—it’s important.
● Offer encouragement such as saying “I want you to live,” “I’m on your side,” and “We will get through this.”
● Come from a palace of compassion.
● Follow up with a visit, phone call or card.
● Develop and foster a culture of care.
“It’s about the time and effort put into listening to someone,” Hernández said.
Additional resources for when you or someone you know needs support:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Text or call 988, if you or someone you know is in crisis
The 988 helpline provides immediate emotional and mental health support from trained crisis workers 24/7 www.988lifeline.org
SafeUT Smart Phone App
Download APP at the Apple Store or
Suicide prevention training focuses on facilitating open conversations with room to question, persuade and refer. (Photo courtesy of QPR Institute)
download at Google
Real-time crisis intervention and a confidential tip line; responds to all chats, texts, and calls www.healthcare.utah.edu/uni/programs/safe-ut-smartphone-app
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or Text to 838255
Confidential help for veterans and their families www.veteranscrisisline.net
Salt Lake County Crisis Line Call 801-587-3000
Operated by the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute 24/7 www.healthcare.utah.edu/uni/programs/crisis-diversion
The Alex Project Text LISTEN to 741741
Gives all youth in crisis the chance to reach life-saving help via texting regardless of where they live www.alexproject.org
The Trevor Project Call 1-866-488-7386
Free 24-hour services geared toward LGBTQ+ teens in crisis www.thetrevorproject.org
Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition
Crisis counseling, mental health information and referrals in your county www.utahsuicideprevention.org
Hope4Utah
Providing hope and promoting change through school programs, community connections and mental health partnerships www.hope4utah.com
American Foundation or Suicide Prevention
Training for survivors to facilitate survivor support groups or to get involved in education and advocacy www.afsp.org l
Skating and climbing classes offer high adventure
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Ifyou’re ready to learn a new skill this summer, lace up your roller skates or slip on a climbing harness and head to Millcreek Common (1354 E. Chambers Ave.) for lessons that provide unique challenges and outdoor fun.
SparKill (pronounced Sparkle) teaches roller skating classes on Mondays at 6 p.m. on the Skate Loop, where she’ll help beginners learn skating techniques or help more experienced skaters brush up on the basics.
“Each week is a different skill that they can have broken down for them and learn how to practice it on their own. It’s helping them learn step by step,” she said. “So, this week I’m teaching backwards skating, last week I taught stops and the week before, I taught just the basic stance and stride.”
For advanced skaters, the roller dance group at Millcreek Common teaches the Skating Dance Skills class every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on the Skate Loop. Each of the skating legends takes a turn teaching the classes, which consist of fun tricks, unique dance moves and more difficult skating skills.
Skating lessons are free with a $7 paid admission to the Skate Loop. Skate rental is an additional $5 and helmets are available at no charge. SparKill also suggests bringing elbow, wrist and knee pads for additional protection.
learn the
“Do you ever see anybody wearing skates with a frown on their face?” SparKill asked. “I love that people get to learn new hobbies. It’s great to get outside. Really, there’s no reason not to take a class, especially when classes are included with admission.”
For those interested in learning how to scale the rock climbing wall, the climbing class on select Saturdays at 9 a.m. can help new climbers reach new heights. For $28, participants 16 and older can learn new climbing techniques or master basic skills.
The four-hour session teaches safety protocols, managing ropes, catching falls and using Petzl GriGris for lead belaying. Participants will also learn how to communicate with a climbing partner and understand risk management and fall dynamics. Climbing shoes are required and can be rented for $5 per day. Harnesses, belay devices and helmets are included.
Millcreek Common also offers day camps, DJ skate nights,
summer celebrations, holiday festivals, a splash pad, the Summer Bazaar market and free play activities for kids on weekdays from noon until 2 p.m. For more information, visit MillcreekCommon.org. l
Weekly skating classes offer participants a chance to
tricks and turns of skating and dance. (Courtesy of Millcreek Common)
Climbing classes at Millcreek Common build confidence, strength and community. (Courtesy of Millcreek Common)
Community Hero: How one man won his neighborhood’s heart
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Jim Peery, a familiar sight on Newcastle Drive in Sandy, spends hours each day on his motorized scooter cleaning up trash, raking leaves and clearing pinecones. Drivers honk, bikers wave and many know him by sight if not by name.
His dedication earned him the title of community hero from Chris Haber.
“Sandy resident Jim Peery is a shining example of community spirit,” Haber wrote. “Despite relying on a mobility scooter, Jim takes it upon himself to clean up the roads and sidewalks.”
Haber continued: “His dedication and selflessness inspire those around him and make Sandy a better place to live.”
Neighbor Monica Petersen agrees: “He keeps the area looking clean and nice. He does a great job.”
Peery, who was previously featured in the Sandy Journal in June 2019, was hesitant to be recognized again.
“I don’t do it for notoriety,” he said. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my community doing this. This is something I can do.”
Community members appreciate his efforts, even creating a “Thank You Jim” banner.
“All the comments were full of gratitude and love,” said Jeni Hancey Larsen, who along with her father, Jeff Hancey, mounted the sign where Peery cleans. “Jim keeps our neighborhood immaculate, but the clean street is secondary to having him around as a neighbor and friend.”
Wearing one of his 28 bright orange shirts, Peery maintains Newcastle Drive from Highland Drive to Flat Iron Park, four hours a day, six days a week. He adjusts his routine with the seasons —bagging leaves in the fall, clearing debris in spring, and working early in summer to beat the heat.
“Last fall, I raked everything and had 97 big piles. I got my wife Karla to help me bag them up,” he said. “That’s the hardest thing for me.”
Using a homemade wooden scooter and tools including a shovel, broom, tongs and a leaf blower, he focuses on clearing debris.
“My number one thing is trash. I pick up all the trash— banana peels, apple cores, paper, trash that blows out of cans, candy wrappers when the kids walk home from Albion (Middle School),” he said. “The second thing, I pick up pinecones and rocks, because these bikes are going 30 miles an hour down the hill. If they hit a rock or a pinecone, they're going to be on their hats.”
He’s grateful for the assistance he gets from Sandy City.
“The Sandy City crew does an excellent job cutting the grass and blowing it and then, they pick up my bags. My objective is so people can have a nice walk, drive, bike, skateboard and they can enjoy themselves,” he said.
Even with the clean sidewalks, sometimes Peery will take a spill.
“I’ll take a curb or turn too tight, but I’m never down for long. Usually within two minutes, I have a bunch of people stopping to help,” he said. “People are really kind. By being out here, I’ve gotten to know so many friends in the community.”
While neighbors and his grandkids occasionally lend a hand, Peery said, “It’s really my thing.”
Volunteering for Peery began 20 years ago when he began losing his balance while walking and his position as a computer programmer ceased.
It was after moving to Sandy in 2016, when he was inspired to step up as the city planned to paint fences along Newcastle.
“I thought, ‘Someone should clean that first.’ Then, I thought, ‘I’m someone,’” he said. “I want to help my community. I want to do my part.” l
Sandy resident Jim Peery regularly cleans leaves and debris along Sandy streets to beautify the neighborhoods. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
All Along the Wasatch festival brought out Deadheads, bands and food trucks
Deadheads convened in Canyon Rim Park to dance, eat and connect with other Grateful Dead fans.
By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
During a sunny day in May, Canyon Rim
Park held the All Along The Wasatch festival, a free outdoor jam fest with bands playing Grateful Dead covers. The tunes began early afternoon and went until 9 p.m. Bands included Cosmic Possum, The Pranksters and Scotty and the Daylites.
Jack Adkins, from Millcreek, along with his sister, Sherry Thompson said they “were out for an afternoon to hear music.” Adkins has been following the Grateful Dead for years including a memorable concert back in Boston.
A booth was occupied by the Deadhead Sisters of Salt Lake. They like to boast that they are not like other girls. This group was created by Katie Kennedy. “We moved here four years ago, and I started going to local concerts by myself and so I started this Facebook group. We just launched our website this week,” Kennedy said. They want sisters out there to connect for friendship, fun and music.
“So we have followed the Dead for many years,” Kennedy said. She wanted to connect to other music loving folks in the community who wanted to attend concerts with her. “I went on Facebook and there is a group out there called Deadhead Women United and I asked if there are any sisters out there that want to connect.”
“This developed into six women having dinner together at Trolley Square and then the birth of Deadhead Sisters which is a women-only community. So music connects us but we are so talented with art and music and more,” Kennedy said.
Deadhead Sisters of Salt Lake City is open to other like-minded women who want to join. “I want you and your daughters too,” said member Wendy Gatz Rusin about the new Facebook group.
Yellow balloons guided the way to the Wharf Rats table at the concert. “Wharf Rats”
is a song about addiction by the Grateful Dead. The Wharf Rats table has been a staple at the Dead shows for years to help people stay sober at a concert.
“The Wharf Rats started for people that were in recovery and going to concerts. It provides tractions for a slippery environment,” said Phil, a volunteer at The Wharf Rats table.
Vendors lined the park including Sauced Up Salsa. “It is all fire roasted and I make it myself. My husband makes all the chips,” Jessica Erikson said.
A Dead concert would not be complete without the creative shirts and artwork from fans. Mikey Powell and Lina Magana had a booth. “We’re selling my handmade art and hand drawn pieces. We use Sharpie pens and colored pencils. This is our first official show. We are all family here,” said Powell. They are part of the younger generation of Deadheads.
Holladay resident Sonja Wallace volunteered at the show. Wallace is a self-proclaimed Deadhead. “My first show was in 1980 in Denver, Colorado. I have been to 60 shows which is a low number.” Wallace said one of her favorite songs by the Grateful Dead is “The Wheel,” because “it keeps spinning around!” l
Sonja Wallace, a deadhead from Holladay, volunteered at All Along the Wasatch festival in Canyon Creek. (John Strater Brown/Millcreek)
Wendy Gatz Rusin and Katie Kennedy, the founders of the Deadhead Sisters Facebook group, attended All Along the Wasatch festival in Millcreek in May. (John Strater Brown/Millcreek)
Grateful Dead covers were played for hours at the outdoor amphitheater at Canyon Creek Park during the All Along the Wasatch concert in Millcreek in May. (John Strater Brown/Millcreek)
Millcreek resident Mike Lookinland of The Pranksters performing at a free Deadhead concert in Canyon Rim Park. (John Strater Brown/Millcreek)
Over 43 vendors, 10 food trucks including Sauced Up Salsa, were sharing the love of the music and community as three bands played Grateful Dead covers during the All Along the Wasatch festival. (John Strater Brown/Millcreek)
Roshan Kaushik reaches the semifinals at the national spelling bee
The City Journals sent Roshan to Washington, D.C., to compete at the event.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
After spelling his way through dozens of rounds at local and regional bees, 13-year-old Roshan Kaushik took the stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland to compete for prizes and a national title.
The Lehi student from Challenger School Traverse Mountain won the City Journals regional spelling bee in March, which allowed him to attend the national event where he faced more than 240 challengers from across the country.
Roshan completed three preliminary rounds, three quarterfinals and one semifinal before missing the vocabulary word “frangible.” He finished the bee tied for 36th place.
“The most exciting thing for me was probably the written test because it was really hard,” he said. “So passing that was really exciting because I didn’t think I would pass it, but I did.”
Bee Week 2025 took place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, May 25-29. The City Journals paid for Roshan and a parent to travel to D.C. for the
competition, where he won two medals and $500.
He spelled “quonset” for the first round, moved through the vocabulary and spelling test rounds, spelled “culvert” in the fourth round, defined “redundant” in the next round, spelled “aptery” in the sixth round and “glessite” in the seventh. But he missed the definition of “frangible” in the first semifinal round.
Roshan’s father, Kaushik Srinath, said attending the National Spelling Bee felt like a celebration, with everything well-organized and fun for the kids. He was grateful for the opportunity to witness Roshan compete at the national level.
“After qualifying through the regionals on March 15, Roshan had a couple of months to prepare for the Nationals. Despite juggling his regular school commitments, he put in a tremendous amount of effort,” Srinath said. “I do wish we had a bit more time to prepare, but I was impressed by how he handled it all. Roshan naturally thrives under pressure and this event was no exception.”
Besides competing in the bee, Roshan and his family took time to explore Washington, D.C., and enjoyed sightseeing at the National Harbor. This was the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which had only nine spellers in that first competition.
For many years, the City Journals has sponsored a regional spelling bee to enhance reading, comprehension and spelling skills, promote effective study and time management, and to allow students to shine on stage.
“As a hyper-local newspaper, we hold our regional bee each year to build and sup-
port the community,” said City Journals Publisher Bryan Scott. “We have had some incredible students come through our competition and we have been able to sponsor them at the national level. Roshan did an excellent job at the national spelling bee. We’re so proud of him and hope to see him at next year’s event.”
Besides being a spelling whiz, Roshan plays the piano, loves to read and play basketball, and makes history videos for his YouTube channel @TheHistoryGuy245. Roshan is eligible for the national bee for one more year and plans to study hard to make it back to that stage. He challenged other students to participate in their school spelling bees.
“It’s a really fun experience and you have nothing to lose,” he said.
His father said watching Roshan advance through each round was nerve-racking, but exciting. Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Dallas, Texas, won the Scripps National Spelling Bee, correctly spelling “éclaircissement.” Visit SpellingBee.com for more info about the national event.
“We’re extremely proud of [Roshan’s] performance,” Srinath said. “Tying for 36th place out of 242 participants in his very first National Bee is a remarkable achievement.” l
Roshan Kaushik tied for 36th place during his first competition at the Scripps National Spelling Bee at the end of May. (Photo courtesy of Kaushik Srinath)
ZAP tax and why it matters to Salt Lake County
For years “coach Daddy Matty,” as he was called, coached a Junior Jazz team at the Taylorsville Rec Center. Though his own sons were on the team, he was able to impact other kids who benefitted from his service as a volunteer coach. These kids learned how to show respect for others, work hard to achieve goals and be good sports—in both wins and losses. Thanks to the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) program in Salt Lake County, thousands of young people are able to do programs like this.
You may remember voting on the ZAP tax this past November. It is up for renewal every 10 years and overwhelmingly passed with 79% support, making this the most popular tax we’ve seen in Salt Lake County (if there is such a thing). The amount of the tax is 1/10th of 1% sales tax—one penny for every $10 spent.
The sales tax is collected and the funding is awarded through a competitive grant process to nonprofits and is a key funding source for over 230 organizations including Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Hogle Zoo, and Natural History Museum of Utah, as well as community parks and recreation projects, such as trail systems, playgrounds, amphitheaters and public spaces.
These funds are distributed in the following ways: Approximately 16% of the funds support the three zoological entities–Hogle
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County
Councilmember|
District 3
Zoo, Tracy Aviary and Living Planet Aquarium. Culture and arts organizations receive 54% of the funds which includes everything from Ballet West to local community theater. It’s pretty incredible that over 200 arts organizations in every area of the county receive seed money. In exchange some of the heavy hitters must maintain robust K-12 outreach, free-day programs and audited financials.
Parks and Recreation make up 30% of the funding. This helps to fund parks, open space, recreation centers and other programming like Junior Jazz.
The ZAP tax is collected from retail sales throughout the county and has proven to be a unique way for tourism dollars to benefit Salt Lake County residents. We love it when people visit our county—they spend money here, contributing to our sales tax base, but then they
leave and we don’t have to pay to educate their kids or provide other services for them.
The ZAP tax was introduced by the Utah State Legislature in 1996 and has been renewed four times since its initial approval with overwhelming support.
The ZAP distributions have proven to be more than just an investment in culture and the arts. It’s also a powerful driver of our local economy. According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Salt Lake County collected $36.7 million in ZAP revenue in 2023. That funding supported organizations that employ nearly 15,000 people and welcomed over 11
million visitors to in-person events and services each year.
Few places in the country have a sales tax program like ZAP. It’s a local tax with local control, meaning every penny stays in Salt Lake County and is distributed by local decision-makers with community input.
ZAP is a unique way to collect and distribute funds that enhance quality of life for Salt Lake County. So next time you attend community theater, a Junior Jazz game, or visit the zoo, know that your tax dollars are hard at work and paying off in a big way to make our county a great place to live.
Map It Out
Remember maps? Old-fashioned, fold-out paper maps the size of a beach towel? My husband wanted to buy one to navigate our road trip through the Sacramento Valley. I stared at him for 47 seconds before stating, “We have Google Maps.”
“It’s not the same thing,” Tom said, sadly. I reminded him I have the orienteering skills of a baby sea turtle running away from the ocean. Handing me a paper map is the equivalent of asking me to decipher ancient Egyptian. Although, to be fair, Google Maps can be equally confusing. Don’t tell me to turn left in 450 feet. That means nothing to me. You might as well say, “Turn left after 850 toothbrushes.”
Unfortunately for him, there were no road maps to be found. So, with phone in hand, I guided us through Chico, Stockton, Napa Valley and Yosemite. I don’t know which direction we drove. North? West? Up? Sideways? Sure.
Road trips should be a great time to catch up on my reading, but Tom doesn’t know how to sit in silence for longer than 1.3 seconds. Even though he hasn’t lived in California for decades, he had a story to share about every city we passed.
“About 15 years ago, there was a serial killer arrested in Yuba City,” he said. “Look it up.”
I put my book down and switched my phone from Google Maps to Wikipedia to learn about the murderer, Juan Corona. But, dear reader, he was arrested in 1971. Just a touch
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
more than 15 years ago.
Tom can hold a conversation with himself for at least 30 miles. It’s a stream of consciousness speaking that is amazing to behold. Let me give you an example:
“This is a great Glen Campbell song. Jimmy Webb wrote a lot of songs for Glen Campbell. Did I tell you Merrilee Rush was the first musician I saw perform live? Can you find yacht rock on the radio? Where does that driver think he’s going? Move over, scumbag! I’ve never been to Yosemite. I’ve heard it’s hill-arious.”
When I noticed a line of cars on our bumper, I suggested he drive a bit faster, although he insisted he was going the exact speed limit. I told him that was the problem.
Remember when you taught your kids to drive and you kept pushing an imaginary brake pedal on the passenger side of the car because you thought your teenager was going to drive you into a building? Well, I have an imaginary accelerator on my side of the car that I press when Tom’s going the exact speed limit.
But once we hit Yosemite, or any mountain range, my husband turns into Dominic Toretto of “Fast and Furious” fame, Tokyo-drifting off cliffs and taking corners at the speed of sound. I was grabbing the door handle, not sure if I was trying to keep it closed or if I was preparing to jump out if we launched into Yosemite Valley.
On our way through wine country, we stopped at the Napa Valley Welcome Center to get ideas for which wineries to visit and where to get a good Chardonnay. The woman at the counter whipped out a map of the area. Tom’s
eyes widened with glee. He used so many exclamation points, I thought his heart might burst with joy.
“Look!” he said. “She has a paper map! Cartographers really know how to draw the line!”
We did a lot of driving in California, which could be considered relationship bonding or time served, depending on the situation. Tom still swears by paper maps. I’m dedicated to Google. But we always find our way.
MEET DR. HARARAH, M.D.
Dr. Hararah, a triple board-certified physician, completed his residency in Family Medicine at NYU Langone and a fellowship in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine/Wound Care at SUNY Upstate University Hospital. With additional training in Bariatric Medicine and certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine, he brings expertise in primary care, dive medicine, bariatric medicine, and clinical hyperbarics.
A firm believer in the biopsychosocial approach, Dr. Hararah views patients as complex individuals whose lives and experiences shape their healthcare. Known for his compassionate care and dedication, he listens intently, prioritizes your well-being, and works to find the best diagnosis and treatment plan.
As the owner of Riverstone Medical, Dr. Hararah is committed to helping you achieve your best health.
OUR SERVICES
in Wound
Patients
First: “Dr. Hararah understands the daunting and sometimes demoralizing feelings health care sometimes causes, and wants patients to be truly seen and valued as human beings.”
