Millcreek City Journal | May 2020

May 2020 | Vol. 02 Iss. 05

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HOW A PAIR OF POINTE SHOES HELPED YOUNG DANCER BEAT CANCER

By Hannah LaFond | h.lafond@mycityjournals.com

W

hen Jen Manwaring signed her 2-year-old daughter, Ava, up for a dance class with Kim Luke at Artistic Endeavors Dance, she had no idea how much of an impact dance and Luke aka “Miss Kim” would have on Ava and their family.

It wasn’t long after Ava started dance class that her mother and Luke started to notice something was wrong. Each time Ava jumped in class she would cry and limp afterward. Manwaring thought maybe Ava might have injured her leg on the trampoline and took her to the urgent care. The doctors there scanned Ava’s leg from the knee down, but saw nothing of concern.

Manwaring recalled still having a strong feeling something was wrong, so she scheduled an appointment at the children’s hospital. There doctors gave Ava an MRI and diagnosed her with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma.

“This was two weeks before her third birthday,” Manwaring said. “She had cancer in her abdomen, all up her spinal column, in her skull and all down her right leg.”

Some time after receiving the devastating news, Manwaring called Luke to inform her they wouldn’t be able to attend dance classes, because Ava would be going through cancer treatment.

Luke immediately offered to put Ava on her scholarship program. Unbeknownst to Manwaring, Luke already had a scholarship in place for families battling cancer. It was her way Left: Kim Luke leads a dance class. (Photo courtesy Jen Manwaring) Right: Ava Manwaring dances in golden ballet slippers. (Photo courtesy Jen of memorializing her father who passed away from cancer.

“I knew part of their battle was registering their kids for Manwaring) activities not knowing if their child could attend them, not Continued page 5

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Finding peace and purpose through music

By Hannah LaFond | h.lafond@mycityjournals.com

W

orking as a musician isn’t always easy.

It can be hard to put together a band, make time to rehearse and find an audience to play for. So starting a music career later in life might seem daunting, but that’s exactly what Bobby D. Dintelman, Kim Correa, and plenty of other local musicians have done.

Dintelman started playing music in high school, but he sold his guitar to get some money before going to college. After growing up, getting married, moving to Utah and starting his own family, music wasn’t part of his plan. That is until his wife had the idea to go buy him a guitar for their 20th wedding anniversary.

Since returning to music he hasn’t looked back. Dintelman, who goes by BobbyD in his music career, is in two bands, the Stucco Dogs and Bobby D. and Friends, where he plays guitar and sings. They play a BobbyD and Friends play at the Millcreek Community Center with Bobby D. Dintelman on the far left and Kim mix of classic rock, folk rock, blues and some Correa next to him. (Photo courtesy Bobby D. Dintelman)

original songs. His bands play at restaurants, bars, senior centers and anywhere else they can find gigs.

Starting music later in life has given Dintelman freedom because he’s been able to follow his passion, without worrying too much about how much he gets paid for shows.

“I’m one of the lucky ones. I don’t have to do this to make a living. I’m retired from my profession of electrical engineering now, so I can do this for fun. But I don’t want to do too much playing in the public for free.

I don’t want to take jobs from working musicians who are depending on playing for a living,” Dintelman said.

So, he focuses on playing places that he feels it makes a difference. Dintelman is most drawn to performing for people who don’t have the opportunity to see live music often, which is why he enjoys playing at senior centers and even in hospitals.

Bobby D. Dintelman aka “BobbyD” with his guitar.

“It’s so rewarding to play for those who (Photo courtesy Bobby D. Dintelman)

Journals

are infirm… if we can play for them and bring the music to them and bring them joy,” Dintelman said.

Just like Dintelman, music isn’t Correa’s main source of income, as much as it is a passion. In her day job she runs The Inn Between, a hospice for the homeless. This job can be stressful, but music has been a source of relief for Correa.

“We’re always helping people at the end of life, which is heart-wrenching at times. So, for me playing music is my therapy and it is my sanity,” Correa said.

Also like Dintelman, Correa didn’t begin playing music seriously until later in her life. She first started playing drums about 20 years ago, but didn’t join a band or start performing until five years ago.

“It’s something I always wanted. I always dreamed when I was a kid of being in a band, but that just didn’t happen until I was in my 50s,” Correa said.

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Kim Correa (left) and Bobby D. Dintelman aka “BobbyD” (right) performing together. (Photo courtesy Bobby D. Dintelman)

Now she plays with many groups and musicians including Crazywoolf, Megan Peters, Aaron Jones, and BobbyD. Although they haven’t been playing recently, due to social distancing, Correa has taken the time to learn more music and even try her hand at songwriting.

Because music has been such a source of relief for her she recommends anyone give it a try to calm their mind during this time.

“If someone’s got a dusty guitar in the corner... Take 10 minutes a day and noodle around on it. Pretty soon it adds up to you playing pretty good,” Correa said. “It gives our brains a chance to disconnect from all the stressful things we’re seeing in the news and on social media. Yes, it’s important to stay informed, but you have to detach from it sometimes to find some sanity and balance.” l

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Kim Luke reads to Ava Manwaring at the Manwaring’s home. (Photo courtesy Jen Manwaring)

program Luke has had several students like Ava. One of her other scholarship students was JP Gibson, who is now cancer free. JP’s mother, Megan Gibson, said Luke always made them feel like part of a family welcoming her children whenever they could come to class and even visiting her son in the hospital.

Luke was just as invested while Ava began treatment. Often Ava was too sick to come to class, so Luke would visit the Manwaring’s home.

“Kim would come by, and she would teach Ava a little dance move,” Manwaring said. “Then she would read to Ava. She had her sit on her lap, and Ava just had no energy, but Kim would read to her about dance because she just knew that dance has always been Ava’s life… and we always knew she was doing better when she’d start to dance again.”

Throughout treatment Ava found strength through her love for dance, once telling a doctor she wanted to be like the superhero Black Widow “because she’s a ballet dancer, but she also knows how to fight.”

As she got better dance also became a way to strengthen her body and help regain muscle strength she had lost during chemotherapy. Ava was cancer free for two years before she relapsed.

They found the cancer again in her skull and brain around Christmas time, when Ava

was 5. During that time, Luke came to visit Ava with her daughter and they gave her a pair of pointe shoes. When she gave Ava the shoes she promised her she’d be able to wear them when she turned 10.

“It was Kim’s way of saying you need to survive this Ava, because five years is kind of like the mark of a survivor. And Ava didn’t know that, but Ava was determined,” Manwaring said.

After Ava was given the pointe shoes she was obsessed. Manwaring said she kept them on her dresser where she would see them everyday and talked about them at least once a week.

Ava Manwaring on her hospital bed during treatment.

“What Kim did was she gave Ava a dif- (Photo courtesy Jen Manwaring) ferent goal that didn’t have to do with cancer, but it had to do with something that was important to Ava,” Manwaring said.

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Continued from front page knowing if they could afford them,” Luke explained. “I call it turning the ‘C’ in cancer to a ‘D’ so that kids can identify as being dancers, rather than cancers.”

The scholarship is for the whole family, not just the child with cancer. So, if any of their siblings want to take dance classes they can too. It also applies to the family as long as they want to dance, even after their child is cancer free. Since starting her scholarship

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Staying active with a splash of serenity during the pandemic

By Kirk Bradford | k.bradford@mycityjournals.com

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or Millcreek residents, nearby Millcreek Canyon offers a unique and accessible way to step into a world that is seemingly unaffected by the pandemic.

And, for fly fishing enthusiasts, who during normal times can travel around the state to target different species and sizes of fish, the canyon offers an opportunity to discover Millcreek’s particular species of trout, the Bonneville cutthroat trout, and to compete in a contest.

Each year, Utah conducts its annual Cutthroat Slam. The event creates some fun competition while helping protect Utah’s waters. The Utah Department of Natural Resources and Trout Unlimited teamed up to create the event. By registering and paying $20 at utahcutthroatslam.org you can embark on the challenge to rip the lips of all four of Utah’s subspecies of cutthroat trout. You must photograph and release each of the four in their native waters.

Once you successfully have landed all four—the Bonneville cutthroat, Colorado River cutthroat, Yellowstone cutthroat, and the Bear River cutthroat— you email your information and photos into the organization. Once verified, they are posted online at the cutthroat slam website along with the date you completed the slam. To add to your bragging rights, they mail you out an official award certificate.

The money raised each year is used to help fund native cutthroat trout conservation projects across the state.

look around, not just for fish, but at all the life in and around a river. And, when you start casting, it’s almost impossible to think or worry about anything else.

“As the river current drifts the fly toward the fish you wait ready with anticipation. If you watch hard you’ll see the fly disappear under the water before the tug. As you pull back and set the hook, it’s an adrenaline rush to see that brightly colored fly line start to zip in unnatural directions while feeling something wild and alive on the other end,” Inglefield said.

The serenity and single-pointed concentration involved with fly fishing are similar to what people experience with the practice of yoga or meditation.

Humans are creatures of habit, and our natural tendency is to fall into a pattern of living we a comfortable

with. We often worry about the future and dwell in the past, both things that we can’t change and can cause a lot of stress. Staying in the present reduces stress. Finding serenity during this difficult time may be more than something you want, it may be what you need.

Luckily, rivers are near, fish are biting and all one needs is a fly rod starter kit. Give it a go and while you are there, don’t forget to stop, breathe and look around at nature.

Note: State officials spent most of last month advising people they were restricted to the outdoors near where they reside. After a month, Gov. Gary Herbert reduced some of those restrictions, but before taking any trips outside, check the DWR website for updates at wildlife.utah.gov. l

Why do people like fly fishing so much?

To better understand its appeal, it has been described as similar to practicing yoga. The key piece at the core of both is practicing mindfulness or being in the present moment.

Winter Inglefield, an avid fly fishing enthusiast, explained the experience and how all your senses are at work allowing you to be completely in the present. “As you wade into the river and begin to let line out of the reel, your feet must assess where and if there is traction down below. Is it mud you’re stepping into or a slippery rock? Your knees adjust to the slight push of the current. The deeper you get the harder it pushes. The crisp smell of water and moss alerts another one of your senses, as you scan the river looking for the noses of trout sneaking above water for a meal.”

Most people who enjoy fly fishing, Fly fishing enthusiast Winter Inglefield is all smiles holding up a “buttery” brown trout on the she said, remind each other to stop and lower Provo River. (Kirk Bradford/City Journals)

Millcreek City Journal

International baccalaureate program awards diploma to high school seniors without testing

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

I

nternational baccalaureate students at 10 Utah high schools will be earning their diploma without taking their final tests. Those students include those in the Salt Lake Valley at Highland, Hillcrest, Skyline and West high schools as well as at Providence Hall.

In late March, IB announced that they would no longer hold the May 2020 examinations that were scheduled for the diploma program and career-related program candidates because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and instead, “depending on what they registered for, the students will be awarded a diploma or a course certificate which reflects their standard of work,” their webpage stated.

It is the first time IB has canceled examinations in its 52-year history.

The IB diploma program is made of three core required components— theory of knowledge, a 4,000-word individual research extended essay, and a creative activity service project — in addition to studying six core subjects: language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts.

Students are evaluated using internal and external assessments, and courses finish with an externally assessed series of examinations, usually two or three timed written tests. Internal assessment varies by subject, for example, fieldwork in geography, laboratory work in the sciences, artistic performances, oral interviews in languages and investigations in mathematics. These typically are graded by the classroom teacher, whose grades are then verified by an appointed external moderator.

The career path not only includes courses from the diploma program, but also those of career-related studies, such as technical and professional coursework. There also is a focus in service learning, language development and a reflective project.

IB went on to state that the awarded diploma or certificate will be “based on student’s coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control,” which are already built into the programs.

“Our goal continues to be to find ways to support our global community during these uncertain times and provide the best possible outcomes for our students,” their webpage stated.

At Hillcrest, which is one of three local schools that offer both the diploma and career path, senior Emily Zhang said she first saw the announcement on her IB account, then has been receiving updates from the school’s IB coordinator John Olsen.

“It’s a little weird not to do testing,” she said. “A lot of us are happy that we don’t have to sit through them, but we’re also in shock. We’ve spent the past two years preparing for them, so where do we go from here?

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This year’s IB candidates will be awarded their diplomas without their examinations, as they were canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

It’s unprecedented.”

Olsen said that with the diploma candidates this year, the international assessments (IA) are critical.

“In the past, we have had teachers grade them and then a sample would be sent to be reviewed at another IB site in the world,” he said. “This year, we’re still grading them here, but each one will be sent to be reviewed at two additional IB sites. So basically, three moderators will be conducting three different independent checks to see what students know. Our teachers are trained around the country so it’s fair that they will treat students the same as an IB school in Argentina may treat them. They’re all looking extensively at the IAs with a fine-tooth comb.”

However, as schools were abruptly put on soft closure in mid-March, some of Hillcrest’s 93 students who were to test this year left school that day, not knowing they wouldn’t return, and their projects were left unfinished. Olsen said teachers are working with those students to access the materials to help them finish their IAs. While Zhang has turned in her IA, she

said students aren’t clear on how the final score will be calculated. Scores with the IB diploma are used by colleges and universities to determine the amount of college credit a student earns with the program and are expected to be released July 5.

And even though students won’t be taking the year-end test, Zhang still feels that she will be prepared for college.

“I should be fine heading into college,” she said. “I already had tested in two areas last year, so I feel prepared. A lot of us already were reviewing our notes for this year and our teachers are continuing the rigorous curriculum to maintain the IB standard.”

Olsen said some teachers are continuing as if a test is imminent – even having students take previous year tests as practice. Schools also are to submit six IB subjects and teacher comments for IB to review.

“Our teachers are still giving the coursework at the same rigor, so students are prepared, and they earn their grade,” he said.

“IB is adjusting the best they can so the IB diploma will reflect the student’s standard of work.” l

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May 2020 | Page 7

Millcreek honors Officer of the Month for February 2020

By Kirk Bradford | k.bradford@mycityjournals.com

To the families we serve, The Larkin Mortuaries and Cemeteries are proud and honored to be assisting families and friends with their loss for the past 135 years. Given the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for you to know that we as funeral directors are taking precautions to limit exposure to the coronavirus. As we have always done, we are still operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week making certain that those entrusted to our care and the families we serve are receiving uninterrupted service and attention.

In the last days and weeks, the Larkin management have been in regular contact with numerous state and federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, National Funeral Directors Association and the Salt Lake County Health Department. Our continuing goal is ensuring the health and safety of the public and that the information we receive is as current and accurate as possible. These are just some of the changes we are implementing: • We are sanitizing our facilities several times daily • We are asking staff to stay home when possible • We are encouraging arrangements by phone and email • We are limiting the gathering size of our arrangement conferences, services and gravesides to meet the state and federal mandates That said, people will still be passing away and families will want to say goodbye. We still have a myriad of options. Your funeral director will explain ways that you can memorialize your loved one in a meaningful way.

If you are experiencing a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, we encourage you to not attend funeral services. Reach out to the Larkin location handling services and we will be willing to share your sympathies with the family of the deceased and they may also offer some other options to let the bereaved know that you support and care for them during this difficult time. Notes of sympathy may also be left on our website for the family to see. Every obituary on our website allows for online condolences.

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LarkinMortuary.com Page 8 | May 2020

Millcreek City Council, Chief Steve DeBry and Officer Adam Melnitsky pose for a photo 6 feet apart following the reading of Melnitsky’s award citation. (Screenshot via Millcreek City streaming)

A

t last month’s Millcreek City Council meeting, Police Chief Steve DeBry updated the council on precautions they were taking to be ready for any upcoming issues regarding the pandemic. DeBry said they are not only working at full strength but have established contingencies to put in place in case of emergencies. DeBry and Lieutenant Christine Petty-Brown also awarded Adam Melnitsky the Millcreek Officer of the Month for February 2020.

Before reading Melnitsky’s award citation, DeBry took time to go into detail about Melnitsky. DeBry said, “You know how when you have certain people who work for you, you really just wish you could have like 20 of them. That’s truly Adam. He is a stalwart to say the least and I actually told him a few weeks ago, he is the male version of Mary Poppins and perfect in every way.”

Practicing social distancing changed the presentation process somewhat from the past. DeBry talked about how they have been keeping track of these awards since 1983 and how UPD has a large wall with officer’s names and dates of awards.

Melnitsky’s citation reads that he established himself at the Millcreek precinct with a reputation as an enterprising officer. He often takes the initiative in his duties and responsibilities. His work product is outstanding.

“His is often observed patrolling school zones, especially the bus zones where he issues tickets to violators going around buses with the flashing warning lights. He has taken the initiative to do this several times during the month of February.”

Melnitsky quietly patrols the school zones early on the dayshift during down time

prior to taking regular busy calls for service during later morning hours. When asked about his vigilance he admits “he likes to be productive.”

He was described in the citation as a “self-starter, who gets along with his coworkers and he exhibits patience and diligence in his abilities to communicate with everyone he contacts. Officer Melnitsky displays a great commitment to serve the citizens of Millcreek and great care for the safety for the schoolchildren in Millcreek.”

Melnitsky received his award citation and a $50 gift card in the presence of his wife. After bumping elbows with the mayor, pictures were taken with all participants practicing the 6-foot distance spacing. l

Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini give Officer Adam Melnitsky the newest dabs/elbow bump in praise for his conduct resulting in UPD’s Millcreek Precinct Officer of the Month award. (Screenshot via Millcreek City streaming)

Millcreek City Journal

Celebrating poetry while staying in our hives

By Katy Whittingham | k.whittingham@mycityjournals.com tion, which has regular poetry discussions online and on their own podcasts.”

Rekdal recognizes that, “it’s a tough time for artists now,” so poetry enthusiasts should check out who has a new book out and Rosebud Ben Oni has put together a comprehensive list on the Kenyon Review site.

“It’s a great way to support writers and poets and see how vibrant the poetry publishing world still is,” Rekdal Utah Poet Laureate Paisley Rekdal. Poet Cynthia Atkin’s new collec- said. The list titled, “Open to All: A Crowd Sourced List of (Photo by Emily London) tion “Still-Life With God.” Over 300 Mid-2019 to 2020 ike many events, the second annual Utah Poetry Titles,” can be found at kenyonreview.

Poetry Festival, scheduled for April 18 on org. One of the many standouts is the recently the University of Utah campus was cancelled. released St. Julien Press title, “Still-Life With But Utah Poet Laureate Paisley Rekdal has God,” by Virginia-based poet and teachsuggestions for celebrating poetry from home. er Cynthia Atkins. Atkins admits that it’s a Joel Long and City Arts are hosting vid- strange time to have a collection come out eo poems by Utah poets on their Facebook and rely so much on social media to connect pages, and there are many other poets upload- to readers, but she remains hopeful about ing videos of themselves reading on Twitter. our connection through poetry nonetheless.

As for podcasts, Rekdal said, “Please check “When we are tested to the brink, I’m hoping out ‘The Slowdown’ for a brief moment of our best humanity shows through,” she said. poetry, hosted by former US Poet Laureate Another easy accessible resource is “PoTracy K. Smith, or go to the Poetry Founda- ets in Pajamas” a free, online reading series

run through Facebook Live that connects readers and writers across the world. Readings take place twice per month on Sundays at 7 p.m. ET and can be found on their Facebook page. Massachusetts-based poet Tzynya Pinchback, featured in episode 62, discusses her celebration through writing about everyday happenings like “sun on my face” and “a good cup of coffee” since her battle with cancer, which is inspiring in these times when no big events are taking place.

The Utah Poet Laureate represents communities, schools and libraries and is a gover-

nor appointed advocate for poetry, literature and the arts in the state. The position was established in 1997. Rekdal, an award-winning writer, has held the position since 2017 and teaches at the University of Utah, where she is the creator and editor of the community web project, “Mapping Salt Lake City.” To read more about Rekdal visit paisleyrekdal.com.

The Utah State Poetry Society, “an organization dedicated to the creation and appreciation of poetry” and founded in 1950, also has links for events, contests, publications, resources and more at utahpoets.com l

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May 2020 | Page 9

Educators find creative ways to connect with students during school closure

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

A

fter schools initially were put on soft closure in response to COVID-19, Park Lane Elementary teacher Susan Homer said she tried and tried to figure out the technology to teach her third graders.

“It was very stressful for me,” said the 30-year teaching veteran. “Teaching online just freaked out an old schoolteacher like me.

I left in tears one day.”

That day, Homer knew how to fix her meltdown – reconnecting with her students.

“I emailed the parents and went to the kids. I left them packets on their porch and wrote to them how much they meant to me.

Then, I stood back on the sidewalk and saw them. I really, really miss the kids,” Homer said. “I saw their cute faces and I remem-

bered why I do what I do. I saw how much what I did meant to them and that gave me the courage to push forward and go online with new material.”

Connecting with students is a common thread amongst educators as many say they didn’t go into education to teach online. So many of them should get extra credit for finding ways to connect with students.

Altara Elementary Principal Nicole Svee Magann has gone live on the school’s Facebook page with “Magann’s Moments.”

The episodes range from reading books to showing students secret places of the school, all the while telling the students that she mises them and all their noise in the halls and that without them in the school, it’s “kind of like ice cream cones without the ice cream.”

“We’re trying to find ways to connect with our students who are isolated and can feel frightened or overwhelmed and just need to see familiar faces and have laughter in their lives at a time like this,” she said.

“Our teachers are holding morning meetings and using Flip Grid, where they ask students for responses to fun questions such as what they’re thankful for or what is their go-to song, before they begin their learning.

They’re making connections even if they are not physically connecting.”

Jordan Ridge Principal Melissa Beck also said her teachers were using Flip Grid to communicate with students.

“It’s been good to get feedback in video form that is more engaging instead of a typed response,” she said. “Our teachers are using digital tools to connect with students and parents in more creative ways.”

Butler Elementary Principal Jeff Nalwalker has livestreamed from different locations, challenging his students to figure out where he is – Wheeler Farm, Cowabunga Bay Water Park, or at a cookie store.

“It’s important for students at home to have that human connection to their school,” Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind posted signs in he said. “For kids, not being able to play appreciation of teachers, including science teacher with other kids or go to school, is unusual.

Shari Solomon-Klebba. (Photo courtesy of Sami Sol- So, if we’re able to connect with a friendly omon-Klebba)f relationship, telling jokes, reading stories or

Page 10 | May 2020

having fun, it’s a good kind of engagement.”

Nalwalker also challenged for his school to Flip the Switch (a 15-second challenge that originated on social-networking app, TikTok, that typically involves two people instantly switching outfits). With the help of his wife and daughter, he was able to create his video, changing different suits while running.

Not only have numerous Butler Elementary students and teachers participated, it has spread to other school administrators, such as Park Lane Principal Justin Jeffery, who mastered to Flip the Switch, changing his costumes while at his desk.

“I’ve never done social media, but I don’t think people do well in isolation and if this gives me another way to connect with students, then I’m learning,” Jeffery said.

“My daughter, who is in kindergarten, saw her teacher on Zoom and she loved seeing her and her classmates. It was heartwarming.”

Now Jeffery provides online announcements and birthday shout-outs from different classrooms in the building and he’s handed out grab-and-go school lunches in costume.

But that’s not all teachers, administrators and PTAs are doing. Signs in appreciation of teachers, such as from Altara Elementary and Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, have been posted in teachers’ yards; they’ve also been posted in the lawns of students in encouragement by teachers, including those at Columbia Elementary, Intermountain Christian School and Murray High, amongst others, recognizing their seniors. Signs of encouragement were posted at Murray High to give support to the school community.

And leaders have given support, such as Canyons School District Superintendent Jim Briscoe providing a YouTube video about distance learning and resources and Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey posting podcasts for families.

Several Salt Lake Valley elementary and middle or junior high school staff and faculty, with the help of local law enforcement, have paraded in cars through neighborhoods, giving shout-outs to students and seeing signs of appreciation in return.

On April 7, Liberty Elementary librarian Emilee Barnett took part in her school’s parade.

“The parade route took us over two hours to drive, but it was wonderful to see the smiles, signs and waves from our students,” she said. “Many elderly and adults without children stood in their doorways to wave and cheer as well. What a bright day!”

Butler Middle School Principal Paula Logan took the lead in her school’s parade.

“We just want to say hi to the kiddos,” she said. “We miss them. It’s been a long time. When they see their teachers and school staff, they can feel special, forge some positive energy and hopefully, we will add some cheer.”

Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amber Schill was there to wish them on their way.

“The parade shows that teachers still care about them during this time of a lot of uncertainty,” she said, adding that her son received a postcard from one of his teachers at the school – one of 1,000 teachers already had mailed to students. “They’re amazing to show how they miss students when they’re busy figuring out how to deliver the curriculum online.”

Summit Academy seventh- and eighthgrade math teacher Natalie Sluga is reaching out to her 100 students, appreciating the online training teachers received weeks before the soft closure.

“I recorded and practiced for a couple hours to know what the lessons would look like, sound like, and then made adjustments to make it better for kids,” she said. “When I introduce a new topic, I want it to be me to introduce it. I feel strongly about it. I have a good relationship with my students and want to continue with that connection.”

Through technology, Sluga still shows students steps to solve math problems and understand concepts, which “bring stress levels down. It’s still my job to deliver lessons. I know my students; I want to keep supporting them and keep moving forward.”

Indian Hills science teacher Rachel Afualo said that she was lucky to be familiar with the online platform Canvas, although she is still learning “the depths of it.”

But more than delivering her coursework online, her seventh-grade team held an online spirit week for their students to check in wearing a crazy hat or socks, or even a character costume, when Afualo, herself, became a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

“We want to give our kids a sense of community and normalcy in a world that’s not normal,” she said. “We want to show we still care and are still here for them. I miss the kids. I miss what they do – try to get me to talk off topic or talk over me. What I miss most is not watching them learn with those ‘aha’ moments.”

Many schools across the state took part in a statewide spirit week, spurred on by Salt Lake School District. There’s been messages of hope and encouragement in chalk at schools and contests, scavenger hunts and videos posted by high school student body officers, many who will graduate without traditional commencement exercises.

At Hillcrest High, students used their talents to chalk a portrait of their principal, Greg Leavitt, who had earlier posted a video of himself riding a tricycle down the hall while singing his usual song, “Friday, Friday, Friday is my favorite day.”

“We’re all trying to connect with students in what’s not easy for any of us,” Leavitt said. “There are many reasons, but the bottom line is we miss them.” l

Millcreek City Journal

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May 2020 | Page 11

State and city emergency managers cite key lessons from March earthquake

By Joshua Wood | j.wood@mycityjournals.com

T

he Great Utah Shakeout came a month early this year with the real deal. The 5.7 magnitude earthquake that shook the Salt Lake Valley on March 18, and the many aftershocks in the weeks that followed, made all those past community earthquake drills startlingly relevant. The good news was that the March 18 quake was not “the big one” that Utahns have been taught to expect. On the other hand, officials learned that many residents still needed a lot more practice in preparedness.

“It’s given us an opportunity to practice our emergency management process,” said Wade Mathews, Be Ready Utah manager with the Utah Division of Emergency Management. “We were already active for COVID-19, and it’s given us an opportunity. People didn’t quite remember what to do.

We want to emphasize the importance of stay where you are, stop, drop and hold on.”

Mathews cited the quake as a great learning opportunity for everyone. In the event of a much larger earthquake, the shaking would likely be too violent for people to run for cover. Even in large aftershocks, the best thing for people to do in the moment is to stay where they are, drop down, and hold on for cover. If an earthquake were to strike when people are in bed, for example,

Gov. Gary Herbert and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Jess Anderson in the State Emergency Operations Center on March 18 during the first ever level 1 activation for the 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Magna. (Photo courtesy of Wade Mathews, Utah Division of Emergency Management)

Mathews said the best thing for them to do is to stay in bed and put a pillow over their heads for protective cover.

The March earthquake provided real experience for local emergency personnel to put all their drills into practice.

Cottonwood Heights canceled its annual Shakeout event due to social distancing measures for the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials tentatively plan to hold a drill this fall.

Lessons learned from the recent earthquake will help inform their planning.

“The biggest thing that we’ve seen is

that it has brought the realization that it could happen,” said Assistant Emergency Manager Julie Sutch of the Cottonwood Heights Police Department. “That’s probably the biggest takeaway. We’re seeing more people being geared toward preparedness.”

Preparedness is the primary concern for Mathews. From the state level to community organizations to each household, knowing what to do is the top priority. “We’re going to emphasize protective action more with our outreach,” Mathews said. “If we don’t know how to survive the disaster, the rest of our

plans don’t matter. We want everyone to be able to survive. That’s why we emphasize protective action so much.”

Protective action during an earthquake includes: • Drop to your hands and knees to protect yourself from being knocked down • Cover your head and neck with one arm • Crawl under a sturdy desk or table if one is nearby • If no table or desk is nearby, crawl to an interior wall • Stay on your hands and knees, bent over to protect vital organs • If you get under a desk or table for shelter, hold on to a leg until the shaking stops • If not under shelter, cover your head and neck with both arms For more tips on earthquake preparedness, visit shakeout.org/Utah.

The lessons of the recent earthquake, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, have provided real reminders of the importance of emergency preparedness. “We want to create a culture of preparedness where we live,” Mathews said. “Knowing the risks of where we live helps us have emergency preparedness plans in place.” l

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Millcreek City Journal

Online school administrator offers tips on virtual education

By Libby Allnatt | l.allnatt@mycityjournals.com

W

ith Utah classrooms set to be closed for the remainder of the academic year, teachers, parents and students continue to adjust.

Social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19 have altered the daily lives of Utahns in everything from grocery shopping to working from home. As schools closed their doors in March, students found themselves thrust into learning remotely as teachers had to move lessons online in lieu of face-to-face instruction.

Erin Taylor, the principal of online school Utah Connections Academy and a school administrator of 15 years, said her advice to parents helping their children do school from home and teachers moving their lessons online is the same: keep things simple.

“What is most important? What’s the objective? Then work backward,” she said.

“We don’t have to be bringing the new flashy things in. Hit the basics, do what’s right in front of you. Having that be your daily objective would make less stress.”

While communication is important, too much can be overwhelming.

“I think everyone’s being bombarded on both sides with ideas. The best advice I can give is to simplify things,” she said.

Scheduling your day with a basic out-

line of tasks to do can be helpful for students doing their schoolwork virtually (and adults adjusting to working from home).

“It’s hard to put it away for an hour and come back to it,” Taylor said. “I think it’s best to schedule it in, then check the box that you’re done with the day.”

She also advises students to reach out to their teachers if they need help.

“We’re all learning as we go. Ask questions, and check in with your teacher rather than get frustrated,” she said. “On the other side is a person that wants to help.”

The current situation is here to stay a little while longer: Gov. Gary Herbert announced on April 14 that all public K-12 schools would continue to be closed through the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year.

But despite the challenges that come with any changes in one’s learning environment, there can be positive sides to remote learning as well, said Taylor.

“We see the advantage in that it allows people to focus on education and then be done with it for the day and move on to something else,” she said. “The flexibility is the best thing that virtual education brings.”

Taylor emphasized that with so much uncertainty, putting in your best efforts each day is all you can do.

“In this unprecedented time, we all need

A playground in Midvale is closed to visitors on April 16. Closures to slow the spread of COVID-19 have led to many empty playgrounds and schoolyards. (Libby Allnatt/City Journals)

to cut ourselves a lot of slack,” she said. “If that can be completely mastered overnight. we’re doing the best we can, that’s good “If we could just be conversational… enough.”

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Millcreek City Journal

May the Healing Begin,

Readers like you keep us printing!

a letter from our publisher

Dear Readers,

Connecting communities along the wasatch front

I probably failed to mention something very important last month, there is a better and probably easier way to help support the journals. Since the Journals are funded by advertising dollars, you can help us by doing business with our advertisers and letting them know you have seen their ads in the Journals and that you appreciate them doing business with the Journals. It is their advertising dollars that have kept the Journals printing over the last 29 years.

Like most local businesses the Journals will be hurt from the pandemic, with the actions taken to shut down business many of our advertisers were forced to close their doors. With closed doors there was no reason for them to advertise. This quickly reduced the amount of advertising we had in the Journals. We have been hurt, but we will survive and the Journals will continue to print and hit your mailbox during the first week of the month.

Last month for the first time as being a publisher I used some of our space in the newspaper to write a letter to the readers.

I would rather save our newspaper for the news or advertisers, as opposed to my ramblings. However, I felt compelled to follow up with another letter this month.

Last month I informed readers that they could donate to the Journals by using our new website (donate.thecityjournals. com) or by sending us a check. We have had a steady outpouring of generosity since then. We collected donations ranging from $5 to $100. We are so thankful for each of these donations. We are committed to making sure that these funds are used to improve the reader experience with the newspaper. Over the next few months I will update all those who have donated on how the funds were used.

One of the downsides of the newspaper business is that we don’t always get to hear from our readers. Over this last month Until next month, we have heard loud and clear from many of you. And with each email, note, letter, and Bryan Scott donation we are filled with joy and a sense Publisher, City Journals of validation for the work that we do.

Be a part of your community news by donating to City Journals today!

Name: Phone: Address: City:

State:

One time Donation: $

Monthly Donation: $

Credit Card Number:

Zip:

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Mail to: City Journals at 9500 South 500 West, Suite 205, Sandy, UT 84070 For security reasons, if you would rather contact City Journals directly, call (385)557-1010 or email: accounting@mycityjournals.com

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May 2020 | Page 15

Skyline High girls lacrosse leaves its mark on history

By Kirk Bradford | k.bradford@mycityjournals.com

T

he Skyline High School’s girls lacrosse team accomplished as much as possible during 2020 while navigating the current pandemic. The year marked Utah’s first with lacrosse a school-sanctioned sport.

Head coach McKenzie Christensen, aka “Coach Kenzie,” was new to the team this year with Joey Hughes returning to coach the junior varisty. Christiansen explained how the new sport provides these players additional benefits while attending school.

“They now have access to workout rooms, indoor space to practice when there is bad weather, new equipment, better fields and the chance to host our own tournaments and much more,” she said.

Christiansen said the players had a “fantastic year.”

The team traveled to Logan and competed in a northern Utah tournament called “Battle of the North” where they went undefeated throughout the competition. Following the northern matches, Skyline hosted their own two-day tournament called “Falling Feathers,” where Christiansen said “the girls really showed their talents and skills they have been learning and practicing.”

The athletes worked hard and did really well at supporting each other and cheering

each other on all while keeping their grades up, Christensen said. “They really excelled on and off the field in making the coaches proud.”

The team for 2020 had 12 seniors. They are Cosette Charles, Reagan Wolf, Tessa Frey, Liz Rubens, Arynn Maxon, Bridget Miller, Elle Neville, Kimmy Curtis, Lanie Cheatham, Julan Machado, and Karla Tapia.

In conclusion of the season, Christiansen wanted to congratulate the seniors for all their hard work. “Skyline girls lacrosse loves and supports their seniors into their next chapters of their lives. Once an Eagle always an Eagle! Bring on 2021!” l

Senior attacker Bridget Miller. Miller is one of Skyline’s starting attack players and one of their leading scorers. (Photo courtesy Skyline High School)

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Top Left Kimmy Curtis, Bridget Miller, Reagon Wolf, Liz Ruben. Bottom Left Amaya Roy, Arynn Maxon, Tessa Frey, Cosette Charles. Eight of our 12 seniors at Battle of the North in Logan, Utah Feb. 7. (Photo courtesy Skyline High School)

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hose who support “Shop Local” initiatives may want to Bank Local as well.

Within Utah, there are a handful of regional banks and credit unions, but First Utah Bank is the only true community bank. First Utah Bank has been locally owned and operated in the Salt Lake valley for over 40 years.

“We have great products for consumers,” said Vice President Jean John. Such products include a full range of business and personal financial services, including checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, check depositing, business lending, banking from offices, automated systems, wire transfers, corporate credit cards, merchant services, and treasury management.

First Utah Bank routinely implements many services to help customers feel at ease with their banking. At the top of the list is their readily available customer service. Customers can pick up the phone and call at any time, including outside of business hours. A human will pick up the phone any time a customer needs to call.

In addition, “all day-to-day banking can be done online,” said John. First Utah Bank is extremely technologically savvy, as their Chief Information Officer and IT department works hard to make online banking easy and

Page 16 | May 2020

secure.

First Utah Bank offers the latest technology in online banking, including iOS and Android Apps so that customers can make remote deposits with their mobile devices.

“We take cybersecurity very seriously,” said John, who stresses that keeping First Utah Bank’s customers’ information safe is their primary focus. “We really know our customers. If we see something unusual, we stop and ask. We will pick up the phone and call.”

When encountering a less individualized concern, First Utah Bank informs their customers of that concern through their website and social media accounts. “We work to keep customers informed,” reported John.

For example, the most recent notice on their website stated, “It has come to our attention that individuals are being contacted by a person posing as a First Utah Bank employ-

ee. The Bank is not making these calls – do not provide personal information to any such caller.”

The majority of First Utah Bank’s customer base are business owners within the Salt Lake Valley, even though they do lend across the country. Working with a community bank has proven to be beneficial for business owners.

“We can look at the structure of the company and figure out what type of loan is needed,” said John. “We can tweak things to meet the needs of the business owners, including looking at different options for collateral and payments.”

First Utah Bank can lend up to eight million dollars to business owners. They can also participate the loan with other banks if a business owner requires a bigger loan. “We work with people,” said John.

As a community bank, First Utah Bank takes their commitment to their communi-

ty seriously. “We support the communities where we live and work,” said John. “We give back as much as possible.”

For example, First Utah Bank employees volunteer for Reality Towns (a mock reality day where middle-school aged students get to learn about mortgages, buying a car, budgeting, taxes, etc.)

They have also partnered with the Discover Gateway Children’s Museum. There is a children’s branch inside the museum, complete with a drive-up window, ATM, coin sorter, shredded money wind tube, and vault door.

In addition, First Utah Bank is a major sponsor for the Greek Festival which occurs annually in September.

“We encourage all of our employees to sit on nonprofit boards,” said John. First Utah Bank will allow their employees to take time off to do charitable work, and the bank will make donations to those nonprofits.

For more information on First Utah Bank, visit one of their six locations within the Salt Lake Valley (soon to be seven as one will be opening in Lehi).

Or visit their website (www.firstutahbank.com) or social media (First Utah Bank on Twitter and Facebook).

Millcreek City Journal

Olympus High’s rookie robotics team took home two awards at first competition

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals

Gratitude.

A letter to our colleagues

It’s times like these that show what you’re made of.

At St. Mark’s Hospital, and across our HCA Healthcare network, what we’re made of is incredible people.

Passionate people who care without reservation or limits.

Courageous people who show up ready to face new challenges The Olympus High “Titan Robotics” team won the Rookie All Star Award and the Highest Rookie Seed awards at the 54-team FIRST Utah robotics competition at the Maverik Center, qualifying for the world tournament.

However, after the competition was held March 4-7, all remaining regional and world tournaments were canceled in response to stopping the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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May 2020 | Page 17

The Social Media Scandal - What I Learned During Quarantine

by

Joani Taylor

Hopefully by the time this reaches your mail we are beginning to dip our big toe back into life again. Like many others, being thrust into solitary confinement, left me with some spare time to spend on social media, and thanks to my friends I learned so much about how to handle this disaster. With the vast array of opinions, I found putting it all together difficult though, but I gave it shot anyway. It’s all as clear as mud now, here’s what I learned.

Working from Home: If you are able to work from home you are lucky, unless you are required to work from home, then it’s horrible and you wished you could go to work, because working from home is too much work.

Keeping a Healthy Diet: In effort not to get sick we should eat well, but we should not go out to get healthy fresh food when we run out and eat whatever pre-packaged food we have on hand instead. However, we should order out at our local restaurants to help keep them in business. Then it’s okay to go out to pick up the food. Your food might be prepared by someone sick that doesn’t know they are sick, but it’s okay if you pay by credit card and take the food out of the container. However, you should avoid going to the grocery store at all costs because you might get sick.

Getting Sick: Wearing a mask is not helpful, but if you get sick you should wear a mask. But, don’t go to the hospital if you’re sick, because you might get sick if you do.

You might be sick and not know you’re sick,

so you should wear a mask even while driving alone in the car alone.

The Press: Every article starts with a panic headline designed to shock us. But when we read the article, we find it’s not so shocking after all and perhaps even a little boring, except when our friends post these articles to social media. Then we never read the article, we just start divisive arguments based on the shocking headline instead.

Politics: We are all be untied as American’s; we are proud, and this is the time we shine. But, if there’s a government action that we don’t approve of, then we are not united if we disagree with our friend. We might even be called names, because name calling on social media is okay. Huh???

Love: We love our partners so much we could not live without them, they are our everything, unless we have to live with them non-stop. Then we feel we’d rather live without them.

Home Schooling: Teachers are the saints and I can no longer remember why I even had kids.

Grandparents: You can’t see your grandkids, but if you’re a grandparent and work in a grocery store or pharmacy, then you can see someone else’s grandkids. You can avoid getting the virus and still see your grandkids virtually by using a computer program called Zoom but, watch out, your computer might get a virus instead.

9/30/2020

Earthquakes: In the event of an earthquake get outside, but otherwise don’t go outside it’s not safe. Also, keep in mind that on the annual practice day called ShakeOut, there might really be an earthquake, then it’s no longer a practice day and you can go outside.

In all seriousness, I hope what every person takes away from this crisis, is to be prepared financially for an emergency. At Coupons4Utah.com we have spent the last 12 years helping families save a buck. Hopefully we will all remember to put that buck in the bank for next time.

For those families living without a loved one because of this virus, my deepest sympathies to you and yours. Be safe out there.l

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Millcreek City Journal

Life

Laughter AND

by

PERI KINDER

Tomorrow is Another Day in Quarantine

MILLCREEK

As soon as COVID-19 hovered in the air we breathe, I went into full-on “Gone With the Wind” Scarlett O’Hara mode, ripping up bed sheets to make toilet paper and stockpiling moonshine for antiseptic. Of course, Scarlett was useless in an emergency. For the majority of the Civil War, she whined and married rich men.

I’m also pretty useless in emergencies.

When I knew the shelter-in-place edict was coming, I didn’t stockpile food, I scurried to the library to check out all the books.

After hoarding four months of library books, I told everyone in the house (my husband, my daughter and her two children, ages 3 and 8) to check their 72-hour kits.

They responded, “What 72-hour kits?”

Not a good start.

In the shed, I located an emergency essentials bag that looked like it had housed a family of weasels. Along with 10 years of dust, it contained an expired can of roasted almonds, a box of matches, a pair of underwear and a spatula.

We were doomed.

Tossing my hair like Scarlett, I tied on my shopping bonnet and sang out “fiddledee-dee” as I headed to the grocery store for provisions. By the time I got there, options were limited, unless I was keen on making a casserole with canned asparagus, creamed squid and buckwheat flour. I figured we’d just be creative with dinner. (Lesson learned: 3-year-old granddaughters don’t like creative dinners.)

Our meals usually consist of some type of egg for breakfast, leftover Easter candy

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for lunch and something with hamburger or chicken for dinner. Could be spaghetti, could be soup. Hard to tell.

This has been the worst staycation ever. I do not recommend.

Both my husband and I can work from home, so we take turns sharing the home office space. One person works in the office with a comfy chair every other day, while the other person sits on a workout ball at a TV table in the bedroom.

It’s . . . complicated. And we’re adjusting to each other’s work behaviors.

Husband: Can you not leave dozens of half-empty water glasses by the computer?

Me: You silly scalawag! Are they half-empty? Or half-full?

Anyway, our attorneys are working out the final details.

My puppy, Jedi, is over-the-moon excited to have me around, LITERALLY sitting on my feet all day. She got even clingier when the earthquake rattled our home (not funny Mother Nature) and she made me carry her 60-pound furry body from room-to-room for the next week.

As life was boiled down to its necessities, I realized how often (in the before-times) I would bored-shop, bored-Starbucks and bored-TV-binge. Since March, I’ve narrowed that list down to bored TV binging. (Between “Better Call Saul” and “Ozark” I definitely

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know I should avoid the Mexican drug cartel.)

As warmer weather approaches, I miss shopping for new spring clothes. Looking back on how Scarlett made dresses out of her velvet draperies, I tried channeling her creative spirit again. It was tough to made clothes out of our window coverings since we only have wooden blinds. But I did my best.

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We’re still in lock-down mode. I replenish our milk and produce once a week. We walk the dog a dozen times a day. We work and eat and read and play games and get on each other’s nerves and fight and make up and write hopeful messages on the sidewalk in colorful chalk.

Like Scarlett, there are lots of things I’ll worry about tomorrow. But if we have books to read, food to eat and our family is safe, I’m very content in my little corner of the world.l

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