See Inside...
Millfreaks
Costumed scavenger hunt covered five stops in Millcreek Page 8
Millcreek
State champs
Skyline’s boys golf team captured the 5A title Page 10
Millcreek’s Mayor Jeff Silvestrini announces retirement
By Alexandra Straumann | a.straumann@mycityjournals.com
He is the first and only mayor in the city’s young history.
Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini announced his plans to retire effective Nov. 10 during the night’s city council meeting Sept. 22. He stated that “I needed two surgeries recently, and I learned that I also have leukemia and a hopefully benign pancreatic tumor.” He also said his decision stemmed from a desire to spend what time he has left with his wife and enjoy a long-elusive retirement.
Silvestrini began serving as Millcreek’s mayor in 2016, and he is the first person to hold the office for the city. Millcreek incorporated on Dec. 28, 2015 in an effort championed by Silvestrini, who was serving on the Mount Olympus Community Council at the time. Prior to being involved with local politics, Silvestrini practiced as an attorney for 37 years and lobbied in the Utah Legislature on local government issues.
His speech discussed his journey within the council and brought many in the room to tears and the entire audience to a standing ovation. Following the announcement, the City Journals spoke with Silvestrini about his beginnings in local politics, his time on the council, and what he hopes the future holds for Millcreek and its residents.
Responses have been edited for clarity and concision.
City Journals: Thanks for taking the time to meet with the City Journals today. I was hoping we could start off by discussing your background and why you decided to run for mayor of Millcreek?
Mayor Silvestrini: I kind of felt some responsibility for having guided our community down that path, and I felt I had a particular skill set that would be valuable. But what sold it to me was after the election, I was invited to breakfast by people who were opposed to Millcreek’s incorporation. They had been the ringleaders of the opposition, and they told me that based on how I behaved during the two incorporation campaigns, I was someone they’d support and trust to run the city. I also had people on the incorporation side suggest I run for mayor, and the other thing is that my wife was supportive about it, she basically told me “you need to do this.” I couldn’t have done this without her.
City Journals: Across the country it seems like people are developing an interest in local politics and wanting to get involved with their communities. What do you think are some of the benefits of being involved in local politics?
Mayor Silvestrini: For myself, I’m the kind of person who
wants to be involved in the decision making that affects me. I think it’s important for people to get involved because in order for government to work well, we need people to be willing to step up and serve. Serving a government or HOA or community council requires some sacrifice, and an attitude of service to other people, and I think it’s very important that people get invested in their community and that they do things to make things better constructively. I firmly believe that people can make change for the better if they get involved, that’s the only way it really happens.
City Journals: What kind of advice would you give to those who might not have any knowledge or experience with systems of government, but who want to get involved?
Mayor Silvestrini: Come to city council meetings, OK? Come to meetings and learn about the city budget. It may sound incredibly boring, but that’s what cities do. We collect tax dollars and then have to prioritize things and decide how to spend those dollars. Some people want the roads fixed and others want a playground, all those things need to be done and we need to balance that. Community councils are ground-roots ways to get involved, Millcreek has some councils with open spots. People can learn a lot by just sitting through those meetings.
City Journals: Building off that, during the meeting you discussed the possibility of introducing an educational program for residents called “Civics 101,” could you elaborate on this program and what inspired the idea?
Mayor Silvestrini: I don’t know if it’s a failure of our educational system or people’s lack of interest in the subject matter, but I am constantly surprised by how little people understand about how government works, and what the various roles and responsibilities for different levels are. I went to a question-and-answer event with office holders around the city and was really surprised by how little people knew about the responsibilities of government at different levels. So, one of the things I’d like to do in retirement is to help educate people about that, because I think if they know these things they’ll feel better. More knowledge of how government works makes better citizens, better voters and that’s important. For example, when people vote for a mayor or councilmember of a city, they should understand that we are providing municipal services. On the municipal level, we probably touch people’s lives more than other levels of government because we provide daily services, and people should understand that’s what we do. Citizens will be able to approach the right people about the right problems, and that is less frustrating and more productive.
Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini.(Photo courtesy Millcreek Marketing and Communications Coordinator Troy Hartpence)
City Journals: There are a lot of highlights from your time as mayor, but you mentioned The Promise Program last night as being the work you’re most proud of. Is there a particular moment with the program that stands out to you?
Mayor Silvestrini: I don’t know if I could point to just one moment. It’s something we do to make a difference and make our community better through building bridges and making people feel welcome in our community. The thing that stands out to me the most is actually having kids who are in high school now come up to me and appreciate that people helped
Continued on page 4
Now accepting new heart patients
Across Salt Lake County
Our team is expanding to provide faster, more comprehensive care that’s close to you. We provide:
› Care for your heart: We diagnose and manage heart conditions including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and more
› Echocardiograms: A safe, painless test that shows how your heart is working
› Stress testing: See how your heart performs when it’s working hard
› Heart Rhythm Monitoring: Find and treat problems with your heart’s electrical system
Life can change in a heartbeat. We want to help you keep it going.
them in their school and that we listened to them. There was a woman named Jane who would take walks with children in the community and ask them things like, “What are that problems that you see?” “What do you think could be better?” I have done that several times on the west side of Millcreek and there were kids over there that said, “I we wish we had a sidewalk here because we walk here all the time,” and damn it, we put a sidewalk there. We fixed that problem, and I had those kids come back and say thank you. I’ve been thanked by those kids basically for listening, and those are the things that are gratifying.
City Journals: Now that your time on the council has come to an end, what do you hope for the future of Millcreek and the council?
Mayor Silvestrini: This is a great place, and I know the people on the council care as much about this place as I do. There are so many talented and dedicated people in city government, not just in Millcreek but all over
the place. One of the most striking things for me in this role was learning how many good people there are in local government in our county and state, working for the people of Utah. We serve the public, and I really give our employees so much credit because they do that and continue to come back every day and serve people even when it gets tough. I really wish people would recognize how dedicated people who work in local government are, and to understand that even if we make mistakes, we are trying to do the best thing for the people. Within the council I hope the things we started get finished, and that the leadership will continue to be responsive to the community, to be creative and take initiative. We’ve done some things very quickly in nine years of being a city from that kind of innovation, risk-taking and being bold. I hope that continues.
Silvestrini’s retirement will be effective Nov. 10, and applications for mayoral candidates are open until Oct. 14. The special city council meeting to interview candidates and select the new mayor will be on Nov. 3. l
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.
The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
PUBLISHER
Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
EDITOR
Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com
Lindsay Andreasen | lindsay.a@thecityjournals.com
Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com
Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com
Marc Davis | marc.d@thecityjournals.com CIRCULATION
Rack
Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022
Stacey LaMont Ty Gorton MILLCREEK
9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070
PHONE: 801-254-5974
Millcreek State of the City address 2024. (Photo from Millcreek City Council live stream video)
Outside of Millcreek City Hall. (Alexandra Straumann/City Journals)
Garbage and recycling GM Pam Roberts rolls into retirement on her motorcycle
Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District is under new leadership for the first time ever.
By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
Imagine being a freshly-minted college graduate and deciding the first thing you will do – before even receiving the diploma you worked so hard for – is jump on a plane, fly more than 7,000 miles, move in with complete strangers and begin your career. Every family member and friend you ever knew is back home… you are the only American at your new job… and it’s the days of no cell phone, no ZOOM, no internet and way, way too expensive long-distance phone charges.
That’s where recently retired Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District General Manager Pam Roberts found herself just over 40 years ago.
“I flew out in May 1985, just before the Utah State University graduation ceremony, to join a women’s professional basketball team on the north island of New Zealand,” the 5-foot-11 Roberts said. “I moved in with a host family. It was going into their winter, and none of the gyms had any heat. Oh, and all of my opponents really wanted to prove they were tougher than the Yank. It was a rough league.”
If you really want to get a loud laugh out of Roberts, have this exchange: “Do you remember how much you were paid?”… “Wow, that was a long time ago, maybe $7,000”… “Per game?” …(cue the huge chuckle) “No, no, that was for the entire season.”
Roberts played that single season, based in the Auckland, New Zealand suburb of Papakura, before returning to her native Utah to “start my real career.” Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson is among the many elected officials throughout the WFWRD service area who’s glad she did.
“Pam has been absolutely amazing,” Overson said. “She has had a very tough job. There have been so many cost increases in her field. She’s always been very transparent whenever a rate increase was necessary. Whenever I have had to call her, she always returns my call the same day. The district has been very lucky to have her. Pam will be missed.”
Roberts officially retired from WFWRD on Sept. 30 – 28 years and two months after beginning her government service career with Salt Lake County.
“When I returned from New Zealand,
I first cared for my father who had been diagnosed with cancer,” Roberts said. “Next, I worked in the private sector for several years. First, I worked with children; later, with seniors. I was with a private company that helped open the first Alzheimer care center in Salt Lake.”
But Roberts says she always wanted the stability of a government job. So, she started that clock ticking on her state retirement in summer 1997.
“I took a pay cut to move to the Salt Lake County Aging Services Division, starting as a case worker,” she continued.
“I earned promotions in the division while also completing my Public Administration master’s degree in 2005 at the University of Utah.”
From the Aging Services Division, Roberts briefly transferred to Salt Lake County’s Criminal Justice Services Division. But by 2007, she found her “forever career home” – in garbage.
While there have been many name changes in the waste industry, Roberts has been the only “top boss” of what is now called Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District ever, until stepping down a month ago.
Taylorsville City Councilmember Anna Barbieri has served on the WFWRD Board of Directors ever since her 2020 election. Each city the district serves has one representative on the board.
“Pam has been just phenomenal,” Barbieri said. “She is a really strong leader. I think she is a teacher at heart. She’s very patient. Pam cares about all of her employees, from the lowest positions to the very top. I believe they are all going to miss her. I know, as a board member, I will.”
The public has also been pleased with the service provided by WFWRD, as evidenced by a 94% satisfaction rating in the most recent survey. The district hauls about 150,000 tons of household garbage, green waste and recyclables away from more than 86,000 homes each year. Among the areas WFWRD serves are: Brighton, Cottonwood Heights, Emigration Canyon, Herriman, Holladay, Kearns, Magna, Millcreek, Taylorsville and White City.
“The number of homes we serve and our number of employees have both remained pretty constant the entire time
I’ve been general manager,” Roberts said. “We’ve grown by maybe five to six thousand homes: mostly just new construction in the southwest part of the valley – Herriman area. When I started, we had 72 FTEs (full-time equivalent employees). Now that’s up to 97 FTEs. A big part of that came because, along the way we shifted our accounting and billing to in-house.”
WFWRD operates 56 side-load waste trucks, three front-load trucks (for hoisting dumpsters) and two rear-load trucks (and yes, for us dinosaurs, these are the trucks that used to have two guys standing on the bumper, hanging on for dear life, jumping off at every house to dump cans).
Following a nationwide search, the new WFWRD General Manager, Evan Tyrrell was hired in from Grand Junction, Colorado at the end of August. Just over three years ago, Evans had served as a Grand County solid waste service district director in Moab.
Meantime, Roberts and her wife plan to ride off into the retirement sunset together.
“Renee retired from the IRS last December after working for the agency 38 years,” Roberts said. “I met her on a motorcycle ride 10 years ago and we got married in our backyard seven years ago. She gave me two step kids who I love dearly. I also have two sisters: one who lives in Taylorsville and another who I will soon help move back to Utah from Ohio. When we’re not busy with family, Renee and I plan to ride. We recently returned from a motorcycle trip to Glacier National Park. I’d like to ride our bikes all the way from here to New England.” l
Now that they are both retired, Pam Roberts (L) and wife Renee plan to ride their beloved motorcycles even more than they have been for years. (Courtesy Pam Roberts)
Pam Roberts was the only executive director, general manager and CEO WFWRD ever had, until her recent retirement. (Courtesy Pam Roberts)
Four decades ago, Pam Roberts was a college and professional basketball star, before launching into her lengthy administrative career. (Courtesy Pam Roberts)
The importance of community – How Millcreek’s Promise Program uplifts residents
Mayor Jeff Silvestrini highlighted The Promise Program’s work as being a career highlight. What is the program and how does it works to service the community?
By Alexandra Straumann a.straumann@mycityjournals.com
The Promise Program is a collaborative effort with United Way, a national organization dedicated to community action and uplifting residents’ quality of life, meant to better the lives of children and families.
Millcreek Promise was launched in 2018 by Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, who had been first inspired to do so after seeing and learning about the success of a Promise Program chapter in Michigan, which had worked to graduate all of their students from high school and set them up to be successful in their adult lives.
The mission of Millcreek Promise is to uplift the city through fostering community and bridging divides. To do this, there are three promise areas the program gears its community initiatives around: education, health and safety, and economic well-being. Some examples of the Promise Program’s work include the Millcreek Youth Council and supporting after-school programming for K-12 students across the city.
The Promise Program thrives through coordinating community effort toward accomplishing goals that benefit the city as a whole. Silvestrini recalled that when he was first elected, many residents of Millcreek came to him asking what they could do to get involved with the new city and give back. The Promise Program, he said, is a great way to participate within the community while also improving the lives of others.
Silvestrini has been a long-time advocate for investing in youth programming, saying
“it’s an investment in our community,” and that just spending time in a school reading to kids or assisting them with homework could make a world of difference in their lives. Research has proven that investing in educational resources, after-school programming, and extracurricular engagements for youth decreases their propensity to get involved in delinquent behaviors by keeping them engaged in and out of the classroom.
As Silvestrini put it, “if we help a kid graduate from high school that otherwise wouldn’t, that kid is going to become a happier, more productive person. They’re far less likely to get in trouble with the law and create other societal problems, or extra expenses for police or jails.”
The Promise Program facilitates youth programming for this exact reason and provides resources to those who need them most, but who may have the hardest time getting access. Upon becoming Millcreek’s mayor, Silvestrini saw the success of South Salt Lake’s Promise Program in its efforts to serve the community and its most vulnerable members. The Promise Program has been able to provide after-school programs for students to create community, structure and academic support, improving the schooling environment for everyone.
Like South Salt Lake, Millcreek is a unique Utah city in that among the population there is substantial variation among residents economic standing and level of education. Silvestrini pointed out that while this kind of gap has the potential to create divisiveness, the Promise Program actively works to provide residents with opportunities to come together and foster connections with people of all backgrounds. So, on the one-year anniversary of Millcreek’s incorporation, he announced the city would be implementing a Promise Program of its own. “I just said, you know what? This is something we need to do in Millcreek,” he said.
Silvestrini emphasized that the goal of city council is to better the lives of all com-
munity members by serving the public, and The Promise Program does just that. One example of their community endeavors is the revitalization of Sunnyvale Park on the west side of Millcreek. The park was run down and located in an area with a low-income, high immigrant population. The Promise Program went into the community with survey’s in four different languages to engage with children and families there to see what kind of support they could give residents. In the end, the Promise Program used federal funded community block grant money for underdeveloped communities to revitalize the park and provide a new, safe place for recreation for the community members, something Silvestrini is proud of.
“That was an effort of our Promise Program, just figuring out what we
could do for those folks and then getting to actually do that,” he said. The Promise Program services also cater to adults, and Silvestrini explained that the program provides English learning classes throughout the city to help people develop new skills and assimilate easier into their new community.
Silvestrini emphasized the importance of communities coming together and bridging divides, and The Promise Program provides residents with the opportunity to engage in these practices. This year, changes in federal funding have made volunteers especially critical for supporting the programs offered through Millcreek Promise. If you’re interested in getting involved or volunteering with Millcreek Promise, visit their website www. millcreekut.gov/221/Promise-Program. l
Millcreek City has a special Promise Program. (Alexandra Straumann/City Journals)
Millfreaks scavenger hunt brings out the costumed crowds for fun times
A family-friendly scavenger hunt in Millcreek happened last month as locals decked out in Halloween costumes received treats from local businesses and made memories as they traveled around Millcreek with a final stop at Millcreek Common.
By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
Thespooky season started early with the Venture Out!’s Millfreaks scavenger hunt which was a citywide celebration. The weather added to the ambiance for this event as a wet cold front moved into the valley creating the feeling of Halloween on this first weekend in October.
Ghoulish looking characters, princesses, witches and more joined the fun scavenger hunt which required a purchased wristband and started at two locations in the valley: the Olympus Hills Shopping Center and Springbar Tents.
“This is our first time at Millfreaks,” Annie Surprise said. “We just thought it would be a fun family event!” The entire Surprise family joined the fun.
There were five stops on this entertain-
ment scavenger hunt with the final stop at Millcreek Common.
If you started at Mount Olympus Shopping Center, you experienced face painting, free ice cream, a voodoo shop and a DJ. In a trick-or-treat fashion, little goblins moved around the shopping center from business to business. Tables were set up on the sidewalk in front of the shops and kids went to each and collected treats and memories.
Those that began the hunt at Springbar Tent were treated to spooky stories, crafts, snacks, an obstacle course and tent to tent trick-or-treating.
Other stops included a drive-in animated movie from Granite Credit Union and trick-or-treating at Evergreen Park.
The objective was to bring the community together with fun memories and collect treats at each stop.
“We love everything Millcreek does,” Trish from Millcreek said. “They just do such a darn good job putting on events for families.” Trish and her son, Damian were enjoying the festivities. Damian said he loves “the candy and the glasses.” Damian scored some Groucho glasses at one of the prize tables.
Businesses got involved and provided plenty of tricks or treats. Macey’s got in on the action and gave out free bags of popcorn
to those hungry hunters. There was even a photobooth for those who wanted more than a mental memory of Millfreaks.
The last stop on the scavenger hunt was at Millcreek Common where your wristband entitled you free roller skating. Millcreek
Common provided a dance floor, performances and an opportunity to climb the wall. This event was put on by Venture Out! and was the final sendoff for the season until next June. To learn more about Venture Out!, visit ventureout.org. l
‘Hunt. Fish. Feed.’ brings Utah’s military families and community together
The meal showed gratitude for Utah’s airmen.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Behind every military mission, family members and communities stand to support their loved ones in the U.S. armed forces. In September, Comcast partnered with Hill Air Force Base, The Boyer Group and Sportsman Channel for the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event that honored airmen and their families.
The “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” outreach program was created by Sportsman Channel 17 years ago to address hunger issues across the nation. Using donated game meat and fish, the events have served more than 42,000 meals to communities all over the country, led by noted game chef Paul Comes.
During the event at Hill Air Force Base, hundreds of airmen and their families were served a meal, including Master Sergeant Dale Clark.
“All the events and all these organizations help us in the military and make us feel like we’re supported,” Clark said. “I have airmen who are struggling financially or, whatever the case may be, but these helping agencies really contribute a lot to health and morale.”
The event brought families together to enjoy a meal, connect with friends and take a break from the hectic pace of daily life.
Jeffrey Brown, director of Sportsman Channel’s distribution and affiliate marketing, said they are taking the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” program to every Comcast region throughout the country, including one other military base.
“We just came off the anniversary of 9/11 and we appreciate the service that they’re doing. That goes without saying,” Brown said. “But to be out here and provide them a nice meal, it means so much to us. These are our brave warriors who are out there defending the red, white and blue every day.”
Supporting military families is central to Comcast’s mission. With thousands of employees who are actively serving or veterans, including founder and WWII Navy veteran Ralph Roberts, the company is committed to creating opportunities and providing support for those in uniform.
Comcast Mountain West Region’s Technical Operations Senior Manager Shawn Kessler joined the Marines in 1996 and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. He said events like “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” support military personnel and the challenges they face every day.
“It’s so cool being part of Comcast,” Kessler said. “What we do with veterans,
er it’s from a job standpoint or from a mental standpoint, that’s how Comcast leans in to support these folks.”
According to the Department of Workforce Services, Utah is home to more than 116,000 veterans, with the majority being 65 and older. A 2023 Blue Star Families report showed that more than 25% of active-duty military personnel experience food insecurity and homelessness remains a serious issue.
“We understand how important it is for the military community to be connected, be part of a community and also have a continued sense of service,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Comcast is committed to supporting veterans and the military community through employment, economic mobility, and by ensuring the military community has access to connectivity and the digital skills to thrive in today’s world.
“We also invest in partners that support the military community throughout its entire lifecycle, from entry throughout the journey of service and beyond, including the families.”
like the internal networks and how many veterans we hire, is impressive. People are coming home and having to find careers and transition. Comcast does such an amazing job supporting these folks, wheth-
For more information about “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” visit TheSportsmanChannel. com. To learn about Comcast’s military customer programs, visit Corporate.Comcast.com. l
Trish and Damian were out for a fun afternoon where he scored some fun Groucho glasses. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)
The Surprise family of Millcreek, Annie and Kia, came out to enjoy a fun family event. (John S. Brown/Millcreek)
Daniel Arevalo, senior airman for the United States Air Force, 88th Maintenance Group, takes part in the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event at Hill Air Force Base, providing meals to servicemen and their families. (Photo provided by Comcast)
Millcreek’s Community Youth Council takes oath of office
Students introduced themselves to the council and stated which schools in the community they are representing.
By Alexandra Straumann a.straumann@mycityjournals.com
Twenty-five 11th- and 12th-grade students across Millcreek were sworn in as this year’s members of the Millcreek Community Youth Council on Sept. 8.
The program was introduced by Kristy Parajuli, who serves as the Education Program Director for The Promise Program. Parajuli also serves as the Youth Council Advisor for the program, and she expressed her excitement for the upcoming school year with the council.
Millcreek’s Mayor Jeff Silvestrini has been an advocate for investing in youth today to create a better tomorrow. In Utah, there are a number of cities that have programs for youth to get involved with their local systems of government. The Promise Program has also supported a similar youth community council in Salt Lake City, and together the councils give a voice to kids who want a chance to be heard in the community.
The mission of the Millcreek Youth Council is to serve the Millcreek community, build connections among youth across the city, and engage in policy issues that are important to the members and their peers.
The success of young people in Millcreek is a consistent topic during council meetings, and in 2021, Millcreek won a best in state award for Best Youth Organization.
Councilwoman Bev Uipi of District 4 was serving as mayor pro-temp for the evening and welcomed the participating students, who each came to the stand to tell the council their name, grade level and school.
The participating students come from
Skyline High School, Olympus High School, East High School, and the Cottonwood Academy for Math, Engineering and Science. On the executive committee, Skyline senior Johnathan Chen will serve as the Events Committee chair, Skyline senior Annie Lee will serve as secretary, Olympus senior Adam Moffitt will serve as mayor protemp, and Skyline senior Heidi Jackson will serve as mayor.
Following their introductions, Councilwoman Uipi led the students in taking an oath of office, where they pledged to represent the community with integrity, serve with respect and responsibility, and make
the voices of the youth heard in their community. The students were then welcomed to the youth council with a round of applause, celebrating their initiation.
The council will hold regular meetings to discuss their agenda and goals for the year twice a month. Over the course of the year the students will serve 60 hours, encompassing their meetings, service projects and other events. The council engages in a wide variety of engagements including park cleanups, winter clothing drives and city events.
Learn more about the Millcreek Youth Community Council by visiting their website www.millcreekut.gov/225/Youth-Council.l
The Millcreek Youth Council pose for a photo with city councilmembers. (Photo credit Millcreek City Council live stream video)
Skyline edges Olympus for 5A state boys championship
Skyline wins state 5A boys golf title for the seventh time in eight years.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
It’s funny how just a single stroke can change the trajectory of a golfer, or a team of golfers. But that single stroke was the difference as both Skyline High and Eagles’ senior golfer Austin Shelley came home with state championships at the 5A state finals held at TalonsCove in Saratoga Springs.
Skyline and Olympus went back and forth over the two-day tourney, each team enjoying a lead before losing it to the other. In the end, the Eagles prevailed with a one-shot team win, 575, one-under par, to Oly’s even par 576. Shelley closed with a 66 in regular play.
But the drama wasn’t over, as Shelley and Olympus’ senior Will Pedersen finished tied for medalist honors at 11-under. That meant a playoff hole on number 18, which Shelley birdied by rolling in a 20-
foot putt to take the individual title. He’s the third Shelley to be medalist at state. Older brothers Tyson and Jackson had previously won state titles. Shelley played at Olympus as a freshman, so Pedersen was a former teammate.
Coach Kenny James praised his entire team for their perseverance in the final round of seesaw battle with the Titans.
“We got some breaks today that we didn’t get on Monday, and the boys made it work,” he said. Both Skyline and Olympus were tied after Monday’s first round at 285. The win was also sweet for Skyline, which was beaten earlier this year in region by Olympus. The Eagles have now won the state title seven times in the past eight years.
Besides Shelley, members of the state champs are seniors Caden Shurtz and Shane Mulvey, junior Marcus Davis-Condie, and freshmen Bodie Green and Perry Shaffer. For Olympus, Shelley was joined by senior Lincoln Peterson, junior Josh Neff, and freshmen Jake Neff, Wyatt Biagi and Mark Ivory. l
Veterans
Lake valley in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day
Veterans find community at Warrior Revival events and activities
When clinical psychologist Katie Fry, Ph.D., recognized that the military veterans she counsels needed more community support and opportunities to socialize, she decided to do something about it. Two years ago, she founded Warrior Revival, a Utah-based nonprofit that supports veterans and their families’ transition to civilian life through recreation opportunities, mentorship and retreats. Among the many social activities offered by the organization is a monthly book club that meets in Draper.
“When we first started, we thought we’d have one activity per month,” Fry explained. “It has just taken off. We now have 10 to 12 activities per month. Everything is free and it’s all run by volunteers.”
She noted that veterans who return to civilian life face unique challenges when they leave the military. “I see it through my patients,” she said. “There’s a loss of community and sense of meaning and connection. We want veterans to feel safe and supported.”
To that end, Fry started Warrior Revival as a way to bring veterans and civilians together. “We try to partner with organizations in the community,” she said. “The goal is to give back and break down barriers.”
Currently, over 500 veterans from throughout Utah have participated in Warrior Revival events and activities. “We’ll have between five and 20 meet up for coffee hours and the book club,” she said. Over 100 signed up for the Hook & Honor Warrior Fishing Classic that was held at Strawberry Bay Marina last September.
Other activities the organization has sponsored include scuba diving opportunities, hiking and biking trips, a whitewater rafting retreat and off-roading excursions. All of these events are made possible thanks to corporate sponsorship and foundation support. “We really rely on fundraising,” Fry said. “We rely on the
community to help us.”
In addition to the larger events, Warrior Revival members also gather for coffee hours and a monthly book club. The book club meets after business hours at Houzd Mortgage, 11550 S. 700 East, in Draper. Brandy Tilo, a realtor who served in the Navy, initiated the book club last year. “It kind of morphed into Warrior Revival,” she said. “We just got more and more veterans but anyone can come.”
Tilo explained that while some of the books they have read specifically address how to transition from the military, other books contain life lessons with more general appeal. “We read ‘The Let Them Theory’ by Mel Robbins and books by David Goggins,” she said.
“It’s funny how we end up,” she added. “There is a lot of crying and a lot of laughter. It’s become almost a self-help therapy session.”
The meetings, which start at 6 p.m., usually begin with a little socializing before the club members share their thoughts and perspectives on the book. They then collaboratively select a book for the next month.
“I never thought I’d get so much out of a book club,” Tilo said. “I look forward to that last Tuesday of the month.”
The Warrior Revival book club is made up of both men and women of all ages. “It’s a very mixed bag. Not all are military but I think that’s even better, we get different perspectives,” she said.
“We average about seven to eight people in the club,” Tilo said. “It’s our safe space so we don’t want it to get too big. But we certainly have room for more. It really is a good time.”
Fry emphasized that Warrior Revival serves all veterans. Recently, the organization hosted a virtual get-together and a lunch meeting just for women. “We are working on adding space for women to come together,” she said.
“We truly welcome everyone to join our community,” she said. “We welcome those who want to give back to our service members — those veterans and their families who have selflessly given so much to us.”
To learn more about Warrior Revival, visit warrior-revival.org.
Members of Warrior Revival were photographed at a recent skydiving event in Tooele made possible through a partnership with the J. Parker Christensen Memorial Fund. (Photo courtesy of Katie Fry/Warrior Revival)
Hikers at a Warrior Revival retreat in Bruin Point, Utah paused for a selfie. (Photo courtesy of Katie Fry/ Warrior Revival)
More than just loud noises: How Camp Williams serves our community, nation and helped win two world wars
By Elisa Eames |
On July 25, a fun adventure turned into a harrowing ordeal for a man who was hiking near Idaho’s Leatherman Peak. While negotiating the rough landscape, he fell and sustained severe injuries, including compound fractures in both legs, stranding him at an extremely high altitude. Knowing that Utah Army National Guard teams receive specialized high-altitude training at Camp Williams, the state of Idaho asked Utah for help that evening.
“Due to the extreme altitude, low moonlight and rugged terrain, local search and rescue personnel were struggling to reach the stranded hiker,” the 97th Aviation Troop Command said in a statement. The 97th Aviation Troop Command is the brigade headquarters, or the
unit overseeing the command and administration of a brigade, for Utah National Guard Aviation Battalions, including the 2-211th General Services Aviation Battalion, which supplied rescue volunteers.
In an HH-60M Blackhawk helicopter equipped with just the kind of rare machinery the situation demanded, a West Jordan-based medical team of volunteers from the 2-211th General Services Aviation Battalion began its hurried flight to Idaho. Following a stop in Idaho Falls to refuel, the team was able to locate the hiker in near pitch-black conditions after reaching his last known position.
“[They] conducted an extremely difficult and technical hoist operation, lowering their on-board medic onto the steep terrain to begin immediate care of the
hiker,” the 97th Aviation Troop Command said.
When the medic was able to stabilize the man, the helicopter used a hoist cable to bring him on board while hovering in mid-air. The operation took place at approximately 10,500 feet above the average sea level. The hiker continued to receive lifesaving medical care as the Blackhawk sped to meet a waiting civilian emergency transport helicopter, which transferred him to a medical center.
“This is a mission that the Citizen-Soldiers of the Utah Army National Guard are uniquely qualified for and stand ready to conduct at a moment’s notice,” the 97th Aviation Troop Command said.
Many locals don’t realize that the training that makes rescues like this possible happens in our own backyard. “All units within 97th Aviation Troop Command train at Camp Williams routinely as a primary training site for members of the Utah National Guard,” Tamara L. West said. West is the public affairs officer for the Utah National Guard, which was organized in 1894.
Camp Williams was established in 1914 as a training ground for the National Guard during World War I, though it was a fraction of its current 24,063 acres and hadn’t yet received its official name. In 1927, permanent and semi-permanent structures were built on the site, and a year later, the camp was named for Brigadier General William Grey Williams to recognize his role in founding the training location and for his service in the Spanish-American War.
The camp continued to grow, and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. Army took control of the complex, using it as a main training center for
active-duty troops. Oversight of Camp Williams was returned to Utah in 1947, and since then, it has played an important role in training troops who would serve in Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Persian Gulf, the War on Terror and even during the state’s COVID-19 response.
Today, the camp provides extensive combat and rescue training for the Utah National Guard, serves active-duty and reserve soldiers and hosts youth and civic groups. It also supports civilian, federal and state entities, including local, state and federal law enforcement organizations. The 97th Aviation Troop Command even executes flyovers for Provo’s annual Stadium of Fire celebration.
“The Utah National Guard performs missions at the request and approval of our governor and trains [at Camp Williams] to support our state and civil authorities in a wide range of capabilities,” West said. “[It] regularly supports our state and communities with wildland fire support, technical rescue, debris removal and hazardous materials monitoring and assessment…”
“Herriman City values its longstanding partnership with Camp Williams and the Utah National Guard,” Herriman Communications Manager Jonathan LaFollette said. “We work closely on land use, public safety, wildfire risk mitigation and community coordination to ensure residents and the Guard can thrive side by side.”
In addition to a mine detection course, small arms firing ranges and a land navigation course, there are ranges for artillery, mortars, grenades and demolition, offering training and certification for every weapon the Army has. “The Camp plays an important role in national
A fraction of its current size, Camp Williams was established during WWI in 1914. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
When the United States entered WWII in 1941, Camp Williams had grown significantly. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
Camp Williams has been instrumental in training soldiers for multiple wars in the 20th and 21st centuries.
(Photo courtesy Google Images)
defense and in supporting emergency response, training and coordination across Utah and neighboring states,” LaFollette said.
The camp also includes classrooms, warehouses, dining facilities, a fitness center, workshop spaces and administration and maintenance buildings.
The training sessions are often the cause of the startling booms that residents sometimes hear and feel.
“Camp Williams is a primary training area for the 65th Field Artillery Brigade… as well as the 640th Regiment Regional Training Institute,” West said. “Loud booms heard are practice and live artillery rounds being fired, usually from M109A6 Paladin howitzers and M119 howitzers as
part of required training and certification. Artillery units work diligently to balance their training requirements with the impact their activities have on the populations surrounding training areas.”
To ensure units and individuals are always ready to serve, the camp receives soldiers from around the state and the nation for training in authentic and harsh conditions. “The Utah National Guard is comprised of citizen soldiers and airmen, neighbors and friends, and is proud to assist our communities, state and nation when called upon,” West said.
“We recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Guard members and appreciate the strength they bring to our region,” LaFollette said.
A Blackhawk helicopter like this one was used to rescue an Idaho hiker in July. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
Camp Williams stretches across 24,063 acres in Utah County. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
Honoring veterans – a legacy of service
By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com
Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a living, breathing reminder of the courage and sacrifice woven into the fabric of our nation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 16.5 million veterans living in America. Each of these individuals carries a story—of service, dedication and an unwavering commitment to something greater than themselves. Each story is unique, but all are part of the same powerful legacy—one of sacrifice and honor.
I’m proud to come from a family that has served across many branches of the military:
• My grandfather, U.S. Army
• My uncle, U.S. Marine Corps
• My dad, U.S. Air Force
• My brother-in-law, U.S. Navy
As former President John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” This quote serves as a call to action. It reminds us that true appreciation goes beyond simple thanks—it shows up in how we live, how we support our veterans, and how we uphold the freedoms they fought to protect.
• 1 in 10 U.S. adults is a veteran.
• Nearly 30% of the federal workforce is made up of veterans, continuing their legacy of public service.
• Over 45% of post-9/11 veterans say that adjusting to civilian life has been difficult—highlighting the ongoing support many need even after their service ends.
And let’s not forget: service extends beyond those in uniform. As former First Lady Jill Biden noted through her “Joining Forces” initiative, “When you go to war, we go with you. We bear it, too.” Military families serve in quiet but pro-
found ways—keeping households running, enduring long absences, and carrying the emotional weight that comes with every deployment. To every military family: thank you. So what can we do to honor veterans in meaningful, everyday ways?
1. Practice Active Gratitude
Not all veterans served in combat, but all made sacrifices. When in doubt, a respectful “thank you for your service” goes a long way. Asking what branch they served in can be appropriate—but always read the room. The goal is appreciation, not interrogation.
2. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Many veterans transition to entrepreneurship after service. Whether it’s a local coffee shop or a clothing brand, supporting their business helps them thrive. For example, we often visit a veteran-owned eatery in our local mall— something as simple as buying a drink or a meal can make a difference. If they’re comfortable with it, consider giving them a shout-out on social media.
3. Volunteer or Donate
Organizations like Wounded Warrior Project and Fisher House Foundation provide essential support to veterans and their families. My family has cooked meals for guests staying at Fisher House and even handed out Chick-fil-A sandwiches at our local VA hospital. These small acts of kindness ripple farther than we may ever know.
4. Take Time to Listen
Years ago, I had the privilege of helping organize an event honoring Pearl Harbor survivors. More recently, I’ve sat with my dad and brother-in-law as they shared their own experiences. These conversations are priceless and ensure their stories live on for generations.
5. Live a Life Worth Their Sacrifice
As Kennedy said, it’s not just about words. It’s about
honoring their legacy by being active, informed citizens who live with purpose and responsibility.
Veterans Day isn’t only a time to reflect—it’s a time to act. This week, I challenge you to do one tangible thing to honor a veteran:
• Call a family member who served
• Write a thank-you card
• Support a veteran-owned business
• Volunteer with a local veterans’ organization Learn more on Holly’s Highlights podcast, available wherever you stream podcasts, including www.hollycurby. com. Let’s transform gratitude into action. To every veteran and every military family: Today and always, we honor you. Thank you for your service.
Honoring a proud veteran, a symbol of service, sacrifice and patriotism. (Photo courtesy Jim Harding)
Ho Ho or Humdrum? Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays
Our favorite big box stores and online ads have been reminding us for weeks that the holidays are just around the corner. Happy time, right? Surprisingly the holidays can be a time of increased stress and can trigger mental health challenges for many. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holidays, with more than one-third indicating they experience higher stress levels during the holidays compared with other seasons. Added holiday stress can cause physical ailments, anxiety, depression, and in some cases substance misuse.
So what’s the holiday stress culprit? Well actually there are several:
Money. The holidays create budget pressures – gifts, travel, events.
Social. Family gatherings can produce awkward moments, especially when there are unresolved conflicts or pressure to follow tradition.
Busyness. Schedules can become overloaded with shopping, cooking special meals and attending holiday festivities. Sometimes with all the extra activity and disrupted routines, the holidays can be exhausting.
Loneliness. The holidays can create a heightened sense of loneliness for those who are separated from loved one or grieving a loss.
According to Dr. Jared Lambert, a CommonSpirit family medicine physician in West Jordan, there are several things we can do to manage holiday stress and even find joy in a season that is meant to be joyful.
First – Set realistic expectations. You may not cook the perfect turkey. The gift that you spent hours searching for may not elicit the magical reaction from the recipient. You may not be able to attend all the holiday events you’re invited to. That’s OK.
Second – Make time for yourself. Carve out a few moments each day during the holidays to read, get outside, meditate, and remember that the basics of self-care
– sleep, exercise, and healthy eating – still matter at this time of year.
Third – Set a budget. Having a financial plan going into the holidays helps with avoiding excessive spending. There’s nothing quite so deflating as January credit card bills that exceed what we can afford.
Fourth – Find joy in small things. Make time to talk to a friend or family member who makes you feel good. Savor that favorite side dish at Thanksgiving Dinner, listen to a favorite holiday song – and look for reasons to be grateful each day.
Fifth – Take a time out from Social Media: By limiting time on social media feeds you can reduce feelings of inadequacy by avoiding depictions of others’ perfectly curated holidays.
“The holidays can be a beautiful time, but they can also bring to the surface a lot of underlying stressors,” Dr. Lambert says. “It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about how you’re truly feeling and to allow for imperfections. Prioritize your well-being over societal pressures to create a ‘perfect’ holiday.”
If you find yourself severely struggling, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, call a helpline, or visit a mental health professional.
For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
When minutes
to know us before you need
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.
i s
1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).
SPONSORED CONTENT
Summit Veterinary Urgent Care offers compassionate, comprehensive medicine without the need for an appointment. Our kindhearted staff is dedicated to providing prompt and thoughtful care when your beloved pet needs immediate attention.
Our proprietors, Dr. Taylor Howard (DVM) and Cassie Czerny (CVT), founded SVUC in 2024 and are passionate about providing same-day care at an affordable price.
From broken nails to surgeries and life-threatening emergencies, we treat it all. Anal gland expressions? We love them! Call for a same-day appointment or just come on in. If your fur baby is just a little off and you don’t want to wait, we’re here for you. Even if your baby hates going to the doctor, no one has a knack with spicy kitties like Dr. Howard.
Small car and a big dog? No problem. We offer transportation for those who need it. Not only to and from your home, but to an overnight facility should your pet need extended care as well.
On-site, top-of-the-line laboratory testing, radiology and advanced imaging get us answers without having to wait, so we can get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible. Our fully equipped surgical suite provides advanced surgical care in a comfortable and sterile environment.
With our extensive in-house and online pharmacy, you can get Fido feeling better quickly,
without extra stops on the way home.
We are proud to be a privately owned and woman-owned business. Supporting and caring for Salt Lake Valley pets and their amazing families. Our team is well-trained and dedicated to helping your pets live their healthiest lives in a clean, comfortable environment while still offering services at a reasonable price. Our same-day services are comparable to a regular veterinary clinic, and we will always provide an estimate and work within your budget without judgment.
We understand unexpected medical expenses can add up quickly. Therefore, in addition to keeping our prices as low as possible, we offer financing options to further help ease the burden.
We will work with your regular vet and communicate all treatments, plans and medical records so your baby can get back on the road to health and wellness.
We welcome everyone! Two-legged or fourlegged, furry or not. We provide care Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
With the growing number of pets in Salt Lake City, getting in to see your vet the same day can be difficult; that’s where we come in. We are trustworthy, caring, knowledgeable and experienced. Pet problems don’t wait for an appointment, and now you don’t have to either.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram: @summitveturgentcare
Did you know Driveology could save you an average of 25% on your auto insurance premium? Savings start immediately after you enroll, earning a 10 percent discount just for signing up. Contact me today to learn more about saving with Driveology®.
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 Blackstone Medical, Dr. Hararah is committed to helping you achieve your best health.
OUR SERVICES
Primary Care:
• Annual preventative physical exams
• Cancer screening
• Sick visits
• Specialist referrals
• Medication refills
• Chronic disease management
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.” Specializing
My Gluten Free World Expo serves up flavor
The event attracts people living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
It’sestimated that at least 3 million Americans struggle with celiac disease, an autoimmune illness triggered by consuming gluten. Not only does eating products with gluten cause pain, bloating and cramping for people with celiac, it can ultimately damage the small intestine.
Gluten is a protein found in a variety of grains, including wheat, rye and barley. While doctors say most people shouldn’t avoid gluten, for those diagnosed with celiac or gluten intolerance, cutting out gluten products is the best way to feel better.
Eight years ago, organizers introduced the first My Gluten Free World Expo to people in Utah and this year it included more than 100 vendors introducing gluten-free foods and products. The event was held at the end of September at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.
Local company, Grandpa’s Kitchen, was started in 2007. McKaelle Kauwe’s great-grandfather began the business to help family members with celiac disease who struggled to find quality gluten-free breads and cakes. The company offers gluten-free flour, mixes and recipes to improve the quality of life for those who can’t eat gluten.
“There was no good, gluten-free food in 2007,” Kauwe said. “He created a good flour blend and went through a lot of bad iterations to get to this point and now we’re trying to share it with the world.”
Kauwe said many gluten-free products are made with chickpea flour, which can leave a bitter aftertaste, and gluten-free bread can be dense, gritty and prone to falling apart easily.
The vendors at My Gluten Free World Expo are trying to build better products by using different flour blends and ingredients to create a more realistic flavor and texture to gluten-free foods. Amanda Wuerz started Hugz Snacks in Utah, selling vegan and gluten-free cheez bread inspired by her Brazilian heritage.
“It stands out for a couple of reasons,” Wuerz said. “First, I use freshly-grated cheese. My Colby Jack cheese is freshly grated and put into the dough. And I don’t use seed oil. It’s pure avocado oil and it’s made in small batches.”
Other products at the expo included seasonings, soups, cooking oils, lotions, soaps, cooking utensils, drinks, protein bars and desserts. Gluten-free testing kits were a big hit at the expo, giving people the opportunity to test foods in restaurants to ensure food safety.
Jill Smith is the chief technical officer of Leo Verified, a gluten-free detection kit to help relieve the stress of dining out. It only takes three minutes to get results, so people can make healthy choices quickly.
“I had not eaten au jus with prime rib for 31 years,” Smith said. “So I ordered prime rib, with the au jus on the side. Then I tested it and it was gluten-free. I wondered how many other things I’d been missing out on.”
Groups like Advanced Research Clinic attended the event to educate people about celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, and to recruit patients for a clinical trial that tests cutting-edge treatment for the disease.
Lynae Sorensen is an advanced practice nurse working with ARC. She said research into celiac and other autoimmune diseases is growing. Statistically, women are much more likely than men to be diagnosed with an auto-
immune disease and it can take years before it is identified. The average time for an autoimmune diagnosis is four to five years, but it’s often much longer.
“I spoke with a patient who had it for 11 years before she was diagnosed,” Sorensen said. “We’re learning more about specific chemical messengers that are attached to this disease. That’s where we can make specific medications to target those things. There’s a lot that they’re coming out with now and that’s exciting.”
For a list of My Gluten Free World Expo vendors, visit MyGlutenFree WorldExpo.com. l
Thousands of people attended the two-day My Gluten Free World Expo to stock up on gluten-free products and find new favorites. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Mrs. Hewitt’s vendor booth at My Gluten Free World Expo sold its popular bread, cake mixes, waffles and cookies. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
STEMfest sparks curiosity for all ages
Interactive exhibits, student leaders and curious minds turned out for the 11th annual event.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Amid thousands of students during the day and hundreds of families at night, an electric energy pulsed through the crowd at Utah STEMfest — and no lab coat was required.
Kids felt literal static electricity as they placed their hands on a plasma ball at the Clark Planetarium booth while others explored how electric currents work at a Rocky Mountain Power display. To cool off, they plunged their hands into insta-snow demonstrated by SheTech student leaders or touched sea stars, sea turtle shells and other marine life specimens at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium table.
Three-year-old Poppy, brought along her 1-year-old sister, Delilah, and her dad, Jed Hall, eager to dive into the hands-on experiences available at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.
“We like to do experiments at home, so I’m trying to foster a love of STEM in my little girl,” Hall said. “I hope she can have a better understanding of the world. I want her to develop a love of learning
while she’s young so she will keep it up when she’s older.”
It wasn’t just kids who were learning — volunteer Dannette Rose said she was helping because she wanted to expand her own STEM knowledge.
“I like to learn all kinds of stuff when I help; it’s a good opportunity to learn and explore,” she said.
Rose was assisting Denise Taylor, a Utah 4-H STEM and strategic partner with Utah State University. Together, they guided attendees through the Utah 4-H night sky star dome, encouraging them to look to the heavens.
“It’s important kids get exposed to lots of different things because STEM is in everything we do,” Taylor said, listing a vast array of 4-H clubs which all include STEM. “We just need to point it out to students. They can garden, and there’s science behind the soil and the growing process. They do robotics and we can talk about coding. They read Harry Potter and explore potions and wands and learn about chemical reactions and magnetic fields. When we go into elementary schools, sometimes kids say, ‘I don’t do STEM,’ but they don’t realize our world is engrossed in it, and it will be a big part of their future and is what they can do.”
Tami Goetz, director of the Utah STEM Action Center — the organization
Better Shelves. Custom Solutions.
behind the 11th annual event, agrees.
“I have seen students trying to figure how to balance their love of STEM with other interests and passions,” she said.
“My advice to them has always been that they are lucky because STEM overlaps with so many other education and career paths.” l
Are you a business leader? At no cost, the ElevateHERTM Challenge is easy to accept and will benefit your company. Join businesses across Utah in our mission to elevate the stature of women’s leadership. Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge and stand with other businesses as we pledge to elevate women in senior leadership positions, in boardrooms, on management teams and on politcal ballots. LEARN MORE: www.wliut.com/elevateher-challenge
People of all ages engaged in activities during the 11th annual STEMFest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Turning Down the Political Temperature
The recent shooting of Charlie Kirk was a wake-up call for Americans who value free speech. What drives someone to fear opposing views so deeply that violence feels justified? If we want to cool our nation’s overheated politics, each of us can start with three changes.
1. Don’t call names or label the other side. Our country was founded on the belief that open debate makes us stronger. The Founders argued fiercely when crafting the Constitution— and that was healthy. But when disagreement turns into name-calling, the conversation collapses. History shows that dehumanizing language can fuel tragedy; in Rwanda, propaganda that labeled the Tutsis as “cockroaches” helped spark genocide. Calling people “evil” or “dangerous” never changes minds. Respectful discussion does. Express your beliefs firmly but without vilifying others. The moment you deny someone dignity, your argument loses power. One way to rebuild civility is to teach debate skills in middle school and high school classrooms so the next generation learns how to disagree productively.
2. Listen more than you speak. None of us is right all the time. Listening with empathy to those who see things dif-
Winder Newton Salt Lake County Councilmember| District 3
ferently can preserve friendships and strengthen our communities. Try this: ask someone with an opposing political view to explain their perspective for 5-10 minutes. Repeat back what you heard, thank them, and resist the urge to argue. It’s hard—but it’s how understanding begins.
During my 12 years on the Salt Lake County Council, I’ve served on a body that’s often split almost evenly between Republicans and Democrats. We debate passionately, sometimes disagree strongly, yet still shake hands afterward. We recognize that each member represents different constituents and experiences. Even when votes fall along party lines, mutual respect keeps us working together. I’m proud of that example of civil governance.
3. Recognize how you’re being manip-
ulated. Social media algorithms are designed to provoke emotion, not inform. Once a platform detects your political leanings, it floods your feed with fear or anger-inducing content to keep you scrolling—and advertisers paying. Limit your time online. Keep in mind that each side is driven by this algorithm that fuels the flame of conviction. We question how the other side can be so out of touch, yet they simply don’t see what we see. Those on the other end of the political spectrum have never been shown the version of the story we know. Perhaps we are both right, but perhaps we are both wrong. It’s time to pause before the contempt destroys our country.
media and find a friend to visit with—no debating required.
Our democracy depends on citizens who can disagree without demeaning, listen without shouting, and stay informed without being manipulated. By resisting name calling, listening with empathy, and unplugging from outrage, we can help lower the temperature, strengthen our communities, and set an example for the next generation that is watching us closely. l Aimee
Cable news isn’t much better. Filling 24 hours of airtime pushes networks to amplify outrage and tailor coverage to partisan audiences. Try this experiment: if you watch a story on Fox News, switch to MSNBC for the other perspective, or vice versa. The truth may lie somewhere in between.
As we navigate the future, it’s important that we put down our phones, turn off the TV, and talk to real people. Human connection improves mental health and builds relationships. When the political climate feels toxic, step away from social
Life and Laughter - Embracing the Darkness (With Mashed Potatoes)
It’s not a good sign when a season has its own mental disorder, but here we are, entering the dark, cold, abysmal days of post-Daylight Saving Time when Seasonal Affective Disorder destroys all joy. Darkness descends like a roiling thunderstorm in a fantasy novel, erasing all sunshine and leaving us cowering in the cellar.
My husband thinks I’m dramatic, but I tell him to stop calling me names, as I drape across the fainting couch, gently dabbing my tears with a silken handkerchief.
Anyway.
This year, Seasonal Affective Disorder has been changed to Seasonal Affective Despair as we watch the nation’s slow descent into malevolence and madness. Night falls immediately after lunch, pajamas are my goto wardrobe and my serotonin levels drop as quickly as my faith in humanity.
As we move toward winter, light deprivation should be considered a national crisis. Maybe we need a Vitamin D shot mandate or, at least, red light therapy lamps to replace all street lighting. Utah recently eliminated fluoride in the water; could we add a dash of Xanax?
I know there’s a fine line between hibernation and hiding, but maybe the bears have it right. Spend the summer and fall eating ev-
MILLCREEK
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
erything in sight, yank fresh salmon right out of the river, compete for the World’s Fattest Bear and then sleep until the sun returns.
Therapists recommend regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep to improve mental health and reduce Seasonal Affective Despair symptoms, but nobody listens to their therapist; otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this national mess.
Someone on TikTok suggested organizing craft projects to get me through the dark months, but my closet is already full of discarded creations, including featherless pinecone turkeys and the unfinished baby blanket I was making for my first grandchild (who is now 21).
As I sorted through a tangle of thread from my last embroidery project and a cubic pound of glitter I bought when I thought making glitter angels with the grandkids was a good idea, I decided starting something
new wasn’t a good idea. Plus, I still have glue gun scars from my Halloween projects.
Maybe I can spend the next few months snuggled with a book by the fireplace (if we had a fireplace), enjoying a bowl of minestrone (just kidding, my husband hates soup) and trying to live with someone who hates soup.
I’ll be poppin’ melatonin gummies like, well, like gummies, and giving it my best to be optimistic in a season created when a god of the underworld kidnapped a young girl and held her hostage for six months. On a coincidentally bright note, pomegranates are back in stores.
At least Thanksgiving is coming up, when I can get my emotional support food: mashed potatoes.
As we move toward the end of the year, November offers an invitation to look back at the previous months to see…nope…never mind. Don’t do that if you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows. In fact, maybe throw your phone in the Great Salt Lake (if it still had water), disconnect from the internet, delete your social media pages and go off-grid until May.
Mentally prepare yourself to spend several months trapped in a home with kids, or grandkids, who won’t stop saying, “6-7” or muttering Italian Brainrot nonsense.
Maybe this year’s Seasonal Affective Despair will be the start of my superhero origin story. When the light finally returns, I’ll stumble into the sunshine, wearing wrinkled pajamas and gripping a glue gun, ready to battle the forces of evil. l
PROFESSIONALS
