Millcreek Journal | July 2021

July 2021 | Vol. 03 Iss. 07

FREE

MILLCREEK MARKS A RETURN TO NORMALCY WITH VENTURE OUT EVENTS

By Lindsey Baxter | l.baxter@mycityjournals.com

M

illcreek residents couldn’t be more excited to gather together at Venture Out on June 4. Especially after missing the summer of 2020 due to the pandemic.

Venture Out was the first of many events in Millcreek for the summer making a welcome statement to community members with an all-out magic themed night.

June 4 was the first official movie night and Friday Festival themed events of the summer. Canyon Rim Park hosted The Night Circus theme where there were various booths, games, food, magician, jugglers, music by Peter Breinholt, and a live fire performance at dusk before watching The Greatest Showman.

Venture Out’s first event was held 16 years ago. It was a one-day festival that evolved to offer many community engagements programs. With the cancellation of events last year, residents have been looking forward to getting out and celebrating this summer more than ever.

Marcus Wilson provided fun for the crowd with comedy, juggling, and some stunt work. He has provided entertainment to Millcreek residents at numerous events throughtou the years and was grateful to be back in person. Wilson said he was happy that everything is getting back to normal and able to do shows again. Information on his shows can be found at www.funnymanwhodoestricks.com.

Aimee McConkie, executive director of Utah Venture Outdoors, was all smiles watching families come together.

“I love seeing people connect, enjoy being outside and smiling,” McConkie said. “People loved the shows. I think they loved the fire dancers.”

Leslie Stark, a resident who just moved back to Millcreek, said, “we love that our community provides entertainment and enjoyment for the whole family. A wide variety of food trucks, fun local bands, a chance to have our kids all mingle like before 2020.”

Although the last film festival night was June 25 with games, food, events, music and showing Moana. Millcreek Movie Nights are planned for every Friday night in July and then there are August Adventures as well. There is also Food Truck Rallies every Thursday until Aug. 26 from 5-8 p.m. at Millcreek City Brad Klemesrud, Shannon Baker, Kelly Kelso enjoying the music and energy of the night. (Lindsey BaxHall. Summer Jam Concerts ter/City Journals) are every Monday through Aug. 30 at Canyon Rim Park “The energy is amazing tonight,” she said. “I love living Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m. For all the upcoming and great in a city that is willing to put in so much time and effort to continuous events Venture Out hosts, check out their website create a real community bonding event. We need this more at www.ventureout.org. than ever this summer. It is so fun to walk around and visit The night saw smiling faces, laughter with people inter- with friends and neighbors who we have not seen in so long. acting and enjoying the night.

This really is the light at the end of the tunnel we were all Resident Shannon Baker attended the night with friends. waiting for.” l

Tree Trimming & remOval • Stump Grinding • 24/7 Emergency Services • Powerline Trimming • Land Clearing • Demolition Options Available • Organic Mulch Products • Delivery Available

Mention this ad for

% 10 OFF Tree Services

Must present coupon at time of estimate. Expires 9/15/2021.

Contact us today at Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.

801-938-4345

DiamondTreeExperts.com

Now HiriNg!

From $35K

up to $80K!

Year Round • FULL Benefits • Bonuses Overtime • Paid Vacations • 401k Growth Opportunities

SIGN ON BONUS

Call 801-262-1596 or email trent@diamondtreeexperts.com

Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals

Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190

At First Utah Bank, your banker is here for you, on the phone or in person.

Your community bank. Always local.

That’s why

801.308.2265

firstutahbank.com Page 2 | July 2021

Millcreek City Journal

Thanks for the memories!

Retiring area educators gave hundreds of years of service

By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

S

chools wished a happy retirement to dozens of educators and staff this year.

Retirees included administrators, teachers, custodians and secretaries. Together, these Granite School District educators have more than 691 years of experience.

At Oakwood Elementary, Tod Cracroft retired as principal after 28 years with the district. Cracroft was a beloved administrator who made up songs on his guitar and sang in videos to the kids. In 2019 Cracroft returned after cancer treatment and was surprised by a hallway full of paper cranes made by students.

“The PTA presented Mr. Cracroft with a memory book. He was so grateful, and it’s something he will treasure forever. Tod, we will miss you and hope you know how wonderful you are!” wrote the PTA on their Facebook page.

Another retiring principal was Judith Kissell of James E. Moss Elementary. Kissell worked in GSD for 36 years, and oversaw many projects, including updating the school pantry. James E. Moss also loses second grade teacher Shauna Starr, who taught for 30 years.

Olympus Jr. High wished three influential teachers a happy retirement: Alan Thomas, Jayne Springman and Lani Anderson.

They were treated to a luncheon at the end of the school year.

Crestview Elementary’s secretary Leanne Helbling retired after 30 years, and retiring third-grade teacher Carolyn Mulvaney’s career spanned 26 years with the district.

Irma Hofer retired from Skyline High after 33 years of teaching Spanish. Hofer is active in the community as the artistic director of Ballet Folklórico de las Americas.

Cottonwood Elementary’s two retiring teachers both taught second grade. Barbara Homer and Kathleen Peake had a combined 33 years’ worth of experience.

Mill Creek Elementary said goodbye to secretary Lisa Boman, second grade dual language teacher Gina Graham, fourth grade teacher Karen Grim and first grade teacher Barbara Lowe. Together they represent 71 years in education.

Jane Nate, career center coordinator at Olympus High retired. Nate worked with the highly successful Sterling Scholar candidates at Olympus, and called those students “the best of the best.” Secretary and registrar Rachael Morton also retired from Olympus High after more than two decades.

Evergreen Jr. High bid a fond farewell to three women who kept the school – and the kids – running. Bonnie Smith retired from her position as principal’s secretary and Gail Hoskins from hers as assistant custodian.

Health and PE teacher Melonie Kent made Evergreen her home for her entire 34-year

MillcreekJournal .com

career.

“Ms. Kent was my PE teacher, and when my kids came here she was their PE teacher, too,” said Taylor Allred. Allred’s kids are third generation Evergreen students, and Allred was happy to accept the position vacated by Bonnie Smith’s retirement.

Phillip Despain of Bonneville Jr. High retired during the school year after 28 years. Despain worked as a college- and career-readiness teacher. Principal Rocky Lambourne acknowledged Despain in a note from the principal. “We… thank him for his many years at Bonneville and wish him well as he starts a new adventure in his life.”

Of all the schools, Cottonwood High is saying goodbye to the largest group. Eight Colts retired within the last year and had a combined 174 years of education experience.

“I’m so glad for the opportunity to publicly wish them well,” said Cottonwood principal Terri Roylance. “Jeff Royce and Val Westover were our head custodians. They’ve done an outstanding job keeping our building looking great, and they are missed,” Roylance said.

Roylance also praised special education teacher Susan Dyer who retired at the beginning of the year, and Sherri Duckworth who was a dedicated and responsible registrar.

When ninth grade moved into the high school building a few years ago, three of this year’s retiring teachers came to Cottonwood from junior high schools to help with the transition: Kevin Kingdon, Laurie Erney and Lisa Tonge.

Kingdon taught math, but was also a helpful “tech wizard”. Laurie Erney taught special education and “served our students with disabilities very well.” Lisa Tonge taught AP Human Geography, and was very visible in the Cottonwood community. She served as the teachers’ union representative.

Roylance said Tonge will be very missed by students, parents, faculty and staff.

Finally, retiring art teacher Glen Fuller takes the cake. Fuller spent 16 years as the “anchor” of Cottonwood’s art department. “A group of former students brought him a cake the last week of school to let him know how much he has influenced their lives,” Roylance said.

Knowing your subject and knowing your students are two of the most important ingredients for successful teaching. Roylance praised Fuller for having both. “He is very talented, and he knows how to inspire future artists,” Roylance said.

To a retiring educator, hearing that is the icing on the cake.

Editor’s note: Information obtained from Granite School District website June 2021. Time is rounded to closest year. l

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimmillion people are living er’s 6.2 or another dementia.

Alzheimer’s is a brainwith disease that causes 6.2 million people are living with a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are Alzheimer’s diseaseEvery in the United 10 warning signs and symptoms. individual may experience Alzheimer’s disease in the United one States. or more ofOver these signs in a different degree.

If you notice any 34,000 people in Utah of them in yourself or a34,000 loved one,people please see in a doctor.

States.

Over Utah

alone. This disease kills more people

10 SIGNS OF This disease kills more people alone. each year than breast cancer and ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

eachloss year 1. Memory that than disruptsbreast cancer and prostate cancer combined, and is the daily life prostate cancer combined, and is the 2. Challenges in planning or 4th leading cause of death in Utah. problem solving 4th leading cause of death in Utah.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, More than 104,000 people in Utah More than 104,000 people in Utah work or at leisure 6.2for millionsomeone people are living with Alzheimer’s provide living 4. Confusion withunpaid time or care disease in the United States.

Over provide unpaid carepeople for insomeone living34,000 place Utah alone. This disease kills withunderstanding Alzheimer’s disease.

The impact is 5. Trouble more people each year than breast cancer with Alzheimer’s disease.

The impact is visual images and special and prostate cancer combined, and is the widespread and can be devastating to 4th leading cause of death in Utah. relationships widespread and can be devastating to 6. New problems with words families.

More than 104,000 people in Utah proin speaking or writing families. vide unpaid care for someone living with 7. Misplacing things and Alzheimer’s disease. The impact is widelosing ability to Forthemore information, aboutto families. spreadto and learn can be devastating For more information, to learn about retrace steps Together we can work to findor a cure support groups or other resources, 8. Decreased or poor and ultimately have our first survivor! support groups or other resources, or judgment Join the fight and lend your to to get from helpwork immediately contact thevoice 9. Withdrawal or this critical cause by attending the to get help immediately contact the social activities Walk to End Alzheimer’s this fall. There Alzheimer’s Association’s free 24/7 are eight Walks throughout the state 10. Changes in mood Association’s Alzheimer’s free 24/7 of Utah: and personality Helpline at:

Helpline at:

AUGUST 28 Wasatch Back -Basin Recreation Center SEPTEMBER 18 Cache County- Merlin Olsen Park Cedar City- Cedar City Motor Co. SEPTEMBER 28 Utah County-The Shops at Riverwoods Salt Lake County- REAL Salt Lake Stadium OCTOBER 9 Weber/Davis- Ogden Amphitheater Tooele County- Skyline Park OCTOBER 23 St. George- Ovation Sienna Hills

800-272-3900 800-272-3900 or visit our website at: or visit our website at: www.alz.org/utah www.alz.org/utah For more information or to get help immediately contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s Togetherfree we24/7 can work Together we can work Helpline at:

to find a cure to find a cure and ultimately have our first survivor!

800-272-3900 and ultimately haveRegister our first survivor! at: orJoin visit our thewebsite fight at: and lend yourtoday voice to www.alz.org/Walk Join the fight and lend your voice to www.alz.org/utah this critical cause by attending the this critical cause by attendingJuly the | Page 3 Walk to End Alzheimer’s this fall. 2021 There Walk to End Alzheimer’s this fall. There are eight Walks throughout the state

Irreverent Warriors Utah hike brings awareness to veteran mental health

By Lindsey Baxter | l.baxter@mycityjournals.com

I

rreverent Warriors has a mission and vision to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. Every day in the United States, 22 veterans succumb to suicide.

The organization recently brought that mission to Utah where IW hiked for the first of possibly many hikes in the state.

“Silkies are the short shorts that the Marine Corps wear,” Curtis explained. “They are super short and pretty ridiculous looking.

Our agenda is to walk 22 kilometers with 22 pounds on our back to stop 22 veteran suicides that happen each day.”

Curtis is passionate about this cause and has officially been part of Utah’s division for over a year developing close bonds with veterans across the county. In a time when isolation and quarantine has made life harder, the organization wants veterans to have a healthy support system, across the nation.

Curtis said his motivation initially came from seeing friends post pictures and videos from past Irreverent Warrior events.

He enjoyed the hike trekking back and forth through the hiking group.

“I heard music from almost every genre, and just as many people singing and dancing to it,” he said. “Meeting the new hikers, singing along and dancing too helped to make such a fun event.”

Joseph Bento served in the Navy from 1983-1993. He heard about the hike from former service member and local coordinator for Salt Lake. Bento was motivated to be involved with this hike because the camaraderie of being with like-minded people that served in the military.

“I missed the interaction for so many years,” Bento said.

“During the last stretch of the hike, several people that were carrying the flag of their

Journals T H E

Group walking in Salt Lake. (Photo courtesy of Jarvie Curtis)

service branch started running to the rear of the group and circling around back to the front to provide encouragement,” Bento said.

“I don’t think there were any participants that did not complete the hike. We gathered at a local pub afterwards for good food, drink, and conversation.”

Bento shares Curtis’ concerns and wants the community to understand the problems veterans face.

“Veteran suicide is a big problem in our country that goes largely unnoticed,” Bento said.

Amy Fritz is a proud mom of an Air

Force Veteran and a currently serving Airman. She is the president of Blue Star Mothers of America’s Utah Chapter, which was contacted to volunteer on the day of the hike.

“Star Mothers is a volunteer-oriented group,” Fitz said. “We all have children serving and know moms who have lost their child to suicide, so the Irreverent Warriors mission is something important to us as well.”

Curtis said he had a great experience with the hike in Utah.

“As the hike lead, I didn’t get to relax until I knew that the mission was a success,” he said. “The most impactful memory for

C I T Y

Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S

MILLCREEK CITY TEAM

The Millcreek City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Midvale.

For information about distribution please email brad.c@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.

Page 4 | July 2021

MYMILLCREEKJOURNAL.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/ MILLCREEKJOURNAL/

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com 801-254-5974

ACCOUNT ASSOCIATES

Jen Deveraux | jen.d@thecityjournals.com Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

TWITTER.COM /MILLCREEKNEWS

me was after the hike. We were sitting at Big Willie’s and one of the hikers approached me and said, ‘thank you so much for making this day happen. I have been in a bad place for a while and didn’t know if I could push on. I knew that I needed to be with my IW people, so I bought a plane ticket two days before the hike. You saved a life this weekend, my life.’

I broke down knowing that the hard work, dedication, and planning had hit the mark.”

To help donate or volunteer, contact Jarvie Curtis at saltlakecity@irreverentwarriors. com. l

Connect social media

CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

Brad Casper | brad.c@thecityjournals.com 801-254-5974 | Rack locations are also available on our website.

EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN Ty Gorton Amanda Luker Wayland Holfeltz

INSTAGRAM.COM/ CITYJOURNALS

LINKEDIN.COM/ COMPANY/ CITY-JOURNALS

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media.

PUBLISHER

Designed, Published, & Distributed by

MILLCREEK CITY JOURNAL

9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070

PHONE: 801-254-5974

FREE | COMMUNITY | PAPERS

Millcreek City Journal

1

work, play and pay with salt lake County Parks & Recreation this summer!

2

Apply: jobs.slco.org

Join our team

4

3

Get paid

Work and have fun

You're not alone we're here for you, 24/7:

1-800-8 7-LINK 5465)

udvc.org

free and confidential statewide support

Exceptional Senior Living

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING

Enjoy a lifestyle with exceptional amenities and services allowing you to devote your time to your passions.

Phone us to schedule your tour.

801-210-8525

AL1 Lic#2016-ALI-UT207219

AL2 Lic#2016-ALII-UT000249

777 E 3900 S | Salt Lake City, UT 84107 | PacificaMillcreek.com

MillcreekJournal .com

July 2021 | Page 5

Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation looking to fill up a Millcreek Summer Camp

By Aloyious Soranno | a.soranno@mycityjournals.com

L

ooking for something fun and highly engaging for your child to do this summer?

The Millcreek Activity Center is looking to increase the number of enrolled children in their state-licensed, fully staffed program; preschool through aged 12. The current number of children is 100 with a waitlist of 30. The goal of the center is for them to get 150 kids enrolled into their program and be able to remove children from the waitlist but to do that, the proper ratio of staff to child needs to be kept; the ratio needed depends on the age range. Anyone interested in joining the staff can apply at slco.org/jobs.

“The summer program has been operating at the Millcreek Activity Center as long as it has been operational (it was operating before that at the previous East Millcreek Center),” Clayton Scrivner said in regards to how long the program has been around.

Scrivner is the Public Relations Manager at Salt Lake County Parks and Recreations.

In 2010, all programs and activities were moved to the Millcreek Activity Center from a partnered deal between Salt Lake County and Granite School District while the Millcreek Community Center was under construction at the previous East Millcreek Center location.

“When the Millcreek Community center opened, we moved the recreation programming there and kept the childcare program, as well as a few other smaller programs, at the Millcreek Activity Center,” Scrivner said.

Children enrolled in the summer program are separated by age to participate in age-appropriate activities: preschool/Pre-K, kindergarten to age 6, ages 7-8, and ages 9-12. Just what are some of the activities the children get to participate in while attending camp?

“Children will be led daily through a variety of fun and educational activities including sports, games, cooking, science, arts and crafts, and weekly field trips to fun and exciting places,” Scrivner says.

Summer camp began June 7 and runs until August 13 but don’t worry, it is not too late to sign your child up. With enough staff members, the center is hoping to get as many as 150 children enrolled. For more information on the summer camp and the center search, Child Care Summer Camp - Millcreek Activity Center | SLCo. The activity center offers more than a summer camp. It also provides a full-time daycare for 3 year olds and 4-6 year olds, art class, martial arts, and a variety of oth-

The Millcreek Activity Center. (Photo by Melissa Soranno)

er events. The center is state-licensed and “have trained, dedicated staff with many years of experience providing an excellent curriculum of fun, and developmentally appropriate programs and activities,” Scrivner said. “Children will learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. We offer reduced rates through a partnership with the Utah

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

SOMETHING ROTTEN!

SEPT 10 - 25, 2021

FEB 25 - MAR 12, 2022

ASS

FIREFLIES

ELF THE MUSICAL

HELLO, DOLLY!

OCT 22 - NOV 6, 2021 WORLD PREMIERE!

DEC 3 - 18, 2021

THE MESSENGER

JAN 14 - 29, 2022 WORLD PREMIERE!

Department of Workforce Services, which grants greater accessibility for families who qualify.”

To register your child, the staff asks that you go in person to 4405 S. 1025 East., The center is open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m, closed on the weekends and most holidays. l

APR 1 - 16, 2022

MAY 13 - 28, 2022

NEW PLAY READINGS JUN 9 - 18, 2022

SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

Page 6 | July 2021

Millcreek City Journal

Granite offering summer school, fall online school

S

By Aloyious Soranno | a.soranno@mycityjournals.com

adly, the phrase “summer slide” is not referring to a slip and slide.

When it comes to education, summer slide means a student will not be able to retain everything they have learned. Summer is fun, exciting, and the last thing a child wants to think about is what they have learned the previous school year.

Afraid that your child might fall behind or struggle in the coming year due to this phenomenon?

Although there are a variety of resources out there to help keep your child engaged throughout the summer, they can’t always replace the real thing. Every school in the Granite School District offers a summer program option for students that is face-to-face.

All summer school programs primarily focus on basic fundamentals of math and literacy while also mixing in a little bit of science. Which classes a school offers depends entirely on the interest at that school. Most are only offering those foundation courses while others include a few additional classes as well.

For K-3, there is an added online option in addition to their in person classes.

Karen Gregory, the associate director II of the curriculum and instruction department, explains that the online portion is

“game-like, fun, and engaging for the littles.

These are core standards that they need to learn.”

Gregory encourages parents to get into contact with their schools for more information.

So what’s next in store for Granite School District?

Although summer is in fact here and the stress that 2020 brought is slowly easing up, Granite continues to offer multiple options for students and parents to keep the community healthy and happy. Beginning Fall 2021, K-12 will have the ability to go to school primarily all online.

A student only needs to reside in the Granite District boundaries and can be registered online. Classrooms are all virtual utilizing Canvas as means for communication and course work so individual schools are not used in this case.

In other words, a student will not get a teacher within their school boundaries if they are K-8.

“It’s a new program starting this fall,” Stephanie Wood said. Wood is the online learning associate director for Granite. “All of the teachers are hired by Granite and it is a live program, all online.”

There are currently two options re-

Come as you are.

Millcreek Elementary School- Mustangs. (Photo by Melissa Soranno)

garding the 2021-2022 school year when it comes to this new program. Option one is for K-12 and the student logs in on a live classroom during regular school hours.

Option two is only given to grades 9-12 which consists of a self-paced learning experience. Students here can either enroll full-

CELEBRATING

time or part-time. This allows the student to still take face-to-face classes in their school.

For more information, visit Granite School District at www.graniteschools.org/ graniteonline/ or talk to your child’s school counselor to determine the right choice for them. l

27 Years

SELLING PREMIUM LANDSCAPE MATERIALS FOR 26 YEARS

Yoga for YOU.

• Barks • Colored Mulches • Replenish Compost • Premium Soil Blends • Playground Chips • Sand - Gravel • Landscape Fabric & More

Voted Best Yoga in Holladay

AVAILABLE IN: BAG BULK OR SUPER BIG BAGS (1 cu. yd)

bejoyyoga.com

DELIVERY OR PICK-UP

801-699-3627 4832A So. Highland Drive SLC, UT 84117

4660 South 200 West

bejoyyoga.com

replenishcompost.com

801-252-5962

RECEIVE A

10% DISCOUNT

ON ALL PRODUCTS & MATERIALS

BUY ONE

five class card FOR YOU & GET ONE for a friend expires 7/31/21

MillcreekJournal .com

801-252-5962

replenishcompost.com July 2021 | Page 7

What’s your legacy?

Rental assistance still available in Salt Lake County

By Bridget Raymundo | b.raymundo@mycityjournals.com

D

Serving Local Families Since 1885 COMPASSIONATE FUNERAL PLANNERS

During one of life’s most difficult moments, you deserve the utmost respect, kindness, care, and guidance. Six generations of Larkins have been devoted to serving Utah families in their time of need, and that unique experience enables us to guide you in preparing services for your loved one with consideration and respect.

own the streets of downtown, homeless people can be found around nearly every corner. The less fortunate are not often at the forefront of thoughts, however, with the effects of the pandemic still in motion, many residents still struggle with affording basic living costs. The economy is on a slow path to recovery from the shutdowns in efforts to maintain social distancing. Many people have lost their main sources of income and numerous [small] businesses have closed. Rental assistance and stimulus checks have been issued to help. The question is whether they are improving circumstances or not.

In January Millcreek government took initiative to release awareness campaigns about financial aid. At that point, the pandemic had been reigning chaos into personal lives for nearly a full year.

Curious as to the effects of the stimulus checks issued by the US federal government? As expected, at the shadow glimpse of an approaching financial crisis and the increased unemployment rate, anyone who could afford to save, did. The rest was spent on necessities such as food, water, rent, electricity and other household bills. Entertainment and dining were mostly closed, thereby reducing needed cash flow. Handing out government funds is tricky in and of itself; claims arose stating some stimulus checks were not received, unnecessary in some cases, and a cause for further economic inflation.

The Salt Lake County Regional Development Department issued a press release on June 17 about rental assistance.

It reported more than 12,000 county residents have received $17 million in rental assistance since March 2021.

Data shows women are more likely to apply for aid than men since 60% of

applicants are female. The Director of Salt Lake County Housing & Community Development, Michael Gallegos, states there are still funds available to applicants even as the CDC’s Eviction Moratorium approaches its end scheduled for June 30.

“The demand for rental assistance funds this spring has exceeded our expectations,” Gallegos said in the press release. “While we’re ahead of where we thought we would be, there are still plenty of funds available, and we encourage residents to continue to apply.”

According to the press release, race demographics from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program match or exceed County demographics, showing that rental assistance funds are getting into traditionally underserved populations.

“We know there are geographic areas of higher need, and diverse populations that may require support to apply,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson.

“We are addressing those needs as they’re identified by the community and data. We are also utilizing organizations in our outreach grant program to assist disproportionately impacted individuals in tapping into this critical resource to avoid eviction.”

So far, 52% of rental assistance provided in Salt Lake County were applied for by landlords on behalf of their tenants. While 62% of all rental assistance funds in Utah are being paid out to Salt Lake County residents.

Further data on the effects of rental assistance can be found here: slco.org/slcomunidata To apply for rental assistance, please visit rentrelief.utah.gov/ l

4 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE WASATCH FRONT Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781

Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 582-1582

Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) • Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 571-2771

Larkin Mortuary Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 (801) 254-4850

www.LarkinCares.com Page 8 | July 2021

Trusts, Wills, Health Care Directives, Powers of Attorney and Informal Probates MILLCREEK Cindy Sadler : 801-274-0062 HOLLADAY Emily Wilson : 801-484-8600 Currently providing services via phone & email Draft documents mailed for review Drive up and contactless signings

ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1986

www.SadlerAndWilsonLaw.com

Millcreek City Journal

Action plan will guide sustainability efforts in three neighboring cities

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

C

ottonwood Heights, Holladay and Millcreek will consider adoption of an Interlocal Sustainability Action Plan for the entire area. Associate Planner and Sustainability Analyst Samantha DeSeelhorst has been working on this collaborative document with a focus on sustainability efforts for the cities, businesses and communities.

“The purpose of this plan is to coordinate sustainability efforts between the three cities and to clarify sustainability goals for community members,” DeSeelhorst said.

Sustainability has been of importance for all three cities in varying capacities previously. “It was a natural collaboration for us to work together,” continued DeSeelhorst.

“We have similar demographics and share the same regional amenities.”

Since the master plan will be a guiding document for various communities, DeSeelhorst has considered topics of sustainability more broadly. The final document will be an umbrella action plan to be palpable for all cities incorporating the plan.

“Even though all three cities are really similar in location, geography and communities, their sustainability needs differ,” DeSeelhorst said, explaining how she asked each city to send a general list of their sustainability concerns. Holladay has a passion for tree preservation, Millcreek a passion for air and water quality, and Cottonwood Heights a passion for open space. (Interestingly, DeSeelhorst noted that these topics

generally align with what each city is known for.)

In working through this document, DeSeelhorst reported that there has been a good balance of voices. “Long serving councilmembers with history have been involved along with new members who are just joining.”

DeSeelhorst has worked with staff members and elected officials from all three cities to create this document. After much editing and revision based on feedback, the plan has articulated a common direction for sustainability.

“We put together a document that can remain consistent for each of the three cities through changes—since change happens all the time with new councilmembers, mayors and staff members,” DeSeelhorst explained.

“I’m just so impressed,” said Cottonwood Heights Mayor Mike Peterson. “I remember two years ago when having a sustainability employee was just an idea. I’m pleased with the progress and the whole-team approach.”

The Interlocal Sustainability Action Plan is organized into five categories: development, energy use, landscaping, transportation and waste management. It identifies various strategies, policies, and construction techniques for sustainability efforts. It also provides support for sustainability initiatives and provides some roadmaps for such projects.

For example, the landscaping section includes language for protecting and enhancing tree canopies, implementing xeriscape designs, and encouraging pollinator-friendly plant species. The transportation section includes language for reviewing anti-idling materials and conducting idling audits, considering electric or alternative city fleets, and supporting active transportation. The waste management section includes language for reducing paper waste and food waste, as well as for reuse and recycling initiatives.

Language has also been included related to: water conservation resources; site connections for walkability between all areas; supporting energy programs like the Community Renewable Energy Program; diversifying energy supplies; light pollution; requiring developers to include connections for sustainable amenities; encouraging energy saving projects with a community focus; and providing outreach to community members for efforts for their own homes.

Now, each city will pass a resolution in support of this master plan. After each city passes the resolution, the Master Plan will serve as a living document guiding sustainability efforts for all cities. Then, each city can chart their own course and implement their own sustainability projects.

DeSeelhorst hopes to continue her collaborative work with Cottonwood Heights, Holladay and Millcreek, as well as to open regional dialogues with other neighboring cities. She is excited for the future of sustainability within the area. “The fun part of the project will be seeing the change happen,” she said.

“We are leading sustainability efforts among our peers,” said Cottonwood Heights City Councilmember Christine Mikell. “It’s important to look at the work we have done and not just the work we are going to do.”

“It’s a joy of a lifetime to do the work I do,” DeSeelhorst said. “I love when people call and reach out with questions about sustainability.”

DeSeelhorst has also been working on a designated page for sustainability on the city’s website and she shared her excitement about those materials. “There’s a wealth of resources for residents, a specific email to contact for sustainability, and links to guides in English and Spanish. It’s a constant effort to improve the available resources, but I’m proud to see how far we’ve come.”

For more information, visit the city’s designated Sustainability page on the city’s website www.cottonwoodheights.utah.gov/ community/sustainability l

is looking for champions in your community!

Community

Champions

are leaders who lift and inspire.

They work to build a better community.

Visit the City Journals website to nominate a community champion today!

www.thecityjournals.com Three neighboring cities, Cottonwood Heights, Holladay and Millcreek, are working collaboratively to ensure sustainable communities. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

MillcreekJournal .com

Each month we’ll spotlight a Community Champion!

July 2021 | Page 9

Ready to have fun again!

We are pet friendly!

E N J OY T H E COM FO RTS OF HOME IN A COMMUNITY T H AT C A R E S .

• Over a mile of paved walking paths • Beautifully situated on 14 acres • Luxurious, resort-like Present this ad to atmosphere receive up to • Chef-prepared meals • Dynamic activity schedule $ • Maintenance & housekeeping services • Scheduled transportation

1,000 OFF MOVE-IN CREDIT!

801.272.8226

3750 Highland Drive • Salt Lake City, UT 84106 HighlandCoveRetirement.com

Page 10 | July 2021

Beehive ranked best in Utah, Skyline and Olympus top 20

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

T

his spring, Beehive Science and Technology Academy burst into the top rankings at No. 1 amongst topranked Utah high schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Last year, it wasn’t in the top 10.

Nationwide, Beehive Academy was ranked in the 98th percentile of all U.S. high schools, ranking 244 out of 17,857. For math and reading performance, Beehive ranked No. 1 in both the U.S. and Utah.

“More than 60% of our students participate in the AP program,” Beehive Science and Technology Academy Principal Hanifi Oguz said. “And 57% of our students have already earned college credit by passing one or more AP exams. The U.S. News ranking is a testament to our exceptional faculty and administration, and demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence.”

Other area schools placing in the top 20 include Skyline High in Millcreek ranked fourth; American Preparatory Academy-Draper campus #3, seventh; Academy for Math, Engineering and Science in Murray, eighth; Itineris Early College High, West Jordan, 10th; Corner Canyon High, Draper, 12th; Brighton High, Cottonwood Heights, 14th; and Olympus High, Holladay, 18th.

U.S. News & World Report reviewed about 24,000 U.S. public high schools of which 162 Utah schools were ranked. Utah students needed to earn a minimum of 24 credits, including at least one applied or advanced language arts credit through a class such as debate or journalism, according to the Utah State Board of Education.

The top-ranking high schools had students who demonstrated “outstanding outcomes above expectations in math and reading state assessments, earned qualifying scores in an array of college-level exams, and graduated in high proportions.” The rankings also looked at college readiness, underserved student performance and college curriculum breadth.

The top-ranked Beehive Science and Technology Academy was tied for second in the state with its math and reading proficiency rank, and 96% of the students graduate.

The charter school enrolls 130 students, grades six through 12, for a student to teacher ratio of 17:1. According to the report, 39% of the students are rated as economically disadvantaged, 38% of students state they’re of minori-

Two Beehive Academy students present their dry ice floating bubbles project in the Utah STEM Expo, an event organized by Beehive Academy. (Photo courtesy of Beehive Academy)

ty diversity and 35% are female. The school is eligible for Title I funding.

Beehive also is designated by the Utah State Board of Education and the STEM Action Center as a STEM Platinum School and is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School. The College Board also awarded Beehive the National AP Female Diversity Award for Computer Science.

Skyline ranks 623rd nationally, with its top-ranking factors being second in college readiness and third in college curriculum breath. Of the 2,044 students at the public high school, 70% took at least one AP exam and 57% passed. Ninety-four percent graduate.

The student body composition is primarily white, with only 16% stating minority diversity and 10% being economically disadvantaged. Fifty-two percent are female.

American Preparatory Academy Draper #3 has a participation rate of Advanced Placement exams at 80%, with 60% passing at least one exam. Eightyeight percent of the students graduate.

With a student body of 246, 40% are identified as minorities and 19% as economically disadvantaged. The male to female ratio is 50:50. The charter school serves students between seventh and 12th grades and ranked first in college readiness and college curriculum breath for the state. Nationally, it ranks 968th.

AMES, with an enrollment of 484, has a 95% graduation rate. Nationally, it

ranks 1,120th. The ninth- though 12thgrade Title I charter school had 65% of the students take at least one AP exam, with 34% passing. Fifty-three percent of the students are identified as minorities, 31% of them are economically disadvantaged. The male to female ratio is 50:50.

Itineris has an enrollment of 370, with 96% graduating. The charter school serves 10th through 12th grade, with 45% identified as minority and 27% as economically disadvantaged.

Fifty-one percent are female students.

The school is eligible for Title I funding.

Nationally, it ranks 1,263rd.

Corner Canyon has a 62% participation rate in AP coursework and exams, with a 49% passing. Ninety-five percent of the students graduate. Of the 2,022 students, 17% are identified as minorities, 8% as economically disadvantaged, and 47% are female.

Fifty-eight percent of Brighton’s 1,921 students took at least one AP exam, with 50% passing. Ninety-three percent of the students graduate. Eighteen percent are identified as minority, 14% are economically disadvantaged, and 47% are female.

Ninety-one percent of Olympus High students graduate. Forty percent take at least one AP exam, with 32% passing. The student body composition includes 17% minority, 21% economically disadvantaged, and 51% female. l

Millcreek City Journal

Granite invests in the student safety with bus tracking app

By Aloyious Soranno | a.soranno@mycityjournals.com

Granite School District partnered with Synovia Solutions to install tracking systems in every school bus operating within the Granite School District.

P

arents and guardians are naturally concerned for the safety and well-being of their children. The Granite School District recognizes and shares that concern. That is why, as of this January, they partnered with Synovia Solutions (creators of safe and innovative technology specifically designed for schools) to install tracking systems in every school bus operating within the Granite School District.

With the Here Comes the Bus app, parents will be notified when their child’s bus is approaching their stop and when it arrives at school safely. This is the first year Granite has used this technology that has been upgraded since the first launch in 2013.

“We have been investigating various products for several years looking for the best option for our students and families,” Benjamin Horsley, director of communication and outreach for the district, says about the tracking system. Plenty of parents have been using the app since January with no known issues or bugs to report at this time. It is available for download in your phone’s app store or by visiting herecomesthebus.com/schools.

So how does it work exactly? What security risks are involved in regards to personal information being leaked? And can just anyone use the app?

In order to use the app, one must set up an account: name, phone number, email address, school code, etc. Additionally, the user must have a child enrolled at a Granite school because it uses the last name of the student

MillcreekJournal .com

and their student identification number making it as safe and secure as possible.

Horsley adds, “Only the parent/student with the correct credentials can see the bus alerts (not exact location) as it approaches their specific stop,” Horsley said. What this means is that as the bus enters a particular radius around your child’s stop, you will then be notified of it’s approach.

For more information or if you have any questions or concerns, visit the Granite website.

Synovia Solutions recently took their technology a little further by introducing the Bus Guardian. In addition to tracking the bus (again, not exact location), Bus Guardian tracks the student on the bus. It was created as a contact tracing element to this app where the student scans their school identification card while boarding on and off the bus. That way the parent/guardian is notified that their child is actually on the bus and when they leave it. This came about due to Covid-19 and the health risks involved and is used as a rapid communication in the event that a child on the bus tests positive for the virus. In that situation, every parent/guardian with a child on that bus and that has an account with the Bus Guardian will be notified based on the school’s and district’s policy.

Although busses of the Granite School District are not equipped with this upgraded technology, it is an option that one day they may use to further ease the minds of both students and their families. l

It just got

better

Committed to supporting you through every stage of your health care.

Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery Minimally invasive and robotic procedures for gynecologic disorders

Visit our OB/GYN physicians at our new location in Murray.

Call (801) 281-2658 to make an appointment

In Partnership with Physician Owners

July 2021 | Page 11

A small but mighty graduating class

By Katy Whittingham | k.whittingham@mycityjournals.com

S

even Utah School for the Deaf and Blind students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired from Northern Utah and Salt Lake areas graduated on May 26 in Ogden with a unique ceremony that included each graduates’ personal reflections on their education.

“This graduation was like no other,” Utah School for the Deaf Associate Superintendent, Michelle Tanner, said. “It completely focused on the students, and English, American Sign Language, and Spanish infused nicely into the ceremony”.

Utah’s deaf students are No. 1 in the nation for high school completion rates, and the Utah School for the Blind serves as a national leader in STEM and the Expanded Core Curriculum. “USDB serve more than 2,000 students statewide, with highly specialized teachers who travel to each student’s school district. Most of our students graduate from their local schools, but about 350 students attend our USDB campuses throughout the state. It was those campus seniors who graduated in Ogden,” Superintendent Joel Coleman said.

During the ceremony, instead of having a main speaker, each graduate addressed their families and teachers.

“It was a wonderful way to celebrate this important day in their lives. I’m always

The Utah School for the Deaf and Blind, USDB, graduation ceremony took place on May 26th in Ogden. (Photo credit USDB)

surprised and entertained as we never know what exactly the students will reveal,” Tanner said.

“Our students inspired a lot of laughter during the graduation event,” Superintendent Coleman said.

The students also shared the friendships

they have developed with peers and some of the obstacles they have overcome.

“These outstanding students have conquered challenges and learned additional skills to ensure their lives will be full and productive. We are so proud of them,” Utah School for the Blind Associate Superinten-

dent Susan Patten said.

Links to the livestream recordings of the ceremony in both English and Spanish and a gallery of images featuring a variety of photos from each graduate’s life including their senior portraits with cap and gown can be found on USDB’s Facebook page. l

*We are dedicated to ensuring your home is protected year round, which is why we offer a no-clog guarantee.* If your LeafGuard® gutter ever clogs, we will come out to clean at no cost to you.

The permanent, clog free gutter solution!*

• One-Piece System • Protective Overhang/Trim • ScratchGuard® Paint Finish

• Customization Options • Professional Installation`

385-300-0869 RECEIVE a $25 Lowe’s gift card with FREE in-home estimate!*

85% OFF Labor*

Does not include cost of material.

Bonus! Call during this program & receive a $200 Visa Gift Card with your LeafGuard purchase!* *Conditions and restrictions may apply. Call for details to learn more.

LeafGuard operates as LeafGuard of Utah in Utah under license number UT 11650889-5501

Page 12 | July 2021

Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home, or we will clean your gutters for free!

Millcreek City Journal

School says goodbye to Sultan of Skyline swimming

By Daniel Olsen | d.olsen@mycityjournals.com

A

fter coaching 20 of the 29 swimming state championships for the powerhouse of 5A, it’s clear that Coach Joe Pereira is no ordinary coach. From the students, coaches, and others involved in Skyline High School, he has made a difference in the community.

Pereira retired this year leaving a legacy not soon to be forgotten by those in, around or far from the program.

Former Principal Doug Bingham enjoyed getting in on one fun tradition with the swim team. They made a deal that he had to jump in the pool with the team every time they won state. It became almost a yearly tradition as both the boys and girls won state titles for several years in a row during his tenure.

“I enjoyed watching the kids,” Bingham said. “Swimmers work really, really hard. I liked the relays and speed events. Even the longer races became exciting at the end.”

Pereira was even recognized nationally for his efforts. He was awarded the 2013 swimming and diving Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State School Association.

“Any time sports teams do well, it brings a sense of pride among the other students,” Bingham said. “Swimming isn’t an event most people often go and watch. The student body was always excited. A state title was almost expected for so long. That brought pressure for the team to keep winning. It was a lot of fun. It was great for everyone else to feel that sense of pride”.

It did not take long for Bingham to realize Pereira was special. It didn’t take it long for him to prove it either.

“I watched Joe teach and push the kids,” Bingham said. “During his 10 years there at Skyline, he was very well decorated as a coach. He won regional and national awards as a coach. I remember swim races at state where our kids out-did their very best times.

They beat their previous records by several seconds at state.”

The Eagles had several swimmers that went on to compete in college for local schools like BYU and Utah. Some competed outside of Utah as well.

“One of the things that made Joe really good was he was so knowledgeable about swimming and technical aspects of the sport,” Bingham said. “He loved kids, but pushed them. It wasn’t always easy. He is a well-respected and good coach. His dedication and knowledge create winning programs when applying those things that he learned.”

Skyline faculty aren’t the only ones who were fond of Pereira. Rival coaches from Brighton and Olympus high school also had fond memories of coaching against him.

Brighton was the main rival during Pereira’s tenure at Skyline. The two powerhouse programs competed every year for the Battle of the Paddle.

MillcreekJournal .com

While the football rivalry between Olympus and Skyline is a bigger deal (the two battle for the traveling Rock trophy), Olympus’ program improved significantly near the end of Pereira’s tenure.

“My favorite memory about coaching against Coach Pereira was the first time we beat him,” Olympus Coach Tom Thorum said. “We went my first seven years before we finally beat them in a region meet in 2019.”

Pereira influenced not only his own swimmers but those involved with rival programs. Thorum was no exception.

Thorum recently took some of that advice and perhaps built a new dynasty. This year, his Olympus Titans won the 5A state title for both his boys and girls teams. Advice from Pereira will continue to help others aspiring for greatness in swimming long after his retirement.

“We used to get lunch and I would pick his brain,” Thorum said. “He helped me organize a training schedule. I learned to make macro season plans. That’s what he focuses on. He told me that he has his swimmers tie buckets to themselves for resistance. He contributed a lot to our program. There was a lot of wisdom that he shared to help our program. He was always available to offer advice.’

Even after retiring from coaching, Pereira is still as busy as ever at Skyline High School. He is currently teaching summer school and still works with swimmers when occasion permits.

“My favorite years were when we won by one or two points,” Pereira said. ‘The close ones that we lost hurt the most. I remember one year the boys won, the girls were so close but were seeded more favorably. That’s just how our sport goes sometimes.”

While swimming is a challenging sport, Pereira likes to simplify it. When teaching beginners, he first likes to teach them to increase propulsion. Then, he will teach them to decrease drag. Combined, these two keys can lead to a 34% increase in speed. This has helped several of his swimmers achieve success beyond high school.

“We’ve had kids who go to the national team and become members out of our high school program,” Pereira said. “Some swam for BYU and Utah. This area is unique as far as swimming goes. Swimming is a part of their life but not their life. It gets them in the door. Some did well in high school. Other ones weren’t All-Americans but swimming got them into great colleges in a secondary way. Kids call to ask me to help them out and it helps.”

With the Olympics just around the corner, many eyes will be on the swimming events. However, it might not be as much so for Pereira, who has put so much time and effort into swimming throughout his career.

Joe Pereira was named the 5A coach of the year in his final season. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

“I try to detach myself from it,” Pereira said. “Swimming takes a lot of time. COVID was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

I’m trying to stay away from that. I do pay attention to the local kids. Trey Freeman came

out of our age group program here. He will be competing in the 400 freestyle for men.

Rhyan White grew up from an 8-year-old here to competing in the 200 meter backstroke.” l

ing v r e S Now ay

rd u t a S h! c n u Br

! d r a y k c i r B t a h c n u r B

Join us for

Saturday & Sunday starting at 10 AM

25% OFF ANY ONE FOOD ITEM BETWEEN 10:00AM -3:00PM Sat. & Sun. Only

Not valid with other offers. Expires 8/15/21.

3000 S. Highland Drive MillCreek, UT

801-883-9845 • TheBrickyardBar.com

July 2021 | Page 13

A crash course on Salt Lake Valley’s water supply

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

W

ater is one of those things that people take for granted. We don’t really talk about it much until it becomes an issue. So now that Utah and the rest of the southwest are experiencing historic levels of drought, some Salt Lake valley residents might be realizing how little they know about the topic.

So here’s a crash course lesson on the valley’s water supply.

Who manages the valley’s water supply?

The answer to this question depends on where you live.

If you live on the west side of the valley, then most of your water comes from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.

They collect water from Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs, as well as a collection of reservoirs in the Uinta Mountains. Twenty percent of its water also comes from groundwater, pumped from wells scattered around the valley.

The District then sells this water wholesale to cities including Draper, Herriman, Bluffdale, Riverton, South Jordan, South Salt Lake, Taylorsville, Midvale and West Jordan.

It also counts among its customers a few intermediary districts such as the Granger Hunter Improvement District, the Kearns Improvement District and the Magna Water

Improvement District. While these smaller districts purchase as much as 90% of their water from Jordan Valley, they also supplement that with their own water supply from wells in the area.

The other big player when it comes to providing water to the Salt Lake Valley is the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake & Sandy.

As its name suggests, this district provides water to Salt Lake City and Sandy City, the first and sixth most populous cities in the state. But wait, there’s more!

Salt Lake City’s Public Utilities department is responsible for more than just its own residents. They also provide drinking water for Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Holladay and parts of South Salt Lake and Murray.

More than 60% of all that water comes from the streams of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon. That water is filtered by facilities owned by either the Metropolitan Water District or SLC. For example, the treatment facility at the mouth of Big Cottonwood is owned by SLC, while the treatment facility for Little Cottonwood is owned by Metropolitan Water District.

Additionally, some cities own and operate their own water infrastructure to supplement what they purchase from their re-

Metro District is below .0003%.

While residents around the valley have likely seen their rates increase over the years due to inflation, they’re still paying much lower rates than many people around the country, according to Linda Townes, pubHow much does our water cost? lic information manager for Jordan Valley.

It can be quite expensive to collect, treat, That’s because Utah’s mountainous landtransport and deliver water to the over 1 mil- scape allows gravity to move our water for lion people who live, work or play in the Salt us, rather than paying for pump stations Lake Valley. which use a huge amount of costly electricity.

The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District operates on an operations budget of Who is running these districts?

Between such large budgets and the task about $79 million per year, while the Metropolitan Water District has a budget of about of managing a resource as crucial as water, it bodes asking who’s in charge of these dis$48 million.

Where does that money come from? tricts.

Special districts are typically run by a The largest revenue source ($48 million) for Jordan Valley is from its wholesale contracts board of trustees. Jordan Valley operates unwith its various member agencies. An addi- der a board of nine members. While the Mettional $7 million comes from retail custom- ro District has a seven-member board.

Members of the board aren’t elected. ers, usually homeowners in unincorporated areas that purchase water from the district Instead they are appointed by various legislative bodies from within the district’s boundardirectly.

The second-largest source of revenue for ies. Appointees can be elected officials themthe district is property taxes, which comes in selves (such as South Jordan Mayor Dawn at about $20 million per year. As a special Ramsey or Herriman City Councilmember district with taxing authority, water districts Sherrie Ohrn who serve on the Jordan Valley are able to levy a property tax on residents board) or they can be city employees or even within the district boundaries. The property private residents—whatever the nominating tax rate for Jordan Valley is .0004%. The body thinks will best represent their interests.

spective districts. Sandy City, for example, collects and treats water from the Bell Canyon Reservoir. Many cities also rely on various canals throughout the valley as a source of secondary water.

Southern Comfort at Altitude OPEN FOR DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & ONLINE ORDERING!

NOW OPEN IN DRAPER! DRAPER

592 East 12300 South Draper, UT 84123

(801) 938-9561

MURRAY

554 W 4500 S Murray, UT 84123

(801) 803-9486

mrcharlies.com Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30am-9pm

Page 14 | July 2021

FREE ENTREE

Buy One Entree Get One FREE

(Plate, Snack, Wraps, Sandwich or Salad) Must present coupon. Can not be combined with any other offer.

Exp. 8/15/21. CODE VP821

15% OFF FAMILY MEAL (Reg. $44.99)

25 Fingers • Bulk Fry 5 Slaws • 5 Toasts 10 Sauces

Must present coupon. Can not be combined with any other offer.

Exp. 8/15/21. CODE VP821

The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District maintains a Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan, as an example to residents of how yards can be re-landscaped to be more water efficient without sacrificing aesthetics. (Wikimedia)

Millcreek City Journal

As a governmental body, districts are required to hold regular public meetings. They also publish their budgets and other reports each year to keep residents informed.

Are we in danger of running out of water?

Between the state’s historic drought and rapid population growth, some residents may wonder if we’re running out of water in the Salt Lake valley.

In short, the answer is no, residents of the Salt Lake valley don’t need to worry about rationing water anytime soon.

When it comes to growth, Townes said that water consumption hasn’t increased at the same rate as the population, suggesting that the District’s water conservancy efforts and efficiency standards have been effective.

“The good thing we’ve seen with growth is that we really expected our water use to skyrocket with the population growth and it hasn’t,” she said. “It’s stayed pretty steady, which means conservation is working. It’s happening. We are seeing a change.”

There are also still untapped sources

MillcreekJournal .com

of water which could come into play down the road. According to Townes, Jordan Valley Water expected to begin developing the Bear River in 2015. However, a combination of other new sources and increased water efficiency made that unnecessary. Now, they may not have to dam the Bear River until 2060.

“It’s a pretty cool river and one of the last ones that’s not damned. We don’t want to develop it. It’d be great if we didn’t have to, but it’s our job to make sure there’s enough water for people,” Townes said.

The Metro District is also in good shape when it comes to water supply. Speaking to the Sandy City Council last month, general manager Mike DeVries said there’s no need to worry.

“Despite poor precipitation and snow pack conditions, because of storage and Metro’s various water supplies, we’re in a healthy state when it comes to supply for our member cities. We’re not anticipating any sort of shortages for our metro at this point,” he said.

It’s also important to know that most of the state’s water systems are self-contained.

For example, the systems that supply water throughout Salt Lake County aren’t connected to systems for other nearby counties. So if there are water shortages in other parts of the state, it wouldn’t be possible for them to dip into the supplies of the Jordan Valley or Metropolitan Districts, even if they were willing to share.

How can we conserve more water?

Whether from continued growth or continued droughts, water conservation will be increasingly important for residents of the Salt Lake valley. From the water districts themselves, to municipal governments to residents’ households, there’s a lot that can be done.

At the district level, Jordan Valley has set a good example by relandscaping all of their facilities to be water efficient by replacing turf with vegetation that’s more at home in Utah’s desert climate.

The District also provides a number of programs, rebates and incentives for residents to improve their water efficiency. Those can be found at www.utahwatersavers.com.

City governments are also getting in on the conservation effort by requiring new developments to meet certain water efficiency standards. Many cities have also taken proactive measures during our current drought. Cottonwood Heights, for example, announced that its popular splash pad at Mountain View Park would remain closed throughout the summer. Herriman City paused a requirement for developers to install landscaping on new projects, allowing them to delay the addition of extra vegetation until after the summer months.

Residents, meanwhile, have many options for conserving water. They can do small things like take shorter showers or turn off the faucet while they brush their teeth. They can take advantage of the previously mentioned programs and get a more water-efficient toilet or relandscape their yards. But the most effective and easy thing they can do, according to Townes, is simply water their lawns less. If everyone adjusted to watering their lawns just one less day per week, it would have a huge impact on the region’s water supply outlook. l

July 2021 | Page 15

What is the Mosquito Abatement District?

H

City Journals Economic Overview Economic recovery brings inflation concerns

T

By Robert Spendlove | Zions Bank Senior Economist

he Utah economy continues to improve.

Job growth is accelerating, unemployment is dropping, and wages are increasing.

However, the emerging trend of inflation is causing some struggles in the economic recovery.

Inflation essentially describes the principle that prices rise over time. It’s actually good to have inflation; it encourages investment and overall growth. However, if inflation grows too much it erodes the value of cash and can cause asset bubbles, which then can crash.

An example of this is lumber prices, which nearly tripled in price from July 2020 to May 2021, but have dropped nearly 50% in the last few weeks.

Inflation has been increasing nationally and locally for the past few months. The national Consumer Price Index rose in May by 5% from a year before. This is the highest inflation since the summer of 2008. Prices regionally were also up significantly in May, increasing 4.7% over the past year.

My name is Jonathan Campbell.

I am a resident of Holladay, and my kids attend school in the Olympus High network. I've been practicing dentistry for 20 years, near St. Mark’s Hospital. There are many great choices for dental care in the area. If you need a dentist, or you’d like a second opinion, we can help.

Call or email today!

A primary cause of this recent inflation is the economic reopening. A year ago, as the pandemic spread and as the economy shut down, demand for many goods and services evaporated. This caused prices for things like gasoline, hotel rooms, and airfare to collapse. With many people now returning to work and going on trips, demand has surged for these products. Gasoline prices alone are up 56.2% in the last 12 months, and the price of used cars and trucks has surged 29.7% over the same period. Airfares are up 24.1% in the last year and increased 12.2% in the last month.

The big question now is how long this high inflation will last. Is this a temporary surge or is it the beginning of a prolonged period of price pressures? No one knows for sure and this is a topic of intense debate. The Federal Reserve, which sets interest rates, has said they are concerned about unexpected high inflation but they want to wait and see what the future brings over the next several months before pulling back on monetary policy that encourages growth.

Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY • SEDATION DENTISTRY DENTAL IMPLANTS • FAMILY DENTISTRY

Legacy DEN TAL

ave you noticed a line on your property tax bill that says Mosquito Abatement? What is that? Why do they get your tax money?

There are three mosquito abatement districts in Salt Lake County. Each of them serves their area, performing similar functions: Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement, Magna Mosquito Abatement, South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement.

“Mosquitos are definitely a nuisance,” Brian Hougaard, manager for South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District, said. “They have the potential to carry diseases.”

A mosquito abatement focuses heavily on mosquitos that carry West Nile Virus, a disease that can cause severe inflammation to the brain and spinal cord.

“We have 52 different trap sites, using three different types of traps. We use these traps not only to monitor the number of mosquitos in the area...we also use those to catch [and] test for West Nile virus,” Hougaard said.

Each district employs full-time, yearround experts, but then hires seasonal workers for the summer. The staff spends

The Salt Lake Valley is split into three districts. Each district helps contain the mosquito population within its borders to prevent spread of disease. (Pixabay)

their time checking traps, testing mosquitoes for potential viruses and responding to resident calls.

Residents can call for an inspection.

They will inspect horse troughs, residential ponds, tree holes and catch basins.

If there are mosquito larvae, the district can put in mosquito fish, an aggressive eater of mosquitos, or briquettes that prevent larvae from hatching into adults. l

2022 WARRIORS RUGBY SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE

1345 E. 3900 S. Suite #116 Salt Lake City, UT 84124

801-312-9292

www.legacydental.com

Page 16 | July 2021

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

CALL US TO GET YOUR TICKETS

(801) 477 - 7652 Millcreek City Journal

Making Oral Surgery Easy

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH? CALL US FOR A

FREE

HOME EVALUATION

Dr. Dustin Hopkin and Staff

• Dental Implants • All-On-4 • Wisdom Teeth Removal

$100 Off

YOUR CONSULTATION

Jeron & Heather DuPaix 801-897-1133 findmyhome@dupaixgroup.com www.dupaixgroup.com

(801) 277-3942

1377 E 3900 S #104 Salt Lake City, UT 84124 hopkinoralsurgery.com MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED – FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Are you looking at us?

So are 250,000 of your potential customers!

Your business can market to over 250,000 homes and support the local community—all at the same time—with the City Journals. Our newspapers are the most widely read publications on the Wasatch Front. A current survey shows over 70% of homeowners read their City Journal.

Ask how you can receive a FREE AD www.TheCityJournals.com

CALL US TODAY FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: MillcreekJournal .com

801.254.5974 July 2021 | Page 17

Government 101: The budget process

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

Y

ou (or your landlord) pays property tax every year, whether on residential or commercial property. There are several taxing entities that collect from what you pay, from the mosquito abatement, to the local school district.

The city only collects a small portion of that tax.

Residential properties pay only 45% of their property tax value, while commercial pays 100% of the value.

In Utah, a city’s yearly property tax income is a fixed number. This means that unless the city changes its tax rate, the city will only receive the dollar amount that it received the previous year. If a city receives $20 million in 2019, it will receive $20 million in 2020, even if property values increase.

This requires a city to consistently communicate with its residents its financial needs.

“The county auditor takes the previous year’s revenue we received, adds any new growth, and they divide that by the assessed property tax value. If the assessed value goes up the tax rate goes down,” Midvale Assistant City Manager Kyle Maurer said. “When the assessed value goes down, the tax rate goes up. This provides a steady income for the city.”

Budget information is public and available on every city website. The budget contains the cost for everything a city pays for, from road salt for plow trucks, employee salary, computers, website maintenance, first responder salary and ambulances, and much more.

The budget is prepared by the city’s finance department, and, depending on the form of government, either the mayor or the city manager.

Each department asks for what they

need, but the mayor/city manager makes the final decision on who gets what.

Some cities involve the city council in the budget process, asking for council priorities in budget retreats or workshops in council meetings. Some cities prepare the budget and ask for council opinion when they present the tentative budget. The tentative budget is posted to the city website and presented to the council in May, which gives council and the public a chance to comment and suggest alternatives.

A budget must be finalized and accepted by the city council by June 30 before the new fiscal year begins. (A city’s year runs from July 1 to June 30, known as a fiscal, i.e., financial, year.)

“If the council does not adopt a final budget by June 30, then the tentative budget would become the budget,” West Jordan communications officer Tauni Barker said.

“If they had not adopted a tentative budget, then it would default to the mayor’s proposed budget.”

If the mayor does not approve of the budget that council passes, they can veto.

Sandy’s Mayor Bradburn vetoed a line item in 2020.

If a city decided to change its property tax percentage, a Truth in Taxation meeting is required. Salt Lake County decides the date of the Truth in Taxation so no two taxation meetings fall on the same date. The Truth in Taxation is a public meeting, all residents are invited to read the proposed budget and give comments before a final decision is made by the council. l

CITY BUDGET TIMELINE Prioritize and Predict Finance and head of staff (Mayor or CIty Manager) identify highest needs and make financial predictions for the coming fiscal year (July 1- June 30).

City head review The Mayor or City Manager reviews department requests and prioritize the needs for the city as a whole.

Public Hearings Tentative budget is published for the public.

Public hearings are held to hear residents thoughts and ideas about the budget from residents.

Budget adopted

Department heads requests The head of each city department submits spending requests. This can be employee cost, supplies, etc.

Tentative Budget A tentative budget is presented to City Council and is discussed. Council can request changes.

Changes are made Final budget is presented in June. Council has another chance to discuss.

Final budget must be adopted by the council by June 30 for the coming year.

Truth in Taxation as needed (

)

If city council decides to raise property tax, a public meeting is held in August.

Tentative budget is adopted until that date.

All city councils vote on the city’s proposed budget, prepared by either the mayor or city officials depending the city’s type of government. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)

Page 18 | July 2021

The budget process mapped out. (image/SLCo Assessor)

Millcreek City Journal

Utah Food Bank to distribute 200,000 meals this summer

By Bill Hardesty | b.hardesty@mycityjournals.com

W

hat fits in a 10-inch by 8-inch by 7-inch box?

If you said 14 meals for a Utah child, you would be right.

As part of their Summer Food Service program, the Utah Food Bank provides meal boxes to individuals 18 and younger each week throughout Utah. The boxes are free and are design for one person for seven days—seven breakfasts and seven dinners.

If a family has four children, they get four boxes.

Each box includes a sample menu. For example, breakfast one is a cereal bowl and regular applesauce. For dinner two, the menu is cheddar cheese cup, sunflower kernels, MJM Pizza Crackers, flavored applesauce and vegetable juice. Other items on the menu are Pop-Tarts, barbecue chicken salad, breakfast bar, Jack Link’s Original Chicken Tender Bites, and beef sticks. The kids are given 14 small cartons of milk with their box.

These boxes are distributed in eight Utah counties, including Salt Lake County.

Salt Lake County

In Salt Lake County, the Utah Food Bank provides hot meals at various locations Monday through Friday. The meals are prepared in the Utah Food Bank kitchen and delivered in electric hot boxes, which keep the food warm for up to four hours.

The Utah Food Bank can provide these 200,000 meals because they are partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This partnership extends the Kids Café program throughout the summer. The 200,000 meals are served at 40 sites across the state.

Some programs are open sites meaning

first come, first served. Other sites are enrolled programs that have specific requirements. There are 16 sites across the valley, including Boys & Girls Clubs, community centers and libraries. Libraries are included because the Utah Food Bank found that many children spend their days at the library but never had food.

A complete list and details like times, locations, and dates is available at www.utahfoodbank.org/SummerMeals/.

Utah Food Bank

“Most people, when they come home, they wonder what they are having for dinner. I drive home wondering if every child in Utah has a dinner,” Ginette Bott, president and CEO of Utah Food Bank, said.

The Utah Food Bank partners with 205 agencies across the state. In 2020, they distributed 62.5 million pounds of food at no cost to the receivers or the agencies. Utah Food Bank is the largest food distributor in the state.

Since 1904, the Utah Food Bank has tried to learn more efficient ways to obtain products and meet the needs of the people of Utah. With the increase in the refugee population, the Utah Food Bank has learned how to meet their dietary needs.

Utah Food Bank does not consider itself a transportation company nor a human need company.

“We just quietly go about feeding kids,” Bott said.

Bott mentioned that sometimes they are criticized for giving out ramen noodles. Her response is she would rather have a child’s belly full of noodles than having them cry because they are hungry.

Bott pointed out that the Utah Food Bank always needs food, time and money.

She also said if a person ever needs help, call 211 or go to the Utah Food Bank website.

Grocery Rescue program

The Grocery Rescuer program is a partnership with 270 grocery retailers. Retailers provide food that is nearing the expiration date but is still healthy and wholesome to eat.

Refrigerated trucks provided by the Utah Food Bank and partner agencies operate six days a week throughout the state, picking up the food donations. The food goes directly to food pantries to be distributed within 24 hours.

The donations primarily are daily consumables, including fresh produce, dairy and meat. Without this program, such items would end up in the landfill. In 2020, 16 million pounds of food was distributed to help end hunger.

Walt May, a program director, offered a way anyone can help with this program. May suggested that they will give you the freshest meat or cheese when you go to the deli at the grocery store. This allows the retailer to freeze the older meat and cheese and donate it to the program.

“Buying sliced deli meat or cheese helps feed people of Utah,” May said. l

LOST DOG Ranger male Brittany, brown/white , red collar with phone number.

Please call with any information and catch him if you can.

Ranger is badly missed .

REWARD Phone: 801-272-7678

2021 EVENING S ERIES Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South Ticket Info: 801-264-2614 or www.murray.utah.gov July 9-10, 12, 15-17 ................................... Shrek The Musical July 23 ....................... Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Chorus Aug 6-7, 9, 12-14 ......................................... Disney's Newsies Aug 11..... Jenny Oaks Baker, Violin & Cello Workshop Concert Aug 21 .................................................. Clayton Smalley Band Aug 27-28 ...................................... "A Celtic Summer's Night"

LUNCH CONCERT SERIES * Tuesday at Noon in Murray Park Pavilion #2, FREE July 6 - One Man Band, Tony Summerhays ..............................

July 13 - Time Cruisers ................................................... Oldies July 20 - Wendy & The Lost Boys ............................ Gypsy Jazz July 27 - Sonic Paragon .................................................... Jazz

LIBRARY SUMMER SHORTS * Wednesday at 1 PM in Murray Park Pavilion #2, FREE

July 7 ........................................................... Irish Step Dancing July 14 ................................. Belle & Mrs. Potts, Character Visit July 21 ........................................ Wild Wonders, Animal Show July 28 .................................. Firefighter's Soak (Softball Field)

CHILDREN MATINEE SERIES * Thursday at 2 p.m. in Murray Park Gazebo, FREE

July 8 - 1520 Arts ............................................. Hip Hop Dance July 15 - Trash Panda ............................................. Drumming July 22 - The Puppet Players .............................. Puppet Show July 29 - Happy Hula .................................... Polynesian Dance

FAMILY NIGHT S ERI ES Bring the Whole Family Young and Old! The 2nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m., FREE Murray Senior Recreation Center (#10 E 6150 S – 1/2 block west of State) July 12 – Company B. ..................................................... Oldies Aug 9 – Flashback Brothers ................................... Classic Rock

STOP IN FOR STORIES * Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday at 11 a.m. in Murray Park White Gazebo, FREE Murray City Library sponsored outdoor story time full of books, songs and action rhymes for kids ages 2-7 and their families. Bring your blanket or lawn chair.

Contents of a meal box given to kids by the Utah Food Bank this summer. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)

MillcreekJournal .com

This program has received funding support from residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts and Museums, and Museums & National Endowment for the Arts.

July 2021 | Page 19

EARTHQUAKES. FIRES. GLOBAL PANDEMIC. CONTAMINATED WATER

ARE YOU PREPARED?

LET US HELP CHECK A FEW THINGS OFF YOUR LIST AND GIVE YOU THE PEACE OF MIND YOU NEED. WATER STORAGE FOOD STORAGE

370

494 Now$

Was $

160 Gallon Water Tank 29” x 36” x 45”

STAKE/NEIGHBORHOOD DISCOUNT: Buy 10 or more water barrels, get

FREE DELIVERY (central location) &

2,675 Bundle Deal

$

Includes Harvest Right Freeze Dryer & FREE 55 Gallon Water Barrel GET YOURS TODAY! IN STOCK TODAY!

FREE WATER STABILIZER ($40 value)

Official dealer of

801-797-3362 • GETPREPAREDUTAH.COM Page 20 | July 2021

Millcreek City Journal

Psych 101: Narcissistic abuse centers on control and manipulation

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournal.com

“

Narcissism next!” requested a reader after reviewing the previous article covering gaslighting. OK—let’s do it!

(This is where I feel obliged to share a warning. The following article discusses topics of abuse and may be triggering to some.)

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), narcissism is categorized as a Personality Disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder has been primarily recognized through behavioral patterns steeped in a need for admiration and a lack of empathy. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder tend to have a grandiose sense of self-importance, believing they are special and unique. In turn, they frequently have a lack of empathy and tend to be envious of others or believe others are envious of them. They may also be preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty and ideal love.

Conversations around recognizing narcissistic traits and managing relationships with narcissistic individuals have gained more popular attention in the last few years.

Now, there are two types of narcissism widely recognized. Overt or grandiose narcissism is primarily described above. Individuals may be arrogant and preoccupied with suc-

cess, wealth, attractiveness and power. However, there’s a less explicit type of narcissism.

Covert or vulnerable narcissism may be identified through self-absorbed and/or passive-aggressive behaviors. Individuals with covert narcissistic traits may be highly sensitive and have a history of impersonal and difficult relationships.

Narcissistic abuse has been recognized as a type of interpersonal abuse (and/or domestic abuse) and is beginning to be formally recognized in various governmental and legal documents and policies. On the surface, it may be difficult to differentiate narcissistic abuse from typified interpersonal abuse.

This tends to make narcissistic abuse more complicated and harder to prove. Some of the key reported differences include increase frequency and explicit intentionality. “The idea is that they totally know what they are doing,” reported an anonymous survivor.

Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder tend to exhibit numerous abusive behaviors. They may make attempts at isolation in order to maintain control and attention in the relationship, driving away friends and family relations of the other person. They tend to control finances, monitoring money closely, and only allowing limited access to

certain funds.

In abusive relationships, including those involving individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, there’s frequently a cycle of abuse involved. Psychologists have deemed the phases of abuse as idealization, devaluation and discarding. In idealization, otherwise known as “lovebombing,” the individual may shower the other with praise and gifts. This builds a sense of safety and trust.

In devaluation, the individual may use what was disclosed during the idealization phase as ammo to instill emotional responses and a sense of worthlessness. Then, the individual discards the other before starting the cycle over again.

Additionally, abusive relationships commonly involve manipulation tactics such as being overly critical and controlling, manufacturing situations to elicit emotional distress, engaging in hot and cold behavior, stonewalling, triangulating, blaming, shaming, deflecting and projecting.

Narcissistic abuse can occur in any relationship. While some of the focus above is on abuse in romantic relationships, it’s important to remember narcissistic abuse can be prevalent in friendships, familial relationships and working relationships. Those with

narcissistic personality disorder tend to be interpersonally exploitative as they take advantage of others to achieve their own ends. For example, friendships may only be maintained on a superficial level.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing abuse, some steps of recovery to enact right now may include: validating the survivors experience, identifying abusive traits, breaking habits of empathizing with the abuser, validating one’s own reality, creating or relying on a solid support network, grieving the good parts of the relationship, resolving trauma, improving self-love, and learning to recognize red flags and set boundaries.

In Utah, resources for domestic violence and interpersonal abuse include: the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, Utah Community Action, Utah Association of Family Support Centers, YWCA Utah’s Domestic Violence Shelter Programs and the Statewide Domestic Violence Info-line LINKline.

Research from Shahida Arabi, Sandra Brown, Thomas Crawford, Ramani Durvasula, Harold Koenigsberg, Kristian Markon, Kati Morton, Rebecca Shiner, Jennifer Tackett, and David Watson. l

ROOFING Call Today for a

75% OFF LABOR

F R E E Estimate!

Timeless Protection Guaranteed

801.509.9007

Gift 25 Lowe’s Receive a $ FREE Card with stimate!* in-home e

Does Not Include Cost of Material • Longevity, durability, safety, energy efficiency, & environmentally-friendly • Architectual and design support • Life-time warranty *All participants who attend an estimated 60-90 minute -home product consultation will receive a $25 gift card. Retail value is $25. Offer sponsored by MetalMan Roofing. Limit one per household. Company procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. If married or involved with a life partner, both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a photo ID, be able to understand English, and be legally able to enter into a contract. The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Company or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Gift may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that Company may substitute a gift of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class United States Mail or e-mailed within 21 days of receipt of the promotion form. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not sponsored or promoted by Lowe’s and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation. **MetalMan Roofing operates as MetalMan Roofing Utah in Utah under license number 12132085-5501.

MillcreekJournal .com

July 2021 | Page 21

Drought and fireworks… a bad combination

Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Council | District 3

Utah’s #1 Self Proclaimed Pet Odor Remover F R E E E S T I M AT E

801-301-2863 - Patrick

When Governor Cox asked all of us to pray for rain several weeks ago, my family and I talked about additional ways we could do our part. We made the decision to turn off the water while brushing our teeth, shorten our showers, and only water our lawn twice per week. We also made the decision not to do fireworks this year because of all the dry brush and potential impact on resources should something go awry.

Most of Utah is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. As Governor Cox explained recently, this is either the worst drought since 1956 or the worst drought ever. We have seen our reservoirs and lakes at record lows. In addition to the little precipitation over the last year to refill our lake and rivers, we also have more people than ever consuming water in this state. Luckily Utah has done a great job of planning for the future; but if we don’t cut back on water usage this year, we may find ourselves in a position where we will need to ration water in future years.

Little things make a big difference when it comes to water conservation.

There are things you can do like not letting the water run full blast while brushing your teeth or washing your pets near vegetation to get a secondary benefit. Utah’s slowtheflow.org has great advice for how to act during a drought. I found very help-

Fresh Made, Locally Sourced

Sandwiches, Soups, Salads, and Bakery

We Clean Upholstery Tr y ou

Also tile cleaning!

since local fire departments are onsite at those planned fireworks shows.

Usually on the 4th and 24th of July we get together with neighbors and light fireworks in our circle. Not this year. Due to the high risks that fireworks pose, we will be having a barbecue and playing games to celebrate the holidays. I’m a big fan of liberty and freedom, but I’m also a big fan of personal responsibility, so join me in watching your water usage and forgoing fireworks this year. Let’s be smart and be part of the solution!

Lettuce & Ladles Restaurant

Heck Ya!

FrattoBoys.com

ful their tips on lawn management, namely: 1) water your lawn twice a week, 2) don’t water if it’s windy, 3) water in the evening or before 10 a.m., 4) prioritize your watering in the following order: trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, grass, and 5) raise your mower to leave your grass longer. You should also check out utahwatersavers.com, where you can find details on rebate programs for taking all sorts of water wise steps. While I can understand the desire to have the greenest lawn in the neighborhood, this year it’s cool to have yellow or brown lawn. You are showing your neighbors that you care about them and are conscientious water consumers during the drought.

Paired with being water wise is being fire smart this summer. This includes the small things, like discarding of cigarettes in the proper receptacle and not driving over or parking your car on dry vegetation.

It also includes the more mindful things, like only starting campfires in cement or metal firepits, never leaving them unattended, and fulling drowning them until cool to the touch. Utahfireinfo.gov has even more information to consider for your summer plans. Lastly, consider going to a planned city fireworks show for the holidays rather than having your own fireworks. It saves money, and it’s much safer

! r burgers and hand-cut fries

1 FREE DESSERT with a $25 purchase. Expires 7/31/21.

2268 E 3300 S SLC • 385-252-0747

Mention this ad and we will pay of your bill! (bills over $500)

$50

28 West 700 South • Salt Lake City, UT 84101

801-363-4400 rickwarnerbodyshop.com

ChinESE & Vietnamese kitchen Fresh Yummy Chinese Food

no msG

801.486.8199 | 2955 E 3300 S • SLC pan-wok.business.site OpEn M-F 11a-9p • Sat 12n-9p • sunday 4p-9p

appetizeR

(Pot Sticker 6pc, Cream Cheese Wonton 8pc, or Paper Wrap Chicken 6pc)

With over $20 purchase Expires 7/31/21.

Page 22 | July 2021

FRee EntrEE DiSh

D Ta O eli ke nl ve O y ry u Sp t/ ec ial

FRee

Get one free entree dish with each order over $50–Plus free almond cookies Expires 7/31/21.

5 0 FF $30 Or More

$

Expires 7/31/21. One coupon per ticket/table. Not valid with other coupons, specials, discounts or Tuesday Tacos. Not cash redeemable.

(801) 255-3742 • elfarolrestaurant.com 115 W 7200 S, Midvale, UT 84047

Millcreek City Journal

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Life

Laughter AND

by

PERI KINDER

It’s been said that when we make plans, God laughs. Do you think that’s a silly giggle or a maniacal James Bond villain laugh?

The last few weeks brought a string of first-world irritations that felt like a game of Whac-a-Mole. I hit one problem and another one popped up. I pound that problem but end up hitting myself in the face with a rubber mallet. I can hear God LOLing from here.

Despite our daily devotion to it, our TV stopped working. We shook the remote and pushed buttons as hard as we could, but there was still no picture. Just a dark, mocking abyss.

We decided to run away from our responsibilities by driving to Idaho and checking-in at an Airbnb. (The room was nice, but the bed was shaped like a taco. I slept on the couch so I didn’t roll over in the night and suffocate my spouse.)

Every 50 years, my husband likes to visit Yellowstone, so we left our Airbnb and drove to the national park to snap pictures of the bison, tiptoe around the geysers and marvel at the wondrous number of people who had the same idea. #HelloCOVID After getting lost in Yellowstone and stopping for Mexican food so we didn’t starve to death, we crossed the Teton Pass just as the sun was setting. Deer lined the road, waiting for the right moment to lunge in front of our car. We’d see their eyes glow-

ing in the dark, then hit the brakes before driving on. It took us 245 years to get back to our Airbnb.

The drive back to Salt Lake the next day was pleasant, except when I had to give my husband the silent treatment because he wouldn’t take me to the Potato Museum (#PotatoIceCream). After we crossed back into Utah, the truck in front of us kicked up a rock that hit the car’s windshield, leaving an extensive and expensive crack across the glass.

Used to be, when you broke a windshield, you’d call the junkyard and they’d take a windshield out of a car in their backyard to replace the broken one. Today’s windshield has monitors, antenna and tracking devices, so it’s worth half-a-million dollars, according to the windshield repair shop.

Why hasn’t Elon Musk created self-healing windshield glass?

We made it back home, picked up the dog and gave everyone their Yellowstone golf balls and Idaho potholders. I looked forward to a nice hot shower but (joke’s on us) the hot water heater stopped working and was chuckling with God and the TV. They all had a good laugh together.

We forked out more cash so we could have hot water, collapsed into our non-taco bed and slept.

A few days later, my husband said, “We have a gas leak in the basement.” It took me a minute to understand what he was saying because he was so calm. My husband is notoriously terrible under stress.

“Why are we still in the house?” I asked.

“Where else would we be?” He responded.

“Not in a house that could explode if we make toast.”

We hustled everyone to the neighbor’s lawn until the gas company gave us the okay.

The water heater had been installed incorrectly but our house wasn’t going to blow up. Today, at least.

I rarely look at the dark side of life and by the end of the week I was chortling right along with God, the TV and the water heater. Sometimes, LOLing is the only thing you can do.

MILLCREEK

PROFESSIONALS METAL ROOFING

Value

Metal Man Roofing LONGEVITY, DURABILITY SAFETY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, LIFE-TIME WARRANTY Call Today for a Free Estimate!

801-509-9007

PATIO COVERS & HANDRAILS

ENJOY THE OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER

CONCRETE

LANDSCAPE

EVERGREENE LANDSCAPE

SIDING

Capitol Exteriors

Patios | Walkways | Driveways | RV Pads PLACE Stamp &AN Color |AD: Garages | Retaining Walls

801-930-7600

Siding – Soffit – Fascia – Raingutters

Call AnEConstructionLLC@gmail.com

Ask For Lynn

(801) 253-2566

WE SPECIALIZE IN CONCRETE. Concrete Installation & Removal | Flatwork

801-254-5974

Call Ala for Estimate 801-835-0051 PLUMBING/HVAC

24Hr Rooter Connectionz

Sprinkler Repairs

HEATING & AIR&CONDITIONING Water Softener Air Purification

Call NOW For SPECIALS METAL EXTERIORS

ASPEN ROOFING

Call John today for a FREE estimate.

Drain, Sewer, Plumbing, Heating & Air Services. $49 OFF Any Service!

Call Today

Free In Home

Quality and Integrity for over 25 Years

UtahsPlumber.com

Call: 801-797-2956 www.ShopCulliganSLC.com

www.aspen-roofing.com

CONCRETE WORK

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

• Steel Covered Carports, Patios & Porches • Steel Handrails • Quality Decks

801-205-5999 PAINTING

FULL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior/Exterior Residential/Commercial Over 20 Years Experience LICENSED AND INSURED

For Immediate Service Call

801-865-4049

LANDSCAPE MATERIALS

REPLENISH LANDSCAPE

Barks, Colored Mulch, Compost, Soil Blends, Playground Chips, Sand-Gravel, Landscape Fabric & More

801-252-5962

4660 S 200 W Murray

Mention this ad for 10% Off

MillcreekJournal .com

801-758-2095 YARD SERVICES

Affordable Yard Care / Tree Trimming & Removal Flower Beds, Hedges, Railroad Ties, Mulching, Sod, Mowing, Concrete Senior Discounts

Call Dan:

801-518-7365 ROOFING

801-272-7000

All types of roofs

$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.

Specializing in metal roofs, wall panels, and exterior window treatments.

AIR/WATER QUALITY TEST

Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc.

Call Dan:

801.518.7365

Call for a FREE estimate today

801-882-2332

SUGARHOUSE HEATING & AIR

Residential and Light Commercial

SERVICE & REPAIR

Call Jeff at 801-347-1150 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 Hour Emergency: 801-484-0506 www.sugarhousehvac.com

DECKS & HANDRAILS

GUTTER REPAIR Jack’s Pro Gutter Repair and Cleaning

Building Utah’s BEST Decks for over 25 years with quality & integrity.

BestDecksInUtah.com Call John today for a FREE estimate.

85% of gutters are repairable!

Utahs Best Decks

801-205-5999

20 years experience - licensed and insured SUMMER DISCOUNTS & SENIOR DISCOUNTS

De-icing and leaf protectors Call or text Jack

801-865-6382

FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS

OLYMPUS ROOFING

801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973

VEHICLES WANTED

We’ll buy your running & non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van.

(801) 506-6098 CarSoldForCash.com A Local Utah Company

LEAFGUARD RAIN GUTTERS

Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home.

If it clogs, LeafGuard will come out and clean it for you.

One-Piece System, Professional Installation

CALL AND RECEIVE A $200 VISA GIFT CARD WITH YOUR LEAFGUARD PURCHASE!

Free Estimate - 385-300-0869

WATER SOFTENER RELIABLE SOFT WATER without the typical water softener problems

• Zero maintenance • No breakdowns • 2/3 LESS salt

For free in-home estimate:

visit www.KineticoUtah.com or call 801-890-5344

July 2021 | Page 23

financial advice is worth nothing ...if your best interest doesn’t come first

Salt Lake City’s Financial, Tax & Estate Planning Resource Do you need help with any of the following?

cpa advisors

Financial- Social Security, Long-Term Care, Investment Portfolios, Retirement Accounts Tax- Strategy & Prep, Roth IRA Conversions, Estate Tax Mitigation, Gifting Strategy Estate- Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Advance Directive, Business Succession

Robert J. Beck, CPA

Kelly G. Purser, CPA

Questions about your specific financial situation? Ask us:

WealthCPAs.com (801) 797-2954 Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

Advisory services are offered through Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Utah. Tax services offered through Wealth Management Tax Solutions, an affiliated company. Insurance products and services offered through Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC, an affiliated company. Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, Wealth Management Tax Solutions and Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.

5

July 2021 | Vol. 03 Iss. 07

FREE

MILLCREEK MARKS A RETURN TO NORMALCY WITH VENTURE OUT EVENTS

By Lindsey Baxter | l.baxter@mycityjournals.com

M

illcreek residents couldn’t be more excited to gather together at Venture Out on June 4. Especially after missing the summer of 2020 due to the pandemic.

Venture Out was the first of many events in Millcreek for the summer making a welcome statement to community members with an all-out magic themed night.

June 4 was the first official movie night and Friday Festival themed events of the summer. Canyon Rim Park hosted The Night Circus theme where there were various booths, games, food, magician, jugglers, music by Peter Breinholt, and a live fire performance at dusk before watching The Greatest Showman.

Venture Out’s first event was held 16 years ago. It was a one-day festival that evolved to offer many community engagements programs. With the cancellation of events last year, residents have been looking forward to getting out and celebrating this summer more than ever.

Marcus Wilson provided fun for the crowd with comedy, juggling, and some stunt work. He has provided entertainment to Millcreek residents at numerous events throughtou the years and was grateful to be back in person. Wilson said he was happy that everything is getting back to normal and able to do shows again. Information on his shows can be found at www.funnymanwhodoestricks.com.

Aimee McConkie, executive director of Utah Venture Outdoors, was all smiles watching families come together.

“I love seeing people connect, enjoy being outside and smiling,” McConkie said. “People loved the shows. I think they loved the fire dancers.”

Leslie Stark, a resident who just moved back to Millcreek, said, “we love that our community provides entertainment and enjoyment for the whole family. A wide variety of food trucks, fun local bands, a chance to have our kids all mingle like before 2020.”

Although the last film festival night was June 25 with games, food, events, music and showing Moana. Millcreek Movie Nights are planned for every Friday night in July and then there are August Adventures as well. There is also Food Truck Rallies every Thursday until Aug. 26 from 5-8 p.m. at Millcreek City Brad Klemesrud, Shannon Baker, Kelly Kelso enjoying the music and energy of the night. (Lindsey BaxHall. Summer Jam Concerts ter/City Journals) are every Monday through Aug. 30 at Canyon Rim Park “The energy is amazing tonight,” she said. “I love living Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m. For all the upcoming and great in a city that is willing to put in so much time and effort to continuous events Venture Out hosts, check out their website create a real community bonding event. We need this more at www.ventureout.org. than ever this summer. It is so fun to walk around and visit The night saw smiling faces, laughter with people inter- with friends and neighbors who we have not seen in so long. acting and enjoying the night.

This really is the light at the end of the tunnel we were all Resident Shannon Baker attended the night with friends. waiting for.” l

Tree Trimming & remOval • Stump Grinding • 24/7 Emergency Services • Powerline Trimming • Land Clearing • Demolition Options Available • Organic Mulch Products • Delivery Available

Mention this ad for

% 10 OFF Tree Services

Must present coupon at time of estimate. Expires 9/15/2021.

Contact us today at Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.

801-938-4345

DiamondTreeExperts.com

Now HiriNg!

From $35K

up to $80K!

Year Round • FULL Benefits • Bonuses Overtime • Paid Vacations • 401k Growth Opportunities

SIGN ON BONUS

Call 801-262-1596 or email trent@diamondtreeexperts.com

Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals

Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190